Post-vacation Potpourri: Prize winner, Rhinebeck plans and more

Just like that, our beach vacation is over. I can hardly believe it. It was a fun, but exhausting trip. A 2 and 3 year old are challenging at the best of times, but take them out of their usual routines and that takes it to a whole new level. They were slow to warm up to the beach, but by the time we left, they wanted to spend every waking moment in the water--not exactly relaxing for me or CP!

Also, I think I drank my weight in Leinenkugel Grapefruit Shandies--so good!

If you follow me on Instagram you saw lots of beach and vacation knitting photos. I didn't do too much knitting on the beach--it just seemed too sandy! But I got plenty done, especially during the drive. In fact, I finished samples for 2 new designs that will be published over the next month!

One of these is a shawl I've been sharing sneak peeks of on IG--if you're interested in test knitting, hop over to the open test thread on Ravelry and sign up!

The other is a cozy fall pullover in Quince and Co. Owl that I'm SO excited about! It's with my tech editor now and should be published by the end of the month. I can't wait to share it with you guys, and I think it would make a perfect Rhinebeck sweater!

And speaking of Rhinebeck . . . I'm going to Rhinebeck! Having not learned my lesson from this beach trip, the whole family will be going on a Rhinebeck adventure in October--for my birthday! We'll be staying in a cozy little cabin in Woodstock, arriving Friday and heading home Monday--which means I'll be at the Indie Untangled Trunk Show on Friday evening and attending NY Sheep and Wool both Saturday and Sunday! Saturday, October 15, is actually my birthday, so I'm planning to cook up a little gift for anyone who says Happy Birthday to me at the show--more details soon!

Last but not least, thanks to everyone who entered the Weekend Wraps giveaway--the winner is Cathy, czsknits! I'll be in touch to get your contact info. 

Now, back to work--August is flying by and I've got patterns to publish!