But.  Let's be honest with ourselves--Christmas is now exactly five months away.  Not too far, but far enough that if you really plan it right, you could create several meaningful knitted gifts.  Or one big one.  (Time for that man-sized aran sweater, perhaps?) 

And what better time to work on small, lightweight projects than summer?  A pair of socks to pull out at a picnic, a cowl to keep you company at an outdoor concert or even a few balls of cotton yarn in your beach bag for lakeside knitting.

Not unlike our famous 12 Knits of Christmas, this short-but-sweet "Christmas in July" series features a few clever projects to perk up your mid-summer knitting--and to get you in the spirit for the months of stitching ahead.  You'll find projects for several people on your list, inspiring new yarn in the spotlight and for those of you who are lucky enough to be in the Leelanau Peninsula this week, we'll have a few workshops to help you get started, too.  Look for an email every day this week--and a special surprise on Saturday! 

Hoping you're well and enjoying the best of what summer has to offer.  I've been swimming almost daily at Good Harbor, stocking my storecupboard full of fresh, sweet jam and trying to catch every sparkling sunset I can.  (With knitting tucked into my beach bag, apron and backpack, of course!)

Melissa