Last Knit of 2018!

My last finished knit of 2018. Another pair of socks! Vanilla sock pattern with a fish lips kiss heel. The yarn is Midknit Cravings on their Sweet Sock base which is 80/20 superwash merino/nylon. The colorway is Room For Everyone.

I bought the yarn in the summer...I think. It was during a time when a dyer of instagram was accusing another dyer of dying a colorway too similar to theirs....my understanding is that there was A LOT of bullying going on. This inspired the dyers at Midknit Cravings to dye a special colorway with the proceeds going to an anti-bullying charity. Now, this happened like 6 months ago. I truly cannot recall the entire story, so I may be way off on this. Still, I loved the yarn and the idea that there is room for everyone be it in yarn dying, crafting, or this country.

This pair of socks brought my totals to 13.6 miles knitted/crocheted for 2018. That is a personal best for me. I am kinda proud of that :-)

I hope that 2019 will be a year filled with happy crafting, hope, love, and good-tidings for EVERYONE.

Remember, kindness doesn't cost a thing. Spread that shit everywhere!

A Very LSG Holiday

Admittedly, I was not in the holiday mood this year. Just wasn't feeling it. However, I did participate in the LSG card group again this year. Last year I absolutely loved getting cards from all over the United States as well as several other countries.

I had hoped to be able to send cards to everyone that signed up this year. We had over 300 people sign up! Unfortunately, fiances forbade me from sending everyone a card.

I am so amazed at the generosity of my fellow LSG crafters. I received stitch makers as well as crocheted skates to put on my tree. Given my non-holiday headspace, it was a little pick-me-up each time a card arrived.

Hmm...just in case you don't know, LSG is the Lazy, Stupid, and Godless group that I belong to in Ravelry. It's a huge group with members from all over the world. Lovely people...mostly ;-)

A few More Knitted/Crocheted Gifts

 Pot holders were my gift of the season. After crocheting the 11 sets for the office staff at Gavin's school I also made a set for his teacher. Plus, I wanted to give her something extra. I was feeling a bit uninspired and ended up knitting a scarf for her. The yarn was a Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake that I had in my small stash. I cast on 250 stitches and randomly did rows of stockinette and garter.

 The bus drivers were also given a set of pot holders. That brought my total number of pot holder sets to 14. I'm kinda sick of pot holders. The above pic is the set Gavin gave to his bus driver. Included was a sample set of lotions from Happy Hands. Unfortunately, I neglected to get a picture of the pot holders and lotion set for Henry and Irene's bus driver.

I also managed to knit a new hat for Mark. Again, no photo. He left on Sunday before I had a chance to take one. In fact, he left with a still damp hat since it hadn't had a chance to finish drying.

I did manage to lengthen the sleeves on the Weekender sweater that I knit for Easter. At the time I had only done elbow length sleeves. I wore it once, at Easter, and never wore it again. I had two big problems with it; sleeve length and itchy wool. I did have two balls of yarn left and Sunday/Monday found me ripping out the sleeves and making them wrist length. I happily wore the sweater today with a turtleneck underneath. The yarn is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed. It's nice, but my super special skin objects to it without a barrier. I did knit another Weekender sweater in October out of an acrylic yarn. I love that one. Oddly, on this one I followed the neck bind-off that the pattern calls for and it is tighter than I like. With the October version I did my favorite bind-off and the neckline is much more comfortable.

I do have a sweater that is 75% finished that I really should work on. Instead I am totally knitting socks. Oh well, I am just not up to that much knitting.

Until next time, Be Kind.

Holiday Knitting

I wasn't planning on doing much holiday gift knitting this year. And then...22 pot holders later. Yeah, I crocheted 22 pot holders to make 11 sets for Gavin to give out at school. I still have 2 more sets (4 individual) to crochet for bus driver gifts.

I found a video on YouTube that I followed. Unfortunately, I have no idea what the video is anymore since my computer completely died taking all my saved things with it. Still, if it's something you need you can just write it into the search option. These were very easy to crochet even for me with my lack of crochet talent. The yarn is Crafters Secret in the two holiday colorways that they carry.

The second holiday gift I finished is a pair of socks for Mark. I've never knitted him socks before. It's not something he has ever expressed an interest in. This year I wanted to give him a gift he could use while on the road or at home. These are his bumming-around-after-work-my-feet-are-cold socks.

The yarn is Patons Kroy in the Blue Striped Ragg colorway. I followed the Spacious OMG Heel sock pattern. I was not overly in love with this pattern, but I think it will work for Mark's feet.

And that is what I have finished for gift knitting!

Professor Meow

At the end of July I suddenly felt the need to knit Irene a sweater for school picture day. School picture day was August 15th. Yeah, I don't know why I think I am superwoman and can knit something so quickly. But, I did finish it so I guess in this one instance I am super....or something.

This adorable sweater is the Professor Meow pattern by Claire Slade. Knit Picks sells a kit which includes the yarn and pattern. It is adult sizing and I made Irene the smallest size. The yarn is Knit Picks' Wonderfluff and is so very fluffy and soft.The Pattern is easy to read and follow with the back and front being knit separately, the sleeve and neck edging picked up and knit in the round. When I purchased Irene's they only had the grey/dark grey kit available. They have since restocked and all three color combos are ready to buy.

Once I stopped whining about having to knit quickly, as well as having to seam, and knit intarsia it was actually a fast project. I highly recommend it!

You can check out the pattern on Ravelry by clicking Here!

You can find the kit from Knit Picks by clicking Here!

You can find a very helpful video on Intarsia Knitting by clicking Here!

This Knitter has been Crocheting!

 At the end of 2017/beginning of 2018, I crocheted each of my kids a big blanket out of Bernat Blanket yarn. I followed a Youtube video because I cannot crochet. Just reading a crochet pattern sends my head into a spin. I need to see it and ask questions about it. Still, I wanted my kids to have blankets that would be big enough for them to use until the yarn fell apart. Turns out...I kinda liked crochet.

Still, I didn't crochet another thing until May. Then I made the shawl above as a gift for MamaC. MamaC has been in my life since I became friends with her daughter way back when I was in like second grade. So many moons ago.

I saw the Youtube tutorial (by Mikey of The Crochet Crowd) for this shawl and decided I could do it. Well, I did it, but I am shocked that it worked. The tutorial assumed that you were a crocheter of some experience and left you to work large sections on your own without stitch counts, etc.

The beautiful lace at the edging was actually the easiest part of this shawl. It was the large "easy" rows at the beginning that were hardest for me because of the expectation of crochet experience.

I thought the end product was pretty. However, I wasn't thrilled with the color placement. I think I should have done the lace in the cream, but by the time I got to it there was no way I was ripping out. Plus, if MamaC didn't like it I thought it would be lovely on the back of a chair, or over a table.

The shawl is Crochet Comfort Shawl by Yarnspirations. I used the recommend yarn of Caron Simply Soft in the colors Victorian Rose, Off White, and Grey Heather.

 Next up on this crazy crochet-ness is the Seaside Shawl by PurpleIguana. I followed the fantastic video tutorial on Youtube by Fiber Spider. For this one I used Bernat Pop! yarn in the Lipstick on Your Collar colorway.

I made this for my sister-in-law, Ashley. There was no special reason. We were getting together for Irene's birthday and I was giving things to my dad and brother (her husband) and I didn't want to leave her out. She seemed to really like it, or at least was pleased to be getting a gift. I thought it would be great for walking the dog when it's a bit chilly out. And it's machine washable so muddy paw prints are easily dealt with.

 Back at Easter my dad mentioned that he needed coasters. He was using one of a set that I had knit him years ago for his dining table. I came across a video on Youtube by Jayda InStitches for these cute and quick coasters. They were easy, didn't take up much time, and very intuitive to follow. I ended up making coasters and coasters and coasters until I was out of Lily's Sugar and Cream yarn. The crochet pattern on Youtube is called Crochet Drink Coasters. I couldn't find a pattern listing for it on Ravelry.

Without going into too much personal information of his, my brother has a chronic immune disorder. The treatment of which makes him cold. Usually I knit him all the socks because he is very knit worthy, but during an episode socks and shoes hurt his feet. Instead I felt he needed a blanket that he could completely cover himself with during treatments. My brother is six foot four. The blanket I made is long enough to cover him from toes to teeth...and quite possibly to the top of his head. When I tried to photograph it I could lay on it and be completely wrapped in it like a candy with twists at both ends. And, as you can see in my pictures, I has two furry helpers. I never did get a pic with out one of them in it. Darn dogs! This blanket is not for you!

My brother was rather surprised by the blanket. I didn't tell him I was making it and he seemed genuinely touched by the gift.

This blanket is the Hibernate Blanket by Yarnspriations. And I did follow another Youtube video from The Crochet Crowd.

Now for all the links to patterns and Youtube!!

Crochet Comfort Shawl Pattern is HERE!
The Crochet Crowd Youtube Channel is HERE!

Seaside Shawl Pattern is HERE!
Fiber Spider Youtube channel is HERE!

Jayda InStitches Youtube channel is HERE! (Crochet Coasters)

Hibernate Blanket pattern is HERE!
The Crochet Crowd Youtube is HERE!

*GASP* She knit more socks?!

 I knit these socks for my dad for Father's Day. Same basic sock recipe with the fish lips kiss heel. The yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 Ply. It's 75% wool (35% is Bluefaced Leicester) and 25% nylon. There is no colorway or even a color number on the ball band. I purchased the yarn online from Simply Sock Yarn Company.

 This pair of socks I knit for myself. It's basic recipe again with the fish lips kiss heel. The yarn is Schachenmayr Regia Tweed Color 4-Ply. 437 yards. 70% wool, 25% polyamide, 5% viscose. This yarn also came from Simply Sock Yarn Company during their anniversary sale.

And these socks! Aren't they cute? Same basic pattern with the fish lips kiss heel. The yarn is from Brenda and Heather Yarns. The sock yarn is their Tuff Toes base which is 80% superwash merino, 20% nylon and is approximately 380 yards. The color is Slice of Summer Remix. The heels and toes were knit with an 80 yard mini skein of Watermelon Rind in the same base as the sock yarn.

You can find the Brenda and Heather Yarn (they have a lot of awesome colorways!) by clicking HERE! They will also be at the Michigan Fiber Festival in Allegan on August 18-19.

West Yorkshire Spinners can be found HERE!

Schachenmayr can be found HERE!

And Simply Sock Yarn Company can be found by clicking HERE! They carry a wide variety of yarn and ship out quickly.

General Clucks and Kylo Hen

While scrolling through Tumblr I came across a post about someone's backyard chickens that they named General Clucks, Kylo Hen, and Hen Solo. I loved it and immediately wanted backyard chickens, too.

And then I wised up. No way am I taking care of backyard chickens. Nope. Not happening no matter how cute their names. Instead I found a knitting pattern on Ravelry so I could knit some chickens.

The pattern is Ester, Ernie & Enid Easter Chickens. There is a small amount of crochet involved. Basically just making a chain. The rest is knitting the pieces and putting them together. Only used scrap, worsted weight yarn. It took me about a day to make each one, so a pretty fast project depending on how many you need/want.

My need for cutely named chickens has been met and the only animals I have to deal with are my kids.

You can find the pattern for the chickens (whatever you name them) by clicking HERE.

Keeper of the Progress Markers

I don't usually use progress markers. I love them, think they're cute, but most times I just don't use them.

A lot of the stitch marker sets I get come with a progress marker. So, I had 6 or 7 of them in bags. Not being used. Then Carrie, of the Creative Obsession Podcast had an episode where she shared a gift she made that was specifically for progress markers. She used a metal sock blocker, single crocheted around it, wrapped some yarn around that, and hung progress markers from it. Perfect!

Instead of using sock blockers, I bought an embroidery hoop and yarn from Red Heart. I singled crocheted around, wrapped some yarn around that, and made a tassel. Then I added my progress markers and the lsg4life key chain. It took around an hour to make, and I am pretty darn pleased with it. Today I even added another progress marker that I found with a skein of sock yarn.

You can check out Carrie and the Creative Obsession Podcast by clicking HERE! Her podcast is full of knitting, quilting, painting, and so much more. She is crazy talented. And very sweet.

She also dyes yarn! Check out her store by clicking HERE!

Six Months of Knitting

Hello! Once again I am such a slacker. I had planned to write this post in the beginning of July...it is now more than halfway through. Oh well, best intentions and all that.

As I wrote in my post about what I've read during the first six months of the year, this list is what I've knitted or crocheted. Like with the reading list, I wanted to keep track, have something to actually look at, and really see what I managed to accomplish. The reasons for doing all this? I wrote about it in the reading list post if you feel like checking it out.

Now, some...most of the projects on this list I have written about already. There are some waiting for me to get better pictures, etc. etc. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to write about them all. Until then, enjoy The List! 

1. Henry's Blanket (crochet)

2. Irene's Blanket (crochet)

3. Henry's Socks

4. Blue Tweed Socks (Knit Picks Tweed Sock Yarn)

5. Ziva Socks (SeeJayneKnitsYarn)

6. Scrap Granny Square Dog Blankie (crochet, leftover yarn)

7. Anti-Valentine Socks (Stranded Dyeworks)

8. Coffee Shop Socks (Knit Picks Stroll)

9. Bill & Fleur Socks (Norah George)

10. Weekender Sweater (Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed)

11. 12 dishcloths for Easter gifts ( Lily's Sugar and Cream)

12. Castiel Hat (Hedgehog Fibres)

13. Graham Hat (Berroco Vintage)

14. Mermaid Socks (Norah George)

15. Concetta Cardigan (Miss Babs Yowza)

16. Crochet Comfort Shawl (Caron Simply Soft)

17. Barnsider Socks (Wicked Ewe)

18. Inversible Socks (FibreNymph Dyeworks)

19. Peter's Blanket (crochet, Bernat Blanket Yarn)

20. Dad's Father Day Socks (West Yorkshire Spinners)

21. Ashley's Shawl (crochet, Bernat Pop) This shawl has an actual name, but in my list I only wrote it down as Ashley's Shawl. When I write about it I'll have the actual pattern name.

22. Crochet Coasters (Lily's Sugar and Cream)

23. Ester, Ernie, & Enid Chickens (only one, made out of scrap yarn)

24. Playing with Mom's Makeup Socks (The Budget Knitter)

And there you have it! 24 different projects made in the first six months of the year. In amongst the list are two sweaters, four blankets (of varying sizes), and Eleven Pairs of Socks!!!!!

That makes for 6.33 MILES OF YARN knitted and crocheted by me in the first six months of the year. I'm kinda proud of that.

Playing With Mom's Make-Up

What?! Another pair of socks! I bet you didn't see that one coming. This pair of socks was actually the last knitted item I finished in June, and the last knitted item of the first six months of the year.

The yarn is from Will Spargur of The Budget Knitter. I first came across Will on YouTube when his crafting podcast came up in my recommendations. This colorway is Playing With Mom's Make-up. It is 467 yards of 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon.

I love the way this knitted up. Such a happy color combo, and very soft.

You can check out The Budget Knitter Etsy shop by clicking Here!
The Budget Knitter on YouTube...click here!

What I've been reading; The First Six Months

In February of this year I found myself filled with anxiety and the feeling that I had loss my sense of 'self.' With three kids at home, that I mostly take care of alone, my needs, wants, expressions get pushed to the wayside. For the majority of the week I am the sole 'adult-in-charge' and I feel a bit like I am always in crisis mode. 

My personality, my quirks, the little things that used to make up me have up and left so that the 'shit, this needs to be taken care' part can be front and center. If asked about myself I felt like the only thing I could come up with would be that I have three kids, I knit, and sometimes, if I have the time, I read. 

Unfortunately, the town we live in does not give me options for 'finding myself.' We are within 20-30 minutes from Grand Rapids, so our town has almost nothing because 'You can just go into GR for that!' Yeah, that doesn't work when you have three school age children, a limited budget, and no one to babysit. 

So, in an effort to show myself that parts of me might still be in here, I decided to keep a list of every book I read this year. I can look back and see the things I read for enjoyment, or learning, or as a pick-me-up. I re-read a lot of things. For example, one of the books on the list is like book 8 in a series, so I re-read the series before reading the new book. Plus, in May, when I was feeling exceptionally bad, I re-read a lot of books and fanfiction. Didn't add any of those to the list. Just new books. New-to-me books, with one exception as I will note below.

1. You've Gotta Get Bigger Dreams

     -Alan Cumming

2. Prairie Fires-The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder

    -Caroline Fraser

3. Call Me By Your Name

    -Andre Aciman

4. Know Not Why  (Kindle Book)

    -Hannah Johnson 

5. Omega Required (ARC Kindle Book)

    -Dessa Lux  (I was given an Advance Reader Copy for free to read/review)

6. The Shape of Water 

    -Guillermo Del Toro & Daniel Kraus

7. Just a Bit Shameless (Kindle Book)

    -Alessandra Hazard 

8. Raven Black

    -Ann Cleeves

9. Tommy's Tale

    -Alan Cumming

10. Not My Father's Son

    -Alan Cumming

11. Introducing Mr. Winterbourne (Kindle Novella)

    -JoAnna Chambers

12. The Year of Living Danishly- Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country.

    -Helen Russell

13. Identity

    -Milan Kundera

14. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie -A Flavia de Luce Novel-

    -Alan Bradley

(This is my one exception. I read this book when it first came out. My mom got me hooked on the series. As a librarian she came across awesome books and hooked me up. I always wanted to own this series, so I am buying them as I can afford them. Plus, I am about three books behind and Alan Bradley has a new one coming out in January. I decided to buy and re-read the ones I read and buy/read the ones I haven't. I'll be caught up by January for the new book!)

15. The Glass Castle

    -Jeannette Walls

16. Knit One, Girl Two (Kindle Book)

    -Shira Glassman

17. Rainbow Place (Kindle Book)

    -Jay Northcote

18. Toil and Trouble -A Know Not Why Halloween (Mis)Adventure- (Kindle Book)

    -Hannah Johnson

And that is where June ends. I am currently reading the second book in the Flavia de Luce series. And knitting the sweater-that-never-ends. 

I also have a list of everything I've knitted in the first six months of the year. I'll add that here soon.

Instagram

I am on Instagram. I post a lot of pics of knitting (obviously), some crochet, my dogs, and that one time, about Stars on Ice.

You can find me by searching for @nerd_knitting. Or by clicking Here!

Wicked Ewe!

Socks?! What do you mean? Yeah, I knit another pair of socks. Of course I did!

I have no idea how I came across this sock yarn. I was on Etsy and somehow ended up in the Wicked Ewe Fiber Arts shop. And suddenly this yarn was at my door.

It is not a self-striping yarn...yeah, I know it kinda looks like it, but my gauge and stitch count apparently made that happen. I love self-striping, but I kinda wish these had worked out to be more of a mash of the colors. However, that is totally my fault. Once I saw what was happening with the colors I could have, and should have, ripped it out and changed needle size or stitch count. Oh well, live and learn, etc. etc.. I am still really pleased with these socks. And I wear them, so they're not hidden away at all.

The yarn is from Wicked Ewe Fiber Arts. It's 400 yards of fingering weight 80/20 superwash Merino/Nylon. It is a one-of-a-kind colorway called Barnsider.

Wicked Ewe has a lot of really great colorways. Give them a look by clicking HERE!

Fibernymph Dye Works

On one of the knitting podcasts that I watch someone had knitted up socks made out of a Fibernymph Dye Works Inversible Set. And I wanted. Oh, how I wanted them!

Fibernymph Dye Works does a lot of different Inversible color sets. However, they are usually made to order. This color set just happened to be ready to ship, so I made sure it was shipping to me.

This is Fibernymph Dye Works Inversible Set in the colorway Rhodochrosite/Tangelo on the Bounce sock base. It's 80% superwash Merino/20% Nylon. It comes in two skeins, both 50 grams (I think), and is approximately 400 yards. It was enough yardage for me to make socks to fit my size 10 feet, plus having some left over.

I love these socks. Knitting these socks back in May helped me find my knitting mojo and helped me get into a better frame of mind. I love fun colored sock yarn, and I love self-striping sock yarn. This fills both. I want so many more of these sets!

Fibernymph Dye Works does so much more yarn than just these Inversible Sets. You should check them out by clicking HERE!

You Can Never Have Too Many Stitch Markers!

The sad truth is that I am always in need of stitch markers. I have no idea where they go, but they sure don't stick around here.

I recently came across AdoreKnit on etsy. Steph makes great stitch markers and progress keepers. I bought several sets! Each set is made up of one 'dangly' stitch marker and then bunch of the plain round ones. Great deals and they shipped fast!

Check them out HERE!

Where did you go this time???

Hi Everyone! It has been a couple of months since I last posted here. I was trying to be so much better at writing and posting about knitting, life, etc. And then...

And then May hit and with it came a month of unending anxiety. And yes, I suffer with anxiety every month, but May decided it really needed to Bring It On.

During May I didn't read anything new, I barely knit, and I tried not to socialize with anyone. At the same time, I knew that what I was feeling wasn't right. So I did manage to take my meds. I still tried to read things even if they were only things I had read before and knew wouldn't spike my anxiety any higher. I still managed to knit a small amount, but I didn't get the same joy out of the experience.

Towards the end of May, the anxiety cloud started to clear back to what is my "normal" level. Looking back now I can barely recall the horribleness of the head-space I was in. At the time...it was overwhelming.

June has not been the crazy sea of anxiety that May was. I've knitted, I've crocheted, I've read a few new books. I've had a couple of days where I can feel things creeping up, but there are certain mind games and distractions that I try to play with myself to keep from plummeting.

Anyway!! That is the state of my head right now. One of my goals for this year is to write here more often. If you've stopped by here before, or if this is your first visit, hopefully you'll come back and check out the crazy that is me.

Peace, Love, and Be Kind.

A New Notion

 I really needed a notions bag for my pyramid sock bag. My measuring tape and stitch markers like to hide in the corners of the bag. I've been complaining about it for months. But! I finally did something about it!

I wanted a notions bag made out of the same, or similar, fabric as my sock bag. I finally came across one on Etsy. And it was on sale! Couldn't pass that up.

 The notions bag is from Simply Irresistible on Etsy. It's very roomy, which I didn't think about when ordering it. The pyramid bag isn't the easiest thing to fit a rectangle bag into. However, I got it to fit without having to fold anything, or anything looking odd. I've got it laying flat on the bottom of the sock bag. The zipper faces the zipper of the sock bag, so I don't think I'll even have to take it out of the bag to get into it. Does that make sense? Whatever, it works and I am super pleased!

I was surprised when I first opened the notions bag. Inside there was another little notions bag! Yay! I always have need for bags of any size and the little purple bag is the perfect size for a measuring tape, small scissors, and some stitch markers. 

So yes, I had a really good experience shopping at Simply Irresistible on Etsy. You can check out shop by clicking HERE!

Mermaid Socks!

I finished my Mermaid socks! If you recall, I got this yarn as part of my birthday gift this year. It is from Norah George Yarns in the colorway Mermaid. It's on the Super Sock base which is 75% superwash merino, 25% nylon.

I love the colors in this yarn! It is such a happy pair of socks. I am so pleased with them!

Graham

 I recently knitted the Graham hat by Jennifer Adams. It's a free pattern on Ravelry. I wanted a hat that I could throw on and wear with anything. Especially in the mornings when I have to do the school run.

It was an easy and fast knit. And I love it. I wear it all the time. I used Berroco Vintage which is a 52% acrylic, 40% wool, 8% nylon blend. The color is 5145 which is black. I bought it from Jimmy Beans Wool and I'm pretty sure it was called Granite on their site. It was a great yarn to knit with. I have an issue with 100% wool so this is the perfect blend.

So if you're looking for a fast knit hat that is easy to wear, and a great looking/great to knit with yarn then I totally recommend Graham and Berroco Vintage!


There is a reason I have pretty crappy pics of this hat...Captain really felt he needed to be involved. Seriously, I have like 12 pics with him in them and very little of my hat. He is handsome, though.

Castiel Hat

For my birthday my brother Peter and sister-in-law Ashley gave me a gift certificate to Simply Socks. I used it to buy Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK in the Juniper colorway. I knew immediately that I would use it to make the Castiel Hat by Woolly Wormhead.

I started it and slowly knit on it when I had the time. On Easter I knit on it while driving down to my brother's. It's a four row repeat and rather easy to memorize. The yarn was a dream to knit with and I think it goes so well with the Castiel pattern.

 I finished and blocked it. Then woke up the next morning to a chilly house and unexpected snow. This hat went on my head and kept me warm while the house heated up. Oh yeah, I love this hat!

My one and only complaint about the yarn is that online the picture showed a skein that has a lot more pinks, greens, and purples in it. The skein I received had way more blue and yellow. So in that respect I was a bit disappointed. However, I love the yarn and would happily knit more of it (I do have another colorway picked out that I need to save my pennies for!). Plus, I love the pattern and would have no problem knitting it again, And I do love this hat even if it's not quite the colors I wanted. I will still wear the heck outta it!

You can check out Simply Socks to find Hedgehog Fibres and all the great yarn they carry by clicking HERE!

You can head directly to Hedgehog Fibres by clicking HERE!

You can check out the Castiel Hat pattern and all the awesome hats by Woolly Wormhead by clicking HERE!

Easter Dishcloths

Just before Easter I decided I needed to knit some dishcloths to give as gifts. And by 'just before Easter' I mean I had three and a half days to knit 12 dishcloths. Sure, you think, dishcloths are quick and easy. Hahahahaha. Ha.

I wanted to knit three sets of four. The half day had me knitting one and a half dishcloths. It also had me realizing that, 1. Cotton yarn is such an unforgiving yarn to work with and 2. Between life and kids, I was going to really need to push to get these dishcloths done in time. On the first full day I got three and a half done. The next day was Good Friday which the kids had off from school. I pushed through and got four and a half completed! That left three and a half for Saturday. I was also going to be spending quite a bit of time in the car Saturday. So I was the crazy lady knitting like mad in the car to finish off dishcloths.

Happily, I got it done and three sets of four dishcloths were given out on Easter to my dad and brothers/sisters-in-law. They were all very happy and pleased, so job well done...even if my poor hands hurt and my size 7 needle now twists in the socket ;-)

In case you're wondering what dishcloth pattern I used in my crazy endeavor, or if you have cotton yarn you want to torture your hands with, it is Gramma's Dishcloth and it is a free pattern on Ravelry. I used the hardy Lily's Sugar and Cream cotton yarn.

Bill & Fleur Get Married!

 Bill & Fleur Get Married! is my first yarn purchase from Norah George Yarns. Again, I think the name of this colorway is a Harry Potter thing, but I'm not an HP fan so I can't be positive about that.

 Anyway, this is the BFL Sock base which is 80% superwash Bluefaced Leicester, 20% nylon. These are just such happy colors together and make me think of spring. And yeah....I even bought a shirt to wear just with these socks.

 Unfortunately/fortunately, I ended up getting a crazy amount of sock knitting time during an ER visit on the morning of my birthday, and waiting room knitting at a specialist the next day. So much time spent waiting-waiting-waiting that I finished the sock.

 For some reason I cannot get a good picture of these socks. To be honest, I am terrible at picture taking, so user error is the issue here. Still, I love these socks and the cheerfulness of the color just makes me happy!

You can check out Norah George Yarns by clicking HERE!