New Scarf Pattern in Progress and Other Yarnigans

As the summer rolls in, here is the midwest USA, it's time for me to think about winter!  I do my "winter line" of scarves, blankets, hats and such during the warm weather months for my pattern shops.

I get several requests from knitters and crocheters to do more designing using super bulky weight yarn and fat needles and hooks.  I totally get that!  Super quick projects that don't cost a ton of money.

My first scarf pattern is the Urban Infinity.  You'll get instructions for 5 or 6 scarves using the same pattern but with different brands/kinds of yarn.  Some you can find in your local craft store and some using "yummy" yarn that comes from a local yarn shop or on line.

I've got three to show you today.

Here's some yummy Knit Picks Stroll Fingering yarn I picked up on clearance.  The three on the right are on my needles now doing a Profusion Cowl by Karen MaCall.  

That turquoise one is called Frozen and screams "little girl slouchy hat" to me!

I love this yarn bowl I purchased from Back Creek Pottery in Montana.  Reminds me a little of The Hunchback From Notre Dame.  I just love it!  You won't see these on her site, but if you contact here through the website, she will get right back to you.

Oh, and just LOOK at what Hobby Lobby is stocking on its shelves.....dyeable yarn and dye!

This is worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn for $3.49, 4oz, 205 yards.  The Rit dye is $4.99 a bottle.  As the yarn is acrylic, you cannot use the regular Rit dye.  This dye is especially for acrylic yarn.  If you have some white or cream acrylic yarn in your stash, you could use that.  Just be sure to pick up some of this special dye.  

I'm planning on giving this a go sometime this summer!  I'll keep you posted.

This crochet thread is also from Hobby Lobby and I just love it!  The softest crochet thread I have ever used and comes in loads of yummy colors, solid and variegated.  I'm working on some cotton scarves using my Easy Triangle Scarf pattern.  Even in the heat of summer, I like to wear these as stores, offices and restaurants are so chilly with the air conditioning set to "freeze".

Aren't these blank journals cute?  Michael's has them on sale for $.50 a piece!

And now for something completely different.....Lego peeps!  I spotted these in a sort of junk shop in The Old Market here in Omaha, Ne.  

Find my Easy Triangle Scarf and all my patterns on 

Etsy

Ravelry

Craftsy

Best,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

This is the time of year when you can find great deals on yarn.  Take advantage to the sales and stock up.  When I purchase yarn I often have an idea of what I'll use it for at a later date.  I jot down the information on a post it note and include the pattern name.  When my order arrives, I place the post it note on the bag or skein so I don't forget why I bought it!

A Trip to Our Nations Capital and Shopping!

My husband and I were on a recent trip to Washington, DC, 

Rehoboth, Delaware, 

Alexandria, Virginia and 

National Harbor, Maryland.

We visited family, attended a wedding, and walked!  Why is it when you go on holiday, there is SO much walking?  Of course, when there is much walking, there is much shopping!

Just LOOK at all this gorgeous, porcelain dish ware from Pip Studio!  Very Cath Kidston and Greengate looking, but available in the USA!  Awesome sauce!  I bought the two fruit bowls in the top photo.  Now, I don't know what I will do with them, but does that really matter?  It would be a perfect yarn bowl!  Oh how I wanted to buy more from this lovely shop in Alexandria, Virginia.  

Decorium, "suppliers of whimsy and inspiration", was the most beautiful shop and the first one we walked in to when we got to King street.  Jeff Albert, the owner was there to greet us with a smile and he was very tolerant of my aggressively friendly nature.  All of the staff were so very kind and helpful.  I mention this as I have been to many a city where this was not the case. 

Beautiful shades of robins egg blue, the prettiest pinks and warm reds.  Those jugs......I must have picked them up a dozen times!  Pip also has this line in khaki, which is equally gorgeous.

What table wouldn't be stunning with any of these plates, bowls, tea cups, teapots and pitchers?  The photo is a bit deceiving.  These bowls and plates are very large indeed.  It was terribly difficult to resist, but one has only so much room in a suitcase and the airlines only allow two carry on bags, one being a ladies purse.  That's ok, I'll be back and will plan accordingly!

Pip Home, "happy products for happy people"!

I picked up two kitschy tea towels in a Rehoboth Beach, Delaware shop.  I love these by Catstudio .  You might recognize the design.  They are the folks who make those gorgeous, embroidered pillows.  They also make drinking glasses, of which I have several, aprons, beach towels, mugs and plates.  Just tons of fun stuff!   Great memento of our trip.  I purchased the Delaware towel as well.

I found these cute journal books which I use to jot down knitting and crochet patterns, renderings, ideas and doodles.  Isn't that Fifty Shades (illustration by Sooshichacha) book darling?  Peter Pauper Press puts out the best books!  The one on the right is Gustav Klimt's Tree of Life frieze (c. 1909).  If you pop over to their site, they are part of their small format journals.  We usually buy some kind of historical book as well, to remind us of where we have been.  In the last photo, you'll see one for Washington, DC.

I also like to pick up Christmas ornaments on my travels.  Our tree is full of them!  Everywhere from the US and Europe.  I put the year on them to remind us of our trips.  I don't have a photo, but I also like to buy charms for my charm bracelet and I found only one shop that carries them.  The White House gift shop had several and I purchased a tiny White House....of course!  My bracelet is getting nice and full too.  I go to the Iowa State Fair every year with one of my besties and they have two new ones every year.  If you are familiar with state fairs, think.....butter cow, corn dog, cherry pie, corn stalk.....!

The trip was super!  White House tour of the east wing, Lincoln and Washington Monuments.  WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials.  The Hope Diamond, Cherry Blossoms, food trucks, art museums, row houses, brownstones, family, new friends, beaches, a wedding, shopping and no plane delays!  Whoo hoo!

There you have it!  It's Saturday and Easter is tomorrow.  To my Greek Orthodox followers.......Christos Anesti (Christ is Risen)!

Happy Easter!

Sheila

A Downton Abbey Christmas!

 Just LOOK at all this Downton Abbey goodness!  The full dvd set, 2 Downton books and a tote!  Can't wait for the new season to start!  Whoo hoo!

 A new yarn bowl from my bestie and a headband from my daughter!

The back of the headband.  I think I might have to try and recreate this!

An Addi starter kit from Fiber Wild for $50.00!  AND a $25 gift cert for an Addi Click It set!

What were some of your favorite prezzies?

Best,

Sheila

Yarn tip:

Freeze your garment overnight before ripping out mohair or other fuzzy yarns.  You'll have an easier time getting the stitches undone.