#57 - 2KCBWDAY1: DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE.

My knitting (and blogging) mojo has been missing for a majority of the season, but I'm making the effort to get back in action with the second annual Knit and Crochet Blog Week. However, in typical fashion, I have the feeling I might cause a bit of a ruckus amongst my knitterly compatriots with my response to today's prompt, which is all about yarn:

Part of any fibre enthusiast’s hobby is an appreciation of yarn. Choose two yarns that you have either used, are in your stash or which you yearn after and capture what it is you love or loathe about them.

So, I'm already having trouble. I will not bash yarn here. Even when I don't particularly enjoy using a certain yarn, I generally assume that I am the root of the problem for one reason or another - I chose the wrong yarn for the project, I'm knitting too tightly / too loosely / etc, I didn't take x-factor into consideration... Whatever it is, I don't like to go postal about a yarn unless something completely unacceptable happens - for example, a skein with multiple knots in it. But still, rather than write a ranting post here or an angry tweet, I like to contact the manufacturer and see what can be done. Of course I might complain with my knitting group, but I'm not going to publish a diatribe against a yarn company.

A mix of high-end and less expensive yarns in my handknits, all with lovely results

But the major disconnect I'm experiencing is that I don't really have a favorite yarn. I truly enjoy every thing I work with, and I always look for the good qualities in fibre. I have a serious distaste for the yarn snobbery that I see in yarn shops and on the interweb. I believe in the notion that 'it might not be your taste, but that doesn't make it bad.'

In actuality, I am an Equal Opportunity Yarnie, as coined by Maria of the Subway Knits podcast. I love the colors of MadelineTosh as much as I enjoy the springy bounce of Paton's 100% Wool. Rowan Felted Tweed has those amazing little flecks of gorgeousness, but so does KnitPicks City Tweed. I nearly die over Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton, especially when I can buy it with a coupon. But the same thing happens to my brain with a lovely locally sourced yarn, Angel's Kiss Alpaca-Merino Worsted.

I like to think that I don't discriminate too much, but I typically prefer natural fibres over synthetics. My favorite yarns are usually straight-up undyed wool, but if you're telling me you don't use superwash or wool blends for socks, I personally think you're out of your mind. At the end of the day, I think it's all about making knitting accessible to everyone - so use your alpaca or your acrylic with pride. And don't be surprised to see me knitting with anything that strikes my fancy and fits my budget.

#56 - STASH ENHANCEMENT

Yeah, it happened.

I didn't mean to do it. Really, I swear.

I've been on point for the last three months - no new yarn. (Well, aside from the 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces I won from Karin's blog, but that doesn't really count... right?) Plus, I've been knitting lots of big projects to help bust some of the stash that has grown so large I truly, honestly have no where else to keep it. I'd even go online and ogle sale yarns, filling my virtual shopping cart with armfuls of merino alpaca blends and Malabrigo and sock yarns, but never acting on those impulses. One day, I even spent several hours at a coffee shop directly across the street from Lovelyarns, but I didn't walk in. I've been surprised by my self control.

Then, my mom said, "Can you knit me a lacy spring scarf?" Damn her. We paid a visit to Black Sheep Yarn Shop, an LYS I had never visited before, and I was screwed from the start. The store is huge. They have a wall of Noro. Beautiful samples hanging all over. And a major selection of pattern booklets, books, and magazines. So long, yarn diet. It was fun while it lasted.

It wasn't all that bad, though. I ended up getting several skeins of Claudia's Hand Paints fingering weight yarn in a peach and yellow variegated colorway for mom's lace shawlette. I'm making another Springtime Bandit by Kate Gagnon Osbourne, which I'm really excited to get on the needles. I was a novice knitter when I made my first one, and while it looks so pretty, I can see a few beginner's issues: I think the yarn I used, Fibre Company's Road to China, was too bulky for the piece. It also didn't help that I bought far too little yarn and had to omit the last lace repeat. I wear it only occasionally, as compare to my other handknits. Nonetheless, it's super pretty hanging from a hook in the hallway.

I also bought several balls of Ella Rae Worsted Merino in an oatmeal shade for a future sweater project, completely ignoring the THREE sweaters I have on the needles at this moment. Planning ahead, that's all. I glimpsed the Hollyhock sweater from Cecily Glowik Macdonald and fell in love. It has all sorts of qualities I love - an oversized cowl neck with lace edging, short sleeves perfect for layering, mindless stocking stitch body with nice waist shaping, and knit in one piece. You had me at hello. In the meantime, I've avoided startitis and finished the sleeves on my Effortless Cardi, so now I'm onto the trim and collar. I'll share some more updates on my WIPs later in the week.

Happy knitting!!
xx

#55 - WIP WEDNESDAY: SOCKS AND SWEATERS AND KNITTING OVERLOAD

It always happens this way. I was hoping (dare I say, expecting) to be finished with something by now, but no. Then again, a few things have come up in the past weeks, including an inflamed shoulder that required a bit of a knitting vacation and a serious massage, and a little fluffy rabbit named Ganache that I'm adopting from the House Rabbit Society.

My very exasperated bun, Ganache

Needless to say, the knitting progress has suffered. Nonetheless, here's what's been on my needles as of late:

Ravel it!

First up is the Effortless Cardigan designed by Hannah Fettig, that I'm knitting with the Tumblr gals. Basically, I'm a sucker for MadelineTosh yarns so it's definitely been a pleasure to knit. I'm past the subtle waist shaping and now finishing the length of the cardi body. And this sweater truly is a breeze, ignoring the fact that I hate purling these long rows. Seriously, I've taken against purling. Moving on.

Ravel it!

The other WIP is Hermione's Everyday Socks designed by Dreams in Fiber, that I'm knitting in the most gorgeous sock yarn ever: Neighborhood Fiber Company's studio sock yarn in the Bloomingdale colorway. Basically, this plummy-peachy colorway is perfection, and the fact that it's lovingly dyed in DC makes my heart even warmer. The only problem with these socks is that they're distracting me from sweater knitting. The typical complaints, of course.

The socks are a product of serious startitis, and I'm realizing that my eyes are bigger than my knitting needles, lately. There's so much I want to knit and so much yarn I'd like to buy, that I simply give up, hide underneath a blanket on the sofa watching Pride and Prejudice on repeat, and forget knitting altogether. What do you do when knitting fatigue sets in?

And psst, check out Tami's Amis for even more Work in Progress Wednesday action!

Happy knitting!
xx

#54 - FINISHED OBJECT FRIDAY: FENIMORE AND MORE

Fenimore Hat - Ravel it!

Last week, I excitedly bound off my Fenimore Hat and I've shared this already with the yarnies on Twitter and Ravelry, but I am completely in love. It's no surprise that Jared Flood has done it again with an entrancing and engaging pattern. The cables intertwine in a basketweave fashion that leads into pretty little star patterns at the crown. The cables are much less challenging to execute than they appear, and the texture shows off the subtle tonal variegation in the yarn. I'm in love and can see myself knitting more of these in the future.

Crazy Vanilla Sock - Ravel it!

And last night, I finished something that I've had much less love for - my first sock. I can't explain it. I can't blame the pattern, and I did feel like a bit of a magician when I turned my first heel. I think the yarn and I aren't getting along too well - it has no spring and tends to be a little splitty for me, as I'm a pretty tight knitter. Nonetheless, my sock ennui vanished when I realized I had to simply close the toe to bind off this vanilla sock. Let's hope I'm inspired to knit the second one, so my poor mother will finally have the pair of socks I promised her months ago.

The loveliness that is Madelinetosh yarn

Now, I'm fighting a tiny bout of startitis so I can make more progress on two sweaters on the needles. And I'll be starting a third in a few day with this gorgeous Madelinetosh yarn, which unfortunately is photographing more purple than blue in the skein.

Have you finished any new crafty projects this week? Don't forget to check out more yarny bloggers participating in FO Friday.

Happy knitting!!
xx

#51 - NEW YEAR, NEW KNITS

Finishing Christmas knitting is so relieving and exciting for me. What to knit next? After very little contemplation, it has been decided - 2011 is the YEAR OF SELFISH KNITTING. It's less about knitting solely for myself (although that's definitely on the horizon), and more about knitting whatever I want, whenever I want. No deadlines, no obligations, just enjoyment. Who's joining me?

Ravel it!

I've started the year off on the right foot. My brother and sister-in-law got me some gorgeous yarn for the holidays, including Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk aran in a hunter green shade. It is soft and squishy and lovely, so I knitted myself a hat with it. I am a self-proclaimed hat junkie, and this one is a simple, slouchy, all-around hat that has been my go-to lately.

My other knitting plans for the new year? My two overall goals are to KNIT THE STASH and START TRYING SWEATERS. I think sweaters will be a good platform to get me trying new techniques and learning about garment construction. As for the stash knitting? My stockpile of yarn is becoming an embarrassment, so I figure that's reason enough.

I'm on the ground running - cast on 2 sweaters with stash yarn (Whaaat?!) this week, and another hat for myself with stash as well. What's on your needles at the moment?

Happy knitting!
xx

#50 - CHRISTMAS KNITS (OR, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER)

No, my Christmas knits were not late... but this post certainly is. Blogging was interrupted by knitting and holidaying and family and friends. I hope you all had a magnificent end to 2010 and are setting out plans for the year ahead. I have some big ones in mind, but in the meantime, here are the knits I've gotten off the needles since you heard from me last.

Dad's Christmas Hat: Impossibly simple and knitted in Paton's Classic Wool. I improvised a few stripes to match one of his winter jackets. Also must mention that this hat pattern, from Last Minute Knitted Gifts is best suited for gents with a big head (literally, not figuratively) - so it suits my papa perfectly. :)

Ravel it!

Best Friend Cowl: A knitted commission in Rowan Felted Tweed. I used some of my favorite vintage buttons on this to give the simple scarf pattern a fun twist. The lace pattern is easy to memorize and knits up quickly.

Ravel it!

Brother's Christmas Hat: Another easy, manly hat in Paton's Classic Wool. The Turn a Square pattern is a go-to for a deceptively impressive gift. Used solid colors this time around, but again, it matches his winter coat quite nicely.

Ravel it!

Mom's Lacy Christmas Cowl: A new #stashbustarmy project in one of my new favorite yarns, Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton. Impossibly soft and squishy, I held the yarn doubled to equal a bulky weight. The color is lovely and I added one of my favorite vintage buttons from my stash to top it off. Mom has worn it countless times already, so I know it was a winner.

Ravel it!

Now, I'm focused on a new year of knits with some yarny resolutions, a few knit-alongs in store, stashbusting, and a something already off the needles. Lots to share in the coming days, but what has been in your crafty sights lately? I want to hear all about it.

Happy knitting!
xx

#48 - FRIDAY KNITSPIRATION

I occasionally find myself poring over the interwebs late at night, going through Ravelry and knitwear designers and yarn shops and blogs to see what sorts of things are inspirational to me in my crafty process. This week, it has to be all of the gorgeous stuff going on at Quince and Company yarns. Founded by several self-proclaimed yarnophiles, Quince focuses on natural fibers and American sourced wool, in a variety of stunning colors.


On my holiday wish list this year? A few skeins of Quince Chickadee sport weight yarn in a moss green for their Kilkenny Cowl pattern. It's the perfect time of year for cozy cables and textured knits, and I love the ease of tucking a cowl into a jacket at this time of year without worrying about the extra bulk of a scarf.

As for next week on {bmore crafty}, expect to see some knitty progress on the next Brambles beret, a review of Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2010, and some handmade holiday ideas.

Happy knitting this weekend!
xx

I was in no way compensated for this post, and do not endorse products in exchange for money (or even copious amounts of yarn). Photos credited to the Quince and Company website.

#47 - FO: MAMA SUE'S READING MITTS

Ravel it!

Mama Sue's Reading Mitts are off the needles!

I'll keep it brief, but I have to give my praise to both this yarn and this pattern. My illustrious mum picked the yarn, Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK in brown bluefaced leicester, and she has simply impeccable taste. The undyed yarn has a great neutral shade that will go with all of her winter coats and a really wonderful feel on the skin.


As for the pattern, it's simple enough to knit up in a few days, yet looks very clean and well made for the amount of time required to make them. As well, this pattern includes two features that set it ahead of many basic fingerless mitts patterns - a thumb gusset and a sewn edge. I hate fingerless gloves that don't include a thumb gusset, and although they're easy to add to a stockinette mitt, this is excellent for beginners and much more comfortable for the wearer in the long run. Since the edges of the mitts are folded under and sewn down, it gives them a much more professional look, which is perfect for holiday gifting.

I'm not much on knitting patterns more than once, but I can definitely see myself making up a pair or two of these for some last minute holiday gifts.

Up next - I just cast on another Brambles, this time with several mods - a wider brim with a buttonband and a slouchier body. Of course, I'll be sharing my progress soon. Happy knitting!

#46 - ON THE NEEDLES

Just thought I'd share a quick post with what's on my needles at the moment, especially since I'm in a major bout of startitis. Between holiday knitting and commissions, I need to get my needles moving! In the meantime, I have a few little projects that I'm actively working on:

First off, Mama Sue's Reading Mitts, which I'm knitting for my brilliant mom. She picked the yarn, Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK in Bluefaced Leicester. And wow, that lady has good taste. I'm in love with this yarn. I'm finished with the thumb gusset increases for mitt #2, so these should be off the needles in no time.

Ravel it!

Next, the Crazy Vanilla Socks, formerly the Nutkin Socks, in Crazy Zauberball, which I frogged because the pattern was (for reasons unknown to me) boring me to death. Keeping these in my bag at all times.

Ravel it!

I recently frogged yet another WIP to cast on the Mara Shawl in LB Collection Superwash Merino. Super simple and I foresee great stitch definition on this one.

Ravel it!

And finally... I swatched for the Beatnik sweater! This is Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Dove Heather and it's going to be so lovely in cabled goodness. I can feel it already.

I've been knitting up a storm, so I suspect there will be much more to share quite soon. What crafty shenanigans have you been up to lately?

#45 - BRAMBLES

Ravel it!

I knitted the Brambles beret from the deep fall 2010 issue of Knitty, and oh how I loved making it! First of all, I used Angel's Kiss Alpaca/Merino worsted weight yarn, which was a birthday gift from lovely A. This yarn is just incredibly. Soft and squishy and bouncy and I could go on and on. The kettle dyeing makes for some wonderful, subtle variegation in shade. And it feels wonderful in your hands while knitting away.


As for the pattern, the Knitmore Girls always refer to working cables as potato chip knitting. And they're right. I found myself wanting to turn just one more cable, or to get to the next round, or to the next chart. Before you know it, you're finished and stretching this little baby over a dinner plate.

This pattern has already been suggested, but is so perfect for all of you #stashbustarmy knitters looking to use up a single skein of worsted weight yarn. I am a bit tight on tension, and used less than my 220yd skein for the medium size. And because it's such a breeze to knit, you'll feel like an ace when it's complete and will get to watch the compliments roll in - just don't let your head get too big to fit into your new, cozy beret.


And ps, take a look at my owl-o-lantern! Hope you had some fun festivities on All Hallows Eve, too.

#44 - SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN

Image via Laylock

At the moment, I feel like I'm stuck somewhere in-between startitis and can't finish a thing-itis. (Yes, I'm coining it as such; my command of language being what it is.) My mind is swirling. Maybe it's the season's change or life circumstance or general frustration or whatever else plagues my brain, but I am constantly poring over patterns and looking at new yarns and sketching ideas, but little comes to fruition. I know that I'm a process knitter, and have no trouble frogging a half-finished sweater because I've decided the yarn wants to be something else entirely, but even I feel confused as to how many projects I have on the needles and how many other ideas are running about in my brain. If it weren't for the few little commissioned knits I've had to work on, I'd be completely lost! But anyway, I'll share a few WIPs with you all, and keep your fingers crossed that I develop a little knitted discipline this week. This is not the way to enter the holiday knitting season. At all.

Brambles beret in Angel's Kiss Alpaca/Merino worsted yarn


Nutkin Socks in Crazy Zauberball - psst, I am loving this colorway.


Commissioned Toque in Lamb's Pride Bulky



Aaaand... I may have bought a few buttons today, too. Just keep that one between us.

#43 - STASH BUST ARMY

I've been knitting a lot of small projects as of late, trying to bust some of my impossibly growing stash (Yes, it's taking over the living room), along with lots of lovely Twitter knitters in the StashBustArmy. You may have already heard about it from @Voolenvine on the Yarngasm podcast or the Electric Sheep podcast from @hoxtonhandmade - we simply knit from yarn we already own and share projects and inspiration for busting stash! Nonetheless, I highly recommend that you search for #stashbustarmy on Twitter to see some brilliant knitters and crocheters using up some of that languishing yarn.

First off, I have a few balls of Noro Silk Garden Sock, despite the fact that I'm not typically a sock knitter (I really can't help myself around such lovely colors), so I knitted one up into a Lacy Baktus with the intention of keeping it for myself. But as my mom began to ogle it, I set my selfish tendencies aside and realized the colors look amazing on her - so look who got to keep it!


ps, Isn't my mom just gorgeous? She hates having her photograph taken, but my silliness behind the camera brought out some real smiles.

I also knit up a pair of Toasty fingerless mitts for myself after seeing the pair done up in Malabrigo by Nitters on Ravelry. I have a few balls of Amy Butler for Rowan Belle Organic in dk weight, and oh my goodness, I cannot recommend this yarn enough.


So soft and squishy, perfect for gloves or scarves that will be right against your skin. My only complaint is that the yarn can be a bit splitty, but I have a tendency to use tight gauge, so that is a likely culprit.


I knit these extra long above the thumb gusset to keep my fingers warmer than regular gauntlets. They're so cozy that I never want to take them off.

Now, I'm working intermittently on some sweaters, a lacey scarf, my first ever pair of socks, and the Peak's Island Hood from Ysolda Teague. Startitis got me. At least I'm busting some more of my stash along the way, right? :)

#42 - MISSING IN ACTION

From Knitting, etc.

Eco Baby Booties in FibraNatural Cobblestone Superwash

Okay, so I've obviously been on a blog hiatus that lasted a bit longer than I intended. Summer was busy and crazy and hectic, but now I'm back with lots of things to share. And oh, I have a Master's degree now, which is an excellent bit of news!

Going off of the radar for a while is kind of liberating, but I've missed catching up with all of you amazingly crafty bloggers, so expect me to be poking around on your sites to see what is happening in all of your lives. And if you ever want to know what I'm up to knit-wise, you can always find me babbling on with some brilliant knitty folks on Twitter - I'm @rachellynnec.

From Knitting, etc.

Eco Baby Booties in Dream in Color Classy

I'm not going to share every single thing I've been knitting since I last blogged, especially since my memory card has also gone MIA at the moment, but to recap, Summer 2010 was the Season of the Baby. Baby knitting can make you feel like a genius - knocking out a couple tiny hats in a day is bound to leave any crafty person believing she's a rock star - but it also left me yearning to make some more substantial projects. However, the Season of the Baby helped me to determine what my go-to projects for the kiddos will be from now on.

From Knitting, etc.

Eco Baby Booties and Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap in Dream in Color Classy

To start, if you're on the hunt for the a simple, easy to memorize, and impossibly quick to knit pair of baby shoes, look no further than the Eco Baby Booties (Ravelry link) from HipKnitIzed. Garter stitch in worsted weight means you'll finish these in no time, and they're so easy to embellish or modify to your tastes. And unless you have a pile of 20-some flat baby shoes to seam up (like I did), you won't mind that part either.

From Knitting, etc.

Eco Baby Booties and Tubey in Dream in Color Classy

Also, I'm probably beating a dead horse on this, but you can never fail with Woolly Wormhead's caps. I bought the Wee Woolly Toppers booklet on a whim last year, and oh, these patterns are so well written and easy to execute. Not to mention, oohs and ahhs will come from the mouths of all who see her designs.

From Knitting, etc.

Baby Bonnet from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts in FibraNatura Cobblestone Superwash

Now I'm onto bigger (& better?) things - a back-log of queued sweaters for myself, a few shawlettes and mitts to make with the #stashbustarmy folks on Twitter... and I'm going to celebrate this Socktoberfest with my first ever pair of socks. While in Rehoboth Beach this summer, I scored a few Crazy Zauberballs at the Kitschy Stitch without any plans in mind, but I'm thinking a simple and squishy sock for my mom is in order. I'm leaning towards the Waffle House Socks (Ravelry link), but I'd love to hear your favorite sock pattern suggestions!

#37 - THIS & THAT

Finally back! I've actually quite missed the blog over the last few weeks that were intense and sleep-deprived due to final papers and take-home exams and the like. I'm only a few credits away from my MLS, which is simultaneously exciting and relieving. Meanwhile, in the few weeks I have before the summer minimester begins, I'm packing in lots of yarny and crafty exploits!

From Knitting, etc.

First off, I finally finished knitting my Clapotis! It took much longer than I ever anticipated, thanks to my easily distracted brain, but the final product is really lovely, soft, and drapey in Art Yarns Regal Silk - one of my most self-indulgent yarn purchases. I love this colorway with neutrals, silver greys, greens, and bronze called Paris Rain. Considering that when I was last in Paris it was incredibly rainy for the first week, my Clapotis is a little bit of French nostalgia all around.

From Knitting, etc.

Although I'll probably never wear it like a shawl, I had to show off the drop stitch design. And many thanks to my fantastic mom, who photographed me quite a few times to get these shots! :)

From Knitting, etc.

Also, yesterday I came upon two yarny packages in the mail that I just have to share with you. The first one is my epic order from Nordic Mart, with 40ish skeins of Drops Eskimo for 2 sweaters (including the Sylvi!). This was my first order with Nordic Mart, and oh it was an absolute breeze. I ordered the yarn on Saturday afternoon and it arrived on Monday, zipping across country. How crazy is that? I'm a fan of all the Garn Studio yarns, but the yarn shops around here don't stock it, so I expect to be a return customer.

From Knitting, etc.

Then, my swap parcel arrived from Canada from one of my favorite Ravelers, Jenn! The parcel was MIA for a bit in the post, but landed on my doorstep and I was so eager to tear into it. She sent me a few reusable grocery bags - including one with lots of compartments, which will be a very handy project bag; lots of chocolates, including Aero Bubbles (not pictured... because I already tore into the bag and had to hide them from myself in the pantry); a sparkly beaded necklace and earrings set; an adorable notebook with a little sheep on the cover, perfect for writing down my modifications as I knit (which I too often forget to do); springtime stickers; and glorious, glorious yarn. 2 skeins of Cadenza Hand Paints, to be exact, in a beautiful springy green and yellow colorway, which I hear required her LYS owner to run off to the distributor just for me. Jenn, I can't thank you enough for being such a magnificent friend! You certainly spoiled me.

Now, I'm working on getting a few more lingering WIPs off the needles, so I'm turning on my Electric Sheep podcasts and audiobooks, and off I go!

#36 - MDSW FESTIVAL

So I skipped days 6 and 7 in Knit & Crochet Blog Week. I'm feeling a little disappointed, but I had such an amazing time blogging with everyone and getting the opportunity to meet so many new and fantastic folks. I hope you'll keep stopping by BMORE CRAFTY because I've loved getting to know you all a bit by your blogs (and have started following quite a few of you, as well)!

From Maryland Sheep & Wool 2010

Nonetheless, I think I have a good excuse for being MIA at the end of KnitCroBloWeek: Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival was this past weekend! Traffic was dreadful and the weather was heinously hot, but oh it was worth it. Angela and I frolicked around, checking out the yarn vendors and plotting ways to steal an alpaca. We left without one (unless you count the alpaca and silk roving I bought), but we did pat quite a few of them on their adorably fluffy heads.

From Maryland Sheep & Wool 2010

In the end, we spent much more time in the barns than around the vendors, checking out the myriad breeds of sheep and pitying them as they panted in the near-90 degree heat. The ones being sheared looked much relieved, I must say! And really, there is nothing more disheartening than seeing a food vendor with a sign for lamb gyro only steps away from a barn full of bleating sheep...

From Maryland Sheep & Wool 2010

Surprisingly, I only bought a few bags of roving... likely because I was ogling the spinning wheels, which is inspiring me to save my money. This was my first MDSW, and all in all, it was such a fun day. Next plan - visit the Painted Spring Alpaca Farm near York, Pennsylvania. Who's in?!

#29: I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED

From Knitting, etc.

It has been a long week, so I thought to treat myself after work with a trip to my most favorite LYS, A Tangled Skein. I arrived with a plan: buy two skeins of Cascade Ecological Wool. An un-dyed, sturdy, beautiful, reasonably priced bulky yarn.

They were out. So I ended up chatting with the lovely gal working in the shop. Things start happening. Touching too much yarn. I get invited into the brand new storage room they're renting in the building. I'm shown an entire box of Cascade Eco Duo, an un-dyed, worsted weight, two-toned alpaca and merino blend.

It's so lovely and so soft that I think I got confused because I left the store with eight skeins and a badly dented credit card. I don't even know how that skein of Malabrigo ended up in my bag, too. It's a good thing I got a discount. Afterwards, I gleefully called my best friend on a yarn-high. A few hours later, I realized what I had done.

Lesson learned: Don't let them take you to the back storage room. You'll have no self-control.

Also... I'm still looking for some Ecological Wool, so if you have some in your stash you'd like to trade, let me know. :)

#21 - BLOG PARTY SECRET STASH GIVEAWAY

The party's still going... and I wanted to give everyone a hint of the types of things that might end up in the Secret Stash Giveaway grab-bag! In honor of the Permission to Unwind blog party, simply leave a comment on any of my posts today to be entered in the contest. Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact you. Once a winner is selected at random, I'll chat with you about your crafting and your likes and dislikes to receive a package tailor-made for you. My crafting stash is so full of fun things, I'm sure I'll have something for everyone, whether it's yarn, fabric, notions, handmade goodies, and a little something special.

Those recipes are coming up, I promise! And wish the lovely Marie a happy day while you're at it!