Knitting, Crochet & More

Spring 2024 Knitting Queue

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Skeins of yarn on a bed, 6 are a pink linen blend, 4 gray wool blend.

Hey everyone and welcome to my Spring knitting queue! Every season I come up with a bit of a Wishlist of projects I would like to make during that given season. I don’t share it on here usually, but I thought it would be fun to share and see what every one else is planning for Spring whether that be knitting, crochet, or reading. I would love to know! Anyway, here are the four items I would love to make over the coming season.

This first project I have actually already started, but did not get to far into it because I joined a test knit and needed to put it to the side. Anyway the project is called Brienne (Ravelry Link) by Brienne Moody. I am actually already almost done with the first sleeve so it is off to a good start! I am hoping to finish this first out of all the items on my list because I think it would be perfect for Spring nights and early mornings as a nice little sweater running to and from the car. For this I actually got the recommended yarn, which I don’t do very often, in the colors of the tan and pink sample.

This next pattern is called Hazel Kjole (Ravelry Link) by Sandnes Design, I have had the yarn for this since January 2023 and have had the yarn since then as well. I really would love to finally get this yarn out of my stash and this lovely easy going dress in my wardrobe. I have made a dress in the past as a test knit that I love, but is more formal, this would be a fun relaxed one with longer sleeves to also help in the cool mornings and evenings. I picked up the recommended yarn for this pattern since I needed to buy the yarn to get the pattern book. I do love the yarn though it is a really fluffy alpaca nylon blend.

The next two patterns are more of a two for one. They are the Flutter Buttshirt and Flutter Buttshorts (Ravelry Link) by Jessie Maed Designs. While these are two different patterns, they make a really cute set to wear around the house. I don’t have air conditining so staying cool around the house is a bit difficult. My current lounge wear is mostly sweat pants and long sleeve shirts so making these will really fill a need. I already have the yarn for this project, I ended up getting undine by Ritual Dyes in a really vibrant fuchsia color called Drago fruit I believe.

All of these projects I have the patterns and yarns ready to go, I just need to get the few projects off my needles and be on my way. I recently started a new method of managing my WIPs called the Gideon Method, which you can read more about in my post called, Trying the Gideon Method to Manage My WIPs. So, I feel like this will really help me dedicate the time needed for these larger projects, but also allow me to move though different projects so I am enjoying myself as well. Anyway, that is my knitting queue for the Spring Season, I hope you enjoy a little peak into my project planning! What are you planning to make or read this season?

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Monthly Digest & Wrap Up

Monthly Digest and Wrap Up | February 2024

ClassicBhaer2 Comments

Hello and welcome to a wrap up of the shortest month of the year, but with a bonus day thanks to leap year! I had high hope for this month and honestly, I got a lot done with all the stuff life threw at me this month. I will say, I am happy to announce I read another book this month! I am honestly really thrilled with this because I would rather read a book or two a month consistently than not read at all like I did pretty much all year. I also was able to get some projects off my needles, which I am excited to use now.

Books

This month I ended up only finishing one book, but it was a beautiful read. I ended up finishing Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, which is the 3rd book in the series. The series is heart breaking, but beautifully written and just one I cannot get enough of. The bonus is, these books are usually around 200 pages or so and fly by. Even within those few pages a world is built easily and you feel like you fall into the pages of of the books. This most recent read from this series was the exact same way. I am hoping to read the next book in the series very soon. I have to be honest, this is probably the only series I have been keeping up with since reading has gone into a full slump over a year ago. That says a lot about this series in my eyes. It is hard to really summarize this series, it is slice of life where you follow the on goings in a café in Japan. It is not just a regular café, but has a magical realism twist where you can travel through time when insider its walls, but there are rules you must follow. The stories of those who work there and those who are patrons are always well developed and intriguing and at times exacting and totally heart breaking.

Finished Projects

I finished my Christmas Eve cast on the Teddy Clutch! (Website | Ravelry) It is a large clutch that is made using yarn like a teddy bear, so it is super soft and cute. I am excited to finally be able to use it out and about. If you plan on using the recommended yarn for the pattern, I will warn you, if you drop a stitch is is nearly impossible to find it. Thankfully in my opinion it is worth it, but if I made it again I might try a different type of yarn of the same weight for a different look. The instructions were well written and easy to follow, which was wonderful! I really feel like this is a great project for adventurous beginners.

The second item I got off my needles was a really quick little scrappy project, which was called the Mini Crop Puff (Ralvery). It is a tiny little sweater and I was testing out the pattern to see if I wanted to make ornaments for next Christmas with my scrap yarn. It was a really cute and I liked the project for sure. I am not sure if I am going to use it though, the main reason being is I think they are a tad bit too big for our tiny baby tree. I might make them for friends and family though and embroider the initial of their last name. Yes, I am already planning projects! I don’t want to be really behind like previous years.

Adventures

Honestly, this month has been one of a roller coaster let me tell you what. There were some really scary things that happened, but I also had some really awesome things happen as well. I don’t want to get into to much detail about everything, but one really great thing I would like to share is I got engaged this month and I am really, really excited. It is going to be weird introducing him as my fiancé now.

Monthly Stats

  • Knitted Items: 3
  • Crochet Items: 0
  • Garment: 0
  • Accessory: 3
  • Yarn In: 1,170 grams
  • Yarn Out: 1,610 grams
  • Books Read: 1
  • Fiction: 1
  • Non-Fiction: 0
  • Pages Read: 222

Yearly Stats

  • Knitted Items: 5
  • Crochet Items: 0
  • Garment: 1
  • Accessory: 4
  • Yarn In: 2,430 grams
  • Yarn Out: 2,860
  • Yarn Year Total: -440 grams
  • Books Read: 3
  • Fiction: 2
  • Non-Fiction: 1
  • Pages Read: 1,135
Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Let's Talk

Trying the Gideon Method to Manage My WIPs

ClassicBhaer4 Comments

Hello and welcome to my little explanation of a knitting productivity I am planning to give a go in the coming months! While my February was great for getting my WIPs down from 8 to 5, I find that I still need a bit of motivation and focus. I would like to make something very clear, I actually learned about this in one of my knitting zoom groups that I am a part of where these two blog posts were shared. The first is by knit365 and the second is Wool and Honey. I am building my knowledge of this method mainly off of their posts and not much more.

The Rules

  1. Pick 5 projects from your WIP pile
  2. Create a priority list/order
  3. You work on the first project for 12 hours or until it is complete, which ever comes first.
  4. If it is not finished within the 12 hours, it is placed at the bottom of the pile and you move onto the next project, rinse and repeat.

There are some bonus things that I noticed that I am not quite sure I am going to follow. The first is when one is finished you can cast-on a new project. I think I will save this new cast-on for when the mood strikes not just automatically. I say this because I am a huge mood knitter so I want to have a little bit of flexibility to save for when I am really craving something new. The second is keeping the five projects in a special basket. I am just going to continue storing my projects as I have been because it works for my environment.

My 5 WIPs in Priority Order

  1. Bliss Cardigan Test Knit for Winter’s Weather Knits
  2. Coorie In Poncho by Amy Palko
  3. Sastrugi Tree Skirt by Amy Gunderson
  4. Brienne by Brienne Moody
  5. OPEN!

As you can see from my list, I only have 4 WIPs that I am focusing on at this point in time. I am leaving one spot open for that new cast-on mood hits. I am also going to continue to work on my Scrappy Sunday Blanket on Sundays to get that under control as well. I have so many scraps to add it is not even funny at this point! I also plan on keeping track of the time spent on each project using clockify which I have on my desktop and as an app on my phone for ease of tracking. It will also stop me from rounding up so I can switch faster than I should be.

Anyway, this is the knitting plan I am going to try at least for the month of March. Depending on how it goes and how I enjoy it, I might continue beyond that. I decided a month based on the idea that it is a good chunk of time, but not too long where if it is not working I feel trapped by it.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Hauls & Unhauls · Life Style

Redecorating Both My Kindles

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Hello and welcome to a bit of a makeover post! Today I am going to be redecorating both of my kindle devices to give them a bit of a new life, but also add some practicality as well. I was inspired by papernroses over on youtube for this little endeavor. For reference I have an 8th Generation Kindle that no longer is really supported and I just throw in my bag to take with me out in the world. I also have a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which I only use at home at this point in time. I think when my 8th one fully decides to stop working I will also be taking my Signature around town as well. As of right now my Kindle 8th Gen. just has some dead pixels, but does not impede my reading thankfully. Anyway, now that you have that bit of background information on to the redecorating!

The Supplies

Popsockets; one standard, one magsafe

Transparent cases; one sparkles, one plain clear

Various stickers, mainly knitting or halloween related

After

My newer at home kindle is the one I ended up adding the most to. The main reason for this is because it is the kindle I was able to find a see through cover for where I can collage the stickers together more easily without needing to commit. I ended up adding a Wool of Fortune tarot card, a moth knitting, a fox wearing a sweater, a hand, a la bien amiee sticker of her as a cartoon on a bike, and a moon. I also ended up adding a popsocket to the back as well to aid in holding the kindle while I get sleepy in bed. I found a realy cute one that had a moon and sun.

I ended up not being able to get a picture of my other kindle, but I did end up adding a clear sparkly popsocket and putting a few stickers on it as well. You might be wondering why I was not able to get a picture…well I misplaced it. This is why I have an out and about kindle and home kindle. I do think I know where it is, but I need to do a little travel to check. Oops!

I do hope you enjoyed this small post of my kindle makeover! Have you decorated for kindle? Any suggestions to make mine easier to use or even cuter? Please share below!

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Bullet Journal & Planning

My 2024 Hobby Bullet Journal

ClassicBhaer2 Comments

Hello and welcome to another post! Today I am going to me sharing a look inside my 2024 Hobby Bujo, which I have actually used a little bit already in 2023, I ended up running out of room for December in my old one…oops. Either way, I am looking forward to sharing some of the spreads I added to this years bujo. There is going to be some reading spreads, knitting spread, and more!

My first spread is of a 3×3 knitting bingo board. Last year I did a full 5×5 board, but this year I decided to just make it 3×3 to keep it fun, but keep the pressure off. The 9 items I placed on the board are; knit in public, complete a blanket, finish a pair of socks, knit while listening to an audiobook, finish a project for Mom, make a scarf and glove set, finishing a lingering project, knit a cardigan, and frog a project.

Next is a spread is my personal knitting Queue, this is a list of projects I already own yarn of. I decided to list the project name, yarn I plan on using and a pace for a checkmark once I finish it. If you want to see my entire list of my knitting queue you can do so by visiting my Ravelry.

The next section is a pace for me to keep a dynamic list of grams in and out of my stash throughout 2024. I have an area to label the month, a place to write the year, then I can write the grams under either in or out. At the end of the month I will find the total in and out and then an overall net at the end of each month for the year.

Next I doodled a bookshelf and then added the titles of books from my owned TBR. I ended up adding some extra books incase I read books from the library or end up adding more books to my shelves. \

Next is where I start to set up for January 2024. I ended up adding a little calendar to mark this new section of my notebook on the lefthand side and decided to give some fancy font a try. On the right side I ended up adding a space when I can make notes of the projects I finish and books I end up finishing as well throughout the month. I thought this would keep all this information in one handy spot instead of all over the place.

All the other pages are basically me counting and marking my current spot in patterns or little notes of changes I made to the pattern so when I am done I can add these notes to my Ravelry project page. Since these pages have details of paid for patterns I did not feel comfortable taking a picture of those. But, if you want some more details on this I am happy to explain it in a bit more detail.

Anyway, this is a look into my 2024 Hobby Bujo! I hope you found some fun spreads and as always if you have a questions about how these are working for me, feel free to ask!

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Monthly Intent & TBR

Finish it February 2024 & TBR

ClassicBhaer2 Comments

Hello and welcome to a bit of a challenge introduction. Finish it February is something I have been hearing a lot around the knitting scene, but I feel like it could really be great for all of my hobbies. Mainly, at least from what I have seen or heard, Finish if February is where you take all your WIPs (works in progress) and try your hardest to finish as many as you can. Now, I am going to be doing this with my knitting and crochet projects, but I am also going to be doing it with my current reads as well. So, since it is the start of February, here are the books I want to finish and the projects I want get of my hooks and needles.

The Books

As of writing this I am in the middle of two books, both of which I want to continue with and have been enjoying. The first is Holly by Stephen King, which I have mentioned in a post earlier this year. This one I have been “reading” for a bit, but I have not been keeping up with it so I might actually restart it since I am not too far along into the story. The second book is The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda, this is a thriller I really am enjoying the over all setting of a lore from what I have read so far. I would really like two finish this book first since it is fresh in my mind and then restart Holly. Realistically, I don’t know if I will be able to finish both these books in February, but I would like to finish one and then make a good dent into the other.

The Projects

So, my WIPs are a bit out of control I am not going to lie. I am activity working on 7 projects, 2 pairs of socks, 1 clutch, 2 sweaters, 1 wrap, and 1 tree skirt. I think I would be thrilled if I finished the Teddy Bear Clutch I am more than halfway done with as well as the socks I am working on as well. One of which is just a plain sock and the other is a test knit I am in the middle of. Following that I would like to prioritize the tree skirt and get that packed up with the Christmas decorations and ready for next year. After that I am not quiet sure which one I would prioritize. Overall, I think I would like to just get my WIP number down and I wont be to mad if I end up casting on something else.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Monthly Digest & Wrap Up

Monthly Digest & Wrap Up | January 2024

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Hello and welcome to a little recap of January 2024! I cannot believe that this month is already over, I feel like it flew by and I have no idea how it happened. But, I have to say the year is off to a really great start! I went on a real fun adventure, I finished a few projects, and I even read a few books. I know…I actually read not just one, but multiple books. Did I get my reading mojo back? Time will tell, but let’s get into what has been going on in January!

Instagram January photo dump.

Books

This month I ended up finishing a tome I started all the way back in August of 2023. It took me just over 5 months to finish reading American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. This non-fiction biography of Oppenheimer was mainly started because I wanted to know more about the live of the main character of one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023. It was very informative written in an engaging manner, but it was very long at about 700 pages. I think it mainly took so long because I every time I wanted to read it, I felt like I didn’t have enough time to dedicate to it. When reading it, I would want to sit and read for longer periods of time because there were no real natural stopping points throughout. I ended up giving this book 3 stars, I liked it, but I didn’t love it. It was a middle of the road read, but I am really happy I read it.

The second book I read this month was very different, it was actually a reread of a childhood favorite The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket. I am not sure why, but I really felt the need to reread these books in December and since then I have read the first two books in the series. One thing I noticed was how much I missed when I first read these books as a kid. They really do touch and hint at some tough topics. Regardless of this, it was really fun to see what I could find as an adult and remembering the story and flashbacks to when I first read them. I am planning on continuing my reread of the series throughout the year. I ended up giving this book 4 stars.

Making

This year is off to a great start with my first finished project being a gift knit for my mother. A sweater of all things. I actually started it and finished it in the same month. That has not happened in a long time. I made the Six Little Flowers Cardigan (ravelry) by Uma Murphy in a really pretty purple color. It was fun making a sweater for someone else and their excitement while trying it on throughout the process. I am tempted to make this pattern again in the future because it worked up so quickly while using size us 11 and 17 knitting needles. Plus, it is an easily customizable sweater as well.

The second project I ended up making myself a new pair of gloves. I used the pattern, Gloves No. 1 (website) by My Favourite Things. This is the first time I have completed one of her patterns and I can tell why people are always knitting up their stuff. I really liked the layout of this pattern and how it just got right to the point without trying to look pretty. It was written clearly, gave resources, and didn’t have fluff. I am in love with the neon yellow I ended up using for this pattern, it was called Electric Feels by a Homespun House. Another first for me, I never used their yarn before either and it worked like a dream! I will be ordering more in the future.

Adventures

This month one of the biggest adventures I had was a day trip to NYC to visit some friends with my partner. One of these friends was one from high school we have not seen in years and the other was visiting from Boston to see a show. We ended up going to central park, the MET, some yarn shopping, and out for a lovely dinner. It was great to spend some quality time with friends. It is something I honestly need to do more often. With everything going on, sometimes I forget to make it a priority.

Monthly Stats

  • Knitted Items: 2
  • Crochet Items: 0
  • Garment: 1
  • Accessory: 1
  • Yarn In: 1,260 grams
  • Yarn Out:1,250 grams
  • Yarn Year Total: +10 grams
  • Books Read: 2
  • Fiction: 1
  • Non-Fiction: 1
  • Pages Read: 913
Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Lists & Recommendations · Tags

Top 5 Tuesday: Top 5 Anticipated Reads for Q1 2024

ClassicBhaer2 Comments

Hello and welcome to my little spice of the internet. Today I am going to be taking part in Top 5 Tuesday, which in the past has been hosted by Bionic Book Worm and is now hosted by Meeghan Reads. I am going to be attempting to do at least one of these a month, but I am hoping for more. If you are curious what the promts are for January – March 2024 you can find them here. Anyway, on to my top anticipated read for the first quarter of 2024.

To be honest, I have no idea what books are coming out this year, I am been in a book slump of sorts, but I decided I am going to use this post to share some of the books I am looking forward to reading in the first three months of 2024.

The Books

The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, now I know I am already cheating and using an entire series for my first book, but please let me explain. I actually started a reread of the series in December of 2023 just for some “easy reading”. So, I am just planning on finishing out the series.

Next up is The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda, I am actually in the middle of this book as of writing this so I would really love to finish it ASAP. I am not to far into it, but I am really enjoying it so far. I actually went to a book event and met this author when it came out a few years ago and had a really great time and she was so kind and generous.

After finishing up that thriller I would like to complete Holly by Stephen King, this is one of King’s Mystery Thriller books that follows one of my favorite characters he has ever created Holly. We first meet Holly in the Mr. Mercedes trilogy and I have honestly been loving how this character has changed over the years. I am about 20% into this book as of writing this.

The fourth book I would love to finish during the first quarter of 2024 is American Prometheus by Kai Bird and  Martin J. Sherwin which I have been reading since August of 2023. It is a TOME and non-fiction so it is taking me a bit to get through. It is about J. Robert Oppenheimer, which I believe was the inspiration for the movie this past Summer.

Lastly, I would love to read a book that both my uncle and aunt both recommended to me without even realizing it, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Both of them said it was a really intriguing read and didn’t say much more other than I needed to read it. I did notice while adding it to my wishlist that it is a historical fiction novel that follows a few generations where apparently with each generation there is one who unfortunately passes by drowning. I am curious to see where this book goes to say the least because I know so little about it.

Anyway, there are my 5 books I am lookin forward to to read during the first quarter of 2024. Changes are I will not get to all of these, but it is fun to come up with a bit of dream list. See you in my next post!

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Let's Talk

What I Want 2024 to Look Like

ClassicBhaer5 Comments

Hello and welcome to another little post from my small part of the internet. Every year I take the time to write up some goals for myself and do my best to stick with them. This past year things have changed in my life, which is why I am not on here as much as I used to be, serious how did I have time to write two posts a week? Anyway, I didn’t want to make goals in the way I usually do, but more so wanted to talk about what I wanted the year to look like for me.

Kindle, two note books, a winter themed project bag, and a clear box sitting on a made bed.

Reading

This year I realized I have not read many books. In total I have read 7 books in all of 2023. If you want to see which books I read, you can see those here in my Year in Books 2023 recap. While this is no where near what I used to read when I was reading more than 100 a year a lot has changed in my life. I think my reading is going to stay reduced as far as I can tell, but I would like to read at least 6 books next year. I say that because I still want to have a little bit of daily reading in my life and that is what I have been doing. I read a few pages when I have the time and brain space to do so. in 2024, I want to keep that up.

Knitting, Crochet, and Crafting

This year I did a lot of making, which I am happy about. I think I did so much because it is easier to knit and crochet while chatting with someone, watching a movie, or just out and about during my spare moments. I ended up making 31 items this year. These include socks, sweaters, cowls, scarfs, shawls, dresses, and other items. I am really proud of the things I created this year and I just want to keep that up as well throughout the year. Finding me time while doing something relaxing is something I have really come to enjoy.

Life in General

I have started going back to yoga a few months ago and I have been really enjoying how it has made me feel. I feel stronger, agile, and overall more relaxed. I really want to keep this up as well, even if it is just once a week. On top of that, I would really like to go on more adventures throughout the year. That could be trying a new place to eat, exploring a few place, or going on a day trip. I just want to experience some new things.

As you can see, my “goals” for this year are really just to continue to do the things that make my happy. I want to read a few pages a day, do some crafting to calm me down, maintain my yoga practice, and just do something new and exciting. Nothing to out there, but I really want to focus on what makes me happy this year and not worry about specific numbers or items. Will I make some mini goals for myself throughout the year, most likely, but I feel like this year I want to go easy on myself.

I really hope you had a wonderful 2023 and that 2024 is even better for you!

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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Hauls & Unhauls

What I Got for Christmas

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Hello and welcome to a little post where I share the things I was lucky enough to get from my loved ones in my life. I am attaching some pictures from my instagram account and then I am going to go into some detail into what they are.

The first picture is showing the cover of a knitting book called Mouche & Friends by Cinthia Vallet it is accompanied by the yarn to make two of the stuffed animals described in the book. There are three pink, 1 orange, 1 cream, and 1 brown to make the adorable pigs inside.

The second picture are an assortment of Maple and Thread items. My parents got me the jumbo binder so all my knitting needles can be in one home all together. They also got two pages for my needles to fit in as well as the holders for the needles themselves. They also got me the project page as well. I am really excited to get organizing!

The third picture is an array of small items. There is a brown patch work square based bag from Joji & Co, there is also a bunch from stuff from Katrinkles, these include a darning loom, sweater tags, and project hibernating tags. There is also purl strings so I can try on my sweaters as I knit them, a coco knits makers keep, and really cute needle minders by Hawthorn Handmade that look like a basket of yarn and cup of tea with cookies.

The last picture is of my new boots in a brown color. These boots are called Blundstone and I got the Chelsea Boots to be exact. I have heard really great things about their quality and how they age so I am really thrilled to get these.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read what I got for Christmas this year, in my next post I am going to be sharing my goals and ambitions for 2024!

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

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