Tag: yarn arts

Let's Talk · Life Style · Lists & Recommendations

Just a Few of My Favorite Things 2022

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Hello and welcome to a really random post today. I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favorite things that I have discovered this past year. All of which I bought myself! I am going to go threw a few categories of items, so be prepared for a hodgepodge of things!

Reading

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle – I bought this bundle this year because I had to downsize and move away from physical books. So far this ereader, cover, and charging dock have worked wonderfully. It is a lot more responsive than my previous kindle and kobo as well as the screen is more sharp, at least to my eyes. I found myself reading more before bed as well.

Post-it Transparent Sticky Notes – when I did read a physical book I loved using these see-through sticky notes. I could annotate away easily without having to change my sitting position very much. Just doodled or jot down something then stuck it on the page.

Crochet/Knitting

Furls Streamline Resin Swirl Crochet Hooks – These are for sure an investment, but I found that this year using these work perfectly with how I naturally want to hold my crochet hook and the hand motion I use. Even when I am knitting I keep one of these on hand for when I drop a stitch.

CYPRA Interchangeable Needle Set 3.5 Inch Size – I started off knitting with larger tipped needles and I found that I knit faster and easier with shorter ones. I picked these up and I feel in love with them for a few reasons. The first being they are made of metal, I am a tight knitter so with this material I had a lot less drag on my work. The second being I was able to maneuver the needles a lot easier because they were smaller and I was not fighting them as much for smaller circumference knitting.

Tape Measure, I know this one is not glamorous and honestly any one will do. I never used a measuring tape more than when I am crocheting or knitting. I have them all over the house so I always have one on hand. If I had to pick one I really love and has held up really well it would be Clover Shiro Spring Tape, plus you can easily find it at a big box store if need be.

Daily Life

Tea/Coffee Handwarmer Ceramic Mug – You can get these amazing mugs left or right handed, but these mugs are amazing. I ended up having a bit of a collection of them. I love these because they are on the larger size, more coffee for me, but also because they keep my hands nice and toasty during a chilly morning or day. Plus, they are dishwasher and microwave safe.

My Bullet Journal, I am not really going to link something specific for this one, but I use it for EVERYTHING. I love that I can make it anything I want or need and is relaxable, especially in comparison to commercial planners. Which, please don;’t get me wrong those are amazing too if you find a layout that works for you. If you want to take a look at my bullet journal you can look at my category called, Bullet Journal Jottings, Writing & More. It is just really nice that you can take a notebook from the dollar store or a nicer one and turn it into something all your own.

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Current Reads and WIPs

Current WIPs and Reads | May 2022

bookishluna10 Comments

Hello and welcome to a midmonth check-in! I just wanted to take a moment to share what I am currently reading and what I am currently working on craft wise as well. This month has already flown by, I have already finished a few books and projects that you will see in my Monthly Digest post for the month, but I am still reading and working away on other projects and books currently.

My Current Reads

Berserk Deluxe Edition Volume 1 by Kentaro Miura, Jason DeAngelis (Translator), I just started reading this so I am not too far into it , but the illustration style is great! It can be graphic though, so be warned! There is a lot going on so you just keep wanting to turn the pages and get sucked in for sure.

Other than this, I am planning on picking up The Baby is Mine by Oyinkan Braithwaite, who wrote My Sister, the Serial Killer, which I LOVED! So I am really looking forward to reading this because her thriller style is unique. Even if you know what you are picking up, she still manages to surprise you. For me, this is a HUGE plus. Even thrillers that don’t give away huge plot points I feel like I can easily predict since I read so many of them. Braithwaite on the other hand can tell you a ton about what is going to happen, but still takes me on a ride!

My Current WIPs

Body Language Cardigan by Knits N Knots, I am finally working on anther crochet project! I have not done crochet for a while, but I have missed it. I decided on this pattern because it looks nice and cozy, but also lets me practice some seaming since it is made in pieces. I am hoping to finish it before it gets too hot and I wont want to touch it and it will be ready for next fall. I am currently working on the back panel and the largest for this sweater. I feel like once I finish this panel the rest will fly!

Crochet project, showing the start of the back panel

My on the go project has been my Rainbow Vanilla Socks, no pattern followed for this. I am just knitting based off memory of knitting other socks. I am at the heel on both of the socks currently, I like to work both socks and keep them at the same sections so I finish them close together instead of getting with burn out when I have one totally complete sock an one not even started.

Rainbow knitted socks, in progress.

What are you currently reading or working on?

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Hauls & Unboxings · Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More

La Mercerie Knitting Haul

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Hello and welcome to a little haul from an online shop called La Mercerie. This is the second time I have purchased from them and both times I have been thrilled with the quality of the products and the quick shipping. So, I wanted to take a moment and share what I picked up this time around because I am so thrilled and I would not have been able to get these items in my local store.

Picture of Sock Set and Worsted Book

Worsted – A Knitwear Collection Curated by Aimée Gille of La Bien Aimée

I have been eyeing this book since I have heard about it. I have really been wanting to move away from making bags and winter accessories for the most part, I still want to be warm this year, but I wanted to make more wearable pieces and work with worsted weight yarn. As of late I have worked with a lot of fingering, which I love don’t get me wrong, but I want to explore more types of yarns. The curator of this book is an owner of a well known brand and I have seen a few people already starting to make projects from these pages and have heard great things. As a newer knitter, this is a must, I am still learning to read patterns in regards to knitting, crochet I am a pro at this point, so I need something that is clear, but challenging and this seems to be just the thing.

January – Sock Sets – 2022 Year of Socks

So, I ended up getting their January sock set for their year of socks. I missed out on their buy the entire year upfront and subscription options, but I really wanted to get my hands on this beautiful sock set called Snowdrift by Grenouille Co.. I really loved the deep winter feel of both the main color and mini. I can’t wait to make these into a cozy pair of socks!

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Hauls & Unboxings

Katrinkles Haul

bookishluna2 Comments

Hello and welcome to a bit of a maker post this time around. I did a little shopping on the Katrinkles website, which makes a lot of stitch markers and tools and such for knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists overall. The last half of the year as my reading really took a nose dive I really took solstice in crocheting and learning how to knit. This is a brand I saw all over and as I explored making more complex items, at least for me, I realized I needed some knew tools to help me along the way.

Hauled items discussed below on crochet blanket.

Wrong Side/Right Side

As I have explored crocheting and knitting I have started to explore making more wearable items and sometimes the patterns require me to pay attention to which side is the right and which is the wrong. I am TERRIBLE at this and never keep track of it, so when I saw these stitch markers, I knew I needed to add them to my cart. Also, they come together to make a cute acrylic unicorn.

Kitchener Stitch Mini Tool

The next thing I picked up was a little reference tool that has the directions to the kitchener stitch. The first thing I learned to knit when I started to learn halfway though 2021 was a sock, I learned to do it top down. Due to this, I need this stitch every time I finish a sock to close up the toe. When knitting I try to get away from technology so I don’t want to whip out my phone to look up the directions. Having this tool on hand on the project bag will be really helpful and convenient.

Acrylic Cast On Counting Stitch Marker Set

This handy set of stitch markers, at least for me, to use while making my socks as well. I recently found my perfect row length needed for the foot section of my socks (50 rows) and I really need to keep track as I go or I end up loosing count because I just get into a relaxing rhythm.

I know this is a little different of a post, but I really have been loving making things with my hands lately and I was super excited about these tools to help me in getting even better at both of these crafts.

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Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More · Let's Talk

Winter 2022 Crochet and Knitting Plans

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Hello and welcome to a bit of a planning post where I am going to share the crochet and knitting projects I would love to finish this winter. I am on really good footing to start any project I want right now due to the fact I have no WIPs going into 2022, which has not happened in years. So, I feel like a kid in a candy shop and spoiled for choice. Thankfully, I was able to narrow it down to 5 projects I really would love to start working on and hopefully finish before Winter is through.

Day Date Cardigan by Jess Coppom

This first pattern I actually bought yarn for back in the Summer of 2021 when I was visiting family in Maine. I really want to finish this ASAP and hopefully I can wear it the next time I see those family members. The yarn that I picked up for this project is Berroco Providence in the color Rosecliff – 1115.

Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes

This pair of socks is actually for my significant other. I had him pick a yarn for me to use and it finally arrived! I am so excited to get to make these for him, I just need to figure out the stitches needed and I am going to have to keep bugging him to try them on as I go to ensure I am making them to properly fit. This will be the first socks I am making for someone else. The yarn that he picked for this pair of socks is Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in the color Ultramarine Violet, which is a really vibrant purple that I swear is going to glow in the dark.

Tube Socks by Mary Anne

This pair of socks is going to be for me. I have never worn tube socks or made them so I wanted to experiment a bit. I used this “pattern” to come up with my own formula of sorts for the ones I am going to be making. This pattern, which is actually a blog post was really helpful in doing that going through different options etc. The yarn I am using for this pattern is Spun Right Round Classic Sock in the color Sly Fox, which is almost like a burn orange.

Apiarist Cowl by Claire Borchardt

This is another selfish creation, I was lucky enough to be gifted a new jacket so I need to make a new cowl to go with it. I saw this pattern first mentioned by Knitty Natty and her looked beautiful and she said it was pretty simple to make. It is the first time I will be knitting something with a pattern of sorts so it will be an experiment as well! I am using yarn died by the etsy shop LanternLightYarn in the color Kraken, which is a red color with variations and Drops Kid-Silk in the color 14, which is red as well, held together to create this winter accessory.

Easy Eyelet Yoke Sweater by Knitatude / Chantal Miyagishima

This last one is really a project I know is going to take me a lot of time and challenge me a lot. I am putting it at the bottom of this list because I really want to work on the other projects and continue to work on the basics before jumping into making a sweater. That being said, the stiches that are used in this I have already used a bunch, but making a sweater I feel like is a huge step. I am using the recommended yarn, Lion Brand Chainette, in the color mustard, which seems to now be discontinued even though I only bought it a month or so ago. I hope I bought enough to finish it!

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Monthly Digest

Monthly Digest | December 2021

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Hello and welcome to a fairly short recap of what what reading, crafting, and life was like over the past month. This final month of 2021 was faster than I care to admit, but it was still filled with some great things. I am really overall happy with how this month went, but also this past year. Even with everything going on I feel like it was an improvement from the year before and I hope that next year is even better than this one for myself and all of you. I am wishing you all a wonderful 2022! Now, on to how my month was.

Reading

This month was a bit weird when it came to reading. I ended up only reading one book, The Bear and the Paving Stone by Toshiyuki Horie and translated by Geraint Howells, I ended up giving it 4 stars. As for a book haul I picked up 5 books only because of the 50% off hardcover sale at BN. If you want to see the books I picked up from that haul you can see that in my post; Barnes and Noble 50% Hardcover Haul.

Crochet, Knitting and Crafting

As for crafting, knitting, and crocheting I ended up finishing all of my WIPs so I can start off 2022 with a clean slate. I already know the first project I am going to be casting on. I completed the 2021 12 Days of Tosh Advent Crochet Cowl designed by Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts, who is just an amazing designer. The colors were just so beautiful and it was a blast to work on for the first 12 days of December. Next I finished the Kari Shawl by Sari Nordlund. I absolutely love how it came out and I can’t wait to block it and use it! The last project I finished this month is Modern Double Crochet V-Stitch Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts. I have been working on this blanket on and off since 2019 so I am happy to finally be able to use it!

Life

This month was a bit of a roller coaster of good news and some bummer news, but overall the month was really awesome. I got to catch up with some friends I had lost touch with due to our busy lives. I got to go to a traditional tea, which was very lovely! I didn’t do much outside this month, it was a bit too cold for me personally, but I got to spend a lot of time with my loved ones and catching up with friends and honestly, that was the beat part of this month.

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Hauls & Unboxings · Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More

Local Yarn Shop Haul

bookishluna5 Comments
Image of hauled items

Hello and welcome to a little post sharing some of my more recent yarn related items. This past week I took a trip with a friend of mine to go to a little local yarn shop to stock up on some items that I can’t really get in the crafting stores in my area. I had such a great time not only spending it with my friend, but us also going through all of the amazing stuff and struggling to narrow down what we actually wanted to take home with us. Trust me, I wanted to take home more, but my wallet said I wasn’t allowed.

I am so excited to finish my final present project I have currently going so I can jump in and start using these products I picked up. I think with the Sly Fox dye I am going to attempt to knit a hat for the first time. I am planning on following the pattern Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure, which is free at the time of writing this. As for the Sharknado skeins I am planning to make a really nice and comfortable pair of socks using a pattern called Cafe Mocha by Twin Stitches Designs. I feel like it would look really cool in the colors I picked up.

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Hauls & Unboxings · Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More

Crochet and Knitting Haul

bookishluna2 Comments

Hello and welcome to a post where I am going to share some of the things I have picked up over the past few months to help with my crafting crochet and knitting wise. Yes, I did say knitting. I in the last month or so taught myself some basics and actually managed to make a sock. I am still working on the other one, lol. Anyway I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I have picked up and share what I plan on making with them or using them for.

Project Bags

Two project bags.

I picked up a few project bags that were on the smaller side to keep my sock project, current and future. I had them in my larger project bag where I kinda keep all my WIPs they almost became unraveled so many times from being tackled. I picked these ones up from Pea Pod Threads.

Knitting Needles

As I mentioned I took up knitting and I ended up picking up a circular needle set, I really like using circular needles I have found out. I settled on Lykke Indigo Driftwood Interchangeable Set in Indigo. I currently am using it to make a cowl and I am really liking how they feel and they are sturdy. I was worried because it was interchangeable and I have only used fixed ones until this.

acquired yarn, knitting needles, and chart keeper

Notions

I picked up this really helpful item called Knit Picks Basic Knitting Chart Keeper. Pretty much it is a place to keep your pattern while you are working that folds in half and projects the paper when shoved in a bag. The patten is held to it by magnets and there are extras so you can use them to also hold your place. It almost looks and feels like a thick folder without pockets. While is is called a knitting chart keeper I use it with either knitting or crochet.

Yarn

As for yarn I picked up 4 skeins of Juniper Moon Farm’s Moonshine Fine, I ended up picking up 2 in the color Moonbeam (1003), which is an odd white and then 2 of Cocoa (1001), which is a dark gray. I decided I am going to use this yarn to make the Sonder by Expression Fiber Arts (website). I adapted the pattern to a crochet pattern because this was before I learned to knit, but I am not to far into it so I might frog it and then try it as knitting. We shall see how I am feeling when I get a chance to pick that project up again. The next yarn to make its way into my home is 3 skeins of Urth Yarns Monokrom Cotton Yarn in a gray color. Sadly, I cannot give you the color name or code because it is not on the tag on mine. I am planning on making another shawl with this one and I am for sure going to knit it. The pattern is called the Kari Shawl, which is a free pattern you can find from Sari Nordlund (Ravelry). All of this yarn was bought at local shops, which I know I am lucky to have a few around me I can support.

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Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More · Lists & Recommendations

My Favorite Crochet and Yarn Arts Channels

bookishluna4 Comments

Mr Bobvin, Crochet With Kaye, More KopyKali

These three sisters are close knit, but love to crochet! They each have their own style, but I love each and every one of them. They have podcasts, tutorials, original patters, and organizational videos that I can just watch and chill out to while I am working on my WIP. I also really love that they all mainly work with natural fibers, which is something I really want to be exploring more personally so I love watching them trying out new yarns and seeing their thoughts to see. I can seriously say that these three have pushed me outside my comfort zone and I have started to make more wearable items.

Anna Kallajian

I found Anna though her Harry Styles sweater video which was a huge thing in 2020. I really enjoyed her vlogs and just hanging out with her viewers. I think she is the first crochet youtuber I saw that was not just tutorials. Tutorials truly have their place, I use them all the time, but I can’t crochet and watch a tutorial for something else. Also, her humor is just great!

Justine Isabelle

I love her stuff because she is learning and just trying new stuff. On top of that she is not afraid to show her messing up. Her humor and honesty are great. I hate to say this, but I just love her vibe. She is very down to earth and I can just chill with her.

TL Yarn Crafts

If you want to learn tunisian crochet her tutorials are where you go. They are clear, simple, and all around VERY helpful. On top of that, she is just a ball of sunshine with a great sense of humor. Even when I am learning something and really concentrating on her tutorials I still find myself laughing here and there and honestly. If I am learning and having a good time, there is no toping that!

Yarn as a Second Language

This channel is two friends chatting about crochet and knitting. I love that these two friends have such a great dynamic and don’t take themselves seriously and just have a good time. They have fun challenges from time to time and share their viewers work as well in between their podcast. I often laugh while watching them and every video I know I am going to love!

Tiffany Liew

While I am not a knitter, I love watching her stuff. I really enjoy her positive attitude while taking part in challenges, trying new patterns, and hauling some yarn. She honestly makes me want to learn knitting, maybe in the future. Her ability to see a sweater or something she likes and just recreate it is just something I am very envious of.

Knitty Natty

This is another knitting channel I have followed for quite some times. I mainly started to follow her stuff from her declutters and yarn organization videos. She has a podcast, random yarn related videos like yarn shop tours, as well as vlogs and sock challenges! Her attitude and personality keep me coming back even though I don’t knit.

Who are your favorite yarn arts channels or bloggers?

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Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More

My Favorite Crochet Tools & Notions

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Hooks

Furls Streamline Swirl, I love the Cafe and Cream collection the most. These are quite pricy, they run around $24 dollars each. The good news it they have sales frequently so if you keep your eyes open you can get a great deal. I ended up getting one a month for a while until I had the entire set. For me, these are super smooth to use with all different yarn types, but also feel really comfortable in the hand. Before I got my first one I thought it was all hype, these hooks are really amazing.

Clover Amour Crochet Hook, these hooks are also amazing. They feel great in the hand and glide easily with nearly every type of yarn I have worked with. These are a lot more affordable and come in kits or singular. The prices are generally around $8 if you buy them one at a time, but I never paid more than $4 because I always have a coupon for my local crafting store. These were the hooks I learned on and I still use them regularly. When I give people crochet starter kits, I even add these hooks to them.

Notions

Clover Darning Needle Set (Bent Tip), with every crochet project sadly, you have to weave in some ends. I think this is the worst part of crochet, but I never weave in as I go. Anyway, I found that I LOVE metal bent tip darning needles the best. These allow me to get in between the stitches at a comfortable angle for my hand and wrist.

Yarn Basket, I use Decorative Coiled Rope Baskets from Threshold™, they have quite a few sizes. I came across these when walking around target one day about a year or so ago. I loved the huge size range of these baskets and I thought the neutral coiled rope look went really well with the yarn. They even have handles so you can use these as a yarn bowl if you were so inclined. I generally just use them to hold my WIPs and a larger one to hold all my yarn…. okay some of my yarn. Yarn has its own version of a TBR pile.

Yarn Bowl from kbkilnart on etsy. I have two yarn bowls created by this shop and I love them both so much. They are heavy enough where they stay still, but not too heavy to move around with.

Stitch makers, I have a huge collection of stitch markers. I have over 100 because I use them for almost every project. I tend to buy the cheaper ones although there really are some beautiful ones I see constantly on etsy. My tried and true ones are Clover Locking Stitch Marker. I have never had one pop open on me out of no where and I have never had one snap as well.

Row counter from TwillandPrint on etsy. I have a row counter from them called Witchy Row Counter Pin. it is beautiful and functional! It is a row counter with a pin back so you can attach it to your project I also like that it is not digital and a physical counter.

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