So many pattern updates!

an on-going task on my to-do list has been to update all of my existing patterns available for purchase - making them look snazzier, more streamlined and easier to follow. this may include updating photos, adding fancy-pants charts in addition to written instructions, or just making the layout a little nicer.

here's what i've updated so far:

1. peppermint lattice socks ($6 USD) - these were originally designed for a Canadian breast cancer fund-raising charity site that has since gone the way of the buffalo, and the rights reverted back to me. i have updated this pattern for clarity and added better photos. this pattern is a fun way to destash those single skeins of sock yarn you may have lying about!

2. honeycomb fingerless gloves ($6 USD) - i love these fingerless gloves because they are such a fast knit, and i'm a sucker for cables. i've added a chart in addition to the written instructions, something i've always wanted to do, but only now have had the means to do so (i finally invested in charting software - huzzah!)

3. alien invaders hand puppets ($6 USD) - i collapsed these into one pattern (instead of having a child-size one and an adult-sized one separately). there are not only instructions for both sizes, but to make either alien face as you see fit.

4. senor stripey ($5 USD) - this has been edited for clarity, with my thanks to my friend ellen for helping me muddle through transcribing what's in my brain into instructions that make sense to someone other than myself!

whew! that's a lot of updates - and there are more to come!

Comments

Overdyeing A Finished Knit

Even after just a few years of knitting or crocheting, you're bound to have some finished projects lying around that never get worn or used. After 10+ years of crafting, I have more than just "some" or "a few"....and with my ongoing quest to declutter my house this year, I've become obsessed with going through these forlorn projects and making some Big Decisions. Sometimes, they are perfectly fine and just need a new and loving home. Other projects may have not turned out quite right: there might have been some mistakes in the knitting that I thought I could live with, or the yarn was gorgeous but not well-matched to the pattern, or my taste has drastically changed since I finished making the project...in any case, why on earth did I keep knitting?! Who knows, but I don't feel good about gifting anything that falls into this category to someone else. These projects have been relegated to the "frog pile" (or should I say, frog pond?), to b

Easy DIY: Beaded Vintage Snowflake Ornament Kits from Solid Oak Inc.

I was really excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new as part of my "Christmas in July" theme this month. The kind folks at Solid Oak Inc offered me a chance to review one of their Nostalgic Christmas beaded crystal ornament kits I couldn't resist. My tree is already full of ornaments I've inherited or been gifted from other family members and friends, so these pretty crystal beaded ornaments will fit right in I think! I was super impressed with this compact little kit , which includes everything needed to create three gorgeous vintage-style ornaments - just add a pair of round nose pliers (I found mine on Amazon for less than ten bucks). The instructions had some fabulous tips for newbies like me; for example, it recommended sorting the beads and laying them out in order on a towel or beading mat to prevent them from rolling away. That may seem obvious, but I was totally ready to start beading on my kitchen table without a

What If I Didn't Add Heels?

Last weekend, I finished the first sock with my Waterlilies yarn , and just for yuks, I tried it on even though it was basically just a tube sock. Much to my surprise, it fit really well, even without a heel. Who knew? So, that got me thinking: what if I just didn't add the heels? I never thought a tube sock would actually fit nicely, but I genuinely like the fit, so...why spend time to add the heels? As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.... Let's say I decide not to add heels once the second sock is done - there will still be placeholder yarn for the afterthought heels, as you can see above, so should I leave it in and just weave in the ends? Or should I remove it, put the live stitches back on needles and at least graft them together using more of the Waterlilies yarn? I plan on mulling all of this over as I knit the second sock, and I'd love to hear your opinions of what you think would look best (or if you think this whole "n

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