Tidy mind, tidy stitches – 2KCBWDAY3

(Sorry this is a day late!)

Tidy mind, tidy stitches

How do you keep your yarn wrangling organized? It seems like an easy to answer question at first, but in fact organization exists on many levels. Maybe you are truly not organized at all, in which case I am personally daring you to try and photograph your stash in whatever locations you can find the individual skeins. However, if you are organized, blog about an aspect of that organization process, whether that be a particularly neat and tidy knitting bag, a decorative display of your crochet hooks, your organized stash or your project and stash pages on Ravelry.

When I saw this post topic, I was a little worried. I don’t have a cool or unique way I store my yarn stash. We live in a townhome that isn’t huge. So I don’t have any type of craft room or even craft area. I just take a corner of the couch! I have to keep all my things stored in bins or in bags so I can move around with them or get to them easily.

I would say I am messy organized, like a fellow blogger said on her post. I know where everything is and it all has a place. Whether it’s a bin, basket, bag or box. (Ha those all started with a B!)

So here is most of my stash, which I have to store in our pantry

And some more!

Like I said, I know where everything is. I have to keep the yarn I use the most out so it’s easy to get to. That’s where the bags and baskets come in handy.

This is where I keep all of my Sugar & Cream yarn that is nice for miscellaneous projects. I also use this bag I made for when I travel and want to bring some crochet stuff along.

Now this is where you’ll find the least creative and neat way to store hooks and needles.

I use this little bin thingy I found at Wal-mart and it is perfect for keeping my crochet hooks, scissors, stich markers, measuring tape, and my patterns (which I write on notecards). I love it!

And this is where the knitting stuff and other miscellaneous craft supplies I use is kept. Notice a lot of my knitting supplies are un opened?

So there you have it! My messy organized yarn stash

Someday I would love to have something like this…

Oh isn’t it lovely?

From Prudent Baby

Or even something like this! I doubt I will ever have that much yarn though

Made by Tara’s husband from EASY

Someday I dream of having the ultimate craft room. Well actually all I need is a nice big comfy chair

 

Skill + 1UP – 2KCBWDAY2

Day Two: Skill + 1UP
Look back over your last year of projects and compare where you are in terms of skill and knowledge of your craft to this time last year. Have you learned any new skills or forms of knitting/crochet (can you crochet cable stitches now where you didn’t even know such things existed last year? Have you recently put a foot in the tiled world of entrelac? Had you even picked up a pair of needles or crochet hook this time last year?

Looking back on the past year at my crocheting projects and progress, overall I am pleased with where I am. What’s funny is I have only been crocheting since April of last year! I feel like it has been much longer just because I have been crocheting so much.

I started off slow because I had to teach myself from a book. That is also how I would learn new stitches, techniques and patterns. Books or on the internet! Now I want to try tons of new patterns and stitches! There just isn't enough time in the day

I started with the good ole granny square as my first project last year. They were easy and fun to do. I didn’t start learning different stiches (besides the basics) until I got some practice in.

These are my older projects from the year

  

 

  

This bag was my first big project and I am so happy with how it turned out! I have learned a lot since then and I think if I make another one it will  be even better

First crocheted blanket for my friend’s new baby

And these are my newer ones

  

  

 

 

Making these coasters, I was able to try front post stiches for the first time. I love the look and the texture it gives

I am looking forward to trying more of the Tunisian stitch. I hope to make a blanket!

My most recent project I made just last night. I love it!

I can say right now I have succeeded with many projects but I have also failed with some. I will definitely go back and try the ones I failed at again. I am just looking forward to trying new and different projects in the future!

 

Oh and I should also mention that I started knitting this last year! I am enjoying that as well but it has been difficult. It’s a slow process but I am excited to learn.

My first swatch using just the basic knit stich. It isn’t perfect but better than when I was originally doing!

Then I jumped into my first project, a knitted scarf. This just required the stockinette stich

 

And unfortunately… this is my current project. It’s just a basic hat using the knit stitch. It’s been sitting in my basket for a long time now. I will admit that I was struggling with how to hold my needles and the yarn. When you’re used to crocheting it seems to be more difficult to start the knitting.

But what is great is that I think I may have found something that will solve my problem, continental knitting! A fellow blogger had mentioned it awhile back and I got to finally see it in action on one of my DVDs. I think it will make a huge difference! I have to thank the Crochet Dude because seeing him do it inspired me.

Wow that’s a lot in a year but I am excited to see what I can make in another year!

 

Easter Egg Head

I made a new hat for Hailey!

 

Unfortunately, it made her head look like an Easter egg

Knitting & Crocheting Blog Week {Day One} 2KCBWDAY1

I am so excited to be participating in the  Knit and Crochet Blog Week! Everyday this week there will be a different topic I will be blogging about. Let’s get started!

A Tale of Two Yarns
Part of any fiber 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.

Looking at all the yarn I have used, I have loved many and only disliked a few. It’s all a personal preference for me. I think all yarn is great, especially when it’s very colorful. Cotton, Wool, Acrylic, and all kinds of blended fibers. It’s all so exciting!

When I look for a yarn, I look firstly at softness. I am all about the soft and cozy yarns! I make a lot of crocheted hats so soft and comfortable is important. I have done a lot of trial and error with picking the perfect yarn. Honestly, I still don’t feel like I have reached my goal. But that’s ok!

When I first started crocheting, I lived in a very small town in Wisconsin and there wasn’t a yarn store within 60 miles from me. My only access to yarn was at Wal-Mart, which wasn’t bad. I ended up doing a lot of yarn purchasing online. But this didn’t allow me to do the fun part of picking out yarn. The best is when you can walk around and feel each yarn and match colors together.

The yarn I started with was called Sugar & Cream 100% cotton yarn. I did a lot of my first projects with this because I had access to tons of colors. It isn’t bad at all. Actually up until recently, that was my main yarn to make hats. This yarn almost brings back memories of my first time crocheting and making a granny square with my mom.

One day I was making a hat for a friend of mine and I was very unhappy with the way to yarn was “acting”. It was fraying and also the ball I was using had these little black specks stuck throughout the yarn. It was also new! So I was very bummed and disappointed.

The colors for this brand are endless and it’s very affordable. So I was at a point where I needed to decide if I should keep using this yarn or journey out for a new and better yarn. I am still working on finding the perfect cotton that has as many colors as this one. Who knows, I may just have to stick to these cute little balls of color. I do know that Sugar & Cream is always there for me when I want to try a new pattern just for fun.

Now to my favorite yarn, the lovely Lion Brand Cotton Ease. It’s a perfect cotton and acrylic blend.

Best part? It’s so soft! I have been making my Spring Fling Beanies with this and it’s awesome. I do wish they had just a couple more colors that I haven’t been able to find. I have also made a blanket for a good friend’s daughter with this yarn. It turned out great and was so cozy and warm. My friend also picked some great and unique colors!

She was sick of the usual purple and pink and went with the colors Plum, Charcoal, and Snow White.

So my yarn journey is still very new since I myself have only been crocheting for a year. I am excited to experience new and different yarn in the future. I’m also up for learning and understanding what yarn is best for each project. I have definitely grown to love and appreciate yarn!