Thrift Store Jackpot

I am so excited!  Today I went around to a few of my favorite thrift stores.  I am always on the look out for knitting and crocheting tools.  (The vast majority of my knitting and crocheting tools are used.)   I think that they have a greater appeal to me because someone used them.  Used them to make things for their daughter, grandchildren, sisters, friends, charities and the like.  I think about what was made with these simple tools.  Sweaters, hats, socks, scarves, mittens, Christmas stockings the list is truely endless.  I get a bit of comfort knowing there were used well and used often.  Much work, joy and love goes into something handmade.  It part of the joy of knitting.

So, today, I hit a jackpot.  I haven't in a while but today was my lucky day.  I got 37 stitch holders, 7 sets of DPN's, 2 sets of straight needles  and 2 crochet hooks (also a bit of yarn I could not pass up.)   All for the grand total of $4.  Yes, $4.

For those of you who are not knitters.  I can't get one pair of straight needles with a 40% off coupon at Michael's for $4.  Yeah!!!!   So, I suggest for those who are interested or might be interested in learning a new craft.  Check out your local thrift stores first.  You will be surprised at what treasures you may find. 

To Post or Not to Post

I haven't posted in a awhile.  I have been busy on my new line of fingerless gloves for the winter season.  I can not wait to post them.

Here is my dilema:
I want to put them up but I am torn since this is a knitter's slow season.  No one is looking for wool items in the summer.  Unless, of course, it's winter in your country.  Should I wait until fall or should I post them now?  Not sure what is the right business decision here.  Any suggestions??

Once

Have you seen this movie yet?  If not, rent it!  I happened across this movie a few years ago and my husband is a music nut (he also plays the drums).  I had never heard of it but it had something to do with music so I thought he might like it.  Well he loved it and it is one of his favorite movies of all time.  There are no known actors or actress's  but it is truly an artists film.  It is so authentic.  The music is awesome  & so inspirational.  The songs were written by the main actor and the music is sung by both main characters in the film.  They are not just actors they are artists.  Their songs will touch your heart and make you cry (a happy cry) A rare thing today to find both.  Trust me RENT IT!!

Learning to Crochet

I know that I haven't posted lately but I have been busy teaching myself how to crochet.  Like I need another fiber hobby but I can't help myself.  I just love to learn.  I have always wanted to learn how to crochet.   I thought about taking a class but I get frustrated when they don't move at my pace.   Once I get something I want to move on and my impatient mind hates to be told what to do.  Yes, I know I should be patient but I am not.  ( I get this from my father's side)  My mother says I have been impatient since birth.  I laugh and it is now a family joke.

My mother-in-law tried to teach me how to do a granny square during her last visit and I simply could not grasp the concept.   Too many in's and out's.  I was lost.  Anyway, my aunt was down for Easter and she gave me a quick tutorial.  She started to crochet a few months ago.  She is great!  Just like me we learn something and want to move on (She is my father's sister)  So, she left me with my yarn and hook.  When I got home I practiced and practiced.  I even bought crocheting for dummies. (my first dummies book ever) and I got it!

Now I am still a beginner and I have no idea how to read charts yet but I am progressing.  I am so proud of myself.   Wish me luck on my new obsession!  

Stitch Nation Yarn Review

I saw the add for this yarn in the Sunday flyer for A.C Moore and I decided to give it a whirl.  I am always looking for new affordable yarns in great colors to knit with these days.

I have to say that the selection of colors, for this particular yarn,  in my A.C. Moore is nothing to write home about and the only color that I liked was the green.  So, I bought it.

Let's just go over the mundane stuff first.  It is called Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller Full O' Sheep.  It consists of 100% Peruvian Wool and is distributed by Red Heart.  Net wt. is 3.5 oz (100g) and 155yds (142m).  On sale for 2/$7.  That said my first impression (besides the colors) is that it is scratchy.  I would not call this next to the skin soft.  Maybe a hat but definitely not for scarves, mittens or sweaters. (in my opinion, of course)

It also splits.  I am not a tight knitter nor am I a loose knitter.  I find myself right in the middle.  As I was knitting along my merry way this yarn started to fall apart.  Now I have done a bit of spinning and I am able to put it back together but I just don't think that I should have to do so.  It happened to me more than once while knitting and sewing up my seams.  Not impressed AT ALL.  Also, I would not recommend this yarn for beginning knitters due to this very fact.  I would think that I was doing something wrong when, in fact, it's the yarn that is faulty.  Furthermore, this yarn would certainly not hold up to much frogging back due to the lack of its durability & it is fuzzy nature as well.  (like mohair).

So, would I buy this again? - probably not.  I can find better wool at my LYS for about the same amount and in better colors.

My advice - save your money and get better wool.

Homemade Banana Nut Bread

On Sunday I decided to make may favorite - Banana Nut Bread.  I thought that someone else might too.   So, I decided to share my secret recipe.  It really is delicious.  Give it a try!

You will need:

2 c unbleached all purpose flour

3/4 c Sugar

3/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 c walnuts crushed ( I use about 2c b/c I love them)

3 very ripe banana's

1/4 c plain yogurt (I use organic but any will do)

2 eggs

6 tbls melted butter

1 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease the bottom ONLY of a loaf pan.

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.   In another bowl mash the banana's then add to them yogurt, eggs, butter, vanilla.  Lightly fold the banana mixture into dry ingredients until just combined and batter looks chunky.

Add to loaf pan and cook for 55 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes.

We Have to Stop Cutting Down the Trees

Knitting in the sun..

Today I decided to knit it the sun.  Here is a picture of my little spot.. Come join me.. relax and have some iced coffee.  I think we all can use a break these days.. Even if it is for only a few minutes.