Birthday Weekend Hats

Pattern: Easy Chunky Beanie by PassioKnit Kelsie - Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Chunky in Ocean and Premier Yarns Spangle in Mardi Gras - Needle: US 11 (8 mm)

  I had heard that if you twist your purls then your 1x1 ribbing would be tighter and neater.  I tried it with a knitted cast on, but I got the weird gaps that happen when I try and twist my knits on the first row.  I then tried working one plain row and then start twisting, but the first row was still very loose.  I then tried a crochet cast on, but my knits were still loose looking, even when I stared twisting my purls from row one.  I then just went with my usual method of twisting one set of stitches on the second row; knit for a flat brim, and purl for folded brim.

Pattern: Side To Side Ribbed Hat by Sally L.M.  - Yarn: Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky Prints in Walden Pond - Hook: US L/11 (8 mm)

  I had enough fun making the first one that I grabbed a bunch of chunky yarn to bring with us for my birthday weekend at the cabin.  I got about one hat a day done.  It was nice because I got some of the yarn I don't use as much out of my stash during a time that I was having fun using it.

Pattern: Easy Chunky Beanie by PassioKnit Kelsie - Yarn: Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky Prints in Walden Pond - Needle: US 11 (8 mm)

  I went to go and order more tags for the hats I've been making.  It makes them look more professional and also is a bit of advertising for the blog.  I saw that IdahoTaylorMade listed some rainbow tags.  I got a few for the side to side rainbow hats I keep meaning to start making and to see how they looked in person.  They were better looking than I thought and my jaw actually dropped when I saw them.

Pattern: Side To Side Ribbed Hat by Sally L.M.  - Size: 6 sc top - Yarn: Loops & Threads Charisma in Black Raspberry - Hook: US L/11 (8 mm)

  I recently noticed that is pretty interesting.  When it comes to crochet hooks, I just go by the millimeter sizing.  However, when it comes to knitting needles, I use the US numbering system.  The US system is less exact in both instances, but yet I use it for one of them.  I'm contemplating switching to both for both craft items.

Pattern: Easy Chunky Beanie by PassioKnit Kelsie - Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Chunky in Ocean and Premier Yarns Spangle in Mardi Gras/Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour in Ruby Red - Needle: US 11 (8 mm)

  The standard Caron Simply Soft says it is a worsted weight, but is lighter than a lot who also claim to be that thickness.  The band for this says to use a US size 10, but I'm a tight knitter, so I went up a size.  When I started working with it, it definitely felt more like an actual worsted weight.  I hadn't brought anything else to work on, so I was glad I was able to get the sparkle yarn from the donation table and work them together.  It also reminds me of my favorite yarn combo I used on an octopus.  Ocean mixed with a sparkle just looks so nice.

Pattern: Easy Chunky Beanie by PassioKnit Kelsie - Yarn: Loops & Threads Charisma in Black Raspberry - Needle: US 11 (8 mm)

  I've been slowly going through the living room and clearing things back out again.  However, when I got some of the jewelry things out, I noticed something.  I cleared more out and set up a trail cam.  I got video of a mouse running along the wall and into the room.  I moved more things and found a small nest made with a wool yarn I forgot I had over there.  I set up a green mouse trap and have already caught one.  When I get one I usually drive them to a park that is quite a distance from my house.  I've tried moving the trail cam to see if I could figure out where they are coming in, but no luck so far.

Yearly Yarn Tracker:

Yarn In: 10 (0)
Yarn Out: 18 (6)

Total: -8