Everlasting Bagstopper

I know that I finished the Bagstopper ages ago, but I know that it's been received and put to work. So, without further ado, and since there has been a distinct lack of knitting in this house this week, I bring you my Bagstopper (1 skein of Louet Euroflax Sport in French Blue). -B

Knitting Updates

Well, there has been knitting around here at the house when I can grab time. I'm about half way through the My So Called Scarf. Below is a picture. This is definitely a pattern that I will knit more than once. I love the design and the look and have some other yarns in the stash that would suit it.

I've also been making some progress with the Minimalist Cardigan. I'm working on the back first (as pictured above). I love the Mission Falls yarn's color and feel and found that using a row counter has helped a great deal since I don't get to knit on it as much as I would like. Hopefully, once work lets up after this week, I can get some good time in with this. -B

Why I'm Buying Handmade this Holiday Season

The main reason why I am buying handmade this holiday season is to help promote artists and artisans who are independent and selling what comes from their hearts and minds. The second reason is to take a break from the big box stores and encourage originality. The third is the mall. The mall on a Saturday scares me, and that tends to be why I shop on random weeknights if I have to go. But, we have DH's 10th high school reunion tonight and I needed a new pair of "slimming" underwear and a new lip gloss from Bare Escentuals at Sephora. I somehow got in and out in 30 minutes and was relatively unscathed. However, I could not get over how busy it was. I have never been a Black Friday shopper (except for when I ordered handmade Hanukkah cards from etsy.com yesterday), so I was blown away by the crowds today. Well, I better get back to coordinating our holiday card list so that I can start getting a few done each night over the next two weeks. Best of luck to all of you braving the malls!

-B

Ravens and a Blogiversry

Well, it's tough to believe that a year has already flown by, but on Tuesday, it was our one year blogiversary. Yay!! It's been a great venture and we are truly enjoying the blogosphere. My only knitting update this week was that I had to restart my Minimalist Cardigan because something was off. It's ok, as I was not too far in at the time of frogging. But, I have worn the Chevron Scarf to work and there has been much oohing and awwing. So, that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Very proud of myself for that one!

On the 5th, I took part in the Ravens frenzy over on Blue Moon Fiber Arts, and below is my take. Gorgeous, is all that I can say. I cannot wait for the accompanying book in January. Now that I've spent my free day this month on this purchase, I am making a mental note. Must bust stash!

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted in Grawk (I have two! I feel a Wicked sweater coming.)

The rest of these are all STR Mediumweight: (If you click on them, you can really, really see the colors!)

Valkyrie

Raven

Corvid

Korppi

Tlingit

Fire on the Mountain (not a Raven, but I couldn't help myself)

Farmhouse (same as above; I have no willpower)

-B

Minimalist Cardigan and Stashalong

Well, I have to say, I went a bit fiber crazy in the last month. Between the trip to Rhinebeck, subscribing to Brooklyn Handspun's Holiday Sock Club, a Sundara purchase, and signing up for the Rockin' Sock Club, I have an abundance of yarn. I also bought enough Mission Falls 1824 Superwash Wool to start the Minimalist Cardigan. This is my first sweater attempt. I am boldly going where S and E have gone before. I am starting with the back and love the ease and the look of the moss stitch design. This one will definitely be worn a great deal! I also re-upped for Stashalong. I am taking the monthly option this year as the checklist one was too stressful. It does mean that I do get a free day each month if I choose to use it. I think it will be used this month either for the Ravens update on BMFA or Sundara's last update before her prices go up. Tough decision this Monday and Tuesday. I'll have to see if the other colorways are as awesome as Lenore. Stay tuned to see what the buy will be!

-B