Well, it's 2021 and the pandemic is far from over. We now have vaccines available but currently, its for everyone except kids under 12. It was predicted that the vaccine would be the savior where it would end the pandemic but sadly, that has not been the case as the pandemic continues to rage on. So, for now, life for us will be the same as it was in 2020. Which means ... 2021 pandemic purchases! πππ ππ
Here's my 2021 (Pandemic) Purchases:
In January, I just had to purchase some Political Yarn. And, I finally gave in and bought a bookstand on Etsy:
It's a Camino Folding & "Transforming" Multi-Purpose Stand that's metal and plastic. I love how it folds small and flat when I'm not using it (which hasn't been the case since I purchased it π)
Up-date Review: This book stand has not worked out as I hoped. Unfortunately, because of the way it "stands", if the book is too heavy (or maybe because it's not being used on a hard surface), the stand tips over. However, it's been repurposed as a music stand. So, it's not a complete loss. π
In February, I was having some slight shopping withdrawals so, I picked up:
- A set of super cute set of tins on Etsy:
It was time to upgrade some of my standard mini Altoid tins to something cuter. ππ These tins are absolutely adorable and (surprisingly) matches my knitting bags! πππ. It's slightly smaller (less wide) than my old mini Altoids tins but also slightly higher than it as well. Overall, I feel like it holds more than the Altoids tin since it's deeper.
- Then I found this which I absolutely had to buy to add it to my Knit Picks set that I am planning to send to my little cousin who learned how to knit last year (it'll be her birthday gift!π) It was so exciting to see glow-in-the-dark stitch markers so, I asked the owner if she made any other glow-in-the-dark stitch markers ; I ended up also purchasing this πππ π:
Review: while the markers are really cool in which they glow-in-the-dark, I found that if I kept it in a closed container, there's some really strong funky chemical like smell that came from the markers where it took at least a few weeks to clear the smell from the container itself. π³π€ I think it was due to the type of material that was used to make the stitch markers and the chemical used to make it glow in the dark. As for the markers itself, it's actually a bit too chunky to use. If it was on really chunky yarn, it definitely wouldn't get lost in the yarn and would most likely be great markers; but on DK/sport weight yarn, it was too cumbersome to use. ππ€¦ I would definitely make sure to pay more attention next time to make sure the dimensions of the stitch markers aren't so chunky.π€¦π€·
- I also found a sale for more cables (from my favorite Chiaogoo seller) (a girl can't have too many cables!ππ):
- While I was on that site, I noticed that they also sold sock rulers. As you may recall, a few years ago, I contemplated about getting something like this; at that time, while it was super cool, I realized that it would be rare for me to make socks for someone other than my hubby. However, since then, I have attempted to make socks for other family members (and struggled with it). And, now, I wanted to make a (surprise) pair of socks for my sissy-in-law with the political yarn that I had purchased last month. I found a sock pattern that would (in theory) fit her feet. However, I worried that her socks would either be too big or small for her. So, I caved in and purchased this from Katrinkles:
And, while I was on her site, I also caved and (finally) purchased this:
I purchased the adult size (with knee sock extenders). What convinced me to get the Katrinkles sock ruler instead of some other version was this youtube video I had seen on how to use these sock blockers and how you could use it in conjunction with the Katrinkle sock ruler. It had made sense to me and plus, it gave me hope that I could make "regular" socks for others if I had some template to follow without having to go through trying how to figure out how to measure feet from afar. I've used it on a pair of socks for my SIL and it has worked out well. I think even with time, I may be able to figure out how to work this to making tabi-toes for others as well.
- Then, because I bought more stitch markers, I simply "needed" another stitch marker box so, I also got this:
Isn't it soooooo cute?! I couldn't help myself and it matches my container that I bought last year!π€£ππ Now, there's a-lot more room for more stitch markers! πππ
In March, I bought:
- As you may have figured out, I'm on an elusive hunt for a way to store all of my needles in such a way where they (and all of its accessories, cables and all) could be contained all together. (I know, I know ... What about that needle storage binder you got last year?! As I noted, when I managed to cram all my stuff in there, it was just too tight and I nearly burst that sucker open one day (where the zipper nearly broke! π³). So, that meant the hunt was on again.π) Then, one day while browsing through Etsy, I found a vendor who had the same idea that I had. Unfortunately after quite a few conversations, we discovered that she couldn't help me with my needle storage needs (it was more complex than what she was up to at this juncture and the bag that started it all wasn't going to actually fit all of my stuff). However, I did end up getting a custom swift holder and this cute little pouch from her:
This was actually a lot wider than I had expected so there's really a lot of room in this back for virtually another swift. Overall, it fits my swift and in the space that I need it to live in.
This pouch was exactly what I was hoping for. It fits my tape measure, my darning needle holder, my needle threader and a pair of small scissors and fits perfectly in my knitting bin. π Plus, I love how it opens up into a mini tray! ππ
- I have been trolling Twice Sheared Sheep ever since I saw this intriguing row counter last year. Then I found that it was on sale!π So, I picked up a set of different sized row counters (2 in the hedgehog & 2 in the sheep) & two (2) sets of cool stitch markers
I'm actually using 3 of my row counters (in the Small, Medium and Large) on a project I'm working on and have found it useful and helpful (although I'm also using my Shirka counter as well with this same project). I actually tried all the row counters and found that size makes a difference - bigger is not always better. The current project that I'm working on is using US 6 (4.0mm) needles and the XL row counter was just too big and became too fiddly to use. While the Small row counter "fits" on my needles, it's very tight transfer it from needle to needle (unlike the Medium or Large row counters). I also found it very interesting that the markers on the row counters (it's a melody clip marker) were all the same size (it seems like it's either a Small Melody marker or perhaps even an XS Melody marker); I thought that the marker size would match the row counter size. It's actually a little too small so, I have found it difficult to use and can see how it could be easily lost if one was not paying attention.
The Melody clips were actually quite thin and somewhat flimsy; the gauge of the wire used was thin for the size of the clip. I was able to easily bend one out of shape accidentally as I was trying to clip all the clips together. I had presumed that the larger the clip, the firmer (aka thicker the wire gauge) it would be; unfortunately, that's not the case. π€·π³ Fortunately, as stitch markers, while they are a bit large (so size does matter) but they work just fine. ππ
- A set of sparrow snaps for my knitting bag that I cobbled together for my new sock blockers and ruler that I purchased earlier:
Isn't it so cute? π
- A set of sock patterns from Mina Phillips called Around The World in 8 Socks. She created a heel called a Mini Heel Flap and as part of this collection, that heel was in it. Not only am I hoping that learning how to knit her socks will help stretch my skills but, I was thinking that learning how to do that mini heel flap would help make my socks more comfortable.π€
- This sweater pattern: Revival. It uses the contiguous method invented in 2011 by Australian knitter Susie Myers which I was curious about. (Plus, the pattern was on sale so, it was a steal!) π π
- Then at the end of the month, this came back in stock and I just couldn't wait to get them:
In April, I bought:It's called a flexible Floops Flox by Floops Stitch Markers and the colourway I actually bought is called Debry. The "needles" are a size US0-1 needle. As soon as I got them, I had a sock project ready to test it out. Surprisingly, it worked very well (I was a little skeptical about the needle size much less the length of the holder (it was exceptionally small!)); however, it works just as described and holds a lot more stitches than it appears that it could (you'd just need to squish in the stitches a little bit). I can see why it's very popular and am now wondering if I should get another set (so I can work on 2 socks at once!ππ Here's what they look like in "action" and exactly how small it is:
- Much needed yarn to finish up a sweater I was working on. I went hog wild and bought out this person's stock of yarn on Etsy:
I got three (3) balls of 180 yds/ball so, that should be more than enough (and then some) to finish off my sweater.π€
- A pair of knitting needle tamers that I found on Etsy:
I expected that it would be very handy to use and will definitely help to make me look less like a unabomber when I'm ready to travel again (I used to use a set of aluminum needle holders and I have been stopped at the airport before because I forgot to take off my needles off my project (and taken it out my project off the tubes); and, yes, it DOES look like it could be a bomb (I've actually seen the x-ray of it)).π ππ However, when I actually received it, it was very small. It fits my Chaiogoo 3" needles just fine but my 4" needles sticks out a lot. I did find that it fits my Denise needles better so, I might just use it for that set.
- I was inspired by a fellow sock knitter that I have been following on Instagram (she's on a year of toes and heels) and she recommended this book. I've seen it before and have even borrowed it previously. However, this time around when I looked it over again (I re-borrowed it from my local library since it was finally safe to borrow books from our library again), I was able to get more out of it (and even used one of the toe patterns on a sock I was making!π ππ). It was time for it to be part of my knitting library. I bought it directly from the publisher because I wanted both a hard copy of the book (it's a softcover) and a pdf version of it.
- While I know this isn't knitting related, I just couldn't resist: another fabric basket with a mushroom print:
Isn't this basket so cute?!π I just couldn't help myself. πππ
- A pair of Footsyzz from Burning Impressions (one for Hubs and one for me). I actually found this site from another youtube video I was watching as I was trying to determine if I really wanted to get a sock ruler or not. The person was going through all the sock accessories she used and said that this company actually made a wood version of the cardboard cutout as mentioned in my Fish Lips Kiss Heel instructions and I was like: W-H-A-T????!!!!! π³ Genius! π π ππ I need one of those! ππ No more me guessing or wondering if the pair of socks I'm knitting fits, especially if I can't travel with my live foot model (or use my own foot since may already have a pair of socks on!). I made a cardboard cutout of both Hubs and my feet, did a test run and voila! These babies were ordered! ππ π
- Like last month, at the end of the month, this came back in stock (again) and I just had to get another pair of Floops Flox since it worked so well:
This time in Shades of Pink! Isn't it so pretty! ππ
Now, I have enough to do a whole pair of socks!ππππ π π
In May, I bought:
- Another pair of Knitter's Pride Knit Blockers (I finally figured out how to use my rainbow ones properly and as I started to block out one of my sweater projects, I realized I needed another set of blockers. π€¦ I guess it's true, you can never have too many/enough blocking pins!π€¦) Instead of buying the "regular" Knit Blockers, I wanted to get the Jimmy Bean's Knocker Blockers. ππ Not only are they adorable but they also go to a good cause (breast cancer). π π
And while on the site, I also found this:
It's called an EZ PZ Gauge Ruler by Crazy Cat Designs. It's basically a magnify glass with a gauge ruler embossed over it. These old eyes of mine need all the help I can get! ππ
- A bag for my large yarn butler: The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival went virtual again this year and I had come across Stitch Ups. I had originally seen them when I had first attended the show (physically) and found their bags interesting but not quite enough to actually purchase a bag ... until now. As you recall, last year, I had purchased a large wooden yarn butler and I love it!π I love it so much that I never put it away (well, it helps that I always have a project (sometimes 2!) on it!ππ). However, because I don't put it away, I find that it gets dusty. So, I was on the hunt to find something that I could keep my yarn butler in but still have it "out" to use. I had envisioned some kind of ... bag (of course). May be a triangular bag (so that it would be just big enough to hold the base and to accommodate the tip) ... low and below, Stitch Ups makes a triangular bag that's literally just wide enough and tall enough to hold my massive yarn butler! But, it didn't have pockets! π And, ideally, this "perfect" yarn butler bag would have pockets so that it could hold my other Chiaogoo yarn butler (& maybe 1 other yarn butler that I might get one day). So, I contacted Stitch Ups via their website (twice) but, they didn't respond.π So, I tried again via Facebook where I was finally able to contact them and inquire to see if they would make me a custom bag. After quite a few conversations, we finally agreed to this:
And here's what looks like in it's intended state:
And here's how I intend on using it (yes, your eyes are not deceiving you - there's a sock project and another yarn project on my yarn butler!)
I found that having both my ginormous yarn bulter and the Chiaogoo yarn bulter in there was simply too tight. But, it fits my gianormous yarn butlter and my new Chetnanigan's yarn bulter fits perfectly. πππ
- More yarn! ππ I couldn't help it and it was on sale for nearly $1.00 a skein with enough colours for me to make lots of fun small things for our little one to play with. ππ
It's from Knit Picks, Brava Mini Packs in Rainbow (in 24 colours @ 25 grams per skein).
- A furoshiki bag strap called Miyako from Maker's Mercantile:
I know, I know; this isn't knitting related but, it could be because I could use this as a knitting bag!πππ
- Again, this came back in stock and I decided that I needed a set for my sock knitting bag now ππ
I was able to customize literally everything single thing on this bag: from picking out the fabrics (I went with a batik theme), zipper colours, and fabric placement. I LOVE how it came out! π₯°π It has a two-way zipper to open the bag; a total of 9 pockets (5 open, 4 zippered) & even opens up so that the "pocket" in the front is a tray! I can fit everything that lived in my giant fabric tray and STILL have room for more things! π±πππ₯°ππ. This bag is amazing! ππ₯³π₯°ππ
- And lastly, as you know, I'm still on the "hunt" for that "perfect" knitting needle bag. While trolling through Etsy, I discovered Molly from Five To Six Handmade. She just had the cutest bags (her material is soooooooo pretty and cute!) and one of her bags was nearly something I was looking for! So, I decided to contact her to see if she would be game to help create my "dream" bag. Much to my luck, she was really excited to go on my adventure with me! π π π Not only did she create my dream knitting needle bag to hold all of my needles, she also created a cable organizer for me (similar to the system I'm using now (but way better) and even a spare needle sleeve for my "spare" 5" needle tips!
Review: I love my new storage system! πππππ It holds EVERYTHING (yes, I mean everything - even my sock needle bag AND my stitch holder bag plus room to spare). πππ₯³π The two (2) layer of pockets in the main bag is perfect to holding my 4" Twist and Spin Needles and the outside pocket is perfect in holding my spare 5" sock needle set as well as my 3" needle sets. I think the only thing I would change on it is to have a plastic zipper instead of a metal one as I noticed that if I really packed it in with another bag, the metal teeth ate into my other bag - the zipper eating into my other bags is not earth shattering nor does it diminish the quality and functionality of the bag (& how much I enjoy using it), I just need to pay attention to how I store my bag in my knitting box (well, I might not even need to pay that much attention to my knitting box if it wasn't stuffed to the brim!π±π). The cable bag is nice and roomy; the only draw back on that is that instead of having every other envelope slide open in the opposite way as I had discussed with Molly, it's every four (4) envelops that slide every other way - this is also not earth shattering nor does it compromise the basic functionality of the bag; the most important thing about this "bag" is that 1) there's more than enough room for all my cables to fit and each cable length has it's own "home" so, I'm not guessing if this was a 14" cable or a 22" cable. Lastly, the spare needle holder does it's job. I think if I were to do that specific one over again, I would've asked for a flap for that one to hold the needles in; you have to put that sleeve upright otherwise the needles will fall out - this is also not earth shattering; one just needs to pay attention to how it goes into the bag. Overall, I really do love my new system! πππππ₯³π What I'm most happiest about it is: 1) I can finally put my entire Chiaogoo sets of needles in one (1) place, 2) it's easy to get to my cables now and they're not crammed into tiny envelops so they're wound up really tight, and 3) the prints I was able to choose are really lovely - it makes me smile to see and use it. ππ
In June I brought:
- A Fabric Care stamp set! πππ Back in the day, my yarn buddy also picked up a funny set of knitting gift tags - funny ones that said: Yes, I knitted this and Yes, you better like it (or at least pretend to like it). On the back of those tags were fabric care labels to help the recipient know how to care for their knitted garment(s). Well, I was finally running low on the tags and was trying to figure out what I should do as I did find them useful. I looked around Etsy (yes, Etsy has definitely been a fun and favorite place for me to shop these last 2 years!πππ) and looked at various options like: various garment label tags (leather, material and physical paper cards) to actual knitting gift tags/care cards. Unfortunately, nothing clicked. There were somethings that were almost perfect but nothing that was actually perfect. So, while looking at the fabric garment label tags, I even went onto VistaPrint and contemplated about making my own business card/notepad with everything I needed. However, I wasn't sure if I was ready to commit to 50 sheets (or 100 business cards) of the exact same thing.π³π€¦ Then, I found fabric care stamps! ππππ However, many of the stamps came from out of the country (so some of them wouldn't even ship here) and they tended to be more of the old school stamps (rubber stamps on a wooden mount) which was ... ok but ... it just wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Eventually, I found this! This stamp was exactly what I was looking for: a clear cling stamp! After a few questions and clarifications, I ended up getting several stamps instead of one large stamp. I'm sure you're asking: Why?! Wouldn't it be easier if it was all on 1 big stamp? Because it was a clear cling stamp, it made sense to break up all the little icons I really wanted into individual stamps rather than trying to make it all fit on 1 gigantic stamp (it would've been too big and unwieldily and I would need to have a "tag" or notepaper big enough to put the whole thing onto it). So, by breaking it up, it affords me the flexibility to actually put the actual icons I needed for that specific garment instead of listing everything and the moon on it. And, here's what my stamps look like stamped (sorry, not the cleanest/clearest of stamps but it was just to test it out and I didn't have a stamp block yet):
Now, the hunt was on to find an acrylic stamp blocker!πππ On that note, since I didn't really know much about clear cling stamps, I decided to YouTube a couple of videos about it: How to care for it; How to use it; How to store it, etc. I learned a lot from these YouTube videos and was glad that I actually didn't buy an acrylic block for it before I received the stamps so I could work out how I really wanted to use it. At first, I was contemplating on getting a large 15cm x 10cm (6"x4") acrylic with grid block (I definitely want a "wavy" gridded block as the "waviness" makes it easier to hold the block). As I watched the videos, it occurred to me that I might want a smaller block. I took out my little stamps I had left (I had purged a whole bunch of them awhile ago) and I realized that I would most likely need a 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm (3"x3") block as that seemed to be a very good size that 1) fits in my hand well and 2) also fits the largest of my stamp pieces (in addition to giving me enough room to put multiple smaller stamps onto it). In the end, I ended up getting this on Etsy as it seemed like the best of both worlds:
Hopefully, it'll be able to work with all my stamps!π€
- Another Welly container to hold my acrylic blocks (well, that's what I tell myself, anyways ππ):
- More Floops Flox!ππ Oddly, they flooded their store with so many new options!
I just had to pick up another two (2) sets!
Aren't the colours so pretty?π
- More snap buttons (from Etsy, of course! π). I had asked my mother to make me some fabric trays & much to my amazement, she agreed to do so (she's a trained fashion designer but doesn't care to sew (see where I get that from? ππ)). So, when I asked her to make me the fabric trays, I told her I would put the buttons on myself (which maybe the only reason why she agreed to make me an assortment of fabric trays!π)
In July, I bought:
- There was a sale from my favorite Chiaogoo seller, so I decided to get another set of 3" shorties in US 0 and 4-8 & more cables (a girl can't have too many cables!ππ):
- Malabrigo Rios yarn in Indiecita to make a short skull cap for hubs (from Lovecrafts.com)
- While not knitting related, I've been wanting to try weaving for a while so, Flax & Twine had a sale on some of their weaving materials so, I bought this:
I actually will probably try to figure out how to put removable handles in it since I was inspired by this:
- Then Lovecrafts.com had a really, really good deal so, I bought more yarn!
- I finally bought my dream chocolate colour yarn for a (future) dream chocolate sweater (colourway: 624 Coco):
- 9 other colourways in: 1369 Pocion, 120 Lotus, 866 Arco Iris, 684 Camaleon, 870 Candombe, 886 Diana, 850 Archangel, 618 Liquidambar, & 005 Aniversario to make this amazing Hexagon blanket for myself
In August, I bought:
- A "real" ball winder. I finally broke down and bought this bad boy from Fiber Artist Supply Company, LLC:
I had read many reviews in which everyone raved about it where it "convinced" me that it was worth the slurge. (And in reality, I was finally ready for something like this, particularly since I bought so much yarn (last month) that needed to be winded into cakes (which I've been dreading hand winding all that yarn by hand))! ππ
REVIEW: OMG - this ball winder is everything it says it is and more!π₯°ππππ₯³ It's truly amazing and so quite! It's really easy to put together and really makes winding yarn super quick to do. I think the thing that takes the longest is to take out all the little strings that keep the skein together! I was able to wind nine (9!) skeins into cakes in less than an hour and I spent most of that time taking out all the little strings, not actually winding them into cakes! This was well worth the investment, just like all the reviews said.
- Another yarn butler as this one was unique in which I could have my yarn in either a horizontal or vertical position:
While I really do like and enjoy my super large yarn butler, I think having something like this would allow me more flexibility, especially when I'm using both the inside and outside of my yarn (in theory, I could pull the yarn in one direction for one side and in the other direction for the other side).
REVIEW: It's been a learning curve using this yarn butler. I found that packing three (3) cakes of yarn onto it doesn't allow enough "give", having two (2) cakes on it sometimes allows the yarn to tangle itself on the stem. I haven't determined yet if it's due to: the cakes not being as well wound as they should be, if this is truly the nature of this yarn butler, or if it's just user error. Plus, that really wasn't the reason why I decided to purchase this yarn butler - as you recall, it was so that I could pull yarn from the center in one direction and from the outside in the other direction (really for making socks) and I actually haven't tried using yarn like this yet. More to come ...
- A sweater pattern called; Ellen. It's a lovely 3/4 sleeve pendulum sweater pattern and it was on sale (so, I just couldn't resist!π), ππππ
In September, I bought:
- A 16" x 20" whiteboard to "hold up" my paper charts from Target:
It was just too hard to have my paper charts to be propped up on my book so, I though that if I had a magnetic board, it would help. I had tried to use this with my initial bookstand but, with my paperback book and the whiteboard, it just tumbled over.π³π±
- So, I also bought another bookstand, this time from Modern Daily Knitting (I had to actually email them about it because it's not on their standard website (hence no link as usual)):
I actually have the "ivory" coloured one as shown above and it has three (3) "heights" and folds flat:
They didn't have any of the other colours they used to carry so, I had to go with the one they had left. I'm hoping that this book stand is sturdier, particularly since it has a base to hold up not only my books but my whiteboard too! π€π€π€
UP-DATE: REVIEW: I received my new bookstand and ... it works perfectly!π₯³ππ It holds my whiteboard very well and there's space for my book and my notebook (if I wanted (due to the length of my whiteboard) to be supported! π₯³ππ The little black book supports on the front is perfect to hold my book or notebook open and is very adjustable so I can make it as tight or loose as I want. I think I have found my solution!! π₯³ππ
In October, I bought:
- Faux Suede Hand made/wash tags from Etsy (of course)! πππ
I was thinking about all the sweaters that I made from non-superwash yarn and thought: Hmmmm ... if I was really sick or lent it out to someone (aka my mother), how would someone know how to not ruin my sweaters, scarf, hats and mitts as not all of them are machine washable (I try to use superwash as much as I can but some gifted yarns simply were not superwash so ... π³π€·π€¦). So, I decided to break down and make sure that I label all of my handwash items - just in case. I don't have too many handwash items (thankfully) and I plan to keep it that way as much as possible so, hopefully I won't be using up these ten (10) tags up too quickly. ππ€
- And, while I didn't buy this, I was gifted it as a tester by Leslie Wind:
I had run into a sweater mishap and needed another (shorter) cable needle. I had been eyeing out her items for quite some time so, I had (finally) inquired about them. Upon hearing my woeful story (and seeing the mess I created for myself), she was kind enough to offer me some of her creations for me to test out (and fix) my sweater cable dilemma. π³π±π₯°π
- I also picked up a Wraps Per Inch tool from Twig & Horn:
I know, I know ... What are you going to use that for, you ask? While I'm not a spinner, I do combine my yarns together and I thought it was finally time that I actually knew that when I combined Yarn X & Y that it was really DK or Sport or Worseted weight yarn. No longer am I simply guessing (or presuming!) that I was really getting X weight yarn. And while I was there, I also picked up this:
I couldn't help myself ... It was so cool and cute I just had to buy it! ππ₯°π
- More stitch markers!ππ₯°π I had seen how Katrinkles had these erasable tags, but ... I just couldn't see how I'd practically use them. Then as I was perusing through Etsy (of course!), I saw these from Walnut Farm Designs:
I could see how these littler tags could be more useful to me, especially since I have a project languishing on the side (and older eyes now which can't read the label on my knitting needle as well)! π³π± So, I bought one (1) of each size - just to "test" it out.π
UP-DATE: REVIEW: the smallest size (0.5") is really, really tiny - just enough to write no more than two (2) digits on it (unless you have very good (& tiny) handwriting); the medium size is much bigger and easier to write on; and the largest size is really the one I would recommend most because it's overall just easier to write on and allows you to write larger (especially if you don't write very small to begin with) and have more text if needed. Also, I found that you literally need to use a fine point Sharpie pen; the regular (fat) tip doesn't write well on it at all and vodka also takes off the ink (should you not have any rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover available).
- Katrinkles had an "oops" in which she actually made an acrylic sock ruler which was initially what I really wanted when I had bought her "signature" sock ruler. So, I just had to get it!
UP-DATE: I L-O-V-E this ruler!! It's so much easier to use since it's clear and see-through! π₯°π Now, I'm contemplating if I should splurge on the acrylic sock blockers ... π€
Cute 10 count stitch markers (set of 6):And, while I was looking at the sock ruler, I also decided that I would also take the plunge and purchase these items as well:
UP-DATE: REVIEW for the Write-on & off markers: The cat-tags are really cute (although a little large for what I'm using it for) and overall, I like the Katrinkle tags are better than the ones I bought on Etsy for 2 reasons: 1) they are better "shaped" (for the size, it's easier to write on and there's overall more "space") and thinner (aka, not as bulky) and 2) you can use either a fine tip or a "regular" Sharpie pen on it.
- And, more stitch markers (from Etsy, of course)! ππ₯°π I had been conversing with Victoria from A Modern Homestead when I had seen this and asked her if she'd be willing to turn her letterboard art into stitch markers. Fortunately for me, she thought that was a cute idea and created a special set for me!
In November, I bought:
- A crochet pattern and book! I had found this person on Instagram which led me down this rabbit hole to her Etsy site, which then led me to discover she had a book! (where I was able to borrow from my local library so I could review and determine if I really wanted it - which (obviously) I did!). As I was reviewing the book (and trying out a pattern), I got stuck trying to figure something out so, I thought it would help to buy one of her (more detailed digital) patterns in hopes it would "shed more light" for me, particularly since I'm not much of a crochetier.
- Crochet hooks! I couldn't help myself ... it was such a good "Black Friday" deal that I had to try the Rolls Royce of Crochet hooks!
And you should see how they arrived:
UP-DATE: REVIEW: I have only tried using the Streamline Resin CafΓ© hook so far and ... I can now understand what the hype was all about for these hooks. π₯°π It feels good in your hand (it "fits" perfectly); for a resin (plastic) hook, it doesn't feel plasticky and doesn't grip the yarn like you'd think it would, and most surprisingly, it feels very light. Out of all of the hooks, the Odyssey feels the heaviest; even the wooden hooks feel (surprisingly) very light. The lightest feeling one is the Candy Shop (it's flashiness in colour really does bring a little smile (& joy) to your collection!). Additionally, the Candy Shop hook is the only one that do not have their size imprinted on the hook (I'm presuming that Furls doesn't feel like they need to imprint the size on this collection because the entire collection is color coded and that they're presuming once they get you to "try" one, you'll want to collect 'em all.π³π±π€). Lastly, I can see why each hook is at their particular price point: The Streamline hooks are the "cheapest" of their brand and to a certain degree, their "plainest" hooks; the Odyssey is their "middle of the road" hooks but, due to the weight of them, is currently not a hook I would not recommend; and lastly, the Candy Shop and Alpha Series is their top of the line hooks and rightly so. They're light, exquisitely made (and shaped) and come in packaging that befits their pricing!
After using my initial Write-On & Off tags from Katrinkles where I found that I liked using them more than the ones I had bought from Etsy, I wanted another set. It also allowed me a chance to try their skein tags as well (which is smaller than the Cat head tags).
- A sweater pattern called; TrΓΆjan Barbros stjΓ€rnor. It's a lovely yoke sweater pattern with a star design (plus, it was on sale so, I just couldn't resist!π), ππππ
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