Stephen West strikes again.
I’m not sure if there is anything about this pattern that I don’t like. Manos Maxima is like a nicer, more vibrant version of Malabrigo Worsted; soft, squishy, warm, and with great stitch definition. I personally like Maxima more. I feel like Maxima has a better selection of colors and the colors themselves are better dyed and don’t bleed.
5. This beautiful cowl/scarf hybrid from Quince & Co.
Greta
Scarves are such a bore to knit, but I absolutely love this.
4. Another cowl, this time crocheted!
Desert Marigold
This pattern is part of a new collection from Hill Country Weavers! I love it so much. That yellow is so my color.
3. A O-Sway Skirt in Blue Skies from Modcloth.
A O-Sway Skirt in Blue Skies
I love a classic A-line skirt but wow, are they hard to find in stores! Leave it to Modcloth to have exactly the right thing and have it be perfectly beautiful. This is sitting in my shopping bag!
2. BMO!
BMO iPhone Case
I’m due for a phone upgrade so I’m hesitant to buy new cases, but ummmmmm I need this.
1. Speaking of which…
ALGEBRAIC!
ADVENTURE TIME MONOPOLY IS A REAL THING AND I MUST HAVE IT
5. Sweater poncho. I want you.
Vimpel ponchogenser /Garland sweater poncho
I would never be able to wear this in Austin but I want to make this with every fibre of my being.
4. Julep’s Oxygen Nail treatment:
Oxygen Nail Treatment
This is my go-to inbetween manicures. It has a great, subtle pink hue and after 24 hours I can really feel the strength in my nails return, especially if I had to buff down splitty/chipped ends. Also, if you’re not a Julep Maven…why not?
3. I’m not sure there has ever been a thing as Me as this:
Spice, The Final Frontier
Oh ModCloth. You so get me.
2. Traditionally the 50th anniversary is celebrated with gold. But when you’re Doctor Who, you celebrate with chrome. More specifically, a chrome teapot.
50th Anniversary Chrome TARDIS Teapot
If this doesn’t make its way Stateside I am going to be so sangry (sad and angry).
1. Leave it to Purlbee to come up with the most adorable pillow EVER.
Bobble Sheep Pillow
Another thing to add to my never ending list of things to knit. It’s a long, long list.
The Ravelers of Rassilon, 2010
Okay folks, let the planning commence!
This year at Gallifrey One I am offering free, very quick/basic introductions to knitting and crochet. I hope to offer it 2-3 times over the course of the weekend, allowing folks an opportunity to attend depending on their schedules. This is a bit of an experiment, so I’m not sure how many people will show up (hopefully not too many all at once!) or who will be helping me teach (though I have gotten offers through Twitter…folks, comment here or message me with the contact form so I can get in touch!).
The first session is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 14th, at 6pm PST in the lobby of the LAX Marriott where the Gallifrey One convention is being held. Materials are NOT provided. You must supply your own yarn and needles/hook to learn. Sorry, but I think TSA would hold me captive if I tried to fly with a billion knitting needles and skeins of yarn. Think about it this way: the instruction is free! And any new skill does take a small investment…
Knit 101 (Image Credit: VOGUE)
Required materials to KNIT:
- a set of US10/6mm straight knitting needles, like these
- 90-100 yards of smooth/round or smooth/flat worsted weight (#4) cotton IN A SOLID COLOR, LIGHT COLOR. Recommendations: Classic Elite Katydid, Lion Brand Cotton-Ease, Berroco Comfort Worsted (not cotton, acrylic), Tahki Good Earth Cotton
- a copy of TNNA’s How to Knit pamphlet or Lion Brand’s Learn to Knit PDF, printed out or on a Tablet (Kindle/iPad/etc.)
Crochet 101 (Image Credit: VOGUE)
Required materials to CROCHET:
- one USJ/6mm crochet hook, like this
- 80-100 yards of chunky weight (#5) wool or wool blend IN A SOLID, LIGHT COLOR. Recommendations: Lamb’s Pride Bulky (my personal favorite learning yarn for crochet), Lion Brand Wool-Easy Chunky (a wool/acrylic blend), Berroco Vintage Chunky (a wool/acrylic/nylon blend). If you have a wool allergy, any of the above cottons under “Required Materials to Knit” will work okay.
- a copy of TNNA’s How to Crochet pamphlet or Lion Brand’s Learn to Crochet PDF, printed out or on a tablet (Kindle/iPad/etc.)
Recommendations/Tips:
- Find a local yarn shop in your area to help you pick out materials. I am a big advocate for shopping locally. If you do not have a yarn shop in your area, a Michaels or Joann Fabrics should suffice.
- Pick solid color, light colored yarn. Variegated and dark yarns can be very pretty, but can make looking for your stitches when you’re learning very hard. Especially in the lobby that does not always have the brightest lighting.
- Come prepared and try your best to be patient. Drink some tea and take a few deep breaths before we begin. Learning new skills can be frustrating sometimes, especially as we all get older.
Stay tuned for more times to learn, and be ready to dedicate approximately two hours to learning the basics of these crafts.
If you’re planning on attending, please comment below so I have an idea of how many people to expect!
Heart Arrow
Heart Arrow
Heart Arrows
Sometimes I just feel jealous that people are out there coming up with adorable, awesome stuff like this! I wish I was that clever. This would be a great wall decoration in a baby/kid room! And if you put some pipecleaners in there they’d be really great V-Day prezzies for friends!
