YOP Week #34

Although this was a busy week for me, I seemed to make progress on my handwork.  Most probably that is because it keeps me grounded along with prayer.  I was able to finish the leg on sock #1 of Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder (a free pattern on Ravelry). 

 Did you notice the mistake design modification right beneath the end of the cuff?  Although I have had lots of troubles with this sock (all my own fault except maybe a little bit the yarn) I have learned much!  That little raised area beneath the cuff is what results from either reversing the pattern or staying true to it but executing it on the inside of the sock instead of the outside.  Not sure where my head has been.....no comments, please! LOL!  But I have realized that somehow I can turn magic tricks with my sock knitting and things get turned inside out and needles get turned around with the lead yarn in the back and then the front.....I think there might be some leprechaun involvement here too.  They start practicing their shenanigans so they will be ready for the big day!  St. Patrick's Day is less than a month away!  Anyway, I let it go and decided that I would replicate it on the 2nd sock........

and I did!  So now it truly IS a design 'feature'.....you heard it here first folks!  What surprises me is that the picture on the pattern is a shorter version of the leg as when you do 72 rounds (18 repeats of the 4 round pattern) it is quite a lengthy leg or maybe it just seemed that way. 

I did get the 3rd leg of the giraffe done but still need to do the foot/hoof and 1 more leg!  I hope I have enough yellow yarn....we shall see!  That is all I have left of the yellow.

Not much done on the 2nd of 5 blocks for the Frida basket but it's a start and sometimes that is all you need to move ahead..........

 This is actually called Frida's Flowers Project Bag and it is a free pattern I got on Crafternoon's website.  I need to update my Ravelry page too!  So sorry for those who wanted to know.  Here is the link to the tutorial
As for stash enhancement....no yarn but a couple of patterns...like I need more! LOL!  But I actually totally missed Valentine's Day although I will still probably send something....the grands are getting used to their wacky grandmother and the fact that I persist in celebrating Christmas every day...at least the meaning of it although I may be taking it farther as I still have some decorations floating around here....I have an issue with 'letting go'......lol!  I printed off this free pattern from Susan B. Anderson....so cute!  Little knitted and felted wool hearts but I need the wool in all those colors too!  Oh yeah...any excuse to buy fiber and Susan has her own yarn company now.....Barrett Wool Co. and I'm pretty sure I need to try some.....

Then she came out with another pattern which would be perfect to slip into Easter baskets or little pockets or a project bag just for inspiration...........these little itsy bitsy sheep!  Darling!  This is a 'pay for' pattern but it is on sale (last day is today, I think) for $5.00 and it includes 7, I kid you not, 7 videos showing every step of making them by Susan herself.....for $5.00.....what a deal!  I couldn't resist even at the regular price of $7.00 it's a bargain!  Her classes are way more than that!

As for pod casts and other tidbits relating to the fiber and crafty universe........I found a wonderful podcast from a gal on Guernsey Island (did you read that wonderful historical fiction book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society?  Same place......)  and she explores all kinds of crafts and handwork and she is awesome!  Her voice, her projects, her descriptions (it is an audio podcast) and her show notes and pictures are wonderful and so inspiring......here is the link....I Make
Her name is Martine Ellis and she can be found on Ravelry under I Make.....such a great gal and such a great podcast.  I was getting a little bit tired of all the knitting pod casts...don't get me wrong, I love them but I, like other "craftsy" people do not just knit....I have a zillion other interests and evidently Martine felt the same way.....she found a niche that was not being served and hopefully there will be more people that will start doing pod casts for all kinds of miscellaneous crafts and handwork.  Thank you, Martine....so happy I found you!
I also found through S.B.A. ...........Spin Cycle Yarns
Their yarn looks like hand spun!  They are out  of Portland, Oregon and although pricey to me... $32.00 a skein...they have 2nds!  Yes, for like half the price and they don't sound bad at all....I may give their 2nds a try but if you can afford it their yarns are absolutely beautiful.  Sometimes I think it would be worth starting a video podcast just for all the free stuff they get! LOL!
Well, I have droned on for long enough and I am sure you are yawning by now.....I apologize but I had so much to share!
Have a wonderful crafty, happy and homemade week!
Happy Trails!