That awkward moment when you lose your mojo...

Okay, so it's been awhile since last I updated. A good long while.

I wish I could say I had a good excuse, but I don't. It's just that usual time of year where I go through a slump and want to do basically anything but touch my luscious yarn and needles.

I can feel it coming back, though, and I've been knitting on my Handbrake Cowl little by little each night. I'm hoping to finish it before hitting the beach this weekend, but if not, then I'll probably finish it on the car ride down (since I'd love to read, but reading while moving makes me puke).

Anyway, if you haven't checked out the Handbrake Cowl by Kay and Dan from the Bakery Bears Podcast, you absolutely must. It's easy (knitting and purling only), it's versatile (the pattern lends itself well to yarns you just want to show off), and it's only $1. NOT TO MENTION that all proceeds go toward cancer research.

If cancer has affected you or someone you know in any way (I know it's affected me), then parting with $1 isn't much to ask for a pattern you'll use over and over again. For you beginners out there, in-depth video instructions are also included AS WELL AS a special hidden episode of the Bakery Bears Podcast.

And if you're headed toward the beach like me, it's also perfect relaxation knitting :)

I'll be back after our trip with friends, probably with one or two yarn acquisition from the Rehoboth LYS I love to death. In the meantime, make sure to download a copy of the Handbrake Cowl and put the handbrake on cancer!

Finished: Crochet Baby Turbans

And just like that, another weekend has come to an end and I've attended another baby shower for a close friend of mine - a friend who's having TWINS! Hence the two hats in the photo :)

Knowing that I may or may not have an obsession with the fiber arts, my friend sent me some baby ideas as soon as we got word that (another set of) twins would be joining our crazy group. One of those ideas was a pattern for an adorable crochet baby turban. How could I turn that down?

I set to work once I had a date for the baby shower, whipping these bad boys (girls?) into shape after a couple days of crocheting on and off. They're fantastic, although I'm having a hard time adjusting to the "wrong side" being the "right side" for the entire crown. I know that only I - and maybe some other crocheters - will notice that, but I really hate the wrong side of crochet fabrics. In any case, they're still cute. I can't wait to see the wee ones wearing them, although they may swim in them for a couple months.

I've been knitting on a couple other projects, some of which I've already photographed and started writing about, and others that I just haven't had the energy to care for (ie: more headbands for Etsy orders). I think I need to take a break from the Etsy shop for a couple months, maybe pausing to pre-knit some things for the fall. I love everything I sell, but I'm bored to death of making the same headband over and over again when all I want to do is drool over the KnitCrates I've been getting every month. Such is the life of entrepreneurship, I suppose, but I'm going to lose my mind if I don't make something challenging soon!

Free Crochet Pattern: St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Applique

If you’re anything like my cats, the promise of spring is trying to lure you outside to bask in what little bits of sun make it through those snowy clouds. But then the harsh reality that our most hopeful season is three weeks away slaps you in the face with another bout of freezing weather.

Yes, before spring comes, we still have a few more depressing weather hurdles to overcome. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still find something to celebrate. For many of that, that celebration comes in the form of St. Patrick’s Day.

Whether or not you’re Irish, the sight of four leaf clovers is often the first sign of spring to come. And while we wait for the last of the technically-still-winter winter holidays to arrive, there’s no reason why we can’t start enjoying its sights early.

So here’s a cute little shamrock I whipped up using some yarn I purchased from Blitsy. It’s perfect for wearing on a cute jacket, or can be modified as a cute hair accessory (for kids or adults!)

Review: Tulip Etimo Crochet Hooks

My go-to tools for every project, Tulip Etimo crochet hooks are designed for the crafter who means business.

For years, I used the standard crochet hooks you can purchase in mass-market craft stores. I even pitched in some money to buy high-end hooks - usually made with bamboo - from local yarn shops. While these hooks were fine (and certainly got the job done), I often found myself struggling with joint and wrist pain - especially during the holidays when I’m furiously whipping out projects for friends, family, and my online shop.

Long story short: I knew if I wanted to take my craft seriously, I needed to make sure I didn’t get carpal tunnel. It was time to find a solution.

Enter the Tulip Etimo crochet hooks. Not only can you get them in various shades of pink, but they may have saved me from serious health complications.