[LIFE STUFF] I'm the New Knitability Editor!

I mean, that’s all there is to say, right? That I’m the new editor of Knitability and I died a happy panda. The end.

No, seriously, I about melted when Dan and Kay (of Bakery Bears fame) approached me to help with their regular publication.

For those of you who don’t know, Bakery Bears is a bi-weekly video podcast published on YouTube. With it comes the option to join Patreon for exclusive content like an audio podcast on the off weeks, an annual advent calendar, early access to patterns, and (of course) and subscription to their exclusive magazine, Knitability.

As a long-time patron, I’ve been reading Knitability since its inception, so I about passed out when I was invited to edit the content and design, as well as help manage and plan designer and maker interviews.

You can access every issue of Knitability at the $2/mo tier, which is more than generous in my not-so-humble opinion, especially considering the quality content (we’ve featured interviews with designers like Susan B. Anderson, Jenn Steingass, Joji Locatelli, just to name a few). The digital-only magazine also features patron content so our worldwide-but-niche community can get to know one another on a more personal level.

I know it sounds like I’m selling you on subscribing, and maybe I am because it’s truly an amazing publication, but mostly I’m excited to be involved and can’t stop talking about to anyone who will listen (and even those who won’t). If you’re interested in seeing what I’m doing in my free time now, make sure to subscribe! You can thank me later.

[FINISHED] Easter Wreath

And I have once again dabbled in a craft I have no business dabbling in.

A few weekends ago, I sat down with all my supplies from Amazon and put together this festive Easter migraine. Originally, I’d wanted to make one of those bunny butt wreaths that are popular right now, but the butts alone were nearly $50 and the wreaths themselves sell for $150+ on Etsy. So I improvised.

This time, I used a different technique where I rolled strips of four colors and scrunched them together using pipe cleaners (pro tip: pipe cleaners are so much easier than the zip ties I used on my first wreath).

It’s worth noting that you can get most of these supplies at the Dollar Store, but I’m incapable of thinking ahead that far and spent way more than I should have by going through Amazon. The only great thing about that is I discovered the deco mesh is available in packs of every holiday color coordination you can imagine, so you can bet your life that I’ll be making one of these for every holiday. Scott is thrilled that I’ve been discussing wreath storage for the basement.

Here’s the YouTube tutorial I used to make this monstrosity that doesn’t even fit between our main door and screen door. I ended up displaying it on my buffet that I’ve redecorated for spring, at least until I can find a better place to house it.

[FINISHED] Buffalo Plaid Ribbon Wreath

Please ignore the heinous raw color of our front door. We’ll be painting it a lovely colonial blue once Mother Nature stops snowing her feelings all over the Lehigh Valley.

Me: Woe betide the person who shares another Pinterest project that’ll make me spend more money on hobbies I don’t have time for

Also me: Oh look, wreaths!

Yes, that’s right. After more mindless scrolling of Pinterest and referencing YouTube videos, I made my first ribbon wreath.

Is it the most amazing or beautiful wreath anyone’s ever made? Absolutely not. But I have to admit I had a lot of fun making it to specifically match our soon-to-be-revamped front porch decor. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately spent like $50 on new supplies to make what I can only assume will be a decorative migraine of an Easter wreath - it’s going to be nuts.

More importantly, this wreath became a huge source of debate on my Facebook - to add or not add a bow? Opinions varied wildly, but ultimately I was convinced I needed to add something, which is where the pink flowers came in. I thought incorporating an organic flare would contrast nicely with the burlap and super stark plaid, but I didn’t want flowers that looked fake and tacky. That’s how I ended up with these tiny pink sprigs that I love love love. There should be more, but there were only four left in Michael’s and I was accosted by a woman who said she needed them to finish her project (because I was just buying them for shits and giggles, obviously) and I didn’t feel like throwing down in a craft store, so I handed her my fourth bundle. It still looks good, but I wish I had enough to go around the whole wreath.

Products/Resources Used

As usual, the most of the items linked below go to Amazon via an affiliate link because sue me for trying:

• Metal Wire Wreath Frame (set of 2)

• Cable Zip Ties <— Not a huge fan of these; see below under “Unsolicited Advice” for more information

• Black Buffalo Plaid Ribbon (set of 6) <— I used five rolls of this, so the entire pack was very necessary

• 4” Wide Black Satin Ribbon <— I just tied these to the frame and use a ribbon cut on the ends to balance all the floof

• 2” Wide Burlap and Lace Ribbon <— I wove these through after doing the entire wreath in the buffalo plaid so, in theory, it can be removed and replaced with another ribbon for various holidays

• Flower sprigs from Michael’s (less than $1 for a pack of three on sale)

• Wreath Making Tutorial <— I used a thinner ribbon, which is why mine is more loopy

Unsolicited Advice

When I eventually make my Easter wreath, I’m going to change up some of my methods.

For example, I used zip ties because that’s what was recommended in one of the YouTube videos I watched; however, the ties I got from Amazon were felt on one side and loops on the other. It kept grabbing and ripping my ribbon (as well as my highly coveted Marketo Champion Under Armour sweats) and it really f’d up my cuticles. I found a few other videos where the designer used pipe cleaners instead, so I bought stock in those and will see how that pans out.

I’m also going to try a different technique where I roll the fabric in long sections instead of 7” at a time with the 2.5” ribbon. I’ll be using wide tulle for the Easter wreath that should allow me to experiment with that, as well as ribbon placement. It’s going to be my greatest failure and I’m excited about it.

Are you team bow?

Let me know if you think there still needs to be a bow on this bad boy or if it’s fine as is. I usually subscribe to a “more is more” mentality, but in this case, I really think it’ll be too over the top - and that says a lot coming from me.

[LIFE STUFF] Valentine's Day Challenge

This Valentine’s Day, I feel lucky to have met someone who adds to my life in the way that Scott does. In previous relationships, I feel like I was looking for someone to complete me and fill some hole society said I was meant to have if I didn’t have a significant other. That feeling - looking to complete myself - contributed to a few pretty toxic relationships I should have bowed out of earlier than I did, but felt like I couldn’t out of obligation to… the world? I dunno. It’s pretty weak reasoning when you think about it, but I think we can all agree that societal pressures to wife up the older you get can feel like a huge weight on your shoulders. That’s not to say everyone I dated was terrible; we just weren’t right for each other and I spent way too long forcing things to work so people wouldn’t be disappointed in me than moving on and finding someone like Scott, who made me realize I’m a complete person with or without him, but our role as partners is to bring out the best in each other.

Turns out I’m a sap.

In honor of Valentine’s Day (which, yes, is a BS Hallmark holiday, I get it, but maybe quiet down and let people enjoy things), I thought I’d kick off my new “Life Stuff” section by posting the Valentine’s Day Challenge I saw floating around Facebook this year. Feel free to tell me your story!

Where did you meet: Bumble. We chatted for a week to determine if the other was psycho before meeting.

First date: Impromptu meet up at 313. We didn’t intend to meet that night, but it happened anyway. I was wearing a Father John Misty t-shirt, ripped jean shorts, glasses, and had kind of brushed my hair, and yet for some reason, we’re still here.

How long have you all been together: August 2019

Age difference: 3.5 years (I’m the old hag)

Who was interested first: Technically Scott because we matched when I swiped

Who is taller: He is, until I wear heels, bwahahaha (if we ever go out again)

Who said I love you first: He did

Most impatient: Definitely me. It happens now or hear me scream.

Most sensitive: I don’t really think either of us are sensitive. I guess if we had to pick, it would be me. We kind of just make fun of each other all day, though.

Most stubborn: Me. Again. Usually for no reason.

Loudest: Me. You can hear me coming a mile away. I’m making myself sound like a real catch here.

Falls asleep first: He does because he has to wake up at 4:30. I wake up, too, but then I roll over and fall asleep with the puppies.

Cooks better: He cooks, I bake. Unless it’s schnitzel or spaetzle, then I win.

Better morning person: What is morning? Definitely him.

Better driver: He thinks he is, but I’m a demon in my Mini. And if he thinks I’m a bad driver, he can drive to allllllll our vacation destinations.

Most competitive: Scott scoffed and said me, and that it’s insane that I have him beat because he is both stubborn and competitive. I have literally taken up hobbies just to prove to someone I hate I’m better at it than they are. Not sure if that’s competitive or petty, though.

Funniest: I think we’re both really mean and people think we’re joking.

Where do you eat out most as a couple? Random breweries (so food trucks) and we both really like Indian and Thai. Back before covid, we went to Tavern on Liberty a lot for their Wednesday pizza specials, but that might be it.

Who is more social? We’re both pretty social, but I’m usually texting a lot more to the point of annoyance

Who is the neat freak? Neither of us are good at tidying on the reg, but if someone is going to freak out about clutter, it’ll be me.

Who spends the most? I thought we spend about the same, but then Scott reminded me I just spent $300 on a 10-year-long cross stitch project and bunny wreath supplies and I’m like okay, might be me.

Where was your first kiss? After I woke up one morning post-terrible movie I picked out, probably La Llorona.

Do you get flowers often? When he wants to. It’s not an obligation, but I do love the surprise when he gets them.

How long did it take to get serious? I mean, we basically moved in together in March (after six months of dating).

Plans date night? He does. I plan enough at work all day. Just tell me where to be and when to show up. I’ll let you know if there’s something I wanna do.

Who picks where you go to dinner? Both usually, but mostly me right now since I’m doing Noom, the actual worst weight loss program ever.

Who cries more? I’ve cried in front of Scott maybe once in 1.5 years, so I guess me by default.

Who has more tattoos? Me because Scott is super straight edge and I was a rebel back in college with my ugly tribal heart tramp stamp.

Who sings better? Me #firstsoprano and he’s mad I answered it that fast

Hogs the remote? He does, unless he’s reading, and then I get all my YouTube Amberlynn Reid drama while I craft.

[FINISHED] Valentine's Day Hot Chocolate Bombs

Remember the last time I made hot chocolate bombs and stomped my feet while crying that I’d never look at a silicone mold again?

Well, it turns out I’m more stubborn than smart.

A few weeks ago, Scott’s sister reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in picking up some extra cash if I made 20 bombs for her to hand out for Valentine’s Day. Although spending the weekend hunched over my double boiler wasn’t my first idea of a good time, it did present an opportunity to get better at making them. Plus, “perfection” is one of my major flaws, so of course I said yes.

I guess I learned something the last four times I made these because this round was relatively painless. In fact, I have the process down and spent my Saturday night alternating between reading The Sanatorium (this month’s Reese’s Book Club pick) and melting/refrigerating chocolate molds. Two months ago, I’d have been babysitting the stove and liquefying the chocolate with my tears. Instead, after three hours and many book chapters, I had 40 halves and no patience (considering I had to fix more than a handful of cracked chocolate edges), so I went to bed around midnight, dreading Part 2: piecing them all together and pipe on the decorations.

But even that worked out. I prefer melting the edges on a hot plate and sticking them together, as that’s worked best in the past, but I’ve had varying levels of success. This time, I figured out I’m a walking user error and wasn’t pressing the halves together hard enough for the edges to truly stick. YouTube makes it look like you can just gently drop the top half on the bottom half and they’ll attach like magnets. YouTube is wrong. These guys need a little push to melt and stick together.

I also nixed the piping bag, which made a giant mess last time, and went with my trusty sandwich bag to get the chocolate drizzle applied, making four bombs at a time so the chocolate didn’t have a chance to dry (pro-tip: because the chocolate has to be at room temperature so as not to melt the bombs, it dries quickly once exposed to air, especially in my cold kitchen because I don’t think Scott knows what heat is).

Also notice the severe lack of white chocolate. That stuff is the devil.

That said, I really want to try making white chocolate RumChata bombs, and a friend of mine just ordered 10 more bombs that I promised to make this weekend, so it looks like I’ll get to experiment with the white stuff again soon. If this past experience has proven anything, it’s that I can learn to make these and will eventually make them well. It’s also proven I’ll always have some type of side gig.

For packaging, Scott’s sister got these cute Valentine’s Day bags that I topped off with heart ribbon I bought off Amazon. I think they turned out really cute and make for great gifts, so I’m assuming I’ve been pigeon-holed into this undertaking for every winter holiday until I die.

So hey, if anyone wants custom hot chocolate bombs and like doesn’t care what they do with their expendable income, let me know because I’ve surpassed wanting to have a life outside of work and making things.