I just realized that I needed to pack a travel notion bag that remains in my travel carry on bag.  If I travel by car, I usually have my knitting bag which stays equipped with all of the notions I need.  However, every time I travel on an airplane, I repack a bag with all of my notions.  And then, I unpack it when I arrive home.  What have I been thinking?  Why haven't I done this in the past? All of a sudden this became a ridiculous concept since I have duplicates of most (all!) of my notions.
So, I decided to pack my India Hicks pouch.  (I am an ambassador.) I just love these little bags.  (There are several colors.) And the best part?  It will double as my clutch for evening.
I'm headed to Boulder tomorrow to see Libby.  And it feels so good to know I will have all my knitting essentials with me.  When we head out at night, I will transfer all of the goods into the ziplock bag, load my pouch with my phone, glasses and a lipstick, and head out with my Flat Stanley.  Hello pop of color!

Oh Boy.  THIS BOOK!  If there is one book to have in your knitting library, I suggest this one.  It's truly a gem of a book.  Absolutely everything a knitter needs to know is in here.  I mean everything!
It was first published in 1989, updated in 2002 and the past fifteen years have seen many advances in knitting which made it time for another update.  Sure, there is always the internet to look techniques up.  However, there is nothing like holding the information in your hand.  This book is easy to navigate with thorough indexing and footnote cross-referencing.
The updated Vogue Knitting contains:
•Expanded library of cast-ons, increases, decreases and bind-offs.
•In depth sections on brioche, enteric, double knitting and mosaic knitting.
•New design and construction chapters for accessories with dozens of options for hats, mittens, socks, gloves and more than 25 shawl shapes.
•Comprehensive chapters on lace and cables detailing all knitters need to know when increasing, decreasing, reading charts, working borders and much more.
•Revised and expanded information on tools, correcting errors, finishing, embellishing, and garment care to instill a masterly understanding of knitters at every stage.

My mother gave me the edition first published in 1989.  It has been my constant by my side.  I reference quite a few things out of this book.  From the most simple techniques to those used to design sweaters, helping me design the libby sweater back in 2009.  Truly a knitters bible.

Happy knitting, friends!

Petrichor.  This word is new to me.  I am bummed I didn't know it, as it's a word that describes one of life's greatest experience.  At least to me.  That scent that arrives after a rainfall.

"Petrichor is the smell after the rain, and this shipment calls to mind the soothing sounds of rainfall, glistening shine of wet pavement and enhanced green of trees.  The world comes alive in new ways after a storm, the lights shining and reflecting against newly slick surfaces."

February Knitcrate's contents:

The yarn:
2 Skeins of Knitologie Verdant or Raind Drops or Mist.  (This is Verdant.)  40% Merino, 30% silk, 30% alpaca.  ($24/ skein)  Truly yummy yarn.
The Pattern:
There are always two.  The knit pattern is the Raindrop Cowl By Noelle Davis.  The crochet pattern is Mariana Trench Scarf by Vincent W. Green.  ($10/$5 per pattern)

As always, there are bonus codes.  This months codes include discounts on Noelle Davis and Vincent Greens patterns.

A Retail Value of $63.00 all for $24.99.  Truly an amazing deal.   If interested in ordering, use the code FKW20 to receive 20% off your first knitcrate.  (Works on all crates.)

This week I packaged some Valentines to head to the kids in College.  Libby informed me that she doesn't need all that Valentine stuff, but cookies might be nice.
Until recently, I've never been a huge fan of cut out cookies.  I think it was the time involved that scared me away.  When we moved, I even gave away a GIANT collection of cookie cutters.  (I wish I had them now.) But, to tell you the truth, cut outs don't take that much more time.  I love the dough/cutting tips I learned from this post.  And, that has definitely become my new favorite cutout recipe.
I doodled on the Chalk Lots this week making knit stitches.  It doesn't surprise me that knit stitches look just like hearts.  Considering all the love in hand knit items.
Knit hearts went in the boxes as well.  My sweet friend, Suzanne, gifted me this pattern.  It is such a great one. (Thank you, Suzanne!)  She made me the light pink heart on the left a few years ago.    It's absolutely perfect.  I decided to make it my travel heart and take it in my suitcasewhen I travel.  It will be my little reminder of what I believe in most.  Love.  And all there is in the world.
Before I seam them together, I decided to write secret messages and put them inside each one.  No one will ever know it's there.  Except for me.  Just a little added Love energy inside each hand knit LOVE.

School was canceled today. I truly think I am more excited than my kids ever are on a cancelled snow day.  Oh, the prospects.  I'm like a kid in a candy shop!   I told Andrew we should make Valentines!  I thought this was a fantastic idea.  He reminded me that he was a senior and they don't take Valentines to school.  I told him he should change that.  Start a trend.  He didn't buy it.  So, instead I made Valentine cookies and finished a few projects.  I also made a fire in the fireplace.  I filled the whole house with smoke and set off the smoke alarm.  We had to open all the doors and windows.  Finally, it cleared and I mustered up the confidence to try again.  We had a lovely fire for the rest of the day.
Toast on the left.
Those Mitts on the right.  Both were special orders.  Those Mitts were requested extra long on both ends.  And, boy are they extra long.  They measure 12 inches.  An inch longer than Toast.  That's the beauty of patterns.  You can play with them and tailor them to your needs or the needs of others.  I love that.
 I've mentioned these little ankle socks before.  I like to use a washable wool so that I can throw them in the machine and not worry about them.  The pattern is super easy and if you are new to socks, I think this is a great first project to get your feet wet, dip your toes in the water, so to say.  They are quick on a size 5 needle, so the time investment is quite short. AND you have a pair of socks to boot! (Oh, I am cracking myself up over here with all the foot references.😜)
Tailored to my needs.  They fit snug just like I like them.  Are mismatched.  And are perfect for around the house.

 Hiya friends!  Just wanted to let you know the mugs have joined the journal/project log in the shop. (For those who have already purchased, thank you!  SO much!)
I'm including a tea bag that makes the most delicious cup of fun.  
The tea bags are also sold separately if interested.  Perfect for your tea loving friend you knit with.

Happy Groundhog Day.  As a knitter, I always welcome a little more winter. :)