Beautiful Bounty

I decided to apply the motto "practice makes perfect" with the neck warmer before committing the lovely alpaca I bought last weekend. The result? I love it and have learned some important things:

1) I crochet tighter than the designer so my warmer is shorter and narrower.
2) Shorter = good! I like the warmth of the yarn up on my neck.
3) Narrower = bad. I want it to be further up on the neck and down on the chest for more warmth. So, I will need to add a few rows before after and between the button holes.

Pretty!

Could It Be Any Easier? Neck Warmer

That's it for yarn. So, how about a yarn holder from Baskets of Cambodia? This may be the best project bag ever. Why? Let us count the ways (again).1) It stands up on its own so the yarn can easily pass through the top of the bag as you work.

2) The opening and interior are fully lined with fabric so the yarn will not snag.

3) It is light when empty so you can load it up.

4) The strap is cushioned and long enough to wear off the shoulder or across the body.

5) A lovely ergonomic curve on the back to fit the hip and hold the bag steady against the body.

6) Plenty of room and pockets for notions. No fishing around!

7) You are supporting a company whose practices fair trade to improve people's lives.

Yipee! My patience waiting for these bags to come to be restocked was well worth it.

Lastly, I fell for this candlepot:Since I was already downtown, I decided to visit my favorite gift store. I was immediately taking with this lovely. It hit many of my weaknesses: purple, porcelain, unusual design, reasonably priced, useful... So it naturally had to follow me home!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend, too!