Ten Reasons to Take a Cloth Napkin (Hen House Linens Product Review)

Full Disclosure:  

I received a set of dinner napkins

from Hen House Linens (& I love them)!

How many of you grab a couple of extra napkins every time you're at your favorite coffee house?  I've definitely been guilty of that one, but let's stop to think about it.  There are numerous environmental reasons that using cloth napkins is preferable to paper ones.  Aside from saving trees, you're also saving water used in the manufacture of paper napkins. 

Truthfully, there is a reason that paper napkins are so ubiquitous.  They are convenient, useful, and you can easily just throw them away.  However unfortunately, they don't really go away. According to Organic Authority, landfills are stuffed with 3,000 tons of paper tissue products daily. This produces harmful greenhouse gasses.   

Source: US National Archives, Wil Blanche, 1973 via Flickr Commons

 A 1970's landfill.  Yuck.

And think about it, isn't it kind of charming to pull a brightly-colored, soft cloth napkin out of your pocket rather than grabbing for that dull, brown paper one?

I got that adorable napkin as a sample from Hen House Linens.  True, you can easily make your own cloth napkins, but I really like these for a few reasons.  I've had them a while now, and they have stayed crisp and colorfast through several washings.  They've also got some adorable patterns for Spring 2013 right now and they come out with new ones every season.

Gorgeous, right? Image source: Hen House Linens

Using a cloth napkin need not be unsanitary.  Get a stack of at least six.  Stow two in the car, two in your purse, two in your desk drawer, etc.  The idea is to always keep a few with you to use.  When you're done, stash them in a dedicated plastic bag and throw them in with a laundry so you always have fresh ones.  You needn't use cloth napkins only for mealtimes. 

Here are ten other great reasons to pack a cloth napkin (or two) daily.

1) Blot your face on a hot day.
2) Wrap your coffee cup.
3) Clean up your eye makeup.
4) Store your leftover cookie inside.
5) Dry your hands after you wash them.
6) Blot your lipstick.
7) Use it if you get the sniffles.
8) Avoid touching the dirty gas pump.  Wrap it with your napkin instead.
9) Tie something onto your handbag with it to remain hands free. (See photo below.)
10) Clean the dust off your dashboard.

 

I tied my crochet bag to my handbag with the napkin!

How would you use a cloth napkin?  Please leave any other ideas in the comments! :)  

Free Pattern: Spring Flowers Hairband on #Crochet Addict UK

I am writing to let you know about a wonderful new guest post I did on Crochet Addict UK!  Crochet Addict UK is a wonderful blog with lots of crochet inspiration and fun.  It is written by Susan, who discovered crochet after learning it could help her with Cronic Fatique Syndrome, or CFS.  It's inspirational to know that the yarn and hook can make such a difference in someone's physical health. 

I was honored to be able to participate in her blog and I decided to write up a quick crochet pattern to contribute to her collection of free patterns on the site. 

I love this pattern for people who enjoy funky headbands, especially girls.  I could see my students wearing them, and making them, too!  It's a very easy pattern, so I hope a lot of people will give it a try! :)

To link to the pattern, click on the picture!  Thanks for stopping by! :)

One Skein | One Love

You know what it's like.  You walk into a yarn store and its an immediate flush of color.  Your senses are piqued when touching the comforting softness of delicately spun yarn.  There's stuff from all over the globe, in fibers you've never even heard of.  Blink.  Did that label say 100% Mink?  You wonder what you could make...  Who knows; who cares?  You just really need this yarn.  And that one, and that one, too. 

Free screen saver image from lionbrand.com.

Or, you're just browsing through Michael's and that rich Emerald blend just speaks to you.  Into the cart it goes!  It's just one ball anyway and maybe you can dig up that 40% off coupon...

Or, you're done with your project and you have a skein left.  Who knows where the receipt is?  You probably bought it a year ago anyway!  This yarn is NOT going back to the store.  It'll stay right here with you!

Or, a friend who knows you love crochet surprises you with a beautiful gift bundle-six skeins of yarn in varying colors and weights.  It's all gorgeous.  It was all expensive, but what exactly are you going to crochet from it?

Or, you're always crocheting in worsted weight and you just want to branch out into a different thickness.  With 400 yards in this ball of lace-weight, why buy more than one?

Free screen saver image from lionbrand.com

If you do crochet or knit, I bet you've had at least one of the experiences I described.  And life is good!  Just because you have a stash of varied colors and yarn weights doesn't mean you have to worry about letting them go to waste!  Perhaps you've seen the famous One Skein Wonders series by Judith Durantand wondered why there wasn't more crochet in them.  I know I did!

Well, the wait is almost over, friends.  We're getting really close to the launch date of the triumphant Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects from Crocheters around the World!

Available for pre-order now.  Launches March 26, 2013.

And, the author of this blog just might have a pattern in there.  Hooray, I'm in a book and I can't wait until it comes out.  But until then, please share your favorite crochet projects using one skein in the comments so we can stitch away. 

Here's a link to one of my favorites, the Petite Scarf by Lion Brand Yarns.  Here's the Ravelry page, too.  Oh, and it's free! :)  Enjoy! 

Disclosure: Free logins are required 

to access the Lion Brand Pattern and the Ravelry page. 

This review was part shameless self promotion, part sheer love, 

and part boundless enthusiasm.  The Amazon links are affiliate.

Book Review: Big Ass Book of Bling by @MarkMontano

Woohoo, people, the wait is OVER and we can all get our bling on with fabulous DIY guru Mark Montano! Whut whut!

It's a project from the Big Ass Book of Bling!

Yes, I'm excited, but can you blame me? I mean, it's Mark Montano.  No, I'm not celebrity-obsessed (well, not really…) I'm really all about QUALITY, INNOVATION, LEARNING, and EMPOWERMENT through CRAFTS! Mark Montano teaches us to DIY in many different ways and his projects always come out rocking!

So when I learned about his newest Big Ass book, The Big-Ass Book of Bling, I didn't wait for a publisher to email. I didn't contact anyone for a free book, I pre-ordered that bad boy from BN.com, and it was perfectly delivered on time to my iPad. How's that for a space-saver? And since it's on my device, I can take it with me wherever I go. So, if I'm at the craft store, for instance, I can shop for all of my materials for a specific project using the list of materials in the book without carrying around a Big Ass book! However, I have a hard copy of the The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2, and it's awesome to have that as well. The format is up to you!

I love learning about the inspiration behind each project. In this book, Montano has arranged his projects by theme, often riffing on a similar focal point or theme. For example, he has multiple fantastic projects using vinyl and E-6000. You know those suckers are going to last forever! The work is so stylish and the techniques are tried and true. It's a privilege to peek into the mind of a true artist!

As an avid crafter, I am ready to dive right into the projects and techniques that Montano outlines in his book. However, I encourage even the more timid crafter to open his/her mind and give some of these techniques a try. With the right tools and instructions, they're not that hard.

Did you know you can make a crown inspired by Glenda the Good Witch for a costume party, child's tea party, or just to wear while doing errands (wink)? All you need is a headband, some wire, paper, spray paint, and a few other things. That's pretty cool if you ask me!

And lest you be worried about buying supplies and not using them, put your mind at rest. There are at least 6 other crowns using similar materials in the book. And once you make yours, I am sure everyone's going to want one! :)

In short, if you're thinking about buying this book, but aren't sure if it's any good, or if it's worth it, put your mind at rest. It's worth it just to read and learn, but the DIY possibilities are endless! You will grow as an artist if you use this book.  This is a book you'll want around for years to come.

Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links.

Saturday Beret #Crochet Along with Ellen Gormley!

Hey, everyone, and Happy 2013!  Looks like we made it into this new era of kindness and creativity, so let's celebrate by crocheting a beautiful beret in Bruges lace!

The pattern was fun and easier than it looks!

Ellen Gormley is an accomplished crochet designer who has authored many pattern books.  She's also a television personality and a member of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA).  She has sold over 200 patterns.  That's impressive!

But guess what?  She's also really nice.  I have been fortunate enough to get to know Ellen through her group on Ravelry, but she's also crafting all over the web.  Check out GoCrochet.com to see what she's been doing.

I don't remember where I first heard about Clever Crocheted Accessories, but I do remember thinking that the cover hat was beautiful and wondering how it was done.  Then I learned that Ellen had designed the hat using a beautiful technique she has been exploring called Bruges lace.  All signs pointed to one thing:  Crochet Along!   So we got one going!  Here's Ellen's post about it on Go Crochet. 

And, the hat made the cover of a completely awesome book!

You know you want a hat like that, so join us on the Saturday Beret CAL Ravelry thread!

Disclosure: There is one Amazon Affiliate link up there. 

It looks like this: Clever Crocheted Accessories

Reblog: Diary of a Crafty Chica™: Last Minute Holiday Craft Ideas: Round Up!

This post was reblogged from Diary of a Crafty Chica™ with permission.  Everything you see after this intro was written by her!  I'm honored to have been included with such a prestigious group of crafters!  Thank you, Kathy!  Enjoy these great last-minute crafts, everyone!

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There is ONE weekend left before Christmas, that's PLENTY of time to make something fabulous! Whether you need ideas for presents, home decor, hostess gifts, whatever it may be, I gathered up some fun crafty ideas from my crafty amigas, sure to spark some inspiration! Check out these fabulous sites and see all the ideas they have to share!

DIY Frida Ornaments by Pear Mama

Paint-dipped Pinecones by Design It Girl

Big ol Gift Bag by Art, Like Bread

Christmas Domes by Pandora's Craft Box

Assorted Christmas Inspiration Tutorials by Sabor a Cajeta

Loteria Sparkly Banner by Sacred Yoli

Holiday Craft Ideas by Crafty Chica

Christmas Coloring Sheet by Studio Longoria
Recycled Christmas Ornaments by Mark Montano
Three Kings Day Tablescape by Martin Amado 
Chocolate Ganache Truffles by Liz Hicks 
Hot Chocolate Palitos de Bombon by Growing Up Blackxican
Christmas Wrapping Ideas by Juan of Words 

Book Review: Fairy Tale Knits and The Twelve Knits of #Christmas by Fiona Goble

Still stumped about what to get your favorite knitter?  Look no more, my friend.  You can either dash out to your local bookstore, or get wireless delivery to your e-reader by Amazon! 

This is fun pair of books to open on Christmas Day! From the young but capable knitter to the family member or friend who knits for children, this is a beautiful pair of books available from Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Each title is available separately for $19.99 retail (and I've seen them at Books A Million.) Together they make a dynamite gift that can be enjoyed all year long!

The Twelve Knits of Christmas has a pattern for each of the whimsical characters found in the happy holiday song. The cool thing about this is that it gives exact yardages needed for each project. For example, the partridge uses only 12 yards of the main color yarn. Since they're small, they're quick projects. You could knit up a partridge and put it into the paper pear tree that is found in the back of the book!

In addition the book is colorful and exciting, so the child in your life will love looking at the pages and read (or sing) along to the words of the song.

For fun that knows no season, try Fairy Tale Knits , also by Fiona Goble, which features 20 characters from six different fairy tales. The designs are incredibly endearing. My personal favorite is the beast from Beauty and the Beast. He's not so very scary, but beastly indeed.

I think it would be fun to knit up each character from one tale and then create shadow box sets for them. These toys would not only be enjoyable to make, but also spark imagination in the lucky child who receives them.

Vital Stats

The Twelve Knits of Christmas by Fiona Goble

Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 978-1-4494-1131-2

Price $19.99 U.S. and $22.99 Canada

Paperback, 8 3/10 by 10 3/5 inches, 64 pages

Fairy Tale Knits: 20 Enchanting Characters to Make by Fiona Goble

Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 978-1-4494-1801-4

Price $19.99 U.S. and $22.99 Canada

Paperback, 8 3/10 by 10 3/5 inches, 80 pages

Disclosure: I received a review copy of each book, and the links are affiliate.

It Feels Good to #Crochet (a Black & White Shrug)

One of the things I really love about crochet is how it makes me feel.  I love the entire process of creating something unique and useful.  It may sound funny, but it actually makes me feel powerful! :)

I started this Black and White shrug on an airplane to visit my alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, in the beautiful mountains of Western Massachusetts. It had been almost five years since I'd been home, except for a very quick jaunt last summer.

I just followed the pattern for the Lacy Springtime Shrug from Lion Brand Yarn (free login required). Don't tell anyone, but I didn't swatch (gasp!) I just had a huge ball of B/W yarn I bought in the streets of Mexico City's yarn district, and my trusty hooks, so I went for it! I made the largest size.

The entire time I was making it, I was thinking, 'Hm. Is this thing going to fit me? Am I going to run out of yarn?' Well, when you crochet like I do, those are some pretty common thoughts. I'm more of
a 'fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants' crocheter. I just go for it. Hook now, worry about yarn later. It's just how I am. Somehow, it all works out. I either end up with a cool project, an excuse to buy more yarn, a mass of something for the frog bin, or a piece begging to be yarnbombed. If you ask me, that's okay. There's always more yarn.  There are always more patterns.

I ended up getting to the very ends of my mega ball of yarn and realizing that THIS WAS FAR TOO BIG, AND THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO FINISH THE PATTERN AS WRITTEN. Luckily, I understood the construction well enough to understand that I could just make the sleeves a little shorter and then hope for the best.

To make a long story short (too late,) I skipped the sc border rounds, fit the shrug to myself, addressed the resulting "space age" shoulders, and added on some little sleeves. The resulting shrug is a short-sleeved cutie, and I like it a lot! I can wear it to work or out and about. I love wearing shrugs with camisoles in the Southern Florida heat. To me, they're the perfect layering garment.

Since the shrug has a definite "top and bottom," I stitched a little red yarn onto the inside seam of the right armhole. I will remember that "red is right," and never put my pretty shrug on upside down! :) 

So, what do you think?  Have you ever modified a pattern at the last minute?  Tell me your story! :)