Resource for Bored but Beginning Knitters

When I was planning my wedding I came across some book that had a bunch of wedding-related knitting ideas. Mostly favors, gifts, etc. But this one also had a wedding gown. Can you imagine knitting a wedding gown?!? I think I would sooner pluck out my eyes and play ping pong with them.

I've been knitting on and off for about a year, and I enjoy doing things that are basically glorified squares (dishtowels, washcloths, coasters, etc) To the right we have a pretty basic scarf that I started for my mother-in-law last Christmas and didn't finish until yesterday. (I know, I'm bad. Especially since it was supposed to be her Christmas present and then her birthday present. Oh, her birthday is in April. Sorry Carla. ) I will have to make her a more interesting one someday. But hey... it was made with love. Still, I can't imagine knitting a sweater let alone a wedding gown (in case you didn't catch that from my eye-plucking comment.) Anyway, I digress.

I found this great book that shows you how to make really interesting looking scarves that aren't too complicated and don't loose my attention span. It's called Knitting New Scarves by Lynne Barr. It's got some really fun ideas on how to make something more than a glorified square. So if you like knitting, check out out. Winter is a-comin'. Now I just need to go get me some new yarn.

Are You Utilizing Your Local Library?

Not so long ago, thinking about a library, gave me vivid and horrid memories of many hours spent late into the night researching, cramming, and scrambling for whatever I was supposed to have done weeks before and was due the next day. Who wants that? What else could even be in a library except for microfiche, theories on racial discrimination, and old Sociology textbooks, right? Of course not! I still remember the day I found out that they actually had modern, non-educational dvds. That was a wonderful day. But wait, there's more. They have cds too (Can't afford a dj for your wedding? This is your answer.) And books on cd. (Perfect for mindless dreaded tasks) And *gasp* even crafty books with patterns.

So, dig out that library card from when you were in school, (it’s probably under the driver's seat in the car or under the couch or something) and go. Don't mind any fines you may have, just go. You might be thinking, "But the library is so big I can never find what I'm looking for." Or ”My library is too small and they never have anything good." Aha, but the libraries have changed with the times. You can now open an account online and place things on hold from the comfort of your home. The magic system pulls whatever you are looking for, from any of its branches and then tells you when to come get it. It's AWESOME!

Lesson is: libraries are goldmines. They are treasures. Go and teach yourself about something you always wanted to learn. It's waiting for you.

Sharing My Favorite Sources

The local library is a beautiful thing. Believe me when I say probably check out dozens of books a week. Not to imply that I read them all cover to cover, but I do flip through them all for ideas and inspiration. It is how I teach myself new crafts. Plus, hey... it's free.

Here are a few great books that have been awesome resources for me as I fulfill my goal of pulling completely away from commercially made beauty products. I highly recommend them to anyone interesting in natural, homemade, and chemical free body care and cleaning products


Organic Body Care Recipes has become my favorite source for homemade skin care. It has some wonderful recipes in it like different scrubs, herbal steams, astringents, masks, and lotions based on your skin type. And they are such a piece of cake! And seriously, the hardest thing you have to do is measure out the ingredients, the rest is a breeze. Stephanie Tourles does a great job of explaining things for the novice and has some simple, but brilliant ideas on how to take care of yourself.

The Naturally Clean Home is another book of excellent recipes. You will be amazed at many uses of vinegar, baking soda, herbs, and some essential oils. Karyn Siegel-Maier has ideas for every room in the house. She shows you how to clean your home using safe, non-toxic, methods that also happen to be easy and inexpensive. Don't you love it when life works out like that?



Does anyone else have any great resources or ideas? Recipes they've tried and loved? I'd love to hear about it.