Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Mail Time & Yarn Addiction Mash-Up!

This could be about nothing else but stash enhancements(aka more/new yarn).  I got mine via mail, hence the theme mash-up. Was i on a yarn diet? Yes... but that's ok. I'm back on the horse until November.

What did my yarn haul consist of? Other than a couple of Red Heart skeins for one of my current WIPS, this enhancement came from Ron Strong's De-Stash(check out his YT channel, in vid description box). He has some awesome yarn i must say, let me list it for you...

  • Rowan Felted Tweed in Red Brown
  • Rowan Felted Tweed in Pine
  • Rowan Felted Tweed in Brown
  • Rowan Felted Tweed in Taupe
  • Berroco Vintage DK in Purple
  • Berroco Vintage DK in Olive Green
  • Berroco Vintage DK in Taupe
  • Berroco Weekend DK in Pink
  • Rowan Creative Linen in White
  • Rowan Creative Linen in Yellow
  • Cascade Yarn Ultra Pima in White
  • Misc. Skein in Variegated Yellow

Now that's what you call yarn enhancement, right? Are all the colorway names correct in my list? Of course not, since(if you watched my vid) none of these actually had the colorway name on their lables, just the number. So i made those up lol... but they fit the bill for my purposes ;).

Also, if you guys haven't heard yet i'm currently running my 500 Subscriber Giveaway(click for vid) and it's open until Sept. 6. If you haven't done so already go check it out and submit your entry. I do have an update for that this coming weekend as well, so stay tuned!



Sunday, August 17, 2014

Epona(LoZ), WIPs & Updates

Hey guys, i only have 1 completed project this time around. I finally finished Epona, a horse amigurumi inspired by the Legend of Zelda character, aka Link's horse. It turned out pretty cute, right? I still have at least one more version to try, and this time i may use all Red Heart as opposed to Loops and Threads(or a lighter worsted weight). I also have to figure out the colorwork and/or if i want to include it in the next one. I'll probably just play around with it until i'm satisfied lol. The pattern is from 'Amigurumi Toy Box', a book full of really cute amigurumi. I checked it out from the library and decided to purchase it after, i enjoyed it that much!

My one almost complete project was another Linus shawl. I really love this pattern, and it's free(link in vid. description)! It's too easy and makes a pretty awesome shawl/scarf, i couldn't help myself. I used up a skein of Red Heart Unforgettable in the Echo colorway. I still have to measure if it's long enough or if i want it longer. If so, i may just have to add another color(i'm not sure if i have more of this colorway). Find out what happens with this on my next update! ;D

My WIPs(works in progress) consisted of the Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief which is also a free pattern(link in vid. description) and a simple half double crochet baby blanket which i decided to make in purple Loops and Threads. I also did forget to show you guys my progress on that cute baby vest from the Noro Kids book. It's probably one of my fave projects to date! I'm making it in the round(as opposed to separate front and back panels via the pattern) so wish me luck for when i get to the upper parts and start on the decreases and so forth. I'm also not sure what color(s) i want to do the ribbing with, i have to dig through my stash and see what complimentary colors i have in this weight of yarn that will work. I do love this yarn though, which i got from my last swap. I had no idea it was self stripping when i received it, it would make great finger-less mitts!

Vacation updates! I got to visit a yarn shop near San Deigo which was pretty awesome. It had a large selection of Berroco yarns and was located in Chula Vista. You can find them online at http://yarnsatborderleather.com, i would totally recommend visiting if you're in the area. I wish i would have taken pics but unfortunately didn't. I wasn't able to shop for as long as i could have either lol, but did come out of it with 3 awesome skeins... some James C. Brett Marble included. Seeing that yarn upclose made me realize what the buzz was all about, that's some gorgeous yarn. I also got to meet up with Zee(aka Zelda or zeldanrj3 on youtube) which was definitely one of my week's highlights. We browsed the Hollywood area and sat down to lunch and dinner. Did i mention she brought Tink along? If you're subscribed to her channel(if you like yarn you should be) then you know who i'm talking about. She's too cute, so glad we got to meet her as well. Zee taped a short vid of our time together which you can find here. It was a pretty fun time ;D.





Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Crafty Goals - July 2014 Update

Hey all, this month has been a little more productive than last. I'm pretty pleased with how things turned out. It seems kind'a short however, don't you think? Next time i will have my list in hand lol. Let me break it down. If  you would like to see my completed projects for the month check out my Cast-Off Crew vids uploaded in July(2 this month) and/or browse my past blogs.

Big Project This Month:
- Mushroom Baby Blanket/Lapghan(reversible)

Sweaters(make 2 this year)
- One sweater is complete
- Plans for the second are in the works!

Etsy Store Listings
- Yes! I have started to re-post those sad listings which have been expired for quite a while and i was a little too uh, laid back to re-post in a timely manner. This goes for both of my shops! Check them out at malonsshop.etsy.com & malonb.etsy.com.

Website Updates
- I've been working on my website, all though it's still under construction. Feedback is appreciated! malonsshop.com

Video Updates and Tutorials
- I had a number of video updates this month, including my stash videos(which had various parts). Check them out on my YouTube channel! I also have a number of blog updates corresponding.

- Posted one tutorial!
Lion Brand's Envelope Flatware Flatware Tutorial
Check out the related blog as well

New Stitches & Techniques
- I have lined a crochet bag
- I have learned how to add a zipper as well! :)

Patterns from my Library
- I made a number of projects using patterns found on Ravelry.
- I made at least 1 project from my book/mag library as well.

Yarn Dying & Spinning
- Yes! I actually gave spinning another try and have dyed specifically for this purpose. I have completed a skein of white/navy blue candy stripped handspun.

Use Your Stash!
- This month i've decided to go on a yarn diet. However, i already have a smallish yarn haul to show you guys(oops)...and a pretty awesome swap package. However i've been pretty good on using my stash yarn specially after my organization phase(since i actually got a chance to see the magnitude of what it has become).