What a Difference a Stitch Makes!

 Recently, I went on a yarn buying binge. Not a surprise for yarn junkies, I know. For years I have been using yarns that book or magazines have asked me to use so this buy was a bit of a gamble. 

I ordered online so I had no idea how they would feel. Sometimes the reviewer’s idea of soft is completely different than mine. Then throw in no animal fibers and finding soft yarn becomes an even bigger challenge. 

I hit the jackpot with every Hobby Lobby yarn I ordered! I am so please with the loft and texture and a few even have a halo! You usually only find that in animal fibers! 

I’d like to show you what I found when I started swatching with their Yarn Bee Caterina Regal Rose. 

This first swatch is worked in a half double crochet. 

It’s really pretty in its own right but something was missing. So I found another textured stitch I liked and the change was incredibly dramatic as you can see!

It’s very clear that stitch matters! It went from being just pretty to, “Wow! Let me touch that!” 

If we are going to take the time to make something, we need to swatch first. These examples prove exactly why. Had I stayed with the first swatch my design would be ordinary. With swatch two it’s fun to make and I know it will be fabulous to wear! Take the time to swatch with different stitches. You will be glad you did! 

Happy crocheting! 

#Grizzly399 and Cubs

I love having a blog where I can write about anything I want. This is my life and I am blessed.

These photos are my son, AJ Bourg’s. He sent them to my while visiting the Tetons. Grizzly 399 and her 4 cubs have become world famous. Giving birth to 4 cubs is amazing but having them all survive is a miracle! Her 4th cub likes to poke around and always seems to come in last. He knows how to slow down and enjoy everything around him. 

If you’ve been on Instagram much you’ve had the chance to follow their sightings (and mischief!) using the hashtag #Grizzly399. It’s been a fun summer activity. Soon they will hunker down for a long winter nap. 

I grew up in Wyoming and I admit I want to go back. I miss the slower pace. I would love to live up north. I don’t mind -15 as a normal temperature for a winter day. 

Where we live now used to be rural but the big city is moving in on us. This used to be my dream place to live. Over the last 20 years we’ve watched it change from a kind and safe place to live to a place that is just another suburb with bigger issues. I miss the kindness. I miss knowing all my neighbors. I miss having a church that isn’t just a sermonette all about me.

As I grow older, I appreciate the things that kept my family in Wyoming for generations. Will we move back? I sure hope so but I kinda doubt it. The Rockies here are just as beautiful here but the weather isn’t as brutal. 

These are just things I ponder on a cloudy Wednesday morning as I’m homesick for a simpler way of life. 

Beautiful blessing,

Brenda

A New Day!

 So, this week has been insane for all of us. I admit I hate elections but I am grateful we get to vote. I know that sentence is contradictory but I have a feeling you all understand too well. Since it has been so rough, like you, I prayed and crocheted! 

Aren’t these colors beautiful? I caught them on clearance too! I admit I have more yarn than I need but I can’t say no and my hubby really doesn’t care. I’m spoiled and it’s the perfect storm!

In other news, my book has turned into books. I love to write nonfiction - my fiction is going well too but my wheelhouse for now is nonfiction. Now it’s a race to see which one will become book three. 

Is anyone else writing for the month of November? It’s addictive once you get going. I spend much of my day writing about all kinds of things. It’s a beautiful creative release for me! I’d love to hear what you write and what you read. I am always looking forward good authors.

Happy Friday! 

Brenda