Late night 'aha'

I've been staring at this pattern for months. I finally figured it out. It's a wonderful feeling. California Spring Scarf, you've been hooked. Fluffy Bunny Slippers and Reversible Cables Scarf beware. And one of you might end up on planes to and from L.A. Let the stash busting and Christmas present flurry continue!

Coffee shop hopping!

One of the best things about Louisville is the variety of coffee shops. Of course, there's always a Starbucks around the corner, but I love hanging out when I can at the locally-owned shops.

My absolute favorite is Java Brewing Co. on Bardstown Road. They've got a killer raspberry iced tea and delicious sweet and savory crepes. The baristas are quick but friendly. And I'm convinced that the place has a vibe that reminds me  of Florida. It's a roomy spot, which really isn't typical on Bardstown Road.

I recently stumbled upon Sunergos on Preston Street, near the University of Louisville. The shop probably makes the best-tasting coffee in town. The curious mocha shake (pictured above) could convert even the most fervent Frappucino lover. Sunergos has some pretty retro decor -- it's like walking straight into the 1970s. But the most amazing thing of all is that Sunergos is next door to Nord's Bakery, which I hear produces the most wonderful bacon doughnuts. I have yet to venture in, but I plan to.

There are endless options. I haven't even named a quarter of all the quirky, fun places my yarn and I have played at! 

It's a wrap!

I finished my first project of the year! It's wrapped and ready to ship to its new home in Chicago.

It's a beret crocheted from Lion Brand Glitterspun. I'd started it years and years ago, but put it down after getting frustrated with the pattern (which is also from Lion Brand). It's a remnant of my early stash expanding days, when I hoarded flashy textured yarns.

I hope my mom enjoys her birthday present! I had fun whipping it up.

The Diet Continues

I think ... it's working! No yarn purchases in roughly two months since my yarn purge/reorganization. I can look at yarn, touch it and not be compelled to own it. I've fondled hanks of luscious handspuns and cones of beautiful alpaca, but not once did I cave in. Amazing. Simply amazing. In fact, I've made great progress on two projects: a crocheted beret and knitted hand warmers. They are ready to block and finish!

A Little Dose of Happy

You know your coworkers appreciate you when ... They bring in a book to show you -- and it's about yarn! I haven't had the greatest week, so the gesture made my night. I'm going to have to pick up a copy for myself!

The Art of Wearing Glasses

Picking out a pair of glasses is like shopping for a pair of jeans you will wear every single day for the next two years. You have to find the right shape, color and fit. In the end game, glasses become part of my look. It's a huge deal.

But there are just so many choices. I spent an hour and a half today an optical shop after my eye exam and narrowed it down to two pairs. But I didn't settle on a pair. What's the fun in that?

Per a friend's suggestion, each week I'm going to take a trip to two optical shops to scope out my options. Let the adventure begin!

Stash Organization, Day 3

Eight years worth of yarn ...

I own a lot of yarn.

Day 1 was dedicated to just hauling it all out from the nooks and crannies of my apartment. I spent a good deal of Day 2 marveling over it --- I have a mini-yarn store taking over my living room -- and finally got around to finally figuring out what to make out of what. On Day 3, I paired skeins and balls with their patterns. While not all the yarn has been assigned a project, I have to say that I'm impressed. I've got at least 20 projects in there.

Let the yarn diet begin! Kind of. It's more like organizing my fridge.

But yarn really isn't like food -- it never goes bad if you take care of it! So, it looks like I'll be making less trips to the local yarn store or Jo-Ann Fabrics. No excuses. Except maybe for needles. And an occasional magazine. Maybe some markers.