Night Shifter Gift

November 27, 2021

Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season making, selling & gifting!

I work with incredible folks in the ER. One particular Nurse does an amazing job of caring for patients on the most challenging nights. She sews us all seasonal surgical caps to cheer up the ER. I loved making this #witchhazelbeanie for her in Boreal. The colors remind me of the aurora borealis in interior Alaska. How poetic is it to give it to someone who brings light to the darkest nights?!

I just received a shipment of poms from Noemi @jackibeanusa and I love how this sassy number pairs with it! Don’t you love it when everything comes together just right?

Yarn: @malabrigoyarn Rasta in Boreal
Pattern: @dearedgardesigns
Faux Fur Pom Pom: @jackibeanusa
Faux Leather Label: @cutpiecutpie

Works in Progress

November 11, 2021

“Friendly reminder that “doing your best” does not mean working yourself to the point of a mental breakdown.”

I saw this message a few years ago, and share it here in case anyone else needs the reminder too. I’ve been working on keeping commitments to a minimum so I can truly enjoy this time of year with loved ones. And I’m enjoying making gifts instead of frantic production. There are intentional pauses to get outside because I’m a happier person when I do. But I’m still a work in progress.

Hope you have a beautiful week & are able to find peace and balance. You deserve it!!

This is one of my favorite beanies in a recent shop update. Love the texture and fit of the Sidewinder Beanie!

Yarn: @malabrigoyarn Rasta in Zarazamora
Pattern: Sidewinder Beanie by @aspen_leaf_knits
Faux Fur Pom Pom: Noemi @jackibeanusa
Photo: @mhayekphotography

Canyon Adventure

October 16, 2021

Every year, my friend Turbo’s birthday is a wonderful excuse for a run/hike in the Grand Canyon.  It’s my all time favorite tradition, and the inspiration for my Turbo Beanie design.

This year a group of 5 of us started and ended at Bright Angel Trailhead, since the hiker shuttles don’t start as early as they usually do.  It was glorious watching the sun rise in the Canyon!  We then headed up from the Box Canyon, past Phantom Ranch, along the North side of the Colorado River on the Clear Creek Trail.  The views from Clear Creek were spectacular, with the River below and South Rim splayed out in front of us in all it’s magnificent layers.  My friend Turbo carried a donkey piñata filled with goodies, dubbed “Brahman the Burro”, for the entire adventure!  It meant many “Happy Birthday!” wishes and loads of laughs and smiles.  It was one of the most fun Canyon adventures yet.

Finishing up the 26 mile hike/run, I found myself slowing down, more to take in the company and scenery I didn’t want to end ( also because of the thin air).  I made my own Turbo Beanie just prior to the trip, and it worked out perfect for the adventure.  I love how comfortable a headlamp fit over top, and my head was warm without sweating or itching in the soft, breathable merino wool.

Grand Inspiration

October 15, 2021

Did you know the Grand Canyon can be brutally cold? We usually start adventures below freezing at the rim. Luckily it’s a warm oasis by the Colorado River 5000 feet below. It’s an incredible place…highly recommended for an adventure!

The evening before our hike/run we scoped out the ice on the trail to see if we’d need micro spikes. (We didn’t, luckily!) Even in the sun, we were glad to have our cozy layers for the quick scouting trip.

This is the climate and type of adventure which inspires the beanies I make. I was silly giddy my girlfriend visiting from Alaska wore a beanie I made her too. Isn’t that the best feeling?!

Yarn: @malabrigoyarn Mecha & Rasta in piedras
Patterns: Turbo Beanie by me & Witch Hazel Beanie by @dearedgardesigns

Photo by @mhayekphotography

Turbo Beanie Pattern

September 30, 2021

I created this Turbo Beanie initially for an adventure buddy, Turbo, who wears her beanie in ultramarathon races and daily life.  It’s a unisex style, and the pattern is written for both Standard Adult and X-Large Adult sizes.  I make this hat in soft merino wool (Malabrigo mecha), to wick moisture, breathe, and lay flat for a headlamp, hood or helmet over top.  Instructions include how to scale it down to fit the tiniest of littles too.  I’m excited to wear my own Turbo Beanie on our next Grand Canyon adventure in October!  If you make one, I’d love to see your final product.

Link to the pattern is below.  Not a maker?  Finished beanies are also available in my shop.  Happy knitting & adventuring!  :)

Autumn Favorite

September 22, 2021

These maple glazed pumpkin scones are a staple in my house.  Favorite Fall mornings include a scone, coffee & knitting before anyone else is awake. The almond flour gives them staying power at approx 250 calories each.  Bring on the autumn comfort food and everything pumpkin!

Pumpkin Scone:
2 Tbsp melted salted butter -or- melted coconut oil
1/2 cup pumpkin purée
2 Tbsp honey
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup almond flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt

Icing:
1/4 cup powdered sugar
maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt butter or coconut oil in microwave-safe bowl, stir in pumpkin purée & honey. In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients. Add pumpkin mix to dry ingredients. Stir then knead by hand to form a ball. Roll out on silicone baking mat on metal cookie sheet with rolling pin until 1/2 inch thick. Cut with butter knife into 8 pieces, separate pieces on silicone mat. Bake 16-18 minutes. Make icing by adding small amounts of maple syrup to powdered sugar to desired consistency. Drizzle icing on each scone once cooled.

Photo: @mhayekphotography

Planning for Positivity

September 2, 2021

I don’t share much about it, because I recognize my privilege to have a job I love. But I won’t lie, work in the ER has been tough lately. It can also be gratifying when I have the right mindset, and don’t let the negative impact of another COVID surge get to me. Individual connections with patients and my team feed my soul. I’m grateful that when we must social distance, I still get the benefits of human connections at work. And so far PPE and vaccination have kept me and my family safe…there truly is so much to be grateful for!  All this said, I struggle to maintain a positive mindset at times.

Part of staying positive has been making fun future plans. I’m excited for adventures in the Grand Canyon this fall & winter! There’s nothing like something wonderful to look forward to to brighten the toughest of days. Knitting and my small business are also a wonderful creative outlet to set work in the ER down mentally when I can.

Do you have fun plans to brighten your calendar? It’s been so helpful for me. So if you don’t, let me challenge you to get something on the calendar to look forward to!

Also…I finally posted these cozy cowls I made to my Etsy shop. I’d love to hear what you think!
Photo by @mhayekphotography
Yarn: @malabrigoyarn Rasta in Whole Grain, Indiecita, Plomo
Pattern: #sunrisecowl by @woollybear_knits

Summer Vacation

During my family’s vacation to my hometown in Alaska, I was lucky enough to spend a few days with childhood friends. We laughed so hard we cried, explored the rainforest and town we grew up in together, and caught up on our lives.  It was a joy to give them these merino wool beanies too.

Pattern:  Witch Hazel Beanie by Dear Edgar Designs

Escape to the High Desert

April 10, 2021

My husband and I left the kids at home for a rare date exploring in the high desert today!  It’s just what I needed to feed my soul. I’m grateful for time with this guy and the cool breeze in the mountains. I hope you’re able to feed your soul this weekend.

This Large Merino Wool hat is available in my shop.  It’s a slouchy hat on my medium sized head.  The lighter weight of this hat makes it perfect for Spring temps.

Work in progress (WIP)

April 8, 2021

We’re all WIPs, and it’s beautiful. "Believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect."  ~Brene Brown

I enjoyed this short article from a favorite author, and it reminded me we’re all works in progress.  It’s hard to stop the internal "never _____ enough" dialogue. But our imperfections, variations, trials and errors make us the unique individuals we are. When we accept ourselves and each other for the wonderful and unique WIPs we are, when we know we’re enough, it’s beautiful and powerful. I see this so much in the maker community. Scrolling through Instagram posts this morning, I saw individuals bravely showing up and putting themselves out there. It’s incredible! You’re incredible!

Beanie Flower

March 30, 2021

One of my 4 year olds suggested the pom in the middle so it would look more like a flower.  I love her creativity.  Hope you’re having a beautiful day!

Pattern:  The Looking Glass Hat by Yarn it all by Jill

And it all comes together

March 29, 2021

Do you have “Aha!” moments while knitting or creating? I had one of those moments where everything comes together in my head this morning. Like the wizard’s curtain of life peeled back a little and I got a glimpse of what it’s all about. (all this while working on an autumn hat in March, so take it with a big grain of salt!)

It was an overlap of ideas from Alexi Pappas’ Rule of 1/3’s in Bravey, Glennon Doyle talking about living life wild in Untamed, and Brene Brown talking about how not everything is meant to be fun, fast & easy. Love all 3 of these authors and their wisdom.

Now if I can only stay in that place! Hope you have a beautiful day & find some inspiration!

Pattern:  Winterfell Beanie 2.0 by Smeeny Beanie Knits

Stitch Marker Joy

March 28, 2021

Reason #527 to use a stitch marker: I get a little burst of happiness each round.  I bought this adorable set of cacti stitch markers from Jacki Bean (@jackibeanusa) on Etsy.  I’m spending less time counting & ripping out missteps. And try little round I get to see this little cacti say “hello” and make me smile. No doubt you’ll find a set from her shop that will spark your joy.

Gifts that matter

March 26, 2021

My friend Jenny made me this beautiful project bag. She retaught me to knit when we were both going through a tough time 12 years ago. We sat outside on a warm afternoon (on patio furniture obtained by dumpster diving), and she patiently taught me to knit & purl. We made it out the other side of that rough patch each more whole than ever…and knitting up a storm! (everyone we’re close to has way too many hats) This precious bag is a reminder of her bigger gift of teaching me to knit. If you have taught someone to knit or a similar skill, it’s an incredible gift!

True Courage

March 23, 2021

"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage."

~Brene Brown, Rising Strong

The maker community is full of brave, vulnerable & wholehearted souls.  I’m grateful for the connections in this maker community and customers of quality handmade creations.

Pattern:  Winterfell Beanie 2.0 by Smeeny Beanie Knits

Brilliant Pom Buttons!

March 22, 2021

Happy Monday!  Am I the last beanie knitter to discover pom buttons? In case there’s one other newbie out there who hasn’t discovered their magic, this is for you.  Buttons are quick to use, anchor the pom down securely, and there’s some fun handmade ones.

These particular buttons secure by tying a bow or elastic loop, because the holes are larger than your standard button.  Brilliant!  @Savlabot even sends instruction cards to give to folks along with your hat when using elastic loop poms.  She has stellar customer service too!  Check out her Etsy shop.

Night Shifter Knitting

March 21, 2021

Knitting with my "morning" coffee tonight.  I love this quiet time to relax before a busy ER shift.

It’s my first time trying out this pattern, and I’m having fun watching the braided hearts beanie by Jill @yarn_it_all_ take shape.

Colors of Spring 2021

March 21, 2021

I heard Cerulean blue is one of the colors of Spring 2021. Confession: this color of the sky on a sunny Spring day is the #1 reason I live in Arizona. The shades of grey skies in Alaska & Pacific NW, while beautiful, didn’t jibe well with my brain. While there are cold and hot parts of AZ, the sky is usually this lovely blue color state-wide…and my emotions much more positive!

This new hat in my shop celebrates blue skies. I hope you enjoy your version of blue skies today!

Pattern: Nokhu Beanie by Smeeny Beanie Knits

Spring Rainbows

March 20, 2021

Happy First Day of Spring!!  Here’s my Arco Iris beanie trio to celebrate.

Arco Iris:  Spanish for Rainbow. A sign of good luck. A promise of a brighter future.

Seasons reversed

March 18, 2021

Is Autumn in March a thing? I made this custom order for a friend requesting Fall colors. I loved the process of spreading out all different colors of yarn and pairing two I wouldn’t have put together myself. It was fun & I love how it turned out!

I loved it so much I made another for my shop!

Pattern: Winterfell Beanie 2.0 by Smeeny Beanie Knits

You are important

March 14, 2021

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

I admire Viola Davis’ character in The Help telling her littles this.  She instills in her babies the same intrinsic self-worth Brene Brown says the Wholehearted have: they know they are worthy of love and belonging.

On the back of these beautiful faux leather labels from Cut Pie (@cutpiecutpie) is a simple message for each wearer to own: You are important.  I’m super excited to add them to my lighter colored Spring beanies this weekend!

I hope you move through today knowing you are important, worthy of love and belonging.