NOW, I initially planned to knit a cute lacy number but when I failed to specify that I wanted knitting patterns in my search, I was flooded with really beautiful crochet bookmarks.

I know how to crochet. I don’t know that I could read one of those fancy illustration things… what do they call those? I think it’s a chart just like in knitting, only way fancier. (Am I the only one that thinks they’re so pretty?)

I really don’t know what that gnome is doing in there???!!!

So I scrolled and scrolled through project after project. Then stopped dead when I saw this one:

I. AM. SMITTEN! Honestly, how are there no projects??? It’s SO stunning.

These are the “honourable mentions” in my Favourites Bookmark Bundle:

I was 100% going to make that Pikachu bookmark for my son. He was obsessed with Pokemon growing up. Sadly, this pattern isn’t available anymore. Boooooo! Maybe some day I’ll be able to figure it out without a pattern.

Guess what I did Monday during my lunch hour? I went to Michaels and purchased a really tiny crochet hook and some thread. I haven’t actually started this bookmark because I need to practice this new technique: overlay mosaic crochet. Until about four days ago, I had no idea this existed. So, naturally, I have to make something.

Enter the Mosaic Starburst Square by Erin Toews!

Isn’t she so eye-catching? (How do I insert a heart-eyes emoji dammit?)

This is how mine is going:

Honestly, I’m having a hard time putting this down. (How do I insert an eye-rolling emoji?)

Tell me, where do you stand on the knit vs. crochet bookmark?

Mylène

I started my Mimimustknit channel a few years ago. I haven’t been very consistent in posting videos over the years but my first one went up in April of 2019. Since that time, I’ve posted a total of nine videos that would be considered knitting vlogs or a podcast. Most of those have been in the last year. But I’ve also posted many tutorials over the years. I initially used YouTube to post how-to videos that were related to the knitting classes I was teaching here in Cornwall. I wanted people to be able to refer to those videos if they couldn’t finish the project over the three hours in class. The quality isn’t stellar and I should have made each project ONE video with each step instead of 10 videos in one playlist. But we learn as we go – like everything else.

I’m not sure why I wanted to start vlogging. I’m not aiming to earn extra money from my channel, or to become an “influencer” (does anyone else find that term annoying?), nor do I think my life is that interesting that I think people should watch what I’m up to. But if I can inspire a few people to try a new pattern or a new craft, then I’m winning!

Five years ago, I discovered knitting podcases/vlogs. I actually wrote a post about it in February 2017. I don’t think I could account for all the money I’ve spent on patterns and yarn because of knitting podcasts. But I’m also eternally grateful (after getting a grip on my spending) for all the inspiration I got from other knitters who were talking about their projects in their videos. I recently found a lady who purchased equipment to start her own little wool mill at home. Dudes! I’m thinking that a mini-mill might be a retirement gig for me so I’ll keep up with her vlogs and see how it goes for her.

Through my YouTube channel, I met my friend Lorelei. She watched my first ever Vlogmas back in 2019. Through her comments and then Instagram messages, we became friends. Soon enough, we were chatting all the time – almost daily. Then we started exchanging actual letters (who does this anymore). One day, I checked her address in my map app and realized she was only three and a half hours away from me. So I decided I would go visit. We recorded our first vlog together. It was so much fun that when I went back in January of this year and we recorded another one. Her channel is Handmade by Lorelei, if you feel like checking her out too. She does paper-crafting videos, fountain pen and ink videos, some jewelry-making videos. It’s a really fun channel if you’re into that stuff. I get a lot of inspiration from her.

I don’t have a lot of subscribers at this point, 270 I think last I checked. But it’s fun to know that 270 people are interested in watching me talk about my knitting, crochet, spinning, books, life, general MAKING and even some travel.

So I’m off to do something creative now. Might see you soon!

This is me at 39.  I wonder what I’ll look like at 40.  

On a few other notes…

My workshops are well-attended. This makes my heart so happy! So many new knitters and crocheters!

I’m almost finished with my first level submissions for the master hand-knitter’s certification. I cursed the end of level project mitten last night but… I believe it’s under control now.  (I really dislike that mitten.)

I’ve got some exciting travels (big ones) planned in the next six months. I’m having such a hard time containing my glee.

I might actually be able to work with my Philly yarn soon. Why do projects seem to pop up all the time that keep me from that mini-stash?

Oh! and Jane Richmond’s new West Coast Cardigan just came out. OMG, I want to make this sweater so bad. She writes in her blog post that this sweater is a pretty quick knit. I also know exactly where I can get me some of the Briggs & Little Country Roving. But I shouldn’t spend money on yarn – I should be saving it for my trips. What do I do???!!! (Price out the yarn. If it’s under $50, I’m going for it.)

For now, back to my icky mitten and a movie.

I have bins of all these little ends of yarn from all kinds of projects dating back over 10 years.  I’ve made a few yoga mat bags with some and a pouch for my clothes pins that I felted and fit around hanger.  I still have three large plastic bins full though.

I recently started a blanket with all the leftovers from my workshop projects – Lion Brand Wool East Thick & Quick.  I had a large Lululemon tote bag full.  I tell you, it definitely didn’t go as far as I thought it would because I’m already out of yarn.

I think I really love this blanket.  I was planning to make it for someone but… I’m not so sure anymore.

I am officially on holidays for a week.  I’m heading to Philly with my girlfriend.  She used to live there so she’s excited to show me around.  I’ve never been there so I’m excited to plant my feet somewhere they have never been.