Phat Fiber

Phat Fiber is the Shiznit, yo. And I don't just call anything
the Shiznit.
Phat Fiber makes available every month a 'mystery box' for people like
me who are slightly obsessed with all things related to yarn and fiber.
You know, the people who go slightly teary eyed at the thought of
Cashmere and Merino all twisted around together like the most perfect
lovers in the world, just waiting for the right person to come along
and work them up into something even more magical. The people like me
who aren't afraid to stand up and say "My name is Rose, and I'm a
fiberholic."
So, each box contains a myriad of samples sent in from different indie
artisans. One can choose between the regular box (which has everything
from roving to batts to yarn, stitch markers and more) or the 'stitches
only' box for people like me who don't spin or needle felt. It contains
the same amount of samples, but doesn't include the fiber for spinning
and felting.
I got mine first one today, and Wow! I am impressed!


February's theme was romance and chocolate, so my box included lots of
yummy samples of yarn in pink colorways, and a couple of brown too. I got knitting stitch markers (while I am mainly a crocheter, I'll have to start a knitting project soon just so I can use those gorgeous markers), lovely shea butter cream, a knitting graphic novel (how cool is that!) and lots of discount codes that I am definitely going to take advantage of.

Two of my favorite things from this box:
A gorgeous...no, beyond gorgeous shawl pin,

and this chocolate covered spoon that made me say "Hello, Lover" out loud, much to my embarrassment.
I encourage all of you to mosey on over to the Phat Fiber web site and join the mailing list to find out when the next box will be available. You won't be disappointed!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ah, yes. Love is in the air. I finally finished Wubbzy for my second daughter, S. It was supposed to be a Christmas present, but it didn't quite turn out that way.
Annnnyway...S loves her Wubbzy, and the Wubbzter loves his (her?) S. And L loves trying to squeeze her way into the picture.


I hope everyone has a lovely Valentine's day! Eat lots of chocolate! Give lots of kisses!

Pokeball, Go!

I have a gift for all of you Pokemon lovers (or parents of Pokemon lovers out there) in Cyberspace.
But first, a little back story: My two oldest children are ever-so-slightly obsessed with Pokemon. They are also obsessed with throwing things at each other while yelling "Charizard, use Flamethrower!", or "Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" Needless to say, I got sick of the younger one screeching about being hit in the forehead with a plastic Pokeball so I decided to make a slightly softer version. Below, after the little story (made with my oldest son's help as well as a loan of some of his toys), you'll find a super-easy pattern for making your own Pokeball!

It was early in the morning, and Ash and Pikachu were preparing to enter the Safari Zone, when suddenly the spotted a Chansey! Ash realized that this could be a once in a lifetime chance to catch the elusive Pokemon who is said to bring happiness to it's owner.

Ash sent Pikachu out to prepare to battle in the hopes that he could weaken Chansey enough to catch him with his Pokeball. (He does, after all, gotta catch 'em all!)

"Pikachu, use thunderbolt!"

Chansey was down, and Ash threw out his Pokeball in an effort to capture the much coveted Pokemon. No! A miss! Try again, Ash!


Phew! Persistence is a good thing, and Ash's was rewarded with a new Pokemon to call his own!

Crocheted Pokeball Pattern

Materials:

Small amount each of red, black, and white worsted weight yarn.

G hook

Fiberfill or stuffing material of your choice.

Scissors

Yarn needle

Stitch marker

Ball:

Note: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds, so be sure to place your stitch marker in the first st of each row to avoid losing your place!

With white yarn, ch2.

Round 1: Work 8 sc in second ch from hook.

Round 2: Inc in each sc around. (16 sc)

Round 3: (Sc in next sc, inc in next) around. (24sc)

Round 4: (Sc in next two sc, inc in next) around. (32sc)
Rounds 5-8: Sc in each sc around. Sw to black yarn.

Round 9: Sc in each sc around. Break off yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.

With red yarn, ch 2.

Repeat rounds 1-8 as for first half. Break off yarn, weave in ends.

Using long tail, sew the two halves together, stuffing firmly before fully closed. Weave in ends.

Button:

With white yarn, ch 2.

Round 1: Work 6 sc in second ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc. Break off yarn.

Round 2. Join black yarn in any sc. Inc in each sc around. (10 sc). Break off yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Attach the button to middle of the ball right over where you did your color changes. Weave in ends.

Now go throw it at somebody!