So like, it was cold. Oh, and a new pattern!

Well, we got hit again, of course… The cold.. oh so very cold. The other day woke up and it was reading 52 degrees in the house. Called the landlord. We had 2 pipes frozen… even the dog’s water bowl was frozen solid, if that tells you anything! So he came over, and we worked on defrosting the pipes (they froze despite leaving the water dripping, etc).

So, finally, we have water, yay! I put the oven on to get at least some relief from the cold. Landlord is going to get someone to put some insulation in the basement celing (you see, the floorboards are open to the basement, at least somewhat.. you can see speckles of light when peaking through)!

Yesterday, no water. Today, no drainage. Yeah, can you believe it? The drains are now frozen! But I do have running water.. :) Just no where to put the running water! When it rains, it pours, when it pours, it overflows.

Tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 30s.. thank goodness… I am not fond of this frigid cold. I do like cool weather, much more than heat (oh how I really hate humidity in the summer).. but this cold, was too cold.. even the dog can attest to that!

So I am rushing, 2 deadlines looming, for 3 projects to be made, designed, worked up… and one of my testers posts about seeing one of my patterns in a newsletter… (Thank you Carolyn!!!!)

I was wondering what had happened with this pattern! I sent it to Caron, thinking first, it would be on the tear sheets in Walmart (maybe it will be still), and then thinking it would be in a magazine.. Well, tonight alas, I find it to be on the Caron website!

I really love this pattern! It is simple, fun and quick.. You can work it while watching tv, with only an occasional glance at the TV. The color possibilities are endless..

What do you think…

Circles, Stripes & Squares

Circles, Stripes & Squares, for Caron International

Circles, Stripes & Squares, for Caron International

I really wanted something simple, but not plain and boring… Something fun, that when you smile at it, it really does smile back.

It says, come snuggle with me and we will play and giggle the afternoon away.. See what I mean, I tell you, my patterns have stories to tell!

Anyway, this pattern is available for FREE. It is on the Caron website.. and here you go in case you want to queue it on Ravlery

Circles, Stripes & Squares for Caron International

This blanket was made using Caron international’s Simply Soft Eco. I really love this yarn. It is just as soft as their regular Simply Soft line..

But what is nicer, is that this consists of recycled plastic bottles – something like every 10 skeins saves 6 bottles. So now, make your creations, while helping the environment! I really love the colors too in this line. First, so many to choose from… Second, they all go together so well. The colors in this afghan reminds me of Taffy… doesn’t it? Maybe that is the “fun” part of the giggles story… Just like at a carnival with popcorn and taffy…  It is almost like a color glow.. if you look at the large motifs, how the stripes of green pink and purple seem to have a glow-like effect against the yellow background, doesn’t it?

Some people have been concerned about the yarn showing some kind of “lint” in some of the colors. I have not found this to be problematic. The company Caron explained this is not lint or any type of “dirt.” It is part of the recycled material. I personally have not found this to be problematic. I have seen it in some of the skeins, and it seems more pronounced than in others – for what reason I am not sure. But the yarn is definitely just as soft, and the colors just as remarkable as the the Simply Soft line. If I were you, I would give it a try. I was pleased with how the yarn felt in my hands, how it worked up, and the end result :)

Anyway, be sure to let me know if you make this blanket. I would love to see what colors you choose and see how it turns out! And for those of you looking for easy patterns, this is definitely one of the few I have designed that are skill level Easy! :)

Niters.. off to visit the sandman.