Really?

Because sometimes, "Double Stuf" just isn't enough...

Save space

We have very little (I can't emphasize this enough) storage space in our house. Sure, there's a basement, and I'm very thankful for that; however, there are certain things that are easier to have handy than always lugging them downstairs.

One such item would be blankets. Our house is very drafty, and you just can't have too many blankets in the winter. ...maybe. Well, it's August, and I'm tired of moving them back and forth all the time to get them out of my way while we're not using them.

Enter the quick and space saving solution: Plastic garbage bags, vacuum and storage bins.

Take a couple blankets and carefully put them in a bag with plenty of room to tie off the top.

Pull together the opening and twist around a vacuum hose.

Turn on the vacuum, pound the items into the shape you need to fit your storage containers, twist off, and wrap with a rubber band.

Voila! Since Friday when I did this, they have taken a tiny bit of air back in, but it's still SO much better than it was. I was able to get all my blankets into storage bins that never would have fit before. It's perfect!

Broomstick Lace

My first attempt at Broomstick Lace:

There are some obvious hiccups, but I started getting the hang of it around row 3 or 4.

Have any of you tried it? Anything you like or don't like about it? Any tips or hints I should know?

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday night project

Here's what is going on in my little corner of the world:
A new baby blanket is in the works. I had all that yarn and came across a pattern that looked fun; it was meant to be. ;-)
My mom got some large knitting needles, so I had to give a little try to Broomstick Lace.
You loyal lovely ladies have helped me figure out the Mystery Stitch!!!! Yeah!! Pictures of the sample and pattern will be coming.

On Friday, I wanted to do something a little brainless. I threw together a washcloth.

Please don't look too closely, I did it in the dark.

This little guy was next. Without counting stitches, it turned out larger than my favorite little washcloth/sponges but smaller than a potholder.

Perfect for a coaster!

Better with the coffee in it, don't you think?

Both sides of Mystery Stitch

I think we're getting closer to figuring this one out! While I'm trying out a sample, here's the promised pictures.

Side 1:

Side 2:

The sample will be coming soon!

Sneak Peek

I've taken scads of pictures of a necklace I made in May, but it won't seem to work in the lighting despite all my best efforts. So here's a sneak peek until I can get a good picture.

In other news, I'm still working on that Mystery Afghan--thanks for all the ideas you're sending!!! I hope to update soon!

Yarn Deal

While I wait to get a picture of both sides of the afghan with the Mystery Stitch, I have to show you my loot from a week ago:

It's hard to see all the colors here, but it's a great variety! There's some black with flecks Vanna's Choice yarn, some bright pink no-name yarn, some shiny silver Simply Soft, 3 balls of cotton I forgot to put back in, green and blue Loops & Thread Impeccable yarn, a very thick cream with a brown strand, and some soft pink and gold no-name yarn! At the bottom right, there are some "Comfort Grip" things to slide onto the hook. I've never tried it before, so I might have to give them a try.

See that little spot of turquoise-blue between the pink and package of Comfort Grips? I'm pretty sure that skein was rolled onto a paintbrush. =D Ha!!

All this amazing-ness for the low LOW price of...

$5 Yes, just 5 smack-a-roos!!! How fantastic is that?

Time to get out my ball-winder again for some great fun! Then I have to decide how to use these.