Yesterday afternoon I learned to knit I-cord!
This might now seem super duper exciting if you already know how to do this amazingly simple little thing - but I was a little worried...
You see, when I've been searching for knit blanket & throw ideas (on the internet & on Ravelry) I seem to be drawn to the ones that use I-Cord edging. Like this great improvised knitting piece, or this Apple Core design, &  this simple Hip To Be Square blanket. I just love the applied I-cord!
But, what's a girl to do when she's clueless about such things??
Why, find an awesome headband tutorial, of course!

It took me an hour.
I learned  I-cord & knit a headband all at once, in an hour. What the heck was i so worried about?!
Now I am I-cording some craft yarn my Aunt gave me to make an inspiration line, like these but with clothes pins & I-cord! The yarn I have is green & I think it'll be just perfect for hanging Christmas cards off of when that time of year rolls around again.

I made this I-cord a little thicker than the headband version. I was just curious to see if I could add extra stitches & get the same result. I can, I did, it worked out great.
I also have a fun crafty design using this little skill that is in the works to share with you soon!

In my hunting & gathering blanket inspiration I've settled on a gradient rainbow theme with an applied I-cord edging. This is intended to be a Christmas gift (yeah...I'm already working on the list!) & the recipient loves rainbows. The improvised blanket post above led me to another awesome post with videos for easy to follow instructions for applied I-cord edging.  I just love the internet for the sheer ease of learning so many things!

I'm only in the earliest stages of gathering yarn for this project. Since I do not have a stash (a new knitter's bane!) to pull vaious shades of each color from I am having to buy most of it. A few of these skeins were also gifted from my Aunt, & maybe I'll be able to hunt up a few more donated colors. But, for the most part I am just going to slowly gather colors to add to the blanket, which means I won't be able to work on the blanket in the near future because I need to have at least the red/pinks gathered to get started. I want lots of variation, similar to this, so this not-having-a-stash thing is my only downfall.

I also want to make one of these, & again my lack of stash hinders that just at this moment. I think a little granny square might be a good place to start when learning to crochet?
Anyone got any advice on how to build a yarn stash somewhat quickly & not crazy expensively? I'm hunting our local thrift stores in hopes some fine yarn lovers will destash a little to help me out. So far that hasn't happened, but with warmer months ahead maybe I'll get lucky. I know some people craft with the seasons just for comfort's sake.

So, what's been on & off your needles lately? Have any designs you're just dreaming about?
If you're on Ravelry stop over & add me as a friend, I'd love to see what you've been up to!

I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!