Paper not yarn...

I have been blogging much about my newest obession.  But one of my original obsessions, involved paper, not yarn.

I made this card on 12/29/09, but I could not share it until I gave it away.  Even though I made it in December, I knew exactly who it was going to on 02/22/10.  To my Auntie Renee:

Papers used: Slab 6 (by ProvoCraft--from 2005!), punch used: pop-up Butterfly Edge Punch (by Martha Stewart ), Cutter (flowers & font): Cricut (Basic Shapes/George)

Someday, I will have to share my piles of paper because I used pattern papers from 2005, but I have been shopping non-stop for papers for 7 years now!

Stitchin' Scarf

I have heard of these "hip" knitting and crocheting books called the "Stitch N Bitch" series.  So when I seen this cover of Crochet Today and that it was from the creator of Stitch N Bitch, I knew I had to buy it

well, truth be told, I feel in love with the vibrant colors of the pictures first.  They totally reeled me in!

The pattern actually calls for Stitch Nation yarn (from the creator Stitch N Bitch, Debbie Stoller), but I used some Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Cilantro that I had.  I do plan on buying some of the Stitch Nation Yarn though.

Here is my finished project.

Crochet Storage

Since my current obsession is Crocheting and because it will take me too long to take pictures of my scrapbook room--ha ha ha.  I will start with showing my current (and hopeful not growing too fast) crochet storage.

Yarn Storage:

I bought a couple of Michael recycle bags and have made these the homes for my yarn.  It is cool because I can just take one of the bags with some yarn, my tool case, and pattern binder with me in a jiffy.  Currently, one bag contains thicker bulky yarn and the other contains baby type yarns.  Right now, these are my absolute favorite yarns.

Tool Storage:

I have had this bag from Bath and Body Works for years and years.  I was waiting to use it someday.  And I finally found a great use for it.

One side contains the labels from the yarn (so I know how to tell a buyer how to wash and dry the item) and some flowers and hearts I practiced crocheting.  Also, on this side are my markers (you definitely learn all the neat extras you need).

The second side contains barrettes and pins, my niffy Martha Stewart scissors (thank you Auntie!), a couple of plastic needles and my array of crochet needles.

Pattern Binder:

Right now, it is a small ring binder with patterns I have found online.  I love using the View Binders because I can put the pattern that I am currently making in the front and if it is 2 pages, I can put the continuation on the back.

I do need to get some dividers though.  Right now, all my patterns are just in there.  But they are grouped into hats, scarves, coffee cozies, baby hats, and other (flowers, hearts, & snowflakes for now).  It also stores the Lion Brand Yarn catalog and my first Crochet Today magazine.  I am going to try and refrain from going crazy on the magazines--we will see how long that lasts.

Another way I keep organize is by using post-its and a pencil to keep track of where I am at on a pattern.

I really hope that this obsession does not get too out of hand.  I hope that this storage will last me a while and that I won't have to upgrade.  As long as I make new stuff with purchases, I won't have to store too much...again, we will see how long that lasts--ha ha ha.