tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2576930177468966482024-03-12T20:15:18.087-05:00Gillywing CreatesJessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-41353501181883097852018-04-23T17:07:00.001-05:002018-04-24T09:14:42.624-05:00 Monday Moment: Mandala Yarn by Lion BrandHappy Monday everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82iAb32VfBI/Wt5YjufTIBI/AAAAAAAAA08/m0XONZlbrWU3LgSTYBlGHKRFgMKxvWBjACLcBGAs/s1600/il_570xN.1497101157_j53q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82iAb32VfBI/Wt5YjufTIBI/AAAAAAAAA08/m0XONZlbrWU3LgSTYBlGHKRFgMKxvWBjACLcBGAs/s320/il_570xN.1497101157_j53q.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
What a day! I was expecting my students to be hard to wake up after prom this weekend, but they had other plans in store. They were up and moving and they kept me on my toes all day!<br />
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Can I collapse now?<br />
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Anyway, I've been wanting to start a new feature on this blog for a while and I've come up with the idea for Monday Moment. This feature is meant to be a simple, short explosion of either excitement or an accident. Monday Moments may include joy over new found yarn, or tears and sadness and doom and gloom after I royally screw up a project.<br />
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Today I want to take a moment and mention a yarn that a lot of people are talking about and that I have fallen absolutely in love with: Mandala by Lion Brand. And no, they did not ask for a review. These are just my thoughts because I love this yarn and want to blab it to the world from my big mouth to your listening ears.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDjhfQ9zNTs/Wt5YjjCVLZI/AAAAAAAAA1A/czRbc87vvksmXgmqk7qZAUikL61cuwzMQCLcBGAs/s1600/il_570xN.1510899311_87sb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDjhfQ9zNTs/Wt5YjjCVLZI/AAAAAAAAA1A/czRbc87vvksmXgmqk7qZAUikL61cuwzMQCLcBGAs/s320/il_570xN.1510899311_87sb.jpg" width="240" /></a>This is a wonderful fingering weight yarn that is self-striping and available in 20 different colorways! OMG! So many! And, after buying ALL of them (a big thanks to my boyfriend for not abandoning me in Walmart as I scoured the shelves for each one) I can honestly say that there isn't one that I don't like. Normally, I dislike pinks, yellows, and neutral colors but they all look so nice!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkS6OfKeB24/Wt5YjovqAwI/AAAAAAAAA1E/ueY4IbIDTFwQ4kLuW8214f7Ivu-yQ7n_gCLcBGAs/s1600/il_570xN.1510901229_mfe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkS6OfKeB24/Wt5YjovqAwI/AAAAAAAAA1E/ueY4IbIDTFwQ4kLuW8214f7Ivu-yQ7n_gCLcBGAs/s320/il_570xN.1510901229_mfe4.jpg" width="240" /></a>Not only are the colors super cute, but the yarn is completely machine washer and dryer safe. LION BRAND WINS ME OVER AGAIN!<br />
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I'm sitting here trying to think of an actual con to this yarn, but at $5 for 590 yards, I really can't!<br />
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In fact, I love it so much that I built the entire <a href="http://www.gillywingcreates.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Ethereal Collection</a> around this yarn! You can see the effects of the yarn in my pictured items.<br />
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Well, I believe I've taken up my Moment for this Monday. I'll see you next time!<br />
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<br />Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-28443272384634489722018-01-10T12:09:00.000-06:002018-01-10T12:09:37.525-06:00Needle Notions: What Kind of Knitting Needle is Best for You?Ahhh knitting needles. We need them. We love them. We buy them. Sometimes, we're lucky enough to be given knitting needles for free (my favorite price!). Unfortunately, to many new knitters and non-knitters, a knitting needle is a knitting needle is a knitting needle.<br />
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I disagree wholeheartedly.<br />
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Rather than discuss the convenient uses of the different angle of points on needles or double pointed needles vs. circular needles, I want to take a moment to discuss the three main materials that needles are made of. I can't tell you specifically what is best for you, but I can give you my thoughts on some of the pros and cons of each to help you consider what you would most like to work with.<br />
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Plastic Needles</h3>
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<b>Pros:</b><br />
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<li>Usually the least expensive of the three options</li>
<li>Flexible</li>
<li>Stitches slide easily on the needle as long as you don't knit too tightly</li>
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<b>Cons:</b></div>
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<li>Because they are thin plastic, they are the easiest to break.</li>
<li>If you knit too tightly, the stitches won't slide well on the needle.</li>
<li>If you knit too loosely, the stitches may slide too easily (which will make it easier to drop stitches).</li>
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Metal Needles</h3>
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<b>Pros: </b><br />
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<li>Very sturdy and difficult to snap</li>
<li>Your hands warm them up as you work (an added winter knitting bonus!)</li>
<li>Usually priced in the middle of the range</li>
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<b>Cons:</b></div>
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<li>Click audibly as you work</li>
<li>Can be quite cold to the touch when you first start working with them</li>
<li>Relatively inflexible</li>
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Wooden/Bamboo Needles</h3>
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<b>Pros:</b></div>
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<li>Flexible</li>
<li>Stitches slide easily on the needle as long as you don't knit too tightly.</li>
<li>Come in an assortment of beautiful woods and colors</li>
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<b>Cons:</b></div>
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<li>Usually the most expensive of the three types.</li>
<li>Stitches don't slide easily if you knit too tightly.</li>
<li>Tend to have more rounded points which may interfere with certain yarns or stitches</li>
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My Preference</h3>
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I am all about the metal needles. I love that they are long lasting! I have a horrible habit of sitting on or stepping on my needles which results in broken plastic needles every time. And, if I don't step on them, my 74 lb. dog does. As a person with constantly frozen hands, it is a huge benefit that they warm up the more they are worked with. Many knitters dislike the clicking sound they make, but I love it. It reminds me of the sound of my mother knitting when I was growing up which gives me a more meaningful knitting experience. I have also found that the pointier tips help me to work my lace projects, ladder yarns, and eyelash yarns more easily. </div>
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Let's Chat!</h3>
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What do you think? Have you found the same pros and cons of the types in your knitting? Which kind of needle do you prefer to work with? Why do you prefer this type to the others?</div>
Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-71441341054885210142018-01-07T18:46:00.000-06:002018-01-09T09:48:53.451-06:00Etsy 2017: The Love, the Mess, and the ChaosBefore I start talking about Etsy in 2017, I want to ask one simple question about 2017 in general. Where did it go? I'm not saying that just because it's the typical thing to say at the beginning of the new year. I'm saying it because I really don't know. I was so buried under way too many priorities that the year just slipped through my fingers. Therefore, my New Year's Resolution is just for me to find time to relax and do things for me. Hopefully, I stick with that past January 15. I've been doing well so far, but the crazy parts of the year haven't yet set in.<br />
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Anyway...on to Etsy.</div>
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2017 was a HUGE year for Gillywing Creates. Not only did I have a set of custom images designed for a logo, banner, custom orders, etc., I made my first two sales and had more people stopping by than ever before. 2017 was the year Gillywing Creates became more than just a hobby-it became a beloved priority. </div>
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This would not have been possible without two wonderful ladies, Jenny (from Fuzzy and Birch) and Renae Christine (from Rich Mom Business). Their advice was so helpful! Both ladies are always very quick to reply to emails and are willing to go above and beyond the assistance that they advertise. They are the best mentors I could have hoped for. </div>
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2017 also saw an increase of social media as Gillywing Creates now has profiles on Instagram and Twitter. I have loved the experience of using both of these! The FaceBook page has been wonderful, but I would rather have the communication experience of Twitter and Instagram so that I am sure to give the best customer service possible.</div>
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Unfortunately, there were some rough bits. I wanted this blog to truly grow in 2017. That did not happen. I got lazy and just left it alone. I'm really looking forward to growing the blog this year. </div>
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I also found out that I have been going about Etsy in a very nonchalant way and that is not helping me to grow Gillywing Creates as the shop I have in my vision. I am looking forward to creating product lines and doing a much better job of customer service and engagement.</div>
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Lastly, the chaos. I have so many things that I want to try making that I'm all over the place. I would love to hear what you are interested in! Please stop by <a href="htp://www.gillywingcreates.etsy.com">Gillywing Creates</a> and tell me what you think I'm missing. </div>
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Let's make 2018 a wonderful year together.</div>
Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-12870381973030841042017-07-22T16:09:00.000-05:002017-08-24T00:22:21.730-05:00Where I've Been...And Where I Am NowHey guys!<br />
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What a week! I had all of these wonderful things I wanted to post and never had the time! I've been so busy trying to get everything ready for my shop so that I can be sure the shelves are stocked for all of you! And in the midst of all that, I was helping family, bringing the dog to the vet, supporting my man with his new job, and sleeping. All of this while still working on my book blog and preparing for the upcoming school year.<br />
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FINALLY, things are slowing down! I HAVE MY GORRAM LIFE BACK!<br />
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It wasn't all bad though, in the midst of all this I was able to get my new desk set up. I now have one table dedicated to my school work and book blogging and another one for my crafting. This is especially wonderful as it sounds like our family of four may be expanding to at least six. No, I'm not pregnant. We're just talking about getting a betta fish and a kitten. <br />
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Anyway, I'm really excited to share some pictures of my now mostly set up studio! Enjoy the gallery below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi! I'm Cathryn, I'll be your tour guide today. See that Q-Tip? Mom's taken it away five times today. HA!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Mom's chair and a few of her books. She only has four bookshelves right now. So, there's a towering wall of boxes you won't get to see.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of Mom's desk. She likes those plants. I hate them. I can't sit on the window sill!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of her desk and those danged plants!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's knitting table. Yorick is watching over from above, and I'm down below.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see all of Mom's work books here. She gets mad when I bite them.</td></tr>
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And that's the majority of the studio. I know it's pretty messy at the moment. Like Cathryn said, I have a wall of boxes filled with books that need to be shelved. I also have a closet filled with tubs of yarn. <br />
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Until next time, take care!<br />
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Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-86311273388852054612017-07-17T00:00:00.000-05:002018-05-03T11:57:06.590-05:00Monday Mishaps: The Story of the Circle SweaterWelcome to Monday. Monday's suck. I spend most Mondays feeling....well...<br />
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Unfortunately, the crafting powers that be don't care if it's Monday. Sometimes they just want to watch you fail and they will surely laugh in your face as you do. <br />
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In May, I had the idea to make Mom's birthday gift. Keep in mind that this is the same mother who taught me most of the things I know about crafting. She had always teased me about not making my first sweater and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to really give it to her. So, I hopped online and found a circle sweater pattern. This thing was so easy! It was a circle! With armholes! To which you added sleeves!<br />
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So I crocheted. And crocheted. And crocheted some more. And I got to the part where the armholes were created. And the pattern told me to leave the chains for the armholes for later. SO I DID. Now, that was where I made my true mistake. Leaving them was not what I needed to do. But, that's what the pattern said. So I crocheted and crocheted until this circle was large enough to meet the XL measurements. I then used the previously made chains to try to figure out how the heck the sleeves worked. I got those puppies added, slipped it on, and cried. <br />
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Let me help you picture this scene. Here I am, all proud of the sweater I made. I go to the bathroom to look in the mirror and I basically have two sleeves with a whole turtle shell thing going on. None of the sweater was at my sides or in front of me. It was BAD! Instantly, I turned into panic mode, tried to figure out what to do to fix the thing, and promptly hooked it on the handle of the laundry chute. The more I tried and tried and tried to free myself, all I did was hook my turtle shell screw up to the chute handle. I was attached. I was going no where. <br />
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At this point, the man was wondering why I was in the bathroom for so long stomping in circles, grunting, and making some very ill sounding noises. Bravely, he ventured to the bathroom and knocked on the door. As you might imagine, my response was not very friendly. Luckily for me, he braved his panic stricken, angry woman and entered the room to free me from this hellish contraption. Luckily for him, he didn't laugh and tried to help me come up with a way to fix it.<br />
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There was only one thing to do. So, I went to the bedroom and laid it out on the bed. Then, slowly unwound all of my hard work back to the original center of the thing. It took more than an hour to unwind all five skeins of yarn that had gone into this thing. <br />
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One thing they tell you when you start crafting is that as ye crochet, ye will frog. What they don't tell you is that as ye frog, ye will sob. A lot.<br />
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This has been today's edition of Monday Mishaps. Join me next week for yet another recollection of the pain I put myself through for the hobbies I love.Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-24973300024518946652017-07-16T00:00:00.000-05:002017-07-16T00:00:11.044-05:00Supply Cabinet: For the Love of Red HeartWelcome to Crafters' Anonymous. My name is Jessa, and it's been approximately five seconds since I last knit anything. I am not here to quit. I am here to tell you about the supplies I have come to know and love-one Sunday at a time.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzE62bgwHjE/WWgx_fpJnVI/AAAAAAAAAmE/GrlYf2UQ3JQatlntLK0Qi6ZsTFqjRBw3ACLcBGAs/s1600/lot-Red-Heart-Super-Saver-acrylic-yarn-big-jumbo-skeins-cool-blue-grey-purple-mint-green-1stopretroshop-z10585-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzE62bgwHjE/WWgx_fpJnVI/AAAAAAAAAmE/GrlYf2UQ3JQatlntLK0Qi6ZsTFqjRBw3ACLcBGAs/s320/lot-Red-Heart-Super-Saver-acrylic-yarn-big-jumbo-skeins-cool-blue-grey-purple-mint-green-1stopretroshop-z10585-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>This week, I want to take a good look at Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. I know, I know, it's cheap. It's acrylic. It can be scratchy. It's really not the fanciest stuff in the world. HOWEVER I don't think I would have ever gotten into knitting or crocheting without it. </div>
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Let's look at all of those "cons" in a more positive light.</div>
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1. It's cheap. OK, so it's bad to save money? What I love about the cost is that I can buy several skeins for a little bit of money. This means that I can practice and screw up and not feel like I'm out a ton of money. Additionally, when I knit for my nieces and nephews, I don't need to worry about allergies as much. And, as any auntie knows, kids can be messy. This brings me to my second point.</div>
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2. It is acrylic. In other words, if my niece or nephew pukes on it, drops it in the mud, feeds it, spills food on it, spills pop on it, etc. I just shove it in the washer and dryer and it's good to go for another round. It's not that easy with wool, angora, or alpaca. Save that yarn to make the things they love in something fancier when they are old enough to properly care for it. </div>
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3. It can be scratchy. Notice that I didn't make a guarantee that it will be scratchy every time you work with it. In my experience, a little bit of fabric softener can go a LONG way. If you would rather soften it up a bit before you work with it, you can find several resources on Pinterest about how to wash it before using. Though I have never done these personally, they are out there! </div>
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I would definitely suggest anyone who is new to knitting or crocheting try to work with Red Heart Super Saver. It's an excellent way to start without the fear of destroying precious natural fibers.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's Chat</span></div>
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Do you use Red Heart Super Saver? What do you think of it? Have you stayed far away from it? What is your favorite yarn to work with?</div>
Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-84720199128435957472017-07-15T00:00:00.000-05:002017-07-15T00:00:19.576-05:00Weekly Wrap Up! 7/15/2017<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Real Life</span></h2>
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Hey everyone! Just wanted to give you a shout out from my hometown! I pulled a muscle in my shoulder and my grandma wanted company. So here we are, chilling out on the couch playing a million games of rummy, drinking too much coffee, and petting two wonderful Alaskan Malamutes! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, the dogs are definitely camera shy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This Week on the Blog</span></h2>
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Tuesday: <a href="https://gillywing.blogspot.com/2017/07/welcome.html">Welcome!</a></div>
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Wednesday: <a href="https://gillywing.blogspot.com/2017/07/wip-wednesday-7122017.html">WIP Wednesday</a></div>
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Thursday: <a href="https://gillywing.blogspot.com/2017/07/knit-ponchos-wraps-and-scarves-by-jane.html">Knit Ponchos, Wraps, and Scarves by Jane Davis (A Review)</a></div>
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Friday: <a href="https://gillywing.blogspot.com/2017/07/friday-feature-and-bonus.html">Friday Feature and BONUS!</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Next Week on the Blog</span></h2>
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Sunday: Supply of the Week-Red Heart Super Saver Yarn</div>
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Monday: Crafting Mishap-The Story of the Circle Sweater</div>
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Tuesday: Tutorial- Tool Selection</div>
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Wednesday: WIP Wednesday</div>
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Thursday: Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson (A Review)<br />
Friday: Friday Feature and Bonus!<br />
Saturday: Weekly Wrap Up!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Remember to subscribe to the Gillywing Newsletter before 7/21/2017 to receive a 5% discount in my Etsy shop!</span></u></b></div>
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Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-90935299033150412722017-07-14T00:00:00.000-05:002017-07-14T00:00:16.808-05:00Friday Feature and BONUS!<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcaNjp3HV-I/WWgiTkRHPQI/AAAAAAAAAlw/pIudUIeBV0kEwZLvJPbVqcR9cFkzE5pUACLcBGAs/s1600/il_570xN.1009937371_9hry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcaNjp3HV-I/WWgiTkRHPQI/AAAAAAAAAlw/pIudUIeBV0kEwZLvJPbVqcR9cFkzE5pUACLcBGAs/s640/il_570xN.1009937371_9hry.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
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Happy Friday! </span></h2>
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This week I am featuring what I call the Cool Blue Blanket. I love the way the different shades of blue, white, and cream play together to create a warm blanket of ice cold colors. It really reflects the feeling of winter in Northern Minnesota!<br />
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Can't you picture cuddling up under this 50" x 50" throw? Or wrapping your little one in it as a baby blanket? <br />
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Typically, it is best to spot clean this item with a damp washcloth. However, if bigger spills occur it is 100% washer and dryer safe because it is made of 100% acrylic yarn. <br />
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Please visit <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291105999/blue-granny-square-afghan-baby-blanket?ref=shop_home_feat_3">this link</a> for more information.<br />
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Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the item. I want you to have all of your questions answered before you make a purchase. Remember that if you LOVE the pattern but not the colors, you can contact me to discuss a custom item. I look forward to hearing from you!<br />
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Bonus</span></h2>
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If you look to the right sidebar of the page, you will notice that there is a sign up list to the Gillywing Newsletter! I will be giving a 5% discount coupon to anyone who signs up for the newsletter before 7/21/2017. I will send weekly emails, but will not spam your account or sell your information.<br />
<br />Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-49610659603514753172017-07-13T00:00:00.000-05:002017-07-13T21:14:35.125-05:00Knit Ponchos, Wraps, and Scarves by Jane Davis<h2>
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About the Book</span></h2>
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11885208-knit-ponchos-wraps-scarves?ac=1&from_search=true">Knit Ponchos, Wraps, and Scarves</a> </i>by Jane Davis<br />
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<i>I borrowed this book from the library. Neither the author nor the publisher requested or is associated with this review.</i><br />
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Knit scarves are the hottest new fashion accessory! Answering the demand for new scarf, poncho and shawl ideas, this new book provides 35 fun, contemporary projects knitters can create quickly and easily, many featuring popular novelty yarns. Knit Ponchos, Wraps & Scarves explores various techniques for knitting, ranging from cables with color work to embellishing with beads and embroidery. Each section features a number of progressive projects ranging from beginner, to intermediate, to expert. This book offers something for every knitter and gives beginners a chance to improve their skills as they undertake each new project!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts</span></h2>
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This book is a wonderful resource for brand new knitters and experienced individuals. I loved the vast majority of the patterns in this book, although there were a few that I could never picture anyone wearing. To each their own, I guess. </div>
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My favorite thing about this book was the amount of designing information that Davis packs in. This wasn't just a book about her patterns and her goal to teach her readers was done very well. The diagrams that she includes are well-labeled. The best part? She shows her readers how to change her patterns into ponchos in order to make their own designs! I love that she took the time to inspire her audience to be creative as well.</div>
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The photography in this book clearly took some time! The author made sure that different projects were shown in a variety of ways. This really helped me to think up some designs of my own.</div>
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Finally, the patterns are well-written. Some reviewers have said that the pattern on page 109 is confusing, but everything on that page made complete sense to me.</div>
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I look forward to using the information in this book to create my own patterns.</div>
Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-39570458747086740752017-07-12T00:19:00.000-05:002017-07-13T21:13:56.578-05:00WIP Wednesday 7/12/2017<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3y1b4eH8DNM/WWWOBUbMO1I/AAAAAAAAAlA/hSssLYla6xAcS4QqV3Nxbg_OtuVVlxDUwCLcBGAs/s1600/DEQ0rsfUMAASsDd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3y1b4eH8DNM/WWWOBUbMO1I/AAAAAAAAAlA/hSssLYla6xAcS4QqV3Nxbg_OtuVVlxDUwCLcBGAs/s400/DEQ0rsfUMAASsDd.jpg" width="225" /></a>Welcome to today's edition of WIP Wednesday. Today, I'm excited to share with you the first installment of my Light Yellow Mesh Wrap. This pattern was inspired by a simple stitch pattern that I found in a book and modified to fit the design I had in mind. I was pretty excited to see this take shape as this is the first time I've worked with the particular stitch. </div>
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This has been so fun to work on while watching movies. It even helps me get through on the man's night to pick the flick.</div>
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When complete, this wrap will be 23"x50". Right now, it's just a bitty baby at 23"x 9.5". Today's picture is a close-up to show you the pattern a little closer. </div>
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See you next Wednesday for new measurements and an updated picture!</div>
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Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257693017746896648.post-76779120467214204942017-07-11T20:03:00.000-05:002017-07-13T21:13:14.153-05:00Welcome!<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cThWHiIbB7U/WWV1Iw_Rl0I/AAAAAAAAAk4/E39Zcg0iEbUWLU2dta9i5fxwclMMdJBYgCKgBGAs/s1600/11111967_10153361474738468_1587746058097085463_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" height="178" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cThWHiIbB7U/WWV1Iw_Rl0I/AAAAAAAAAk4/E39Zcg0iEbUWLU2dta9i5fxwclMMdJBYgCKgBGAs/s320/11111967_10153361474738468_1587746058097085463_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hello! My name is Jessa and I would like to take some time to tell you about my Etsy shop, Gillywing Creates which you can see <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gillywingcreates">here.</a> The following is the story of how this blog began.<br />
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Inspired by strong women; made for strong women.<br />
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I've heard that you should never meet your hero. That isn't the way that things worked out for me. My hero not only gave birth to me, but was a wonderful example of how to get through the challenges of family deaths, illnesses, and more with a smile on your face and courage in your heart. In addition to passing on her strength, my mom passed down her knowledge of knitting and crocheting. Oftentimes, we would sit down to a movie together just to have time to craft and bond. This started when I was in elementary school and has continued into the present. I may live five hours from her now, but I still call home if I need any crafting questions answered. <br />
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While I was in college, I realized that I wanted to do more with my crafts than simply make them and set them on a shelf. I wanted to find some way to pass on the strength, confidence, and self-esteem that my mother passed on to me. Out of this idea, Gillywing Creates was born. Mom and I are both represented in my logo (blue for mom, green for me) and in the shop's name (Mom loves owls, I love betta fish). The mission of my shop is to create hand knit and crochet accessories that will encourage self-esteem, self-acceptance, and confidence in women today. I believe that all women are strong and that this strength of heart, body, will, and mind should be held to the highest regard. Therefore, I invite you to look through the items in my shop to find one that emphasizes your particular brand of strength. </div>
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The story above is the story of this blog and of my Etsy shop. While Etsy allows you to see the products, it doesn't allow you to see behind the scenes or really get to know your friendly neighborhood Etsy seller. </div>
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Beginning 7/12/2017 you will see all of the behind the scenes and even some free patterns as I embark on this wonderful journey.</div>
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Jessa Julianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15044268647603199559noreply@blogger.com0