Belle & Carter decided this year that they wanted a joint party and for it to be a superhero themed party. Belle wanted to be Wonder Woman and Carter wanted to be Batman.
The majority of decorations were handmade – I really let my creative side out for this party. This theme inspired me a lot (and was just what I needed after completing the first semester of my post-grad). I instantly started designing what I would knit – logos, superheroes, baskets, and name banners.
I was also inspired to get crafty and make some other decorations.
A little while ago, when I was buying wool for another project, I came across the shade Candy and just had to buy it. I had no idea yet what I would use it for but I just could not pass on the colour.
At first, I was inspired to make a basket, which I knit up in no time at all.
Some time passed. I was looking online for inspiration and came across the Sunbeam Short Sleeve Sweater from Paintbox Yarns. As soon as I saw it, I knew exactly what I was going create with the Candy yarn, even though the pattern is done with four different colours. Maybe one day I will try it with all four.
I studied the pattern and knew it would be a challenge for me as I have never made a top with sleeves before. I was excited for this challenge. I wanted to push myself more (even if I do not intend to sell it). Clothes will definitely be by request. They take time and can be quite tedious but absolutely beautiful when finished.
The pattern required two different sized knitting needles and as I only had one of the sizes, I made an adjustment and used two similar sizes to the pattern with the same difference between the two.
I was only a few lines into the pattern when I noticed mistakes. I was a little disappointed by this but, at the same time, happy because it really gave me the opportunity to make it my own but with a guideline.
It took some time to make. I had to take breaks away from it and work on other projects. I also ran out of wool so I had to wait for that to arrive. There were also times where I considered giving up. It felt as though I was never going to get it done. I kept going though and I am so glad that I did. I did make a couple of mistakes but I am so happy with what I achieved and I love my Candy Crop Top.
It was my partner’s birthday last Friday and I had this one particular gift idea in my head. I wanted to include, and support, a local business with a knitted item from me.
I decided to knit a wash cloth and a small face/hand towel. In sticking with the theme of my gift, I wanted to get handmade soap. My partner’s skin is quite sensitive and we struggled to find a product that would help.
I came across Suds Johnson on Instagram and after looking at their profile and website I knew I would buy from them. The trouble was, what would I buy. Their products look and sound amazing.
I decided to purchase the soap gift set, which consists of two soap bars and either a travel tin or a third soap bar. I went for the option of three soap bars and then faced the dilemma of which three to pick. After reading about each of the soaps, I picked Nights Wash (Tea Tree & Charcoal), Sleepy Surfer (Lavender), and Lucky Langer (Lemongrass).
From the moment the package arrived, I could instantly get this beautiful aroma coming from the package. I was really excited to open it and it honestly exceeded my expectations. The aromas intensified as I opened the box to reveal the contents. I was blown away. Not only was there the three soap bars I ordered but also a sample bar, product list, and a handwritten note. I was speechless.
When I gave my partner his gift, he was extremely happy. He loved that I knitted him a Batman wash cloth and a Liverpool face/hand towel. He also loved the soaps. He was impressed with how they looked and smelt. Even our kids were happy and kept wanting to smell them.
So far we have only used the Sleepy Surfer and it has been truly amazing. My whole body felt instantly relaxed and my partner said he felt the same. Our skin was super soft after and still smelling of lavender.
My partner is very happy with how much better his skin is and he’s looking forward to trying the others.
I highly recommend Suds Johnson – excellent value, excellent service, and excellent products – and I will definitely continue to support this business.
