3 Quick Takes

1. My Little Man is now a week old!  Here's a picture of us in the hospital:

2. Please enter my Pick Your Plum Giveaway!  (Ends 3/30)

3. That's all I have right now folks.

Check out Jen's blog for more Quick Takes. 

$25 Pick Your Plum Box Giveaway (Ends 3/30) US

This post contains affiliate links. 

Pick Your Plum is my newest affiliate partner!  (That means that I get a small percentage if you make a purchase through one of my links.  You don't pay anything extra, you don't do anything differently, it's a win win situation for both of us!)  This is such a fun company, you'll be glad that you follow them!

Have you seen all of the fun stuff that they have?  It changes constantly, with new deals being posted every day, so you do have to keep checking back.  Here are some items that they've had in the past:

And here's a deal that I saw this morning (3/19/14).  If you like something you do have to hurry, because once it's gone, it's gone.  So, if you think your little girl would rock this skirt buy it now!

One lucky winner will receive a box with $25 worth of Pick Your Plum Goodies! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment.  Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway.  

WIPS: Minion Hats, Slouchy Hats, and a Finished Snowman Scarf

With Baby "Porcupine" arriving on Friday (the doctors believe a c-section is in our best interest) I haven't been starting too many new projects.  I do have a few Works In Progress that I am hoping to finish before then.  (And let's face it, at this point I really can't move around for more than five minutes without pain or getting sick, so I should have plenty of couch time to finish these projects!)

I need to finish the Minion hats for Catherine and Porcupine.  I decided that the original one I made for Catherine was simply too small -- it fit over her head, but just barely.  So last night I started another one for her.  The embellishments shouldn't take me too long.  (This picture shows the first hat I made for Catherine next to the newborn sized one for Porcupine, you can tell that it isn't too much bigger.)

I made a slouchy hat for a friend that overall I thought turned out pretty well; however, I am making her a second one with softer yarn.  I only need to finish the embroidery.  Here's the first one:

I did finish my "Snowman Scarf"!  I'd love if you'd check it out and tell me what you think!

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

WIWW: 39 Weeks Pregnant

Today marks 39 weeks!  I really am in the final stages, especially since the doctors believe a c-section is in our best interest.  Technically these pictures are from 38.5 weeks.  My talented sister, Sarah, took these pictures for me while she was visiting.

As for the What I'm Wearing aspect of this post:

Jeans: Old Navy

Black Shirt: Motherhood Maternity

Hair Clip: Lilla Rose

Infinity Scarf: (Below) My Own Creation 

I'll be linking up at The Pleated Poppy and I Feel Pretty.

A Crochet Pattern: The "Snowman Scarf" Using Quaere Fibre Yarn

Photo credit:  Sarah of The Roasted Legend 

Isn't this a fun scarf?  I really enjoyed crocheting it! Working with this yarn was simply a pleasure.  The yarn is lovely and soft, making it perfect for a scarf.  (Or a host of other crochet and knitting projects!)  My daughter, Catherine, has decided the name of this scarf is "The Snowman Scarf".  I'm not sure why she choose that name, however, it has stuck.  (Read more about this fabulous yarn and the beginning of this project.)

Photo credit:  Sarah of The Roasted Legend

Yarn: Bifrost on Tweed from Quaere Fibre

Hook: F

Gauge: Doesn't really matter for this project.

Chain 36.  (You can customize this pattern by chaining in any multiple of four.)

Row 1: In fourth chain (ch) from hook two double crochet (dc), chain one, two double crochet (dc).  That makes one "fan".  *Skip three chains (ch) and two double crochet (dc), chain one, two double crochet (dc)*.  Repeat between ** until end.  Chain three and turn.

Row 2: Crochet one fan (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in each chain one space of the fans below until end.  Chain three and turn.

Row 3: Repeat Row 2 until you reach the desired length.

If you want to make this into an infinity scarf then slip stitch the ends together -- making sure to match up the fans and stitch loosely.

The above crochet pattern gives the scarf a scalloped looking edge.  If you'd prefer a straight edge check out my All Seasons Infinity Scarf Pattern.

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

I love sharing my projects at various parties.  
I can be found at these, Fine Craft Guild, and Hookin on Hump Day.

7 Quick Takes

1.  I find it amusing how many people are talking about "Pi Day".  (I guess I just did too.)

2.  Checking online to track a package, only to have it say delivered, but you haven't seen it near your door is rather disheartening.

3.  Here's a pretty flower from last spring.  I'm looking forward to seeing beautiful blooms very soon!

4.  I currently am crocheting three different hats.

5.   Yes, I chuckled when I read this ecard.

Source

6.  Here's another random picture.  This one is from the fall.  This little guy was living outside our front door and would serenade us at night.

7.  The end of this pregnancy is nearing.  I'm hoping that also means the end of morning sickness. I recently read a rather horrible article about a woman who continued to have morning sickness symptoms long after she gave birth.  I have to say, it made me want to cry.

Check out Jen's blog for more Quick Takes. 

WIPS: The Snowman Scarf, Matching Hats, Etc.

My Quaere Fibre yarn infinity scarf is just about finished!  Catherine has taken to calling this the "Snowman Scarf".  I have no idea why.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a skein of yarn like the one I'm using above!   

I've started Catherine and Porcupine's matching Minion hats.

Also, I have a Craftsy Crochet or Knitting Class Giveaway happening right now!  

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Stella & Dot New Spring Arrivals

*This post contains affiliate links. 

Stella & Dot New Spring Arrivals 

Spring is in the air... can you feel it? The days are getting longer, the birds are singing louder and the air just a smidge warmer. It is hard to contain the excitement, and Stella & Dot is happy to help you celebrate. Take a look at these new spring arrivals ! TheStella & Dot Rory Necklace - Blue is the same delicate blue as a robin's egg and looks so perfect with a scoop neck tee. The matching Stella & Dot Sardinia Bracelet - Blue and the Stella & Dot Aviva Chandeliers bring to mind a lively mix of sweet spring blossoms. Check out all of the Stella & Dot new spring arrivals and get ready to bloom!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. **

7 Quick Takes: Skirts, Vacuuming, Cleaning, Flexi Clips, and More

1.  I will not start another crochet or knitting project until I finish at least three of my current works in progress.  I will not start another project.  I will not.  Oh, look at that cool pattern . . .

2.  I think it probably has something to do with the fact that I'm 37 weeks pregnant and looking forward to "normal" clothing, but I realized that I *need* a new jean skirt.  (On a scale of 1 to 10, ten being a need such as water, this skirt need ranks about -28459.)  So, once again, I was browsing Lands' End and saw this one, which is super cute.  Do you have a favorite jean skirt recommendation?

3.  Here's a boring "housewife" type question for you: how often do you vacuum high traffic areas? 

4.  This ecard is pretty accurate, except both Catherine and I will dance around like crazy people.  Everyone does it though . . . right?

Source

5.  I enjoy entering other blogger's giveaways and occasionally I am lucky enough to win something!  I recently won a Lilla Rose Flexi Clip!  I've been admiring these clips for a while now, so when I got the email from Amanda telling me that I won I was pretty excited.

6.  Speaking of giveaways, I have two happening on this blog right now!  One is for a skein of awesome yarn and the other is for an online knitting or crochet class.  (If you're really into giveaways, check out my list of current giveaways over at The Philosopher's Wife: Giveaways Galore.)

7.  That's all I've got this morning.  My Girl isn't feeling well and I'm lacking inspiration.  Have a great weekend!

For more Quick Takes visit Jen!

Craftsy Knitting or Crochet Class Giveaway (Ends 3/18)

*This post contains affiliate links.*

It doesn't take long to notice that I enjoy crocheting and knitting!  I've been crocheting for a while and am still a newbie knitter.  These are such relaxing and peaceful hobbies -- plus I get to make cool stuff! 

Do you want to learn how to crochet or knit?  Do you know the basics but would like to learn new skills?  Do you need a little extra help with something? Then this giveaway is for you!  

Enter to win a Craftsy class!

If you like this giveaway you also might be interested in entering the following giveaway:

Hand Dyed Yarn from Quaere Fibre Giveaway (Ends 3/16) US

Fine Print and Details:  Giveaway ends at midnight on March 18, 2014. Craftsy will select the winner and provide the free class.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment.  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other social media are not associated with this giveaway.

WIWW: 37 Weeks Pregnant

Remember folks, this is my Baby Bump journey much more than a fashion show and tell.  (Even if I am using it as as my "What I Wore Wednesday" post!)

I am officially "early term" now!  I have to say, this has been a long pregnancy, but the end is in sight!  I still have a few things on my "before baby is born" to do list, but I'm basically ready.  Basically.

Doesn't it totally look like I'm hiding a baby under my shirt?

I'll be linking up at The Pleated Poppy and I Feel Pretty.

WIPS: Awesome Yarn (Giveaway), Blue Giraffe, and a Slouchy Hat

Isn't this such a cheerful yarn?  It's a high quality hand dyed 85% Superwash Merino 15% NEP yarn.  I'm loving it!  If you like it be sure to enter the giveaway to win a skein!  (Giveaway ends March 16, 2014 and is open to US residents.)

I've started the blue giraffe for Catherine.  I had to stop abruptly on this project when I couldn't find the stuffing.  I found it and now it's moving along quite quickly again.

I've also been playing with some crocheted slouchy hat patterns.  This one isn't too bad, but I think I want one with a less "open" feel to it.  Do you have a favorite slouchy hat pattern?

And yes, the Poncho/Cape is still a Work In Progress.

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Hand Dyed Yarn from Quaere Fibre Giveaway (Ends 3/16) US

*I received one skein of yarn in exchange for my review.*

Quaere Fibre, in a nutshell, is an awesome Etsy shop!  The yarn that I received to review is an absolute pleasure to crochet.  (I'm positive it would be an equally enjoyable knitting experience as well.  And yes, I realize that the shop's motto is "knit it color", but I was feeling rebellious!)

The shop owner, Janel, is great to work with.  The shop has over 2,000 sales and has an average of a five star rating -- so you can shop with confidence!

The yarn that I received for my review is Bifrost on Tweed.  The yarn arrived safely packaged in a plastic bag inside of an envelope.  (My daughter, Catherine, quickly claimed the blue ribbon!)

This lovely yarn has a base of bright red with pops of a rainbow of colors on the new Tweed base yarn. It is a high twist 2 ply yarn consisting of super soft Superwash Merino with flecks (NEPs of nylon) throughout.  As you can see on the label below, this is an 85% Superwash Merino 15% NEP (nylon) yarn.  This is considered Fingering or Sock Weight.  It is approximately 438 yds/100g.  The care instructions are machine wash cold, lay flat to dry.

This yarn is just so fun to photograph with all of the great colors!

Now for the giveaway!  Also, I have a giveaway for a Craftsy Knitting or Crochet Class (Ends 3/18) that might interest you!

One lucky winner will receive a skein of 

Bifrost on Tweed 

(just like the yarn above).

Fine Print and Details: Giveaway ends March 16, 2014 at 11:59 pm EST. Entrants must be 18+ and US residents.  The winner will be picked via Rafflecopter, so use the form below to enter.  The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize.  Void where prohibited.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one skein of yarn in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own. They are my honest opinions. Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, and any other social media are not affiliated with this review or the corresponding giveaway. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Beginning of a Crochet Project: Using Quaere Fibre Yarn

I've been itching to crochet something with a lovely high quality yarn, so when I received this yarn to review from Quaere Fibre I knew that I'd be using my hooks.

It really took me a long time to settle on a project.  At first I couldn't even decide who this project would be for: me, my daughter, my Baby, someone else?  Then I couldn't decide what to make: hat, scarf, cowl, shawl, etc..  Then I couldn't decide on a pattern.  Should I make something testing my skills?  Or something that uses a familiar pattern?  Should I make my own pattern?  (Talk about indecision, right?)

I even started a handful of projects and decided that I didn't like the way they were turning out, so I frogged them.  

I finally decided to make an scarf.  (Probably an infinity scarf.)  I am using a simple fan stitch which is repeated row after row.  

With the bold color palate that this yarn has I decided that an elaborate pattern would be too much.  I think the color variations are wonderful.  It's so happy and cheerful!  It is almost luxuriously soft. 

Have you ever had a skein of yarn that you really wanted to use, but had a difficult time deciding on the perfect project?  What would you make with this yarn?

Don't miss the giveaway for a skein of this yarn! (Ends March 16, 2014)

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife