35 Comments
Random thoughts on a cloudy almost fall Saturday morning:
1. Sending extra thoughts and prayers to those devastated by the hurricane in Texas and Louisiana. It is an overwhelming time for so many. My heart is with all of you all.
2. Did you see on Shark Tank where there is a company that sells matching dog and people clothes? I’m trying to find it. I want to order a matching t-shirt for myself and Buddy.
3. I need a new hobby. I’m thinking about teaching myself knitting. Does anyone knit that is reading this? Is it easy? How advanced do I have to be to knit a blanket?
4. If you aren’t signed up for our free Christmas Facebook group, make sure to sign up here today! The Christmas Craft Lives start this week.
5. It was an amazing week on the blog. We discussed how to distress wood in minutes and how to get more storage out of a hallway and the importance of knowing when to lean on someone else.
And now?
Let’s see all the amazing things I found from around the web this week.
Can I share a new blog I found?
You will LOVE it.
It’s all about New England and beautiful decorating and amazing photography.
Like this bedroom here.
And this garden tour.
It does NOT disappoint.
Her entire blog is full of beautiful photography of the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound.
And this amazing floor.
THIS IS A STENCIL.
Can you even believe how beautiful it is?
See the entire DIY project here.
And I love this living room.
But wait until you see where it started.
See the before here.
And random news this week:
This yummy pumpkin recipe (that you can make into the cutest gift)
This French Kitchen
This amazing in-depth tutorial
This coastal home tour
How to mix and match throw pillows
This easy fall wreath DIY
This cute pumpkin idea
This beautiful entryway
Why chasing happiness makes you miserable
These ideas on styling with pampas grass
I’ve always wanted to know how to do this
And this.
I am counting the MINUTES until season 4 of the Crown.
Here’s all the season 4 info.
And one more for the road.
Before you buy any new fall stuff?
Here’s a great post on decorating for fall with what you already have.
Happy random Saturday to you.
Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.
Posted On: August 29, 2020
Written By: KariAnne Wood
Jan McKenzieAug 29, 2020 at 11:16 amHi Karianne: Start crochet first, then learn to knit. Crochet is much easier and you can get great directions on YouTube. You can easily make a blanket in crochet, lots of free patterns on different yarn sites, it really is a great way to keep your hands out of the snack bags while watching TV. So great to be helping you for once, thanks so much for all the tips you've helped me with in the past. Jan
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- AnnAug 29, 2020 at 11:19 am
KariAnne thank you so much for the beautiful feature this week. I'm so glad we connected and appreciate you so very much!
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- Denton WoodAug 29, 2020 at 11:21 am
If you’re doing this knitting thing, you gotta commit. I am expecting a handmade sweater with a Baylor logo for Christmas this year.
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- ToriAug 29, 2020 at 11:26 am
I tried knitting first with a book for dummies as guidance and apparently, I’m dumb. I watched YouTube videos and crocheting was much easier, I just didn’t stick with it. I prefer to read in my downtime. Good luck.
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- JCAug 29, 2020 at 11:36 am
That garden and living room is especially gorgeous! I love that you and Buddy would have matching clothes. How cute is that! I knitted a scarf for my husband, then boyfriend, in the 80's and it was no small task! It was the only thing I have knitted!! I too agree crocheting is the way to start. However, I have done hand knitting one of those those chunky blankets and that was SUPER fast, fun, and easy! I would recommend the approach doing it with your fingers rather than your arms. With your arms you are committed! Also, I think using your fingers gives you a more even stitch. Check our Pinterest for tutorials. One of those chunky throws would go so nicely in your new living room this fall. 😉
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- Lynn WAug 29, 2020 at 11:37 am
My Mom and daughter knit....I need to try again. Someday I’ll give it a go.... they’ve made lovely scarves and beautiful baby blankets 💜. My Aunt would also knit gloves, socks and hats!The garden tour is so pretty 🌸. Seeing all the flowers makes me smile 😊
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- Lorrie BredalAug 29, 2020 at 12:16 pm
I have been knitting for years and also worked in a yarn shop. I would recommend starting with a scarf. A baby blanket is a big commitment in yarn and time. If you have a yarn shop near by it’s fun to learn at a class, I love to knit hats and baby sweaters. Be sure you love the yarn you pick makes it an experience you look forward to picking up.
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- ShirleyAug 29, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Your son’s knitting comment made me laugh out loud! I agree with Jan who said start with crochet. My mom taught me to crochet as a youngster and I still pick it up when I want something to do that doesn’t require a ton of thought while doing it. I am not an advanced crocheter though, so if you want ideas for easy afghans or stocking cap patterns, let me know! I’m crocheting an afghan now that is just a one-row repeat pattern and it is simply beautiful!
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- Calypso in the CountryAug 29, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Such beautiful features as always! Yes, Ann's blog is amazing...she makes me want to move to New England! Enjoy your weekend!!Shelley
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- KrisAug 29, 2020 at 12:46 pm
I think people vary in what comes naturally to them. I am a knitter and can't crochet to save my life! I've heard other knitters say the same thing. I suggest you start with something small, a scarf or a dishcloth, and see if you like it before you go crazy with buying supplies. Mamainastitch.com is an excellent resource for free patterns and tutorials in both knitting and crocheting. Ravelry is another good online resource but may be overwhelming until you get your feet wet.
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- MariaAug 29, 2020 at 12:53 pm
I found Dabblinganddecorating on Instagram, she has great style!!!! And thanks for sharing the post about happiness. I needed to read that today.Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!
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- Kim | Shiplap and ShellsAug 29, 2020 at 2:11 pm
Thank you so much for the feature KariAnne! I don't know if you even realize what that meant to me, and the smile it put on my face. And I can't wait to see you and Buddy in your matching outfits!
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- jillianAug 29, 2020 at 2:53 pm
I saw doggie and me t-shirts on pinterest...it was an ad I think, but you could try a search.
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- Chas GreenerAug 29, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Thank you so very much for the feature friend! I love your Thistlekeeping posts so very much. You are so kind to share so many and I love seeing what everyone is doing. Hugs to you friend
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- KarenAug 29, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Knitting is so fun. First make a scarf. A blanket is simply a biiiiggg scarf.You tube will be your new friend.
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- KarenAug 29, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Oh dog threads . Mark cuban for the clothes
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- Sherry LuebkeAug 29, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Karianne, check out Studio Knits for tutorials- she teaches in a calm, easy way- Sherry
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- Dorothy EnszAug 29, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Good luck with that, Denton Wood. I say your mom makes you promise to wear it if she does it. And not on ugly sweater day, either. Not saying I don't believe she'd do a lovely job. Just know how it would go for me.
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- Deb in OklahomaAug 29, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Those pumpkins, those pumpkins, those PUMPKINS! I want to repaint all my paintable pumpkins in those fall and October sunset colors. Thanks for sharing this one! I'm ready for fall and cooler weather. (And I never turn down a new pumpkin recipe, so those muffins are going to be made probably next weekend.)
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- Kim WaldorfAug 29, 2020 at 5:22 pm
Gosh! So much to love this week! I do not knit but I do crochet! Come on over and I’ll teach ya! 🧡 I will tell you there are some easy you tube tutorials on making a chunky blanket with your hands and arms. I’ve been wanting to give it a go. If you try it, lmk!
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- Michele M.Aug 29, 2020 at 5:35 pm
I love the Crown - whoo hoo - should be a great season - can we even wait that long????Always enjoy Thistlekeeping, KA. Thank you for all those great features!
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- Karen MaryAug 29, 2020 at 6:04 pm
I'm teaching myself to knit and loving it! Purl Soho has some easy patterns. I'm making this one: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/05/02/elementary-wrap-in-linen-quill/It's taking forever, but it's super easy (which I wanted so that I can do it while watching TV -- didn't want anything I had to count or keep track of!)Anyway, they have lots of free patterns online and beautiful yarns. I taught myself the two basic stitches from a book and that's all it took. Good luck!
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- PJAug 29, 2020 at 6:57 pm
Knitting is so fun and I taught myself from a book years ago. If I can do it, you can too! Lot's of good videos on YouTube. I started with a scarf then a dishcloth. Since then I've made sweaters, socks, hats, baby gifts, etc. etc. Go for it.
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- BOTANIC BLEUAug 29, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Denton Wood,HA HA HA TOO FUNNY!
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- Maria BeckerAug 29, 2020 at 8:33 pm
I ‘learned’ to knit a couple of years ago! I made a scarf 🧣 then got very busy with work! I’m officially retired and plan on picking it up again. I recommend setting aside a time you’ll knit so that you’ll complete your project. Can’t wait to see what you make!
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- JanetteAug 30, 2020 at 3:45 am
Great post so many wonderful links. As for the knitting, not a fan here sorry, never did get the hang of it, but Crochet is a game changer, its easier, faster and so many patterns once you get the hang, hope you get to grips with one or the other.xx
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- mariaAug 30, 2020 at 9:01 am
you should totally learn to knit and it's not hard at all!!! i learned for a friend. she made beautiful quilts when someone had a baby, so when she was pregnant with twins i learned to knit to make HER some blankets. there are so many great resources and learning the simple knit and purl stitches will take you far. you can absolutely create beautiful blankets as a new knitter. i recommend one beginner class with a local yarn shop so someone can watch your hands and tell you a how to hold and move the yarn, then any number of websites and books can get you wherever you want to go!
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- TERESA GONZALESAug 30, 2020 at 11:00 am
Thanks for the weekly wrap up. Lots of good ideas! Thanks for doing this! I am excited for the Crown too. Good luck with your new hobby! :)
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- LibertyAug 30, 2020 at 2:45 pm
Hi Karianne,I can teach you to crochet or knit! I am much faster at crocheting. In my opinion, your project grows faster with crocheting, and if you make a mistake, crocheting is easier to fix the mistake. With knitting if you drop a stitch it's much more obvious.... I prefer knitting for things like dishcloths and mittens. I prefer crochet for blankets and doilies.Try both and see which one you like! Crochet a dishcloth, knit a dishcloth.... (Do not buy crochet hooks with cheap ergonomic rubber handles... the metal hook has a seam and the yarn catches....) Find a good local teacher if you can! : )Liberty
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- Marlene StephensonAug 30, 2020 at 3:59 pm
That son of yours, he's a hoot!! I want to see that sweater too,lol! I enjoy these so much and all you do to give these posts to us each week, thank you!
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- Julie BrionesAug 30, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Denton is a hoot! Thank you SO much for featuring my 15-minute wreath, KariAnne! Truly... what a blessing!
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- Sandi from the CapeAug 31, 2020 at 10:26 am
Love love love this blog! Sooooooo much interesting content! I hope you are well and have power after that monster storm! Thanks for giving us such a wonderful segway to fall! xoxoxoxo
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- JanetAug 31, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Like others have said, start with something small, both to get the hang of it and to understand how important gauge is to the success of the project. Crocheting will give you quicker gratification. I've done both and each will give pleasure in its own way.
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- LibbySep 1, 2020 at 10:30 am
Here's my only advice on knitting: if you are very good at following a pattern down to every exact detail, go for it. If you are like me and cannot follow a pattern (which is why I don't sew) or a recipe exactly, then skip it. I tried it a few years ago - look, I can do most any craft I set my mind to, but I was a complete flop at knitting. As long as I can look at something and use it for inspiration, or use directions as "guidelines" I'm fine with it, but following a pattern is impossible for me, LOL!
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- PegSep 2, 2020 at 5:30 pm
That new blog! That garden! That stenciled floor! That French kitchen! That coastal home tour! That living room! Just stop it!! Love, love, love!!! xoxo
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