Adventures this week in crafting

 Beginning of this week I found myself on the struggle bus with a sinus infection (I think 🤔 being out in the cold so long on my hike Saturday) so instead of focusing on fitness- I focused on making good use of my time inside by working on some craft projects- 

Firstly, I crocheted 🧶 myself a hat! I absolutely love the feel of the yarn I used- I purchased it from hobby lobby in bristol- it has a very nice hand (very soft and not scratchy but it’s wool) and it’s so  toasty warm! I also have been experimenting using larger size crochet hooks- 

As you can see this one is gigantic compared to the ones my grandmother would use when I was a child. I love the larger sizes and find them even easier to work with than the smaller size hooks. I don’t ever use patterns for my hats - I really don’t even know what I’m doing- I just start with a chain connect it into itself then proceed to crochet in circles- occasionally trying the hat on and figuring out adjustments so it’s the correct diameter/size until it’s done. 

Finished product 

I like it ♥️

Okay yesterday I was looking at Pinterest for some Christmas decor inspiration- and kept seeing dried orange slices come up in my feed- it occurred to me that I have naval 🍊 oranges in my fridge- also, I have a dehydrator so - why not?? 

I thinly sliced about 10 oranges 🍊 and dehydrated them overnight - this morning I strung them on bakers twine using a needle I use for  finishing up knitting projects  🧶 

Big plastic needle  - I’m sure you could

Used a normal needle and thread 🧵 but I’m such a goof- I’m positive I could of gotten it entangled had I attempted that- 

And the end result is: 

I added several bundles of rosemary to dry and to add some color contrast- 

Some of my leftover orange slices I’m keeping to make oranaments for the tree and also to add to Christmas packages I like to use brown paper for a minimalist look with the twine and now I’m envisioning the orange slices and sprigs of pine or evergreen tied to it ♥️

Christmas for me is still far away- I like to get through thanksgiving first but even this garland I feel is a great transition from late fall to winter and could be  possibly on my mantel until feb 😂 

Hope everyone is having a great week! ♥️ practice self care and  make room in your life to do things you enjoy 😊