Do you have a calling card?

As someone who hates relying on devices for everything, I've come to tote around personal calling cards - little "business" cards with fun photos, my contact info and website. Apparently, calling cards are making a comeback.

People are always enamoured by the small, rectangular cards I dole out - they are always a conversation starter. They're great for networking events, job interviews, trade shows. Any situation where you might need to connect but don't have a pen, and don't feel like unlocking your phone, opening your contacts and typing in details (which I find dreadful).

Long story short: I get my minicard from Moo.com. People are always commenting on them and asking where they can get them. I just reordered a bunch and have a discount code to share with you!

Get 10% off your first order with Moo.com by using this link: http://www.moo.com/share/mjkyrc

Featured FO: butnostephanie's array of slouchy-pom hats

What happens when you combine a simple, slouchy hat pattern with extremely soft alpaca/merino yarn knit on large needles?

Well, if you happened to use my slouchy-pom hat pattern, then you get one of these...

Knit up using cascade eco duo yarn, these hats are warm, floppy and extremely soft and lightweight. Gotta love alpaca!

Butnostephanie has knit up slouchy-pom hats in an array of eco duo colorways. Check out her projects page on ravelry to see them all!

She's done a great job capturing the beauty of the yarn on camera. Thanks for letting me share them, Stephanie!

All images used with permission.

My TNNA Trip in Instagram

I'm sure if you're a knitter, you've heard of TNNA - The National Needlearts Association. Each summer, TNNA hosts its biggest trade event in Columbus, OH, and bunches of yarny people descend upon the convention center.

So, I packed a few travel projects, some business cards, and a bag full of snacks, and then embarked on a 6.5 hour car ride with Sam and Stefanie.

Indiana must rank among the worst drive-through states. Just so, so boring. But there were windmills!

We finally arrive in Columbus, and I promptly took a stroll downtown - Check out that capital building!

Friday night, Stefanie and I attended The Yarn Thing designer dinner. Thanks, Marly Bird, for hosting! It was a masquerade...which is difficult if you wear glasses. So I tried a work-around 'mask' in the form of a headband with crazily wrapped wire ribbon.

Of course, there was crocheting....(and a few paleo margaritas...)

And knitting...

Do you see my addiction to all things ochre at the moment? Yep. It's a problem. Because ochre DOES NOT look good on me. Alas, I don't care. Because I love ochre. ...sigh...

There was much fun to be had on the TNNA show floor. Such as this calisthenics session in the Anzula booth. Lynn and Sabrina had an impromptu stretching session on the floor! I had to snap a few shots of that ;)

I ended up bringing home some gorgeous yarn, including the skein of Colombia above from Imperial Stock Ranch. Love this company!

I'll have to share my full haul with you soon. When I can actually pause to take a good photo. I was thrilled to chat with the companies I've worked with in the past - Malabrigo, Swans Island...and to meet several new vendors as well - Sincere Sheep, Anzula, Baa!, Zen Yarn Garden, Imperial Stock Ranch, and many more. It was so great to meet you all!

Alas, it was finally time to return home to Chicago. But not before I spent the day with my mama shopping at Easton. Check out my new bracelets! Yay! Bling from j crew.

After our return trip through Indiana (seriously, this place is sooo boring to drive through), we were ecstatic to see our skyline!

P.S. There was this crazy event called ComFest happening in Columbus during the TNNA convention. Apparently, there is a court decision in Columbus making it legal for women to go topless in public. Huh?! Yeah, well it was in full effect...(Warning: There are gratuitous boobie shots in the Google search results I just linked to)

40+ ways to wear your summer scarves

If you're like me, then you can probably be found either wearing a scarf (or stowing one in your bag for those chilly moments) pretty much year round.

Even though I'm not wearing chunky, fluffy hand knits in the summer months, I do have quite the collection of linen and cotton beauties, and I'm always looking for new, interesting ways to wear them.

Pinterest, always providing me with wardrobe inspiration, was where I found this awesome scarf knot library with tutorials on more than 40 ways to wear your summer scarves. Awesome!

I think several of these ideas could translate for your favorite knitted scarves too. Happy knotting!

3KCBWDAY7: Crafting A Balance

I knit and crochet, but mostly knit.

While I enjoy crocheting, I can't do it for long periods of time without my hands feeling like they're going to remain in permanent 'claw' position.

As the 3rd annual knitting and crochet blog week wraps up, I'll keep my post short and sweet.

I look for balance in most everything I do. Knitting, crocheting, and working.

A work-life balance is extremely important to me.

via PinterestThis allows me time to think, ponder and examine.

Maintaining this balance allows me to find the bursts of inspiration required in order to stay fresh with my work and knitting designs.

That said, I've accepted a new position as an account manager with a healthcare branding firm. I start Tuesday.

I'm looking forward to a fast-paced and invigorating 2012, which I hope will be full of learning and balance.

Wish me luck!