A Couple Hats

I started making a couple hats for winter back in October, before our huge snowstorm just before Halloween. I had thought I would have more time to finish them before the snow fell! A hat would have been nice while out there shoveling the heavy, wet snow.

I finished one hat well before Christmas, and was able to wear it on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when it was cold enough to wear a hat. And, because I was in northern New England, I got to enjoy a white Christmas. I finally finished the second hat the day after Christmas. Today, back home in Massachusetts, the rain has stopped and the temperature is hovering around 40 degrees. I'm sure at some point I will get to wear the second hat.

Hat #1 is from a pattern from Fiber Trends, Crocheted Felt Hat with Brim Variations (the pattern also has a knit version). I used 3 skeins Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky 100% wool. I purchased the yarn and pattern from WEBS. Some yarns felt better than others, and this one took at least an hour and a half in the washing machine.

It's a thick hat, and while it does not cover my ears, I have found it quite warm.


Hat #2 was knit from a pattern by Melissa LaBarre, Crooked Paths. The author gave me the pattern, but I have seen it at WEBS or you can find it here. It was probably the most challenging pattern I've followed to date, but the end result is nice. I'm rather happy with it. I used 2 skeins Valley Superwash yarn, from WEBS.

Kindle Cover

I can't believe I started this blog almost 6 years ago. And haven't posted in nearly 5-1/2 years. So much for dedication. I chose the name "Eclectic Lightbulb," because I wanted something that could cover anything and everything. It's not meant to be devoted to quilting or anything else.

I recently purchased a Kindle Touch. I thought it was a good deal, then the deals got a little better the closer to the Holidays it got. Oh well...I've had nearly 3 weeks to enjoy it. I also read Kindle books on my phone, using the free Kindle for Blackberry application. It's very convenient to read on the phone when waiting in a long line at the grocery store.

When I bought my Kindle, the salesman asked if I wanted to buy a case for it. I had just gone to a craft fair and had seen some handmade Kindle cases, so I said I planned to make one. The salesman looked astounded. Apparently, the average customer doesn't make Kindle cases.

I got the directions to make the case here. There are a lot of options out there, but I liked the one that will stand on its own. I found it very easy to put together, and a minimum of sewing skills are needed. Mostly, you need to be able to measure and cut correctly, which is where I had a bit of a problem.

Here is the case closed:

And here is the case open: