Craft Store Goodies

Today I ventured out to my closest Jo-Ann store which actually isn't all that close. However, wonder of wonders, there happens to be a Michaels in the same plaza so between the two of them the trip is seldom wasted. The loot from this trip is pictured above:

• a skein of Lion Brand Microspun in an amazing royal blue which I've been wanting for awhile and haven't been able to find -- this will become a card pouch for my boyfriend (similar to the pouch I previously made for myself).
• jump rings to be used as stitch markers on smaller needles -- someday I might get ambitious enough to learn to make the fancy beaded ones, but for now I'll just use these as is.
• small tapestry needles for thinner yarns -- I've been making do with a larger one or a small crochet hook for too long.
• sweater-shaped double point knitting needle holders -- I got these mainly just because they're so dang cute, but I'm sure I'll find a use for them anyway.
• stitch holders which I'll be needing soon for the sweater I'm working on.
• two varieties of knit counters because you just can't have too many of 'em.

I didn't set out with the intention of buying even one of those items. I was actually looking for Cotton-Ease at Jo-Anns. Then I thought I'd check Michaels to see if they carried any TLC Cotton Plus which I hear is comparable to Cotton-Ease. I struck out on both items. Jo-Anns did have Cotton-Ease, but only in let-me-knit-a-hunting-vest orange and caution-tape yellow, otherwise known as Orangeade and Pineapple. Forgive me if you like these colors -- I'm sure some creative person out there has made something lovely with them, but they aren't for me. They also had a couple Cherry Reds and one lonely label-less Blueberry which I'd probably have gotten if he'd had friends -- not sure what I'd do with just one. Then I noticed that the DMC Pearl Cotton is on sale at Jo-Anns right now. I almost got some to knit up more bookscarves in different house colors. However, after standing there for several minutes debating which colors were right and wondering how much the florescent lighting might be throwing me off, I decided against it for now. Don't worry though -- I obviously didn't walk out with my 40% off any one item coupon still in hand. Alright, I'm off to play with my new toys.