Loops & Thread Cozy Wool - My new favorite!

I love chunky yarn! I love it because it's warm and cozy, but also because it works up quickly when working on a project. A nice big hug from a chunky scarf, shawl or sweater is just what the doctor ordered for the winter weather ahead.

Used to be that when I thought of a chunky project my first thought was Lion Brand Thick & Quick yarn. Yes there are lots of other brands, but most are much pricier so when thinking within budget, that was my default yarn. I loved using it. However, in the past few months I've discovered Loops & Thread Cozy. At first I didn't pay much attention, but when I started noticing colors that I really like and I felt the texture, I decided the water was fine and that I should jump in. I haven't looked back. Don't get me wrong, I still think Thick & Quick is a lovely yarn but here are my reasons for selecting Loops & Thread Cozy Wool more often:

1. The wool acrylic ratio in Cozy Wool is 50/50, in Thick & Quick it's 86% acrylic, 10% wool and 4% rayon. I like the idea of having more wool rather than less in the ball of yarn
2. Cozy Wool is a lot softer to the touch. It may because of the process they use, or it may be because of the wool content, whatever the reason, it's a smoother yarn.
3. Cozy Wool costs less. Now, I know that because Loops & Thread is a Michael's product they're going to want to sell it lower than the competition, but if you need to order Thick & Quick from Lion Brand directly, it will cost $9.50 a ball not including shipping. Cozy Wool costs $6.99 in the store
4. The color palette for Cozy Wool is much more varied with less variegation and more solid colors

Now, it's not all wine and roses with Cozy Wool because you can't really buy it online so if you need a color and you can't find it in the store you are pretty much lost. However, when Michael's decides to join the rest of us in online commerce, it may be dangerous!!

I will use both yarns depending on the project, but I do feel that I will gravitate to the Cozy Wool first then if not available in the color of choice check to see if Thick & Quick is available.

National Mud Pack Day

Today is National Mud Pack Day! Yes folks, there is such a thing, I looked it up. Mainly I was looking for random holidays to play around with and that is what I found out. Now, I could go into detail of what the holiday is for, and what it means, but I'll just let you go to the website and read about it yourself. In the meantime, let's get excited about the amazing color of mud in various forms and the items made of the sticky stuff.

Yes, even men celebrate with mud packs!

Making mud pies is a favorite with children.

There are even festivals for mud (Boryeong Mud Festival)

However, my favorites have to be the items created in the color of mud. . . I love these:

Crochet Adjustable Neck Cuff - Chocolate

Detox Dead Sea Mud & Bentonite Clay Cold Process Luxury Soap Bar

Facial Dead Sea Mask - Sweet Mud

 Go play in the mud today and enjoy! Happy National Mud Pack Day!!

A few of my favorite items from Etsy!

Why not go shopping this weekend...?

Some of my favorite things on Etsy!

Happy Friday all! I have a few items in the works, but I need to catch up on the contest as well as getting some things photographed and put into the shop! New stuff is always on it's way. . . in the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite items on Etsy! Eye candy to start your weekend off right. Enjoy!

Friendly Friday

It's Friday which means I'm either profiling a fab shop, or I'm showing some of my favorites on Etsy. Today, I didn't have an interview lined up, so I'm going to introduce you to some of my favorite items.

These cute little books are made from a fellow Boston Handmade member, Bexx. Her books are not only the cutest things ever, they are easy to carry with you as reference when you have a question. If you're Vegan or Vegetarian, carrying these books can be a quick help in a tight spot.


This lovely little felted purse is made by Lusitania. I think it's perfect for almost anytime and anywhere. Purse is made from beige felt, lined with a beautiful japanese cotton fabric and has a black velcro for the closure and the button is only for decoration. I'm sure it's lovely to the touch.


Finally, but never least, this high fashion photo by Popular is the perfect thing to punch up a sleepy room. Everything works to make it a cohesive lovely photo. All prints are signed by the artist.



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