Boot Toppers - Easy as 1,2,3

I had seen an idea for making boot toppers recently and thought that it was brilliant. You get the look of having super warm socks poking out of your boots without worrying about your feet sweating. I had some really fun neutral scrap yarn that had bits of metallic gold and the texture looked homespun. I thought this would be perfect for boot toppers because they would go with anything. I started looking for patterns on ravelry.com but didn't find anything that I was satisfied with so I decided to make my own.

Here's how it turned out. Let me know what you think.

The Pattern: 

1. With small circular needles or Double Points, Cast on 44 stitches with US size 6 needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). 
2. Work in two by two rib until piece is desired length. 
3. Bind off extremely loosely and weave in ends. 

Repeat steps 1-3 for the other leg. After they are both finished wear with style and confidence!

You can adjust this pattern any way you want. Number of stitches can vary for different calf sizes or you can play with the pattern and do other things besides a basic rib. I would recommend having some type of rib at the top and bottom though and playing around in the middle. Good luck and if you make your own version I would love to see it! You can email any pictures to adams.m49@gmail.com

Forever Curious

"Don't only practice your art, 

But force your way into its secrets, 

For it and knowledge

Can raise men to the divine."

-Ludwig Van Beethoven

This is a quote that I can across recently and has really stuck with me. As most good quotes do, this one got me thinking about myself. For many years I have not considered myself to have “an art” or anything that I have obtained mastery over. I felt like everything I ever did was mediocre. School. Piano. Lacrosse. Hunting. Reading. Blogging. Fashion. Cooking. You name it, I can probably do it half-way. While it is nice that I am a well-rounded person, it is discouraging to not have one task that I can truly feel ownership of.

This has all been changing this year as I have been realizing the possibility that for the first time in my life I do have an art. Call it old-fashioned or something that grandmothers are supposed to do but I love knitting! I have been knitting since I was 12 years old and have tried to push my skills a little bit further with each project I have made. Knitting is my art. It makes me feel alive, creative, and purposeful. When applied to knitting, this quote spurs me on to constantly learn new things and push my self out of my comfort zone. Without this philosophy, I never would have learned many of the techniques I know today.

As much as I feel this quote applies to arts such as knitting, drawing, painting, and sculpting I believe its definition of art can be taken a step further. What if we use this quote as a catalyst to never be content with our role in the world and humanity? If we were to apply this to our jobs, academics, leadership roles, and other community interactions I believe that it could take us a thousand miles. For example, I don’t ever want to be content with the way I am serving my community. I always want to be seeking out rising needs and holes that need to be filled. Just because I have found my “niche” to serve does not mean that I should view the community service vacancy in my life as fulfilled.

I want to encourage you all to constantly be looking for new ways to force yourself into the secrets of life. If you are forever willing to be curious and constantly learn then your life will become richer than ever imaginable.

-Kenz 

Headband

So I've been wanting to make another headband that I can use to keep my ears warm against the harsh Blacksburg winds (and MD farm winds too). I found this pattern and started making it with some scrap yarn I had in my dorm room.

It was super quick to make! I made almost the whole thing while sitting in SERVE planning meetings and reflections. My fellow CA's (Community Advisers) can attest to this. 

 I finished it today and am really excited for a little bit more cold weather to test it out. It feels so warm!

I chose a plain black button. It's nice because I can wear this headband whichever direction I want and it looks cute. I also really like how you don't have to make a specific button hole and that you can just put the button through any of the yarn over holes.

This was super fun and easy. I definitely would make more!