If you're an average adult. The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average
sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example,
a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume
60 grams of protein per day.
The Healthiest Protein Options Include:
Egg Whites
Fish and seafood
Lean meats (skinless, white-meat chicken or turkey)
Low-fat dairy
Soy, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, you should always try to meet
your daily requirements with these whole foods instead of
supplements.
After checking with my doctor and getting his okay to use a protein
supplement, we found Premier Protein Drink at our local grocery
store.
Premier Protein drinks come in a variety of flavors like Chocolate,
Vanilla, Caramel, Cookies & Cream, and other limited edition
flavors. Each bottle is compact, easy to carry, and requires no
refrigeration until it is opened.
Here are the Nutritional Stats:
30g of protein per serving
Only 160 calories
Just 1g of sugar
Low fat
Includes 24 vitamins and minerals
I don't use these to replace a meal, I drink 3 or 4 per week after a light
lunch.
If you want to use a protein supplement, the Mayo Clinic recommends:
2 grams or less of saturated fat
5 grams of sugar or less
200 or fewer calories
No trans fat or partially hydrogenated oils
The Premier Protein Drinks checks all of the above boxes.
Unlike other protein drinks that can taste chalky or artificial, I like the smooth and creamy taste of Premier Protein. I have tried several different flavors, but I always go back to my favorite, chocolate.
Always check with your doctor before using a protein supplement to ensure it's right for you.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Love our local library for offering the Paint Pouring class! What a great activity for kids and adults for summer break (outside recommended!) The free class was full at an enrollment of 60 and a long waiting list. I can now see why!
What Is Paint Pouring?
Creating a painting using a fluid medium such as acrylic paint to create a design which is flowing and/or abstract and/or random. And there in is why it was such fun! Sixty participants equaled paintings which were undeniably unique with the only shared items amongst the painters were the paint colors and the stretched canvas. Acrylic paint is well suited as the consistency allows easy manipulation of the paint on the canvas. Watercolor and oil paint are not as forgiving.
Materials
We were provided a 5" by 7" stretched white canvas, choice of seven acrylic colors, four push pins and popsicle sticks. The push pins were inserted on the bottom of the stretched canvas in each corner to lift the canvas. The canvas could then be easily gripped or tilted once the paint was applied.
The paint is poured in any order or on any part of the canvas. Anything goes!
The popsicle sticks were used as paint spreaders. For my final design decision after a few wavers and wiggles I used the popsicle stick as a paint spreader for the background. The paint was applied then spread for coverage of the background. Acrylic dries superficially very quickly and then I added a few abstract stripes and dots which stayed on top of the background.
We were also provided an empty box to help transport the painting home to dry for 24-48 hours. As the workshop leaders learned after workshop number one at which a pouring rain greeted the painters as they ran for their cars with a freshly painted canvas. The box was great to safely transport the painting home and then to let the paint safely dry.
Summer Activity
Highly recommend paint pouring especially for those looking for a summer craft for their kids or grandkids. Also recommend paint pouring outside or in a craft room as the paint can wander.
Acrylic paint can be removed with soap and water, but the paint does unintentionally travel. We all enjoyed walking around the room to see what the workshop participants created and the variety was incredible. Variety of design, color, abstract to realist and all painted in an hour.
Amazing what participants could create in an hour with seven acrylic colors.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Is My YouTube Channel Growing or Am I Just Going Through the Motions? What I Found Out
Like many content creators who have committed serious time and effort to YouTube, I reached a point where I had to ask myself: Is this going anywhere? Am I building something, or am I just talking into the void?
After uploading hundreds of riddle niche videos and slowly gaining subscribers, I started wondering whether my pace was "normal" or a sign that maybe YouTube just wasn't going to work out for me.
So, I did what many creators do when they feel stuck: I started researching.
What I found was a mix of relief, validation, and renewed motivation.
If you're in the same boat, asking the same questions, here's what I've learned from digging into YouTube growth patterns, expert opinions, and honest feedback from others in similar situations.
Why I Started—and How My Goals Changed
Initially, my motivation for creating a YouTube channel was straightforward: I needed a platform to host short riddle videos that I could easily embed on individual pages of my website, StumpedRiddles.com.
Initially, YouTube was just a functional tool—not a platform I had planned to grow.
But as I kept uploading and people started interacting—leaving comments, liking videos, even subscribing—I realized YouTube could be more than a support feature. It could actually become its own avenue for discovery, branding, and connection.
That's when I started treating my channel as a long-term creative project.
Here's a Typical Riddle Creation For Both YouTube and My Website:
So… Is My Growth Normal?
At the time I asked myself this, I had uploaded over 400 videos, built several themed playlists, and reached 155 subscribers—with a 90.9% like ratio on my videos. Naturally, I wondered: Is this respectable? Should I be further along by now?
What I experienced isn't unusual at all. Here's what I found:
1. Niche Channels Grow Slower—but Stronger
One of the first takeaways that jumped out during my research is that niche content takes longer to grow.
Whether you're posting riddles like I am, or offering tutorials, educational content, or deep-dive commentary, your audience is smaller by default, but often more engaged.
Unlike general entertainment or viral content, niche creators often build deeper connections with their audiences over time.
The slower pace doesn't mean failure—it means focus.
2. Most Successful Channels Take 3–5 Years to Build
This one surprised me. I found multiple sources and creator testimonials suggesting that it can take three to five years for a YouTube channel to gain significant traction—especially without shortcuts like trending content, reaction videos, or influencer collaborations.
In hindsight, this made me feel a lot better. What I thought was "slow progress" was actually typical progress.
Understanding that YouTube is a long game, not a sprint, shifted my mindset and helped me let go of some unrealistic expectations.
3. Consistency Builds More Than Numbers
I used to wonder whether uploading hundreds of videos with modest views was overkill. But here's what I learned: each video adds to your footprint. On YouTube, volume matters—but only if the content is consistent and aligned with your niche.
Evergreen videos, such as riddles or how-to guides, can attract new viewers long after they're uploaded.
Some of my earlier videos continue to attract attention months after they are posted. I realized that every upload isn't just a performance—it's a deposit into your future visibility.
4. Playlists Aren't Just for Organization—They're Strategy
I'd built playlists on my channel mostly to keep things tidy—organizing riddles by themes like health, holidays, and emotions.
However, what I didn't realize until I delved into the research is that playlists actually aid YouTube's algorithm.
They signal consistency and intent, guide the viewer's experience, and can improve watch time.
Creating a series called The Riddle Sisters, with fun character-based riddles, also helped give my channel a personality—which matters more than I thought.
One of My Many Playlists:
5. Engagement Rate Is a Quiet Win
When I saw that my like ratio was over 90%, I wasn't sure if that meant much.
However, experts say that the engagement rate is one of the most important signals of viewer satisfaction. It may not skyrocket your subscriber count overnight, but it shows that the people who do watch your videos are finding value in them.
That told me I wasn't just yelling into the void—I was actually connecting with the right viewers, even if the crowd was small (for now).
So viewers could see that I'm actually a real person (lol), I created a playlist section where I personally read my riddles. Here's one of them from the playlist: I upload these as shorts:
What YouTube Creators Should Expect (and Accept)
Here's the big picture I walked away with after all that digging:
YouTube growth is often slow, especially in niche spaces.
Most creators see meaningful growth only after years of consistent effort.
Engagement and audience retention are more valuable than raw view counts.
Creating structure through playlists, themed content, and branding helps both your viewers and the algorithm.
Uploading regularly—without burning out—is more important than chasing virality.
So, Should I Keep Going?
That was the big question for me. And after reading what I did, the answer became clear:
Yes, I should.
If anything, the research validated that I wasn't behind—I was right on track.
The hours I've put into editing, theming, scripting, and uploading are not wasted. They are foundational. According to the experts, they are precisely what a channel like mine should be doing at this stage.
Meet one of My Latest Creations From The Riddle Sister Series:
Final Thoughts: Questions Are Good—Just Don't Let Them Stop You
If you've been quietly wondering whether it's worth continuing, whether your results are "respectable," or whether your numbers are normal, you're not alone.
I asked all those questions, too. And while there's no one-size-fits-all answer, what I found out is this:
YouTube is a long-term platform. Niche creators need patience. But persistence really does matter.
If your channel has heart, structure, and consistency—even with just a few dozen or hundred subscribers—you're already doing better than you think.
👉 Curious how all this looks in action? You can visit my channel, Stumped Riddles on YouTube, to see how I've structured playlists, themed content, and kept at it—one riddle at a time.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
National Donut Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday of June. This event began in 1938 as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. The idea came from the Salvation Army women of World War I who served donuts to soldiers. Known as ‘Donut Dollies’, these women volunteers of the Salvation Army traveled to France to support American Soldiers.
By 1938, the goal was to help those in need during the Great Depression.
Some Donut History
Doughnuts have been around for centuries, although the modern doughnut in America became better known during the 19th century from the influence of Dutch immigrants. The ring shape came from efforts to prevent a raw center and create even frying by punching a hole in the center.
The name for this tasty treat is interchangeably known as donut or doughnut. Doughnut was the original name, with donut becoming a shortened version.
Since ‘doughnuts’ are made from a small lump of sweetened ‘dough’ and ‘nut’ is a way of saying “a small lump”, it is easy to see how this pastry’s name came about.
Other words for donuts include cake, pastry, sweet bun, Danish, sinker, dunker, and crueller. Then we have the popular New Orleans fried doughnut with powdered sugar called a Beignet! Served in many restaurants around the country, beignets are most famously known at New Orleans’ Cafe du Monde.
Personal Favorite Donut Story
My high school years were at a time when Driver’s Education was still taught as part of the school curriculum during school hours. We had some classroom instructions, interspersed with actual driving times. There were three of us girls in the driving part of my class and our time was around 10 a.m. One morning we drove down a street that had a Dunkin Donuts store and we girls begged our instructor to let us stop and get donuts. He said no because, if he did it for us, he’d have to do it for everyone. We promised we wouldn’t tell anyone! He finally relented (to our delight), but said if anyone from class said anything, he’d know one of us ‘told’ and we would lose any further ‘privileges’. None of us EVER told! :)
Summary
This fried dough delicacy has evolved through time and today is available in a wide range of flavors, shapes and toppings. It is now a beloved treat enjoyed around the world.
Whether you frequent a favorite local bakery or donut shop, or make your own homemade donuts, these small sweet fried cakes are a favorite with everyone.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love cozy mystery movies! I have watched several cozy mystery movies
by Great American Family and thus far, have enjoyed every one of them. I like having
a mystery to try to solve without any gore or violent scenes to endure.
"A Case for the Yarn Marker" is the most recent cozy mystery movie I've
watched. It is part of the Ainsley McGregor series that features a
former criminologist who has chosen to leave Chicago to move back to her
hometown. However, crime is everywhere, including Sweet River,
Texas.
Along with the murder mystery, there is a touch of romantic interest
between characters. In this movie, Ainsley McGregor (Candance Cameron
Bure) is romantically interested in the fire chief of the city. Plus,
her brother is the sheriff. She is teaching criminology in
the local university and has opened a craft market for community artists. All things
considered, whether she wants to be or not, she is going to be an integral
part of crime investigations in Sweet River.
A Case for the Yarn Maker Synopsis
Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn MakerWatch on Amazon (subscription may be required)Ainsley McGregor is hosting a special event in her Bless Your Arts craft
market and has invited Ellie Mitchum, a wealthy yarn company owner/founder, to
speak. She is expecting someone who is happy to be there. After all,
Mitchum is from Sweet River too and actually attended school in the event location. However, Ainsley has to welcome
a somewhat irritable and rude individual.
According to other locals who knew her,
Ellie Mitchum has never been a particularly nice person. She is even
accused of stealing someone else's designs. The person accusing Ellie
happens to be a respected member of the community who, unbeknownst to Ainsley, plans to
confront Ellie at the event.
When Ellie Mitchum is murdered, there are plenty of suspects
including members of her own family, company board members and of course, the "respected member of the community" who has accused her of being a thief.
Because Mitchum is not well liked, finding her murderer is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. Too many people had reason to want her gone.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
The Gel Press is a gel like plate. It is approximately 1/2 inch thick and comes in various sizes. I purchased an 8 by 10 inch one. It is used to make art prints.
The common use is to brayer on acrylic paint, and then you can press your paper onto the paint which then transfers the paint to the paper, making a print. A brayer is a roller that you can use to roll the paint onto the gel plate.
There are various techniques one can use to make a variety of transfer images. One can partially cover an area on the Gel Press, which is called a mask. Then the person add paint and then lift the mask before pressing the receiving paper onto the paint, which will then leave an area where no paint was transferred.
One could also press other objects into the wet paint on the Gel Press, and then lift them off before making the print. This will provide a textured look of whatever object or objects were placed into the wet paint.
Another option is to use stencils that one can lay on the Gel Press, before they brayer on the paint on the Gel Press. Then the person lifts the stencil, providing a painting that is now in the shape of the stencil.
One can also paint a textured look of an object onto the Gel Press, and let that dry. Then they can paint a new layer of paint over the dried paint. Then they can press the receiving paper onto the two layered painting that is on the Gel Press. Doing this method requires the artist to give the pressing process a longer wait time before lifting the receiving paper, to allow the dry paint to be received into the wet paint, and then both layers of paint can show up on the receiving paper. Many people also do more than two layers.
This is a section of a print that I made by pressing stones into the wet paint on the painted Gel Press. The paint was still wet, so I could go ahead and press my receiving paper onto the painting.
As you can see, there can be many types of scenarios in these printing creations.
When I first got my Gel Press, I was hesitant to try much of anything. I didn't want to ruin the Gel Press. But in actuality, it is quite durable.
I have watched numerous YouTube videos on using gel plates, and many like leaving old paint on their gel plates, giving their next creation more of a grunge look. Others wipe off the dried paint with water, and or baby wipes.
One tip is to store the Gel Press in it's package, in an upright position. The key is not to let something lay on it and press an indention into it, as that can show up in future prints. Another tip is to make the layers of paint, thin. If the paint is too thick, the print doesn't peel off the Gel Press as well. And yes, it is a peeling action, that was something I had to get accustomed to.
Overall, I love my Gel Press. I have used it a variety of times to make background designs in a variety of the scrapbook papers I have designed. There are still other techniques I want to try out, including painting on it with a paint brush, and then adding another background layer to it. If you are interested in scrapbook paper, check out the link below the Gel Press link.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you're a content creator, beauty blogger, or small business owner, you know
how important beautiful visuals are on social media. A clean, elegant backdrop
can make your products look more polished and professional—but that doesn’t
mean you need to invest in pricey marble slabs, expensive portable flat lay backdrop systems or custom studio setups.
Instead, I use marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over large foam boards to create easy,
affordable, and incredibly photogenic backdrops. It's an elegant and budget-friendly way to get
that high-end marble look, and it's a quick and easy DIY project.
Since our house is old and our bathrooms are dated, I can replicate the look of a marble countertop and backsplash inexpensively for my skincare and beauty product photos for social media.
Why Marble Patterned Vinyl Is a Game-Changer for Flat Lays and Product
Photos
A marble pattern adds a soft, clean, and sophisticated feel to photos without
overwhelming the subject. Whether I’m shooting a serum bottle, a compact, or a jar of collagen peptides, the subtle veining of marble vinyl gives just enough
visual interest while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the product.
Plus, unlike fabric backdrops or poster board, vinyl is durable, easy to
clean, and reusable—perfect for skincare or beauty photography where spills or
smudges can happen.
How I Use DIY Faux Marble Backdrops to Elevate My Product
Photography
I use my marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl to cover foam board panels.
Here’s why that works so well:
Lightweight & Portable – I can move them around for the best natural
light.
Versatile – One board can be used flat for a flat lay or propped up for a
clean vertical background.
Reversible – Cover each side with a different pattern to maximize options in
minimal space.
Some brands have a grid-lined backing that makes it easy to measure and cut
the vinyl to size. It’s repositionable during application, which helps prevent
air bubbles or misalignment. Once it’s smoothed out, the finish looks seamless
on camera.
Covering foam boards with marble-patterned self-stick vinyl isn't difficult and the resulting backdrops are lightweight and easy to store. They can be used individually as flat lays or in pairs to simulate a countertop and backsplash or similar background. And they give my product photos of skincare and beauty products for social media a more elegant, upscale look.
Other Creative Uses
This type of marble-patterned vinyl isn’t just for photography. It’s also
great for:
Giving countertops or tabletops a refresh
Lining shelves or drawers
Creating DIY wall panels or art
Covering old furniture for a stylish upgrade
Basically, any flat, smooth surface is fair game.
My Favorite Marble Self-Stick Vinyl Rolls
There are many marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl options out there, but my favorites have the following characteristics:
Realistic Look: I prefer a marble pattern with subtle, soft veining that looks like real marble and photographs beautifully, with no harsh lines or fake plastic shine.
Smooth Application: I want the adhesive backing to stay where I put it without being overly aggressive. I want it to be forgiving during setup, but once applied, stay in place with no peeling
edges.
Durable Finish: I look for thick, good-quality, patterned self-stick vinyl that doesn’t wrinkle or bubble easily and wipes clean with a damp
cloth.
My husband drove me to several large home improvement stores to look at their self-adhesive vinyl selections. Unfortunately, most of the patterns were unappealing and lacked the elegance and sophistication I was looking for.
Fortunately, Amazon has a much broader selection and I was able to find quite a few beautiful marble patterned self-stick vinyl options that met my needs.
Here are the marble-patterned vinyl rolls I chose for my backdrops. I chose patterns and colors that I thought could work well together if I wanted to mix and match them for a contrasting "countertop" and "backsplash" effect.
My favorite is probably the Cohoo Home Marble Contact Paper, which is described as white and gold but actually looks like white and rose gold to my eye. But all four of them are beautiful.
Although I chose marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl for my initial product photography backdrops, I plan to expand my collection with other patterns and colors, such as wood and possibly floral patterns. The vinyl and foam boards are inexpensive enough to let me create a variety of looks for not a lot of money.
Foam Boards
For my trial run I used 3/16"-thick 20" x 30" foam boards. When those were successful and I tested them out with some product shots, I decided to buy some larger 3/8"-thick 30" x 40" foam boards that I am hoping to be able to use as a background for my skincare and makeup tutorial videos. (The ones I found on Amazon don't say how thick they are but have good reviews.) The thicker foam board is sturdier and less prone to warping, yet still extremely lightweight.
Creating the Faux Marble Photography Backdrops
The first step is to cover the foam board with the marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl. I found that this is really best done as a two-person job, with one person slowly peeling back about one inch of the vinyl backing sheet at a time as the other person uses an 18-inch ruler to smooth down that narrow section of vinyl down onto the foam board without creating air pockets or bubbles. Peel back another inch of the backing sheet, smooth down the vinyl against the foam board, and repeat until you get to the far edge of the foam board. Use a craft knife and a straight edge to trim the edges of the vinyl flush with the edge of the foam board, if necessary. Repeat the process to cover the remaining exposed foam board, aligning the marble patterns in a visually pleasing manner.
Tip: Press and smooth the self-adhesive vinyl against the foam board very firmly. If, despite your best efforts, you discover any air pockets or small bubbles, use the tip of a fine needle to prick a tiny hole at one edge of the bubble and smooth/press out the air to expel it through the hole.
I bought four marble patterns (let's call them A, B, C, and D) and chose to cover two foam boards identically with pattern A on one side and pattern B on the reverse side, and then covered two more foam boards with pattern C on one side and pattern D on the other side. This allows me to mix and match the marble patterns when assembling the boards at right angles to create my product photography backdrops.
My husband rigged up a stand for me, but you could just as easily use some heavy bookends (and maybe a couple of clips) to hold the vinyl-covered foam boards at right angles on a flat surface.
Final Thoughts
If you want to create high-quality content without spending a fortune on props
or surfaces, making DIY photography backdrops with marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over foam boards is a smart, economical, and stylish
solution.
Whether you're creating backdrops for skincare tutorials, websites, Instagram Reels, Stories or other social media, or for other product shots, a marble background adds a polished, editorial touch to your content.
Tip: Use natural light and experiment with shadows to highlight the marble
texture. It adds beautiful depth without distracting from your product.
Marble Patterned Self-Adhesive Vinyl Quickly Elevates Product Photos by Margaret Schindel
Read More
Product Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors
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DIY Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I picked up The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder because the title intrigued me, and as an eBay seller fascinated by vintage finds, I was instantly drawn in. It turned out that author C.L. Miller’s novel is enjoyable as a murder mystery story as well as a look into the world of high-end antiques.
THE STORY
Freya, a former antique hunter, is pulled back into the world of antiques after the mysterious death of her friend and mentor, Arthur. With the help of her odd but interesting Aunt Carole, she deciphers clues Arthur left behind—his way of ensuring that, should anything suspicious happen to him, someone would investigate. Their search finds them at an antiques retreat in a grand manor, where the furnishings are actually replicas rather than originals, and the guests seem to have questionable motives.
REVIEWS
Goodreads reviewers give the book 3 1/2 stars calling it a mixed bag with good marks for the look into the world of antiques but lower marks for writing style.
Bookshelf Soliloquies calls it a cozy mystery. Like me, writer Phoebe appreciated the glimpse into the world of antiques and, as she put it, the quirky characters. However, she, too had some discomfort with the writing style.
Amazon readers are a bit more generous, granting 4 stars and calling it ‘a very good read.’
Consensus amongst the many reviews that I read seems to be that the writing was a bit distracting, with some finding it a bit hard to get used to. I agree though I will add that I did get used to it and I did find the book more engaging as I went along.
RECOMMENDED
Who will enjoy this book? I recommend it for someone looking for a cozy mystery that is a bit more complex or for someone who is interested in antiques and the antique underworld. I will be reading the second book in the series, The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea.
Another strong pick? If you are also interested in a similar look into art and the art world, Jeffrey Archer’s False Impression is a riveting must-read. A real page turner. Read my full review of First Impression here.
If you haven't read The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, find it here on Amazon. If you have read it and you enjoyed The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder, you’ll be pleased to know there’s more to read. The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is next in the series, and with luck, both it and any future installments will be stronger and more captivating.
See you
At the bookstore! Brenda Treasures By Brenda
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I recently had a request for a crocheted, warm blanket for camping so I dug through my stash of yarn in order to come up with a yarn and pattern idea. I found two skeins of the Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand that I had purchased some time ago with the idea of making a warm sweater for myself. This yarn is a pleasure to work with and is creating a beautiful blanket with a super easy, and quick, stitch. I am enjoying this yarn and project so much that I may end up making a warm blanket for myself!
Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand
This Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand is currently offered in 6 colors; varying shades of brown and white/oatmeal, with one "tweed" color. These colors lend themselves to rustic or cabin decor perfectly. They are also the perfect colors for sweaters, scarves, and hats.
Yarn Weight: 4 medium/worsted
Length: 465 yds in solids, 348 yds in prints
Fiber: 100% Pure Virgin Wool in all colors except Birch Tweed
Birch Tweed Fiber: 90% wool, 7% acrylic, 3% rayon
Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry (do not dry in a dryer, do not use bleach)
With a prime membership, you can currently order the Fisherman's Yarn on Amazon and save the shipping cost.
Personal backstory
My son and I had a conversation recently about camping and warm blankets. He wanted me to make a blanket for his dog, similar to the wool blanket that I used to keep my dog warm years ago. We had a difficult time narrowing down which dog, which camping area, and other assorted details. We finally realized that he was remembering a Peruvian wool poncho that we had purchased from vendors at a craft fair. While that poncho was woven, I thought that I could probably make a blanket for my son and his dog.
In my yarn stash, I found 2 skeins of Fisherman's Wool. I love the natural colors of the yarn and I had planned to learn how to make cable stitches that are often found on Celtic Irish sweater designs. As usual, my crochet project dreams were bigger than my amount of free time and skill. But that turned out to be a good thing as this yarn is creating a beautiful blanket. I am surprised about the softness of this wool yarn - I had expected it to be scratchy. The yarn is relatively soft, but allows for good stitch definition. And best of all, the yarn doesn't split or snag. I am so surprised at how easy it is to work with.
Personally, in addition to sweaters and blankets, I think this wool yarn would make wonderful, old-fashioned teddy bears!
Moss Stitch
For this blanket project, I'm using the Moss Stitch. It is also called the Linen, Granite, and Woven stitch. It is a stitch with much smaller spaces between stitches, that add to the warmth of the finished item, but not so tight that the blanket is stiff. The Moss Stitch creates a design that adds interest when the colors change, but does not require any counting or multiple row pattern changes to create that design. The Moss Stitch is a popular stitch for good reason and patterns and tutorials can easily be found in books, blogs, and in videos.
Cable Crochet Patterns
The Lion Brand website also has a large variety of free crochet and knit patterns. If you look on the site, you can find a good number of crochet cable patterns including this gorgeous Heirloom Crochet Cabled Throw kit (includes the pattern and the yarn).
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
🎀 Meet Pink-Haired Patsy: She's Got Sass, Smarts & A Riddle or Two
Alright, I admit it—I've gone down a new rabbit hole of fun.
Some people garden, some people golf.
Me? I create virtual characters to read riddles. (Don't judge—it's a vibe.)
If you've ever landed on my StumpedRiddles YouTube Channel, you might've seen my growing collection of short and longer videos—riddles delivered with a twist, a wink, and now… a splash of pink.
Because ladies and gents and everyone in between, it's time you met my newest obsession:
✨ Pink-Haired Patsy! ✨
💁♀️ Patsy: The Pink Parade You Didn't Know You Needed
Patsy is 21, pocket-sized, and punches way above her weight class when it comes to personality. She's not the kind to wait her turn—or ask for permission.
She dyed her hair pink last week and hasn't looked back. Why? Because it makes her feel like herself. That's it. No deep symbolism. Just pink = joy.
She's bold, she's direct, and she's on a mission to make life feel a little less like a Monday morning. If you're too serious for silliness, Patsy's not your girl. But if you're up for a brain twist with a side of attitude? Pull up a chair.
🧠 Why Patsy Reads Riddles
Honestly, she's doing it for you. (And maybe a little for her acting reel.)
Patsy gets it—life can be heavy. But riddles? Riddles are little puzzles wrapped in playtime. She figures if she can get you to smile and think in under a minute, that's a win.
So, created from my overly active mind, she's jumped in to read one of my riddles. Just one—for now. She has that "see how this goes" energy, but I've a feeling we haven't heard the last from her.
👩👩👧👧 The Sisters: A Wild Bunch With Opinions
Let me tell you—Patsy's not an only child. Oh no. She's got three sisters, and family dinner with this bunch? Let's just say you wouldn't be bored.
🌸 Violet (aka The Whisperer)
Soft-spoken, emotionally tuned, and always the last to speak—but usually the one who says something that sticks. Violet's idea of fun is journaling in a café window seat. Her riddles are gentle, but deep. Don't sleep on her.
🔥 Roxy (aka The Firecracker)
Rules? Never heard of them. Roxy's the kind of girl who'd sneak a whoopee cushion into a book club meeting. She's wild, unpredictable, and somehow still lovable. Her riddles often involve a little mischief and a lot of fun.
📚 Ellie (aka The Brain)
Ellie is one podcast away from starting her sixth side project. She lives in learning mode. If there's a random fact to know, she already knows it. Her riddles tend to have trivia vibes or clever twists that make you say, "Ohhhh, clever."
And then there's Patsy.
A little bit of all three. But louder. And pinker.
🎬 Dreaming in Spotlight: Patsy's Big Plan
Here's the thing—Patsy wants to act. Yep, she's heading to acting school. Her parents? Not thrilled. But Patsy? She's doing it anyway.
Because that's who she is. She's not here to follow the script. She's here to rewrite it—in pink ink.
🎥 Patsy's Debut: Let's Go!
And now, for her first-ever public performance: a riddle reading that's equal parts sass and smarts. You can check it out right here:
“Look, life’s weird. If you're not laughing at least once a day, you're probably not doing it right.”
Ready for more riddles, laughs, and pink-powered fun? Patsy and the crew have only just begun.
Did You Enjoy Patsy- Created From My Wild Brain!
If I had to pick one of the sisters who best resembled my personality, it's probably Ellie! But I'm full-blown pink at heart! In fact, I've wanted to dye my hair pink for a very long time. Maybe one day!
Which sister best describes you?
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