Episode 66 - Advent Projects, Jimmy Beans Wool Blanket Club, Gift Make-a-Long, and Giveaway Winner!

Hello friends! My name is Amber. Welcome to my fiber arts podcast. This is where I discuss my knitting, crochet, and spinning projects with any fellow fiber artists who are keen to listen. The handmade life is a wonderful life, isn't it?
Email: [e-mail]
Find me on Instagram: / amber_helena
My Goodreads URL: www.goodreads.com/amberhelena
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THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF MY SUPPORTERS! IT IS SO MUCH APPRECIATED!
NOTES:
What I'm Wearing: Sophie Scarf in fingering weight yarn by Ruby & Roses held double
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
What I'm Working On:
Euphorbia Wrap: www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Yarn: Advent Calendar by ‪@brazosfiberworks‬
www.brazosfiberworks.com/
Yarn Candy Scarf by ‪@TheAutumnAcornKnits‬ www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Crocheted in various fingering weight minis held double.
Jimmy Beans Wool Blanket Club
www.jimmybeanswool.com/detail...
I am making the Knitted Version in the Madelinetosh "Romantic" colorway theme.
Other Things Mentioned:
Dahlia Scrapgan: www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Stitch In Time Blanket: www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
#fallintoranunculuskal2023 Winner: @leimaier (Lei Shroyer Maier)
Join me in a year long gift make-a-long! Use the hashtag #handmadegiftmal2024 on Instagram to share each month what handmade gift you are working on for next Christmas!

[@bsquared9647]

I learned to crochet as a child, and renewed my interest after my kids were grown. After about 5-7 years of simple knitting, I'm mostly content with that level still.

[@northerngail0385]

Hi Amber. Love the MAL idea. I always promise handmade gifts and get overwhelmed by the time turkey day arrives.

[@cindymilbauer3133]

Merry Christmas!! Hope you are feeling better each day. Take care of yourself. We missed you but totally understand. Keeping you and your family in prayer.❤

[@tracykrale8613]

Miss you! I pray all is well. 🙏🏻❤️

[@FibreNuts]

You must be feeling cold because you are still recovering. I wish you get well soon. Wishing you a great 2024!😊😊

[@crystalteaknits1474]

Congratulations on working with jimmy bean wool thats so cool i wish I could work with them or knit picks that would be a dream come true

[@sandywaters1386]

You do you. I am happy with whatever time you can give us.

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, sandy

[@elizabethwillars838]

I started off crocheting first too, and I feel exactly the same way about knitting! But yes, I have to get my crojo on! I saw JBW 2023 shawl club and I absolutely love the crochet pattern. I have been hounding the designer to release the pattern so I can buy it. I went and bought my yarns already at JBW (yes I’m local and I’m so blessed!!).

[@Scout1052]

A KROY sock yarn heads-up for your readers: JoAnn’s seems to carry an abundant supply, but doesn’t always have it on their store shelves. I ordered four skeins on line and it was at my store in one day………at one-quarter the price of the same yarn on Amazon. Just sayin’………….

[@cynthiawilliams1375]

Amber Thinking about you tonight and praying you are feeling better. Happy New Year Cynthia from Southern Maryland

[@judithburke3637]

A lovely podcast thankyou happy Christmas get better soon xx

[@gaylecmiel8221]

Feel better soon Amber…Merry Christmas🎄

[@JeanneKnits]

Glad you were feeling well enough for an episode. Good to see you. Hope you can get back to normal soon. I just wanted to say the thing with the tight I-cord was a question on Andrea Mowry's podcast yesterday (episode 146). She explained how you can add extra stitches to make it stretchier and I was like WHAT?!? Really good info, so wanted to pass that along. I like the idea of doing gift knitting/sewing all year long, like a make 12. I will join along on that. Merry Christmas to you and your family Amber!

[@tinaskjeggestad4928]

Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎅🌟

[@laplibrarian6094]

Navage and a personal steamer-my personal sinus toolkit!

[@betseyfowler2625]

My hubby bot me the Jimmy Bean Knitting Afghan Club so I will be knitting along with you.

[@kathiep.7734]

Thanks for sharing even though you’re not up to par..the winners sweater is beautiful!!

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Kathie! Merry Christmas!

[@elizabethwillars838]

Omg I’m so excited for you and the blanket club! That’s the only one I really want to knit this year, but I had to stop myself. I have BLE stash so I cannot justify another set of yarn.

[@gapeach31781]

Check out oregano oil, I haven't taken antibiotics in 15 years. It treats fungus, bacterial, and viral infections. It works great on sinus infections. Also, slice a yellow or purple onion up and set by your bed. Hubby might not like the smell, but it really helps. Hope you get to feeling better. Merry Christimas!

[@Liz.Green789]

Merry Christmas. Keep getting better. Peace.

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much, Liz!

[@melodyanderson3694]

you could add a link to buy you a coffee and all of us can leave you a bit of funds. Happy New Year, love to listen to you and see all your projects. God bless and hope you get well soon.

[@traci3007]

Merry Christmas, Amber!

[@bettygeigel4211]

good decision. baby yourself. this too shall pass (advice from 95 year old NJ knitter lol) gkad u mentioned JB, i went to their website and joined the crochet blanket club. BTW there is a great utube video JB put out on the club. Most interesting, they detail just how it works. Recommend u watch it. feel better and enjoy the holiday . Remember, body takes time to heal. regards betty

[@shelleycollett322]

Enjoying your podcasts very much. Please don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take time to get better! Merry Christmas from New Zealand 🎄

[@Sharon-hl1fe]

I am glad you are feeling better. I am watching you on the train from Paris to Barcelona.we planned this trip a year ago to see the Christmas markets only to get sick in Paris but I got some knitting done and feeling better so to the next stop . It is a terrible time to get sick. Merry Christmas and I love the idea of the kal

[@alovelyyarn]

Oh no! You had to spend your time on Paris sick??? That's so horrible! Did you get to visit any of the markets?

[@59lauralou]

So glad to hear from you! I was worried about you ❤. Thank you for checking in! I missed you! Merry Christmas

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much! I'm sorry that you didn't see my post. I think that many people didn't see it. Have a wonderful Christmas!

[@lanaparker293]

Merry Christmas! Feel better!

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you!

[@brendageisler2588]

Merry Christmas to you and your family🎄

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much!

[@nancymorgan5505]

Merry Christmas

[@luciaevangelho4593]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you!

[@pattigolden1]

Glad you're feeling better, lots of people I know have had something similar, sick for over a month!! Just rest & be better. LOVE LOVE Jimmy Beans Wools!!! BEST customer service!!! I get my orders in 2-3 days. I think they actually own madtosh now. I'm only 4.5 hours away, I SHOULD go!!! But not right now, don't want to drive over Donner Pass with snow... Especially a muscle car!! 😂😂😂 I think Ambah O'Brien is one of my favorite designers, still working on the "ghost knitter shawl", set it aside to make Xmas cowls.....lots of cowls!!! If I organized my minis/scraps, I'd have a heck of a lot of browns. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I always have organza bags on hand...I don't like storing yarn in plastic.

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Patti! That's what I'm hearing in my area as well. Whatever this virus is, it hangs around for weeks. I'm really excited to be a part of the blanket club! And I've heard nothing but good things about Jimmy Beans Wool from everyone I've talked to. Organza bags would be a great way to store the minis! I have a few, but not enough to store all of the colors.

[@rosimom]

I have been sick every Christmas for the last 6 years. I'm hoping this year to stay well. We've had the flu shot,,the RSV shot and the latest Covid booster. I'm immune compromised so I'm not taking any chances. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas.

[@alovelyyarn]

Oh my gosh. That's so horrible! Six years in a row! I pray that you have a healthy celebration this year!

[@josiejocreates]

It's great to catch up with you again, Amber! I'm sorry to hear you've been sick for so long, but I pray it's coming to an end. Congrats on the Jimmy Beans Wool colab - that's so exciting! I love all of your color this knitting season. It definitely adds joy to the greyness 😍

[@dobleman2370]

I just found you recently. I really enjoy your video. I'm considering the Jimmy Bean blanket club. I love the romantic color of yarn. It's beautiful. Have a wonderful Christmas. I will be watching you in the New Year. Diane

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Diane! Thank you for watching! Yes, these colors are so beautiful! I'm excited to start it!

[@melissafriedrich3171]

Love the idea of gift knitting each month throughout the year. If nothing else, it helps me plan what I want to do! Sending healing thoughts and prayers to you and your family. ❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, Melissa!

[@catherinecunningham7126]

How exciting to be collaborating with Jimmy Beans Wool! I can’t wait to see the blanket as you go. Merry Christmas to you and your family Amber! Get well. ❤️💚🎄

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much, Catherine!

[@LeiMaier]

Hi Amber! I'm glad you are starting to feel better and praying the rest of your family does as well so you can enjoy some of the holiday. I'm so surprised about the ranuculous KAL! Thank you. I sent you an email. Congratulations on the Jimmy Bean wool collaboration. ❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Lei! I'm excited for you and responded to your email this morning.

[@nancymorales2741]

Congratulations on the Jimmy Beans collaboration. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Hope you’re feeling better.

[@lynnmcentire4014]

Merry Christmas!

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, Lynn!

[@annmorris6732]

Merry Christmas❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, Ann!

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

I love your Sophie scarf the colour is beautiful. I dont mind if your podcasts contain adverts. The Jimmy Beans offer is so generous and the yarn is gorgeous. The in progress knits for advent are great especially the crochet one. I have been man down for the past few days with sore throat and earache which is also from my Sinus Then this morning I woke up feeling better. After breakfast my tummy pained and soon I was jogging to the bathroom repeatedly. Fortunately my husband had medication which I took and now just feel washed out. I have not knitted for two days but will make up for it after Christmas.

[@phyllisburke4141]

I love your Sophie scarf. So much respiratory stuff going around hopefully we will all get better quickly.

[@westmaven]

Hi knitting bestie I’m working on a test knit 🖤happy to spend a little time with you this afternoon

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, dear!

[@deniseengel1451]

Congratulations on the collaboration. The yarns are beautiful. I like the idea of a MAL. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@LesliesLakeLife]

Hi Amber! How exciting for you and the Jimmy Beans collab! It looks amazing. I love the idea of the gift make a long. I am always scrambling in November and December to get things done. I will definitely join in on this.

[@ruthannbull6515]

Hi Amber Thanks for the podcast! So enjoy to hear what you are doing. Have a Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@cathynewkirk6807]

Merry Christmas! That Jimmy Beans Wool collab sounds like so much fun!

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, Cathy!

[@lesamatthes7811]

The Jimmy Beans palette - that romantic grouping is SO you!

[@melissameade9275]

Merry Christmas Amber! Sending prayers to you and yours❤. Thank you for your podcast, I really enjoy it!

[@amyfox_in_sox]

So crummy to be sick but even worse in the holiday season! Glad you’re on the mend. Thanks for a great episode. Happy holidays

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Amy! Thank you so much!

[@DQDebra]

Lovely madelintosh yarn for the club. I’ve seen ads on Facebook for it and I’m so tempted. Edited to add that I just joined! I used your link, so hope you get credit for it. Seeing the actual yarn pushed me over the top. I hope I can keep up with so many ongoing knitting and quilting projects.

[@bethsaylor5325]

Hi Amber. I pray you feel better soon and that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. The Jimmy Bean's Wool blanket collaboration sounds like fun. It would be my first blanket (other than baby blankets I've knitted for others). I appreciate that you've resisted collaborating with other companies that have nothing to do with knitting. I have You Tube Premium so none of the podcasts I watch have commercials. Since I watch so many, it is worth the subscription fee. Prayers for a blessed holiday season.

[@Brinalea1031]

Merry Christmas Amber! I hope it is filled with family and joy.

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you!

[@rebeccafelker8851]

My daughter would say ginger and turmeric in that tea. Get better.

[@maradevincenzi8388]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Amber! Looking forward to seeing your blanket come together…beautiful yarn! Hope the New year will be a happy healthy one!❤🎉

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much!

[@Eva-ri1zb]

Merry Christmas to you and your family...glad you're feeling better

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much!

[@EvieBear236]

Hi Amber. I have been praying for you. Some of these viruses just hang on forever and sinus infections and inflammation seem to be notorious for being hard to get rid of. God willing, you will be much better by Christmas. I hope you can relax and enjoy the holiday with your family. How exciting to have the Jimmy Beans Wool blanket to cast on.

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much, Barbara. You are a sweetheart!

[@ll29123]

Happy holidays to you and yours Amber! 🩷

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you!

[@denisemarcos3117]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing the blanket kal - looks gorgeous! Feel better and enjoy!

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, Denise!

[@camsnow2856]

I wish you and yours a happy and peaceful Christmas. I hope you all feel better soon. So many people seem to be sick this holiday season.

[@alovelyyarn]

I agree! So many sicknesses! Yuck! Thank you so much for watching!

[@babyZale]

So glad to see you’re back, and happy that you are starting to feel better. Jimmy Beans Wool collaboration is great! 🤗 Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄🎅

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you! Have a wonderful Christmas!

[@DanaBarbieri]

Merry Christmas, Amber! I wish you and your family the same. ❤❤❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much!

[@cheryljackson5093]

Hi Amber! Sorry you still aren’t feeling great, but hope you are feeling better. I love that blanket by Jimmy Beans and am seriously considering it! I’m also joining your 2024 holiday make-a-long. I frantically knit hats this year and just finished the last one (it’s December 23 rd as I write this). I vowed never to wait that long again! And because I knit my nieces and nephews hats this year, I didn’t get my daughter’s Christmas socks made, so I’m feeling sad about that. Next year I am going to join you by making one sock a month so she will have 6 pairs for Christmas 2024! If I can manage more -great, but this gives me a do-able goal I hope! Thank you again for all your hard work podcasting and vlogging - I so appreciate being able to watch these inspiring videos. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!! Cheryl

[@cindik7268]

Merry Christmas, Amber! What a great idea for the MAL. If I don’t get to join, I will hopefully get to view the ideas and projects. I hope each day finds you healthier. I purchased some Christmas in Paris tea, and really enjoyed drinking a cup this evening. I was afraid that I wouldn’t like the lavender, but it blended in so well that I found the other notes stood out. I also have Christmas Morning that I got at the store in Numine when I stopped. Your shawl is beautiful, and so is your crocheted scarf. I agree that knitting is a finer fabric, but there is a place for crocheting, as well. I hope you have a lovely Christmas with family and friends, and your illness leaves your home. Don’t forget to buy a new toothbrush! Love watching you, as always. ❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Hello dear, Cindi! I am so glad you liked the Christmas in Paris tea! What store did you stop at? You said it was in Numine?

[@caitlinkelley2565]

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you have a happy new year! A friend of mine and I were planning on doing all of our gift crocheting this winter/early spring since she and I want to learn how to knit socks!

[@alovelyyarn]

Yay! If you're on instagram, share your gifts that you make with the hashtag. I'd love to see what you create!

[@micheleshanahan]

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, Michele!

[@cindysteffan1649]

I was enjoying Vlogmas but also wondering how you were doing it while not feeling well. Thankful to hear you are prioritizing your health. Prayers for comfort and joy as you celebrate Christmas with your family.

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much, Cindy!

[@knittingwithliz]

I’ve been sick with you and happy to see you sounding better. I’m excited for your year long make a long! I’ll participate! ❤️

[@alovelyyarn]

Yay! I think it will be so fun to see what everyone else is working on. I pray you feel better soon!

[@ericallerton809]

So glad to see you before Christmas!good decisions not to continue vlogmas! Feel better soon!a bad bug for sure!merry Christmas to u ad ur sweet family ❤ Elaine

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you, Elaine! Merry Christmas!

[@dinahdeuel525]

Amber, I so empathize with you in the prolonged health saga! I got Covid nearly 2 weeks ago and simply don’t seem to be getting better either. I know I am but it’s so slow, I have very little energy and just a struggling with doing anything related to Christmas.🤦‍♀️it’s such a bummer and I hate to complain because I know people have worse things happening to disrupt their Christmas plans. The worse thing is just feeling like it’s never going to be over! You take care of yourself. We know who the Great Physician is and we will get through this. ❤️Merry Christmas😊

[@Scout1052]

Our household got ‘the bug’ ten days ago. Not diagnosed as C19, but possibly some variant. It certainly has ‘staying power’ though I’ve done everything in my power to show it the DOOR. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been concerned about the exhaustion and low energy. I’ll try to be more patient in the process. Hope you and family are better.

[@josephinehowe4063]

So great as always to watch your gentle pleasant podcast. Excited for you and the Jimmy Beans collab. Hopefully your illness will get a lot better and your energy return soon. Merry Christmas to you and have a joyous time with your family. My daughter spent 10 days here from San Diego and returned home on Tuesday so part of our Christmas is over. It was a special time with her. She got real tired of the gray and dark and left the PNW in 2007. We are having just about 8 hours of daylight and the Seattle Times article I read on the solstices said that at the summer solstice we have almost 16 hours of daylight. So I am looking forward to the light coming back. Best wishes on lots of enjoyable winter knitting and your euphorbia as well as Judy’s crochet pattern look lovely.

[@alovelyyarn]

Hello Josephine! We have very similar weather to your area because we are stuck down between a bunch of mountain ranges. It has been terribly grey this fall and I am feeling it. I can understand why your daughter left. My entire family lives here, and we just can't leave them, so we stay. Summer here is beautiful though!

[@josephinehowe4063]

@@alovelyyarn I went 3000 miles away 50 years ago so I think she gets it from me. Wonderful that your family is all around you. My siblings and I are spread all over the map. Mountain ranges surely affect the weather. We, however, have had more sun this fall than usual, but also a lot of fog lately depending on where in Puget Sound one lives.

[@elisekt1860]

Our household is also under the weather so it’s hard to get in the mood for the holidays. Only now got the Christmas cards out. I love Jimmy Beans team they are so supportive. I’ve been hoping to join the scarf or blanket club but still not able to. Have a healthy happy holiday season to all.

[@alovelyyarn]

Hello Elise! Being under the weather really does mess with the Christmas cheer, doesn't it? I hope you begin to feel better soon and have a peaceful Christmas.

[@eveyabdul6010]

I love your podcast and don’t mind a few ads. The only thing that annoys me (slightly) is when podcasters reach a certain number of followers and then switch to Patreon and start charging their loyal followers to watch them. Rant over. I hope you feel better very soon and have a wonderful Xmas with your family 😊❤

[@alovelyyarn]

I can understand how that could be annoying. I've thought about using Patreon as a platform, but if I ever did that, it would be a place for more vlog style episodes, and I would continue to post regular episodes on youtube. The vlogs are much more work, a day long process plus all of the editing. So I understand when makers use Patreon in that style. It is sad when they put all of their content on Patreon and you have to pay to be able to access any of it. Have a very wonderful Christmas and thank you so much for watching!

[@kimberlysmith4474]

So glad you seem to feel better! New subscriber, and I’ve really enjoyed all your Vlogmas episodes. Our family’s go to for any virus is elderberry syrup. It’s a super antiviral, but works best at first symptoms as most natural remedies do. Lots of recipes online. Merry Christmas, Kim

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Kim! Yes! We have elderberry bushes on our property, so I make it each fall. However, I never got to it this fall but froze a bunch of the berries. I ended up making a batch the other day and have more berries in the freezer still. Now we will stay on top of things! Thank you for watching!

[@tinakercher8768]

I love your blanket wool. Gorgeous!!

[@alovelyyarn]

It is!

[@ruthcomfort4735]

Long time no hear? Hope all is ok you were still recovering from being sick

[@pegorgan7910]

Sorry you are still not feeling well. You shouldn't worry about Vlogmas, taking care of yourself is more important. I'm definitely interested in the gift make along. I thought I was doing great on my gift making but several unexpected things has happened and now I am trying to finish 2 pairs of socks and a hat. Have a wonderful Christmas.

[@alovelyyarn]

Haha. That's how I felt too! Then I got sick! I'm excited to plan out my year of gift making!

[@olyamikesh2096]

Gift makealong sounds great! I would definitely like to join. That way I might actually be able to make all things I want to gift! 😅

[@alovelyyarn]

I know, right! I'm excited to get it planned out!

[@TheMoodyRose]

Hey Amber, your vlogmas stopped suddenly, just checking if your doing ok.

[@bonniel3679]

Thoughts: aren't sinus infections usually bacterial (from a fellow sufferer😅); popcorn stitch: you could also change the stitch after to a hdc to increase the tension producing a "bigger pop" 😂

[@alovelyyarn]

I love that idea, Bonnie, of doing a hdc after the popcorn. And, yes, we often think of sinus infections as bacterial. You can also have viral and fungal sinus infections too. However, I think a lot of my pain and pressure comes from my sinuses swelling and being inflamed. I don't always know that it's a bacterial thing because it sometimes doesn't fully resolve with antibiotics. Sometimes it continues after the antibiotic and then the pressure and pain goes away slowly over time. I don't know. I just have noticed that about my sinus stuff. I've been a sinus sufferer my entire life. Not fun! I'm sure you understand!

[@bonniel3679]

​@@alovelyyarn after over 60 years of usually annual sinus infections I learned something new. I never knew they could be viral. Fungal makes sense too. You hang out with the right people long enough you learn lots of things😉☺ My sincere wishes for a peaceful, blessed, healthy Christmas and New Year to someone whom I admire and consider a friend. You and your family are a true gift to so many and in so many ways.

[@beckywhitt7356]

I hope you feel better. I don’t even like to watch vlogmas.

[@KateMH_]

Isn’t it wild that in the Victorian period the sickly pallor of young women dying of consumption (tuberculosis) was considered beautiful. They were flushed with fever, pupils dilated, pale skin, sometimes red lips or a blue tinge to the skin…anyway yes, sickness does impact the complexion!!!!

[@alovelyyarn]

Oh wow! Yes, I forgot about that! I much prefer my skin when it is tan and sun-kissed! Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@barbararadzeviciusbondi4150]

Cash for vlogging takes the creativity out of making videos for me. When podcasters focus on cash and 'gifts' just is 'boring'. So...