Did you know...? (Knitting with Marly Bird)

Sure, I write.  A lot.  Sometimes.

I play games.  A lot.  Sometimes.

Once in a while I take pictures of things, but then it is an explosion of so many pictures it isn't funny.

But I actually knit and crochet far more often in my spare time than I care to admit.

And I have wanted to be able to support a few different crafters for quite a while but funds are just not always in the cards.  Until a few days ago I actually didn't have an online cent to spare, and then I remembered I actually had a little bit of forgotten earnings lingering in an app that I haven't talked about yet.

I realized that, because it wasn't being utilized (I was trying to reason with myself, here) for anything just yet ...I could spend it.  I could shave $7.20 off the top and act like it didn't exist, tossing the remainder of the earnings into the bank to pay bills.  A simple treat for myself and a nod to a fellow creator.

So, after seven attempts with PayPal's idiocy on MarlyBird's webstore (its my connection here in the backwoods), my payment for their Chill Guard Knit Balaclava Pattern went through on Wednesday, September 2nd, and I was very happy knowing I was capable of making the commitment.

Image: Screenshot from MarlyBird.com

The pattern drops on Saturday (today), September 5th at 9:00am ET -- and I cannot wait to participate in their This-or-That Make-Along 2026!

If you're wondering what "This-or-That" refers to, they created both a knit and a crochet version - you get to choose which one, including the possibility of both.  You also get to choose when you get around to using the pattern(s) after purchase, so there is no pressure in the buying or the making.  Come as you are, whenever you are, and do your own thing.

I still need to figure out what yarn I'm going to use....

We will see.

I'll post pictures here, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.  Plus Ravelry.  Just in case.

So excited!!!

-- Mathie Tremas.

This article is just me letting you know I bought something.

Truly, I bought something.

If you want to buy something, you do so of your own will:
I will receive nothing in compensation for purchases beyond hearing "OMG YES YOU GO KNIT/CROCHET ONE, TOO, WOOHOO!" running through my head if you say "I did it, too!" in the comments.

That's the joy in sharing purchases, for me, though you should know by now that, if I have any cards in the game, I am forthcoming without any hesitation just so we're both clear on intent and outcome. <3