Buyers Remorse and the hot pink yarn

I don't like to shop with my kids.  That's partially the reason why I sew...  You may think it's "difficult" to sew, but the fact that it fulfils my wardrobe/ gift-giving needs AND provides me with a creative outlet and hobby means I get to kill four birds with one stone.  It's a win, win, win situation with a lot of dead birds.   

Joe's "Volcano!" sweater.  He begged me for one, and I obliged.  Of course, he won't wear it or even model it properly.  Oh well.  But it did look great on him for the 2 minutes I forced him to wear it :D 

Knitting Pure and Simple Child's Pullover Sweater

Once in a while, though, I make the hair-brained decision to take my kids shopping with me (remember this?).  Strapping them in a shopping cart and moving quickly through a grocery store is not terribly difficult (though I'd prefer to shop without them, if given the option).  At least they are restrained.

However, popping into a yarn store with two tots is just asking for trouble.  And yet, last week I did JUST THAT.  When will I learn?  I thought I knew exactly what I needed to buy.  It was going to be a quick, pop-in-pop-out kind of excursion.  Hot pink worsted weight yarn for my next project, a sweater for Susannah (her color choice, not mine... but I figure I'd better knit her something up before she starts refusing to wear homemade things!).

Masha's "In Threes" cardigan, my first sweater!  Finished last May (and pilling already... sad!)

I decided to check out a brand new yarn store that opened not far from where I live.  I was happy to see the new establishment filled with ladies, happily knitting around a table, talking.  The woman working there was very helpful and very sweet.  Sometimes when you bring kids into a yarn store, the employees look a little panicked (especially if your kids are finishing up melted chocolatey granola bars and have grubby little hands... but that's another story for another day).  Anyway, when a mama gets good customer service despite her rugrats absentmindedy wandering all over the store, then mama is very impressed and feels rather obligated to purchase something.  I know, I know... I need some serious backbone! 
 
The problem with yarn stores is that each one is very different.  They don't all carry the same products and don't always offer exactly what you need.  It's hard for me to get out for errands with kids in tow, so it can be a bit disappointing when a trip to a specialty store bears no fruit.

Cascade 220 "Cerise"-WORSTED, 100% wool, 220 yards per skein (3 skeins total)

Anyway, during my shopping trip I sort of just panicked and grabbed this yarn (pictured above).  It's not terrible at all, but afterwards I realized I'd prefer another weight.  I had just finished Joseph's sweater using an Aran superwash, and I really liked the silky bulkiness of the yarn as it passed through my fingers.  Being a worsted weight obviously, this one is a little thinner and rougher.  Yes, I'm still getting used to all of this knitting lingo, and I don't always know what I'm talking about or getting into.  :D

So here I have three skeins of "cerise" yarn (that's cherry in French-- so fancy!).  The color is actually quite pretty for something that can be classified as "hot pink."  But when life gives you lemons... or in this case, worsted weight yarn... make lemonade... or in this case, let someone else enjoy it :)  My loss is your gain!  Yes folks, it's instalment #2 of my 10-year anniversary GIVEAWAY :D 

Here's my question:  Are you interested?  Could you use this for an upcoming project?  Does your mountainous yarn collection need another addition to it?  Leave me a comment and tell me what you'd make with it :)  Comment quickly-- I'll be announcing the winner on Tuesday, Oct. 14th.    

If you'd like to leave a comment but aren't interested in the yarn, kindly mention that you are not interested in the giveaway.  

Because of the price of shipping, I'll have to restrict recipients to U.S./ Canada only.  So sorry to my friends overseas!  I hope you'll understand :)

The Marine Family and us (Vasi was M.I.A.) at Y.'s baptism earlier this year

 ALSO..... quick shout out for my friend and koumbari Chad Marine, who is an amazing Orthodox Christian musician.  Check out his music, he is super talented, and you are invited to download his work for free!  I hope Chad releases another album sometime in the future-- I'd gladly pay for and support his music.  I hope you enjoy it as much as Job and I have!   You can see his bio and journey to Orthodoxy here, too!