Unpinning Pinterest 8/14/12

Where has the summer gone? Where has AUGUST gone? Time flies when you're having fun tracking down links from Pinterest, and figuring out just where all those good ideas really come from. Today I've got a great roundup of freebies, tips and tutorials, and a bonus recipe for a salad even my husband loved.

1. how to: crochet or knit single row stripes - On the julie-k blog, she gives a great photo tutorial on how to create single row stripes without having a ton of ends to cut and weave in - gotta love that! It's demonstrated with crochet, but it works for knit too!

2. K's Blanket Tutorial - At Sarahs Sweetheart's, there's a stitch tutorial for a double sided blanket (or whatever - a dishcloth like this would be fantastic!) that uses two contrasting colors for a fantastic reversible look. There are lots of photos and she really shows how it comes together step by step. So excited to try this!

3. Printable Thread Bobbins - Wild Olive has these printable thread bobbins in pdf format - ready to print onto card stock. Though she had embroidery thread in mind, these would be great for crochet thread, the last bits of a skein, and for intarsia knitting and tapestry crochet patterns. And they're so cute!
4. Fusion Blanket Crochet Along - There are tons of pictures and links involved in this Crochet Along from Little Miss Shabby, but I've linked to a good starting point. Basically, it's a fantastic way to use smallish pieces of fabric and combine them with yarn to get an amazing blanket that's a bit of both! There's a flickr group for inspiration, but this one from Bee In My Bonnet is my favorite!

5. crochet flower embellished card - Lastly, a little inspiration and tutorial from Capture the Moment. This is a great idea for all those little crochet flowers and motifs you can make with little bits of yarn... but aren't sure what to do with when they're done. Gift cards, note cards, notebooks - imagine the possibilities!

6. BONUS YARN-FREE PIN: Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad - Oh. My. Word. I made this salad for dinner earlier this week, and served it up with a loaf of fresh bread from the bakery. It required no heat, just washing, chopping and stirring - perfect for a warm summer evening. And it was SO GOOD. Even my husband went back for seconds! It does make a lot, so you might want to cut the recipe in half if you're cooking for just a couple... or be very very hungry. I used one of biggest bowls in my kitchen and still had trouble getting it all to stay in for stirring, though truth be told, I don't always take the time to measure...especially with fresh veggies. Fortunately, as the recipe promises, it was super tasty the next day for lunch. I don't know that I'd keep it much longer than that though. It was a little spicy for my kids, but a keeper for the grownups.

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