Armwarmers and Apple Pie (plus Crocheting Rant)

So-- it would seem that I generally get around to posting once a week. Since I only feature completed projects, that's a pretty good crafting turnover!
But I'm a little late on this update. And I could be doing better. Much better.
This week I made a pair of a heavy white fleece version of winter bloomers, and knitted some armwarmers. But... wasn't I supposed to be learning to crochet?

I can't crochet. Screw crocheting!!!
As many hours I spent practising (LOTS) and as much as I want to make amigurumi dolls and granny square quilts and whatnot- I simply CANNOT DEAL with crocheting.
I decided to start out really simple. Just a little clutch bag, only one stitch to know. EPIC FAIL'D. It was unraveled after a few days and WAY too many hours.

First of all: one hook means twice as much work for one hand. The joints of my thumb and index finger were aching after only a few hours. Also- I've never been the best person when it comes to tension. The very notion of crocheting sucks because you have to pick up from previous stitches to make rows. When the stitches are even the slightest bit too tight you have to force and wiggle that hook through. Over and over and over again. When the stitches are on a needle, this is not nearly as much of a problem.
I taught myself how to knit from a book when I was lonely and depressed in T.O. There are really only two stitches you need to know: knit and purl- I was making hats within a week. (okay- a really huge, poorly guaged hat out of chenille yarn... but guess what- these slouchy oversized hats are WAY back in style now) Whereas in crocheting you have to know in which stitch and in what direction and in what order you are looping and hooking and poking. There's a whole slew of new abbreviations and weird-ass terminology that I hate because I'm old and set in my ways.
Another factor- once I am holding the needles and the stitches are cast on, I can knit a hat without looking. The stitches are very easy to feel for on the needle. Not so with crochet. You have to be looking at it ALL THE TIME to perform what I have previously described. And that. gets. boring.
Siiiiiiiiiiiigh. Of course- this is not the case with everybody. Reasons why I might have failed:
- too accustomed to knitting in general
- learning something new is hard
- I am a terribly ambitious crafter and I like to run before I can walk. I want to try the 3-d sculptural techniques before I even know the stitches. I want to jump right into a complicated project simply because I want to make it. This can backfire (and has- with lots and lots of thrown away materials and piles of dusty half-finished failures) but then again, trial and error is how I learn. It's frustrating, but I don't mind it as much as most.
Although I tried to do something simple and it was really difficult and frustrating, it may have simply not have been the right project for me. As an afterthought: I would probably be most adept at making lacy, open patterns with crochet as it kind of feels like beading (counting stitches) and the "drawing with yarn" quality could keep me interested.

Anyway, after such a failed crocheting attempt, I reconciled myself with knitting with these armwarmers (single-arm picture is most accurate to color)
Worked with a really lovely leaf-and-vine pattern and sexy form-fitting ribs for your arms. The green-flecked-with-yellow yarn turned out buttery soft after washing. Knitting, I love you!

They aren't really my style so I am selling these for $12- both arms aren't exactly the same :x
Wear them and think of spring!

Also- if you need yourself some fingerless gloves I can totally hook you up. Example:

I will be the first to say they are completely useless outside on a cold day but indoors when the heat isn't working and you're snuggled up in front of the computer? Absolutely indispensable typing gloves.

And only requiring a single skein of wool, you can afford to get the poshest yarn possible. (cashmere? alpaca? silk? such a good investment)

P.S: I really didn't mean to offend any hookers in the audience. I am genuinely jealous if you can crochet and you find it easy. I think it's the same as they say about cooking and baking- you are usually great at only one or the other; you get it or you don't. Those who are masters are both have mad skillz akin to ambidexterity.

Speaking of baking, I think I will include completed projects in this aspect as well, because I am a baking type, and I did make it myself...
Behold the sweetest, tastiest and most apple-y apple pie of all:

To prove my claim, I will now share with you my Mom's recipe- sacred to our family- for this absurdly simple and ridiculously easy to make pie.

frozen pie crust (if you're not picky-- you shouldn't be!)
4 cups sliced and peeled apples
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
cinnamon and nutmeg to taste

mix all together and pat evenly into pie crust. Bake in oven preheated to 450*F for 10 minutes. Turn to 350*F and bake for 40-45 minutes. Done.
Super fast, easy, and super-sweet with maximum apple taste. For if you are like me- when you want fresh apple pie RIGHT AWAY. Reheats well, too.

Anyway! Another post done. Up next: I am making a line of aprons- FOR REALS. All the materials are bought and this weekend should yield around 4 new aprons! All strictly one-of-a-kind and available for sale. Get first pick! Tell your friends!
Later.