I kept seeing patterns and projects for Tunisian crochet, as I am new to crochet still I was hesitant to try but really wanted to give it a whirl.
I had never used wool before either before this, its quite expensive compared to acrylic, and was on the hunt for a project to combine the two.
Enter the Lamia Wrap.
I didnt need a large amount of yarn, uses just one hook, is beginner friendly, and best of all I saw myself using the finished product.
Finding the right yarn for my taste was not easy. I did not want a $60+ project to be my first attempt, I didn't want to waste or ruin anything. But I did want to try wool for the first time.
I found this sample pack with some coordinated colors I really clicked with for only $32. The yardage was right on the money and knowing my tension I figured I would need more but threw caution to the wind.
As the project moved along I realized I would definitely be short on yarn, and changed colors a bit early intentionally. I used the scrap to tie in the color themes on the final rows to get a wee bit extra length. Overall I was still about 4 rows short, and the project is a little small because of it, but I adore it regardless. I wear it a couple times a week! I also blocked it (again a first!) And that helped quite a bit.
Pls ignore the camping chair in my home. A friend left it behind since we didnt have enough seats to accomodate one day.
I do, it also greatly helps with my work based anxieties related to next day woes. I find it also helps me relax and sleep when dealing with my chronic migraines to be able to listen, and in a way see, with my ears only since I get severe occular issues with them.
I pretty exclusively listen to video game lps, especially on migraine days, as I find comfort in knowing the game that is being played so well I dont feel the urge to look.
If that sounds up your alley there are a few creators I can recommend, all of which do not raise their voices, shout in surprise, or have sharp jumps in audio levels. They all balance their audio very very well.
Rhadamant: Narrative driven stories in a variety of games with a large focus on Rimworld. He does a very good job of explaining everything so you really can "watch" without seeing and fall asleep comfortably listening to a story. My favorite was the OG wendigo series personally but if you don't know Rimworld that may be heavy. Life on the Rim is tough.
Halfman: Very different here but his rags to riches series on Tarkov feels like listening to a survival novel set in a warzone.
Aavak: Calm and collected every time with a very soothing tone. Unlike the others has a wider back catalogue of games so may be more options to grab your interest.
The Black Pants Legion - TexTalksBattletech: Lore videos on Battletech (big tabletop mech war set in an alternate timeline) super cool stuff. Lots to dig into.
TheAshHeritor: I started with the narrative lets plays of Age of Wonders because I was playing it in a similar way. The creator is an author for Warhammer and it really shows in the way they commentate. There is a current series running on Rogue Trader as well that is quite good.
Here's hoping you find some joy and, most importantly, some sleep.