Nathan Parker

Yeah, sure, just smile and say your cat's on fire or something. that'll wrap it up nicely without any awkwardness.

For an easy first scarf go with worsted weight and a smooth and multi-plied yarn so the stitches are easy to see and fix. Smooth fibers are kinder on sensitive skin and they do not shed into the fabric. Avoid halo yarns like mohair or anything brushed if irritation is a worry which, yeah superwash wool blends and soft acrylic blends are comfy, warm, and machine washable, while cotton can feel a bit heavy and not as warm for winter. No halo. Aim for needles around US 8 to 9, cast on to get a width near 6 to 8 inches, then knit a few inches and check the feel. Do a quick swatch and give it a rinse to see if it softens or gets scratchy. For length you will usually want 300 to 400 yards for a child and 400 to 500 for a teen or adult depending on width and stitch. Works great.

That sounds frustrating with your phone case cracking so soon and especially since you need something reliable for outdoor work. It might be happening because the material isn't tough enough for frequent drops or exposure to the elements and like temperature changes or rough handling. Cheap cases often use brittle plastics that don't hold up well over time. If you're looking for a better alternative without breaking the bank, I'd suggest the SPORTLINK phone case. It's designed to be shockproof and dustproof, which should give your phone solid protection from falls and dirt while you're working outside. That full-body coverage really helps in rugged conditions. Just make sure it fits your phone model, and it could save you from having to replace cases all the time.

Treat it like lights-out. Set a time, hit Do Not Disturb, and put the phone out of reach. A real alarm clock fixes the excuse. If you must scroll, set a five minute timer and stand up while you do it. When it rings, lights off, eyes closed. Discipline beats hacks.