Daniel Patterson

Hey there and as someone who's been knitting scarves for years, I'd say go for wool blends if you're aiming for warmth in winter. They're sturdy and don't tend to unravel much, especially if you pick something with a bit of synthetic fiber mixed in but then for beginners, start with a medium weight yarn; it's easier to work with and gives a nice texture without being too bulky so yeah... make sure to wash it gently to keep it from fraying over time. Oh, and if you're worried about unraveling, try twisting the yarn ends securely when you finish off. Works great. You'll love how cozy it feels once it's done.

Skip the giant set and build a small warm and cool primary palette with a big white, then practice mixes since coverage and mixability matter more than color count. Check opacity and lightfastness to know what covers or glazes, look for smooth dry swatches, and avoid bundles of tiny tubes full of duplicate hues.

Hey Richard! I've been there with trying to build a morning routine that doesn't fizzle out, especially with a young kid and a full work day. The key for me was starting ridiculously small and tying it to something I already do, like brushing my teeth right after waking up. Wake up at the same time every day, even if it's just 20 minutes before the kid, and do everything super quietly in your small space. For movement, I started with simple bodyweight stretches on a yoga mat in the living room, like child's pose and cat-cow, which are silent and don't need much room. That takes about 5-10 minutes and gets the blood flowing without waking anyone. After that, I sit with a quiet coffee and jot down three priorities for the day in a cheap notebook I keep by the bed. This planning bit helps me feel in control and sticks because it's quick and I review it during my commute. To make it last long-term, I tracked my streak in a free app on my phone and which gamified it without much effort. Don't aim for perfection. if you miss a day, just pick up the next morning. Mine has stuck for over a year now because it's flexible and fits my constraints, like yours with thin walls and limited time. Give yourself grace with the toddler factor. sometimes routines adapt, but consistency builds the habit.