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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet

@abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social
3.7K followers 307 following 3.3K posts

I design soft, romantic knitting patterns and have strong opinions about knit socks. Here you'll find yarn, tea, gardening, and a daily cheerful thing. I used to practice law, but now I'm nobody's lawyer. she/her

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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Notes to self: know when to use your anger as a tool and when to set it aside. It’s okay to feel small and ineffective and afraid, but it’s not okay to let those feelings freeze you into inaction or, worse, into apathy. Remember that what you can see and feel may not be all there is to know.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Just finished my first re-read of A Wrinkle in Time since middle school, and whew, something out there knew I needed it right now. I needed that kick in the pants. Thank you.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Welp, I knew we were coming to the end of an era and this would probably happen soon, but today, we washed up and donated Peppa Pig’s camper van, the Paw Patrol lookout, and Bluey’s beach house 😭😭😭
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I went to knit night at my local yarn store today, had a good vent session about this last week with some kindred spirits, and cried a little to a song I love on the way home. There is so much wrong in the world, and trying to fix it feels so hard, but we keep going anyway.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Depth of Field Socks are now available, just in time to kick off Socktober! This pair of socks with delicate cables is knit from the cuff down with a heel flap and gusset. The pattern is graded to five sizes. Find it here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...
ravelry.com
Depth of Field Socks pattern by Lauren Rad
In photography, the depth of field refers to the distance between the closest and most distant objects that are both in focus in an image. A shallow depth of field will only focus on a narrow range of...
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Related to this: a small group of elementary schoolers got up at the crack of dawn today to join their teachers before school started and protest district shenanigans. I am so proud of them and the way they speak up when they see something wrong happening.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I spent 4 hours in the library at my kid's school today, putting new barcodes on books, checking books in and out, running reports, and shifting to make room on shelves. Budget cuts have meant we no longer have a full-time librarian. I am happy to help out, and yet, I also have complicated feelings.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Oh hey oh hey, guess who had another nightmare about going back to practicing law, accidentally working for both her old law firms at the same time, forgetting to check her emails for several days, blowing discovery deadlines, and not reactivating her bar license? Today’s gonna be grrrrreat
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 30/09/2026
Meet Backpack, your 2026 Fat Bear Week champion. Backpack is 20 years old, weighs about 1,000 pounds and got his nickname because, as a cub, he loved riding on his mom's back across the Brooks River.
akpub.io
Meet Backpack, Fat Bear Week’s chunky champ
Backpack went from hitching a ride on his mom’s back to cross the Brooks River to winning the hearts of fat bear fans around the world.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I woke up this morning with the Black Sails theme song stuck in my head, which seems like an omen.
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Beca Dreadful 🖤🌙 @becadreads.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This will always and forever be 5 stars. If you're looking for a fantasy story with an excellently explained magic system, necromancy, bells, and a grouchy cat??, I highly recommend. I also highly recommend the audiobook since it is read by the great Tim Curry and has a voice like a warm hug ❤️
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Update: we demolished a whole pot of chamomile and fell down a rabbit hole of Hildegard von Bingen and hurdy gurdies. Life in our house is not exactly normal but at least we’re rarely bored.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Mr. Rad went to the movies with some friends tonight, so Little Rad and I baked scones, made tiny sandwiches, and turned on Kiki’s Delivery Service. I’m crocheting some granny squares while we watch. This is such a great way to spend a Saturday night.
A three-tiered plate stand with scones, tiny sandwiches, and fruit sits on a wooden table between two very stout candles. Two mismatched teacups and a tea pot sit off to the side. In the background is a brick fireplace and a black tv mounted above it, plus some white built-in bookshelves to the side of the fireplace.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I wrote two separate knitting patterns today and now it feels like my brain is leaking out my ears.
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Surprised Eel Historian, PhD @greenleejw.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
What if my interviewer offers me Turkish Delight?
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I just put the finishing touches on a crochet project I started back in 2010. Never let someone make you feel bad about lingering WIPs. They'll keep.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I taught high schoolers from 2018-2025, and the rising levels of nihilism were one of the few things that really worried me about the kids. It's a seductive philosophy, and it can feel perversely good to give up hope because then you don't have to keep trying and struggling and maybe failing.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Have you ever wanted to join one of my test knits but weren't sure how? I've got a special segment of my newsletter where I sent out testing calls. You can sign up here: www.abeeinthebonnet.com/test-knittin...
abeeinthebonnet.com
Test Knitting - A Bee In The Bonnet
I use test knitting to help ensure my patterns are easy to use. If you'd like to join my test knitting pool, here's where you can do so.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
When I was a teenager, the total population of Channel Islands foxes dwindled to about 50-80 individuals. Today, this cutie sat across a small clearing while I ate lunch. It trotted over to us, sniffed around, realized we weren’t going to feed it, and wandered off. Amazing.
A Channels Islands fox sits in the scrub on Santa Cruz Island on a sunny day.
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Camellia Tea Ceremony @camelliakyoto.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
👵RESPECT-FOR-THE-AGED DAY👴 Today is Keirō-no-hi (敬老の日) in Japan🎊 Traditionally held on September 15th, in 2003 the national holiday was changed to the 3rd Monday in September. Commemorative silver saké cups are given by the government to those who have turned 100. #Japan #敬老の日 #respectfortheagedday
Celebrating 'Keiro-no-hi' (敬老の日) with Itotatsu's 'monaka bears', this pair iced to look like an 'elderly' couple🧸🥰
Inside the bear shaped wafers is a bean paste mixed with Ikkyu-ji natto (一休寺納豆), giving the sweets a slightly salty flavour👴👵Celebrating 'Keiro-no-hi' (敬老の日) with Itotatsu's 'monaka bears', this pair iced to look like an 'elderly' couple🧸🥰
Inside the bear shaped wafers is a bean paste mixed with Ikkyu-ji natto (一休寺納豆), giving the sweets a slightly salty flavour👴👵Paired with the monaka bears is a matcha in a beautiful bowl featuring mandarin ducks. The motif is an auspicious one as it is believed the ducks mate for life, and so it symbolises enduring love and marital harmony.Celebrating 'Keiro-no-hi' (敬老の日) with Itotatsu's 'monaka bears', this pair iced to look like an 'elderly' couple🧸🥰
Inside the bear shaped wafers is a bean paste mixed with Ikkyu-ji natto (一休寺納豆), giving the sweets a slightly salty flavour👴👵
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Help, these are exquisite
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I don't struggle with Second Sock Syndrome anymore, but you know what gets me every time? Mitten thumbs. I'm always knitting the damn things just a little bit too short.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I am so glad that even after almost 20 years of being a couple, my husband still doesn't mind me yapping away at him every time I see him. It's just that he's my favorite person, and I want to share all the exciting things I've read and seen and learned with him. I save them up to share with him.
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🏄🏼‍♂️Surfing The Law ⚖️ @surfdudeken03.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The pathway to @elleb.bsky.social becoming the US Olympian for the ILCA 6 is now solidly defined. First mandatory regatta is in 8 short months. But, we need your help to get there. Read about the paths and donate to the campaign if you can! www.secondwindracing.com/second-thoug...
secondwindracing.com
The Road to LA28 Just Got Real — Second Wind Racing — Second Wind Racing
The LA28 Olympic qualification process is out. With eight months until the first event, I finally know exactly what I’m chasing and how much work lies ahead.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
When you text a friend because you're spiraling and need a gut check, and by the end of your conversation you've resolved the spiral and also figured out three new ways to work together on fun projects, that's when you know something has gone right for once.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
It has been such a hot summer that, for the first time ever, we’ve had mosquitos at our house. I currently have a bite on the *bottom* of my foot, which is a nightmare, and I will be adding it to the list of minor curses I wish upon bad people.
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Peter Orlowicz @peterorlowicz.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I know we're all bombarded with pleas for donations these days, but this one I really feel strongly about. It's not hard to imagine the extra stress and worry that would come with not being able to change your kid when they need it, or having to stretch one diaper wearing way too long.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Yesterday, I drove by this little chest sitting on a curb in my neighborhood. I told myself if it was still there when I returned and I could get it in the car by myself, I could bring it home. Turns out a little bit of elbow grease makes all the difference.
A little golden wood cupboard with two doors and a marble top sits on a patio. A panel is loose on one of the doors, and the wood has lots of scuffs and dings and discolored spots. A paper towel with the word "FREE" on it in pencil is taped to the marble top with some blue painter's tape.A warm wood cabinet with two doors and a marble top sits on a dark wood floor in front of a window with white shutters. This is the same cupboard from the previous image, but it has been polished up and the damaged door has been hammered back into place. Some books, framed photos, and a giant monstera plant now sit on top.
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luke 🐾 @earthen-were.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
rainbow trout bowls 💚💗🤍 🔺6 speckled stoneware, underglaze, glaze
photo of a hand holding a ceramic bowl before a white background. the bowl has glaze in colors of green, pink, light blueand white with specklesphoto of two bowls, one inverted to show the underside photo taken from above of the foot/bottom of the bowlphoto of bowl interior
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
There's been an old WWII plane flying around here this weekend (I think it's maybe a B-17 but I'm no expert so don't get mad at me), and every time I hear it coming, I run outside to watch. It's kind of amazing to see an 80-something-year-old piece of machinery soaring through the air.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
I think it's very funny how old-fashioned names have come back in style, so now when I text Little Rad's friends' parents to schedule things, an outside observer wouldn't know whether we were planning a playdate for elementary schoolers or an outing for residents of a nursing home.
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Pam @kalais2.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Current wips for #showmeyourknits. 1) Deckle Edge Socks by @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social 🧶Knitpicks Stroll. One skein of Prairie Heather not enough even with shorter leg, so toes will be white 😂 2) Nocturnal Jumper by Saskie & Co., almost done! 3) University of Denver sweater, details in alt
A pair of brown hand knit socks in progress are shown on a rattan placemat resting on a yellow blanket. A skein of white yarn being used for the toes, along with various stitch markers and bamboo needles are scattered about.  Nocturnal jumper pictured on a cream colored sofa. Sweater features black cats against a white full moon in colorwork. Background color is charcoal grey. 🧶 used is Susan’s Family Morandi 100% wool on 5.5mm needles.Red sweater knitting project pictured on the dark grey seat of a dining chair. By request, the sweater will have vintage DU (a university of Denver) logo in white with gold edging. The colorwork will be self drafted. Pattern is modified Chameleon Sweater by Atelier Castin. Pattern was selected for its set in sleeves and mock neck. She picked the yarn, acrylic (which I do not like but it was her choice).
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Memory is such a strange thing. I was 16 on September 11, and some of the details of that day are seared into my brain. Others are weirdly blurry. I remember coming downstairs for breakfast and seeing my dad standing in front of the tv. 1/
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Jacqueline Antonovich @jackiantonovich.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
There is something very humbling about thinking of your time left on this earth in gardening seasons, rather than years.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
It’s hot enough here that I just swam in the Pacific Ocean. I haven’t done that in over 15 years.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Come join me in a few minutes for the YouTube premiere of the panel I spoke on at Flock Fiber Festival over the summer! We had a great chat about career pivots later in life and turning a hobby into a business. www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFdY...
youtube.com
When Your Hobby Becomes Your Job: The Reality of Creative Business | Flock Fiber Festival 2026
YouTube video by Making Conversation
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Weird side effect of growing up with a mom who taught linguistics and is an interpreter: driving around in morning traffic muttering “patter, batter, matter,” thinking about what those initial consonants feel and look like
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Getting ready to go hold up signs at another school board meeting. I’m very tired of this district’s shenanigans.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Oh, friends. I apologize in advance for anything I might say in the next several days while I am miserable without AC. Last week was such a beautiful reprieve, but I knew it couldn't last.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
That immeasurable sense of relief when you've had a fan blasting at you all day and lots of other noises going on, and you finally get to click the headphones to noise canceling mode.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Help, we played Poetry for Neanderthals tonight and now we keep calling honey “sweet bee puke”
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
New pattern out today! The Fading Flowers Hat is graded to three sizes and knit with a folded double brim for extra warmth around the ears. Find it here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...
ravelry.com
The Fading Flowers Hat pattern by Lauren Rad
This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written dir...
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Caitlin G. DeAngelis @caitlindeangelis.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
If you like to play a little daily game to jumpstart your brain, but don’t want to support the institutionally transphobic New York Times, I really like Globle. I won my 401st game in 4 guesses today — my world geography is getting so much better. globle-game.com
globle-game.com
Globle
Use your geography knowledge to figure out the mystery country in as few guesses as possible!
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I'm so sorry. I couldn't help myself.
An image on a faux cloth background with an embroidered depiction of five people in a medieval-style boat, copied from the Bayeux Tapestry. The text, also in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry, reads, "Get in, loser. We're going shopping."
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Jared Cram @jscram3254.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Once again, your best friend is not the guy who will back you up in a bar fight. Your best friend is the guy who drags you out of the bar because you’re out of pocket and need to sleep it off.
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Claire Willett @clairewillett.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
no one should ever be allowed to become so powerful they no longer have get-a-grip friends
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Atkinson @maddavenport.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Repotting my houseplants like “wow I’m so proud of how hardy you all are”
The survivorship bias airplane
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Kate Atherley @kateatherley.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Truly outstanding words of advice from a student in a recent class... We were talking about the challenges of design, and how undoing and reworking can feel frustrating, even though it's crucial to the design process. "That friction of something not working is exactly where learning happens."
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I have wandered downstairs with my blankie, my pillow, and my sippy cup of water to sleep on the couch like a small child. The air is so much cooler down here. Just gotta make it to Friday, which is when this heat wave is supposed to break.
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Lauren | A Bee in the Bonnet @abeeinthebonnet.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I am melting. This might actually be the summer that breaks me. (We don't have AC. Few people did here until recently. It would cost $15k to get either a whole-house system or mini splits installed, and it's not hot enough long enough to justify that. Portable units don't work for this house.)
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