Happy Anniversary, Krista and Bruno!

Ok, it was actually yesterday, but I had to put it out there. You're wondering who they are, but she knows, and that's all that matters. If I didn't mention it, I might lapse back into a terrible case of "Bad Friend Syndrome", and we can't have that. (You don't want to know.)


I am happy to announce that I am 49% of the way to my goal for the Making Strides walk! Now I have had help from many people, so I thought I would try to help someone else, as well. Her name is Aimee and she is doing a Virtual Walk for Lupus, which is a very serious disease, and affects someone I have known for a very long time. (Hi, Ellie!) Anyway, Aimee has a very lofty goal of $5,000, and she's doing a contest as well. If you could pop over to her blog and maybe help her out, that would be great. You have to check out her prizes! She totally puts me to shame, by the way. (hangs head, blushing) We exchanged a few emails and Aimee kindly shared some tips with me for getting prize donations, so NEXT year I'll be rockin'! Plus, she might even be donating a prize herself, for my contest! Isn't that awesome?! Go take a peek, she needs your help...

Speaking of getting help from people:

The second prize offer is ready!



Qutecowgirl dyed this herself! It's 440 yds. of fingering weight merino in what she describes as "flamingo pink". I think it looks like the perfect Pink Ribbon Pink. Isn't it amazing? One of these days, I'll have to give dying my own yarn a go, because the results are so pretty and I think it would make a great gift--something you dyed and then knitted up, too. Check out Qutecowgirl's blog to see some great bags she made from yarn her kiddos helped dye. They're gifts for people, and I think it's SO sweet. One of these days...

Not a lot of knitting news today. We've been busy around the house and Brian had some people helping out next door, too. They filled an entire 20 yd. dumpster with crap our old tenants left us. (Don't get me started on that) At least all that stuff is gone, though. We've filled 3 others before this one, and it's not quite all gone yet, but every little bit is more that we no longer have to worry about, right? (I keep telling myself that).

Ooh, one little bit of knitting/yarn news:
I saw this on the Yarn Harlot's blog. (Go down to #5) I have been dying to do the Monkey socks, especially now that I know I can actually make a pair at all. And seeing this particular yarn in this exact pattern was like an epiphany for me. I wanted something not solid--sort of mottled colors, but mostly one color. I wanted something where I could see the stitches well, be able to follow the patterns, and fix my inevitable mistakes. I wanted something that wouldn't distract from the gorgeous lace pattern. And finally, I wanted to splurge on something very special, my first really special socks. Well, I peeked at the yarn--it's from Hazel Knits, and it's called Sailor's Delight. Everything about it was perfect! I hemmed and hawed, and didn't buy it...maybe too expensive... I kept thinking about it, and I kept checking Hazel Knits until the predictable thing happened--it sold out. Duh, the Yarn Harlot mentioned it and linked over--you know everyone went there and checked it out, right? I waited too long and I wanted to shoot myself in the foot! I continued to check all week to see if she put any more up. She didn't. But wait...what is this? There's a mailing list I can get on to get updates! I'll find out right away when she puts more up! YES! I peek at the gorgeous yummy yarn one more time. Oh my God! She just posted some up!! There are only five available. Is it a sign? This time, I hesitated only a moment or two (pretty fast for me) and I put it in my cart. Ahhhhh. Then I hemmed and hawed some more before I bought it. I decided to use the very last of my Pampered Chef money (I used to sell it) to acquire this splendid yarn, in a fitting colorway. And finally, I made the transaction. Mmmm, sweet victory.

I am gonna love this yarn.