Big Excitement around here

Well, we had an exciting last few days. We were full of playdates and fun. On Thurs, I had a fellow knitter and all around great friend Krista over for morning coffee, some yarn fondling, and project sharing. We had a blast, although the kids didn't get along as well this time as usual, but I chalk it up to the fact that we were actually trying to talk to each other. If you're a parent, you probably understand. They have an uncanny gift of knowing when it would be really irritating to not behave well. To top it all off, I attempted to show Krista how to do two stranded colorwork, so I mean, really--we were just asking for it.

Yesterday, Keegan had a new friend from preschool over (and his Mommy and little sister) and it was great. The kind of playdate where you just feel like it was too short, or went by too fast or something. They brought brownies, too. Did I mention that? Well, I'm just a sucker for baked goods, so we'll have to invite them over again, I'm thinking. Ooh, forgot to ask if she knits...

Today, we started the day with swim lessons for Irene and Keegan. Their instructors handed out evaluations and they both advanced to their respective next levels! Go kiddos! I am very proud, and on top of the "promotion" of sorts, Irene also went down from a 2 bubble to a 1 bubble. It has been a very big day. After that, we went to lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant ever, Acapulco's in Franklin, MA. If you're ever in the area, stop by. You won't be sorry...unless for some crazy reason, you hate Mexican food. So, just when I am thinking that my day couldn't get much better, we get home to find...

Yummy yarny goodness and contest prizes!! Yeehaw!

I received my first shipment from the TV Yarns Sock Club. This is the October set, but it started in September--I just didn't know about it then. I want to say that I first saw it on CraftyPancakes' blog. Jana from White Oak Studio did a wonderful job. This installment is based on the movie Fried Green Tomatoes.



She sent a beautiful stitch marker with a tiny apron that says "Best Chef", a very retro looking Coca-Cola bottle opener (Brian loves Coke stuff, so he's gonna love it), Sour hard candies, and an awesome smelling handmade soap in Rosemary Mint. I love it all!

Oh, and did I mention the special edition sock yarn inspired by the movie?



That's in there, too, of course. And it's all wrapped up so prettily in red and green tissue paper (very tomato-esque). I can hardly believe the next installment isn't until December 1st; I can't wait!

I also received the stitch markers from AnnieBananie. She went out of her way to wrap it all so nicely. She wrote me a lovely note on a handmade card that is nothing short of gorgeous. The markers are packaged in a little tin, and she enclosed a cool striped envelope that I can use to send them to the winner. Thank you so much, Annie! I didn't take more pictures of them, because I think her pics were better than I can do. You can see them here.

Qutecowgirl's package arrived today, too. Along with the yarn she personally as a prize, she also enclosed a cute card and a little something for me to keep! Wow--I was pretty surprised.



You can see my yarn in the front, and the donated yarn (we dubbed it Pink Ribbon pink) on the left. Far left is the lovely card from Annie, and on the right is Qutecowgirl's card. It says, "Why I Work: A Short Story". Inside it says:

I like food. (written in:) + yarn
The End.

I love that you get me. Hilarious. Thank you so much! Now I get to find something extra cool to make with my special new yarn...I will make you proud. Hmmm...is it the right weight for some Keri Lace Fingerless Mitts???? Want 'em. Need 'em.

Oh, as the prizes are rolling in, I wanted to mention something else! Here are pics of the prize set Aimee donated:


A set of Cat Borhdi stitch markers--so cute!



And a Butterfly row counter bracelet:



Aimee isn't in business selling these yet, but you can find similar ones here, made by the friend (TurtleGirl)who taught Aimee how to make 'em! Again, thanks so much for the donation--someone is going to be really happy to receive these...

I just finished a present for my friend, Michelle, who's due in about a week and a half. These are my Saartje's Booties made from the leftover yarn I had after I finished my socks. I think they're cute.



They are so tiny, I almost can't believe it. How are feet ever that small? Now I have to cross my fingers and hope that they fit!


Finally, I received a Knitpicks order today. In it is the grey (officially called Ash) essentials yarn I ordered for Brian's socks. I'll be working on them for the Grey's Anatomy KAL. I also got the Nickel Plated 6" Sock Needle Set, and I am pumped to cast on and start. I've been waiting so that I didn't have another incident--needed the metal to begin. With the booties done, I'm clear for takeoff.