Friday, October 12, 2007

Contest WINNERS!

All right, the moment you have all been waiting for...
I will be announcing 5 prizes from my blog contest. Before I do, the announcement has to be made--

I have reached my goal and raised over $1,500.00!!!

Here we go--





The grand prize:



2 hanks of Shibui Knits sock yarn in SH Orchid colorway,

donated by me

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Goes to...









Krista!





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Prize 2:



An not-yet-for-sale pattern by Wendy Knits, herself

Hearts for Heidi sock pattern, donated by Wendy

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Goes to...









Megann!





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Prize 3:



440 yds of hand-dyed superwash sock yarn

In Pink Ribbon colorway, donated by Qutecowgirl

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Goes to...









Jo Ellen





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Prize 4:



Set of 7 Jade Stitch Markers,

donated by Ann

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Goes to...









Sara!





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Prize 5:



Set of 6 Flower Stitch Markers,

donated by Mary

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Goes to...









Linda!









Congratulations to all of you! I sent emails out to all of you, asking for your address so I can mail these out to you promptly. Thank you all so much--I wouldn't have reached my goal without all of your help. You are all wonderful--feel proud today!

And special thanks (again) to all my prize donators--you are the best!

Only thing worse than a sick kiddo...

Is a sick husband. (snicker, snicker) At least it's not that bad.

You guessed it, one of the kiddos is sick. Poor Keegs has swimmers ear, on top of a double ear infection. (I thought they were the same, but apparently swimmers ear is when the ear canal is infected, too? Not sure on this one.) Anyhow, lots of fussing this week; no one slept well; everyone was stressed and irritable. I'm happy to say that we now know what is going on. That helps. And our little buddy has all the meds he needs, and I think he's on the mend. While he's all right with the oral medicine, he is NOT a big fan of the ear drops. Can't say I blame him...fluid in the ear feels so awful, plus you know it's darned cold! He's been a sport though, so I started a hat for him.

This is a hat I've been planning for him for the winter to match his coat. We've chosen the Halton Crown Hat from Cabin Fever's Kids' Knitted Hats. It's Knitpicks Swish superwash wool in Red Pepper, Dark Navy, a grey (can't remember which color), and Dublin green. And of course, Keegan's favorite part is that it will have bells on the top. Any suggestions for bells that won't rust? Hmmm...I'll have to look around.

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Now, I realize this is a rather terrible picture, but for some reason I can't do any better today. No idea why. The red is just going crazy, but I assure you it's not quite that loud in real life. It is pretty loud, but much less. Really, the colors look nice in front of me, but the pic makes them look so awful I wanted to frog the whole thing the first time I saw the rendering. Luckily, when I picked it up to rip, I saw how pretty it actually is...whew!

I am hoping to finish over the weekend and get a chance to pick up some bells for it, but we will see. Pretty busy weekend ahead of us. In true "child" spirit, my little feverish, double ear infected, run down little boy wanted to run out to the store and buy the bells this afternoon--just in case I finished soon. Made me laugh, but there was no way he was leaving the house, much less infecting the entire northern RI area.

I have also been working on Brian's socks, but they're not coming along as quickly as I would like. This particular go-round, I'm finding the tiny needles painful to work with for too long or too often. Luckily, when I suggested the grey socks for Brian as my Grey's Anatomy KAL project, I made the disclaimer that I might only work on it during the show, because I have a lot I need to do. Brian agreed, so I think I dodged a bullet there. Here's what I've done so far--they're plain, but I like them. And the grey is really sharp looking.

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That was supposed to be more artsy, but I guess I have some work to do, huh? At least it's interesting.

The miles of stockinette are making me feel like I may never be done. Positive thinking would be helpful here, but it seems to be evading me. It occurred to me that if it was a glove, I'd be almost done. See for yourself:

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Stitchin' Mary's stitch markers arrived yesterday. They are gorgeous. I've never seen this style before, with the flexible wire. So I hid then under my fridge and I won't give them away. All right. I will. But I don't want to!

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The pic is a little dark, but it's the only shot that showed the flowers in the flat beads properly. Nice, aren't they?

OK, as far as the contest goes, I have finally gotten the program to randomly pick the winners to work. The winners have been determined and (you're going to kill me) I will be posting them tomorrow. --ducking to avoid needles, scissors, and wool of all sorts being thrown at me-- I promise it will be up tomorrow. You're going to have to live with it. Well, maybe tonight if you ask nicely. At this point, I have 5 of the 6 prizes in my possession, so I can only announce those winners. I will announce a sixth winner when the last prize donation arrives. I'd just hate to get someone's hopes up and then not be able to follow through. My plan is that the last one arrives in the mail tomorrow, so that's why I am really waiting. Cross your fingers...

Well, the contest leads me to the walk. It is on Sunday, and I am so pumped up for it! The last time I checked my website (I'll be honest, it was like a minute before I started this post) I was
99% of the way to my goal!!

Isn't that something? I can hardly believe it myself. I am literally FIVE dollars away from reaching my fundraising goal. I can't thank you all enough--even my wordy self can't think of what to say, exactly. Now that I'm not so worried about the contest and whether I'm going to make my goal or not, I am thinking about the walk. About the feeling I had last year. About looking around at all these people who are there to help fight! About the way my skin tingles, being a part of something so big--so grand. And I'm thinking that I can't wait to walk. It should be great. I will try to remember to bring my camera with me and take some photos, and I'll be sure to share all about it.

I've also made some fingerless mitts for myself (in case the walk's chilly) from the yarn I received from Qutecowgirl. I wanted to try out her Keri pattern, but I needed something I could work on without thinking too much, and I seem to be genetically predisposed to fail at lace. Go figure. Maybe next time. This time, I used the Fetching pattern from Knitty.

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Now, the question is--what to make with the leftover yarn? I figure I have probably over 100 yds left or so. What do you think?
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I wonder if it would be enough for a hat?


PS...I have notified all the winners, but the official post will go up tomorrow. If you are a winner---shhh!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

It's now or never...

Just wanted to make a quick mention about the contest. As originally announced, the contest will end tonight at midnight, so get your entries in while you can! All you have to do is visit my Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising website and make a donation (any size). I will give you one entry in the contest for every $10 you donate! Woohoo! Do it now, before you forget...

Refresher of prizes:

2 hanks Shibui Knits sock yarn
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1 currently unavailable for purchase sock pattern
from Wendy Knits, called Hearts for Heidi
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Hand dyed yarn from Qutecowgirl in Pink Ribbon colorway
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Set of green Jade stitch markers from AnnieBananie
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Set of flowered stitch markers from StitchinMary
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and combination of one set of ABC's stitch markers and one Butterfly Row Counter bracelet from Aimee
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Thanks so much to all of you who have donated so far, and especially to my prize donators--you are the best! I am so excited to pull names for these prizes tomorrow and send these terrific items out to the lucky winners...

Friday, October 5, 2007

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.

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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?

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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.

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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!
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And a Butterfly row counter bracelet:
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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.

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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.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Generosity

Sometimes people really amaze me.

I can hardly believe how generous and giving total strangers can me. Besides the fact that people I don't even know are giving money (it's a worthy cause, though) left and right, you are donating prizes for my contest, too!! Wow. So there's still good in the world after all...

Some announcements--there are new prizes on the contest front! First, Aimee from Fairie Knits is giving me a surprise "something" (or somethings? We'll have to see...) for a 4th prize. Wow. Now, you might remember her because I mentioned her a few days ago. She's fundraising for a walk for Lupus, and she has an incredible contest going. (Subliminal message: Go see her blog and help her out, the contest ends Friday, I think!) Admittedly, not so subliminal, since I spelled it right out for you, but hey, whatever. Can't wait to see what the goodies are! I'll let you know as soon as they arrive...

Another prize! StitchinMary has offered a beautiful set of stitch markers! These are Flexible Stitch Markers in a set of SIX. They're made of small squares of milifiore glass and the flexible beading wire allows the marker to fit a range of needles sizes. They should be on their way to me soon. She's in the process of setting up an Etsy store called Lovin' Every Stitch. That makes 5 prizes...

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By the way, special thanks to Aimee as well, for getting Mary's email to me. Much appreciated!

AND...a 6th prize!! Ann from Annie Bananie has donated another lovely set of stitch markers! She is sending me a set of SEVEN markers (only 6 in the pic, but it's a set of 7) made from vintage green jade beads. Beautiful! You can also check out her etsy store for more markers and some sweet-looking felted bowls with lots of personality.

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So many thanks to you all for your donations, including Qutecowgirl and Wendy, too. I don't know what to say...I am overwhelmed with your generosity. Really. Now, all I have to do is rustle up some more funds for the fundraising! For anyone who is considering donating, but hasn't yet--here's the rundown:
There are six prizes. So far, there are only 10 people entered in the contest. (Of course, some people have multiple entries, but you knew that.) Those are some pretty good odds, huh? Should I resort to subliminal messages again? Nah. I think you know what to do.

In the knitting arena:
I have finished my v-neck sweater! I love it, and it's just getting cold enough to wear. Woohoo! I didn't take any pics yet, but I will. I finished yesterday, but I haven't blocked it yet, and I think it needs it before it's bloggy debut. You will have to wait.

And I cast on for a pair of Saartje's Booties. They are going to be so cute, and they're for a little baby who's almost here. But it's a surprise, so I can't say who... I will take some pics tomorrow. So far, I'm only a few rows in, but I think I botched something when I did a make1, and I'm going to pull it out and start fresh. Why can't I do M1's? I have no idea. I'm a smart person. I CAN knit. Really--it's not that hard. But for some reason, I swear, I just can't do 'em right. Sigh. I'll have to keep working on it. Saartje has several free patterns available on her blog, so check it out. (Plus, there are adorable baby pics on there right now--she just became an aunt!)

Shocking realization: I only had one work in progress this morning. My Tiffany Mittens. Now I have two, yes. Can you believe that this morning I had only ONE?! I can't. Whew. Good thing I put an end to that...

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Mary, where are you?

I am looking for Stitchinmary--she left a comment here last night:

stitchinmary said...
Hi Jill! I just learned about your blog and fundraising efforts from WendyKnits! I have something I'd like to donate for a prize. Please email me.--Mary


I just saw this comment this morning. I am very excited, and would love to accept your prize donation! Wonderful news...I clicked on your link, but your blogger profile is not public, so it won't show me who you are or any email address. Stitchin' Mary, if you are reading, would you email me? It's mom2thebean (at) cox (dot) net . So far I haven't been able to figure out how to contact you...(Yes, I know, probably user error, right? ...time for more coffee)

Monday, October 1, 2007

Ah, manilla...

It was a day of packages...

...lots of excitement.

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Wendy's pattern arrived today, and is complete with a page protector--all set to toss right into your patterns binder (if you win). Wow, I am going to have to pick up this pattern when it is released, because these socks looks great. I tried my best not to show any of the writing, really, because I'm guessing that's what Wendy would want. (Sorry to all you folks who can barely contain your excitement, and wanted to try zooming in to get the pattern for yourselves; it's not going to work.)

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My yarn from Hazel Knits arrived as well! It is just so yummy and wonderful. I don't think I captured the colors quite right, but this is my closest:

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And Wendee (that's "Hazel Knits" Wendee, not "Wendy Knits" Wendy--confusing, I know) threw in this lovely stitch marker. I'm so excited about it--this is my first non-plastic-ring stitch marker! So pretty...

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I know that one is hard to see, but I just couldn't get it right. I'm a little tired tonight.

Other good news--I finished the Irish Hiking Scarf for my MIL, and I think it turned out SO well:

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On the Making Strides walk front, I am more than halfway to my goal, with two weeks to go! I am at 53%, and I thank you all. Everyone has been so wonderful and supportive. Oh, I almost forgot! Hanna from Evergreen Knits has just set up a new blog called WiKnit (Like "win it") that people can check to see what's out there for contests. I think it's a great idea, and a nice way to get the word out about your contests. Check it out...it's brand new, but if you know of any other contests out there, you can fill Hanna in and she'll add it. Cool, huh?

And finally, my compliments to the rechargeable battery. I just love the darned things. We have some for our digital camera and I really need some more. I wish I'd invested years ago! With all the kids' toys that eat up batteries?! What was I thinking? Actually, what I was thinking was, "There's no way I'm replacing those darned batteries again"! What I said was, "Sorry, Momma's out of batteries right now--I'll get some next time I go to the store--remind me." When I "forgot" to get some, I would tell the kids they didn't remind me! Evil, huh? Tsk, tsk, tsk. I'm very ashamed.