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.

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...



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.





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...

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)

Ah, manilla...

It was a day of packages...

...lots of excitement.



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.)



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:



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...



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:



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.

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.

Anybody want a snack?

It's here! The yummy, yummy prize yarn...ooh, it's so nice.

Shibui Knits sock yarn in the Orchid 4201 colorway:


With flash:


I was good, I took it out, drooled a bit, snuggled and squeezed, then dabbed the drool off. Quickly, I snapped a few pics and wrapped the whole thing back up. Yes. It was very difficult. But you'll be relieved to know (especially if you have your name in for the contest) that I sealed it back up and it's safe and sound, I promise not to knit with it a bit. It's harder than it would seem. Admittedly, I am very tempted to just ball it up and start my Oct. Sock a Month KAL sock and order again to replace this yummy, soft goodness. Temptation's plans are foiled. So what if I had to take it to the safe deposit box?

Oh, yes--the socks are finished! I have started and completed my 1st sock AND my first pair of socks. Woohoo! Now, they're certainly not perfect, but they're mine. And they're done. After this, I'm going to post them up on the KAL to prove it.



I am so proud.

And I've been working slowly on all the seaming and crappy, not fun parts of my own sweater. It's coming along. No pics, but I have done one whole side now. Left to do is the other sleeve and side seam. That seems a do-able amount, and it works out well when I work on it in little batches. I am not thrilled with the way I adapted the shape to incorporate a little extra ease in the bottom section. Maybe I was hoping for a miracle? You can be the judge when I get the other side set and put up some pictures.

Many thanks to all of you for all the donations and encouraging messages. It feels wonderful to be able to do what little I can to help the many people who need it. On the other hand, there are so many people with so much loss. It can be very sad. I am honored by your telling me your stories and sharing your trials with me...and so humbled. There is still so much to be done, so much that needs doing. I just can't thank you all enough for your donations however big or small--it all adds up and it will ALL make a difference. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I am almost halfway to my goal, and I can't express my gratitude enough. Thank you!

Crazy Exciting News!

Wow, have I been excited to tell you all my exciting news. First off, there is a new prize offered...
It is a pattern by none other than Wendy Knits!!! Isn't that exciting?! Wendy is sending me her brand new sock pattern--Hearts for Heidi



Aren't they amazing? This pattern is NOT YET AVAILABLE to the public. (Now, you know she started selling her sock patterns at The Loopy Ewe, but not this one.) You could be the first to see and make this pattern. I am so grateful to Wendy for this gracious donation, and I hope you're as pumped up as I am about it. Wendy suggested that they would be fitting, seeing as she knit them in this lovely pink colorway. I totally agree. So that's the most wonderful news--there is a priceless third prize! Thank you, Wendy!

For the record, the prizes aren't in any sort of order--I'll have to figure all that out when all the prizes are in. There are definitely three separate prizes, though, so there are several chances to win.

Next, my husband and I had a wonderful anniversary. We went out to dinner (the whole family) and it was so nice. Brian looked around and started talking about how if we had never gotten together and gotten married, how none of this (our family, our kids) would have ever happened. It was so sweet--what a lucky woman I am. I promised a picture of us on our wedding day, but I haven't figured out how to set the scanner back up. In light of not having a working scanner, I was going to just forget it, but I got an idea. It isn't exactly professional quality, but you get the idea:



Yes, it is a photo I took of our wedding portrait hanging on the wall upstairs. Hey, it's the best I could do...

And finally, the socks are almost finished. This is my first pair of socks, and I am a handful of rows from the end. I'll do my second attempt at the Kitchner Stitch (1st attempt was with the first sock) and then I will toss my brand new, first ever pair of socks on my feet and dance a jig!

Here they are:


All right, I'm off to finish them up...