Thursday, October 11, 2007

Congrats to Rachael/Yarn-a-go-go

Her novel made it to the top 5 finalists in Gather's First Romance Competition.

Knitter's Coffee Swap Questions

QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? Whole bean
2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Both! I often drink decaf in the evenings, or if I'm making coffee drinks.
3. Regular or flavored? Regular, please
4. How do you drink your coffee? I make it in a stovetop espresso pot, and usually add just half & half, sometimes with a little syrup (or a little Bailey's on a Saturday night)
5. Favorite coffee ever? I've had a lot of great coffees, can't pick one.
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? Fairly fussy. I like dark, oily roasts best.
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Cookies, chocolate, black licorice
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? I try to only buy sustainable, fair-trade beans, and I love trying new coffees from small companies.
9. Yarn/fiber you love? Pretty much all animal fibers.
10. Yarn/fiber you hate? Squeaky acrylics, and most novelty yarns
11. What's on your needles? Eeek! Ok, 2 pairs of socks (Falling Leaves in wildfoote and MaiaSpins' mystery socks in Kroy), KP&S bulky child's vest in Ayany merino, 2 pairs Perfection Pants (one pair in dyed-by-me wool, one in 100purewool) , and a pair of mittens in O-Wool Classic for a shop sample.
12. Favorite colors? Rich tones, dark earthy colors, jewel tones, reds. Just not baby pastels.
13. Allergies? Nope.
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? If there are things that you love (fibers, colors, coffees, treats) that aren't on my list, I'm open to trying new things, too. (just not flavored coffee beans)

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Summer shopping extravaganza

If knitting books count as stash, I fell hard!

From the IK Hurt Book Sale. The spinning book has a little dent at the bottom, and the inside cover of Knitting on the Road left a bit of color on the title page.

Knit Picks' summer book sale. Took advantage of the free shipping to add to my needle collection, too.

My LYS has a 25% birthday discount, and a punch card program (once you've spent $250, you get $25 off). After combining the 2, I spent $9.75 for the 4 patterns and book above. Ever have reverse buyer's remorse? I was kicking myself when I got home.

I made up for it with a trip to Woodland Woolworks' "Stash Room" where I snagged a few back issues (and some sock yarn, but that's for another post, this uploading is taking forever!)

After hearing that this lovely book was going out of print, I snatched up a copy (autographed!) from an Amazon seller.

My crafty side joins my inner bookworm in a shiver of delight! I've read all of these at least once, cover to cover.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Socks! And a call for kids' knits. And contests!

Quiddity is having a contest, asking for pictures of your first and last (latest) socks.

My first matching socks were this little pair for afghans for Afghans Spring '06 newborn items campaign.
Blossom Knitwear's Super Quick Baby Socks
Susan Bates sz 7 dpns
Mystery thrift store wool

Coincidentally, my last pair (as well as the ones on the needles now) are also going to a4A.


Children in Common socks (cast on 40)
Knitpicks Options sz 5
Peace Fleece, Baghdad Blue
heels and toes reinforced with thrift store vintage wool/nylon (either Bear Brand or Red Heart)


Children in Common socks (cast-on 40)
Knit Picks Options sz 5
Elann Highland Wool, disc. color 1240

While on the subject of Afghans for Afghans, I want to encourage everyone out there to whip up something quickly for children age 7 to 11.
Mittens, socks, vests, hats or sweaters, from wool or other animal fibers.

If you can get it to them by October 12th, a4A will send these essential winter items to children in rehabilitation centers in Afghanistan. These are kids who are suffering from war-related stress and trauma.

You get a quick FO, karmic bonus points, and an entry in the drawing for a Yarn Market GC.

If you're on Ravelry, check out the Fans of Afghans for Afghans group for another little incentive.

Monday, October 01, 2007

Going Crazy!

Full moon? Change in weather? It's been nuts around here, whatever the reason.

I just remembered that the sign-ups for Coffee Swap Three opened today. Eeek, I hope I made it in.

I have 2 months worth of pix to show, so I'm going to try to post a few every day until I'm caught up again. (we'll see how well that goes)


My first Baby Surprise Jacket, in recycled merino and scraps of Manos.
(Wow, that's a crappy picture. Sorry about that.)


M & E and cousin A frolicking at the park.


A custom toy order, perfect for summer fun.
(I told you I was backlogged with photos! These are from August.)

Pancho Villa in the Laundry
(Yes, we kept him.
E fell for the little guy, and we're just big ol' pushovers.)


Coming next time: Serious stash acquisition thanks to a birthday coinciding with LYS credit plus a store closeout followed by a sock yarn sale.