Whoduknit?

The Christmas/New Year package from Maureen

2012-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

I want to post the pics from my wonderful package that I received from Maureen. The box was packed with goodies (I am really impressed with all that she managed to get in there!).

The big reveal

Maureen added great notes to the packaging . . . "fun with socks, shawls and ?????."

Two books, which I have not yet read (The Scull Beneath the Skin by PD James and Playing for the Ashes by Elizabeth George). I am looking forward to reading both.

A bag of walnut brittle. A box of peanut brittle. A box of mixed candies (the white box in the front on the pic below . . . ummmm, I would show you what was inside but what was there isn't anymore . . . ). A Sacramento coffee cup. A skein of On Your Toes bamboo yarn. A "sock purse" with stitch markers . . . very clever ones that are supposed to remind you that this is a decrease or increase row. A packet of 10 Bamboo Marking Pins that might just work in my hair. A book of Knitting Flowers.

and the goodies revealed . . . and enjoyed

And the timing was perfect. We have had a very very mild winter so far. A remarkable thing for Cleveland, Ohio. I've only worn my winter coat a handful of times. Usually, we are knee deep in snow by this time. Yesterday morning, when I left the house it was 40. When I got home, it was 42. I went to deep water aerobics at 7:30 and it was 35. When I got home at 9:15, it was 27. This morning, it was 17, with a wind-chill that brought the temp to -2. Oh, and it was snowing.

From my office, I look over a park, Cleveland City Hall, the Amtrak station and the Browns' Stadium. This is what I could see this morning.

Cleveland, in winter

Okay, so the trees block some of it, but really and truly, the Browns have bright orange seats which just yesterday, I could see from my window. Today, it is just that grayish/white blob to the right (I have to tell you though that those same trees and the park are just loverly in the summer.)

In any event, Maureen's package arrived just in the nick of time. I will have a wonderful time, snuggled up either knitting or reading, munching away on my peanut brittle. Thanks so much and Happy New Year!!!

12 Days of Christmas Swap Package

2012-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

Well I am finally getting around to posting photos of a most wonderful package I received from Mindy in the 12 Days of Christmas Swap.

I will start with a photo of all my goodies together.

Since I am having a terrible time trying to get these photos on here. I can find them and get them but can't get them on the blog or actually can't close the box after I find them and load them so I am going to have to post this on the group site. Sorry folks.

Thank you Jennifer!

2011-12-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh - I should have taken a photo of the box....the more packages I opened, the more there were to open! Wonderful wonderful gifts! As cold as it has been lately, the "Anything Goes Scarf" is going to be well used! A whole series of books - I am not sure how she knew that I really liked this author and the books!!!! Note papers, cards, a hot cup, candles....I cant even remember it all I am so overwhelmed! Thank you so much Jennifer - you are awesome!

Christmas Swap 2011

2011-12-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

I havent decided when to open my swap presents - I am very willing to wait until Christmas. But there were 2 items that were not wrapped - and one interesting one that was sorta wrapped. So I hung the angel on the tree (havent taken a photo yet) and have been using the candy cane pen......and getting lots and lots of compliments on my pointsettia pin!!

Thank you Jennifer!

Happy Holidays 2011

2011-12-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is getting ready for the Holidays . . . whichever ones you celebrate. Those who are participating in the Holiday Swap should be getting ready to or may have already sent along their swap packages. I know that the Wall Street Journal reported in this morning's newspaper that today, Monday, December 12, is supposed to be the busiest day for delivery services (UPS/Federal Express) and the post office.

Start thinking about what books you want to read for January, February and March. I will also send out an email reminding you about it and the deadlines.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Halloween Swap

2011-10-15T16:43:00.001-07:00

I cannot wait to show you what Mindy sent me.....for for some reason I am having problems getting my photos....I can tell you she sent me some of my very very favorite edibles - PEEPS! Ghostly peeps that is.....and CANDY CORN - mixed in a trail mix so that there is no guilt!

Of course, you may not like seeing what was crawling out of one of the many skeins of ovely yarn she sent.........

There were goblins and ghosties and things that go bump in the night (erasers and pencils and ring pops).....

And a GORGEOUS decoration for my neck....

And THREE...count them...THREE wonderful books (one of which I have already started!)

What a wonderful swap partner....and BTW Mindy....I havent sneezed/wheezed/or itched yet!

(Well, I am going to post this thank you - dont know why the photos wont transfer - but if and when they do, I will post them!)

Thank you!

2011-09-01T14:52:00.001-07:00

Karen - what a wonderful surprise - got home from my trip to the PO mailing off my package - to find that I had recieved a WONDERFUL swap package!

Dont know if you can see it all - lovely lovely shawlette and some of the same yarn PANDA SILK! Yummy!!!! And the sock yarn, with which she knit my keychain, is lovely too! A book that looks very interesting- and no Karen, I have not read it! - maple candy AND maple syrup! - markers - and something that is very tantalizing - altho we have Tader Joe's, I have never noticed it before - sugar/chocolate/coffee beans in a grinder - they suggest grinding it over cakes, cupcakes, ice cream....wow!

Karen, thank you for a most wonderful package!

And I love that you used the bags to pad everything - they will go with when he works at the food pantrynext - they can always use plastic bags!

Project for " Her Royal Spyness"

2011-03-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's my project--Hayden's Dragon. OK, so there weren't any dragons in the book--but there was an old castle in Scotland, and it could have had a dragon! Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Joan in West Texas

From Robbie - Swap Extravaganza

2011-02-16T04:14:00.000-08:00

My swap package from Robbie was wonderful.

The box was bursting with goodness.

The Noro Kureyon I was just looking at for a project for me. There weren't labels for the other two yarns but they are luscious and lovely.

And then there was other fun stuff . . . candy (peanut butter cups, no less), sugar free peppermints (in a reuseable container which will be PERFECT for holding stitch holders, a great nail file with yarns on it, a bent head needle set (how did she know that I am always losing mine) and a 3 in 1 toold for checking gauge, needles and yarn recommendations.

and just to keep me happy when I'm not knitting, "The Egyptologist" by Arthur Phillips. I read his book "Prague" and it was a great read. Barbara Bretton's "Spun in Sorcery" the latest in the Chloe Hobbs series . . . you remember, Barbara Bretton left us hanging after the last book when the entire town of Sugar Maple disappeared. And a Banana Grams calendar. I so very much enjoy word puzzles. Most days, I do the daily crossword puzzle and this looks like great fun.

Thanks so much Robbie.

Thanks, Nate!

2011-02-14T21:37:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Nate for a really great swap package. Among the goodies were three books, a fabulous knit bag, lots of Christmas ornaments to make (there are enough to cover their own tree!), and a skein of yarn that I think will make a great scarf. Thanks!!!

okay, weird stuff

2011-02-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

My daughter thinks that I should make back scrubbers for all of her swim team. The amount of time that they spend in the pool, they all have itchy skin. Okay, I'll just whip those babies out! Right.

So, I might make some for the senior swimmers only. There are five or six of them. I can do that. I think.

This one is almost done. It just need the binding off and the thing at the end.

Jane Vdoviak - Our group Mom . . . Grammie knits on . . .

2011-01-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

GOULDSBORO - Jane Ellen Vdoviak passed from this world Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, with her husband and daughter at her side at home. She was born Dec. 17, 1943, in Clifton, N.J., the daughter of Arthur and Doris Donnelly. Jane was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She never had a bad word or opinion of anyone. She grew up in Clifton, N.J., and was a graduate of Clifton High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She married her high school sweetheart and followed him to many places in the world as a Navy wife. After settling in Gouldsboro Jane taught school locally for 27 years, always enjoying the company of her students who are now active leaders in their communities. Jane is survived by her husband of 45 years, Steve; her loving children, Scott of Austin, Texas, Diana Jane and her husband, Jayson Knowles, of Gouldsboro and Steven of Bangor; her grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Jacob, Jordyn and Tori Knowles, all of Gouldsboro; and her sisters, Patricia and husband, Joseph Cahill, of Landing, N.J., and Gouldsoboro Point and Doris and husband, Dan, of Stanhope, N.J. She was predeceased by her parents. It was Jane's wish for her family and friends to think about what she was like before she became seriously ill and to remember her in that way. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge, where a memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27. Those wishing to remember Jane may make gift donations in her memory to The Cancer of Maine at The Lafayette Family Cancer Center, 33 Whiting Hill Road, Brewer, ME 04412. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes. Condolences may be sent at www.bragdonkelley.com.

Reading Recommendations

2011-01-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

I have to highly recommend this book ("Casting Off" by Nicole Dickson). It was very good. I cried. I laughed. I was sorry to see it end. It was one of those books where when you got to the end, it was disappointing. Not because the ending wasn't satisfying but because you got to the last page!

The description of Casting Off from Amazon.com is: On a tiny island off the west coast of Ireland, the fishermen's handmade sweaters tell a story. Each is unique-feelings stitched into rows, memories into patterns. It is here that Rebecca Moray comes to research a book on Irish knitting. With her daughter, Rowan, accompanying her, she hopes to lose herself in the history of the island and forget her own painful past. Soon, the townsfolk's warm embrace wraps Rebecca and Rowan in a world of friendship, laughter, and love.

And it is here that young Rowan befriends Sean Morahan, a cantankerous old fisherman, despite his attempts to scare her off. As Rebecca watches her daughter interact with Morahan, she recognizes in his eyes a look that speaks of a dark knowledge not unlike her own. And when current storms threaten to resurrect old ones, Morahan and Rebecca find themselves on a collision course-with Rowan caught between them-each buffeted by waves of regret and recrimination. Only by walking headfirst into the winds will they find the faith to forgive without forgetting...and reach the shore.

Another book that I recently read was The Templar Salvation. It is a follow-up to the Last Templar by Raymond Khoury. The description of the Templar Salvation from Amazon.com is: Khoury's entertaining sequel to The Last Templar (2006) offers characters and plot lines that hew closely to the conventions of the religious thriller subgenre. In 1310, Templar knight Conrad of Tripoli stumbled on a trove of writings documenting the early days and divisions of Christianity. The Catholic Church has kept this material hidden since the fall of Constantinople in 1453, fearful that its release would undermine the church's authority and rock the foundations of Christian belief. In the present, Mansoor Zahed, an Iranian motivated by revenge for the CIA killing of his family in the 1950s, is bent on finding the trove and releasing it to undermine Western religion and stability. Meanwhile, FBI special agent Sean Reilly visits the Vatican on a quest to find a document that may help in his effort to rescue his love interest, Tess Chaykin, who's been kidnapped.

Any other suggestions that you all may have??

Happy, Happy

2010-12-23T04:20:00.000-08:00

May you all enjoy a blessed holiday . . . no matter what holiday you are celebrating!!

May you all enjoy a wonderful New Year, filled with peace, health and joy for you and those you love!!

Read often, knit only those things that bring pleasure to you and may you only have to enjoy good mysteries in your life!

Winter Swap

2010-12-08T22:08:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to join the Whoduknit Winter Swap! Please email me srbmays at gmail dot com by Dec. 15 if you want in or more information.

Thanksgiving and Other Fun Stuff

2010-11-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was filled with time spent with family and while I have lots of family, it wasn't everyone, which was in many ways very nice. We spent Thursday with my sister and only four of her five kids and only one of her six grandchildren. On Friday, we cleaned and set up our Christmas tree . . . very early for us, we are usually doing it around the 15th of December. My daughter and son-in-law and their three girls, my brother-in-law and my niece were over for dinner on Saturday. On Sundaym we finished decorating. I am exhausted. It was good to go back to work today so that I could relax.

While our fearless leader is under the weather, I thought I would pick up the slack a bit. I've updated the books for October, November and December. I just finished What the Dead Want. I so very much enjoyed it. It took a bit to get into it but once there, I thoroughly enjoyed it and have to say that the ending was really good. If you are one of those people that read the last chapter first, you'll never figure this one out by doing so!

A new poll will be coming out soon. Keep an eye out for it.

If anyone wants to do an exchange, while it is probably a tad late to do it for December, we might want to do something to pick up the douldrum blues of winter. Let me know what you all think. And if anyone wants to run it, that would be good too!

TOT SWAP FROM CHRIS

2010-10-31T04:16:00.000-07:00

My TOT swap package from Chris arrived earlier this week. Check out all the goodies I received. The candy is missing and NOT b/c I ate it all. I have lots left. I am being good now that I am on WW.

AND here is a close up of the yarn Chris spun for me.

Thank you Robbie!

2010-10-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have to say - more than 1/2 the candy corn is already gone!

I have never seen caramel corn on the cob before - what a great idea!!!!

The scarf is on my list to knit....my fingers were itching to start it last night. But I have to finish a baby blanket in the next two weeks so I need to work on that.....

Warm Feet, Cold Heart

2010-08-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Lt. Hugh Dunnit and his sister, Ms. Dunnit invited several of their friends who did not have families in town for Thanksgiving dinner. Lt. Dunnit was just about to carve the turkey when the telephone rang. After a brief conversation, he excused himself and left with Sgt. Howie Dunnit, leaving Ms. Dunnit to take over the carving.

When the Dunnits arrived at the address they were given, they found Mary Merino rocking back and forth while knitting a pair of socks. Through her sobs she told them that she was knitting them for her husband, Joe Merino, who always had such cold feet. Hugh and Howie found Joe Merino in his study, crumpled over his desk. His head lay in a small puddle of blood. A revolver lay on the desk beside him on the right. An open letter lay to his left. "Looks like suicide," Sgt. Howie Dunnit said. "He had a gambling problem," said Mary. "He owed so much money that I had to start selling my yarn stash just to buy food! He was despondent over a letter he received today. After he read it, he walked into his office and closed the door. A few minutes later I heard a shot and ran in and found him like this!" The letter on his desk was from a gangster that he owed money to, threatening to kill him and his whole family if he didn't pay up. "It looks like murder to me," said Lt. Hugh Dunnit, and promptly arrested Mrs. Merino.

Why did Lt. Dunnit suspect Mary Merino of killing her husband?

E-mail me privately (grammieknits@yahoo.com) by Sunday, Aug. 29 with your answer for a chance to win a prize.

Summer Swap Package

2010-08-03T05:23:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm back from vacation. I'm back from the getting ready to go on vacation so that by the time you go on vacation you are exhausted . . . . we had a wonderful time. Two weeks in Orlando, which, by the way, was cooler than it was in Cleveland at the same time. The difference is that in Cleveland, we do get more breezes and wind than Orlando. The upside is that we don't have air conditioning in our home and most of the time we would only need it two or three days each summer. It appears that we were gone those two or three days this year.

I did get my summer swap package from Chris Love. It was a great package and if you want to see a pic and read about it . . . you have to go to my blog . . . yes, it is a plot to get people over to my blog. So, do I have you interested? Hmmmm. If so, go here.

My Virtual Texas Vacation

2010-07-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

I received my wonderful Texas vacation from Joan today - packed so full I didn't know if I could get it all in one photo. Everything was packed inside a very pretty tote bag with Texas Bluebonnets on it - who can't use one more tote bag to stuff with yarn!
There was Texas candy, including those giant spicy jelly beans (think I'll pass those along to my DH!), pecans, a magnet, bookmark, a handmade dishcloth with the shape of Texas on it, and a bar of handmade Bluebonnet soap that smells wonderful, a book, The Last King of Texas, which looks great, a "Speak Texan" book, some postcards, and some very pretty note cards. And then there is the yarn - hand dyed sock yarn in my favorite shade of green and a pattern for Texas Hold 'Em socks. How perfect is that!
Thanks so much Joan for a wonderful Texas vacation!

Unraveled Lacey Solution

2010-07-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Unraveled Lacey

A Hugh Dunnit Mystery

Lt. Hugh Dunnit felt the cool east wind on the back of his neck as he knocked on the front door of the Boucle's house. In spite of the clear morning sunshine, he felt a chill as he looked at the three splintered bullet holes in the door. Sgt. Howie Dunnit (his brother) let Hugh into the house and Lacey Boucle explained what had happened the night before.
She said she had been afraid lately because she thought someone had been following her. She kept seeing a Burgundy Subaru in her rear view mirror. "I thought my husband was at work. His secretary, Miss Cashmere, called around six to tell me my husband would be working late yesterday. So when I heard someone at the front door, I was frightened. I thought someone was breaking in, so I got my husband's gun and I hid behind the door. When the door opened I saw a shadow fall across the floor. I knew someone had come into my house. I didn't wait to see who it was. I was too frightened. I shot through the door. When I looked around the door I couldn't believe I saw my husband lying dead on the floor. I became completely unraveled."
Lt. Hugh Dunnit looked at Sgt. Howie Dunnit and shook his head. "No, it wasn't an accident, was it Mrs. Boucle?" Lt. Dunnit asked.

Why didn't they believe her story?

Scroll down for the solution:

Solution:

At 6pm, the shadow would be falling to the east not the west since the Boucle front door faces east. Lacey Boucle claimed she saw a shadow fall across the floor as the door opened. At that time of night a shadow would fall behind whoever was opening the door and Lacey would not see it. She needs to cast on a lawyer who can knit together a defense.

Virtual Summer Vacation Swap

2010-06-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

(This Swap is for Whoduknit Members Only!)

Yes, it is time for our summer swap! This time you will be taking your secret pal on a virtual vacation of your home state. Here are some suggestions - you certainly don't have to send all or any of these - use your imagination!
Something your state is famous for
Postcards
Yarn from your state
A book written by an author from your state or
A book that takes place in your state
Anything made in your state (and that could be something made by you!)
Get the picture? Want to play? Sign-ups begin now. Pals will be assigned by June 15. Packages should be mailed by July 15. That will give you plenty of time to put together a virtual vacation package for your pal, and your pal will still have some summer left to enjoy it. As usual, stash in good condition and gently used books are always acceptable.
To sign up send me (grammieknits@yahoo.com) your

name
e-mail
mailing address
smoking or non-smoking
US or International
Any additional info you think I should have

Murder Mystery Contest - It's Murder! (Re-run)

2010-06-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

If you have been a member of Whoduknit since the beginning - you may remember this one. But do you remember the solution?

A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met a guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing. She believed him to be her dream guy so much, that she fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister.

Question: What is her motive for killing her sister?

E-mail your answers to me -mailto:-grammieknits@yahoo.com by Sunday, June 6. (Do not send your answer to the Whoduknit Group!) Correct answers will go into a drawing for a prize from the prize locker.

But, beware!
If you answer this correctly, you think like a psychopath. This was a test by a famous American Psychologist used to test if one has the same mentality as a killer. Many arrested serial killers took part in the test and answered the question correctly. If you get it right - I'll know who to stay away from!

May Project

2010-05-28T14:14:00.001-07:00

My May project is a Voodoo Doll for Deadly Night.

I haven't decided who to use it on yet!

2010-05-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

May Project - Linda H in MD

2010-05-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

My project for Deadly Night by Heather Graham is a bookmark knitted with Hempathy yarn. This is my first time knitting with this yarn and I like it. The bookmark is my own design. I casted on 16 stitches and knitted/purled whatever came to me. I wanted more of a cafe au lait color to remind me of a character in the book but had to settle for a darker shade of brown. I added the framed cameo to remind me of a painting on a wall. The single rose was a gift of some sort. The names Fiona, Flynn, and Henry were added to remind me of characters in the book.

2010-05-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

I received my April Fool's package from Lilli. It's really nice. It contained 2 books, flower shaped lollipops, Werther's candies - which I really like, 2 skeins of yarn (and I just bought the new Knitscene Easy magazine today - in hopes of actually finishing something ;) ), an aquarium where the fish "grow" when you add water - so does the towel, plus a really nice notepad. Thanks Lilli.

Gail

Belated Thank-You to Jennifer

2010-04-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

I wish to make amends for being so slow in replying and thanking Jennifer for her wonderful Whodunkit April's Fool's Day Swap package. I received it April 8 but have been so busy with STUFF and LIFE. I can now say I am just about caught up with life including completing and sending in my income tax. Here in Canada we have until the end of April to get them in and the Avon part takes forever. One year and I hope it will be this year I will work on them as I complete each campaign but I am already nine behind!!!! Now I can get on with other things.

This is what I saw when I opened by box.

Jennifer sent me some lovely red sock yarn that I adore

Here is my April Fool's Day gift. It looks like a compact and on the lid it says Magic Mirror.

BUT when you open it up looks what happens.

A spider pops up. UGH!!!! Good one Jennifer.

I also received some of my faved Jelly Bellys and the tin is more than half gone already and a new mystery to read. The book looks like a good one.

Here is the entire package.

Thank-you again Jennifer for such a fun and lovely package which brightened my day when I received it.

From the annuals of better late than never!

2010-04-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the great swap package Maureen sent me! My April Fools joke is a funky green ball of Fun Fur in a tub, my goodies include a skein of pink Banana Silk yarn, 3 skein od Pink Fun Fur, Dark Chocolate, the book Woman in Red and some little Easter goodies! Thanks Maureen!

April Project - Linda H in MD

2010-04-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

For my WhoDuKnit projects, I plan to make bookmarks. The pattern I chose for this months project is Backbone Bookmark by Kiersten Brandt. Here's a link to the pattern:

http://knitoneblogtwo.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/backbone-bookmark/

There are clues in my bookmark. The orange and the red are important. The purple is one of my favorite shades of lipsticks. The yellow reminds me of days I spent playing in the sun. The backbone design reminds me of the song Dry Bones. "The head bone connected to the neck bone, the neck bone connected to the back bone, etc. I love that song. The beads were added to give a childlike feel to the bookmark. The shape of the bookmark kinda reminds me of a glass container a scientist may have in their lab.

I enjoyed reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and knitting and decorating my bookmark.

Bonnie's April Project

2010-04-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

This is Bonnie's project for The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Isn't it great! If you have the book, the project needs no explaination! Nice job Bonnie.

2010-04-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Look at the wonderful package I received from my April Fool Swap pal, Claire. That beautiful yarn is hand dyed merino wool in my favorite colors - and so soft. I wish you could feel it!

In the box are Godiva Chocolate truffles (I checked - I was afraid that might be the April Fool joke and it would be empty - but it's for real!) The tea is an English blend, and the books, While My Pretty One Knits, and Knit, Pearl, Die by Anne Canadeo look very interesting. I love knitting mysteries! Thank you so much Claire for a wonderful package!

March Project

2010-04-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

Um, let's see, this is inspired by which book....????? Um, um.... Okay, for ooh and ahh rights: a felted and very useful yarn bowl. In other words, protection for your wool from the kitty cats and dust bunnies! I made up the idea (but not the base bowl pattern) and am using and loving it.

Project for March

2010-03-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here's my project for Aunt Dimity's Death--a blanket, in honor of the blankets Lori's friend made. I wish the author had told us more about these "works of art." This one goes to my 7 year old grandaughter--she wanted a new "knitted blanket" to replace the worn-out baby afgan I knit for her.
Joan in West Texas

March Project- Katie'sstuffed sheldon

2010-03-27T18:24:00.001-07:00

In keeping with the stuffed knitted animals of the Aunt Dimity series here is Katie's Sheldon"

Feb. Project: Laced With Magic Druid Hood

2010-02-15T22:17:00.000-08:00

My library finally got Laced with Magic and I've just finished it. I think this hood I completed for the Ravelympics might easily be worn by a citizen of Sugar Maple.

JANUARY 2010 PROJECT

2010-02-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

I am posting this photo for January even if it doesn't count for the prize. It is a snake I made for Nate's birthday last year. Nate LOVES snakes!!!! LOL It is a door draft stopper.

Now I need to finish the book. I am so behind in my readings.

January Poject

2010-01-30T12:18:00.001-08:00

My January project about all I have had time for this month:)

January Project Contest Prize

2010-01-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

The prize for the January Project Contest is this "7 foot long Snake Scarf" plus your choice of one of the books in the prize locker. The winner will be chosen in a random drawing of all the entries. Post your project before February 1st for a chance to win. Remember it can be a project for any book that we have read on Whoduknit.

WHODUKNIT CHRISTMAS SWAP

2010-01-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I am posting my package from Heather so late. Please forgive me. It was a lovely package. Here it is in all it glory.

I received three different yarns in my package.

Here is first of the yarns I received. This is bamboo from Southwest Trading Company. The color is more lilac than it shows in the photo.

Here is the second yarn I receeived. It was dyed for me. It will make some nice socks.

This is another skein of yarn without a label but with a stand of beads around it.

I received this very neat little bag which contained the makings of smore's inside. YUM YUM!!!

I also received American Hershey Bars with Almonds but, alas, they are no more.

I recieved a lovely knitted PINK hat,

and this book which I haven't read yet.

This is the cover of the Christmas card I received with my swap package.

Again a big thank-you to Heather for her lovely packge.

Boy this sure was difficult to post on today.

Baby Booties

2010-01-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

If you want to see what I made while I was laid up, please go check out my blog! I frogged these so many times, at one point I threw out some of the yarn. Then in trying to get the pattern to repeat sort of evenly, I rewound and rewound the yarn, and almost got it, but not quite.

January Blankie

2010-01-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is the blanket that occupied me during my husband's surgery. Thank goodness I didn't try anything more complicated because I dropped a strategic stitch during the day I was most worried about DH and re-knit a large chunk of the blanket today. The kitty in the picture has been trying to steal the blanket even on the needles.

No snakes for me--but this blanket could have been knit for new baby David Anthony in Murder Carries a Torch. (By the way, that book also sustained me at the hospital.)

December book projects

2010-01-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here are my projects for the December book--hats! Modeled by grandsons Thomas and Ethan.

Belated Ornament

2010-01-03T14:58:00.000-08:00

My favorite ornament wasn't in the ornament boxes we opened this in December and I was mostly too busy to worry about selecting another for the contest (congratulations, Patt!). But my husband ran across my fav as we were organizing and culling the Christmas decorations today. I just had to post it (I think you see why.) My oldest daughter was about 3-1/2 at the time, as I recall. Somewhere I hope we still have the accompanying wise man and camel (you would be surprised how much a camel resembles a wise man). What you see is an angel, as carefully explained by my daughter Bethany many years ago. It is about 4 inches long and frequently still hangs on our Christmas tree.

Christmas Package from Penny

2010-01-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

Below are pictures from my wonderfully fabulous package from Penny. She really spoiled me and the shortbread was TO DIE FOR.....

Highlights from Nate's Swap Package

2010-01-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

These are my favorite highlights of Nate's surprise package to me. The famous bag (already mentioned and coveted by my daughters) is shown with how much it can hold. The yarn in front was Nate's added gift to me. The Santa is a make-your-own ornament that I just loved. The package also contained an ornament I did not have to make, filled with Life Savers, a cheery snow globe, and a snowflake mug that I used all December. Many thanks, Nate!

Sharon C.

December Knitting

2010-01-02T09:07:00.001-08:00

I made this project for myself, but this scarf could very well be featured in Fleece Navidad's craft fair. Sharon C.

Favorite Ornament Contest

2010-01-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

It's time for our "Favorite Holiday Ornament/Decoration Contest. Post a photo of your favorite holiday ornament or decoration by January 1, 2010, and tell us why it is your favorite, for a chance to win a prize in the drawing.

My grandchildren gave me this decoration for my birthday this year. They know that I collect snowmen and when Tori saw this she recognized the three of them right away! The message is especially meaningful to me this year. Joy, Love, and Hope to all of my Whoduknit friends!

Christmas Swap Package from Danielle

2009-12-29T04:46:00.000-08:00

Danielle sent me the most awesome Christmas Swap Package.

When I opened the box this is what I found. The plastic container was also filled with mucho wrapped little packages that when opened, revealed this:

Well, actually, there was a lot of really good candy, which my darling children inhaled. While I should appreciate that since I am on a diet . . . hmmmmm.

The hat and fingerless mitts arrived just in time for our first Cleveland winter storm. I love them. My hands are always so cold especially when driving but I hate wearing gloves. These are beautiful.

There was also two magazines. One for Interweave Weekend Knits and one with bridal quilts.

Thanks so very much, Danielle, for remembering about the upcoming wedding in my family. I really appreciate all that you sent.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Favorite Ornament

2009-12-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

How to decide? The Waterford ornament? The green Christmas bells that my parents had - and my mom use to put on earring wires and wear??? Balleek?

Then I thought about my mantel ornaments that I put up this year....the Holy Family that I bought one year when we couldnt really afford it....or the handmade ones here (the circular ones hanging) that I made for each of the kids one year...or the Santa collection which includes 2 that my mom made (she was REALLY into ceremics!! LOL). But then I decided. See at the top of the mantel clock??? That card that is kinda wrinkled, faded, and blurred??? My son made that years ago....we think he was in either 1st or 2d grade (why the heck didnt I write a date one it???!!!) and I found it again this year in one of my ornament boxes. So this year it is the card!

Thank you Mary Lynn!

2009-12-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

Wow! I am so excited! I love any books that Melanie Falick does and I definitely did not have this one! Cant wait to finally find time to sit down and go thru it! And see those gorgeous mitts? What you cant see is the tag that states the fiber conten (ohhhh, I feel sooooo spoiled!!): ALPACA and SILK and MERINO WOOL!!! They are beautiful - they fit perfectly - and they are so soft!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

danielle

Thanks Karen!

2009-12-28T10:25:00.001-08:00

Many THANKS to Karen for the lovely Christmas presents that I wrote about on the Yahoo site. Here they are with me in their new home.

My Favorite Ornament of 2009

2009-12-26T14:52:00.001-08:00

This ornament was sent to me by a dear friend of mine. Her name is Maralyn Ducker and she lives in Poole, England.
She was in my DennisBears group from day one and went always kept in touch. The she had a huge stroke and was in hospital for 6 months adn finally she got to come home. She doesn't use the computer anymore but she still sends me letters and Christmas cards and a small gift each year. This angel is one of the gifts she sent me this year.

Favorite Christmas ornament

2009-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

I had to take a picture and show you the new ornament that Terje bought me this year, it is so beautiful! He knows how I love angels! I guess this is going to be my new favorite :-)

2009-12-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hello from Norway!

I am sick again, nothing serious, just a cold, but a bit fever, so this has to be short before I go back to bed ! :-)

But here is the great gift I got from Judi in Washington! Thaks Judi! (Needless to say, maybe, but the candy in the purple knitted bag is way gone!!! ) And the book is on my bedside.

And this is a picture of the 5 grandchildren that celebrated Christmas Eve (as we do here in Norway) with us! *Sigh*, they are just adorable all of them!! ANd I am sooooo proud! The 3 in blue are brothers, and the other to are brother and sister. The children of my 2 daughters.

My Christmas goodies!

2009-12-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

I had the best Christmas package! Thank you so much Jane! My "before Christmas" goodies included two Patricia MacDonald books, "Secret Admirer" and "Married to a Stranger". I'm leaving tomorrow (12/26) for Washington to visit my daughter and meet my newest granddaughter and "Married to a Stranger" will be coming with me! It looks great! There was also the cutest crochet Snowman in there... Way too cute! Some yummy flavored hot cocoa mixes, a box of tea called White Christmas that has to be just about the best peppermint tea I've ever had, and a chocolate bar... which was consumed immediately!! My "Christmas morning" packages were the knitted cowl (I think that is what it is called!!) Perfect timing to take up to Brrr cold Washington! There were also two bumps of roving... oh what a spinner's dream they are! the green one feels like Merino... And the burgundy mix feels like a bit of merino, a bit mohair, maybe a bit of firestar!! All I know is as soon as I get back home, these are going to hit the spinning wheel!! I love it all. Thank you so much Jane for your generosity!

Holiday Swap

2009-12-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

I received my holiday swap package from Chris Love (don't you 'love' that name!) last week. The open me now gifts were two books - Gruel and Unusual Punishment and Casting Off, some spiced tea mix, a sock blocker key chain, some yummy cookies, and a bag of candy. The other gifts went under the tree until this morning when I opened......

Three wonderful packages - the felted bowls (aren't they beautiful?) are made from a mixture of Silver Merino and Cormo firestar, silk and Mohair, handspun. And the yarn was spun from a Romney sheep names J.S. Thank you Chris (and J.S.) The color is gorgeous! Now to decide on the perfect thing to knit with it. The notecards are adorable!

Thank you so much Chris - it was great getting to know you!

Favorite Ornament Contest

2009-12-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! My favorite ornament is this laser cut Skull and Crossbones from St. Augustine Florida. It was purchased for me by my new hubby on out honeymoon!
I hope everyone has Happy Holidays!

Vigdis yarn knitted up

2009-12-22T18:44:00.001-08:00

PC220012
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

Twice, when I have won something from the whoduknit prize locker, I have picked yarn from Vigdis.

I made the beaded scarf and the fetching.

My darling son, got to model for me! Doesn't he look too happy about the whole thing!

I am Thankful for..............Contest

2009-12-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Today we are celebrating Thanksgiving in the US, our Canadian friends already celebrated Thanksgiving, and I'm sure our international friends will join us in our celebrating the the things we are thankful for. Just leave a comment on this post by Friday, Dec. 4 (whoduknit members only please) telling us what you are thankful for and your name will go in a drawing for a 'thank you' surprise!

I am thankful for.....my very wonderful and supportive family, wonderful, yummy, glorious yarns and fibers, mysterious mysteries and my whoduknit friends who are like family to me!

TOT Swap Pictures . . . Finally!

2009-11-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

On this day after Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for my patient WhoDuKnit friends, all of you who don't yet know what I received, only that I received it, and especially for very patient and generous Maureen. So now, here are the pictures my son, Bradford, took as I opened the box just after returning from my Utah trip. Thank you so much, Maureen, for making my welcome home so nice, and for making up for my missing Halloween with my family.

Here is the box as I opened it. Whew! I was glad to see no creepy crawly things, though that would have been funny. Instead was a tantalizing array of treats and yarn. I could hardly wait for my son to take the pictures before I unpacked the box.
Here are some of the treats, some wonderful chocolates (Maureen put a note on the See's chocolates that these are the best chocolates ever, and she was right. I loved them.), some red herbal tea, a beautiful mug, some soap from Australia (!), and you can see the corner of a very cute skeleton bag that I can tuck into my purse for later purchases. I think this was very tricky!
Here is the yummy yarn I received, two skeins of Patton's wool that can be felted, one for making a ghost and one for making a witch, and the patterns were found tucked neatly inside each skein, after the photo shoot. This will be fun to try! Maureen included several kinds of chocolates, and several treats, all of which were yummy. I would tuck them into my purse for times I just needed a little something to tide me over, and they were perfect.
Here is another bar of soap from Australia (I do love special soaps, and have my own soap dish in the bathroom for them.), and more yummy treats. My son (age 18, but still goes trick-or-treating) was concerned that I did not get any candy, but then I showed him what Maureen sent, and assured him that I was well cared for. I also received the next book in a series I'm reading, by Ann Purser, called Weeping on Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
Here is a picture of all the goodies, posing nicely for you to see. The green bag holding the yarn is a "Stitch-n-Pitch", a folding container that you use for your supplies as you are working. I've seen things like this in use and thought how I would like to have something like this, and now here it is! I've seen them used by cross stitchers, but I've been using this one when I crochet an afghan that uses two colors at a time, and the side pockets hold scissors, my crochet hook when I'm not using it, a pencil, and the like. Also tucked into the side is a little packet of wool wash, which will be just right when I felt the projects. Thank you, Maureen! You really made my day with this wonderful box!

TOT SWAP FROM VALERIE

2009-11-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to post photos of the wonderful TOT swap package I received from Valerie.

Just check out all these wonderful goodies she sent me.

Knowing orange is NOT a color I enjoy I received PINK and some red yarn instead.

This lovely yarn is called Fruity Toes Sock Yarn from Treasure Goddess and the colorway is called Vampire's Cocktail. Very apropo! There are 460 yds on the skein.
This Deborah Norville Serenity sock weight yarn is more PINK than purple despite its color way mane purple spice.
AND this Regia yarn is more PINK than the Deborah Norville sock yarn.

Heaven I am in heaven with such wonderful colors of yarn

I also received accessories for my knitting.

A sock knitting pattern,

A very cute tin with teeny tiny stitch markers inside.

Here are the teeny tiny stitch markers. I have so few this size it is nice to get more.

A chibi with two gold bent tip needles and some extra darning needles. I love the gold tipped bent needles.

The cutest little project bag.

I also received some delicious edibles.

First a container of flowering tea and an information sheet on flowering tea. Now I need to get a clear glass pot of put my flowering tea in so I can watch it open and bloom as it brews.

Two wonderful and yummy bars of fudge.

AND despite this looking like a pumpkin, it is cheddar cheese molded int a pumpkin shape and covered in wax that is decorated like a pumpkin.

Since this is TOT swap there were Halloween goodies too.

Are these not the cutest little plastic bags. Some of my goodies were in these bags?

A small Halloween TOT bag.

The front of a small deck of cards.

The cards.

Last but not least I also received two books

Again thank-you Valerie for such a wonderful TOT package.

Trick or Treat Swap

2009-11-17T22:55:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Kim in Ontario for this great package. Details are in the Yahoo group but I wanted to post a photo so everyone could see my swag.

Mystery CAL and KAL Revealed

2009-11-17T10:16:00.001-08:00

Sherlock's Honey Bee ..........

And......

With apologies to Robbie and especially her DH for stealing this picture - (but what could be more perfect!) here is "Sherlock's Mustache".

Whoduknit 2009 Holiday Swap (member's only)

2009-11-16T06:06:00.000-08:00

This Swap is for Whoduknit Members Only

Very funny Maxine - but if you were a knitter you would know that is not true! Who, in this group, wouldn't love to find a handknit or crochet, or any handmade craft under their tree?
And wouldn't it be great if we could all get together and exchange handmade gifts for Christmas? We could all sit around the tree, have an eggnog or two, and open up our gifts together, with oohs and aahs about how creative we all are!
Let's do it! Virtually, that is. For this swap you will be sending your pal a handmade gift. Not something huge and complicated (who has time for that at this time of year?), just something small, handmade and wrapped with love, with a note that says "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 25!" That's right - when you receive your package, you need to put it under your tree, or in your closet, or wherever you won't be tempted to open it until Christmas. I
realize we are all in different time zones and it would be impossible for us to all open at exactly the same time - but you get the picture! In addition to being short of time at this time of year, many of us are also short on finances - so let's keep this swap affordable and place a maximum amount of $20.00 on it. Of course when you factor in the time and love it takes to make a handmade gift - the value will ....priceless! One more twist to this swap - it won't be a secret swap this time, it will be a mutual swap. In other words, you will be sending to the same person who is sending to you. It will be a chance for you to get to know another member a little better and make something small, but special, just for her or him. It's okay to include extra treats in the package, but please remember to stick to the guidelines.
Sign-ups begin today and will end November 9. Pals will be matched up shortly after that and packages should be mailed by December 15 so that they are sure to arrive by Dec. 25.

You will be sending your pal:

A small handmade gift.
A few other goodies may be included - some suggestions are:
A book (used is fine)
A Christmas ornament
Edible treats

Please e-mail me (grammieknits@yahoo.com) with the following information. (Even if I already have your info. it helps me to have it all in one folder)

Name:
E-mail Address:
Ravelry name if you have one
Blog if you have one
Allergies?
Smoking or non-smoking home?
Able to mail international?
If you have any other preferences please let me know and I'll try to accommodate you!

ToT swap..... Thank you Robbie

2009-11-13T04:47:00.000-08:00

I am finally over the swine flu so I opened my package the other day. I know, I am way behind in posting. But wow, that flu hit me hard and had me down for weeks. I didn't even play my WoW! Anyway, I want to thank Robbie for an awesome package. It really made my day. I received a knitting book and a pattern to knit with the pretty yarn. A memo pad and a datebook. Some brains, hehe, and candy and a Pez. A cute scare crow that I have to keep away from my Coco, she thought it was for her! And a Steven King novel I haven't read, with a cute bookmark. Always need bookmarks. So many goodies, thank you very much!!!!

I also want to apologize to my swap partner Kim, whom I was sending to. I hope you will enjoy your package when you finally get it.

Laced With Magic Project

2009-11-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

I still never got my hands on the book Laced with Magic, but I did knit a project inspired by the title. The yarn is from Alchemy, and the project is a lace cowl. I nearly forgot to post it!

October project

2009-10-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here's my Octover porjects--felted candy corns and pumpkins! They don't really go with any of our books, but they do go with October!

Joan in West TExas

My Halloween Swap Package

2009-10-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

arrived at my door this week. Heather sent me beautiful yarn, books, candy, a Katie Hat pattern, and a beautiful pumpkin decoration and fall towel. Thank you soooo much! What a wonderful surprise!

Trick or Treat Swap

2009-10-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

I got a package, I got a package . . .

and if you want to see what I got, you are going to have to go to my blog . . .

trick or treat, smell my feet . . .

and this is a way to get you to come over to my blog . . . LOL

Halloween Swap

2009-10-11T01:16:00.000-07:00

Here's my swap package from Nate. I tried to get the headstone pic when it was lit up, but of course I can't show the light changing colors. I've started the Batty dishcloth (since it is just too cute - see close up at right) and as soon as my mom leaves I plan to start reading Baby Grand. That skull is really fun - it's a squishy stress ball and when you squeeze it, the eyes bulge out with the red "filling" of the skull. Besides the Batty Dishcloth pattern, I also have patterns for a Frankenstein Head dishcloth and a pumpkin dishcloth, as well a a Cleopatra style wig, and then all the yarns to make each. I put the ghouly bust by my computer, so I am not alone here in the back room. My mom glombed onto the pumpkin spinner, so I'll have to wrestle that back from her when she goes back home!

Please note those roaches were part of the swap and not residents at my home, LOL.

Thanks, Nate! ~ Valerie K

Thank you

2009-10-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for all the wonderful birthday wishes.

My birthday was grand and I made it back home from

Chicago in time to spend some great time with my family.

Hi, remember me?

2009-10-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Just want to let you know I'm back with you, kind of. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, which explains where my energy for everything above and beyond work went to (and beginning to affect that, too). I'm doing much, much better now. I can't seem to get my hands on Laced with Magic, but I nabbed the audiobook of The Beekeeper's Apprentice, and because the library was so super efficient I have a jump on all of you with Fleece Navidad (I'm done). I do have a project in mind for Laced with Magic, anyway. Happy upcoming Halloween to all! I'll try to get gradually more involved again. You guys look like you have been having an awesome time.

Sharon C.

Trick or Treak Package

2009-10-05T07:59:00.001-07:00

Bonnie wins the award for the speediest swapper in the East! We do both live on the East Coast so it didn't have far to travel - and just look at all the goodies that arrived.

The yarn is Euroflax Linen, which I have been wanting to try forever, and the pattern is for the Ilene market bag - a perfect project for this yarn. And she also included the two pairs of circular needles needed for the project. The book is Where There's a Witch by Madelyn Alt. It looks like a really fun read and I can't wait to start it.

And the Treat - Oh my- a box of Godiva Chocolates! The box is so beautifully wrapped with a fall-colored ribbon that it would be a shame to open it, but then again.......the box will look just as pretty when it is empty and re-wrapped!

This cute little Beanie Bat was also in the package. Love it!

And the trick - a small box with a label on it that says "Beads & Silver" which looked like it probably would contain a piece of silver, beaded, jewelry - and, UGH - a nasty old spider! Well, not really nasty - he's kind of cute actually!

Thank you so much Bonnie - I love everything and I'm so excited to be the first to receive my swap package!

Sept Project

2009-09-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

My project for September is socks. I knit one sock so far and the cuff of the second sock. I started with Knit Picks Bare Yarn.

I then dyed it yellow using lemonade Kool-Aid I received in the whoduknit group when I wanted to knit yellow toddler socks for the book by Mary Logue but was unable to find any here where I live. I have to admit I couldn't find all the Kool-Aid packets I had so I added a few drops of yellow food coloring and it still wasn't completely evenly dyed.

These socks will have to be completed by the end of Oct They were done for the 2009 Sock Pentathlon. They are sock #4 of the five.

I know they aren't toddler socks but they were dyed using lemonade Kool-Aid.

Whoduknit Trick or Treat Swap

2009-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry! This swap is for Whoduknit members only!

Are you ready for another swap? Here's how the Trick or Treat Swap goes -

You will be sending your pal:

1. A book with a Halloween theme (this doesn't have to be specifically about Halloween - any scary theme will do. Witches, ghosts, monsters, vampires, villains - you get the picture!
2. A skein of yarn, enough for a one skein project, in fall colors.
3. A pattern for something to make with the yarn. (this could be tricky!)
4. A trick and a treat!

Sign-ups begin today and end Friday, the 25th. You will receive your pal's name by Sept. 30. Packages should be mailed out by October 21 so they will get there in time for Halloween.
To sign-up, e-mail me at grammieknits@yahoo.com with:

1. Your name
2. Your e-mail address (one that you check frequently)
3. Your mailing address
4. Your phone number (won't be given out)
5. Your blog address (if you have one.)
6. Ravelry name (if you are there)
6. Your promise that you will fulfill the guidelines of this swap or else notify me if an emergency prevents you from doing so!

Let the Tricking and Treating begin!!!

UPS Truck Yarn Delivery Murder

2009-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hugh Dunnit is back again with a murder mystery to solve and he needs your help!

John Harmony has accused UPS Delivery man, Merlin Granite of murdering his wife. Harmony claims that he had been outside watering his backyard garden for half an hour when he noticed a UPS truck parked in his garage. He went over to investigate hoping that it was not another package of yarn for his wife. They were quickly running out of room to store all of her yarn stash and he had warned her repeatedly not to order any more yarn. He walked through the open door of the garage and into the kitchen where he found Granite strangling his wife with a piece of extra bulky merino wool. He called 911 but the medics were not able to revive Mrs. Harmony. Granite was arrested and taken down to the station house where Lt. Hugh Dunnit was questioning him.
Granite claimed that he drove to the Harmony's house to deliver a package. He knew the package was from Knitpicks and that Mrs. Harmony would be anxiously waiting for it. He had delivered many Knitpicks packages to her in the past. He spent a couple of minutes in his truck filling out delivery reports and then got out with the package. As he walked past his truck he noticed that his front wheels were parked on the garden hose which ran from an outlet by the garage round to the back of the house. Granite claims that he got back in the truck and pulled it into the garage a few feet so that his wheels were not on the hose. He noticed the door between the kitchen and the garage was open and he saw Mrs. Harmony lying on the floor by the stove. He ran over to her and was trying to untie the yarn around her neck when Mr. Harmony came through the door an accused him of strangling his wife.
Which man was telling the truth? Help Lt. Dunnit by e-mail your answer to me at grammieknits@yahoo.com before midnight, on Friday, September 25 for a chance to win a reward!

Angel's Wings

2009-09-16T06:52:00.001-07:00

For my September project I made Angel a some wings. I know she has white wings in the book, but she is so little and has been through so much I think she deserves a pair of more colorful wings! This pattern is adapted from the pattern "Gabriel's Wings" (see Angel Experiment projects on sidebar), using leftover patterned sock yarn in-between solid color rows of sock yarn.

WHODUKNIT BOTTLE

2009-09-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well it seems I am doing an awful lot of apologizing today in posts about being so tardy in putting in photos. I try to make sure I acknowledge my packages when received but I must get better at putting in the full posts with photos.

I received a wonderful bottle swap package from Danielle. She did include a bottle.

BUT the bottle was in a BOX. She wrote she was glad I had won the prize for my handcuffs and chosen what I did as she was not only my bottle swap partner but was sending me my prize. Since she sending me the prize she was able to ship in a box and NOT have to stuff everything in the bottle.

Look at what I pulled out of the bottle.

Here is a close up of this wonderful bag in PINK stripes with cotton yarn.

I also received these wonderful items. YUMMY candies. Can you guess how long the American Hershey Bar with Nuts lasted? AND most of the Jelly Bellys are gone also. There are just a few remaining and, of course, the black licorice are still in the box for anyone who comes to visit and likes black licorice. We won't even mention the length of time it took to eat the Ghiradelli candy bar as large as it was.

Included in my package was a mystery I haven't read yet which is now on my to read list, a case to put my straight long knitting needles in, some fiber wash, tissues with my initial, a notepad, and a lovely card.

BUT that wasn't all I received. Here is more goodies. I found a small Americana emery board which has been put to use already, another note pad, a small 2010 calendar to clip on my bag, Brittany DPNs another favorite brand of mine (I can never have enough DPNs) and then three skeins of wonderful yarn by Twisted Sisters.
Here is a close up of the yarn which is a combination of rayon (52%) and cotton (48%). Just look at the color.

I chose the crossword puzzle book Over 70 Murder Mystery Murder Crosswords as my prize for the handcuffs. It is a very interesting crossword book. I dived right into it as soon as I received it.

Again thank-you Danielle for a great package.

Bottle Swap

2009-09-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone was excited when we found a bottle in the mailbox today!

In it was the book Funeral Food, Some wonderful Pirate Colored Yaaaarn and Dark Chocolate with Carmel!

But the best thing in the bottle was this cool face cloth with a skull and crossbones made just for me!

Thanks Joy!

Thank you Penny!

2009-09-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

I stopped at the PO this morning to mail some things and noticed a bottle in a tote with the other mail that was being sorted. "Is that my bottle?" Would you believe that I was the only person in town getting a bottle in the mail today? LOL. The mailman gladly handed it to me - one less thing for him to deliver! It did look a little bit odd though -

Then I realized she had taped two bottles together - very ingenious Penny! It was taped securely, to say the least and it took some very careful cutting to get it open.

As soon as I was able to pop off the top goodies started falling out.

Penny is an expert at stuffing bottles! There were some Avon goodies (from the Avon Lady!)Moisture Therapy, body lotion and shower gel, plus a cute little pen that looks like a tube of lipstick and an emery board. A tape measure (never can find mine!) and some tapestry needles, a tube of glass beads (can't wait to start another beaded knit project), a cute little book "Words of Wine and Wisdom" A 'bendy pencil", Cat on the Edge by Shirley Rousseau Murphy, which I haven't read, some Magpie wool yarn in a shade of green that I love (a felting project for sure!) some well wrapped chocolate candy and the cutest little lamb that I just love!

Thank you so much Penny for a really great bottle swap - you are a spoiler!!!!

Bttle Swap

2009-09-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

I received a bottle full of wonderful goodies fro someone??? (time to reveal yourself)--there's a lovely ball of sock yarn, a tube of matching beads (hmm, the possibilities...) a set of lovely stitch markers, the cutest little notepad with a sheep on it, some chocolate(which didn't last long enoughtto get into the picture), cable needles, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and a beautiful tatted bookmark in my favoirte color! Thank you, thank you!!!

Joan in West TExas

MUDER MOST CRAFTY PROJECT

2009-08-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am putting a project in for the Murder Most Crafty book project. I do have to admit I did it several years ago but I knit it myself when my eyes were better.

I have even used it several times. It is now on my ravelry project page.

Thank you Barbara!

2009-08-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

Look what I found when I got home from the movies tonight????

My bottle! From Barbara in MN who sent me a lovely bunch of goodies!

Lots of teas - which is great - I love a variety and it is great to get new ones to try (like the Ginger Energizer!!! I will be needing that when I get back to work in a week and a half).

A book that I am looking forward to reading - by Charlaine Harris - one of the Aurora Teagarden mysteries - A Bone to Pick. I enjoy that series and havent read many of them so it is very nice to get a book I have never even heard of!

Tootsie rolls - are those gumballs Barbara? - some chocolates which are in ther refrig right now - it has been over 100 degrees here yesterday and today! Some mints in a nice little tin which whill make a great stitchmarker holder when it is empty! A great little purse which I have already put to use holding my clover tapestry needles.

See the cute little ducky? and the lovely GREEN yarn???? I hope I havent missed anything but I am melting right now....

BTW I highly recommend seeing Julie and Julia - Meryl Streep is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bottle Swap received from Joan

2009-08-28T03:33:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have packages delivered to my office. This is mostly because we aren't home most days AND our mailbox is out at the street.

So, it is great fun when I got my bottle yesterday. Actually, Lily who delivers our mail, had a parade of people following her wanting to know what it was that I was getting. My fun was that I didn't open it right away. The bottle was handled by several people all of whom were trying to figure out what exactly was in it, followed by how did the stuff get in there. Ha!

So, this morning, I opened the bottle from Joan in Texas! It is a great bottle jam packed with great stuff!

There were two skeins of Noro Silk Garden (Color No. 284, in blues and purples with touches of brown and green . . . all my favorites).

Also there were many wonderful other things best described in Joan's note which says:

"The bookmark is, of course, to keep your place in the latest WhoDuKnit. Thekeychain and emery board are souveniers of Texas. The Wise Little Owl timble is in recognition of your prowess in the Trivia Challenge. Keep your hands clean (soap) and soft (lotion) while you nibble on chocolate . . . ."

Plus there was a magnet, a tape measure and a little bag to hold many of the goodies.

Thank you Joan for all these wonderful things.

Ah, ha! I pulled the good straw AGAIN.

2009-08-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you Nate. Can't say I mind a bit that you went to the puffy! The spoils have been divvied up.....and life is good. I love all of it. The sewing kit will go to work with me. There's been more than once I wish I had one with me. You wouldn't believe some of the things that I see getting worn...and broken, at school. Stapler repairs aren't always good. I look forward to listening to the Christmas CD. Looks to be a good one. The yarn I will stare at for awhile until the perfect project pops into my head (and it will). Katie took off with the gum, Dee with the candle (and both are as thrilled as can be for teens---I even got bear hugs...you ROCK). The hand sanitizer they explained they just couldn't live without (or, of course, they will die of h1n1.....not to be dramatic or anything) and the sunblock....well, I'm fair skinned and my hair isn't the thickest and always has a part, so my anti-lobsterness is very thankful.

thanks so much for brightening up my Monday!

Shelly

Two projects for August

2009-08-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of projects for this month. The first one is a tea cozy I made for my Mother. But I thought it would be good for The Ice House, which we read in May. This takes place in a little English village, and they are always drinking tea. And it's cold, so they need something to keep the tea warm.

The next project is a cashmere scarf, made from Ellie's Reclaimed Cashmere. Ellie scours thrift stores, flea markets, and other second-hand shops for cashmere sweaters. She then unravels the sweater, washes the yarn, and re-spins the yarn (two, three, or four plies, often all different colors) to make skeins of yarn to be knit into other lovely items. I made a scarf for my Father, who is a very elegant man, and who might wear it to the symphony. Except for how the character turns out in Interred With Their Bones (being the murderer), my Dad's personality in many ways reminds me of Sir Henry. I think both of them might enjoy wearing this scarf. At least I hope my Dad does!

A bottle in the mailbox!

2009-08-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Early last week I got this email:

Hi there, Barbara!
Just wanted to give you a heads up that I will be putting your bottle in the mail this evening.
But, I forgot to put the card in that tells you who I am . . . LOL . . . so, once you get your bottle, let me know and I will REVEAL ALL!!
Your whoduknit bottleswap person

A few days later I had a 2-liter bottle in my mailbox and was able to send this email:

I got my bottle in the mail today! It is really wonderful! Thank you, thank you , thank you!
(Now can I know who I am saying "Thank you " to?)
Barbara

Yesterday I got to learn the answer with this email:

Hi Barbara,

It is me . . . Mary Lynn . . . I am so glad you got the bottle! I didn't take pics before I sent it. It got sooooo confusing.
I hope you enjoy everything. I wanted to put lots of things in it and forgot the note . . . go figure.
Have a great day!
Mary Lynn

Now for all the wonderful stuff she sent me!

KnitPicks Imagination yarn, in Munchkin colorway (very pretty!), some Harmony cable needles, more Harmony needles to knit socks with (she has been paying attention to how much I like my Harmonies!), a summer sock pattern to knit, small scissors and a retractable tape measure, stitch markers and row counter bracelet (I have been wanting one of these!) from Jed Joy, a Knitter's Kit from Slipped Stitch Studios (also really cool and extra handy!), a double pointed needle case, and some Strawberry Rhubarb Soap from Smoky Mtns Apothecary.
What a wonderfully stuffed 2-liter bottle I got from Mary Lynn! Thanks again!

Murder Most Crafty - Crafts by Mary Lynn

2009-08-19T12:04:00.001-07:00

Okay, to be honest, I get this craft habit from my Mom. Although I have to admit that she was definitely more of an artist than I!

I can tell you though, like my Mom, I am willing to try just about any craft and reading the book, I would have tried any of the crafts . . . well maybe not tying flies . . . but I assume if I fished, I might appreciate the craft of the thing.

After my Dad died (in 1985), I took my Mom shopping most Saturdays. Usually, the shopping consisted of groceries but often, we did other fun shopping. And, often went to craft shows or for workshops. We learned how to hook rugs (not latched . . . we did that as kids . . . but punch hook and regular rug hooking). We learned how to do pottery and uphostery and quilting.

Anyway, the tree of life is a punched needle rug that is in my son's bedroom. He loves the colors and textures.

The bag was designed by my 15 year old and made by me. She had seen a purse like it in Canada but refused to ante up the $80 for it (and I wouldn't either . . . LOL). She was surprised at the amount of work involved. She and I cut out the squares, I did all the sewing and she got to press all the seams. On the other hand, she has had several of her friends ask her were she got her bag.

Bottles

2009-08-18T12:35:00.001-07:00

I sent my bottle on its way last week . . .

I am hoping it got there . . .

Where or where could it be . . .

Murder Most Crafty Project

2009-08-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

In "M Word" the basket competition turned deadly (or did it?)

The competition. was intense...................

And the winners! (That's me on the left, in case you didn't guess).

Bonnie's Beaded Scarf

2009-08-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

This is Bonnie's Murder Most Crafty KAL beaded scarf - isn't it gorgeous!

Beaded Scarf Murdery Most Crafty KAL

2009-08-07T07:36:00.001-07:00

I finished my beaded scarf and love it! The yarn is

Zen Yarn Garden handpainted merino/bamboo/nylon and the beads are from Earthfaire. I loved doing the beading and if I knit this again I would add more beads than the 9 rows on each end called for in the pattern.

I decided it needed some fringe and added beads randomly to each strand. It took forever, but was very relaxing, stringing beads while listening to an audio book (Heart Sick by Chelsea Cain).

I haven't blocked it yet, and I'm not sure that I need to. Maybe just a little bit.

Is this your bottle?

2009-07-31T10:54:00.001-07:00

All ready to be mailed...

Could it be yours???????????

Thank you!

2009-07-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank Jane for the awesome prize - a gift card from KnitPicks - that I won on her blog. I just ordered 2 books from them!!!

danielle

Murder Most Crafty KAL Progress

2009-07-23T06:55:00.001-07:00

Here is my progress on the beaded scarf KAL we are doing for MMC. I'm using Zen Yarn Garden handpainted sock yarn - Superwash Merino/Bamboo/nylon and beads from Earthfaire. They don't show up tht well against the yarn - but you can see the sparkle and I like it a lot so far. (if you click on the picture you will be able to see the beads much better).

Finally! My tell about my Scavenger Hunt Swap package goodness!

2009-07-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

When I got home late Friday night, Hubband showed me where my Norwegian box was waiting on the table. I have to admit, since it was almost eleven at night, I had been gone for ten days and traveling for hours that day, had a spouse and three pets that were all happy to see me, I decided to wait until Saturday to open it.
It was so worth the wait! There is wonderfully soft blue-gray alpaca yarn, books, treats, notions made by Vigdis, a couple of items made by her neighbor, and last, but very far from least, there is beautiful yarn dyed by Vigdis as well! A truly wonderful package that I am enjoying so very much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

My scavenger hunt swap box

2009-07-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

has arrived to my home from Norway, according to my Hubband. I am on vacation away, but am looking forward to opening it when I get home on Friday.

Whoduknit Bottle Swap

2009-07-06T16:52:00.001-07:00

Swap is Open to Whoduknit Members Only

Okay - back by popular demand - The Bottle Swap! What is a bottle swap? This is how it works. You buy a two liter bottle of soda. Then you drink it (or pour it down the drain). Wash it and let it dry. Then you take off the label and cut an X in the bottle. Here comes the fun part. You fill it with goodies for your partner. How do you know what to put in it? Well - you are a member of Whoduknit, right? You read mysteries? You know all about stalking? So e-mail your partners from an anonymous e-mail address, go to their blogs and do some research, google their names - never know what you will come up with! Yarn, books, patterns, handknit items, knitting accessories,bookmarks, candy etc. But nothing breakable please! Then tape the opening shut, glue the top onto the bottle, tape a mailing label on it, and take it to the post office to mail it.
Penny has suggested that you first line the bottle with tissue paper before filling it so that it will not be too tempting for someone to decide to keep for their own, and that sounds like a good idea.

The Rules

1. Sign-ups begin July 7 and end July 15. Partners will be assigned by July 24.
2. Everything you mail MUST fit into a 2 liter bottle.
( Exception: If you are mailing international, you will have to put your bottle into a box or a padded envelope to mail it. Please check with your PO for size and weight limitations.)
Bottles must be mailed by August 24 (but certainly can be mailed earlier). You will need to get a delivery confirmation number and send the number to me. (For international mailing please provide the custom number).

This is a secret swap - the person you are sending to will not be the person sending to you. It's up to you if you want to remain anonymous - but it's really fun to do that.
Want to Play? Of course you do! Here is what to do:

Send an e-mail to me, grammieknits@yahoo.com with the subject line "Whoduknit Bottle Swap" and include the following information:

Your full real name
Your e-mail address
Your mailing address
Your blog address if you have one

Your Ravelry name if you are on Ravelry

Your telephone number (this will be kept confidential and only used in case of a communication breakdown)
Willing to mail international : Yes __ NO __

home environment : pets___ smoke ___

allergic to : pets ___ smoke ___other____