Thank you Penny!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Beaded Scarf Murdery Most Crafty KAL

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?

All ready to be mailed...

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

Thank you!

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

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!

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

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

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____

Thank you Judy Brown!

Got home from our mini vacation to find this great box on my doorstep.....had to tear into it right away!!!!

Let's see...there were a couple of regional items - the green yarn, and a box of yummy candy!

Silly items included an Arthritis magazine and the Chinese take out for two box!

The yummy yarn really is yummy...Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in the most yummy color - Tide Pool!!!!

Two great books - Medicus by Ruth Downie and The Cat Who Moved a Mountain by Lilian Jackson Braun.

Some great knitting magazines.....and a fantastic journal to keep all my projects listed....been looking at those!

And best of all - a drop spindle, made by Judy, along with some lovely roving - I dont think the phot does the colors any justice - a lovely teal blue, a coral, and a mixed pastel!!!

I hope I havent forgotten anything - this was a fantastic surpise box!!!!! And I love everything - thank you so much Judy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Kimberly

Kimberly---you more than spoiled me. I'm glad that you're all moved an life will someday return to whatever normal is! (I would have no clue as to what normal should look like!) Darlin', you out did yourself. I am more than grateful. I'm excited, too. Best yet, I was having a crappola day yestereday...running errands and trying to get food packed to leave on time for my daughter's softball state qualifier tournament. When I got home and saw the box I said, "I dont CARE if we are late, this baby is getting opened." My mood improved, we were there with 3 minutes to spare before the caravan left the parking lot (and the second of 5 parents there) and all is good. They lost both games (not a big shocker) and we'll be playing near Duluth on a weekend to come.

but I digress (and that's all the Victor Hugo I remember)

Here's the goodie run down:
M - Mystery book is Showdown by Dekker. Haven't read him, very excited to try a new author.
Y-Yummy Yarn, nashua handknits creative focus brushed alpaca. Never seen it before, and YUMMY is the word in a pretty shade of pink. I will enjoy working with this yarn. I bet it ends up as a luscious scarf.
S - Something silly - who doesn't LOVE play dough?!? It's already been absconded by my teens. I'm happy cos most of their sumer break has been chilly and gloomy. PLEASE play with the play dough!
Tasty Treat - some Nuss - Dessett cookie things I can't wait to try. Soon. Very soon. Very privately.
Ewe Make it - YOU ARE NUTS, TALENTED, and WAY TOO GENEROUS. Love the hand woven scarf. Is there an end to your talents?
Regional Item - gotta love the fridge magnet of Oklahoma with a thermometer. Since I live so far north, we're going to give that baby a work out! Every time I see the sand and that bull skull while I'm frozen solid, I'm going to smile.
and
You Pick - the cutest little lunch box (to carry my knitting incidentals) with stitch markers (who can EVER have enough...where do they all end up? With the other sock from the pair!?!?) and a tape measure. No kidding, I'm back down to one and I usually can't find it when I want it. THANK YOU.

I am happy and thankful.
Now I'm off to knit and watch a movie. the rest will wait.

THE HUSBAND PROJECT

I have completed my project for The Husband and here are the photos. I have to add I didn't make the chain link which is Marley's Ghost and is a FREEBIE on Knitty. I borrowed that from my friend who is in the photo. I didn't have enough yarn left after I knit and felted the cuff links.


It took forever to felt the hand cuffs and they need to be felted some more. I will do that when I visit my friend Paula again in her washing machine. They may end up to fit a doll after they are refelted as her machine really really felts well. A bad photo but a photo none-the-less of the before felting is going on my ravelry project page.

blocking grey shawl

blocking grey shawl
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

I started my grey shawl in March and finished it the last day of May and finally blocked it on June 14 and unpinned it this past Saturday.

Zachariah loves helping me with my blocking and winding yarns. He is totally grand with my swift and winder. The next thing on our list to wind is the skein from Vigdis.

WWKIP Weekend, Take 2

Saturday non-WhoDuer Pharmaknits and I went to Knitter's Palette for WWKIP. We met a lot of folks, some that were new to us, and at one that used to be pretend and now she is real. Fortunately several of the new friends are now living in my computer with her. Don't you just love Ravelry? It was wonderful to spend a day going to new place with a friend and making new ones along the way. We are all looking forward to WWKIP next year and hopefully we will see the big city folks before then though. Maybe we can work out having more WhoDuers join in.
Unfortunately, this is the only picture that got taken yesterday afternoon, and since I am the one that took it, no picture of me to be had. Too bad Hubband is out of town or I would have had him go somewhere with me today and take my picture. Once again, here's hoping for next year!

WWKIP Weekend.

Dee was so kind as to have a swim meet this weekend, so kip was no big deal. However, I did meet a nice woman who was there for her grandkids as their parents couldn't attend. I like it when someone thinks I'm brilliant for doing the same old same ole stuff. I am knitting a pair of seafoam socks using some of the yarn I won a few months ago. I think I'm really going to like how they turn out. Can't wait to see how everyone else's wwkip went.

Hopefully, I'm off to bed so I can get at it tomorrow. After being gone all weekend, it'll be nice to figure exactly where I need to dive in to keep MY head above water!

Knit on!!!!

Whoduknit Birthday Bingo

(Whoduknit Members Only!)

What's a birthday party without games? Let's play a little 'Birthday Bingo." Here is how it works. Print out a blank bingo card here. Or, make your own 5x5 bingo card (five squares across and five down - 25 squares altogether). Then choose 24 of words listed below and write them in the other squares. (Most of the words relate to things we have done over the past three years) Send me your list of words (I don't need to know which squares you placed them in) privately by Friday, June 19 Then beginning on Saturday, check each day to find out which four words are pulled out of the felted bowl. I'll post them on the Yahoo Group and on the Blog. If you have them on your card cross them off. When you have crossed off all of the words on your card yell BINGO! - and then, (just in case I don't hear you), e-mail me privately. I'll check the list you sent me against the list of words already called and if you are a winner you win a prize. I'll also keep a running list of the words called in the files for you to check. Any questions? Then, let the games begin!


Knit
Pearl
Yarn Over
cable
Dyed in Kool-Aid
k2tog
SSK
ribbing
stockinette
roving
spindle
wheel
garter
circular
dpns
stitch markers
row counter
wool
cotton
alpaca
silk
angora
acrylic
purloined stash
Mystery KAL
ghostly riddles
bottle swap
Mystery ball
traveling blanket
scavenger hunt
Hugh Dunnit
Plains Crazy
Deep Sleep
Casting Spells
Scottoline
Agatha Christie
Nancy Drew
Yard Sale
Book nominations
prizes
Smilla
Dead Until Dark
3 Bags Full
mystery
murder
killer
sleuth
police
victim
knife
gun
poison
clues
bones
motive

Scavenger Hunt Package

I got my Scavenger Hunt Package yesterday - it had a ton of goodies! Angel by Carla Neggers, Yellow Alpaca Yarn, bath goodies, Fresh Salt Water Taffy and Ferrero Rocher Candy, a couple of cute Craft Kits, a Washington State Keychain and Postcard, and a bunch of wonderful DPNs - I have stowed everything away so I might have forgotten something but it is a great package - Thanks Robbie!

Happy Bloggiversary Whoduknit...You're Invited

The Whoduknit Blog is celebrating it's third anniversary and we are going to party all month long! We'll be playing games, sharing our favorite party recipes, and getting together for an on-line chat.

We'll start out this weekend by meeting up for the World Wide Knit in Public Day, June 13 & 14.

Where: On the WhoDuKnit Yahoo Group

When: Anytime during the weekend

What: Knit in public and tell us where you Knit and what you are knitting. Then, if possible, post a photo on the blog of yourself knitting in public.

So, come on and join the party!

..

WHODUKNIT SCAVENGER HUNT SWAP PACKAGE

Today I received my scavenger hunt swap package. It made made this dreary rainy day better. It was from Barbara. Check out all the great goodies I received.

M = MURDER MYSTERY And it is a book I haven't yet read. YEAH!!
Y = YOUR CHOICE Barbara chose to send me some Cotton Candy scented body lotion, body wash and lip balm.
S = SOMETHING SILLY For this she sent Solara some treats and a toy.

T = TASTY TREAT HMMMM Home made granola and some Godiva Chocolate Pearls. YIPEE I have gotten them for my swap partners but never have gotten myself any.
E = EWE MAKE IT This could be something she makes for me or something for me to make. Barbara sent something she made me, a potato chip scarf which you can see being modeled in the next two photos by Solara. It is nice to receive one. I have knit several but always give them away.

Here she is saying Oh Mother not another photo.

R = REGIONAL ITEM This is a tray from where she comes from. With a BBQ and table outside this will come in handy.
Y = YUMMY YARN Here are two skeins of Boa in a PINK color I received and
three skeins of something called Bird of Paradise another eyelash type yarn.
I have it on my blog but won't be posting it until tomorrow as I need to take one more photo in the daylight outside first.

My package is on it's way to its destination and should be there this week. My name is on the outside but I think I forgot to include it on the inside. Sorry-------.

Scavenger Swap Package...

Here is my fantabulous Swap package from Joyce.  Here's what was in it:

M - The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin.  I've never heard of it, but it sounds like a fun read and just what I like.  The book had the most adorable bookmarker tucked in - the marker part has a picture of a row of 8 little kittens and then there's a cat shaped bead on the tassle part.  

Y - Two yummy yarns - a pale lemon chenille from Crystal Palace (with a cool Flower Power Cloth pattern that I'll use that on) as well as a gorgeous colorway of Araucania yarn, perfect for a pretty pair of socks.

S - The funniest almost naked knitter, relaxing on her little chaise and knitting away.

T - Scrumptious pecan biscotti, dipped in chocolate.  It really hit the spot this morning as I was stumbling my way around in the half light of the new day, trying to get ready for work!

E - A really pretty brightly colored cloth in a great textured pattern.  That hit the shower with me this morning, along with...

R - Some wonderfully smelling goat's milk soap - the scent is "Autumn in New Hampshire".  No clue if New Hampshire really smells like this, but if it does, I should move, LOL.

Y - Several items in this category:  A little mini sewing tote with threads, needles, tape measure, etc., perfect for small repairs (and it has little handles so I can hang it in full view, since I can never find that kind of stuff when I need it!).  The cutest little box decorated with a Mary Engelbreit design and nestled inside in a sachet bag were the most beautiful stitch markers, made by Joyce's daughter!  A matching little note pad.  A mini book on Feng Shui.  Ms. Manicure matchbook emery boards and a 4-in-1 keychain (nail buffers and files).  A really sweet Warren Kimble picture frame in the shape of a cat - I will put the fur babies pix in there.

It seemed like the box had no bottom when I was pulling the stuff out, but I think I've covered everything.  All the items were something I would have picked for myself, so Joyce was right on target with her choices!  

Thank you, Joyce, for a terrific swap box! ~ Valerie K

The Sequoia Pullover Murder Solution

It would have been impossible for her to hide the paper inbetween pages 159 and 160 - just open up any book and try it and you will see why.

Scavenger Hunt Swap Package

I received my swap package from Valerie today - and just look at all that was in it~ I'm overwhelmed!

M - mystery book(s) were Raveling by Peter Moore Smith, and Guilt by John Lescroart. I haven't read either of these books or either of these authors before so I'm really looking forward to them.

Y - yummy yarn - Valerie really took the 'yummy' part seriously. There was a skein of Alpaca & Silk yarn from Chestnut Bay Fibers, a skein of Araucania which I have been wanting to try forever, and two skeins of Bamboo Zania in very pretty purple/lavender and blue shades.

S - Something Silly - a "cow pie"which is described on the box as Rich chocolate Cream Caramel and Fresh pecans" (is your mouth watering?)

T - Tasty treats, included more chocolate from Wisconsin. chocolate teddy bears, chocolate cows, and a Badger Claw (White coating over creamy caramel and fresh pecans).

E- Ewe make it - Valerie made me a dishcloth that she made with the outline of the state of Maine and ME on it and as I told her, and also sent a pattern for lacy wrist warmers for me to make.

R - Regional Items - Coffee and tea from Berres Brothers in Wisconsin (I'm thinking Wisconsin has a lot more than cheese!) and some Mini Minit one cup filters, which I've never seen before.

Y - Your choice - Valerie's choice was the cutest little bamboo crochet hook which will be great for picking up all those stitches I drop and for weaving in ends, some pocket sewing scissors, and some emery boards, both of which I am always hunting for. And some great smelling scent seeds to be used in a drawer etc. which made the whole box smell great as soon as I opened it.

What an amazing package! Thank you so much Valerie!