Tuesday, January 24, 2012

TLE Swap

So, last time I showed you what I received, now that my downstream swap partner received her gift I can show you what I knit and gave her.

As you know, I love the Summer Wind pattern by IrishGirlieKnits. It was a Winter Swap and since my partner lives in a very cold and wintery part of the country I was drawn to this pattern for its name...bring on Summer!!


The lighting still seems off, so here is a photo of the yarn during a better weather day:

 See how it is a bit brighter?

Pattern: Summer Wind by IrishGirlie Knits
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima
Purchased from: The Loopy Ewe
Colorway: Periwinkle
Yardage: Just shy of 2 skeins
Needles: Knit Picks Circular Needles US 7 - 4.5 mm
Ravelry Page

Anyway the entire package looked a bit like this:
Madeline Tosh Vintage in the Mare Colorway
Valley Yarns in various colors & weights
Frog magnets that were made from a children's book with a bag made from the pages
Fabric squares (my swap partner also quilts) with a fabric bag
Cold Stone Creamery Hot Chocolate
Snowflake Stitch Markers

This was my first knitting swap and I really enjoyed it! I hope to be able to participate in the future!

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Loopy Ewe Swap 2012

I participated in my first knitting swap over the past couple of months. While I can not show you what I knit and mailed out, as my swap partner hasn't received it yet. I can show you what I received today from my swap partner.

My DH was kind enough to pick up the mail today and gave me this when I arrived home from work:


Opening it revealed some wonderful goodies and two of my favorite sugary snacks! Also included, was a handmade yarn holder, Baggu bag, 100% silk skeins, handmade bunny heart and tape measure.


 Removing the tissue paper made me squeal with delight, then, it rendered me speechless:


The cowl my partner knit me is just stunning! The colorwork is simply amazing to me....as at this point in my knitting experience is not something I could do. I can't help but look at my new cowl and believe that it is mine. Someone actually took time to handknit me something so beautiful!

I plan on wearing it tomorrow when we could get up to 7 inches of snow!

Thank you Amy! aka half of the Stockinette Zombies...I highly recommend you checking out their podcast.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Afghan progress...so close

I was going to take you back and show you each square that I hadn't blogged about. However, why don't I just skip all that and share with you how the afghan looks today?!

I finished all the squares I needed! I do have each square in my Ravelry project page if you want the details.

As you also may be able to tell, I've seamed the top 3 rows of squares together. I also seamed the individual squares to each other in the bottom rows, just need to connect those rows.

Although I haven't totally finished this yet, and have gone beyond my goal of seaming done by Christmas - I am still proud of what I've been able to accomplish on this with all that has been going on in my life at the same time. 

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Ode to Gram


I may never cook like you do, but my husband will keep me well fed.
While my baking will never be better than yours, it is at least edible.
I will never quilt like you did, although I have those you made for me that I'll cherish forever.
I'll never cross stitch like you did, however, yours will forever grace my walls.
In teaching us to have laughter everyday - I'll try my best to, even when life gets hard.
I will try to keep my green thumb going on these african violets you grew for me.
My closet will always be as full as yours was, that I can promise.
The lifetime of memories of you will always be in my thoughts.
While my heart will always ache for you.