Drumroll please...

Way to go, Lauren!  I have already notified our winner of her good fortune and I would like to thank everyone for their participation.  Stay tuned because you never know what I'll have up next.

Have a beautiful Thursday everyone!!

Sunday Snaps

I finished my first set of fingerless mitts... and am now casting on the second set - yay, me!

I need to finish the second set before Easter, as they are presents for somebunny and I hope they love them as much as I do.  Don't worry, I have a second skein of that happy pink stripe yarn to make myself a pair once I'm done with the presents.

I hope your week has been crafty and full of yarny goodness.  Don't forge to enter my giveaway for a chance to win "Knits for Boys" by Kate Oates - it all ends at midnight on April 2nd.

Let's hear it for the boys!

I know when I go through patterns, I gravitate towards the girly stuff.  I admit to getting wrapped in the super cuteness that is ruffles and bows... but now, there is a knitting pattern book devoted to the awesomeness that is our little boys!!

"Knits for Boys" is a delightfully designed creation from Kate Oates.  This girl knows what a boy wants - every pattern in here is perfect for your wee man.  Seriously, everything you can think of making him is found between these covers.  Shorts, long johns, bow ties (because bow ties are cool), socks, hats and mitts, and yes there are plenty of sweaters too.

Just take a look at some of the scrumptious designs, graciously title "grow with me projects" because they are all 'tweakable' so you can make the exact size you need to cover their growth spurts - and we all know how quickly they grow on us, don't we...

With all of the wonderful designs - from casual to classic - your little man will be dashing.

With bright photos, simple schematics, and detailed instructions, there is no way to fail!

You want a copy of this awesome book now, don't you?  Well that's great, because the fabulous folks at Stackpole Books is waiting to ship one to you!!  All you have to do is...
a Rafflecopter giveaway Open to residents of the U.S.A. due to shipping costs.  Be sure to leave me a valid way to contact you - email address or Rav ID.  I will announce the winner on April 2nd - good luck, y'all!!

Drumroll please...

I've contacted Sara and she as 48 hours to get back in touch with me.  If I don't hear back from her by 11 am ET on Wednesday, January 21st, I will pick another winner at random and try again.

Starting the year off snazzy!

I have something fabulous to share with you and I have been sitting on my hands so I wouldn't share it too early.  Have you noticed that I put my hook down for a little bit and picked my needles back up?  There is good reason for this - a fabulous little accessories pattern book by Pam Powers entitled "Dress to Impress, Knitted Scarves".  Oh my goodness, just look at what I have made...

Hobbit graciously agreed to model it for me as soon as it was dry from blocking.

Isn't it gorgeous!  I actually knit this in a few hours - it was broken up over two nights after work but a more experienced and faster knitter could make it in an afternoon, I'm sure.  Even that precious flower is knit - and I've used the pattern for it since because it is so much fun to make.

I was asked by my publisher friend if I wanted to review this book and the minute I opened the look book pdf, I agreed.  This pattern was on the cover and I immediately had to have one.  It was so absolutely perfect.  Delicate.  Feminine.  Beautiful.  Fun.  Everything I want in an accessory.  When I ventured through the pages I could hardly contain my excitement - so many projects jumped out at me!  Do you know that I actually started a second project?  I sure did, I even teased with you it last Monday...

Is it silly that I'm super proud of these 4" of cabled knitted goodness?  Yeah, I didn't think so either.

Not bad for a crocheter, huh... makes me think I almost have the right to call myself a knitter too.  It took me three false starts but I've done pretty well now.  I have a page all set up on my Knitting Buddy app and everything.  I'm loving this pattern.  Would you like to see what it will be when it grows up?  Okay...

All book images are (c) Pam Powers and borrowed with permission

Isn't it going to be gloriously fabulous!  I love that this pattern is made flat and then you do you some knit origami and BOOM, awesome bow!  As you can see, I am nowhere near done but I'm working on it and I loving every second so that's a big win in my book.

Would you like to peek at a few of my other favorites?  Yeah, I thought you would.  I can't show you all 24 but I've pulled out the ones that have made it into my "must make before I die" pile.  Take a look...

I love the combination of the bold chevron with oversized buttons in this gorgeous cowl.

The delicate lace in the cowl still looks snuggly warm and the feminine feel of the ascot its amazing.

Can you see how the body has texture too - just enough to keep it interesting but not distracting.

I love the way the inside is just as beautiful as the outside.  Pam really pays attention to details.

Yes, I need to make another one because I absolutely love this pattern.

I had a really difficult time choosing which patterns to share but these are either on my needles or waiting to be queued up.  Now y'all know that I am not very savvy in the knitting department.  I can knit but my brain sometimes goes on strike and my confidence falls to my feet.  I can honestly tell you that the instructions on here are so well written that I never got frustrated trying to decode what Pam wanted me to do next.  Even with new techniques, because she has an awesome section in the back that gives you photographed step-by-step tutorials on how to do something that you may have never done before...

Between the easy to follow written instructions and clearly illustrated photographs, you'll be a pro in no time!

So, how would you like to win a copy of this book?  It's easy to do...

a Rafflecopter giveaway I kept it simple because, as Pam just proved, it's elegant and beautiful. No fussy giveaways here - just answer a question and you're golden. Entries limited to US only due to shipping. Please be sure to include a valid way for me to get in touch with you - email address or Ravelry ID will be perfectly fine.

I'll announce the winner on Monday, January 19th. Don't worry if you aren't chosen because this awesome book is available now, both online and in stores.  Good luck everyone!!

Happies abound!

My "travel" bin of projects.  It "goes" to work with me every day.

Today has been rather wonderful.  Lots of fabulous things have happened today.  It all started with an email.

I checked my work email this morning and was tickled to learn that I will be off on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.  I got exactly what I wanted for the holiday bid.  I actually only requested Thanksgiving and Christmas Day since I get off work at 4pm but my big boss is fully awesome and I was able to get all three.  Granted, I'll work New Year's Eve and New Year's Day but that's fine because we don't do anything on either one and I get holiday pay for working them - double bonus on the holiday front!  Those are quiet days because people are not calling their friendly neighborhood concierge, they're out enjoying their friends and family so it's a very easy shift... generally speaking.

The second bit of happiness came in yet another email, though this one was personal.  I heard back from one of my crochet blogging idols regarding a note I wrote.  You know how my daddy also says "You don't know if you don't ask and the worst they can say is no"?  Welp, I asked and was told YES!!  I can't go into details but it's safe to say that I have been happy dancing all day long.

Then good little happy things just kept popping up for me - being able to switch my day off with myself so I can take Hobbit to the orthodontist for a one year review, "Friends" is going to be added to the Netflix library, and my husband's paycheck is going to be way more than we normally get thanks to his bazillion hours of overtime this past pay period.  Oh yeah, life is rocking some very good mojo.

I even started a new shawl - for myself - last night which I am betting was the precursor to all of this awesomeness.  Nothing says fabulous like a new handcrafted pretty for yourself.  Granted, I have now put myself on full stop startitis until I complete something but it was sure good to get the one in under the wire.

Some days are just sprinkled with awesome - this one got a double scoop!  Hopefully my good luck will rub off on you, so be sure to enter the Felt So Good giveaway before it ends at midnight tonight!!

Sunday Snaps

This week has been crazy busy.  Taking a page from Tinkerbell's book, just relaxing.  Join us, after you enter the giveaway.

This past week has been crazy busy, and our weekend hasn't been much slower.  We spent all of yesterday out of the house.  The Odyssey of the Mind coaching training went from 8:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon.  After that, we had to swing by the house and let the dog out before we headed up to my parents' house to Hobbit.  We shared a quick supper with my mama - Daddy is in Texas for a few weeks to lend a hand at his old company while the person who took over his spot spends time with his dying wife, so very sad - and then got home just before 11 o'clock in the evening.  I tossed Hobbit in bed and was not very far behind.  Pokey stayed up though because he asked me to drive up since he was tired and took a nap the entire time.

Today is simply laundry (a necessity) and crafting (another necessity, in my world).  I hope to either finish the blanket or a bird... or both, who knows.

Felt So Good

Okay, after I typed that, I started singing this...


What can I say, I'm a child of the 80s and this was back when he was yet to not be a "Cougar". Old school tunes for the win... but I digress.  What brought on this musical moment for me - I've got another awesome book to share with you!

I know, you're drooling now too... it's okay, you're not alone.

It's actually entitled "Felt So Good" by Tone Rorseth.  If you are trying to cut back on your crafting and have no desire to try something awesome then this is definitely not the book for you.  You will get completely sucked in the moment you turn the first page, daydreaming about all the magnificent things nestled between the covers.  The tongue in cheek title isn't just a tease, Tone fully delivers.

I want to live in the room where those star hang and that beautiful view resides while wearing the colorful cuffs!

Every area of your life is covered - cute accessories, unique jewelry, mind-blowing decorations, and amazing ensemble pieces.  All told, there are over 70 fabulous projects - complete with pattern pages.  The photographs are exquisite, making it beautiful on a whole other level entirely.  You will never look at felt the same way again.

These two items need to be in wardrobe right now.  My life won't be complete until I make them!

I have never done felting of any kind, at least not on purpose.  My husband felted a beautiful sweater that I bought him from our first Christmas when he helped do the laundry.  He washed it in hot and then tossed it in the dryer.  That sweater was worn by our then 3-year-old Hobbit for many years... after that, it became a cozy for his Nook.  That is mere child's play compared to what is found inside this book.

It is a good thing that you can't die for awesome overload because this book would be lethal!

Would you like to have your own copy of these amazing felted and wool designs?  I knew you would.  All you have do is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be drawn on October 17th so be sure to get your name in the hat. Just a reminder, when you leave a comment, it won't show automatically so don't fret that it's not there. It will show up shortly. This contest is open to residents in the US only due to publisher paying shipping. Be sure to leave me a valid way to get in touch with you - either email or Ravelry ID.

Good luck everyone!!

I almost forgot!

I can't believe that I almost forgot about an awesome giveaway for y'all.  Seriously, that is what happens when you go on vacation for ten days and it's your first day back at work - your brain gets left somewhere else!!

So close to being done that I just can't stand it!!

Have you noticed that I've been doing more than just playing with yarn lately?  I've rekindled my love of embroidery!  I've got two kits and a new book coming in the post as we speak.  Oh yeah, I'm loving it - as evident by my Pinterest activity.

Well, guess what I have for y'all - a fabulous sampler book!!  Oh yes, it's magnificent.  So much so that my mama has attempted to "borrow" it twice now.  That project over there is what I've been working on lately.  It's going to be a Christmas ornament for Hobbit's teacher.  I'm going to add it to the wrapping decoration.  I'm sorry it's not completed - just have the red border to go - you see, I thought I had packed it when we were on vacation but it was left behind.  I was so worried that I had lost it at Disney so I was relieved when I found it in my big blue chair when we got home.

Cheryl Fall has created a collection of patterns that you will treasure for a lifetime.  The book is entitled Simply Samplers: Easy Techniques for Hand Embroidery and it is filled with beautiful ideas.  You'll want to make every one, I know I do!  I've put together a few collages - several of these are in line to be made as soon as I get the right cloth.  Speaking of which, there is a complete section devoted to Supplies, Notions, and even "How To" photo tutorials in the back of the book so saying "I don't know how" is no longer a valid reason as to why you aren't stitching too!!

That pillow up there, that's where my little ornament pattern come.  There are so many options for these fabulous samplers.

She breaks down the instructions so well, you will feel completely at ease taking on any of these stunning patterns.

These embroidery items just make me completely giddy and I can't wait to get started on them.  Next up, the "Smile and Be Happy" for my office space!

How would you like to get your hand on this book full of heirlooms waiting to be made?  The fabulous people at Stackpole Books have it set up so that you can - all you have to do is two little things... well, one really but other is fun and increases your chances of winning so why not!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I will be emailing the winner so be sure to have a valid form of contact (ie email or Ravelry ID). When I ask for your mailing address, please don't be shy. If you don't share then Stackpole Books can't send you your shiny new copy of this amazing book. Open to US residents only due to shipping restrictions.

Good luck, everyone!

Tunisian Crochet and a giveaway!

I am always up for trying new things so when the lovely people at Stackpole Books asked me if I wanted to take a look at the brand new book they have available, I couldn't say no.  It's entitled "Tunisian Crochet for Baby" by Sharon Hernes Silverman.  One look at the cover, and you'll fall in love with everything inside...

This book is filled to the brim with fabulous projects that are perfect for anyone tiny in your life.  These patterns are not just for the Tunisian whiz kids out there either - a novice like me can totally understand how make these beautiful pieces because she has taken the time to create a wonderful picture tutorial in the back for each of the stitches she uses so you won't get lost or frustrated.

So there is no excuses when it comes to creating a keepsake item for the next baby to come into your life.  Take a look at some of my favorite patterns that are tucked between the covers of this amazing book.  I wish I could show you all 23 patterns but I'll resign myself to just a handful...

Now, I hate to be the one to spring this on you but... there are only 14 more weekends until the holiday season is upon us.  Wouldn't these make lovely presents for the newest addition in your life?  I think so too - so here's how you can win a copy of this fabulous pattern book...

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be announced on September 13th. Open to residents of the USA only due to shipping costs. I will contact the winner via email so be sure to have a valid point of contact - email or Ravelry account. The publisher will be shipping the book directly to you so I will need your mailing address to pass along to them. Good luck everyone and have a fabulous Monday!!

Sunday Snaps

I started a shawl last night and I'm really loving how it's coming out.  Should finish this week if I stick to it!

While we were out last night, Pokey bought me the 4th season of Downton Abbey so I plan on having a marathon on Wednesday and Thursday when I'm off.  I think I can get through all 4 seasons in that time - at least I'm going to enjoy trying!  I'm taking Hobbit to my folk's on Tuesday so this will be the perfect way to fill those two quiet days before I head back to work for a long stretch of busy days.

I have notified Marilyn, the winner of the TIG yarn giveaway, so once I have her information I will be able to post all the winnings to all the winners.  Thanks again to everyone for celebrating my 4 year anniversary with me.  It has been a fabulous time and I look forward to many more years with all y'all!!

Some stuff to share

I finished my shawl last night!  I blocked it out in the office and woke up to being completely dry.

As soon as I had the points pinned on my shawl, I immediately started on my project from Crochet for Baby All Year!

So I have been busy these past 24 hours... oh yes, and I have the winners for the last two giveaways to share as well!  Let's see, where did I put them...

The winner of this amazing pattern book is Carmen N!!

The winner of Cuppycake Yarnz is Kristy M!!

I've reached out to both winners but as always, if I don't hear back in 48 hours, I will chose another because such awesomeness needs to be shared.  Thanks to all who entered and don't forget there is still time to win some TIG yarn as well!

Wrangling it all up

I worked on my Market Bag while we were at the beach yesterday...

As well as adding a few rows to my socks while Pokey and Hobbit played in the sand and surf.

I may not be a fan of the beach but I sure do love the memories Hobbit is making while we're there.

I also get to take some pretty awesome photographs of some really fabulous things that only happen while we're there.

Today it is raining so Hobbit and I are just goofing around inside.  She's channeling her inner Rita Skeeter.

We got all dolled up playing with my make up simply because we could... silly, cheesy things that we are.

Now it's time to finish up this shawl - only have a handful of rows left.  All lace.  Should be fun!

Don't forget - today is the last day to enter for the pattern book giveaway and the Cuppycake Yarnz giveaway.  I'll announce the winners tomorrow.  There is also the TIG giveaway still going strong - that winner will be chosen on Sunday. 

Good luck to everyone and I hope y'all are having a fabulously productive day full of giggles and grins.

Relaxation motivation

Not the chicken, the African Flowers - isn't it fabulous, so very happy!

I've spent the past week celebrating so I took this holiday weekend to relax... well, when I wasn't working I was relaxing.

I had originally told myself that I was going to work on my Mission shawl that is due by Sunday the 13th but instead, I worked on my Quidditch because the colors made me super happy.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Mission but when I show the finished pictures, you will understand what I am talking about because I had to go undercover and create something that will keep me well disguised.  Which in my case, that means working with muted colors.  I did not realize how badly I craved color until I started this grey project.  I love grey.  I think it is a beautiful and underutilized color but if you look at my projects that I've made since I started this grey shawl, you will see the other extreme because they have all been done in neon yarns.  Funny to think how a color can do that, isn't it.

There are still a few more days left in the pattern book giveaway and the final two yarn giveaways (here and here) so be sure to toss your name in the hat.  I promise you, this pattern book will blow your mind!  Once I'm done with my shawl, I've got my University of South Alabama blue ready to go for little Miss Rebecca - we had to pick a neutral team to keep the family peace... since we were all Jags at one point, it seemed fair.

Happy Monday and I hope the holiday weekend motivated you too!

Awards and one for the road

Oh my goodness, did you miss all the fun celebrations that lead up to today - my 4 year blogiversary?  No worries, I have something for you in just a bit - plus, there is still time to enter two of the previous goodies located here and here.  The first two fabulous yarny prizes have closed and so here are the winners...

Luv2CUSmile is the winner of "Anna"!

BethS is the lucky winner of "Iris"!

All winners have been emailed for their physical addresses.  If I do not hear back from them within 48 hours, I will pick again until I do hear back from someone - as much as I would love to just keep them, I want y'all have to them.

Now, for those who were late to the party - I have something fabulous for you too.  Are you ready?  Well, y'all know how much I have loved Three Irish Girls over the years.  I think my love affair with their yarn has been going on since roughly the minute Sharon opened her shop in 2010.

She made the most vibrant colorways on the most exquisite bases.  There are still a few that I have been wanting to get my hot little hands on but have yet to achieve said goal.  Do y'all remember my 95 mile pilgrimage to A Good Yarn in Sarasota just so I could squish the yarn and fell in love with Octopus Garden?  Yeah, well it wouldn't have been as long if I didn't go out of my way to avoid the super scary bridge but that's another story entirely.

I've been able to celebrate anniversaries past with Sharon who founded TIG so I thought it only fitting that I reach out to the new owners to see if they would like to carry on our tradition - and they were more than eager!!

This tonal blue is absolutely stunning - the highs and lows bring such depth to this yarn.

How would you like to get your hands on this squishy little beauty?  Isn't she gorgeous!  I am never disappointed when it comes to TIG because the love and joy for their creative process shines through in each and every skein.  The subtle changes in hue of this magnificent blue reminds me of the ocean or even a fabulous Florida sky.  I can literally get lost in this yarn - the texture, the color, and the weight are all perfectly balanced.

I can totally attest to the fabulous squishiness of this skein.  I may or may not have squished and squeed upon it's arrival.

If you would like to be the proud owner of all 320 yards of "Ice Blue Raspberry" on the 100% Merino Wool Kells Sport Merino base, then simply a Rafflecopter giveaway This one closes on July 12, 2014 at 11:59pmET and the winner will be announced on July 13th. Open to residents of the US only due to postage costs.

Good luck everyone and here's to another year in the making!!

Anniversary Week - Tasty treats, Day 4

Do y'all remember when I joined my first ever "yarn of the month club"?  This was the first month treasure.

I have had a lot of firsts this blog year and one of them was participating in my first ever "yarn of the month" club.  It was hosted by Cuppycake Yarnz during The Harry Potter Knit and Crochet House Cup's annual Hogsmeade Weekend which we hold every Winter term.  I had no idea what to expect but I must say, I totally enjoyed all three months.

This was the second month - inspired by Disney villains, in particular Ursula the sea witch.

The proprietor of Cuppycakes Yarnz is a fabulous Gryffindor by the name of scrapind.  I can't remember if we met 'on the train' to Hogsmeade Weekend or if she stumbled into my Disney Adventures group but either way, our mutual love of all things nerdy is what brought our paths together.  Knowing she understands my nerdy needs, she was definitely on my list of people that I wanted to participate in my anniversary celebration - and she agreed!

The final month was inspired by Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog - isn't it gorgeous!

The winner her fabulous act of generosity will receive one skein of beautiful yarn from her shop.  (**UPDATE** - From the proprietor herself: "you guys can score a club for 10% off use promo code loyal OR if you win this i will take $25 off the club if you would rather do one of my clubs instead of a skein of yarn.")  Take some time to wander over there and have a look around, then after you've wiped the drool from your keyboard, come back here so you can enter the giveaway -
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This one closes on July 9, 2014 at 11:59pmET. Open to all residents of planet Earth!