Quick little detour, honest

Peekaboo, I-cord see you!

I took a little detour yesterday.  Instead of working on my sweater, I decided that I was going to make an old fashioned skating hat for Peanut.  There has been the cutest pattern in my Ravelry queue since December - today was the day I needed to make it.

No, I meant "need" instead of "want", trust me.  Recent events have not played out as I had wished which has led me to be less than sunshine and roses in my demeanor.  I know that my mood effects those around me and I needed to make sure that Peanut knew that I was not upset with her.  She is a very emotional child and will carry the guilt from a stranger so just imagine what a disappointed and upset mama would do to her!  Yes, I needed to make this last night and I'm so glad that I did.  I'm even thinking of making another one for Hobbit but in pink and with an eyelet stitch pattern... but I digress.

There were a lot of firsts in this projects - my first I-cord, "knit one below" and actual wet blocking.  The I-cord was a million times easier than I had feared and the "knit one below" would have probably been more visually prominent if I had used a different yarn because as it stands now, I honestly don't see it.  The wet blocking was interesting considering that I don't have any of the necessary tools and always end up "making do" with the promise of acquiring proper instruments for the next time.  The reality of it is always that I forget because I don't need and simply move on with my knitting.  It is a vicious cycle really now that I think about it.

I love how it turned out

I hope she likes it.  Now that it's done, it feels very 'me'.  It's cute, vintage and girlie... she's more gorgeous, unique and feminine.  Oh well, either way - it was a quick little detour simply to tell her that I love her and I am going to miss her while she's away at school.  I hope she knows, even without the cute little skating hat.

Nope, I'm not going to 'play' that way

Sometimes, you have to let the sun set.

Whoever said "Life isn't fair" sure wasn't lying.  That person should have quickly followed up with something along the lines of how much it stinks to be a grown up.  Currently, I want to throw myself on the ground and have a full blown temper fit but I can't - I've surpassed the age limit apparently.  Internally though, oh yeah I've gone there.

Guilt is a horrible weapon and one I don't use.  There are those who would say that I am insusceptible to guilt's power... those few would be wrong.  I work hard to not allow that type of passive aggressive manipulation to have it's hold on me but to say that I am immune to it is not true in the least.  It works on me and manages to make me feel horrible, the end result being that those people who attempt to manipulate me with it usually get their way.  It's a false victory but a victory for them all the same.

As of today, I am refusing to give in to guilt.  If someone wants to play that card, they can count me out.  Verbal, non verbal, aggressive or passive aggressive - I want none of it.  I don't care if you a dear friend or a loving relative.  I will not play your game.  I don't guilt anyone because if that is the only means to an end, I would rather go without.  I would prefer that someone would like to do something, instead of feeling obligated to do something.  I hold nothing over anyone's head - or give the impression of such goings on. 

Do or do not... it's that simple.  Guilt has no place here.

Testing, testing... 1, 2, 3...

Test knits are the best win-win that I know.

During the course of this test knit sweater project, I've been approached on more than one occasion about what it is to be a test knitter.  These fellow crafty folk have asked all sorts of questions but always in the same vein - is it hard, a lot of responsibility or time consuming.  So I said to myself, "Self, we should do a post about this so everyone would know what it is like to be a test knitter" and I agreed.

I'll start by simply saying this ~ being a test knitter isn't hard at all.  It's actually a lot of fun.  There are designers out there who need a hand in making sure that all of their sizing work is correct - that is where test knitters come in handy.  We also check for errors in the patterns, ease of understanding, etc.  It's basically a sneak preview of some wonderful items and helping to put the final touches on them before the rest of the world gets a shot at them.

The only real responsibility that a test knitter has is that you are honest with your time.  The designers put in a time frame for when they need it done and they list how many testers for each size.  They outline roughly how many hours they think a person will need in order to finish their project so you can see if the time required meshes with your time available.  For example, the sweater that I am working on has a time allocation of 30 - 40 hours and a deadline of 8/30.  I have spoken to the designer and let her know that I am not the fastest knitter but I really wanted to participate.  She said she isn't the fastest either and had no issue with me testing the size that I requested.  So basically, if you can't dedicate the time then don't make the offer because it isn't fair to the designers and it will earn you a bad reputation around the testing pool area.

I became a test knitter through the groups on Ravelry.  I participate in two groups and usually only offer my services for one project at a time.  I have a friend who can knit like the wind and handles multiple projects - there are limits set forth by the groups but they are generous.  The end reward for the tester is a pretty new item and free pattern - for the designers, it is help with the final details and validation that their pattern is perfect and ready for the world.

So there is a brief overview of my life as a test knitter.  It is fun and I highly recommend it to anyone who knits.  As a tester and designer, the value of test knitting is priceless.

1/4 Completed!

Doesn't it look smart!

It's almost 2 a.m. but I was too excited to not share - I finished the back of Pokey's sweater just now.  I took a couple of pictures and shared with the designer on Ravelry.  This is a test knit so even though I get a fabulous pattern before the rest of the world (and possibly for free if she decides to charge for it), I still have a bit of a deadline.

The designer is aware of my apparently slow speed and we had a good giggle over it.  I might not be rushing through like some of these other testers but I have to say, I am having a good time with it.  I dedicate at least one hour a night to knitting and that will usually translate into three hours.  It sounds like a lot but those three hours consist rotations of about twenty minutes of knitting and five minutes of rest.  This keeps my arms/shoulders/neck/wrists/hands from getting tired/stiff/sore/worn out.  I also will get up and walk because all that sitting makes my poor pathetic 'boo-boo foot' from last year swell up like a Macy's Thanksgiving Day balloon. 

I swear, my mind thinks I'm about 18 but my body thinks I'm about 60 - the reality lies somewhere in the middle... either way, I'm a quarter of the way done!

See, this is when a TARDIS would come in handy.

I put this as my laptop wallpaper one night - subtle, no?

Today starts a lot of travel to an event that I have wanted to go to for years.  I even jokingly hinted around to Pokey that we should go - knowing full well and good that there wasn't snowball's chance in Miami that we would make it... at least not this year.  One year though, one year we will make it.

Knit Nation is one of the largest fiber events in the UK.  Classes are being taught by some of the heavy-weights in the industry.  I mean wouldn't you want to spend time learning how to be as fabulous as Franklin or as creative as Cookie A.?  I know, for me, that I would probably be too excited to knit and my stitches would be all wonky because of my hands shaking - funny but oh so true!

Safe travels to all who are lucky enough to actually head to Knit Nation today.  I can't wait to see the photos and hear the stories.  This year, I will live vicariously through you... and one year, I will most definitely return the favor.  I promise.

For those who don't understand the TARDIS reference in the title, click here.

What have you got?

Knitting, movie and soda ~ my afternoon is set

I may be fluffier than most.  I may be nerdier than most.  I may have a love for an era that was long past before I was even a twinkle in my daddy's eye or a thought in my mama's mind.  I may be passionate about a craft that is stereotyped as "old fashioned".  I may be the least cool person you know.

But I have a sparkly pink soda koozie... what have you got?

Tuesday Tunes & 10 on Tuesday Mash Up ~ Harry Potter Edition

Yep, you read that correctly.  Today I am able to mash the two together because Carole sent out a message regarding this week's Ten on Tuesday was to be about the awesomeness that is Harry Potter... and one of the most awesome things about the HP movie series is the music ~ so here we go!

1. The relationships.  I'm not just talking about the top 3 players here.  I mean factoring in the entire Weasley clan, Dumbledore and the rest of the Hogwarts staff.  Even Kreacher and Dobby get woven in with such detail that the story would be lacking without them.
2. "Hedwig's Theme" is so well know that most people can guess it within the first few notes.  Many don't know the name or that musical genius John Williams is responsible but that's okay... you're now humming it so it's all good.  Click the link and be amazed at what all he has contributed to the cinematic world.
3. Hope.  That is a great message from every story.  One of my most favorite lines, uttered by Dumbledore himself, says to "Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory."  Make a choice between what is right and what is easy... wow.
4. "Potter Waltz" because you can't help but smile when you hear it.  You're envisioning yourself dancing in the great hall, aren't you... yeah, me too.



I love this book!

5. Knitting.  I know if you only watched the movies then you must think I'm off my trolley but I promise, I'm not.  Hermione started leaving hats and socks that she has knit for the house elves all over the Gryffindor common room, a kindhearted attempt to 'free' the them in The Order of the Phoenix.  That led me to wonder if the wonderful knits she wears in the film are from her own hand as well.  I know that I have a book full of patterns created by Hermione and my most adored character of them all, Molly Weasley.
6. "When Ginny Kisses Harry" is a beautiful piece played at exactly the right moment.  It is soft, sweet and tender.  It isn't overly dramatic but has just enough to pull you in and get a touch misty.
7. Devotion.  The way that Snape is devoted to Dumbledore is perhaps one of the most moving storylines to me.  To respect someone so much that they would do that which would tear them up simply for the betterment of all amazes me.  He didn't want to do what he did but he did it simply because Dumbledore asked him to do it - to save a lost child from a lifetime of anguish.
8. "Farewell to Dobby" is the most poignant piece of music.  It is solemn, regal and yet there is the swelling of hope.  That same hope and good fortune that embodied the most precious of house elves.  He was a true friend that understood the power of love.
9. Imagery.  Either from J.K. Rowling's written word or by the beautiful cinematography.  Take whichever one you like because they are both equally breathtaking.
10. Be Strong.  This is my most favorite song.  The beauty of it always amazes me.  It's not flashy or well known but it is beautiful.  Enjoy.

Drumroll please...

Congratulations girls!  I'll be emailing each of you shortly.

I can hardly stand it!

Just 3 hours left to get your name in the hat!  Click HERE for details.

Enter now! Last chance! Closes at 11:59 p.m. EST!!

All of this plus a pdf pattern from Sandra Singh is up for grabs!  Click HERE to enter - hurry, before it's too late!!

Additional Js are for...

Can't you just hear her - neener, neener, neener!

Joyous.  Jubilant.  Jaunty.

My husband is a smart guy, let me tell you.  While I was sitting here fuming and having a pity party about the file I received, he made the simplest of comments about pdfs.  Yep, why not pull it up and do a little bippity, boppety, boo on it and then voila... a regular sized pdf that you can actually read and print out for proper use.

Yeah, it's amazing how the brain works when it's had more than one cup of coffee.  Thank you, Pokey!

J is for...

Jypped.

I hate to say this because it is so negative but it is the first word that came to my mind today.  Y'all remember how excited I was last night to find a free pattern for the infamous "White Sheep/Black Sheep" sweater?  I was a million more times excited to get an email back this morning that was entitled "Here you are".

Gotta love the last line - shows how 80s it truly is

Oh happy day - the sweater pattern will be tucked nicely inside and I can check my stash to see if I have enough white for the all the sheep.  I was practically dancing in my chair - that was, until I opened it.  The pattern is a simple jpg.  Not a pdf, a jpg.  In order to get it to a size where I would be able to read it, the photograph breaks down into a very artistic pixelation which renders it illegible.

Bright side of it all - the "second page" is clear as a bell... as you can see.  Gift horse, please close your mouth now because your teeth are horrendous.

*UPDATE* ~ go on... click there!
Want to join in the fun - click here.

Fingers crossed on this one

Thanks Muir and Osborne, you're fabulous!

I was wondering around the cyber knitting world and found a pattern for a sweater I had as a child.  Well, as luck would have it, I found one for free... at least, I think I did.

This offer originated in '09 but there were no closing dates.  As a huge Princess Diana fan, I know that she was the originator of the craze for this sweater back in the 80s.  I also know that her 50th birthday just past so little things are popping up, if you know where to look.  Fingers crossed that this offer is still valid.

Now, we wait.

One for six or twelve for twenty?

In the words of Sinead O'Connor,
Nothing compares 2 U

It appears as though I am the last of my kind and that makes me a tad bit anxious.  Perhaps it is because I am "cheap" or maybe I am just "old".  I am unsure of the reason but I do know that I am, what appears to be, the last of a dying breed of knitters.

Many of the younger knitters seem to appreciate the instant gratification of buying a single pattern.  While I can understand the desire to purchase exactly what you want, exactly when you want it, I can not understand the justification of spending almost 400% more per pattern.  Yes, I know that there are exceptions - undiscovered talented designers being the biggest one - and I can appreciate them.  There are many patterns that I find on Ravelry that I love but I just can't justify the cost.

If I were to purchase my patterns in this fashion, there would be so much more that I couldn't knit because of the cost involved to simply get the pattern.  I would much rather wait and be the proud owner of a collection who has enough monies left over to purchase the necessary yarn to begin making a project.  Sure, I could attempt to revamp my budget to allocate a slush fund specifically for single pattern purchases - it would basically cannibalize my latte fund... which, now that I think about it, is always at nil.  Now there's a true monetary picture of how it would work out for me - the fund would always be empty... and not from use!

Pokey poses the argument that the simple desire to own the piece justifies the cost of the pattern... and to some extent he is correct in his thinking.  He also feels the same way about spending $8 on a jar of sauce when the $1.50 jar tastes exactly the same - he's a label snob and he admits it freely.  I understand it and there are a few things in this world that I won't be frugal with because there is a definite quality difference between the two.  That doesn't really apply here though because the pattern is the same, no matter how you purchase it.  Even when you look at the more expensive yarns, those are more easily justified because you can get years of enjoyment out of a garment which off sets the cost over time.  The reality of you knitting the same pattern repeatedly until you get the same value percentage return is nonexistent... even with socks.

True love, forever

Hopefully, technology and the public's need for instant gratification won't cannibalize the pattern book industry.  The act of getting a new pattern book is a completely euphoric experience for me - the smells, the sounds, the sights and textures.  You can't recreate that with a downloaded pdf.  Give me a good old fashioned book any day - I've got a crisp twenty waiting.

Queue up the music track... I'm done!

I just finished cataloging my entire stash.  All 26 flavors, 59 skeins.  This calls for... Queen!

You're beautiful

In case no one has told you yet today, you are beautiful.

The benefits of a crafty mind

Thinking outside the box

I have been searching for a great project bag to stick my little sock projects in so they won't get tangled with my bigger projects while tucked into my universal project bag.  All of the bags I found cost more than they are worth.  Let me clarify that real quick - I love the cute little drawstring bags found on etsy and such but I don't see the value in them.  For such a small item to cost $20 and above seems extravagant to me... they're cute but just too expensive.

That being said - I went out again today to search for what I envisioned... and I found it!  This entire adventure cost me the same amount of money as one of those supposedly posh bags and I got a lot more than just one little bag.  I walked away with 21 new patterns, 3 new bags and a pair of socks (some assembly required).  Take that poof bag!!

It's perfect!

How did I do it, you ask... simple.  I went to the make up section of my local big box superstore that I usually attempt to avoid like the plague.  There I found a charming set of three bags, graduated in size, that will fit every little bit and bob I will need for any future knitting/crochet projects.  I was floored to also find the latest issue of Interweave Knits there - honestly, that would have been the last place on earth I would have looked for it. 

Just prior to stopping at the plague infested big box super store, I wandered around a big box crafty store where I wandered out with one simple skein of yarn that I have had my eye on for several weeks.  I attempted to look for said project bag there but it was a halfhearted effort since I knew from past experience, they wouldn't have anything remotely useable.  So the end result was my finding the perfect cute little project bag(s), a cherished magazine and some fabulous future socks - all for 1/4 of the cost of one poncy bag and I have monies left over!

Interweave Knits, Summer 2011

Sometimes, the greatest craft items aren't 'craft' items at all... that is, they aren't until one crafty mind sees them as such.  The next time you wish you had something but all the things you find turn out to be way more than you wish to spend, step outside the box.  Go back to the basics of what you are looking for and you just might be surprised where that road will lead you - I know I was... and I was even more surprised at how much money I saved by doing it.

If I...

While looking for something to do today that was outside of my house, I found myself playing a little game.  I was reading my emails and when some of my voyeuristic shopping letters came up, I started thinking "If I had copious amounts of money, I'd buy that" and then I started to giggle.  The things I would buy if I had a "frivolous fund" are just fabulous and funky... so naturally, I'm going to share them with you.

Yes, its' a tool box - but I'd use it for a knitting bag.

I'd move here in a heartbeat

I'd drive this every day with the top down

I'd open my yarn/coffee shop... complete with library loft.

Yeah, that's what I would do if I had more money than a I knew what to do with ~ buy completely unique and offbeat items, live in a beautiful cottage in a remote area, drive classic cars and open up my urban boho chic yarn/coffee/book boutique.

Do you know what else I realize as I wander around looking at impractical things that I can't afford - my life would be the same as it is now because I no longer possess the ability to purchase such things.  I don't buy frivolous things because I always have guilt that the money should have been spent on something 'important'.  I have curbed my impulse buying to the point that I have gone to the opposite extreme... and yet, I still never have any disposable income.  Every time I think that I will go out and get something just for fun, an emergency crops up that needs immediate attention - something with the kids, house or cars - and it always depletes what little I had squirreled away.

After years of such chains of events, I have honed an amazing ability to talk myself out of purchases.  If I can't find at least five honest to goodness uses for it and people who would benefit from the item then I don't get it.  I just have the worst time getting things for me because I feel guilty, although I am pretty sure that Union Jack tool box will find a way into my house because I'm absolutely certain that I need it.

At least I can pretend I'm famous now - Jasmine's Crafts interviewed me a few weeks back and her post is now up.  Please, please... no autographs - well, maybe just a few.

The world's greatest meatloaf recipe - I promise!

All I need now is a 350 oven

I love comfort food.  I always have and I always will.  Poncy food has it's place but it isn't in my home.  If you're hungry, then you'll get a meal that will take you back to your mama's kitchen, possibly even your grandma's if I've done it right.

Today, with it being all rainy out, I decided that I wanted a meatloaf for supper.  So I did what any other person would do - I made myself one.  Then I got to thinking about all those poor souls who don't know how to make a perfect meatloaf and decided that I would share my recipe with y'all.  Now, here comes the frustrating part - I don't measure it any longer and I don't have it written down so it's done mostly by eyeball.  I'll do my best to get precise for you but just know, it's more a feel than a science.  Ready?  Off we go...

Oh yeah, perfection in meatloaf form... yummy!

1. In a bowl, combine 1 lbs ground beef, one egg, dash of Worcestershire sauce, two shakes of garlic salt, three shakes of onion powder, one shake of minced onion, dash of mustard powder, about a tsp of ketchup and roughly 1/2 cup of Quaker Oats.
2. Squish it about and make sure it's all mixed well.  If it doesn't stick together well, add some more oats and resquish.
3. Make the mixture into a ball and form it well.  Then plop it down into your 3x5 glass dish.  Push it long ways and pat it flat - repeating this process until you get a nice even 'loaf' look to it.
4. Take your ketchup and make a drizzle zig-zag across the top.  Sprinkle with some chives and place the dish in a 350 F oven for an hour.

There you have it.  The world's best meatloaf recipe given to you in the same fashion that I have received several recipes from my mama.  Those of y'all who cook on a regular basis will find this recipe easier to follow than those who are still learning to fumble about in the kitchen.  Good luck with it and I know you will love it.  Time for me to eat - Enjoy!

Just what I needed

Perfect rainy day companion

It's dreary here today and it's just what I needed.  It is so dark at 9 a.m. that it looks more like 9 p.m. and the rain that is falling adds to the effect.  We won't go into the soft rumble of thunder that can be heard in the background because I'm not a fan of thunder boomers so we'll just focus on the rhythmic splattering of the raindrops on the stones outback.

Days like today mean one thing to me - relaxation.  I won't spend them in front of the computer wasting away the hours.  Nope.  Days like today scream to be enjoyed curled up with a good book or spent knitting while watching some classic movies.

To be honest, I haven't picked up my knitting since the Harry Potter marathon earlier this week.  I made some wonderful headway on my project but I needed a break.  I needed to put it down and miss it for a few days, which I believe I have accomplished.  Today I want to sit down and work on it - wanting to sit down and work on a project as opposed to feeling that you have to work on it makes a world of difference to me.

The longer you spend in the knitting community, the more you will hear about the great "Process vs. Product" Debate.  I can't participate in these discussions because I enjoy both the process of making my items and the end product of all my hard work.  Many people knit simply for the act of knitting that they enjoy.  They don't care much about the lovely item that they are creating.  Conversely, others knit solely for the end result.  The process of knitting the stitches is nothing more than a means to an end.  I knit for both.  I love the process AND I love the end product.  Both give me great joy and amazement.

So today I will dedicate the process... and I'm thinking a good Cary Grant movie is the perfect compliment to today's events.  What is your favorite rainy day activity?  Might I suggest entering the giveaway and then joining me on the sofa - there's plenty of coffee to go 'round.

Random is the word of the day

Random 2005 shot ~ Peanut & Hobbit going swimming

Have you ever had a day when you could not make a complete and coherent thought - and it didn't bother you because you have just accepted that the day was going to simply be random?  Me too... and that day would be today.  My brain is running a million miles an hour in a million different directions.  I attempted to make it focus but realized that it was an exercise in futility and decided to let it run it's course. 

So this is what happens to blog posts when you're having a random day...

• I hope people remember to enter the giveaway because there are only 5 days left.
• No clue what to cook for supper... wonder if I can afford Steak n' Shake, that sounds good.
• Huh, it looks like rain.
• Maybe there is something good On Demand for tonight.  A movie sounds good.
• I really should be knitting... yeah, I should... and yet, ehhhh.
• Oh gross, I started a pitcher of tea and forgot the sugar... now it has a sheen to it.  Dumping now.
• Pokey is so silly... he thinks I can hear all he says when he talks while I am typing.  I try, but I fail.
• 14 more days... I can make it 14 more days.. good gravy, more tears - really?  Suck it up.
• I need to get that pattern book soon because I think it holds Christmas presents in it that I need to make.
• Sweet - my shot made the popular page... am I too old to do a fan girl squee?  Nah, squee!
• Okay, I really need to get up and go do something else... not sure what but something.
• I want brownies.  I'm going to go make some - Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge, yeah.. sounds good.

Tuesday Tunes ~ Special "PSA" Edition

There was a lot going on yesterday and Tuesday Tunes was moved to a special Wednesday edition... yeah, I know but just go with it.  I have been searching for a specific CD that I own and it has been eluding me for several days.  Something deep down tells me that it may have made it's way into someone else's collection under the header "borrowed"... and I believe it has company. 

My once impressive music collection has slowly dwindled down into a few favorites tucked into my car and my Christmas/Showtune collection hidden in my closet.  I am happy that others love my music and saddened that my own copies seem to grow legs and walk away... perhaps instead of searching I should simply fill out a missing persons report, as they are obviously alive and mobile.

This is the music that I have been searching for recently.  Gavin Rossdale's voice is just amazing.  It's raw and gritty but sweet and serene.  Even when he is rocking it to the rafters, his voice is the instrument that pulls you in and takes hold of your heart.  No matter the mood, Gavin's voice fits it perfectly... well, it would if you could find your CD but since I believe mine to be headed to university then I guess I will have to make due with the copy I ripped to my computer.

Oh yeah, after several misplaced albums and a music loving teenager in the house who borrows for indefinite periods of time, I finally learned how to protect my investments.  It's an easy process that I have outlined for you below:

1. Purchase fabulous music.
2. Unwrap and give first full listen through in the car (seems to be safe haven for CDs).
3. As soon as CD makes it into the house, immediately pop it into the computer for it's own protection.
4. Rip CD to your personal music collection.
5. Give in to teenager's request to 'borrow' said music.
6. Kiss original CD goodbye - 'borrow' in teenage speak means "have".

And there you have it.  If you have been the subject of a teenagers "borrowing", I feel your pain... but now, you can protect your music going forward.  I've got a small hiatus since Hobbit has a good 7 years before she's officially a teenager.  I don't know if it happens on the actual day they become a teenager or if it's a developmental thing but I do know that I won't lose any more of my music now... let the healing begin.

Tearful blessings tonight

This would Peanut (holding Bella the cat) and Hobbit from our Skype conversation tonight

I got to talk to my babies via Skype tonight.  Man, that might have been a bad idea - I miss them something awful right now.  Hobbit has lost a front tooth and Peanut just looks like such a grown up... yep, it's official - I'm bawling.

But I got to see my beautiful girls tonight and in 16 more days, I will get to squeeze them again!

Thoughts are a brewing

Found it on Pinterest

365 days... a few more than 365 posts

First header used - so sad!

Wow.  It's been an entire year since I started this little project.  I am amazed to say that, technically, I was not much different than I am right now - a mother alone during the summer while her husband is working and her kids are visiting their grandparents.  It's interesting how everything in your world can completely change and yet, technically, stay the same.

So in honor of this little piece of interwebs making it a full year, I made a few wishes and sent out a couple prayers... and they were answered!  I wanted to celebrate and share the joy that this little space in the cosmic blogiverse has given me with all of you.  I was looking for a way to say "Thanks for hanging out with me over the past year" but I wasn't sure what I could do that would convey my gratitude... and then it hit me.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do and exactly how I wanted to do it - the question that remained was whether or not others would feel the same and want to lend a hand in the celebration.  What in the world am I babbling about, you ask... having a giveaway, of course!

This is Bellini

Sharon, the beloved genius behind Three Irish Girls, was the first to answer my prayers and did so without a moments hesitation.  I sent a simple email one night before bed and I woke up to a resounding "I'd love to" the next morning.  The Yarnista, as she is known through the blogiverse, is a wildly talented entrepreneur who, after a humble start on her kitchen stove, is a colorway connoisseur... a yarn guru... an inspiration in so many ways.  She has a gorgeous family and a beautiful business.  I have loved her yarn since I first stumbled upon it a few years ago and was amazed at the intricate colorways.  Sharon's eye and attention to detail is off the charts.  I have said it before and I'll say it again, if I could only use one yarn for the rest of my life, it would be Three Irish Girls.

This is Bridget

Sharon has sent over two of the most beautiful skeins of yarn that you could ever dreamed of - Bellini and Bridget.  Bellini is a very soft and subtle Springvale 100% superwash merino wool that has the sweetest peakaboo of cotton candy to blush pink running through it.  I know these 370 yds of sock weight wool will make any project drop dead gorgeous!  Bridget is equally as fetching in all her Springvale 100% merino wool glory.  There are so many twists and turns in her colorway from green to blue to purple and back again.  It took all I had not to unwind all 460 yds to see where she went!  I know that this DK weight wool will make any project pop with excitement.

Desmondus Socks

Another wonderful woman to grant my anniversary wish is Sandra Singh from Sandrasingh.com.  She very graciously offered up one of her exclusive patterns, Desmondus Socks by Chrissy Gardiner.  Sandra also asked for me to share that her "easy to navigate pattern section offers you over a thousand designs ranging from Garments & Accessories for men, women and children and more.  Sandra works with many of the best and most respected Independent Knitwear Artists in the fiber arts community and is constantly searching for new talent to introduce to you."

Sandra went on to say that "in the Fall/Winter 2009-10 season [she] collaborated with many talented Knitwear Artists to bring you patterns that are exclusive to her website, the Sandrasingh.com Exclusive Collection, look for these designs in the Patterns section.  Chrissy Gardiner of "Gardiner Yarn Works" has done two exclusive patterns for Sandrasingh.com, the Tangled Vine Socks and the Desmondus Socks, which are knit in one skein of Serendipitous Ewe's hand painted Fate Fingering sock yarn."

Sweets tin, boxes, labels, tags and jar grip.. oh my!

Then I got the biggest surprise of all - my hero surprised me with a box full of goodies!  Y'all remember my sending out thanks to Mrs. Paula a few days back?  It took all I had not to add these gorgeous items to the mix... and keeping secrets is not my strong suit, just ask Pokey!  I wasn’t expecting a box because I hadn't received any correspondence back.  I assumed that it wasn't something that they were able to do but I was okay with it and actually expected it.  Then the UPS man stopped out front of my house and handed me a box.  I read who it was from then I thought “I don’t remember ordering anything”… I hadn’t - she sent me stuff because of my email.  It was amazing!  I jumped up and down and cried and giggled and had a full blown girlie fit over everything.  I mean look at it all ~ wouldn't you?

So what does all of this mean, exactly?  It means that I have not one, not two, not even three but four fabulous things to giveaway today!  Yes, you read that right - there will be four winners, giving more of you a chance to win some of these delectable goodies.  Sounds good, don't you think?  That being said - here are the ways you can enter the giveaway to celebrate my blogiversary ~

1. Following me here will get you one entry.
2. "Like" me on Facebook will get you an additional entry.
3. Follow me on Twitter will get you yet another entry.
4. Answering this question in the comment section will get you the most important entry (manditory for giveaway entry):  "My favorite part of Peppermint Mocha Mama's past year was..."

Please be sure to let me know which ways you have entered (with ID information) and don't forget to leave valid contact information such as Ravelry ID or email so I can reach you when you win!  Unfortunately, at this time I can only offer the giveaway to those inside the United States.  I'm shooting for internationally next year!

Good luck to everyone and I will have Pokey pick the names out of my very pretty pink sun bonnet in one week's time (July 12th at 12 a.m. EST).  The winner will be announced later on that day.  Should I be unable to reach one of the winners, an alternate will be drawn on July 16th.

Thank you for spending this past year with me - I can't wait to see what trouble we'll get into this year!

Do you know what tomorrow is?

It is the one year anniversary of my blog and I have something wonderful planned for all y'all.  I can't wait!  For today, be sure to thank a soldier for your freedoms & stay safe.

I is for...

Ingenuity.

source link

Many people are crafty, they just don't know it.  How many times have you fashioned something out of an object that was in no way meant to do what you used it for?  A simple example for girls would be using a pen/pencil to tie up their hair when it's hot.  I know I've done this trick many a time... even used a knitting needle a time or two.

Just the other day I read about how one of my favorite bloggers used a golf tee as a cable needle.  I would not have thought of that - although I have used a pencil before.  We make things because we see a need - we see that which others do not.  Who else but a crafty person would have come up with knitted reusable coffee cup cozies?  Who else but a crafty minded soul would have come up with taking two sticks and some yarn, make a few knots and boom, you've got a blanket?

Crafters are ingenious and ingenuity is fun.
Want to join in the fun - click here.

Sunday Snaps ~ Overslept Edition

I love that Pokey will occasionally "forget" to wake me during these summer days when the house is empty but to be honest, it throws my whole day out of whack.  I'm not a morning person and when you prolong the process of starting the day, it then turns into "I'm not an afternoon person" and it's all downhill from there.

Today, is one of those days.  I have been up for a mere two hours and I still am not awake.  I need more coffee but Pokey finished the pot which means that I have to have that great debate with myself over making a new pot or just grabbing some sweet tea from the fridge because I'm not sure I will finish a whole pot and I hate to waste it... although I could reheat what is left in the microwave through out the day.  Yes, I do have this argument with myself - don't judge me.

I need to get a move on things because I have few items to pick up at the grocer but then I want to simply sit down and knit on my sweater.  I have a lot to accomplish today if I am going to meet my goal - and if I don't meet my goal, then I'll have to have another conversation with myself over whether or not I will count Monday as part of the weekend since it is a holiday - again, don't judge me.

So here are some Sunday Snaps that truly reflect the mood of the day thus far - enjoy!

Source: etsy.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Even the great Doctor understands

He has to work with Jeremy - you KNOW he understands

But in all of this, there is a cure - besides a good giggle - and that is the promise of reward!  My reward looks like this... well, it will when I get off my duff and actually start moving and accomplishing things this morning.

Yep, it'll look like that!

Alright - off I go now.  Have a beautiful day and remember ~ "Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness and bad days give you experience. Both are essential in life. All are God's blessings, have a great day."  I have no clue who said it but it certainly is something to ponder.

They grow up so fast

I must admit - I'm rather tickled with it so far

In this case, it would be overnight.  I know, you are probably lost since that is all the information you have - would you like for me to elaborate a bit more?  Okay, I will.

I am working on my first sweater ever for Pokey.  It is actually a test knit for another designer and I am loving it!  Intimidation did not get the best of me.  I saw her prototype and just knew that it would look fabulous on my husband - it was just "him" and I "had" to make it.  Enough said, I made up my mind and my nerves would just have to get over it.

I had the perfect yarn (and it has been such a delight that it is getting it's own post tomorrow) and the perfect set up to get the optimal amount of knitting done.  I could do the ribbing, no issues or focus delay but when it came to the knitty gritty of it all, I needed a dual distraction.  You see, I can't knit in quiet and I can't knit with music if I have to count stitches for a pattern because singing and counting don't mix well in my brain.  I can, however, watch/listen to a movie... so that is what I have been doing.

While I love to knit, and always have at least one project working, I apparently knit slower than others.  My fellow test knitters are already done with the back shaping and have moved on to the front.  I felt slower than usual... it actually was making me sad.  Now I know this isn't a race or anything but still - to be last, and by such a huge margin, was a tad much for me.  So I set my mind to having little goals... for example, this weekend I would like to finish the back section.  Nothing earth shattering but a bit of a push for me all the same.

Subliminal movie watching at work here

So yesterday, I sat down with the goal and wondered what I was going to do to keep my mind engaged while my fingers "flew" and the answer came to me - rewatch all of the Harry Potter series so that when July 15th arrives, I'm refreshed with the storyline and good to go.  Granted, I could have simply reread the entire series but I'm saving that for when Hobbit is big enough to enjoy them together (and we're almost there).  Yesterday, we managed to save the stone, close the chamber, rescue a prisoner and win a tournament.  Sure, Diggory died but we find him to be a ponce anyway.  Today, we're going to come to order, meet a prince and venture into part of the hallows - all the while working on a project aptly named "Hallows Pullover" because the designer created it off of the version that Ron is wearing in the most recent film.  You weren't expecting that twist now, were you!

Isn't it amazing how it all comes together?

It's all ready to go

I received the final piece I was waiting for in my gigantic surprise puzzle that I'm putting together.  All photos have been shot.  All copy has been written.  The layout has been set and the logistics have been worked out.  Only thing I need now is for time to speed up - 4 more days!

I guess that isn't a lot when you consider that I have been planning this since the beginning of June.  For those of you who know me and my inability to hold my tongue, I think y'all should be very proud indeed.  I am busting at the seams to tell you what I've got going on for y'all but instead - I'll simply tease you with a photo... yeah, that might help me a bit.  Here you go... a photo teaser of things to come ~

I know... I'm a stinker!