treats and things

Diane sent me a lovely package from across the pond. She's a Canadian living in Dublin, lucky girl. Just think of the acccess to Magners cider, Guinness, sheep, and wool...I'm so impressed by her artistic talents on this little card! She put sweet little tags on all the yarn, including some DB Cashmerino Aran for a pair of Fetching mitts, which I'm dying to knit, as well as some Kilcarra Aran Tweed, spun in Donegal, and even some of her beautiful blue handspun! This will make a beautiful edging on a larger project, I think. The UK magazine Knitting has some great patterns. There's also some cute country-style fabric to make a mini quilt and pillow (doesn't show up well in the photo, though).
And the treats? Quite lovely, indeed. I can personally vouch for both the tea and chocolate as quite delicious. I always love anything from L'Occitane, too. So decadent.Thanks again, Diane! What a lovely surprise on a grey, work-filled day. Not that Capricha is very happy about me working at the computer.

Good ol' cats, always looking for attention.

I've started a somewhat secret project that's appropriate for project spectrum, so here's just a sneak peek.

knitters treat exchange

I'm a bit hooked on swaps lately. I like getting to know new people and trying new crafting ideas. This is my last swap for a while, though, since I'm saving my pennies for a newer, less high-maintenance car. On a related note, I highly recommend never buying a 2001 Chevy Malibu.

Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire

1. What's your favourite type of yarn?
Merino wool, especially Malabrigo.

2. What's your least favourite type of yarn?
Anything that's too wildly textured, like Fun Fur or boucle

3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop?
Look at all the colors! I naturally gravitate toward blue.

4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do?
I cross-stitch and sew a bit. I'm slowly learning to crochet. I would like to learn needle felting, and I would like to improve at sewing and quilting.

5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to?
Interweave Knits, Martha Stewart Living, Cottage Living, Country Living, Midwest Living, Blueprint.

6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference:
Knitting / Crochet / Other Craft / Food / Home / Fashion / Celebrity Gossip / Garden

Knitting / Other Craft / Home / Food / Fashion / Celebrity Gossip / Garden

7. What items do you like to knit / crochet?
Socks, hats, scarves, baby sweaters and blankets.

8. Are you allergic to anything?
The usual hay fever suspects, smoke, dogs, cats (but I have two cats nonetheless). I'm allergic to Bath and Body Works' Flowering Herbs products.

9. What do you like to* smell of?
(*This is not a typo. The question is: What do you like to smell of)
Something natural -- citrus, almond, milk, lavender/vanilla combinations.

10. What's your favourite way to relax?
A cup of tea + a good novel or some knitting = perfect relaxation

11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first?
The tea room, for sure.

12. What do you come out with?
A cup of fruity black or green tea.

13. Where do you go next?
The old fashioned bakery, where hopefully I will find an apple fritter or a scone or an almond-filled croissant.

14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal?
I love trying new things and getting mail. Blue is my absolute favorite color, but I also like lavender, plum, sage green, cherry red, dark chocolate brown, and neutrals. I'm not a fan of orange, yellow, olive green, or bright pinks.