Ravelry Swap Box!

So today I got my box! It was a great way to end an otherwise crummy week, everything in the box made me smile and my day has totally turned around my entire mood!My box was filled with absolutely wonderful things, and one thing wasn't exactly in the box, but came around the same time.

I received two gorgeous balls of Plymouth's Baby Alpaca in a wonderful red color, two sachets that smell divine (and are already being put to use!), a Valentine's Cookie Mix (which I will make for my special Valentine), a wonderful bar of delicious looking chocolate, a mixed CD with music to motivate me to save money for California, a personal recipe from my swap partner for her favorite sugar cookies (oh how I love cooking and baking and new recipes to try out!), an A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E canvas bag that I have already used for groceries, and a handwritten card from my spoiler!

I know you are all jealous and probably want to come raid my place right now to steal all my amazing things, but be warned, my very vicious attack Panda will get you! (ok so he's not vicious, but he still may jump on you and try to maul you with kisses).

Oh, and by the way, I have new items coming soon to my shop, a wonderful extra long, extra wide multi colored scarf, a rasta beanie (rasta colors, slouchy enough to hold your dreds) and a Lemon-Meringue-esque beanie that I almost don't want to sell, so stay tuned!

Etsy Artist Feature: 99Lollipop

Today's feature is of one of my Etsyknitters Team members, a fantastic knitter who is always trying to learn as much as she can about improving her shop and her trade, read on to find out more about this fantastic woman! Here is my interview with 99Lollipop:

How did you first learn to knit?

I was first shown how to knit when I was about 7, but couldn't get the gist of it. I kept losing stitches and quickly lost interest. I think part of the problem was that the yarn was horrible, the needles were super large and my teacher was less than patient! However, I have been crocheting for about 20 years and for many of them wished I had persevered with the knitting. There's something so soothing and meditative about the click of two needles that has always called me. It's just a different mood and also compliments crocheting quite nicely. Well, a couple of years ago, while trying to relieve the stress of studying for my psychology state board exams, I took up knitting. Funny thing is I took one class out of a 4 class series at a community college and then just taught myself with tons of questions to a friend of mine who walked me through the really confusing parts. All the sudden, knitting became like breathing to me. I found it when the time was right, I guess.

What is your favorite yarn to knit with?

I love to work with natural fiber and my absolute favorite is Alpaca. It's just so soft and knits up like a dream. Ive also gotten quite fond of bamboo as well. It feels and handles like strong silk. And I really love the fact that it comes from such a rambunctious plant!

What are some of your favorite projects or techniques to knit?

My favorite thing is to do custom work because it feels like such an honor to help bring to life someone's idea, longing and desire. I love to feel the yarn and needles in my hands and just put my passion into it. I also love to knit things for new babies because that stuff becomes extra precious (just think of your first blankie). I love thinking about how my loving work is going to help welcome a new being into this life.
In terms of knitting for myself, which I don't often get around to doing, I've recently really gotten obcessed with knitting capes in all types of styles and yarn varieties.
In terms of techniques, I don't have a favorite. If Im not using a pattern, I love to hold the yarn and let it guide me into its creation. I have made some of my best items that way.

Extreme (-ly small) Knitting!

So I want to see this new Caroline movie coming out, who doesn't right? But here is this video that another member of my Etsyknitters Team sent to us and I want to share it with you, just click on the picture below:



Isn't that awesome?!

Warm Ewe Up Winter Swap - Biweekly Blog Question #3

So the third biweekly blog question for my Ravelry Swap Group is this:

What is your favorite way to keep warm when it’s snowing outside? (And if you live in a warm weather climate, what would you do to stay warm and cozy while it’s snowing?)

I rather enjoy plopping myself on the couch with my beau and the dog on our feet (literally, he has to sit directly underneath us to be comfortable, what a weird-o) each of us with a warm beverage, tea, hot chocolate made healthfully from scratch, coffee, and putting in an entertaining movie. I should also like to have knitting on hand for when I finish said beverage and need to keep my hands busy.

Granted, I do enjoy the snow, and snowboarding all day in it and coming home to the above would be most ideal :)

Soft Lacey Orange Scarf

Recently finished and just listed, this super soft orange scarf brings with it the bright colors and interesting patterns that you all know I love.

Knit in a very cool diamond lace pattern, this extra long scarf has just a bit of a sheen to it. It is long enough to wrap around your neck numerous times or just let the ends hang free, either way, this scarf is just about perfect! The details in the scarf aren't too overpowering as to take over an outfit, but they add a little something extra.

Vanna's Choice Contest Entry

The moment I heard about the Vanna's Choice Contest I just knew I had to enter.

I bought enough skeins of various colors in the yarn required for the contest and got to work dreaming up what I wanted to make even though the deadline was drawing near. I decided that I wanted to make a beret-type hat which turned out.....ok. Not the greatest, but I'm sure it will pique somebody's interest. The project that I have submitted to the contest was this super cute baby sweater.

The body is all a gorgeous yellow color. Flowers and leaves were knit in various colors and attatched to the fronts of the cardigan and the stems were embroidered on. The three little red buttons are quite possibly my favorite part of the cardigan, even beyond the adorable picot edging around the sleeves and bottom edge of the sweater. They just a pop of closure!

The sweater is being modeled by a friend's very photogenic 3 month old, she was very cooperative ;)

Lavender and Black Pouch, Quirky Heart

I added two new items to my shop yesterday, a custom order from a repeat customer (also a family member hehe, the best kind of buyer!) and a new pouch.

The pouch is knit from a combination of wool and superwash wool yarns, meaning that if you throw it in the washing machine in hot water it will only partially felt. I love the colors and the checkered pattern that they make together. This would be a perfect pouch for just about any small electronic device or for tissues or other randomness.

This is a poncho that my cousin requested; blue and green stripes with a dark blue heart in the middle. I think it turned out super cute :)