A Secret Compartment

The funniest, most delightful thing happened to me last evening. I was working away on my Rose Sweater with the ever gorgeous Americo Cotton Flame (seriously, this stuff is too wonderful), when I discovered the secret compartment.

My most recent Secret Pal, Caroline from Montreal (What is your blog lovely lady?) sent me a final package months ago. I have been happily using one of her handmade stitch markers on Rose.

Note how cute it looks against the yummy yarn? Anyway... I reached into the box for a second marker and felt a lump in the tissue......

There was a second layer!!! Lying under all that wrapping, all those months, were these adorable earrings and bracelet! It's the secret smuggling compartment.

Caroline, I never thanked you for them because I did not know they were there. Hopefully, you still read my blog once in a while or check your SP email because I just love them and really want you to know about it. What a treat to find this hiding gift. I intend to wear the bracelet to the office tomorrow. I just can't get over this little bit of fun.

Yarn Break

Argghhh!!! Work is eating my brain. My creativity and enjoyment of colour is being sucked out by my ears with a straw. Excel files and email are causing cancer.
So, imagine my delight upon coming home on Tuesday to this giant parcel on my stoop. It's from my lovely SP 13. Looked at all those gifties wrapped in pretty tissue with candies and teabags to fill in the gaps. If that doesn't cheer a tired little knitter's heart, nothing can.

The only good photo I managed of the contents is this one. Apparently, the camera gods are against me too. No matter. Just trust that there was coffee, bath bombs and gorgeous hand made stitch markers in the lot. Observe the collection of whimsical craft paper. It's too pretty to touch. I think I'll need to take a course first. The yarn includes three skeins of Frogtree alpaca that feels, when cradled together, like a litter of newborn pups. The two skeins of Briggs and Little appeal to my appreciation of good Canadian sense. I've never handled the sport weight before and find it surprisingly supple. I also love that the purple is a B&L colour I already have in a bulky. Wonder if there's any way to use the two together?

Thank you sooo much Caroline! I can't find reference to your blog in the parcel. Let me know what it is so I can learn more about you and your knitting

Thanks For the New Clothes!

Hey, Secret Pal! I thought you might like to see what some of that great craft paper was used for.
The Daughter made the eminently practical, yet fashionable jacket on the left. Perfect for the office or a stylish lunch.
I, on the other hand, made flashy, impractical wide leg dancing pants out of the red flowered paper. The coordinating gold crop top? Well, I am old enough to remember the disco craze!

O Secret Pal, O Secret Pal. How Lovely Are Your Branches.

I picked up a parcel from my O So Lovely Secret Pal yesterday then went directly to a coffee shop for latte and package opening. So pretty! She gifted me some gorgeous sheets of craft paper and one hilarious fridge magnet.

Check out these fun vintage knitting patterns she sent. I'm quite intrigued by the lace pattern in the knitted suit and am wondering how it could be used in a more updated way. The ladder lace of the second sweater is very reminiscent of the Knitting Lingerie Style top I finished last year. Just goes to show that a good idea never goes out of style.

There was also a bag of AMAZING hazelnut coffee grinds. I had two cups for breakfast this morning. I'm in love. The paper bag still sits on my kitchen counter. I know I should put it in the fridge but the wonderful aroma fills the apartment and I want that to continue just a bit longer.

Thanks a million Itsa Secret. Happy Holidays!

SP Overload

Friday. I was enjoying a nap on my well deserved day off when the door bell rang. Groggily, I stumbled down the stairs, to greet the very attractive and friendly postman who was holding a parcel addressed to me.
It's the final package from my Secret Pal 12. Included was a note of apology for the lateness. Her sewing machine broke! so the gifts she was making by hand for me! were held up. Check out the two gorgeous hand made project bags. These babies are lined. And have zippers. Magical voodoo sewing skills both. Yes, beside the chopsticks, that is Noro sock yarn peeking out of the whimsically Asian inspired bag. There's also a yarn I'd never heard of - Kertzer On Your Toes Bamboo. It's 75% bamboo, 25% nylon sock weight yarn that is lustrous and decadently soft. It's all too much to take in. There's chocolate, tea, knitting needles and bath products. Thank you, thank you to Heather of Ewe Gotta Knit.

Of all the lovely things, the one that touched me the most was the stones and the necklace to hold them. I mist over pretty easily these days, but when a virtual stranger sends a gift that makes me cry in my living room, there's something special going on. No Heather, I don't think you're weird. I believe that positive energy emitted in actions with good intention, creates more of the same. Is that Karma? My Eastern philosophy is weak. Whatever. It's all good stuff.

Rose Quartz: Heart and Throat Chakra

Stimulates & attracts love, promotes peace & happiness and emits a calming energy. Reinstates self love, gentle love. Promotes receptivity to art, music and literature.

Amethyst:

Stone of peace, calms fears, raises hopes, lifts spirits and strengthens commitments. Helps overcome addictions. Increases psychic awareness. Aids good judgement.

Unakite: Heart Chakra

Helps one to deal with past events which have blocked one's growth. Allows for rebirth. Balances the emotional body. Brings ones Consciousness to the present allowing one to combine thought and action.

SP 13 Questionnaire

I'm doing the latest round of Secret Pal . This feels weird because my last Secret Pal still has not revealed herself Who are you??

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I really like cotton blends more and more. Cotton with silk, with viscose, linen, wool, nylon. I saw a beautiful new South American one recently that was cotton/alpaca. Gorgeous.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Everybody lives in peace in my divided desk drawer. I've recently started keeping the circs, still in the original plastic sleeves, in one of those dollar store drawstring fabric gift bags. It works very well.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Knitting since childhood (taught by Mom) but seriously for about five years. I now and forever will consider myself to be intermediate. I know too many amazingly gifted knitters to ever call myself advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No.

5. What's your favorite scent?
Sandalwood. I also like lavender, citrus and bergamot. I'm not fond of smelling like desserts such as vanilla and strawberry.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
My downfall is the salty, greasy side of the spectrum and I'm trying to correct that. However, I do enjoy a lovely sweet now and then! Chocolate? Gumdrops? Mmmm... No cookies please as I am wheat sensitive.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
No spinning. I took a crochet class recently and made a wonky looking facecloth! I dabble in beads, making my own stitch markers. I still like making paper doll clothes and am always on the lookout for fun paper and embellishments.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have eclectic taste. Don't like hard core country or hip hop.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Still into the jewel tones - purple, red, blue, purple, rose, purple, dark green, purple.
till find yellow icky.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Right now it's just me and The Daughter (14). We hope to adopt a cat soon.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Lace, mitts, wrist warmers, tops, doll clothes and on and on....
I would never knit an afghan or one of those toilet paper covers.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A Fiona Ellis designed tank top, socks and gloves..

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes, of course.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I change it up depending on the project and the yarn. I like pretty needles and sometimes just buy a set because they look so darn cute.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No. Boo hoo.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 months old.

18. What winrter holidays do you observe?
I celebrate Christmas.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Attempts at life simplification have led to the disposal of many old collections. I do however, continue to acquire vintage knitting books and magazines from the
50's, 60's and 70's.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
No subscriptions at present. I do like Rebecca and wouldn't mind some current issues.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to learn basic colour work and I still need more expansion of my cast on methods.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yup! Size 8 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?
June 6. I am a proud Gemini. I notice that many of my knitting friends are Gemini as well. What do you think that means?

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
I am but I hardly ever go on the site. I'm longyarn.

Question 12...and a poem...

The question? What am I most proud of? Knitting wise, that is (Hello Daughter!). In recent memory, that has to be the purple Rebecca sweater. It's so elegant and draped and fine. It took perseverance, but was worth it in the end.

More importantly, a poem:

THE NEW CRUISE MAN

He walks in calmly over the mountains, at first very wooden, but then more and more smoothly as he goes down a prescribed road to a prescribed city, and there, with a wide radium glow in his eyes, he joins in polite cocktail conversation, waiting for someone to say the word "orange."

Robert Priest
How To Swallow A Pig
ECW Press, 2004

Secret Pal Question #10

What Olympic event would best describe your knitting style?

I've thought and thought. The best I can come up with is race walking. Why? Well, it's not the fastest, the flashiest or the sexiest event. It's all about rhythm and attention to form. Keep on keeping on and ultimately, you cross that finish line.
That's most of the time. Occasionally, I feel bold and adventurous. Then my knitting is like the silver medal trampoline performance of Karen Cockburn. Way to go girl!

In other SP12 events, I bought a bunch of fun little things to send to my Secret Pal and dutifully put them where I'd be able to find them after the move. Now, of course, I can't find them. I can't even remember what some of them were!

Purple!

Hi All. I'm back. The move went well but was, as such things always are, exhausting. I spent the first week of August (without internet!) sorting, hammering, unpacking, hanging, lifting, and trying to turn this apartment into a comfortable home. Not done yet, but getting there! All the change has left me a bit of a wreck. I've just returned from a short holiday spent with a friend, in our nation's capital. I am feeling more rested and slightly less overwhelmed.

I did want to share with you this lovely package I received from my Secret Pal. The theme, obviously, is purple. The woman loves a theme! Gum, bath salts, note paper, yarn and beads. The beautiful necklace I've worn almost every day since the parcel arrived and the hand knit cloth is about to be used in the bath I'm going to take as soon as I get off the computer. Thanks again Pal. You're so thoughtful.

Oh Pal O' Mine!

A temptingly compact parcel awaited my arrival home today. It fit snugly in the mailbox and screamed to be opened. What could all the pretty silver paper contain?

Clever Pal! She obviously likes organizing by theme which appeals greatly to my brain. It's an entirely fair trade gift! Chocolate and coffee and then coffee beans covered in chocolate. I've tried one of these already and they are delicious. I love the tiny clay pot. It shall be used for hiding a tiny, magic object of some sort.
And the yarn!! Of course there is yarn! It's my new pet! Lush and soft alpaca, slightly more pink than the photo shows. Don't you just love the label graphic? It makes me so glad that I keep a yarn label book.

This reminds me that I've always meant to blog that book. My lovely scrapbook contains a label from every yarn I've used with a sample snip of the yarn itself taped beside. Thus I know the details and care instructions of every project. I take a knitting stroll down memory lane each time I open the pages.

Now, about those Secret Pal 12 weekly questions. I feel somewhat like a rebellious child in not answering them promptly. Ack! Pressure! Forgive me if I don't get to them all but I never did my homework in school either. So, where would I like to go on vacation? I don't know about my "dream" trip, but I do hope to get away with The Daughter for a few days in August. We're considering Stratford for a play or two. Yes, I have a kid who actually likes Shakespeare. Yay! Me too!

Questions, Questions

Last week's SP12 question of the week (What did you look forward to most about summer vacation when you were a kid?) went unanswered but not unconsidered. I simply couldn't remember looking forward to any particular aspect of summer holidays. Looking back, I remember what I loved about childhood summers. I loved the freedom of practically living in my bathing suit for two months as the neighbourhood kids were always running through sprinklers or charging off to the public pool. Shoes were rarely worn and by the end of the summer, I could walk over gravel and not feel it. Did you play outside until the street lights came on? We did.And fruit. When I was wee, pale imitations of strawberries, plums, cherries and peaches were not widely distributed year round like they are today. Locally grown fruit, sweet and juicy, appeared only in season and was relished and gorged upon for those brief, delicious, times.

This is all hindsight of course. One of the wonders of childhood is the lack of "looking forward to" and "looking back upon". Kids usually just live in the present - as much as the adults around them will allow, anyway. It's only us grown ups who spend so much time living in the other worlds of the future and the past. We could all use a bit more time in "Right Now", dontchya think?

Is this too much for a simple question? If so, I apologize to my Pal and whomever else may be reading my ramblings. My blog, my brain. Knitting content to follow...

How I Spent Father's day

I painted my toenails to match my pretty new sandals.




I went for a nice walk...

I worked on my cabled socks over coffee.

Which brings me to The Question of the Week. I think my favourite beverage, summer or winter, is cafe latte. Yum de dum. I especially like the ones at In The Loop which is where I worked on my sock. Convenient tie in.

I also like beer in the summer but that sounds so low class, doesn't it?

Finally! Knitting Related

The mitred squares scarf is coming along. It's made entirely of leftover sock yarn. I learned the technique from Shelly, The Heathen Housewife. Can you believe she made an entire blanket this way? I have strayed from her tutorial in one regard. She instructs picking up the entire chain stitch along the side of the previous square when adding a new one. I decided I didn't like the thick feeling edge that left so I'm only picking up the back loop of the chain. That leaves those little raised edges throughout the right side but I rather like the architectural effect. I have a skein of navy blue in reserve for the i-cord edging. I intend this as a gift to a young person.


Many thanks to Ayumi, my No Sheep exchange angel. This lovely parcel arrived today. In it are four skeins of summery cotton and two skeins of pretty Zhivago, a Tencel blend. Also included are some yummy chocolates, fruit teas and (Yay!!) another Chibi! I love Chibis. It's such a fun word to say - Chibi, Chibi, Chibi! Thank you again super Angel.

June 30

So, today is the official last day of Secret Pal 10. Thus I can reveal that I have been "spoiling" Amy. I've already revealed myself to her. Hi Amy! It's been fun getting to know you.

I also got word today that my downstream No Sheep exchange partner has received the skein I sent (mmm...bamboo...). It's so hard not to say to her "Hey! I know the author! That's right. I stitch n bitch with a celebrity!"
That would be petty. Tee hee. I will send her one of those cute No Sheep pin backs though.

You Are Not Stupid

You got 10/10 questions right! While acing this quiz doesn't prove you're a genius, you're at least pretty darn smart.

Are You Stupid?

The Rest of the Package

Here is the rest of the loot received from my
Secret Pal. What's in the little purple bag?
A necklace made with her own hands.
How lovely.
Thanks again, girl.
I've started another pair of vintage style slippers with the pink colour.



I'm totally over the whole ripping incident. Casting on a new lace project has helped. It's called Sea and Shells and is the perfect pattern for that reclaimed peach tone lamb's wool from a while back. One small problem...I realize as I'm working with it, that I used way too much vinegar cleaning the yarn. Stinky. Still, with Value Village items, one has to be careful. I'll just soak the finished stole in lots of Soak.

My Secret Pal Sent Me A Cat

Well, not really...but, honestly, the box was open a total of two minutes before he crawled in and made himself comfortable. There are still items in the package! Attempts to remove him resulted in growls and nips. This cat loves his boxes. Ah well, at least my status as a Crazy Cat Lady stands firm. He spent the best part of the afternoon in there so no group shots of the gift have yet been taken.

Thanks Secret Pal for the parcel. I especially like this:

This baby is from 1942 and is over 250 pages long. It's hard cover with that lovely old shiny paper-stock for pages. I have a few more of these type of books - one home decorating, one woodworking and a home repair volume. So, this book fits on my shelf in more ways than one!

1 There are many pages like this with stitch descriptions.

2 An entire chapter on sock and stockings!

3 Sexy!

4 I will marry this man. No, I seriously love him.

5 I love the "Swagger Coat" as well as the photograph itself.

6 Another knit swim suit? No wonder she looks so cranky.

Secret Pal 10 - Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I find myself attracted most to blends - cotton, linen, wool, silk, even a bit of acrylic is fine. I don't like eyelash/novelty yarns. They hurt my fingers!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
They live happily in a desk drawer. The circs are a bit out of hand in there.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting since childhood. My mother taught me. In the past several years I've learned from books, the internet and other knitters. I believe I may be moving from intermediate to early advanced? I've learned so many new skills this past year and my understanding of the mechanics of stitches and construction has increased tenfold. I still can't manage fair isle, but I don't like it so I'm not concerned.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
On my third Secret Pal and I still don't know what that is!

5. What's your favorite scent?
Sandalwood...mmm... It's getting harder to find so second choices are citrus, lavender and rosemary. I don't like dessert scents such as sweet berries and vanilla.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Duh! My real weakness is salty though especially nuts and chips. I've temporarily sworn off chips while I try to rid myself of these extra pounds.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Don't spin or crochet. I dabble in beads, I write daily in notebooks and I love making clothes for the paper dolls I received as a Christmas gift. Got any fabric scraps or wallpaper samples?

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have wildly various taste. I don't like rap, hip/hop and hard core country. Everything else has been known to be enjoyed in my house.

9. What's your favorite colour(s)? Any colours you just can't stand?
Still stuck on the blue/purple/red/green. I'm trying to branch out. I recently bought some peach cotton. However, orange and yellow will always give me the heebie jeebies as fashion colours. This is probably because I am half Italian so my skin is not olive, but yellowish. Especially in winter.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
A husband of 18 years! A thirteen year old daughter!! Three cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes,to all. You can never have enough hats.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Depends on my mood. For quick knit fixes I enjoy doll clothes, scarves and wrist warmers. When I feel like a long haul, an interesting top or lace project does the trick. For the subway it's socks - nice and portable.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Wrist warmers, socks, a wrap and a child's sweater for charity.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Duh!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Whichever needles suit the project are fine. I never took to knitting straight projects on circs like so many of my friends have. I find it awkward, possibly because I learned on straights. NO DPN'S! I'm so hopeless with them. The Magic Loop has changed my life.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Not yet.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My wrap is about five months in the basket.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Summer long weekends.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Vintage knitting patterns from the 50's thru the 70's.
Brushed aluminum teapots, coffee percolators and canisters.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
No current subscriptions. The new Lace Style from Interweave looks nice and I quite like Rebecca.I like Needful Yarns and I need some 5.5mm needles of some description.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I seriously need to learn several more ways of casting on. Also, basic crochet skills would come in handy.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. Size 8 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

June 06 - Yes, D-day.

Multi Faceted Posting For Lack of a Better Title

I Got Da Blues

Only the second day of "back to school' and I'm lost and miserable already. I really like the slower rhythm of summer vacation and dread its end every year. Now it's back to up early (soon in the dark), lunch making and homework nagging. On days when I'm not working, the house is too damn quiet. Like today. So I'm listening to Bob Snider. The daughter is at dinner with a friend this evening so I'll be going to LK for a dose of knitterly cheer.

Vacation Update

As promised, a vacation tale or two:

This is our favourite anchorage. When we got there, we couldn't believe our eyes. The shore looked like a garbage dump. Obviously, many parties have taken place over the last 2 years. There were beer bottles and cans and plastic everywhere. The fire pit had been doubled in size and was full of broken glass. And some genius had pulled down a small tree and tried to burn it whole. It's all so sad. Now, I don't care if kids want to party. They can get drunk on Lakeport and cheap sherry and eat canned bologna (seriously, we found canned bologna!). They can puke their guts out or even fall in the lake and drown. Just put your garbage back in the boat before leaving. Is that too much to ask?

We got to work and ended up with four garbage bags full before our wee campsite, which we call Stumpy Cove, was nice again.

I managed one early morning walk alone while the family slept. I took a bunch of photos in a meadow. This is one I'm most proud of .

The daughter spent an afternoon collecting moss and such to make "food". Aren't her sculptures beautiful? I wished I could somehow preserve them and bring them home.

The End of Secret Pal 8

I received this surprise thank you gift from my spoilee, KnittnFool aka Miss Scarlett yesterday. She also sent some yarn. How sweet of her. I have so enjoyed watching her blog over the past three months. As I mentioned to her already, you can see her interest in both knitting and blogging grow with every post. What I have most admired about Scarlett is her good cheer and busy ways. She obviously has a huge heart and I'm glad I got to know her a bit through the exchange. Her blog now joins my sidebar.
I haven't got the reveal on my spoiler yet, but I've heard it's on the way. You'll know as soon as I do.

Tomato Pickin Packages

A package arrived this morning hand delivered by my friendly postal carrier. Yes, she really is friendly and actually knocks on the door when I have a package. Inside the envelope were all these individually wrapped gifts. I was so excited, I almost forgot to photograph them before ripping them open. My SP sent a vintage glove pattern book, a set of dpn's and some cute posty notes. There was also a bath bomb that didn't get in the picture. Perhaps it didn't receive the memo? On a more personal note, there is a New Brunswick fridge magnet and a beautiful postcard of Fredericton. This increases my resolve to get to the East Coast someday. The flower photos I can only assume, are from her garden?

Best of all - FLEECE ARTIST!!! Check out the stunning colour! It's good enough to eat. Thank you, thank you Secret McSecretson!

Since today is Tomato Pick Out day here at the farm, the SP photo shoot took place in the garden. Here is an anonymous farmer deep within the tomato plants.

Right now, a giant pot of sauce simmers on the stove. It will be frozen into individual containers for the winter. Mmmm...

SP8 Midterm

Everyone is doing this little beauty. I have been amazed at the thoughtfulness in everyone's answers. My own SP spoilee wrote a novella for each answer. Here goes...

1) What is your favorite season of the year?
Summer - no question. I know it's hot but the benefits outweigh the heat. I can wear dresses all the time. I spend all my leisure time outdoors - reading, knitting, gardening, eating meals. The yard literally becomes another room. I can ride to work and I don't need to put on 7 layers before going out the door. The biggest bonus is that the daughter is out of school. All those stories that joke about moms anxiously awaiting the return of September, are lies.

2) Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Hmm...I haven't actualy been on that many vacations, really. Way back, when I was a lass, I went to visit a friend who was living in NYC at the time. I absolutely loved it and have always wanted to return. The family always goes to the same place - a boating vacation. It's very nice but I'd like to try something else. It sounds tacky but I've always wanted to try a resort. The idea of going somewhere that's 100% R&R really appeals to me. Maid service, dining room, lounge and activities all on one site? Sounds like pre-fabbed heaven.

3) If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
One answer but two places. I've never seen either ocean so I'd like to visit both.
Vancouver Island and Prince Edward Island.

4) If you could pick any job, and be paid well, what would it be?
Always wanted to be a background singer. baby baby, ooo, baby baby...

5) If you won a shopping spree to your favorite Yarn shop, what would you get??
Silk and more silk! Maybe with a bit of cotton and a touch of nylon for shape. And enough of it to knit a dress - something flowy and stunning. I guess I'd have to buy a ton of books and magazines as well, in order to find the perfect pattern.