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October 31, 2006

Social Butterflies

ETA: I put a picture of my Halloween costume at the bottom of this post just to make you all happy

This past weekend was a very sociable one for my family.

Dale's cousin's daughter got married on Saturday evening and the family gang was there in full force. It was a beautiful ceremony in a very old church. And the reception at The Atlantica was fabulous. We had a wonderful time eating, talking and dancing. And I might have consumed a martini or three.

Sunday was my (step)grandson's Patrick's birthday party hosted at Dale's brother's home. There were kids and grown ups and lots of fun for everyone. The kids played old-fashioned games and had a candy hunt in the backyard.

And now today is Halloween and that means more fun for the family. It means American Chop Suey for dinner, a family tradition since I was a little girl. And it means we get to see those adorable grandchildren again. Sadly for Hannah this year it does not mean trick or treating. She's decided, somewhat reluctantly, that she's just a little too old now, so instead she'll be at home, handing out the candy. Of course this means that Dale and I can relax and watch scary movies on television instead of jumping up and answering the door every 5 minutes.

Happy Halloween, everyone! Watch out for those little goblins. And because you're asking, here's my Halloween costume for today:

I'm feeling a little horny.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (42)

October 30, 2006

Socktoberfest Socks

I'm a constant sock knitter, as you all know. And yet, I only managed to finish one pair of socks for Socktoberfest.

Pattern: Feather and Fan from Socks Socks Socks
Yarn: A Piece of Vermont Sock Yarn
Dates: 9/21/2006 - 10/26/2006

This is the 4th time I have knit this particular sock pattern and I never get tired of it. I use Magic Loop with Size 1 Addis and only modify the pattern slightly - I don't do that garter ridge when I transition from the leg to the ankle. Oh, and I make the leg a bit longer than the pattern indicates.

I wore these yesterday and they are wonderful. The blues in the yarn go perfectly with jeans, which is exactly what I wanted. I do feel a bit like a slacker for returning to the same pattern so frequently, but honestly, I love it so much that I can't help myself. And I have enough rules in my life, I'm certainly not going to impose one on myself about what sock patterns I can and cannot knit!

That said, my current socks are not Feather and Fan. Just saying.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (52)

October 27, 2006

Eye Candy Friday

Most people have Christmas cactus, right? Well, here at the public library we have a Halloween cactus.
It's beautiful, even if it is confused about when it's supposed to bloom.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (35)

October 26, 2006

Want A Quilt?

Not to worry, this isn't turning into a quilting blog. BUT. I actually quilted at quilting a few weeks ago and I have a bit of bragging to do.

This quilt was a true collaborative effort of my entire "Hungry Crafters" group. You might remember that my quilt group used to be called the "Hungry Quilters" but since these days most of us often knit instead of quilt, we have changed our name to "Hungry Crafters". You'll notice: we're still hungry. You'll also notice: we still get together every Wednesday. It's the getting together that matters, not the hobby pursued while we're together.

In any case, this quilt was put together by all six of us. Some of us pieced and some of us cut and some of us pressed. The color scheme was my idea but everyone contributed scraps for the project. Lois did the quilting and I sewed the binding in place. It's being donated to the History Alliance at Hannah's school. They will sell raffle tickets for a fundraiser for this year's trip to Richmond, VA. Hannah visited New York City with this group last year and will be going on this year's trip as well so it's fitting that those of us who love and support Hannah should make this contribution on her behalf.

I don't have details yet on the tickets but I will soon. In the meantime, if anyone wants to buy tickets, let me know. I'll cover the cost of shipping the quilt to you if you should win.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (51)

October 25, 2006

The Rhinebeck Haul

Unlike some people, I did not prepare a list for Rhinebeck. I figured an open mind, along with an open wallet, was the way to approach my first big ass fiber festival. The only thing I publicly stated was that I was not going to buy a fleece. Did I or didn't I? You'll have to wait until the end of the post to find out.

In the meantime, I promised you the haul and the haul you shall see.

My first purchase of the day. Lovely Grafton Fiber batts. Never mind that I already have 4 batts from Linda Diak at home. Never mind that I'll most likely see her at SPA where there will be less of a frenzy to purchase. It just seemed like the right thing to purchase first.

Seafoam Cashmere and Silk from Foxfire Fiber. Of course, this is also available to me locally. But still. It's cashmere and silk and it's soft and lovely and I succumbed.

Brooks Farm Yarn. 2 skeins of the 2 ply kid mohair. I generally don't buy yarn at fiber festivals because you can get all the yarn you need online and it's a known commodity. But Brooks Farm isn't available online, at least not in all the fabulous colors they have in their booth. So, I stood in line and it was worth it. Obviously, since I cast on the muted neutrals skein almost immediately. It will be a nice Old Shale pattern scarf for me. The red will eventually be a shawl of some sort. I'm open to suggestions for an appropriate pattern for 500 yards of very soft mohair.

Icelandic mixed with Baby Alpaca from Frelsi Farm. The color was irresistible to me. And soft! Too bad we don't have touch-o-vision computer screens.

Eight ounces of this gorgeous green/blue blend from Spinner's Hill. I picked this up on Sunday. There were better colors and larger amounts available on Saturday but the feeding frenzy was just a little too intense and I walked away. Margene got some gorgeous red from them, though. Wait until you see that.

Three batts of Lincoln Cross from Barneswallow Farm. I had the two green ones in my hand and then Kim threw the rose one at me. She made me buy these. Really, she did.

Spirit Trail Fiberworks CVM on the left. I didn't make it to the fleece sale in time to score a CVM fleece so I went the easy route and bought some roving instead. The color is like melted chocolate and I know it will spin like a dream. This and That Farm's Cormo pin drafted roving on the right. Because while bright colors are nice, natural is even nicer. And it smells yummy and all lanolin-y. Mmmmmm.

So, the fleece. Did I or didn't I?

Yup. I did. But it's a Shetland and it only weighs 2.5 pounds. That hardly even counts. And the guy that was selling it was such a hottie, I was powerless to resist.

And that's all, folks. I came home with a smile in my heart and money in my pocket. And I think this is enough fiber to hold me until SPA, don't you?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (60)

October 24, 2006

The Rhinebeck Post

Of course, the downside of not posting about Rhinebeck immediately following the event is that so many other bloggers beat you to all the good stuff. Nevertheless, I have stuff to say, even if you have heard it all before.

There are loads of things I could tell you about why the weekend was so special. Here are just a few:

Most important, it was FUN. Frankly, I have a hangover from all the fun. Shut up. It's not from the wine.

Blogless Sharon is a wonderful traveling companion. She drives through rain without complaint. She stops for coffee at a moment's notice. And she doesn't even get mad when the co-pilot screws up the directions. I wouldn't want to travel to a fiber festival without her!

I also want to say that Manise makes a great roommate. She sleeps on a sofa bed and doesn't whine about it. She cleans up after a mega-party and still manages to crack jokes and smile. And she's always ready to hold your bags or give you a hug. Or both.

I got to meet my "ring sister" Vicki. See, Vicki hooked me up with Dixie so I could get one of these oh-so-special-cable-knit-rings as a birthday present from Dale. I was so excited to simply sit at Vicki's feet on Friday night in the hotel lobby. We chatted and gabbed like old friends. Must be the power of the ring.

There was hanging with my peeps - all Rhinebeck first-timers like me. Despite our lack of knowledge about the festival we still managed to find our way around.

We visited Norm Hall's booth. No, Cheryl didn't buy this wheel. Touching it had to be enough.

The blogger meet up was out-of-control! There were bloggers everywhere. Cara organized and Stitchy facilitated with the ingenious Blogger Bingo. I was a bit of a Blogger Bingo Slacker as I left my bingo card in the hotel room. But I wore my "I'm A Square" button proudly and did have a few people check me off on their cards.

I got a picture of Margene with Kate Gilbert and Tadpole. Too bad Tadpole looked down just as I snapped because she has the sweetest face - she looks just like her mama.

We also had a mini-Estes-Park-reunion while at the Blogger Meet Up. This is a lousy picture of me but I had to post it just because it's cool to see Bakerina and Ann and Margene and me all together in New York instead of Colorado.

Manise is holding just some of the haul. And that's Linda, sister of Judy, hiding behind her. Linda is just as fun and charming and smart as her sister and really needs to get a blog. Just sayin'.

Kathy and Martha bought this, their first fleece, together. Of course a first fleece has to be documented. I hope it's the first of many, ladies.

After the close of the festival, there was a bit of a, errrr, gathering in my room. Laurie and I hosted this and we affectionately termed it "Winebeck" because there was a bit of wine.

And quite a few guests, as well. And cheese and crackers and snacks. Eventually there was even pizza, thanks to the organizational skills of Beth. We talked and laughed and knit and spun until quite late. I was completely flattered that so many people took time out to hang with us. And I was over-the-moon to meet Lee Ann and her family and the darling Julia of Vesper Sock Yarn fame as well as the eternally clever Anne, designer of Wing of the Moth. Of course I can't list everyone but I am really glad all of you were there.

Had enough for today? Tomorrow I'll show you the haul.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (64)

October 23, 2006

Rhinebeck Mini Post

Rhinebeck was just as wonderful as I thought it would be. I hung out with friends, I shopped for fiber, and I ate terrific food.

I have stories to tell you and pictures to show you but right now I need to catch up a bit. And perhaps do some spinning. I promise a full report tomorrow.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (22)

October 20, 2006

Eye Candy Friday

This weekend is Rhinebeck and it is my first time attending. It will be a joy to be amongst my people, I'm sure. And speaking of my people, yes, I am a square. You can see a recent picture of me here. No, I won't be wearing the pink cowboy hat. Sorry to disappoint you.

Have a wonderful weekend all!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (25)

October 19, 2006

U is for Uniform

I think practically every woman I know loves a man in uniform.

Here's my man in his Civil War reenactor uniform. What's not to love?

Now Dale could tell you all about his various uniforms. He could tell you why they are made of wool and what the insignia signifies. He could tell you about his sword and his sword belt and the sash and why it's maroon. Believe me, he could go on and on and on about all of this.

But for me, it comes down to two elements.

The boots.

And the hat.

Hot damn. I can never decide which I love more.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (36)

October 18, 2006

Come Ye To The Faire

We made our annual pilgrimage to King Richard's Faire last weekend. This renaissance fair has been coming to Carver for 25 years now and it never disappoints. Oh, the prices are ridiculous ($9 for a beer!) but it's only once a year and it's such a rollicking good time that we can't resist a trip.

Most years we dress in costume but it was cold and blustery on Sunday and we decided that modern clothes would be more comfortable. You can keep a lower profile that way, too. We enjoyed the joust and the singing and the entertainment. But of course the best part of a medieval faire is the people-watching.

And you thought Carver was just about the cranberries, didn't you?

Posted by Carole at 6:52 PM | Comments (24)

October 17, 2006

Swallowtail Shawl

Remember the swallowtail shawl and the nupping? It's been finished for about 2 weeks and I still haven't showed it to you. I finally gave up trying to arrange a photo shoot with my number one photographer and decided to be photographer myself with Hannah as the model. I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves on this one. You can make them bigger by clicking.

We had so much fun doing this. The pictures all come out really great - I had a hard time selecting these to show you. And, are you ready for the real shocker? Hannah actually told me that she likes the shawl. Not that I'm giving it to her. This one is mine, all mine.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (81)

October 16, 2006

In Stitches With Stitchy

Friday night Dale and Blogless Sharon and I trekked to Porter Square Books in Cambridge to attend a book signing by our dear friend, Stitchy McYarnpants. I knew it would be fun and I was right - Stitchy never disappoints.

We arrived a few minutes late -- just in time to hear Stitchy extoling the virtues of the "Budvisor" which was, coincidentally, named by Dale last April when we were all together in Grafton. In true Stitchy form, she gave Dale complete credit for naming this particular piece of her traveling trunk show. He loved the attention. And then the tables turned. She forced him to model this.

Talk about kitschy! A handknit sweater covered in hunting scenes complete with dogs, pheasants, shotguns and shotgun shells. Want to see the back?

Scary, eh? Actually, the truly scary part is that Dale now wants one of these sweaters. Fat chance, honey.

After the books were signed and the trunk was packed we headed over to Christopher's for dinner. Thanks, Kellee for arranging reservations for all of us! The food was excellent and the beer was cold. I got to pat the Bookish Baby Belly and I got to sit next to my buddy Maryse, who brought me a vintage cable needle to help me overcome my cabling fears. It was a wonderful night and made me realize, once again, how fortunate I am to have made some truly great friends through this here blog.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (38)

October 13, 2006

Eye Candy Friday

I made this wall hanging back in my quilting days and it hangs in my kitchen every October. The blocks are all either court house step or log cabin and they are made with 1" strips, the entire piece is only 22" X 32". I must have been insane to work with such tiny pieces!

Happy Haunting!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (61)

October 12, 2006

T is for Tree

This maple tree is in the back of the library parking lot. I see it every morning when I round the corner and head for the staff parking area. At this particular time of year, when the colors are vibrant and the sun hits it just right, it's absolutely breathtaking.

In just a few days those leaves will be on the ground.

In a few months there will be snow on the branches.

And then a few months later there will be loads of teeny leaves in my favorite shade of green.

Very shortly after that the leaves will grow and darken into a rich deep green.

And then they will burnish and turn red all over again.

I love living in New England.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (30)

October 11, 2006

Wednesday Knitting

Look! A finished baby sweater!

This is the Child's Placket Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts and it is indeed a gift. According to the book this sweater is supposed to take 4-6 hours. Yeah. When pigs fly. Now granted, I started and ripped and started and ripped because first my gauge was too loose and then I realized I didn't have the corrected version of the pattern. I'm sure that threw off my timing. I was also confused about attaching the arms and, even with wonderful help from Rachel and Cari, that did slow me down a bit. Bit still. 4-6 hours of knitting? Doubtful.

Look! Cables!

You guys really inspired me with your comments and encouragement about my irrational cable fears. So, while I was between projects this past weekend, I pulled out this book I got from Knit Picks, Cable Needle Freedom by Carole Wulster. And I'm working my way through it and it's not too bad. I think it hurts my wrists a little bit and I know I could use sharper pointed needles but the charts and symbols, which have been my biggest challenge, are starting to make sense. I can see that at some point it might even be kind of fun.

Look! Handspun yarn cakes!

Next up: Susan's Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl and Voodoo Wristwarmers with my own handspun. Squeee!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (50)

October 10, 2006

Sockstory

I think I'm a little late to the party answering Lolly's Sock History questions for Socktoberfest. But better late than never, you know.

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I started making socks in April, 2002. As a Civil War reenactor I knew that knitting socks would be very historically accurate so I taught myself from the Atlantic Guard Soldier's Sock Pattern.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My first pair was for Dale to wear reenacting and I knit them out of Lopi Lite in off-white with navy blue heels and toes. They've held up wonderfully because the yarn is too scratchy and Dale won't wear them. He does use them for "show and tell" during school and living history demonstrations, though, so they weren't a total waste.

What would you have done differently?
I would have used softer yarn! After I got better at sock knitting I switched to finer sock yarn and smaller needles. Now I knit my socks on size 1 Addi Turbos.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I've tried lots of sock yarns. In fact, Kathy calls my sock yarn stash the "Museum of Sock Yarns" because I have so many different types. I've enjoyed working with Opal and Fleece Artist and Socks that Rock. But my all time favorite sock yarn is Vesper Self-Striping. I can't get enough of it!

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
Magic Loop all the way unless I'm at a Civil War reenactment and then I use double points in the interest of being period correct.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
I'm a flapper and have no desire to try another type of heel.

How many pairs have you made?
I have finished 35 pairs of socks. I have no socks without mates as I don't allow myself to succumb to second sock syndrome.

So that's my sockstory. And I'm sticking to it.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (20)

October 9, 2006

One Year of Spinning

One year ago today I brought home Alice, my first spinning wheel. It's a funny thing about spinning and anniversaries of spinning. All the spinners I know can remember the exact date that they learned to spin. I don't think we have such vivid memories of when we learned to knit and I think that's interesting. But anyway, today is my spinversary.

If you recall, on this day last year I innocently suggested to Dale that we take a drive to Mind's Eye Yarn in Cambridge just to look at spinning wheels. Lucy sat me down in front of an Ashford Traditional wheel and had me treadle. Then she had me draft. Then she whispered in my ear, "you can take this wheel home with you today." She might as well have said, "your first hit is free," because I was completely addicted.

And you all know that I'm addicted because since the introduction of Alice there have been several other spinning wheel acquisitions. Of course you remember:

Lucy, January '06

Rosie, February '06

Tallulah, February '06

Abigail, July '06

One year and five spinning wheels. Whoops. But I don't regret any of these purchases. I'm the first to admit that good tools are essential to me and my wheels are all excellent tools, each one unique and each one with a purpose. Alice was my first and she will always be special because of that. Right now she's on loan to Kathy but I think she's going to be returned soon as Kathy takes the plunge and buys her own wheel. Lucy was bought for portabilility. I wanted a wheel to bring with me to fiber events and she fit the bill. And truly, Lucy is a workhorse. She also is the wheel I turn to for plying as she's the one with the Woolee Winder. Rosie is my special girl and I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. Unlike the other wheels, who were named with much consideration, Rosie's name was on my lips the minute I sat down and started to spin. She and I were meant to be together. Tallulah was a stow-away, just ask Cate. But she serves a purpose for historical reasons and, while she may be relegated to the upstairs guest room these days, she will be on tour with me next year, I'm sure. Finally, there's Abigail. This Canadian Production wheel just fell in my lap via an email to a spinning list I belong to. I knew some day I would buy a CPW but I didn't expect it to be so soon. When an opportunity comes your way, however, it's best to grab the chance. Or wheel, in this case.

Spinning has added a new dimension to my life. I have taken trips and made friends because of spinning. I have made loads of yarn, some of it okay and some of it crap, but I have enjoyed every spinning moment of this past year. Some of you have taught me and some of you have enabled me and all of you have encouraged me. My favorite memories from this past year have involved spinning and hanging out with my friends.

I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (56)

October 6, 2006

Eye Candy Friday

When life gives you cranberries, make cranberry sauce. So I did. And it was delicious.

Have a great weekend!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (30)

October 5, 2006

10 Knitterly Things You Don't Know About Me: A Meme

I'm responding to Kathy's challenge and posting what I consider to be 10 knitterly things you don't know about me.

1. I'm afraid of cables. I've done some very basic cabling, like the Adrian's Irish Hiking Scarf, and Amy Boogie's Hat Trifecta but other than that? Nope, no cables in my knitting past. I'm skeered of the cables, I'll tell ya plain.

2. I don't know how to fix knitting mistakes. It's true. I've tried to drop down and fix mistakes and it always results in disaster. So, if I find a mistake, it's tinking for me.

3. And yet, despite number 2, I've never used a lifeline when knitting lace.

3. It's certainly well known that I love to knit socks. But perhaps you don't know that I always knit socks top down with a traditional heel flap and round toe. I have no interest in short row heels and short row toes or toe up socks. I'm happy with the way I'm doing things in the sock department.

5. I cast on weird. Or I used to cast on weird before I learned the cable cast on. No matter how many times I try to do the long tail cast on as described, I just keep getting it backwards. So, I don't use the long tail cast on anymore.

6. I'm a thrower. You probably know this. But what you might not know is that I can knit continental. The problem is, I can't purl continental. So, I just keep throwing.

7. I am left handed. My nana tried to teach me to knit when I was young and she assumed I would knit left handed so she had me sit across from her while I learned. It didn't take. When I finally learned to knit as an adult, I realized that I knit right handed. Geez, no wonder my nana couldn't teach me.

8. I keep my knitting "to do" list on my Palm. I'm actually a little obsessed about this task list and I'm constantly re-organizing and re-prioritizing the list of things I plan to knit. When I start a project I add a note to the task list telling me when I started. I go back and add a second line to the note when the project is finished. I'm not ashamed to admit that I get a little thrill when I cross off a finished project.

9. I sometimes worry that I don't push myself enough. I knit lots of socks and lots of shawls because they're easy for me. I think that maybe I should be knitting harder projects. Like things with cables.

10. I never leave the house without my knitting. Never, ever, ever.

So that's my list. Are you surprised by any of it? Or did you really already know all of these things about me?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (45)

October 4, 2006

Oh, Lonesome Me

I'm guessing that most of you who read my blog also read Susan's blog. But in case you don't, you might have missed the fact that Susan and I have started a Yahoo Group together.

Introducing:

The Lonesome Skein Knitalong is designed to help you use up those solitary skeins of yarn you have hanging. We are suggesting that you use them to make quick and easy projects for holiday and charity giving. There are links for patterns and the emails and introductions are flowing.

You can read all about the group by clicking on the picture up there but you need to hurry because sign ups close on October 16th.

Hope you'll join us!

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (27)

October 3, 2006

Toasted

Well toast my toes, what have we here?

Finished Toasty Toes Socks, just in time for ">Socktoberfest. And they're ready almost a whole month early, too. Because you know how I hate the deadline knitting.

Now I know you all won't go back and check the details that I've already posted as I knit these, so I'll tell you again.

The pattern is called "Best Foot Forward" and it's from the book Knit Socks! by Betsy Lee McCarthy. This is the 4th time I've knit this particular pattern and it's wonderful. It makes for a great gift sock because it's stretchy so if you're size is off by a bit it should still fit the recipient. In this case my sock pal's measurements and my own measurements are the same so I'm pretty confident these will fit her. And this book itself is great. It not only has basic sock knitting information for the beginning sock knitter but it's also got more advanced patterns for the experienced sock knitter. Go look. NOW.

The yarn is Sophie's Toes Yarn, custom dyed for my sock pal by Emily. I can't tell you enough how wonderful this yarn is. The colors are fabulous and Emily captured exactly what I was looking for - autumn leaves and sky and flowers. And soft! Oh my goodness, this yarn is a treat for the feet. She's got some gorgeous new colors in her Etsy Shop and she's offering free shipping on 2 skeins or more in honor of Socktoberfest. Go look. NOW.

And the sock blockers I haven't showed you yet so pay attention, this is new information. These were custom made for me by Becky in a library motif. I absolutely love them and they make blocking socks a lot of fun. Becky will make you custom sock blockers, too, but the ones in her shop, Leggy Creations, are pretty terrific. And so are the sheep. Go look. NOW.

Now I just need to find autumn goodies to put in my pal's package along with the socks. I've already got a skein of sock yarn to include for her, custom dyed for me by Scout. I'd show you but it would give away the identity of my sock pal too easily so you'll have to wait. I can tell you, though, that Scout did exactly what I asked and this gift yarn is perfect for my pal. If you haven't tried Scout's yarn yet, it's great. She has a shop, you know. Go look. NOW.

Have fun shopping, y'all.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (49)

October 2, 2006

Meet Marco Polo

I'm nupping, yes indeed, I'm nupping . . .

Oh, Hi! You're here! I was just doing a little singing along to Fats Domino. Can you guess what's on my needles right now? Sigh.

And as long as we're playing guessing games, would you like to guess who arrived at my house at the end of last week?

Yup. Mr. Marco Polo himself in the form of a Yarn Aboard Box from the very generous and super sweet Cynthia.

When I tell you I was completely spoiled by what Cynthia sent me, well, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. There was fiber and chocolate and candles and goodies and Jacquard dyes and . . . here, let me show you.

Baby Camel and Silk (from Crown Mountain Farms, of course) and more silk. Clearly, Cynthia thinks I'm a more talented spinner than I am if she's sending me silk. But I'll do my best by the silk.

And look at the colorful stuff from Canada! There's Fleece Artist and other Canadian fiber, too. And the most gorgeous beaded orifice hook I've ever seen. And chocolate. Because what's a swap package without some fabulous chocolate, eh?

So many good things, all for ME.

Well, me and Mason, apparently. At least he left the fiber alone and just went after the tissue paper.

There was also a very thoughtful and kind note which really touched my heart. Thank you so very much, Cynthia. Amanda sure did right by me when she hooked me up with you.

And now, Mr. Marco Polo has left Chez Carole Knits for the next leg on his adventure. I wonder where he'll turn up?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (42)