Treats all around

So finally, beaucoup pictures to show you all! Here is the progress I've made on the Green Gable thus far, and I must say, I'm liking it:

The sleeves may be a smidge big, but I'd rather it a little loose than too tight. I can't stand clothes that are too tight, especially under the arms. So there.

Here's the Puzzle Scarf that I started about a month and a half ago. It's a really easy chart to follow, and I'm using Cascade 220 Superwash that I picked up on sale when the Main Skein was closing. I'm debating whether or not to block it; I think it looks sort of cool this way.

WT and the Banana were super good to me for Mother's Day. Look at what I got! Two books I've been coveting for quite some time; the only dilemma is which project to get started on first! I love practically every single pattern in Fitted Knits, and there are some super cool sweaters in Twinkle's Big City Knits. I really need to pace myself and plan though; before all else, I need to do the Cropped Crochet Sweater that I am test-crocheting. First things first.

I got my package from the Knitter's Treat Exchange, and my treater Dominique really spoiled me! She got me these two patterns mags, Bergere de France and Phildar, both of which I absolutely adore. The patterns are gorgeous. Here are some that I really love:

How cool is this sweater?
I'm loving this, but not sure about the belty thing and the epaulettes; I don't need any attention drawn to my waist/hips!
This is super cute.
And this tank is so pretty!
She also sent me this package of sock clips...
... two skeins of Phildar yarn! One is cotton and linen, the other is cotton and seacell - it's so soft!
I also got a Belgian chocolate bar - dark chocolate with ginger. Yum!! To top it all off, there was this adorable felted bowl with these cute little soaps. They smell wonderful. Thank you so much Dominique!
Gratuitous cute kitten shot.
And from my garden: impatiens
Geranium buds
Marigolds
Azaleas
And bleeding hearts from Anne Marie and Todd's garden.

Until next time my friends, be well! And thanks for stopping by...

Knitter's Treat Exchange...

So my anonymous 'treater' left a message for me - I can't wait to find out who he or she might be! I know they live in Europe, and they asked if I read French. Yes, I do. I like magazines in pretty much any language, but French would be easiest for me. I love Phildar's patterns. I could probably also get by in German or Spanish. I don't really care - I know I'll like whatever I receive! The whole idea of this exchange is really fun. I have to send out my treatee's package tomorrow. I tried to mail it the other day, but apparently the USPS won't let you mail things that are packaged in a beer box! I don't understand why; it's not like I'm sending beer. So I have to repackage it and try again. I hope she likes what I picked out for her.

Talk to you guys soon!

Knitter's treat exchange - how fun!

Sharon from my knitting group sent me a link to this groovy blog called Knitter's Treat Exchange. I am going to join and do this, because I've never participated in a swap before and I think it would be tons of fun! We have to fill out a questionnaire, so here is mine:

Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire

1. What's your favourite type of yarn? Mostly plant fibers like cotton, viscose, bamboo, and hemp. Wool is good too. I love variegated yarn. I am not opposed to acrylic and acrylic blends as long as they feel good. I use acrylic to make afghans and baby stuff, and the better yarn to make clothing for myself.

2. What's your least favourite type of yarn? Novelty yarns like fun fur, eyelash, and ladder yarns. Anything itchy.

3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop? Do a quick once over to see which brands of yarn they carry, then check out supplementary things like notions and pattern books. When I'm done that, I really go over the yarn.

4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do? Watercolor, jewelry making, and embroidery.

5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to? Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet (beginning in the fall), Adorn, and Yoga Journal.

6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference: Knitting / Crochet / Other Craft / Photography / Art / Fitness

7. What items do you like to knit / crochet? Sweaters, afghans, baby clothes, and accessories such as scarves and stoles. I want to learn to knit socks and gloves, and I also hope to learn Fair Isle and intarsia.

8. Are you allergic to anything? Nope!

9. What do you like to smell of? Flowers and citrus. Not a huge fan of spicy stuff or musky stuff.

10. What's your favourite way to relax? Knitting or crocheting, a mug of tea, some candles, and some quiet music. This would take place in my Adirondack chairs in my backyard, weather permitting. I also just like to sit outside at night during the summer and listen to the crickets, watch the fireflies.

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? Italian cafe for the people watching and the coffee.

12. What do you come out with? A cute Italian guy. Ha! Just kidding. A sense of well-being and some Italian magazines. I'd drink my coffee there.

13. Where do you go next? The old fashioned bakery.

14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal? I am 5'11" tall, so baths are out for me because I'm too tall to fit in my tub. I like black tea as opposed to coffee. I like soy candles. (Forget what I said about not wanting chocolate.) I love milk chocolate - my favorite is Milka from Germany, but I ain't that picky! I'm not a huge fan of terribly bright colors; I like more muted, earthy tones.