NEWS NEWS NEWS

Today I will start with knitting goodness

I wanted to post this earlier but I got a bit busy and then on Friday I wasn't feeling good. It felt like someone was squeezing my insides the cramps were soooooo bad. I took a Gravol (Dramamine for you in the states) which relaxes smooth muscles which ended up making me very sleepy. I guess that was good. I also took my cocktail of pills for when that happens Reactine, Rinitidine [sp] and predisone). I have something called angioedema which affects my face the left side mainly and my gut causing them to swell. Some uncommon thing which they figure they know what it is as I have all the indicators for it and they CAN'T find it on the known gene. If they found it on the known gene it would be a different kind of angioedema. So I slept most of Friday away.

Then Saturday I planned to plant my tulips but it rained and that ended that idea. So I knitted and had some company from a neighbor. Now it is Sunday and I figured it was time to post.

Knitting Goodness

YUP my Whoduknit Halloween Swap package arrived from Maureen who lives in Calgary. What did I receive?

I got a lovely skein of Patons Classic Wool in rich red tweed which looks more rust colored. It is a very lovely color and this photo just doesn't do it justice.
I also received a full pound of Red Heart Orange Acrylic yarn. I guess this the trick Maureen sent me since I am not a fan of orange. Orange just doesn't look good on me. I can wear salmon if it has a lot of pink in it. I am not crazy about knitting with this color even when I have to for a swap but I do if I must. I received four wonderful books I look forward to reading. It is really great when you receive books you haven't read yet. AND no Maureen I certainly don't mind that you sent USED books. I send USED books also. AND in this group sending used books is perfectly acceptable. I pass a lot of books I read on. In case you can't read the titles they are.

1. Beware the Mummy's Curse The Jewel of Seven Stars by Bram Stoker

2. Ten Great Mysteries by Edgar Allan Poe There are many timeless short stores in this book I am sure I have read these many many many years ago but these are the kind of great short stories that can be read over and over again.

3. The Turn of the Screw and Other Stories by Henry James

4. Wordsworth Classics M.R. James Collected Ghost Stories I also received a lovely pattern for a cabled Beret. Check out the cabled design on it. It can be found on Ravelry.
Last BUT not least I received "EYEBALLS". Isn't it funny how some photos can come out really great and others don't. They are actually candies or were candies since they have all been eaten BUT I have absolutely perfect vision now.
Again Thank-You Maureen for the lovely gifts and yes even the very large ball orange yarn that I am not exactly sure what I am going to do with it. That sure is one big ball of orange yarn.
My swap has gone out and should be arriving very soon. LOL

I have been busy knitting and finally finished my Clapotis Shawl.
Close up of the shawl.
Solara was guarding it while it was being blocked.
It is covered because she has a thing for pins!!!. She managed to get one out and I had to chase her around the kitchen and hall with her running all over the shawl but she did drop the pin. PHEW!!! Solara also likes twist ties and rubber bands.

I was very disappointed while knitting the shawl as it was piling something awful. Now that is it blocked I don't see the piling as much. I am going to look really closely at it. It is knit with Handmaiden Sea Silk and that is expensive yarn even when on sale. It was so much fun to drop all those stitches!!!

I also finished Clue #1 (30 rows) on the MS4 KAL finally. For a while I wasn't sure if I ever was. So now it is on to Clue #2.


I also finished the first clue on the Through the Loops Socktoberfest Mystery Sock KAL. Another KAL where I will have to follow a chart only this one has a cable pattern in it also. I am knitting these socks with Cherry Tree Hill colorway Moody Blues I received in a swap quite a while ago.

The reason it has taken me so long to complete these first two clues is b/c I have been knitting on projects with deadlines. I finished my Big Bag for my Big Bag KAL and Swap partner and have shipped it. I can't show what it looks like as we are not secret partners so once it has been received I will post photos here and on my Ravelry project page. I also have completed my project for my Ravelry Color Swap partner but being it is a color swap I won't show any photos until sometime in November after it is received as I don't know how many people have the same color choice. I don't want to give anything away. I also finished a project for my Ravelry Starbucks swap partner but have to redo it. I don't like how it came out. So any of you who do read my blog and know what it is SHHHHHHHH.

I had hoped to try and get some sewing done today but I think since it is time for dinner I will just knit after I have eaten. I am going to work on my Noro Cavendish (Shawl) knit project and think about finishing a project to go south that has for some unknown reason become a UFO and all it needs is the lining and handle.

Later tonight I have to submit my Avon order online along with returns, exchanges and demos. That I will start at about 9PM as I am still waiting for one order to come in.

I am going to end with a funny you tube video. I hope you enjoy it.

AMAZING AUTUMN COFFEE SWAP

I feel so very stupid. I am so excited about the Amazing Autumn Coffee Swap and looking so forward to getting my secret partner's name and I totally FORGOT to put my questionnaire answers on my blog. DUH!!! Anyway here they are. AND thank-you Anne Marie for reminding me or I would still la laing around having forgotten to do it.

Questionnaire

About Your Yarn Passion

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? When did you first learn?I mainly knit. I do crochet granny squares but basically that is it. I would like to make some Amigurmi toys and I even have one book called Amigurumi World but it involves shaping so I think I may end up sticking to my knitting which I really enjoy. I learned to knit when I was a young girl in school decades ago and I learned to crochet in my early twenties.

2. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you've been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
I use Denise needles mainly having given up on the long straights. I still have them but hardly if ever use them anymore. I like Addi Turbo Lace but I would love to get the Knit Picks Options as those Addi's are sooooo expensive to buy individually. I do have two of them a 3.25, I think, and a 3.75mm both with long cords. I like the bamboo DPNs as the yarn doesn't slide off the needle as easily and would love to have a couple of those sets as I tend to knit two socks at once on my DPNs. I do have one pair of Knit Picks Harmony in a size 2.25mm.

3. What kind of projects do you enjoy making? Any types you just haven't ever gotten into as much as others?
I love to knit socks. I have started knitting shawls and am working on the MS4 KAL but due to other projects for swaps with time constraints am still only half through clue #1. Knitting from a graph is also new for me especially this big of a project. I am also working on the TLL Mystery sock KAL and it is a chart also but with a cable so I guess I am really learning now. I am just starting clue #2 the leg using the cabled chart. I also like to knit bags and totes and toys and whimsies. I am hoping to due the Debbie Abrahams Mystery Blanket KAL starting in Jan. I like to knit with beads. I don't knit many sweater for fear they would never fit and I would have to knit one big enough to fit an elephant (I am conscious of my weight you can tell). I do knit hats, scarves and baby stuff as needed.

4. What's on your needles\hook right now? What's your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
In addition, to what is on my needles above I also have my Clapotis Shawl about 45% completed, my Cavendish shawl wrap using Noro Silk Garden and I think I will restart my 10,ooo bead shawl now that I learned how to put beads on using a crochet hook and NOT stringing them. I also plan to knit the Puppy Love Sweater and leggings for my Solara as one of her Christmas gifts but I need to decide on the yarn first. I have a photo somewhere on my blog of one of my oldest UFO and it is a FUG!!!! It probably will never be completed and I have no idea what ever possessed me to knit it and in those unmatching colors except maybe the Woolman when he was alive who sold me the yarn convinced me it was lovely.

5. If you were going on vacation tomorrow, what project(s) would travel with you?
One of my shawls and socks. I always take socks to knit when I go away but I haven't been away in at least three or four years.

6. What are your favorite types of yarns? Any you're allergic too, or just hate working with? Anything in particular you've been dying to try?
I would love to have some STR sock weight yarn and Jitterbug which I have never tried. I can't believe in my last swap I received Tilli Thomas, something I was lusting over and I love my scarf I knit with it. What wonderful yarn that is. I love the yarns from Material Whirled although I don't know what I would knit with it. I would actually love to spin some like that BUT, alas, still don't have a spinning wheel.

I love sock and lace weight yarns, alpaca, cashmere, wool for felting and not for felting. I ABHOR PHENTEX especially that stuff which was used in the 70's to knit slippers that never die. I guess it would knit good scrubbers but it is ucky to even touch. I do use eyelash as trims and there is a time and place for acrylic. I have become a yarn snob but I still remember where I came from. LOL

7. What sort of colors do you love in yarns? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there any you can't stand?
PINK is an all time favorite of mine. I also like reds, purples, blues and some greens, black, white and even a bit a grey. I do not care for oranges, yellow and olive, drab greens, browns unless it is a really good variegation with PINK. I basically don't care for those autumn colors which makes it difficult to knit for someone who really likes those colors.


Your Coffee Passion

1. Do you prefer caffeinated or not?
Caffeinated for me. I drink the "D" stuff when there isn't anything else or that is all someone has to serve. I keep the "D" stuff for when I have company and that is all they can drink.

2. Whole bean or ground? For what type of pot or press?
Being I have a grinder either is fine as I can grind beans if that is what is sent. I have a drip for one person and a large pot for when company comes. I used to have a French Press and am thinking of getting one again. I do have a portable one cup press from Starbucks I received in a swap and I love it.

3. What types of roasts do you enjoy? Are you more the light and lively or dark and robust type?
I like a bold roast BUT I drink other roasts.

4. How do you 'take' your coffee? Creamers? Sweetener? Other add ins? I like some honey in my coffee and I use Splenda and whitener. When I get flavored Splenda I use that only I haven't seen it here yet so I am dependent on it being sent to me still. I also occasionally put flavored whiteners in my coffee.

5. That first morning cup - is it about the taste, or the caffeine?
For me it is the taste.

6. Do you enjoy going out to coffee shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?
Most definitely. I go to Chapters a book shop which has a Starbucks in it to knit the first Wed of the month and it is a highlight of the month. I also go to the Second Cup which has some good coffee and to Tim Horton's which also has delic coffee.


7. You've just made the perfect cup of coffee - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?
A big mug. If it is warm outside then out in my back yard with my knitting. If is not nice out then on the couch with the TV on and my knitting with me. A lot of mornings it is by my computer.

8. You're enjoying that perfect cup, and have a magic cabinet in your kitchen - when you open it, magically, your favorite treats will appear to enjoy alongside the coffee - what are they? Are they sweet? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?All about
That would depend on my mood at the time. In the morning I enjoy biscotti with my coffee. In the evening at knitting it can be something sweet and gooey. When I out for dinner and having dessert it could be cheese cake. AND at Tim Horton's it usually is an apple fritter.


YOU!

1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?
I took a spinning class BUT still don't have a spinning wheel and I can't seem to get the hang of using a spindle. I sew, quilt, read watch TV, love to cook and bake and now that I have a garden again I will get to play in the dirt. I used to do needlepoint and have started a cross stitch but I am not sure my eyes are up to that but now that I am in my new place all my crafts are easily accessible and I look forward to playing with them if I can stop knitting and get off the computer.

2. Do you collect anything?
My major collections include yarn, fabric, knitting, cooking and sewing magazines and books and accessories. I have only one magazine subscription to Chatalaine which was a gift. I have cat, angel and fairy items but no longer have a place for them since I no longer have a plate rail to display them.


3. What is your favorite part of Autumn?
The changing of the colors of the leaves and I love to go to my friends place when the fireplace is lit.

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?
My favorite scents are Karma by Lush and the Body Shop Sandalwood oil. I also love Jean Nate After Bath Splash which I have been using for years and again depend on others getting for me since it is NOT available here. I used to get it for myself but since I haven't been away I am unable to now. I have way to many candles to need any more and sometimes I wonder if I will ever get to use them all.


5. Are you allergic to anything?
Wasps but I doubt anyone will send me them especially at this time of the year. LOL I totally dislike anything with black licorice (fennel and anise included) flavor. I hear it is an acquired taste. It is a taste I haven't acquired.

6. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?
Yes I am on Ravelry. I am pennala. My perfect day would be sleeping in which I usually do since I sleep so poorly, get up have my coffee, knit sew, read, play in the garden, on the computer and read. Oh and play with my feline furchild Solara. I guess you have figured out I have no family.

7. How would you spend an ideal fall afternoon/day?
I would do some shopping at my LYS. Then when I got home I would play in my yard and garden. When I finally came inside and if I had a fireplace I would light it and sit in front of it knitting with my coffee but since I don't have one I would just sit on my couch knitting in front of the TV.

PHEW!!!!! I finished it. AND it is a good thing I re-read it as I left one fo the questions out. If my secret partner needs to know anything else or clarify anything please feel free to ask.

Solara has a new hiding spot. I found this trolley with the garbage in my complex. Someone was tossing it and I thought it would be a good plant stand to put in front of my window with plants on it. It hasn't made it that far yet as I don't have any plants and Miss Solara likes to eat them. So right now it is a catchall. Guess who discovered my Ruby Tulips BLACK felted bag (no handle or flowers on it yet) and decided it would be a good place to sleep?

ANOTHER SECRET PAL REVEALED

Sunday evening September 28 as I was going to my girlfriend Paula's for dinner I noticed a package in my mail box. It was from my secret pal. I certainly don't remember the door bell ringing. I couldn't wait to open it up BUT, alas, I was on my way to catch a bus so it was going to have to wait until after I got home and got my Avon order submitted.

Now over two weeks since I have started this post I am going to finally be able to finish it, My secret pal is Ruby from Quebec. Remember the lovely Flat Feet Sock Yarn and that most gorgeous Tilli Thomas Yarn? Well it is Ruby who sent it to me. At one point she apologised for signing her name in her email. I told her I hadn't noticed and so I wasn't going to go back and look at it to see who she was. When I found out who she was it dawned on me all her emails came from Ruby. BUT DUH!!! I thought Ruby was her secret name like Emerald, Diamond and such. LOL

What a lovely final and reveal package she sent me.

I got some of the treasured Wollmeise yarn in a most luscious shades of blues and purples. There is 574 yd on a 100 gm skein. I do have a red skein of it also now so I am doubly lucky to be the owner of this yarn. I didn't realise it was only available on Fridays online and you never know when it will be released. It must be a real coux to get it and I am so lucky to have received two skeins from two different swap buddies. This photo certainly doesn't do it justice.
I also received the most adorable cards. Each with a handmade mini knit item on it and one with a sheep on the card. It will be hard to use them and part with them which I will do except for the one with the sheep on it. That one I am keeping for myself. Ruby did you make these yourself. I purchased a book that had mini patterns in it so I could do just this myself and maybe one day I will.
Ruby also sent me the largest note pad I have ever seen. It comes with a pen and has cats on the cover and cat paw prints on the pages inside.
The inside of my new note pad.
The last item Ruby sent was a cat tape measure which I just love.
AND what did Solara thought of all these lovely gifts? See for yourself.

AVON BANQUET AND ALPACA FARM TOUR

What a great evening I had Thursday September 25 at my Avon banquet and a lovely Saturday afternoon September 27 touring four YES four alpaca farms.

There were about 25 of us from my district at the Avon banquet held at the Fort Gary Hotel in the 7th floor ballroom. What a gorgeous room with super high ceilings, large chandeliers and lots of gold on the walls. The tables were beautifully set and the servers all wore white gloves. It is nice getting to meet with some of the gals in my district that I don't see at meetings and other gals I know from Avon that aren't in my district. Of course, there are lots of awards and prizes. I was given my 10 year pin at the door which was pinned on my name tag. I was given a lovely box to put it in when it wasn't being worn. At one time that also was awarded during the dinner but this year we were individually called and just given a rose. Here is a photo of the pin and rose I received. Those carnations are also from Avon but from my meeting. It is amazing they are still alive three weeks after I got them.


Here are my table mates.

This is my Avon manager Sue.
This is my first Avon manager Brenda who appointed me over 10 years ago. When she saw me she was amazed at my of all things "hair" as it was all bright pink. I found out she had also just started as a manager for Avon just a while before she appointed me having been a sales rep herself. There were about three of us she appointed when she first started now in our 10th year at the banquet. Dinner was wonderful. It was served by waiters in white gloves. One of the items they served to use to the tune of 007 music was the new perfume Avon will have called Bond Girl. I guess it was the first time waiters ever served perfume on their trays. They also served us the new Retroactive skin cream also on trays. We got to see the ads for the Bond Girl perfume by the actress for Bond Girl 007, the face cream and the new men's cologne being advertised by Patrick Dempsey of Grey's Anatomy.

As the end of the evening drew near the center piece was raffled off and I was the lucky winner. Isn't it gorgeous? It will be in the winter Avon Home Expression flyer. It is a tea light holder. I was also given the mirror the tea light holder sits on BUT I don't know if that comes with the tea light holder.

Here is a close up.
I was surprised that many of the gals at the banquet didn't dres up. In fact, I saw a couple wearing jeans. I don't often get to dress up and look forward to it when I can. I wore a dress I got from Avon. I didn't see anyone else wearing it. Lots were wearing Avon clothing but none the same as mine.

Then Saturday I went on a tour of four alpaca farms. We met at 10AM at Mona's (Wolseley Wardrobe) and it was after 5PM when we returned. It was just wonderful and lovely day. There were about four or five cars of us gals. The alpacas are such lovely animals. I would love to have taken one home with me but I am not too sure how Solara would have taken to it much less the co-op I live in. There was an offer to take mini goats home but again that most likely wouldn't have gone over well with Solara and the co-op either. It sure would have been a "green" way to move the grass. I am just going to put all the photos I have and let you enjoy the farm tour also. Yes this first alpaca had spots.

We got to see how dense their fur is and we did get to pet them also.



















I am just amazed at their beautiful expressive eyes and they have such long long eye lashes.

This alpaca on the left with the hole in it's ear is 15 years old and from Peru.
You can see the hole in the ear better in this photo.



When one alpaca will come up to you then the others will follow but it seems if one is shy they all are shy until one becomes the brave one. We got to feed them grain. They have such soft mouths when they eat out of your hand.

Here is some of the goodies I purchased. One is going to my SP 12 in her 3rd package. This first one is 80g of an alpaca, wool and silk blend. It is 250 yds. It isn't as yellow as photographed but more off white and tan. This is mystery yarn which means it is what was on the drum carder when all was finished being carded. It is 108 g and 312 yds. AND OK I guess you can figure out this is definitly NOT the one going to my SP. I wonder how you figured it out??? I have the perfect shawl pattern picked out for it and it is NOT a chart!!!
This is 100% alpaca and it is pretty much the color shown. It is 200g and I figure there is between 450 yds to 550 yds in this skein.
I even purchased this which is 80% poleworth and 20% mohair. It was all of $4.00. There was a lovely bag of PINK but I just couldn't afford the $47.00 it cost. There was also a beautiful blue, purple and green blend but again I just couldn't afford it. Considering I am unable to use the drop spindle that Solara chewed off the end of and I don't yet have a spinning wheel.
I will bring these to knit nights for you all to see up close and personal.

AND when I home to see Solara sleeping on her mink bed.