Longing For Spring Swap

Cleaning Up

2008-04-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

Now that everyone has received their packages and shared the swap goodness, I want to thank everyone who participated in this swap! This was my first swap that I hosted all on my own, and I really appreciate all of the wonderful feedback! I'm so glad that you all had fun.

Lastly, if I missed it .... if there is someone who did not get their package, please email me ASAP so I can set you up with an angel.

Cheers!

My socks are finished

2008-04-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

I just have to say another quick thank you to Darcy for her terrific parcels she sent me! I am so happy with my new socks which were made from the yarn and pattern she sent me! Full details are on my blog, but I just wanted to show you all a couple of quick pictures of them!

Lovely Package from Debbie!

2008-04-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

I've been spoiled by my pal, Debbie of the Well-Tempered Knitter blog, for the Longing for Spring Swap. Look!

Lavender, a mini-sock blocker, Socks That Rock Lightweight in the color Highway 30, a Cookie A. sock pattern, bath truffles, Hershey Kisses in a "lamb" container, Soak samples, the latest Interweave Knits, and a kit to make felted mice with catnip and bells for my cats!!! By gods, I have been SPOILED! Thank you so much, Debbie!

As promised...

2008-04-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

What is that poking up in the snow? Is it the first sign of spring here in Winnipeg? I think it is! It's the first of my
Tiny Tulip socks! Isn't the yarn beautiful?!? I LURVE it! I wandered around the house when I got home from work with my one sock on until my family decided I had lost my mind and I thought I should perhaps stop acting like a loon. But really, it is the perfect spring sock! If you like sock knitting, go try it out.

Thank-you Cindy!

2008-04-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

IMG_0862
Originally uploaded by juliabca

Ok, I hope this picture works, as it is the first time I am posting a picture in a blog entry.
After much ado with the postal service I recieved my package yesterday. A BIG thank-you to Cindy! (She had to mail the package twice!) As I opened the package a delicious smell wafted out from the Earl Grey tea she included. As a newish knitter this gift was perfect for me. There was 2 sizes of DNPs, 2 types of stitch markers, point protectors, tape measure, dishcloth patterns (my favourite thing to knit), 2 skeins of Sugar and Cream, and 2 skein of Knit Picks Shine (for Sheldon). Thanks again Cindy! You're awesome!

I forgot to post here last week!

2008-04-01T06:55:00.001-07:00

My sincere apologies to Darcy - I posted on my own blog, and then promptly forgot to post it here, but better late then never I suppose! My third parcel from Darcy arrived on Thursday last week! With great excitement I ripped it open to find three prettily wrapped packages inside and a notecard telling me they were from Darcy. Let me tell you, she's done it again. That woman is simply amazing! She collaborated with Lizzie's Wonderland to create the loveliest shade of green yarn to go along with the pattern for Tiny Tulip Socks. Oh and there was also a sweet little matching green stitch marker and a huge, wonderful bar of chocolate. (Do these ladies know me well or what???) So once again, Darcy, I owe you a huge thank you! You are fabulous and amazing, and I swear that somehow you are right inside my head because you've sent me the perfect gifts once again!

And... despite all my WIP that I've got on the go right now, I couldn't resist the beautiful green yarn or the tiny tulip pattern. I cast on Saturday night and last night finished sock number one! This is such an awesome pattern! And the yarn is a dream to knit with! Sock number one fits me like the pattern was made just for me! I'm so happy! I'll be posting a picture of sock number one on my blog probably later on today - I just can't wait to finish the second sock (which I cast on this morning before leaving for work) to show them off! :)

Thanks again Darcy!

Better late than never, eh?

2008-03-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

I received my package from the very thoughtful Holly in San Francisco way back on 13 March. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get pictures up, and in the interim the peeps she sent along got eaten before we had a chance to photograph them...okay, they were eaten the moment they were pulled out of the package two weeks ago, but I managed to hold off on the blueberry marshmallows. I've got plans for them. Those plans include some hot chocolate because even though spring is supposed to have sprung, it's still seriously chilly here in Boston.

Click through to see some close-ups in my flickr set. The sock yarn is great and the amigurumi book? Totally love!! Thanks again, Holly!

Package arrives....

2008-03-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Alaina. I love my package. The yarn is beautiful, the washcloth you made is lovely, of course I love my sheepie's, so now I have another one to add to my collection and what girl could not live without chocolate and twizzlers.

2008-03-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sarah! The package is gorgeous! I loved loved loved everything. Lorna Laces (one of my favorites!), a beautiful pattern, tea, chocolate, journal, notepad, and the markers.....Little gardening items on them...gorgeous! Thank you so much!

Angel Checking In

2008-03-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

There is an Angel package on the way to a special lady that was neglected. The contents have been amassed from various states and will be mailed first thing Tuesday morning!

Catching Up

2008-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

It looks like everyone is having a great time with the swap! What wonderful packages !!! I'm so thrilled to see that this swap has been a success!

There are a few loose ends though ....

JULIA - please email me, pertaining to you mailing address

And if anyone else has not received a package, please let me know. I want to stay on top of things.

My package came!

2008-03-21T14:36:00.001-07:00

And it arrived on the official last day of winter! My pal was Maria from Mia's Folk Art. I was spoiled rotten. I got "Good and Plenty" candy, a Dove bar and two packs of "Sweet Tarts" yummmmmm... I also got a notepad, a ball of Gallway and two balls of Sublime as well as "Easy Baby Knits" by Claire Montgomerie. Lucky me! THANKS MARIA!

Package Arrived From My Pal Courtney;)

2008-03-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

I was having an exhausting morning so tired and my sinuses were hurting but I decided to go check the mail and there was a box from Courtney:)WoW!!!!!
I have never been given gifts so like what I would have chosen for myself no one has ever pegged me so well not even my husband who is a very thoughtful guy.These gifts are extra ordinarily special and amazing everything I have wanted but have never received. Iam wearing the gardenia lotion I keep smelling my hands:)Courtney layered everything between layers of easter grass so each layer revealed more goodies it was like an easter egg hunt in a box;)So there was a spring glitter magnet with lady bugs,easter eggs filled with peppermints,black licorice twizzlers,bath and body works tulip bag gorgeous needed a big project bag for my clapotis ,bodycology white gardenia body cream this scent was my first favorite as a teenage girl I wore jungle gardenia by jovan so I put this on my hands immediatly smells so good;)then gardenia,gardenia fragrance oil difuser this will make me feel happy while recovering. So special scents you know can be mood elevators:)2 spring towels with butterflies on them.Easter egg tissues,spring note cards gorgeous:)magnetic notpad with baby chicks on it,spring self stick note pads 2pack,A chocolate Lindt Bunny,Lindt mini lambs,Cuarzo 97 worsted Malabrigo the shades of purple are amazing,beautiful spring coffee mug with flowers on it,Jagger spun zephyr silk/wool lilac colorway,Chocolate bar Santander espresso coffee,Dagoba organic chocolate chilies and nibs,chocolina dark chocolate with sheeps milk.You made me cry Iam 40 but felt like a kid at Easter.Hugs to Courtney you are so sweet:)
P.S. Courtney has told me I will be getting another parcel with a card and patterns in it I cant wait;)

Kat- My package is here!

2008-03-21T11:15:00.001-07:00

Look at the fabulous package from Kat in NJ.

She made my dreary Friday feel like spring for

sure. A beautiful wire basket full of Easter candy,

including a chocolate bunny from Russell Stover.

Hand cream and lip protector for all the upcoming days in the garden. 2 envelopes of seed including my favorite carnations. Check out the knitting accessory bag with the cool button. Handmade!!!My DD pointed out how yummy soft it is and said yoiu could use it for jewelry for travel too! 3 different skeins of sock yarn. 2 claudia and a seacoast- such wonderful stuff. You just want to squeeze it. Plus 2 sock patterns to try. I love everything Kat. You did a super job. I have been so spoiled. Thanks much.

Spring is Here!

2008-03-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

I love Spring this year. Normally, I don't want winter to end. I long to hang on to warm, cozy sweaters and being curled up under blankets with someone lovable, but this time the heralds of Spring are all around me and I'm thrilled about it. The weather these past few days has been gorgeous, highs in the upper 60s with a cloud-free sky that makes me hate the fact that mine is a desk job, and I'm loving watching everything come back to life. Every morning I seem to see another little sliver of beauty that makes me so happy to be right here, exactly where I am in my life.

To make all this even more exciting, I just got my package from my Longing for Spring Swap partner, Tami. Tami hit the nail on the head when it came to buying me stuff I love, and I couldn't be more grateful! She sent me the pattern for Sahara, which I've been wanting for over a year now, some Wintergreen Lifesavers (yum!), a big bag of chocolate Riesens (one of my very favorites!), a Dove chocolate truffle egg, beautiful star-shaped stitch markers, a skein of really cool, peacock-tail colored yarn (can't WAIT to see what I can make from it!), another skein of yarn in every shade of green imaginable (did you know that I'm planning a trip to Ireland, Tami? That yarn is en route to being the PERFECT Ireland hat!) , a great big green mug for tea in the morning (can't wait to show you - it's so cute!), a journal that's almost too pretty to write in, and some cocoa-chai tea. I don't even think I mentioned that chai is my very favorite drink, and yet she got it right! Tami, I can't say enough thank yous. You really really went above and beyond! I couldn't have asked for a better partner! I'll post some pictures when I get my camera charged and read to roll. :)

Unfortunately, I won't get to enjoy any of the candy until next week when I've finished the Ayurvedic cleanse that I'm doing to usher in the new season, but I can't wait until I can! For now, sugar (not to mention meat, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, and dairy) is out of my diet, but I'll surely be returning to normal, gradually, next week. Then, the candy better watch out! I'll post a full explanation of the cleanse and my thoughts on it next week on my blog when it's all over, if anyone's interested. :)

Thanks again, Tami!

Tulips

2008-03-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a clearer picture of Sarahs Stitch Markers.Hope you dont mind me helping;)Hugs Darcy

Time for some pictures!

2008-03-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

As promised I got pictures taken of the fabulous stitch markers that Darcy had sent to me so I wanted to show them off!

Not the greatest picture, but they are absolutely awesome in real life! I LOVE them!!!

Today's post had a wonderful treat in it for me too! I got home to find this:

Which I believe to be an antique wooden crochet hook - ok I know it's a crochet hook - it's the antique part I'm figuring on. Darcy had mentioned something about an antique in one of her emails. Let me tell you, I think this is going to be the hook that gets me hooked so to speak! I've been really itching to get into crocheting, but none of the hooks I had were really making the job easier. Now I have this! I love wood knitting needles - and I know I'm going to love this hook. It's wonderful - and I love the stories I've been making up in my head about it's past.

Once again Darcy you amaze me with your gifts that are spot on for me! Are you somehow living in my head? You are awesome!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

Thank you Natalie!

2008-03-19T14:08:00.001-07:00

Arrived yesterday! All wrapped up pretty and smelled nice.

All sorts of goodies!
A skein of trekking sock yarn and a Breast Cancer awareness sock pattern. Lots of jelly beans! Fun notepads, a scented sachet, a flower pot with seeds (which I will try not to kill). Handknit washcloth (I've never recieved a handknit washcloth before).

Thank you Natalie!

Wow! Thanks, AJ!

2008-03-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

I have been quite remiss in not posting the photos of the wondrous swap package I received from my partner, AJ!! Thank you so much for these awesome things! The needles, the cool yarn, everything was great, and you know those Chessmen butter cookies did not stay around long!!! Thanks so much for spoiling me so wonderfully!! :)

Wow Oh Wow

2008-03-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

I got my package today and all I can say is Wow! Leah spoiled me. I got Silk flowers that I thought where real when I opened the package, and a unicorn, 6 skiens of purple yarn, a book on crochet and note cards and candy. I love everything. Thank you so much Leah.

Huggs,

Cleary

P.S. I didn't realize we were supposed to send so much so my secret swap mate will be getting a second package from me with the rest of her stuff.

Holy. Cow.

2008-03-18T06:39:00.001-07:00

Man, does Kristen know how to make someone's day!! I've been home sick and cranky on and off for almost a week, so when the postman brought this huge box to my door, it was better than any antibiotics!

(Please disregard the unmade bed.) LOOK AT ALL THIS STUFF! That is a 45 0Z bag of M&M peanuts - almost three full pounds of chocolately, peanutty goodness. And she wove mini Payday bars and Lindt Spring Truffles in with the yarn!

Hello Kitty knitting needles. How cool is that?!?! I giggled until it set off a coughing fit. :)

Sheep in sweater!!!!!!

I cannot say enough great things about my awesome swap partner - thanks so much, Kristen! You made my first swap a fantastic one!

Amy, thank you so much for putting this all together!

EDITED TO ADD: So, the codeine had a hold of me while gushing earlier. I forgot to mention THE YARN. 2 skeins each of pink and red Cascade 220, plus a copy of Scarf Style - a book I've always looked at but never treated myself to. After I finish rolling around in the yarn, I'll knit it up into some pretty scarves. :-D

Thank you, Cassandra! :)

2008-03-17T23:51:00.000-07:00

I came home today to find my package awaiting me which was great because I had a crazy day today at work!

I got 2 skeins of both the soft gold and the blue hazel colorways of the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton along with both a knit and a crochet pattern in case I decide to take on crocheting after all! I also got a hazelnut flavored candle, a pack of Butterfingers (already disappearing), Some soap, a book (Needled to Death by Maggie Sefton) and a cute ring that has red tiger lillies around it. Really cute!

And yes, Cassandra, the ring does fit a finger. ;) Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Thanks Jenn!! :)

2008-03-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

I got my Longing for Spring Swap package today! It came from Jenn, It included a pretty flower card with a nice note inside, this lovely little bag with pretty spring flowers on the outside & polka dots on the inside, yummy smelling Mango lotion, some Snickers Eggs & Gummy Bears (can't wait to dig into those!), and a Blooms Felted Bracelet kit, how sweet is that?! Of course I pulled my current project out of the old bag I was using & promptly put it in my new bag! I've seen those bracelet kits online & thought they were so cute but never thought of buying one, I'm so glad she did! This will be a fun & fast little project. Thanks so much Jenn, I just love everything! I have posted more photos on my blog if anyone wants to go see...

Anita

Kimber in Canada delivers!

2008-03-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I admit, I was worried my first attempt at swapping was a bust... but it turns out I had an international swap partner, and things just take a wee bit longer when the mail has to travel across international boundaries. Let me tell you, it was SOOO worth the wait. A big hank of CASHMERE in my favorite colors. I would have NEVER bought it for myself... And a big chocolate bunny. Mmmm Mmmmm Mmmm. I will be enjoying this for a long time. Thanks so much Kimber!

Thank You, Julia!!

2008-03-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving on a trip tomorrow early, and my package came just in the nick of time! Julia from British Columbia sent me my absolute favorite things:

gorgeous Baby Cashmerino (so luxurious), chocolate (the Purdy's bunnies are scrumptious. My husband and I just shared one! Aren't I generous? tee hee), a whole pound of coffee beans, and a great pattern for felted sheep.

Julia, you really paid attention to my questionnaire and sent me a wonderful package. Thank you so very much!!!

Happy spring everyone! Only a few more days until the Vernal Equinox!!!

Thank You Brenda!

2008-03-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday I received my package from Brenda!! What wonderful goodies!!! Thank you so so much! I'll be posting to my regular blog about it tonight.

There's Louet Gems in this great cream/brown stripe color, some MetallicFX, loose green tea, Junior Caramels!!!, Cup a Soup (great for work!), more tea!, stitch markers, a little tile about loving chocolate, a wooden frog that sings when you move the stick in his mouth (he'll go great next to my wooden turtle, and a book on chocolate. Thanks so much, Brenda!

Thank you, Sarah

2008-03-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

My swap package arrived this morning! Thanks goes to Sarah for sending me all these goodies:

I got lots of chocolate and candy, a skein of super soft Malabrigo, 2 balls of Lily Sugar'n Cream, a cute stuffed lamb/sheep, not one but three (!) sets of stitch markers, bath stuff, seeds for my garden, 'quilting girl' mints, a notebook, and notepad. Sarah - you rock!

Thanks Amy!

2008-03-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks Amy!! my wonderful package arrived this morning :) there is Fiber Trends Walking Away sock pattern, hershey choc. bar, a prettyy case, 'welcome' garden stake, Island Palm candles, cucumber/melon lotion, Clover DPN's and 2 skeins Plymouth Happy Feet, which s very pretty :) thanks so much!!

Thank you, Tami!!

2008-03-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

I left the house this morning to find a wonderful package sitting outside my door. I haven't had a chance to open it yet, but when I do, I'll post pictures. Thanks, Tami! I can't wait to see what's inside!!

Thanks Cindy O!

2008-03-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

I got my package on Friday- it was awesome! (sorry for not posting right away- I had a rather long weekend) She sent me 6 Tea of Life teas- I'm currently sipping Spring Flowers- it tastes like roses (there are roses in it)- and smells like them- which is nice since its snowing outside. I'm drinking my tea out of the huge mug she sent- it has topieries on it. Its nice and big- I LOVE big mugs. She also send along a really cute frog bag & a Peter Cottontail gift bag (I sometimes hold Chester's- dog- ears up- so he looks like a bunny, and sing "Here comes Chester Cottontail.."- I know, I'm a dork). There was also some almond lip balm- I put that in the car- till it gets warm out- then it will have to be brought inside again- or it will melt in the car. And some sugardaddys- which I don't think I've ever had- so I'm excited. She also included some glass beads- they are really pretty. And- the yarn. She read that I was getting married this spring, so she included a pattern for a beaded wedding purse, and she got green beads to match my dress!!! The yarn is perfect- 2 skeins of white and 2 skeins of a springy multis (orange, yellow, etc). I'm really excited to get started!

Thank you so much Cindy!!! You made my Friday!!!

Swap Package

2008-03-15T17:42:00.001-07:00

Now that I've finally learned how to post...

I received my AMAZING package from Lisa on Friday. Included was 6 balls of amazing green cotton, older than I am. Now that's special :) Also, some aluminum size 3 DPNS, DPN holders, a pattern for some sock (knit at the same time on two circular needles, which I've ABSOLUTELY been meaning to try), an awesome little letter with photos of her personal garden/back yard, a card, a yummy smelling bar of soap, some cute garden stickers, the perfect shade of ruby red nail polish (my other bottle in the same color is all crusty and dead), a bar of dark chocolate (almost gone), and last but not least a funny mug (I collect).

I absolutely loved my package. My favorite part would have to be the yarn. Green is my favorite color and cotton is my favorite fiber. That combined with the thought put into offering me yarn that has existed before I even did... that's amazing. I was definitely feeling all warm and fuzzy that afternoon. This has been a great swap, my second ever. I've had great experiences both times.

Thanks again Lisa, for an amazing swap package!

My package

2008-03-15T07:11:00.001-07:00

was FULL of FUN-NESS! Andrea was my partner, and boy did she spoil me! My pacakge included a skein of sock yarn, Andrea's own sock pattern, a Dream in Color shrug pattern, 2 skeins of Dream in Color for the shrug (in the BEST colorway), a felted daisy kit, a tote bag that I can take to the grocery, bath soak, lip gloss, body cream, a sheep card, a little cute notebook, daisy floating candles in green, and not to forget, mini eggs and gummy berries.

It was the best first swap I could have asked for!!! Thank you SO MUCH Andrea! You did a fantastic job :) I can't wait to get started on the socks and the shrug pattern! I have a friend that has already asked to borrow the pattern!

Thank you Darcy

2008-03-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying Darcy is amazing!

If you've been reading the posts over the last little while, you'll know she's been to hell and back including an absolute terrifying medical emergency. I think it safe to say that if many of us had gone through what she's been through the last thing on our minds would be a knitting swap. I'm pretty sure it would be for me anyways. But not our Darcy. No siree! She'd been worrying about how to spoil me while she busy trying to look after her little ones and recuperate.

She's told me that she's been doing some online shopping and the first of my three parcels arrived today. I will add pics as soon as I can, but I just had to tell everyone and say a big THANK YOU to Darcy for the fantastic stitch markers she had sent! They are none other than yellow tulips (my very favourite spring time flower!!!). And the funniest part is that I just bought wool for myself from the same etsy shop that she got the stitch markers from!

Darcy - you are wonderful!!!!!!!

Hugs!
Sarah

PS: Hope each day you're feeling a little better!

Ooh, I feel SPOILED - Thanks Anita

2008-03-14T18:06:00.001-07:00

I am so thrilled! What a lucky knitter I am. Thank you Anita, thank you!

this part was posted on my blog too:
WOW it had EVERYTHING I could have imagined.

So excited about the Dream In Color Smooshy in shades of pink/purple (Funky Fuchsia) that make my heart skip a beat. I love the card with the brilliant colors and the A, the warm vanilla sugar lotion, pencils that say I'd Rather Be Knitting, a pad of paper that says I'd have more time to write but I'm too busy Gardening, gardening gloves (I go through at least two pair every summer), pads of paper with A and J (my initials), pretty stitch markers in a darling little bag, caramel Hershey's Kisses & M & M's, a journal, a tape measure (can't EVER have too many of those) and a cute sock pattern that I just might try... It says Intermediate but I think I am ready.

And, Amy, what a wonderful idea! Thanks for hostessing a fun swap.

Amy Sent Me A Get Well Pkg What A Nice Surprise;)

2008-03-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

I got my first skein of Manos Del Uruguay the colors are perfect now I just need ideas on what to make with it? Iam thinking Wrist Warmers:)
I also received a little bag with my favorite lip balm burts bees the only kind I use how did she know:)2 lovely hand lotions i put the pink one on my hands it has a lovely scent and a bar of Ghirardelli milk chocolate Mmmm and the prettiest card very zen garden very calming:)Hugs you made my day Amy:)

Mine went out...

2008-03-14T06:38:00.003-07:00

...a few days ago; I sent it Priority Mail. I hope my Secret Pal gets it soon and I hope she likes it!! Everyone has gotten such great stuff, I hope she's as happy with hers. :)

WOW!!!

2008-03-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Just received my package today from Samantha and all I can say is WOW!! Yarn is a great Seacoast hand painted sock yarn in Sunny Day, love the colors!!!The pattern (hard to see) is for a great Japanese Feather Stole or scarf and since I just signed up for the International Scarf swap, the pattern is great!!
Samantha went with a handmade "local" theme.

I know the questionnaires always ask if you collect anything and I never can think of anything. I do collect pins, started when I inherited some from my grandmother and now when I travel I look for cool pins. She could not have known this so..... and the one she sent is just beautiful but the picture does not do it justice, it may be the photographer too though. Thanks Samantha, I love everything and will be throwing my keys into bowl every night!!
Time for coffee and yummy looking cookies!!!

Kathie

My package went out today

2008-03-13T13:07:00.002-07:00

Kristen: my package is on it's way to you. Please allow 3 days to arrive as it is coming from NY. I hope you will enjoy it.

Thank you Sherrill!

2008-03-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

I opened the door and my mail lady was leaving a package on the front porch! I was so excited, I dropped everything to open it up! It was my Longing for Spring Swap Package! I got a lovely partner, Sherrill, who sent me an entire box of wonderful springy stuff!

In the box was, 2 skeins of Shi Bui Sock Yarn in a pretty blue and green colorway. A skein of Knit Picks Shadow in Vineyard. To go with the Knit Picks Shadow yarn she sent a pattern for Branching Out and the needles need to make it! Some lovely Vanilla Lotion and Body Spray, Coconut Chocolate, some pretty note cards, gummy bears, pumpkin seeds and flower seeds to plant in the garden, decorative straight pins and some foot cream. She also wrote her note in a beautifully hand made card! I love it all:) Thank you so much Sherrill!!!

Thank You Secret Pal!

2008-03-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

I received a wonderful package from MA yesterday. It was chocked full of vintage knitting and crochet patterns, a HUGH Hershey's Kiss, the cutest flower broach kit, yummy bubble bath, simply fab yarn in a colorway called Louisiana, bamboo dpns, and a wonderful card with yarn skeins all over it.

I would thank my partner by name, but all that was on the return address was a last name....and the card was anonymous.....

2008-03-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kathy for the wonderful package. I have attached a photo of what I received from her. I didn't get the chocolates in the photo as my girls ate it immediately, and the incense and lip balm were forgotten downstairs when the photo was taken. In the photo was everything else. Thank you.

Thank You!!!

2008-03-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

I want to send a giant THANKS!!!!! to Leslie for the awesome package you sent. I love tofootsies, and the extra goodies are great! I love the stitch markers, pattern, key chain, magnets and bookmarks! My daughter quickly confiscated the bunny. I hope your partner is as good to you as you were to me.

Jen

PACKAGE has arrived!

2008-03-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

I think I'm the most excited I've ever been!!! I got my package today and at work and it is FILLED to the brim with GREAT stuff! A shrug pattern and yarn, sock pattern and yarn, reusable grocery bag/knitting bag, lip stuff, lotion, podcasts, a gerber daisy felted knit kit, gerber daisy candles, Vogue Knitting magazine, and lots MORE! I will take pictures tonight and post them!

Thank you ANDREA!!!!!!! You were a GREAT partner!

And to my partner... I hope you have received your package... I sent it out a while ago, but haven't seen it or heard from you yet!

It should be waiting....

2008-03-12T12:05:00.001-07:00

Someone in a state that starts with "I" has a package waiting for them! Post office said its been delivered!

Sent, sent, sent!

2008-03-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

I sent my partner's package out on Monday, and I can't wait for her to receive it! I had such fun putting it together for her. :-D Thanks for setting up such an enjoyable swap, Amy!

Mailed!

2008-03-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, Spoilee.....you don't know that I'm your match, but your package went out with the mail this morning. It said two day priority, so we'll see if you get it on Thursday or Friday......

It's 4:35 pm and how many people in that line?

2008-03-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

Yep, about a dozen. Two clerks and a dozen folks standing in line at the tiny little post office. This branch closes at 5pm. Ain't happening today! :(

Well, my package has been wrapped and ready to roll since Saturday, so it will go out tomorrow, I'll just have to beat all the lunch crowd folks to the post office near my work.

It will still be there within a few days, never fear!

Mail Delay..... :(

2008-03-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today has been a bad weather day for Houston. It has rained so hard that I feel liek I need webbed feet to attempt the drive home. If the roads are okay when I leave, I will try to mail the special package tonight, if not, it will go first thing in the morning!

Mailing out tomorrow.

2008-03-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post that I'm mailing out tomorrrow. It's been fun finding everything for this swap and I hope my lady likes everything I'm sending.
Huggs,
Cleary

A Glimpse of Spring

2008-03-10T13:07:00.002-07:00

Cross-posted on winemakerssister and Longing for Spring.

Yes, the ground is still covered in ice and snow. And it was 10 degrees F outside when I woke up yesterday. But today I got my first glimpse of spring.

My package arrived from my wonderful spoiler, Dotty. She was so great -- she really worked at getting to know me. And you can really tell from the package of Heather-friendly goodies!

The package included a "tour" of her garden (one of my favorite parts of the package!), two skeins of hand-dyed violet alpaca yarn, a skein of Heather-green Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, adorable Japanese fabric, gorgeous buttons, a Noni purse pattern (I think she read my mind about wanting to make a Noni purse), a beautiful scarf pattern, Blue Tower Columbine seeds (we both love blue flowers), a "WonderVase," and a gorgeous vintage embroidered runner. It's amazing how well she knows me!

Thank you so much, Dotty!

Oh, and p.s., my package went out today...

Mine is in the mail!

2008-03-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

It was fun to put together and I hope my swappee likes what I did. I was a little apprehensive about putting stuff in it since it has to cross the border, and wasn't sure if I could send plants/seeds, so I had to use my own "warped" logic on what is considered "spring". But after she receives it, and if she needs an "explanation" I can tell her! LOL

Going out today!

2008-03-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to the Post Office at lunch to get my swap partner's goodies in the mail. I hope she likes them! Amy, thanks so much for all the work you did on this swap; you've made my first swap experience so much fun that I've already signed on for another! :)

I'm mailing my parcel today!

2008-03-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

I had hoped to get it in the mail last week, but due to unfortunate circumstances (nasty case of the flu) it's going out today. Hopefully it will find it's way south in no time at all! I can hardly wait for my partner to get her spring parcel! :)

Heading South

2008-03-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

My package is heading south- or it should be soon- I dropped it in the bin after the post office closed on Saturday. Hope she likes it!

All Set and Leaving Tomorrow!

2008-03-09T17:39:00.001-07:00

I've amassed the treats and things for my pal, and will wrap it (my favorite part) and pack it and send it out tomorrow! It was fun!

Excitted About Pkgs:)

2008-03-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

I bought gifts from 2 different sellers on etsy so 2 pkgs are on there way to my pal.I cant wait for them to get to her I know my swap pal will like them:)It is nice having the information on ones pal to customize their gifts it makes it more fun:)Darcy

New Swap on Ravelry (Blog Coming Soon)

2008-03-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Hey there fellow swappers,

As we prepare to spring forward here in Chicago ... I am still Longing for Springtime weather. It was chilly and we had snow flurries today.

In the spirit of hot colors and hot flavors, I am hostessing my first swap with the help of a couple of Bloggy Friends from this swap, Rubyringz and Roe...

It is a Knitter's (or Crocheter's) Hot Sauce Swap. It will be very simple, US/Canada only and limited right now to 12 people.

You can join us on Ravelry (search for hot sauce), or check my blog for updates about when the Swap Blog will go up.

Cheers!
AJ (Not-So) Cynical Knitting Gal
www.cynicalgal.blogspot.com

Deadlines

2008-03-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day, folks! All packages must be mailed out by tomorrow, unless you have already contacted me to let me know something major has happened, and you'll be a little late. That's okay ... life happens. As long as everyone is letting me know of any complications, we're doing great with getting things out on time.

Now, I know I have posted this before, but if you have NOT heard from your pal by now, please email me and let me know. I want to stay on top of things.

And lastly, I think we should give everyone two weeks before anyone panics about not getting a package. I really don't think this is going to happen, but as a former Girl Scout, I'm always prepared. I know that shipping to and from Canada can take up to two weeks sometimes, so no one panic until at least the 28th of March. :-)

On that note, I see some people are already receiving the packages, which is great!!! I can't wait to see what everyone is getting! Remember to blog about all the goodies you get!

Okay ... really, this is is before I head to bed. I want to thank EVERYONE in the swap for making this such a great experience. I know that I have sent out a few confusing emails to some people concerning their pals, which have been remedied. When I sent out matches, I was sick with the flu and a very high fever. So there are a few things that I would do differently next time, I know. But this was my first time running a swap, and I know that I plan on doing another sometime this summer.

Thanks again, and have a great rest of the "Spring Forward" weekend!

Some pictures

2008-03-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

You can see some pics on my blog, it's just from my camera phone, but soon I'll have up better pics as well. I explain why in the post.

I got my package today!

2008-03-07T18:09:00.001-08:00

My partner is the best. I will be following up in my blog (and this one) with pictures and more details tomorrow.

I'm going to send my partners package out tomorrow if I can, or first thing Monday am. I can only hope she likes it as much as I love mine.

Thanks to everyone for making my first swap so wonderful!

Thank you, Amy!

2008-03-06T18:31:00.000-08:00

I was the lucky winner of the Spring Memory contest... and my prize arrived today! It's gorgeous hand-painted yarn from UrbanGypz in a wonderful range of blues called "Rainy Day Blues." I couldn't find a picture of it exactly, but this is sort of a blue-green version. Gorgeous, eh?

Thanks so much, Amy! I hope you're feeling better.

Gifts For My Pal:)

2008-03-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

So I found very special stitch markers on etsy and hopefully they are going out today.I have placed an order with my favorite yarn dyer http://www.lizzieswonderland.co.uk/index.php?p=9
she does gorgeous work I have a forest canopy shawl she dyed the yarn for it gets lots of compliments and people ask where did I get the yarn:)This will take a little more time as Iam having her dye yarn to go with a pattern for my swap pal but it will be worth the wait:)Darcy

Spoilers and Spoilees!

2008-03-06T05:34:00.000-08:00

I have a great spoiler, whoever you are! I loved the e-card you sent yesterday. Can't wait to meet you and find out who you are. :)

My spoilee's package is almost prepped and ready to go. I just have to get a couple more things put in there and then it's all ready to go out the door. I hope she loves it as much as I've enjoyed making it!

Planning things for my swap pal

2008-03-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

I have decided to use etsy to send lovely things to my pal since Iam recently home from the hospitol and to weak still to go shopping.I love the lovely hand made gifts you can get on etsy and they can send them directly to your pal so Iam feeling less stressed now.Darcy

Soon!

2008-03-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

I'm impressed with all the movement around here...it's quite inspiring! After tomorrow I should be ready to go!

Almost There...

2008-03-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of goodies more, and I'll be good to go. I'm aiming to hit the post office in the next 3-4 days.

My spoiler is the sweetest! She's sending the nicest e-mails and making my day. She sounds awesome! ::waves::

Your Swap Pals

2008-03-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm getting really excited, sitting here reading that so many of your are really hyped and shopping for your pals! I've got my package almost done and ready to go sometime this weekend.

Now, and this is important ... if you have not heard from your pal by FRIDAY, please email me and let me know. I have a few ladies who have signed up to be angels, and I want to make sure everyone has a great time and gets some goodies! So let me know if there have been any issues in not hearing from the person who is spoiling you.

Update On Me

2008-03-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

I just got home from the hospitol I was in for 7 days.I had surgery for a deviated septum feb 25th 2 days later the medicine they had sent me home with for my recovery stopped my breathing. My husband called 911 and the EMT's brought me back to conciousness but I had aspirated blood into both my lungs and had pnemonia the ride to the hospitol in the ambulance was terrifying I just kept thinking I dont want to die.Iam grateful to finally be home with my husband and to little ones.Because of all of this I havent been able to do anything for my swap pal. Please could someone write me and tell me things I could do for her as I didnt gleen much from the questionaire and Iam exhausted from my ordeal my hubby could probably do some shopping for me.Hugs Darcy

almost finished

2008-03-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

I've finished shopping for my pal - yay! I just need to put a few finishing touches on a few things and it'll be ready to box up and send.

My spoiler emailed me this morning to say that my package is on its way. I can't wait!!!!

Oh no!

2008-03-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

The yarn my partner specifically said she wants isn't available at any of the yarn stores in my area in the colorway she'd like! :( Does anyone know if yarn suppliers like WEBS would get something to here in time to send out by the 10th?

Thanks for your help!

In the Home Stretch

2008-03-03T06:44:00.001-08:00

I went to the yarn store by my mom's yesterday - LOVE THEM! - and got my swap partner's yarn. I'm in the home stretch, just want to add a few more goodies to the mix. This is so much fun!!

Having fun!

2008-03-02T17:42:00.001-08:00

I went shopping for my pal this weekend and I am really excited about getting her parcel together for her!!! I just have one more little thing to get and then it'll be boxed up and heading to the post office! Maybe sending a spring parcel will ward off all those nasty rumors of cold weather headed our way (again...)!

Contacting Your Pal

2008-03-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post about contacting the person you are spoiling. I've received a few emails from people who have NOT been contacted by their pal. Please remember that communication is a big part of swapping, and that you need to email your pal or comment on their blog. If you have not contacted you pal, you need to do so ASAP. Also, if you have not been contacted, please email me so that I can try to remedy the situation.

Have a great week!

Online Shopping

2008-03-02T05:38:00.000-08:00

WOO HOO, the goodies ordered online for my swap partner arrived!!! Just a few more things to get together and off the package goes.

I've been shopping!

2008-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been shopping and have some good stuff.... hmmmm... should I keep it myself? :) Nah, I'll send it to my swap pal, I hope she likes it as much as I do!! Just a few more things to gather up, should be ready to send by next weekend. I'm so ready for Spring now! I think I'll go rake the yard this afternoon! Hope everyone is having a great day! Sure feels like Spring here, almost 70!! Woohoo!!

I heart Spring

2008-03-01T08:38:00.001-08:00

With all the shopping that I got done last night for my partner, I'm so ready for spring!!

I hope that my partner will LOVE all this things in her package! I already do :)

Masterminding the Package...

2008-02-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

Since I'm home with the flu, I've had plenty of time to muse on the package for my pal, and I think I've planned out the whole thing. Now to shop and create!

So EXCITED!

2008-02-27T14:14:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to get more shopping done! I have some GREAT things for my partner! I hope she is ready :)

Good Luck to everyone else with their swap packages! I look forward to seeing all the beautiful things everyone gets!

gone shopping!!

2008-02-27T07:11:00.004-08:00

I've already got most of my pals package, just a couple more things to add and then off it goes!!

gone shopping!!

2008-02-27T07:11:00.003-08:00

I've already got most of my pals package, just a couple more things to add and then off it goes!!

Shopping!!!!

2008-02-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

So I'm back at work today after spending yesterday home with a bronchial third grader who was climbing the walls. And I happen to be walking distance from a candy store, a rockin' local yarn store, and a goodie store. Secret Pal, prepare to be spoiled rotten! :)

I also want to give a shout-out to my most awesome Secret Pal, who e-mailed me yesterday - love her already! She knows that this is my first swap and mentioned that she wants to make it such a good experience for me that I'll become an addict - you are awesome!

Yay Spring Pal! :)

2008-02-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

I, too, am shopping for my pal! I'm very excited! :)

*waves* hello, pal! I hope you like your gifties!

Matches

2008-02-26T14:02:00.001-08:00

I'm so happy to hear that everyone is looking for goodies for their matches! I'm going out this week to do so for my pal!

If you are having any problems, please email me ASAP. And please remember to check your spam folders ... just in case.

I still need to be assigned a spoilee

2008-02-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hi!
I have gotten a lovely e-card and a message from my Secret Spring Pal but I still haven't been assigned anyone to spoil. Help! :) I don't want to be a neglegent pal!

Yay shopping!

2008-02-26T12:13:00.001-08:00

I've started to get some of my shopping done and I've got some great ideas for other goodies. I'm so excited! :]

I started shopping too!

2008-02-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed reading my partner's questionnaire and blog... then figured it was time to start shopping! I ordered yarn from an Etsy seller in a colorway I think she'll like. I think this will be a very fun swap.

Already Started Shopping...

2008-02-25T15:58:00.001-08:00

So, I was checking out my partner's questionaire, and other blog posts, then I went cruising for items for her package. I found the perfect yarn at one of my favorite online sellers- The Unique Sheep. So, that should be on its way soon. Now that they yarn is bought, I have more time to search for the perfect springy items to include!

Yay, partners!

2008-02-25T14:44:00.000-08:00

I got my partner, and I'm excited! Her answers to the questionnaire were a little brief, so it will probably take a little more work and research to get her something that's JUST right, but I'm totally up for the job. This should be fun. :-D

Amy, do you still need angels?

Wow, I got a partner too

2008-02-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you to our wonderful hostess for getting the matches out to us. I am looking forward to trolling around my partner's blog and reading her answers to get her the best package ever.

Wondering what makes my partner tick....what makes her "see" spring......what smells and colors make her feel like spring.....have you read your partner's answers?

Me, Too!

2008-02-25T13:12:00.002-08:00

I got my partner, too! I've got a bunch of ideas, and can't wait to start shopping... Hope my partner likes being spoiled. :)

Partner arrived

2008-02-25T10:18:00.001-08:00

I got my partner today and already have lots of ideas! Yay shopping! It won't be long before you get your package, lucky one...

The Swap

2008-02-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

Iam having surgery in the morning so I will write my pal as soon as I recover.Darcy

Matches Are Out

2008-02-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

Okay everyone, all the matches just went out! I'm so excited to be getting started!

If anyone did NOT receive a match, or if there was a problem with email, etc ... please let me know via email. I have a very nasty case of the flu, and I've been working through these matches all afternoon so they could go out. So please excuse things like poor spelling, duplicate emails, etc.

Also, take a few minutes today or tomorrow to email your pal and let them know you're out there!

So Close!

2008-02-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

Just a few more days until matches go out! I'm very close to being done with these, and I can't wait until everyone finds out who they are spoiling!

Just a reminder of the rules HERE, and that blogging once a week is a requirement of this swap. And this is the big one ... HAVE FUN!!!

Also, just in case we need them ... is there anyone out there willing to be an angel? I'm really hoping it won't come to this, but just in case ... please email me and let me know!

Have a great weekend!!!

Contest Winner!

2008-02-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

I've read all of your entries about your favorite Spring memory, and using a random number generator, I've picked a winner.

Congrats Heather ! I wanted to share her answer with everyone.

My favorite spring memory actually happens every year. It's the day when we have the first warm rain. Before that, the landscape is brown and yellow and tired from winter. Then we get that warm spring rain. Everything turns green in front of your eyes. The grass greens up, the trees get that hazy green look about them, and the whole world glows with life.

I only have a few more people to match up, so I'm hoping to get those out to you very soon!

Matches - WIP

2008-02-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to work on the matches, but there are still a few people from who I need their addresses. I'm not trying to single anyone out, I just thought this would be an easy way to contact everyone, since I'm hoping ya'll read the blog here.

Genevieve
Kimber

Remember that I have the matches deadline set for the 25th, so please email me as soon as you can with your info! If I do not have your info by the 24th, you will NOT be matched with a partner.

Also, don't forget about the contest. You have until Thursday to enter to win that great skein of sock yarn!

Vital Info

2008-02-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

Okay - just a quick reminder, as we have deadlines coming up!

ALL questionnaires must be posted to your blogs by TOMORROW! I can not match anyone until these are up. I think there are just a few of you left that need to do this.
Please email me with your addresses and names, so I can start the matching process.
The contest has a few days left. I'm having a great time reading all of your answers!

I'm sorry if I sound like I run a tight ship, but in a way I do. I want to make sure everyone has a great time with this swap! And as always, if you have questions, let me know!!

Have a great week!

Attention All Participants

2008-02-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

I need all participants to email me with full name, mailing address, and email that you want updates sent to. I know that some of you have a 'swap' email address, so it's up to you which one you want me to send your matches off to. I'd love to get matches out before the 24th!

Thanks!

Sign Ups Are Closed

2008-02-14T14:19:00.001-08:00

Okay folks - we are full up! I can't wait to get all the matches done and out to everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy V-Day!

2008-02-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be a part of this swap. It's my first one and spring is my favorite season. I can't wait for all the flowers to come up!