Yes, I'm still here.

And yes, I'm still knitting. That blue patterned yarn from Joanne did indeed make the CUTEST ROLL-BRIM BABY HAT EVER. And I got gauge on this hat before I started. My first gauge ever! (Five stitches to the inch on size 6s with worsted weight yarn. I feel so grown-up! Almost like a Real Knitter!) So I'm sure it will fit the cousinlet, which is more than I can say for my last attempt. More on The Tale of Two Hats later, with pictures.)

I should be cutting back on knitting for the time being, though... I should be packing. Why? Because I'm getting married by the end of the month. (Squeeeeee! Also, finally!) Do I know the exact date? Ha, no. It's going to be a tiny last-minute thing at the Justice of the Peace's office, with a couple of friends as witnesses, after we've gotten almost everything moved into the new place.

But I can't put down the needles altogether. Knitting's keeping me sane. And I found the cutest yarn in the clearance basket the other day that was screaming to be a scarf...

Sunsets are awesome.

When I went to round up the cats tonight, this is what I saw from the back deck:


(Also: Is anybody else having problems viewing the Yarn Harlot's blog & main site?)
(June 23, 5pm update: Never mind, she's back. Webhost problems have been fixed. Yay!)

Wow! (warning: LONG)

I got a package in the mail today from my Dishcloth Swap spoiler, Joanne, who is completely awesome, and spoiled me SO MUCH.

My colors are a bit off. Everything is actually less blue and more green than it looks.

The group photo, aerial view:

It took a lot of organizing to get everything to line up for this shot. The frog kept wanting to make a run for it.

Section 1:

Clockwise, starting in upper left corner:
- a skein of Classic Worsted Tapestry yarn (color "7017") - a gorgeous acrylic/wool blend in muted blues. I can't stop petting it.
- a cone of Halcyon cotton yarn (color "Casco Bay") - it's greener than the picture shows. Thick and cushiony. This looks like it will be awesome for really soft washcloths.
- a booklet of twelve (12!) dishcloth patterns - four to knit and eight to crochet. (Not pictured because it was hiding from me during the photo session: crochet hook, size F/3.75mm. I have no excuse now, I have to learn how to crochet!)
- the stars of the swap, The Dishcloths. On the right: it looks tan in the picture, but that's my favorite green color ever. You know how in fancy catalogs they have blouse colors called "Celery" and "Sage" and it's this really delicate green with a brownish undertone? It's like that. (Also: too pretty to use on dishes! :D)
- a doubleknit (? or maybe it's two cloths seamed together?) potholder in blues, greens, and grays. Nice and thick.

Section 2:

Clockwise, starting in upper left corner:
- a tin of SweetRidge Raspberry Lemonade mix. I'm looking forward to making this.
- a bag of Lindt Lindor Truffles in white, milk, and dark chocolate. YUM.
- a cute summery glass with flip-flops all over it, which I will use with the lemonade :D
- (in front of glass) handmade vetiver oatmeal soap. It smells so good.
- (in the green box) a windchime. (I know where I'm putting this. *g*)
- a flip-flop magnet. (which should have been next to the glass :D)
- a colorful New Hampshire keychain
- a frog! It's a cute zipper container for little knitting accessories.

Section 3:

Clockwise, starting in upper left corner:
- (red package) green and tan split-lock stitch markers. VERY useful.
- three New Hampshire postcards with beautiful pictures.
- a refrigerator magnet poetry set with a knitting theme. It's got words like "yarn ball", "fringe", "scarf", "sheep", "sock", et cetera.
- a starburst that says "From My House To Your House". She's even got lovely handwriting!
- a letter written in a card with an old-fashioned knitting lady on the front. (She looks a bit sad, like she just noticed a glaring error three rows back. Been there, sisterfriend!)
- a needle inventory, to slip in a purse and keep track of what I already have at home. (You can't see the inventory part, because I forgot to unfold it. Brilliant.)
- a nifty bookmark that is made out of some magnifying material. It works, too. :D


Oh, noooo! Froggy's eating the yarn!

Thank you, Joanne!! I love everything to bits, and the cats have adopted the box it came in. (Bet you didn't know this box can fit 1.5 cats. Well, one cat that's completely in, and half a cat that really wants in.) You really made my week!

Okay, so I stink at updating in a timely manner. More words and pictures within a few days.

My Dishcloth Exchange recipient, Chan, got her package! Also, she liked it! :D I invented my Very Own Pattern for the main dishcloth I sent, and I'll try to figure out the pattern - I thought it came out pretty cute. :D (I'll have to borrow her picture of it, though, since I didn't take a picture before taping the package shut. I'm brilliant like that.)

Here's a sneak peek of my latest to tide you over until the next post:



In foreground: hat (My first! Way too small and long! Argh!)
In background: cat (thinking I'm taking the picture of him instead)