Magic Yarn Ball Swap

So, this swap was the magic yarn ball swap, and I will just let the pictures do (most of) the talking. I ended up being spoiled again by the lovely dragondancer, who spilled me in the In Like a Lamb swap.
I had been warned not to be put off by the box.

Inside we had this:

And of course, the magic yarn ball.

Which unraveled to reveal, several things. A close up of the Saskatoon berries:

But there was also:

So, hidden in that yarn ball (which was, by the way, Galway Irish worsted knitting wool) was:
Chocolate Covered Saskatoon Berries
Pencil
Butterfly Clips
Sweater Key Chain
Handcrafted Stitch Markers
and Shepherd's Cottage Wool (a bison wool blend)
In addition to the Guide to Regina, Chocolate coins, Commie Mints and a Shawl pin.
Thanks again, Deb!

More Swappage

The theme of the latest Rubberswap is local stuff, although I personally took a broad interpretation of that. Fortunately I sent mine off just before receiving mine, because, wow, what a package. The lovely Spirals aka Obsessed with Knitting sent me this package of goodies.

All beautifully wrapped.

And inside...



Contents:
Noro pattern book
Gorgeous bamboo silk wool blend yarn - Argosy's Bonsai Bamboo in Vineyard
Cat treats (which my cat will adore!)
Card Case
Stitch markers (they got their own photo - so cute!)
Cupcake mix (must try!)
Card - that's also a scarf pattern
Flamingo Pen
Lovely Charm
So, thanks so much!

Swappiness!

So, I received a lovely swap package from Ann for a Ravelry swap.
We have two skeins of Four Play - gorgeous Brooks Farm yarn in the magical blend of a color I probably never would have chosen and yet totally love.
A lovely Della Q project bag.
Sewing Stars Knitting buttons.
And a lovely card. Thanks so much, Ann!

In Like a Lamb Swap

I received my swap package for the In Like a Lamb swap. It was a combo knitter/spinner swap where knitters (such as myself) sent fiber to spinner and spinners sent handspun yarn to knitters. (It was a round robin swap, so spinners were not sending and receiving to and from the same knitter.)
This is my package from the lovely drangondancer (her nom de Ravelry). A shawl pattern, some candies, and of course lovely hand spun yarn.

I'm still deciding which is my favorite.

Rubberswap Part Deux

Oh, I was spoiled.
First I got yarn. The note promised there was more to come, but it was such lovely yarn. Handmaiden Seasilk in Lily Pond.

Then, yesterday the mail carrier brought a box. It was small but heavy. And it smelled yummy. I opened it up and discovered there were scented soaps, a scented spray, tea (chai tea, even, it's so cool), and chocolate. All the rest was chocolate. Yummy, yummy chocolate.

This here, is a representative sampling. But there's more. Lucky me.

RubberSwap

What is a Rubberswap? Well, there are a group of Ravelers known as Rubberneckers and we are having a swap. You were encouraged to utilize a theme regarding something from the group discussions. So, I got my package today (and yes, it does appear that my mail carrier really likes me this week).

Contents are:
Altoids
2 Alaskan Chocolate bars
2 skeins of Hacho
2 skeins of Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed
1 skein of Blebbie Diss Kashmerino(that's what the label says) that warns it may contain animal fibers. And that the yarn contains two ends.
Alaskan Blueberry Herbal Tea that made the whole package smell yummy.
And a Sooper Excloosive Pattern that's so exclusive I can't even tell you what it is. (It might be something like Habitat, but don't tell anyone.)
So, thanks snowmagnolia!

Summer's (Almost) Over

My final Summer of Yarn swap package arrived.

It includes:
Two Skeins of DiVe Teseo yarn in sand.
4 adorable magnets
Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love
A tin of orange pastilles
A little garden gnome
Vanilla dinner lights.
Thanks so much to Britnlind!

Starbucks and Yarn Swap

I got my package!

It includes:
A gorgeous bag knit and felted by the lovely Catherine, known on Ravelry as cm6321.
A Starbucks gift card.
And three yummy balls of Sublime Soya Cotton dk in Ginseng and Indigo.
Thanks, Catherine.

Summer of Yarn Love Swap Package

Wow!
Contents include:
An adorable card.

A skein of Manos Silk Blend in a gorgeous colorway.
Two skeins of Cascade in pretty pink.

A bottle of Eucalan. (I love this stuff. In fact, I also take it on vacations, in case you need to throw a shirt or something in the sink for a wash.)
Cat toys. (My cat doesn't know how lucky she is.)

And a Yarn Harlot book! And a green tea sampler. So, thanks so much to my spoiler!

Summer Memories

For the Summer of Yarn Love Swap, we have been challenged to come up with a favorite summer memory. And I hate picking favorites. (Really, just look at the memes I do, I always cheat.) So, I am going to talk about a general feeling. I love the feeling of sitting in a cafe or restaurant - at home, or somewhere new - on a beautiful day when the sun is shining and it's a little hot but you have a shady seat (and it's not so hot that the shade makes no difference). And I have a good book or some knitting (ideally both), and no specific plans for the day, except to have fun.

Starbucks and Yarn Questionnaire

1. Full name - Tara
2. Ravelry ID - RandomRanter
3. Email address - tarachef at gmail dot com
4. Blog address (if you have one) - here - aka talkandrant.blogspot.com
5. Handmade item you desire in the swap (bag, cup cozy, etc.) - bag please!
6. Starbucks item you desire (gift card, mug, beans, etc.) - card please!
7. Favorite Starbucks beverage/bean - Since I don't drink coffee (I know), Chai tea latte. Although their new iced tea bags are great too.
8. Favorite snack food: Right now - sugar cookies.
9. Favorite color(s): Blues and greens.
10. Favorite fragrance: Cucumber.
11. What types of things do you like to knit? Hats, scarves, sweaters, skirts (just not a fan of socks, although sock yarn is lovely.)
12. Do you spin? No.
13. Do you dye your own yarn? I have been known too.
14. Favorite yarns All of them? Okay, I'm a fan of Noro and Malabrigo and Fibre Company.
15. Favorite needles - I love my Denises and also the Harmony Options.
16. Do you have any allergies? Not to food or fiber.
17. Would you be willing to prepare an angel kit if necessary? Sure.
18. Do you have any special requests? Nope.
19. Do you have any pets? Yes. A cat.
20. Is your home smoking or nonsmoking? Non-smoking.

And another

I could not resist the Starbucks and Yarn Swap. In fact, I am hosting one of the blends. (Yes, I do see the funny in me being in charge of a group named after coffee.) Still spots available...

Summer of Yarn Love Swap

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft?
Knit. I tried to crochet, I'm not very good at it. I learned to knit in high school, but I have been actively knitting for about three years.
2. Do you spin? What type of spinning?
No.
3. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? What are your least favorite yarns/fibers?
I like many things. I'm a big fan of yummy soft yarns. Not so much with the scratchy.
4. What are your favorite colors? What are your least favorite colors?
I'm a huge fan of blues and greens. Oranges and yellows are trickier - there are those I love and those that are not for me.
5. Are there any yarns/brands that you are dying to work with but never have?
I think the only big one I have left (that I know of...) is Malabrigo. But I'm sure there's lots I haven't tried yet.
6. What is/are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet?
I'm on a scarf/shawl kick right now. But I am a big distracted knitter, so who knows.
7. What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to work on this summer?
Heh. See above. I have a shawl, a top, a blanket, and some other things I'm ignoring. Plans for more shawls, tops, and whatever else strikes my fancy.
8. What is your favorite FO? (Post a pic if you would like.)
I'm really proud of the Dark Victory sweater because it got the you knit that? response. And there's the Parthenope, my first gigundo lace.
9. What is your oldest UFO?
Are we countin gthe first scarf I cast on for that involved three kinds of acrylic and sparkly fun fur? Not sure why I never finished that...
10. Are there any techniques that you want to learn?
Hairpin lace. I have a loom and I've noodle with it a bit.
11. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?
RandomRanter.
12. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
No. made one sock, no desire to repeat it. Fingerless gloves, on the other hand...
13. Do you collect anything?
Dust. (Kidding). Books.
14. Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes.
15. Do you love sweets? What are your favorites?
Yes. Chocolate works. And licorice or cookies.
16. What are your favorite scents?
I like lighter fruity scents like apple or cucumber.
17. Where do you keep your needles/hooks?
Many places. Most of them are in the Knitpick Options case.
18. Do you have a wishlist (Amazon, Etsy, etc?)
Yes on Amazon under Tara.
19. Having a birthday this summer?
Nope. Fall baby.
20. Are you allergic to anything??? Please let your pal know!
Nothing Fiber related.

FCS 3 Swap

Well, as always I got a fabulous swap package. My first hint that I was being spoiled was when I opened my favorite color swap box and saw this...

In the box were:
Noro, Noro, Noro. (Really I do appreciate other yarns too. But still. How can Noro not make you happy.)
Some lovely Sugar N Creme. (How did she know I was running low?)
Chocolate (Mocha Ganache and a truffle bar which sound decadent.)
A book. (A fat book even).
A Yarn Cutter.
Needle protectors.

I am a very happy camper. Thanks, 3grrlsknit!

Favorite Color Swap

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors?
Blue, green and purple.

2. What crafts do you really enjoy?
Knitting. (I have been know to do a little beading and such, but really, tight now - knitting).

3. What products do you really covet?
Oooh - I don't know. I'm sure there's stuff I don't know I need. And there's stuff that I probably have a lot of - like stitch markers and tape measures and yet, can usually never seem to find.
Ooh - or maybe a row counter bracelet. I'm not sure I would ever use it, but it's such a cool idea.

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?
Reading, watching TV, drinking tea, and general hanging out.

5. Is there anything you collect?
Yarn?

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol?
I am a Libra. And a water ox. I used to think the water ox didn't apply at all, but depending on the interpretations, yeah, there's some truth in there.

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells?
Light, simple ones - so vanilla/cucumber/apple type stuff.

…types of music and/or bands?
I listen to pop, rock, country, and musicals. Recent purchases include: Kenny Chesney, Bon Jovi, John Legend and the "Spring Awakening" soundtrack.

…authors?
Well...there are quite a few of those, a sampling would likely include: Madeline L'Engle, Catherine Mann, Suzanne Brockmann, Jennifer Crusie, Nora Roberts, Karin Slaughter, Laura Lippman - I better stop now.

…animals?
Well, I assume we mean in general not that I necessarily want in my apartment - but cats and dogs and fish are nice. I also like rhinos - not sure why - I just do.

…places to shop?
Well, in addition to yarn stores and book stores - Starbucks (what? they sell stuff), Target and Old Navy.

…season?
Spring - it's pretty but not hot. Hot has it's palce (as cold does too, I guess) but spring is all about excitement.

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies?
Yes! Oh - kinds - um, I tend towards chunkier yarns being very proud of the fact that i have never used a needle smaller than four (and I probably have more eights than anything else). I am also a fan of variegated yarns. As for fiber, I tend towards soft - whether thats cotton, or a blend or something else. I have made exceptions for Noro.

…candies or goodies?
Yes! Right, um, chocolate, gummy stuff, licorice, really, if it has sugar, you're on the right track.

8. Do you have any wish lists?


9. Are you allergic to anything?
Dust. (Nothing fibery or foodwise).

10. Do you have any pets? What are they?
One cat.

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy. Also, if you have a Ravelry ID, please include it here.
RavelryID: RandomRanter

Cocoa Buddy

So, my swapper had mentioned my buddy would make a great cat toy. So, I decided to test this out. I laid out the buddy. (Isn't it pretty?)

There was intense examination.

Interest was expressed

And then the buddy disappeared.


Note: The buddy was not harmed during or after filming.

Cocoa Swap Package

AKA - I am not worthy.
It's here! My swapper is the lovely Hollyspinner.
<
I have been gifted with:
Cocoa
Tea (chai because she did some excellent stalking)
Marshmallows (that's what's in the Rocky Mountain bag
No Bake cookies (that's what's in the container- yum!)
A project bag
Stitch Markers
Buddy - a knitty kitty toy for me and my cat.
Hand spun hand dyed yarn in pretty cool colors! (She talks about the dying she did here!)
Thanks so much!

Cocoa Swap Questionnaire

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?
Well I do love cocoa with milk but generally am too lazy to do that (I have no idea why, actually, it doesn't take longer to heat up milk). Store bought.

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Marshmallows. (Whipped cream is nice too.)

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?
It changes constantly but I tend towards thicker yarns in soft fibers and cool colors. I knit on size 8s a lot, although not exclusively.

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
Knit. I know how to crochet, but not very well.

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?
I use wood and plastic a lot. I found metal was too hard on my hands. I also use circulars almost exclusively.

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
Theoretically yes. However my stitch markers seem to disappear a lot. Maybe I need to check the couch.

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
Wow. I don't know. I'm sure there's stuff I need but can't come up with anything.

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)
Currently it is Yarn Harlot's unoriginal hat.

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?
Curl up with a good book or a good knit.

2. What is your favorite animal?
Cat.

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?
Oh yeah. I'm not very nice for a while. But we're past the solstice so it's getting better.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
Sugar helps.

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
Sunshine. For long periods. Going outside.

6. What are your favorite treat?
I go through phases - but cookies, candy, sugar.

7. What is your favorite board game?
Trivial pursuit.

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
Well, I have a cat.

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?
No, I'm good.

Yummy Goodies!

So my cocoa swap prize arrived yesterday (how's that for speedy!)

It contained:
Cocoa colored yarn - both Sugar 'n Cream and Peaches & Cream. (oooh).
Adorable stitch markers - they say "Hot Chocolate"

Chocolate Lotion and Chocolate Lip balm. Mmmm.
Post-its!
And lovely cards

Swap Break Over!

I heard about this here and here. Chocolate - yes! (And yarn - we can't forget the yarn.)

PS - Cutest prize announcement!