Thursday, May 1, 2008

Another Smorgasbord... (including contest!)

Andrea Dogwood Blossom Wrap

IMG_3707.jpg
Andrea Dogwood Blossom Wrap (Schaefer Yarn Company)
Schaefer Yarn Company Andrea, 100% Cultivated Silk (1093 yards / 99 g per skein), "Dian Fossey," 0.74 skeins
US 2 (2.75 mm) Knitpicks circular needles
US 7 (4.5 mm) Knitpicks Options circular needles

This week I finished the Dogwood Blossom Wrap for Schaefer and mailed it off to them (hopefully in time for a show they have this weekend). I really enjoyed working on it, and I'm so jealous that I don't get to keep it - so perhaps I'll make another some day : ) The yarn was gorgeous and not at all splitty, even with my uber-pointy Knitpicks needles.

Here are a few more photos of the prettiness:

IMG_1506.jpg
IMG_3739.jpg
IMG_3734.jpg
IMG_3702.jpg
IMG_3703.jpg
IMG_3745.jpg
IMG_3708.jpg

Of course, Bug had to get in on the action:

IMG_3744.jpg

I think it looks really cool backlit:

IMG_3717.jpg
IMG_3715.jpg
IMG_3727.jpg


(Belated) Blogiversary contest!

April 15th was my one year blogiversary, so I'm having a little contest (woo hoo!) Leave me a comment before midnight on Friday, May 9th, and I'll randomly pick one of you to win... this fabulous trio of yarns in lovely springy greens:

IMG_3517.jpg
-1 ball of Rowan Handknit Cotton "Celery" (93 yards)
-1 ball of South West Trading Company Bamboo "Sahara" (250 yards)
-1 skein of Lanas Puras Melosa fingering weight "Camouflage" (440 yards)


Dr G's Memory Vest

I keep meaning to mention a wonderful opportunity to get a great pattern while donating to a worthy cause. Kirsten of Through the Loops! designed Dr. G's Memory Vest for her father (Dr. G), who succumbed to Alzheimer's disease recently. In return for her lovely cabled vest pattern, Kirsten's asking for a donation (of any size) to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research. Please see her blog for details.


"The Yarn Grove" blog contest prize!

I was lucky enough to win a Chico Bag from The Yarn Grove in their blog contest. It's extremely useful and compacts down to a tiny volume when not in use:

IMG_3761.jpg
IMG_3764.jpg

Bug for scale (he's a 15 pound cat) - it holds a lot!


A few good memes

First, Phoebe of Anphoe's Spaces tagged me for a meme. Here is what you do: Use the 1st letter of your middle name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real places, names,things…nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person you took this from had the same 1st initial.
You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. Middle name letter: M
2. Famous artist/band/musician: Metallica
3. 4-letter word: Mush
4. U.S state: Mississippi
5. Boy name: Mickey
6. Girl name: Milicent
7. Animal: Meerkat
8. Something in the kitchen: Moana (meowing for food)
9. Reason for being late? Major delay
10. Body Part? Mucosa
11. Drink? Milk
12. Something you shout: Mom! Joey's pulling my hair!
13. Something you eat? Mayonnaise
14. A movie you've seen? Mean Girls

Second, Michaela of Dollarknits tagged me to do a “six-word memoir.”
Here's mine: “Learning new things makes me happy.”

If you would like to answer one or both of these memes, consider yourself tagged!

.
.
.

I'm WAY behind on my blog reading, but I know you guys are up to all sorts of great things. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up soon -- although it will be a little while longer, since I'm going to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this weekend... Woo-hoo!

Thanks so much for reading, and have a great weekend (I know I will)!

64 comments:

wildtomato said...

I had no idea Bug was 15 pounds. I always thought he was much smaller! Good going on making the Yarn Harlot's blog - you're famous!

Rachel said...

That wrap is beautiful! I love the colors in that yarn and how it knit up. By the way--you have beautiful and it would appear, very patient, cats! I enjoy your photos of knits and cats! Happy anniversary!

Elizabeth said...

That's a gorgeous wrap. And I'll do just about anything for some bamboo, so just keep that in mind when you go a-random number generatin'. ;)

Chrispy said...

What a beautiful scarf. congrats on your blogiversary.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous wrap! Congrats on your blogaversary!

anphoe said...

The wrap is so pretty. Nice work!

Happy blogiversary!!!

ikkinlala said...

What a beautiful wrap! And happy blogiversary!

Anonymous said...

Happy belated blogiversary! And that wrap really is lovely, such a shame it had to be sent away.

soknitpicky said...

Another great FO! And congrats on the blogiversary. I am so jealous re: Maryland!

berlinBat said...

The wrap really looks wonderful! and happy blogiversary!

cbknits80 said...

What a beautiful warp! And I love all those greens.

Kirsten said...

The wrap is gorgeous! It must be hard to send it off!

Thanks for mentioning Dr. G's! That is very kind of you.

Hope to see you at MDS&W this weekend.

Happy blogiversary! It seems like you (and bug)'ve been around for more than a year!

Marlena said...

Happy Blogiversary!
My favorite shawl picture is the one with the shadow on the floor. That yarn looks absolutely decadent!

Sarah said...

First of all, the wrap is gorgeous! Then again, I can't imagine anything knit in silk to be anything but gorgeous!

Have a fabulous time at MDS&W! I'm very jealous. It just wasn't in the budget this year (especially considering my wheel purchase), but I'm hoping that if I'm a good girl and save my pennies, my husband will let me spend the money to go next year.

Happy blogiversary!

Laura said...

Happy Blogiversary! I think this is the first time I've posted but I've been a lurker for a long time. Your shawl is gorgeous!

jennsquared said...

Happy Belated Blog Birthday!!! For some reason IE isn't letting me see the pictures!!! (I'm at work!!) But I'm sure the shawl is beautiful, just like all the other work you've done!

Anonymous said...

The wrap is just beautiful and I bet it was hard to send it off. Bug is cute as usual! Have a wonderful time at the festival and will be looking forward to seeing your purchases.

ccr in MA said...

That wrap is amazing! Wow, do you do nice work. I'm in awe.

Lauren said...

Your wrap is gorgeous! Have fun at Maryland Sheep and Wool!

Linda said...

Gorgeous wrap, I ove the different ways you have photographed it. Have a lovely time at the show and pick me for your prize as I love green!! :) Happy blogibirthday!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful wrap, pretty yarn - happy blogiversary!

Jeannie said...

Happy Blogiversary! The wrap is beautiful!! I can imagine that it would be hard to mail that away. I'm glad to see that Bug was freed from the octopus. ;-)

Kari said...

Awwwwww, I'd hate to have to send that gorgeous wrap away, too! How sad, but congrats on the contest win, and your blogiversary!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blog-a-versary! I'm new to your blog but oh, so glad I found it. What could be better - Cats, Octopus and Knitting in one blog? Answer - more Cats, Octopus and Knitting.
Thanks for sharing your life!

spajonas said...

wow, that wrap is really gorgeous! i love the repeating pattern. simple yet elegant.

Disentangled said...

Wow that yarn is beautiful! And such a lovely stole.

Happy blogiversary and have a great time this weekend!

Anonymous said...

Lovely shawl! I love Schaefer yarns - they have very beautiful colorways. Happy blogiversary! I enjoy your blog, and your great cat photos, especially the cat/octopus ones!

Amy said...

Ooh, jealousy over your weekend plans!!! Next year. :)

I just love the dogwood wrap, too. Especially the shadow it casts on the floor! That's totally my favorite picture. I wonder if it would work in the BMFA silk thread I have?

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous shawl! It's a shame you had to send it off... really you must make one for yourself. I also think Bug is my favorite kitty ever--please don't tell my cats!

Happy Blogiversary, and have a great weekend!

Risa said...

Happy blogiversary! Your shawl is gorgeous! Have fun this weekend.

Oiyi said...

I love the Andrea Dogwood Blossom Wrap. That color is gorgeous.

alligator said...

I loved the photos of the wrap all backlit, it looks so delicate and pretty! Congrats on the blogoversary and hopes for more to come!

Anonymous said...

Wow that wrap is beautiful! That is a shame you have to give it up!
I love how all your kittah's like to pose with your stuff! Too funny!

My blogoversary is the 15th too! Happy Happy!

Take care,
big geek beth

misplacedpom said...

I love how the dogwoods look like four leaf clovers. Might have to make that one myself!

Tina

Anonymous said...

That wrap is simply stunning! I don't know if I could have parted with it. Gorgeous work.

LizKnits said...

Lovely wrap! Hope you have a great time at Maryland S&W.

Anonymous said...

Heh - I'm afraid to weigh my cat! The neighbor just told us last night that he routinely "snacks" at her house. If she leaves the food outside, what does she expect!

I love the wrap - especially the pic with its shadow on the hardwoods - very pretty!

Stephanie said...

Happy belated blogiversary! That is SUCH a gorgeous wrap. *hatches a plan to steal it* ... oops, foiled...

Viktoria said...

Wow! I love that wrap... it's beautiful!

Jane said...

The wrap is gorgeous. I can't wait to see your haul from Maryland Wool and Sheep!

LisaB said...

Beautiful wrap.

I am so jealous of your weekend plans! Oh how I wish I lived on the opposite side of the US!

Anonymous said...

That wrap is positively gorgeous! I like the first-letter-of-your-middle-name meme, too. I think I'll consider myself tagged... :-)

Virtuous said...

Lovely wrap!

Really nice spring booty! Happy Belated Blog Birthday! :oD

And I hope you had a blast at MS&W this weekend!

Anonymous said...

Okay. Now I know you really rock because not only do you make awsome octopi (octopuses? for which you should totally write up that pattern) but you totally kick-ass when it comes to lace. Also, I love all you're kitty pictures.:)

Beth said...

Bug is just a couple of pounds lighter than my pug dog, but looks so slim. He must be big!

I'm definitely entering your contest, but had to say, the shawl is gorgeous. Backlit it is stunning and the yarn just makes better. Love it.

Oh, and Milicent, that really made me chuckle! =D

Anonymous said...

That wraps is absolutely gorgeous. I love the yarn, too!

Anonymous said...

bee-yoo-ti-ful. seriously. those spring greens are quite lovely as well.

Sunflowerfairy said...

Thanks for coming with us this weekend.

I'm glad to be home. I like knowing the roads that I'm driving on. And not waiting in line to go to the bathroom. ;)

tracing said...

Happy blogaversary... lovely prizes! And a beautiful wrap, I can imagine it was hard to send off...

Irie said...

Happy Blogiversary!
Lovely photos of the shawl, I especially like the close-up shot of the silhouette. :)

Rachel said...

Happy Blogiversary! That shawl is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogoversary! And many more...

Rosina said...

Pretty green yarn :) How could I resist entering the contest?

Heide said...

Your dogwood wrap is positively gorgeous! It would be hard to part with. Isn't it wonderful when kitties help block!

YarnSnob said...

your dogwood wrap is absolutley stunning. Bugs is how heavy??? Whats the secret of getting your kitties to block? Mine just lies on top of everything!!

Anonymous said...

Holy cow! That is one gorgeous wrap! I can't imagine how difficult it is to part with. Happy Blogversary... and many more!

rockbridge said...

beautiful wrap!! so delicate, but not at all prissy... and the color... well, it's GREEN! 'nuf said!

Anonymous said...

That wrap is gorgeous! Thanks for the contest, and thanks, too, for your beautiful photos. You do a wonderful job capturing textures!

Anonymous said...

Oooo, what a gorgeous wrap! I just came from looking at your Festival photos too - good job on your fiber haul! :)

Anonymous said...

That's a really neat and beautiful wrap! Drooling over the greens too...

Cindy said...

Happy Blogiversary! I love the wrap and love watching your cat!

The Kelly Green Rogue said...

oh my gosh! I love that green yarn you used for the shawl. I have got to find me some! I have some serious yarn envy!

Anonymous said...

I love the shawl and the yarns your giving away for your blogiversary!! The greens are gorgeous. I love the subtle tonal variations. Lately lace and socks have been my favorite things to make, and I this is going on my must-make list. I love Bug, he's so cute!! Way better than a breadbox as far as scale goes. I'm glad you had a nice time at Maryland Sheep and Wool. I really wanted to go, so I'm jealous. Happy Knitting!!

Anonymous said...

Oh that wrap is absolutely gorgeous!