I despise good-byes. Saying “See you later!” or “Bunny hugs!” are the greetings I like to use. Today in the packages (I am always doing one-on-one swaps), my husband said that there was a box I had to come home and open. During the ride home, I wondered what the package would contain. The box was from my Secret Pal 12 Spoiler, Jenny, and she is Tuabella on Ravelry!! So here I present the pretty photos in the (sniff) final package…
Are these little guys awesome or WHAT? I absolutely love them. And no, the fur-kids are NOT allowed near them. Goodness knows what they might do in retaliation. Jenny sent more chocolate treats, and this time she sent treats for the fur-kids too! 
Just when I think she had spoiled me rotten, Jenny sent more sweet yarn that one could bite into. The Shady Haven’s Fiber Designs Hand-dyed Alpaca not only is softer than can be expected, but the hand-dyed colorway is gorgeously screaming “VA Tech” to me. The idea of using this colorway with the raspberry Fleece Artist BFL 2/8 in my stash to make Knitty’s Tempest hit me like a brick. The Spindle City sock yarn in “Out of the Blue” is a beautiful merino/nylon blend that I want to make into a pair of Drunken Bees by Domesticat. The Blackberry Ridge laceweight beckons to be made into a shawl. I am thinking Sagittaria Shawl for these skeins!
Thank you, Jenny for everything. You made this summer round of Secret Pal a fun one! And you will probably laugh but I am sooooo glad you are a Barack Obama supporter!
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Now the final set of questions for Secret Pal 12:
If you were told you could never again buy yarn, would would your last yarn purchase be?
All the yarn in the world! Honestly, I would buy several kilograms of vicuna.
If you were told you could never knit again, what would be the last thing you’d knit?
The Bias Fair Isle Pullover or the Alice Starmore Irina Pullover.
In a given year, how many times do you buy yarn?
Too much to count. I seem to purchase yarn at least twice a week.
And what is your favorite place to buy yarn from? A festival? A shop? Online?
Dish your favorite places!!
There is no set favorite place because I purchase yarn from everywhere — Ravelry/Wordpress destashes; Sheep and Wool festivals in MD/NY; LYS like Island Yarn Company, WEBS, Mind’s Eye Yarns, and Fresh Purls; online shops like Sonny & Shear and The Sweet Sheep plus all the Etsy shops too!
Lastly, with Fall in full swing in many areas, what is the one thing you look forward to most?
Meeting up with my fellow knitterly friends! =:8
Hi Everybunny,
Just a quick update for my lack of being here, participating in Ravelry, and sending out destashed packages right away this week. My MIL was admitted Monday into the hospital, and emergency surgery was scheduled for Tuesday morning. While in the recovery room, her body decided to stop breathing and shut down. It seemed she had a stroke – she gave the surgical team coronaries!! She was in the Surgical ICU until Thursday, where she moved to the Step-down ICU side. Last night, we brought her back home to her place.
Obviously I had to ignore a few things – such as work and Ravelry. My husband’s family really needed me. If I was not carrying the destashed yarn with me or had it within easy reach, it will go out today or tomorrow. Sorry about all that waiting! I am popping in a little treat with each package.
Bunny hugs,
=:8
Last year, Rich took me to a NASCAR race in Loudon, NH. Skeptical, I went knowing that the drive would mean great knitting time. I cast on and finished a pair of worsted weight cabled socks using Classic Elite Inca Marl Alpaca which reminded me of a checkered flag. I do not remember how I made them because they were “off the cuff” so to speak. BUT, I do remember that they were top-down and knit 2-at-once.
This year, I was looking forward to going to see a race. Luckily, Rich’s co-worker decided not to go and again offered up his tickets to Rich and me. Snatching them up, we planned our trip in anticipation. My anticipation was due to trying to figure out what to eat and to knit. Rich’s anticipation was to make sure we could carry everything without having to use the bulky cooler from last year.
The drive up was not so fun because the rain poured down on us like a hurricane. Rich kept reminding me that the more it rained during the drive, the less chance the race would be called off. Not believing him, I imagined that as soon as we arrived to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), an announcement would be made saying the race was being rescheduled for Monday. Fortunately my pessimism was for naught. By the time we arrived at the Montgomery County High School, the skies stopped their weeping. We joined all the other riders and climbed into our police-escorted buses and were sent along our merry way to NHMS. I knitted my Secret Pal’s socks the entire time from the drive in RI and only stopped when I needed.
Our arrival to NHMS was timely. The race was only delayed so that the track could be dried. During our wanderings around the souvenir trailers, we stopped to get something to eat and drink. Finding a table that did not drip directly on myself, I continued working on my Secret Pal’s socks. I even made Rich take my photograph while doing so, humidity-flattened hair and all!
Ironically there is not much to really discuss on what happened that is worthy of being written. I kept taking photos of the pit crews because I thought it was neat how they were vigilant and always ready to pounce in front of a moving car’s path to work on it. Biffle did win the race, but I will let all the photos do the talking! =:8
Wednesday night on the tenth proved to be a very fun and educational round of learning. After being introduced by Vickie of Island Yarn Company to their fabulous president Kate, I joined the Metro West Guild and attended my first meeting at the public library in Needham, MA. The group was a lively bunch, and after the “show and tell” of our current/finished projects that were brought in, we shared our favorite gadgets for crafting notions. Later, we voted on what classes we would like Lucy Neatby to teach us in March using a technique which required us to vote with dot-shaped stickers.
At one point when I was being introduced, somebunny said, “Oh I already know who YOU are. We have been checking out your stash!” And when I was talking to Sue, I spied Kate (the president) and grabbed my precious cake of Regenbogen to show her. I placed it in her hand and asked if she could identify it. Touching the yarn, she shook her head. Sue then held it and began to stroke the cake like it was a kitten. When I finally fessed up that the cake was Wollmeise 100% Superwash, Sue turned away from me. Kate began to tease her by saying I will want that back. Sue’s reply? “Hahaha! I have seen her stash. She’d never miss it.” Of course, I stuck out my hand and Sue put it back in my possession.
It was a fun evening chatting with the folks that I met. One of them, Melodie, had issues with her Clapotis WIP. I promised her that I would bring both of mine when we saw each other in two days. Her skeins of Dream in Color Smooshy are the same dyelot, but the change between the sections could be seen when peered closely. Oh, what was in two days? Let me tell!
Friday the 12th was a big day for the Common Cod Guild. It was the first meeting, and to kick it off, Franklin Habit was in town to talk about knitting. To cut to the short of it all, I present more photos.
I will admit one little thing about that night… When I first spied Franklin outside the speaking hall greeting Mel, I wanted to drop everything and pick him up for a huge bunny hug. Instead I froze, and whispered to Melodie, “I so want to run up to him right now and hug him.” She said, “Why not? I am sure he would not mind one bit.” Later on after seeing Lucy Lee from Mind’s Eye Yarns, I told her that I wanted to see Franklin but was too shy/chicken. She then walked me over and introduced me to him! All I will say is that he is awesome, and that everyone should come see him.
After Franklin’s talk, there was a lot of chitchatting and laughter. I managed to get another photo with Deborah — hunnybee33 on Ravelry, and exchanged hugs with Kathy (Grumperina) for a fan of hers. Of course my friends Michelle, Ericka, and Chris were there and we all did quick shots.
Later, when cleaning up was finished, we all decided to walk over to The Asgard on Massachusetts Avenue. Guido had raved about the Truffle Tater Tots which are fried tater tots tossed with truffle oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Of course with our luck, we get a cranky Irish (or maybe he was Welsh) server who gave the bad news that the Truffle Tater Tots were 86′ed off the menu by then. We still made good with the rest of the menu. My coconut shrimp and avocado salad was surprisingly filling with lots of shrimp and avocado. I was expecting something skimpy. The desserts looked delicious, and from the faces of those who ordered them, I would say they were! =:8
As Secret Pal 12 starts to wind down, I looked upon my pal’s neglected socks and realized that I need to crack the whip and finish them. Meanwhile, I have been working on Eric’s cabled pullover in snips but what really has had my attention is this blanket.
I am incredibly pleased with this finished object, especially with the bound-off edge. The scary part of that edge? It took 5 1/2 hours to do. Seriously, I timed how long it took me to bind off each section and the average was 33 minutes — a total of 330 minutes. Here are the stats from my Ravelry project page:
Pattern — Round or Pinwheel Baby Blanket by Genia Planck
Made for — Scott’s daughter born early July
Size — blocked to 48 inches in diameter
Needle — US 6 / 4.0 mm, Addi Lace 47-inch and Addi Turbo 60-inch
Yarn: 2 kinds used
4 skeins = 900.0 yards (823.0m) of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi in 201 Yellowstone purchased at Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn in Virginia Beach, Virginia
1 skein = 85.0 yards (77.7m) of Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Pistachio
Meanwhile, to prevent SP withdrawal when it ends, I have joined a couple of other swaps and started one on my own.
1.) The Red Sox Good Juju Swap is a secret one-time swap with packages due at the end of September.
2.) The Amazing Lace Swap has each person knowing who their upstream and downstream partner. It is similar to the Ravelry Scarf Exchange that I participated in last year.
3.) The Bunny Swap does not have us trading our rabbits, but requires folks to send 2 items to the other’s furry-loves, something yarny to the parent, and another treat in that package.
I think I may be addicted to swapping! =:8
If there is one thing we do not need in life, it is hanging onto dead weight. My resolution for the rest of the year is to destash a few things. For my yarn, it would be 100 skeins — at least 5 kilograms or 5 kilometers! If I am successful, maybe 10 kilograms can be dropped? So far, here are the skeins that are now gone:
QTY(10) skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in #56 - a bright rich red
QTY(2) skeins of Cacade Ecological Wool in #8025 - a black/charcoal
QTY(2) skeins of Cacade Ecological Wool in #8087 - a milk chocolate brown
QTY(4) balls of Bristol Gallery King George in ivory, brown, and apricot
QTY(2) skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in sage
QTY(1) skein of Classic Elite Montera in Spring/Leaf (?) green
Granted, I did add a few items to my stash, but I am going to ignore that for now. 
To counter the destash portion of this post, I have a fabulous package from my SP that is deserving of high praise — especially with this late public thank you! Her package arrived when Rich and I were busy with the family matters, and then the project at my work did not help either. Each item brought a huge smile that cheered me up. Who says that treats are bad for the soul?
The first set of goodies are pretty stitchmarkers. I cannot wait to see them sparkle against my projects! The second set of goodies were the edible kind. I use the word “were” because they were immediately scarfed down due to stress, and chocolate lessens stress.
The coolest item I have received yet — a sauce bowl with a ball of yarn in its design. I looked up the website, Jennie the Potter, and love all the items there! The next item is this wonderful sweet-smelling honeysuckle soap. Breathing in the scent takes me back to my parents’ home to Virginia Beach when the honeysuckle covered our backyard fence. My SP Spoiler saved the best for last — 2 skeins of Brooks Farm Yarns Four-Play. Try as I might, I could not capture how the colors seem to flow as if I were in the ocean. I am looking forward to making something special for myself with this yarn! Big ginormous humongous bunny thank yous go to my Secret Pal!! LUVLUVLUV everything!
It is time again! Here is the next edition of Secret Pal 12 Blog questions:
I’m sure most of us have a proudest moment when it comes to knitting. A
project or technique that you’ve tackled and completed beautifully. What is
your proudest knitting moment??
Every time I see the look of appreciation in whatever I do, I feel a sense of pride. Right now it seems mostly concentrated in the current cabled pullover for Eric.
And on the flip side? What is the one thing that you can’t get right? What
is that one project that you’ve never been able to complete? Or that you
did complete but then hid away instantly because it was too embarrassing?
Hmm… I guess there are two items in particular. The first was the Elegantly Simple Baby Blanket because I had no idea I was knitting into the back of the stitch when I first learned how to knit. The second are about all the baby/toddler kimonos I have made except for one. I did not have any idea of gauge at the time. Now I understand! =:8
Yikes! When I cast on the Ultimate Gift, it is a good thing I decided to do a quick swatch. I thought using the US4 (3.50 mm) Addis would put me at gauge, but noooooo. My knitting is so loose, I had to come down to US2 (3.00 mm) Addis!! At least I started doing the sleeves first to be sure I do not get frustrated early. My progress has not been what I hoped. After two repeats of the pattern I realized that I would not finish in time so another alternative had to be knit. On Friday night I cast on at 8:45PM and finished about 7 hours later. The design I chose? The Ballet T-shirt by Teva Durham. Clicking on the photo shows the actual color of the mohair-blend top. Close call for a medal! (Wipes brow)
So while Eric’s cabled pullover was not finished for Ravelympics, I still am working on it. Recently when I sent him a photo of that first repeat, he replied quite enthusiastically. That was when I noticed one of his taglines, “People will not remember what you say or what you do, they will only remember how you make them feel.” This quote had more power than I realized.
Two Sundays ago, Rich’s cousin Christina went out to get some ice cream after dinner for her mother and herself. When she came back, Aunt Agnes was asleep on the couch. Chris tried to wake her, and when Auntie Ag would not awaken, Chris called over the fire department across the street. Turned out that Auntie Ag had a heart attack and was placed on life support. That Tuesday, the decision to stop the machines was made. Auntie Ag looked so peaceful, as if she would wake up any minute and ask for some Canadian Mist. I will never forget her smile, her mothering chastises, and that she was one of the first of Rich’s relatives to greet me into the family.
In irony, death had also occurred in the last Knitting Olympics. Rich’s business partner lost his father-in-law during the first weekend, and I lost my beautiful Hayley-girl. Coincidence? I do not know. I just know that Auntie Ag made me feel comfortable in the family, and I will miss her brazen wit and attitude. Life does go on for the living, so finishing all my projects (weight-wise, home-wise, and knitting) is going to be my priority for a bit. I can only wonder how I make folks feel when I leave this earth. Sobering thoughts, I know. Sorry!
Oh dear, I just checked the Secret Pal 12 Blog and it looks like I missed a question during that week with Auntie Ag. 
Question for Week 10:
What Olympic event would best describe your knitting/knitting style?
Hmm… I would like to say the gymnastics balance beam exercise. Reason, because my stitches flow but are held in precision. One wrong move, and WHAM! Time to start over.
Question for Week 11:
What is the best thing you’ve ever received in the mail/post?
Everything that all my pals, secret or not, have sent me. I literally use all that has been given to me, so I cannot decide! Have a good week everybunny! =:8
Maybe my actions are delayed reactions to a falling out with an online friend that was my fitness muse on Monday, but I have been shopping and eating since Wednesday. I had bought another skein each of Wollmeise and Yarntini, and 18 skeins of my Ravelympics sweater for my best friend Eric. Malabrigo Worsted that I forgot I order from WEBS arrived, so I need to go return that along with another colorway that I received. I ate junk food like ruffled potato chips with French onion dip, scarfed down a steak & cheese sandwich with onion rings yesterday at lunch, and gorged last night on a Whopper and more onion rings. It is a wonder I am not popping out of my clothes yet!
Speaking of clothes, I went clothes shopping after work last night to find replacements for some items ruined in the wash from the Ultra Downy that made direct contact with them. My favorite jeans, 2 sets of denim shortalls, and a pair of dress slacks have literal holes where the drops of the fabric softener fell. I was so upset about the accident, but then realized that all of the clothing were too big for me to be wearing anymore. Unfortunately for me, the shopping this time only produced a little black dress, a pair of black slacks, and a crinkly ivory button-down shirt. At least I did not go up in size, though I did buy the dress at one size larger due to the cut of it. Meanwhile as a favor to Rich, I found 6 golf shirts (or was it 8?) for him to wear at work. Why is it that shopping for men is so much easier? All I wanted was more pencil skirts in khaki and in grey. Geesh…
I mentioned earlier about a Ravelympics sweater. During college, Eric was my boyfriend, and is still a staunch friend and confidant. He is going through some tough times with medical school boards and his current relationship. Knowing that the “Boyfriend Sweater Curse” is always there, I have no problem with the fact that making him the sweater would never amount to anything past friendship. I know it is crazy to dedicate the money, time, and effort for somebunny that is not your significant other, but I have always been loyal in such a way to those I consider my friends. I present details of the sweater for those not on Ravelry and are curious…
Pattern: The Ultimate Gift cabled pullover by Michele Rose Orne
Yarn: Dale of Norway Falk in #5762 - slate grey
Needles: 3.0 and 3.25 mm — most likely Addis
Time cast on: When I finally sit down and watch the opening ceremonies tonight
Challenge: Eric is a martial artist with a gymnast’s body; need to slim down the pattern
This week. the Secret Pal 12 questions are about your knitting…
In many communities, “the fair” is a great place to visit and spend time with your family. It’s also where many have entered one product or another (jams, cakes, even knitting)…
Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair?
Would you ever consider it?
Umm… No, and no. I would get too stressed out not only on what I was doing, but how well I did. A great example was when InvisibleInsanity nominated me for Best Moderator in the Ravelry Bobby Awards. I was an absolute WRECK when folks hit the “disagree” button. How about that answer? =:8
Baseball is something I can obsess over besides anything knitting related. After playing my first game of softball, I find myself desperately wanting to improve so I can make those awesome catches that the professionals do so easily. To refresh a couple of memories, I adore baseball and HAVE to watch it daily. If I cannot watch a Major League Baseball game — does not matter who — I listen on the car radio and root for the team who has players that I like.
This past Sunday was a special treat. A month or so ago, I spotted an email from Red Sox nation saying “enter for a chance to win tickets for RI Day” and did so. I shared the links with other RI pals, but ironically, non-RI-native me won a chance! On the day allotted to purchase the tickets, I was sick in bed. If there was anything I was going to do while miserably sick, it was to at least buy those tickets! When noon hit, I did my best to grab the best seats as possible, and managed to get 4 box seats in right field. I had no idea how close the seats in the park, but I did not care. The original idea was to see if a couple of friends could join us too to share in the fun. Lo and behold, newlyweds Kerri and Mike were interested in the tickets and were up for a great afternoon.
To say that Kerri and Mike are Red Sox fans is the biggest understatement of a lifetime. They had looked into having their wedding at both Fenway and McCoy Stadium, but decided that the emptiness would feel too odd and offer a non “Red Sox” feeling. Plus, they told me that just to get married on the Fenway Park roof started with a $3000 fee — does not include the food/catering! In other words, to get married on field itself, be prepared to start the tab at $15000. FYI: Years ago in 1998 having a Disney wedding required spending at least $10000. Sorry, I would rather have that over Fenway. But I digress…
To say we had a blast at the game is an understatement. Though we could have done without the rain delay, the dark clouds that were in the sky were ominous. Add the lightning and the weather was not quite as nice. I took a ton of photos, so much that the camera’s battery died in the 7th inning! Hope everybunny enjoys them. =:8
Must have bad karma.
ME!!
