No-More-Humdrum-Mittens Swap 3

Some Pictures

2009-01-25T10:35:00.001-08:00

I promised to find a way to show pictures (Iva deserves to have the mittens she made shown off) and find a way i did.

I'm officially a knitwear designer

2009-01-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

They're not mittens, but they ARE stranded. Take a look at my blog!

http://debsboringlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/theyre-done.html

Last But Not Least!

2009-01-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

Yay! I received my package from Iva yesterday. My camera is on the blink and won't turn on, let alone upload my pictures to the computer (i tried new batteries, several new batteries, but all that did was make the camera buzz). But i suppose that story really isn't relevant but i might be able to upload them later.

In my package i received a tin of wonderful tea (i have already tried it and it's delicious), two balls of Knit Picks Telemark in Squirrel Heather to go with the mitten pattern that Iva sent me, I also received two buttons made from left over wood from the Knit Picks Harmony needles (the mitten pattern calls for buttons, they are convertible mittens), a set of Harmony needles (Whoooo! I have always wanted to try them), a very cute tea cup, a little zipper pouch which is going to be wonderful for notions, a cute notepad, and three chocolate wafer cookie things which i have already tried and are delicious! And last but not least.....Mittens!

The color is somewhere between Raspberry and Red and the yarn is slightly variegated. Iva told me that the yarn was hand-dyed by a local in her area. They have a 2x2 ribbed cuff that leads to miny cables on the back of the hand and stockinette on the palm. I wore them today and that is saying something since the high today is 5 degrees. Ugh! And the windchill is well into the negatives.

Overall, this was a wonderful experience and i would love to do it again! I met two wonderful people that i hope to stay in touch with. Thanks, Deb, for letting me be a part of this (and i'll try to figure something out so that you guys can see my pictures).

Courtney

Mailed - Received

2009-01-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Virtual High Five everyone. We completed this round at 100% woot-woot

Amy partner has received, received
Bridget (B) partner has received, received
Cary partner has received, received
Cheryl partner has received, received
Courtney partner has received, received
Denise (chon) partner has received, received
Ebony partner received, received
Irene (reanbean) partner has received, received
Iva (scappyhappy) partner has received, received
Jenn partner has received, received
Jess partner has received, received
Kim (northern toes) partner has received, received
Margaret partner has received, received
Vilde partner has received, received

Late thankyou

2009-01-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Look at the great package I got from Jenn! Aren't those mittens great? Socks that Rock yarn, some of the tiniest knitting needles I've ever seen, and homemade fudge were some of the highlights. Thanks, Jenn!

Fabulous Mittens from the Frozen North!

2009-01-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

Northern Toes (Kim) was my pal this round and what a wonderful pal and package full of Canadian goodies!

Start with pretty mittens in a perfect weight for our wimpy Virginia winters.

Then add some beautiful Fleece Artist dyed merino roving (from Nova Scotia), scrumptious alpaca/merino roving (from a local Ontario farm), Mmmmaple candy and Hot Chocolate (from Quebec), a Christmas Moose (?!?) ornament from Kim's hometown of North Bay, ON.

Last but not least, the cutest addition to the knitting bag in a long time,

Thanks to Kim for such a thoughtful and fun package, and for her patience waiting for me to post photos! And Thanks to Deb for hosting another great swap!

Round FOUR deets

2008-12-31T11:27:00.000-08:00

Here is the BLOG so you can bookmark it. It's still under construction.

Yes, I think I will participate in this round. It really sucked dust not to get any goodies and have to watch everyone get so many wonderful packages. :( Whose stupid idea was that anyway?? :smirk:

I am hoping that you all repeat. This round was BY FAR the best round and the easiest to manage. Everyone has followed through on all requirements. I didn't get any complaints at all.

Some of you might not know this, but my style of Hostessing is to pair partners in two groups;a group of those who have swapped successfully with me in the past and then a group of newbies. This way, each person who has successfully completed one or more swaps with me, won't get burned by a newbie flaker. That means that you guys will be paired as a group along with any past swappers who choose to come back. I think that is the fairest and safest way to do it. In a way, your very first round is your "audition round".

2008-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a busy time of year for everyone, I was just wondering if we get to see pictures of all the mitts that people received before the new swap begins. I really enjoy seeing all the different styles and patterns that everyone does

Round 4?

2008-12-30T11:17:00.001-08:00

Hello Deb, when will know the details about round 4? My life is getting back to normal and have a half dozen mittens I want to make. Thanks so much for taking this on, it is a terrific swap. Will you be participating this round?
Happy New year Mitten Knitters!!

Christmas mittens!

2008-12-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

Cheryl, that lovely gal, sent me some beautiful mittens for Christmas all wrapped up in a pretty package of goodies. She made me the Peace mittens with a beautiful sentiment about bringing peace into my life at such an important time with so many events going on.

She also sent me some tea, a gorgeous mitten kit, Three Irish Girls chunky weight yarn and Philosophy Candy Apple Body Wash (which is not photographed because its in the bathroom being utilized).

New Year's Mittens!

2008-12-29T11:11:00.000-08:00

I arrived home this afternoon to find a crumpled package on my porch that said this:

Oh no!

But luckily, only the package was crumpled, and inside I found my beautiful mittens from Amy!!!

Here they are, the stars of the show! Aren't they divine? I have to find out from Amy what pattern they are, but I will tell you that the stitches are executed perfectly - no puckering or unevenness to be found. And the fit? Well, they fit as if they were made for me ((grin)) But that's not all....look what else I received!

I love all of these great goodies! There is chocolate (Mrs. Fields - three kinds); hot cocoa mix (Land 'o Lakes, several kinds) and coffee (Ghiradelli). There is an amazing mitten pattern - Woolen Collectibles #20, Mountain - and the yarn and needles to make the pattern (Brown Sheep Nature Spun and two sets of bamboo dpn's)

Thank you, Amy, for the perfect swap gift! And please say hello to Marshall for me ;)

Check in - 1 month past due date

2008-12-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

We're coming close to the date I will launch another round (yes ROUND 4!) AND I really want this one to be complete before then so I don't have to administer both of them at the same time. There are only three packages outstanding and two of them mailed at least a week ago. I need to know if those packages have been received yet and also the status of the last mailing.

So, this check in is a little different. I need check ins from the people who have not received a package yet (Cary, Courtney, Jenn). Have you received it? Iva are you close to mailing?

Thank you Bridget!!

2008-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have been very quiet this round, suffice to say much is going on but I always checked in on how everyone was doing and was often encouraged by the high spirits shared. for that I thank you all. Now, i have mailed off my package to my pal and these were the mittens adapted from nanette Blancard's Peace Gloves. there is a special reason I chose this pattern which I have shared with the recipient and don't want to tip her off til she has received them. As photography sometimes does, the mittens are the same size, LOL.

Today I received my package from Bridget!! Can you say wow!! I had asked for thrummed mittens, never having made or owned them and lookie...Bridget says the colors were inspsired by my hydrangeas.
Cool!! Also...look!!! They perfectly match my newest train jacket. Seeing as we are set for a Noreaster tomorrow and I have to take the train in for a 16 hour shift in the throes of it, yea for thrummed mittens!!!

I also was lucky enought to receive a handmade necklace, made by Bridget, in a beautiful colorway, a decandant Molten caramel cake mix, luscious candle and hand soap, absolutley my colorway Kroy sock yarn and Holiday VK. Thanks so much Bridget!!!

Package Received from Cary

2008-12-12T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just a note to show off the lovely package I received from Cary. The beautiful mittens (I couldn't have picked better colours myself) as well as some lovely yarn from her farm. A couple of patterns including the one for the mitts she knit me. To top it off I received some of her homemade soap that smells wonderful. Sorry the picture does not due the colours justice.

Thanks again to Cary and also to Deb for organizing it.

Check in for week of 12/6-12/12

2008-12-07T07:29:00.000-08:00

Please check the statu post. If you are in Red, you need to check in.

If any part of your name is red and is not accurate, please let me know right away so I can update my records.

Thanks everyone!
Deb

My package came today!

2008-12-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

My package from Jess arrived today :)

She knit me Aran mittens from Folk Mittens. I've always meant to knit these mittens for myself, but now I don't have to. The miniature mittens are adorable too.

Because green is my favorite color, she sent me green yarn and the pattern for squirrelly mittens. I think I could make the squirrels brown or dark gray. Very cool.

Other goodies-- soak wool wash, holiday M&Ms, and a scented candle. Love it! Thank you so much Jess. My husband was impressed with the mittens, too.

I need more time

2008-12-05T09:26:00.001-08:00

Deb...I need more time. I am doing such a nice job but I am a little overwhelmed right now. I have been in contact with my partner and she is okay with it. I have been enjoying our chats each week and I am hoping we keep up with each other... I just want to do a good job and don't want to send messy mittens. I wasn't experienced in this type of mitten and I overwhelmed myself....even though I have to say I am enjoying learning. Thanks for being so understanding.
Iva

Wow!

2008-12-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

I received my mitten package a couple of days ago and WOW!! Courtney, you are amazing! The Egyptian mittens are stunning. Seriously. I passed them around at a knitting gathering last night and everyone ooooooed and aaaaahed over them. Beautiful! And they fit perfectly!!

Courtney also sent two green Cascade 220s (can't wait to dive in with those!) and some beautiful red laceweight merino, plus two great patterns and some delicious black licorice!

I feel thoroughly spoiled and can't wait to wear my mittens for years to come! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

2008-12-05T04:40:00.000-08:00

Mittens Received

I received these beautiful mittens yesterday along with some yummy goodies. Vilde is my secret pal and she sent me some Dream In Color sock yarn in this beautiful pinky/red colorway. Then she added some Elabeth Lavold alpaca yarn for me to make a head warmer to match my mittens.

Then as if that wasn't enough she added some

gourmet teas and some chocolate truffles. I

can't wait to dig in. Thank you so much! I

love everything.

Awesome Mittens/Package Received!!

2008-12-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Irene really went above and beyond in this swap. Not only are my mittens awesome, the entire package was amazing! First, the mittens.

And second, the rest of the package.

I had seen these mittens posted, and thought they were awesome! And now they're mine :) The work is amazing, and the mittens fit perfectly. They will be a great addition to my ever-expanding collection.

The package, as I said, went above and beyond my expectations. I had posted on my blog a while back about how I left most of my knitting tools at the airport one day. One of the things I was saddest about losing was my pink chibi. Well, Irene replaced not only that, but my gauge, and several needles, along with a stitch holder. Super cool. I also received a great Burt's Bees package with lip balms (totally necessary right now in cold, cold Ohio). And... get this! Two skeins of Wollmeise and very cool pattern for mittens. I love the mitt pattern and the Wollmeise, well, there are no words. I've been looking at this yarn for ages, and wanted to buy some, but could never really justify it, what with my HUGE collection of sock yarn. I hate to say that it might not become the mittens you intended it for, but... it might! I think you started a new addiction :)

Thank you so much Irene! I hope my swap partner enjoys her package as much as I've enjoyed mine. FYI, here are the mittens I've knit up. I actually knit another pair of these back in May, and by another pair, I mean the exact same mittens - same colors, same pattern. I hope they are loved like I love mine.

Proof of Mittens

2008-12-01T17:08:00.001-08:00

Mittens are on their way to my Pal today!

Check in for week of 11/29 - 12/5

2008-11-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

Please remember to continue checking in each week until your partner has posted that they received your package.

Check in here for this week.

YAY!!!!

2008-11-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

TA-DA!!!! I am finished with the mittens and i sent my package today!!!!!! Sadly, my camera batteries were dead and i didn't get to take a picture of the goodies and stuff. I hope that the person receiving my package shows a bit more foresight than me and can show you guys all the things that i sent her! I had a wonderful time with this swap and would love to do the next one!

Courtney

2008-11-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

Whoo Hoo! I finally settled on a pattern and have finished my mittens for the No-More-Humdrum-Mitten Exchange 3. I finally decided I wanted something a little warmer than what I was working on. I decided to use a worsted weight yarn and stitch patterns from my Japanese stitch dictionary, 250 Knitting Patterns. The cuffs are pattern 225 and the back of the hand is the center of pattern 209. I think they came out well.

Check in for week of 11/22 - 11/28

2008-11-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

This is the "official" final week of the swap ladies. Please check in with your status.

The due date is next Sunday. I know some people are going to require extensions and anyone who has swapped with me before knows that I am fine with that and will not penalize you for it as long as you continue to check in at the blog, communicate often with your partner AND follow through on mailing to your partner.

When you MAIL, please post on the blog (I'll make a separate post to comment in for those posts), and when you RECEIVE, please post on the blog including a picture if possible. Since I didn't participate in this round, I have to live vicariously through all of you.

Every single person in the swap has successfully completed the check in requirement. I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate that. A smooth swap ensures future rounds. Details for the next round will be posted when we are close to the finish line here and we will definitely have a little break in between.

Check in for week of 11/15 - 11/21

2008-11-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

We're coming up to the end....if you are not close to being done, make sure you let me and your partner know your status. If you'll need an extension, please don't assume that I understand that by your check ins.

Check in for the week...sorry it's a few hours late.

Check in for week of 11/8 - 11/14

2008-11-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Please check in. Two people missed last week.

The deadline is approaching quickly. Please make sure you are contacting your partner (I'm hearing that some of you have gone weeks without contacting your partner and that's not cool) and knit, knit, knit! I'm excited to see the finished products!

FROGGING

2008-10-26T18:07:00.001-07:00

So I am up to the knuckles of my first mitt thinking it is going well. Looked at it numerous times to make sure there are no mistakes. When all of a sudden I notice a MISTAKE, where you I wonder, below the thumb hole!!!!! I now think that I was only checking the one side. So I had to frog it 36 rows. I have now restarted from there and fiquire it will be easier the second time around

Pattern Blog Updated

2008-10-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

FYI - I have spent a few hours this morning adding more patterns to the Pattern Blog (see link in sidebar). I've added a ton of free patterns and also some "pay" patterns. Check them out and support our mitten Designers so they will be inspired to continue designing more awesome patterns.

Check in for week of 10/25 - 10/31 and 11/1 - 11/7

2008-10-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't get check ins from Irene, Amy and Jess last week. Please make sure you post a comment to this during the coming week.

I am posting next week's check in here in the same post because I am going out of town next weekend. Please make sure you check in once before next Saturday and then again after next Saturday (so 2 comments in this same post during the next 2 weeks). I'll log your posts for the second week when I get back in town.

Since I am not participating in the swap this round, I haven't had much knitting to post about. But, I did cast on for a new pair of mittens I bought at Rhinebeck. They are called Plaid Glittens and they are knit from hand spun yarn that was made with Jacob Wool and Great Pyrenees Dog Hair. They are fuzzy like Angora once you wet block them. Once I get a good deal of them knit, I will post a pictures. I am doing them both at once on magic loop as an experiment. (if you can do socks, you should be able to do mittens, right?)

Have a good week!

Some finished mittens

2008-10-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

Though not the mittens for my swap partner this round, I thought I would share a pair I recently finished.

These are the Elizabeth Zimmerman Mitered Mittens from her Knitters Almanac book. Knit from a Noro type yarn that my LYS carries called Boku (wool and silk). I made the adaptations found at Kathryn Ivy's blog here and like them very much.

This is the second pair of these I have made and now I think I will make a pair for myself ;)

Check in for week of 10/18-10/24

2008-10-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late post...I just got back from Rhinebeck. What an awesome day!

Check out this post on my blog if you want to read about the day and see what I bought.

Most importantly, please check in here for the week.

Fiddlehead Mitten

2008-10-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I'm knitting the Fiddlehead Mittens for my pal, in Berocco Ultra Alpaca Light. Mitten One's outer mitt is done, and I've given it a soak and slight block so I can tell if the liner mitt is going to make these too small for my pal. Ya know, before I knit Mitten Two.

2008-10-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have finished the cuff of my first mitt and it seems to be working out okay. I will post pictures when I get a little more done

One Mitten Down, One To Go!

2008-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Yay, i have finished the first mitten! A little bit behind schedule but still with plenty of time to get the second finished. I have actually finished the cuff of the second mitten already. I hope that this mitten goes faster than the first. The first still needs a good blocking but i think that i will wait until the other is finished so that i can block them about the same.

Check in for week of 10/11-10/17

2008-10-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

I did not get a check in last week from Ebony. Please make sure to check in this week.

I am off to work for a project that we are implementing, so I am up early. I figured I would post the check in before I left.

I hope everyone is having fun with their mittens. I am looking forward to seeing some more.

Finished!

2008-10-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I will send these, or make a different pair....

Rhinebeck anyone?

2008-10-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Is anyone planning on going to Rhinebeck (other than Jenn who is going with me)? It would be nest to meet up if anyone does.

I do have a dilemma though.....it's Homecoming! It'll be my daughter's first one since her dad wouldn't let her go last year when she lived with him in FL. I am torn. She says that it's not important that I be there since it not such a big deal for a Sophomore as it is for the Seniors who have a shot at Queen, but she still gets to dress up. uggghhh. If I hadn't planned on going to Rhinebeck already this wouldn't be a problem. I am most likely going to go still, but I will feel guilty all day I just know it! I guess if it was Prom that would be a different...should I let myself off the hook?

My mittens are on the Needles!

2008-10-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

Work has calmed down and my evenings and weekends are mine again! Thank goodness! I was able to start my partners mittens this week! Yeah! I am finished with one cuff. It's a start. I still love the colors I picked. Once I get my partner's done I might have to knit myself a pair. The weather has turned cooler and has put me in the mood to sew and knit!

Check in for week of 10/4-10/10

2008-10-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

We had a complete week of check ins last week. Woo Hoo! Please remember to do your 'official' check in here by commenting in this post and not outside in your own post so that I do not miss it like I did last week.

Thanks everyone!

(Oh and I just need to share something I thought was incredible.....I instituted these weekly check ins during round two because I had no less than 5 flakers in the first round. The check ins worked out well last round by helping me keep track of everyone on a weekly basis so we didn't find out at the last minute that someone wasn't going to be able to follow through or lose contact completely and have to wonder where the heck they went. Well, last night I got an email from one of the five. She came on some hard times, lost internet/email capabilities due to money and wanted to seek retribution by angeling in this swap or for anyone left in round one who didn't get a package. I think that is truly amazing! Most people would just go on with their lives and not worry about any promises they didn't keep in the past. I think it took great courage. What do you think?)

Knitting since Ravelry

2008-10-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

I used to start projects, search for patterns, and then read about them on people's blogs. Now I do all that, but...I start a pattern, check it out on ravelry, then I browse through all related patterns, check all the yarns, and then check everyone else's variations, start reading people's blogs, get distracted from my original intent, and after a couple hours has passed, realized that my stuff just isn't going to knit itself! I can't be the only one! :)

Checking In - before and now ;)

2008-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All, just checking in for this week ;) Hmmm...I did check in on the 20th, Deb - my post came through on the same day as your reminder for the week (it is right below your message) Maybe I misunderstood ~ does our check in have to be in the message comments? I thought we could also post weekly. I will do both from now on to be sure ;)

I have also been in contact with my spoilee and my spoiler has contacted me this week. I hadn't knit on my mittens the a couple of days because of other "knitting commitements" (LOL) but I did work on them today.

One down, one to go

2008-09-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

The pattern is from Eeva Haavisto's Sata Kansanomaista Kuviokudinmallia. The yarn is Madelinetosh sock in alabaster and magenta. The green yarn is Lucy Neatby celestial merino.

Here I am!

2008-09-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

I feel so bad that I have failed to check in. I have been keeping up with my partner though! I have been working weekends and late each night. I work for the Fed Govt and this is the end of the fiscal year. It is stressful and hectic to get all funding obligated before the end which is 9/30. So ....I do have good news in all of this. I have my yarn and it so beautiful! I am still debating on a pattern. Had to put everything aside until next week, and then it will be knitting time! Yeah!

Iva

Check in for week of 9/27 - 10/3

2008-09-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Please check in here in this post with a comment before the end of Friday 10/3.

I have three people who did not check in last week: Cary, Denise, Iva and Margaret. Please do not make it so that I have to eliminate anyone from the swap. When each of you signed up to participate you made a commitment to everyone else in the swap and you have a partner who is counting on you to follow through.

You can easily set up a reminder on your computer so that it will remind you to come check in on a weekly basis. I don't feel that this is too much to ask. It guarantees a flake-free swap. We're all grown-ups here.

Thanks everyone!

Peace Mittens

2008-09-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am using KP Palettes in a range of heathery colors. I am always amazed how incredibly soft this yarn is. I love the pattern, little funky through the thumb gusset but doable. Unfortunately I love this pattern so much I am neglecting other knitting.

2008-09-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

I am here, I have to wait until October 3rd to go to the LYS - 3 1/2 hrs away, to pick up the yarn that I will need. I have narrowed the pattern down though so everything is going well

Check in for week of 9/20 - 9/26

2008-09-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Please check in here.

I did not receive check ins last week from Irene and Iva (per my records). If I missed the check-in, I apologize ahead of time for the oversight. But, if I didn't, please make sure you check in this week. You can't miss two in a row.

Thanks guys!

Mitten Progress

2008-09-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

I have finished the cuffs on both of my mittens and am nearly to the thumb on one of them. I am pretty happy so far, and its easy to get work done on such a portable project. Have a busy weekend ahead, though, so might not get much knitting done for a few days.

There are a couple of nice mitten patterns in the Fall issue of Vogue Knitting if anyone hasn't already seen it and is still looking for ideas. In fact, mittens are featured on the cover!

Happy Knitting ;)

Pattern Chosen

2008-09-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have chosen these as the mitten for my swap partner, less colors though and I will turn them into mittens. They are the peace Gloves by Nanette Blanchard

Check in for week of 9/13 - 9/19

2008-09-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

Please check in by commenting with your status or just to say, I am here....

New Mitten possibility in new Knitty

2008-09-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Take a LOOK! I'm in love!!! LOL

Don't FORGET! :)

2008-09-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Your pal is anxiously awaiting contact from you (by you I mean everyone LOL). Please make sure you email them as soon as you possibly can so they know they are loved!

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming! (speaking of which, did anybody else catch the pilot episode of fringe tonight? FREAKY!)

Has Anyone Started Knitting?

2008-09-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

I started not one but TWO pairs of mittens this week - LOL! Yes, I have issues...knitting ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) ;D I will decide when they are finished which pair will actually be for my spoilee and I can always use the other pair as a Christmas gift for someone, or to use in case Deb needs an "angel" for this swap (hoping she doesn't, but you never know)

I am still just at the cuffs and won't show any pictures, but just wondered if anyone else had their pattern or yarn picked out?

We are having some definite fall like weather here in Michigan and that really gets me in the mood for knitting!

Thanks Deb

2008-09-08T20:20:00.001-07:00

Just a quick thank you to Deb for hosting this great swap again. It is lots of fun and it is great to see all the various mittens.

I have contacted my pal and waiting to hear from my other pal.

Have fun everyone.

Reanbean's questionaire

2008-09-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is pretty much copied and pasted from the last round, cuz not much has changed!

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? I learned to knit when I was in 5th grade. My mom and I were driving past a yarn shop that was advertising knitting classes. I said "Ooh Momma, I want to learn to knit!" The rest is history.

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Advanced

What are your favorite colors? Green, orange, blue

Any you dislike? Not really into pastels

Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns? I love Latvian and Estonian mittens. I like Latviesu Rakstainie Cimdi, Folk Knitting in Estonia, Kirikindad...

Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child? Me! No one ever knits anything for me.

What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger? 7 inches
What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point? 8.5 inches (my wrist is 6 inchest around if you're curious)

What other things do you enjoy knitting? socks, mittens, gloves

What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) nickel plated aluminum mostly.

What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make? steeked fair isle garment

What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? sundara, like the rest of the world :)

What other hobbies do you have? reading, listening to music

Do you spin? Sew? Garden? No.

Cook? When I have to!

Besides yarn, do you collect anything? Knitting books.

What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? I have a wicked sweet tooth. I love chocolate!
Anything you hate or are allergic to? Not allergic to anything, but I don't really care for licorice.

Do you have any kids? yes Pets? 1 cat, 1 dog

What is your favorite part of Winter? Being all cozy indoors.

What is your least favorite part of Winter?? Getting stir crazy after being inside too long. Outrageous heating bills. Driving in bad weather.

Partners have been matched - info on check-in requirements

2008-09-06T13:49:00.001-07:00

I have just sent all matches out. Please email me if you do not receive one.

Please remember to follow through on the commitments you made when you joined this swap. That includes, regularly posting on your blog (or this one if you do not have one of your own), emailing your partner on a regular basis to get to know her better and maybe make a new friend, and finally, please remember to check in here at this blog every weekend.

Each Saturday, I put up a new post with that week's date where you will need to comment to check in and let everyone know that you are still alive and kicking and working on your mittens for your partner. If you miss a weekly check in you will need to check in the next week or you will be removed from the swap. So this means, if you miss 2 weekly check ins in a row, you are out. (jeez I just reminded myself of Heidi Klum - auf wiedersehen. LOL)

If anything happens that may delay you from getting your package out on time, please let me know immediately.

Let's chat as much as possible on this blog so we can get to know each other better. As you know, I am sitting this round out, so the chatting is the only fun part I get to take part in. :) I'll be jealously drooling over all of your mittens as you work towards completion.

Remember to post a picture of your package when you get it so we can all enjoy!

Kim's Questionnaire

2008-09-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? I have been knitting since 1982 which is 26 years and I am self taught when I applied for a job and told them I could knit
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate to Advanced depending on the day

What are your favorite colors? Pretty much any colour
Any you dislike? No, in the right pattern all colours are great

Do you like Latvian type patterns? Yes although I do not have a pair myself, just knit for other people

If so, what are your favorite patterns? Any pattern is fine

Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child? My self, I knit for the other ones

What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger? 7.75 inches
What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point? 7 inches

What other things do you enjoy knitting? socks, scarves, small sweaters, hats

What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) I like either, depending on the project but 4 needles for mitts and socks, either bamboo or aluminum or my favorite right now are pony needles

What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make? There is an adult sweater for me that I want to make, but have committment issues

What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? Pretty much anything, our selection here is very limited, best yarns stores are 3-4 hours away
What other hobbies do you have? cross stitch, reading, family
Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook? None of the above but want to take up weaving, Okay I cook if I have to

Besides yarn, do you collect anything? Nothing anymore, is there anything besides yarn?

What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Both but chocolate is the best

Anything you hate or are allergic to? Sour things but not allergic to anything

Do you have any kids? 2 great kids, 16 yr old girl and 13 yr old boy
Pets? Cat with an attitude

What is your favorite part of Winter? Fresh Snow
What is your least favorite part of Winter? Too much Snow, hate shovelling

Courtney L's Questionnaire!!!

2008-07-25T06:19:00.001-07:00

So, i know it's a bit early to post this, but i am just so excited that i can't contain myself! So Here it is:

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I learned two years ago. I learned how to crochet from my grandmother and used to do that all the time. One of my roommates bought some yarn and asked me to knit her a scarf (she didn't know the difference). I borrowed some needles and taught myself from knittinghelp.com. The rest is history. Especially since knitting didn't hurt my fingers as much as crochet!

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I would say intermediate. Maybe advanced in some areas (pattern reading, frogging, etc.).

What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike?
My favorite color is by far green. But i am not afraid of color, except maybe purple. And blue and green together. Those were my high school colors. Now that i have graduated from college, i try to stay away from that combo.

Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns?
I love Latvian mittens! They are so beautiful! And the culture and history behind them is so interesting. I definitely love the sweeping floral and geometric pattern combo. So i guess that means i love them all!

Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child?
Myself! I do most of my knitting for other people because i love to give gifts! It would be nice to get something for a change.....that's not super selfish....right?

What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger?
6.5 inches

What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point?
7 inches. My wrist is 6 inches in circumference, just so you know. So i have a small hand, i can't help it, i'm petite.

What other things do you enjoy knitting?
I love knitting gifts! Especially, for my cousins soon-to-arrive baby! And fair isle hats. They seem to be my specialty (everyone asks for a hat and i over do it i think).

What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
I prefer aluminum circs (or alums in general) because my gauge is sort of tight and the stitches get stuck on the wooden ones.

What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
socks! i would love to make a pair, but i am terrified of the kitchener stitch and the heel gusset turn thing. I would also like to knit another sweater but i am not sure i have enough sanity for that. And possible a shawl some day but lace charts scare me (color charts, not so much). Also, cables but where do the stitches go? I guess there is alot out there left for me to learn.

What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
I would love to try some bamboo or organic cotton yarn, but to tell the truth, i am not picky!

What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook?
I love to sew, cook, ride my bike with my husband, and read (i have an English degree...useless, right?)

Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
I am starting to have an egregious amount of vintage fabric. It's so ugly that i love it most of the time! I also have an extensive cd collection that drives my husband crazy. He could listen to the radio forever, but i have more specific tastes. (Indie mostly) I have to be restrained in craft stores and music stores so that i don't blow our budget!!! (just kidding...but not really)

What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to?
To be honest...i don't like chocolate. I know that seems weird, but it's true. I love most other sweets and salty things, especially together! And tea, i almost have as many types of tea as i do cds (just kidding, but would that be great!). Oh, I'm not allergic to anything!

Do you have any kids? Pets?
No kids. But two wonderful rescued kittens (Sampson and Titus!).

What is your favorite part of Winter?
My favorite part of winter is cuddling next to the fire with the hubby and watching the snow fall (when it does! it usually comes as ice...blah).

What is your least favorite part of Winter?
The temperature! I am even cold in the summer time.

I hope that this clears things up about me! I can't wait to learn about the rest of the mitten swappers! Courtney

Questionnaire

2008-07-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Please post this questionnaire with your answers on your blog no later than September 1st!

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike?
Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns?
Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child?
What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger?
What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point?
What other things do you enjoy knitting?
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook?
Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to?
Do you have any kids? Pets?
What is your favorite part of Winter?
What is your least favorite part of Winter?

Swap Details

2008-07-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

To register, send an email to mittenexchange at gmail dot com with the following information:
Name
Ravelry ID if you have one
Blog Address if you have one
Mailing Address
Your email address that I can contact you at
Your anonymous email address (this means an address that does not include your name information in the address or the "From" line - if you need help, let me know - this is MANDATORY and must be different than your regular email address)
Any major allergies (pets, peanuts, chocolate, animal yarns, etc)
Do you own any Pets? What Kind? (for allergy reasons only)
Is your home smoke free?
International Preferences: If you do NOT want to have an international pal, please say so here - I'll make every attempt to accommodate that request!
Are you willing to be an angel, if needed?

***************************************

Please add mittenexchange at gmail dot com to your address book when sending your registration - this should help with SPAM issues and ensure you receive communications and your match.

You should post your Questionnaire on your own blog by September 1st or on this blog if you do not have one of your own. (Questionnaire will be posted in another post) Putting it up as soon as you receive confirmation that you have been accepted into the swap is best, so that we can all begin to get to know each other better.

Knitty Gritty Details:Registration Closes September 1st
The Questionnaire MUST be on your blog by the time registration closes, or you will be dropped from the swap.

Matches will go out by September 15th or before
Swap dates will be from the date you receive your match until November 30th

Package Requirements:
Enough yarn for a small project. Approximately 200m minimum recommended.
A pattern that will please your partner's knitting tastes: Either the one you created, or a different one.
Goodies: Tea, Coffee, Sweet treats, whatever you'd like. (Think Snow & Winter themes)
A pair of embellished or patterned mittens (stranded, embroidered, or maybe try this cool idea of converting a sock pattern to mittens).
Any other treats or yarn related objects you think your pal will enjoy.
Total package value: $40 US Minimum

Participation Requirements: You must post on your own blog or this one, if you do not have one of your own, once per week at the minimum. Posting regularly helps show that you're going to be around for the duration of the swap and helps your Secret pal to get to know you and your likes and dislikes better so they can spoil you appropriately. If you do have your own blog, you must visit this blog at least once per week to check in for messages that I need to get out to all participants, and comment somewhere to let me know that you have been there. It's not a nice feeling to wonder if you are all alone. Last round I did mandatory check-ins on the blog. It worked well, so I will continue with that. It's nice to know that everyone is safe and still in this.

You must also contact your partner at least once per week either by sending an e-card, email or letter by snail mail. If I receive any complaints that you have missed 2 weeks in a row, you'll be dropped and your pal re-assigned. Everyone who is in this swap needs to be treated like they are special and someone cares that they are here. You may not become life-long friends with this person, but being friendly during the swap is a MUST. I often here from people who say things like, "I should have known not to join another swap. I have bad luck with them". If you do not want to "give" of your time and attention and are just here to "receive", please do not join. Of course, we know life happens. If you are not going to be able to spoil your partner with constant contact, be up front with them about what is going on so they are not left to wonder.

You are only required to send one package, but if you feel led to send more, please feel free, taking into account that the final package must be valued at a minimum of $40. (This includes the price of any pattern or materials used for the mittens you have knitted for your pal)

If you are unable to make any of these requirements please email me at mittenexchange at gmail dot com immediately, so that I can help or have your partner reassigned.When signing up, please let me know if you'd be willing to step in as an angel if any happen to be needed. We all know that Life happens and things come up that are not expected that could cause any one of us not to be able to fulfill our commitments. It is best to contact me right away so I can step in so as not to tarnish your swapping reputation.

I'm hoping that this will lead to some new friendships and Mitten knitting inspiration. I know I am tired of plain, boring mittens. If you know of any links to free patterns for any Estonian/Latvian patterns, or Embellishment ideas to add to a plain pair of mittens, please share them with me and I will post them here on the blog.

Please feel free to email me if you have questions or concerns.