Monday, August 4, 2008

Hello, Goodbye & (finally) the contest

Phew! Where has the week gone? I guess I left most of it in Iowa :) Iowa was an, uh, interesting trip. I've been to small towns. I've lived in relatively small towns. I was not prepared for Cedar Rapids, Iowa! I'll save you stories of the copious amounts of corn, but I did have an amazing meal at an unexpected spot called the Lincoln Cafe and a lovely visit to Crazy Girl Yarn Shop, when I wasn't working :) I waited out a rainstorm at the yarn shop chatting with Kelly and Nora and I left the shop relatively unscathed. . . . a few colorful and practical needle stoppers and a skein of Plymouth Sockotta. (sorry, you have to deal without photos today, it is already dark. . well, dusk!) My work events were fine, and I had lots of down time to knit during. I finished off another Malabrigo square and worked on Jake's socks. I stopped the socks where I thought some calf shaping might need to start, since I'm making them as high as the yarn will allow. I decided not to continue the pattern on the back of the leg, so it will be easy to incorporate some simple shaping into the rib along the back of the leg. I adore the Trekking yarn!! I really wish I had used it for me rather than Jake!

I made good progress on Goddess, too, though I was a little ambitious in packing ALL the yarn to go with me. Did I really think I was going to knit the ENTIRE thing in 4 plane rides?! Anyway, I've knit nearly all the front. Unfortunately, the 'mindless' part of this knitting isn't until the front and back are joined, as there is a lot of 'AT THE SAME TIME' waist and shoulder shaping happening together that requires some attention. We are going up to Jake's parents house Thursday until Wednesday, so between the car ride and no TV, maybe I can finish it :) Speaking of Jake's parents, you can read over here about the little scare we got on Friday! Of course, being several states away, we got mixed versions of what was happening all along, but thankfully it ended well with no real damage.

I mentioned several times I was trying to come up with a contest to pass along the good yarn karma I was having. The karma continues, as I won ANOTHER contest - maybe I should be playing the lottery :) Well, before I went to Iowa I had a contest idea and then I lost it, so this will be a really easy one. Leave me a comment and tell me something. Tell me anything. A random fact about yourself, your favorite yarn, to go take a hike, whatever. When I get back from New York, I'll pick a winner from the commenters. The prize - well it will be yarny, of course, but rather than a 'one size fits all' prize, I'm going to pick the prize after I pick the winner. I have lots of eligible yarns in my stash. .. maybe even some Malabrigo? :)

Hope you all have a great couple weeks. I don't know if I'll be able to post again before we leave and internet access is dial up at the future in-laws house, so pretty much non existant. (19.2 kbps?! are you serious?!) If my special package from woolgirl arrives before we leave, though, I'll be sure to share. I splurged on something fun that starts with 'N' and carries my knitting :)

69 comments:

ikkinlala said...

Well, as a math student I should remind you that the odds are much better for yarn contests than they are for the lottery...

As good as it sounds, I don't think I should enter your contest, though, as I won in the same one that you did (I don't have a blog to pass it on at, so I'll have to do so locally). So please don't count me in this time.

I hope you have a great time in New York!

Anonymous said...

I won too! But I'm going to go ahead and enter your contest, because in terms of those I enter, I'm 1 to 487656348. *laugh* Plus, malabrigo? Wow. Something about me is that the first thing I ever knit was with malabrigo. I started out very adventurous. lol

DeuceMom said...

I may have been that bearer of mixed news during "the scare." I tend to jump at any positive news and latch on!

Here's a little yarn-fact about me - I haven't crocheted anything for Deuce since before he was born. And Christmas is right around the corner!

Stacy Kraus McDonald said...

You do have good luck - congrats! As for the "tell you something," I almost finished making a dress tonight. Things is, I'm just so so with it so now I'm contemplating ripped out seams. Hmmm....

Good luck with the contest!

Kathleen said...

I was a championship Junior Bowler in PA until I left town to go to college....

I love random facts.

km said...

I'll say a prayer for your FIL. And you have a cutie for a nephew.

Laura said...

I'm glad your father in law is OK. What a scare!!

A random fact ... hmm. I just finished my first sock in STR and it is amazing! I think I'm obsessed with this yarn, no joke.

Unknown said...

my random fact: I had 4 kids in 3 years. I dont have a favorite yarn. I mainly use walmart or joann yarn. ~bean

Anonymous said...

Few people who know me know that my sophomore roommate at the University of Iowa was from Cedar Rapids, so I've watched the news from there with great concern.

JessicaRose said...

Dang what a scare. glad he is ok.

congrats on your contest yarn karma. The only contest I've won was the BF bag you did before. And since I won that one I dont feel right entering this one. But wanted to comment anyways.

good luck everyone. Carly really does have some gems in that stash of hers.

Anonymous said...

I am in love with Fearless Fibers Superwash sock yarn and Malabrigo of any kind. I just bought some Fearless Fibers Merino Lace Weight which may just be my new favorite yarn once I have started knitting with it. I have yet to try Malabrigo Lace Weight though and am hoping to do so soon.

Aunt Kathy said...

I am usually giving the contests (in fact am still in the middle of one until the end of this month) but I love to enter. I think I've only won once though.

I guess that's answers the question too... I hold contests every month that has 31 days in them...

I LOVE CONTESTS

I live in NY where in NY are you going?

Aunt Kathy said...

Oh and I linked your contest on my blog too, FYI

Share said...

I have yet to find any malabrigo to feel so I can see what all the fuss is about! I might just have to break down and order some online, huh? :D

Something random...Um, I don't know if the sock bug is really biting, but I think I am developing a lust for sock yarn. So I better start making some socks or find something else really wonderful to do with the yarn, cause I've seen sooooo many sock yarns that I must have! LOL

Happily Knit said...

A random fact contest! Fun!

- I've never eaten a McDonald's cheeseburger
- My thumbs are two different lengths
- I'm colorblind
- I love stale marshmallows
- I once learned how to land an airplane after reading Gary Paulsens "the Hatchet"

What a fun idea--happy knitting! :)

sailorcross said...

Let's see--an unusual fact about me--hmmmmm....I once owned 8 beagles at the same time. Was I a little crazy at the time?? Yes, I was--but they are so adorable!!

Oh, and I have played the flute since I was 8, but very few people have ever heard me play in many, many years. I still play, but only when I am alone.

Beth

Kenyetta said...

Congrats on the contests! Doesn't it feel good!

Wendy said...

Oh I love contests and have actually just recently won 2...one was for a ktichen gadget and one was for knitting goodies..
I am a new knitter but have been crocheting for 31 yrs....I love to try new fiber...and have grown to love a few....I got some beautiful stuff from a friend that she got from cascade yarns, and have been trying to think of a project for it...I also work with cotton alot, because I make cloths for charity, BUT I have found a new cotton...cabled cotton from Elmore Pisgah..and in the Black cherry colorway...presently making "Myself" something..a shrug/shawl..I always make for others and have only made myself a few things.
Have a great trip and a safe one..

Jen said...

here's little known, kind of gross out fact about me: when i was in 2nd grade, a small little chunk of metal debris got into my eye during a very windy recess. after rubbing my eye it and trying to figure out what was in there for a few days, the optomitrist removed the embedded sliver of metal from from my right eye along with the rust that had accumulated, all while i was awake and watching everything. this was way, way, way before any type of lasik surgeries were available or common, not that this procedure was similar, but just to give some perspective. it was all done my hand.

to this day, i cannot stand to touch or have anything near my eyeball and will certainly never wear contacts.

have fun in new york!! enjoy your vacation!!!

amy said...

I graduated from The University of Iowa in Iowa City - not far from Cedar Rapids, IA.

Anonymous said...

I've just found out about your contest from your forum post on Ravelry. Having a look at your last few posts, I've seen that you're shopping for a wedding dress, and that piece of info provided the inspiration for that random fact about myself: I was supposed to get married several years ago, but the wedding was cancelled only two months before the scheduled date. Of course, I had bought my dress already, and I still have it, though it has never been worn.

wenat said...

I came in via Ravelry too! My random fact: I'm knitting the Adamas shawl in gossamer weight yarn, and it's making me crazy! I know I'll love it when it's done, but this super-skinny yarn is so hard to work with!

Quasipsyco said...

Ohh! I want to play!

I once herded two herds of cattle, most of it by myself.

I have an amazing lack of sock and lace weight yarn in my stash, which is almost entirely worsted weight yarns.

At the end of this month I will be going to see Minnesota for the first time in my life. I hear it is made up of small towns and left over cheese from Wisconsin.

I hope I did a good job with the spelling. ;-)

Jess P. said...

Random Fact:

1. I have a BS in biology but am selling advertising for a newspaper company.

2. I knit in streaks, right now I'm on a shawl, shrug sort of streak. Last year it was socks.

lizzzknits said...

I love contests, but I never win! Hoping your good karma rubs off.
My grandmother, who died in 1992, was an excellent knitter, a knitter extraordinaire. I still wear some of the shells she made to wear with suits. Basically knit lace tee shirts of the finest gauge. Wish she were still around to see my knitting now.

Sally Comes Unraveled said...

My boyfriend wants me to knit a stuffed panda for him.

Also, my Ravelry page looks ridiculous after adding all my Ravelympics stuff.

Unknown said...

Oooo a contest!

Ok, a little known fact about me is that I can plug my nose with my upper lip. Watertight, in fact!!

And I think my favorite yarn would have to be malabrigo right now.

Anonymous said...

A contest! Cool!

Here goes...

I can make the hang loose sign (SHAKA) with my right foot. LOL!

Sarah said...

oohhh. I've never won a contest. I did win the drawing to be on the prom princesses my senior year though. (they choose everyone on the court from a hat at my school...) I need some sort of good luck lately though.

What part of ny are you going to?? I can't wait to spend next week in the city... even if I do have to be at work for almost the whole thing.

TopHat said...

I can wiggle both ears. I know that's not that unique, but I can wiggle them individually- which is a bit rarer.

Perhaps I'll win some yummy yarn?

Unknown said...

Ooh - I'm feeling lucky.

My self-fact - well I live in New Jersey (duh)!

Jersey Jessie

teabird said...

via Ravelry -
I haven't cut my hair for 30 years.

teabird...

Elaine said...

I was born in New York - lucky you for getting to be there.

Unknown said...

Tomorrow's my birthday.

Awesome Mom said...

I haven't won any yarn in a long time *wink wink nudge nudge*

Here are a few facts about me that I recently blogged about: I loath being late for things, I am very fearful about getting lost and I have a hard time calling strangers in the telephone.

Me, Myself, and I said...

Here's my favorite current fact about me. I'm a brand new motorcyclist (I just got my license in July and am still practicing in parking lots every day it doesn't rain), but I don't have any knit items that match my motorcycle (yet). I'm going to have to make a new scarf so that I'm color coordinated with my bike.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your contest karma - I hope some rubs off in me :-)

My fact is that I walk every day 3 - 4 miles (so why aren't I thin?)

Becky G said...

I came here from WiKnit.

Random fact, I had always wanted to learn to knit, but nobody in my family knew how. Finally, at the age of 30-something, I bought a book and taught myself.

My favorite thing to knit is lace, and my favorite sock yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock.

Turtle said...

Hmmm, a random fact, i have my tongue pierced. Most of my clients do not notice for a long long time and then are quite suprised! They also usually do not know i sing in a band. This must be the summer for father in law scares! Mine bounced after falling 12 feet off a ladder last month. (healing well) Glad yours is all right. I am in love with Trekking yarn as well. Have fun on your trip!

IrishGirlieKnits said...

Yay for all your good yarn karma lately!! Random fact, did you know Michael Phelps was my boyfriend :) No, really! hehehehe sorry I'm watching the Opening Ceremonies! Hope you have a great trip to New York!

Acornbud said...

It takes two years to get a pineapple to grow from the pineapple top.

Christy said...

Wow, congrats on the winnings!

My random fact--I'm a total klutz. I have no grace whatsoever. I'm the person that gets banned from Hallmark stores because I break the figurines by looking at them.

purple-power said...

Congrats on good karma.

My fact - I love to sit by water. I find it the most peaceful and relaxing thing possible - more spiritual than being in the greatest cathedral.

Unknown said...

My fact - I DON'T have good contest karma. :-)

Abigail said...

My birthday is August 14th!

I'm addicted to plurk.

I knit far too much, if that is possible.

Kristen said...

The opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. :)

Anonymous said...

I'd sure love some of your karma. My fact - I'm about to be a senior in college. Yeah for me!!

Marti said...

I don't watch or read the news. I do not want to know what is going on. Does that make me an ostrich?

Unknown said...

A random bit of info about me is I just signed up for the mystery stole 4 kal. I've never done lace before so I'm excited!
Hugs Patt

Darcys Knotty Knitter said...

I dont know how to type but I do the two finger peck so fast it looks like Iam typing;)Hugs Darcy

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I'm thinking about spinning Mr Puffy's fur into yarn. Just kidding!

I do the same thing - take a whole sweater's worth of yarn as if, I'm really going to need it all.

Hope the trip is going well.

Georgi said...

Well, one thing I can tell you about myself is that I am picky about many things, but it does not bother me to sit down and knit or read when the house is a mess. :-)

Posting to my blog now.

~ Phyllis ~ said...

I've never won a contest and I don't eat chocolate.

Stephermay said...

I can't ride rides at amusement parks unless I can put my feet on the floor. So, no hang-y roller coasters or the swing ride or anything. Have to plant my feet on something.

whee!

katerina said...

Congratulations on all the contests! I think you should play the lottery despite the odds with your streak - at least buy some scratch off tickets or something!

About me ... well I have joined the ravelry knitting olympics for the first time ever! That and I want to go to New Zealand this winter.

Have fun in teh big city!

adrienne said...

random nonsense about me!

i love blog contests...i especially love WINNING a blog contest.

malabrigo? i'm in!!!!

Jane said...

Let's see - I just signed up for Mystery Shawl 4 and I can't knit lace to save myself, even though I've been knitting for umm - well let's just say a very long time!
Aunt Kathy sent me here!

Kate said...

Hmmm. Well, my baby girl starts pre-school this week and I'm totally freaking out.


...about all the extra knitting time I'll have! I'm sure she'll be just fine.

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

My one claim to fame is as an audience member in an Amway training film. About 50 folks were paid one dollar each to portray a full auditorium. They'd shift us around, 4 wide by 12 rows deep in the center for long shots from the stage, then two deep on each side of the aisle, then a 5x5 square, and so on. At one point the cameraman liked the look of "rapt attention" on my face and came in for a close-up. Like six inches from my face close-up. Other than that, I'm unknown. And I've spent the dollar. Thanks for having a contest!

cthulhulovesme said...

Random fact, hrm? Well, mine is that I used to take my brothers' He-Man dolls and Castle Grayskull to play with after burying my Barbies in the backyard.

I was a somewhat unique child.

vickie said...

random fact about myself. hmm my mom named me after victoria winters from the original dark shadows tv show. i dont like that show.

Debbie said...

Hi- I live in Alaska in the beautiful Mat-Su valley, I love to knit, crochet, quilt, cross-stitch, bead anything craft related. I fund my craft habits by working retail. And I love all my pets, 1 dog and several kitties. thanks for the opportunity to win. Debbie

Anonymous said...

very unique contest idea! Something about myself...I'm the only redhead in my immediate family...some relatives have hints of red..but none as red as mine!

Dove Knits said...

Congratulations on all your recent winnings! How great is that!

A random fact about me: I've pierced my own ears. Multiple times, and all with good resutls and no infections!

Feral Housewife X said...

i found your blog via your post on ravelry...

random fact: i was once on ravelry for 6 hours straight... without a break!

i think i am addicted.

Marilyn said...

I love to read knitting blogs and would love to knit something with Malibrigo.

Samsara said...

Hi from Ravelry! Congrats on your winning streak! You guys have such wonderfully exotic yarn narms, I've never even heard of Malabringo!
Random fact about me? I have lupus and at the tender age of 39 I've just become a stroke survivor! I'm just starting to get the feeling back in my left arm and would love some exotic yarn to build up my knitting strength with again!

mamahokie said...

Random Fact: I was hospitalized for a blood clot at age 18, 11 weeks after my father had one in the same leg just after my high school graduation.

By the way, go take a hike. (you said it.)

:) :) :) See you soon!

Montreal Mama said...

Random fact about myself:

I'll tell you as many as I can think of!

Here are my facts:

1) I chew 2 pieces of gum at a time. 1 never is enough flavor and 2 is just right. I go through gum fast.

2) I'm a night owl. I stay up late & sleep in. Luckily I have a son who sleeps in too! Hopefully the newborn will start sleeping through the night soon!

3) I'm a trained professional photographer & graphic designer. (Diploma for each). But I don't work in either!

4) My birthday is June 16th, and I love my birthday. My water broke on my birthday this year and my son was born the next day!

5) I'm a klutz.

6) I broke my right foot in the 7th grade. It's the only bone I've ever broken. I was in a cast for 2 months. It was broken by a door that swung open on my foot. It was an accident.

7) I've been to Europe 3 times in 1998, 2002 & 2006. Each time to about 8 countries at a time. (Some countries repetitive in the next trip, some new ones added in). Seems to me, I've gone country hopping every 4 years. I guess that means I'm going in 2010?

Ok, that's all I can think of for now.