Sometimes its all about ME! Last Friday evening when I picked up the mail, there was a package from France. It was my KTE box - all the way from France!!! Despite the fact that I was very excited about its arrival, we had previous plans to go away for the weekend, so the usual craziness ensued with trying to get everything and everyone packed for a weekend away. (More on the weekend away in a later post...)
Fast forward to Monday when I got to open the package - my treater, Hélène, had prepared a simply lovely package for me for the KTE. I did take pictures, but I must say that Hélène's are better! So I'm going to suggest that you click through to her blog to see my goodies. Since her blog is "en français", I'll give you a run through:
- 2 lovely French magazines, one knitting, one cross stitch.
- 4 (count 'em 4!) balls of yarn - from "Mohair des Fermes de France" called "Diva". It is a very yummy blend of 77% mohair and 23% silk. 2 balls are a lovely creamy colour and the other 2 are a plummy or aubergine colour. Like I said - YUMMY!
- A bag of loose tea and a tea ball for brewing it.
- A selection of lovely bath products which I can't wait to try.
- A lovely little bag with a cross stich border and the most exquisite cotton. I thought that it was silk initially! Inside are needles for finishing, 2 cable needles and 2 row counters. All just perfect.
- And last but not least, a very pretty card and a handwritten note.
For those of you that have been following along with me, you just KNOW that I was thrilled to get the magazines in French. It was a truly lovely surprise for me. Thank you again, Hélène, and I hope that my French e-mails of thanks were understandable!
Showing posts with label Knitters Treat Exchange. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knitters Treat Exchange. Show all posts
Friday, May 4, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
A Very Good Day
All in all, today was a good day!
1. I got a message from my KTE Treator to let me know that she has posted my package. I'll be watching the mail very closely!
2. I got to do some shopping for my KTE Treatee. I'm trying to keep it Canadian, and so for, so good! I hope that she'll be pleased. I really enjoy shopping for gifts for other people, and you can't really object to getting to spend a little bit of time in your LYS, now can you? I still have a few more things to add to the package before I try to find a box for it all and pop it in the mail.
3. I am finished French Language Training!!! Oupi! Unfortunately, the news wasn't so good for some of my classmates, which is very difficult. After you've spent months with the same people and have gotten to know them, it is very difficult when some of you are done, while others have to continue. Now here is where the grumpy label comes in. Officially, the evaluators have 48 hours to evaluate the oral interview. Two of us did our interviews on Tuesday, and we both had to wait longer than that. Two did the interview yesterday. They found out their results first! Very, very, very stressful. Sometimes the working of government is beyond baffling - don't get me wrong, I am very grateful to have a good job, but sometimes it is very difficult to understand bureaucracy, even from the inside.
1. I got a message from my KTE Treator to let me know that she has posted my package. I'll be watching the mail very closely!
2. I got to do some shopping for my KTE Treatee. I'm trying to keep it Canadian, and so for, so good! I hope that she'll be pleased. I really enjoy shopping for gifts for other people, and you can't really object to getting to spend a little bit of time in your LYS, now can you? I still have a few more things to add to the package before I try to find a box for it all and pop it in the mail.
3. I am finished French Language Training!!! Oupi! Unfortunately, the news wasn't so good for some of my classmates, which is very difficult. After you've spent months with the same people and have gotten to know them, it is very difficult when some of you are done, while others have to continue. Now here is where the grumpy label comes in. Officially, the evaluators have 48 hours to evaluate the oral interview. Two of us did our interviews on Tuesday, and we both had to wait longer than that. Two did the interview yesterday. They found out their results first! Very, very, very stressful. Sometimes the working of government is beyond baffling - don't get me wrong, I am very grateful to have a good job, but sometimes it is very difficult to understand bureaucracy, even from the inside.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
And the Answer Is...
I'm so excited! My KTE Treator left a "Hello" - yippee!!! This is my first anonymous swap - can you tell that I'm excited?
When I started to go through the other blogs of the KTE swappers, I started to wonder why I hadn't interpreted the questions the same way. Sometimes I think that I am much to literal. I could have been much more forthcoming with information, but this does mean that I get to answer other questions, and since I like to pretend that "It's all about ME!", this is good. As the mother of 2 kids, I only succeed with this idea in my most delusional moments...
So - the question is what are my favourite colours? I love all shades of pink, purple, blue and green. The first two are definitely "girlie", but then I've always loved them. I tend to prefer cooler colours (you know - with a blueish or grayish undertone) to warm colours. I'm pretty iffy about browns, yellows and oranges.
I went for a power walk at lunchtime to replace my bamboo needles. While I did manage to get a new set, unfortunately they are longer than the originals, but sometimes you just have to make due. I had been trying to use a set that I had inherited from my Grandmother, but they just weren't working for me. I find that they aren't pointy enough and are too heavy. I had an interesting conversation with one of my classmates about knitting needles...
It went something like this:
Q: Aren't bamboo needles rough?
A: No, not at all. They're very nice to use.
Q: I thought that knitting needles were either metal or plastic.
A: Oh no - you can get bamboo needles, wooden needles, casein needles, metal or plastic. Casein is from cows milk. Casein needles are very nice to use, too.
Q: Do they make a special sound?
A: I prefer quieter needles, and besides, bamboo and casein are lighter and somewhat more flexible. Some plastic needles are good, too, but I can't get the good ones locally.
Conclusion: This knitting stuff is complicated.
C'mon - it is not...!
When I started to go through the other blogs of the KTE swappers, I started to wonder why I hadn't interpreted the questions the same way. Sometimes I think that I am much to literal. I could have been much more forthcoming with information, but this does mean that I get to answer other questions, and since I like to pretend that "It's all about ME!", this is good. As the mother of 2 kids, I only succeed with this idea in my most delusional moments...
So - the question is what are my favourite colours? I love all shades of pink, purple, blue and green. The first two are definitely "girlie", but then I've always loved them. I tend to prefer cooler colours (you know - with a blueish or grayish undertone) to warm colours. I'm pretty iffy about browns, yellows and oranges.
I went for a power walk at lunchtime to replace my bamboo needles. While I did manage to get a new set, unfortunately they are longer than the originals, but sometimes you just have to make due. I had been trying to use a set that I had inherited from my Grandmother, but they just weren't working for me. I find that they aren't pointy enough and are too heavy. I had an interesting conversation with one of my classmates about knitting needles...
It went something like this:
Q: Aren't bamboo needles rough?
A: No, not at all. They're very nice to use.
Q: I thought that knitting needles were either metal or plastic.
A: Oh no - you can get bamboo needles, wooden needles, casein needles, metal or plastic. Casein is from cows milk. Casein needles are very nice to use, too.
Q: Do they make a special sound?
A: I prefer quieter needles, and besides, bamboo and casein are lighter and somewhat more flexible. Some plastic needles are good, too, but I can't get the good ones locally.
Conclusion: This knitting stuff is complicated.
C'mon - it is not...!
Monday, April 9, 2007
Does Mending Count as "Finished Objects"?
I think that I know the answer to that one - NO! If I'm not prepared to even consider taking a picture of it, never mind posting it, it probably isn't a "finished object". Although on the bright side, having completed 4 mending projects, I can see more of my UFOs... Or maybe that's a drawback? Oh heck, who knows! At least I have more space to spread my UFOs out in. Now if you're thinking "Who mends anything anyways?" you're probably not Mom to 2 adventurous and active boys. Son the older is VERY TALENTED when it comes to ripping out seams and tearing clothing. Much as I like the look of hoodies, the tendency of boys to use the hood as a handle always means that I am stitching and re-stitching the neck seam. Sigh...
The Easter Bunny hopped his way both in and out of here yesterday. The boys had a great time and will be high on chocolate and sugar for weeks to come. We watched "The Ten Commandments" in the morning. By today's standards it looks a little bit hokey. Now here's a "social commentary" question for you: how big of a deal is Easter for most people? What are your traditions? Despite being married for more than a decade, Mr. Me and I still seem to experience friction over events like this. Yes - I'm looking for validation!!! (But no, I won't give you which side I'm on so that if a "mea culpa" is warranted on my part, I can give it.)
On a brighter note - I have my Knitters Treat Exchange treatee! I've cruised by her blog to say "Hi" and ask a couple of more questions. Her blog is very interesting, but I can't link it until after the exchange because it's a secret - ssshhhh!
The Easter Bunny hopped his way both in and out of here yesterday. The boys had a great time and will be high on chocolate and sugar for weeks to come. We watched "The Ten Commandments" in the morning. By today's standards it looks a little bit hokey. Now here's a "social commentary" question for you: how big of a deal is Easter for most people? What are your traditions? Despite being married for more than a decade, Mr. Me and I still seem to experience friction over events like this. Yes - I'm looking for validation!!! (But no, I won't give you which side I'm on so that if a "mea culpa" is warranted on my part, I can give it.)
On a brighter note - I have my Knitters Treat Exchange treatee! I've cruised by her blog to say "Hi" and ask a couple of more questions. Her blog is very interesting, but I can't link it until after the exchange because it's a secret - ssshhhh!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire
My swap partner Scappyhappy put me on to the Knitters Treat Exhange. It is a one time swap. I'm new to the whole swapping experience, but must say that I am enjoying it very much. The questionnaire was fun to do - it made me think about things that I don't normally give a second thought.
Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire
1. What's your favourite type of yarn?
I have a strong preference for natural fibres. I don't mind a little bit of manmade as a blend, but I am a "fibre snob" when it comes to yarns that are completely manmade.
2. What's your least favourite type of yarn?
Aaaacccckrylic!
3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop?
I start by doing a full walk around. I need to survey the store as a whole before I start to have a more thorough look. In thinking about this, I realize that I almost always do this in a circular fashion - counterclockwise.
4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do?
I sew, cross stitch, a little bit of jewellery making. I'll try just about anything once!
5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to?
Interweave Knits
6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference:
Knitting
Crochet / Other Craft (like beading!)
Fashion / Food
I've eliminated the other categories because I don't tend to either read or buy them.
7. What items do you like to knit / crochet?
Right now I tend to knit a lot of socks. I also do scarves and shawls. I haven't done much crocheting. As a lefty, I have trouble getting my head around it... I've only done a few scarves.
8. Are you allergic to anything?
Only penicillin.
9. What do you like to* smell of?(*This is not a typo. The question is: What do you like to smell of)
I love the smell of Jasmine. Unfortunately, scents are forbidden in my workplace, so I have to sneak... ssshhhh....
10. What's your favourite way to relax?
The rather obvious answer is knitting! In reality, I enjoy just about anything that involves fibres, but when I am really stressed, I find the repetitive action of knitting to be incredibly soothing.
11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first?
I start at the tea room.
12. What do you come out with?
A sense of contentment, having enjoyed a nice pot of Earl Grey with scones, clotted cream and jam.
13. Where do you go next?
This is a good question - I need to know what I'm having for dinner, since I'm probably going to buy something for dessert. Probably the bakery for something lovely and fiddly that I wouldn't make at home.
14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal?
I love this quote from Louise Erdrich "Love won't be tampered with, love won't go away. Push it to one side and it creeps to the other."
Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire
1. What's your favourite type of yarn?
I have a strong preference for natural fibres. I don't mind a little bit of manmade as a blend, but I am a "fibre snob" when it comes to yarns that are completely manmade.
2. What's your least favourite type of yarn?
Aaaacccckrylic!
3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop?
I start by doing a full walk around. I need to survey the store as a whole before I start to have a more thorough look. In thinking about this, I realize that I almost always do this in a circular fashion - counterclockwise.
4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do?
I sew, cross stitch, a little bit of jewellery making. I'll try just about anything once!
5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to?
Interweave Knits
6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference:
Knitting
Crochet / Other Craft (like beading!)
Fashion / Food
I've eliminated the other categories because I don't tend to either read or buy them.
7. What items do you like to knit / crochet?
Right now I tend to knit a lot of socks. I also do scarves and shawls. I haven't done much crocheting. As a lefty, I have trouble getting my head around it... I've only done a few scarves.
8. Are you allergic to anything?
Only penicillin.
9. What do you like to* smell of?(*This is not a typo. The question is: What do you like to smell of)
I love the smell of Jasmine. Unfortunately, scents are forbidden in my workplace, so I have to sneak... ssshhhh....
10. What's your favourite way to relax?
The rather obvious answer is knitting! In reality, I enjoy just about anything that involves fibres, but when I am really stressed, I find the repetitive action of knitting to be incredibly soothing.
11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first?
I start at the tea room.
12. What do you come out with?
A sense of contentment, having enjoyed a nice pot of Earl Grey with scones, clotted cream and jam.
13. Where do you go next?
This is a good question - I need to know what I'm having for dinner, since I'm probably going to buy something for dessert. Probably the bakery for something lovely and fiddly that I wouldn't make at home.
14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal?
I love this quote from Louise Erdrich "Love won't be tampered with, love won't go away. Push it to one side and it creeps to the other."
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