Spring for Babies KAL/CAL

I’ve decided to go ahead and start our first KAL/CAL to benefit Babies. Baby knits are fast and easy and suitable for all experience levels.

Considering the numerous charities throughout the world, I will leave the choice of charity up to you. I am a firm believer in Charity at Home and will accept knits for neighbors, etc to be included in this KAL/CAL.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, letting me know your intent to participate and post your FOs in the new DTP Flickr Group. The Flickr Group is by invitation only, so you will be prompted to request invitation which I will approve ASAP.

So, to get things rolling, here are a few suggested patterns:

Saartje’s Booties

Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap

Pinwheel Baby Blanket

Curly Purly Soakers

Berry Baby Hat

Better than Booties

Blue Booties

Preemie Hats

Hooded Baby Blanket

As for prizes, I have one prize reserved but am seeking donations from vendors and artisans… prize details to follow soon…

ETA: It’s been decided, the KAL/CAL will end and the drawing will be held on May Day – May 1, 2009. I am actively seeking prize donations, so stay tuned for details.

Early Release This Week…

… Why?

Because we’re having a PRIZE DRAWING!!!

Maevie has won the door prize and doesn’t even know! hehehe

You can win the next prize – and it’s easy to enter – all you have to do is go to iTunes and leave a comment about the Podcast!  

But hurry - this is a short contest – I will assign each comment a number and then randomly select a winner at Midnight PST (9am Rome) on Sunday Feb 15th. (click here for a time converter)

So, what’s up for grabs?

Winner’s Choice of one of the following Surprise Theme Packages:

• Socks
• Lace
• Spin
• Mitts

So you actually read down this far?  GO!  Leave a comment!   ;)

 

ETA – Due to the ‘distance’ issue and my wanting to get prizes out ASAP, I have decided to go through a third party to send the prizes out – will keep the winners posted ;)

Gifted Goodness

The Holidays have come and gone and the newness of my gifts are still with me.  How could they not be though?  For starters, my super early Christmas gift was my spinning wheel - 

 

Julia by Louet

 

 

While she and I have had just a few issues, I love her.  

I also decided, finally, on a WPI tool from KaratStix.  

 

Wooly Ewes WPI Tool by KaratStix

 

 

Plus, the lovely Karen included 5 adorable stitch markers!

 

Wooly Ewes Stitch Markers by KaratStix

 

 

I love these tools and am so impressed by Karen’s fine handwork!

Of course I was gifted a few items I might never use or wear, but still appreciate the gestures attached.  I have to say though, the most surprising gift was a vacuum cleaner!  At first I didn’t know if I should be offended or not!  Then DH put the little bugger in action… 

So, what could be so special about a vacuum?  How about one that does all the work for you!  DH bought the Roomba, by iRobot.  This little thing is actually a sweeper and just perfect for our floors – ceramic tile and low pile area carpeting.  It gets into place I can’t, well, not without moving furniture around.  I just love this thing!

 

Roomba by iRobot

FOs WIPs and Swag! O My!

There are sooo many link in this week’s Podcast Notes – be sure to check them out!

So this week I have finished two hats, one  for DS2 and one forDS3.  DS2 wanted a Transformer hat and I started it but I just know I will not have it finished for Christmas.  So, I decided to whip up a plain ole vanilla hat for now and save the Transformer hat for his birthday, which is after Christmas.

 

DS2 hat

 

 

DS3, being the newbie in the group and not having any winter hand-me-downs to inherit, was in dire need of a head covering.  I had planned to knit a simple cap with earflap and i-cord to tied under the chin.  Then I spied a design from Drops and decided he MUST have this hat:

 

DS3 Hat

 

 

I am pleased to have started and finished both hats this week and am that much closer to being finished with Holiday knitting.  I still must complete the Kenobi, one slipper and one sock.  That’s it!  But we are getting closer to the big day!  I am beginning to think the Kenobi will also be saved for after Christmas, for our Anniversary instead.  So, just in case, I have CO for a pair of Dashing.  Always have a back-up plan! ;)

Now, don’t let this post fool you, I have not had an internet connection for a week now!  I happen to be ‘bumming’ a friend’s internet at the moment.  But, not having the internet at my fingertips has again, led to some other productivity.  I enhanced my Fiber Facts template and created a Fiber Facts Notebook which is available through Lulu.com  It is spiral bound and has lots of space for note taking and a great chart in the back for keeping track of farms and retailers.

I also created a Destiknit CafePress shop, splashing some of my graphics on a few products:

 

Destiknit mino HD

 

 

 

Destiknit Roomy Tote

 

 

So, what’s up with all this merchandise stuff?  Well, I am searching for ways to create some revenue to support the Podcast and Blog… we are talking pennies on the dollar here, I am not at all aiming to ‘get rich’.  I had considered, as some have suggested, to add a “Donate” button but I thought better of it.  

Well, aside from all that – I also managed to type out and load up the pattern for Blue Booties!  A direct link to the PDF can be found here or you can Ravel It here.  I have made an effort to present the pattern in a easy-to-read/understand format.  If you have any problems or if there are any mistakes, please email me destiknit AT gmail DOT com.

Hmmm, I feel like I’m forgetting something… 

Oh, spinning!

I did do a bit of spinning this week, mostly plying… I’ll save that for next week!

Pictures, What Pictures?

Yes, a good Blog has Pictures, lots and lots of Pictures.

Where are mine?

In my camera.

Remember the good ol’ days when you had an instant viable excuse, ‘My film has not come back from the printers yet,’?

Soon – I will be Flickr-fied soon and share my unimpressive pictures.

Unimpressive, because until recently (a few months ago), it never occurred to me that I should document my passion. And so, there are few pictures of Finished Projects because once they are finished, they are usually gifted – I get so excited - and out of my nimble little hands.

But no worries, no, not a one. It is the Holiday Season, I have several WIPs and have even finished a few. My stash seems to be maintaining its meager figure (thanks YarnSwaps!) so it might be suitable for viewing.

Now, to deal with that PhotoShop….

Slow and steady – doesn’t do too bad!

Recently my husband had the unique opportunity to watch me knit. Unique because rarely does the man have a moment of rest and I do not seem to get more than 30 minutes of knitting in a day.

We were with the kids at the playground, and I remembered my knitting. My husband sat watching me for roughly ten minutes. At first, it was just plain annoying – I am not used to someone hovering and watching and this is for Me. Then, I felt somewhat flattered – he seemed to admire my handi-work. But my ego was squished abruptly. He opened his mouth.