Climate Ninja

 I've made a ninja mask before. It stood me in excellent stead while in Japan. So I wanted another one.
I had a skein of Lorna's Laces Solemate, which is made from wool and magical climate-controlling Everlast in a cheery pink/purple that would go great with my snowboard.
Yes, these things are important. Shouldn't they be?

This one knit up much more quickly, although I conveniently forgot that I had issues with the last one.
i had the same issues again. Doesn't matter.
The finished result is great and worked well on the slopes.
Something I forgot though: The original mask got a lot of its warmth from the fact that the wool felted across my face.
Solemate doesn't felt as easily, making it a bit breezier.
Which means I now have a less-cold-weather mask. Excellent.

Swap-tacular

 Today, a squished-up but well-sealed box arrived. All the way from Colorado.

Oooooh! inside were some lovingly wrapped parcels.

 Six, to be exact, and cards to go with them.
It's my Loopy swap package!

 My wonderful swap partner chose travel & stories as her theme. For those who know me, you know this couldn't be a more perfect theme for me.
She started off with a handmade card featuring maps, explaining her choice of theme. I'm loving this already!

But let's get to package number one.

 Each parcel contains a little sheepy note, explaining why the pressie was included. Number one states that all journeys start with comfy feet. So I got Heel cream! The best foot-pampering cream in the world. This is so coming to the snow with me.

 Next up, some adorable stitch markers (a unicorn, a mushroom, a wizard and a rainbow) and tab markers in an awesome little case. These reminded my partner of stories and the sharing thereof. As a writer, I never have enough tab notes. And as a knitter, I never have enough adorable stitch markers.

 Next was a big, squishy parcel.
It's socks!
Not just any socks. Firefly-colored socks knit into the "Intrepid Traveller" pattern. Gorgeous and comfy. I'm wearing them as I type this.

 But wait, there's more! There is Colorado chocolate with a fridge magnet (I love travel magnets, don't you?) and Jolly Ranchers, which I'd heard of, but had never tried. Until now. They are so good!

 Of course, swap packages come with yarny goodness. The photo does not capture the fabulous glow of this gorgeous madelinetosh sock yarn.
How much do I love MadTosh? Oh yeah, it's lots. And lots. This is a wonderfully complex pink-and-purple. LOVE!

And finally, because Australia can be difficult to send tea to, my wonderful swapper sent me a tea mug to put my own tea into.
I've been coveting my colleague's awesome tea travel mug (exactly like this one!) every time she brought it to work.
This is beyond fabulous!

 So here is the fantabulous package in all its glory.
Am I spoilt or what?

Oh yeah. Lucky, lucky me.



Win!

Life is perfect.

Shop Update 24th July: New bases!

Bouquet of Dreams - Run Away

Exploding Box - Run Away

The shop update is about to go live. This week, I'm introducing you to two new bases I'm super excited about.

Brrrains is a super-squishy, tightly-plied 100% Merino that will put a spring in your step, while Run Away is a soft yet durable Merino/Nylon blend that gives you fantastic yardage, a soft hand and a durable finished product.




So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Yarn vs Zombies and check out what's in stock today.

Through Time and Space - Brrrains

Also remember, next week will be the last shop update before I go on holidays.

Stitchmarkers? Stitchmarkers who?

 I'd heard of Bea-Gin stitch markers before. Podcasters love them, and there's a bit of a buzz about them.
They look like piercing rings and come in great colours.
But what really made my nerd heart sing were Doctor Who-themed markers!
So I had to get some (and then go back and get some more).
They really are as fabulous as people say they are.
I especially love the different sizes for different projects. The wee ones are perfectly unobtrusive in even the smallest-needle project (itty bitty toys, anyone?), while the larger ones keep my place in my curent lace shawl project.
Of course now I'm giving myself instructions like "purl until the sonic screwdriver..."

Shop update 17/7

Today's shop update is wee but fun.
Some colors are making a come-back and a new color flies in: Blue Macaw!

According to my friend, whose glorious rescue bird is the inspiration behind this colorway, red parrots get all the glory.
So here's to blue, the second-most popular parrot out there.

A dishcloth?

Some knitters love washcloths. Some knitters are indifferent to them. Many people are confused by their merit (or not).
I had a long car ride from the mountain in the dark ahead of me, and I didn't want to knit another shawl.
So I cast on a washcloth. Or a dishcloth. Or a garter square on an angle.
Made out of cotton/acrylic vintage stash, it was quick, it was fun, and guess what?
The finished cloth is totally awesome!
Now I want a whole pile of handmade washcloths. Just saying...

Cardigan update: Wanda Nell

As Nerd Wars and Camp Loopy and other shines distract me, the Wanda Nell cardigan gets pushed to the back burner a bit.
i still love it, I just never seem to make the time to actually knit on it.
It's coming out gorgeous though. I love it so much!
The colours are fabulous, the shape is, well, shaping up nicely, and that Wollmeise smell, well!
I really need to knit on this more.
Perhaps riiiight now.