DK the Nautical Knitter

Ok, is there anyone out there who would be willing to create this adorable creature for me? I really love this guy, but have no interest in actually doing the felting.

http://www.owning-alpaca.com/needle-felting-a-dragon.html

I would, however, provide him with a loving home and lots of yummy yarn food…

Let me know….

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Thank you so much to my swap partner, Kim.  She sent me such wonderful gifts in my secret swap package.  The dog in the photo is her hound, Albert.  My package included Malabrigo lace weight yarn in black, my favorite un-color, a wonderful washcloth with hand made soap from Lush that smells amazing and a small handbag for knitting accessories.  Probably the best part of the package was the knitted Snoopy ornament and the pretty Godiva chocolates box (I am not sure what happened to the contents….hmmm…).  Thanks Kim!

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I have been gifted.  I was so excited yesterday when we picked up our mail and there was a package for me.  NOBODY, ever surprises me.  So, while I could not stop giggling, I opened the package and this is what was inside.

The contents included a package of needle holder springs that will hold my needles together when I put my project down to go make a cup of cocoa.  Of course, my Santa included a huge tin full of yummy hot chocolate mix and large coffee mug to make it in.  Then Santa read my mind, or perhaps my questionnaire, and included a wonderfully pumpkin scented candle to light while I use the bubble bath called “Calm One, Calm All”.

I am overwhelmed!  Thank you Secret Santa, whoever you are.  If you all don’t hear from me for a few days you know where I’ll be.

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This is just one of the cutest hats I have seen in a long time. It was so easy to knit up and the directions were pretty clear. I used a size 7 needle and worsted, acrylic yarn (for ease of washing). The pattern has directions for small (baby), medium (child), and adult (Large). Since William just turned two I went with the medium size. I wish I had gone with the large instead. Regardless, it is a one or two night knit and very fun to watch the candy corn grow to the white tip.

I am going to take this opportunity to coin a term, “Pass A Long” or PAL. Since I won’t be knitting this hat again in the foreseeable future, and therefore have no use for the yarn or pattern anymore, I would like to “Pass A Long” the three skeins of yarn and the pattern to the first person to comment on this post who would like to make this hat. Unlike a KAL, all you need to do to participate in this PAL is comment on this post and let me know you would like to have the yarn and pattern and I will “Pass” is along to you. What I would request of you is that you make the hat, and then “Pass A Long” the remaining yarn and pattern to the next person who would like to make the hat. This way the yarn gets used and several of you get to have fun with this pattern. You can PAL the yarn and pattern using whatever format you like. A blog entry would probably be best so others could see your hat too.

The next quick knit I am doing will be a hat with the same pattern in a silver/gray color to look like a Hershey’s Kiss. When I am done with that one I will PAL the yarn and pattern for it likewise. Who knows, perhaps we will start a trend.

On another note, Mr. K and I went out this morning to the park and shot some photos of the Secret of the Stole for the cover shot of the pattern and the web image. I wish so badly that I could show you all how beautiful it looks finished. Oh well, only 4 more weeks to go and then, if you are a member of the Secret of the Stole KAL group, you will have one of your own.

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I recently joined the Christmas Around the World 2007 Swap and the questionnaire has been distributed for completion. Per swap rules I am to post the questions and answers to my blog by September 15, 2007. While I was answering these questions I realized that this information might be of interest to my readers as well. So here goes:

1. Are you religious? No
2. How long have you been knitting? Several Years
   
3. Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? Intermediate, with advanced aspirations
4. Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? Sailing,Writing, Sewing Historical Costumes, Reading, Learning
5. Favorite color(s)? To wear - Black, White, Navy, Earth tones (not partial to rust, teal, pink…)
6. Do you collect anything? Gargoyles, dragons, snoopy, yarn and lately extra pounds around the middle
7. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? No
8. Do you have any pets? Yes, two dogs, Aubie (cocker spaniel) and Blazer (basset hound)
9. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? Out of the three, Hot Chocolate (I’m a coca-cola junkie)
10. Cookies or Sweets? Is there a difference? I’m a very picky eater, and prefer milk chocolate, and very plain sweets. Everyone calls my eating habits “vanilla”.
11. Do you knit socks? On occasion
12. If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) I am a self taught knitter and I like to knit what many people would consider tedious patterns. This includes lace and other intricate or difficult items. The first thing I ever knit was a beaded amulet purse on #000US needles.
13. Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do? I used to. We have lived in a motor home for the past 5+ years so I really didn’t have the space. Now that we are in a house again we have decided to use a live, potted tree, decorate it indoors and plant it in the yard after the holidays.
14. Favorite holiday treats? Cheesecake, Milk Chocolate, Cookies
15. Favorite holiday smells? Cinnamon, Pumpkin, Spice
16. Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate. It varies. I am a non-traditional gypsy at heart.
17. What are your favorite holiday traditions? I would have to say, if I could have a tradition, it would be no traditions.
18. Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about….” - the birth of Christ, visiting with family, eating, watching others open the presents you put thought into and photographs
19. If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? - a star or a chili pepper
20. What was your favorite gift you’ve ever received? Or given? Received - someone’s time, Given - surprises
21. When do you start your Christmas? Meals, gifts, etc. begin on Christmas Eve through Christmas Day
22. Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? I used to send them, now it is e-cards all the way.
23. What is your favorite Christmas dish? Ham and mashed potatoes
24. Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Hide
25. When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? Christmas morning
26. Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Family, most of our friends are long distance

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