I was going to post today about the new designs in IK and Rowan 40, and my August aims and knitalongs.
But...
The postman brought a wonderful surprise today! My lace swap gift. What a fantastic surprise and what wonderful contents!
Where to start?
We have a skein of Habu Soy yarn, 2930yds, more than double the expected yardage. It's wonderfully soft and luscious stuff, and with this yardage I'll be able to knit a huge lace shawl. Then we have, not a pattern, but a book! It's Gossamer Webs, the history and techniques of Orenburg Lace. Now that's something that I've not tried yet, can't wait to delve in and read this. A funny sheepy card and some mints from Vermont (already sampled by myself and a work colleague). A lovely little book of hand altered polaroids (they look like photos of actual paintings) of Ann Arbour, and last but not least, some stitch markers. Not dangly at all. See?
I can't wait to use them. My exchange partner is Beth, and you can read her blog here. Many, many thanks Beth! You've made a knitter in London very happy! I think I frightened everyone in the office when the postman came in with a package for me!
I've yet to post out my package, still gathering. The yarn and pattern are here, thanks to Get Knitted and Woollyworkshop - and this is all you need to know!
I've got exactly the same yarn in the stash (bought at Ally Pally last year). I have to say the only thing putting of casting on is the thought of winding it into a manageable ball to knit with! How do you go about it?!
Posted by: Anita | August 11, 2006 at 01:49 PM
What a fantastic package - definitely something to keep you busy for a while!
Posted by: Mary | August 11, 2006 at 01:56 PM
That's a great swap package, Dawn!
Posted by: Donna | August 11, 2006 at 02:51 PM
You are a lucky knitter to get your lace swap package so quickly. I'm still waiting for the pattern I ordered to come in the mail. What a generous gift :) So, have you decided yet which pattern to knit?
Posted by: Tonni | August 11, 2006 at 04:09 PM
What a fantastic swap! I am looking forward to see your choice of pattern. Gossamer lace looks so delicate. This looks like the book I have been eyeing on Amazon for a while wondering if it is worth having or not. Now you can write a review for us!...
Posted by: francoise | August 11, 2006 at 10:59 PM
Wow! What a great package. You have an awesome swap pal.
Posted by: Dorothy B | August 12, 2006 at 05:27 AM
Oh such a wonderful package XD I'm in the lace swap too, and can't wait to send my box off (next week) and for mine to arrive :D Happy knitting!
Posted by: ZhiWen | August 12, 2006 at 12:33 PM