Winners!

I hope you all had an enjoyable week this last week. Thanks to everyone who visited and left a comment on the giveaway.  It was fun to hear from everyone.  

After a fun (but somewhat busy) night trick-or-treating with the kids, I appreciated being able to sit down in the quiet with my iPad and draw winners for the giveaway.  The winners are...

Renee Anne!!  Renee, you have won a set of sheep stitch markers, in the color of your choice!  I hope you enjoy your little flock! :)

and Kepanie!!  Stefanie, you have won the set of pink cherry blossom stitch markers seen below!

Hooray for our winners!!  I will be contacting you on Ravelry for your address and then I can send out your stitch markers! :) 

Thanks again to everyone for checking out my shop and giving me their support.  I so appreciate it! :)  

Hitting 100 Giveaway!

Hi Friends!

It's me - Rae Lynne. I've been gone a long while again.  I won't pretend that I'm going to get back into regularly blogging, but for occasions like this, I'm glad I have an outlet to share with you.

If you're here, reading this post, it's likely it's not because you regularly check to see for new posts (if that is why you're here - you're awesome and I appreciate you checking in!) - rather it's likely you're here for the giveaway.  And I'll get to that in a minute.  First a little background.

Some of you know that I have an Etsy shop.  It started with me selling some needle cases.  I loved making them, but just didn't have the time to keep making them - especially with two kids.  I eventually switched to stitch markers.  Sheepie ones to be specific.

Sheep Stitch Markers - Set of 5 - Clear

Sheep Stitch Markers - Set of 5 - Assorted Colors

These have gone over really well - knitters really seem to enjoy these fibery friends.

While preparing for a current swap on the Itty Bitty Knits forums, I was inspired to try the "sharpied mug" thing you see all over Pinterest.  I did a mug and a notions dish (I'm purposely not sharing pictures since my swap partner hasn't received her package yet). I loved how these turned out.

The Hubby took a look at them and told me I should sell them in my shop.  I love his enthusiasm and support but also know he's a bit bias.  I asked a few friends, and they concurred (thanks ladies!!).

The question then became what a better method would be for decorating these mugs and dishes.  As I've come to find out, permanent marker doesn't always stay permanent, especially glazed ceramic.  I worried that I'd go to the trouble of decorating these things, sell them, and then have everything get washed away a short time later.  (Not good for business!)  I eventually settled on (non-toxic) enamel paint.  This is much better.

White Sheep Coffee Mug/Ceramic Black Cup

Pink Sheep Notions/Trinkets Dish

All this to say - there are new items in my Etsy shop!

 Black Swirls Design 2 Stitch Markers

Turquoise Cherry Blossom Clay Stitch Markers

I shared the news on Instagram and Ravelry and had a great response. :)  Which is really why you all are here now!  Because of how well these new items have done, and the increased traffic to my shop, I have hit and passed 100 sales!!  Woohoo!!

So to celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway.  I'll be giving away 2 sets of stitch markers.  One set will be a set of my sheep stitch markers.  I will contact the winner to ask what colors they'd like their flock to be.

The second winner, will get a set of my new clay stitch markers (seen below).  They're about the same size as the sheep stitch markers.  Light, simple and fun, they're a great way to dress up your knitting.

Pink Cherry Blossom Stitch Markers

So check out my shop, then come back and leave a comment -  say hi, tell me what you like in the shop, or just tell me you'd love to win some stitch markers! :)  Please be sure to leave your Ravelry name or email address so I can contact you if you win.  I will keep the giveaway open until 10pm CST on Thursday, October 31, 2013.  I will then post the winners on November 1, 2013. :)

Good luck!

p.s. If you're interested in ordering something, but you don't see it in the shop, convo me and we'll work something out!

Click for Babies

This post is going to be short and sweet as I don't have a lot of time to write at the moment.  For any of you who watch Katie (jetgirl1313) from Knittin' On the Fly, you know that she collects hats for the charity, Click for Babies.  The idea is to knit purple hats and donate them so they can be distributed in hospitals for all the new babies that arrive.  The charity and hats are meant to bring awareness to The Period of Purple Crying.  Essentially this all relates to infant crying and the risks Shaken Baby Syndrome.   Babies born in the month of November each receive a purple hat.  Click for Babies is specific to certain states, but I know that when my daughter was born in November, in Iowa (even though we aren't a Click for Babies state), she received a purple crocheted hat, along with a bunch of information about the Period of Purple Crying.

So Katie hosted Click for Babies and received an amazing number of hats that she donated in Maine.  Last year I didn't get the chance to knit a hat, but this year, I did!

I used the Otis Baby Hat pattern, which has 3 cables evenly distributed around the hat, which come together at the top in a really neat way.  The hats had to be at least 50% purple, which wasn't a problem for me since I had a couple different options to choose from.  I'd won a giveaway awhile back and received some Universal Yarn Bella DK in a light lavender purple, so that's what I used.  The hat turned out very soft and sweet.

I booked it to the post office (I finished the hat just days before the deadline) and rushed it out to Maine, along with some sheepy stitch markers for the giveaway Katie was hosting in conjunction with the charity drive.

I'd really like to knit this hat again as the cables really add some visual interest.  I'm really impressed with the way the cables were brought together at the top without interrupting the pattern.  Very slick.

Okay - time to fly!  Lots to do today!!

Hedgehogs and Hippos

A long while back I shared with you the package I received from Pam in the H is for Hippos and Hedgehogs swap.  I was so happy with my package and the thought that Pam put into all of it.  And boy, did my stash grow!!

It's about time I share with you what went into the package that I sent.  My swappee was Kendra (kendraja) and I was so excited to get started on her package!  Mostly, I was excited that she would love to receive the Hedgehog to Squirrel toy by Susan B. Anderson.  It's part of her Woodland Creatures collection and I've been wanting to knit it for awhile.  This was just the motivation I needed.  Those reversible toys are so stinkin' cute!! (And if you don't remember, everything we included in the box had to be described with an "H.")

I'm going to get right into it because I've got a bit to share.  Starting with the knitted goodies, as I said, I knit the Hedgehog to Squirrel Reversible toy by Susan Anderson.

My favorite part of this toy is two-fold.  1) The "ridges" on the hedgehog - they're such a creative construction, I really enjoyed that part of the knitting and it adds such dimension to the toy; 2) the squirrel's bushy tail.  Now, Susan always indicates the size of pom-poms to use in her toys, but I don't really listen.  I use my Pom Tree or pom-pom makers and make the fluffiest, biggest pom-pom I can stand, and then trim and trim and trim until I feel it's just right.  (I sort of have to start out larger because I have this thing with making the pom-poms look even and appropriately fluffed...)  So the squirrel tail is very bushy...hopefully Kendra likes it as much as I did!!

The poor hedgehog has a secret, and I won't share what it is, but I'm sure you can spot it.  He feels a bit unique...and hopes that no one thinks badly of him for it. ;)   Mr. Hedgehog was knit with Cascade 220 in Dark Brown and Winter White, while Mr. Squirrel is knit with Cascade 220 Winter White and Spud & Chloe Sweater in Beluga.  I have to mention again how amazingly soft and wonderful S&C is to knit with.  I love it!

(Shhh....don't tell!)

The second knit was a washcloth, designed by our very own bee30, Ber.  She was looking for hedgehog cloths and couldn't find any so she designed not one, but three different designs!  I wanted to knit all three but ran out of time.  So this cloth is Hedgehog Washcloth #3 and I love it so much!  Ber - you did an amazing job designing these cloths!

The last knit item is another dishcloth, which I'm calling the Hungry Hippo Cloth by Elaine Fitzpatrick.  Super simple, super quick - I had this one done in no time!

Normally, I like to do dishcloths in fun colors, but I had natural Lion Brand Lion Cotton Solid on hand so that's what I used.

Handmade stitch markers for Kendra's knitting, in the form of dice and Holey markers.  These markers were sort of a pain to make, but it was a process of trial and error and I finally figured out how to make it work.  If you look closely at the picture, you will see that there is a tiny ball inside the larger white ball, and the purpose of the holes is to see the tiny ball inside.  If you'd like to know more about this process, let me know and I'll explain more in-depth.  (I've got a set for myself that I need to finish sanding and coating.

There was a hedgehog switch plate/light switch cover.  I found this idea on Pinterest.  It's super simple and would be a fun craft to do with your older kids.  I'd link it, but I never repinned the idea myself.  Again, ask if you're interested in more details. :)

Because we needed "h" words, and I live in "America's Hometown," I knew I needed to include some hometown swag.  I don't usually do things from my town, but rather just something from Iowa.  But this was a perfect opportunity.  There were "America's Hometown" magnets, Hart Parr postcards (Oliver/Hart Parr tractors were made in my town before the bigger companies took over), Oliver/Hart Parr pin, and a Hometown Holiday ornament.

A hooter gauge (needle gauge), a heart-shaped yarn cutter pendant

Haribo gummies, a huge Hershey's Kiss, and a huge lollipop

stickers of all kinds (horses, Hello Kitty, happy faces and hearts), a hardback Dr. Seuss book and Weekend Hats

Handmade sheep soap made locally, handy pencils, fun erasers for the heck of it, a Knit Happy tape measure

and finally, about 650 yards of 50/50 silk, merino blend in fingering weight that I hand dyed and named "Victorian Rose."

The "H" twist to this swap made it both fun and challenging.  There are things I did choose to leave out of the package because they didn't quite fit, and I thought would perhaps work better in another swap at another time.

I've since taken a bit of a break from swapping as I wanted to knit more things for myself when I wanted to knit them, instead of fitting them in around knitting that had a deadline.  I've found that to be very relaxing!

WIP Wednesday 4/20

Guess what? I actually have some photos to share with you today! :)

I still haven't been as busy with knitting as I'd like to be.  I'm still plowing through Etsy orders, which take a lot of my time that might normally be devoted to needles and yarn.  But I just finished a big order that's taken me twice as long as it should have, just due to lack of energy.  But now that I've got that order out of the way, the remainder of my Etsy orders feel a lot more manageable.  And the case I finished last night was actually very simple and a lot of fun to put together.  Hopefully my customer feels the same way!

So back to my WIPs.  I've got a deadline looming over me for some baby shower items I told my sister I would make.  The shower is April 25th.  The items?  A hat and two pacifier clips.

The nursery for the baby is frog-themed, so Sis asked for a frog hat, a frog clip and an elephant clip.  I haven't yet started the clips.  The only clip I'm really concerned about with time is the frog clip.  The pattern isn't complicated and the finished knit is small, but there are SO many pieces that can be time-consuming.

I will start (and finish) the elephant clip tonight, I'm sure.

The frog hat is actually a modified pattern.  I'm using the Bunny Tail pattern from Itty Bitty Hats by Susan B. Anderson.  The hat is simple stockinette, but the neat part comes at the top after the decreases.  The stitches are divided in half and for the bunny (or bear) hat, each half of the stitches becomes an ear.  My modification included shortening the ear portion A LOT to make the ears look like frog eyes.  I believe I knit 7 rounds on each "eye" before doing the remainder of the decreases.  I think it should work out really well.

I'm trying to decide what to do for the eyes.  The hat is the 0-6 month size, intended to be worn around the 3-6 month stage.  So in case the baby gets ahold of the hat in her mouth, I don't want to use removable eyes.  I like the eyes on the toy, Ribbit, so maybe those - with some eyelashes for a girl.  We'll see. I need to do some hunting on Ravelry.  Sis has also asked for a little box to sit on the frog's head to indicate a girl.  So I also need to find a bow pattern.

Ribbit, photo by Susan B. Anderson

Think I can finish on time?

Next up on the list are a few swap knits, as well as some baby items.  The baby items aren't top priority, but none of them should take long since they're so small and quick.

What's on your needles this week?

WIP Wednesday 3/30

Today's WIP Wednesday is much like last week.  I've been sewing up a storm getting Etsy orders made and out the door.  I still have 5-6 cases left to make, so the busy won't stop anytime soon.  :)  Luckily, they don't take a long time and people are patient. (I say patient because at this point, my orders all came around the same time, but the wait has turned into a couple weeks instead of a couple days because of all the orders.)

Last night I took a break from the sewing and got some work done on my knitting.  Evie's sweater isn't getting done before Spring arrives, so I've placed it in hibernation.  There are a lot of other things I want to do at the moment and this project was added after the fact, more of a spur of the moment type project.  So I'm not officially counting it towards my WIP pile.

And Squishy's poor Bathrobe...it's been neglected again.  Not for lack of wanting to knit it, but more for lack of time.  Between being sick and the sewing and my projects for the Easter swap, it's just not getting much love.  I still want to get back to it sooner rather than later, but it may be a project that I work on, but don't commit to for 100% of the time because I know that I'll get bored of that seed stitch.  So still on the needles, still in need of a lot of attention, but I'm trying to ease up on feeling frantic about getting it done.

I have secret knitting I've been working on.  I restarted it 3 times before I finally got it right.  By then, I wasn't much in the mood to work on it.  Last night it finally got some much needed attention and I should be able to finish it up tonight.  Then I have one more secret project to knit on Thursday.  I should be able to share more details after that.  :)  I do just want to say that I'm using Malabrigo Rasta for my current WIP and it is awesome!  It's so soft and squishy.  I love the bulky feel and I think it's the perfect yarn for the project.

Since I don't have any pictures to share with you, I thought I would tell you some of the things I'd like to be knitting soon.  My sister requested some knit items for a friend of hers due in June.  Her friend really likes frogs (or perhaps the nursery is going to be frogs?) and so I'm making a frog hat, the frog binky clip, and the elephant binky clip.  Originally, she asked for a frog toy too, but that's not on the current list.  The only requirement for the frog hat is that the frog must wear a bow to indicate the baby is a girl. :)  I've got a while to knit these, so it's not urgent, but I've been thinking about it recently and may add it to my project page soon.  I've got some Tahki Cotten Classic leftover from items I knit for a friend's baby and it should be nice and cool for the warmer climate.

There are loads of people I know who are expecting and I'd love to knit something for everyone.  If only there were more hours in the day!!  I have a couple projects in mind I've been wanting to knit soon, I just need to find the time.  I've got patterns picked out, and I probably even have the yarn in my stash for them all.  Once I get through my Etsy orders, I'll get a move on those.  :)

So I guess that wasn't really specific about what I'm thinking, aside from what my sister asked for. :)  That's okay, it'll give me something to share with you all in the future!

I hope everyone is having a great week.  I know I've been enjoying "warmer" weather this week (high 30s, low 40s) and I can't wait for the real Spring weather to hit. :)

What's on your needles this week?

WIP Wednesday 3/23

So, I must admit, my list of knitting WIPs have taken a backseat to other things.  I really want to get Squishy's Bathrobe done, but I can't seem to get motivated (or find the time...).  Evie's Sweater will have to wait until I have more time.  The weather is warming up and it's not necessary for her anymore.  I meant to finish some of these things over break, but when you don't feel good, knitting just isn't as appealing.

I have some swap things in the works.  No pictures to show for it, though.  One project can't get started until I get the pattern and the other just hasn't gotten the attention it deserves.

What have I been working on you ask?  Cases.  And cases and cases.  For whatever reason, my Etsy shop is on fire with requests.  (That's not a bad thing, but I'm a one-woman-show who only moves so quickly!)  I took down the custom case listing for the time being so I could catch up on orders.

I finished a case last week but the customer isn't home so it won't be mailed until I hear from her that she's back.  I'll finish another tonight.

Then I'll be making one from these fabrics,

and another from these fabrics.  These birds and birdcages really are my favorite.  I was planning to keep the fabric set aside for myself but I've already got a large stack of fabric with my name on it...I decided to let go of these.  (If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you can see that some of the birdcages have brightly-colored birds in them...love it!)

After those 3 are done, I have a customer sending me fabric.  I can't wait to see it, it sounds interesting and vintage.  She wants me to make her 3 separate cases!

Needless to say, it keeps me busy.  So for the time being, the extra time on my lunch hour, and any time before little man goes to sleep can be allocated to knitting.  Then, once Squishy is in bed, I move down to my "sewing corner" until it's time to wrap-up for the night.

Awhile back someone asked if I'd be willing to sell my pattern for the needle cases.  And every time I think of it, I have to smile because I don't work from patterns for these cases.  Yes, I have measurements and sketches, but at this point, I've done it so many times I hardly even think about it anymore.  And to write it out in a pattern is just too much work.  If it's something I've come up with myself, I really prefer to work without the constraints of a pattern. :)  That way any mistakes are really just turned into creative solutions!

So, what's on your needles, hook or sewing table this week?

Well, spring break is officially over and it's time to get back to work.  I really could have used another couple of days of break to really appreciate the routine of work.

We had a good second-half of the week. Once I started feeling better, it was easier for all of us to be in a better mood, especially since we got a chance to get outside and enjoy the nice weather.  We took Squishy for a short walk around the neighborhood on Wednesday, which he enjoyed because he got to run and splash through all the puddles.  See the green galoshes?  Those were his birthday present from Mr. Man and I.  I have to admit, though, I got the idea from Mom - so it was a stolen idea.  But a good one!! :)  He loves wearing these things and we have a really hard time getting him to take them off.

I also have to mention that the hat Squishy's wearing is his Apple Hat from Debby. He loves wearing it and it looked so great with his green boots!

We also got a chance to visit Grandma in Waterloo, and NaMa (Grandma - my mom) and PaPa this week. Squishy loves seeing his grandparents.  We even got a garage door opener and outlet installed thanks to Mr. Man's aunt and uncle.  :)

So overall, the week was okay.

I've been trying to knit a project for the Easter swap on the IB Forums.  Unfortunately, it's not going so well.  I've frogged twice and haven't had a chance to start it that 3rd time yet.  Each time it was my fault, not the pattern, but it's hard not to feel defeated when it should be simple and quick, ya know?

I've also been really busy keeping track of all my Etsy orders.  Someone lit a fire under someone's rear-end because all of a sudden I've had a wave of orders and interested buyers in my needle cases. I really enjoy making them and seeing the cases come together, but it wasn't expected.  Now I'm trying to plan out my time and figure out when each case will be complete.  I have a few people sending me fabric, so that always puts a delay on things.  It's nice to see interest in my work, though.

This week I may do my sewing while listening/watching the podcasts I *try* to keep up-to-date on.  I meant to catch up this last week, but it didn't happen.  So now I'm behind.  I can't wait to see Laura and Leslie (of The KnitGirllls) in the new craft room.  And I see there are 2 new His & Hers podcasts I haven't watched.  Among all the other video podcasts I want to watch, but haven't caught up with real time yet, so I'm taking my time on those.

What's on your plate this week?  Anything special?

WIP Wednesday 3/9

I don't have a lot of progress on my WIPs to show you, so no pictures today.  But only because I've been knitting tiny hats that are so quick to finish!

So what's on my needles this week, you ask?  Only 2 projects.  The first is Evie's sweater.  It's a great pattern, I think.  I've gotten through the shoulder increases and was planning to work through the leg openings last night but I hit a snag.  I was confused by the instructions on what stitches to put on a holder, etc. So I sent a message to the designer and hopefully I'll hear back from her soon.  Once I get that figured out, I can keep plugging away.

I think the collar is going to be a little snug/stiff because of the size needles it was knit on.  The body is also looking a bit large for Evie.  I tried it on her last night, after which she ran and hid under the couch.  Hopefully she'll like wearing it when it's finished!  I know part of the issue in the sizing is because I used a worsted weight yarn instead of a lighter weight.

The other project is X's Bathrobe.  It's still on the list because it's sitting in my WIP bag.  Since I'm now waiting on further instruction for Evie's sweater, and all the charity hats are done, this project will be getting more attention.  I got about 6 rows in last night.  That was okay progress, but I'd like to see it go a little faster.

In other news, my Etsy shop is back from vacation.  Now that I have other life-obligations out of the way, I can dedicate time to sewing again. I've already got a few cases in the works so I know that will keep me busy.  My machine has been looking rather lonely and my sewing table has been piled on in the last few weeks.  Time to do some cleaning and reorganizing to get back in the groove!

A is for Apple

Now that my swap partner has received her package, I can share with all of you what I included in her box!  I had Sauceyjill of Saucy and she was so fun to stalk and find items for!

The requirements this time were to include 4 things: the Apple Hat, the apple from Finger Foods, and an Apple Washcloth - all patterns from Susan B. Anderson.  We were also meant to include one extra item that we had made.  I think some people may have chosen to sew this project but a lot of us knit this extra item.  I should also add that although it is certainly not an expectation or requirement, it is always implied that we all love tasty goodness as well - whether it be in the form of chocolate, or other sweet treat, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.  

I'm going to do things a little differently this time and share all the contents of the package in this post, but over the next week or so, I will do a more in-depth post on each knit item.  Then the item gets the attention it deserves, but doesn't make this swap post super duper long.  I may repeat some information between all the posts, I hope no one minds. 

So, on to the knits.  First, Jill asked for a newborn size apple hat.  This hat was a pleasure to knit.  So tiny!  X wanted to wear it but it was too small.  Knit in Ella Rae Milky Soft in red, using Berroco Vintage in Chocolate for the stem and Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew for the leaf. 

The washcloth was my second project.  I'm in love with how it turned out.  Made from KP Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew, the stem is again Berroco Vintage in Chocolate.  The leaf and crocheted edging are KnitPicks Comfy Worsted in Cypress.  I think the Cypress really gives the apple some pop. 

My original plan for the third knit didn't work.  Turns out, I don't have a lot of sock-weight yarn.  I hear a lot of people say they have tons and tons of sock yarn.  I don't knit socks, and most patterns I knit call for worsted weight.  But I can understand that it's hard not to buy sock yarn as there are so many pretty colors and brands out there!  This apple finger puppet is made from Cascade Fixation in Red, the leaf in Sage.  The stem and finger puppet portion are knit with Universal Yarn Pace in Chocolate.  

The final project from me was a green apple tape measure.  From the pattern Apple or Orange Tape Measure by Amalia Samios, I chose green since the hat and finger puppet were red.  If you're thinking of knitting this project, I suggest you read my future post about this project.  I loved the final result, but was a little frustrated in the making of it. My favorite part is the pull - it's the leaf and stem of the apple.  How cute is that?  I chose this pattern because Jill says she loves tape measures.  Another reason for the green is because Jill has said on many occasions how much she likes green.  This is KP Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew, with Berroco Vintage in Chocolate and KP Comfy Worsted in Cypress for leaf & stem. 

And since we're talking color and yarn, that's a good transition to mention the yarn I included.  On her list of "yarns to try" was Blue Moon Fiber Arts.  Now, Blue Moon has a lot of options to pick from.  But I finally settled on Socks that Rock in Spruced.  This looked like a neat mossy brown green.  I really hope that Jill likes the yarn.  It can be so hard to pick colors for other people.  I've never tried Blue Moon, but I'd love to have it in my stash some day. 

To go with her Spruced, I added the book "Sock Yarn: One Skein Wonders."  There are tons of really cute patterns in the book and I was tempted to keep it for myself. :)  She mentioned she didn't have much sock yarn in her stash, but hopefully she'll get a lot of use out of this book in the future!

Before I bought the OSW book, I sent Jill the pattern for End of May Mittens by Mandy Powers.  She said she already had the yarn and they'll be great for her 11 in 2011 mitten challenge.  

(photo by ginni; I sent her the pattern electronically through Ravelry, so I don't have my own picture to share with you)

Since this swap is actually called Let's Start at the Beginning (aka A = beginning of the alphabet), it was only proper to find more apple related items.  I found the game Apples to Apples (the game is ages 12+, but I figured eventually everyone in the family would grow into it), as well as Appletters (which is like a dominos game except with letters instead of dots).  I always enjoyed playing games as a family and can't wait for that age with X. 

In the process of shopping, I found some summery apple kitchen towels.  Perhaps not her style, but it's nice to have extras when needed!  There's chocolate living at Jill's now, too.  M&M's as well as some Choxie Assorted Chocolates. 

I found some neat finds on Etsy, as well.  First, a Twilight Scrabble pendant that reads, "Bite Me," from PaisleyMonday.  For whatever reason, this really seemed to scream at me to buy it for Jill.  She says she has a love/hate relationship with Twilight.  What better way to express that?  I made it into a stitch marker.   I also found a charm at beyondcharms that can be used as a stationary stitch marker (the kind that clips into the stitch or is used in crochet) .  Finally, I made 3 extra stitch markers in green and red to follow the theme.  

Do you see this?  It's one of my favorite things in the box - an apple keychain.  I think I'll have to visit this seller's shop again.  The keychain was found at oggiestwinkles. 

Last and finally not least, I included a book for Jill to read with her little boy.  The book is Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss.  The writing is by Dr. Seuss but the book art is by someone different.  This was the first Dr. Seuss book that I ever owned and I read it over and over and over as a child.  I hope her little man finds the story just as fun. :)  

So you see why I need additional posts to tell you about the knits?  This is an insanely long post and perhaps a little scattered.  I wanted to include something sewn but I just didn't have time this month.  So, dear swap partner, enjoy it all!