Fall Felted Bag Exchange...

Sadly, I haven't recieved anything yet, but I'm assured that it was sent out yesterday bu my partner. Hope it arrives soon!

I can safely post pics of the bag that I had sent to my assigned partner. A bit disheartening that she seems less than enthisiastic about it, because I sure put alot of thought into both the bag and the goodies that were sent.

The pattern is "The Sheep Tote" from Fibretrends. I've been wanting to make it for sometime, so this gave me a good opportunity to try it out. It's made from Cascade 220, Turquoise and Magenta. I also added a touches of fair isle on the side pockets.

I personally love this bag and plan to make one for myself. I needlefelted the swirl design onto the front using a handspun roving from the woman that makes and sells Padraigs Cottage slippers.

I stuffed it full! Hersheys Chocolate flavored lip balm, chocolate, two balls os SWS wool and a pattern for the Multidirectional scarf, little snippet scissor, gum....

See the cool pocket? I picked that up some time ago and have been looking for a good use for it! I attached it with a snap so that it can be removed as needed.

I forgot to send a bag pattern (one of the requirements for the swap) so I purchased and emailed Chrissie P. one for the 'B4 Bag'. No comments from her...hope she likes the package and appreciated the work that went into it...maybe I'll hear from her again when she feeling more up.... Kind of discouraging and sort of puts me off future exchanges...

FFBE: The Final Question

How was your experience in the exchange? I had a great time this exchange. I found that the communication was pretty regular and the FFBE blog site was very clear.

Did you enjoy the folks you met? Yup! Enjotyed the Hallmark cards from my secret pal (her identity is still to be revealed!), and have enjoyed recieving and posting comments on others blogs.

Did you just love the bag you received? Sadly, I haven't got it yet :( My pal has emailed me to tell me it will be in the mail this week...Yippee!!!

Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved! I would like to see an album of everyone's works at the end of all this, without having to jump from site to site. Other than that, I've had loads of fun and can't wait for the next one to start!

FFBE Weekly Question #4

What was your favorite Halloween costume ever - for you? I once made a costume where I was a tree (yes, a tree), and my husband was a tree surgeon ("Dr. I.M Woodee"-- I know what you might be thinking...). My costume was made of thin foam rubber, painted to look like a tree trunk, while the branches and leaves were made using construction paper leaves on pipe cleaner branches...al attached to a very large straw hat! We won first prize that year. It was a very creative costume to say the least.

For your kids, if you have them? I have two favorites for our son, both hand made by moi. One year he went as a lobster, and another year he dressed as Santa Claus, complete with his 'Santa Sack" loot bag. I love finding unique costumes!

Why did you enjoy it so much? I guess I'm still a kid at heart and love to see the creative designs that people come up with. I think the worst are ready made store bought, no thought-type costumes, though I realize that some mom's and dad's have no time to sit and make something by hand. I think if you're going to purchase a costume, do something to it to make it unique and make it your own.

Do you still dress up now? Does a witch cackle? Does a ghost say "BOO"?

Chat a bit about your traditions for dressing up on All Hallow's Eve! Our traditional supper has always been home made turkey soup and hot dogs. The soup is made from the turkey that we have on Thanksgiving Day (October here in Canada). We eat by 5:30pm so that we can be ready to greet Trick-or-Treaters or head out the door ourselves for a little All Hallow's Eve fun.

Now that our son is in his late teens, we enjoy decorating the house and yard, and greeting the ghouls! When my son was "too old" to trick or treat, we would dress up and go collecting candy for the kids at the local hospital who were unable to enjoy in the fun.

FFBE: Contest Question #3

How often do you change the purse or bag you're carrying? As often as the mood strikes or depending on my mood, or what I'll be using it for.

Do you change based on seasons? Outfits? Something else? Sometimes depends on what I'm wearing or the occasion.

What's your favorite bag in the world (and it doesn't have to be a knit/felted one!)? I have a largish moss green faux-leather bag that I really enjoy. Very roomy. Lots of pockets so that I can keep my stuff organized (HAH!). I also like my felted bags and totes. I've recently been using a bag that I received from my last bag exchange.

FFBE Contest: Weekly Question #2

Yup, that's my backyard, pretty much >>>

A snapshot on Grouse Mountain in fall.

The colors of fall tend to be oranges, yellows, crimsons, and other 'leafy' colors - what is your favorite "Color of Autumn" and where do you see it?

I love all the colors of autumn, from the fiery crimsons, the Golden Delicious Apple color of the leaves when they begin the metamorphosis of color, to the various browns and oranges of the changing leaves.

Flippin Buttons!!

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to add buttons with workable links!! Anyone?

Yup, that's me...

Drtymama --

[noun]: A hermit living in the big city

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Scattegories...Join me!

Anyone want to join me? Let me know and I'll come over to your blog to see!

Scattergories MEMEThe rules are: Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the questions. They must be real places, names, things ... nothing made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question. If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can't use my answers! So join in the fun...

1. My name: Cathy
2. Famous Singer: Carole King
3. Four letter word: Camp
4. Street: Chaucer (Avenue, actually. That's where I live)
5. Color: Cobalt
6.Gifts/Presents: Candles
7. Vehicle: Corvette
8. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Cards
9. Boy's Name: Carl
10. Girl's Name: Candice
11. Movie Title: Caddyshack
12. Drink: Cosmopolitan
13. Occupation: Cardiologist
14. Celebrity: Calista Flockhart
15. Magazine: Creative Knitting (duh...)
16. U.S. City: Cleveland (ok, bonus question here...CANADIAN city?: Calgary)
17. Pro Sports: Curling (I did mention I'm Canadian, didn't I?)
18. Fruit: Cranberry
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Car crash
20. Something You Throw Away: Candy wrapper
21. Things You Shout: COOL!
22. Cartoon Character: Curious George

TAG! If you're reading this and want to Participate, then you're tagged! It's fun to do!

FFBE Weekly Question

As of this weekend, the season has officially changed on the calendar - but what makes Autumn feel like Autumn to you, and why?

Warm days and cooler nights, the changing colors of the season, and the smells of the dampness in the forest. These are things that say 'Autumn' to me!

FFBE Exchange Contest

1. Post on your blog, and give us SOME kind of secret "Bag in Progress" photo. You could share your yarn before you started, or a close up of your knitting, or the patterns you pondered when you began, or what you're still pondering!

Well, I had this great color combo chosen, only to read further about my partner to find she's not really a 'brown' person. So I'll be changing up the brown. The pattern? Well that will remain a secret, but suffuice to say, I've purched one I love and will be adapting to create this special bag!

2. Post a link to the blog of one other swapper that you 'met' and have continued to read through the 3-2-1 contact post! There's been many, but if I have to choose one, it's Deb's (from the US), blog located here: http://debsboringlife.blogspot.com/ (Hey I want to get in on this Secret pal exchange sometime soon!!)

3. Post a link here (on the FFBE site) telling me you entered! Done!

4. Do this no later than September 23rd! Done!

ITE4 Sent and Rec'd

I've been lax about posting the following (nothing new there...).

Here are the completed items I sent to my ITE4 partner Anni:

1) The Sari Silk recycled Bag. The pattern is the Soho Sling from "A Knitter's Dozen"

And the felted belt bag (FiberTrends):

And received? Anni sent me a great felted bag made from a variety of yarns and all sorts of goodies! I'm very spoiled!

The bag is made out of a combo of Noro 180, a yarn called Nature Wool by Araucania, and what I believe to be Noro Daria for the accents and strap.

Questionaire: Things I've Knit...and plan to knit to in future!

Mark with bold the things you have done, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest plain.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens:Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk (Does Recycled sari Silk count?)
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with bananafiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
CardiganToy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffitti knitting(knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies...)
Olympic knittingKnitting with someone elses handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Fall Felted Bag Contest Questionaire

1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why? I like Patons Classic...good value, good results. I've used Cascade 220 and also like it, and the color range is HUGE!!

2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog. Chrissie P. lives in Singapore. Find her on the net here~ http://ghostknitter.blogspot.com/

3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog. Kris W. has 2 dogs, Toby & Annie. Her blog is here~ http://knottyknitterkris.blogspot.com/

4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog. Nicola S. has three children, 2 boys & 1 girl. Her blog can be found here~
http://greengreenplanet.blogspot.com/


5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why! (Yea, I know part of September and November are technically fall, but for this question, only October and November matter!) October... generally still warm here (well, warm-ish), and still lots of time to get Christmas gifts knitted before panic sets in!

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Questionnaire

1) How long have you been knitting or crocheting? How did you learn? or from whom? I have been knitting since I was a liitle girl. I became a serios yarnoholic a few years ago when I picked up the needles again. I learned from my Mom and my Nana, have developed new skills either self taught or through fellow crafters.

2) What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting? My first felted project was a hat (pattern by Lewiscraft) and a Lucy Bag. I had been given this lovely wool Briggs & Litle from a co-worker who refused to allow me to pay her for it. She was off to school in Regina (very chilly winters!) so I madfe her the bag and hat combo as a "Thank you" for the yarn and a gift for school and friendship.

3) What are your favorite colors? Any you hate? I like all sorts of colors and combinations from the spectrum. I can either go very earthy and neutral or swing the opposite way and go with combos of ecclectic colors such as mixing browns with blues, oranges with burgandy...whatever the mood. I don't think I have any dislikes when knitting.

4) What are your favorite styles\types of bags? (Long straps? Short handles? Handbags?
Totes? Embellished? Plain? Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!) The only type of felted bags I'm not into for myself are 'frou-frou" type bags. I'm more casual and tend to lean towards totes and handbags that allow me room to either use for everyday or carrying a project. Handles are variable...I use both straps and carrying handles. Pockets are especially handy. I've never embellished a bag for myself and would love to have a bag that has that little extra. I'll add links to some patterns that I've made or have been drawn to in the next day or so...!

5) What handbag or bag are you carrying today? Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting? At the moment, I'm carrying either my Booga Bag or my shoulder sling type backpack from Mountain Equipment Coop

6) What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Scarves, sweaters, felted slippers. I'm trying lace at the moment with a DK weight wool from Fleece Artist.

7) What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) I like circs. Susan Bates are great with the black cable and smooth metal needles. I've knit with all types of needles and it really depends on the type of project and yarn I'm working with.

8) What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
A bowling bag http://www.theanticraft.com/archive/beltane07/bowlingbag.htm
I'd like to try socks some time.

9) What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? Sea Silk, Noro Silk

10) What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Gardening, walking my dog, internet games and searching, reading, crochet, machine knitting

11) Besides yarn, do you collect anything? Yup, I'm a pack rat! Serious though, I don't collect anything in particular.

12)What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to? No allergies and yes, I live my snack foods of all types! I tend to stay away from hot and spicy. I love nuts and dried fruit, chocolate, and salty snacks.

13) Do you have any kiddos? (Furry kind count!) One son (17yrs), a dog (black lab x), a chinchilla, and a rabbit. I've been married to a wondeful guy for 20 years.

14) What kind of project best personifies you and why? I like immediate gratification where I can quickly see the results. If a project takes too long I get bored, put it down and start anther. Couldn't tell you how may WIP I have on the go right now! Felted bags are great, allowing my creativity and ability to add different elements...sewn lining, leather straps, etc.

15) What is your favorite part of Autumn? You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer! The changing of the colors. Nature sure is amazing! I love to walk my dog on those evenings when you still need a fleece, but it's not yet too cold, the autumn sun shining, and the smells of the damp forest.

16) Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery. 1) Pay off all debts and put my son into chef school. 2) Vacation! 3) Buy property and build a home on either the Sunshine Coast or Vancouver Island.

Fall Felted Bag Exchange!!

My (partial) answers to the questionairre for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange. More details on this exchange can be found at: http://feltedbagexchange2.blogspot.com/

Name: Cathy
Blog Address: drowninginaseaofyarn.blogspot.com
Mailing Address: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Any major allergies: None
International Preferences: I'd like to recieve from someone international this time if possible.
If you were in the Spring Exchange: Nope, first time involvement with this exchange and looking forward to it!

Progress Report...

I'm truly in love with these colors and texture!

Materials: Recycled Sari Yarn
Schachenmayr 'Catania' mercinized cotton


Needles: 4.5 mm circs


Pattern: From "Bags: A Knitter's Dozen" by Interweave Press (can't reveal which pattern until the completed bag-o-wonder is in my ITE4 partner's hands!)











A couple more shots taken in my garden today.

I'm about 1/3 of the way along...








Won't be long before I'm attaching handles and embelishments!

Finally, the Queen of Procrasination Makes a Decision!

Here she is!

I finally decided on just the right pattern and colors for the ITE4 design. Based on colors suggested by my partner, I went with a rich mercerised sage colored cotton (Schachenmayr 'Catania') and am blending it with the rich but vibrant colors and rustic texture of Handspun Sari Silk.

Click on the pic for a close up shot to get a better sense of why my choice of materials has got me all hot and bothered... I love it!

I'll be sure to post more as I progress along.

ITE has begun!

Been a while since I've posted...I was hoping to commit to regular entries, but that (quite obviously) has not occurred.

Well, International Tote Exchange 4 has begun. I've contacted my downstream partner (the one I'm making for), but have not heard back from her yet. I'm hoping for a little more info so I can start her bag. I've got the basic idea in my head as well as the colors, but I want to make it just right!
I've yet to hear from my 'upstream' partner (the one who's making for me) and that's a little frustrating...Oh well, I'll be patient for a few more days. Partners were only assigned a couple of days ago.

What's on my needles? Let's see,,,Variation on a Frill scarf, checkerboard felted bag for mom, Surprise Bag for workmate...that's enough for now. Soon I'll also have the ITE bag on the go, though I may use the KM for part of it, (no...not cheating, just incorporating more of my creative talents! )

Til next time!

Heading for the links...

Well, that's it. Another hockey season finished for our Vancouver Canucks. *Sigh*
Last night they played an awesome game, and, for a time, looked like they'd bring game 6 back to Vancouver, But it wasn't to be. Win or lose, that first goal by the Ducks was pure garbage. It amazes me that a goal like that can be disallowed in other games, but not last night. Ah well, I'm still proud of their effort, and look forward to a new season next year!

I've been working on a felted bag from Patons (http://www.patonsyarns.com/pattern.php?PID=2426&PHPSESSID=ac3dd8f28962ed1b614dfcb5dd30e49d) and am about 1/3 of the way through the bottom now. I'm contemplating putting leather straps on it for handles instead of felted I-cord as it's a larger bag that it designed to hold lots of stuff! I love the colors...paprika, olive, burgandy. It's been great fun to make!

Next project will be the Noni Adventure Bag (www.nonipatterns.com) . I'll have to cast on the guage swatch as I'm doing it in something other than Cascasde 220.

I'm anxious to start the ITE. The sign up closes soon and then I'll get my list of people in the group I'll be managing. I'm looking forward to a fun exchange!

This is it!

The time is now to sign up and get started on the International Tote exchange, *DING!* ROUND FOUR!

I'm so excited! I love participating in these exchanges! I'm always anxious during the waiting process to see who my partner will be and what bag I'll be dreaming up to make for her (or him, we can't be stereotypical!).

This time around, I'll be one of the hostesses who will be managing a gaggle of crafters and keeping everyone on track...should be a great way to meet some new fellow crafting fanatics...eerrrr...friends, rather.

Head on over and get set! It's sure to be a good time for all! http://internationaltotexchangeiv.blogspot.com/

Ona for now...settling in to watch the Canucks game...WAHOO!! Go CANUCKS!

ITE 4 Questionaire

1. Name and blogger handle: Cathy aka 'Drtymama' ('cause I'm a a gardener and a mom!)
2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://drowninginaseaofyarn.blogspot.com/
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: I like/have done both. I always like surprises!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: Acrylic for purses..not so much. I like earth tones and eclectic mixes of colors.
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Casual. I like roomy bags with pockets that I can stash all my stuff into and go!
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the USA or international? Either
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): Knitting is my passion! What I enjoy most about these exchanges is the opportunity to see what others are creating, and to share experiences and friendship.

International Tote Exchange 4

I've volunteered to be a hostess for the fourth installment of the International Tote Exchange!
If you're interested, head on over to http://internationaltotexchangeiv.blogspot.com/ for all the details. Sign up for this fun exchange begins April 25, 2007.
I participated in ITE3 and really enjoyed it. I ended up sending two bags out as there was a participant or two who's partners had 'fizzled out', leaving them without a tote to recieve! I was able to jump in as a "Tote Angel" and send along a bag and goodies to one of these gals.

What are you waiting for? Check out the site, sign up, and let the fun begin!