Four Feet More

Never one to sit and dwell on negative things for too long, I'm now ready to get out of my slump and start moving forward again. First up, my Favorite Color Swap Package!


I know it's not the best photo, but I really did get some nice stuff from my FCS3 pal, Mary. She incorporated all three colors I mentioned into some great gifts. My favorite is the navy blue Rowan felted tweed yarn. I can't wait to find a pattern to use it with. The spices (Green Goddess and French Gray Sea Salt) were great ideas, as were the navy, green and gray M&M's from NYC! The best thing was that Mary also included gifts for Vika and Eamon - crayon packs of mini M&Ms, which they LOVE!

Thanks Mary, for the wonderful package! It helped to lift my spirits after days spent in the doldrums.

Another bright spot this week was the completion of this felted flare-top tote that I made for my best friend, Mel.

It was her birthday on April 18th, but I had to give her the gift late because I kept messing up the dang thing! I re-started this project 3 times before I got it right. Then, after the knitting was complete, I felted it in the washing machine. This was my first time "felting" a project, and it went much easier than I anticipated. I'm very happy with the end results, and think I might even make a tote for myself. Of course, since my purse is often referred to as "luggage," I'm not sure a stylish mini-tote will meet my needs. Perhaps I can find a nice pattern for a felted hobo bag? We'll see... Actually, the flared-tote pattern could be slightly modified to make a cute bucket hat as well.... That might be fun.

This post is for a crafty exchange I am involved with called the "Favorite Color Swap" (Hi FCS Pal!). If you are not a knitter, you can skip this one, or you can read on to get some not-so-interesting insights into my personal likes and dislikes.

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors? Green, gray, and brown. Navy blue is another favorite.

2. What crafts do you really enjoy? knitting, painting, scrapbooking (even though I stink at it), and paper crafts.

3. What products do you really covet? Right now, I'm really into tweedy yarns, but I have a hard time finding them.

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things? Reading, photography, hiking with Jeff and the kids.

5. Is there anything you collect? I've actually acquired a bit of a Harry Potter collection in my classroom this year, as well as several owls (our class mascot).

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol? I'm a Virgo born in the year of the Ox. (stubborn and always right!) :)

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells? Tucson rain, orange blossom, plumeria

…types of music and/or bands? I like mostly alternative, but listen to a variety of musical styles. Favorite bands: The Police, Sublime, Hot Hot Heat. I also love show tunes and movie scores and recently have been into the "Juno" soundtrack.

…authors? Oh, so many... J.K. Rowling and Jane Austen are my favorites.

…animals? I love giraffes and wombats. Owls are cool too.

…places to shop? Amazon.com, yarn stores, Target, Old Navy

…season? Fall

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies? I love soft yarns and scrapbooking paper

…candies or goodies? CHOCOLATE. Especially if it's dark.

8. Do you have any wish lists? Not really. I should probably make some of those....

9. Are you allergic to anything? People who smack their lips a lot while eating.

10. Do you have any pets? What are they? Three cats: Rupert Guaca Molay, Mesa LaRue, and Oona May E-Lane (there are stories behind these names, but I won't bore you with that now).

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy. Also, if you have a Ravelry ID, please include it here. My Ravelry ID is "rumolay." I'm actually pretty easy to please when it comes to gifts. I'm not to fussy about my yarns, and I love goofy, dorky things. I also love pretty much anything to do with Harry Potter ("Charmed Knits" is my current favorite pattern book).