A Post Christmas Contest

My wonderful Susie got me started with My Blog Spot and they sent me a coupon for some free biscuits (yum) and they also sent me a butter dish with a butter knife.

And here's the great thing - you can win a giveaway package just like I got. Pillsbury (through MyBlogSpark.com) sent me two coupons for a can of biscuits, the dish and the knife.

Let me tell you, Mr. Honey and I both like bread - Mr. Honey likes bread better than I do and he worships at the altar of Julia Child by saying you can never have too much butter. So biting into one of these biscuits is - to quote him - 'like eating dessert.' They are good. OK, they're a little better than good! One of my favorite eats from childhood is biscuit and syrup. Mom used to make biscuits, we would pour a little Alaga syrup on a plate then dip the bread into the syrup. Yummy, sticky goodness.

These biscuits take that to a higher level. Oh my. And we still have a coupon left!!

You want to win the prize pack? It consists of coupons for biscuits (good only in the US) the dish and the knife. And the contest couldn't be simpler - what did you serve for Christmas dinner?
It's an easy way to get back into our blog reading and writing routine!!

What did you serve for Christmas dinner?

Witness for the Defense

You can read about the contest here. And for those of you who have already commented - I added another way to get an entry. Tell about the contest on your own blog and let me know about and you can earn a 4th entry! Thanks to all who have already entered - your tips are great!

I stayed up until about 2 this morning finishing the offending afghan. Do not be too impressed I stayed up until 2 - that's normal. I usually go to bed at about 2 and get out of bed before 9 - it's a blessing. If I weren't so lazy I would have enough daylight to be Oprah on steroids. Then I could pay someone to stay up and finish afghans that cause me problems due to no other reason than I did something wrong.

But I decided to finish off the afghan yesterday when there are two other projects pending and I should have - keeping with the program - been working on one of them. But that would have meant I would not have gotten to the afghan until Saturday and it would have sat there - mocking me. So I decided to put it out of my misery.

But he did not go quietly. I put together three of the four strips and when I got to the fourth one, it again seemed to be too long. (Have you ever heard yarn laugh? Not pretty.) I took the pins out and turned the strip around the other way and voila!

Don't ask me why it worked, I have no idea why it worked. I don't think it should have worked. But it did and if you know the science of it, feel free to give me the explanation. I would be interested in hearing it just so I can say it makes no sense. I will say this though, man this afghan is incredibly soft. I've made this afghan twice before (didn't I say it was my favorite one to make?) and this is the thickest and softest. The main yarn (the Homespun) remains the same and then there's a hodgepodge of other yarns thrown in. We have some Norville, some fu-fu yarn some one gave me that I couldn't make anything else out of, and some artistry yarn. I will have to figure out what yarns were used so I can set the price, but today, I am happy to come out of the scrimmage intact and ready to move on to the next project.

It will eventually go on sale in the shop or at the Holiday Sale in December - probably both. What do you think? Was it worth the effort? Feel free to lie to me.

042609

One of Those Things You Can't Explain..Oh, and a New Contest

I am knitting up my favorite afghan pattern. It's pretty simple: it's all garter stitch and chunky weight yarn. The thing that makes it fun is you take all your chunky weight yarn and put it in a bag then pull out a skein and knit for about 25 rows, then switch yarn and knit for about 15 rows then repeat the steps until you get a strip that has 12 of the color changes. Then you make about 5 of those strips and sew them together and you have a cushy, lovely afghan

Pretty simple.

Then why am I having trouble making the strips the same size? I do the 12 changes and then pin the strips together. First two were fine. Third one was a little short. Fourth one was fine. Fifth one a little short.

Well, of course it's the yarn. Though all the yarn is chunky weight, some is boucle and some is cushier which means they don't all have the same gauge which means some pulls in and squishes more than others. No biggie. I could measure the strips - wait, you didn't take me seriously did you? Nope. I'd much rather to the pinning, see the strip is way short and then pick up stitches and knit some more.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

So, let's do a contest!

First, I still owe someone stitch markers from the last contest. I put your email in some folder and have to find it - I have not forgotten. You will get them.

OK - So, the prize for this contest is a copy of this book:


It's Knit Fix by Lisa Kartus and it's a book that gives solutions to some every day knitting problems.

The winner of the contest will also receives some of this:


Some yarn from my stash. You are not going to receive this much and it actually may not be any that's in this bag. But you will receive the book and enough skeins to fill a small mailing box.

You will also receive a set of knitting needles. So, you will have what you need to start knitting and fix the problems you encounter. You will also get a few extra goodies in the box cuz I'm sweet like that.

Here are the guidelines:

U.S. and Canadian participants only, please.
Contest will end November 28 - I like ending contests on my birthday
Winner will be chosen at random by Mr. Honey - cuz he likes doing things like that.

Make a comment with your best knitting tip - get one entry
Tweet about the contest - get another entry
Re-tweet my tweet about the contest- get yet another entry.
I'm adding this on - Talk about it on your blog and let me know and you get another entry!!

So, there you are, my lovelies. Get yourself or someone you love a little knit-kit of a book, yarn and needles (but the treats.) Boy, I'd enter this contest! And if you're interested in other knitting contests pay a visit to WitKnits. It's a fun site that's all about the contests!

Good luck everybody!



042304

Blog review: Lori's Reading Corner

One of my favorite professors in college (Aurora College 1980) was Donald Fuller. He was one of my literature professors and he was the guy with the glasses and bow tie and pushed out teeth who was adroit and supportive and wonderful. I remember a while back after I graduated from college, I was in Aurora for a visit and I saw him at the train station and we chatted.

I told him I was working at Encyclopedia Britannica and they had a collection of books called The Great Books and I was just itching to have that collection of books. Dr. Fuller said to me that he knew I loved reading (after all, I majored in Lit) but I was one of those people who liked to be surrounded by books even if I didn't read them.

I did not take offense because he's right. I do love having books around me. Just as I love having yarn around me. When I love something, I tend to do a little compulsive hoarding. But I do love reading (just as I love knitting) and though knitting has usurped some of my reading time, I still love to pick up a book. I love the feel of a book in my hands so a Kindle would not be a good gift for me - a gift certificate to Borders or Barnes & Noble would send me into spasms - good spasms!

I was thrilled when I ran across Lori's Reading Corner. Girl makes me want to pick up a book right now. And I would have, except I had to write about her blog before I got lost in a book. There are books on my shelf I have never even cracked open (giving credence to Dr. Fuller's observation) and I admit to loving romance novels, even though I also like contemporary fiction. I don't do too well with the high brow fiction and I touch Science Fiction every now and then and historical fiction is a close second to the romances.

Lori has a Teaser Tuesday, where you right an excerpt from the current book you're reading. It's a great thing - that's why I almost went to pick up my book - the book I'm currently reading is The Friday Night Knit Club. I just started it - still in the first chapter - so I wanted to go upstairs and get it and participate. I can still do it as long as there's a Tuesday, but I thought what a great idea to get teasers of books.

The entire blog is corner to corner books and I'm thinking she'll be a great resource when I get ready to put my own books out there in the atmosphere. I need to get her in my corner - or I need to sit more in her corner. I did sign up to follow her blog - OK, I entered her contest, too, she's giving away the next book in the Friday Night Knit Club series. You still have a couple of days to enter.

I love this blog because it reminds me of a library: books everywhere with room to explore each one at your leisure while you decide which one you want to take home. I also love it because it's clear she loves books and she makes me miss reading. Where can i fit it in? Do I dare let reading take back some of the time knitting took from it? Can I read something unrelated to knitting?
Oh dear, the choices.

Isn't that great? Stop by Lori's Reading Corner and see for yourself.

Who Is It?

I was supposed to announce the winners of the contest yesterday.
I have no excuse.
I had a brain fart.
Which is no excuse.

OK, I remember telling you there was a clear cut winner and there was

TURTLE!!!

I craft to stay sane
Without it, step back, watch out!
Scary girl I'd be!

Funny and true!
The bad thing is people voted via email or on my ravelry group so the votes are all over the place. So here's the big decision:

Everyone who entered will get a set of four of the stitchmarkers because there was no real second place winner! And because Turtle's was a clear vote getter, she will get six instead of four.

So, if you entered send me an email at beverly@beverlybochenek.com with your shipping info and with the word you want your personalized stitchmarker to say. (Remember, one of your stitchmarkers will say whatever you like up to five letters) the others will come from my stock.

So, YEAH EVERYONE WINS!!

Gulp!

Shout out to My7Kids! Thanks for being one of my first followers!

I didn't put an end date to the contest. I have been asking for folks to vote on their favorite haiku (and they have, just not on the site - which sort of defeats the purpose, but I guess I didn't explain that) today I noticed I didn't say when I would tell who the winner was:

an oversight of huge proportion
and we clearly have one winner
I have to go back and count to see who the second place winner is. So, I will announce the winner on August 1.

I'm such a dweeb.

Wondering about the lampshade? Wondering when I would get around to telling you about it? Well, now is the time! It's the Photo Lampshade from Sassy Shades on Etsy. Kristi makes it and other kinds of unique lamp shades. This is what I mean when I say I am in awe of what people do in the world of handmade and with their creativity. Artistic lamp shades - what a great idea! I wouldn't have thought of it and I wouldn't be able to do it, but Kristi can and she does.
Check out her store. You may find a gift for that person who has everything - but a photo lampshade.

The Poetry Corner

We had some really nice entries for the Haiku Contest - but I am, of course, neutral. Here's the deal - I am going to post the haikus and you make a comment and tell me which one you like. The top two winners will win a set of 4 Mr. Honey Stitchmarkers - one of which he will personalize!

Let the voting begin!

1. Ideas and notes
rough sketches or detailed prints...
creativity

2. knitting in the round
makes mister honey horny
so knit all around

3. knitting my new love
yarn, needles and a pattern
made for someone loved

4. glue, tape and scissors
silver wire, nylon thread
all within arm's reach

5. stole keys from an old
typewriter at the day job
totally worth it

6. knitting and crochet
decoupage and beadwork too;
they keep me busy

7. fabulous felt, fuzzy, firm
warms the hands, heart, toes
and even, the odd nose

8. Scrapbooking for fun
Silver putty for bracelets
and weaving for rugs

9. I craft to stay same
Without it, step back, watch out!
Scary girl I'd be!

10. Macrame, tatting
Crewelwork and applique-
My clothes are unique

Games People Play

Nothingbutsoap has an interesting offer - free soap for two blog posts. Pretty clever. Such ingenuity needs to be rewarded - thus this shout out!

It's Time for Another Contest
I'm feeling the need to read - haiku, that is, the little piece of poetry consisting of three lines; the 1st line is 5 syllables, the 2nd line 7 syllables, the 3rd line 5 syllables.

The subject is crafting - this can be your specific craft or crafting in general.
Post your haiku to the comments on this post.

You have until Friday, July 17 to get your work of art entered.

I will place all the entries into a posting and ask readers to vote for their favorites - the top two winners get the prize!

No, I'm not giving away yarn though I probably could and Mr. Honey would be thrilled by it - instead, I am giving away two sets (4 each) of my new Mr. Honey stitchmarkers. These eight stitchmarkers could come out of the regular or imperfect stash that are on sale in the shop.
In addition, I will personalize one of the stitchmarkers in each set for the winners. (Up to five letters)

How about that for fun? So, get that haiku mojo going and make your entries to win some fun and funky stitchmarkers - made by Mr. Honey and myself!

After All - Go Win Some Prizes!!

How badly do I want you - my peeps - to win prizes in the EAOC contest? I'm taking you more than half way home.
Each link in this post leads to a store you need to create the phrase that pays 'summertime barbeque.' All you have to do is click the links and list the stores and submit them to Virtuous Creations at vc1@bellsouth.net. and we'll let you know the prize you've won. Now the catch is, I've only done some of the letters you need - you need to scour the stores to get the rest, but I've done most of the work for you.

It can't get much easier than that! Well, it could, but come on, you should do some of the work.

You will have to go looking through each shop and you will some great work out there - and of course, that's the whole point of these kinds of contests - to get folks to see the work and perhaps buy a thing or two.

And there are some wonderful things to see. I cannot believe the talent out there and you won't believe it when you see it, too. I go around saying I have only three talents: i can knit, i can write and i can sing - but wait until you see the talent shown in the shops. The jewelry, the fine art, man, God inspires! There's pottery and bath products, too. With graduations, proms and weddings - you should make a list of the things you'll want to buy!

I know you want to see the yarn I bought in St. Louis, especially since I spent the money I spent to buy the five skeins of yarn I usually spend to buy a little of 20 balls of yarn - but you know for me to break the rule, it had to be some kind of yarn. I think you'll like it when you see it. You would have seen them today, but there was the mother to end all mothers of a storm today. I was out there because we had to turn on the pumps, but there was no taking photos today - even though I thought I would take one of the storm - I had to be practical and do some control so the house wouldn't flood. As it was, I didn't think we get the Cubs game in but the rain let up just in time. I will get the photos of the yarn and the hat up as soon as I am able.

Right now? It's 5 in the morning and I'm going to bed. Happy hunting in the contest. I want to read that one (or more) of you won some really terrific prizes!

Bamba!

Happy Friday!
The EAOC Treasure Hunt is still on and there's time to win some really great prizes!
Go here for details on how to win. Hint: There's about 40 prizes to win and it's really easy!
You know what surprises me about the handcrafters I've found online? I cannot believe how many jewelry makers there are out there. I can't think there's any reason for me to walk into a jewelry store to buy my earrings again. I mean, look at some of the stuff here! And all of these are prizes in the treasure hunt. YOU could have one of these treasures in your own hot, little hands! And I also cannot believe the quality of knit items that are out there. Man, I hope to be as good as some of the people I see on line.

I am glad to say I am really beginning to buy into the entire handmade movement. Not just because it's better for the environment (which I truly believe it is) but because it's better for the soul. Being a knitter, I understand what goes into the making of a piece and it feels good to see someone appreciate the work and the end result of it. I know we all appreciate something beautiful when it comes from the store and the time and effort it takes someone to go to the shop and select it. But think about the entire circle. It also is a more personal and intimate thing to go to a shop featuring handmade goods knowing someone had to put their hands on the tools instead of machinery to make it, and THEN have someone take the time to select what they think suits you. It's all the more powerful and touching.

Get you right in the heart, doesn't it? Make some time to take a look at the shops and sit in awe of your fellow artisans (if you craft yourself) or sit in awe of them if you're one of us who don't have much of an eye for such thing. Even though one may not have the skill, doesn't mean one doesn't appreciate it!

Put Your Lights On

The Team EAOC Treasure Hunt is ON! Go to the treasure hunt page
to find out the rules. There are lots of prizes to be had.
I have donated these spa cloths to the cause. You should see some of the great shops that are participating and some of the work..and you can cause the link has live links to those shops.

Here's the thing: today's phrase is "Graduation Class of 2009" view the shops and find the letters in the stores (hint - look at the photos!) Submit the stores with the letters and you are eligible to win. It's a great way to see some great shops and some really fine artistry - you may even find some items you like!

Give out some love to this world wide group!

The Sunshine of My Life

I believe in the power of prayer. I believe every prayer is answered. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes it's yes. Sometimes it's wait. Sometimes it's "I knew a thousand years ago you would ask for that and the answer is still no."

I was in a need of prayer recently. That prayer was answered in the positive. Part of the request was a sign that I was doing what God wanted me to do. That this writing/selling thing was the right direction to take me to whatever it was I was supposed to do on this planet. I asked one of my friends, who I have never asked to pray for me, to do just that and he did.

One of the things I asked for was sales in the shop - I mean, really, that's the only way you can measure success when you sale things. So I asked my friend to pray that God would let me know if I was making quality items that people would want to buy and here's what God told me the very next day.














Now, before you think the news was all miraculous with angels singing, I also received a very clear message: "Don't question me when you doubt yourself." It's what we do. Ask God to prove Himself when we're the one falling short.

But there was more good news. I started doing some writing on a site called Helium and I did some articles as part of a contest regarding pizza. I haven't been on the site for a few weeks, I checked in today and saw I won third prize in the contest! The last time I checked, I was no where near third place so this was another great affirmation.

I know I should be more faithful and I promise I'm trying - at the very least I won't ask God to prove himself when I'm the one lacking in faith. But how great is that 3 sales in one day - and all to one person. Winning third place in a contest (hey, it's $30!) and the interviews I've done have shown up as being popular.

What more could God do for me? I'm in for an attitude adjustment.

Happy Birthday to Me..Happy Birthday to Me..There are winners in the contest..Happy Birthday to me!

It's my birthday and I am celebrating by announcing the two winners of the yarn giveaway.

The HB bought me knitting books for my birthday but they are still in the box unopened. I asked him if I could have one of the two days ago and he refused. My sister suggested I open them at midnight, but I was busy knitting a legwarmer and the HB was pouting because he doesn't want me to ask about presents until the day I'm supposed to get them. So there they sit.
(Don't worry, I will open them in a minute) but let's get on with the important stuff!!

The winners of the great yarn giveaway were selected by the HB at about 4 this morning before he went off to Menard's for the Black Friday rush.
And the two winners are:

Chelsea and Sue!! YEA!!!!

Send me an address and your box of yarn will be on the way!

Thanks so much to everyone who commented and stopped by. This was great fun. I have no doubt I will have yarn to do it again because I did buy some more yarn last week!! ( I needed it; I really did)

Hope your Thanksgiving was plentiful!!

Hurry, It's Almost Over

Simple Mom is doing a great giveaway for reusable bags but the contest ends in a few days...get on over to her blog and join the more than 700 people who have entered the contest. Hey someone has to win...why shouldn't it be you? (or me?)

What Goes Around

The H-B has been bumbling around for a few days grumbling because he cannot find his winter scarf. It was there one moment and gone the next and he doesn't know where he put it. It's not in his car. It's not in my car. It's not at his mom's condo. It's lost.

After a few days of this, I spoke up (well, the fun was gone for me so I had to move on)
"Would you like me to make you a scarf?" (While thinking - you have a wife who knits, you could have had a scarf an hour after you lost the first one.)

"Did you make the last one?" (Hmmm, couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not, but I think not, just surly.)

"No, but does it matter? Do you think it was lost because it might or might not have been homemade?" (Definately sarcastic)

"No." (Grumble, grumble. Open closet door for the umpteenth time, close closet door with no scarf)

"So, would you like me to make you a scarf?'

"Yeah, why not?'

"Would you like another black one?"

"Yes."

"I will check and see what black yarn I have in my stash."

"There's some in that box."

That box? "You mean in the box of yarn you're making me give away? I'm pretty sure I have more black yarn that won't turn me into a false advertiser. Would you like a scarf or a cowl?"

"A scarf."

Man, how I wish I didn't have those other skeins of black yarn in the upstairs stash. I could have turned that into a legitimate reason to shop.

The Upstairs Stash

I've been working away on my wip's. (I started the cutest little baby sweater last night and it's almost done already. It's for a newborn and it's adorable!) I needed to go through the stash to see if I could find some more of the blue yarn I need for another project - and since we're in the midst of our yarn giveaway and I've been talking about the stash, I thought it might be interesting to show it.

This is the upstairs stash - most of it. That's right, there's an upstairs stash, a stash on the main floor and a stash in the basement. What you don't see are the drawers in the dresser in the bedroom that have yarn in them. The yarn on the top are some of the skeins going into the second box of yarn I'll be giving away. There's nine skeins there and more to be added from the other stash points. This mix of yarn can be best described as vintage cuz there are some oldies in there but there's also some Lion brand cupcake, some bernat softee chunky and lion brand jiffy. I don't know what else will make it in there, but something will by the 28th. So keep those comments coming and tell your friends about it - you may not win it, but they could and then you can guilt them into sharing.

What A Wonderful (Knitting) World

Who knew there was so much out there in the blogosphere that has a knitting theme?
In addition to my giveaway; there one for a book on Stephanie's Written Word. You can name a colorway on Knit Lunabud Knit and you can find out about all kinds of contests on WiKnit.

When Marilyn and I started StitchCraft, we thought we would just get together with some other knitters/crafters at church and gab while knitting. Now, we are well on our way to making $2000 for the mission...the mission we didn't have any idea we would get into.

And I've met all you wonderful folks....that's the great thing. Who knew it would be one of those things where you get more than you give? Wow, what a great community to belong to.

So listen, hubby-bubby wasn't too keen on the box of yarn. He looked at it and said: "It's pretty small and it doesn't make a dent." I decided to ignore that comment until I looked into another storage bin that was just sitting in my office. I thought it had office supplies. It is full of...sigh....yarn. Man, when he's right, he's not gonna be around to hear me admit it.

I will be giving away two boxes of yarn to two different winners.

Drat that man.

Announcing the Great Yarn Give Away!!

Ok, maybe not great...but certainly not bad yarn give away.
Here's the deal. I have 13 boxes of yarn and I don't mean small boxes. I mean storage boxes, the kind you have to get a guy at K-Mart to pull down off the shelves. I have nearly 100lbs of yarn. It has taken over the house. So the box you see here is full of yarn from top to the bottom and this is the actual box with the actual yarn that can and will go to one of you.

To let you know: I don't do expensive yarn see The Great Yarn Debate so this is garden fare yarn some of it is sport weight, some chunky, most is worsted. Colors are all over the map: black, white, blue, different wines and red, pink, green, variegated.

There's Paton's Classic merino, Paton's Canadiana, Red Heart, Lion Brand Wool-Ease and Jiffy, Sensations boucle and mohair, Bernat's Softee Chunky and some that I don't remember the brand names.

There's at least a dozen skeins. There's enough for booties, hats, even a scarf or two.

So How Do You Get It?
Simple: you have to do 2 comments. One on any post in the blog and the other on this post to let me know which post your comment is on. In others words; say I am Anita Purl (get it, I need a purl? Oh, I crack me up.) I make a comment on 'The Head 2 Toe Project" (December 2007) and I come back to this post and say: Anita Purl: The Head 2 Toe Project.

That's it - I would be entered in my own contest. Wouldn't it be a hoot if I won?

Next, every one who comments will have their names placed in a hat and the hubby-bubby will select the winner. The winner will be selected and announced on November 28, 2008 (which happens to be my birthday.) The winner will give me an address to send the goods and off they go. Now my h-b would prefer I keep this box and give away the rest, but that's not gonna happen.

That's the whole deal. Trust me, if this goes well, there's more than enough yarn for me to do this again in May (to celebrate my wedding anniversary!)

Happy posting!

No, it doesn't count if you've commented before - you have to do a fresh one!