What A Feeling!

I so badly want to put the picture there. I almost pulled out the camera to take some shots of what it is I want to show you and then I remembered:


It's a secret.

Well, not really, it's not a secret; it's a gift and I suppose you could announce the gift for all the world to see before you give it to the recipients; especially since it is still in the creating stage. But then that kind of messes it up for the receiver. Doesn't it? I mean, they still get it and they could check back here to see how it progresses. Anticipation could build.

Not likely.

Nope, while I can make an argument for why it would be fine to share, it boils down to this: the people who receive the gift should be the ones to open it.

Right? Oh dear.

OK, I'll tell you this much because this isn't a surprise to anyone in the family who knows I knit and I am part of the handmade movement: it's the afghan I'm making for my nephew, Jeremy, and his soon to be bride, Lily. Remember I told you Lily says her favorite color is blue - but not a baby blue a bright, bold blue? Or something like that. Well, I found a blue and bought skeins of it and then I had a brain drizzle (brain storms are just too taxing) and pulled out all the blues I could find in the stash. So the back of the love seat is lined with all these different skeins (including a baby blue) and I am making squares of different blues into an afghan for their wedding present.

The squares are turning out to be 16x12 and the only decision left to make is whether it will be a 20 or 25 square afghan. (Did I mention the wedding is in three weeks?) There are seven squares done - but I'm not panicking (much). Cool as a cuke. That's me.

Hopefully they will at least like the afghan and will send me a photo with them both snuggled in it. Then you can all see it. It will be big enough, right? You see how I worry?

Sigh.

The Chicago Ten for the week August 3, 2009

This has been a trying week for me. (No need to go into details other than to say, I've put a great deal of it behind me as for the rest, I am going to gather up some courage and deal with it - I hope.) What has helped to brighten my spirit is the love of true friends and friends I can be true to and gathering this week's Chicago Top Ten. Nothing like a little mind shopping to lift the spirit! So here, in no particular order, the top ten Chicago artisans! (If you have someone in Chicago who has an online shop, I'd be more than happy to look them over, just contact me!)

1. Blue Polka Dot ruffle by Besu
Nothing makes me feel better than a tote bag! So this was the first thing that caught my eye this week. And it's soooooo cuuuute!

2.Recycled Yarn by Craftyyarn
The yarn is recycled and beautiful! The color you'll see is burgundy from an old sweater. Love the recycle, love the color!

3. Sterling Silver tiny Teardrop Earrings by lpjewelry
I was strolling through and when I saw these I said "Ooh!" Which is always a good sign that something will end up on this list!

4. Moonriver by Beesbureau
I stopped and stared and wished I had more money. Cuz if I did, these wouldn't be available to make the list.

5. Crazy Quilt by Time2cr8
It's a quilt for the wrist and it gave me an idea for some knitting! Gotta give a shout out to that which causes your brain to move!

While we're halfway through, I'd like to pause and give a shout out to my buddy Susie and her blog Knitty Knoobie. First, she's a knoobie no more, she's knitting up a storm! Second, she buys more yarn than I do - and that's saying something. Third, and most important, you just get a feeling about folks and if we were in the same vicinity - I'd be hanging around her cuz she's a great friend. I'm so glad you entered my life!

6. Purple Hair Bow by punkynmunky
Sometimes it's those simple things that touch you. This little hair bow is one of those things!

7. Prehnite earrings by designs by suzyn
I'm not purposely selecting earrings! It's just that when they look like this - they belong on the list!

8. One Dollar Sketch 3 by onedollarsketch
I actually like the concept of the shop and the sketches, too. Check it out!

9. Adorable Silver Elephant Earrings by Angeldamico
Honestly, I was looking at the clothing on the site when I saw these.

10. Zipper Bag by Elizabeth Wren
Start with a tote bag, end with a tote bag, that's my motto.

I have to say this was the quickest list I've put together. What that says to me was there was a great deal of creativity going on and it was out there just waiting to be found. Though I don't get many comments on the list, I'm hoping it does have some impact for these artisans in terms of visits to the shop and potential sales. Just doing for others what I hope someone would do for me!

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!!