Recently Libby of Artistic Expressions by Elisabeth hosted a yarn and tea swap. I think I was the first person to sign up -- a yarn swap, how fun is that?
Last week, my yarn arrived! I was so excited, I opened the box immediately. My package was from Libby herself, so it was extra special for me since I have been reading her blog for quite some time, and I knew it would be fabulous. I was certainly not disappointed. Everything was wrapped in a fun print fabric, and she had written a note on a beautiful note card with one of her photographs on the front. You see, Libby is one multi-talented woman. She crochets, sews, and is an exceptional photographer as well. You can check out her blog and her website to see her work.
My package contained a yarn that was completely new to me, Alpandina, an alpaca blend from Peru. So soft, and what a wonderful, earthy color. I have been wondering what to make with this special yarn, and I think I will make my first shawlette from a pattern on Ravelry.
Libby also included Twinings Earl Grey tea, and -- surprise -- a package of Meyer Lemon Moravian Cookies, a local specialty in her area. They are absolutely delicious. So thin and crispy, delicate and lemony. Perfect! They are very good on their own, but I'm thinking they might also go well with a little frozen vanilla custard.
Naturally, a yarn swap is a two-way street, and that is half the fun. Even before I received the name of my recipient, Geraldine from Gege Crochet, I was planning what yarn to send. I decided to send something truly unique, yarn from one of the Illinois Green Pastures Fiber Cooperative producers. I headed to Esther's Place, a wonderful fiber arts studio located in a picturesque older house in Big Rock. Esther's Place (named for a sheep) is a great spot to learn to knit, crochet, felt, spin, and pretty much anything that can be done with wool. There is also a nice little shop with gorgeous roving and yarns. It was really tough to choose the yarn, especially for someone I don't know, but I finally settled on a soft and fluffy yarn spun from the wool of Icelandic sheep, raised and spun at Red Brick Road Farm in Dixon, Illinois. I really hope Geraldine likes pink!
Last week, my yarn arrived! I was so excited, I opened the box immediately. My package was from Libby herself, so it was extra special for me since I have been reading her blog for quite some time, and I knew it would be fabulous. I was certainly not disappointed. Everything was wrapped in a fun print fabric, and she had written a note on a beautiful note card with one of her photographs on the front. You see, Libby is one multi-talented woman. She crochets, sews, and is an exceptional photographer as well. You can check out her blog and her website to see her work.
My package contained a yarn that was completely new to me, Alpandina, an alpaca blend from Peru. So soft, and what a wonderful, earthy color. I have been wondering what to make with this special yarn, and I think I will make my first shawlette from a pattern on Ravelry.
Libby also included Twinings Earl Grey tea, and -- surprise -- a package of Meyer Lemon Moravian Cookies, a local specialty in her area. They are absolutely delicious. So thin and crispy, delicate and lemony. Perfect! They are very good on their own, but I'm thinking they might also go well with a little frozen vanilla custard.
Naturally, a yarn swap is a two-way street, and that is half the fun. Even before I received the name of my recipient, Geraldine from Gege Crochet, I was planning what yarn to send. I decided to send something truly unique, yarn from one of the Illinois Green Pastures Fiber Cooperative producers. I headed to Esther's Place, a wonderful fiber arts studio located in a picturesque older house in Big Rock. Esther's Place (named for a sheep) is a great spot to learn to knit, crochet, felt, spin, and pretty much anything that can be done with wool. There is also a nice little shop with gorgeous roving and yarns. It was really tough to choose the yarn, especially for someone I don't know, but I finally settled on a soft and fluffy yarn spun from the wool of Icelandic sheep, raised and spun at Red Brick Road Farm in Dixon, Illinois. I really hope Geraldine likes pink!
This was the first time I have participated in a yarn swap. Thanks, Libby, for hosting it! It definitely won't be my last.
You got a nice package...your swap partner did a great job!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea. Thanks for sharing, liz
ReplyDeleteThose biscuits look yummy....oh yeah and the yarn too ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! Lucky you and Geraldine. That pink Icelanic wool is gorgeous! Will you be sharing the recipe for frozen custard? :)
ReplyDeleteHow fun. I can't wait to see your finished project :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun, fun thing to do. I have, sadly, never learned to knit or crochet. It will be fun to see what you end up creating. Blessings- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI love that last one...so pretty!
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting! Earlier this year I organized an Easter gift swap which turned out a great success judging from the comments I received from the participants. In other words, I know how you feel - getting a surprise package and preparing one yourself are priceless!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun swap! Your package is so beautiful and thoughtful. Have fun with your new goodies.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice initiative! U guys rock! xoxo
ReplyDeletei LOVE this idea....too much fun. What a lovely package to receive and the yarn you picked is the exact color of the rose by my front door. gorgeous!
ReplyDeletevery cute idea, lovely to have women who enjoy the same hobbies
ReplyDeleteNot a knitter myself but I appreciate the art. Please do share what you finish with these lovely yarns.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I always find out about these wonderful happenings...AFTER THE FACT? I would love to be a part of the next one, somewhere. lol.
ReplyDeleteDebbi
-yankeeburrowcreations
What a great idea...I have never joined a swap either. Looks as though you came out a winner! Enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you liked it. And now you have me thinking of vanilla custard. You see what you've done. lol I had a fun time with this swap and look forward to hosting more variations in the future. Ummm, custard. :-)
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea! maybe one day if I can come up with a fun swap idea i will host one too! loved the pink you chose....and those lemon cookies, oh me.
ReplyDeleteThe pink yarn is fantastic. It's farm fresh! Can't wait to see your shawlette.
ReplyDelete