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.
