#9

#9 is the winner.

I realize a random generator is not really necessary for twelve comments, but it was fun, nonetheless. Thanks to all participants. I'm excited to hear from some new voices, and I've bookmarked all of your blogs (or at least the ones I didn't already follow). I don't know about you, but there's nothing that I enjoy more (except actual crafting, of course), than opening up Google Reader, and seeing a double-digit number of new entries. I find it super inspiring, and it's a great way to start the day.

The big winner today is... Weezalana! I've enjoyed reading Weezalana's blog for quite some time now. I'm always amazed by her knitting projects, and recently, her sewing adventures as well. Modifying knitting is a bit scary for me; I'll do it out of necessity, but it's just usually something I wing. It's not intentional. Weez is a master of modifications. She's knit some amazing garments, and everything she makes for herself seems to fit perfectly. She also has a knack for making adorable toys, a skill I haven't mastered. I hope you enjoy the new stash additions, and the copy of In Stitches.

Thanks again, friends.

FO: Circus Socks for Sister

I'm only six months late with Jill's socks. I intended to gift these at Christmas. In all fairness, the first one was done over Thanksgiving break, but then, well, the other one just didn't get started until January. Then, when I got to the heel on the second sock, I forgot what I was doing. I had to frog the heel three times before I got it right.
Knitting a heel is like riding a bike; you can easily forget the motions if you don't do it regularly.

The yarn is one of my favorites: Yarn Love's Juliet, in the Joy colorway. The yardage is generous (just under 500 yards!) and the colorway says CIRCUS to me. I can't explain it, but that's what I think every time I look at it.

I made Jill an iPod cozy out of this yarn previously (literally, two years ago). Luckily, even after finishing this pair of socks, I've got quite a chunk of yarn left. I'm thinking of making myself a pair of anklets with the leftovers.

I'm a big fan of toe-up socks. While I didn't really use a pattern, I used the slip-stitch formula found in this pattern (pdf link). I used a turkish cast-on, and I used a bind off described by Grumperina:

work two stitches in pattern, k2togTBL, work 1, repeat

I was going to use the EZ stretchy bind-off, but Grumperina sold me when she said this was easier to frog.

So, another sock success! There is an itch for another pair to be on the needles; maybe this weekend!

Raveled

Don't forget; there are two days left to enter the contest!

Post #300: A Giveaway

Honestly, I can't believe I've written three hundred posts. I've enjoyed this blog immensely. It's awesome to look back at the progress you make as a crafter, and as a person.

I don't have a huge following or anything, but I appreciate the readers who stop by my little corner. Equally, I LOVE reading about other knitters/cooks/sewers are making. This is an inspiring community and I'm grateful to be a part of it. Ultimately, it's all about the craft (or crafts, I suppose!).

That being said, I've got an offering today:

Included in this giveaway, you will get the following:
-One YARD of Heather Ross Seahorses in Fuchsia, from the ever popular Mendocino line
-One fat quarter of Alexander Henry's Mocca (I think this is the right name for the fabric-it's the brighter green small piece above)
-One fat quarter of Amy Butler's Trailing Cherries, in the Sand colorway
-One copy of Amy Butler's In Stitches book
-One skein of Femme Fatale Fiber's Buffy Sock, in the Secret Boyfriend colorway

Additionally, I will probably come up with some extra treats for the winner.

To enter, just leave a comment. It's that simple. Of course, if you've got constructive criticism on something you'd like to see here, I'll take that, but just a "hello!" will do. Please do leave your email or make sure it is shown on your blog somewhere (or you can leave your Ravelry ID if you've got one).

I will take entries until Wednesday, June 30th at 7:00 PM CST.

Here's to another 300!

P.S. There are no sponsors to this contest except me!