WAS I SPOILED

My package arrived on Friday.

I waited and waited all morning and until after lunch thinking a package from someone should be coming today since there are several packages I have been waiting for and packages have been arriving around 11AM - 12PM. BUT, alas, I finally had to get in the shower and get ready to go out since I had a lot of Avon deliveries to do. Of course, when I got out of the shower there in the mailbox was a card saying the mail truck had been by with a package and I would have to go to my local postal outlet to pick it up. Figures right. I got dressed and took the card with me when I went out so I could pick up my package on my way home. I finished in time to get to my doctor's appt before I went home and then didn't even get to see him. BUT on my way home I did get to the postal outlet and take my package home. By the time I finally got home I had to get changed as I was going out with my friend for a ladies night out at her church and there was my package sitting there wanting to be opened. I had to leave it until I returned several hours later. This day was frustrating.

All I can say is WOW WOW WOW. Was I ever spoiled. It certainly was worth the extra wait. My partner Amy did such a wonderful job of gathering goodies just for me. Take a look at the entire haul.
AND so you can see it clearer here are more photos.

I mentioned I like local items. Those treats I can't get here where I live and that is what I received.

There were lots of candies from Texas. The chocolate bar is gone. HMMM smacking my lips in delight.
There was Texan seeds for my garden in my new townhouse this year.
There was Texan cookies (already had one HMMM YUMMY!) and cake (Southern Pecan). Of course, there was coffee, whole beans as I have a grinder. Amy sent me a package of Texan Pecan Roast and Taste of San Antonio. I don't know which to try first. I have a small amount left of what I am using before I open a new bag. So sometime this week I will open one.

I also received some Soak and a bar of soap. The soap came from The Loopy Ewe and it contains lemongrass, lavender, patchouli, and amber. It smell wonderful.
Check out this soap and do you see what I see. A little sweater in the middle of the soap that looks like a ewe? Now tell me do you use this soap or put it out for decoration?
Yes I did get yarns. My heart stopped when I saw what I received. On my list is SRT and Fresh From the Cauldron and I received a skein of each.

Here is my STR in color LOVE.
Here is my Fresh From the Cauldron Twilight Esme Cullen colorway.

There was even a little notebook form the Loopy Ewe to keep track of my socks knitted, sock yarns, sock patterns I like and sizes of friends feet. I think I will have to consider getting some of these to give as gifts also
Even Solara received pressies.
All I can say is Thank-you very much for such a wonderful great smelling swap package. I love swapping. It is so much fun to give someone wonderful treats and receive them also. Thanks again for another great Knitters Coffee Swap.

My Wonderful Package!

After a grueling week at work, I came home on Friday to find my swap package on my front porch! I'm ecstatic to say that my partner spoiled me far too much! Just check out this loot!!



Here's what I got

• Knitscene Winter 08/Spring 09 (I almost bought this magazine on Monday!)
• The Sculptress (she apparently found my weakness for mystery novels)
• A French Press travel mug (now I can make GOOD coffee and work!)
• two different coffees that just smelled heavenly when I open the box - I tried the Cuzco this morning - YUM!
• a pouch of kitty treats for Frisco (which he absolutely loves!
• Avon goodies (hand lotion, hand sanitizer - perfect purse size, bubble bath, nail files)
• a keychain flashlight
• a little coffie cup candle holer (so cute)
• And of course and beautiful skein of Araucania Rance is gorgeous Victorian pink and green.

I couldn't resist, here are a few pictures of Frisco eating her treats! As you can see he was impatient for his treat as I wat trying to take pictures that he tried to pull my hand down to this mouth!




Thank you so much Penny!! Frisco thanks you too!!

Swap package arrived!

Yesterday, from my partner Rose!
She went for a tropical theme, after my comment about wanting to be on a beach, sipping something, with a rum boy to attend to my needs! The yarn's a great color, and the tea lights smell great, and yum yum little chocolates, and the mug is good... Haven't gotten into the coffee yet! Hope she doesn't mind waiting for my package (and I hope she likes it), I came home only after mailing her package out.

Got an AWESOME package yesterday!!

I got a fabulous package in the mail yesterday filled with goodies in my favorite colors!!!

You can't see it in the photo, but there is a book with a black spiral binding that is a booklet of recipes from my partners knitting cooking exchange this last Christmas -- I love it!!

I can't wait to try the Circle of Friendship sock pattern. The mug from Poland is stunning and it is filled with green and purple M & M's. :)

My husband picked up the purple merino sock yarn and exclaimed "Tell your Swap Partner that I'll going to LOVE the socks you make me out of this yarn..." (rolls eyes....as if he's really getting this yarn from me....)

I'm so afraid to wreck the beautiful fiber by knotting it up on my spinning wheel...laugh....

I love that the coffee is from the local coffee shop, getting different local coffees is one of the best parts of these swaps. I didn't have a chance to brew up a cup this morning because I'm going to savor one tonight after a nice dinner with my husband. :)

Each item had a nice note attached giving me a little information either on the item or why it was chosen and that was really a nice touch. Finally, everything was packaged up so nicely in the fabric lined basket -- the sage green lining matches my home decor perfectly!!

Stacey, thank you so much for everything!

Thank you Marisol!

I got my package today!!! you can read more about it on my blog.
My partner Marisol really spoiled me and did an awesome job getting the pacakage together. a big Thank You goes out to her!

Package!!!

I got my package and what a great package it was!!!! My swap partner was Petronella. I got some beautiful purply yarns to go with the pattern for "Dog Rose Mittens"- and she wrote the pattern herself!!! I got some great coffee, Norwegian chocolate, coffee candles, stitch markers, DPN's, needle gauge, sewing kit, buttons, lace!!! AND a handcrafted card!!! What an amazing package!!! Thank you Petronella!!
I love these swaps because it is wonderful to see how creative everyone is!!! Thanx to everyone!

Contest No. 2

Coffee Review:
Fortnum & Mason's Kings Blend Coffee
Fortnum & Mason's is a quintessential British shop which used to ship foodstuffs to intrepid explorers. These days you don't need to be an explorer to enjoy their products and one of my favourite coffees is their Kings Blend Coffee. It is a smooth coffee with a tiny bit of a kick, not too strong but not too mild. It is a combination of mild blends from Central America and Kenya with a little Robusta. I find it a gentle way to start the day and enjoy a couple of cups in the morning.

Yarn Review:
Trekking XXL
I think Trekking XXL is a definite backbone of my sock collection. It is a blend of 75% wool and 25% nylon which really makes it a hard-wearing and flexible sock yarn. The slight stretch means that I can knit socks for my husband who has a big navicular bone (bone at the top of the foot nearest the leg). I like the different colour ranges in this series of yarns which can be so much fun to explore!

Coming Soon...

To a mailbox near only one of you, Adrienne! I just wanted to say a big apology to my partner Adrienne because I thought the boxes were not due until the end of the month. Doh! I was thinking by sending today I would be sending early when in fact I am two days late! Anyway...thought I would tease you a bit with a photo of your package all wrapped and ready to go (minus stamps and mailing labels). Enjoy.

Got those packages out??

Today was the 18th! Hopefully by now you've got a great package put together and it is on it's way to your partner! Just a reminder, if for some reason you are running late, be sure to drop your partner a note to let her know when to expect her package.

Be sure to post your package when it arrives!! We love seeing what everyone put together!

Contest #2

1. Coffee review ~

My fave coffee varies with my mood. Luckily, I live in the Seattle area and have lots of choices when it comes to buying from a local coffee shop. Caffe Ladro (which means "coffee thief" in Spanish) is one of my go-to places for great coffee that is organic, fair-trade and shade grown. Their "Diablo" blend is the one I usually go for, as it is their equivalent of a French roast. I love dark, oily coffee beans, because I love bold, strong coffee, especially that first sip you take in the morning.. mmmMMmMmM :)

Here's a photo of another fave coffee cup and saucer that I use on the weekends. I love that it has cute little bees buzzing around the cup. I seem to have an affinity for bees and I don't quite know where it came from :)
2. Yarn review ~ It really is hard to just choose one yarn as my favorite, but one of my many faves is Plymouth Yarn's Suri Merino yarn. It's an alpaca/merino blend and gives your knit items a nice, soft sheen. It's wonderful to knit with if you're looking for something soft with a little sheen and not too heavy. You can almost say it's "feathery" :) I received this yarn in a swap package and that's where I found out about this yarn. This past Christmas, I knit all the men in my family a hat (hat pictured below) using this yarn and let me tell you these babies keep your head WARM! In fact, almost too warm at times :)
Thanks for another fun contest! Love hearing about everyone's fave coffee and yarn!

Package all Packaged...

KCS4 Package
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie

Just needs the mailing label printed out and dropped at the post office tomorrow!

woo-hoooooo!

Coffee Swap Contest #2 (And a BIG Thanks!)

First off, a big Thank You to my swap partner Sunne for the lovely package she sent to me:

Inside were 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn, another of Lana Grossa in a beautiful colorway, cookies and fresh coffee beans, a small bag from Lantern Moon, and a set of handmade stitch markers. Love, love, love it all!

I would have to say that my favorite coffee right now is the Sumatra that Sunne included in my Coffee Swap package; it is soooo good, and smells even better. Here's a pic:

I'm not a morning person, but I've definitely been looking forward to waking up each day so that I can grind, brew, and drink up!

As for yarn, I absolutely love Malabrigo. The colorways are to die for, and it's heaven to knit with.

I've also been loving Farmhouse Yarns, as well. Again, superb colorways, which I guess is a quality that really draws me in. For sock yarns I gravitate toward Opal, but thanks to my Coffee Swap partner, I can try out some new-to-me ones!

Contest #2 Coffee and Yarn Review

My favorite coffee these days is Carrabassett Coffee, and my daily grind is the Rooster Roast, though I like many of their coffees. Why? Mostly because it tastes great. But also because it is locally roasted. They sell many coffees that are MOFGA certified and Fair Trade. And they sell tea. And they have fabulous customer service!


For some reason I thought the contest details wanted a pic with the project in progress, so here it is...

I usually order about 8 pounds of coffee at a time for myself! And several pounds for other people!

The mug is from my potter friend Robbie at Maple Lane Farms. This is actually a failure, because the green glaze flashed up on the sheep, but I like it very much!

These butt-ugly swatches became cat toys, a la Monty pattern from Berroco. But they are not made with anything close to my favorite yarn!

While I can speak definitively on the coffee, I cannot on the yarn! I like so much of it, and for various reasons... color, fiber, feel, even smell. One you may not know, that is local and I like very much, is Friends Blendz from Friends Folly Farm in Monmouth, Maine.

Ack, my computer crashed in October, and the pics I have of that yarn are not on this machine...

Contest #2-Coffee & Yarn Reviews

While my favorite coffee is from Mill Mountain our local coffee shop, it wasn't convenient for me to snap a photo of that today, so the second best will have to do for this review!
Starbucks Raspberry Mocha (and yes, I love the whipped cream)! There's nothing better, than the choco/raspberry combination, whether it be in desserts, fruit and chocolate, or the flavored coffee. (I'm very lucky that Mill Mountain has chocolate raspberry beans that I buy to perk my own at home - but the Starbucks is a dessert treat when I'm feeling low).

As for a favorite yarn, if you're a sock knitter, you simply can't beat Blue Moon's Socks That Rock. The very tightly twisted yarn is squishy to knit (it does, occasionally, curl up on you as you knit, but that's okay) and warm and durable on the foot. The colors? Oh my. Tina is a goddess when it comes to dreaming them up and putting them on the yarn. I think I need to win the lottery to have as many as I'd like. This in the photo is a Raven colorway, Korrpi, with a touch of blues and violet in the black (and that's Feather & Fan lace in the cuff). I do find with the dark yarns that there's a bit of bleeding of the color onto my fingers as I knit, but a soak in white vinegar water before wearing helps take care of that. It does wash off your fingers, with soap!

Contest Two - Coffee and Yarn Reviews

My sister moved to Brooklyn, NY a few years ago. While exploring her neighborhood on my run across the Brooklyn Bridge, I stumbled upon Damico's. My motto is the greasier and darker the bean, the better the coffee. To this date, nothing has compared to the taste of Damico's Sumatra blend. Bold, strong, and the smell is divine! The shop is family owned and the coffee has been rated the best coffee in NYC. Sadly, my sister moved away but thanks to the internets, I can still capture that smell and taste!


Yarn? I like a good handpaint and natural fibers. My world today is all about the superwash - thanks to two toddlers. My tried and trues are Cascade Superwash, Dream In Color, and Lorna Laces Shepard- great saturation in the colors, good stitch definition and HELLO WASHABLE!

Contest 2- Coffee and Yarn reviews

Coffee: I really enjoy Starbucks Arabian Mocha Sanani (Arabian Mocha Java is better, but no available in the US anymore). It has fresh notes of dark chocolate, a richness that a lot of coffees miss, including many of Starbucks' coffees. This is my favorite "can be commonly found" coffee.

I also really enjoy Kona coffees. Kona beans depending on how they are roasted have a creamy taste. The favor of it varies greatly too I have notice. Some times it almost has a caramel flavor to it, also it can have a very natural earthy taste. They are really good to try, but a little bit harder to find where I live.

Yarn: Now this one is really a lot harder. I really love too many to count... Number one is Knit Picks Essentials. I am working on a pair of socks with it right now and I swear that it is so soft and the sock feels like there is nothing on your foot. The colors I have seen are also something else. I am using Spruce Kettle Dyed and if you look very closely there is a slightly mottled effect to the yarn, but it is really not at all noticeable in the sock.

I also love Malabrigo... This is one of the squishiest yarns I have ever worked with. Not only is the yarn so soft you just want to curl up in a ball and sleep on top of it, in it and all around it, when you finish your project the texture of the FO is squishy and warm and just all around a pleasure to be around. I made a scarf with it and not only did it keep my neck warm, it is so scooshy it feels amazing around my neck (not normally a huge fan of 100% wool on my upper body).

I think those are my two current favorites, but that is subject to change anytime I CO for a project with something different.

Starbucks Instant Coffee

Starbucks is unveiling a new line of instant coffee. More info on their website.

Really?!?!

Coffee and Yarn Review - Contest #2

I'm happy to participate in the Knitters' Coffee Swap four, Contest # 2, and this is my reviewes:

1. Coffee review: My favourite coffee is a blend: Java Mocca, form Stockfleths. Java Mocca has an intense and fruity taste.The flavor is complex and interesting in that way that it s both fruity and rich, with a clear touch of dark chocolate (- Mmmmm). Therefor a well- balanced coffee, I think.

I prefer my Java Mocca just as it is - regular from my french coffee press, or made as a Latte or Capouchino from my Bialetti Mocca express. I drink my favourite coffee every once in a while when I want to treat my self nice or give my self a reward for something I did good.

 

2. Yarn review: Hifa 3 from Hillesvaag is my favourite yarn which I always return to after trying other qualities. It is a Norwegian 3- threaded, rich and easy carded 100 % wool yarn, in beautiful colors  from the entire color circle - 77 different shades. Hifa 3 is very easy to knit with using needles No US 1 1/2 - 4,5 or 2,5 - 4,0 mm. It is also easy felted. Hifa 3 is soft and quite tender to the skin. I use Hifa 3 to knit almost everything; such as mittens, scarves, hats, shawls, socks and pullovers. 

Coffee and Yarn Review - Contest #2

1. Coffee review ~ mmmm... my most recent favorite was the Trader Joe's Wintry Blend. I haven't had any since last winter as it is a seasonal product, but this winter I bought another can of it to be able to savor once the baby is here. It's not something I can drink every day or it would get old tasting... It's described on the can as medium dark roast, smooth, spirited, lively. What I like about it is that it is beans with spices actually mixed in, including cinnamon, cloves, green and red peppercorns. This way, when I grind the beans I am actually grinding the spices in as well.

Unlike other flavored coffees this enables the flavoring to be fresh and right from the spice itself. This coffee, made in my French Press, and served with half and half was enjoyed 2-3 times a week with my regular Breakfast Blend alternated on the other days. If you like the smell of fresh baked goods with your coffee, then this is a great choice. Unfortunately, unless you live near a Trader Joes, this is unavailable - but it is probably pretty easy to replicate with you favorite bean - if you add some cinnamon stick,cloves and peppercorns to them as you grind - not too much or it will be overpowering, but a small amount will do fine! Sorry there's no picture - I haven't made any coffee in awhile, but one of my favorite mugs is in my picture from contest #1.

2. Yarn review ~ I do not have one favorite yarn - let's be realistic - does anyone? I have a fave cotton (Manos del Uruguay Cotton Stria) three fave acrylics (Caron Simply Soft, Lion Wool-Ease and Dark Horse Fantasy) (I make a lot of baby stuff - all needing to be machine washable...) and it all depends on the application as to which wool or wool blend, or silk or silk blend that is the "right" choice...

HOWEVER.... I recently finished a hat for myself which in an unbelievable soft delicious silk and alpaca blend... Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk DK Sadly I think it may be discontinued, however, I had more than enough for my hat and it was a beautiful experience to knit with. It shed a little, but not too much and seems to be done shedding now that I am done knitting... and I will always remember this yarn... Of course, the fact that it was my first project cabling could also have something to do with it!


The yarn itself seems to be loosely plied together, so I had to be a little careful not to split it, but it was so soft to work with and my hands didn't need extra moisturizer after knitting, so that was a plus! Anyway, if you have a chance to use this yarn, I say, go for it!

~ Contest #2 ~

This one has 2 parts and lots of prizes.

1. Coffee review ~ describe in detail your favorite coffee. Tell us why you like, how often you drink, describe the intensity and aroma, etc. If possible, include a picture with your favorite cup.

2. Yarn review ~ be as detailed as you are able; tell us why you like it, describe the texture, etc.. If possible, include a picture of the yarn and/or a finished item.

*if available, please include links to purchase your favs for those of us who may be interested in sampling for ourselves.

All entries must have "Contest #2" in the title and labels, see bottom of post window for this feature. From these entries, I will draw winners on Feb 21st. Prizes include stitchmarkers, coffee, and goodies, and I'll try to post pics of them soon. ;D

And the winner really is...

Jules!!!!

The random number generator came through again and chose lucky number seven, which was Jules. Jules, if you can e-mail me your address your lovely stitch markers from Sunne as well as your project bag will be on the way!

Thanks to all the entries, you took some great photos!!

Keep your eyes posted for contest #2 to be announced soon.

Hope those packages are coming together. Remember, you should have them in the mail by the 18th!

And the winner is....

Just kidding! I'm not sure yet...off to get the boys to bed and wrap things up for the night. Just wanted to say I haven't forgotten and that sometime between Bill Moyers and Eastenders I'll announce the winner to contest #1 tonight!

Thank you, Paige!

I got a wonderful coffee swap box from Paige, that I wanted to share. The coffee smells amazing!! I will try it soon. There were great chocolates, handmade goodness and NORO SOCK YARN!! I am so excited - I don't know how she gleened that I was coveting that yarn, but I am glad she did. I am feeling very spoiled right now, thank you Paige!

Time to knit and drink coffee.
Happy KNitting!!

still life with coffee and yarn (contest #1)

Coffee, knitting, and books in one of my favorite little corners.

Contest #1 - The Blues

Is there anything better than coffee in a blue cup and blue yarn in a blue bowl?

Contest #1: Still Life w/ Coffee & Yarn

Here's my entry for the Contest #1. Just taken this morning, as we started to get snowflakes falling from the sky (though none stuck around, which is fine by me!)

I love my new cabled coffee mug, which has quickly become my go-to cup to enjoy a strong cup o' joe on weekends while knitting. This is my current WIP: a pair of socks I've neglected since the summer. I figured it's time to get these off the needles!

I've been enjoying looking at everyone's photos - we've all got some great WIPs!

Contest #1: Celebrate Your Life

My first ever contest--this was fun.

Photo Contest

I call this, When Mom Was'nt Watching

Still Life Contest #1 Entry

Okay - after wrestling with my camera (It seems to think it needs to be fed batteries in order to be able to give me my pictures - the nerve!), I've gotten to the picture I took this past Christmas season. This was how I spent the evenings for several nights, in preparation to give my son his Lizard Ridge afghan I'd promised. He loved it. I had a GREAT time knitting it and learning how to do short rows!!! How wonderful that I can now enter this contest with the proof!

:O)

Oops

I spilled the beans ...

I love me a good cup of coffee and something on the needles!

contest #1

On a balmy morning in Virginia-- I am getting ready to have a cappucino while knitting my clapotis.

Contest No. 1 : Le Cafe Blue

My favourite coffee cup and saucer with some blue yarn I bought last weekend and the our little-used coffee press. We don't use our cafetiere as much now we have a drip filter machine bought after we thoroughly enjoyed using the one in our hotel bedroom during the Boston leg of holiday to the US.

Contest 1- Blackrose and Casi Cielo

I have been sitting in the living room on these last few chilly days knitting my mothers socks and drinking coffee and teas in a press. I happened to see how pretty they looked together the other day, so I thought they would be perfect together here...

Contest #1 -Early morning glory

This is my early morning glory - A cup of delightful, fresh pressed coffe from my french coffe press, and a bright new knitting piece on my needles..

My new knitting piece is going to be a Pudorosa neckwarmer, for my self. I think it's a beautiful pattern, but I'm going to modify the pattern a little bit. I don't want all the buttons..

Have a nice weekend, everyone.

Knitnana's Contest 1

A perfect start to my morning...Noro Iro, Harmony kneedles, coffee, a favorite mug, and the computer nearby...

My Contest #1

Here's my fave past time. Knitting and coffee. As I'm sure there's many of us who like the same.
I'm currently in the process of knitting a felted tote. It's a free pattern with the purchase of yarn at the LYS. It's a great tote, I love it. I made one for myself a while back. My SIL saw it and want one too. The one i'm working on though is one for her mom. It's a surprise though so I have to keep it on the down low.
Well I'd better get back to my knitting and coffee.

still life yarn as coffee

coffee is on hold for me for the moment... the coffee press holds the yarn quite well, no? only green, white purple and yellow for the moment...

Contest #1

Let's get things rolling around here! It's time for everyones favorite contest, "Still Life with Coffee and Yarn." Take a picture that includes yarn and coffee, post it to the blog and you could win a set of Sunne's stitch markers and a coffee themed project bag.

Be sure to label your entry "contest #1" or you might be missed for the drawing. All entries due by February 12th. Winner announced on February 13th. Have fun!!

Discount for swappers!!

Once again Sunne has offered up a generous discount and prizes for this round of the KCS!!

She has sent two sets of beautiful stitch markers for prizes and is offering a 15% discount for swappers on all stitch markers. Be sure to check them out as she's got some cute coffee themed ones in stock right now! Pop over for a visit: Sunneshine

Shopping Yet???

There were some great sales over the weekend for the superbowl, and boy, all my friends will tell you that I love swaps because I love to shop. I won't tell what I got. That way you can't tell what is for me or my swap partner BUT I hit two of my local yarns stores (and back again) went to the Amish Market (they do have some cool stuff) and went to a local coffee shop. I was shopping with Pheelya and we had to stop at Starbuck's for a coffee and snack break so we could have more energy! Hope everyone else is having as much fun as I am!

Tula Bug

I'm in!

Woo! Glad to get into this swap, because I sure love me some coffee! And yarn. And knitting... I found out who my swap partner is, and I'm off to discover more about her. I see that Cathy-Cate got in late too... this will sound horrid, but Cathy, I'm glad we didn't get each other! I forget how to post in blogger, but I'm over at knitnzu DOT com.

Partners are out!!

Check your in boxes, swappers! You're swap partner should be there. If you didn't hear anything, please drop us an e-mail. Please get in touch with them in the next day or so.

Thanks and have fun!!

Knitting Challenged, but still loving it!!

I am Nicole! I have been knitting for years, but somehow never learned to do anything beyond your basic scarf, blanket, or hat on circular needles. I would love to learn how to do other things, but I have a really hard time learning the techniques because all the directions are for right handed people. Some day I will take a class and learn how to knit mittens and maybe socks. This does not stop my passion for knitting however. I have knit a hat for just about everyone I know!

That's me drinking coffee on the deck wearing a hat I knit! 

I really love good coffee. I have been known to order coffee from all over the world. One of my favorite things about traveling is trying different coffees and local roasters. I love a Cafe Creme in Paris and a Flat White in New Zealand.  Some of my favorite roasters have included Stumptown Coffee, Dean's Beans, and a fabulous coffee I discovered in a recent swap the Bayshore Blend from Jersey Shores Coffee Roasters. I am always excited to try something new. I am hoping to purchase a small home roaster and start roasting my own beans at home, the ultimate coffee experience. 

I thought I would just post the answers to my questions here:

QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? Whole Bean. Is there any other way?

2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Extra Caffeine please!

3. Regular or flavored? No, flavors. None at all please. Let the pure coffee goodness shine through!

4. How do you drink your coffee? A drop of cream. No sugar. Will drink black if necessary.

5. Favorite coffee ever? Oooh. Such a tough question. There have been so many. I am a big fan of the Columbian blends, cup of excellence stuff. I love Bean Around the World in Victoria, Canada as well. The best cup of coffee ever would probably have more to do with the atmosphere and company than the actual coffee.

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? Fussy, Fussy, Fussy

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Scones, Brownies, Croissants

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? I prefer a full flavored medium roast over a dark burned roast!

9. Yarn/fiber you love? Natural Fibers that are super baby soft like Merino Wool and Alpaca. I like chunkier fibers and skeins with various colors.

10. Yarn/fiber you hate? Anything Synthetic.

11. What's on your needles? Circular needles with ice blue alpaca yarn for a neck gaiter.

12. Favorite colors? Coffee, Cream, Chocolate!! lol In addition fun bright primary colors and earthy colors like orange, red, yellow and green. I tend to stay away from pinks, blues and purples.

13. Allergies? none

14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? I really love locally made items, handspun yarns, and locally produced, unusual food items or ones that are unique to your region of the country. What's the point of swapping if it is an item I can purchase  myself?

hi fellow knitters

I am glad to be part of a coffee drinking knitters blog.
I think I started knitting in grade school, many long years ago and the yarns improved with age as I have.
My local guild is hosting a charity knitting program in March & I have already finished my first hat & booties set and started another. Small baby things make up quickly.
I love knitting socks and just finished my first pair of hand dyed socks, I must have learned something right because the stripes match nicely. If I ever learn how to get pics on the web, I'll share. I recently finished the Hacky Sack Hoodie (Son of Stitch 'n bitch) for my youngest son but he put it on & headed back to Rhode Island before I even got his picture.
Time to brew more coffee
Chris

SWAP

Yeah, I'm in! I can't wait to find out who my swap partner is going to be! I love shopping and swapping. I also love knitting, mostly socks right now but they take me forever to finish. I think I just have a love affair with the yarn.
Later,
TB

Greetings, fellow coffee-drinkers!

Happy to be here and looking forward to swapping! Coffee and yarn: two of the necessities of life. (At least here in Wisconsin.) But always more fun when they come from someone/somewhere else!

I take pictures and blog about knitting, life and randomness at Hither and Yarn. Feel free to stop by! A few of the swappers here, I already 'know', and I look forward to getting to know the rest of you better.

Cathy (Cathy-Cate)

Thank you for the invite! This a Karen or Innergeek. CAnnot wait to swap!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coffee Drip

My name is Kristi and I have been working for the last decade on developing a drip mechanism that enables one to have a constant supply of good coffee administered via a pump into one's bloodstream...while knitting.

I live in Michigan and its cold. Im very cold...so I drink a lot of coffee and knit wool...and because it takes me three months or more to thaw out in the summer, I still continue to knit wool and drink coffee.

Glad to be aboard, this is my first swap in eons,

yes! i'm here

Wow! what could be better coffee and a swap! Well let me introuduce myself my name is Debbi i am from Florida and loooooooove knitting. Been knitting for some 30 ot years. Hope that doesnt say much on my age. So my passion is knitting and yarn collecting but then doesnt everyone cant have enough yarn i say... well bye for now will be posting again....

Happy Knitting!

Phew!

I had marked this as one of the swaps that sounded perfect for me (even though I'm working on going easy on the caffeine lately) and I completely missed the sign-up announcement because I was on vacation. Thankfully, my vacation (really missing the first week of the semester, too) did not interfere with my swapping signing-up-ability! My blog is a bit odd since I use it for a Harry Potter themed swap, but I figured since I don't really play into the character thing too much it would work out nicely so go check it out!

Love from California!

(and some recent Aloha, too!)

--Rose

HI EVERYONE

Hello from cold cold Winnipeg. Glad to be a part of this next round of the coffee swap.

I have been knitting for ages and ages and ages. Is that giving my age away? Me who will be turning the big 6-0 next week. LOL In fact I have been knitting since I can remember. I even remember knitting in school probably junior high and having to make a PILLBOX hat. My hat had those round flat shiny discs with a hole in them. What an awful hat it was. I learned even before I I had to make that hat in school and never have stopped knitting. So yes I have been knitting along time.

AND coffee I just love it. The aroma, the taste and the thought of a great cup of coffee.

I look forward to receiving my partner.

I see the questionnaire is on the blog and will be answering it shortly but now I have errands to do.

I'm so excited to have learned about the coffee swap!!! Not sure which I'm more addicted to...coffee or knitting. Can't wait to start putting together the package. (I work in a yarn shop so I promise some really cool knitting stuff along with the coffee)

I'm in!!! I'm in!!!

Yea!!! I love this swap!!! My name is Jules and I live in Virginia and have been knitting a long, long time!!! I am looking forward to this swap!

Matches coming soon!!

First, the swap will still be open until 6pm central tomorrow. Last chance!!

Second, matches will be going out in the next couple of days. When you get your match please e-mail your partner asap and answer the following questions on your blog:

Here are the questions:
QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground?
2. Fully-loaded or decaf?
3. Regular or flavored?
4. How do you drink your coffee?
5. Favorite coffee ever?
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do?
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee?
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences?
9. Yarn/fiber you love?
10. Yarn/fiber you hate?
11. What's on your needles?
12. Favorite colors?
13. Allergies?
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest?

I Made It - I'm In!

Hi~

My name is Terri and I live in Florida. I've been knitting for 3 or 4 years now. I have to admit that I've started many more projects than I've finished. I've been drinking coffee all my life - I'm so looking forward to this and am so glad to have made it in under the wire!

Great, I'm in

Hi,
I'm Nicole, 38 years from Germany. I love swaps and I love coffee. It's my first time in this swap. I believe we will have fun.

Nicole

Hello Swappers

I'm Petronella from Norway and this is my first time swapping with you. I love both coffe and knitting, and I'm quite excited for being accepted here at the Knitter's Coffe Swap.

I found this swap through the Ravelry, and if you want you can visit my Ravelry profile HERE. You also are welcome to visit my blog HERE.

I'm looking forward getting to know you all better.

- Petronella -

Hello!

Hello. My name is Heather, and I want to ssay "Yay!" I've seen this swap a couple different times, but always mid-swap. Coffe and yarn are two of my big loves in the world, so I really, really hoped to get into the swap this time! I guess, like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory, I'm "just happy to be here." I look forward to a great swap!

:O)

Can't Wait!!!

Hello Everyone,

This is going to be my first swap, and I'm sooooo excited! Thanks Knittymama for including me. Knitting and Coffee, Fiber and caffeine!!! Just the thought has me all swoony....

Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Elizabeth

Yeah! I am in!

I missed out on number 3 by one day......you snooze you loose!
I am excited and can't wait to find out who my partner is! I am ready to swap!

Shew - wee! I made it!

I stumbled upon this swap via Swap Dex and was worried I missed the deadline ~ If you haven't discovered Swap Dex yet ... beware ... it's a swappers heaven (or nightmare depending on your perspective - he he).

I'm a new knitter and crocheter; lots of frogging and recounting but I'm having fun ~ love me some good coffee too so this swap is just perfect for the January blahs.

Can't wait to swap and explore some new blogs. Happy day to you all!

Adrienne
www.someofakind.blogspot.com

Hello Swap mates!

Hi. I am Tessah, a Filipina from Japan. This is my first time to join and I am so excited. I am dying to get some chunky yarns with cool colors since they dont offer it here in Japan. And I am so lucky that I found this knit swap! Its nice finding friends who do same things with you right? We all drink coffee, we knit, we blog and the most important thing is we are cool swappers! LOL.

I hope to gain more knitting friends here.

Thanks so much to our dear hostesses!

Hurray I'm In!

Hello Everyone!

Glad to be here for my 3rd round of coffee swap:)

I'm Marisol from San Francisco, California.

Welcome!!

It's so great to see so may new and returning swappers. Invites are going within about 24 hours of each individual sign up. Sign ups will stay open until we hit 50 members.


I actually figured out Photoshop this round so I don't need to beg someone to make a button this time. It's not fancy, but go ahead and grab the button for your blog.

Thanks!
Knittymama

I did one last year and can't wait!

I am so excited. I love swaps and meeting new people and getting to know other knitters. It took me 3 times of sending my info to get a response (once was my fault, or hotmails really) I am too excited! Happy Dance in progress!

Fun, Fun, Fun.....

Hi, I'm Corinne and this is my second CoffeSwap. I had so much fun and such a great partner my first round. I can't wait to get started. I love, love coffee since I was quite young and I love to drink my coffee when I am knitting, working, reading, first thing in the morning. Okay, my kids say that I am addicted, but I say enjoy what you love. Here is a link to a post I did on my addiction, I mean, love for coffee. Craftyloca's Sanctuary

Yay Knitter's Coffee Swap!

Hi! My name is Paige and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this swap. This is my first go-round, and I'm totally looking forward to it!

YAY!!!!!

This will be my second g0-round on Knitter's Coffee Swap and I am very excited... I almost didn't join in because I am pregnant and haven't really been drinking much coffee.... this is my second time around and it was the same the first time, but I pretty much started craving coffee as soon as DD and I returned home from the hospital, so I know that in June I will be drinking it again! Can't wait to get to know everyone!

Coffee ROCKS!

Hi all! i'm Allena. I just wanted to check in and say hello.
I love coffee and knitting so this swap is my fave and I wait for it every year! I usually buy coffee from a local coffee shop. I also like this site to order online. they sell the Torani syrups which are my fave by far.
My blog is Star Knits. if you'd like to stop over and see what's up. I can't wait for this swap! YIPPIE!

YAY!!! Coffee Swap!!

I'm so excited for round four and can't wait to see who I am paired up with!

4th time's the charm!

Hi again! I'm Gretchen, back for my fourth go in the Knitter's CoffeeSwap. I had a lot of fun finding neat goodies for the other three swaps- now I get to do it again! Can't wait to see who I get paired with this time!

I drink coffee every day- a little less than I did when I worked as a barista (no longer hepped up all that caffeine!) Some of my favorite roasters include the aforementioned Steep and Brew, Just Coffee, Berre Brothers, and PT's Coffee from Topeka, Kansas.

Hope everyone is keeping warm!

Hurray!!

Glad to be back for another round!  I had such awesome swap experiences my the last two times I just had to sign up again! Looking forward to finding out who my partner is and learning about the rest of you!

yarn + coffee = heaven

Hurray for another round of the Knitters' Coffee Swap! Coffee and knitting are two of my favorite things, and it's wonderful to meet like-minded souls and try delicious new brews. Some of my favorite coffee roasters are Alterra Coffee in Milwaukee, Steep & Brew in Madison, and Intelligentsia right here in Chicago.
I drink oodles of coffee as I read, work on my PhD, teach Latin, and (of course) knit. I blog over at A Caffeinated Yarn.

Hi

I am Chrissie and I really enjoyed the last 2 rounds, so looking forward to this round.

What a Nice Way to Wake Up On Sunday Morning!

To find the invitation to join everyone here again! Whee!

I'm Knitnana and so enjoyed participating in an earlier swap!

Is there anything better than great coffee and knitting? (ok...and a Siamese cat curled up next to you...?)

Thank you for allowing me to participate this time around!
(((hugs)))

Excited to be *in*

I am so happy to be participating in this swap again. I had so much fun the last time I was in it. I wonder who I'll get this time :)

I'm a British knitter who lives near Canterbury. I'm going to have a slightly harder job looking for the coffee as the shop I was going to buy it from closed down yesterday and the other one I would have gone to closed three days ago but I'll figure something out!

I enjoy meeting people from other places so I'm excited to here where everyone is.

Thank you so much the Knittymama who is a wonderful hostess and to those who are helping her organise this swap. I have been avidly waiting for the signups.

So glad to be back!

A huge thank you to knittymama for hosting us all again (and to the other hostesses as well!)! I am so excited to be back in this swap. I can't wait to see who I am paired with. This is always such a fun swap!

Back for another one!

Had fun the last two times, so who would pass up another swap? I've been patiently waiting for this swap and glad it's time!

Back for Another Round!

Looking forward to a great swap! A big thank you in advance to the organizers for doing all the work to run this swap!

Ready, Set, GO!

I'm very excited to be a part of this swap. I haven't done a swap for a while and couldn't wait to start shopping for fun stuff. My favorite part of a swap is the shopping for cool stuff!

Hello!

Am looking forward to this swap as I love all things coffee!

We're still open!!!

30 spots left!!

Blogger invites to those of you who have already started signing up will start going out today. If you're already on the blog from a previous swap you may just get an e-mail. Be sure to reply so we know you're with us.

In the meantime, feel free to start chatting over at our new Ravelry hang out!

How to sign up

THE KNITTERS' COFFEE SWAP FOUR SIGN UP INFO

STILL LOTS OF SPOTS LEFT!!!!

Read everything. Twice. Thanks! :-)

-You must love coffee and be a knitter/crocheter, or course!

-This is an international swap, so be sure to let me know if you are NOT willing to ship internationally so I can pair you accordingly.

-A blog will be required for this round, with a minimum of 10 posts and an average of 2 posts per month. It makes it much easier for your pal to get to know you and it just makes it more fun. (Exception: if you have been a successful swapper on KCS before you may sign up w/out a blog).

-The box should value around $40 (not including postage) and at the minimum it must include:

-coffee! (about a pound, and we’re talking the good stuff here! No Sanka.
-1-2 skeins of yarn, enough for a small project such as a hat, socks, a scarf, etc.
-treats to go with the coffee

Other things you could include might be a mug or travel mug, coffee accessories, knitting accessories, recipes...get creative! I've provided a few links on the side to get you started.

-This is not a secret swap. You will know your pal and your pal will know you.

-Please do not sign up unless you absolutely, positively know you will not flake on your pal and that you are going to put together a brilliant package. If you do flake, you’ll be barred from any future swaps and disappoint all of us, oh so very much!

-If you're under 18 please have your parents permission to do the swap.

-Sign ups will be open January 21st at 6pm Central, to the first 50 people who sign up. Sign ups will close as soon as we reach 50 or by Sunday, January 25th at 6pm. I will announce on this blog when we are closed. Pals will be matched by January 28th , and you will have three weeks to get your package put together and shipped. All packages should be mailed by February 18th . (International? Plan ahead!)

Interested? To sign up, email the following info to me at: coffeeswap AT yahoo DOT com

Name:
Email:
Blog Address:
Country:
Any important allergies or things you want your pal to know?
Will you take an international pal?
Can you be an angel/half angel if we have someone flake??

Please, you must complete all the questions to be placed in the swap. Don't try to sneak in early or you'll be skipped!

Your confirmation will be the Blogger invite to this blog. Please be sure to accept the invitation and then post to the Knitters' Coffee Swap blog. If you don't accept and introduce yourself within three days we will give your spot to another knitter.* Use the blog to introduce yourself and to share your package with us when you receive it. Also feel free to post coffee links, recipes, ideas, your latest project, or whatever is your fancy.

You will be grouped with a hostess and matched up by the 28th. When you are matched up, we will provide questions to help you put together the best package for your swap pal. Be sure to check your bulk mail boxes in case your partner information gets stuck in there. You must e-mail your partner within three days as well, or again, you will be dropped and replaced.*

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. There will be contests and I'd love suggestions and prize donations. We also could use a new button.

Thanks and have fun!!!

**Sorry for all the "you'd better or we'll drop you" stuff, but after running three swaps I've learned that the biggest headache comes from the the non-responders. The other big headache comes from the swappers who don't read directions (twice folks, read twice!!). And one more giant headache comes from the people who think that this swap is my full time job and forget that I have three small boys and a part time job, and then get all pissy with me when I don't reply within 5 minutes. PLEASE, I love swaps, but the KCSIII was not as much fun because of the above reasons. Reply, read twice, be gentle and we'll all have fun, okay?? :-)

Sign ups open soon!!!!

Sign ups will open on January 21st at 6pm central. Directions will be posted sometime in the next 24 hours!!

Blog reorganization....

Just an FYI to past participants....We're going to reconfigure this blog a bit to start from scratch for Coffeeswap Four, opening up later this month. All posts will remain, but members will be deleted to make room for KCS IV participants. I will probably KCSIII back into this blog as well...

The new swap info is up and sign ups open up tomorrow. Come to the new blog for information. See you there!!!

The Skinny on the Swap

What great and helpful comments!!! I'm thrilled to see how well liked this swap has become. Don't worry, it will continue!!!! Here's what I've decided:

1. The swap will be once a year, not twice. I think that is one thing that has contributed to my slight burnout. Plus I think fall is a great time of year for a coffee swap. So from here on out, October will be swap time.

2. I need co-hosts. I think this is the best way to keep it from getting too crazy for me but also keeping it personal and open to lots of people. I would like to get three to four people to help me out, with each person handling about 30-40 people. My only question is how many people to open the swap up to. Is 200 too much? Last time I capped out at 112. I'm afraid that if there are too many, the blog won't be as much fun as it gets hard to keep track of people and remember who is who.

If you'd like to be a host/ess, here's what I'm looking for:

Someone who realizes it takes a lot of time to do a good job with it, who will not flake on me! You need to be online just about every day for the duration of the swap.

Someone who has done the swap before and participated in the blog, has a lot of swap experience or a long standing blog. I only say this because I know how easy it is to be excited about something on a blog, sign up, and drop it when life gets hectic. So I really need to know that whoever helps will seriously be on board.

If you think you meet all these requirements, e-mail me at coffeeswap AT yahoo.com

3. I need buttons for "Knitters' Coffeeswap 3" so if you can do that, e-mail them to the above address.

4. I need prizes for the contests. We had a lot of great stuff last time! Let me know if you'd like to donate.

5. The swap will open for sign ups October first and not a minute before. I know you're excited but please don't try to sign up early. I will make you wait and sign up again anyway:-)

I think that's it for now. Keep your eyes out for further announcements. In the meantime, if you're looking for something fun I've got a blog contest going on right now, so come on over to Knittymama for the Sow the Seeds contest!

Updates!

Hey Coffeeswappers!

I hope you've been having a wonderful summer. It's already time for me to start thinking about our next swap, but before I post a few ideas about that I wanted to make sure that everyone is settled from the last swap. I had a few people who needed angels and a few who thought they might but then said their package was on the way. Did everyone get a package? I don't want anyone to be left feeling glum about their experience with this swap.

Moving on to FALL SWAP INFO!!!! ( I know you are excited about this, but don't sign up quite yet:-)

Their will be a fall swap (October) and this might be the last one I do, not sure yet. The first swap wasn't that tough as I limited it to about 50 people so it felt very manageable. This last one was well over a hundred and as much fun as it was, it took my life over a bit for quite awhile and I still don't feel like it is quite wrapped up yet. So here's what I'm thinking of:

-Keeping it open to a bigger group but using Swapbot to do the matches. This would be easier for me but then I can't try to match people up with similar interests, allergies, needs, international, etc.

-Limiting it to 50 again. This means a lot of people get left out and I like to include everyone as much as possible.

-Not being a total control freak and realizing that I should get a couple co-hostesses who have done the swap before, preferable with swap experience. My only worry with this is that someone will volunteer and either flake or just not do that great of a job with it.

Okay people, now is when you bombard me with ideas and suggestions! :-) I know there will be lots!


xoxo
Knittymama