I joined a Ravelry group called Birthday Swap. The idea is that you are matched up with someone who has a birthday in and around your own and you either knit them something or get them a little yarny gift. There’s a set budget, etc. So, I was linked with a girl from Boston (blogless) named JoyfullyJen. Today I got my goodies and I was floored. She stated she tried to find things that were out of the ordinary.

Gifts from the Birthday Swap

She made me up a little dyeing project (and I love dyeing). And see that blue/teal yarn? That is Cherry Tree Hill and the fiber content is Merino and (brace yourself) Possum. It is really cool looking.

Then… do you see that little Altoids tin? Well, I thought that was actually Altoids and I didn’t open it for a little bit. I decided I wanted a mint, opened it up and guess what I found?

Handmade stitch markers

She had made me some personalized stitch markers. They are so cool.

I’m feeling a bit sheepish. I sent Jen her gift and I am not nearly as creative, or talented for that mattter, as she is. I’m just floored with the little gifties. Thank you JoyfullyJen!!!!

And in other gift business…..

My book arrived that Dana bought me for my birthday. All the way from Japan…via a stopover in Canada.

Japanese Stitch Guide

The book is all in Japanese but the designs are charted. Dana found the chart guide on the internet and printed it out for me. For those not in the know, Japanese knitting charts are different than US knitting charts. I’ve been enjoying flipping through the book all day. The patterns are just beautiful. Now I want to combine my new “designing lace triangles” skills with a Japanese lace pattern and see what can be created.

Next up: A finished object