Ta Dah!

(Apologies for delay in posting, my PC is having major problems with Blogger. This was written last Friday after work, but I haven’t been able to connect to Blogger. Still can’t, this is a temporary stop gap, thank you A.)

So here is the lovely final parcel from my Secret Pal this round, Julie from Massachusetts.

Doesn’t it look lovely?

First up, some books and a lovely origami bird. Can’t wait to try some of the patterns, or indeed read the Yarn Harlot’s book. I love origami, my fish tank has lots of origami boxes, animals and birds on it. Probably makes up for the lack of fish…

Then there was some more lovely yarn, again dyed by Julie’s fair hand. Lots of luscious purples in here!

Finally, the sweets!

The gorgeous tin was full of divinity (white) and pralines (brown), both sweets made for Christmas from family recipes. There are still some left, honest…

Thank you Julie, each of your parcels was a delight, and so thoughtful.

Goodies!

I woke early today, thanks to the cats - a covert attack this time, but enough to make going back to sleep nigh on impossible.

I never did lie-ins as a child - not an option in a bungalow with early-bird parents and a bedroom next to the kitchen. Even now, although I sleep later at the weekend than I ever have before, it's seldom past 8.30am. A has always had a talent for lie-ins, though, so early wake up calls at the wekend do allow me that glorious time when the house is almost silent.

Today, I curled up and caught up with some podcasts and worked on some socks (and yes, C, WIP Wednesday will make a comeback soon!). At about 9.30, there was a knock on the door and the postman handed me a large box - a parcel from my Secret Pal!


Doesn't it look fab?

First up, her own blend of lavender and mint tea, transfered into a bag so the jar didn't smash.

Then, not one, not two, not three, but FOUR needle rolls! She had emailed me to say that she had managed to gt some sewing done, but wow! Four! Two for DPNS and crochet hooks, one for straights and one for circs. They are beautiful and really well finished.

Then there was sheepy stationery. I have always been a sucker for this kind of thing, and I love the fact that the shopping list pad has a magnet so it can go on the fridge - or even on the magnetic board if I get it onto the wall (hey, it's only three and half years since I decorated the kitchen - and it's not like either of us trip on it where it is learning against a cupboard....)

Little candles and a maple syrup candy maple leaf next...

...and finally some yarn that she has dyed herself - gorgeous! I love the dark green in this and I already have an idea what to make in this (it'll just join a big queue!)

But the bit that gets me is this - look at the date on the postage label:


30th October. Tuesday. This parcel took four days to get here. From the States. So far I have sent two parcels to my Secret Pal that have had to cross the Atlantic, and neither of them have arrived. The latest one only went 9 days ago and the Sock Wars socks took 11 days, so no cause for alarm yet (although parcels in the summer were only taking one week to get there. Go figure) . However, the first parcel was sent at the end of September and should have left the country before the postal strike. Is it sat in Customs waiting to be strip-searched? Did the airmail label fall off and it is currently cruising the Atlantic, sipping cocktails on the poop deck? Or even worse, is it mouldering in a British sorting office, fallen down behind a rack?

Anyway, I have needles to sort and new yarn to console me. Thank you Secret Pal, you are a star!

Postal Rage

Get your walking boots on, this post may ramble a bit. Do not despair, it will get to the point in its own sweet time.

Our front lawn is goosed. Or at least, it was. Early in the holidays I got caught at home by a rep from Green Thumb who quoted such a ridiculously cheap price for treating the lawn that I couldn't refuse. We have spent more than that in the past buying Feed and Weed and trying to sort it out. I didn't really expect it to work, but in the 5 weeks since it was treated, most of the weeds in the front (and believe me there were many) have grown out completely and the grass itself is looking very lush. I don't suppose the sogginess that was the British Summer did it any harm, either.

However (you knew there'd be one, didn't you?) the growth spurt and subsequent death throes of the weeds have left some bare patches, so at the beginning of this month we flung some seed down and waited for the sparrows to eat them all.

They haven't. They've been far too busy having dust baths in the front flowerbed, which is currently resting before being planted up.

Anyway, where was I?

Oh yes, reseeding the lawn. The other downside is that we can't really mow the lawn until the bald patches have seeded up a bit (10 to 14 days). We mowed it really short just before we seeded it. On Saturday, a week after a very short mow, I measured it.

3 inches.

I kid you not.

Heaven knows what Green Thumb have treated it with, but at the rate it's growing, we will lose Stella in it sometime this week.

So why postal rage?

Well, this sudden growth spurt means the grass is long enough to leave tell-tale signs when the postie walks across the lawn because he is too lazy to go back down the drive and round the garden (we live on a corner plot and the next house is some yards behind us - obviously the 30 seconds he saves cutting across the lawn is vital).

This is one of A's particular bug bears. He is currently toying with a couple of ideas to stop this transgression - either blocking the gap between house and shrubs with a berberis (very prickly) or with anti-personnel mines. I think the second is a little drastic, but it's currently his favourite option.

And me?

Well, it narks me a little too, but then every now and again, the postie will do something to redeem himself in my eyes, as he did today...

with a parcel from my Secret Pal, which he posted through the cat flap. So you mean to say your postie doesn't?

So, squeals of excitement all round, although not, I suspect, from the cats. Especially Lilly, who greeted me outside the front door with a particularly hacky look...

Wanna see what I got?

Some gorgeous yarn in a lovely combination of blues and greens that can't really be appreciated via a monitor.

The green is much more vibrant in real life. There was also an interesting box ...

...that was full of...

..stitchmarkers, made by my secret pal in green and purple.

There are 26 and I'm not sure what they are made from, but they aren't just glass beads, it looks like she has made them with Fimo or something similar. And they're glittery! (appeals to my inner princess...)

And what was in the bubble wrap, I hear you cry?

Well, something I adore but just can't get here...

If I don't blog for a while it's because I'm overdosing on Peanut Butter Cups ... mmm.... mmmm...

Thank you SP, what a brilliant parcel!

SP11 Questionnaire

I enjoyed Secret Pal 10 so much, that I've signed up for Secret Pal 11. Yet again I need to post the answers to a questionnaire, so non-knitting readers can now tune out...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Acrylic has its place, usually when knitting baby clothes, but I don't enjoy knitting with it much. I am also not a fan of novelty/eyelash yarn. Although that got me back into knitting 18 months ago, I find it a pain to knit with. I'm currently indulging in a passion for hand-dyed, particularly sock yarn. I love Lazy Kate, Posh Yarn Emily and am currently knitting up some 100% Blue Faced Leicester from Fyberspates, which I think is going to be great for winter boot socks.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
The DPNs are in the side pocket of my knitting bag, the straights and circs are in an old gift bag down the side of the sofa, with the circs quietly knotting themselves together.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learnt when I was maybe 7 (I was definitely knitting in Brownies) and although I can't really remember, it will have been my Mum who taught me. However, although I learnt to knit 30 odd years ago, I've only moved beyond rectangular pieces of garter or stocking stitch within the last 9 months. since then I have mastered socks, tried short row shaping, tried lace and some fair isle. I think I'm probably intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No

5. What's your favorite scent?
In terms of general smells, I love vanilla, cinnamon and other mixed spice type Christmas smells, lavender when used sparingly, anything that smells of the ocean (apart from rotting fish - did that when I lived by the harbour in Whitehaven), coffee, fresh bread, freshly mown grass and rifle grease.My favourite perfume is Trésor by Lancôme

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I like Green and Black's dark chocolate and Crunchies and dark chocolate Bounty bars are good too... I like pear drops too, and lots of the boiled sweets you used to be able to buy by the ounce from the big jars in sweet shops when I was a kid. I love trying sweets and chocolates from different countries when I'm on holiday.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I make my own cards and when the light is good and I have the patience, I do counted cross stitch. I have never tried spinning. I suspect there may be too many different parts of my body to co-ordinate at once...

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s?
I like most kinds I suppose. I'm particularly fond of 80s, folk and indie, but most things with a catchy tune and lyrics I can hear work for me. My iPod seems to have a very eclectic mix. I do however have a pretty puritanical stance on copyright. Pirate music is stealing. So there.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all sorts. Greens and purples are particular favourites, black's bit of a no-no (see the cats...)

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
A and I have been married for 13 years (known him over half my life now...) and we have two cats (see blog for details...)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes to all, although I only have one poncho, when they came back in again a few years ago. I love it, but it's black, so picks up the cat hairs terribly. I don't really do lacy, crochety things - they catch on cat claws and door handles too easily, but I am starting to include some of these things now I'm a knitter.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Currently socks - let's be honest, I haven't knitted much more than that! However, I am enjoying the lace I'm working on, inspired by Hanna, my SP from last time!

13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, Clapotis, an Icarus shawl, a toddler's jumper (time to face the fear of sleeves!) and the same tank top in alpaca I talked about last time...

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I don't have much preference at the moment. If using straight, then I prefer bamboo; I have used circular needles for lace and big bulky items, to take the width better. I knit socks and hats on DPNs (bamboo or Addi turbos, which are brill!)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Only my husband...

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
The alpaca tank top was started in January I think. I also have a scarf I started about 18 months ago in Curly-Wurly that I got frustrated with trying to knit with it so put it away. I now hate it.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Italy! Or do you mean like "Happy Holidays"? Well, here in the UK we have Bank Holidays that are days off work, but no-one really links them to the old reason for having them (do you actually know anyone who celebrates Lammastide?). I like Easter, because I love Spring. I'm a sucker for Christmas, but I don't always enjoy it these days - too much rushing about, I suppose.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Wrinkles.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I buy simply knitting regularly, but I don't have a subscription. I'd love Zimmerman's The Opinionated Knitter and Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch, but I can't justify another knitting book right now! I'd love to try different natural plant fibre yarns, as I've only really used cotton.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to try cables and entrelac and I'd love to knit a Moebius scarf for A, but I don't know how to...

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes! I'm a UK size 7, the free pattern with Opal sock yarns fit me to a T. The sole of my foot is 25cm long, the circumference around the ball of the foot is 24.8cm and my ankle has a circumference of 25cm.

23. When is your birthday?
I mention it in my blog... it's not that hard to find!

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Not yet! I am about 16,000th in the queue, with about 8,000 people ahead of me at the moment.

Secret Pal - Reveals All Round!

Well, today is the last day of Secret Pal 10, so all the revealing has been done – well, between me, my Spoiler and my Spoilee, anyway!

I was spoilt by Hanna from Helsinki, who writes the blog Puikottelua. She sent me some gorgeous presents, which I blogged about here, here and here. The purple yarn she sent me is currently being knitted into an Icarus shawl, although I haven’t done any work on it for ages! The Emily Posh Yarn is gorgeous, I’ve started socks several times with it but it’s so beautiful the socks need to be just right and I can’t quite get it yet. The lilac yarn could well be the Waving Lace socks from Favourite Socks, but they are joining a growing queue…

In turn, I spoilt another Hanna, also from Finland, but this time living in the Arctic Circle and blogging here. In April, I sent her a parcel with Opal and TOFUtsies sock yarn, among other things. In May, it was a project parcel for the Icarus shawl including some stitch markers I made myself. The final parcel in June included gorgeous Lazy Kate handspun sock yarn and the cotton socks that I re-knit the cuffs on. Hanna doesn’t have any photos of that parcel up yet, but I did take a picture of the finished socks:




Pattern: Lavender Time by Rita Taylor in Knit Today Magazine (May 2007)
Yarn: Rowan Calmer (75% cotton 25% acrylic/microfibre) in shade 477
Needles: 3.75mm Addi DPNs for the foot, 3.25mm Addi DPNs for the cuff
Mods: The needles for the cuffs, also I used wraps on the short row heel.

The colour is better in the first photo (with the flash) but the bluebell lace pattern shows up better in the second photo.

Secret Pal was brilliant fun, and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our hostess, Bobbi, who must have spent ages matching up the 70-odd European participants, then reading our blogs each and every week. Thanks Bobbi!

Parcel Goodies!

Well, as promised, here is my latest parcel from Helsinki from my wonderful Secret Pal, who still hasn’t revealed her identity.

First of all, the anticipation generated by the lovely packaging:

Then, the first peek:

Isn’t it exciting!

Then, the gradual discovery of all the items, a layer at a time. I mean, just how much can you cram into the box?

Treats for us all – Finnish chocolates, salty liquorice, and a box of Party Fish! Stella wasn’t sure what to make of them, but Lilly loves them, as you can see…

Knitty goodness starts with a plain lilac sock yarn, all the better to display an intricate design from Favourite Socks, using the rosewood needles.

Then come handmade stitchmarkers and a fiberhider, made by a fellow knitter, Kaarine.

And finally, this…

…which is the Clementine shawlette from IK Spring 2007, knitted by my SP in a 68/32 bamboo/cotton mix. Even just folded in half it looks lovely! We’re hoping to go to Italy this summer and it will be just the thing for breezy evenings.

Secret Pal, you have spoilt me rotten. Thank you so much!

SP10 context #2

Bobbi has set us another blog contest, this time on the subject of travel:

With the weather turning warmer, many of you are thinking of traveling. 1) What do you pack to knit? and 2) What do you hope to shop for?

Assume that you will be gone for ten days to someplace "foreign" that is known for having great knitting locations. (Bonus: Where would you go on a "knitting holiday"?)

Well, since I have been knitting seriously, I have been away for several weekends. The minimum that goes with me is sock knitting, which I keep in a little green bag I picked up on my one and only trip to Primark (my God, that was hell!). If I can sneak the main bag (also a Primark special, looks a bit like a Jordana Paige, but was about a twelfth of the price!) past A, I will take it, as I did to the Lakes at Easter. Then I can pick up and put down different projects depending on the light available, how much I need to concentrate on whatever I'm watching on the TV, etc. I also love to take my knitting on public transport, mainly socks but I did work on Bruce's blanket on the train back in February. I haven't been abroad since I picked up the needles, so haven't had to make a decision about whether to chance my arm with airport security...

What would I shop for? Haven't the foggiest! Something unusual I suppose (was seriously tempted by cones of alpaca in the Lakes) that I could get at a bargain without import duties or suchlike.

Where would I go for a knitting holiday? I'd love to learn Fair Isle on the Fair Isles!

Parcel Photos

Well, as promised, here are the photos:

Why can't we buy lovely postal boxes like this in the UK? It's lovely to look at before you even open it!

Once opened, it revealed some gorgeous rose petal smellies (how did I get out of the habit of relaxing in the bath tub?), some Green & Black's chocolate (lovely!) and some yarn.

Closer inspection revealed it to be Emily 4 ply sock weight (80% lambswool 10% cashmere 10% angora) from Posh Yarn:

It's in a gorgeous colourway called Buddleia, all purples, blues and greens! I'll need to choose carefully to make the most of this!

Thank you, Secret Pal!

Soundtrack: Morrissey - English Blood Irish Heart; The Smiths - Ring Around The Fountain, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

More Goodies!

Just a quickie - the cat's on the desk so I can't see either keyboard or screen, but I wan't to get excited about my second parcel from my Secret Pal. I'll post photos tomorrow, since I've got planning to do tonight (and the cat's tail's almost in the photo card reader), but suffice to say it's another parcel of gorgeousness from Finland! You'll have to wait to see it all, but I just have two words to say:

Posh. Yarn.

Wow!

Soundtrack: Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

WIPs

I took this photo last week, but never got round to posting it:

I think I just discovered why other people have swifts and yarn winders! Never mind, an IKEA stool works just as well doesn't it? This is the yarn I received from my Secret Pal the other week. I know I said I wasn't going to cast on with it until I had made more progress on the other projects I have on the go, but whilst I was away, I couldn't resist. I've christened it the Purple Project for the moment, because I don't want to reveal what it is yet. Mind you, the cotton tote bag is now on the handle, so the end is nigh. It's great TV knitting, since it's garter stitch! That's more than can be said for the Purple Project - it's not fiddly (yet!) but it is a yarn that it's easy for my clumsy paws to split if I take my eye off of it, so it's not one for knitting during CSI, NCIS or Doctor Who!

Want a peek? Go on, then:

And just to finish off, when A and I were away at the weekend, we visited an Alpaca centre. These guys are very cute...

I wonder if we could fit one in the garden?

Soundtrack: Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynard; Ever Fallen In Love? - Buzzcocks; Blue Monday - New Order; the Fly - U2; Waterfall - Atlantic Ocean; Outside - George Michael

SP10 Contest No.1

Today Bobbi my SP10 hostess set us a contest:

1. How old were you when you learnt to knit?

I asked Mum, and neither of us are really sure. After a bit of discussion, we think 6 or 7. I was definitely knitting by the time I was in Brownies, but I joined late at 8. Tom Baker was playing Doctor Who at the time...

so I basically kept knitting this garter stitch scarf for a teddy. And kept knitting... and knitting... and knitting...

2. Who taught you to knit?

My Mum.

Sunshine in a Box

Yesterday I had a really crappy day. I'm not going to go into why here, but suffice to say I was a bit of a mess by the time I got home. That's what made this:
so nice when I got home. I mean, even the packaging made me feel better. My Secret Pal sent this from Helsinki and I was thrilled to open it to find these goodies:

Yes, that does indeed look like an egg box!
So I started to unpack it, and I found two types of herbal tea - Cheery Rainy Day (the name itself made me smile!) and Caribbean Sun, treats and toys for the girls, an egg box with real eggs in, a parcel and a card.

On closer inspection, the eggs are a Finnish Easter speciality - almond nougat inside real egg shells.

Aren't they pretty? They survived surprisingly intact, and I've been very self-controlled - after all, it isn't Easter yet! Finally I opened the card (I forgot to take a photo of that) which had a lovely drawing of daffodils on (my favourite spring flower - they always make me smile!) and the parcel, which contained three skeins of a gorgeous silk and wool mix and a 2.5mm 80cm circular needle - Addi no less!

My Secret Pal correctly surmised that I have not tried any lace knitting yet so suggested I might try a shawl with it, although she says I can do socks if I want. However I think I may have found a lace shawl pattern that I understand, so you never know, I might well rise to the challenge!

This really was like a ray of sunshine on a dull day and it cheered me up more than my Secret Pal could possibly know. Lilly and Stella send big purrs for the toys and treats, and I send my heartfelt thanks. I hope you are as spoiled as I have been!

Woo Hoo!

Posting from school (home PC doesn't like Blogger - long story), so only quick.

Went to sorting office today, to pick up a parcel (I've been expecting two, from two different yarn suppliers). Imagine my excitement when I realised it was from Finland - my Secret Pal!

I'm so excited, I can't wait to open it tonight! It really cheered me up, since I was feeling a bit groggy.

Thank you, Secret Pal!

It's started!

So, I've contacted my Secret Pal who I'm spoiling, I'm enjoying reading their blog. I've also been contacted by my own SP, so.... let the spoiling commence!

And, as if I didn't have anything else to do, I have joined the Sock A Month Knitalong, so I am now obliged (obliged, do you hear me??!!) to knit socks regularly!

Like I need an excuse...

Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire

I've signed up for Secret Pal 10, so I need to post the answers to my Questionnaire. Non-knitting readers have my permission to glaze over at this point...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I have really enjoyed knitting with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and RYC Cashsoft Aran. Both of these feel gorgeous, and they knit up quite quickly too. Opal self-striping sock yarns are also fab - I love watching the patterns develop! I'm not overly keen on acrylic mixes - I made a whole load of hats before Christmas using some acrylic mixes and I've had my fill for a while...

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Nothing - they are currently shoved down by the side of the sofa.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learnt when I was maybe 7 (I was definitely knitting in Brownies) and although I can't really remember, it will have been my Mum who taught me. However, although I learnt to knit 30 odd years ago, I've only moved beyond rectangular pieces of garter or stocking stitch within the last 6 months. Since then I have learnt how to combine knit and purl for moss stitch and rib and mastered SSK as well as k2tog. I haven't really done much increasing and no fancy stuff! I can knit socks, but I've never tried sleeves, necks or button holes.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No

5. What's your favorite scent?
Trésor by Lancôme
UPDATE 11-3-07: Doh! I've just been reading other people's answers and I'm so... LITERAL! I assumed it meant perfume. In terms of general smells, I love vanilla, cinamon and other mixed spice type Christmas smells, lavender when used sparingly, anything that smells of the ocean (apart from rotting fish - did that when I lived by the harbour in Whitehaven), coffee, fresh bread, freshly mown grass and rifle grease.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I like Green and Black's dark chocolate, but I'm not that big a fan of chocolate bars themselves. Crunchies and dark chocolate Bounty bars are good though...

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I make my own cards and when the light is good and I have the patience, I do counted cross stitch. I have never tried spinning.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s?
I like most kinds I suppose. I'm particularly fond of 80s, folk and indie, but most things with a catchy tune and lyrics I can hear work for me. My iPod seems to have a very eclectic mix...

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all sorts. Greens and purples are particular favourites, black's bit of a no-no (see the cats...)

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
A and I have been married for over 12 years (known him over half my life now...) and we have two cats (see blog for details...)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes to all, although I only have one poncho, when they came back in again a few years ago. I love it, but it's black, so picks up the cat hairs terribly. I don't really do lacy, crochety things - they catch on cat claws and door handles too easily!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Currently hats and socks - let's be honest, I haven't knitted much more than that!

13. What are you knitting right now?
A very tiny sock, a blanket, a cotton tote bag and a tank top in alpaca.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I don't have much preference at the moment. If using straight, then I prefer bamboo; I have used circular needles for knitting the tote bag and the blanket, to take the width better. I knit socks and hats on DPNs (bamboo or Addi turbos, which are brill!)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Since I don't know what they are, I'd have to say no!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
The tote bag was started in November, I have a scarf started about a year ago in Curly-Wurly (I got frustrated with trying to knit with it so put it away) and of course, I still haven't stitched the flippers on that whale...

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Italy! Or do you mean like "Happy Holidays"? Well, here in the UK we have Bank Holidays that are days off work, but no-one really links them to the old reason for having them (do you actually know anyone who celebrates Lammastide?). I like Easter, because I love Spring. I'm a sucker for Christmas, but I don't always enjoy it these days - too much rushing about, I suppose.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Wrinkles.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I wouldn't mind a book on sock knitting. I don't have any subscriptions (A says I'm not old enough)

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to try cables. Also I remember a lovely Fair Isle tank top Mum knitted me in the days when Woman magazine had weekly knitting patterns - it was in soft greens and lilacs and I have very fond memories of it. I'd love to be able to knit something similar.
UPDATE 6-3-07: I've just seen a pattern for an entrelac cushion cover - can't currently make sense of it, but I'd love to master this too! Could urgently do with some illustrated instructions!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes! I'm a UK size 7, the free pattern with Opal sock yarns fit me to a T. The sole of my foot is just over 9 inches long.

23. When is your birthday?
I mention it in my blog... it's not that hard to find!