A gift

KindleCozy

Friendship is a gift. I have a dear friend who’s moving away for a few years. I’ve known her for 6 years now, and I used to see her at least once a month. For the past 2-3 years, it’s been more like once a year or so. But sometimes you recognize a kindred soul and that’s all that matters. Facebook has been a real boon to communication, and she recently began a film and book blog where a great group of people swap recommendations and opinions. I think we’re more in touch now than we’ve ever been.

As a big reader, she recently invested in a Kindle. I searched and searched for a way to gift an e-book on Amazon, but apparently it’s impossible. You can give an Amazon giftcard and the person can use it as they choose, but there’s no way to pick a title and send it along. Knowing that she couldn’t bring much on the plane with her overseas, I brainstormed for another portable gift, and I somehow ended up searching Ravelry for a Kindle cozy. Voila!

The pattern called for about 4 more repeats of the cable pattern than I did. I was about one repeat short when I looked down and realized that it was ridiculously long. I looked up the Kindle’s dimensions and unraveled a lot of work and then skipped straight to the seed stitch edging. I added a button and loop closure because I would want a way to keep it secure if it was me. You may recognize the yarn as my Tour de Fleece merino/silk blend.

I love knitting for people who appreciate it. My friend was so pleased with her cozy that she took this picture (which thrilled me because I’d forgotten to photograph it myself) and even posted it on Facebook. I’m going to miss her dearly while she’s gone, even though I haven’t been the best at keeping in touch in person. Somehow it’s been a comfort knowing that such a wonderful spirit was in the same state/continent. I know she’ll have an amazing experience, and I’m looking forward to hearing about her adventures.

Girasole

photo

Originally uploaded by knitandwit

It’s done! It’s sitting upstairs on the guest bedroom drying. I can’t believe I finished it in just over a month. This is one of the largest projects I’ve ever done. It’s beautiful. Jared Flood is a genius.

This is actually a store sample, so I’m going to have to turn it over to Upstairs Studio for a few months. I already can’t wait to have it back. I’m so proud of it.

Crafting can make you sore

First of all, E.A.M., if you’re reading this, stop! You can’t read it for a few more days at least!

I have a very crafty friend who LOVES making baby shower invitations by hand for all of our friends. Two years ago, just about everyone we know got pregnant, so there were four big showers each with personalized handmade invitations all designed and coordinated by E.A.M.

Now E.A.M.’s expecting! My friend S volunteered to be in charge of the invitations and had big plans. They had to be up to E.A.M.’s standards, though. And everything had to be beautiful. Everything had to be perfect.

I went along for the first trip to craft stores to help pick out supplies (with a hangover – it wasn’t pretty until I had some coffee). It took over an hour for us to hone the vision and pick out the supplies. We went back to my house to work on the prototype for a few hours. As we cut and glued and imagined, we realized we needed more supplies, so the following day we made one more big run and went back to my house to finish the proof. It was beautiful. It was perfect.

Now we needed supplies for the 31 others.

Today we met up with a couple of friends at S’s house to do the rest of the invitations. Seven hours later, I arrived back home with a sore back, sore thumbs, sore fingers and a tired brain. The invitations are done. They’re beautiful. They’re perfect.

I can’t wait for people to see them. I’ll post a picture once it’s no longer a surprise. I’m off to ice my back now … and stop typing. It really does hurt my right thumb!