Monday, February 13, 2006

my funny valentine

Observe my sleight of hand as I do my Sesame Street Mumford Ala-Peanut-Butter-Sandwiches routine to distract you from the fact that there is no knitting to be found here today. That's not to say that there isn't any knitting to be had. On the contrary, I've been knitting frantically to complete the sample project I'm doing for designer extraordinaire, Chrissy. Since the knitting is for one of her recently accepted designs (Yay!), all I'm allowed to tell you is that the project is a pair of socks. And that the pattern is very nice. Aah! Already, I feel that I've revealed too much. Any more and I fear that I may wake to find a severed horse's head in my bed tomorrow morning! Mum's definitely the word on this one, but I'm halfway through sock #2, so it shouldn't be too long before I can return to other projects on the needles. What other projects, you ask? Hmm... there may be a Ribby Cardi, Vittadini Lace/Ruffle Cardi or Twist Front Top in the works... stay tuned!

There's been a lot of controversy as of late about the posting of gifts on knit blogs. Having thought about the issue long and hard, I agree that gifts are best acknowledged with a heartfelt and private message of gratitude, but I also believe that it's okay... and desireable, even... to publicly post those gifts as an added gesture of thanks and gratitude. I would never post gifts to be exclusionary and say, "Hey! It's all about me! Mememe! Come check out my loot and be jealous that you didn't receive any because you're not part of my circle!" Rather, by sharing the gratitude I feel for someone's unexpected act of kindness, I hope that other bloggers will feel more inclined to reach out and meet people they may not have otherwise, thus always expanding the circle ever outward. I especially hold this sentiment in the case of RAK's, where the giver gifts without reason or expectation, which is such a pure and beautiful gesture. In the world we live in today, there can be no such thing as excessive gratitude, purity or beauty of spirit! In that spirit, I was so fortunate to receive two RAK's this past week- one from Jessica of NaturallyKnitty and the other from Danielle at Aswim In Knits. Jessica was so generous to send a set of handbeaded stitch markers and 2 sets of knitting note cards- so adorable! Jessica, your sweet note and gift made my day- thank you so much! Danielle compiled an incredible dye-your-own theme package with 3 skeins of gorgeous Colorado merino from WEBS, a set of instructions and enough kool-aid to dye the whole batch. She even enclosed dyeing gloves, a postcard and stickers for Bossy and Stinky! Thank you so much for your sweet handmade card and generous and wonderful pacakge, Danielle- I couldn't be more thrilled! Now, hop on over to Danielle and Jessica's blogs, tell them that Chris sent you and make a new friend! :-)

I leave you now with some Valentine's Day images from the Bits of Knits household. Note the cute little sprinkle faces that Bossy made! Yes, love is in the air, and it even flourishes occasionally between Bossy and Stinky!

Finally, do you remember what you received two years ago on Valentine's Day? Chocolate? Jewelry, perhaps? Two years ago, we received the most precious and memorable gift of all.... Yes, little Stinky turns "No!" today!! Here she is, hamming it up on her last day of being one. Happy Birthday, Stinky! And Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

45 comments:

Jillio said...

ah!! First to comment in FOREVER!!! YEAH!

Happy Birthday, Stinky! You are two months older than my nephew. One day, if you guys go to school together, I hope you are friends. Just do not date each other because that would be kinda weird. :)

Good luck on the test knitting, Chris!

Erica said...

Honestly, I don't see what the big problem is. Jealousy on some peoples part perhaps?

Happy Birthday to your little one! Your children are adorable!!!

Cat said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Stinky!! Give her a big hug from Sweden! And keep showing your presents from your pals! I will!! Take Care!

Catherine Kerth said...

Happy birthday stinky! What a cutie she is too :) can't wait to see those socks! And that yarn all dyed up!
BTW the horses head comment cracked me up!

Jenn said...

Happy Birthday Stinky! They are so cute! Isn't it nice when siblings get along? :) Can't wait to see Chrissy's pattern! And to see what great yarn y'all will dye up! Have a great birthday celebration!

Karen said...

What a wonderful Valentine's day present - many birthday hugs and kisses to Stinky!! And big hugs and kisses to Bossy too - because it stinks (no pun intended) to be left out. I say, show all you gifts!! My position is, if you go to a birthday party of shower, you don't fault the guest of honor for opening presents and showing them. You share in the joy and are happy to see them recieve nice things. I feel the exact same way when people get gifts on blogs - so happy for them and glad to share their joy!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Stinky! She and Bossy kissing is so cute. Bet you would have liked that one for the Christmas card.
Ah the posting of gifties. What is all the hubbub? I've gotten great ideas seeing what others have received. Or maybe I'm just nosey.
What yarn are you using for your Ribby Cardi? I can't get gauge in anything, ever. I may have to fudge the whole thing. It is a fabulous sweater though.
Karen
http://nothingbutknit.blog-city.com/

Alison said...

Happy Birthday, Stinky!

Having just received my first gift from Blogland, of course I shared what I got. I've never been jealous of the things others get (just a wee bit envious, perhaps, but not jealous). I very much enjoy seeing whatever people get from their new friends. Isn't that what blogging is all about? Making friends who share the same interests?

Sonya said...

Happy birthday, Stinky, you cutie-pie, you! It's wonderful to see the love between a brother and a sister. Remember these photos in a few years. ;o)

Can't wait to see the results of your test knitting. And I think you're right about acknowledging gifts. I've never seen a gift acknowledgment that made me feel excluded. The receivers always seem genuinely grateful and excited, and I guess I'm just not cynical enough to question the senders motives beyond kind generosity. The world is ugly enough. We need more RAKs.

Anonymous said...

Oh, happy birthday to your little girl! I can't bring myself to call her stinky.

Allison said...

The cookies! and the kids! They are so cute :) Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

Jennifer said...

What a cute little Valentine! Happy Birthday, Stinky!

Lynda said...

Happy ValenBirthday Stinky! Those two are so cute- thanks for sharing them with us! -it was a valentine for me!

Great RAK's! I'm off to check their blogs!

Kim said...

Happy Birthday Little Stinky--try not to be too hard on your Mommy and Daddy during your "terrible two" time ;)

Agnes said...

Your kids are so cute! Happy Birthday Stinky.

Acornbud said...

Chris, that picutre of Stinky and Bossy is so adorable! Can't wait to see your test knit and and the cardi you choose to do. The koolaid dyeing looks like so much fun!

Olga said...

Happy birthday, baby girl! She is sooo super-cute! And Bossy as well. You are so lucky to have those two as your valentines. Looking forward to your Kool-Aid dyeing results!

msubulldog said...

Happy Birthday, Miss Stinky! The two of them are SO cute. :)

And what great RAK's! (Folks that get jealous are just dumb.)

Jo said...

Happy Birthday Stinky!

I loved the picture where she kissed her brother :)

I was making the requisite Valentine's cookies as well - for Willow's Preschool Valentine party. I made a sheet of brownies, used heart-shaped cookie cutters to make hearts, then iced them. I have decided that was too much work for three-year-olds!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jo

Anonymous said...

I agree about the gift posting -- I love to see what's out there and what people think is good to give as gifts. I've gotten some good ideas and new favorite yarns from that! Seems like some people just don't like to see other people getting things if they aren't. Even my kids outgrew that some time ago, LOL.

Happy Birthday to Stinky! What are you going to nickname her now that she's a big girl and Stinky no longer applies?? In my limited (sample of two) experience, girls are MUCH easier to potty train than boys. Thank goodness!!

*karen said...

Happy birthday Stinky! Live it up while you can, because as a Christmas Eve baby myself, I can tell you from experience that being born on a holiday can seem like a rip-off at times. Btw, Chris, HOW did you get those two to pose like that? They look like freaking Precious Moments dolls.

Bitterknitter said...

Happy Birthday, Stinky! Can't wait to see the results with the Kool-Aid dye! Enjoy your gifts, and I'm looking forward to seeing what jumps on your needles next!

Cheryl:) said...

Your kids are just adorable. Enjoy them while they are little, boy they grow up way way too fast.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Stinky! What a wonderful day to have as a birthday! She looks so grown up in the photos - ready to conquer the world, or at least Bossy.

Happy Valentines to you as well!

Jen said...

oh I love it that she's now turning the age of "no"... that's the perfect way to describe it. Even so, I'm sure she'll still be extra cute despite saying No to everything. Happy birthday stinky!

amandazen said...

Happy birthday Stinky! And Happy Valentines Day!!

Amanda :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Stinky! What a special Valentine's gift for you Chris. :) Looking forward to seeing the "secret socks" :) The dye-it-yourself package looks like it will make for a fun day! Thanks for all your kind comments over at AmyArtisan!

jennifer said...

you always have the cutest pics - could they be more photogenic? too cute! happy valentine's day to your duo from mine :-) :-)
and my vote is for the ribbed cardi - love the shaping and the 2-way zipper. see ya!

Mauren Mureaux said...

Hi there!

I wandered over from Michelle's Blog(Plush Knits)...

You're children are gorgeous.

Your Kiri Shawl gives me great hope that my Knitting Olympics project, "Branching Out" will block into something nicer looking!

Congrats on being one of Michelle's winners!!

~Suz~

Ragan said...

Happy Birthday Stinky! Congratulations on turning "No" yesterday! What a fun year you have ahead of you!
Your gifts from fellow knitters were so very thoughtful. I cannot wait to see the Kool-Aid dyed yarn! I hope that you have a lovely day in paradise!

Laura said...

Sorry for the late comment -- I tried to do it yesterday and something just wasn't working!

So Happy Birthday one day late to your adorable Stinky! She is the cutest thing that isn't one of my kids! :) Also, for some reason, it just hit me seeing these pictures -- Bossy looks EXACTLY like his father, doesn't he?

Lucky you, knitting for Chrissy! How cool to get a sneak preview! I can't wait to see all these patterns she's been working on.

amylovie said...

Happy birthday Stinky!!

I big congrats on doing Chrissy's test knitting. You've really whetted my whitle on the sock pattern.

Amy

Jenn said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Stinky!

You apparently are much more restrained than I am, taking a picture of the ya.n dying kit? I would have been up to my elbows in Kool-Aid within 5 minutes.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, stinky!!!!
Is there controversy about posting gifts? hmm I must be on another planet. Oh well, I think it's nice to thank someone personally and on your blog. Great loot you've got there! :))

Debi said...

Happy Belated Birthday Stinky!!
Hope your day was extra special!

If people are kind enough to send you gifts, it's because you've touched their lives in some positive way so why shouldn't you share that? In Knitbloglandia you get to know your fellow citizens and make "friends" by visiting and exchanging thoughts via the comments you leave. Friendships form, connections strengthen and like any friend in "real life" virtual friends enjoy giving and sharing...If you're a "visitor" who never contributes, never says hey thanks for the visit! by commenting and interacting then friendships and connections are stunted...I think it's these people who don't give of themselves yet feel slighted that they never get gifts or RAKs and would rather grouse and point fingers than self examine!

You show whatever you choose Chris, cause you give so much to Knitbloglandia!

Anonymous said...

To heck with those people who have 'issues' about posting gifts on your blog. Last I checked this was your space and you could post whatever the heck you wanted on it - they're just jealous anyway 'cuz they're crabby so they don't get presents ;o)

And, happy birthday (a day late) to stinky! (I'm always a day late with these things, you'll notice that about me) ;o)

knittinmom said...

Happy B-day, little Stinkster! She is such a cutie. Sydney was almost born on V-day. She was breech and I had a c-section scheduled on the 14th. We went to the hospital, I got all hooked up to the iv and was ready to get wheeled down to surgery when my ob decided to do an ultrasound to make sure she was still breech. Well, it turns out she'd turned, the little bugger! So we had to go home. Turns out she was a c-sec baby anyway, but not 'till the 20th.

And no horse head! You are too funny. I'm trying to remember that line about the family, but I can't bring it up right now. I'm no Marlon Brando, that's for sure!

Dina said...

Happy Belated on your Sweetest Day, Stinky!

LOL. I'm always late! I hope you all enjoyed Valentines Day!

Baked cookies and a smooch from Stinky! The kiddies look so cute! Those cookies look good BTW ... you know ... I'm the only person I know that can burn cake ... don't ask ...

Are there panties getting tied up in knots just because people blog their schtuff? Don't they have knitting to do? Pulleeaze. Jessalu's right on target ... they have "issues" (and I know about folks who have "issues")! I love to see all that yummy schtuff people get ... especially yummy yarn that I get to add to my constantly growing wish list forever tacked in DHs wallet.

Enjoy your weekend knitting! I can't wait to see your next post!

Take care,
Dina

stricken madchen said...

Happy (late) birthday to Stinky! How fun that she was born on Valentines Day. Love your gifties. ;-) I enjoy seeing what others receive. Packages are a fun part of this world, regardless of whether they are for me or others.
Michelle

WandaWoman said...

Happy belated birthday to Stinky and Happy Valentine's Day (late) to you and your family. What cute and sweet pics of Bossy and Stinky too. I love them.
I have no issue with one's showing of gifts received on the blog. I think a public acknowledgment is nice. Of course, an email acknowledgement is the first thing and a blog one is fine. It shouldn't matter either way, unless the person who sent it asked you not too. If other people have a problem with it, screw them. Some people will always complain about something and will never be satisfied anyway.

Sayward said...

Awww... Bossy and Stinky look adorable!

And I totally agree with you about sharing RAK in your blog, or gifts. I've only been in knitting blogland for a few months, but I've seen so much all around wonderful kindness and generosity that it has encouraged me to reach out and keep meeting people.

Cathy said...

Your gifts are lovely and Bossy and Stinky are absolutely adorable! Ella came out lovely - you do such nice work! I hope you have had a good week, sorry it took me so long to visit :)

Mimi said...

Happy belated Birthday to your lovely girl! How nice she gets to wear pink and red for her special day!Both of your kids are so cute!
I don't see any problem posting gifts as I love to see all the nice things and all the joy that goes around. :)

Lynette said...

Awww, so cute! I just "discovered" your blog and I love your shawl projects. Plus, your kiddies are A-dorable.

Happy Belated Birthday, Stinky!

Anonymous said...

Cute couple of kiddos, cute cookies with PINK on and wow, that dying kit, bet you're gonna have lots of fun with that!

Nice blog, you knit beautifully!