11.19.2012

giveaway #98

The three winners of the Fable Yarns giveaway are:

Rae Lynne, KnitOnePugTwo, & Holly Isaac

Congratulations! Please contact me at yarnonthehouse@gmail.com to collect your prizes.


As we near closer to the holiday season and the beginning of the shopping, cooking, cleaning, preparing, decorating, gift wrapping, celebrating mayhem, we should try and stop to be thankful admist all the activity. I'd like to stop today and just let you know what I'm most thankful for: my loving family and friends, our employment during rough times when I know there are families out there struggling to make ends meet, for our health and well-being, and sometimes most importantly, my love of knitting that keeps me sane and fulfilled during moments of hardship and joy. I'm lucky to be surrounded by all the wonderful people in my life, and I wish you and your family much love and joy during this season as well.

With Thanksgiving coming up this week here in the states, I'd like to share with you a wonderful indie hand dyer of beautiful yarns that I got to meet recently, Storied Yarns, and one of her gorgeous shawl patterns that I had the pleasure of knitting. I love talking about lace and shawls! It's one of my most favorite things to knit, and this shawl was no exception. Meet Mrs. Pontellier (the shawl)!

Jessica Cook, the owner of Storied Yarns and designer of Mrs. Pontellier, contacted me this past summer and asked if I would like to knit and review her lovely shawl pattern and do a giveaway. As soon as I clicked the link to the Rav pattern page, I knew this shawl was going to be a fantastic knit! I'll let my pictures of my finished shawl do some of the talking here as well:


mrspontellierblog8

mrspontellierblog5

mrspontellierblog4

mrspontellierblog2

Pattern: Mrs. Pontellier
Designer: Jessica Cook
Yarn: Storied Yarns Tencel Sock
Colorway: The Unicorn
My Rav project page here
Modeled by: Jasmine

The pattern has an ethereal feel to it with it's circular shaping, simple sweet lines, and delicate yet striking lace edging. Jessica says that her pattern was inspired by the main character in Kate Chopin’s novella, “The Awakening.” I unfortunately have not had the chance of reading that book, but I love how Jessica's yarns and patterns are all inspired by novels and stories. I'm sure it all makes it so much cooler if you have read the book!

I received the yarn, Storied Yarns Tencel Sock, shortly before my trip to Mexico and it became my steady companion during my vacationing. It went to the poolside with me, had an afternoon espresso in the breeze of the hotel lanai with me daily, and an occassional glass of wine or beer in the evenings while visiting with friends new and old. The pattern is very well written, easy to follow and was engaging enough to keep my attention during an exciting trip. Plus, the yarn made of 50% merino and 50% tencel was the perfect fiber blend for the hot weather. I couldn't have picked a better project if I had tried! It's funny how things seem to work out sometimes.

The color I chose for my shawl from Jessica's beautiful selection was The Unicorn. It's a very pretty pale shade of a gray blue that has soft areas of a lavendar pink color throughout. The colors are beautifully blended and just sparkle on the fiber. Jessica has a Facebook page that she updates regularly with all of her colorways that she offers. So, if there is a color that catches your fancy, you can place a custom order with her here, or any of her current in stock sock yarns would work for the Mrs. Pontellier shawl, if you were interested in making one for yourself. Full disclosure: the pattern requires 410 yards and some of the smaller yardage sock skeins may only allow 3 repeats of the lace edging instead of the written 4, or you could do some stash busting and find something at home to knit with.

Jessica has sent over another gorgeous skein of her Tencel Sock in a magical color called The Enchanted Forest for a lucky follower to win along with a PDF copy of the Mrs. Pontellier shawl pattern:


GA98yarn

Also, if you knit any of Jessica's patterns or use any of her yarns between now and December 31 you can win a prize (or two) in her Ravelry group.


I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:


1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.

2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 12/2/12. What are you thankful for this season? Take a moment to list a few of the things that make your life wonderful!


I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

Sincerely,

Ve

104 comments:

Michelle said...

WooHoo to winner Holly; I know her!

I am thankful for so much; my faith and my family who shares that faith (especially treasured since my dad was recently diagnosed with an aggressive cancer); my beloved animals, including a wonderful new horse; my special friends.

Rachelle said...

I'm thankful for my family, and that I got my son's quilt finished before his birthday. I'm also thankful that our earthquake repair seems to be gaining some momentum.

Nidhi said...

I'm thankful for my family and friends. We've all had our share of ups and downs this year in terms of health worries and even loss of loved ones, but we've also had marriages and births of beautiful babies. I'm thankful for life itself:)
nidhikansal on ravelry

Nuttygal said...

I am thankful for all of the blessings in my life, family, friends, my health and their health. The love of a wonderful man and our beautiful life :) Our beautiful farm and the ability to show and teach our children the value of work and the pride of see what your hard work brings.

Unknown said...

I am thankful that my mother shared her lovel of fiber with me. This gift shall be with me no matter how far apart we maybe.

Fingers Crossed
Elizabeth
Rav Id : kek5772

amchart said...

This year I am thankful for baby girl starting to walk. It's just so wonderfully fun!

florapie said...

I'm thankful for my kids who amaze me every day. We've had our turkey day up here already-enjoy yours!

UmmRania said...

Beautiful stuff! I am thankful to be able to stay at home and care for my family and not have to work. I feel so thankful that DH has got it covered.

Melody said...

I'm thankful to have a place to live.

Charlotte said...

today I am thankful for my husband and his capability in looking after our children while I work. He was stuck at home with a sick child, cleaned up vomit, dispensed hugs and still managed to cook dinner.

Kayla said...

I'm glag and thankfull to have such wounderfull family!

Hind DP said...

I'm thankful to be sharing this Thanksgiving holiday with my family whom I truly cherish.

Brenda said...

I'm thankful that my sis has completed her chemotherapy and has a good prognosis; my hubby has healed up from his hip replacement; and I'm grateful for my own good health.
Also very thankful for my sweet little granddaughter. And for my knitting!

an ika said...

I'm thankful for my family

Anna

ksurty@aol.com

Jubbers said...

I'm thankful for my husband who puts up with all of my crazy moments, and who is willing to follow me around the country with random corporate moves. I am also thankful for my two dogs, who indeed make my life wonderful.

Phyllis said...

Most of all, I'm thankful for my sweet family. I'm also thankful for the little bits of knitting that I've been able to fit in lately to keep me sane.

I wasn't going to enter the giveaway this time, but that yarn is MY color. :-) Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I am thankful for my great friends, and my supportive family. I live halfway around the world from my family, which is hard at times, but I can always count on my friends if I am feeling homesick at all.

LuisaM said...

For family, friends, employment, health and well-being, knitting and knitting friends. Thank you.

Karen said...

I have gratitude for my family, friends and work life. I feel very blessed and make an attempt to count those blessings daily.

soxanne said...

I am thankful for my two wonderful children.

Smiling Nerd said...

I am thankful for my family and my friends. I am thankful that my siblings were able to obtain jobs this year.

KnittingViolets said...

I am thankful to be healthy, surrounded by loving friends and family, and have a job that gives me great pleasure (if not not the greatest paycheck, but still enough to stash some yarn)!

Evan said...

I am so thankful to be meeting my first child in February. We've been praying for him a long time and can't wait to meet him.

Susan aka paintermom said...

I am thankful for family and home and (more than) enough to eat. All my kids will be home to celebrate with us.

Lcubed said...

I am thankful to have met and gotten to know my knitting friends. I'm also thankful for days off from work, good weather, and the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family this year.

Lindr said...

I'm thankful for so much! My son (finally!) got his first job after graduating from university - he starts at the beginning of December. It's bittersweet, but it will be good for both of us. My daughter is nearing the end of a difficult pregnancy; I'm thankful both that she's near the end and that she hasn't delivered yet! I'm thankful that I have the love of a good man; our relationship may be unique, but it suits us.
Oh, and yarn. I'm thankful for yarn!

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful that someone taught me how to knit- I don't know how I could be sane without it!

Kristen said...

I'm thankful for my husband and daughter. They make my life complete.

Rosemary said...

I am thankful for my husband and son, for family to spend the holidays with, for knitting ;), for friends, and for the sunny days we've been having!

And for giveaways. ;) Thank you!

Laura said...

I am so very thankful for families who are willing to be flexible to spend time with us so that we can take the time to appreciate the holiday season rather than spend all our time driving back and forth. I'm also thankful for my wonderful husband, for many many reasons.

katherinelynn_04 said...

I'm thankful that my friends and family will be able to get together this holiday. All my favorite people at one table? It's going to be fantastic.

glongley said...

I'm thankful for my great family. Also for everyone of my friends.

Jean said...

I am thankful for my amazing kids and my wonderful friends. But mostly this year I am thankful for my fabulous dh. He was there for me every moment last year as I lost my dad, and he's gone above and beyond the call of duty as we figure out the challenges of settling Dad's estate. I don't know how I would have survived without him.
MandCmom on Ravelry

Marilyn a.k.a. Merry said...

I am most thankful for my wonderful friends, who are there for me throu thick and thin and make my life wonderful!

Susan said...

Gorgeous shawl! In a very symbolic way, I definitely feel how it's inspired by The Awakening.

I'm thankful for all the support I've gotten this past year, even when things were rough. I'm thankful for the old people who stuck with me, and the new people who are making me happy each and every day. I'm thankful I will never take happiness for granted anymore. :)

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for my mom (93) is able to live alone and still loves to read and play games. and taught me to knit and craft. I am thankful I have friends who are always there fo me. I am thankful that I was raised in America where I am allowed to believe in God and practice my faith.
I am thankful for Frack the best dog in the whole world.

Fracksmom on Ravelry

mentosaddict said...

I am thankful for my wonderful, supportive friends who've gotten me through a really crazy 2012! I wouldn't have made it without them.

Kristen said...

I'm thankful that after almost 11 months of unemployment, I now have a great job!

Anonymous said...

I recently moved, so I'm grateful for new friends, a lovely home, and a gorgeous area.
hotknitter on rav

Zabbers said...

I'm thankful for having support in a year when I need it!

Suzanne said...

I am thankful for my family and my community--whether that be my virtual friends or the ones I go to church with or run with or knit with.

Thank you for your posts. You feel my queue and give me lovely photos to drool over.

Leonie Hines said...

I'm incredibly grateful for the wonderful year I've had - buying my first home with my other half, and for all the knitting projects that actually let me finish them *lol*

I'm also grateful for find Jess amoung other wonderful yarn sellers on etsy as this feeds my ever expanding yarn addiction

Sabrina said...

I am thankful for my wonderful husband and family and friends for helping me through a major health crises recently!

Ginger said...

I am thankful for my family (my wonderful new daughter in particular) and my job that provides me with the income to support my family and enough extra to enjoy my hobbies, like knitting.

sacha said...

My children and that my parents live in my town- the saving grace for sure!

Elaine said...

I am thankful for my family.

InJuneau said...

I am thankful for health and a secure roof over our heads and secure jobs and my family and friends. I am also thankful for friends who have a remodeled kitchen to show off so are hosting Thanksgiving dinner (so I don't have to cook a turkey!).

Kelly said...

I am thankful that my children are happy and healthy and that I have a wonderful and supportive husband. (keljane on rav)

Emily said...

I'm thankful for my two-year-old, who isn't too terrible!

sparky136 said...

I am thankful for my new grand nephew, Finn, my knitting group, and my exercise class. And this beautiful fall day here in Alabama.

Unknown said...

I am thankful that most of my family lives within an hour drive of me, and are all in relatively good health.

Sheila said...

I'm thankful that this week's flood watch hasn't yet turned into actual flooding. And I'm thankful for my warm furry cat to cuddle with while it storms outside (yes, he'll get some turkey on Thursday).

Nena said...

I'm thankful for family, love, and possibilities. Oh and chocolate - can't forget chocolate!

lala said...

I am thankful for my grandson, who just turned one. He has brought so much joy into my life, and reminded me how simple things can be.

Unknown said...

As always, I'm thankful for my family and my fabulous friends, who I consider even more family to me...

TopHat said...

I am thankful for my kids and my husband and their support of my knitting. :) And I'm thankful for chilly nights that make me want to knit!

Gynx said...

I am thankful for so many things, but what first popped into my mind is that I'm thankful for all of my new knitting friends who welcomed me with open arms since moving at the beginning of the year.

Anonymous said...

Family, employment and of course knitting yarn and fabulous patterns.

Maryse said...

I'm thankful for life, family, friends, my boyfriend, wow! We don't always realize how much we have but it is amazing!

LeStyleophile said...

I have so much to be thankful for in my life - my wonderful family, my amazing friends, my stellar education at a great university, and the perfect job that's waiting for me next year at my dream law firm...and, of course, knitting!

Cloudberry said...

I'm thankful for
my family
that hubby puts up with me ;)
all those little things in life

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful for my wonderful family. I have great parents, and two fantastic and charming little brothers. I'm also thankful for my best friend, he lights up my life.

Katie said...

I'm thankful for the great people in my life who support all my various endevors and of course yarn!

Doula Mommy said...

My family- my four kiddos and my amazing husband. My mom and dad that are about 2 hours away and always here to help when needed. Our home, that is very full but very loving.

Turtle said...

simple.... my family! They are wonderful, all of them...maybe a little crazy, but crazy wonderful!

asteride said...

For the ones I love and the ones who love me.

Sangeetha said...

My family w/o doubt

Debbie said...

I'm thankful for family, since my Mom and husband passed away about this time last year, my sister and father have been there for me. Thanks!

Unknown said...

i am thankful for more tha I can say. We came so close to loosing almost everything we had this year with our business going under and then a condemnation in the building we lived in that almost caused us to be with out a home but because of our faith, our friends, and our family, we pulled through and everything is turning back around for us.

cindymen said...

I am thankful for family and friends. Helping each other get through tough times.

Retrobaby said...

I'm thankful for my family and friends - and for the fact that Christmas is still ages away, so I've got plenty of time to finish everything I've got planned!

schwip said...

I am so very thankful for my family, immediate and extended. Family is my life! I am also thankful that my DH and i can live a fairly decent life despite us both being on social security. And I am thankful for yarn!!

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful for my family and friends.

Ravnejenta on Ravelry

Gracey is not my name.... said...

I'm thankful for a husband who adores me, great friends..and the most wonderful niece and nephews..

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I'm thankful for my family, friends, and especially my dog.
I am also thankful that I live in this great country.

Sara said...

I am thankful for my family, extended family, friends, and fur baby - Killian.

nhsarab at yahoo dot com
nhsarab on Ravelry

Redhedhels said...

I'm thankful for my family and friends, that we have enough to sustain ourselves in .difficult times, and that w are always free to make choices (even though sometimes I'd rather not have to!)
Thanks for the chance to win

Gwenn said...

I am thankful for my wonderful husband, my beautiful children and my extended family. I love them all so much!

Aristi Dounia said...

I am thankful for my husband and son who have taught me how wonderful life can truly be if you just take the time to savour it!

Christine Lima said...

I am super thankful for the excellent summer I had. I had some people come into my life over the summer who made more of a difference than they'll ever know. I am beyond thankful for them.

Amanda Vondrasek said...

I am thankful for many things: My family, the roof over my head, good health overall, and most of all- the baility to knit! :)

Frankly Beka said...

I'm thankful for my hubby's job. We are finally able to afford our own place (no more room-mates), and just in time for the holidays!

ikkinlala said...

I'm thankful for my family, my friends, and my local library.

stephigordon said...

I am thankful for my husband, our lovely sweet five year old daughter, my husband's business, my parents, my friends, my home,Ravelry, my stash, podcasts, health, and happiness! Thank you! Stephanie

Stranded Things said...

There are lots of good things in my life right now, but most of all I'm very thankful for being healthier and happier than ever before and being able to enjoy all that.

Beathag said...

My family
My friends
My memories
All the amazing things that they wait to come

craftink on rav

Kassia said...

I'm thankful for family~ in too many ways to list them all!! :)

RachelInAustin said...

I'm thankful for my twins, that they're happy and healthy, and for all the fun that we have together.

knitmish on Ravelry said...

I am thankful for being healthy, having food and a roof above my head, and family and friends!

Lisaknits said...

I am thankful for Christ the king, my. family and each day

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for my 11 day old son (my first child, and wonderfully healthy though not always happy lol), my husband, and my ability to knit things for the people I love. I would really like to win this shawl so I can cover up with something pretty while breastfeeding in public. It's so hard for me to feel pretty these days. Thanks! God bless and happy holidays :)

Nomoreforever_xx@yahoo.com

Lizzi said...

I have too many to list.

I think the thought that crossed my mind is that i am so grateful that I live in a country where I feel safe and do not have the threat of war or dictatorship looming over me.

Lesley said...

This year I'm thankful for: my wonderful fiancé, my job, my friends and family both near and far, and the freedom and luxury to (among other things) surf the Internet, read blogs, and of course buy fiber and yarn.

cwalden said...

I am most thankful for my children. After a really emotionally draining year, they continue to make me smile and make me get out of bed.

Jessica Powers said...

I'm thankful of the continued love and support from friends and family 'back home' in the states and here 'at home' in NZ. I'm thankful for my job and the savings my partner and I are working on to fulfill our joint goals of travel and eventual homeownership. I'm grateful for knitters - a nicer bunch of folks couldn't be found at the drop of a DPN!

karen alho said...

It's been a bad year and I have to admit that I'm thankful it's almost over. I'm also thankful (don't laugh) that I now live where it doesn't snow! After years and years of shoveling snow, seven years here and I'm still grateful!

Anonymous said...

I am thankful that my family is happy and healthy

Lisaknits said...

I am so thankful for my Bud after 40 years of marriage

Manda-B said...

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, my spunky cats, and my extended family. I'm also thankful for the knitting communities, both in person and online, that I have become a part of.

T. L. Howl said...

I am thankful for my family and friends, and that no matter how much time we may have been away from each other, we are not strangers. More selfishly, I am thankful I have a job and can provide for my family, that I finally have health insurance and dental insurance, and that I am able to share my life with two wonderful dogs.

Doula Mommy said...

My family! My husband who supports me in all I do and my kids who inspire me everyday to think outside of the box. And for Starbucks holiday coffees that keep me going when I just want to nap!

Anonymous said...

I'm always so thankful for my kids. They mean everything to me!

Unknown said...

I'm thankful for my family's love and support, my friends, my boyfriend, and my kitties. Also, having the opportunity to continue my education in graduate school is something I'm grateful for.

Keya Kuhn said...

I am thankful for the health of my family, for really great knitting buddies, for the opportunity to quit my day-job to dye yarn and knit things, and for my very wonderful husband who spoils me rotten.