I know I'm not supposed to publicly say anything negative about the Secret Pal swaps. But somehow this absurd rule, while meant well, prevents the knitting community at large from understanding some of the problems that happen here. All you see surfing blog to blog, are happy-warm-fuzzy posts about getting packages full of wonderful stuff. This is why I signed on to SP9 and SP10. I want yummy things, and I wanted to shop for yummy things for someone I with whom I share a common interest.
The problem is, though, that the swaps can go sour, and we're not allowed to address it. They tell us to go to the hostesses. But what happens when they don't answer e-mails?
For SP9, I was sending lovely things to Carmen. If you scroll down a bit and behold that lovely silk garden scarf? I sent her that silk garden. Oooh, makes me proud! The person spoiling me dropped out about a month in, and I was rescued by an angel. My angel (and original, still anonymous spoiler) each sent me one lovely package. (Thank you to Unfurnished Brooklyn, who made me quite happy.) It seemed pretty nice, really, ignoring the fact that life had gotten very complicated for the first person assigned to me. The hostesses were into it, and my old hostess even sent me a prize for winning a contest! How fun! I had new blogs to read, Bowie DVDs, and heaps of pink yarn and Swedish Fish.
So, what the heck happened to SP10? It's been "done" for a month, and I never, ever got a package. I sent three to Jill, and had fun doing it, but the point is that it's supposed to be a swap. The hostesses are suspiciously absent. I have to look at my original e-mail telling me to spoil Jill in the first place to remember her e-mail address. No contests this time, rare updates, sparse e-mails, some of which were somewhat harsh. Sorry, but mass-sending out the message of "YOU WILL BE BANNED IF YOU DON'T SEND A PACKAGE!!" to EVERYONE doesn't help; why aren't the problem people isolated and contacted in private to see what's going on rather than using scare tactics on all participants?
It's frustrating. It's exciting to shop for someone else (especially when going in with a two-for-you one-for-me mentality), but the biggest excitement in these swaps is supposed to be the part where you get a package filled with goodies tailored to your interests. I've sent a couple of e-mails to the hostess asking about it, and still nothing. Last I heard there was going to be an angel package, but, um, I'm moving in five days. I didn't think that a June 30th (my birthday!) deadline would run into my late-July moving day.
If this post gets me banned from all future SP events, so be it. I have no intentions to participate again anyway. I thought the SP9 angel-necessity was a fluke, but apparently knitters are flakier than I had wanted to believe after getting blown off in SP10. Maybe the SP dynasty is too old, and the hostesses' hearts aren't in it anymore? It's hard to say. I know it's a lot of work to organize it all, but it's too easy to let participants slip through the cracks when there are hundreds and hundreds of them. If I want to swap stuff, I'll have to find my fix through smaller events. (Any suggestions?)
*ETA* 7/21/07
I have since heard from my hostess, who has had computer issues throughout this round of SP-ing. All should be resolved soon. I shouldn't doubt these ladies.
Showing posts with label SP9. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SP9. Show all posts
Friday, July 20, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
SP (SS?) Strikes!
My first Secret Pal dropped out. I really hope everything is going okay with her - is it weird to e-mail her on her anonymous address to find out?
Either way, I have an Angel now, going by the psuedonym "Secret Scalawag." Clever, if you ask me. The Secret Scalawag is way too cool, and seriously seems like they interact with me on a daily basis. I'm serious, just look at this:
Pink handmade soap and a bath bomb that would make Lush feel inadequate. Really, they smell SOOO nice. The bath bomb is going to be used here in a second. I say my SS knows me because I've had this obsession with pretty bath things lately. There's also a really nice-smelling votive. The bath items appear to be from Ben and Oliver, while the candle is more mysterious.
Then, obviously, my SS seems to know that the boyfriend and I really like Swedish Fish - to the point were we will microwave them to make them squishier. Perfect movie fod.
Amazing super-dark chocolate, which I bought two bars of recently; one to send to my own secret pal, and the other to keep and eat myself. This one is ESPRESSO chocolate!! It's probably to-die-for, but I'm barely awake yet.
Let's not forget my first EVER Socks that Rock! The colorway is Mist, in a pinky, greyish, purpley colorway. It feels like a dream; like Koigu, but I think a bit softer. I'm not sure if this is the coolest part, or the Best of Bowie DVD! I've rented this a couple of times, and I've even thrown a party dedicated to David Bowie in which we watched it.
Thing of it is, I've been contemplating buying it myself, because, really, I could watch this a million times and still love it (him). Oh, except for that song he did with Mick Jagger. But Bowie recently turned 60 (!!!), and this seems like a really nice tribute somehow.
SS, you rock. Really, you do. I've been absolutely blown away. :-)
Either way, I have an Angel now, going by the psuedonym "Secret Scalawag." Clever, if you ask me. The Secret Scalawag is way too cool, and seriously seems like they interact with me on a daily basis. I'm serious, just look at this:
Pink handmade soap and a bath bomb that would make Lush feel inadequate. Really, they smell SOOO nice. The bath bomb is going to be used here in a second. I say my SS knows me because I've had this obsession with pretty bath things lately. There's also a really nice-smelling votive. The bath items appear to be from Ben and Oliver, while the candle is more mysterious.
Then, obviously, my SS seems to know that the boyfriend and I really like Swedish Fish - to the point were we will microwave them to make them squishier. Perfect movie fod.
Amazing super-dark chocolate, which I bought two bars of recently; one to send to my own secret pal, and the other to keep and eat myself. This one is ESPRESSO chocolate!! It's probably to-die-for, but I'm barely awake yet.
Let's not forget my first EVER Socks that Rock! The colorway is Mist, in a pinky, greyish, purpley colorway. It feels like a dream; like Koigu, but I think a bit softer. I'm not sure if this is the coolest part, or the Best of Bowie DVD! I've rented this a couple of times, and I've even thrown a party dedicated to David Bowie in which we watched it.
Thing of it is, I've been contemplating buying it myself, because, really, I could watch this a million times and still love it (him). Oh, except for that song he did with Mick Jagger. But Bowie recently turned 60 (!!!), and this seems like a really nice tribute somehow.
SS, you rock. Really, you do. I've been absolutely blown away. :-)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Best secret pal ever!
While I was out shopping for an interview outfit, shoes, and makeup (and therefore singlehandedly holding up the American economy), a package arrived.
Somewhere in Maine, someone loves me. I know, I know, everyone goes on about how they have the best Secret Pal ever. But, seriously, to have a Secret Pal who seems to know me and my favorite types of yarn intimately is just... wow.
A bright pink with bits of subtle purple wool/silk from the Purled Llama. The yarn is called Melena. It has a really nice sheen to it like nobody's business. I'm almost thinking it'd make a good one skein wonder. We'll see. If not, Sexy Scarf #3,000,000. There's not much better than sexy scarves, really.
Also, a skein of Perchance to Knit's Foxtrot! Buaaahhh! If any of you are wondering, this stuff is more gorgeous in person. What sock pattern would do it justice?
And last and totally not least, two skeins of Bernat blacklight. If I don't do a shrug with the Melena, this is totally becoming one. Actually, it should be about right for the Anthropologie Inspired Capelet from Peony Knits. Bulky weight, soft, and washable. As much as natural fibers are nice, I still enjoy being able to wash things with a machine as opposed to by hand. My handwashing piles up and stays in a pile for a while.
Besides, I tested it because of the name. It IS blacklight reactive. Secret Pal, you just rule.
I really need to do homework instead of knit, and if I were to knit, it would have to be on those holiday gifts... I'm finding comfort in knowing that I am graduating from college in exactly a month, and that after that I can knit, sew, and do whatever to my heart's content.
Said job interview is Monday. It's with a large computer company that you all use every day. In fact, they own blogger's servers. I'll give you a hint: It starts with a G, and ends with an "oogle." I really want this job. Hope my interview outfit is as hot as I think it is.
Somewhere in Maine, someone loves me. I know, I know, everyone goes on about how they have the best Secret Pal ever. But, seriously, to have a Secret Pal who seems to know me and my favorite types of yarn intimately is just... wow.
A bright pink with bits of subtle purple wool/silk from the Purled Llama. The yarn is called Melena. It has a really nice sheen to it like nobody's business. I'm almost thinking it'd make a good one skein wonder. We'll see. If not, Sexy Scarf #3,000,000. There's not much better than sexy scarves, really.
Also, a skein of Perchance to Knit's Foxtrot! Buaaahhh! If any of you are wondering, this stuff is more gorgeous in person. What sock pattern would do it justice?
And last and totally not least, two skeins of Bernat blacklight. If I don't do a shrug with the Melena, this is totally becoming one. Actually, it should be about right for the Anthropologie Inspired Capelet from Peony Knits. Bulky weight, soft, and washable. As much as natural fibers are nice, I still enjoy being able to wash things with a machine as opposed to by hand. My handwashing piles up and stays in a pile for a while.
Besides, I tested it because of the name. It IS blacklight reactive. Secret Pal, you just rule.
I really need to do homework instead of knit, and if I were to knit, it would have to be on those holiday gifts... I'm finding comfort in knowing that I am graduating from college in exactly a month, and that after that I can knit, sew, and do whatever to my heart's content.
Said job interview is Monday. It's with a large computer company that you all use every day. In fact, they own blogger's servers. I'll give you a hint: It starts with a G, and ends with an "oogle." I really want this job. Hope my interview outfit is as hot as I think it is.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
SP9, among other things
I got a really cute Halloween card from my Secret Pal. And then immediately felt like a dolt because I signed up with an old address. Oh well... I e-mailed her/him back so hopefully she got the right one now.
And I think I'm doing okay with my secret pal, er, doing the spoiling, that is. I try to send her things just as I decide to, since randomness is pretty fun. I've never done this before, and so I'm terrified that she won't like what I've put together for her. I mean... bleh, it's difficult. I hate to say too much in case she stumbles upon my blog. Let's just say I gathered all the parts for one of my favorite patterns and the materials, and hoping she goes gaga for it too. It's like buying for a difficult relative, but more difficult!
And everyone should go here and drool over the Foxtrot sock yarn. I'm tempted to order myself some. But no, I am poor, I can't be doing that...
I finished the knitting part of my silk corset. It's going to need aggressive blocking in order to fit. I mean, it looks tiny, but the rib pattern is so very stretchy. I just have to crochet around edges, weave in ends, sew on buttons, and BLOCK LIKE A MUTHA! This would be an ideal time to have a squishy dress form... Maybe one day...
But, the good news is, freeing up those needles meant that I got to cast on my Deep V Argyle Vest! Hopefully I don't ruin this thing, but I did take advice from the old knit along and NOT use merino style. I'm using the skinner, more DK-ish Telemark and some pink wool I got from the MI Fiber fest.
I'm afraid, though, very afraid. My swatch turned out OK, but it was a while ago, and I think maybe I should be using 5s instead of 4s. ... At least my Anastasia socks are almost done and quite nice.
And I think I'm doing okay with my secret pal, er, doing the spoiling, that is. I try to send her things just as I decide to, since randomness is pretty fun. I've never done this before, and so I'm terrified that she won't like what I've put together for her. I mean... bleh, it's difficult. I hate to say too much in case she stumbles upon my blog. Let's just say I gathered all the parts for one of my favorite patterns and the materials, and hoping she goes gaga for it too. It's like buying for a difficult relative, but more difficult!
And everyone should go here and drool over the Foxtrot sock yarn. I'm tempted to order myself some. But no, I am poor, I can't be doing that...
I finished the knitting part of my silk corset. It's going to need aggressive blocking in order to fit. I mean, it looks tiny, but the rib pattern is so very stretchy. I just have to crochet around edges, weave in ends, sew on buttons, and BLOCK LIKE A MUTHA! This would be an ideal time to have a squishy dress form... Maybe one day...
But, the good news is, freeing up those needles meant that I got to cast on my Deep V Argyle Vest! Hopefully I don't ruin this thing, but I did take advice from the old knit along and NOT use merino style. I'm using the skinner, more DK-ish Telemark and some pink wool I got from the MI Fiber fest.
I'm afraid, though, very afraid. My swatch turned out OK, but it was a while ago, and I think maybe I should be using 5s instead of 4s. ... At least my Anastasia socks are almost done and quite nice.
Friday, October 13, 2006
My best FO?
Well, my SP9 hostess asked me what my favorite/best FO is. Choosing is a hard process. At first I was thinking my Clapotis, but since everyone has made one of those and it was pretty easy, I decided to stick with something that's a little more unique.
If you've been reading me for more than like four months, you probably remember this:
It's a beaded scarf I made for my grandmother's 85th birthday out of koigu and some bronze beads. She loved it, but probably in that "I'll only wear this for a special occasion" kind of way. I got the pattern from a co-worker at my LYS, who has been using it as a demo to teach classes on beaded knitting.
So yeah. Not hugely technically difficult, but made better by the fact that I know it was loved and well-received. Grandma was like, "Oh, these are my colors! How lovely!" and on and on because she's a talker. :-)
If you've been reading me for more than like four months, you probably remember this:
It's a beaded scarf I made for my grandmother's 85th birthday out of koigu and some bronze beads. She loved it, but probably in that "I'll only wear this for a special occasion" kind of way. I got the pattern from a co-worker at my LYS, who has been using it as a demo to teach classes on beaded knitting.
So yeah. Not hugely technically difficult, but made better by the fact that I know it was loved and well-received. Grandma was like, "Oh, these are my colors! How lovely!" and on and on because she's a talker. :-)
Monday, October 02, 2006
Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Favorites:
Malabrigo, koigu, lorna's laces, anything with modal in it (Knitpicks Shine, Berroco Touche). I don't hate acrylics - Encore, caron simply soft and whatnot are useful when washability is paramont. I also love sugar 'n' cream and lion cotton because I make too many dishcloths.
Least Favorites:
Red heart and knitpicks pallette. (Pallette was soooo splitty!)
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A desk drawer. I've been meaning to sew myself a roll-up case because I have hordes of DPN's and straights flying around everywhere.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned when I was six, and I'm 21 now. I didn't knit constantly, but it's become my life with the onslaught of Stich 'n' Bitch and hot knitting patterns that weren't there before. I'd call myself advanced; I used to teach in a yarn shop and I don't think there's any technique that frightens me. (Except MAYBE steeking!)
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Urrrrr, one that's so old it's barely worth mentioning. In fact, I won't.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Vanilla, rose, lavender... You know, most candles and whatnot smell pretty nice, except for patchouli.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Ben & Jerry's is my weakness, but I don't think that can be mailed. I love, LOVE chocolate of all varieties and swedish fish. I'm not so much a fan of sour or cinnamon candy.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I have a drop spindle, roving, and a bit of frustration. I wish I could figure it out. I also sew myself clothing, or, attempt to.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
My computer and stereos are quite capable! I really am into older music, 70s and 80s sort of stuff: Bauhaus, David Bowie, Devo, Duran Duran, Iggy Pop, Joy Division, New Order, Peter Murphy, Love & Rockets, Ministry, Nitzer Ebb, ELO, The Beatles... As for new stuff, I'm more limited in my likings: NIN, Franz Ferdinand... and I've just drawn a blank! The majority of my music collection honestly is on vinyl or in my ipod. I hardly use CDs.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Piiiiink! Hot pink and black is my favorite combination. I love lime green, too. I'm not much of a fan of... yellow? Color is good, in general.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
No pets, unless you count my six Betta fish. I live with my fiance.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
All of the above, except for ponchos. Cold weather accessories are the only thing I like about a Michigan winter - I mean, they're very necessary, and they can be very cute. I have so many scarves, but there's nothing cooler than a ridiculous scarf, is there?
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I do like to make myself sweaters, but I've made far more gloves, dishcloths, and smaller things. I've been on a sock kick, lately, also.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Uh oh. That's a loaded question. I'm heading up the Dishcloth KAL, so dishcloths up the... Additionally, Annie Modesitt's silk corset, knitty's exchequered, many, many knucks as gifts (I've made three pairs already... Have yarn for two more), and the Anastasia socks. My next project is Eunny's Deep V Argyle Vest.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Sure!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have no need for circulars, other than my beloved Boye set. I use needles of all materials, really, metal and bamboo mostly. Plastic was too grabby and annoying for my taste.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Nope. I've been meaning to invest in one, though.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Two or three years, I'd venture to guess. I'm not sure though.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween!
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really, unless yarn counts.
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 don't have any magazine subscriptions, and my favorite knitting mag is Interweave. I used to get Vogue but it got rather ridiculous, to the point where an issue would come and I wouldn't want to make anything. The internet has given me more free patterns than I could ever hope for, and between my mom and I we have a nice knitting library...
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'm going to be trying steeking soon! Other than that... ? I've tried most every knitting technique in existence!
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, indeed I make socks. I'm a US 8 1/2, so my foot is about 9 1/2 inches long.
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
June 30th.
Favorites:
Malabrigo, koigu, lorna's laces, anything with modal in it (Knitpicks Shine, Berroco Touche). I don't hate acrylics - Encore, caron simply soft and whatnot are useful when washability is paramont. I also love sugar 'n' cream and lion cotton because I make too many dishcloths.
Least Favorites:
Red heart and knitpicks pallette. (Pallette was soooo splitty!)
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A desk drawer. I've been meaning to sew myself a roll-up case because I have hordes of DPN's and straights flying around everywhere.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned when I was six, and I'm 21 now. I didn't knit constantly, but it's become my life with the onslaught of Stich 'n' Bitch and hot knitting patterns that weren't there before. I'd call myself advanced; I used to teach in a yarn shop and I don't think there's any technique that frightens me. (Except MAYBE steeking!)
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Urrrrr, one that's so old it's barely worth mentioning. In fact, I won't.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Vanilla, rose, lavender... You know, most candles and whatnot smell pretty nice, except for patchouli.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Ben & Jerry's is my weakness, but I don't think that can be mailed. I love, LOVE chocolate of all varieties and swedish fish. I'm not so much a fan of sour or cinnamon candy.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I have a drop spindle, roving, and a bit of frustration. I wish I could figure it out. I also sew myself clothing, or, attempt to.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
My computer and stereos are quite capable! I really am into older music, 70s and 80s sort of stuff: Bauhaus, David Bowie, Devo, Duran Duran, Iggy Pop, Joy Division, New Order, Peter Murphy, Love & Rockets, Ministry, Nitzer Ebb, ELO, The Beatles... As for new stuff, I'm more limited in my likings: NIN, Franz Ferdinand... and I've just drawn a blank! The majority of my music collection honestly is on vinyl or in my ipod. I hardly use CDs.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Piiiiink! Hot pink and black is my favorite combination. I love lime green, too. I'm not much of a fan of... yellow? Color is good, in general.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
No pets, unless you count my six Betta fish. I live with my fiance.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
All of the above, except for ponchos. Cold weather accessories are the only thing I like about a Michigan winter - I mean, they're very necessary, and they can be very cute. I have so many scarves, but there's nothing cooler than a ridiculous scarf, is there?
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I do like to make myself sweaters, but I've made far more gloves, dishcloths, and smaller things. I've been on a sock kick, lately, also.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Uh oh. That's a loaded question. I'm heading up the Dishcloth KAL, so dishcloths up the... Additionally, Annie Modesitt's silk corset, knitty's exchequered, many, many knucks as gifts (I've made three pairs already... Have yarn for two more), and the Anastasia socks. My next project is Eunny's Deep V Argyle Vest.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Sure!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have no need for circulars, other than my beloved Boye set. I use needles of all materials, really, metal and bamboo mostly. Plastic was too grabby and annoying for my taste.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Nope. I've been meaning to invest in one, though.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Two or three years, I'd venture to guess. I'm not sure though.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween!
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really, unless yarn counts.
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 don't have any magazine subscriptions, and my favorite knitting mag is Interweave. I used to get Vogue but it got rather ridiculous, to the point where an issue would come and I wouldn't want to make anything. The internet has given me more free patterns than I could ever hope for, and between my mom and I we have a nice knitting library...
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'm going to be trying steeking soon! Other than that... ? I've tried most every knitting technique in existence!
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, indeed I make socks. I'm a US 8 1/2, so my foot is about 9 1/2 inches long.
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
June 30th.
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