A Winner!

Well, "RANDOM.ORG" was declared a winner. I can't figure out how to get the image from there onto here, so you are just going to have to trust me.  It declared comment 21 the winner, who is Rosanna!!! 

Rosie, it's all yours, and I will send you a copy of my Edith pattern through Ravelry, so check there for it. 

Congrats, and thanks all for entertaining me by playing.

1000 Hearts Giveaway!

Today the pattern for my Buy My 'Papes, Sir - Newsboy Hat was favourited on Ravelry by the 1000th person.  That's like having 1000 likes on Facebook, or 1000 followers on Twitter - except for I'm not sure about Twitter at all, because I have enough of a social media problem already...



Anyway, it's pretty exciting to me.  I've loved watching as the little heart beside my design climbed higher and higher in numbers.  Even more than that, I love. love. love. checking out the projects that people have made with my pattern.  How fun to see what people come up with!



So, to celebrate such a momentous occasion - or maybe it's just a good excuse for a giveaway - I am offering up one of my newsboy hats, in the infant size, to one of you wonderful readers! Anyone can win, as long as you don't live on the moon!


I suck with suspense, so I'm going to make this giveaway short and sweet.  You have until the end of the weekend (Sunday night) to comment on this post to get a chance to win.  I'll give you a second chance if you are a follower of my blog, just leave another comment to tell me that you are. And, because I'm nice like that, if you are one of the thousand (or become 1006, or any other number) people who have favourited my pattern on Ravelry, leave yet another comment, and I'll give you another chance to win.  Oh, and what the heck, let's add one more: if you Pin the pattern on Pinterest, I'll give you one more chance.  Nothing wrong with a little shameless self-promotion, right?  Let's see, how many chances might that give you?  Four. Four chances. (In my head I sounded like The Count off Sesame Street right there.  Just saying.)   That's not bad.

 
Oh, and just to be sweet, I'll also include a digital copy of my Edith sweater pattern, which you can purchase HERE, delivered straight to your inbox.  (You could go 'favourite' and Pin it as well, but I'm not giving away any more chances to win, no I'm not!)

So, comment, follow, favourite and pin away!!!

Here it is...

Alright, I've slacked this week, but give me a break, I did so good the other 6 weeks.  Besides, my giveaways were supposed to be Canadian Thanksgiving to American Thanksgiving, and through my procrastination I have managed that perfectly.  So, to all my American friends, HAPPY THANKSGIVING, enjoy your turkey! And to all, this week's giveaway:

That's right folks, two hats.  A cute rendition of the Snow Day hat, and a girly flower hat.  Both are child sized (4-12ish...), although they stretch quite nicely over my big scull, so if you want to wear them yourselves, you can enjoy them too! 

So, here's the final rules, and I'm changing them up a bit, just so certain people who have tried so hard and comment so well can have a better chance (I am all about blog integrity, but I can do what I can to tip the scales):

1. Mandatory Entry - comment on THIS blog post.
2. Extra Entry - comment on any other post this week, including the two written since Monday.
3. Extra extra entry - I will count as many entries for as many comments you leave, even if you leave more than one on each post.  Now, be realistic and leave real comments, not lame one word ones.  I reserve the right to ignore any comments I feel suck. 

I will announce the winner of this last giveaway (thank heaven it's over!) on Sunday, November 28th, in the evening sometime.

May the best commenter win!!!

It's about time for Christmas!

I don't want to complain, but it is a little hard to get into the Christmas Spirit with all the nice weather we are experiencing.  It has been such a nice fall in Calgary: unbelievably, really.  Eli spent an hour in the backyard today in just a t-shirt and jeans, in the middle of NOVEMBER! Crazy.

But, I'm not one to let a little sunshine get in my way, so let me spread a little Christmas your way by offering a Nativity set for this weeks giveaway. Here it is:

Now, don't be too impressed. I did not design or cut these pieces out.  But, I did paint and sand them! I have a set of my own and love it! 

Same rules apply as all the other giveaways.

Mandatory Entry:
1. Be a follower of my blog and comment on THIS post!

Extra Entries:
2. Comment on any other post this week.

I will draw, using Random.org, which I have finally figured out, next Sunday night, November 21, 2010. Hopefully lots of people from Calgary will enter this one, because this will cost an armload to mail. Oh what I go through for my faithful followers!

Comment away, my dear friends!  And, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Oh ya, a giveaway...

 You thought I forgot, didn't you?  Well, I didn't!

This is week five in my Thanksgiving to Thanksgiving Giveaway, and this week I am giving away a set of three wool balls. I don't have a picture, because I haven't made them yet, for I will personalize them for you if you want!  That's right, you will never have to worry about your balls being stolen, because I will felt your name (or your child's name, if you so wish) right on them.  Or I can just make some beautiful generic ones, if you want.  Pretty much, your wish is my command!

So, who will it be this week???

Here's the rules:

Madatory entry:

1. Be a follower and comment on this post.

Extra entries:
2. You will get one extra entry for every post you comment on this week (including the tutorial post).

This giveaway will be open until Sunday November 14th, at whatever time I choose to make the draw - probably in the evening sometime.  Anyone can enter, no matter where on this fine planet you live.

Down To Earth Toys Review and another Great Giveaway!!!

One of my favourite places in the world is Sandpoint, Idaho, and one of my favourite things about Sandpoint is that when I shop there, for food, fabric, clothes, and canning jars from the local hardware store, I know who I'm buying from.  I buy milk from Rhiannon, I get my fabric at Ben Franklin's and the same ornery old lady has cut it for years, Mr. Merwin, who owns Merwin's True Value, lives two doors down from our cabin, the local grocery store lets me take my groceries home when I forget my credit card because they trust I'll come back the next morning to pay. There is something to be said for small town America!

Not many of us have the pleasure of living in a town of 6000. However, each of us can do our part to support our local shop owners, farmers and small businesses. We can put our money into the homes of real people who provide real service and quality goods, rather than padding the pockets of large corporations with shady business practices and substandard products.

One of my favourite 'local' toy shops is Down To Earth Toys.  I say 'local' because while I lived in Michigan, Down To Earth Toys was local. It is run by my good friend Carrin, from her home, and I can vouch for her being one of the most socially conscious people I know.  She hand picks each of her items, ensuring that they are quality, safe and built through fair labor practices. Her quality control board consists of her sweet four-year old boy and his friends, who do a fine job of making sure each of the toys she supplies is kid worthy!

First of all, let me talk about her baby toys. Last year for Chirstmas we bought Silas this wonderful wooden bell rattle.  Made in Illinois of natural wood, it is absolutely beautiful.  The bell in it provides a simple melodic chime without it being a noise maker.  Silas's tiny fingers could grasp it at four months through the rungs around the bell, and now he can firmly hold the base.  It is an absolute constant in our diaper bag!

For older children Down To Earth Toys has a myriad of natural and organic toys that are not only fun and promote creativity, but will also be around long enough to be played with by your grandchildren.  We purchased this sorting block for Eli last year, and while I knew it would be fun for him, I was blown away by how beautiful it is.  It is one toy I don't feel I have to hide away in a toy chest to have my room look good.

There are millions of toys out there you could choose to buy this season, but why not choose to be responsible in your choices?  Every item from Down To Earth Toys is safe, non-toxic and provided through fair labour practices.  While she could be looking for ways to make the most possible money, regardless of the impact, Carrin instead is looking for ways to improve the future for our children.  Check out her website
and read about the choices she is making and decide what choices you can make this year for your children, your country and your world!

This week marks the middle of my Thanksgiving to Thanksgiving giveaways.  Carrin, from Down To Earth Toys, has generously agreed to sponsor this week's giveaway!  She has offered a great little item from her shop, showing that you don't have to spend a fortune to buy quality, responsible toys this season, a wonderful elastic powered paddle boat.

One lucky follower will win the paddle boat next Sunday night!  The rules are simple:

1. You MUST be a PUBLIC FOLLOWER.
2. You must comment on this post to enter.

And, there are a few things you can do to earn extra entries this week (leave a separate comment for each):
3. Comment on any other posts during the week of the giveaway (Monday to Sunday.)
4. Commenting on this post letting me know that you  "Like" Down To Earth Toys on Facebook
5. Comment on Down To Earth Toys on Facebook thanking Carrin for the giveaway.
6. Visit Down To Earth Toys, and come back here to tell me which item you like best or something about her shop that you LOVE!

Good luck, all, and happy commenting!!!

Giveaway Rules

Don't forget to sign up for this weeks awesome giveaway: an amber necklace from Inspired By Finn!!!

But, as with my other giveaways, please don't forget the rules:

1. You MUST be a PUBLIC FOLLOWER.
2. You must comment on the giveaway post.
3. You can get extra entries by commenting on any other posts during the week of the giveaway (Monday to Sunday.)

This week you can get two extra entries by (leave a separate comment for each):
4. Commenting on the original post letting me know that you  "Like" Inspired By Finn on Facebook 
5.  Go to Inspired By Finn, decide which item you like best, and leave a comment here telling me which it is.


I have gone through the comments and deleted any made by people who are not public followers. Sorry.  If I deleted your comment in error, please feel free to comment again and let me know that you are a follower.

Inspired By Finn Amber Necklace Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

When Eli was three months old I started to look for teething remedies that didn't include over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for Tylenol when I really need it, but I wanted to find something that could help Eli grow his pearly whites without having to drug him.  While doing a little research I happened upon a website that has since become a very favourite, Inspired By Finn.

Started by a mom (to a boy named Finn), Inspired By Finn sells Baltic amber necklaces for children and adults. Amber is great for teething (and various other ailments) because it contains analgesic properties.  When warmed against the skin it releases trace amounts of succinic acid, which is absorbed into the skin, benefiting the wearer with pain relief, immune system boosts, and more energy.


To be perfectly honest, I totally attribute the fact that my boys both teethed so incredibly well to the amber necklaces that they have both worn since they were three months old. I hardly noticed either of them teething until I had a finger in their mouths and felt a tooth.  Amber really works!  I have bought several different necklaces from the shop: round and chipped, light and dark.  I have lost a few, so needed to replace them, but I also like to have some choice! My favourite part about them is that they aren't just useful, but they are absolutely beautiful.  I wear mine and feel like I am dressed up.  I love my boys in them, too.  I really think they are great!

Beyond teething, I wear an amber necklace to help with back pain.  My mother swears it has relieved her chronic headaches.  My father says it has helped in his healing with a skiing accident he had last year. My entire family wears amber every single day.

This week I am so excited to announce a giveaway by Inspired By Finn!  One lucky winner will get any in stock necklace, 16 inches or smaller.  Yeah!

The rules still apply with this giveaway: all you have to do is be a follower and leave a comment on any post between now and next Sunday evening. For every post you comment on, you get an entry into the giveaway.  However, you can get additional entries by doing two things (leave a separate comment for each):
1. "Like" Inspired By Finn on Facebook  and leave a comment telling me you did.
2. Go to Inspired By Finn, decide which item you like best, and leave a comment here telling me which it is.

Who's excited?  I am!

Also, if you just can't wait to get an amber necklace, you can get 20% off NOW by following the directions here.

Just so you know, I was not given any products by Inspired By Finn.  I am reviewing this based solely on my experiences over the last 3 years with the amber I have purchased.  I have had multiple wonderful experiences with Inspired By Finn and recommend them whole heatedly.

Inspired By Red

Is it called "thrifting" when you get it for free, or just pure awesomeness?!

This weekend was epic for secondhand goodness. Our church hosted a "Clothing and Housewares Giveaway" and I scored big, if I do say so myself.  I love finding wonderful secondhand gems, keeping good stuff out of the landfill and all, and it's even better when its FREE!

Here's my list of finds:

Two new-with-tags sweaters for Benny and Charlie
A new-with-tag snowsuit for Kadie
A sweet poncho for Marigold
A new iron to replace the crappy one in my mom's sewing room
A brand new fleece jacket for Jared
Two fur coats for Holly
Some 35mm film for Holly and her camera obsession
Jared grabbed some random electronic stuff to take apart
A Sophie Giraffe (now Silas has one and I have one - I love Sophie)
An almost new bright green faux alligator skin Chinese Laundry purse
Santa showed up and I saw him pick up a few things too for this Christmas


And... for me, I found the greatest find EVER!

As kids we used plates like these exclusively for grilled cheese sandwiches,the ring for the cup is perfect for ketchup placement and dipping!  But, the ones we had when I was a kid were not nearly so fabulous as these - the cups were not red. Some were rectangular, some were white with painted flowers, some were more decorative than that, but none hat red cups. Joan found me a set at a thrift shop, so I have others, but I am absolutely in LOVE with the shape of these plates and the RED CUPS!  Honestly, everyone wants to come to my house for lunch so you can eat off these beauties - your life will be better for it, I promise!

So, inspired by ruby red, we laid out a table cloth and had a RED lunch yesterday.  Alright, we had a 'hews of red' lunch, but red nonetheless.  We had carrot juice, tomato soup, pumpkin muffins, carrot muffins, strawberries, and while not red, grilled cheese sandwiches (slathered in ketchup, which is red, don't you worry!)  We even used a redish table cloth.

It was fun, and I really am in love with my new plates and cups.

So... in the same vein, I will announce this week's giveaway.  This week you can win a set of reusable, super cute, very RED, Christmas gift tags!  Yeah for Christmas!

If I were a real blogger I would have wrapped a present, decorated a Christmas tree and sung a few carols while I took fantastic pictures of this... but I'm not.  So, here's a picture of my homemade gift tags, which you can have, if you win them.  Have I mentioned lately how much I love pom poms?  I love making them, I love finding ways to use them, I love having them around for when I need a warm little ball of fuzz.  I love them.

Same rules apply to this giveaway.  You get one entry for every post you comment on between now and next Sunday when I pick a winner.  Oh, and call me shameless, but you must be a public follower to win.

And, just to spark a little interest, next week's giveaway is going to blow you away with awesomeness, so stay tuned!  Just a hint, it's something you can wear, it's pieces are ancient, and someone else is sponsoring the giveaway!

Holidays in the Way Brings Upon a Giveaway!!!

I'm not one to rush things, but frankly, Halloween and Thanksgiving tend to just get in the way of my full enjoyment of Christmas.  Living in the States for three years really cramped my style, as their Thanksgiving, a whole six weeks after Canada's, three weeks after Halloween, has the habit of needing to be celebrated before bobbles can be hung, bells can be rung or carols can be sung! If it were up to me Christmas would begin as soon as the last leaf drops, which in Calgary is probably going to be this weekend.

So, as today is Thanksgiving in the True North, and I'm not going to let all these holidays get in my way, I am hosting a giveaway... or six...or seven!  That's right, every week from now until American Thanksgiving, when every person can freely celebrate Christmas without reproach, I am going to be giving away a little Christmas cheer.  All I ask is that you follow my blog publicly (oh, the joy I get from your happy little faces smiling at me from the Follower list!), and that you leave a comment on any post during the week of that particular giveaway.  That's right, it's that easy.  Follow and comment.  Comment on more than one post, you get your name in the draw more than one time!  (But, comment on one post several times, you still only get one entry, sorry.)  Each Sunday night I will announce a winner, and Monday morning I will post a new giveaway.  How's that sound to you?

So, starting today on this wonderful Thanksgiving morning, I am giving away a leaf inspired garland.  For those of you trying to hold on to the last few weeks of fall, this one's for you.  8 feet of beautiful fall colors, this can be used year after year.  I've loved mine, and hope whoever wins will enjoy theirs too.

Guest Blogging!!!

If you wanted to check it out, I guest blogged on my friend Cheryl's blog, SNELLDOGS. She's hosting a giveaway on there with the rest of my knit goods.

Here's a peek of her sweet boy modeling one of the girly hats. 

Last Chance to Enter!!!

My giveaway ends tomorrow night: if you haven't entered yet, do it!  I even added a new hat, and I'm working on another, so if I finish it tonight I will put it up in the morning.  The new hat is so cute:

If you haven't entered the giveaway yet, go here, read the rules, and enter!

Giving it all Away!!! - NEW ITEM

Here it is, what you've all been waiting for: the Hands Full of Happiness blog giveaway!!!

There are few addictions that benefit others so much as knitting.  Because, let's be honest, there are only so many knit items one woman can wear, so she must give some of the stuff she knits away. Today you get a chance to benefit from my problem.
 
There is only one requirement to enter my giveaway: you must become a follower of my blog (unless you live in the last century and only have a Hotmail account, and in that case you need to pledge your undying love to me and I will let you enter anyway.)  Absolutely anyone may enter, you just have to click that little button to the right that says "FOLLOW."  Come on... just click it.

Now that you've got that over with, check out the pictures, pick which one you would love to own should you win this fabulous giveaway, and leave a comment telling me your favourite.  It's really that easy!

On April 30th I am going to write all the names of people who have entered on little pieces of paper, crumple them up and throw them in a hat, and pick a winner!  I'll contact the winner, if I don't have it you will send me your address, and voila, you will be the new owner of one of my humble little creations!

Little Pumpkin - Organic Cotton - Size 0-12 months

Flapper Hat - 100% Superwash Wool - Size 4-5 years

Hermione Hat - Wool blend - Size Small (Woman's)

King Eli - 100% Organic Cotton (so wonderfully thick and soft!) - Size 5-10 years (it fits me)

Boy's Helmet - 100% Wool - 0-6 months

Vine Lace - !00% Acrylic - Premie or Doll fit

Brother Bear - 100% Cotton - Newborn

Baby Meathead - 100% Cotton - 0-6 months (Imagine this with a big wood button sewed on... so cute!)

Marigold's Butterfly - 100% Cotton - 0-6 months

Flower Scarf - 100% Cotton

Girl's Helmet - 100% Acrylic - 0-6 months

Mini Hermione - 85% Merino, 15% Cashmere - 6-12 Months

Flower Girl - 100% cotton - 0-6 months

Lizzie Lou - 100% Acrylic - 0-6 months

Simple Brown - 100% Organic Cotton - 8 years and up

Stripy Leg Warmers - 100% Superwash Wool - Up to 4T

Giveaways!!!

Many blogs offer giveaways as a way of promoting various products.  When I see one that I like, I often enter.  Why not, right???  Well, I have actually won two different giveaways.  I won a $50 coupon at Old Navy (Eli's summer wardrobe!) and today I won this cute switch plate.  Not sure what I'm going to do with it, as I don't have any girls, but it's really about the thrill of winning anyway, right?  (If you have a room that matches, let me know?)

Seeing as I aspire to being more than the blog I am, I think I am going to host my own giveaway.  You see, I  haven't found out if I'm having boys or girls with either of my pregnancies, so I happen to have a lot of little girl hats and such that I have made that I am willing to offer up.  We are moving in two weeks, so as I am packing I will find them all and post pictures, and one lucky "follower" will win!  And, for those of you with boys, I might even whip up a few hats for you!  So, stay tuned for the first ever {hands full of happiness} giveaway!!!  You are excited, I know.