Hi Again

Hi I have been in the first PRGE and the Mini and they ahve been two of my favorite swaps to participate in. These are some of my Punk items I have knitted. I really love the mitts requested by my DS, they are very skeletal.

Come Say Hello...

So we are getting close to the end of sign-ups for PRGE v.3, so if you want to sign up - do it now.

Its a slightly smaller group then last time, but there are tons of new faces. I would like to invite everyone to post an entry saying hello, posting something punk about them and something that they are proud of that they have knit/crochet. This is not a contest, totally optional, and more fun then having to remember everyone's name when you are sitting in a circle and recite them all back to the group (especially when your name is said Sun but spelled Sunne and no one hears it right/ says it right and it gets worse as you go down the line).

Please post your questionnaire by Septemeber 3rd, so I can get your pals out in a timely fashion. There will be a contest announced next week - less like past contests, more like a scavenger hunt - as always, great prizes!

Have a great long weekend!!

Thanks for playing!!

I Suck, I Suck!

I suck... I received a really great package from Cheryl for the PRGE Mini-Exchange, and I am just now getting around to posting it. There was a delay in sending it, and the package arrived while I was away at a conference... When I came back, I was bogged down by a looming deadline... So, major stress... But of course the next round of PRGE is beginning, so the last bits of the previous mini-round need to go up. In any case, it was very inconsiderate of me; I am sending out my apologies.... But here it is!

It was a very fabulous package filled with all sorts of goodies. In the overview picture, you can see a I Taught Myself to Crochet package (includes a booklet, 6 different crochet hooks, stitch markers, tapestry needles and yarn holder for multi-color crocheting), two long Afghan crochet hooks, a bag each of Welch's Fruit Snacks and Chewy SweetTarts (both of which are now no more... a moment of silence, please...), two canisters of Altoids Mango Sours (had never seen them before, I don't think, but are really, really sour! yum!), two canisters of Godiva Chocoiste: one Milk Chocolate Pearls and the other Dark Chocolate Pearls with Mint (again, fabulousness in a canister!), two hilarious luggage labels (one reads "remember? yours is black" and the other "take my luggage, do my laundry"), an insipirational magnet that reads "Success can only be measured in terms of distance traveled.", a box of assorted Harney & Sons teas, a box of The King's Cupoard's Espresso Chocolate Dessert Pudding (doesn't that sound fabulous!), and a Jasmine Green Tea scented candle from Yankee Candle, with a very nice and smooth scent that is not overpowering. And, that is not all!

Cheryl also sent me the cutest stitch markers I have ever seen! They are of dogs in various positions! I think you can get a fairly decent look at them in my pic to the right. Aren't they just the sweetest thing? I hope they can get my yarn and needles to obey my commands as well as they seem to be trained! ^^ For those who are interested, the stitch markers were made by Wee Ones.

And, you thought that was all? No, wait, there's more! Two skeins of fabulous yarn, both of which I have been dying to try out!!! One 420-yard/4-ounce hank of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock 100% superwash merino fingering weight in the Birches colorway and one 425-meter/100-gram skein of South West Trading Company's 50% superwash wool/25% Soysilk fibers/22.5% cotton/2.5% chitin Tofutsies in lovely purple/pink with bits of grey and black. Cool, huh? And below the two skeins of yarn, you can see a fabulous-est and punkest project bag I have ever seen! You can see one of the skulls... And the project bag is very sturdy. There's a hook so I can hook it to the outside of my knitting bag (or to my belt) so I can knit while standing around. I can close it tight with the elastic, which has a tightener clamp (or whatever that is actually called) and the end of the elastic is sealed with more skulls so the clamp doesn't come up! It's just so fantabulously punk!

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into this package Cheryl! I'm really enjoying all of the contents! Again, I apologize for my delay in posting... I know it can be a bummer when you have a slack-ass spoilee...

New blog adress

Hi all,

I'm removing my old blog www.marretje.punt.nl. Not sure when, but it won't be updated anymore.

My new blog is here, at Blogspot: http://booksandfiber.blogspot.com/

Dagdag!
Marion

PRGE v.3 Questionnaire

I know that everyone will be very sad to know that I have abandoned the 40 question monster-questionnaire that is traditional to these swaps. I am hoping that this shorter version will start some conversations with your pals and not take you 10 hours to fill out. If I missed something that you would like to see on the questionnaire - either leave comments or send me an e-mail. These questions are as much for you getting an idea of who your pal is, as for me pairing you up. Please have this posted to your blog by September 2nd, so I can use it in pairings.

1. Why are you punk?
2. What are your five favorite things? (these don't have to be knit related)
3. What are your three favorite things that you have made with knitting/crochet?
4. What five things would you love to see in a swap box someday?
5. What are your three favorite yarns? What are your three least favorite yarns?
6. What are your five favorite delicacies?
7. What are your three favorite guilty pleasures?
8. What are the five things you look forward to every week?
9. What do you collect?
10. When is your birthday?
11. Do you have any wishlists?
12. What would you like your pal to know that is not covered here?

Guess what showed up today...

Yep, my package for Rachel. 3 weeks and two days after I sent it express mail. Grrrr....

Rachel, I am so, so sorry about all this. I'll be resending it on Monday - by UPS.

SIGN UPS ARE OPEN!

Well, we are still finishing up a few straggling packages from PRGE(mini) but it is time to open sign-ups for the fall PRGE! If you get your PRGE(mini) package please post it on this site - just because we are moving forward doesn't mean that I am not watching for the last few packages to arrive...

There are some changes to PRGE for this round. Its not at all PUNK but essential to a good exchange - so all the rules are following. Sign ups close midnight Denver time on September 1st.

The total value of the swap boxes is $25 per box. I feel that when the limit was lower, most spent at least this. This is the value BEFORE postage. Know that if you ask for an international pal, your postage is on top of the value of the box. So the total value of the two boxes is $50.

This is a two box exchange. It is not okay to send one large box - two packages must be received by your pal. The first box must be received by October 1st, the second by November 15th. If you don't think you can have your boxes arrive by the deadlines, please don't play.

This is a half secret, half open exchange. You must have a secret e-mail to play. If your main e-mail is not referenced in your blog or blogger name, you can use that. The first box will be your reveal - the second box is just to spoil your new friend. You must contact your punk pal once a week (and hopefully more). There is a time commitment to being a pal, so if you don't have time to spare, wait till the next exchange.

You will be added to the prge site as an author. You are expected to post all your packages - or a link to them on this site, along with a thank you to your pal. You are also free to post anything else that you feel will be of interest to the group. There will be a listing of anyone who would like their prge/knitting/etsy shop listed and any discounts they would like to offer prge members. Please don't solicit business on this site (other then the listing).

Finally, I am strict on deadlines. So if you get an e-mail from me because you missed a deadline, don't get upset with me. I post all the dates clearly and upfront - if you don't want to follow the rules, this is not the swap for you. We do have a deadbeats list - I am not afraid to use it. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to contact me, most things can be worked out.

Enough rules. I am hoping to avoid problems by giving all the rules up front. On to the fun part - if you would like to join, please e-mail me at sunne (at) rmi (dot) net with the following information...

Name:
Blogger Name:
Blog Address:
Secret E-mail:
Main E-mail:
Address:
Do you smoke?
Do you have pets?
Do you have any allergies?
Would you like an international pal?
Is there anything else I should take into account when pairing you up?
Do you promise to be the best punk pal that you can be?
Do you give me permission to publicly flog you, not accept you into future exchanges and put your name on the deadbeats list if you don't complete your punk pal responsibilities, if you flake or are otherwise a deadbeat?

Swap Pkg

Well, I heard from my swap buddy yesterday, apparently she has been in and out of the hospital for the last week or so ill, one of those where the dr's have no clue what is happening. So even though my package was mailed it may have been returned to her home for ??any reason. So hopefully she will be diagnosed so she can start feeling better and start living life again. Just updating you all. Lol, is it friday yet??

Contest Goodies

Oh my gosh! I can't believe how much stuff you put into this Sunne! Thank you so much, I love getting packages, and it was filled with goodies. I got 4 balls of R2 Fuzzy Felt yarn in Black, 2 skeins of recycled cotton yarn (super cool! I love conservation and its neat to see it go into yarn now too. Especially in such a pretty manner, I am not super fond of the recycled silk, but this is beautiful!) Some handmade skull stitch markers by Sunne herself! And 2 handy
project bags. :o) I had to pack them all up right after I took the picture because I'm moving at the end of this week, but can't wait till I get there and get started on some new projects!

PackageSent

My package to Robert was unfortunately delayed, but it has been travelling for 9 days or so and hopefully will reach him soon.

My Pal Rocks

My pal Alison from Motherofallneedles, rocks!! I got an amazing package from her waiting on my step yesterday! It had beautiful yarn, treats from her hometown - Droitwich Spa, a set of Addi needles (perfect for lace), lotion and a handknit brooch and scarf - which I am wearing to work today. And to top that, she had sent me a skein of hand dyed cashmere from an etsy vendor in a separate package! I feel so spoiled!!
Thank you Alison!! You really spoiled me!!

I will update with photos later - just wanted to get the TY up sooner!!

Just checking in...

Hello!!
I am looking through all the awesome packages - so much fun! I just wanted to send a little reminder that if you have not posted your package here, please do so - or at least post a link to your blog, so we can all see your swag!!
There are 8 of us who have not received boxes yet - has everyone been contacted by their pal so you can stalk the appropriate package deliverer? If not, please let me know!!
It is so much fun to see what everyone is getting - what a great group!!

And just a reminder that sign-ups for the next big PRGE will open August 15th! This time with a few new twists!

Back to looking through all the fun boxes...
sunneshine

I love pam! or why I no longer fear swapping!

I knew I would love pam :) she has a long haired chihuahua and nooooooobody has those! [well lots of people besides she and I have them, obviously, but it is rare to find a chihuahua owner who's not a blonde celebuttant or a weird old lady...and even then they usually have short haired chihuahuas] I have had lots of recent bad swapping experience in the yarn swap-exchanges front lately before signing up for this swap and I was a lil more than bitter about it :P But GO PAM! My faith in swapping is totally renewed. I am ablogger noob so I don't know how to post pictures but if you go to my lj megiknit.livejournal.com there will be a picture there within the hour.

Needless to say she went WAY above and beyond [I honestly think she probably spent double the minimum!]:
2 skeins caldo print bulky blue wool [yumy legwarmers to come]
2 skeins debbie bliss cashmerino aran in red [i think i am the last person to ever use this yarn so yaaaaay!]
1 skein of lama silk [already earmarked for a skirt i'm planning]
a cute lil pill box with knitting needles and red yarn on top which was also filled with skull stitch markers [wearing one on my hoop earring right now]
&
perhaps best, and most esoteric of all, a knitted henry rowlings doll! he's already hanging out on the sofa in my office...probably going through my dvd and cd collection and giving me a well needed dose of cynicism. [look uh...all those aren't mine...they're uh...my mister nathan's...yes even the jem dvds! honest!....hey i own johnny mneumonic that should win me brownie points!]

Thank you so much pam! I really do love you :)

Orangebuttercat Rules

I got my package early last week but have been offline due to a myriad of technological difficulties, but that gave me time to begin knitting up the gorgeous skein of sea silk that my amazing pal, Jennifer, sent. I'm making it into a camisole with this lovely feather pattern, and I'm so enamoured of the yarn that I hardly want to put it down to go to the computer.


She also sent some really cool black cat (obsidian kitten!) stickers, an array of amazing cat and vintage postcards, stitch markers, a lovely candle, chocolate (mmmm!), and a pound of Peet's coffee (no wonder I can't stop knitting...). So sweet and thoughtful, all of it. Thanks Jennifer, you're awesome!

Bummed..continue stalking the mail carrier..

*sigh* it is such a tease! I know my buddy mailed my package off air mail a week ago but as of todays mail it is still not here. Not only that but yarn that was mailed off 2-2 1/2 weeks ago air mail also has not arrived (amongst other things that seem to be taking their extra sweet time) What is up? Lol, was going to call my mom (who works for the post office) and gripe...like that would do any good! *smile* So for now, I continue stalking the mail carrier....

It is here Karen - but just hanging out in the PO.

Oh jeez...I am so bad at this these days! I missed the first delivery attempt because? I dont know.
But the second time I missed it I have good reason - OSCAR HAD A FRAKKIN BUG IN HIS EAR. Seriously - I am al about all of this shizznit, but that? A BUG? FOUL beyond words....So I missed the second attempt. I had a rough night and missed the third attempt and knew I could go today to pick it up.
So I go to the local PO and whaddya know? NO PACAKGE.
It better be there tomorrow.
Me and the PO have some funky juju we gotta work out.

Thanks Jules!

Yay, despite the delay, I am quite happy with my package! Jules sent me some bamboo sock yarn (to feed my new sock addiction ;op), a Burts Bees gift bag with stuff to treat my hands with, some sock patterns (I was actually thinking of making a pair of Jaywalkers next!), dark chocolate covered altoids, a skull shaped soap on a rope, punk rock pins, and butterfly markers (which came in a tin that she covered with our PRGE mini button!). And all of it was wrapped up with a skull handkerchief. Very nice.

This was my first swap ever, and I am psyched to do another. I think I didn't quite understand exactly what sort of things I could include in my box, and now that I've seen everyone else's box, I think I am better prepared. :o) Thanks again Jules!

Sunne, you're a great pal

My package arrived and beautiful it is too! Only a small pic I'm afraid as Blogger was playing up! Anyway, there was 2 skeins of Buffy the Vampire Slayer yarn, 2 skeins of Cotton Iroha by Noro in greens, pinks and some blue. Some lovely dark chocolate, skull stitch markers made by Sunne herself and some black head voodoo stitch markers also made by her and they are fantastic! 2 Vintage Tailor cotton drawstring bags, one of which has a project in it already and a great zippered case just right for travelling or for notions. There were 5" bamboo DP N's of size 2, which is great cos my size 2's are very long and get in the way when I use them for socks. Magazines that I didn't have, a vintage book, a notebook, a set of skull transfers and a great card. I'm sure I left something out cos I feel super-spoiled. Thank you again Sunne!

I got my package this morning

From Rachel, courtesy of the Punk Rock (mini)Gift Exchange. Sorry about the picture below. My camera is, how you say, dying. But anyway...

The bag in the back is a Hello Kitty bag, with some stationary supplies for my little one, who will flip when she sees it this afternoon. There are two beautiful skeins at the front! There's also a knitting magazine, a model of a Paris apartment, a zine, and a beautifully hand bound booklet. And...some hand-printed fabric pieces! Just amazing. Thanks so much Rachel!

Sadness

I feel like I should post just like everyone else, but I am sad because my package hasn't arrived yet. Oh not because of a bad pal, Jules sent me an email last Monday saying she sent it out that day. I am sad because of poor post office skills. I am extra worried that it got lost in the mail because right at the time it should have come our entire complex was closed down for fumigation!! And now it hasn't shown up. Please help! Send some good vibes and maybe the package will find its way here from all the good karma. Here's hoping it comes soon!

EDIT (08.02.2007) - Of course just when I think all is over, it arrives! Unfortunately, no one was here to get it, so I'll be waking up early to run to the post office before work tomorrow! :oD

http://norichan.vox.com

Two packages from my pal!

OK. I feel very well taken care of! My swap partner, Obsidian Kitten, sent me a package last week containing some very cool cards and vintage postcards. Amazing, righ? Then, yesterday I received the contents shown in the second picture! I feel so lucky to have such a talented, generous and thoughtful swap partner. I will post later on my blog (I have trouble with blogger on my mac and do better on a PC which I can use at work). Thanks Obsidian Kitten! You are bloddy brilliant!

AND GET BETTER SOON! I JUST READ YOUR BLOG AND HOPE YOU ARE DOING BETTER!

Sunne- I got through the floods!

Droitwich finally dried out enough for me to get to the post office to post your package. Of course now we're dealing with the secret postal strikes! They're telling no-one where or when they are striking, I have a friend who is very big in her Union and the regional trades unions who can't get any info either. So, Sunne, with a fair wind and good luck you might receive your package next week. I have enclosed a newspaper cutting of the flooded high street for your amusement!