Millennial

My box with Option Number Two arrived yesterday while we were off partying. I didn't actually photograph all the yarn--just the loose skeins I carried upstairs and dumped on my bed . . . the bulk of the order was actually still downstairs when I took the photo.

The option for the hooded shawl is the dark pinkish-red yarn--the Reynolds Soft Sea Wool. Because, yes, as it turns out, the yarn I ordered is actually a dark pink, rather than a true red. More the color of the diagonal one at the bottom left of the picture than the one that's front and center--which makes it close but still not quite actually red. This is a little disappointing, but it's not TOO pink . . . I think. While I obviously haven't tried knitting with it yet, I really have to tell you--the yarn itself looks pretty fabulous. Soft, springy, nice twist . . . and not too expensive. I saw it compared to Koigu, and when you consider it's got 162 yards for about $6 and comes in a decent range of nice colors . . . You might want to check it out.

The other yarns in the picture? That's some Elsebeth Lavold Classic AL in a lovely honey color. I bought that with no specific plans in mind, but mostly because the closeout-sale price over at Webs was so good. I guesstimated that fifteen skeins should be enough for anything I'd probably want to make with it.  And, um, yes, I AM aware that that yarn would also work perfectly well for this hooded shawl. And that, also yes, the color would actually look pretty smashing with my hair. You know, if I gave up on the "red" obsession.

(Oh, and there's also some E.L Hempathy yarn, too. Not any time soon, perhaps, but I've been thinking of knitting up a net shopping bag at some point, and thought that would be a good choice . . . and it never hurts to have the yarn handy for when you need it.)

Also in yesterday's mail, I got some adorable stitch markers from Mama Llama. They're unique in that the part that goes over your needles is soft wire rather than a hard circle like most other stitch markers, an the wire ends are hidden under the beads, so there's nothing to grab your yarn. And that cute little sheep? He glows in the dark. What's not to love?

Now . . . about that post title. You see it, up there? "MIllennial?"

That's because this is my One-Thousandth Post. Wow. I know. I'm speechless, too. We've come a long way since we started in January 2005. (And thanks, Norma, for inspiring me to check my blog-stats to know that I was getting close to this milestone.)

Clearly, I can't let this milestone go uncelebrated, huh? I figured a contest of some kind would be good, but then had the hardest time thinking of one. Just saying "Leave a comment," works but is a little boring, but I don't want to make you all jump through hoops, either. So, how about this:

Leave me a comment on this post stating what you like about reading blogs--in general--and if you feel so inclined, what you like about my blog in particular. (Extra points may be accorded to comments that are particularly flattering while still sounding marginally sincere.) The winner will be chosen by either having written the very best, possible answer which just makes me want to give the writer a big, congratulatory hug, or if all the answers are equally good (or equally mediocre, which I'm sure will not be the case), we'll just throw it to the Random-Number-Selector gods. Or, you never know, I might just let Chappy pick out the winner. (Hey, it's my contest, I can play with the rules a little if I want, right?)

The prize? I'm not exactly sure yet, but it will be something yarny and delicious. Possibly something handspun by yours truly.

Because, well, 1000 posts . . . that's not a number that comes along every day.

And for the statistically-curious? On the 999 posts preceding this one, I've gotten 8,109 comments. Not as many as some of the more popular kids on the block, but pretty decent. It's nice to feel appreciated. (grin)

Oh, and the deadline for entries? Let's say a week from tomorrow, so . . . July 23rd.

Comments

[Paige]

congrats on the 1000 post thing! woot! Here's what I like about your blog:
1. that you write frequently.
2. that your written voice clearly shows your personality
3. that you include books amongst your topics.

Paige

[Beth]

Whew! 1000 is a BIG number - Congratulations!

The best thing about your blog is that you show nice, up-close photos of stuff. *Love* that! It's always the photos that inspire me to start new projects you know. :)

[Theresa]

Congratulations! I have a ways to go before hitting that milestone . . .

About your blog, I love the conversational tone. I feel like we're at knitting group together. And it's fun.

[Dawn]

Congratulations on 1000!

What I like about your blog is the Knitting, spinning, books and of course Chappy! Gosh I guess thats everything!!

[Nancy]

Congratulations! I guess what I like best about your blog is that you seem to be an enthusiastic person about a lot of things - knitting, spinning, Chappy, books, photos, family, and sky among others. This enthusiasm comes through clearly and is inspiring. Also, your blog is just really esthetically pleasing. It makes me happy not only to read it, but just to look at it!! Great job!!

[minnie]

what i like about reading blogs? the peeks i get into everybody's lives. experiencing what people in other parts of the world go through, all the way from northern canada, to england, to australia, and even some non-english speaking countries (i just read a blog over in sweden! thank goodness she typed it in english, lol).

why i like your blog? you sound like you could be my sister. or my best friend (is that too much sucking up?). you sound like me when you write, you have many of the same interests, and i can get ideas for new books from you!

[Vikkie]

I like reading blogs because it makes me feel connected to people who have the same interests that I do...I also like learning about others...it makes me feel that I am a part of the world and not apart...:-)

What I like about your blog is that you share beautiful pictures of the things you knit, the places you go and of Chappy ...I am a sucker for a cute furry face and he sure is cute! I also like your writing style, its real :-).

[Chris]

Congrats!! That's a whole lotta posts. What I like best about reading blogs is the feeling of community and closeness that develops through reading and commenting and responding to comments... and how that can amazingly translate into real life friendship.

[chris]

Lovely Yarn! And Congrat's on the 1000th post! Holy Moly. What I really like about your blog and what keeps me reading - although you have the knitting and the great pictures, you also share the other parts of your life.

[margene]

Congratulations on 1,000 posts! Reading blogs is like visiting with friends. You can read about their lives, their likes, their families, joys and sorrows. It's almost like being in someone's living room where you can chat together and share what you have a passion for. Reading your blog is a great way to keep up with what's current in books. It's also a great blog about family, your darling Chappy (who I just want to reach into the blog and pet!) All the knitting and spinning you do are inspirational, too!

[Susanne]

I receive tons of smiles, happiness but most of all INSPIRATION!!! I can't express how many times I have been inspired to try new things,stretch my horizons and look into my own stash for alternatives. I am particularly fond of animals so I find your blog particularly great read. Congrats on the 1000th post and here's to many, many more!!

[Jessica]

Wow! Congrats on number 1000! That's definitely a real milestone. Love the new yarns. I've seen the sea wool in person before myself and the colors are really good.

What do I like about reading blogs? The community. It's really amazing that such a diverse group of people can have so much in common. I've never been a part of anything quite like it.

[Christene]

I'm embarrassed to say I've only just discovered your blog, so obviously two of the things I like are contests and milestones to celebrate! Congratulations on yours, and wow, that's impressive (any hints on how to get the blogmuse to visit as frequently as she appears to visit you?)... It's already appeared in your comments but I also enjoy blogs that are "human", that convey the personality of their person; I enjoy feeling as if I know the writer, or at least a facet of the writer, from their posts...

[Amy]

What I like about reading blogs is that, while I'm in one of the busiest times of my life, I still have a social life. And it's at my convenience...early in the morning, late at night letting the dogs out, whenever. I can make friends and keep up with them in short bursts of time. And what do I like about your blog? Besides the knitting? Why, of course it's the books and CHAPPY! Dog lovers unite!

[Karen]

Congrats on 1000 blog entries!
What I like about blogs?? It is a learning thing I think - I can see what others are doing, what they have liked and not liked as much, what they are doing, get inspiration, see different yarns, colors, patterns, all from the comfort of my own home. I also get to "know" the person who is blogging in a way.
What do I like about your blog?? Photos, links and lots of good knitting content, and your positive outlook.

[Karen]

Congrats on 1000 blog entries!
What I like about blogs?? It is a learning thing I think - I can see what others are doing, what they have liked and not liked as much, what they are doing, get inspiration, see different yarns, colors, patterns, all from the comfort of my own home. I also get to "know" the person who is blogging in a way.
What do I like about your blog?? Photos, links and lots of good knitting content, and your positive outlook.

[Kim]

Congrats on your 100th post! That's huge as it your haul of new yarn. I still say go with the Sea Wool. It's scrumptious. The thing I love most about knit blogs in general is the sense of community and the friendships that spring up. Like ours. It was so cool when I found out you lived so close by and got to meet you when I adopted Kiwi. I also got to meet Chappy! With your blog in particular, I especially like (aside from the knittign & spinning): frequent posts; your monthly book list; that you post about what you've cooked along with photos; you write well and always tell it like it is. I could go on and on.

[Connie]

I love seeing all the great projects people are working on and the adorable pet pictures that are posted.

[Bethe]

Congrats on reaching such a milestone!

Yours was one of the first blogs I found when I became aware of the knitting blog world a couple of years ago. I enjoy your writing style. It's very real, and feels like a chat between friends. You share loads of information and you don't hide the mistakes or problems.

Oh - I'm a sucker for that dog of yours, too. ;)

[Olga]

I confess I came over here from Chris' blog, ;o)
But what I like in blogs and keeps me coming back is if we actually strike up a relationship through the comments, then I feel like I'm part of their world instead of hovering like a ghost. Humor plays a part too, I love wit.

[Brenda]

Congratulations. I love reading blogs because it does make you feel a connection in some way to the person whose blog you are reading. Your blog is especially fun to read because you share your life and let us see pictures of handsome Chappy. You are an accomplished knitter and i love to see what you are knitting. To a fairly new knitter your projects give great inspiration and also understanding as you explain where you are in a project and what and how you are modifying it. Please keep up the wonderful writing.

[Kristi aka Fiber Fool]

Wow, fantastic number of posts and comments! Impressive! I like reading blogs because it is an opening for conversation on topics that I don't find the people around always care to take part in :-)

[Karen in Toledo]

I like your blog for the gorgeous photos and knitting content. I read blogs in general to further my knitting skills and see what others are making, but also to see what new yarns are getting rave reviews and what stuff is, well, garbage!

Happy 1000th!

[kristi and otis]

I'm a bit of a voyeur I suppose and reading blogs is a legal way to express it and I love your blog, 'cause duh! You have a pupster!

[5elementknitr]

Frequency, slice of life (I like to "get to know" the people I read, if you're funny - I'm in!