Meet my color swapper, Maddie!

This is my newest knitting buddy, Maddie. We both signed up for this color swap thing and were paired together. It turns out that we live on the same street. So for our swap we decided to get together at our local Barnes and Nobles and swap in person. We look a little worn in this photo.. but oh well. Not one of my proudest moments. But look at what I got! Maddie is so cool. She's been reading this blog (God bless her for that alone!) and she's been studying up on my interests. She picked out some great fun Rowan big wool yarn for me to attempt making a hat for this winter. She says she's going to help guide me through it since the hats I've made in the past haven't worked out so well. I'm going to hold you to that, Maddie! There was also some yummy summer flavored tea and some great fabric swatches that I'll be sending to my mom to craft me something with. Maybe a needle case or something...hmmmm. I'll have to think about my request before I send it along. Maddie also made me this great handmade ball with all sorts of fabric swatches. And possibly my favorite thing of all.... The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult! I can't wait to get started reading it. (Although I have two other books to get through before I'll let myself endulge.)
I didn't take a photo of the red package I gave to Maddie, but I did make her model the monkey socks that I made for her. Aren't her feet fabulous!
She said that no one has ever knitted anything for her before and she's learning how to make socks now. I'm so proud that her first knitted gift came from me. What a knit dork I am! But hey, aren't we all? I love the way that these socks came out... I may just have to make another pair for myself!

Check out Maddie's blog here.

As for the the Knitty KAL, progress has been made. Here's my progress so far. I'm thinking that I might do a fabric liner (correct that, "attempt to do a fabric liner". My sewing skills are a little less than desireable.) in a nice yellow print maybe to bring out the yellow in the yarn. But first I must finish the straps and sew up the seams. Maybe I can convience my sewing maching guru of a neighbor to help me out with the lining. Here's hoping! When I'm done with this little bag, I'm planning to move on to the French Market bag. I bought some felting yarn this afternoon so I'll be already to get started. I think Julie from the KAL is also planning on working on one too. It'll be neat to see how they both turn out.