Bead-dazzled

Thanks to the internet and tracking information, I knew before I left work that there was Loopy goodness on my front porch. Two skeins of Misty Mountain Farm's Blue Ridge Yarn Jubilee in different colorways, and sweet Loopy herself there. I have one skein in front of me now, and honestly, I can't stop petting it. I won't give anymore details, as one skein is for my Sockza pal's socks, and the other is of course, for me. However, having calculated my yarn purchases from the Virginia Yarn Crawl, that might be my last Loopy purchase for a while. (Think? No Sue, you're right... I won't be able to help myself, but it sounds good to admit I have a problem and pretend I'm in control!)

This little pretty was also in the Loopy box. I love bracelets, so the idea of a row/stitch counter that I can wear while I knit in public really appeals to me. I swear, I think all of Mary's purple writing must be wearing me down, because I find the blues, teals and PURPLES in the bracelet very pretty. Now, if I can just figure out how to best utilize it...

This little happy marker was also in my Loopy box, illustrating another reason I love shopping at The Loopy Ewe. Customer service, little gifts with purchase, and the best selection of sock yarn out there... what's not to love?! Yes, I buy sock yarn elsewhere, especially in person, but Sheri is the best, and has a cute blog too. (Pssst! Wanna know a secret? Sheri gives some SERIOUS hints about the sneak ups on her blog!) Is it just me, or does that blue, purple, teal and silver look simply wonderful?

Speaking of the talented and dear Mary, a second package addressed to me waited on the porch. (There were actually FIVE packages, but they were for Mark.) I knew it was coming, but was expecting it tomorrow, and I most certainly was not expecting all of the wonderment within. Just look!

Those are the stitch markers I was expecting. I'm breaking my own rules here and posting about goodies going out to others, but I can't help it. All of you need to see this lady's talent and help me pester her into business! I tried making stitch markers, and all I'm going to say is that the remainder of my starter kit is heading out to Mary later this week. It's the very least I can do for the incredible array of stitch marker awesomeness that arrived at my house today.

I was kinda' expecting these gems, as I'd shamelessly sent Mary a whole string of the milifori beads not long ago. Note the happy little sage green ribbon - one of my favorite shades of green, one of my favorite colors! I am so blessed to have found so many talented, generous, kind, friendly knitters online. So much for boring, dreary Mondays at my house. Second Monday in a row with outpourings of knitterly goodness on my front porch, and I still don't even know the name of one of the dear souls responsible for the great gifting...

Mary sent two sets of the milifori markers, and these, for me. I'd apologize for all the photos, but I know you want to see them all too! Aren't they sweet? I only wish I was more suited for something so pretty and classically ornate, but I'll enjoy feeling elegant and loved when I use them - all of them. The queen of charm bracelets is fast becoming a lavish stitch marker collector, all by the kindness of others!

There were three more sets in my little package (good things really *DO* come in small packages!), but I've changed my mind and will reveal them later, as they are gifts. I had to show you the purple dice though, which I suspect will be Blume's Accessories signature item, as they are very Mary, at least until she can convince her hubby to move! ;) So everyone, feel free to leave comments here, as Mary drops in for a cuppa' and some reading with her crocheting regulary, or pop on over to her own blog and tell her how badly you need her to set up shop somewhere online, post-haste, so you too can own your own Blume's Accessories custom-made with you in mind stitch markers!