I am so excited to announce the winner of our “Color by Kristin” giveaway!

Carol O. – you are the winner!  Please email me at kathy.elkins@yarn.com with your address, etc.  Please also let me know which project you would like to make and what size so that I can send you the right amount of yarn!  You can view all of the projects in the book on our website!

As soon as I hear from Carol, I will let everyone know which project she chose!

Thanks to everyone for commenting here on the WEB’s blog and Kristin’s!  We have both really enjoyed reading all of the comments and I know Kristin appreciates all of the love and support of her work

Kathy

I think I can officially say that this week is unofficially Kristin Nicholas week at WEBS!  With the clocks turning back this past weekend, what a bright and colorful way to face the shorter days!  We have several exciting things going on that I want to share with all of you!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had the opportunity to talk with Kristin on this week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit!  Her latest book, Color By Kristin has just been released and it is a spectacular book.  I spoke with Kristin about several of the projects and wanted to share pictures with you.

The Over-the-Top-Shawl is perfectly named:

Until you read the fine print (or have a conversation with Kristin) you don’t truly understand how this shawl is constructed.  It is knit in the round.   This not only makes the colorwork easier (I use that term very loosely) to do, but it’s also how the fringe is created.  Yes – once you have finished knitting this drop-dead piece in the round, you steek it and then unravel the steek stitches up to the start of the pattern.  It’s brilliant and terrifying all at the same time.  The finished piece measures approximately 25″x72″ long.  It uses 7 different colors of Nashua Handknits Julia.

The On-the-Go-Knitter’s Tote is a beautiful, functional bag which measures approximately 16″w x 14″ high x 4″ deep when finished:

The base is worked back and forth in garter stitch and then the sides are picked up and knit in the round. Eight beautiful colors are used for a total of 14 skeins.

I love the Best Friends Pullovers because the models are true best friends.  Kristin’s daughter Julia on the left and her buddy Bridget is on the right. 

I also just love this photo.  In both cases, the sweaters are worked in the round to the shoulders with steeks used to create the armholes.  The arms themselves are knit in the round and then stitched into the openings created by the steeks.  Both sweaters use 7 different colors.  Both sweaters also feature simple embroidery stitches that really add that extra bit of WOW!

Kristin and I didn’t get to talk about this pattern on the show, but I wanted to highlight it anyway.  I’m rather smitten with the Lazy Daisy Teapot Cozy:

I know, knit or crocheted “cozies” are somewhat cliche.  I think this teapot cozy has a tone of attitude.  I also like that although it’s colorful, it’s not knit using any sort of charted pattern.  Once again, Kristin takes this project to the next level with not only the colors she chose, but with the embroidery details she adds at the end.  As we always say at WEBS – it’s all in the finishing – be it blocking, seaming or embroidery.  The final steps of any project are usually what make great projects stand out from the rest of the crowd.

I could easily go on about the other 18 projects in the book (that’s a total of 22), but I’ll let you discover them for yourself.  The first three chapters are dedicated to a discussion by Kristin about using color, the fair isle technique and how to design with it.  There is a ton of valuable information packed into the first 32 pages of this book.

Now, I have a question for you.  How many of you actually clicked on the links I provided for each of the projects?  If you didn’t click, scroll back up, pick one and click through, then come back.  I’ll wait.

Well?  Do you like our new Kit function?  I am over-the-moon tickled with this new feature!   Each project in Kristin’s book can now be “purchased” all at once.  You don’t need to zip around and select the quantity for each of the yarns, then go find the book and then navigate around to the needles.  The kit page features the yarn in each colorway, pre-populated with the quantity for the smallest size or in the case of the shawl, the only size.  The book is listed as are suggested needles.  You can easily “un-select” any item you don’t need, you can change your quanities on the fly or if you want different colors, you can click through and do that as well!  The page will show the total FOR ALL ITEMS SELECTED.  If you change quantities or un-select something, the price will change.  NOTE:  The price is the full price BEFORE OUR YARN AND BOOK DISCOUNT IS APPLIED.  This will happen in the shopping cart.  Remember – everything starts out SELECTED.   You have to buy the book once so you have the patterns.  Once you buy it or if you already have purchased it, you can unselect that option.  Same witht the needles if you don’t need them.

To see what other kits we have already put together you can simply click here or if you start on our homepage, click on “Books, Patterns & Kits” on the top navigation, click on “Knitting” on the left navigation and you’ll see a list of Kits right in the center of the page.  We plan to create these kits for all of our best selling patterns and books.  It’s a lot of work so check back frequently to see what is new. 

We also announced on the podcast we are now carrying Kristin’s yarn Julia.  It is distributed by Nashua Handknits, a division of Westminster Fibers (same folks who distribute Rowan and Gedifra and Kertzer).  Julia is a unique blend of 50% wool/25% mohair/25% alpaca.  Each skein has 93 yards and it’s a classic worsted weight yarn at 5 sts= 1″ on #7 needles.  I realize the fiber content doesn’t sound that special, but it is.  The properties of each of the fibers and how they are blended together are what creates the feel, the drape, the look of the finished fabric in Kristin’s garments.  Plus, she has honed her palette over years.  There are lots of yarns out there with large color ranges, several of our own Valley Yarns included.  But the way her palette works together just simply can’t be found in another yarn.  I am thrilled to be carrying Kristin’s Julia yarn.

Now, onto the festivities of the week ahead.

1.  We will be featuring a trunk show all week of several of the projects from her book.  Be sure to stop in an check them out in person.

2. Kristin will be at WEBS this Thursday night, 11/5 from 6:00-7:30pm for an impromptu Book Launch Party!  She’ll be signing copies of her book, talking about her yarn and will be bringing more garments from the book as well.  We’ll have light refreshments as always.

3.  We’re also having a contest!  What fun would it be if we weren’t giving something away?  Starting today, leave a comment here on my blog and on Kristin’s Getting Stitched on the Farm blog.  Tell us what you think of her book, the projects, how has Kristin inspired your knitting, etc.   The contest starts today and ends on Friday.  We’ll select a random winner who will receive a signed copy of Color byKristin, the yarn for a project of their choice in the quantity for their size (if applicable) and the necessary needles, notions, etc.  Pretty cool, huh?

So, let the commenting begin!  I’d also LOVE your feedback on the new kit function.

Cheers!

Kathy

P.S.  Remember Kristin’s book and Julia yarn are discountable!

There’s only one week left to the faboo contest I’m running with lovely KnitPurlGurl! Full details are on her blog http://www.knitpurlgurl.com/ and the prize is a set of our NEW Interchangeable Needles!

She has a great blog you should check out – lots of fun stuff going on and great info. KnitPurlGurl is one of those ladies I swear must not sleep. The contest ends next Tuesday, 10/13 so be sure to follow the steps to get yourself entered!

I know I’ve been a bit remiss about the blog lately. Steve & I made some choices for the boys as they headed back to school which have caused my regular schedule to be less than regular. Couple that with two boys playing hockey and needless to say, I’m finding myself about 15 hours short at the end of the week and so far the blog has suffered because of it. I’m trying to get the new schedule and routine in order and I appreciate everyone sticking with me!

Kathy

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Berroco contest.  I read all of your comments and appreciate the time you all took to post your thoughts on the new Fall ‘09 line.  I’ve just been informed that the pattern books have arrived at Berroco, so those will be shipping to us in the next couple of days and then right out to all of you that have pre-ordered!

But I digress, it is time to announce the winner of the contest.  This very lucky lady will receive enough Blackstone Tweed (in the color of her choice) and the pattern booklet to make Nuss:

I will be throwing in the necessary needles, etc., and even a $25 gift card from WEBS for a future purchase.  Pretty swanky prize if I do say so myself!

Using a random number generator and matching the comments on my blog to Berroco’s blog, I am thrilled to announce that MICHELLE of the blog FUN WITH KNITTING (and Quilting) is our winner!  Yay Michelle!

Please email me at Kathy DOT Elkins AT Yarn DOT  Com and you can tell me which color of Blackstone Tweed you want and we’ll figure out how much you need and we’ll get your prize out to you!  Also – do you have a preference for needles (wood v. metal, straight v. circs). 

I know many of you are sad that you didn’t win, but we have more contests in the works, so stay tuned to the blog (or better yet, subscribe to our RSS feed and we’ll just pop into your email or reader service every time I update).

Thanks again to everyone who played along and let’s all give Michelle some love in the comments!

Kathy

Hey Everyone – as we’ve been promising fall yarns are starting to stream in!  We’ve just received our entire shipment of new yarns from Berroco!  Let me just say that Norah, Cirilia and the entire Berroco team have hit a major homerun with this collection.  I’m going to give you all a quick run through of the yarns.  Pattern books will be following shortly and I’ll do another post about them when they arrive.  You can certainly pre-order the pattern books.

Berroco’s Fall 2009 Collection features 4 brand new yarns, two line extensions to existing yarns and lots of great new colors in their continuing lines.

First up is Lustra.  Lustra is a 50% Peruvian Wool/50% Tencel blend. 

The Tencel provides a nice sheen to the finished yarn.  Lustra knits at 4.5 sts/in on a #7 needle and each 100gm hank has 197 yards.  That is not a typo – 197 yards per hank.  It’s available in 16 colors and a great value at $9.00/hank considering the amazing yardage.  Lustra will have a dedicated pattern book.

Sundae is a big, thick, loosely spun yarn with gorgeous colors.

It’s 50% Wool/50% Acrylic and the plies are different colors and spun together very loosely.  The fiber content and roving-like finish means this chunky yarn will be light and lofty.  Sundae knits at 2.5 sts/in on a #15 needle.  We’re talking fast projects – great for accessories but Norah and Cirilia have also designed some great garments as well.  Sundae comes in a 100gm hank which has 62 yards.  Hey – that’s the life of a chunky yarn – shorter yardage.  There are ten gorgeous colors and cost is $9.00/hank.

Next is Blackstone Tweed.  I know, I know, you’re thinking “great, another tweed”.  Just hang on a second.  This is a tweed you definitely want to check out.  First, the fiber content is very cool – 65% Wool/25% Super Kid Mohair/10% Angora.  It’s not shed-y nor will it’s fibers get up in your face and make you all sneeze-y.  The blend is soft – unlike many tweeds which are traditionally crunchy and rough.  You can wear Blackstone Tweed next to your skin. 

It knits at 4.5 stitches/in on a #7 and has 130 yards on a 50gm ball.  There are 12 colors, a dedicated book that you will want to own and it retails for $9.50.

The fourth new yarn is Vintage Wool.  Folks – just hang on while I tell you about this yarn.  Trust me when I say it is going to become your go-to, workhorse, worsted weight yarn.  Vintage Wool is 50% Acrylic/40% Wool and 10% Nylon.  I’m sure many of you just thought to yourself “yuck” or “ick”.  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  Remember Comfort?  Remember poo-pooing it because of it’s fiber content and now how much you love it?  Vintage Wool feels like a fancy Extra Fine Merino.  Vintage Wool is like scoring a great cashmere sweater at Marshall’s for a steal.

It knits at either 5 sts/in on a #7 or 4.5 sts/in on a #8.  It comes in 100gm hanks.  Are you ready for the yardage?  2-1-7.  Yup – 217 yards per hank.  Colors?  Thirty two beautiful colors.  Price?  Go ahead – guess.

Nope, not $9.00.

Not $8.00.

$7.00 – still too high.

Vintage Wool is $6.00 per hank.  SIX DOLLARS PER HANK.  SIX tiny little DOLLARS for 217 yards of gorgeous yarn.

Did I mention it’s machine washable???  AND there’s a dedicated book.

Last but not least – Pure Merino is now available in 8 lovely Chine colors (pronounced shin-ay).

The Comfort line now has 12 yummy heathers as well.

All of this and we haven’t even talked about NGV5 or NG Men’s.  You can check those out at berroco.com and pre-order any of the patterns here.  The pattern books will be available in about 2 weeks – so say the fine folks at Berroco.

As if all of this wasn’t faboo enough, there’s one more thing. We’re having a contest.  Here’s how it will work – very easy and straightforward.

1.  Leave a comment here on my WEBS blog, on this post, about which yarn or design you are loving from the Berroco Fall 2009 Collection.

2.  Go to the Berroco Design Studio Blog and leave a comment for Norah and Cirilia with the same info.

3.  Next Friday we will select a winner at random from everyone who comments on BOTH blogs. 

4.  The winner will receive the a complete kit to create Nuss:

Nuss is made with Blackstone Tweed and is one of my favorites of the collection.  The winner will get enough yarn to make their size, they can choose their color, the entire Blackstone Pattern booklet will be included and I’ll toss in the appropriate needles and any other tools the pattern calls for.  Heck – we get enough blog love I might even throw in a WEBS gift card to boot!

I hope you love the line as much as I do!

Kathy

P.S.  For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you know I’m here at TNNA and sporting a very special, yet to be seen by anyone else, bag.  I’ve been told I’ll be able to blog about this lovely bag very, very soon, so stayed tune!

Barb Parry’s first book has just been released! 

Teach Yourself Visually Hand-Dyeing is packed with everything you need to know to hand dye your own yarns and fiber.  Barb is good friend and we couldn’t be happier for her.  I particularly like this series of books as I am a visual learner.  I have both the Knit and Crochet books in my library.

Barb is the owner of Foxfire Fiber & Design and is also a shepherd to an ever growing flock of sheep!  The final two lambs of the season were delivered earlier this week.  You can check out all the craziness of  life on the farm on Barb’s blog at www.sheepgal.com.  As part of the celebration surrounding the launch of Barb’s book, all of this season’s lambs are being named after colors.  Barb is asking folks to post a comment on her blog describing a color (or colors) that represent a joyous occasion in your life (and share a little about the event too if you like). On Monday, May 11, she will draw a name from the color commenters to win a special prize:

• a signed copy of my book and 2 skeins of Foxfire Wool Alpaca Twist yarn (enough for a pair of socks) dyed in your special color!

As usual, Steve had an amazing list of yarns to tempt all of you and we even hint at a new closeout that will be available next week.  Starts with “M” and the only other clue I’m giving is it’s NOT Malabrigo!

Pixie and I continue the latest KAL – the Shay Cap Sleeve Sweater, which is one of our original Valley Yarns designs. 

Listen to this week’s episode or download from iTunes! 

Enjoy!

Kathy

Thanks to all who participated in the contest hosted here and at www.mi-spa.com/blog.  Mimie and I had a great time putting this promotion together and hope to do another one later this year.

We both had a great response from all of you – we are both grateful for not only the participation but the comments.  Comments are what keep us bloggers going!   Today we cross-referenced all of the comments from both of our blogs to make sure qualifiers (a) posted on BOTH blogs and (b) Were within the time limits.  There were over 60 qualified commenters.  We used a random list and numbered you in that order.  We then used a random number generator to get the “winning” number.

I am thrilled to announce that Michelle of Granby, CT is our winner!!  Woohoo Michelle!  I expect everyone to clap and cheer for Michelle!  Please share your congrats in the comments!

Michelle – you can contact me at kathy DOT elkins AT yarn Dot com if you’d like to select the color of Southwick and I know Mimie wants you to select your fragrance for her portion of the prize so please be in touch with her.

I just have to say – I have been overwhelmed not only with the response to the contest but also the heartfelt and very personal memories everyone has shared.  I have read each and every one and even if I didn’t comment back, it doesn’t mean I wasn’t moved with your memory.  Honestly – there were some that I started to respond to and felt that my words just didn’t measure up – weren’t enough.  Mothers and daughters are an interesting combination. 

I have a very good relationship with my mom, although she is aging and in some ways failing.  She was never a lovey-dovey kind of mom, she’s very practical, organized, get it done without complaining kind of person.  In fact, she had zero tolerance for complaining in general.  I don’t have a particular Mother’s Day memory to share, but I do cherish the endless Scrabble games we played together.  I know she’s also a tad bitter that I ended up with two boys and no girls.  I think she was looking for payback – lets just say I had my moments

Although I hate to choose between my own two boys, I have to share what is my favorite memorty to date.  When Jackson was in 1st grade, his teacher had them create an “ornament”.  Funny enough it was made from yarn.  They blew up balloons, dragged the yarn through glue, wrapped the balloons with the yarn and let them sit.  When dry, the balloons were popped and each “ornament” had a special message attached.   More on that in a minute.

That day, I was rushed to pick the boys up – they were still at separate schools and we had an appt of some sort – probably dentist.  It was warmish and raining and I was flustered.  Jackson was so excited to show me his “present” but I was concerned about keeping it dry from the rain, getting to the car and onto wherever it was we needed to go.

Once we got to the car he asked me to look at his creation.  When I saw what he had written it brought tears to my eyes.

In case you can’t read it, here’s what he wrote, “I love more than a mosquitoes love me” Jackson

Now, I’m sure many of you are thinking this is an odd ode to his love for his Mom.  Not really.  See, without ample bug spray, Jackson gets eaten alive by the mosquitoes.  He gets frustrated when this happens and when he was little always asked why the mosquitoes bit him.  I told him it was because he was extra yummy and they just loved him too much.  Who knew how much those silly words were sticking with him.  His creation has hung in our kitchen window every single day since that Mother’s Day 4 years ago.

What’s that kid doing now?  Stressing me out!  I thought once hockey season was over and the ups and downs of being the mom of a goalie were over we’d cruise through baseball.  I figured he’d play an infield or outfield position, I’d sit and watch, relaxed – maybe even knitting.  Well, not so much.  Look what position he’s starting to/hoping to  play:

He’s suppose to debut tomorrow.  I guess the good news is that I’m the only one feeling the pressure – he’s embracing it.  My apologies for the blur.

Congrats again to Michelle and my appreciation to everyone who participated!

Kathy

I have a list of a gazillion items I need/want to blog about.  Some of them are worthy of their own post and that will happen this week.  There are a few items that I’m opting to combine together in this post for efficiency and brevity.  Allow me to jump right in:

1.  Thanks to EVERYONE who particpated in the shared blog contest with www.mi-spa.com/blog.  Mimie and I will be randomly selecting our winner and we’ll make the announcement on our respective blogs tomorrow.  I’ll get the yarn portion of the prize sent out and Mimie will get her portion sent out.  Please remember to continue to visit both our blogs when you can and continue to comment.  If you’re in the market for yarn or some wonderful spa products, I know we would both appreciate you visiting our sites to shop!

2.  This week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit!, Show #127 is available on our website and on iTunes.  This week Steve reviews the May Sale Yarns, some new closeouts and Pixie and I kick of the next KAL.  We are knitting the Shay Cap Sleeve Pullover - one of our own Valley Yarns designs.  We hope you’ll be knitting along!  (Full Disclosure – I am not knitting this project).

3.  I was catching up on some blogs earlier today and stumbled onto a very funny post from Being Beata.  She was at Stitches South and is a listener of our podcast (thanks!).  Here’s the part of her post that just cracked me up:

“I’ve been listening to the Webs podcast for a while, although I haven’t really kept up lately.  It was totally weird to see one of the owners, Steve Elkins, there.  He’s just normal guy running a booth at a yarn show.  But weird because I heard his voice in person.”

I will be using the “just a normal guy running a booth at a yarn show” description for sometime to come.  I’m sorry I wasn’t there to say “hi” Being Beata!  Thanks for shopping in our booth and sharing it with your readers!

4.  This weekend was Twist 2.0 www.twistfair.com  here in Northampton.  Twist is the labor of love of Lexie Barnes and her lovely husband Corey.  The event features amazing handmade items.  WEBS was one of the sponsor and we were there doing a variety of demos on Friday night & Saturday.  Steve & I didn’t get to spend as much time at Twist as we would have liked.  The schedule was a bit over the top for us this weekend.  I did get to hang out for a bit late yesterday afternoon and snapped a couple of shots:

Deb & Elizabeth chatting with our Asst Store Manger Tina (a Twist exhibitor) and a couple of our customers.

Elizabeth was working on a project – one of those lace projects that is just a jumbled pile.  She was asked what she was working on and although I missed the pattern name, she put on her jumbled pile and look what it turned into:

She’s using size 3 needles and our 10/2 Bamboo.  She didn’t want me to take a picture as it’s still in progress, ends hanging out, etc., but it was just too stunning to NOT take a picture.  I was speechless and therefore can’t tell you anything about it other than what I’ve already shared.  Hopefully Elizabeth will post in the comments and if not, I’ll get the low down on the project this week.  All I can say is WOW!

5.  Last but not least, this weekend was Maryland Sheep & Wool.  Steve & I have never been.  That schedule thing I mentioned above seems to be the culprit.  Our friend Guido of It’s a Purl Man blog & podcast  pulled together a fabulous afterparty on Saturday and we were thrilled to be a sponsor.  He did this in less than a week, which for anyone who has ever planned anything involving 150 people, sponsors, door prizes, etc., you understand it’s no small feat.  By all accounts the evening was a great success!  Thanks for letting us be a part of the fun Guido!

I think that covers things for today.  In addition to revealing the winner of the contest, I will be making another big announcement.  Be sure to stay tuned for that!

Kathy

NOTE:  Remember – to qualify for the faboo prizes in our latest contest you must comment here on my blog AND on Mimie’s at www.mi-spa.com/blog!  Comments should be left on my post of 4/28 titled “New Contest”.  Thanks!

April has been a crazy month.  I’ve been less than a stellar blogger and for those of you who take the time to read, my apologies.  Steve & I were gone for a few days on trip that was actually his 40th b’day gift from last year.  It was a planned trip – very special.  Although I share an awful lot of our lives – both professional and personal here on the blog and the podcast, this is one of those things I’m not going to say much more about.  We had an incredible time, we truly disconnected as much as we ever have.  I know I can say in all honesty, I cannot remember the last time I was as relaxed as I was on this trip. 

We came back with only a week before Steve headed to Stitches South.  I did not attend South – the first Stitches I’ve missed in nearly 4 years.  Being a Mom took priority and I stayed behind to run a big fundraising event at the boys’ school.  The boys both ended up being sick so that through a bit of a curve ball into the week’s plans.  All turned out well – Steve had a great time at Stitches South.  Thanks to everyone who came by the booth to say hi and to shop.  The event was a big success and the boys are healthy.

A shot of the tent at the event:

Here’s Jonathan the next day at the kids’ fair – kinda says it all:

I would be remiss before going any further in this post to not wish Steve a very Happy Anniversary.  Today is our 14th wedding anniversary, the last 7 of which we’ve spent running WEBS together.  Jonathan asked me this morning if I was going to wear my “married” dress to work today.  I figured it might be a bit much – with the sparkles and all .  Thanks for 14 fabulous years honey!  I love you!

One of the casualties of the past month has been Bessie (Sorry Pixie).  If you don’t know who Bessie is it means you’re not listening to our podcast, Ready, Set, Knit.  You can listen via our website or iTunes – just go subscribe and then you won’t be out of the loop.  With weeks of anticipation, I presented to all of you, Pixie’s chicken, the lovely diva chicken of the coop, Bessie:

Isn’t she awesome!  Look at her detail – the beading, the embroidery, the buttons on her tail feathers!

I just love Bessie’s attitude – she rocks!

 Bessie is not only one cool chick (hee hee), she’s quite popular.  She has had visitors.  Here – Bessie meets the lovely MIss Loretta:

Then, handsome Henry showed up one Saturday to call on Bessie:

But I think her first visitor will ultimately win Bessie’s heart.  He travelled all the way from Canada via his owner Lucy Neatby:

 I think they’re both smitten.

Here’s the happy extended family together:

As for my Lily, well, she’s still a work in progress.  Despite my pledge at the beginning of the year, my completion rate continues to be embarrassing.  My darn chicken has travelled more miles in the past two months than most of you will travel all year – still unfinished.  Not good. 

Even worse – this is making me all twitchy:

Not good at all.

But it all does come full circle – at least in terms of chickens.  Here is Steve’s favorite photo from Stitches South:

The beak opens and closes, eyes move.  Priceless

Kathy

NOTE:  Remember – to qualify for the faboo prizes you must comment here on my blog and on Mimie’s at www.mi-spa.com/blog!

I know I’ve been MIA for the past couple of weeks.  My apologies.  Sometimes life just gets in the way.  I have no idea where the month of April has gone – all I know it’s been a busy one!

There’s lots to catch up on, but today I’m focused on announcing the latest blog contest.  I’m partnering with Mimie of Mi-Spa.com for a fun giveaway. 

 What is mi Spa you ask?  Well, here’s how Mimie describes her business & products:

Derived from the Chinese word for rice, mi™ (pronounced ‘me’) continues the age-old Eastern tradition of incorporating rice-based ingredients in daily beauty rituals. For centuries Asian women utilized rice water and other rice-enriched products to maintain their ageless and flawless porcelain complexion. With an assortment of revitalizing formulas, customers can take advantage of the natural yet simple nutrient-rich alternatives to achieve youthful and soothing results.

mi™ offers more than 40 spellbinding bath and body products. The line’s luxurious indulgence awakens the senses with its intoxicating Asian-inspired scents from sensuous sake to the aromatic tropical scents of dreamy coconut lemongrass and sweetly-refreshing Yuzu. “We created our skin care line with the simplest natural ingredients for restoring tranquility to one’s chaotic lifestyle,” says mi SPA founder Mimie Wong.

I was intrigued by her products and she was kind enough to send me some samples.  The quality is wonderful.  I particularly love her hand and body lotion.  I don’t like strong scents in lotions or ones that leave you feeling greasy – not good when your trying to knit or otherwise work with yarn.  The scent is clean, light and refreshing and the lotion leaves your hands feeling soft and smooth.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, Mimie and I thought it would be fun to have a contest to promote our products together and offer a prize package.  From mi Spa, one lucky winner will receive:

• Rice Soap
• 4 oz tin candle
• 0.35 oz Dry Perfume Roll-on
• 4 oz sample of mi-lotion

The yarn portion of the prize is:

• basket full of our cotton/bamboo blend Southwick
• Tanglewood Cascading Cardigan pattern
• pair of needles

Pretty cool prize, isn’t it?

So, the way to play is as follows, comment here on my blog with a Mother’s Day memory and go over to the mi Spa blog and comment that you are visiting from the WEBS blog and entering the contest.  We’ll pick a random winner over the weekend and announce on Monday.  We’ll get your prize package out to you in time for Mother’s Day. 

You don’t have to give the prize away, nor do you yourself need to be a Mom.  The memory can be simple, funny, not so funny, about  your mom, a memory of you as a mom, etc.

So, that’s the latest and greatest from here.  If I’ve missed anything, I’m sure Mimie will let me know! 

In the event you are not the winner, Mimie’s prize is available for purchase on her site for $22.50.  Of course, the yarn, pattern and needles from my portion of the prize are available at www.yarn.com anytime

Have fun!  I look forward to reading your comments and we’ll be announcing a winner on Monday!

Kathy

P.S.  Mimie will be posting about this on her blog later tonight – she’s West Coast, I’m East Coast and we both have day jobs   Please comment on her post about this contest.  For those of you who commented on her most recent post, we’ll count that, but please let her get her post up – just makes it simpler.  Thanks!!!  You guys rock!