REVIEW: Crochet Lace

Crochet Lace
by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co. (June 3, 2008)

As a non-crocheter (at least so far), my first thought when I glance as this lovely book is "I wonder if I can talk my Mom in to making me the Animals on Parade Child's Spread." After all, I am her youngest child, right?

Crochet Lace showcases a collection of antique tablecloths and beadspreads - each more magnificent than the previous - and revises many of the old techniques used to create heirloom vintage lace pieces of the past, only to suit today's crochet threads. Vintage lace is simply stunning, you don't have to be a crafter to realize that. This book brings back the classic charm, paying special attention to working with traditional steel hooks and choosing the perfect crochet threads.

Each of the 23 project patterns include instructions in easy to read type and large, clear charts. Each project also features full page color photos to help make the intricate designs easy to follow.

You already know that I am partial to the Animals on Parade, however there are many favorite pieces in this book. The Butterfly Filet Table Topper is perfect for any little side table and I'd love to feature the Daisy Filigree Tablecloth on my own dining table. The beadspreeds are glorious (even if not practical in a 4 doggy household).

These projects will take time, however the results will most certainly become tomorrow's heirloom pieces that your friends and family with cherish for many years to come! If you're lucky enough to have vintage lace pieces in your collection, you already know what they mean and the memories they hold... why not start creating some of your own?

About the Authors: Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss have teamed up to provide unique projects for knitters and crochets for many years. They are co-authors of several books, including 100 Afghans to Knit & Crochet, 100 Purses to Knit & Crochet, 100 Hats to Knit & Crochet and the bestselling, 7-Day Afghans. Leinhauser founded Leaisure Arts, America's first independent needlework publishing company and Weiss currently serves as President of the Crochet Guild of America.

CONTEST! I have a copy of Crochet Lace to give away to one of you! To enter, simply leave a comment here telling me if you have any vintage lace pieces and what they mean to you. If you don't have any, what would it mean to complete one of your own? Deadline to enter is Wednesday, July 30th at midnight. Winner will be selected by random number generator. Thank you to Sterling Publishing for providing the books for review and giveaway.

The winner of the Poochie Bells from a previous review was drawn via random number generator... Congratulations Turtle! I will be in touch to get your mailing address.

REVIEW: Rowan Autumn Winter 2008 Yarns

Rowan Autumn Winter 2008 Yarns
~ Colourscape Chunky
~ purelife British Sheep Breeds
~ purelife Organic Wool
Available: August, 2008
Where to Find: Rowan Yarns

I'm really excited to tell you about three beauteous new yarns from Rowan's Autumn Winter 2008 line -- all are sure to become fast favorites in my own yarn stash.

First up is Colurscape Chunky. Colourscape is a brand new label from Rown, with the Chunky kicking it all off. This gorgeous variegated yarn is 100% lambs wool (mmmm...soooooo squishy), which is incredibly soft to the touch and an absolute dream to knit with. I know because I couldn't resist casting on with it and have a Cross Stitch scarf in progress...

The yarn just glides right over your needles and the colorway is vibrantly stunning! The yarn has a true hand spun feel to it and due to the specialized manner in which Colourscape is made, only a limited amount of each colorway can be produced by the mill... truly making it a must-have (if not must-hoard!) yarn for fall. Colourscape Chunky will be available this August in eight unique colorways.

Rowan's ethical brand purelife is launching its second yarn, British Sheep Breeds - a yarn that is both ethical and sustainable, perfect for the discerning knitter who is careful about the impact she makes on the environment. This soft, simple wool is produced from annually renewable resources, shorn and blended from four British breeds (Jacob, Black Welsh, Blue-faced Leicester and Suffolk) and spun into five wonderfully pure, undyed shades.

British Sheep Breeds is supported by The British Sheep Breeds Collection, featuring 12 new designs by Marie Wallin. The yarn and pattern book will be available this August.

Finally, we have the third yarn to be launched under the purelife brand, Organic Wool Naturally Dyed. This wool is incredibly soft and luxurious and like the British Sheep Breeds, is both ethical and sustainable. Organic Wool is produced from the fleece of sheep grazed on land free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and is then cleaned and processed in an environmentally friendly fashion. The colors come from natural plant dyes in eight dazzlingly beautiful colors reflective of their natural origns - from the chalky stone of parsley through the rich green of horsetail.

Organic Wool is supported by The Organic Wool Collection, featuring 12 modern and easy to wear designs by Marie Wallin. The yarn and pattern book will be available this August.

As mentioned, I am truly loving knitting with the Colourscape Chunky and I can't wait to find the perfect project for both the British Sheep Breeds and the Organic Wool!

The winner of the Doggie Knits book from a previous review was drawn via random number generator... (beginning with this drawing and going forward, I've opted to give every comment 2 numbers for the generator so that #1 and # last - who are rarerly ever drawn - have a fair shot... To use 22 comments as an example, #1 would get 1 and 23 ... #11 would get 11 and 33 ... #22 would get 22 and 44)

The first number was 25, which would have been Nancy, however since she asked me to pick another winner in her comment... next was 28, which matches up to # 6... Congratulations Sherri (be sure to stop by her blog and read about Oliver)! I will be in touch via email to get your mailing address!

REVIEW: Doggie Knits

Doggie Knits
Sweaters & Accessories for Your Best Friend
by Corinne Niessner
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co. (July 1, 2008)

I admit... chances are if its a knitting book of dog sweaters, it is more than likely a part of my collection. I'll also admit that I've bought many of these books, taken a look through, thought "how cute" and then never grabbed them off the bookshelf again. However, as soon as I received my advance copy of Doggie Knits, I knew this would be one that I will use over and over again!

This book truly contains start-to-finish instructions, beginning with the basics of knitting for your pooch - including how to measure your dog, tips of creating a sweater your dog will actually want to wear and ideas for playing with color (there's even a short tutorial on dying your own yarn). Basic knitting instructions follow, with large, clear, easy to follow illustrations, including a section on knitting in the round on DPNs. A bonus to this doggie book are instructions on creating legs holes for sweaters knit flat, as well as in the round.

The book is full of 18 splendid patterns - all of which have been rated 4 paws up! You will find simple sweaters, striped sweaters, hoodie sweaters (I'm thinking my Sophie needs one of these!) and sweaters for the challenging dog sizes (what to knit a tiny chihuahua pup?). The Snood just might be the cutest turtleneck/ear holder ever and I don't think I've ever seen a dog hat as cute and dare I say, practical, as the Cocoa Hat. There's also the very functional Libby Kerchief, which is perfect for those of us with droolers on the ends of our leashes.

Does your pup hate the feel of his nylon collar against his sensative neck? Perhaps a Collar Cozy needs to be added to your WIPs. Have a dog who likes to cover up? The felted, cocoon style Wally Bed is right up your alley.

Perhaps the most stunning of all projects is the Yoda Sweater, a modular knit using diamonds. What a great stash buster this one could be - just think of all those scraps of yarn you have lying around and what a beautious - or crazy - quilt effect you could make for your furbaby to show off the next time he's strutting down the street!

As I said, this book won't be collecting dust on my shelf - I've already stuck post-its on several projects! The photographs throughout the book will keep you ooohing and ahhhing with each turn of the page ... and bonus, they truly do show off the wonderful knits, not just the adorable fluffy babies wearing them! If you knit for pooches, be sure to add this one to your collection - patterns start with the simple and continue from there. Several moderations are included as well, which means your creativity is endless!

About the Author: Corinne Niessner taught herself to knit as a child and hasn't stopped yet! After decades of knitting for herself and family, she adopted her first dog - and had to knit for her (the Yoda sweater is named after her). Her obsession for knitting for dogs continued and spawned Lucky Penny Hand Made. Corinne resides in Chicago with her furbaby, Piccolo.

CONTEST! I have a copy of Doggie Knits to give away to one of you! To enter, simply leave a comment here telling me what your favorite doggie knit (or crochet) item is that you have made -or what you would like to make- and to whom it was for (make sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment). Deadline to enter is Wednesday, July 16th at midnight. Winner will be selected by random number generator. Thank you to Sterling Publishing for providing the books for review and giveaway.

REVIEW: When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters

When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters
An Emergency Survival Guide
by Marion Edmonds & Ahza Moore
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: The Taunton Press (Feb. 6, 2007)

The title and cover illustrations of this knitter's survival guide certainly lead to a quick chuckle and peaked my interest... but is this just yet another so-called "must have book for all knitters" or is this one really a good investment?

I turned the first few pages and read "Work is over. The dog is walked. The dishes are done. Finally, it's your knitting time." I'm liking this book already!

If you've bought other survival guides, you'll know what comes next... the sections on putting together a knitter's tool kit, the speech about always swatching (the authors are described as "knitting nanas or knitting fairy godmothers"... my Nana never lectured me on swatching!), talk of gauge, yarn labels, choosing the right needles and casting on. This is all pretty standard to survival guides of our times, but these ladies throw in some fun, useful tips (purling in to your swatch to indicate needle size; saving swatches to create a memory filled lap blanket; the answer to that age old question of why gauge measurements are given over 4 inches...) and cute humor.

The Secret Language of Knitting Patterns section is informative and inclusive. The list of standard abbreviations is longer than most I've seen. The "who says it's general knitting knowledge" is well said - you all know what happens when we assume in life... and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's learned the hard way what happens when you assume in knitting!

The book goes on with more whit and humor than I can shake a size 7 bamboo straight at. The tips and short stories highlighted in green blocks throughout will keep you in stitches ... or help to keep your stitches safely on the needles! I got a good chuckle from reading the tidbit on page 72 about the child (from the authors' after-school knitting program for ages 5 - 11) who was so pleased to show off the lovely scarf she started at home. The only problem? The kids were not allowed to take the knitting needles home... so this future Zimmerman fashioned her own from ball point pens! This leads us to a handy "emergency tool substitution" chart. First thing on it? This Book... there is no substitute. However, you can, of course, substitute the cork from last night's bottle of wine for point protectors. Drink up ladies... you have a lot of needle points that need protecting!

The book ends with a wonderful section on finishing... complete with perfect illustrations (the illustrations all throughout the book are clear and helpful).

My final verdict? Yes, this is one to add to your knitting bag. Bonus... its small in size, but not too small that we need coke bottle glasses to read it, and its small in price!

About the Authors: Between them, Marion Edmonds and Ahza Moore have 119 years of knitting experience. As partners in KnittingTogetherNYC, they have made knitting their livelihood, giving private knitting lessons and teaching at SoHo's Purl yarn store. They contributed patterns to Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson and develop patterns for magazines. This is their first book.

The winner of the Get Your Crochet On! Fly Tops & Funky Flavas book from my last review was drawn this morning via random number generator...

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers: 7
Timestamp: 2008-06-25 13:56:53 UTC

Congratulations to #7... Joanne! Your book will be arriving very shortly.

I have just received a wonderful shipment from Namaste of items to review. I will begin my review/testing this week (i.e. using the bags in real life), so look for the official review in another week or two. In the meantime, I can say that the new Peacock blue color is beautious!!!!!!! I heart it. I also heart this company... a family owned business where bringing your dog to work is the norm and their products are made from animal-friendly faux leather!

REVIEW: Get Your Crochet On!

As previously promised, welcome to the very first Product Review by Lapdog Creations! In the coming weeks you will be finding various reviews on books (both craft & pet related), yarns, notions, knitting/crochet accessories, etc. I hope you will enjoy this new content as much as I enjoy reviewing products!

Get Your Crochet On! Fly Tops & Funky Flavas
by Afya Ibomu
Paperback: 140 pages
Publisher: The Taunton Press (Nov. 20, 2007)

I will start off by saying that I am not a crocheter, however find this well illustrated book fun - especially for the younger, hip generation of crafters out there! The photos are very colorful and show the patterns well.

Fly Tops & Funky Flavas provides 30 hip, stylish, urban patterns for the young and young at heart - from tanks and tunics; to socks and menswear; to belts, bangles and earrings. You'll find alot of "out there" patterns that are truly made for the younger crowd - a Biker Chain, barely there bikini top (Lil' Ma) and Fat Gold Chain necklace for your boy in the hood! However, you'll also find several cute and more every-day wearable patterns, including a very cute belt (Chica) that even I would dare to wear, a funky men's tie (Boss Up) and a pair of tunic tops; a mesh style (Tune In) which would make a great beach cover up and a twist on the traditional Afrikan top (Dashiki) which would look super cute paired with a tank & jeans.

The book provides lots of basic, well illustrated crochet instruction for beginners (including How to Read a Crochet Pattern), as well as a Color Inspirations & Theory section.

Although the patterns aren't all leaning towards my personal style, I could see my younger niece asking for some of the pieces. This is an excellent book to help motivate some young fashionistas in to picking up a hook and creating their own pieces!

About the Author: Afya Ibomu is an innovative crochet designer and entrepreneur. Her crocheted creations have adorned such Hip Hop/Soul artists as Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli, dead prez, Eric Benet, Dwayne Wiggins (of Tony! Toni! Tone!), and Musiq.

CONTEST! In honor of the first officially published Lapdog Creations review, I am giving away a copy of this book! To enter, simply leave a comment here telling me what your favorite item is to crochet (make sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment). Deadline to enter is Tuesday, June 24th at midnight. Winner will be selected by random number generator. Thank you to The Taunton Press for providing the book for review and giveaway.

Blogiversary!

Could it really be?

2 years and 310 posts later... I've come a long, long way in the blogging (and knitting!) world since June 15, 2006!

Thank you to everyone who comes back to read about my crazy, multi-tasking ways... yes, even those of you who only come for the doggy pictures! I will soon be expanding my content to include the book & product reviews I mentioned about a month ago... look for the first one this week (combined with a mini contest)!

In honor of my 2 year blogiversary and my hopefullness of raising $1,000 for the ASPCA, I have a little contest. Well, its not even a contest per say, since everyone who wishes to take part will win! Anyone who donates a minimum of $15 to my ASPCA fundraising goals (you must click thru the ASPCA fundraiser banner at the top of my blog, then leave a comment her indicating you donated & with a way to contact you) will receive a free Lapdog Creations Stitch Marker! Its just my little way of thanking you for helping out animals in need (and don't forget, your donation is 100% tax deductible!). While you can donate at any time (the donation banner has been on my blog for quite some time now), the deadline for the free stitch marker offer is July 4th (my first rescue baby's 6th birthday).

And The Doggy Goes To...

Thank you to everyone who entered my contest in honor of ASPCA and for all the wonderful things you did to help animals in need and to spread the awareness! Thank you also to my wonderful crafty circle of friends who donated some fantastic prizes to the cause as well! Please be sure to click through to their Etsy shops where you'll find some wonderful products!

The bag of entries looked like this (great use of a knitting bag without current project!)...

And the winners were drawn..., so now... the moment you've all been waiting for! Please note these prize groupings are in no particular order and I was able to put together 8 different prize groupings. Included with each prize pack is an orange ASPCA wrist band.

Neck Rice Roll & Ice Pack from Blume's Accessories
goes to blogless Marlene!

Handknit Paw Print Scarf by Chan &

Purple Paw Awareness Pin goes to Mary!

Go Green Shopper Tote from Seacost Baby &
Stitch Marker Holder from Blume's Accessories
goes to Dianne!

Oversided Wallet (notions bag) from

Seacoast Baby & Doggy Tape Measure

from Yarndemon Designs goes to Paula!

Doggy Sock It Bag from Gypsy Knits, Doggy
Bandana from Seacoast Baby & Trekking
Sock Yarn from Criquette (not pictured) goes to Natalie!

Oversided Wallet (notions bag) from

Seacoast Baby, ASPCA t-shirt & Animal

Rescue Candle goes to Jessi!

Oversided Wallet (notions bag) & Doggy
Bandana from Seacoast Baby goes to Kenyetta!

Oversided Wallet (notions bag) from

Seacoast Baby & Kitchener Dog Tag goes to Anita!

Congratulations to all of the winners! I really hope everyone enjoys their prizes!

2 legs or 4?

Can you believe its May already? Where is the time flying off to these days? Its also doggy Thursday again...

I will be announcing the winners of my contest within the next day or two... I hope to do the drawing tonight, then I need to photo and post the prizes! Thank you to everyone who entered! My ASPCA fundraising banner will remain at the top of my blog, as I'm still inching along towards my $1,000 goal. Please feel free to click thru it and donate (or renew your membership) to the ASPCA at any time.

Foster Doggy update! I hear the black beauty Shelby (formerly Lilah) is really blossoming in to a sweet girl. Oh how I miss those stubby little legs and big 'ole paws of hers! Here she is watching her sisters wrestle... don't you just love their matching pink collars?

Family update! We have a new 2 legged addition ... introducing my newest nephew Samuel! Baby Sammy makes 6 for my brother, the 4 little ones and 2 grown ones (see Mom, aren't you glad there's only grandoggies on our end??). I've yet to meet Sam in person, but can't wait to pinch those cheeks...

Now on to the 4 legged doggy pics... its been a lounging kinda week around our house for the kiddos...

Zeus ~ "I love Mommy's squishy pillow thingy & the blankie my Grammy made for me..."

Sophie ~ "What?? Ladies don't sit like this?"

Teutul ~ "Let's get this straight now. I am still the baby... I don't care if she's younger than me!"

Lola ~ "Me loves my sista... even if she is always on my back!"

Coming Soon...

Coming Soon to Lapdog Creations...

REVIEWS!

Yes, I will soon be doing book reviews (craft and pet related), and possibly yarn, notion and knitting related item reviews as well. I'm very excited to get back to writing in this manner, as some of you know that I used to write music reviews (CDs, concerts, etc) and do band/artist interviews. I really miss that writing aspect and had a brainstorm (thank you Ally!)... what a great way to put LapdogCreations.com to even better use and bring some useful content to my readers! I've already received my first shipment of books from one publisher and hope to get reviews started very soon!

Also, I've just updated my Etsy Shop with 14 new sets of markers!!! Included in this batch were some great summery sets (baseball, coffee, summer chic, lady bugs, etc), more doggy sets and a couple of awareness sets too.

If you entered my contest, please be patient... winners will be announced in the coming week. I'm still awaiting the arrival of some of the prizes and didn't want to pick winners without prizes in hand.

What are you waiting for?

A reminder... my contest deadline is today (you have until midnight tonight)!!! The prizes continue to roll in and there will be at least 8 different prize categories (maybe more, once I have everything in hand and can sort it better)! So, just what are you waiting for? Enter!!!

I just got photos of the beautiful prizes from Jenn of Seacoast Baby (her etsy shop is currently empty, but I'm hoping she can get some things stocked in it soon for all of you to shop -- she makes amazing bags that would be perfect Mother's Day gifts - slip a bouquet of fresh flowers in one and it makes a great presentation)....

First up, a fabulous striped summery tote... perfect for shopping (go green!), work, school, the beach, and of course, your knitting!!!

There are 4 of the fabulous Seacoast Baby large wallets in some beautiful prints. These make fantastic notions bags!

There are also 2 of her Bow-Wow Bandanas... perfect for the posh pooch in your household!

4-legged Melodramatics

Is it really doggy Thursday again already? Its definitely feeling springy around here... temps were up to 80 yesterday (though we'll be in the more seasonably high 60's for the weekend) and I have had friggin devilish, voodoo like monsterous headaches all week, which of course means spring blooms... ugh.

A few reminders before the pictures... you have until tomorrow to enter my contest (or to get all your extra entries in)! Scroll back a bit and you'll see I've begun posting photos of some of the prizes that have arrived. Trust me... dog lover or not, knitter or not, you don't want to miss out on these awesome prizes!

For those of you who only visit on Thursdays for DOT, please scroll back a couple posts to see the kids with their DOT Spring swap package from Chan!

Now to the usual Thursday photos... I took my floating holiday on Monday and the kids got their spring baths (except for Miss Sophie who got an impromtu bath a couple days prior due to rolling around in some unknown nasty substance outside)... here's the photo montage!

My queen Lola was first in the tub... she's the easy, lady like one who'll hop in with just some slight coaching on her own...

Zeus the moose was next... he played the dead weight game with me, but I still managed to get all 118 pounds of him in ... on my own I might add (damn I'm getting good at this!)...

Look at that face... all depressed because he's not stinky anymore!

King Tut went last... after trying his best to hide in the bedroom, the kitchen, even in his crate... he's such a goofball! Of course he survived the bath just fine...




No wet Sophie pictures from her bath, but some cute ones nonetheless...

She even kept an eye on her siblings by peaking around the corner in to the bathroom to make sure no one was drowning... what a good sister (of course if there was a problem, she wasn't going to step foot in the bathroom again while bath time was going on...but she'd watch)!

We tried posing for a family photo again, but Zeus was still acting all melodramatic about being clean...

Sophie thought it was pretty funny (okay, so maybe that is a yawn, but I'd prefer to think it was a hearty laugh about everyone being wet - including soaked Mommy - except for her)....

More Contest Prizes!

HAPPY FRIDAY... I thought this week would never come to an end! This morning I received another one of the prizes for my contest...

It is the most adorably puppy dog tape measure from super talented Anita or Yarndemon Designs! She made one of these for me a few weeks ago and I absolutely adore it... as does just about anyone who's seen it! Trust me, photos do not do the cuteness factor justice for this!

So... as you can see from the past coupleof posts, the prizes are rolling in (there are still more to come!) and at this point I'm looking at at least 6 different prize categories, so don't miss out!

I'm also happy to report that my Bruins have survived to play another game in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs! We'll be at Game 6 tomorrow night... I'm remaining optimistic!

Contest, Knitting, Spring & DOGS... oh my!

So... we've happened upon yet another Dogs on Thursday, which means its almost TGIF time -- yeah!!!! As an added bonus, its feeling a lot like spring around here (high 60's today!)....

I did a hurry up, I've got 5 minutes before I have to leave for work quick photo shoot this morning, taking advantage of the lovely sunshine, to prove to everyone that I still knit, since I know my WIP and FO content has been lacking lately. As a result, I also downloaded a tun of cute furbaby pics off the camera too (a couple weeks worth - I sure do have plenty for upcoming DOT content...) Now grab a cup of coffee and settle in, this one's going to be a long one...

Shall we knit first? I'm just about done with the 2nd skein of Wisdom Sonnet for my One Row scarf, but think I want it longer so I grabbed a 3rd skein at A Knitter's Garden last night.

After frogging my ISE6 pal's lacey scarf twice, I decided to switch patterns (it was a designer error, not user error on the much cursed first pattern) and am now working on the Oriel Lace scarf.

I'm already loosing sleep wondering if I have any chance at all of completing this in time (friggin fingering weight yarn ... everyone thought I was crazy at guild last night...), however since my pal is fond of fall colors (just like me) and she lives in a cold winter climate (me too), I am comfortable in knowing that I can send her the beautiful wool/silk blend One Row scarf above if need be (but you bet I will have to make another one for myself.... I heart this one!).... ahhh, having a solid fall back plan feels nice!

Clappy is growing nicely, however I'll admit that since the deadline has been extended out to the 30th for the KAL, I've been neglecting her for the past week.... but of course, she is still blinged out to the max with some beautiful markers!

The Amerah is dropping quite nicely... I'm glad I chose it for the project!

Contest update! Remember you have until April 25th to enter my contest... and there are many ways to do so. The prizes being donated by my crafty circle are just amazing, so don't miss out! In fact, the list of prizes has now grown to include Trekking sock yarn being donated by the wonderful Criquette (check out her blog for some amazing no-sew snuggles!) and a Paw Print scarf handknit by the amazing Chan!

A couple have arrived already, including a beautiful sock / small project bag from Gypsy Knits

The neck rice roll, ice pack and stitch marker holder from Blume's Accessories have also arrived (without any prior knowledge, Mary used the same adorable fabric!)

As you can see, there are tuns of great prizes and you don't even have to be a knitter to enjoy most of them!

Now on to doggy Thursday... well, first I do want to show you this wonderful bag that was gifted to me by the uber talented, and fellow doggy Mom, Gaylen!

Isn't it gorgeous (it even matches my favorite Vera Bradley tote - you can see it here, used as a backdrop)?!?!? Gaylen wasn't happy with the way it turned out with her pattern tweaks and when I commented on how beautiful it was, she said "its in the mail..." What a friend! Thank you again G - it will get a tun of use, that's for sure!

The DOT spring swap is winding down... and I just want to publicly express how much fun I had putting together this swap package! I got to spoil Kenyetta, with this...

I think this was the coolest package to put together, but don't get me wrong... I still love the "regular" knitting related swaps too! I haven't received my package yet, but I know who my spoilee is and know its on the way... :) Now I'm working on spoiling my Spring Coffee swap pal!

Now ... on to the kids! Are you sick of pictures yet? I won't keep you too much longer, I'll just share a few I snapped this morning while doing my knitting photo shoot (as always, click their linked names for even more cuteness)....

Lola was so happy that spring has finally arrived, she was zipping around the yard at full speed!

And then she posed nicely for Mommy...

Sophie was too busy following her nose to pose...

She followed it right on up to Mommy's knitterly photo shoot...

Zeus, my always perfect model, had fun zipping around looking for birdies...

I didn't manage to get any of Tut outside today, but got the usual look when I told him Mommy had to leave for work...

Enjoy the rest of your spring day... and don't forget to enter the contest!

Go Orange!

Happy ASPCA Day (which just so happens to nicely fall on Dogs on Thursday)! If you're not quite sure how to celebrate, here is a list of 10 easy ways. Of course, I hope you will also enter my contest! There are several (and easy!) ways to enter and some wonderful prizes to be claimed, thanks to many of my amazing crafty pals! You have until April 25 to enter.

Before I get in to the usual doggy photos for today, I wanted to show you what I found this morning... my crocuses have finally opened up! Yesterday and today feel like spring... yeah! (even if I now have the sinus pressure, sneezy, headachey spring...) They are calling for the temps to drop again and showers all weekend... one weather idiot guy even mentioned that S word...

Back to the dogs... I unearthed some of their toys from the black hole underneath the couch the other day and found Mr. Sheepie. I don't think Sophie had met Mr. Sheepie before (that tells you how long he's been in the black hole, huh?), however she's really taken a shining to him. He's her new favorite buddy and has been carrying him all around the house with her. The girl's got good fiberly taste, no?

With my contest post last Thursday, I left you all hanging without the usual 1001 doggy pics, so here's a little catch up ... enjoy the rest of your day!

I'm still working on getting that perfect 4 doggy shot (why was 3 so much easier?) {as always, links have more pics}

Sophie being uncooperative...

Sophie doing her best Elvis Snarl...

Sophie's gone again (do you sense a theme here... now I know why 3 was easier!)

We've been attacked had plenty of birdie watching (and chasing) going on in the past couple weeks.

The pesky creatures sure held Tut's undivided attention and he got that "nose to the camera" thing going on again...

Zeus waking up from a nap... "did someone say BIRDIES??!!"

Speaking of napping... Lola & Sophie, still showing that sisterly love is the best (and should not be disturbed!).

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