novamade

happy birthday to me!! (2012)

I had every intention of posting earlier in the day, but you know how it is...you wake up the day of your birth "x" number of years later, and people want to celebrate you.  It's kind of awesome.  I woke up to gifts and an off-key rendition of the birthday song (we are pretty sure that Little Sir is tone deaf...which is unfortunate as he thinks he is a really great singer--it's really quite cute).

We went to a library book sale (I know!! It's like the universe conspired to help me have an awesome day, right?!).  Bought some books, as one does.

We went to the circus.  Okay, this was more for my kids than me, but watching them have fun was like a gift in and of itself.

We ate fancy cupcakes that K and the boys bought yesterday while I worked the first extended shift of finals week at work (9am - 10pm, you know you're jealous!).  I dyed a whole bunch of wool while K and the boys made me a birthday cake (from  box, but who cares?  I didn't have to make it). 

And now I am posting this with a little under two hours left of my birthday.  For today, I am gifting a skein of my absolute favorite yarn, some Madeline Tosh sock yarn (it's Golden Hickory).  This yarn is perfection, and I would like to share some of that awesome with one of you. 

And since it's my birthday, I will throw in a box bag.  I will make you one, all special like (this means, I will ask you what you like and you will tell me, and then you will wait patiently while I make you a boxbag that will meet with your expectation of awesomeness--I am a busy person, this could take some time).

Since there is only two hours left of the day, I will extend the deadline for this giveaway (and this one only) till tomorrow, May 13th, 6:00 pm /1800 EST.  What do you need to do?  Not much. Leave a comment, anything you want:  birthday wishes...platitudes about my awesomeness, or yours, whatever.  Just leave a comment on this post and you are in it to win it.

I will take comments for this post until tomorrow night, 6pm, EST. Comments for all other Novakkah postsn (for the last 7 days), taken until 11:59 EST (or 2359, should you prefer that), Saturday, May 12th (that's tonight!). Please leave your responses on the appropriate post. One entry per post/person. I will show you what I have to gift each day and let you know what you need to tell me to try to get it. Giftees will be selected on the 13th and gifts sent out shortly (disclaimer: "shortly" matching my definition of the word, it could vary greatly from yours) thereafter.

seventh day of novakkah (2012)

It's birthday eve!  I figured I should get this post up sooner rather than later since you know, by birthday is tomorrow.  I have had such a great birthday celebration this year (and clearly, it's only going to get better!).

In the past I have talked about some of the things I have purchased for myself during Novakkah (oh, yeah, I totally give myself gifts during this celebration of awesome...duh...it's usually things that I need, or have just been to busy or lazy to get beforehand, don't be too impressed).  Last night I bought myself some running shoes, the old ones were 8 years old and had no tread on the heels.   Clearly it was time to give myself the gift of good shoes, I guess.  Maybe not the best gift I have ever given to myself, but certainly one of the most functional and best for my health, maybe?  And well, they are grey and purple, so that's something.

Anyway, what have I got for you today?  Not shoes, I know, you were probably hoping.  Today I have a skein of yarn.  It's Lucy Neatby yarn.  I have no idea if that means anything to you are not, but it is dyed well, albeit with a tiny catch of pink...which of course renders this useless to me.  When I bought it, I knew it was going to be destined as a blog giveaway, and so, there you are.

Should you want to add this yarn to your collection (or, I don't know, maybe make something with it?), please tell me: what is the best gift you have given YOURSELF for your birthday (we have already covered other people).  I want to know how you have spoiled yourself for your birthday.  If this is something you don't engage in (you totally need to fix that), tell me what you would gift yourself with for your next birthday.

I will take comments for this post, and all Novakkah posts, until 11:59 EST (or 2359, should you prefer that), Saturday, May 12th. Please leave your responses on the appropriate post. One entry per post/person. I will show you what I have to gift each day and let you know what you need to tell me to try to get it. Giftees will be selected on the 13th and gifts sent out shortly (disclaimer: "shortly" matching my definition of the word, it could vary greatly from yours) thereafter.

sixth day of novakkah (2012)

Today was a banner day for gift giving.  I have been getting a thing a day from my family but today it was variations on a theme.  Cakery.

This was completely unexpected.  It would have never occurred to me to ask for any of this; but, every time I bake a cake, I say something like, "a cake leveler would probably be a useful thing..."  Pretty awesome!  Kinda foodie, just like me!  So speaking of food... (well, it was better than yesterday...you know, the transition...) today's gift is...food.

More canned goods because it seemed to be a popular thing (you guys are driving what I put up each day, by the way).  I figured that if you did not know what a dilly bean was (what?!) you should know, and you should definitely get the chance to eat some (because one is not enough).  So today is the savory canning giveaway day (with some strawberry jam to temper the spice).  Dilly beans....

So, should you be interested in getting this canning package of joy, please to share: what is the best birthday gift that you have received that was totally unexpected; or rather, that you didn't even know you actually needed or wanted...but, you got it and, duh, of course it's the best gift ever....you know...just like that.

I will take comments for this post, and all Novakkah posts, until 11:59 EST (or2359, should you prefer that), Saturday, May 12th. Please leave your responses on the appropriate post. One entry per post/person. I will show you what I have to gift each day and let you know what you need to tell me to try to get it. Giftees will be selected on the 13th and gifts sent out shortly (disclaimer: "shortly" matching my definition of the word, it could cary greatly from yours) thereafter.

fifth day of novakkah (2012)

In the past, I have been known to take my birthday off from work.  My birthday is on Saturday this year; but, I am still technically taking the day off because it's finals week and I could have been working from noon till 10 at night, which is about as much fun as it sounds.  In any case, if I had a free day for my birthday this year, I would have spent the day quilting.  I just counted, I have 14 quilts in the "mostly done" or "pretty much done" stage.  It's pretty ridiculous.

Speaking of quilts, yeah, my segues are horrible this year, I know... today's big give/gift is a novamade quilt pattern.  The astute among you are probably thinking "but Nova, you don't have any quilt patterns..."  Well, yes and no.  I have been sitting on a quilt pattern for a few months now.  I am cleaning it up and will be releasing the pattern, let's say next week (if I say it, then it will be so?).  In any case, if you play the novakkah game today, you can win the pattern before you can buy it (hey, I sound like a radio station ad, no?).

It's my Interlocked pattern (yes!  I finally got around to it!).  It's been test quilted, I have made a few versions, and it's a great pattern (she says humbly).  It's beginner friendly, and fun (and pretty easy, too).  In any case... a pattern, and since a pattern with no fabric is no fun, I will throw in the accent squares for the quilt.  I will talk to the winner to get an idea of what size quilt you want to make (the pattern is written for three sizes) and the kind of fabric you'd like.  I am pretty sure I have most preferences covered.

To be considred for this prize today, please tell me: if you were given the gift of a "free day" for your next birthday, how would you spend the day?

I will take comments for this post, and all Novakkah posts, until 11:59 EST (or2359, should you prefer that), Saturday, May 12th. Please leave your responses on the appropriate post. One entry per post/person. I will show you what I have to gift each day and let you know what you need to tell me to try to get it. Giftees will be selected on the 13th and gifts sent out shortly thereafter.

fourth day of novakkah (2012)

And no, it doesn't get old at all.  So, do you remember how last year I got a bunch of canning related books?  And then do you remember how I went a little nuts canning all sorts of imaginable produce for five months?  If you don't, check the archives, if you are so inclined.  It was thrilling to be sure.  In any case, I pulled out my canning books to figure out what this year's canning ventures will be and it got me to thinking about gifts that keep on giving.  

For me, it's probably my camera, but last year's bevy of canning stuff is a close second.  We eat the fruits of my labor (ha!  do you see what I did there?! Oh, nevermind...) all the time and I have given canned preserves away on many a gift-giving occasion.  People actually like getting canned preserves, which sort of makes me happy. Which is why I am going to can some more awesome this summer.

In any case, should you like to get a chance to win some canned preserves (I am including three of the popular ones from last canning season: mango-lime jam, nectarine jam, and fig preserves.  If you can convince me to part with a quart jar of dilly beans--and I can find a box big enough, I will throw one of those in too), please tell me: what is the best (defined any way you want) birthday gift you have ever received that falls into the "gift that keeps on giving" category? I asked this last year, but it's a topic that intrigues me.

I will take comments for this post, and all Novakkah posts, until 11:59 EST (or2359, should you prefer that), Saturday, May 12th. Please leave your responses on the appropriate post. One entry per post/person. I will show you what I have to gift each day and let you know what you need to tell me to try to get it. Giftees will be selected on the 13th and gifts sent out shortly thereafter.

third day of novakkah (2012)

Most people would agree that getting exposure to new reading material is generally a good thing.  However, information, while a great thing--in theory, can also be quite dangerous.  While attending the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival last weekend, Little Sir found a new "most favorite book ever,"  The Banner.  It's a magazine about sheep: raising them, caring for them, etcetera.  And then in a flash of brilliance, he opined that " a sheep, no, actually two (because one would get lonely all by itself) would probably make the best birthday gift ever--and maybe one of them should be a ram, because they are cool."  I love wool as much as the next knitter.  No, I actually probably love it more; but, let's get this straight:  I draw the line at actually owning livestock.  It's all very well and good for others to own and breed and care for sheep, but I just can't get involved in that business.  I barely have enough time to properly care for myself and my children these days, I don't need animals lying about that can't clean up after themselves.  Honestly, where does he come up with this stuff?

Anyways...speaking of books, yes, I know, worst segue ever... Today's prize/gift/you fill in the word, is a pair of CEY publications.  I liked them so much I bought them twice (it's a trend with me apparently), my goof is your gain.  There are some pretty sweet patterns in the books, and they want to go to a new home, maybe yours?

To throw your hat in the ring for these books, please share: what is the craziest birthday gift you have ever received? Mayhap you have a six year old who dreams of owning his own sheep and decided to gift you with some of your very own?  No? Oh, well.

I will take comments for this post, and all Novakkah posts, until 11:59 EST (or2359, should you prefer that), Saturday, May 12th. Please leave your responses on the appropriate post. One entry per post/person. I will show you what I have to gift each day and let you know what you need to tell me to try to get it. Giftees will be selected on the 13th and gifts sent out shortly thereafter.

second day of novakkah (2012)

There are some people out there who don't buy into the whole celebrating birthdays bit.  I do not understand you people.  That being said, my birthday celebration this year is going great!  I spent half the day in the car driving back from Richmond, VA today, but since I slept for most of it...it was a clear win. 

I had a great time at MDSW by the way, I didn't buy much to be honest, it was fun to just be there (and meet blog readers!).

You are probably wondering what I am giving away today.  Oh, I am so glad you were wondering!  Today I am giving away a stitchie kit.  A while ago, I made two patterns based on the Littles, and I think they are pretty cute (I am biased, obviously).  The beautiful thing is this: you can alter the pattern as you see fit.  Making this for someone with blonde hair and blue eyes?  I am sure there is floss for that...and I probably have it!  in any case, stitchie kit.  Today's winner will get a sizable square of Kona cotton upon which to stitch your little heart out, embroidery floss, a needle and a pattern. Either Flying or Floating, you pick.

To get this prize of utter cuteness (again, bias...and maybe a little self-promotion, but whatever) please tell me: what is the best birthday gift you have ever gifted to another person?

I will take comments for this post, and all Novakkah posts, until 11:59 EST (or2359, should you prefer that), Saturday, May 12th. Please leave your responses on the appropriate post. One entry per post/person. I will show you what I have to gift each day and let you know what you need to tell me to try to get it. Giftees will be selected on the 13th and gifts sent out shortly thereafter.

cinco de mayo (or the first day of novakkah)

So it's Cinco de Mayo; or, as I like to think of it, the first day of Novakkah.  My eight day birthday celebration started today.  We celebrated by going to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  We left before the rain came through (I wish I could say it was foresight and not the Littles losing their minds from the heat, but there you are).

In any case, you know how it goes.  This is my invitation for you to celebrate with me.  Today's gift/prize for some lucky person chosen at random is 4 ounces of dyed wool.  I will let you tell me the color families that you are partial to and I will dye it for you.  If you are not a spinner, I will send you some handspun yarn instead.  Sound good?  So, tell me, what was your best birthday celebration (year) and why?

You have all week (till 11:59 p.m. of May 12th) to leave your comment for this giveaway on this post.  More things popping up the rest of the week.  Happy Cinco de Mayo!