A Tool To Covet - 4KCBWDAY6

We've reached day 6 of knit crochet blog week. Today's prompt is to "Write about your favourite knitting or crochet (or spinning, etc) tool. It can either be a tool directly involved in your craft (knitting needles or crochet hook) or something that makes your craft more pleasurable – be it a special lamp, or stitch markers."
Well, today I managed to bruise the finger I use to tension yarn with when I knit. So I was reminded that my most favorite knitting tools are my hands. (There are no pictures of my hands because the finger is a little unsightly at the moment.) I'd talk about what happened, but it's one of the more embarrassing experiences of my life. Maybe one day when my ego has mended itself, I'll be able to share. I'm treating the finger with ice. If anyone has any suggestions on how to mend a bruised ego, I'm all ears.

So my second most favorite knitting tool combo is my ball winder and swift. I blogged about them the day I got them and we've been inseparable ever since. I'd say that I use them at least once a week, if not more.

The reason I invested in a ball winder and swift was because I realized I was spending more time winding yarn than knitting. And this realization came when it took me a whole James Bond film to wind a skein of worsted weight yarn. Perhaps I should name the pair "James" and "Bond".

Belated Birthday

Nearly a month ago it was my birthday. Every year, on my birthday, I get sick. I'm not one to break tradition, so this year I had a fever. It was a bit of a bummer because it was also suppose to be my last day at work. Who calls in on their last day of work and is actually sick? Me. That's who. It meant that I missed out on a birthday surprise from a coworker. I visited yesterday and was surprised to be presented with a skein of Three Irish Girls' Glenhaven Cashmerino in the Liam colorway. Thanks Michele!

I did have a surprise package show up on the day of my birthday. Even in my fever induced haze, I still called my Dad over to "see what I got." Kiwipurler sent two skeins of Knitsch fingering weight merino wool in the colorway Tennant. Any Whovians out there? You'll know why I was waving the skeins about. She also sent some of her lovely stitch markers. It was a true treat. (I don't know how she knew I was on the hunt for a pair of sock's worth of fingering weight TARDIS colored yarn, but there you have it.)

My aunt sent me a cute basket. Inside I found.... three skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in the Plena colorway. I'm sensing a theme this year....

I had actually ordered myself to two birthday presents the month before so they would show up in time. This is a project bag by ModularModular. I actually talked to her through ravelry to get the bag, but she will have her shop stocked soon. It is fully lined, has pockets inside, and will house the southern companion to Celestarium. I'm impressed with the craftmanship in this piece. 

I also preordered a James Bond themed mystery skein from Canon Hand Dyes in the Lewis base. It is a self striping yarn. The main skein is suppose to be like a three piece suit and the red heel/toe skein is suppose to be the red rose. I love that it came with a martini and olive themed stitch markers.

So all in all, my birthday was pretty good. I slept through most of it, but I'm fine with that. Scooter sat with me most of the day and kept guard. By the evening, my fever broke and I was able to eat my birthday dinner. It's probably good birthdays only come around once a year because it is going to take me that long to knit up all my new wooly friends.