Not knowing if and how often you read Caitlin’s delightful blog: in March she wrote on Not-Hoarding Crafting Magazines. On the spur of the moment, we agreed in the comments to swap – regardless of country or language or style – and that is what we did. How exciting not to know what to expect! However, (to quote Caitlin) hoarding fail … Right. Both of us would not minimize the number of magazines we have. But an idea ever so grand!

Caitlin already blogged about what I sent to her and I am happy to tell you she likes the (older) German magazines – even though I forgot to include the quarterly that I promised to send in the first place …

In return, she sent me a very cool package to my friend’s house in New Jersey. This is where I got it last week and here is what was inside:

So far I have only browsed through the magazines while carrying them with me all the way back to Germany. Hence, I can’t say much (yet). However, the amount of text in each magazine surprises me! There is quite a bit about colors, techniques, and even knitting history that I did not expect as German magazines are usually not that elaborate. I can’t wait to spend some time in the garden, reading some more (top of my list for tomorrow)!

Together with the magazines, Caitlin sent two skeins of yarn and a cute little card, telling me about the skeins: one (the purple one) is from Sun Valley Fibers, which is about 20 minutes from where she grew up in Southern Wisconsin. 220-yards of worsted Merino (80%)/Cashmere (10%)/Nylon, hand-dyed, variegated and absolutely pleasant to the touch. I really have to start a „purple project“ for you to see how lovely it is.

The other one is the most beautiful yarn I have seen in a long time. Period. I totally love the color, the feel, everything about it. To know that it is handspun by the Oregonian Judith McKenzie makes it even more precious. I keep holding it in my hand. Stupid? Maybe. Don’t tell me you never did that. Back in the 90s, I worked in Oregon for a year and a half. If I were to pick a color to represent the state I could not think of any better than the blue skein Caitlin sent.

And then there was even another local goodie – some of the weirdest local laws in Minnesota. Thank you Caitlin! If ever I make it to Minnesota I will make sure not to be standing around any building without a good reason to be there (as it is illegal), neither will I cross state line with a duck atop my head (same reason) … Oh, and I will never tease skunks 🙂