Hanillannakwanzamas

What is it? Could it be?

Yes, Illanna, there is a FoxBot.
This one was made by LilyPants for Ms. Illanna for our "Holiday Celebration" that didn't happen over the holiday. But that's ok, we're fine with a two-term FoxBot Queen/King. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
We have used and reused and even abused those Jess Hutchison books. Good thing that we have two. We need 'em. Lily decided to leave off the arms of the robot (so cute), and to add a foxy tail. Of course we had all of the right yarns on hand. We don't remember what some are (including the tail, which is some odd novelty yarn), but the body is felted Malabrigo, mostly.
Speaking of yarn, here's some.

Apparently Illanna likes yellow. Because we say so, and a good girl always listens to her parents. I spun merino into gold. Nine skeins, approx. 175 yards per skein, three colors handblended while spinning. I really, really wanted to get aboard the yellow train, and am soooooo glad that several people that I know look good in it (my own yellow period? Jr. High. I wore yellow socks ONLY for at least 3 years. I even had yellow shoes- they were leather Keds and the color of butter...I miss those, but I wouldn't dream of wearing yellow now). And the day after I bought this fiber for her, Illanna confessed to me that she "HAD" to have a yellow sweater. A golden vest. A blouse of buttercups. A shawl of sunshine. Or something. I just remember being happy I'd just bought it, and cackled to myself about how surprised she'd be. You know, back in November. That's ok, yarn doesn't spoil. And no matter what she makes, Illanna will be gorgeous.

Stephen went all out and knit a lace shawl. The main yarn is Lang's "Thalja", which is rayon, superkid mohair, and nylon. This yarn just glows. Really. It has other colors inside of it that try to come out, like lime green and citrus orange. Honestly, it has a iridescent effect and changes with the light. After MONTHS of decision making, Steve went with a plain black border (Garnstudio's "Cotton Viscose"). And the stitch is indeed the Seafoam Lace (thanks, Barbara). Illanna tried it on, she looks lovely, and we all applauded. Even the waiter.

Lucy was (surprise, surprise) the only Luscious Gracious member to finish her exchange during the winter. She finally got tired of waiting on the rest of us and gave Illanna this gorgeous bag several weeks ago. She held two VERY thick wools together (we forget the name....) and made the bag up in her little knitting head, with just a few hints from Mom and Dad. Lucy is pretty self-sufficient, but when it comes to felting and color choice, you better at least pretend to ask Dad's opinion! One yarn is a dusky pink and the other a bright green. Somehow they melted together into this beautiful creation. And those happen to be the Illanna Official Colors.

Thanks so much to Illanna (and our other two girls) for such a fun time, and for all of the great presents (more here in the weeks to come, I am sure....such yarn, such fiber, such Japanese sewing books).

Speaking of holidays, and yarn, we celebrated Father's Day early. Dad took a day off work, thinking it was to take Lily to the orthodontist. Surprise Early Father's Day!! And he actually was, well, surprised. The girls made computer cards AND Power Point presentations (nerds) and they humored him by going to see "Surf's Up" with him. Steve didn't even know that The Dude was in that movie, which made it even better. Pretty high praise from the guy who knew this was the "Best Penguin Movie" yet before it came out.

Because he is the "Best Dad" yet, he totally and truly deserved the "Best Yarn" ever. Do you know that this is??????

No fair guessing if you already know. It's not like he's been shy about toting it around everywhere, and he even had me go ahead and wind it into cakes today. He can't wait to get started. And maybe, just maybe, it will be something for me. Unless, of course, Illanna usurps me again.

Lace, a sweater, AND a shawl?!?!?!

Come On!!

kiki