I just plugged this into my Etsy shop page:

"Some kind of freebie is always included. For example, knitting-related purchases (except for single stitch markers) will receive a free stitch marker. For purchases $5 & up (pre-shipping), and while supplies last (5), if you let me know your preference, an available stitch marker freebie is the "bashful, nekkid guy" (hands covering any naughty bits). You'll have to let me know you want this one, though - I don't want to offend anyone! (If your purchase isn't knitting-related, but you want a knitting freebie, just say the word.)"

I got 40 more needle inventory cards printed, plus my goody bag closure (left). Tomorrow, I'll get a couple of T's done, and a tote bag or two. I also have plans for just a couple more knitting needle sheaths, using my "I wonder who's knitting for me" and knitting instruction ribbon (misplaced until last night).

Besides the bashful guy stitch marker, the other freebies will be (if they turn out) Eunice or acorn stitch markers.

Note: I've lost this stamp and think the company that made it went out of business. I'd love to find another copy, if anyone has any ideas.

I promise that there will be content besides shop updates!

Oh! Here's one: I made the cutest little photo album today to accompany Red Scarf #4. I had pics from the skein of yarn, through cast on, the Ren Faire, zombie movie, guest knitters, and the completion. I'll try to scan it all before I mail the scarves to the Red Scarf Project.

Merry Christmas!
I've had such fun making up these little garland kits! Sooner or later, I'll not put the circles into a tin and make a garland myself. The feedback for these has been positive. In fact, I'd like to quote an email I received yesterday:

"(The kids) were so excited to find all the different papers in there and they spent about ten minutes playing a guessing game to figure out which papers were on the other side. They LOVED this so much. When they actually chose to do that rather than play the new Nintendo Wii... well, you know you've got a winner on your hands."

In the spirit of the holiday, I've written up basic directions, which follow, plus an instruction sheet you can print out.

My Christmas Gift to You...
Garland Kit Directions

Materials:

1. Instructions for completion (pdf) - helpful if you're giving the garland as a gift
   
2. Circle punch in desired size(s)
   
3. Scrapbooking paper for desired theme (Christmas is only the beginning)
   
4. String, quilting thread, twine, yarn, ribbon...(in this case, thin is better)
   
5. Glue (if kids are going to assemble the garland, then I strongly suggest washable glue sticks)
   
6. Newspaper or other paper to cover work surface

Steps:

1. Decide on the length of the garland and cut the string (etc.) accordingly.
   
2. If you're making the kit to give as a gift, calculate the maximum number of circles that could be used. Example: for a 9-foot garland, four pair of 2.5" circles fit per foot, with a small gap between. So 8 circles x 9 feet = 72 circles, so I made about 80 per kit. (The garlands also look cute with gaps between the circles.)
   
3. Punch out the circles. I used at least 10 patterns, 8 per sheet, for a kit. Mix 'em all up.
   
4. If you're making a kit, you should find that the punched-out circles and 3-or-so yards of string should fit in the tin just fine.
   If you're making a garland, see the PDF for assembly instructions

Variations
There are many variations on the garland. The ones I've made were done with a 2½" Marvy circle punch (the lever is almost essential, as opposed to the button variety), a giant pack of Christmas scrapbooking paper, a 3" jewelry tin and 9 feet of kitchen twine. Use those coupons from JoAnn or Michael's, etc., to get the punch at a discount. This is a project that's suitable for any occasion that requires decorations.

You can also vary the size of the circles, if you have access to multiple punches.

Presentation Ideas:
To give the garland as a gift, pop the tin and glue stick(s) into a patterned takeout container, gift bag, cello bag, etc. Print out and fold the instruction sheet and slide it in. Tie up with ribbon. Or, just stick it in a larger package on its own. If you're like me, and forget the instruction sheet (something I've done more than once, and I wrote the darn thing), you can send it via email.

Enjoy!

Note: I've only ever given these as gifts, so please treat this kit concept and instruction page likewise.

I was looking through the Eucalan site this morning, planning to contact them with a proposal, when I saw the free sample link.

I still plan to ask them to consider a couple of things, but in the meantime, anyone doing a Red Scarf in wool* could sent an SASE to get a free package to include with the scarf and washing instructions.

What I want to ask them -
If Red Scarfers write to them, would they consider sending multiple packets? Personally, I'm willing to buy a couple dozen, so I can include one with each scarf, plus send some to the Interim House ladies.

If you haven't used this stuff yourself, I'm quite a fan. You just mix a little up in a sinkful of water and lay in your items to soak for a few minutes, then blot in a towel and hang it up to air dry. You don't even have to rinse! (You can if you like.) I like the lavender (purple cap), because eucalyptus gives me a headache. After I use the yarn I have earmarked, I'll switch to something machine-washable, but the wool scarves will require hand-washing, and you can't get easier than this stuff.

It's a good idea to send a note/card with washing instructions along with each scarf, regardless of the materials used.

*Unless it's a treated, superwash wool, it will shrink in the washing machine. Did you know that "Woolite" is bad for wool? Don't use it! Palmolive (and some others) liquid dish soap is good, but requires lots of rinsing.

Free panties! Okay, no big girl sizes, but request a pair anyway and pass them on to a smaller friend. Click here, then scroll to the right and click on the "perfect panty" section.

Actually, that's 2 separate topics, in 1 entry.

Read about the free knitting needles here. I've heard RAVES about the yarn you need to buy, but haven't seen it in stores.

The swag:
There's a cyber room at Cobo Hall, where AutoTech is going on. I'm here to work, and met my objectives, but I really like going for the free stuff. I don't take just everything. But I am shameless. It helps that it's my third year. I actually got a couple things that will be helpful at work: several stress balls, of course, and a clock that has the times all over the world. So I can check it before I call someone in Sydney or Singapore.

Oh, and how weird is this: I went to our company's booth for a minute, and who is standing there but my BIL! He doesn't work for our company, but he was there to present on behalf of his. He's a nice guy, so it was a pleasant surprise. Actually, he reminds me a lot of MY brother.

Seriously. Go here.

Not exactly my style, but you never know.
Jen-anon/lurker-Jen: If you sign up for this, you can have my ball and the 2 should make a fun scarf for Rachel.

via JustCinful's Sanity Syndrome