Knit One, Tea Too

Swee-tea

2009-01-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

Oh, it's time for the topic that I'm most eager to see!

January 22 – 31 Please share a favorite tea snack, especially if it is a treasured recipe!

Since I drink tea all day, I don't really have snacks I associate with tea. However, I do like to start my Saturdays with tea and some muffins or scones. My favorite recipe right now is a two ingredient muffin. Just grab your favorite box of cake mix and add a 16 ounce can of pumpkin. The hardest part is stirring in all that dry powder into the pumpkin. Then, fill 12 muffin cups and bake at 350 degrees (F) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, around 20 - 25 minutes.

I've tried chocolate cake mix and yellow cake mix, but my favorite is spice cake mix. Tastes like pumpkin pie, as you might imagine.

What is your favorite tea snack? I'd love the recipe.

Get your fix!

2009-01-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

Almost on time...

January 15 – 21 Do you have a favorite tea source? Do you shop online or in a local store?

I sure do! Harney & Sons is one of them. They were my first source for loose tea, and I'm a loyal shopper, so that's still where I go first. I'm accustomed to their way of defining the assorted qualities (briskness, body, aroma) in a blend, and I know I can trust their quality. They do offer each tea in bags as well.

Locally, there's only The Happy Cook for my loose tea purchases. Some of the grocery stores carry loose teas and premium bags, but the few I do buy locally tend to come from the store started by family friends long ago.

And you? Please link your post below so we can all learn about some new tea sources!

Time for Tea

2009-01-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you just have to make time for tea. I wish I lived in a society where the world magically stopped at 4pm for tea, but I don't. Forgive me for missing half of week #2 before I got around to the post!

Before I spout off on this week's topic, let me share the lovely button Monica made for us! (Photo by Ruth, my co-hostess for this event, used with her permission and blessing.) Thanks, ladies!

Please use proper blogging etiquette and save the photo to your own computer and then upload from there...

Back to the topic at hand!

January 8 – 14 Describe your perfect cuppa' hot tea. If you're like me and it depends, share as many different scenarios as you care to.

As I hinted in the topic, there is no single version of perfection in my tea house. Most often in the mornings, I go for a strong, black tea, tempered with milk and sugar (okay, Splenda, but that doesn't sound as elegant). I get water from our little doo-dad on the sink that dispenses double-filtered water, and then my special electric kettle does its thing. It has a dial on its base that allows me to set it for pre-determined ideal water temperatures for brewing black, green or white teas. (They are best at different temperatures, you know...) Then, it clicks loudly when the proper temperature is reached, and I pour the water into my teapot, with my favorite mesh filter already in place, with the loose tea of choice, which I measured out while waiting on my water.

Then, I set the timer. For black teas, I like the middle of the recommended brew time, so while I'm waiting, I get out some milk (because as much as I love real cream, calories and fat are an issue), and grab a big mug. Don't get me wrong; I love a pretty china cup and saucer, or even a china mug, but I have to really energetic, curious dogs, so for all-morning sipping, bigger and sturdier is better. I do like the mugs with lids too. Then, I grab a tea cozy for my pot. My favorite pot has THREE cozies to choose from... a pretty, thinner cozy perfect for those summers months (a gift from dear Ruth, pictured), a quilted fabric "drop over" version from Rosanne, and a thick, warm wool beehive from Grace, just right for these cold winter mornings.

The pot hangs out in the kitchen, on the island, while I sip on the sofa. I rarely eat with tea, but currently, I'm enjoying some cranberry marmelade on toast for breakfast at home. I add Splenda and milk to each cup as I go. Once that pot's done, I rinse everything and switch to green tea, but maybe I'll share that routine on my blog later.

Now, please link and share with us on your blog. (This week, a couple of ladies have linked below because I was tardy. I'll make every effort to update this site with a new link Wednesday sometime!)

New Year, New Plan

2009-01-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

January is National Hot Tea Month, according to the Tea Association of the United States of America. While their campaign targets retails, Ruth and I think it's worth celebrating at the consumer's end.

Tea Etc. offers a brief article on the weight loss and germ-fighting potential of tea, but personally, I drink tea because it suits my palette better than coffee, sodas, or even water. (Gasp! I know, I know. Nothing is better for me that flavorless, plain water.)

Tea is a social icon in some cultures. There are formal – and I do mean FORMAL – tea ceremonies, and is there anything that says "linger and chat with me" like a pot of tea and cups on a tray? I still cling to my childhood image of the whole of Great Britain stopping at 4pm for a national moment of tea. In my little vision, blue collar and blue blood alike pause for a cuppa' with their companions, share a crumpet or scone or two, and return to the rest of the evening with a smiling, calm about them.

My fantasy is reality-based. As a very young girl, the lady of the next farm over – we'll call her Lady B – made afternoon tea a part of my reality. There was a small confrontation when my mother foolishly suggested that my toddler body couldn't handle tea. I don't recall it, but clearly, my mother lost the battle and my tea tradition began. Lady B was a schoolteacher, and when she arrived home in the afternoons, I would find my way to her house. We had tea in the enormous, country kitchen in the cooler months, and on the long back porch in the warmer ones. It was always the same black tea, served with a single sugar cube, and a splash of real cream. (The cream was delivered by a real milkman, thanks much.) I was taught on the first afternoon where to place my spoon, although I'm pretty sure Lady B allowed two tiny hands to grip her china cup.

I don't ever recall her daughters – all in their late teens by the time I came to tea – or any of my family being present for our tea parties. I remember watching birds and horses, and even before I went to school, I'd learned to flip through her bird guide until I found the matching image. There are no memories of discipline, although I'm positive I was expected to be a delightful young lady and was corrected if I wasn't. When I was older, I was taught to serve Lady B tea, and I remember feeling VERY grown up the first time I was allowed to pick up the saucer with one hand.

Don't let my prim and proper introduction to tea give you the impression that tea is a stuff beverage. At my house now, you're most likely to find me sipping from a chunky, extra-large mug, a room away from the teapot. The pot is hunkered down under one of many cozies, depending on the weather. That's the true beauty of tea. It's at home in cast iron and fine silver, bone china and plastic. I still take my hot, black teas with sugar and cream (or Splenda and milk), but I like my hot, green teas plain. Tea is perfectly content to be whatever you want it to be.

Stay tuned. I'm proposing a few topics for anyone so inclined to talk tea with me.

January 1 - 7 Please share your favorite hot tea memories with me. Who introduced you to hot tea?

January 8 – 14 Describe your perfect cuppa' hot tea. If you're like me and it depends, share as many different scenarios as you care to.

January 15 – 21 Do you have a favorite tea source? Do you shop online or in a local store?

January 22 – 31 Please share a favorite tea snack, especially if it is a treasured recipe!

Won't you join us? Please use Mr. Linky below, so that we can have a big ol' virtual, hot tea party!

My Fellow Tea Party Guests: Anyone for a Cup?

2007-10-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

As the end of our tea party draws to a close we would like to ask that those of you who have yet to receive please let us know so that we can get in contact with your pals. It is a crazy time of year as we all know, but we don't want to let down our fellow guests in making them wait too long for their packages.

We hope that everyone has had a good time with this swap and that the knitterly friends and goodies that have come your way have made it all worth while.

Again for those of you still waiting please let your hostess know.

Many Thanks!

Sincere Appreciation

2007-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Swappers, thanks so much for your kind words and in a couple of cases, gifts, to your hostesses. We started out with a goal of producing a swap that would be as much like a "real" tea party as possible, and it seems in many cases, we've succeeded. It really does warm our hearts to share your fantastic packages with you!

PLEASE, PLEASE let your pal and group hostess know if your package is going to be late. Also, I hate to sound like your Aunt Bertha (name changed because I do love mine dearly), but even if your pal missed the mark, please find thank her for her efforts and be kind. Sometimes, it's not thoughtlessness, but just a miscommunication, so be gentle and remember the golden rule. As much as I wish each of us could be thoroughly and perfectly spoiled, sometimes, it doesn't happen, despite good intentions by your spoiler.

So, enjoy your personal tea parties and hopefully, a new friend or two. Feel free to keep using the Google Group, as that will be the first place we make any announcements about the next swap, which will be in 2008.

PS - And just to abuse my powers a bit, I want to thank Nannette (link to the left) for spoiling me rotten. Her timing was perfect, and I'll have details on my blog later. She was a great pal, all the way through, with lots of emails and so much more!

About Swap Packages!

2007-09-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wow what a great Monday it was! A Bingo winner, again Congrats Jessi, plus after getting home from work hubby went for mail and my Tea Swap package had arrived! Thank you Amy for such a great introduction to tea :) Details posted on my blog for all those interested in checking it out :) I definitely feel spoiled!

Now in receiving my package, this made me wonder how many other had already gotten theirs?

I know there have been some packages received already, so now I ask if you have received your Tea Swap package, would you please (with CHOCOLATE on top), comment under this post and let us know! It would greatly help the hostesses in our administrative duties having it all in one spot. Not everyone chose to do the chat room and we want to make sure everyone in fact receives their swap package :)

I Thank you all in advance!

Now for a refill as I smell the aroma of freshly brewed tea and if Chan's not looking I'll turtle race you to the goodie table ...lol

We Have a Bingo!!

2007-09-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Woo-Hoo...we have a Bingo Winner!

Jessi is our lucky Bingo Winner! Congratulations Jessi!!!

Will get your prizes out in the mail to you soon.

Thanks so much to all those who participated in our Tea Bingo game. I really had fun putting this together.

Day 6 Bingo

2007-09-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday Morning everyone, sure hope that today is a good day to all of you!

I know everyone is ready for the words to be called, so we'll get on with the calling, but I
just want to remind everyone to post on this post or email k1t2mary@gmail.com as I know a few of you are ready to shout it! Good Luck to you all!!

Teaspoon

Tea

Scones

Anybody have Bingo?

Day 5 Bingo Word

2007-09-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Oh Thank you so much for the intermission break Chan! This has been so much fun!
Wow, Look at all the refreshments...
Its so hard to pull myself away from them all they look so yummy :) Love the friendship that goes along too! You've all been such great guests! Thank you and we love the feedback.
Speaking of friendships...todays word is:

Friends

Tomorrow will resume the 3 words and I'm sure we'll be hearing Bingo soon. We have a few that are real close, how close is everyone else?

Intermission Announcements

2007-09-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

Every bingo marathon I've been around (as a volunteer firefighter, bingo is our big fundraiser) has a break. So, I'm jumping in here, before you all rush the tea and treats tables.

We're winding down, folks. It's been a fun swap, and I think many of us have made at least one new friend in the process. If you're not ready to ship out on time - on or before October 1st, which is 8 days away - PLEASE let your group hostess AND your pal know. We know things happen, but we don't want anyone watching her mailbox too soon in advance.

The Google Group will remain active. Enjoy it. Share with all of us what you find as the seasons change. All of the major tea companies come out with something different each season. Your hostesses haven't decided exactly when the next swap will be, but it won't be until after the start of 2008, for certain.

Thank you for the positive feedback. We've tried to make this a swap we can enjoy, and it seems that made it work for many of you too.

Now, get some refreshments and head back before Mary calls more words!

Bingo Day 4

2007-09-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far. Here is todays Bingo word:

Sweet Breads

That sure sounds good about now, think I'll go check real quick and see if there are any left.
Have a great weekend!

Bingo Word Decision

2007-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well never in my life did I expect a tie! lol
We have 8 for keep going and 8 for waiting till Monday and 3 that don't matter..so what I'm gonna do is call 1 word Saturday and 1 word Sunday, if no one calls it by then we'll be back to regular on Monday.
I will try to post as early after waking up as I can, I can tell you I will be drinking coffee (shh, keep it secret now, but thats my wake up..lol). Hope we have pastries or something out for us all.

Thank you all for voting and Good Luck! I know we have 2 gals only needing 2 words. I am on the West Coast so i know it won't be before 7am my time (10am East Coast).
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Bingo Players Vote

2007-09-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to my attention about calling words over the weekend, if I'm going to or not.
Very good question and one I admit I didn't think of, can you tell this is my first time co-hosting? :)
I have decided that yes its my game contest but, it is "Our" Tea Party so..I need all you Tea Bingo players vote on:

"Do we want words called out over the weekend?"

I know weekends can be hectic, especially in my house..lol So if you will please leave your vote in the comments on this posts, then the majority vote will decide. Then I can post the decision.

Bingo Day 3

2007-09-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone! Hope you'll help yourself to Chan freshly made Tea's in various flavors and Devon has some freshly baked pastries made. I sure hope I can get a pineapple one before they are gone, they go so fast!

On to day 3 Bingo words:

Clotted Cream, Hats, Sugar

Which reminds me I need to check to see if our sugar bowls need refilling...Enjoy your tea and Happy TGIF to everyone!!

Day 2 Bingo!

2007-09-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone! Hope that your day is going well and your drinking lots of tea :) I do believe a fresh pot was put out.

On to todays 3 words:

Teapot, Silver, Cakes

Speaking of cakes, I must go see if Devon's put new ones out. I thought I caught a hint of baked goods in the air...save me a chocolate one please!

On With The Bingo Fun!

2007-09-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

Whew...all morning I'm running around, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date...Thank you all for waiting on me, is the Tea still hot? I am finally here so we can get started! Woo-Hoo!! Thanks for saving me some tea!

Okay the details are: Our BINGO will be in the letter shaped "T"- for Tea, of course. That means that all the first words listed under the letters B-I-N-G-O and all word listed under the letter N have to be covered. Only those words will count in our Bingo. (in other words for those that listed their words, words would be B-1, I-1, all words under N, G-1, O-1) Hope thats not too confusing.
And as said before, First person to shout, type, post Bingo will be the winner. Please post & email me when you have your Bingo! ( k1t2mary@gamil.com ) Okay, hopefully all the details are done....
on with our words... Ready??? Let me reach over here where I had my son pull 3 words out this morning... Okay, Good Luck everyone!
Our 3 words are :

CHINA, SANDWICHES, AFTERNOON TEA

Bingo Reminder

2007-09-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

I interupt the Tea Party for a few moments to bring you a short reminder....

Just a friendly reminder that today (the 18th) is the last day to get those Bingo cards sent in.
I start calling words out tomorrow (the 19th).
Thank you to all who have sent them in so far.
Good Luck to everyone playing!

Now I return to your regular Tea Party schedule!

Steps on How To do the Bingo Card

2007-09-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jessi for saving my fanny! When I saw how she did her card I had to ask and this is what she told me..I tried it and it works! Thank you so much Jessi!!

Step 1: Right click on the Bingo Card and click "Save Picture As".
Step 2: Type in the name you want to give it and Click Save
Step 3: Go to your Start Menu and open up your Paint program. All windows software has this program. It's usually listed under Accessories.
Step 4: After Paint is opened, look in the top left hand corner for "File". Click this.
Step 5: Choose "Open". A window should pop up for you to choose a picture to edit. Find the Bingo card file and select it.
Step 6: Once your Bingo card shows up, look in the lefthand toolbar for an "A". This is your text tool. Click the "A" and then mouse over to where your first Bingo square is.
Step 7: Click and drag inside the box to make a square (about the same size as the little box). Once you let go, a flashing cursor should appear. Just type in your choice for that box.
Step 8: Click anywhere in the picture when you're finished typing.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 all the way through your Bingo card. When you're finished, go back up to the lefthand corner and click "File". Click "Save". Your Bingo card should now be saved with your answers. :-)

Tea Bingo Details!

2007-09-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

Are we ready for the Tea Bingo? Here's how it will work:
You will need to email your 'bingo card' words to k1t2mary@gmail.com by Wednesday, Sept 18th. I will start calling words on the 19th. You MUST email your bingo card words to be a part of this contest and this contest is open to ALL Tea Party Guests.
Here is where you can find the Bingo Card. You can print one out to write your words in the boxes. When you send your bingo card words to me the order listed DOES matter, just as it does in bingo!
Each day, I will post 3 Tea Party words and you mark them on your 'card' if you have those words.
When you get Bingo, you will need to post to the blog or email them to me to win.
First person to get Bingo wins! (I will let you know which direction the Bingo will go once I have everyone's filled out Bingo card words).
YOU will be responsible for emailing me or putting a comment on that day's words called to let me know you have a bingo. I will then confirm it against the 'card' you emailed me to verify. Simple, right? :) If you have any questions post them here and I will try to explain further.

Lets have some fun....

The following are your Tea Party words:

Tea
Milk
Cakes
Clotted Cream
Tea cup
Strainer
Sweet Breads
Teaspoon
Tea Pot
Tea Cozy
Hats
Napkins
Sugar
Scones
Gloves
China
Afternoon Tea
Jam
Tea Party
Queen Victoria
Friends
Tea Time
Silver
Sandwiches

Are You Ready For Bingo?

2007-09-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

So how's everyone doing on getting their tea packages together? I know I'm almost done with mine: I just need to knit/crochet my item (once I figure that part out..lol) Thanks to all of you who have offered suggestions and ideas in the chat group, I know I'm not the only one wondering :)

Okay...on to our next game. I've decided to do a Tea Bingo! In the next couple of days I will get our game board, list of words and other details up so we'll be able to get started. I wanted to give everyone a heads up so you can watch for it...

Now if you'll excuse me I do believe I smell some of Devon's freshly baked goodies....Sip on and mingle!

A Plug for our Sponsors

2007-09-12T14:25:00.001-07:00

Our sponsors (see the bar on the left) each donated a set of stitch markers, but they each also have some for your shopping pleasure, should you desire your own or some for your pal. On the top, a sampling from Alabama Fibers. Those happen to belong to me, but again, you can buy your own. (I wasn't clever enough to photo the donated set before shipping...)

Next, are Surviving's, which are also a contest prize. My photo does neither set justice, so please visit our sponsors and support those who have supported us already.

It also seems like a good time to remind you of our colors of tea theme. Have fun with it, and there are some really colorful teas out there, so go wild! Just remember to honor your pal's preferences, and definitely, allergies or restrictions. When in doubt, ask! Are you about ready to ship? Time is winding down, so make those last purchases and get set to send your party to your pal.

We Have a Winner....

2007-09-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Tricotine is our lucky winner for the Tea Scavenger hunt. Thanks so much to all those who participated and for taking the time to look up the answers!

Be on the look out for a little something in the mail for your prize Tricotine!!!

How goes your tea party experience? Hope everyone is enjoying themselves.

Just a reminder:

Don't forget your ship date is on or before October 1st.

Contests Winners to Come...

2007-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Fellow tea party guests, I'm sorry for the delay in letting you know who won the scavenger contest, but my tank top was calling me and it needed to be finished. I appreciate your patients and I will get the winner up here tomorrow!

Thanks again for all those who played!

Last Day to Enter

2007-09-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Let's not forget that today at midnight is the last day to get in your answers to the contest! Best of luck!

How goes the tea party, everyone having fun?

Contest Time: Scavanger Hunting

2007-08-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

All the answers to these questions can be found with links from this site. Whether they are the tea links, tea guest links or even past blog posts – you can find them all from this page. Answer the questions and send the answers to k1t2devon@gmail.com There is no need to speed through answering the questions, just get them in before the deadline and there will be a drawing for a prize. Best of luck and Have FUN!

The deadline for sending in the answers is September 7, 2007

What are the 3 ways to process tea leaves?
What company sells Roobios Almond?
What day did the Boston Tea Party take place?
What company sells Indian Tea Sets?
What is Roobios Tea?
What event did the Boston tea party help start?

Which one of your hosts would be a hand-dyed super wash merino if she were a yarn?

What company wooden tea chests full of tea?
What company started in 1997?
What two tea companies are based in Portland, Oregon?
Which of your hosts made scones for the first time?
Which one of your hosts makes a Sex and the City reference in their questionnaire?
Who won the 'How do you like your tea contest?

Bonus Questions:

Which tea party guest is a midwife?
Which tea party guest is from Norway?
Which tea party guest has a runner as her banner picture?
Which tea party guest has her own Etsy shop with stitch markers?

Contest Coming....

2007-08-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

The tea party is going smashingly thus far and I do hope that everyone is enjoying themselves. I am working on a contest for the whole group so watch this page for an update with in the next few days. I will give you all the details at that time.

I do hope that the scones, treats, and tea are to your liking.

Enjoy getting to know the other guests and keep mingling!!

TGIF!

2007-08-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hey, does anyone else get the Republic of Tea emails? Look! They're carrying jams now, custom blends that match some of my favorite teas! I'm ordering some NOW, because Fred and I can't take the chance that we can't find the Pink Grapefruit locally. (The dog LOVES pink grapefruit. I'm not kidding.) I am beside myself with glee...

In other news, don't forget to contact your pal by the 25th, which is tomorrow. A quick "hey" is all she needs to know you know she's out there.

Also, I think you should all have your invite for the Google Group. Participation is optional, and we're having a ball!

More Details

2007-08-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Folks, I can't be clear enough on the anonymous element of this swap. Some folks are more into the anonymous part than others, but since you probably don't know your pal inside out, we have to err on the side of caution and assume she likes surprises and wants you to remain anonymous until the end.

Things happen; I've accidentally emailed from an account that displays my name, and felt awful. However, please be mindful and careful, okay?

If you're not sure how your email server sends out your "address", send yourself an email and see if just the email addy shows, or if perchance your name is there too. If your name or other identifier is obvious, change your settings. There are so many email providers out there that I cannot begin to tell you how to change that, and I suspect in some cases, it cannot be changed. Check under preferences, and keep digging. Not very helpful, I know, and I'm sorry.

Also, Mary's group has been having a great time with a rather group-sized email, so I've created a Google group for us. You should be receiving an invite at the email address used for this swap soon. Keep in mind that this is for ALL swappers, which includes your pal. We'll be using our names, so don't flinch if you and your pal are gabbing, and don't say anything that would reveal that she's your pal. I think this can be a fun way to glean information, hiding in plain sight as they say. Of course, you're free to decline your invite. I've not used Google Groups before, but I'm assuming they'll have a digest option or something of the sort so that if you don't care to receive a lot of extra emails, you won't.

Sorry to be so fussy about all of this, but I guess that's my job!

Anonymous Stuff

2007-08-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note on maintaining your anonymity throughout the swap...

Some of you don't allow anonymous comments on your blogs. That eliminates one avenue of contact by your pal. Not everyone has easy access to other email accounts at work, so that eliminates some time and potential contact. I'm not asking anyone to do anything that makes them uncomfortable, but just ponder those bits, and if you need help creating an anonymous account, make up a silly name like Sally Swapper and get an account with any of the free email providers, or with an unused account through your internet service provider.

Also, one more time... Don't reveal your identity to your pal before you mail the package (or final package if you ship more than once). Sure, things happen, but I just wanted to remind everyone ONE MORE TIME.

Now, back to your tea, knitting and chatting.

Your Invitation is in the Mail

2007-08-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

Picture a big, old Victorian on a double lot, on the edge of the quaint shopping district in your town. Mary's at the door, peeping through the etched glass, and will throw open the door as you come up the walk. Devon is still fiddling with the tiered dessert display, because those are HER pastries on there, you know? I'm busy rearranging the assorted china cups (some even with mismatched saucers) and mugs, then flit over to the teas, because everything has to be JUST SO for our grand opening.

It's a come as you are kind of place. For those dreaming of a grand, almost formal tea, I'll be serving with the silver service in the grand dining room. (Pinkies out, optional, but I will have sugar cubes and those precious little tongs!) For those wishing for a completely casual experience, Mary will be on hand in the great room. (There are toys for your children in there too.) For anyone in between, Devon will be pouring on the veranda, weather permitting. (Otherwise, we'll direct you to the sun room in the back.) Of course, we'll really all be flitting from room to room, because we're excited and want to meet you all, so have a cup with each of us! Please take your pets to the area in the back, where we have arranged for their own party. (Dogs on the left, cats on the right, and turtles and other species to the far right.)

Okay, your pal's info isn't really below, but it will be sent out later today. Please keep the exceptionally social, friendly feel of this swap alive and contact your pal right away. Don't forget to check your spam folder before you email your hostess, feeling left out.

Last, but not least, we have divided up into groups, but not by "formality" as I described above. Please use your "personal" host as your first point of contact if there's a concern, once you know which of us it is. I'm always available to all of you - heck we all are - but only your personal host will have the information about your match.

Now, let's sip, chat and knit!

Early Bird Special!

2007-08-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Bethany is our early bird contest winner. I'm not going to post a picture of her prize, because that kinda' ruins the surprise, doesn't it? Trust me, it's very nice, and once she receives it, you can pop over to her blog and say hi.

Many, MANY thanks to you for posting those questionnaires early. Over half of you qualified for the early bird contest, and fewer than 10% of you still need to post. PLEASE post as soon as you can! (And if you have a friend whose questionnaire is missing, peer pressure is a wonderful thing...) We won't send out matches until 100% of the questionnaires are posted, and if for some reason, yours isn't up by the 22nd... That's not going to happen though, so we won't talk about it.

Remember to check your spam folder when matches go out, before you email and say you haven't received anything. The spam filters don't like emails without names, it seems...

CLOSED

2007-08-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sign-ups have closed. Welcome, guests! Please check your link under the guest list on the side, and let us know if it doesn't work.

If you haven't posted your questionnaire, please do so immediately. The hostesses are checking for them as we speak, and if all the questionnaires are up before the 20th, matches might go out early.

A word on matches... I hope I'm clearing things up here, not making them more confusing. Each person will SEND to one pal, and RECEIVE from someone different. You'll be reminded of the details by your hostess when the matches are sent out, but I did want to make that part clear.

On your mark, get set, POUR!

You're Almost Too Late!

2007-08-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Just a friendly reminder that you have only a little over 24 hours left to sign up for the swap, and to enter the early bird contest. Unlike the Wonderland tea party, we won't be able to take late-comers, so sign up (via email to knit1tea2@gmail.com) before midnight on the 15th.

That doesn't mean the last-minute guests will get their responses from me before then though. Please don't panic unless you don't hear from me by Thursday evening, Eastern Time. I can't always check this account from work...

Remember too, that all questionnaires must be posted - and easy to find! - by the 20th. No matches will be sent out until ALL questionnaires are in place, so PLEASE don't hold up progress. If you have your questionnaire posted by the 15th and note as much in the comments on the appropriate post here, you'll be entered in our first contest.

With that, a big thank you to those of you with your questionnaires in place. It is greatly appreciated!

Scone Recipe

2007-08-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Fox and Goose Scones
(Thank you Ruth, and your friend Donna!)

3 cups flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

3/4 cups butter 1 cup milk

1 tablespoon heavy cream 1 cup dried cranberries

Heat oven to 425. Grease cookie sheet.
Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in butter until crumbly. Mix in fruit, add milk and cream and mix thoroughly.
Turn onto floured board and knead about 8 times. Roll out and cut into circles or triangles. (or I just pat it into two semi-flat rounds and
cut those into sections) Place on cookie sheet, brush with beaten egg (optional).
Bake 12 minutes or until golden brown (may be slightly longer for sections than biscuit sized scones)

You can substitute sour cream, mayonaise, or yogurt for heavy cream. (I cheat and use less milk, and make up the difference with
half and half) You can substitute raisons or any other dried fruit for cranberries. (I often used dried blueberries...yum)
One of my friends also sprinkles the scone tops with "raw" sugar before baking to make then look fancier.

Buttons to the Rescue: Where Do We Start

2007-08-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Buttons are a great way to let others know what you are doing, your opinions, and what swaps you are involved in. Here is some info on how to do that.

First right click on the button and 'copy image location' or 'save image as' and then save it to your computer.
From here you need to find a photo hosting sight such as 'Flickr', 'Yahoo', 'AOL'. This will host your photo with out taking up the bandwidth of the sight you are taking the button from. Upload and save to your photo sharing site and copy the URL. If you are using flick you click on 'All Sizes' and scroll down and you will find number 2 will give you the URL to save and use (copy this).
Then when you want to add it to your page you use Configure HTML/Javascript and use this for posting... 1. a href="SWAP LINK HERE" 2. - 3. img src="LINK FROM FLICKR WITH THE SITE ADDRESS"/4. (this is not the full HTML code - but how you make it correct is by putting <> brackets around each of the links above (where I have placed the numbers). If you need assistance with this I will be happy to email the full look of the code, because blogger will not allow me to post it here. k1t2DevonATgmail.com)
This will post the button and link it to the swap page.
Hope this helps!

Happy Swapping everyone and thank you for those of you who have already put up your questionnaire! We do hope this tea party proves to be just what everyone needs as we finish up the summer months.

Do enjoy some tea and scones if you'd like!

Button Coach Needed

2007-08-11T18:21:00.001-07:00

Hey there! There have been a couple of requests for button assistance, as in "how do I get the button from the swap blog to mine?" Now, I've tried to help with one swapper, and I think all I did was confuse her, so if someone wants to either post great instructions in the comments here or email me with instructions I can post here, that would be awesome!

Now, I'm off to make some iced tea. Whew! Our ice maker took a few days off; no one seems to know why, but it didn't work for about four days, and simply resumed normal operation. Whether our attempts to "reset" things worked or not, I don't know, and at this point, I don't care. I'm hot and thirsty, and very tired of water, despite my loyalties to the family business. (Water well drilling, pump installation, water treatment systems, etc.)

More on Sign-ups

2007-08-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, so just to get it up here at the top of the page:

To join the party, please email knit1tea2@gmail.com and include your name, blog, mailing address and any shipping concerns (no international, whatever).

Please *DO* take the time to read all of the swap information. You must have a blog to participate, and sign-ups do end on August 15th.

This is also a great time to mention that if your questionnaire is posted by 11:59 pm (Eastern) on the 15th, your name will be entered in a drawing for a prize of some sort. The catch is, you have to leave a comment here and let us know your questionnaire is up. ;)

Please?

2007-08-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

If you find your link - or someone else's - isn't working, please let me know. Right now, there's some sort of problem with our work ISP, as in it's not operational, so I'm stuck trying to get everything done from home. Of course, I have obligations a couple of nights this week too, just to keep it interesting...

Also, Monica created an awesome button for us! Thanks, Monica. You're such a diverse, talented group, and we look forward to getting to know all of you over the next few weeks.

Grab a Cup!

2007-08-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

There's still room at the table, so grab a pretty china cup or a honka' big mug and join us. I'll be adding the participants list either tonight or Tuesday night, and hopefully, that will help with those of you whose confirmations must be getting spammed. If your name isn't as you want it on the list, please email me at knit1tea2@gmail.com and I will change it at my earliest convenience.

Also, PLEASE send complete information when you sign up. Without at least your name and blog address, I cannot add you to the list. (I will however, send you an email noting that I need more information.) Right now, there's still room left, but if the pace continues, before the end of the week or so, incomplete information MIGHT mean you lose your place at the table. We don't want that to happen any more than you do!

If you realize you will be unable to fulfill your swapperly obligations, please contact us immediately. Devon, Mary and I all work and lead busy lives, and we want this swap to be fun for all - including us! - so by signing up, you're basically agreeing to the terms of the swap. So, stay in touch, and let us know if there's a problem. We don't want pals falling off the face of the earth!

And now, pass the scones, please?

Things to Make the Swap Sweeter

2007-08-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! Thanks to everyone already signed up. If you signed up before 8AM (East Coast USA time) you should have received a confirmation. If not, email again please.

Next, if you haven't signed up yet, please also note how you'd like your name to read on the participants list if you prefer something other than your given name, aka: the name you use when you sign up. I will be updating the blog site later this weekend, finally!

Secondly, we don't need your anonymous email. Your hostesses are also swappers and like surprises too. Just send the one you want your hostesses and your spoiler to use. And yes, this *IS* a secret swap. You won't tell the person you're spoiling who you are until you send their goodies. If you should choose to send more than one package, the final package is when you reveal your identity!

Now, it seems that at least Australia doesn't allow the receipt of tea and such. So far, no one from there has signed up, but here's a helpful link from Chelle, one of our swappers, which rather clearly explains what won't make it through their international mail screening.

For those of you with more than one blog site, please send the one most applicable to this swap. You're more than welcome to have links to them all in your email signature, on your blogs, etc., but for data management purposes, only one blog will be linked to your name on the swap roster, given to your pal, etc.

Your enthusiasm is inspiring. Sign ups are going very well, but feel free to take a button (in the July post section at the moment) and tell your blog readers about us. Don't forget to get those questionnaires posted at your earliest convenience, but please do take the time to fill it out in detail, as that's the first step your pal will take to spoil you well. There *MIGHT* be a drawing for those whose questionnaires are posted BEFORE the August 20th deadline. Maybe. Just maybe...

Last, but hardly least, if you are a vendor and would like to donate prizes and/or be listed on the blog for SWAP RELATED shopping purposes, please email the same knit1tea2@gmail.com for consideration. I like supporting my blogging friends, so I'm willing to be flexible, within reason. For instance, if you make stitch markers and will make custom markers and/or tea/color related markers for this swap, say so!

Tea Time!

2007-08-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's tea time somewhere, as Sharon pointed out.

So, picture your ideal tea spot, set up and waiting on you and your closest friends...

I apologize for the delayed opening. Injured dogs, sick mother inlaw, employee having a heat stroke and refusing to go to the doctor... Nothing a good cup of tea with great company won't cure, especially since I'm sure Devon has whipped up some special, chocolate pastries for the event...

Now, the details! Please send the following to knit1tea2@gmail.com :

Your full name

Your mailing address

Your blog site

Any shipping restrictions - such as no international, international preferred, etc.

Just a reminder... We cannot send pal information until ALL questionnaires are posted. If your questionnaire is not posted by 11:59 pm EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) on August 20th, you WILL be removed from the swap, no exceptions. Many, MANY thanks to those of you whom posted your questionnaires already.

Also, to clarify: you will only be shipping to ONE pal, and the total cost of the items must be no less than $40. I'll be posting pattern ideas and more over the next couple of days. I intended to get that done while on a working vacation, but there was little time, and the hotel's router went down... (Just full of excuses, am I not?!)

If you need me, I'll be in my virtual tea room, which is an ivy-covered gazebo, in a lush meadow, with a pleasant breeze, sunshine (but not too much heat), with my favorite iced, green tea in a pretty pitcher, and plates upon plates of treats. Mugsy and Fred are chasing butterflies, and I'm surrounded by lots of barefoot friends (except for Val - I know you never go barefoot), with tall glasses of their favorite tea or lemonade...

Today is the Day: Sign ups

2007-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

My fellow swappers: Today is the start of sign ups and I know that you are all eager, as are we to start out tea party. The email address and required details will be up later today as one of our hostess' is returning from out of town and we want to make sure she is available for contact. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you to everyone who has already grabbed the questionnaire and put it up on your blog. This will help to insure plenty of time to answer the questions in detail and a great kick off to our party!

Happy Swapping and of course Tea Drinking!

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

2007-07-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you who plan on signing up and putting up your questionnaire early that is not a problem, just remember to sign up when the details and email address are posted!!

Although sign ups do not start until the August 3rd we thought we would get a jump on the Questionnaire. For those of you planning on joining here is the questions that will need to be answered and posted before August 20th, so that matches can be sent out on the 22nd. And remember the DETAILS are listed for the swap specifics if you are wondering how this one works.

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try?

What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)?

Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up).

Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind?

What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself?

How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc).

If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why?

If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why?

What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?)

What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?)

When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute?

What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go?

Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting?

Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match?

Favorite childhood birthday party?

Favorite type of scone and jam?

If you use candles, what is your favorite scent?

If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead).

You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)?

Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to?

Anything we missed that you want your pal to know?

We have a Winner!

2007-07-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Cass, winner of our how do you like your tea contest! I hope to get the package out before we leave on Friday, but no promises.

Thanks to each and every one of you for expressing an interest and sharing your tea preferences with us. Keep it up. It won't be as long as it has been; remember, sign-ups open August 3rd and close when we reach 150 participants, or August 15th, whichever comes first.

Blog Required

2007-07-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

We are really enjoying the steady stream of comments! You are reading each other's comments too, I hope? I do have my own comments on "high tea" (which isn't so lofty after all), but that's a post for another day. Right now, I'm still trying to ease back into my daily routine, and catch up on my sleep.

I did want to take a moment to note that we are requiring swap participants to have a blog. It just makes it easier for each pal to connect with another and get a true feel for his/her pal! There are no posting requirements though, so if you don't currently have a blog, we hope you'll take a moment - and that's really all it takes! - to create one where you can post your questionnaire and contest answers, if nothing else!

Let me be clear - we are *NOT* doing this to be exclusionary. We want everyone who wants to participate to be able to sign up, but we also want to ensure that every swapper has the best experience possible.

Thanks again for all of the comments and interest!

The 10 Commandments of Tea

2007-07-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Thou shall not call it brewed; tea is steeped.
Thou shall select water with care. Avoid hard water or even a hint of chlorine.
Thou shall respect tea; it is all-natural.
Thou shall understand the three different types of tea: Green, Oolong, and Black.
Thou shall sanitize equipment before each run.
Thou shall use Tea Essence as a flavor supplement to help avoid the formation of unsightly sediment in the container.
Thou shall read the Templar Tea Update.
Thou shall be guilt free; tea is healthful.
Thou shall know how to spell Polyphenol.
Thou shall drink tea often.

Let's Talk Tea

2007-07-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

As July seems to keep speeding by, I would like to talk a little tea talk, because before you know it - it will be tea time. When I say tea many first think the drink, but tea also represents a time of day when tea, little sandwiches, and desserts are eaten. This is done mostly in England, but there are teas served all over the country as a special treat.

One of my most favorite birthday parties when I was in the 4th grade was a tea party. My mom prepared lots of yummy sandwiches (minus the crust), wonderful cakes and scones and of course we got to use her beautiful porcelain tea pots. It was quite a treat for me and my friends to be having our very own tea time. Another fond tea time I remember was when I was on my honeymoon in Victoria, Canada. We went to the Empress Hotel for their afternoon tea. It was amazing. The food, the tea, the atmosphere. The price is a bit steep, but well worth the cost to enjoy a wonderful afternoon. I recommend it if you are ever in Victoria.

For me now, tea time isn't quite as fancy, but I still enjoy making a cup of tea, perhaps having a treat as well and sitting down with my knitting or book to enjoy a very pleasant evening. You will usually find me drinking a cup of Tazo Earl Grey. It gets its distinct flavor from Bergamot orange oil. I am partial to the Tazo brand being that they are located in Portland, Oregon (my home town).

Just a few reminders, our first contest is open until July 20th and sign ups will start on August 3rd. Please read the list of swap details to make sure this is the tea house you want to reserve a table at, we would love to have you!

Take a moment for yourself today and enjoy a wonderful tea prepared the way you like it. Whether it be hot or cold with our with out treats, you deserve a little 'you' time.

Happy Tea, Knitting, and of course Swapping!

Keep 'Em Coming!

2007-07-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying reading up on how you take your tea!

My father, my husband, and my brother inlaw, all believe there is no such thing as too sweet iced tea. In fact, my father preferred sweet tea made with a simple sugar, and THEN, add granulated sugar until you have quite a pile in the bottom of the glass. (Gross!) Personally, I still adore iced tea with a bit of sweet and crushed mint, with a pretty sprig of mint as a garnish, but that's an awful lot of trouble, so I generally just make green tea and pour it over ice. (Hubby won't drink that...)

So, at our virtual tea party, we'll need quite an assortment of tea, milk AND cream, honey, raw brown sugar, and so much more. Of course, there will be a tall pitcher of iced tea, just the way YOU like it on the sideboard too...

The Devil's in the Details

2007-07-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! There's already a lot of interest in our swap. Just to make sure we're all on the same page, please read through all of the rules and guidelines below. Also, please note that sign-ups won't begin until August 3rd.

This is the first of what we hope will be a rather regular swap. We're calling this one "The Colors of Tea." I'll explain and give examples in a moment, but the idea is that tea, like yarn, is colorful and comes in all kinds of fibers - oops, that would be varieties. Some of you are well-versed in tea, some are new and hope to learn more through this swap, and I'm betting a lot of you fall somewhere in between. Wherever you are on your tea journey, we hope you'll travel along with us.

The Colors of Tea

This is a very abbreviated primer, but basically, there are several varieties of tea - black, green, red, and white. What most of us call herbal teas aren't really made from the same plant as true tea, but for the purpose of the swap, if your partner likes herbals or you have a favorite that will fit his/her desires, go for it! The idea is to get to know your pal through the questionnaire, blogs and anonymous emails to prepare a fun, personal swap package. So, let's take the color red, for example. Say your pal is new to tea, and loves red. She is interested in learning about loose teas, for the sake of our example. Finding the right yarn, I'll leave to your imagination, but for teas, I'd pick something like Harney's Strawberry-Kiwi, and then fill the box with a mesh strainer, some strawberry preserves and a nice scone mix, and a pretty red tea cozy.

One of the reasons we're posting details early is so you can ask questions. Please do! Your tearoom hostesses want to get to know you and help you have a great tea party with us. There will also be more tidbits on tea as we go along.

So, the fine print:

Sign-ups will open August 3rd and end August 15th, or as soon as we have 150 participants.

This is an anonymous swap. You will send to and receive from two different people.

Your questionnaire (to be posted after sign-ups are underway) must be posted before August 20th, so that matches can be sent out on the 22nd.

The minimum dollar amount for your swap package is $40. That does not include shipping or the value of the time you spend preparing your package and the items within.

You may request to be matched with someone within your own country. We will do our best to honor those requests.

You must contact your pal by August 25th.

Your package must ship on or before October 1.

The package requirements:

One full skein of yarn. It must be new! It may be from your stash if it is truly something your pal would like.
One tin/box of premium tea. As with the yarn, please honor your pal's preferences. If he/she likes loose tea, send loose tea. If he/she likes bags, send bags.
A tea treat or two. We'll list some resources on the side.
A hand-made item that fits the theme. A tea cozy, coasters... use your imagination. Again, we'll have suggestions and links before the swap begins.
A tea accessory of some sort. A new mesh strainer, a mug, or anything else your pal might like.

Please keep in mind that the requirements are MINIMUMS. Feel free to pamper your pal as you would like to be spoiled. Tea is all about socializing and sharing with friends, so that should be the spirit of this swap. Your partner should get that tea with a friend feeling when your package is received.

We'll post other ideas too, including some of my favorite tea books. There's also nothing like a cup of tea and a good book.

Here's to tea, friendship and a good yarn.

Cream and Sugar?

2007-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

The always brilliant Devon has sparked our first contest. She's very curious, and wonders how you like your tea? Leave a comment here. One entry per person please, and any who found one of our blogs first will also be eligible. The contest will end on July 20th, which should be about the next time I am calm, cool and collected! The winner will be selected by the ever popular, random number generator.

I (Chan) like mine straight up. Hot, cold, tepid, it's all good. I do like a bit of Splenda and cream in hot, black teas though.

Devon says, "I am a bit of honey kind of girl with a splash of milk if my mood calls for it."

Mary says, "I like my tea sweet, hot or cold."

Button Up!

2007-07-05T11:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my awesome co-hostesses, Devon and Mary, we have buttons already. Please respect our bandwidth and download the photo accordingly, and button away!

Not Yet!

2007-07-05T07:33:00.001-07:00

Hello! Thank you for your interest in the Knit One, Tea Too Swap. (Aka: K1, T2) Your hostesses are busy preparing the tea room for you, but check back soon for details on sign-ups and the swap. If you knit (or crochet!) and like tea or would like to learn more about tea, this is the swap for you.