I have been so worried about my pal's package not showing up until this week (a postal note got missed), I totally forgot about the contest.

I had a number of entries---you guys really know how to spoil your Pals! But there was a very clear winner who went way above and beyond for her pal.

Robyn, you won!

That's Robyn, of Knit Purl Mama. Would you like to tell everyone exactly how much you spent? *grin* Ladies and gentlemen, she went over by more than I spent totally---and, ahem, I hit three digits.... Yes, Robyn, you are one excellent Secret Spoiler!

Email me and let's chat about a good prize that fits with your crafty interests.

I looked out onto the patio today and saw a cute little green box awaiting me. Oh! It's here! I was very good and grabbed my camera, so I'd get pictures right away. I knew you all would want to see what I got!

When I opened the box, I saw this:

Then I began to remove the items and unwrap them---smart lady, my pal Genevieve: she didn't use any tape!

When I was done ooohing and aaahing, I ended up with quite the pile of booty:

Isn't that cool? The yarns are Trekking Hand Art, in Atlantik and Noro Silk Mountain in "Color 8". I know the Trekking will become socks, but I could use some suggestions for the Silk Mountain---anyone?

I'm off to post to the FCS3 blog and to Ravelry. You can stay and drool awhile, if you like.

A couple weeks ago, I posted my questionnaire for Favorite Color Swap 3. Since that time, I've been shopping for my pal's gifts. Oh, boy did I get a challenge! I doubt anyone else would have the color(s) she listed, so I'll have to keep my shopping details rather coy, but I've had fun.

I found some of her items at Michael's. And that lead me to shop around on Etsy for some complimentary items. In particular, I was able to find just what I wanted at Beth's Boutique. I also found some neat things for my pal at Prossack Designs which I really hope she likes---I know I'm going to have to go back for something for myself there soon! (As for Beth's Boutique, I was smart and ordered for myself there at the same time!)

In the process of shopping on Etsy, I may (or may not) have purchased from Ialuna and Little Projects. It's a darn good thing Etsy doesn't show who bought sold items! So, I feel safe in revealing my Etsy identity as "whichcraft".

And I haven't even mentioned any of my shopping on Ebay!

Now, I recall the post title mentioning a contest.... I've been tossing this idea around since so many people have had trouble staying within the bounds of their spending limit. That's it's own kind of "Swap Angel"---doing more for your pal than you're really supposed to. So, I'd like to have a contest. Here's the rules:

1. You must be a member of Favorite Color Swap 3 to enter.

2. You must post in the comments to this post the following information:

• Your name and blog
• The difference between your spending limit and the amount you spent.*

3. If you want (and the timing is right), you can reveal your Spoilee.

On the 1st of May, I'll check the comments for the most "over-the-limit" Spoiler.

Here's the challenging part of the contest: since FCS3 is open to crafty people of all types---and in reading some of your blogs, it's clear I know nothing about some of those crafts---I'll need some help assembling the winning prize. I haven't heard any suggestions for a prize yet. What about a gift certificate to Etsy (do they do those?)? Any other suggestions? You can leave a comment here or email me at the address under my picture up on the right.

* I think this is the best way to be fair to those who were in the various levels of spending this Swap offered.

I was over on Ariel's Knitting, another participant in the Favorite Color Swap 3 and she pointed to a contest over on Happy Handwork for Malabrigo yarn!

Go tell Cinnamongirl93 your favorite flower in her comments before 25 March 2008, 1900 Central Time and you'll be entered in her contest for some Malabrigo! If you tell her I sent you, I get another entry too! Yay, Malabrigo!

(Okay, now I'm gonna have the "Macarena" song in my head the rest of the night...only with "Hey, Malabrigo" instead.)

1. What are your top three favorite colors? Jewel/deep tones of Emerald, Maroon, Blue.

2. What crafts do you really enjoy? Knitting, Spinning, designing knitting patterns.

3. What products do you really covet? Within the scope of this swap? Hmmm.... Patterns and yarn and roving!

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things? Reading, playing with my ferrets, computer games, listening to audiobooks, browsing for "dream home fixtures" or design elements...

5. Is there anything you collect? Reaper Dark Heaven miniatures; giraffe-themed desk tchochkes, sock patterns *grin*...

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol? Zodiac sign: Pisces/Fish. Chinese zodiac symbol: apparently dog and Yang Metal

7. What are your favorite:

• scents/smells? Due to my Fibromyalgia, I tend towards scents which aren't too strong. I've liked "Pumpkin Spice" candles, lavender tarts, rain-scented incense. But I wish more people understood that perfume/cologne is meant to be a light touch, not an all-over cover!
• types of music and/or bands? Disturbed, Tool (metal?), KT Tunstall, Alex Parks....just about anything except Country/Western and HipHop/Rap---oh, and Bach! ::shudders::
• authors? *sigh* How long do you have? Kelley Armstrong (own everything she's written), Octavia Butler (ditto), Rachel Caine (ditto), Kim Harrison (ditto?), David Weber (not quite), SM Stirling (not quite?)....I'm sure there's more!
• animals? Ferrets! Oh, cats are okay too.
• places to shop? Yarn stores, bookstores, gaming stores, online---especially Etsy!
• season? Well, I live in Arizona, so....uhm, well Monsoon Season has some really stunning skies...that's usually late June to October, I think---we just moved back, so I'm re-learning it all.
• yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies? Stitch markers (!), Blue Kitty Design bags, KnitPicks nickel needles, folding scissors.
• candies or goodies? Chocolate. But not the dark stuff. ::shudders::

8. Do you have any wish lists? Well, I have a bunch over at Amazon---I had to sort them into separate lists! And I have a Wist list--that's linked over on the left or down at the bottom of the page. I think the Wists stay more up-to-date, especially where knitting and spinning are concerned.

9. Are you allergic to anything? Besides manual labor? *grin* Nothing that one could get without a doctor. *smile*

10. Do you have any pets? What are they? 10 Ferrets and two cats. Plus, just started up a 120 gallon aquarium.

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy.
I'm mom to a 15yo son, will celebrate 18 years of marriage this August. I've apparently quit working on my sci-fi writing. I'm currently trying my hand at desigining lace patterns. I've owned the Ptolus Campaign Book for over a year now and I've been a little intimidated about running a campaign from it!

Also, if you have a Ravelry ID, please include it here. annekaelber