Saturday, February 14, 2009

Wonder balls and more, oh my!





Here is what arrived for the girls today from Grandma. And this comes after their Grammy and Grandaddy sent lovely treats in the post just yesterday. Not to mention all the sweets from classmates, and Easter dress (seen above) from Auntie Rose.
You may be wondering why this ball of yarn looks a bit odd. It is a most delightful German tradition that I have loved since my own childhood. A wonder ball is a skein of wool that is wound in ball, around many small gifts for the recipient. It is made as incentive to get knitting accomplished with a twist of intrique and fun, which is especially nice for a new knitter. Many kinds of lovelies can go in a ball, from sweets to hair clips, stickers, jewelry, figurines, stones, and other small delights. Usually in the center is the most special gift, perhaps a silver charm or ring. Mia pulled out her needles and got started right away.






The idea is to open the gift as they naturally unravel. Of course, for some, the wait is unbearable! Here is Vivienne with her very quickly unraveled ball of wonder...



And can you believe another package was waiting to be opened? It was the Christmas in February package that our dear friends Cy and Lindsley have made into a tradition. They fill it with an electic mix of vintage style and lovingly thrifted treasures. As well as some sort of yummy, in this case, the Thai spice cashews we love! Thanks, guys!











Jasper wearing the new Gardening kneepads for a hat and new apron, too.

Mia's completed scarf, which she decided to finger knit and knot together.

Many thanks and lots of love!

8 comments:

dawn klinge said...

You have so many fun Valentine traditions in your family. I love the wonder ball idea.

Jodi said...

your children are gorgeous. what beautiful photos...and presents!

Louise said...

What a gorgeous tradition your wonderballs are.

Leanne said...

Oh my goodness wonderballs are the most fabulous idea! So glad you shared them here. I think I may just have to introduce this to my own little family.
And thanks for visiting my blog...I can't wait to pop in here for a peep often now too...what a lovely place to visit!

brown robin said...

Oh! How lovely and sweet and wonderful! All of it... especially the wonder ball. I can't wait to ask my dad if that was ever any part of his German heritage. Thanks for sharing... such a fun tradition to think about trying sometime.

Tan Family said...

I love the wonder ball idea! I am inspired to try it...

Melissa said...

This is beautiful. I have a budding knitter and am going to use this idea also. Thank you.

Carle said...

Heh thanks! Just what I needed

xx
Carle