Never Enough Treats from the UK

Let's just say that I am not on a yarn diet, and leave it at that. These lovelies arrived in the mail last week from Marie. With all the stuff from Maryland Sheep and Wool to talk about, I didn't get a chance to post about this box of fun stuff.

Left: Opal 188, Opal 1040 (Magic), Opal 1041 (Magic), Fortissima Colori 18
Right: Colinette Cushion Kits Snakes and Ladders in Amber and Chequers in Travertine
Center: Colinette "BackStage" and "Comfy Cosy" Pattern Leaflets

Inspired by my first adventures with Giotto and needlepoint, I decided I needed to have the other two cushion kits in what I hope will be co-ordinating colorways (I'm doing the colorway on the cover of the Chequers kit, but I selected the more subdued colorway for the Snakes and Ladders kit -- if you can call any Colinette colorway "subdued"). I'm going to turn them into wall hangings instead of cushions (three creatures with fur and claws remind me that ribbony pillows are not likely to have a long half life in my house). These are not difficult projects and make for the perfect outlet when you don't have enough brain power to dig into a knitting project. Whenever I need a pick-me-up there is almost nothing better than bathing in a little color a la Colinette.

And I've decided that (in spite of a previous post) that you really can't have too much sock yarn. Opal is one of my special favorites because knitting it up is often an adventure. The color to the far left is numbered "188" and I've never seen it here in the US before (it looks like a Jacquard colorway from the picture). Anyone know whether it's an oldie-but-goodie or something new? The other two Opal skeins are from the "Magic" collection. The 1040 is a nice, subdued blue and grey colorway that I am hoping might interest my husband someday (I know he won't go near it now, but maybe in the future...), the 1041 is most definitely for me, as I have no vividly minty green socks in my collection. The Fortissima Colori was a little treat that Marie snuck in the box after hearing that I liked the cotton wool blend yarns that I had tried. It's a nice blend of maroon and white and black that should make for a really nice pair of fall socks.

I have to stop now and tell you that Marie has a connection to some of the neatest cards. I love the one she sent with this box. It's sitting on top of Colinette's "BackStage" book and a little treat for Bonne Marie -- the leaflet that contains the Flounce Trimmed Jacket (if you want to see an awesome rendition, take a look at Jennifer's Jacket). And, last but not least, a bar of "White Chocolate Mousse" soap that smells absolutely edible.

Which cusion should I start next? Vote in the comments. I'll start the cushion that gets the most votes first!