Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog: Something to come

I really like planning kits for the store. I started putting together special occasion kits last year, and with each one I've designed, it's been a highlight of my month. The upcoming Valentine's Day kit is no exception because includes two elements I haven't before included in a kit- an awesome pattern and super cool shawl pin.

So let me tell you all about this upcoming kit. The dyer of this gorgeous skein is Tanis Fiber Arts, and if you've happened on this blog over the past month you know that I looooove her Purple Label cashmere blend sock yarn. So of course when I was planning the kit, I asked if she would be interested in dyeing a special color. I told her my inspiration for the color was a pink-flecked granite and I think she and her husband did a really fabulous job of translating that into a squishy, fibery skein, don't you? I had a contest here on the blog to name the skein, and the one that seemed to fit to me was Silver Plume, which is the type of granite seen in the Rockies. Especially since one of the items in this kit is a set of four granite stitch markers.

Aren't they pretty? They're hanging on the awesome shawl pin that I found at Sock Summit '09. One of the vendors that had a booth close to me was Sassafras Creations and they make some fun jewelry and accessories made from knitting needles. Anne (who helped me staff my booth) and I bought several pieces including earrings, a necklace and a key chain... and I might have just visited the above link and purchased a necklace last night! I can't help myself, I love the stuff! And then earlier last year I asked them to make some shawl pins for you all and they made these cool ones using two double point aluminum needles in many colors. You'll get one two-piece shawl pin in your kit, and I'll choose the color- it will be a fun surprise! After all, I know many of you like to knit shawls and shawlettes out of your sock yarn and who couldn't use a cool pin?

Finally, I asked Jeannie Cartmel to design a pattern for the kit and she did this cool cabled pattern, which the recipients of this kit get a full 6 months before she releases it publicly. Isn't it nice to be ahead of the game? I think it looks just perfect with this colorway, which to me, behaves like a semi-solid. Instead of white yarn showing through the gray, it's a blushing pink. It's such a lovely effect and I think it compliments the geometrically patterned sock. Jeannie even let my husband Joe contribute by naming the pattern. After looking at my finished sock, he said that it reminded him of papyriform columns of Egypt which were constructed to resemble multiple papyrus reeds bound together. Your Papyriform Sock pattern will be e-mailed to you shortly after your order is shipped.

If you are new to cabled socks, then this will be a fun introduction. It's not an easy beginners pattern, but it's not frustratingly difficult at all. Once I completed the first pattern repeat, it was really really addictive. I used the slip and pinch (at least that's what I call it) technique that Jeannie calls for in the pattern. This is a way of cabling without using a cable needle, and boy was it soooo much easier. If you are new to knitting cables, check out this article or this video to learn more about doing it without having to fiddle with a cable needle.

The kit will go up on the website on Monday morning and you'll see a new post here when it does. I have fewer than 200 kits (which typically sell out in a day), and the costwill be less than $50. So if you do really want one of these, I recommend placing your order when you see the kit. I'm not trying to frustrate anyone who doesn't get one, but there are limits on what I can ask the dyers and artisans to do. Since each part of this kit is hand made, each piece takes time and that's really what makes it so special.

Comments

Checked out Sassafras Creations! What a great way to use those old needles!

Posted by: Kathy | January 13, 2011 at 10:22 AM

I bought a watch from Sassafras Creations at Stitches East so I know how neat their things are. Addictive! Love this kit and hope to be getting one Monday. :)

Posted by: Sandee | January 13, 2011 at 10:51 AM