It isn't often that I carry a laceweight yarn- it's not used for socks, and many yarns at that gauge can only be used for one thing- lace projects. But Kathryn at Fleece Artist offered me such a fabulous deal on her Saldanha Two that I couldn't turn it down. For what would usually be $20-$22 (depending on exchange rate), you can have a nearly-900-yard skein of 100% superwash merino laceweight for only $14 in the SSYC Sale Section. Seriously.
Saldanha Two is a versitile laceweight worth stashing not only because of the expertly hand dyed colors, but also because it's superwash merino. So if you hold it doubled you can use it in place of fingering weight yarn in many projects, or you can use it as is in all those laceweight sweater projects and not worry about how it will wash and wear. And since most sweater projects call for two skeins of this size, you can knit a whole sweater for only $28 in yarn. Seriously.
There are over two dozen colors to choose from in the Sale Section at the time this post goes live, but I'm sure many colors will be gone within a day. The SSYC Team and I have been not-so-patiently for this to arrive, and for purely selfish reasons. Rachael and Heather both passed along the patterns that they are considering so that I could share them with you. Here's what they have to recommend:
Rocio , Joji Locatelli
Simplicity Cardigan, Mary Annarella
Geodesic Cardigan, Connie Chang Chinchio
Laar, Gudrun Johnston
Making Waves Cardigan, Mary Annarella
Those first five are suggestions from Rachael. Can you tell she's a sweater knitter? These next ideas are from Heather, who knits and crochets everything. Now, I know these are a lot of links to look through, but I recommend clicking on each one. I really do. They are all such gorgrous projects, and for $14 or $28 or $42 you could proudly wear one or many of these, or gift the item to someone special.
Citron, Hilary Smith Callis
Rock Island, Jared Flood
Featherweight Cardigan, Hannah Fettig
Good Day Sunshine, Amanda Bjoerge
Evenstar Shawl, Susan Pandorf
Gradient, Shibui Knits
Meadowlark, Amy Swenson
Insouciant, Julie Hoover
Plain Jhaynes, Anne Hanson
Etude in Stripes, Diana Rozenshteyn
Swan Maiden Mitts, Holly Terrell
Summer Affair, Carol Feller
Hand Springs Fingerless Mitts, Micol Day
Sand Tracks Cardigan, Jenise Reid
Sara, Marita Rolin
Zickzack Tunic, Melissa Wehrle
Photo used with perimission of Joji Locatelli
And if you've made it this far in the post, you should enter this contest! Joji Locatelli, the designer of the Rocio pattern at the top of the list, is giving a free pattern of hers to two lucky winners! All you have to do is tell me in the comments below what color of Saldanha 2 (in the Sale Section) that you would choose to knit that pattern with. Leave one comment before the contest closes late in the day this Friday the 22nd. I'll announce the winners and e-mail you Joji's coupon code so that you can choose any of her patterns on Ravelry for free! Woot!
FYI, Kathryn labeled the skeins as 100 grams, but said that when the skeins were wound, many of them had more than 100grams. When we weighed them here, most of them weighed much more than were labeled, actually 15-30% more. So that means that while the skeins have at least 100g or 874 yards, your skein could have 15-30% more yardage. Very cool.
I love the Salt Spray. So tempting to buy two of every color...
Posted by: Sarah | February 20, 2013 at 10:38 AM
I just bought 2 of the Beet - that color just caught my eye --and a laceweight cardigan in that color would be perfect!
Posted by: Leslie Fehr | February 20, 2013 at 10:51 AM
I'd use the Tourmaline color for that. It was a hard choice between Spruce and Tourmaline!
Posted by: Jane | February 20, 2013 at 11:03 AM
I love the multis, but I think it'd be really pretty in Plum.
Posted by: Shari | February 20, 2013 at 11:08 AM
I'd use Beet for a sweater.
Posted by: Jenny K | February 20, 2013 at 11:10 AM
I think I would knit it in either Moondust or Tourmaline. Both colors would look beautiful on my sister. I love to knit for her.
Posted by: Shannon Adams | February 20, 2013 at 11:10 AM
This was a hard choice to make. All the colors are beautiful. After 20 minutes of drooling over all the colors, I finally made my choice....Peridot. No wait, Paris. No Peridot. Final answer is Peridot. My birthstone.
Posted by: Debbie | February 20, 2013 at 11:11 AM
Between the Beet and the Brew - actually all the colors are nice - but I live up north, a bit cool, so maybe I am leaning towards the Brew, tough decision.
Posted by: Beverly J. Killick | February 20, 2013 at 11:20 AM
I love plum and have a lot in that color but not a sweater so the choice is obvious BUT I would need to pick up a few more to stash because there are many beautiful colors.
Posted by: Diane | February 20, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Just ordered some Spruce and Amber. The sweater would also look great in Peridot.
Posted by: Judith | February 20, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Plum!!
Posted by: April | February 20, 2013 at 11:47 AM
It's almost too hard to pick....but I think I'd go with pumpkin.
Posted by: R Morris | February 20, 2013 at 11:47 AM
I think Cezanne because the colors are quite different than anything I usually knit. Or wear.
Posted by: Carol F | February 20, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Brown Sugar would be my choice if I won.
Posted by: MarthaO | February 20, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Oooohhhh...so much beauty to choose from! I would go with earth or spruce. :).
Posted by: Melissa B. | February 20, 2013 at 12:53 PM
I would so use Crema or brown sugar. I think either would make a really nice sweater.
Posted by: Lisa Viviano | February 20, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Wow, so many lovely colors, no wonder you had us look them over. You are so tempting. I have to go with Beach House...
Posted by: Natalie | February 20, 2013 at 01:03 PM
So many great colors its hard to choose. I love the Tourmsline & Iviry. I may buy a couple if the Moondust & figure out something for my granddaughter!
Posted by: Donna | February 20, 2013 at 01:05 PM
Most definitely the Beach House colorway! What a perfect summer sweater that would be.
Posted by: Marna | February 20, 2013 at 01:26 PM
Pumpkin or tourmeline. but there are so many lovely colors.
Posted by: Anne | February 20, 2013 at 01:26 PM
I love the name and the color of Stardust!
Posted by: Therese | February 20, 2013 at 01:29 PM
Pumpkin is on it's way to my home and I think Rocio would be fantastic made with it.
Posted by: Kathleen B. | February 20, 2013 at 01:31 PM
I really love Marine!
Posted by: Debbie | February 20, 2013 at 01:35 PM
I love all the colors, but something about Peridot, that's what i would choose. i have been drawn to shades of white lately.
Posted by: Elaine Jewell | February 20, 2013 at 01:36 PM
I would use cedar or amber, but it's really hard to choose!
Posted by: Julene | February 20, 2013 at 01:37 PM
Stardust! Actually just placed my order. :)
Posted by: Julie | February 20, 2013 at 01:38 PM
Gotta be the Tidepool for me - all my favorite colors together
Posted by: Jennifer Hope | February 20, 2013 at 01:39 PM
Beach House or Peridot for me. But every time I look through the colors, another one catches my imagination!
Posted by: RuthAnn Gonzalez | February 20, 2013 at 01:40 PM
Ooo, so hard! I really like amber, plum, pumpkin & tourmaline. Do I have to choose? Can I say I'd like one in all colors :)
Posted by: Mari | February 20, 2013 at 01:41 PM
Oh I love Joji designs! I would use Ebony to knit this beauty.
Posted by: teri | February 20, 2013 at 01:41 PM
I would choose Marine, but I would love to do something with Beach House, too!
Posted by: Beverly Shearon | February 20, 2013 at 01:43 PM
Amber and Ruby. Thanks!
Posted by: Debbie H | February 20, 2013 at 01:45 PM
Amber!!!
Posted by: Chris | February 20, 2013 at 01:45 PM
just ordered 2 of the Beet--breaking out of my usual blue/green/purple color range!
Posted by: Nan | February 20, 2013 at 01:46 PM
I am so in love with the Ivory. It's so goregous!!! My second choice would be Amber which is also gorgeous and I do not have any yarn in this colorway as it's a little out of my box, but irresistable at the same time.
Posted by: Deb C | February 20, 2013 at 01:47 PM
Well... I just bought Ruby and Plum, so one of those would be my choice. But they are all beautiful!
Posted by: Rose W. | February 20, 2013 at 01:51 PM
I ordered enough Ruby for a sweater- I'm a red girl.
Posted by: Robin F. | February 20, 2013 at 01:56 PM
Tough choice but my final answer is Ruby. There are so many lovely colors.
Posted by: Marsha | February 20, 2013 at 01:58 PM
I would love to make this sweater in the Earth colorway. It looks beautiful.
Posted by: Kim Mitchell | February 20, 2013 at 01:59 PM
Amber is my favorite, but Cactus Flower is a close second.
Posted by: Susie | February 20, 2013 at 02:00 PM
beet or moondust
Posted by: mar Feder | February 20, 2013 at 02:04 PM
Hard choices, I would pick Paris or Cezanne
Posted by: MiriamR | February 20, 2013 at 02:06 PM
I think it would look lovely in Stardust or Amber - one for the subtle colour shifts and the other because it would glow.
Posted by: Lia | February 20, 2013 at 02:12 PM
Peridot. Peridot! PERIDOT!!! Love it.
Posted by: Shelly | February 20, 2013 at 02:13 PM
Just bought two of the mineral, I think the sweater would be very pretty with the color variations.
Posted by: Christina Enger | February 20, 2013 at 02:14 PM
First choice would be Cedar and a close second would be Peridot!!!Love them
Posted by: Stephanie | February 20, 2013 at 02:15 PM
I'm a redhead, so the Brown Sugar is calling my name. love this yarn and such a great sale. (lol, I can imagine singing "Brown Sugar" while knitting awayy).
Posted by: Jan Fairclo | February 20, 2013 at 02:17 PM
What BEAUTIFUL colors!! It was so hard to choose, but being an autumn person, it's Amber.
Posted by: Pam | February 20, 2013 at 02:20 PM
I love Sea Spray & Mint. They are just beautiful as are all the colors.
Posted by: Gale Longley | February 20, 2013 at 02:23 PM
I love many of the colors but I think I like Brown Sugar the best.
Posted by: Janine | February 20, 2013 at 02:33 PM
Marine for me!
Posted by: Ann | February 20, 2013 at 02:37 PM
I love Moondust. Pinks and grays are my favorite. This yarn would make a gorgeous sweater!
Posted by: Debby | February 20, 2013 at 02:54 PM
A tough choice. Either Amber or Ivory. All are beautiful1
Posted by: Susan Snow Burnett | February 20, 2013 at 03:00 PM
I would select Cedar because it includes colors that I don't use very often, but I think they would go well with jeans and khakis.
Posted by: Linda | February 20, 2013 at 03:07 PM
I love pinks, so I would choose Cactus Flower.
Posted by: Nancy | February 20, 2013 at 03:11 PM
I'm ordering Plum but Salt Spray would be my 2nd choice.
Posted by: Marilyn Stern | February 20, 2013 at 03:18 PM
Turkish Delight, for something bright and cheerful
Posted by: Amy Ranck | February 20, 2013 at 03:31 PM
I would love to try the bronze. It would be very different color for me.
Posted by: Laura McMahan | February 20, 2013 at 03:36 PM
Love the spruce... LOVE the amber!!
Posted by: Jean Y | February 20, 2013 at 03:36 PM
Plum or brown sugar
Posted by: Jennifer L | February 20, 2013 at 04:14 PM
Several of the colors are already gone. I'm not surprised. Of the ones that are left, I'd choose Brown Sugar or Cactus Flower.
Posted by: Debby | February 20, 2013 at 04:21 PM
I think FA Saldanha 2 Crema would be just perfect for my next spring project!
Posted by: Yvonne M | February 20, 2013 at 04:27 PM
I also found it hard to pick just one shade,but Beach House is beautiful!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 20, 2013 at 04:29 PM
I would use the Beach House colorway
Posted by: Melanie Belisle | February 20, 2013 at 04:59 PM
The Peridot looks spring-y!And I am so ready for spring.
Posted by: Peggy | February 20, 2013 at 05:08 PM
Salt Spray!
Posted by: kat | February 20, 2013 at 05:09 PM
I love these colorways. My favorites are Earth, Bronze, Amber and Marine. I think I would use Marine first!
Posted by: Karen G. | February 20, 2013 at 05:16 PM
Oh, I would love to make that cardi in the Mint!
Posted by: Ruth | February 20, 2013 at 05:16 PM
I'd choose 'Earth' to knit Joji's sweater. so very spring!
Posted by: Bonni Nechemias | February 20, 2013 at 05:18 PM
Tough choice! But I think I'd go with "Beach House".
Posted by: Wanda | February 20, 2013 at 05:32 PM
Beachhouse, to wear at the beach house. And Cactus Flower, for the pink!
Posted by: Nancy | February 20, 2013 at 05:38 PM
I think Mint would be a great ethereal color for an ethereal sweater.
Posted by: Karalee | February 20, 2013 at 05:39 PM
My favourite colour is Turkish Delight. I think it would make a splendid garment!
Posted by: Kiki | February 20, 2013 at 05:41 PM
Nightshade!
Posted by: Donna R | February 20, 2013 at 05:47 PM
I really like the Brown Sugar color - beautiful yarn.
Posted by: Marla | February 20, 2013 at 05:53 PM
I would choose Marine. Already placed my order. Beautiful yarn :)
Posted by: Lisa | February 20, 2013 at 05:54 PM
Ebony. I love the overdying!
I love her patterns!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 20, 2013 at 06:06 PM
Love the Cezanne. Amazing color!
Posted by: Chris Tubbs | February 20, 2013 at 06:08 PM
Brown Sugar or Ebony. Those would make great sweaters for everyday wear for me.
Posted by: Kay L | February 20, 2013 at 06:19 PM
Mint would be luscious....or perhaps Brown Sugar......or it would be so hard to choose but these are my favs.
Posted by: Kris Peters | February 20, 2013 at 06:32 PM
Marine would be my choice.
Posted by: Marjorie | February 20, 2013 at 06:35 PM
Crema would be a great every day color.
Posted by: Anne | February 20, 2013 at 06:54 PM
Ooooh, I love the MINT shade, but it is a very hard choice as all the colors are fabulous!!!
Posted by: Lin | February 20, 2013 at 07:02 PM
Nightshade, as it what I ordered after dithering over all the lucious colors.
Posted by: Tara | February 20, 2013 at 07:07 PM
I'd have to go with the Marine! (I'm seeing that several colors are already gone -- Beet sounds like a great color; I wish I'd seen it!)
Thanks to you, Allison, and to Joji for this great sale and contest!
Posted by: Jan | February 20, 2013 at 07:20 PM
I missed a lot of colors, too, but am happy that I ordered two skeins of Cactus Flower and plan to make this lovely cardigan with it! So springy! I can't wait!
Posted by: RichelleCK | February 20, 2013 at 07:28 PM
I think Cosmic Dawn would be the best.
Posted by: LN in TX | February 20, 2013 at 08:00 PM
Oh, the bronze is so pretty!
Posted by: Sharilyn | February 20, 2013 at 08:03 PM
I think Ebony because I like solid colors.
Posted by: Alison | February 20, 2013 at 08:07 PM
I would choose Marine!! all the colors are so pretty!!
Posted by: Sharon Balstad | February 20, 2013 at 08:25 PM
Although I really like the multis, I would go for the Crema.
Posted by: Vasiliki Starborn | February 20, 2013 at 08:39 PM
I'd use the Cezanne, but it was difficult to choose between such lovely colors!
Posted by: Mim58 | February 20, 2013 at 08:51 PM
The Beach House colorway! so pretty!!
Posted by: Andrea | February 20, 2013 at 09:51 PM
Mint, definitely mint. I'm usually a brown sugar type person, but that one captured my fancy.
Posted by: Pam | February 20, 2013 at 10:53 PM
I would knit in Cosmic Dawn or Cezanne and try to knit so the darkest colours are at the bottom of the garment - just love those two as they are bright and colourful
Posted by: Francoise Maulgue | February 21, 2013 at 12:42 AM
Brown sugar would be my favorite, with Marine as a close second.
Posted by: Caroline | February 21, 2013 at 12:44 AM
Marine 1st choice, Nightshade a close 2nd.
Posted by: Renee' | February 21, 2013 at 03:29 AM
I will use Salt Spray. Looks like the ocean in the Pacific NW.
Posted by: Peggy | February 21, 2013 at 03:51 AM
Loved Cosmic Dawn, but think I would pick Cezanne as my first choice.
Posted by: lori | February 21, 2013 at 07:48 AM
Love the brown sugar.... to knit or on oatmeal.
Posted by: Laura | February 21, 2013 at 09:08 AM