Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog

Stitch Together Studios - Color Burst Collection

Stitch Together Studios has released a Color Burst Collection, which is a collection of nine different colors where each one is predominantly one color with a burst of something distinctive. These skeins are great for socks, as you can see in the above samples, but really are collected and knit for "planned pooling" patterns - knit patterns that take advantage of those burst of color as part of the design.

Birthday Cake, Blue Goo, Blue Raspberry, Cherry Ripple, Chocolate Swirl, Cotton Candy, Galaxy, Glampfire, Half Baked

These nine colors all dyed on Smooth Sock look great at socks, but Kayanna (rad colorista of Stitch Together Studios) had particular patterns in mind when she dreamt up these colorways. Like Float, Calico, and Roam by Dawn Barker. Float picture below courtesy of Dawn Barker.

And Turn it to the Max by Joanne Bint. Picture below courtesy of Joanne Bint.

Do you have other fave patterns that use the planned pooling technique? Or ones that you have queued up just waiting for the right yarn?

If you'd like to grab the colors while I have them, they are currently all listed at the New link on the website (for today but they will be bumped off as I add more items), and the 9 color names are: Birthday Cake, Blue Goo, Blue Raspberry, Cherry Ripple, Chocolate Swirl, Cotton Candy, Galaxy, Glampfire, Half Baked and can be found here while I have them.

I also have more from Wonderland Yarn coming soon in their Color Burst Collection and I'll share when those are up too. I've had those colors for several years and those have been quite popular for these types of patterns.

Polwarth Yarn & A Convo with a 14 Year Old

Scene: Kitchen in Midwestern home. 14 year old boy is helping his mom move yarn from the table to a box.

James: It feels nice.
Mom: Doesn't it?
James: Yeah, it's soft. What's it cost?
Mom: $19.
James: But that's like $10 less that what you usually do.
Mom: Yep.
James: Why?
Mom: Because the maker uses a different yarn that's less costly.
James: Huh.

End scene.

Not your typical conversation between a mom and her 14 year old. But worth nothing that this Polwarth yarn from Laneras is so soft that even a 14 year old soccer-and-video-game-obsessed-teenager takes note. And, yes, this Polwarth wool is $10 less than its merino counterpart from the same company and its in the Sale Section (starts with LYC).

The colors below are new summer hues Besame Mucho, Rivendell, Vienna and Mirage.

It's so nice that my friend Diana knit a sweater out of it recently and I'm obsessed. The color is Always and the sweater is Weekender Light.

And, of course, we have darker more vivid hues for you too like Romance, Good Old Days, Calistoga, and Twilight. All can be found in the Sale Yarn section til they are gone. But we'll get them back later in the summer for sure.

I knit up a pair of socks in the Merino version (so, not on sale) of this same sock yarn and the multicolored skeins look so nice knit up, right? I think it might be the Baggins color.

Madelinetosh's Summer Vacation Trio of Colors - Preorder

Madelinetosh is hoping to inspire you to knit more socks this summer with three limited edition color that are inspired by summer vacations. Perhaps you're going to take all those trips that you've been avoiding for the past two years? Or perhaps you're having a summer long, knitting stay-cation at home and want to take a bit of a trip inspired by your sock colors. Well, Madelinetosh has you covered either way!

This trio of colors is available for a limited time and on Twist Light Sock, their popular superwash merino/nylon blend. It's super soft but also quite durable. It's my fave base of theirs to use for socks. The colors they are releasing in June are inspired by mountains, beaches and urban landscapes, so no matter your prefered type of vacation these colors have you covered.

By preordering now, we will ship to you the second week of June. You'll get three skeins total, one each of Urbane, What's Up Beach? and Road Less Traveled. Each dyed on Twist Light Sock which, at 420 yards, is enough yarn for even my size 11 feet. And you get three skeins total (one of each color) so you're getting over 1200 yards of yarn. I'm told there may even be a few virtual Sockalong dates you can join and a pattern being designed. More news on that when I have it.

I have a limited amount of these available, so once preordered spaces are sold out, that's it folks. Again, all three skeins will ship the second week of June, so 3-4 weeks from now. If you'd like to order other items along with this preorder, you're welcome to. But know that everything will ship together in June. If you'd like other items to ship now, please order those on a separate order.

More Tweed or No Tweed!

Last week's game of Tweed or No Tweed was so popular on Insta and FB that I've decided to do another week, this time featuring the work of Qing Fibres of London!

This yarn just dropped in last week and the Sock and Donegal Tweed Sock are now up on the website with two more bases to follow. Shown above in 600 Volts, and below in Cloud.

Want to share which you like best? Last week, DK Tweed from LITLG seemed to be the big winner overall. So far this week there are a lot more likes of the non-tweed versions of the yarn. Thoughts?

Qing Fibres is back at SSYC!

I'm so happy to share that we have a huge, amazing new batch of Qing Fibres of London!

Layla Qing is the color mastermind behind this collection. I'm super pleased that, after two years, we have more for you (and me...). Right now, I have Sock back up on the website, and by early next week I should also have Donegal (tweed sock), Singles and Super Soft Sock (merino/cashmere/nylon) all up on the website too. It will likely trickle up on the website as I have time over the next few days, perhaps not until Tuesday, as the shop is open and I'll be busy with that tomorrow, and Sunday is Mother's Day. I'll be relaxing in bed and then brunching I think!

Above is Blackhare, and below is Cuttlefish. Two colors we've had at least five times and I always order double because they are quite popular.

Below are Sleepless and Icicle, both new colors that I adore. I ordered a few dozen new colors because I just couldn't resist.

And in other imports-that-are-taking-four-months news, our shipment of the Opal Van Gogh Collection reached NY Customs a couple weeks ago and was finally released today. It will be picked up on Monday and then make its way to Indiana. I'm unsure of the timeline it will take, as all freight companies and depots are understaffed, but I'm hopeful that in two weeks time we will be shipping out all the preorders and putting yarn up on the website for those who didn't get to preorder. And I'll be knitting it myself. Like immediately.

While I'm typing this, I'm sitting in a local coffee shop and sitting next to me is a delightful knitter who is making a cotton baby hoodie for her friend who is very knitworthy. I adore knitters, don't you? I'm thinking I should get my knitting out at least for a moment everywhere I am so that I meet awesome people - knitters always find each other. Maybe I"ll try it next week. Want to try it with me?

Tweed or No Tweed

I'm playing a bit of a game on Instagram and Facebook this week called Tweed or No Tweed! Each day, I'm sharing a color we just got in from Irish dye studio Life in the Long Grass in DK Twist and DK Tweed (so a DK weight merino without the tweed and then the only difference is the Tweed is that it has tweed nubs). And you get to tell me what you like best, the colorway with tweed or no tweed. Want to start off playing here on the blog? This is Thorn. It reminds me of Sugar Maple trees in the fall - not the early fall when things are bright, but later when the trees get more burnished looking and the red leaves start to dry out a bit and get brown on the edges. Just like that.

The prize is each day I randomly choose one commenter to win a $10 gift certificate to the shop. I'll choose between Facebook and Insta (one winner over all platforms) and tag the winner. The post has been on Insta and FB just over and hour now and already 100+ have given their opinion. Go join!

I thought this would be a fun way to introduce the new DK Tweed that LITLG sent us. Along with the Zebra Sock that has already sold out in lots of colors, it's a new base to us. As I tend to do, I made several color combos when I was photographing this new batch. What do you think of these? I think they would all be particularly nice in the I Left My Heart at LYS, which just happens to be 20% off until May 15.

DK Tweed in Sugar Plum with DK Twist in Moonbow

Icicle in DK Twist with Rosehip in DK Tweed

Oyster in DK Tweed with Cockleshell in DK Twist

Gorse in DK Tweed with Rose Gold in DK Twist

We have most of these colors in both Tweed and no tweed DK, and in Sock. Also lots of them in Silk Merino, which is the nicest 50% silk, 50% merino you can imagine- it's what people really gravitate to when shopping in person. I'm still waiting on one of our six boxes to make it through Customs, so if there was a color you wanted, just e-mail me at service@simplysockyarn.com and ask. 

Free US Shipping for LYS Weekend!

We celebrated Local Yarn Shop Day a week early this year in person so that we could also show the love to our online supporters this weekend with a coupon code for free shipping! We greatly appreciate being your LYS from afar, and even if you don't get to come see us and our 16+ tons of yarn in person, we love shopping for you every day and shipping your fibery goodies. We'd like to treat you to free US shipping now through Sunday at SSYC by entering coupon code LYSDay2022. Please enter it in your cart because some quick Check Out options (Paypal and ApplePay) sometimes speed through the coupon option. If you forget to enter it, just e-mail me after your order by responding to your receipt and I'll look into it. This coupon code is valid now through Sunday, May 1.

What might you like to purchase to take advantage of this offer? If you scroll down through the blog for the past week, you'll see some great options for the upcoming Casapinka pattern plus free pattern options from Malabrigo as well - free pattern codes for Ravelry aren't available past 4pm on Saturday as we will be closed and can't e-mail out codes before they expire, but the free code for shipping works through Sunday.

We received some glorious skeins from Irish dyer Life in the Long Grass, including the new Zebra Sock (shown in Chroma below) and restocks of super popular Sock.

Opal's Black Dragon 2 collection has been popular in the shop. I love the marled look of the yarn, don't you? The black ply gives it a really cool look. It would look great with the Simple Skyp Socks.

Cosy Posy above and Kenyarn below are two of our newest dyers. You might like to try a bit of something from one of them too. Shown above in the Rhinestone World colorway and below in The Empress and Gluttony.

If you're like me, you want a small project (or six!) ready for the upcoming hot weather. I don't like to knit anything big that will keep my lap warm in the summer, so I'm consistently knitting socks and hats. If you want a great hat yarn, we have all the colors of Malabrigo Rasta, and it's a super quick knit because it's a super bulky yarn. And I love having a really simple, mulitcolored sock on the needles all the time. Just something I can pick up and take with me. If that's you, you might like to grab some of the gradient skeins from Gusto we have for you in the Sale Yarn section.

Also in the Sale Yarn section is another Tosh Tuesday special- 35% off Madelinetosh Work Sock in OOAK (one of a kind) Potluck colors, Let us choose for you and you get a great surprise and a super deal!

I hope this gives you an idea of something nice to treat yourself with. Thank you so much for keeping SSYC busy through another LYS Day and for the past nearly 17 years! We'll soon be starting our summer long 17th anniversary celebration with events and contests and all the great things we like to do to celebrate. If you're coming to see us in person, we are going to be open for the week leading up to our 17th Anniversary, so we can all space out our visits instead of being one top of one another during one day. Each day, May 30 through June 4 we'll be open and having a different sale or giveaway so you can choose what day works best for you to celebrate in person. And we'll continue the celebration throughout the summer online!

If you scroll down or visit the recent posts linked at right, you'll see a lot of other suggestions for great knits and free pattern codes to celebrate LYS Day. Please note that I don't work on Sundays, so if you want a pattern code with your purchase, you would need to order online by 4pm on Saturday, April 30 (and notify on your order at Check Out or e-mail me by 4pm) so I can e-mail you your pattern code back before 5pm when I'm done working. Of course, the free US shipping code will continue to work through Sunday, but I won't be sending out pattern codes on orders past 4pm on Saturday. Thanks for understanding!

LYS Day Free Pattern Offers from Malabrigo & Casapinka Day 4

Not only is Casapinka featuring her new Ric Rac pattern for LYS Day with a free coupon code on Ravelry, but Malabrigo is doing the same but with THREE different patterns! Full details for Casapinka offer are at the bottom of this post, and if you also want the pattern codes from Malabrigo, just e-mail me after your order that includes one or more skeins of Malabrigo, and I'll e-mail you back the coupon codes to use on Ravelry for the Sense of Direction Cowl using Rios, the Dotty Cowl using two colors of Sock, and the Wonky Rib Cowl using Arroyo. We nearly every color in stock, so you won't have a hard time finding what you want that's for sure.

I do need to know that you want the patterns, so please do leave me a comment in your order notes or respond to your e-mailed receipt asking me for them. Malabrigo's codes can be used on Ravlery on April 30 or May 1, but I'm told do expire after that, so please don't hesitate to use them. I don't work on Sunday, so if you want the codes, please make sure you order and ask by 4pm EST on Saturday April 30.

Want  color ideas for the Casapinka pattern that also work for the two color Dotty Cowl? All on Sock. There are so, so many options beyond these few too, if you see something you like an want to e-mail me, Allison, at service@simplysockyarn.com and see if what you're thinking looks as good in person as it does on your screen.

How about Zarzamora (or Candombe) and Polar Morn (or Three Little Pigs)?

 

Or Disfraz and Dewberry

Baco and Black would be striking, right? 

Casapinka designs one LYS Day (Local Yarn Store) pattern a year to help shops celebrate. This year that day falls on April 30, and from now until April 30 you qualify to get her upcoming Ric Rac shawl pattern for free by purchasing two skeins of yarn for the pattern from us at SSYC (from our suggestions here on the blog in the coming week or ideas of your own - even if you shop in person) and letting us know you'd like the Ravelry coupon code e-mailed to you around April 30. You do have to let us know you want the free pattern after your purchase by either 1) putting that note on your order on our Check Out page or 2) e-mailing after your order (just responding to your e-mailed receipt is the easy way) asking. Then when she gives us the codes a day or two before the 30th, we will e-mail you yours. Then you go to the Ravelry pattern page (I'll include the link in your e-mail) add it to your cart on Ravelry and use the coupon code to make it free. The pattern won't be live until April 30 at 8am EST, and you shouldn't expect your code until around then either. Then please do use it right away, because Casapinka says the code expires at 11pm EST on May 1. So, basically she gives you a very short window to download the pattern for free. Then you can just purchase it from her.

SO! 1) Order 2 skeins from SSYC. 2) Let me know you want your pattern code at Check Out or via e-mail. 3) Add service@simplysockyarn.com to your Contacts so your e-mail doesn't bounce. 4) Wait until April 30 to get your code. E-mail me on April 30 if you haven't gotten your code yet. 5) Use code on Ravelry to make your pattern free! Don't wait -use the code one or with 48 hours of April 30. 6) On April 30, cast on with the big group of people on Casapinka's Ravelry who KAL together and share their progress. 7) Feel good about supporting a small business and some awesome dyers and creating something unique and awesome for yourself or someone you love!

Casapinka's Ric Rac Pattern - Color Suggestions Day 3

Today is the third day (of many) of color suggestions for Casapinka's upcoming Ric Rac pattern (you need one skein each of two different colors of fingering weight yarn)! See links on the right under Recent Posts to view previous days' suggestions. Details on how to get the pattern at the end of this post.

Of course, these color combos would be fab with any two-color pattern out there, right? And we all love Life in the Long Grass here. We just got this new batch in late last week, so so I'm super excited to feature color ideas using their Sock. We also have a new base that's I already put a new order in for just four days after it arrived because it's just SO COOL and is selling fast (in sweater quantities). Please take a look at Zebra Sock if you'd like to see something really cool. Great for socks and accessories, but would make the coolest of Pavement sweaters too.

All of these combos are on LITLG Sock, except for the one above, which is their Silk Merino. It would also be lovely in the Ric Rac pattern and with 50% silk it would have amazing drape, texture and sheen.

 

Below I wanted to share three combos that all use the new tonal solid, Golden Green on Sock. I want to show off how different each combo is and how a solid can accentuate different parts of a variegated skein. Which is your fave of the three?

Next up, I have two combos that both use the new Hinoki colorway. Aren't these fabulously wearable?

Then for combos that have a real punch of color, I suggest these. Again, all on Sock.

I hope you see something here that makes you swoon! I'll have more from Irish dyer Life in the Long Grass later this week on other bases. Can't wait to share.

Casapinka designs one LYS Day (Local Yarn Store) pattern a year to help shops celebrate. This year that day falls on April 30, and from now until April 30 you qualify to get her upcoming Ric Rac shawl pattern for free by purchasing two skeins of yarn for the pattern from us at SSYC (from our suggestions here on the blog in the coming week or ideas of your own - even if you shop in person) and letting us know you'd like the Ravelry coupon code e-mailed to you around April 30. You do have to let us know you want the free pattern after your purchase by either 1) putting that note on your order on our Check Out page or 2) e-mailing after your order (just responding to your e-mailed receipt is the easy way) asking. Then when she gives us the codes a day or two before the 30th, we will e-mail you yours. Then you go to the Ravelry pattern page (I'll include the link in your e-mail) add it to your cart on Ravelry and use the coupon code to make it free. The pattern won't be live until April 30 at 8am EST, and you shouldn't expect your code until around then either. Then please do use it right away, because Casapinka says the code expires at 11pm EST on May 1. So, basically she gives you a very short window to download the pattern for free. Then you can just purchase it from her.

SO! 1) Order 2 skeins from SSYC. 2) Let me know you want your pattern code at Check Out or via e-mail. 3) Add service@simplysockyarn.com to your Contacts so your e-mail doesn't bounce. 4) Wait until April 30 to get your code. E-mail me on April 30 if you haven't gotten your code yet. 5) Use code on Ravelry to make your pattern free! Don't wait -use the code one or with 48 hours of April 30. 6) On April 30, cast on with the big group of people on Casapinka's Ravelry who KAL together and share their progress. 7) Feel good about supporting a small business and some awesome dyers and creating something unique and awesome for yourself or someone you love!

I don't work on Sunday, so if you want the codes, please make sure you order and ask by 4pm EST on Saturday April 30.

Casapinka's Ric Rac Pattern - Color Suggestions Day 2

Today is the second day (of many) of color suggestions for Casapinka's upcoming Ric Rac pattern (you need one skein each of two different colors of fingering weight yarn)! See links on the right under Recent Posts to view previous days' suggestions. Details on how to get the pattern at the end of this post.

Today I'm sharing with you color ideas from Dream in Color, including two very special combos that just arrived to us yesterday from Dream in Color that are made specifically for the Ric Rac pattern!

Take a look at Enchanted + Pinkitude above and Sonoma Magic + True to Life below

These are both dyed on Smooshy with Cashmere, which is the softest merino/cashmere/nylon blend that you can imagine and is perfect for the Ric Rac pattern. You need one skein each of two different colors, so add Enchanted and Pinkitude to your cart, or Sonoma Magic and True to Life to your cart. Or all of them if you want to make two!

What other colors are we into together?

Cedar Creek and Callous Pink

Tidal and Grey Tabby

The Edge and Time Machine

Do you like knitting with singles? Those are not-plied yarns that are great for sweaters and accessories. Not so much sock b/c they aren't plied so aren't durable for sock wear. But they really glow with color and are usually a bit less cost than plied yarns. Dream in Color's Jilly yarn is a great option for this too and we have different colors on this.

How about Cabaret and Blossom

Crying Dove and Dream Girls

Gold Experience and Leather Wave

Casapinka designs one LYS Day (Local Yarn Store) pattern a year to help shops celebrate. This year that day falls on April 30, and from now until April 30 you qualify to get her upcoming Ric Rac shawl pattern for free by purchasing two skeins of yarn for the pattern from us at SSYC (from our suggestions here on the blog in the coming week or ideas of your own - even if you shop in person) and letting us know you'd like the Ravelry coupon code e-mailed to you around April 30. You do have to let us know you want the free pattern after your purchase by either 1) putting that note on your order on our Check Out page or 2) e-mailing after your order (just responding to your e-mailed receipt is the easy way) asking. Then when she gives us the codes a day or two before the 30th, we will e-mail you yours. Then you go to the Ravelry pattern page (I'll include the link in your e-mail) add it to your cart on Ravelry and use the coupon code to make it free. The pattern won't be live until April 30 at 8am EST, and you shouldn't expect your code until around then either. Then please do use it right away, because Casapinka says the code expires at 11pm EST on May 1. So, basically she gives you a very short window to download the pattern for free. Then you can just purchase it from her.

I don't work on Sunday, so if you want the codes, please make sure you order and ask by 4pm EST on Saturday April 30.

SO! 1) Order 2 skeins from SSYC. 2) Let me know you want your pattern code at Check Out or via e-mail. 3) Add service@simplysockyarn.com to your Contacts so your e-mail doesn't bounce. 4) Wait until April 30 to get your code. E-mail me on April 30 if you haven't gotten your code yet. 5) Use code on Ravelry to make your pattern free! Don't wait -use the code one or with 48 hours of April 30. 6) On April 30, cast on with the big group of people on Casapinka's Ravelry who KAL together and share their progress. 7) Feel good about supporting a small business and some awesome dyers and creating something unique and awesome for yourself or someone you love!

Casapinka's Ric Rac Pattern - Color Suggestions Day 1

Today is the first day (of many) of color suggestions for Casapinka's upcoming Ric Rac pattern!

Casapinka designs one LYS Day (Local Yarn Store) pattern a year to help shops celebrate. This year that day falls on April 30, and from now until April 30 you qualify to get her upcoming Rick Rac shawl pattern for free by purchasing two skeins of yarn for the pattern from us at SSYC (from our suggestions here on the blog in the coming week or ideas of your own - even if you shop in person) and letting us know you'd like the Ravelry coupon code e-mailed to you around April 30. You do have to let us know you want the free pattern after your purchase by either 1) putting that note on your order on our Check Out page or 2) e-mailing after your order (just responding to your e-mailed receipt is the easy way) asking. Then when she gives us the codes a day or two before the 30th, we will e-mail you yours. Then you go to the Ravelry pattern page (I'll include the link in your e-mail) add it to your cart on Ravelry and use the coupon code to make it free. The pattern won't be live until April 30 at 8am EST, and you shouldn't expect your code until around then either. Then please do use it right away, because Casapinka says the code expires at 11pm EST on May 1. So, basically she gives you a very short window to download the pattern for free. After that, you can just purchase it from her.

SO! 1) Order 2 skeins from us. 2) Let me know you want your pattern code at Check Out or via e-mail 3) Add service@simplysockyarn.com to your Contacts so your e-mail doesn't bounce. 4) Wait until April 30 to get your code. E-mail me on April 30 if you haven't gotten your code yet. 5) Use code on Ravelry to make your pattern free! Don't wait -use the code one or with 48 hours of April 30. 6) On April 30, cast on with the big group of people on Casapinka's Ravelry who KAL together and share their progress. 7) Feel good about supporting a small business and some awesome dyers and creating something unique and awesome for yourself or someone you love!

It's worth noting that I don't work on Sunday, so if you want the codes, please make sure you order and ask by 4pm EST on Saturday April 30.

Today, I want to share two things that are new to the shop. First, a new dyer we've just added to the SSYC Fam! Welcome to Olann Mills of Ireland! Jess is the woman in charge of the studio in Cavan, Ireland and as you can see she has a wonderful way with color. When I look at her color collection as a whole (and we'll definitely be getting more colors when I can), I see colors inspired by nature, but kicked up a notch either with some unexpected speckles or bumping up the overall color of the skein. Wearable colorways with a special something. They are super easy to combine into duos that you can use for the Ric Rac pattern too. Here are my ideas, and of course you can always e-mail me, Allison, at service@simplysockyarn.com if there's a color or two that you like and want to know if they are as awesome in person as you're hoping. Or, you might like to combine one of the new Olann hues with Life in the Long Grass or Hedgehog Fibres (also from Ireland) to get the exact combo you want. If so, DO IT. The base yarns go together wonderfully. And if you are unsure if the colors look great in person, just e-mail me at service@simplysockyarn.com and I'll get back to you pretty darn fast (during business hours).

Now that we're through all the talk, let's get to the yarn!

Above is a party of a combo that will definitely show off the wave of the ric rac well. Coven and Strata. Would also look nice subbing out Fennel for Strata. Below is a totally wearable every day kind of combo in Portrait (a deep, slightly olive tinged chocolate) and Veil. Veil would also make an amazing Pavement sweater.

A vivid, scummy green is one of our fave colors here in the shop. It and a good gold can be combined with almost anything, it seems. And Chai, below, is a wonderful scummy green. It looks great with a lot, but I particularly like it with Atlas. The combination makes me thing of spring in a city of monuments- budding trees against stone buildings. And if you want Chai with a more colorful skein, I also like it with Burnish.

I'm so pleased to be able to get this new line imported during such a precarious time. Olann Mills is a Irish workshop committed to embracing contrasts, celebrating differences and bringing together carefully curated color palettes that make lives richer. The process of producing quality hand dyed yarns is never rushed, but rather slowly developed to be highly desirable, inspiring and harmonious.

Above is Gossamer and Thalassic. Such a beautiful blue and the contrast of the two would show the stripes in the pattern really nicely. Below is a mod spring combo of Early and Golden Hour.

For those of you who love the brighter combos that are the hallmark of Casapinka designs, I have a fresh batch of the soon-to-be-retired-base of Euro Sock from Madelinetosh in our Sale Section with LOTS of hot hues. I think this means that I have well over 100 colors to choose from right now, all 25% off while we have them. What combos might you like to put together in a bright and fun Ric Rac?

Now, the pattern calls for two skeins, but I'm showing three here because the color in the middle goes nicely with either the color on the left or the color on the right. so you'd choose two skeins of the three. Make sense? Just choose two. All are available currently in the Sale Yarn section. Things there do sell fast though.

Again, all these skeins are currently in the Sale Yarn section, but since those skeins do tend to sell out fast, I do have the same colors on Tosh Sock (merino), Twist Light Sock (merino/nylon), or Tosh Merino Light (single ply merino). Those are bases I stock all the time, keeping 300+ colors in the shop and ready to ship for you.

I'll continue to post color ideas for you through the next 10 days before the pattern is released on the 30th. There will be some great options from Dream in Color (we just got some colors in yesterday that I'll be sharing), Hedgehog Fibres and more.

If you'd like to choose your skeins in person, we'll be open this coming Saturday and Tuesday from 10am-4pm! Make sure you leave us your e-mail address so we can e-mail you your Ric Rac pattern code next week. Our open days/times are listed here. We are open one day a week to the public and ship 6 days a week.

Casapinka's New LYS Day Pattern - Ric Rack

Super popular pattern designer Casapinka creates a pattern each year to celebrate Local Yarn Store Day (LYS Day) and each year we enjoy putting together color ideas for the yearly Knitalong (KAL). This year, Local Yarn Store Day is on April 30th and so we are starting to put together the color ideas for you to go with the pattern. It takes two colors of fingering weight yarn, approx 400 yards each (more or less if you want as the pattern is forgiving on that), and a US 6 circular needle. Casapinka has this to say about the pattern - "Rick Rac is a boomerang shaped shawl that was designed for LYS Day 2022. It has swirls that look like ric rac, which was popular on kids' clothing in the 70s and 80s. It does not matter which color you use for the Color A or B, or if they contrast well or not. Both are used equally throughout. Taupe and cream will work, and fuschia variegated with green and combined screaming neon orange will work. Once you memorize the design, you won’t have to look at the pattern and you can knit it anywhere! Finished size is 35” wide at border X 65” long."

Want to participate in the KAL, or just want the pattern to knit whenever you like? You can get the pattern for free by purchasing two skeins of yarn for the pattern from SSYC from now through April 30 online, or in the shop on our open days. If you'd like a copy of the pattern when it is released, just order your two skeins and put a note on your order in the comment/note field at Check Out, saying "please include pattern" and we'll e-mail your code to you when the pattern is released. If you forget to put the note on your order, just e-mail service@simplysockyarn.com with your order number after your order and we'll make note. But please do one of these two things, otherwise, I don't know that you're participating and want the pattern if you don't tell me somehow. Keep in mind that you don't get the pattern code immediately. It will likely be e-mailed to you on or around April 30, and usually Casapinka requires you to use the code by Sunday at midnight. I'm not sure if she's extending that timeline or not yet, so if you do want the pattern for free, make sure you use the code by Sunday at midnight on Ravelry. You just add the pattern to your Ravelry cart and then enter the coupon code we give you via email and that's it. In the past she requires a somewhat tight turnaround of getting the pattern code via e-mail and then entering it on Ravelry. I'm hoping to update with you soon with a better timeline on that. Please add service@simplysockyarn.com to your Contacts now so that when we do send you the code it doesn't bounce or go to Spam.

Details as they are available will be here in this thread or in this Ravelry group. I'll be posting quite a lot of color ideas here on the blog over the next two weeks, and I'll post details as I get them, or you're always welcome to e-mail me, Allison, at service@simplysockyarn.com if you need something. 

This is always quite a popular event with over a hundred shops participating and thousands of knitters making the same pattern. It can be quite fun, following the Ravelry group (and there are links to her FB group in Ravelry too) and seeing what everyone is knitting. And it's also fun helping you pick out yarn to purchase online and in person. If you already have yarn you want to use, that's great, you just won't get the pattern for free and will simply purchase it like a lot of others on or after April 30. Casapinka does this to support yarn shops around LYS Day, so if you want the free code, you do have to qualify by purchasing two skeins from now through April 30 (and notifying me that you want a code in a note at Check Out or via e-mail).

I'll start posting color ideas here on the blog tomorrow. And you can bet that a lot will come from the great deals on Madelinetosh Euro Sock in our Sale Yarn section as well as Dream in Color, Malabrigo, Hedgehog Fibres and more. 

 

Madelinetosh Work Sock Sport

We have a fresh new batch of the sport weight merino/nylon big skeins of Madelinetosh's Work Sock Sport!

This yarn is labeled as a sport weight (I think it's between DK and Sport) and it's rare to find a hand dyed wool/nylon sock yarn that's hand dyed PLUS this one comes in an approx 7 ounce, 400 yard skein. Most dyers stick to the fingering weight base yarns, and if they offer a heavier weight DK, it's usually without nylon. And it's definitely not nearly double the size of a typical 100g skein.

Madelinetosh has shared that this yarn is being retired, so I believe this might be the last batch we can get. Sometimes things change and the base comes back a few years later, or sometimes instead a different-but-similar base is introduced. But this yarn has a very loyal following because it takes the color beautifully, holds up well, and is a good price for the amount. So if you are one of the Work Sock devotees, this might be the last time to find the color you want. It would be nice if it was coming back, but so many base yarns are being discontinued in the industry - it seems that the ones that aren't used as much are just really going up in price, so having things specially milled isn't cost effective right now and I'm assuming that Work Sock is one of those to be affected. Seeing prices go up 5- 10% because of all that's going on in the world is one thing. But 35% is quite another and a lot to pass along to knitters. Who knows what will happen industry wide in a few years once the world recovers from supply chain and staffing problems. Maybe new bases will be introduced when there are plenty of works, supplies and time to go around?

What I really like about this yarn (other than the ample yardage that is even enough for sock for the man in my life who has size 13ish feet) is that it's super squishy and round. I like Twist Light Sock (the fingering weight version) for the same reason. A really soft, round yarn that isn't too slick but is still super soft. It's a great sweater yarn too.

I hope you find the color you've been wanting. Need a pattern idea? How about Just Yer Basic Sport Weight Sock, Indigo Leaves (shown below) or the Trio Knit Cowl.

Photo courtesy of Joji Locatelli

Pattern Inspiration for Malabrigo Metamorphosis Sock

The Malabrigo Metamorphosis Sock Yarn we have in stock has caused quite a stir! It's now live on our website, and I highly recommend getting at least one. Not only is this a rare offering from Malabrigo (they offered just a few bags of it to us shops last year at a meet up event and then this year too), but it's a completely addictive knit and a great price. While many other hand dyers chare $35-40 per gradient skein or sock blank, these are each just $25! And if you order the whole collection of 10 at this link, they come to just $23 each! That's crazy good.

What might you like to knit with your gradient cake? Yes, they already come caked so you don't even have to wind them.

Well, my first knit with it is the Herald Shawl. It's super simple, though like any pattern I seem to screw it up several times in the first few inches. But I actually pay more attention to my knitting than the movie I'm watching, it's great. I plan on spending the better part of the weekend knitting on this. Because its Easter weekend there aren't any sports or kids activities and I'm going to brew some sun tea and sit on my back porch and knit this weekend. As long as the weather continues to behave, that is.

The above and below photo are ones that Malabrigo passed along to show how Metamorphosis would look knit up. The photos aren't the best quality, but it gives you an idea of what the all over look would be, if you want to imagine your favorite projects. Above is Moraine Lake and below is Gravity. 

 

One of our happy shop friends, Holly, knit this Radvent Cardigan with a gradient that she had on hand and just purchased more to make another sweater or two. She says she's gonna snap a few more shots of it and send them along and you can bet I'll share them in Insta when she does. I think this is just such a perfect use for a gradient. She has this to say, "I’m trying to figure out how to make it a full pullover by doing the front just like the back…maybe a few decreases to drop the neck a bit. See what I mean about that Starry Night being PERFECT!!!! Can’t wait!!!" So if you have any suggestions for her on how to do this, please feel free to leave them in the comments. Or just share some kind words about how awesome this sweater is because I think deserves all the virtual high fives.

I love the idea of doing something lacey because it gives you a bigger overall shawl and shows off gradients really well. If you want a shawl, I like Fading Memories from Ann Bud, photo is hers. And if you purchase the pattern at the link, she donates $5 to alz.org!

Want other shawl ideas? Reyna is always popular, and I thikn that Chari would be a great one to combine a Metamorphosis with a contrasting solid.

Want a hat? YES! WHY NOT? I've been in a two year hat knitting mood too. I recommend the Alaska Hat by Camille Descoteaux. We have all the Malabrigo Sock Solids to go with. And poms. I think you could also adapt her Velen sweater to make use of two to four balls of Metamorphosis too.

Do you have other suggestions for a great-ient knit? Tell us in the comments! You all provide the best inspiration.

 

A big week at SSYC

This week is another big one for us as we share some stunning yarns with you! Not only are we finally seeing progress on the Opal Van Gogh collection making its way through US Customs (so another week if we're lucky, another two weeks if all things are typical?) but we have received so much gorgeous yarn recently from our fave dyers and I know many of you are waiting for it.

First off, we have our Tosh Tuesdays happening this month, sharing nearly 200 colors of Madelinetosh Euro Sock for 25% off in our Sale Yarn section before it's retired for good. You already bought over half of we released last Tuesday, and tomorrow we'll be releasing another batch of colorways. I've received lots of e-mails asking about particular colors, and whether we will be sharing those, and so I thought that if some people are asking, then there are likely ten times as many people not asking. Why not make it easier for you to project plan and pounce before the colors sell out? There might be a few more colors, but this is the plan.

The Red Woman
Grasshopper
Graphite
Betty Draper Blues
Beta Crucis
Celadon
Blue Nile
Peppercorn
Ex Boyfriend
Boy jeans
Nectar
Superb
Ceremony
Gilded
Found pottery
Clap your hands
Umbrella sky
Edison bulb
Big Sur
Budapest Lyric
Comp book gray
Accra evening
Black currant
Gg loves orange
Cosmic wonder dust
Foxglove
Amnesia
Borealis night
Birch grey
Spellbound
Frais
Sixth sense
Tart
Spectrum
Alizarin
Citrus
Patched indigo
Cousteau
Amber Trinket
Danger Will Robinson – solid
The Force
Chill Pill
Bronze Age
Forestry
Copper pink
Aurora Australis
Feronia
Constellation
Tiny House
Charcoal
Chicory
Cathedral

We have most of these colors in stock on other bases if you want to put the name in the search bar on our website and take a look.

Starry Night

Then, we have the Malabrigo, Metamorphosis Sock colors coming to our website on Thursday, likely early/mid morning. I've had LOTS of requests to hold/presell this, but we are a small crew and just don't have the time or capability to manage that many requests last minute, and I'm unsure that it would be a fair way to do it. I really do have a nice amount of it though, so if you wanted some (or all 10 colors, we'll also sell them as a collection to save some $ and get them all) I don't think you'll have a problem getting what you want. Now, I wouldn't wait several days or anything, just in case, but as you can see in these bags below, I ordered a lot. Not all of these bags are that though. Some are a special color that's just for us for a special reason.....

I'm spent a good part of Sunday knitting the Starry Night gradient into a Herald shawl, and I love it so far. I'll definitely be snagging a few more colors for other projects.    

Can't wait to share all the Metamorphosis with you!

Edited to add a day later, these are the 10 colors of Malabrigo Metamorphosis that we'll have Thursday:

318 Starry Night, 319 Moraine Lake, 320 Jaipur Pink, 321 Insomnia, 322 Marrakech, 323 Midnight Bloom, 324 London Alley, 325 Graviry, 326 Amelie, 327 Soul Train.