It's nearing that time again, when I put together a special kit to commemorate a holiday or occasion. The next one, which releases in about a month, celebrates the store's 6th anniversary- a very special occasion for me. It's a time when I look back and reflect on a period six years ago when I told business professionals, fiber professionals and family and friends that I was opening a sock yarn store- and a time when I received an obscene amount of odd looks, concerned questions, and people who flat out told me that it sounded risky and asked was I crazy!? An entire business model based on a craft that very few had even heard of, let alone would give any validation- sock knitting. Obviously, these people weren't knitters! Here I am, and here you are SIX YEARS later. Heck, we even have a convention. Can I get a *woot*?!
Since you're the group that made this happen, and you obviously have good taste *wink, wink*, I'd like your help in naming the special colorway that is part of the coming kit.
When I approached this particular dyer about this colorway, I told her that my inspiration was something that means Spring to me- an Amish clothesline. The black, blues, violets, and cool greens in this skein are the colors I see on outside my neighbors' homes Monday mornings, as they wash their best and hang to dry. As the garments flap in the breeze, it brings to mind a simpler life- one unencumbered by iPhones, social networking, DirectTV, big box stores and SUVs. And while all of these help my life run smoothly, they often cause frustration and that constant nagging feeling that something has passed me by, but can't pin down exactly what.
I find this skein so calming. Just like knitting, it combats those daily woes, whether they are small or large. What would you name it?
Given your description, and a plug for your shop name, I would name it "Simply".
Posted by: rasa | April 26, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Backdoor skyline. It's gorgeous.
Posted by: Lisa Viviano | April 26, 2011 at 06:03 PM
I would name it Serenity.
Posted by: Annette | April 26, 2011 at 06:04 PM
Simpler Times....
Posted by: Janene Reeves | April 26, 2011 at 06:15 PM
Or maybe, Amish Paradise...
Posted by: Janene Reeves | April 26, 2011 at 06:15 PM
English Woodland
Posted by: Susan | April 26, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Simple Joy
Posted by: Anne | April 26, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Amish Spring? I love it - the colors are gorgeous & I share your feelings about the Amish. My former sister in law lives near the Amish in Pennsylvania (you know the area - the towns have names like Blue Ball & Intercourse which makes everyone snicker). We spent several summer vaations visiting her. It is susch a beautiful area & the Amish people look so serene & the girls look so beautiful without a lick of makeup. Must be the healthy lifestyle.
Posted by: Donna | April 26, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Sunday Best
Posted by: CyndyC | April 26, 2011 at 06:50 PM
Woodburn Washday
Posted by: Jan | April 26, 2011 at 07:24 PM
I have no name but I DO have a WOOT WOOT!!!! Yep, you showed them! And you've done a fantastic job.
Posted by: Lynn | April 26, 2011 at 07:27 PM
Simply Skies
Posted by: Wendy | April 26, 2011 at 07:28 PM
Amish Skies
Posted by: Kathy | April 26, 2011 at 07:59 PM
How about just.....Amish Clothesline! Seems as if you have already named it? Perfect!
Posted by: Joyce | April 26, 2011 at 08:10 PM
In a past job, I often worked with Amish farmers in Pennsylvania. I was always impressed with the Amish sense of community. Community to them was more than friends, more than family - it is a reason for working hard and striving to do the right thing for those around you; it is a way to support one another and rejoice in one another; it is a gift. When you talk of the people you have met through your business, your blog, Sock Summit, etc., I think again of community. So my suggestion for the sock name is Community. After six years, that is what you've built. And here's to at least another sixty years of success to you!
Posted by: Vickie | April 26, 2011 at 08:14 PM
Oh and PS - I totally want that yarn!
Posted by: Vickie | April 26, 2011 at 08:15 PM
"Lancaster Blend" The yarn looks just like the sights and colors of Lancaster Co, PA...just minutes from where I live.
Posted by: Kathy | April 26, 2011 at 08:18 PM
I know it doesn't have anything to do with your inspiration for the color, but the first thing I thought of when I saw the skein (after "I want it!" =)) was Abalone. Then Abalone Sky. Abalone Sky sounds peaceful, serene, and precious all in one. I think it applies to this skein!
Posted by: Glyn | April 26, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Gathering Together, as you do with your friends, family, or congregation (or your clean laundry!).
Posted by: Alison | April 26, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Why not Calm Breeze. I love this colorway!
Posted by: Pam | April 26, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Summer on the porch.
Posted by: Nancy H | April 27, 2011 at 01:09 AM
I think it should be called
A Pretty"Plain"Palette--since "plain" is used by the amish to refer to themselves, and this is definitely the palette of colors they prefer.
by the way, this is a stunning colorway and I sure hope I don't miss the posting when it goes on sale///love love love this skein. one of your best yet allison.
Posted by: susan f | April 27, 2011 at 01:46 AM
Branch Blossom - that touch of the branch color makes me think of tree branches that have just started to blossom... love the colors!!!
Posted by: Renee' | April 27, 2011 at 03:36 AM
it looks like James' Easter Shirt from the pic posted on 04/26 , so how 'bout naming it James' Shirt ?
Posted by: Sara Lee Albright | April 27, 2011 at 06:09 AM
How about "Simplicity".............
Posted by: Renee S. | April 27, 2011 at 07:09 AM
I have some Old Order Amish friends - here are my suggestions that either remind me of them or locations of where they live...
1. Plain N' Fancy
2. Sunday Singing (where the young couples meet and pair up to date)
3. Strasburg (where many of my friends live in Lancaster Co)
4. Annie's Wedding (she recently - a widow - remarried on New Years Day, and these colors were worn in her wedding party)
5. Verna's Garden - a very dear Amish friend of mine who has lovely gardens with lavender in them (one of her favorite flowers and she does wear these colors)
Posted by: Diane | April 27, 2011 at 08:31 AM
QUESTION - when this kit comes out - will we have the opportunity to purchase extra skeins without purchasing a second kit. Would love extra yarn to knit for gifts for friends or even a shawl for myself.
Posted by: Diane | April 27, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Spring Country Morning. And it's breathtaking. Can't wait for this kit!
Posted by: Janet | April 27, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Mayberry. It's gorgeous!
Posted by: Amy | April 27, 2011 at 10:44 AM
What a beautiful combination of colors! So many other folks posted good names. Myy suggestion is Field of Patchwork Dreams.
Posted by: kelly-ann (on ravelry) | April 27, 2011 at 10:45 AM
I think I would call it "In Meditation"
Posted by: Brandi | April 27, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Serene Breeze ...and it looks fabulous!
Posted by: April | April 27, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Peaceful Spring
Posted by: Jean | April 27, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Einfach--which is German for "simple'
Posted by: Ann | April 27, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Keep it simple: Amish Socks yarn
Posted by: Janet Gabbert | April 27, 2011 at 01:19 PM
I really like Amish Clothesline.. which someone already suggested...loverly colorway...
Posted by: natalie | April 27, 2011 at 02:05 PM
I agree, I think Amish Clothesline is the best suggestion.
And when will you be letting us know when it will be available?
Posted by: Bobbi | April 27, 2011 at 03:05 PM
I think you've already picked the perfect name, Amish Clothesline. It does paint a lovely picture in my minds eye!
Posted by: Patty McD | April 27, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Mountain Meadow (at dawn) is what popped into my head...it's quite pretty, I think you'd better get a lot of it!
Posted by: Jean Marie | April 27, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Amish Colors
Posted by: mary | April 27, 2011 at 04:12 PM
I kind of like Viola.
Posted by: Kathy | April 27, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Simply Socks. Of course!
Posted by: ElizabethD | April 27, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Gorgeous yarn. And a BIG WOOT! to you. I don't have a name but there are great ones that have been suggested. I have a particular favorite but since no one asked me I won't say...LOL....can't wait for the kit.
Posted by: Kim | April 27, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Jumping on the Amish Clothesline bandwagon...I also would be interested in additional skeins without extra kits.
Posted by: deetyblue | April 27, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Since it has all the colors of nature, how about naming the skein "Mother Nature"
Posted by: janice | April 27, 2011 at 05:58 PM
How about unencumbered?
Posted by: mila | April 27, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Amish Cape Dress
Posted by: Diane | April 27, 2011 at 09:19 PM
How about The Simple Life?
Posted by: Jan | April 27, 2011 at 09:46 PM
I would like to name it solace. When I saw the colors in the skeing they gave me a sense of peace and calm after a long and very difficult day. It was comforting to imagine sitting peacefully and knitting something wonderful.
Posted by: Karen | April 27, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Enchanted--the mix of lavenders and greens with enough brown to keep things earthly.
Posted by: blogless grace | April 27, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Falling Waters
Posted by: Cheri | April 28, 2011 at 12:00 AM
I am going to put my vote in for Amish Clothesline as well.
Posted by: Tina Smith | April 28, 2011 at 12:14 AM
Monday Morning Melody. Its gorgeous.
Posted by: Natalie | April 28, 2011 at 12:43 AM
I would name it DreamWeaver, it's a gorgeous yarn
Posted by: Babette Hindle | April 28, 2011 at 08:07 AM
It's gorgeous. Can't wait to own some!!! I'd call it Amish Country Spring.
Posted by: Cyndy Landers | April 28, 2011 at 08:13 AM
When i saw it my mind instantly thought "Earth Sea and Sky". Very, very beautiful. Can't wait for the kit!
Posted by: Candi | April 28, 2011 at 08:36 AM
Old Shaker Tune: "Simple Gifts"
Posted by: Laura | April 28, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Amish Clothesline, just as you mentioned.
I can see the color of their clothing with this skein too!
Posted by: tammy pell | April 28, 2011 at 10:41 AM
I vote for Amish Clothesline. It brings up such a nice image. Lovely yarn and can't wait for the kit!
Posted by: Beth | April 28, 2011 at 10:50 AM
alaskan sky!- The green is the aurora borealis, silver for the glistening snow, blue reminds me of the icebergs... and the dark color the night when it makes it appearance. good luck on naming it.
Posted by: Nicky | April 28, 2011 at 01:54 PM
So beautiful! I also agree with Amish Clothesline.
Posted by: Bev | April 28, 2011 at 02:35 PM
Lakefront Cabin. :)
I see the colors of a quiet, shady porch overlooking a lake -- the perfect place for knitting.
Posted by: Alexis | April 28, 2011 at 04:28 PM
How about Amanda's Morning Sky?
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 28, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Serene. The colors are so calming and beautiful.
Posted by: Kathleen B. | April 28, 2011 at 09:17 PM
Amish Clothesline !!! It's beautiful. I admire your tenacity!
Posted by: Bettye B | April 29, 2011 at 12:13 AM
How about Simply Spring or Simple Life.
Posted by: Patricia Richardson | April 29, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Why don't you name it "Simple Things"
Posted by: Marylu | April 29, 2011 at 10:36 AM
I would name it Spa Day - it is beautiful and calming. Just like I feel when I go the Spa. I hope you have plenty ordered. I must have some!!!
Posted by: Sarah Jorgenson | May 01, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Alabaster Sky is what I would call it..and I can't even say why? Love the colour..and want it...as soon as available..LOL
Posted by: Val | May 02, 2011 at 09:46 AM
So many excellent suggestions already. Perhaps "Country Linen"?
Like others I thought you had basically named it. You were spot on with saying that it reminded you of the Amish. I lived in an Amish community area for several years and loved driving slowly past in the spring and summer while the wash was hanging out on the line as I was driving to/from work. Reminded me of my grandmother and helping her with the clothesline. Thanks for the memory.
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 03, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I don't think this has been mentioned yet, but how about Amish Morning?
Posted by: Beth | May 07, 2011 at 11:19 PM
My suggestion is Amish Breeze.
Please say the winning name gets a free skein! I just love the colors you chose. It really does look serene.
Oh, another idea is Serenity.
Posted by: Karen | May 08, 2011 at 06:06 PM