Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog

SSYC's Mother's Day Kit now available

Thank you for the many nice comments here on the blog, Facebook and via e-mail about the preview I showed of the Mother's Day kit I've put together for you.  The wait is over!  It's available here, and please do note that if the link stops working, that means it has sold out.

To read the details and inspiration for the kit, please go here.  This was a special kit to design and assemble- from the color and message of the bag, to the limoges-dishes-inspired yarn colorway, and the name of the pattern, it was all with my grandmother Eloise in mind.  We all have those people who have affected our lives in ways that we not only see daily, but can actually measure, and she was one of those people for me.

I expect we will be very busy over the weekend and early week getting these kits and all your other chosen goodies on their way to you.  Please allow us an extra day or so to give each package the attention it deserves.  We'll work our fastest!  Good thing we are surrounded by coffee shops to keep our caffiene intake at the optimum level!

Purple Limoges

My grandmother is the one who taught me to knit nearly 30 years ago.  I'm sure that when she taught me how to turn a thin srand into a three dimensional wearable object, that she didn't realize that the craft she showed me would one day help support my family and many others.  To her, it was something that we could enjoy tinkering away at together at her lake cottage in Coldwater, Michigan during the summer weeks.  Something to keep me busy so she could cook a meal in quiet peace.  She taught me many things, but the simple knit stitch could be the most impactful.

The last time I put together a special Mother's Day kit was in 2010, but I had some great ideas swirling around in my head and I couldn't let this one pass without commemorating it with something special.  So in about a week (perhaps less), you'll see the Purple Limoge Knit Kit for sale at Simply Socks Yarn Company; an exclusive collection of yarn, pattern, bag and a little something shiny.  I like shiny.

The yarn is a 55% silk/45% merino from Claudia's Hand Painted Yarn.  The combination of purples with silver and bronze is reminiscent of my grandmother Eloise's limoges dishes.  The sheen of the yarn really brings out the bronze and silver in the skein, giving the finished knitted fabric little pops of a metallic nature.  The pattern is the newest release from Lara Neel, and is exclusive to Simply Socks Yarn Company til the end of the year.  The stitch pattern is a take on this blanket, which Lara came to my home to photo with Henry, and when I saw it hanging from my bannister, I knew that the zig zag nature would show off Claudia's hand painting perfectly.

Everyone likes a little bit of sparkle or shine, right?  These charms do the trick.  Add them to the top of gift socks, or the neck of a shawl to remind the person wearing your gift that you knit every stitch with love.  While a knitted gift is a special token, I think it's the time and love we give that's worth more than anything.

Photo courtesy of Lena Brown

This kit is packaged with love in a violet cotton project bag stamped with the phrase "Knit with Love"- so you can gift the shawl inside the bag to someone special, or keep it yourself and use it over and over.

This kit is priced lower than nearly every kit I've put together- under $60.  And for 150 grams of silk blend yarn, a bag, a pattern and charms, it's a fabulous deal.  Claudia gave me a wonderful price on this yarn for you, so I'm pleased I can pass along this savings to you.

As usual, our kits sell quickly, so if this is something you definitely want, I recommend signing up for our e-newsletter, watching this blog, or liking our Facebook page to be notified when it goes live.  It could be on or before Saturday, if we are able to assemble everything this week.

Edited to add on 4/26/13:  The kit is now available!  If the link no longer works, that means it has sold out.

Hanging on

Henry is nearly 10 months old now.  10 MONTHS!  It seems to have passed so quickly.  Too quickly, really.  Henry is the last baby for Joe and I, so I find myself trying to force myself to remember all these moments, because I know this is the last time I'll experience them.

I'm having a hard time reconciling my need to have my life back with letting go of this special time when I'm needed SO MUCH.  It's like I've spent the last 10 months convincing myself that all he sacrifices I'm making for him are so important, all the while he keeps growing and changing and needs me less and less.  It's a hard adjustment for me to make.  I like being so important to him, but at the same time it's almost suffocating.  Are you going through that now?  Or do you remember this feeling?  I'm starting to think that this is something that I'm going to experience for the rest of my life with my kids- that I think I've grown accustomed to things I can't change, and then they go and change the rules on me and I'm left trying to manage. 

I know that I can't hold onto time, and that for me to experience something new I have to give up the old.  But the problem is that what I'm going through right now is so awesome... what if the new isn't so awesome?  I know life isn't predictable and I won't always be surrounded by healthy, happy people I love and who love me.  I think that's what's hard about this stage for me- I don't see how it can ever be better and that's scary.  Parenthood. *sigh*

Henry started standing last week.  And this week he's already trying to walk from one reachable thing to another.  He hangs on to one thing and kind of flails an arm til it reaches something he can grasp.  Sometimes he grasps nothing and does a face plant on the floor.  Sometimes his arm reaches an object and he flings his body in that direction, finding a new thing to grasp onto.

Henry is such a happy little guy.  He rarely cries.  When he does, it's someone he's focused on leaves his field of vision.  He loves eating.  His fave purees are avacado/melon, chicken noodles, squash w/ lentils, and today really liked blueberry/peach/banana.  He adores his big brother (and the feeling is mutual... most of the time).

It's so cool to be able to kind of relive the moments and stages with Henry that I got to experience with James five years ago.  I guess it's no wonder that I don't want things to change so quickly.

It could be that I'm obsessed...

...with stripes.  Again.

I can't help it.  Stripes are my kryptonite.  I adore them on drapes and pillows, clothing, knitting.  There's just something about them that bring out Addiction Allison.  Above is a cowl I started on Sunday, simply by casting on 68 stitches with US 4 circs and joining into a round.  Then, using two colors of Sausalito, knitting four rows of French Roast and four of Borealis and letting the yarn do the work.  Much like watching the colors change on a self-patterning sock, this cowl has me addicted.  And it's basically just a long tube that I'll kitchener the ends of when I run out of the two balls each of the colors.  Mindless, gorgeous knitting, and would be equally awesome in crochet.

I knit a thinner scarf-sized version earlier, completed it quickly, and I don't think I'll be done anything soon with this stripey trend.  For the scarf, I used one ball each of Mini Mochi in Spice Market and Storm Clouds.

We just got in new colors of both Sausalito and Mini Mochi, and here are some colors that I'm considering doing next.  This could be what everyone is getting for Christmas this year.  I didn't think I had much time for knitting, what with the baby and all, but I'm letting go of sleep because I'm so into this cowl and the color options.  Like this:

Mini Mochi 303 and 307

Sausalito 8455 and 8454

Or Sausalito 8107 with 8307

Or you can combine any Sausalito or Mini Mochi with any solid Mini Mochi color you like.  That way, you could have a rainbow scarf with Mini Mochi 101 (rainbow) with a black stripe.  Or any pastel Mini Mochi with white or pale gray (oyster).

The possibilties are endless.  And addictive.

Want to know what else arrived this week?  New colors and restocks of Noro Taiyo, more Opal Sweet and Spicy (including color 6750 that was stuck in Customs for so long) and Smoky Eyes and Colored Lips, restocks of Malabrigo Sock and Arroyo (you could knit this sweater in Arroyo like Rachael did.  Gorgeous.), more Karbonz needles from Knitter's Pride (I'm using the circs right now and love them), Dream in Color Smooshy & Smooshy with Cashmere... it's been a busy week!

Fleece Artist, celebrating 35 years

When non-knitters walk through the doors of Simply Socks Yarn Company, they can hardly believe that the craft of sock knitting supports such a grandiose display of color and fiber.  Afterall, a non knitter can't imagine that there are people who choose to knit their own socks, let alone are passionate about it to the point of obsession (Yes, I'm obsessed. I admit it.), and that a store has been around for nearly eight years just to supply and inspire those knitters and crocheters.

So you can understand my awe of someone who has not only been in the fiber industry for 35 years, but has moulded it, inspired it, and done it all with integrity and imagination.  Fleece Artist has made it through the ups and down of the knitting industry and its popularity, and has not only started trends in sock knitting like with Casbah (cashmere blend sock yarns, anyone??) but has stayed on the crest of the knitting wave for nearly four decades. 

Kathryn Thomas, owner of Fleece Artist, was the first fiber artist I interviewed for the SSYC newsletter, and I've reprinted that interview below.  But first, you must check out the fabulous deal in the Sale Section (likely starts on page 2 or 3) that Kathryn sent us on a special "Emily" worsted weight superwash merino/nylon yarn.  For what would regularly be sold for $23, you can get a skein (or many) for $13 each.  These would be perfect for thick socks (two skeins for a large pair), baby garments, baby blankets, or sweaters. 

Don't hesitate if you see something you like, as I'm sure the colors will start selling out within a day, especially if you want multiples for larger projects.  So check out your Ravelry queue to plan your project, or consider the Moderne Baby Blanket, or it's full sized cousin, Tea Leaves Cardigan, Feb Lady's Sweater, Beatnik, or Gramps.  Then go to the Sale Section to see what's available.

Here are a few color collections to consider:

Spring multicolors with Beach House, Moondust and Stone

Baby semi solids, Jacobean Blue, Mint, Straw, Rose, Salt Spray, Ivory

 

Wearable semi-solids for sweaters, Periwinkle, Tourmaline, Plum, Amber, Beet, Cedar, Stardust, Charcoal, Ocean

So now, the interview with Kathryn Thomas from 2005:

SSYC: How did you start Fleece Artist?
K: Fleece Artist started in 1978 to supply fellow textile artists with hard-to-get natural fiber. In 1996 we built a dye-house and began selling our own colourways through yarn shops.
SSYC: As a knitter, it must be tempting to be surrounded by so much beautiful fiber. What do you like most about your job?
K: I like it most when customers are happy- then all the hard work pays off!
SSYC: Our customers are very happy with Fleece Artist. Your colorways are pretty unique. How do you come up with the ideas for your colorways and yarns?
K: We contract mills to spin our yarns to our specifications, and concentrate on luxury natural fiber: mostly wool, cashmere, and silk. Fleece Artist is comprised of five dyers, many from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, so there is lots of input and ideas about color. Because we do one-of-a-kind colorways, we can express many, many colors. We dye to order creating unique yarns for every customer.
SSYC: How did you learn to knit?
K: All my relatives knit- but back in those days, old grannies would whack fingers that dropped stitches... So I would sneak a peak and learn on my own!
SSYC: What is the one knitting project you just can’t or haven’t finished?
K: After 30 years, I finish everything now- no more unknitting for me! If a project is not turning out, it just becomes something else. I used to do sweater backs, get bored, then rip it out. I could have had the best pillow selection in the universe!
SSYC: When you are not working with fiber, what do you do to unwind?
K: Spend time with my dogs- sorry cat people!
SSYC: What do you think about the increase in the popularity of knitting?
K: It’s great! The young are taking up the craft; so many old crafts have died out. We know this will not happen to knitting!

*          *          *

Congrats to Kathryn, her daughter, and her staff.  Your committment to the fiber industry and to your customers throughout the world is an inspiration to us all.  Lets hope for at least 35 years more!

Silent auction fundraiser HUGE success!!

I'm so proud of what local sock knitters donated at Saturday's SSYC Silent Auction to Benefit the Community Harvest Foodbank!  Fiber artists really are a great force, and on Saturday we raised $1357.08!  Claudia, the rep from CHF came by this morning and accepted the checks and cash donated, and was very grateful to everyone for their support.  This $1357.08 includes over $1000 made at the auction, plus the money so far from these skeins, and a few checks that were donated from those of you who couldn't attend the event in person but still wanted to donate. 

Thank you to all our dyers/crafters/companies who sent great donations for the auction.  There were over three dozen kits, skeins, and bag sets donated by the generous people and companies we offer in the store.  Should we do a similar event next year, I hope to find a fair way to bring it online as well.  I'll definitely let you know if this happens.

Here are a few pictures from the event:

A special wedding gift

Someone special to me recently knit a  gift for a wedding.  A lovely shawl that perfectly matches the dress, and even had Michelle at Three Bags Full on Etsy make a matching bag to go with the shawl, so that the shawl could be gifted in the coordinating bag.

The Haruni was knit with the Curiosity color of Pashmina.  Two skeins.

Have you received or gifted something special like this?  I love the idea of gifting that special something in a coordinating bag.  I know many of your like the kits we put together because you then gift the bag with the coordinating project.  Have you done this before or had this done for you?  Do tell.

Special Saturday

This Satuday, April 13, Simply Socks Yarn Company is hosting a special event- a silent auction to benefit the Community Harvest Foodbank.  If you live in Fort Wayne or are within driving distance, I highly recommend attending (1315 E. State Blvd) from 1-2pm to bid on special items donated by our generous dyers/crafters/yarn companies.  I have nearly four dozen kits, skeins, bags and accessories for you to bid on and take home.  Looking for a special gift for a new baby in your life?  Lorna's Laces has a hand knit monster and a wee little sweater for you.  Want a gift for the knitter in your life?  Claudia's Hand Painted Yarn has donated several shawl kits to inspire.  Want to design your own Poste Yarn striping color and get five skeins dyed to order?  That's on the table too. What about a sock kit featuring the bag below from Michelle of Three Bags Full?  Don't miss it!

Full details can be found at this Ravelry event listing.  I would really appreciate if you could share this link with Ravelry groups you think might be interested, or on Facebook, or by e-mailing or talking to friends.  I could use any help in spreading the word about this event.  Each dollar we raise can be leveraged by the Community Harvest Foodbank into $7, using their support network and corporate assistance.

Please bring your check book or cash, as the foodbank doesn't have a way to process your credit card at the event.

You can come early or stay late after the auction, as the store is open for shopping from 10-4, and the silent auction runs oly from 1-2pm.  See the new things on the shelves like the special deal trickling in through customs to celebrate Fleece Artist's 35th anniversary (more on that later).  Or check out Opal's new Diamont collection.  Choose a new set of high tech carbon composite Karbonz needles from Knitter's Pride.  Or how about a hand made needle case from Lena Brown?

If we are able to put together a similar event next year, I hope to find a way to include our knitters and crocheters worldwide.  If you'd like to support the even this year, you can snag a skein of this special edition colorway of 100% silk from Tanis Fiber Arts.  I'm donating 10% of the sales to the foodbank for this delicious skein.

 

 

Weekend knitting picture post

My knitting mojo returned this weekend due to the perfectly addictive combo of yarn, needles and stripes. Two colors of Crystal Palace's Mini Mochi, Karbonz needles, and a simple striped scarf. Details to follow.
Did you find yourself addicted this weekend? To what? Do share!

Opal's Diamont Collection

Opal has released their newest collection, Diamont!  Don't be fooled by the poster- there is no glitter sparkles in the yarn, even though the name and the sparkle graphics might hint at that.  Instead, the yarn is dyed with their bicolor technique; the top of the strand is printed with one color, and the bottom of the strand is printed with another color, which gives a shadow and light effect to the finished sock.  It's a nice look, and was very popular the first time it was done for their Bicolor collection a couple years ago.

I am stashing several of these colors, though I think I would enjoy knitting all of them.  All very nice and wearable, whether you like bright shades or charcoal neutrals.

After SSYC received the new Karbonz double points in 6" and 8", I received many requests that we also stock the circulars.  Knitter's Pride makes the circs in sizes US0-4, and so I have all of those for you now in 24" and 40".  These needles received a nice review, and if you like to have a lot of tools in your knitting arsenal, give these a try!

You know you have a full yarn store...

...when you go back to the IKEA store to buy more store fixtures, and the check out lady remembers you from your huge fixture purchase in 2011.  I'm serious.

Nearly two years ago, Joe and I rented a box truck, drove nearly three hours to Michigan, and purchased several dozen shelving units to display the tons of sock yarn in the freshly restored space.  Then recently, we went back to purchase more storage (hey, I can't help but buy more yarn for you and I, ok?) and the lady checking us out said "You're the yarn store owner from Indiana, right?"  She remembered Joe and I from our first trip there because it took 6 people hauling and loading everything into the truck.  What a great memory, right?

You'd think that SSYC is full enough, from the picture above.  But I just can't help but stock the store with even more awesome goodies- so many things coming this spring/summer.  Including a new line of hand made needle cases- I know that you all appreciate quality hand made crafts.  Lena Brown stitched up some awesome fabrics into needle organizers.  Man, I love this one.  Intermission.

Photos used with permission of Lena Brown Designs.

And this one, Freshcut Groovy.

And Urban Owls is super cute too.

Or something classy and neutral like Damask Cavern.

There's a fabric option for everyone.  Check 'em out!

Poste Yarn, Highlighter color series

Want to knit some neon colored socks?

What about hats or scarves?

Gloves or legwarmers?

Find these fun striping colors now in Poste Yarn!

These skeins are really, really bright.  The kind of bright that a picture can't show well.  The colors are accurate, but the intensity is MORE.

We even dyed up some black half-sized skeins so you can knit thin stripes between the colored ones if you want, or black toes and heels, or anything else.  Black will really make these colors POP.

I've gotten a lot of interest in these colors already (if we allowed preorders, it would all be gone before we even put it on the website for sale), so it could sell out quickly.  So if you don't see Monte Carlo, Vegas Strip or Copacabana in the Poste Yarn section, we will dye more in a month or so.  We will likely add a few more colors as well.  Stay tuned!