Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog

Whew. Almost gone.

The Care colorway from Madelinetosh has been a huge success! This colorway is a fundraiser for Doctors without Borders, and SSYC is also giving you a free bottle of Soak wash when you purchase this skein plus one or more other item/s. Due to the huge response we've gotten, this colorway is almost sold out here (we were the first shop to get it), but we will be getting more in early November and we will still be offering the free Soak wash promotion with it.

So if you see this color disappear from the website in the very near future, just know that I will be getting more for you shortly and you will still be able to qualify for the free Soak wash promo again when it gets back in stock.

You're definitely keeping us busy this week, being your personal shoppers and getting all your orders shipped out asap, and we greatly appreciate it!

Tomorrow's Halloween, so I have a feeling I won't have to time blog (Every day/evening this week has had some sort of spooky get-together or party- I think my kids' schedules are busier than mine, and they are only two and seven!), so I'll share now that our shipment of the November colorway of the Dream Club arrived and I think you're going to love it. Another super-sized skein, and this semi-solid-ish colorway really speaks November. Kind of a romantic, earthy November. But since Dream in Color doesn't want me to reveal any pictures until the first of the month, that's about all I can share. But I might have already snagged one for myself. Hey, I did finish my cowl already from the October Dream Club, so I should get a new one, right? I also have some awesome Regia deals coming next week. And gorgous new colors from Fiddle Knits. Seriously tempting stuff coming next week.

Have a great and spooky Halloween!

New bags from Bird Leg Bags!

I have for you something that's been much requested by many of you. Larger Bird Leg Bags! The Tall Skinny Wedge Bag, to be exact.

These are perfect for your sweater project, or anything that requires 2-5 skeins of yarn.

Each bag is made with the attention that we've grown to love from Vickie and Danny and their wares. Heavy interfacing that helps the bag stay up, decorator fabrics and coordinating linings, beaded zipper pulls... these are the things that we appreciate about Bird Leg Bags. And it's why I own over a dozen of them myself.

If you like a smaller bag, I have those as well in the small sock cubes and the slightly larger sock rectangles. Check them out, and I'm betting you'll find at least one that's worthy of your use. We spend so much time and talent on our craft that we also deserve to protect and tote our projects in something worthy.

Do you have a favorite Bird Leg Bag that you got from SSYC? Do share which one!

New Regia 8 Ply

Er. Mah. Gerdness.

Why is this happening to me? I want to knit them all it NOW.

*sigh*

As if I need another project on the needles. But I did JUST finish a hat for Joe right now, so I guess I really should start another one. Right?

If you like warm, worsted weight socks that knit up quick, this new Regia 8 ply collection is for you. And if you like the idea of NASA-inspired yarn, then take a look at the other new Regia collection- 6 ply Active (sport weight) with Outlast fiber for temperature and moisture control. Space aged awesomeness.

Madelinetosh's new Care colorway for Doctors without Borders

Thank you for your great response to the exclusive deals we had in the sale section yesterday. Hundreds of skeins sold out within a few hours, just leaving us with a handful this morning. THANK YOU for your support and patronage. It's what keeps a small business like SSYC going into our 10th year. The team and I are working hard to get the rest of these out to your doorsteps this morning.

Lest you think that's the only awesome thing that October brings, let me show off this. THIS is the new Care colorway from Madelinetosh, and they tell me that SSYC is the first shop to receive it!

 

Care is a special edition colorway that is a fundraiser for Doctors without Borders. Madelinetosh hopes to raise 10K from the proceeds of this colorway and the large order we have here gets them well on the way to that goal. And if a special edition colorway isn't enough, it's also on their spankin' new (not to be released in more colors until early 2015) sock yarn base, Twist Light. This is the base that sock knitters have been waiting for from Madelinetosh- it's a tightly plied superwash merino and nylon. Finally, some NYLON! Soft and durable, and as you can see from the photo, it takes the dye beautifully.

And to make this event even more special, if you purchase this skein plus one or more other items, you'll receive a free, full sized Soak Wash bottle in the Aquae scent. Full details and questions answered here.

We also have restocks in Tosh Sock, Tosh Merino Light, Tosh DK, and Pashmina. So if you wanted sweater quantities of anything, now's your time.

This is just my way of saying thank you so much for your continued support of Simply Socks Yarn Company and the many dyers and organizations that we represent. The team and I are so grateful that you shop with us each day, and we look forward to each and every one!

Yarn Deals in the Sale Section

The weather is decidely more cold here, and it makes me want to knit knit knit. If you're like me, you might need some yarny inspiration. You'll definitely find it in the wonderful deal from Mineville Wool Project in the SSYC Sale Section. THIS is the type of deal you snap up for gift knits for others, or (who am I kidding) YOURSELF.

Shown below, Beach House and Jacobean Blue in the 250g Pash

Mineville Wool Project is the brainchild of owner Kathryn of Fleece Artist. After decades running a fiber company, she has some great connections in the industry and she's able to secure super, short run specials from her mills. So she's started a new branch of Fleece Artist called Mineville Wool Project which focuses on these select specials. Today I have a superb deal on two 250 gram bases- first is a fingering weight, superwash merino, and the second is light-fingering weight pashmina (merino/cashmere/silk) available only in the SSYC Sale Section.

Shown below, 250g Pash in Wine

If you like the feel of Madelinetosh's Tosh Sock, Fiberstory's Fave Sock, Black Trillium's Pebble Sock or other high quality 2-ply merino sock yarns, then you'll love the merino option. It's put up in 250 gram skeins, which is 2.5 times as large as the typical 100 gram skein. With over 800 yards, you can knit several pairs of socks with one, or grab two or more for a sweater. I'm thinking a Matchmaker would be super awesome. Plus I'd have enough left over for a pair or two of socks.

At just $25 a skein, this is a savings of 50-65%, depending on what you compare it to. Seriously, a fabulous deal. I expect this to sell quite quickly, so don't hesitate if you think this is for you.

If you want something that feels truly luxurious, but still would wear well for scarves, lace, shawls and sweaters, then the light-fingering weight pashmina yarn is for you. Also put up in 250g skeins (though most are weighing in 10% heavier!), this has 1250 yards of merino/cashmer/silk. It's the type of yarn that makes your eyes widen when you feel it and when compared to a retail price of $75-$80, it's quite a deal at $47. You'll want to knit something like a large wrap or a shawl out of one, or consider getting two for a garment. Consider the Touch the Sky sweater. Rachael just finished hers using Tosh Merino Light in Chamomile, but you could certainly use this sale yarn for something with great sheen and drape.

If you're in the mood for a shawl, try Laminaria or Aise. But what several of us have grabbed one or two for (depending on your size) is the Hitofude sweater. OMG this yarn was meant for the Hitofude. Several of you bought this in the shop yesterday with just that in mind.

For comparison, this is a skein of the 250g of Pashmina in Bronze and next to it is a 100g skein of Madelinetosh. Huge, huge skeins.

Like all of our special deals, they tend to sell quickly. If there's a particular color you adore, I recommend not hesitating too long, because once it's gone, well, you know...

Picture post

Halloween fun, Rachael's new Touch the Sky, socks in Elm Street and tomorrow's sale yarn.

Friday Tease

Some amazing things just arrived at the shop. Come see in person on Saturday during our in-person shopping hours or online next week after I get it all photographed. Includes a great deal on 250+ grams of merino from Fleece Artist. As well as a huge shipment of MadelineTosh (I think our largest ever) which includes fluorescent colors and the coveted confetti colors like the finished pictured sock.
Can't wait to show it all off to you!!

Italy and back home, in photos

Finally back home after 22 hours of travel! There's nothing like an airport and many delays to make you appreciate home. Henry and I are enjoying some alone time and Halloween decorating today, so I'll post lots of new yarn next week. If you're in the Fort Wayne area, come see us Saturday from 10 to 4!

Have yarn, will travel

I've packed a few projects and gone on vacation! Right now, I'm in Italy. Was in Montalcino to be exact. The team at the shop has been handling all your orders while I have fled for a little trip with my sister. I'll be back at home in a couple days, but right now I'm enjoying the scenery that beautiful Italy has to offer. And I'm doing a lot of eating, winery visiting, and knitting. Not to shabby! But soon it's back to diapers.

sKNITches

It's been quite awhile since I've had the pleasure of offering sKNITches yarn in the shop! Right now I have for you Sam's striping Syncopation and her variegated Nimble.

Don't miss these, as this isn't something I'll have too often. Shown above is Nimble in Fielding and Theda. Below, Dark & Twisy and Militia in Syncopation striping.

I knit a pair of Militia socks back in the day. sKNITches was the first hand dyed, self-striping yarn I carried in the shop. And I can tell from the carpet in the picture that this was house we had before James was born over 7 years ago. And I finally wore through these socks last winter. It was a sad day, but oh those socks were well loved. I guess I'll have to knit another pair!

Oh, all those tiny socks. I remember knitting them for various babies that friends were having. And I didn't save any for my own!

Last week in pictures

James and Henry making pizzas.

 

Joe is, again, outdoing himself creating Halloween costumes for the boys. We are all going to be Lego Movie characters this year. James as Lord Business, Henry as Emmett, Me as Wyld Style, and Joe as Bad Cop.

I can't stop eating the brownie trail mix from the Halloween kit. It's officially a problem.

Diana at the KAL rocking her finished Mama Vertebrae using Tosh DK in Modern Fair Isle.  Doesn't she look amazing?! She's the one who convinced me to knit my first sweater. While she was knitting her first sweater. But in a month, she finished her first AND her second.

An adorable Baby Surprise sweater knit in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock color Northbrook. At least four knitters of the 16 in our KAL have finished their projects. Me? I'm only MAYBE 20% finished with mine. The darn Dream Club from this month made me drop everything. FYI, if you wanted a skein of that and missed out, I do have more coming in less than two weeks. I highly recommend getting a skein b/c it's just that awesome.

 

What's colorful and starts with the letter B?

Why, Blue Moon and Babs, of course!

 

Shown above, Custom Made in Cosmic Sock

Blue Moon Fiber Arts and Miss Babs are two of those lines that are just oh-so-collectible and super irresistable. I dare you to take a look at the new colors of Socks that Rock Light Weight and Cosmic Sock and not find at least one color that you can't resist. Just try. No wait, don't try and resist. That's not really condusive to keeping a small business in the black.

What makes these two lines so stashable? First, they are hard to get in stock and hard to keep in stock. It's quite normal that a color will sell out nearly immediately. Second, both dyers are quite prolific in color creation. The batch I got three months ago will have completely different colorways than this batch. I get as much as I can, but when the skeins are gone, it could be a year before that color is back. And it could look quite different the next time. It's just the nature of the beast.

Shown below, Who's the Pumpkin in Socks that Rock Lightweight

Blue Moon Fiber Arts is starting to dye their Halloween, Fall and Holiday colors. I have a batch over 70 colors of Socks that Rock Lightweight to share with you today. I have even more coming as the season progresses. Tina and her team and well known for their color combinations and fun names. And I'm proud that I'm one of the few stores she sells to.

Shown below, Rocktober in Socks that Rock Lightweight

 

More from Knitspot

Last month, I shared that I'll be adding particular patterns and accessories in the shop throughout the rest of the year. Select things that will make your knitting experience even better. Afterall, for the amount of time we spend on our craft, we deserve to use the best yarn and accessories that we can find. This week, I've added more Knitspot patterns by Anne Hanson.

Anne's patterns are expertly written and proofed and come in an array of sizes. When you purchase the Basketweave Sock pattern for example, you aren't getting a one-size-fits-all type design, you're instead getting a reasonably priced pattern that comes in four widths and whatever length you'd like. You can use that one pattern to knit for yourself, your little kids, your husband, whoever you'd like.

Anne designs an array of sock patterns, but I also have other accessories for you like the Orchid Lace Mitts, Simurgh Lace Stole (our Angela knit this last year), and the Pompa Scarf. If your seeking pattern ideas for holiday gifts, take a look at over 70 designs that I have in stock for you right now. Most of them use fingering weight yarn, and I know we all have plenty of that (or know exactly where to get more)!

Sock Architecture contest winners

Congrats to the winners of our recent Sock Architecture contest! Four of you won a copy of Lara's new book, and another four won two skeins of Simply Sock Yarn of your choice.

Here are the randomly chosen winners, who answered what pattern they would choose from the new book and which color of Simply Sock Yarn they'd choose to go with it. Here are those answers. Thanks for joining in our contest!

Chrissy H: "I would love to knit uncommon Dragon in the Copper colorway. Beautiful sock patterns."

Linda Z: "Dyad, toe up in merlot and copper."

Helen S: "Strie Socks in Cornflower blue - I knit only toe up but somehow rarely make blue socks. This could be the chance."

Denise W: "Hi Allison - I would love to win this book so I can expand my sock selection. I liked to sock patterns Dyad Sock Top Down and Bootstrap. My favorits colors of Simply Solid are Tuscany (which I have loved for awhile) and Silvery Sage (love green). Thanks so much."

Judi S: "After looking at the patterns I would make the Checked and Squared pattern toe up in Chambray. This looks like the perfect guy sock. My husband and 4 sons all love to get "Judi" socks."

Allison T: "Checked and squared in slate. Just for a starter."

Jolynda B: "The Uncommon Dragon in Mint Julep! Beautiful socks, lovely yarn. On my way to Ravelry to check out your other patterns."

Essjay: "I'd start with Checked and Square Socks, Toe Up in 876 Gray for my husband. I think they would be a stunning combo together."

If this is your name/comment, check your Inbox for your e-mail so we can send you your prize.

2014 Halloween Kits Now Available

SSYC's two Halloween kits have gone live! If you'd like to read about the details of the Abracadabra Sock Kit or the Trick or Treat Sock Kit, I blogged here about it last week. They just went up for sale, and typically our special edition kits sell out within a day, so I recommend acting quickly if you really want one. They are quite awesome.

I'd love to have more available, but the hand made nature of the kits means that there's only so much I can create. The artisans/crafters/bakers I work with are very accomodating and work to make as many as possible, but I just can't chain them up in my shop and make them design just for me all year long. (I've asked my attorney. He says it's a no-no. But he used more stern words.)

If you'd like to qualify for free US shipping at $85, you might also consider adding on the new Dream Club selection or some of the fabulous sKNITches yarn we have in stock after years without- I have both the striping and the variegated for you.

As usual, we'll also do a Christmasy/wintery kit or two, which will be available later this year.

Thank you so much for making this fun for us! We greatly appreciate how popular our holiday kits are, and I think they are one of the things that makes Simply Socks Yarn Company unique. I look forward to hearing what you think of them when they reach your doorstep!

October's Dream Club

Grrrr. I'm angry at Dream in Color right now.

I've been making really good progress finishing up sock projects that only had one finished sock, and now, NOW they make me start a new project. Afterall, when a huge shipment of this color arrives at the shop on a Friday afternoon, of course I have to spend the better part of the weekend knitting a cowl out of it. I mean, I would be insane not to, right? RIGHT? I'm only human. There's only so much I can resist. DARN THEM.

Something came over me when I saw the Dream Club for October. A super-sized (over 6 ounces!), worsted weight Classy skein dyed in vivid yet deep autumn colors and paired with the Cruzado Cowl pattern- the effect was intoxicating. There was something about the color and the idea that I could get this project done in a week, well, I nearly immediately went home and started.

But there was the problem of feeding and caring for the kids. And the husband. That does get in the way of knitting once in awhile. So I did what I had to do and set the gorgeous cake of yarn aside until 8:30pm when I finally had the kids in bed and Joe was fed and had the entire evening and weekend ahead of me to knit knit knit.

I sat down on the couch, finally looked closer at the pattern, and realized that I didn't have the right needles. I knew I'd be doing a mobius cast on, because I did look briefly at the pattern before I left the shop. But what I didn't think about was that I'd need a 40" US 8 circular needle, and I just had a 24". I may have even called Heather around 9pm with my problem, hoping that she had some sort of magical solution. She did not. I think she may have laughed.

So what did I do? Well, I couldn't handle the idea of not casting on until I was back in the shop after the weekend. So I instead chose another pattern. I went with this one, and while I do like it very much, I'm still more-than-slightly bitter that I didn't plan better. I love a good drop-stitch pattern, and the Cruzado Cowl has that and more. It's a pattern you'll get for free when you purchase your Dream Club skein this month (you'll get a Ravelry coupon code in your box).

So here's my warning to you. When you buy your Dream Club skein this month, make sure you have the right needle. And if you don't, get one so that you can start immediately.  Because you'll want to. PLEASE be smarter than me.

Here are the options I have right now. Addi Rockets, Addi Turbos, Karbonz, Dreamz, Addi Bamboo, Addi Turbo Lace. Make sure you have what you need to get started! Don't be me!