On the ninth day of sock yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me....
a String Quintet Set from Lorna's Laces!
To have a chance at being one of three lucky winners to receive the mini-skein-set of your choice, simply answer the following question in the comments below
Have you caught the mini-skein fever this year either by buying or knitting some mini's? If so, what have you knit? If not tell us what would get you to give in!
I have purchased several sets because one of our exclusive monthly sock yarn clubs was a mini-skein theme this year (our new club info will be available in about a month so sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page if you want info). Lorna's Laces did a special set for us, Hedgehog Fibres did too, and so did Sarah at Fiberstory. Each offer a selection year-round, but certain colors tend to sell fast or sell out all together. While I have these on hand, I haven't yet used them. Though I love the idea of having them around in a Ball jar for decoration until I need to add one for contrasting toes and heels, or until I want to add a border to a shawl. I've also considered putting them inside clear ornament globes and hanging them as Christmas tree ornaments. Or winding a flower wire in the middle and making them all look like little wreaths with a tiny pom pom instead of a bow at the top. Or making a garland for my mantle out of them. Jeez, I sound obsessed, right? To me, these are like the little jewels of the yarn world. The frosting on the cake.
Love the Olympics? These two sets (above) Go for Gold and (below) Rings, celebrate the event!
Oh I think I have had mini-skeins on my mind every day this year!! I am seeing so many people making sock yarn scrap blankets, both knitted and crocheted, and I really want to join in. I'm a pretty slow sock knitter so I don't have many of my own scraps, but I have a feeling that if I break down and purchase one set of mini-skeins to bulk up my collection, that will be the end of me and I will go on a mini-skein frenzy. So far I have kept up my willpower since I think I would like it best if my blanket had meaningful scraps and minis, but I'm not guaranteeing that will last!
Posted by: KimW | December 21, 2016 at 01:49 PM
I have not, but would love to. I see so many beautiful patterns that make use of the mini skeins. Perhaps in 2017!!
Posted by: Stacy | December 21, 2016 at 01:52 PM
I've got the miniskeins from your club. I think I'll use them and various leftovers to make a Lamina Wrap or maybe a Leftovers Cowl.
Posted by: K B | December 21, 2016 at 01:58 PM
Love the mini skein sets and have a few still in the wrapper. I did make a shawl from Fiber Optics Chocolate to Cherry gradient colorway. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Kay Hulse | December 21, 2016 at 02:02 PM
I haven't yet but I've had my eye on a few for some colorwork socks.
Posted by: JDV | December 21, 2016 at 02:09 PM
I haven't yet, but I really like the look of the Aranami Shawl (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aranami-shawl).
Posted by: Bonnie | December 21, 2016 at 02:11 PM
When I'm between bigger projects, I have been knitting the hexipuffs that are to be put together for the beekeeper's quilt. All my sock yarn scraps go to creating the hexipuffs too, so it is a great scrap buster!
Posted by: Brandi Hoesing | December 21, 2016 at 02:16 PM
Well I did your mini club...but also, man i love me some good gradients! I have two gradients kits waiting to be knit, plus the some for colorwork and then free minis that dyers are starting to include!
Posted by: Kaisa | December 21, 2016 at 02:22 PM
I've used a set to make a lovely gradient Pi shawl. I'I've also used mini skeins for stripes in hats and mitts, colour work . Love them!
Posted by: Theresa M | December 21, 2016 at 02:27 PM
I made socks from a Unique Sheep gradient two years ago. This past year I purchased the LL Saxophone mini-skein set. Hard to find a pattern to do the set justice - thinking about a Tool Box Cowl. The mini-skeins are so beautiful just to look at. Would love to have another set to keep Saxophone company!
Posted by: Linda Bazinet | December 21, 2016 at 02:33 PM
I havent used minis byt have a friend who has been msking these very cool skirts with them and has been twisting my arm to give it a try..combining leftovers as well.she uses Tosh ..there are so many indie dyets out there id have a tough time choosing.
Posted by: Meg howard | December 21, 2016 at 02:38 PM
I haven't caught the mini skein fever yet, but some of the gradient sets have had me admiring them. I think i would need the perfect pattern to go with the gradient to make me succumb
Posted by: SarahP | December 21, 2016 at 02:44 PM
Yes! I have the mini skein fever bad. My daughter gave me the Tuba and I gave her Saxaphone. I'm knitting color block socks; each section a different color. Cant put it down and would like to do another pair in Piano.
Posted by: mary | December 21, 2016 at 02:50 PM
I made a baby mermaid bunting with some mini skeins I had. It was adorable!
Posted by: Diane Gladstone | December 21, 2016 at 02:53 PM
In my heart I've definitely got it bad for minis, but it's a recent crush so I haven't bought any yet. My recent acquisitions in the past few weeks have all been full skeins. I'd love to cast on a blanket using all minis in ALL THE COLORS!!!
Posted by: Tamzin Lawson Bailey | December 21, 2016 at 02:53 PM
I haven't caved yet but I do love them! I think they would be lovely in a gradient shawl or colorwork socks!
Posted by: julie | December 21, 2016 at 02:58 PM
I have an old school mini skein obsession. I made an entire mitered square blanket out of sock yarn minis and have an ongoing hexi-puff issue. What I'd really like to do is knit a gradient shawl!
Posted by: Lara Engle | December 21, 2016 at 03:01 PM
I have not joined the obsession. I think a pattern would draw me in, but I haven't been inspired yet.
Posted by: Sarah | December 21, 2016 at 03:02 PM
I caught the fever a couple years ago when I was trying to knit a very large fairisle cowl to use up all my leftover sock yarn bits. But nooooo. I ended up spending a couple hundred bucks on mini skeins just trying to finish it. Lesson learned.
Posted by: Savannagal | December 21, 2016 at 03:09 PM
I'd love to win some mini-skeins! I have been wanting to make Wendy Johnson's Leftovers Cowl and would love the opportunity to win the mini-skeins! Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa Olson | December 21, 2016 at 03:09 PM
I love minis. Working on a blanket and I also like to use in socks for heels and toes
Posted by: Pamela herman | December 21, 2016 at 03:14 PM
No but there is a first for everything!
Posted by: Terri Kelly | December 21, 2016 at 03:15 PM
I was gifted with shades of pick minis. Still trying to decide what to make.
Posted by: Jean VonNieda | December 21, 2016 at 03:15 PM
I have! I bought Lorna's laces string quartet. I plan on knitting up socks with them after the holidays!
Posted by: Danielle Harris | December 21, 2016 at 03:20 PM
I bought my first batch of mini skeins this fall (rainbow colors!). Now it is a lot of what I look at.
I want to make scrappy socks, but now am thinking a memory square blanket may be in my future.
Posted by: Dari T | December 21, 2016 at 03:29 PM
I have caught the gradient bug but have only purchased one set so far and that went into a shawl. I love the violin set of colors
Posted by: Sue | December 21, 2016 at 03:32 PM
I bought a miss babs gradient set but haven't knit it yet. Haven't gotten into the minis much yet, but I do see the appeal.
Posted by: Ludistitcher | December 21, 2016 at 03:38 PM
Gentle gradients appeal to me, but I haven't caved yet!
Posted by: Alison | December 21, 2016 at 03:41 PM
Not yet, but I can see minis in the future!!
Posted by: June | December 21, 2016 at 03:52 PM
didn't make anything with gradients as yet. two babies coming soon and i'm planning to make baby blankies with gradients.
Posted by: Dee | December 21, 2016 at 03:55 PM
Bought two gradient sets and was able to make marching mother/daughter hats out of each set. Small adult and a two year old.
Posted by: Lori | December 21, 2016 at 04:03 PM
I've always admired and intrigued by the mini set and gradient sets, but never done any myself. Never too late to try something new!
Posted by: Julie | December 21, 2016 at 04:24 PM
I did my first stranded colorwork project this year, and it was a lot of fun. I'm no longer intimidated by such projects and would like to add some more colorful projects to my queue for next year!
Posted by: Kimberly Schutt | December 21, 2016 at 04:26 PM
No I have not tried the minis.
Posted by: Joan | December 21, 2016 at 04:27 PM
I wanted to try but every kit a my LYS sold out before I could get there. I ready like purples and blues and greens. I would love to make a shawlette with one of these.
Posted by: Marilyn Robinson | December 21, 2016 at 04:36 PM
I haven't tried the minis yet. But if I had them I would display them in wire decorative bird cages. I use the bird cages filled with yarn as accents in my craft room.
Posted by: Sandy C | December 21, 2016 at 04:45 PM
The colors look great but I haven't just moped in because I have so man projects to finish right noe
Posted by: alene Sternlieb | December 21, 2016 at 04:51 PM
I have been gifted mini skeins & also purchased some for a larger muttered square blanket
Posted by: Joyce Selzer | December 21, 2016 at 04:59 PM
I haven't yet caught the mini skein craze. A fun shawl in oranges or greys would get me!
Posted by: Larissa | December 21, 2016 at 04:59 PM
Oh YES I have succumbed to mini-skein fever. I am currently using a Sweet Georgia Party of Five set in an In the Spice Market shawl. It won't be my last set!
Posted by: Janelle | December 21, 2016 at 05:23 PM
I have one set a local dyer did gradients. Still haven't knit with them looking for that perfect pattern! Reading the comments has given me some ideas though.
Posted by: Heather J ( lotsofhermies) | December 21, 2016 at 05:26 PM
I do have some mini skeins, but have not used them yet. I'm always afraid that I won't have enough yarn with a mini skein! However, I bought a gradient set for the Haerfest cowl and a couple of minis for a pair of socks. Maybe that should be one of my knitting goals for 2017- use a mini skein without fear!!
Posted by: Meghan | December 21, 2016 at 05:36 PM
I have not bought or knit the mini skeins yet but I would like to. Need to find the right pattern or the right colors that I could use generally for sock cuffs, heels and/or toes.
Posted by: Patricia Richardson | December 21, 2016 at 05:38 PM
I haven't bought a set of mini skeins yet. Not sure what I would do with one yet, maybe a cowl?
Posted by: Terri | December 21, 2016 at 05:49 PM
I have bought a mini set. I plan on using it in the On the Spice Market shawl at the beginning of the year. I also love minis for my cozy memories blanket .
Posted by: Wendy James | December 21, 2016 at 05:50 PM
I bought some alpaca minis from a vendor at a local fiber festival. I used some of them to knit a coffee cozy!
Posted by: Sarah Colligan | December 21, 2016 at 05:53 PM
I haven't caught the bug yet, but there are so many beautiful patterns on Ravelry that perhaps this will be the year I give it a try.
Posted by: Shirley | December 21, 2016 at 05:59 PM
Mitered square blanket
Posted by: JoAnn Tipton | December 21, 2016 at 06:07 PM
I haven't bought any yet - I've been eyeing them but I just didn't see the right color combination yet!
Posted by: Devin L | December 21, 2016 at 06:24 PM
I'd probably try using them in socks.
Posted by: Lisa | December 21, 2016 at 06:25 PM
No. that's one obsession that I have resisted, so far! Winning the skeins will give me a new obsession for 2017.
Posted by: Donna Case | December 21, 2016 at 06:27 PM
I'm new to this but yes I would jump on the Band Wagon. Love, love, all the colors.
Posted by: Kailani Shaffer | December 21, 2016 at 06:28 PM
I tend to be a better buyer than finisher. Lots of ideas, but nothing completed yet. Keep thinking about a gradient shawl/wrap.
Posted by: Tara | December 21, 2016 at 06:31 PM
I knitted several little pumpkins from mini skeins. I have also bought the Opal advent calendar. I haven't knitted anything with it yet. Can't decide what to do yet. Love the mini skeins!
Posted by: Karla Carter | December 21, 2016 at 06:34 PM
I have a few mini skein sets and I've knit a Tubularity out of a Miss Babs set and then I made a Through the Loops shawl out of another set.
Posted by: Suzanne | December 21, 2016 at 06:35 PM
I am on the bandwagon And I am making the zigzag scarf
Posted by: Teresa Safranek Harriman | December 21, 2016 at 06:42 PM
Haven't caught the fever yet, but could quite easily. Love the colours...need just the right pattern...
Posted by: Christine Milway | December 21, 2016 at 06:50 PM
I have purchased a couple moni skein sets, but have yet to do anything with them. Maybe I need to find some cool patterns!! lol
Posted by: Heather | December 21, 2016 at 07:02 PM
I haven't purchased any minis yet but am always eyeing up the Hedgehog Fibres ones I see. What a great way to get a sample of the yarn to add some color to a project
Posted by: Melissa | December 21, 2016 at 07:05 PM
I haven't knitted with mini skeins yet, but it looks like fun!
Posted by: Teresa Higus | December 21, 2016 at 07:13 PM
I have bought a few. Cowl pattern that uses a set of gradients. 😊
Posted by: Mary | December 21, 2016 at 07:14 PM
I love the mini skeins. I've made lots of cowls using all sorts of combinations. They're so much fun!
Posted by: Bonney | December 21, 2016 at 07:19 PM
I did! Our knit group did a KAL and I used a gradient pack for a shawl - "And So Are You." Such fun.
Posted by: Lynn | December 21, 2016 at 07:20 PM
I have not purchased any minis yet. I am not quite sure what to do with them. I do like your suggestions.
Posted by: Cindy | December 21, 2016 at 07:48 PM
I haven't used minis yet! I think I'd need to find the perfect pattern to utilize them! A memories blanket isn't much my style because I feel like I'd never fully finish it.
Posted by: Crystal Balzer | December 21, 2016 at 07:51 PM
I do love the Lorna's Laces sets but you don't have my favorite set (Harp). I think you used to. Maybe it sold out.
Posted by: Donna | December 21, 2016 at 08:03 PM
Not yet, but I'd love to explore the mini skein possibilities!!
Posted by: Mai | December 21, 2016 at 08:03 PM
I've been drooling a lot over some mini sets, but haven't pulled the trigger (yet)
Posted by: Kooki | December 21, 2016 at 08:12 PM
I have not bought or knitted with minis. I would love to try a shawl with minis.
Posted by: Karen Murphy | December 21, 2016 at 08:16 PM
Yes I have and knit a rainbow baby blanket.
Posted by: Julie | December 21, 2016 at 08:26 PM
I have fallen in and currently knitting a cozy memories blanket and a scrappy granny Afghan.
Posted by: Adriana McDonald | December 21, 2016 at 08:27 PM
I love mini skeins and I have been knitting lots and lots of slouchy stripey hats for my kiddo's friends. My kitty lays on the tiny balls of yarn. We call it hatching the yarn eggs. She's very good at it. 😃
Posted by: Sue Boisvert | December 21, 2016 at 08:48 PM
I love working with mini skeins. I've made a cowl, a shawl and a scarf. I especially like looking forward to the next color as I'm knitting.
Posted by: Debbie | December 21, 2016 at 08:51 PM
Have not...YET! But am leaning more towards jumping in.
Posted by: michele | December 21, 2016 at 08:58 PM
I haven't purchased any but would love to knit some into a gradient shawl
Posted by: Kate | December 21, 2016 at 09:11 PM
I haven't done a gradient kit yet but I love the collections out there and just need to find the right project. I'm not much of a shawl person, but maybe a cowl.
Posted by: Becky | December 21, 2016 at 09:17 PM
I have yet to knit with a gradient but I did finally get one this past August. A Miss Babs in the Grand Bazaar colorway. It's so pretty I am not yet ready to knit with it yet.
Posted by: Audra L | December 21, 2016 at 09:18 PM
I haven't purchased any mini skeins, yet. However, Debbi Stone just released a pattern that is making me rethink that. The pattern is tool box cowl and if I find the perfect shades of blue...I too will be on the bandwagon!
Posted by: Dawn | December 21, 2016 at 09:19 PM
No mini-skein fever, but I may create some to give as gifts.
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 21, 2016 at 09:25 PM
I purchased quite a few, the colors just keep getting more beautiful! My favourite is a 5 mini-skein set from Artfil, in their Mericana DK yarn. I plan to make mittens out of it.
Posted by: Marie | December 21, 2016 at 09:26 PM
I've not bought any in the past year, but have some miniskeins in my stash. It's not a lack of pretty patterns that deters me but having to weave in the ends. So if someone would volunteer to weave them for me, then, yes, I'll happily knit with them!
Posted by: Maria | December 21, 2016 at 09:31 PM
I haven't yet. If I saw a pattern I liked that called for mini-skeins, that would do it.
Posted by: Rita Schultz | December 21, 2016 at 09:37 PM
Yep and still have the fever. I have knitted Bad Blood Cowl, Reverb Shawl, Yolo Shawl, and Wild Streak scarf. And so many others I would love to try!
Posted by: Anne | December 21, 2016 at 09:44 PM
I have mini skein collecting fever. I am currently involved in the Hedgehog Fiber mini club. I am very interested in the Lamina Wrap, I just need to decide on my solid. I am also thinking about a tube scarf of some sort. So much fun. I think it is going to be like my need to buy fun mini cupcake papers. It seems to be a mini thing!
Posted by: Beth | December 21, 2016 at 09:51 PM
Not yet! I usually am late to the party, or band wagon so it is beginning to look tempting.
Posted by: Pat HIll | December 21, 2016 at 09:51 PM
I haven't yet, but I've been playing with colorwork this year, so that would be what I'd do.
Posted by: Janet | December 21, 2016 at 09:52 PM
Yes, bought some for me & my mother. I'm planning a hat with mine (it is mad hatter, after all)...
Posted by: Martha | December 21, 2016 at 09:56 PM
I've done a mini skein swap and also bought several sets here and there. I plan to cast on a memory blanket on New Year's Day! And then whatever is left I'll likely start one of the crochet stripe blankets that so many have posted pictures on Instagram!
Posted by: Sue Knower | December 21, 2016 at 10:13 PM
I have not used mini skeins yet but would love to use them for a gradient shawl or cowl.
Posted by: Denise | December 21, 2016 at 10:24 PM
not yet....I am all about gradients lately...Mini's might be fun to play with.
Posted by: chellis evers | December 21, 2016 at 10:49 PM
It's a trend I've been interested in and would enjoy trying but I'm on that darn yarn diet. I like the idea of using them for toes and heels or perhaps a shawl.
Posted by: Lisa B | December 21, 2016 at 10:51 PM
I've been dreaming about what I could do with them, but haven't had the money to invest yet.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 21, 2016 at 10:51 PM
I did a chevron cowl with some mini skeins and would like to do casapinka new shawl Short Rose with gradients
Posted by: Leigh Ann Brown | December 21, 2016 at 11:00 PM
I haven't bought or used any minis this year, mostly because of lack of knitting time. It would help if I could find someone else to weave in all the ends, though!
Posted by: ikkinlala | December 21, 2016 at 11:05 PM
I haven't bought a set of mini skeins yet but if I were to see the right pattern that would pique my interest, I definitely would as there are many beautiful sets available.
Posted by: Karin | December 21, 2016 at 11:11 PM
I have not yet knit with mini-skeins - I would knit a stripy cowl with them!
Posted by: Rachel R. | December 21, 2016 at 11:20 PM
I'm working on a First Point of Libra with a set of Sweet Georgia minis in greens. They are lovely to work with, and I so love looking at the gradient sets. I think I would like to do a sweater out of a set someday.
Posted by: Karina | December 21, 2016 at 11:24 PM
I did catch the miniskein fever this year, and I have about 30. They are so pretty. I think I would like to make a blanket of many colors with them. Basically I think I'd like to use up all my leftover yarns and use the miniskeins as borders or as a recurring accent.
Posted by: Marjorie Millner | December 21, 2016 at 11:46 PM
Definitely loving the mini skeins! This year I knit a rainbow striped cowl and am currently working on a striped chevron scarf, both using mini skein sets from Canon Hand Dyes.
Posted by: Kat | December 22, 2016 at 12:25 AM
Love mini skein sets! I bought a gradient set and was gifted another mini skein set. I'm just waiting to find the perfect pattern to showcase them.
Posted by: Karen G. | December 22, 2016 at 12:27 AM