Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog

So much coming soon!

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Here in the US, Memorial Day is a time we use to reflect on the brave souls who died while serving our country. It marks the start of summer, and many use the weekend as a way to celebrate with family and friends with grilling out, attending parades and patriotic events, or simply taking time to reflect on what we love and appreciate in our lives. This year, I spent time away with my family, and we remembered my grandfather who fought in WW2 and passed last year after a long, good life. His wife, my grandmother, is the one who taught me to knit and set me on this path of owning a yarn shop and growing a business in the fiber arts. Without them, I would never be celebrating 12 years as a yarn shop owner.

So let me share what you can expect this summer from SSYC! This summer's 12th anniversary celebration is bringing with it a crazy amount of yarn and goodies. Here are a few things you may have been waiting for:

• New colors of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight- the summer hues coming in June
• Our biggest shipment yet of Hedgehog Fibres. After it was dyed, it literally took them DAYS to pack up. In about two weeks, I'm betting you'll see it all hit the website. Including one-off potluck colors on Skinny, Sock and Merino DK.
• More Irish yarn from Life in the Long Grass
• Yarn Love, oh the Yarn Love- likely in mid-June with so many new colors
• More from Hue Loco and Swift Yarns
• New colors from Opal Yarn, in addition to the My Sock Design that arrived last week
• 12th Anniversary Sip & Knit Kits- FOUR different mugs and dyers! Here's a peak at the first one.
• The crazy good $20 150g skein deal from Blue Moon Fiber Arts - coming in mid-June
• A wide array of needles from HiyaHiya
• SSYC's 12th Yarniversary Party!!

I can't believe there's so much going on in the shop in the next couple months! And this is just the stuff that's on the tip of my brain! I cant' wait to get all this yarn on my needles and in my stash... and of course share it with you.

Upcoming SSYC 12th Yarniversary Party

Are you coming to visit us to celebrate our 12th Yarniversary? Please do! We have so much happiness to share with you on Saturday, June 10 from 10-4 at the shop and I can't wait to welcome each of you into the shop to celebrate another year. If you are anywhere close to Fort Wayne, Indiana, come party with us at 1315 E State Blvd!

What's going on that day? Well, as usual we will have sale goodies, new yarn, contests galore and snacks. But this year have two special features- a Knitterly Things Trunk Show and the knitting-inspired ceramic art of west coast artist, Charan Sachar.

Charan is even featured in our upcoming 12th Anniversary Sip & Knit Kit, with a preview here.

If you were thinking of making a trip to visit the shop with your fiber friends, June 10 is a great time to load up the SUV and knit your way to Indiana! There are plenty of nice places we can recommend to eat and drink while here, should you want to make an afternoon of it. Or hang and knit at our local fave coffee hang out, Firefly Coffee House.

I hope you can make it! If you want, you can RSVP on Facebook so we know to expect your awesome face! If you are too far away to make it to the party, just know we will be celebrating all summer long with sales, contests and more online.

What I'm up to

Well, over the past week I certainly haven't finished any of my current projects, but I've started two!

I've been talking about the Walk in the Woods shawl since January, and I finally cast on. I'm actually about 1/3 through now, or a bit more, as I've used up one of the three skeins so far. I'm using 2 Malabrigo Rios in Aguas for the main color, and 1 Madelinetosh Tosh DK in Gemini Twins (sub Rey  or Found Pottery if you want a similar effect- this skein of Gemini was from my stash) for the coordinating light speckle. So far, I adore this project.

 

But it's been put on the side burner for the moment as I work on this drop stitch shawl using a special 600g skein of sock weight yarn that we will soon have in the shop as a 12th Anniversary Special from Tina at Blue Moon Fiber Arts.

Shown above in the new Clusterfact colorway, alongside a regular ol' 100g skein for size reference.

This 150g skein is 50% bigger than a usual fingering weight skein, making it perfect for those with really large feet (or knee socks), for shawls like this one, larger baby sweaters or toddler garments, or for just having on hand when you aren't sure what you're making out of it. Nearly 100 colors will soon be available in the shop for more than 45% off! Instead of the expected price of $37.50 for a skein of this size, you'll see it at SSYC for only $20. That's less than you'd pay for a normal 100g skein, and you're getting 50% more! A huge thanks to Tina and Team for helping us celebrate our milestone birthday with such a fab deal for all.

But, for me, the most exciting new development is my new knitting buddy- my nine year old son James! James showed interest in knitting last year, and he chose this Cascade Yarn for his first project, cast on, and stopped. Then a few nights ago he just went and picked it up again, snuggled up next to me and asked if I could show him again. He's been tinking away ever since.

Six Years Ago

Facebook reminded me today that 6 years ago I was in the midst of an epic demo. After operating SSYC  out of my home for 6 years, I decided to take the leap and open a storefront. But, of course, I didn't do it the easy way. I embarked on a restoration of a 1940's post office that I had loved. One that had been vacant for 18 months, and before that had seen so many uses that there were layers upon layers of evidence of its uses over the decades. Layers that we would discover during the restoration journey, and eventually turn into our 3500 square foot yarn shop and dye studio.

I had no idea that the next six years would bring baby Henry, an continued expansion of our own Poste Yarn studio, hiring of new staffers (none of them have ever left us!) and the gains and losses of so many friends in the industry. No one tells you that when you forge relationships with dyers and artisans and customers that one day you and the world might actually lose them. That your heart will break over and over each time you see a particular skein in your stash or come across a text message joke that now only you can smile about. That you'll re-read an e-mail from someone again and again about her recent retirement or advice about your new baby and you hope that she's OK wherever she is now. Sigh.

But the past 6 years since our move has brought so many more great things than sad ones and I'm so grateful that each and every one of you has been a part of the journey. That you've made sure that the chance I took paid off for my family, my staff, and all the artisans I support.

It's hard to believe that this shop, waiting for yarn above, is now so packed full of yarn that we now continually have to redesign and rework the fixtures and space to add more and more.

I'm definitely not complaining about that though!

And with that, I'll leave you for the weekend. To knit and hang with your family and friends. I'll be working on the two things (here and here) I'm obsessed with, and if you follow Instagram, you know what else I'll be doing! Knitting with my nine year old son, James!

Blue Moon Fiber Arts- Buffy 20th Anniversary Colors

If you are a Buffy fan, it may be hard to believe that the series is celebrating its 20th anniversary. I feel like that show came out yesterday! Turns out, NOPE, 20 years ago.

Tina at Blue Moon Fiber Arts is also a big fan and she's created a line of colors that are inspired by the show. Colors like Angelus above and Bite Me below. Shown on Socks that Rock Lightweight, but also available in Super Sparkle.

Perhaps you like all the Big Bads. In which case you'll like Drucilla and Spike.

And if you prefer the Scoobies, then you may like Buffy, Willow, Xander and Giles.

Who doesn't need a little color to battle our supernatural (or real) woes? Team Tina and BMFA definitely put their hearts in dyeing and I love that they continue to inspire me with things that bring back memories and with each stitch.

Sunnydale

Joji Mystery Wrap KAL ideas, part 3

We've received some great feedback of the 5-skein color ideas we've shared over the past week for the Joji Mystery Shawl KAL that starts today. We've helped fill out some of your color ideas with a skein or two that works, and you're all ready to get started! If you haven't yet decided on a color story, then here are a few more ideas that might be just what you're looking for. Earlier ideas are here and here.

Primrose Yarn Co's  Luscious Sock in Emerald Midnight, Fluorite, Loki, Oolong and Rock Show

 

Above is Luscious Sock in Burn Out, Springy, Woodlands, Seeing Red, Oolong

Below is Madelinetosh BFL Sock in Kenobi, Hi Lo, Coquette Deux, Found Pottery and Grasshopper

Below is Madelinetosh Twist Light in Antler (I have just one left, so use this to sub), Logwood, Havana (or use this), Found Pottery, Cactus Flower

Wooly Wonka Aerten Sock in Phoenix, Bittersweet, House Elf, Dryad and Around Midnight

Manos del Uruguay's Alegria Sock (we have more coming in a week if any of these are sold out- it's a popular combo. So check back.) 2600 Magenta, 2349 Oxygen, 2020 Spirulina, 2363 Tahiti, 9008 Orquidea

As always, if you have questions about color you are considering or just want a set of eyes on your selection before you order, you're welcome to e-mail the shop to as for advice.

Let's get this party started!

We are only three weeks away from a big milestone for SSYC, our 12th Anniversary, and I'm jump starting the summer-long party of contests, sales and new yarn with an amazing deal from Mineville Wool Project in our Sale Section. We have an exclusive here, something that Mineville offered just us, to you, the loyal SSYC knitters who have supported this small offshoot of Fleece Artist since its inception a couple years ago.

Shown: Bean Stalk, Northern Forest, Gothic Olive, Emerald

I have for you a light worsted weight skein of the softest 100% superwash merino for $14 a skein instead of $24. You're saving $10 a skein on some of the most beautiful colors I've seen Mineville Wool Project produce. I mean those greens! Those blues!

We have several other deals in the Sale Section right now, and you'll see these skeins designated with MWP LT Worsted (color name).

Shown: Navy Indigo, Blue Jeans, Classic Blue, Rocky River

I've already chosen a few skeins of Beach Walk for myself and Rocky River for hats for my boys. And I think this yarn is perfect for a pattern I've been wanting to start for quite some time now, Walk in the Woods by Lisa Hannes.

Color combos I'm considering are Bramble Berry + Tusk, Kelp + Delphinus, Constellation + Bad Pixie, Emerald + Serpentine.

Photos used with permission of Lisa Hannes of Maliha Designs

I'm also considering using this Lt Worsted yarn to make a heavier version of Emiliana. Yeeeeeees.

The finished size would be larger that it looks on here here, which would be great for a winter wrap that would actually keep me warm and be long/big enough to stay put.

I have plenty of pinks to choose from if you want this effect. Plus greys and Tusk if you want a pale tone to accent everything. Or Old School + Amelia!

Shown: Radiant Orchid, Ruby Red, Borscht, Bramble Berry

Silverleaf, Roo-Loop, and Stone Layers are all awesome too. Heck all of Lisa's designs are. I really like Stone Layers though and want to do it in this light worsted weight yarn, choosing several colors I like together instead of a gradient look.

Oh, and let us not forget all the speckled. Shown: Blue Splash, Bad Fairy, Delphinus, Spring Splendor

Well, now I've gone down a deep rabbit hole, going from Lisa's pattern page back and forth to the Sale Section to compare colors together. Jeez. I don't have time to do this today but I'm doing it! I literally just rubbed my hands together like and evil nemesis and thought of another color combo. Northern Forest + Antique Brass.

Someone stop me. Or e-mail me for reassurance with the colors you're considering using- get me out of my head!

Joji Mystery Wrap ideas, part 2

I may have spent a little bit too much time standing in front of the Madelinetosh section of the shop today, because these five color combos just flew off the pegs at me. Thankfully, they are soft and did little damage to my face.

Today's color combo options for the Joji Mystery Wrap KAL kind of focus on one color idea (jewels, pinks, blues/purples) rather than five super different skeins. This is perfect for people like me who tend to play is safer if I don't know what the overall design is going to look like. If you are like me, one of these might speak to you. Or shout at you.

Above is Tosh Sock in Dubrovnik, Farmhouse White, Asphalt, Geode and Horoscope.

Below is Tosh Sock in Marfa, Twig, Spicewood, Tart and Gentle Monster.

Want jewel tones in Tosh Sock? When you have more than 100 colors in stock, we have those too! Check out Ink, Outlander, Sun Rose, Found Pottery and Jade

Hedgehog Fibres is always a fave around here and I'm betting when our newest (and biggest ever) shipment comes in a couple weeks we will have LOTS of color ideas for you. This one would also be gorgeous in the Saturate Shawl. Shown below in Hedgehog Fiber Sock in Poison, Merlot, Naïve, Daydream and Cheeky.

Want greens and blues with a POP? This one shows that you CAN mix two different yarns for great results. Shown below are (1)House of Mirrors (2) Edison Bulb (3) Space Odyssey (4) Mermaid Scales (5) Dubrovnik. 1-3-4 are Primrose Yarn Zig Zag Sock and 2-5 are Madelinetosh Twist Light. This one also might be cool as a Saturate Shawl like the one above.

As always, if you have color ideas you are considering and you want some reassurance that your color scheme is awesome, or help with one or two skeins to accent, just e-mail us! I'll share more ideas for 5-color sets later this week.

Mother's Day Knit Kits now available!

Get your hands on our two exclusive Mother's Day Knit Kits now! Above is the Little Kukla Rainbow Knit Kit. And if you're into more fallish tones, take at look below at the Little Kukla Autumn Knit Kit.

If you'd like to read about the details of the kits, I blogged about them here. I do have fewer of these than usual, so I do apologize in advance if you see they are sold out much quicker than the usual 5-8 hours. As always, a big Thank You for your interest in all the exclusive kits we create. It's a highlight of my job to design them with the artisans, and I greatly appreciate all the feedback and ideas you throw out. You all really are an inspiration. I am really looking forward to showing off what we have planned to celebrate our 12th anniversary this summer. So if you miss out on these kits, please know there are always awesome things on the horizon in a month or less!

Mother's Day Knit Kits, a preview

It's nearly time to celebrate Mother's Day with our exclusive Knit Kits!

Heck, you don't have to be a mama to appreciate these beauties, you just have to like awesome hand made bags, cashmere yarn and a bit of shine! On the morning of Monday, May 8, you can grab one for yourself or a mom you love.

First, let's talk yarn. In the Little Kukla Rainbow kit, you get not one, but two skeins of our newest Poste Yarn, Cash Sock- an 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon fingering weight yarn that is so saturated with color that it seems to glow. In the Rainbow Knit Kit you'll get a skein of Tiger's Nest and a coordinating skein of Bluebell PA. And because we are dyeing this in-house, you're saving $16 on the yarn!

Are you more of an Autumn than a Rainbow? Then you'll adore the yarn in the Little Kukla Autumn kit. Same cashmere yarn as detailed above, only with an Cedar Grove multicolor and and an Emerald Bay skein so vivid, you'll wonder how the heck we did it. Magic fiber fairies. That's how.

The bags for these kits are especially adorable, with Russian Doll-inspired fabric on the outside and beautifully coordinating interiors. Vickie at Bird Leg Bags made these for us, so of course they feature heavyweight interfacing, a top stitched zipper and hand beaded zipper pull. The Rainbow bag is her Medium Wedge size (holds a 3-4 skein project) and the Autumn bag is the Tall Skinny size (holds a 5-6 skein project).

To add a bit of flash to your kit, I'm including an assortment of 24 knitter's charms, These can be strung like a bead or sewn into your project as a little reminder to yourself or the recipient that it was "hand made" and "made with love."

This is one of those rare kits that includes more than one skein of yarn. We dyed this in-house, which saves you a great deal! So while this is one of our more expensive kits (it will likely be in the $85 range, which means you qualify for free US shipping), you're getting A LOT for your money. The kit would cost over $100 if we didn't dye the our in our own studio. A little Mom's Day gift from us to you!

Thank you so much for your continued interest in our special edition Knit Kits. I have significantly fewer of these than I usually do, so if you happen to miss out on Monday morning, please know that we have awesome things planned all summer to celebrate our 12th yarniversary.

Joji Mystery Wrap KAL Ideas, part 1

There has been quite a lot of interest online in Joji's Mystery Wrap KAL, so of course we are interested here in the shop too. We really liked coming up with color combos for everyone's Fades, and this pattern seems to be found just as exciting. So throughout the next week, you'll see me post color ideas on Instagram and also here on the blog. If you want to participate in the KAL and have a hard time finding something you like without seeing it in person, these should help big time. Of course, if you want to put together your own combos, that's great too! If you need help choosing one or two that go with what you like, or want assurance that the five you chose are super awesome, just e-mail us anytime!

These aren't just my ideas- I enlisted help from everyone here to come up with ideas. Perhaps you gravitate more to our Poste Yarn dyer's taste. Heather has a way with color, working with it every day and she knows how to choose combos you wouldn't always think of. Here's what she has to share today:

Dream in Color's Smooshy. Plenty of yardage and oh so many colors to choose from and combine. Heather went with Grey Tabby, Federal Bank, Navy Zeal, Apathy and Burr. Burr is a multicolor that kind of brings the whole thing together.

The next two options, Heather selected Blue Moon Fiber Arts, BFL. This stuff glows with color. We have a stunningly large array of this right now- over 100 colors. Who couldn't choose five colors from a selection of over 100?! Below is Smoke on the Water, Sugar Plum Fairy Dust, Fall Frolic, Spawn of Scum and Autumns Up.

Now this one is deep, bright and totally something I would knit up. Black Bird, Heckley Speckley, Antiquated System, Dearly Beloved and Old Speckled Hen.

Me? I tend to choose more safe options. Colors in the same group with one that is a punch. Since I work with closely with yarn and dyers every day, I tend to know where a lot of the base yarns come from and I'm good at combining yarn from different lines that work together. In this selection, I combined Tarte from Miss Babs with our Poste Yarn Patina because they are the same merino/tencel/nylon blend and can be used interchangeably. So on the top, middle and bottom you see Miss Babs Tarte in Graphic, Moonlight Stroll and Blue Dasher. They are separated by Poste Yarn Patina in Glass Mountain and Stonehenge.

If you've seen our shop in person, you know that a significant portion of the front is devoted to Madelinetosh. We have hundreds of colors across the bases, so it's easy to find combos in a base like Merino Light. Here you see Pendleton Red, El Greco, Murakami, Court & Spark and Spicewood.

Rachael packs your orders every day, so she see what everyone chooses and is great at picking things that everyone loves. She's also regularly knits scarves and shawls that use many colors, so this is her jam. Rachael went with some cashmere for this choice- Dragonfly Fibers Djinni in Black Pearl, Wine Country, Paisaje Mediterraneo, Apollo and Mushroom Hunting.

I look forward to sharing more with you throughout the next week! If there are bases that you love, or colors you are considering, please leave a comment below and perhaps we can work that into the coming ideas. If you love something, it's likely that someone else out there is thinking the same thing, or that what you are considering would be an inspiration to others, So ask away!

May's Striping Set from Poste Yarn

It's time to snag the May color of our Poste Yarn Cash Sock striping set! Meet Brights Grove!

You get 130g of yarn- 100g of striping and 30g of coordinating solid. I've knit four of the five that we've put out so far this year, and these are super addictive. I have size 11 feet and I have so much yarn left over that I'll likely do a pair of mitts or footies.

Have you had a chance to snag one of these monthly sets yet? We will continue to do these throughout this year and when we have time in the dye schedule, we will start releasing the striping colors (without the solid mini's) on our regular corriedale/nylon base.

Did you happen to see what snuck back onto the website this weekend? Heather's been dyeing up many of the request's you've been making in Poste Yarn Striping Sock, including the gray+color stripes like Ashikaga Park, Giants Causeway, Lake Baikal, Petra, Red Breaks (below), Spannagel Cave (above), Swiss Alps, & Vail Twilight.