I've been doing some test knitting lately. Above is a sock yarn that we'll be offering from a dyer that I met at TNNA earlier this summer. TNNA is the organization that hosts our national tradeshow, and walking the show floor is one way to see what's new an what's coming from dyers and fiber companies who want to come and show their wares. I'll share more details soon.
Below is a test knit, a new base from someone we already carry. I was asked to give it a try and give my feedback and I'll let you know if this is one that is widely produced. Both of these are great, both four ply fingering weight. I used the same pattern, Pebble Socks. Both are outside my normal color choices, but I really like them. I think it's good to knit outside your box sometimes. Are these inside your normal color range? Which do you prefer?
Rachael is knitting up a Close to You. It's a great free pattern to use to show off those single skeins of hand dyed yarn that you buy but haven't an idea yet of what to knit. Rachael chose a skein of Bespeckled Sock from Knitterly Things.
Her color is Pop Rocks from a previous batch/shipment and is no longer available, but she thinks that both Happy Accident and Vintage Kitchen would produce a similar effect.
Rachael also recently finished some awesome sweaters, both using Mineville Wool Project's DK weight yarn from the Sale Section. First is the Soldotna Crop using the DK Singles we currently have in stock.
The Fern & Feather sweater is gorgeous, isn't it? She used in the 4ply DK weight from MWP that we are currently out of, but you could definitely use something awesome like Tosh DK or Swift Cozy DK if you wanted.
What are you knitting this week? Do share!
What great test knits, thanks for sharing! I am currently working on The Perfect Blend MKAL from Casapinka and having a great time. I'm using 12 mini skeins from Miss Babs in a "special edition" with a wild iris in the mix. Bright jewel tones. I have you, Allison, to thank for bringing that MKAL to my attention by mentioning it in your blog - this is my first knit-along of any kind (I have not felt confident enough to keep up or experienced enough to follow the pattern) but when they mentioned a "lag-a-long" group, I jumped in. Thanks again!
For knitting at our weekly sit and knit I am working on the shawl Silverleaf with a cotton yarn, easy to keep track of while talking.
Posted by: Diane | August 07, 2019 at 10:02 AM
That last one is right up my color alley. The first one worked up beautifully.
I'm knotting Changing Staircases
Posted by: Diane | August 07, 2019 at 10:42 AM
I love purples! I am finishing a pair of Christmas socks for myself that I started last year, haha! Also knit three hats for my kids this week. I have a hysterectomy tomorrow! This afternoon I am winding the yarn that I got from you last week (it came so fast, thank you) so that I'm ready and motivated to rest!
Posted by: Jessica | August 07, 2019 at 12:25 PM
The top yarn (fall colors) is outside my normal range of color choices for myself but very much inside my younger daughter’s. So I might get it to make something for her. The pink, blue, purple is more my taste. But I like the speckled yarn that Rachael used better than either. She is an incredibly talented knitter.
Posted by: Donna | August 07, 2019 at 02:31 PM
Beautiful knitting! I just finished a Hitchhicker and now I am trying Find Your Fade. But if the lace proves to challenging for me some hats in DK will be next.
Posted by: Anne | August 07, 2019 at 09:26 PM
The first picture with treacle brown yarn is not something I'd usually knit but I like it - and you can work outside your usual for socks because it's easy to hide them in shoes if they don't turn out to be your favourite.
Posted by: Sarah R | August 08, 2019 at 12:25 AM
I am making Hermoine's socks with the last ( August) club yarn. I love the purple and gold. I would never choose it myself but I can't put it down..
Posted by: Natalie | August 08, 2019 at 08:52 AM
I am in love with that brown/gold/green colorway, but I lean toward fall colors. Currently using a hank of Yarn Love and working on Show-Off Stranded socks and the Artfil Christmas kit and making Vanilla is the New Black socks.
Posted by: Joyce | August 09, 2019 at 12:38 PM
That first sock is definitely within my color comfort range--very similar to Malabrigo Piedras, which was my first purchase to convince me that it was worthwhile to buy 'good' yarn.
Posted by: Carol | August 09, 2019 at 08:09 PM