There are only a few of the sock blank—sock blanks left. Remember this is an opportunity to learn how to knit socks 2 at a time. You get 60 day access to my free ecourse with the purchase of one of these fun fabrics. Knit blanks–sock blanks are fun to knit with as you watch the fabric transform itself into another iteration. Grab yours here.
There is a lot of conversation on Instagram and FaceBook about designers and indie dyers. Some people feel discriminated against because they can’t use expensive yarn. I think I am hearing that some knitters feel unseen by the knitting industry.
There is a lot that goes into a collaboration between a designer and an indie dyer and even more when you think about farm yarns. There is the cost of the yarn and the marketing of the pattern along with the yarn. And sometimes, the yarn recommended in the pattern becomes unavailable. There are so many choices of yarns and many of those choices are regional.
Because of this it is important to learn how to substitute yarn in a pattern. That way you have all the freedom to use yarn in your stash, yarn from a big box store or yarn from a fiber farmer like me. I just published a podcast all about yarn substitution. You can find it on itunes or you can click here to listen.
Here are the highlights:
And if you like the podcast, I would appreciate you leaving a review on itunes. I’ll be addressing more on this topic in the future. Have a question? Let me know what it is. I’d love to have some Q & A sessions as well.
We’re living in a strange time. I don’t get to see you at fiber shows. I miss our connections, I really do.
I’ve just started a podcast in these pandemic times. My goal is to keep you informed about new happenings here at the farm. I also want to give you information that you can use in your knitting or crafting. I want to help you build your color confidence. And I can do that through a podcast.
In this first season, if you will, I’ve been talking about farm yarns. So many dyers offer commercial yarns, and I do that too. But what sets me apart is my farm yarn. I’ve worked a number of years to develop my yarns so that they are soft to the skin and you can use them for shawls, sweaters, hats, gloves and socks. Each yarn is designed to be beautiful and to be fun to use.
I also want to answer your questions in the podcast. So be sure to shoot me an email if you have a question for me.
I am also planning to do some interviews of some great fiber farmers and indie dyers.
You can find my podcast on itunes. Or on the podcast page here.
I dyed up a whole lot more sock blanks. Remember that I’m giving you free access to my knit 2 socks at a time class with purchase of a sock blank.
What’s a sock blank? It’s not a sock….not yet. It is hand dyed knitted fabric that you UNKNIT and then REKNIT into some other garment. You can knit socks with it, of course. Or you can knit it into a shawl or cowl, anything you want really.
The ones I’m adding today are dyed into gradients of color. They are so pretty. They are ONE OF A KIND!! Go here to grab yours!
Looking for a fun and non-stressful summer shawl project? I have just the one for you. My shawl Camau is a fun knit. It’s a crescent shaped shawl with short rows of eyelet lace among lots of garter rows. The kit comes with 4 skeins of yarn and the pattern. Just add needles and you’re good to go!!
Even better it’s on sale for over 40% off the regular price. There are 8 different choices too. You can grab your kit right here.
Do you have second sock syndrome? Do you get excited about starting a pair of socks but only get 1 knit? Learning this great technique is for you…by the time you finish knitting one sock all that is left of the last sock is the bind off….
Are you sick of losing teeny tiny sock stitches off the end of your double points? I was until I learned how to knit 2 At A Time socks knit on 1 long circular needle. Do I still drop stitches occasionally? I’m not gonna lie…I sometimes still drop a stitch.
My new e-course teaches you how to knit socks 2 At A Time. I’m offering this free with purchase of a sock blank. I have some great blanks left. What I love about sock blanks is that there is somewhat of a mystery to what the final socks will look like. Gradients? Spreckles? Striping? What will happen? That’s the fun of it. The class is available on July 25th. You will complete it on your schedule. All lessons are recorded.
I’ve been thinking about getting an e-spinner for several years now. I couldn’t really rationalize the high price of the most popular model. Last year at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival, I saw a woman spinning on an eel nano. It seemed so small and delicate. I looked at reviews, I looked at other espinners. And I found the one for me.
I bought a Heavenly Handspinning Vespera, Gen 2. I had it unpacked and put together in under 30 minutes.
And I was spinning very shortly afterward. HH has nice YouTube videos to help you set up the machine and to get started spinning. And I did use them to make sure that I had all the cords connected in the correct way.
Have you always wanted to learn how to knit socks 2 at a time (2AAT)? It is my preferred way to knit socks. Why? Because they will be the same size. Row for row. I don’t really need to count. I do measure them, but I don’t have to count to make sure there are the same number of rows. I like this way because there isn’t any second sock syndrome. When you are done with one sock you are done with both.
And what about sock blanks? How do they work? Well these are knitted rectangles that contain the same amount of yarn as our usual fingering weight yarns… approximately 400 yards. They are knit double, so they are perfect for 2AAT socks. The yarn doesn’t get as tangled as when working with 2 balls of yarn.
I’m going to do a series of classes to teach you how to knit socks 2AAT from a sock blank. These classes are free with purchase of a sock blank. There will be 4 classes: casting on and getting started, how to turn the heels, how to pick up the gusset and how to finish your socks. Classes will start July 25th. They are self study, so you can access them when it is convenient for you. Click here to get a sock blank and access to the class.
Come to our open studio event. In order to be in compliance with the covid-19 restrictions, we have some rules. You will pick a time slot. You may bring one other family member with you into the shop. You must wear a mask. You will be given hand sanitizer to use before you enter the store. $10.00 of your ticket price will be credited when you make a purchase. We will have sun tents set up in the yard if you would like to bring your spinning wheel or knitting in a country setting while social distancing. We are trying our best to promote a responsible yarnie event.
You can get tickets here. Can’t make it this Saturday? Email or text to set up an appointment.
This is a simple shawl…the color of the yarn does all the work. It is mostly garter stitch with some lace near the bottom. It is an asymmetrical triangle shape. I’ve added 3 new variations. Check them out! Kit comes with pattern and 4 skeins of Zephyrette yarn. Zephyrette is our baby alpaca, silk and cashmere blend that’s a light sport weight.
