Category Archives: Yarn & Fiber

May 14, 2013 · 5:23 pm

Fiberlicious Tuesday!

I’ve been trying to catch up on my spinning so I can start my Less is More cardigan and I’m afraid my spinning partner in England is way ahead of me in this adventure.  The bright side, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

So to keep me motivated with spinning, my friend Elseline sent me a package containing 8 oz of a gorgeous BFL blend (Blue Faced Leicster and Tussah Silk) by Adelaide Walker that she picked up when she went to  Wonderwool 2013 in Wales.  Oh goodness this fiber is soft!!!

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Of course I too have to keep myself motivated to finish spinning so I can not only spin the fiber Elseline sent to me, but fiber I just bought from Mary Ann of Three Waters Farm.  I love BFL, it’s so soft and yummy to spin, and this 8 oz  in the colorway called Rags and Bones will be perfect for a shawl!

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What have you been spinning lately?

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May 12, 2013 · 6:35 pm

Fine Art, Rowan Style.

I’ve just received my skein of Rowan Fine Art sock yarn in color#304, Raven, along with the Fine Art Collection booklet  to review for Rowan Yarns.  My very first impression, gorgeous yarn, my second impression, oh my, it’s so soft!DSCF4055

Measuring at 437 yards (400m), one skein of  Rowan Fine Art is perfect for a pair of socks, a scarf, an infinity cowl, a shawlette and more.  Now to decide what my skein will become, such a challenge for a knitter!

Do you have a favorite so far from the  Fine Art Collection ?  If yes, which pattern do you love the most?

Here’s your chance to give Rowan’s Fine Art yarn a try with this FREE pattern for a stunning lace scarf, designed exclusively for the Rowan website by Lisa Richardson. This stylish scarf shows off the beauty of this yarn perfectly and the pattern is suitable for beginners.

Courtesy of Rowan Yarn

Courtesy of Rowan Yarn

Be sure to login, then just click the link to download your FREE pattern: http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/robin-scarf

You can pre-order Fine Art online at Webs and  Jimmy Beans Wool.  Better yet, you can pre-order  the entire eight color collection at Simply Socks Yarn Company.  Be sure to ask your local shop if they will be carrying Rowan Fine Art too, I know mine will be!

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April 30, 2013 · 4:15 am

Let’s Talk Fine Art, and I’m not Talking Paintings!

When someone says fine art, you might automatically think Monet, Cezanne, Renoir or more.  But today, I’m not discussing the fine art you might be thinking of, no it’s not about paintings or sculptures, but a brand new line of hand-painted  yarn that Rowan is launching May 1st called Fine Art .

Sourced from Cape Mohair Spinners in South Africa, the yarn is painted by the team at Lance and Ines Khoury’s hand painting department, which takes enormous pride in employing individuals from some of the poorest and most marginalized sections of the community. One of their goals is to create opportunities for growth and development, and this ethos is something Rowan is extremely proud to support. As a result of the increase in production needs following on from Rowan’s interest in the yarn, the company has had to relocate to larger premises and take on more members of staff.  ~ Rowan Industry News

Rowan Sock yarn

Rowan Fine Art is a blend of 45% wool, 20% mohair, 10% mulberry silk and 25% polyamide, and will be available in eight beautiful colors.  This yarn will not only be suitable and quite durable for socks, but will be perfect for shawls, shawlettes  and other types of accessories.

There’s a great PDF article regarding this new hand painted yarn – click here to download the PDF flyer

______________________________________________

Serin
Serin
301
Tawny
Tawny
302
Waxwing
Waxwing
303
Raven
Raven
304
Kingfisher
Kingfisher
305
Lapwing
Lapwing
306
Phesant
Phesant
307
Chiff-Chaff
Chiff-Chaff
308

_____________________________________________

Fine ArtThe Fine Art Collection booklet features fourteen designs, that not only include designs for socks of every length, but four accessory designs.

My personal favorites include Cuckoo , a cabled ankle sock,  Grouse, a snowflake motif mid-calf sock, and the Starling Wrap, a versatile rectangular wrap.

I will be doing a review on the skein that is coming my way, but meantime be sure to check out  Clara Parkes in depth review of Rowan Fine Art on Knitter’s Review.

Happy Knitting, Crocheting, Spinning and Crafting!

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April 18, 2013 · 5:07 am

A Special “Yarn” Bouquet Just for Mom, or Even a Special Friend!

Looking for a great Mother’s Day gift for your own Mom, or even a friend, who is an avid knitter?  If you answered yes, then be sure to check out these creative  limited edition yarn bouquets by Jimmy Beans Wool, that go on sale on tomorrow, Friday, April 19th.

There are two special kits available, and here are the details straight from the marketing department at Jimmy Beans!

Full Bouquet – $200 (only 60 available) Contains:

One skein of each of the following exclusive hand dyed yarns:

  • Artyarns Beaded Silk Light – Wildflowers
  • Koigu KPPPM
  • Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock – Bukiety
  • Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light
  • Malabrigo Worsted Merino
  • TSCArtyarns Zara Hand-Dyed
  • Fleece Artist Woolie Silk – Peach Blossom

Needles in US sizes 6, 7, 8 and 9,  two 20g tubes of Miyuki clear glass beads size 6/0 that can be used for the April Showers Capelet pattern and a postcard with a link to PDFs of seven exclusive patterns including:

  • Wildflowers Mother’s Day Shawl designed by Iris Schreier
  • 3 Knit Flowers designed by Maie Landra
  • A Day At The Vineyards Mitts (elbow-length mitts) designed by Suzy Allen (note: requires US 5-8″ circ and/or US 5 DPNs, not included in bouquet)
  • Angel Lady Scarf designed by Suzy Allen (note: requires US 5-16″ circular or US 5 straight needles, not included in bouquet)
  • Hat designed by Romi Hill
  • Rose Garden Crescent Scarf designed by Iris Schreier
  • April Showers Capelet designed by Lynette Meek (note: requires US 8-32″ circular, US 8 DPNs, 0.6mm crochet hook for beading, not included in bouquet)

Simple Bouquet - $60 (only 100 available) Contains:

One skein of each of the following exclusive hand dyed yarns:

  • Koigu KPPPM
  • Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock – Bukiety
  • Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light

Needles in US sizes 2, 3 and 4, and a postcard with a link to PDFs of three exclusive patterns icluding:

  • 3  knit flowers designed by Maie Landra
  • A  Day At The Vineyards Mitts (elbow-length mitts) designed by          Suzy Allen (note: requires US 5-8″ circ and/or US 5 DPNs, not included in bouquet)
  • Angel Lady Scarf designed by Suzy Allen (note: requires US 5-16″ circular or US 5 straight needles, not included in bouquet)

According to a recent post on the Jimmy Beans Wool FaceBook page, “They will either be up very early on the 19th or late on the 18th. We recommend checking in the evening of the 18th to see if we’ve been able to make them active yet!”

I don’t think these bouquets will last long, so you need to be sure to snag one quickly!

Happy knitting!

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April 11, 2013 · 6:16 am

Are you ready to add a little “sparkle” to your life?

Ideal for lace stitch accessories this yarn is lightweight and glamourous, the sequins give a unique and random pattern to the finished knitted fabric, making it ideal for evening wear or just that little bit of added sparkle.

Rowan Kidsilk Haze Glamour in Smoke

If you’re a fan of Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze, you’ll love Glamour!  This luxurious and ultra soft new yarn is a blend of 55% mohair, 22% silk, 20% nylon and 3% polyester and is currently available in eight colors.  I would say this yarn is perfect for scarves, shawls and even shrugs.

Be sure to check out the Glamour Collection that features 14 designs by Marie Wallin, Martin Storey, Lisa Richardson, Gemma Atkinson and  Jem Weston using the new yarn.

Inside you’ll find a variety of patterns ranging from simple tunics to elegant shawls, and designs for all levels of knitting.

My personal favorite in this collection is Romance designed by Martin Storey.  This lacy shrug is knitted in one piece from cuff to cuff and is perfect for an intermediate knitter.  I can see wearing this piece for a elegant dinner or a special night out on the town!

To view all the designs, visit Rowan Online or Ravelry.

For the month of April, Rowan has added the Gypsy Shawl designed by Sarah Hatton to the member’s monthly exclusive free pattern section .  This elegant creation features a very simple lace design with a lovely diamond spine.  This project requires 5 skeins of Glamour and a size  US 8 (5mm) needle.

I love the two new designs that Churchmouse Yarns has just released using Glamour.  The Glamour Beaded Mohair Scarf and the Glamour Ruched Wrap are both simple projects that will add a bit of elegance to your wardrobe.

Here’s a few designs using Kidsilk Haze that would be perfect for Glamour too!

Have you ever knitted items using Rowan Kidsilk Haze or Glamour?  If so, what is your favorite design to use this yarn for?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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April 6, 2013 · 8:44 am

Saturdays are made for WIPs!

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It’s so lovely to be on the patio this morning and I’m quite pleased with the progress I’ve made on my  Cottonista Triangle Shawl.  I’m just about ready to start with my third skein of yarn for this project and it’s beginning to look great!

So many of you know that I’m a major KAL junky, yes, it’s sad by so very true!  Not only did I join the  Capriole KAL, but as mentioned earlier I also joined the Game of Thrones Mystery KAL.  Clue 1 is all finished and this Sunday, clue 2 will be posted.  I was very happy to see I wasn’t the only one using pink for this KAL!

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This photo is one day old, so it doesn’t show the last repeat of the pattern.

I also received a yummy skein of Indieway Yarns single ply superwash merino for a prize I won in the last KAL I participated in.  I love the colors and it’s so squishy soft!!!  I’m thinking this will be great for a hat.

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What are you working on this weekend!

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March 22, 2013 · 6:39 am

Casting On and Casting Off: Lyme Regis Scarf and a Vivian Hat

I’m so happy to have finished my  Lyme Regis Scarf.  It turned out perfect and I truly look forward to wearing it before it gets too hot here in Phoenix!  I ended up using almost all of my handspun and would say that I only have about 2 yards left over, if that much.

Finished Scarf Measurement:  4″ wide by 60″ in length

On the garden wall.

Display:  On the garden wall.

 

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A close up view.

I did not tell you all, but about a week ago I decided I needed an Easter Bonnet and casted on the Vivian Hat by Lisa Cruse.  I used my stash of Shepherd’s Classic 100% Wool in Lupine for this project and will be trimming my hat in brown ribbons and attaching a large brown rose.  This is a super easy project and that I think knitter’s of all ages would enjoy.  For those of you new to felting, Lisa has a great tutorial on her website with step by step instructions, as well as tips, for felting.

Before felting:

Side view

Side view

Top view

Top view

Then I felted the finished hat using a small amount of detergent, hot water and a pair of old jeans.  I checked it through out the cycle to make sure it didn’t shrink too much and was quite pleased with the results.

After felting:

Side View

Side View

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Top view

Now for the embellishments!  For those of you who have not seen a finished Vivian Hat, I truly suggest you view the finished projects on Ravelry.  I love the use of ribbon, flowers and embroidery that many knitters used for their hats, giving you tons of inspiration and creative ideas!

For me, I love the mix of blue with a deep chocolate brown and have chosen a dark chocolate grosgrain ribbon that I will top with a decorative ruffled trim.  I purchased three fabric roses, one is a dark chocolate and the other two a cream and light beige.  After holding up the roses next to the hat, the chocolate rose won!

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Dark chocolate ribbon and roses for embellishment

My Easter Bonnet should be completed this weekend and it will be fun to wear for Easter!

Do you enjoy felting?  If so, what types of projects have you made?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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March 18, 2013 · 5:34 am

Rowan Ambassador!

Photo: Courtesy of Rowan Yarns

If you can prove you are one of Rowan’s biggest fans, and would like to become a Rowanette (Rowanet); then let us know! We’re looking for someone who can help support the Rowan brand and review yarns, publications and participate on our Facebook page. In return for your time and creativity, you would have enhanced privileges above any consumer. ~ August 2012, Rowan Yarns

Back in August, Rowan Yarn announced they were looking for people around the world to promote and champion the Rowan brand .  After much thought I applied and then patiently waited to see what was going to happen.

In February I received an email asking for more information, which made me wonder, was I on a shortlist?  I didn’t want to get too excited but deep down I rather was.  Then yesterday I started jumping up and down with pure excitement, I received an email congratulating me on be chosen as a Rowan Ambassador!  My hubby and I opened a bottle of wine to celebrate my Sunday afternoon excitement.  I am so thrilled and I so look forward to my new role as a Rowanette!  Thank you Rowan!!!!!

To learn more about Rowan as a company, click here and to become a free member, simply visit their website.

 

With that being said, Easter is just around the corner and Rowan has a cute as a button free download, Esther, Ernie & Enid Easter Chickens.

These adorable little chicks are knitted in Baby Merino Silk DK and have just a touch of embroidery on their bodies.  This project is great for those bits of Rowan you have left over in your stash too!

Happy knitting!

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March 15, 2013 · 5:43 am

Spring cleaning the destash way!

Yarn GirlDo you buy yarn just for the sake of buying? Or, when you stop into a yarn shop, feel compelled to buy a skein or two so you won’t hurt the owner’s feelings? Well, that’s me in a nutshell and has been for many years.

Last month I started going through my stash of yarn, believe me that was a task and not everything had been put onto Ravelry, so I really didn’t know quite what I had.  I soon begin to realize that I simply was not in love with the majority of the yarn I owned and it was time to part with many single skeins that would never become socks or shawls, and skeins that I still don’t know why I bought but I had to have them.  With that in mind, I decided if I wasn’t going to ever use it, then I really needed to loose it!

I slowly went through every bin and started putting aside the skeins of yarn I knew that I would never use for projects.   After taking inventory of my yarn, I moved on to my fiber stash and set aside braids I knew deep down I would never spin.   Next step in my destash project, photographing everything that I decided must go.  Now that was a chore in itself, but it had to be done before I could list it to sell.  After a couple of weeks of selling on eBay, everything I had listed was on its way to a new home and I had emptied out enough bins to be able to reorganize my yarn and have everything in one place.  It really felt good to look around my craft room and not see piles of yarn and fiber everywhere.

This year and going forward, I have challenged myself to purchase enough skeins of yarn for a project in mind and not just buy to be buying.  I have also challenged myself to whittle down the remainder of my yarn and fiber stash before adding more to it.

With that being said, I have since purchased a bit of fiber for a spinning project that I will be starting this weekend for a lovely handspun cardi.  I’m super excited about this and can’t wait to get started on it.  I have also started queuing projects in Ravelry to go with the  yarn in my stash.  I have already found a few additional skeins that might not work out, so now I must decide to either use it, or simply loose it.

I will be working on my challenges and will try with all my might to restrain myself from buying, but as all of you fiber folk know, that is a hard thing to do at times :)

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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February 26, 2013 · 4:49 am

And the winner is …

Thank you all for participating in my recent giveaway featuring 1.25 oz of Heather’s new new Envirobatt. As a reminder to those who spin or are interested in Heather’s endeavors, you can find her online at  OVFA blog  or if you’d like to shop for a learn to spin kit, a spinning wheel or other fiber goodies, you can visit Heather’s  online  OVFA shop or her Etsy shop.

And the winner is entry #6, Lolly of LollyKnits!

Congratulations Lolly and I hope you enjoy your fiber :)

Random

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