April 23, 2008

finally, it’s here

Just when I’d about given up hope, the UPS man delivered a box of Kureyon Sock to us this afternoon.  Eight of the 12 shades we ordered are here, and they are lovely.  Despite its name, I doubt I’d use this yarn for socks.  It’s not machine washable, it’s not my idea of sock soft, it’s not plied.

It is Noro, with all that implies.  And it’s wonderful for things other than socks.  Like lace.  I’ve been working on the Flower Basket Shawl with the sample skein I received ages ago, and I’m going to be able to get a nice sized scarf out of one ball.  I also think it would be spectacular for fair isle work.  Or crocheted into this (keep going to make it a scarf).  The possibilities are really endless.

As if that’s not enough, we learned that the next kit in the series of collaborations between Lorna’s Laces and Mountain Colors will be ready in a few weeks.  No pictures yet, but I understand that it’s a very colorful sock designed by Cat Bordhi, using a skein of Lorna’s Shepherd Sock and Mountain Colors’ Bearfoot.  I’ve ordered what I hope will be an adequate supply, and hope to have them here some time in May.  As soon as the picture is released, I’ll share it here.

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April 14, 2008

new sock yarn in the house

Hoobody’s been busy dyeing, and we have a few skeins of a new kind of sock yarn to show for it.

Introducing Chausettes de Mer — 70% merino 30% seacell fiber. Second and third from the right are favorite colors What’s Cookin’ and Tastes Like Grape Jelly. The others have no names yet — want to help name them? All suggestions are welcome.  They aren’t in the online shop yet, but will be soon.

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Filed Under: What's New?

April 9, 2008

hey, Be-ethhhh

I know you’ve been patiently waiting for us to get some more laceweight yarn in. Well, wait no more, my dear. We have some. I even have a picture for you, but first you have to let me tell everyone about the spinning workshop we had on Saturday.

We had a blast! Fourteen people crammed in to the east end of Yarn Expressions last Saturday, to learn all about spinning colorful yarn from Lynne Vogel. We had spindle spinners …

and wheel spinners. People who’d been spinning for a few days …

and people who’ve spun much of their lives. It was a lively, colorful group and everyone left with a better idea of what to do with that bundle of hand-dyed fiber. Just look at these samples Lynne brought to inspire us.

I know, you’re saying “enough with the spinning, already! I want laceweight!” Okay, here it is.

This is Evolution Laceweight from Chameleon Colorworks. It’s 300 yards of Optim merino that you have to feel to believe. Nancy has this description for her Evolution yarns:

Evolution(tm) is made from 100% merino that has been mechanically stretched to enhance the softness, shine and drape. Evolution(tm) is lofty and warm like wool, yet sleek and buttery soft. Evolution(tm) is also machine washable (gentle cycle) making it ideal for baby garments, socks and other knit washables.

We have six colors in hand now, some solid some variegated, all simply spectacular. Come feel this yarn — you’ll swear it’s silk.

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Filed Under: What's New?, special events