Woolly Winnings and Winter Camp Beginnings
Let's talk yarn! It's been a while since I updated you on my stash enhancement, and I've gotten a few pretty packages since my last update. Behold- my wool piggery!
In a rare (and thankfully short lived) fit of fiscal conservatism I canceled my Yarnbox subscription in an effort to work through some stash- but I quickly returned to my senses after seeing the glorious spoilers in the Yarnbox group. I honestly could not help myself- the Yarnbox crew really outdid themselves last month. The December shipment included three (THREE!!!) gorgeous skeins of Louet Gems Fingering , and even included two Crows Nest Wool stitch markers. Just look at that color combo!
I felt zero guilt ripping open that plastic envelope- it was worth every penny. I can't bring myself to knit socks with these beauties- I'm definitely saving them for something that everyone can admire- maybe the 3 Color Cashmere Cowl by Joji Locatelli.
Since I love Yarnbox so much, I was doing a little research into other yarn subscription services. I had been on the fence about signing up for Post Stitch's Sock Stitch Box, and what finally tipped the scales for me was the coupon code from the Junkyarn Podcast. It seemed like the perfect time to give them a try. The December shipment included a skein of Tanis Fiber Arts Purple Label Cashmere Sock in the Lilac Grey colorway (an exclusive color dyed just for Post Stitch), along with some Soak Cucumber Heel Foot Cream, a lovely sock pattern (which was packaged in a sturdy plastic sleeve), a set of Clover cable stitch holders, and a DIY Mac the Llama ornament (and some scrumptious blue yarn to wrap him up in).
While I really enjoyed opening this package up, and I'm glad I gave them a whirl, it was still on the pricier side of what I'm comfortable paying for a yarn subscription service. I thought that the sock subscription would be a better fit than the Big Stitch box (which includes ChiaoGoo needles and all the necessary notions to knit an adult woman's accessory), but I'm just not in love with it. Another factor in my decision was the Post Stitch group on Ravelry not being nearly as active as the Yarnbox group- a big part of of why I adore Yarnbox is their engaging and robust online presence. In the end I decided that it just wasn't for me and I suspended my subscription. I'll give myself a month or two to reconsider, and let you know if I've changed my mind, but I'm not holding my breath.
In a rare (and thankfully short lived) fit of fiscal conservatism I canceled my Yarnbox subscription in an effort to work through some stash- but I quickly returned to my senses after seeing the glorious spoilers in the Yarnbox group. I honestly could not help myself- the Yarnbox crew really outdid themselves last month. The December shipment included three (THREE!!!) gorgeous skeins of Louet Gems Fingering , and even included two Crows Nest Wool stitch markers. Just look at that color combo!
Since I love Yarnbox so much, I was doing a little research into other yarn subscription services. I had been on the fence about signing up for Post Stitch's Sock Stitch Box, and what finally tipped the scales for me was the coupon code from the Junkyarn Podcast. It seemed like the perfect time to give them a try. The December shipment included a skein of Tanis Fiber Arts Purple Label Cashmere Sock in the Lilac Grey colorway (an exclusive color dyed just for Post Stitch), along with some Soak Cucumber Heel Foot Cream, a lovely sock pattern (which was packaged in a sturdy plastic sleeve), a set of Clover cable stitch holders, and a DIY Mac the Llama ornament (and some scrumptious blue yarn to wrap him up in).
Speaking of Yarnbox- their January shipment arrived super quickly this month. Oh, Yarnbox, you just get me! The Mosaic Moon Birch Medium Twist Fingering in the Zinnia colorway is almost too beautiful for words- I mean, it's swoonworthy!
I've wanted to try some Mosaic Moon yarn since I first heard about the company many years ago, but I was still in my knitting nascence and reluctant to spend so much on yarn- how hilarious is that? My, how time flies. This stuff is seriously soft- the cashmere makes it absolutely dreamy! I'll be petting this one for a long while before I even decide what to do with it. Mmmmm...
Back in November I signed up for the Canadian Knitter Podcast Winter Camp which started on January first. It's my first KAL of 2016, and I am really enjoying it so far. It's different than other KALs I've participated in because points are assigned based on yarn weight, rather than yardage. Each month there are also bonus points given for using a featured theme, color, or designer. I case on my Magdolna hat with Knit Picks Capra DK in Regal, a rich red violet, to help maximize my point spread this month. Since Emily Matisz is January's featured designer, and I'm using this month's theme and color, I'll be getting 60 bonus points for the finished hat- PLUS whatever the yarn weighs. It's a bit more complicated to calculate points, but in my opinion that's what adds to the fun. Here's a progress pic of my Magdolna- it should be off the needles and ready to wear before the weekend is through.
I'm still not sure whether or not I'll be keeping this one, there are a lot of special people with birthdays coming up soon. The Capra is truly decadent- a scrumptious blend of merino and cashmere- so it will be hard to part with. The pattern is wonderful- I can see myself knitting lots of them in the future... Maybe I'll gift the next one.
I will close with a project that is near and dear to my heart. My beloved Gather Here has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund their move to a bigger and better location. I'm ecstatic to report that the project has already been funded, but they still have almost a full week to raise even more! Gather Here is such a source of joy and inspiration- not only for me, but for the entire maker community. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their Kickstarter here (since I've mentioned them countless times before- especially in conjunction with some serious stash acquisition). Please give what you can, every little bit helps. Gather Here is such an amazing place and worth every ounce of support they can get.
Until next time, sweet crafters, keep on creating!
Back in November I signed up for the Canadian Knitter Podcast Winter Camp which started on January first. It's my first KAL of 2016, and I am really enjoying it so far. It's different than other KALs I've participated in because points are assigned based on yarn weight, rather than yardage. Each month there are also bonus points given for using a featured theme, color, or designer. I case on my Magdolna hat with Knit Picks Capra DK in Regal, a rich red violet, to help maximize my point spread this month. Since Emily Matisz is January's featured designer, and I'm using this month's theme and color, I'll be getting 60 bonus points for the finished hat- PLUS whatever the yarn weighs. It's a bit more complicated to calculate points, but in my opinion that's what adds to the fun. Here's a progress pic of my Magdolna- it should be off the needles and ready to wear before the weekend is through.
I will close with a project that is near and dear to my heart. My beloved Gather Here has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund their move to a bigger and better location. I'm ecstatic to report that the project has already been funded, but they still have almost a full week to raise even more! Gather Here is such a source of joy and inspiration- not only for me, but for the entire maker community. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their Kickstarter here (since I've mentioned them countless times before- especially in conjunction with some serious stash acquisition). Please give what you can, every little bit helps. Gather Here is such an amazing place and worth every ounce of support they can get.
Until next time, sweet crafters, keep on creating!
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