Monkey Sock Thank you!

Digression from Stranded Biz: I got my MONKEYSOCK Swap pack from Lori!!!!! It totally rocks. Avalook (I had to photo the whole experience, as it was my first online sock swap.

Thank you so much Lori for your thoughtful and much-appreciated gifts. I love it all.

First, the lovely brownpaper package from the land of Yank. Thank you postie.

Then, the wrapper is off and it's getting very exciting! I would have uploaded the pack au naturale, but its got Lori's addy on it. Nice BIG box.

Eh Voila! Along with heaps of gorgeous handdyed yarn - Knittery, Whatknot, and Cherry Tree Hill, are my very extra-special All Things Heather Raspberry Swirl Monkey Socks. Are these gawjus or what? Lucky me.

And don't you think my babygirl Lyta had to check it out? That's right, my dog licked my new monkey. Went to answer the phone and came back to find a wet stuffed monkey doll. BAD DOG!

Can't blame her tho, as is so cute.


Time to go VOTE in our federal election. I still get excited about voting as an AUSSIE.

Happy Knitting, Mel

Knitting in Sunny Adelaide

Another gorgeous day down at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Thank you to everyone who came by the stall to look at the new stock -- a new bag design I'm playing with. Pics soon. And...

My New Yarn. That's right. Raw DK Soy. It may be raw, but please don't cook it! As my husband quiped: well, I'd rather it be yarn than have to eat it. Smarty bum.

This yarn isn't for everyone, but for those who like the idea of an environmentally-friendly, easy to wash and wear, vegan alternative to cotton, this is the one for you. It is a natural, creamy colour and pleasant in its undyed state. Come by the stall and have a gander.

I've also got some sample skeins of other vegan yarns, including different natural cottons, but am not stocking until I've got enough feedback. There's a real prejudice, imho, for cotton knitting in Australia. It is surely a woolisbest tradition, which is totally understandable. I feel like I'm swimming against that tide, yet I PERSEVERE!

If you are going to stick with wool, please think local and consider Knitting By Zen for your wool knitting and crocheting needs. See my links coloumn for Emma's beautiful colourways. It's affordable and fabulous. And makes great gifts if you can't justify your own stash enhancement.

One Banana, Two Banana, Three Banana, Four...

Ok, now I've really gone BANANAS! That's right, the banana palm yarn is on its way, so look out Adelaide for some very funky knitting coming your way.

And for those of you who are in anticipation of the latest issue of YARN Magazine (issue 8), it's on its way and you can pick up your copy on Sunday at my stall. Check out that cover - is GAWJUS.

Speaking of yarn, I'm almost ready to unveil my latest sock pattern using Knitting By Zen's That Seventies Yarn. It's a corkah. Check out Emma's colourways page to get an idea.

Gearing Up for Summah

Hello to all who braved the summerallovasudden weather we had at the Market on Sunday. It was great to see all the people stop by on their way back from the Walk Against Warming! Nice of you to say hello.

Mad at work on the soy vest pattern - thanks for all the positive feedback. Yes, I believe soy is much nicer to wear than to eat. And I KNOW my partner would agree.

Here's an eyelet wrap I made with soy - glammed it up with Czech silver-lined beads. Great for beach/poolwear. 

Knitting Al Fresco

Well, it was a chilly one yesterday at the Festival Centre Art Market. Had to keep knitting to stay warm. When you can see your breath in November in Adelaide, you get the idea.

Baby Beantoes continue to be a bestseller. My offer at the moment is: buy the yarn from me and you get the Beantoe pattern free. This design is worked toe up and in infant as well as toddler versions. Here's the sock with a friend, Mallory, who came to inspect my work.

If I don't have the colour you want in stock, I am happy to order it for you. Due to popularity, pre-ordering is often necessary. It's worth the wait.

See you at next week's market!