Dyepots OUT

Hello to all Artwear and Art Fibre friends -- the dyepots are out today and the sun is trying to shine, so who knows what will be drying by the end of the day.

This past Sunday I had to say goodbye to some artwear bags that I was everso attached to. So, Aran Shopper and Wine Trail have gone off to a good home. Richard (the hubstah) is pleased they didn't find their way into my cupboard.

Laceweight alpaca this week in autumn tones. If you have a colour preference, please email me at strandedinoz at gmail dot com.

Had the mood for banana silk, so out came machine gun (it's gray), outrageously hot red, like red hot candies, and a gorgeous leafy green/olivy colour. Aloo co-dyed for your own Nepalese fibre creations.

*waving bye 'til later* Mel, still stranded

Come on Down to the PORT MARKET

Thank you to everyone who came by on Sunday to my new stall at the Fisherman's Wharf Markets, Port Adelaide. And thank you to everyone there who made me feel welcome. Some very kewl stuff to be seen there. Hmong craftseller, hemp clothing (and you know I'm loving that), and plenty of vintage togs if you're into that.

And of course, the fresh, hot popcorn seller who drove me nuts all morning. Did I mention the hot jam donut cart dangerously located in the vicinity. It isn't fair. And no, I didn't have any donuts. Really.

I've been cleaned out of repurposed garments -- and the bags are going fast. I'm under a deadline at the moment, so apologies to those who are awaiting. As soon as this week is past, I promise to get back to the vests. Much planning in place for some very cool clothing this winter.

Could not resist uploading a photo of the mohair mini-boucle I painted. This is the last skein until I can secure more from overseas. It's a 4-ply equivalent, excellent quality and ridiculous meterage. One hank makes an entire shawl or vest. Gorgeous.

I've got 2 lots of alpaca laceweight in -- if you want some in a custom colourway, now's the time to email me and make your knitting desire known. The baby alpaca has already been spoken for!

There are a few April sock kits left -- The Blackberry Beaded Sock by Deb Lake. It is so much fun. Thank you to all the intrepid club members who've heard the siren's call of beaded knitting. Can't wait to see those well-clad feet.

Mel, still Stranded

Stranded In Oz has a new home

It's Official: Stranded In Oz will be trading at:

FISHERMAN'S WHARF MARKET
Port Adelaide
Queen's Wharf, Commercial Road. Adjacent to Lighthouse When: 9-5 Sundays and Public Holiday Mondays

You'll find the new stall at the far East end of the market, UPSTAIRS. Look for lots of colour -- that's the one. It's a funky old market in a giant shed. Parking near the market shed is PAID only, but if you park near St. Vincent's Street or just a block from the market, it's free on Sunday.
Public transport is nearby. If you're driving from the City, it's straight up Port Road -- then follow the signs to the market when you get to P.A.

This week: featuring the Emerald City Shawl kit -- this includes 2 gigantic hanks of Knitting By Zen's 4 ply Aussie wool (custom-dyed for this project only), the directions to make the shawl, pin, bamboo knitting needles ('natch), stitch markers, and a tote bag.

For my new home, I will have a new selection of merino 8ply (not much of it left now) -- as you know, I don't really dye a lot of wool, but it is here and needed to be dyed. Will also have replenished supply of mohair wool single in Aran Weight. That stuff is just gorgeous -- felts like a dream and is a pleasure to work with.

Still in Stock: hand-painted semi-solid Tofutsies. The special batch of olive green is GORN but all other colours are available.

Artwear available as always -- including the bright and beautiful Potter Vest.

WARNING-- Pancake restaurant and hot jam donut vendor is nearby this market. You have been warned.

Big Thank You to Knitters

Thank you to everyone who came by the Exhibition this past weekend. It was great to see you all. I'm awaiting confirmation from my new market and will post details as soon as I get the thumbs up. *tapping foot awaiting*

Stay tuned for more adventures in soy -- artwear and new yarns. New colourway - McLaren Vale in purples/olive -- it's a corker.

Sock Club installments are available, as some members weren't hot on a beaded sock pattern. So for you adventurous knitters out there, feel free to order April's sock pack. It's gorgeous. I'm happy to help those who haven't beaded their knitting before.

Mel, still Stranded

Hand-Painted Semi-Solids

No Peeking: Thanks to the feedback from customers, I've painted a special show batch of Tofutsies, in semi-solid colourways - Purple, Red, Blue, and Olive. They are very kewl -- the cotton strand drops out to get a marled look. It's gorgous.

Some rare hanks will go on sale -- I'm parting with some treasures - baby alpaca laceweight, mohair loop (deep, rich colours), and some special colours of lace merino.

And there are a few very SPECIAL 2 ply yarns to join them in new colourways - pinks/purples; greens/blues; and olive/brown/purples.

As always, there's a good selection of dk weight soy and the fabulour hand-dyed banana silk.

Get yourself to:

St Peters Town Hall, Payneham Road, St Peters
Handknitters Guild SA, Inc Exhibition
Sat and Sun -- 10-5

See you there. Mel

April Tofutsies Sock Club

April Tofutsies Sock Club is in and it's a winner - Blackberry Beaded Socks! Deb Lake's done a fab one this month.

For members who've purchased every installment so far this year, you get a SPECIAL TREAT. If you aren't a club member, please email me at strandedinoz at gmail dot com and I will put you on the list. If a member declines, you move up the list and get your kit! As always, postage is free to member or you may pick up your April kit at:

The Handknitter's Guild SA, Inc. Exhibition -- April 12th and 13th from 10am to 5pm. Location: St. Peters Town Hall, Payneham Rd, St Peters. There will be new yarn and colours available, and some SPECIAL SHOW YARNS -- that's right -- HAND-DYED TOFUTSIES! Get there early, cuz it will sell first I reckon.

YARN for A Sock For Helen is in -- both sock colourways are in and available. Sister Melanie says she loves hers. I will have them on display at the HKGSA exhibition.

For the first time since July, there's no market for me this weekend. I'm actually quite sad about it, but this gives me time to get ready for the exhibition. Please check back here for my new location details. They will be posted next week!

Thank you to everyone who continues to enjoy SIO yarns and artwear. I appreciate your business and hope you will consider your next yarn or garment purchase from SIO.

See you soon, Mel