Friday 28 October 2011

Stranded In Oz Glinda Sock Project Piccies on a Friday!


Here's Anna's version of the Glinda Sock -- shown in October Sock Club colorway, Fresh Lemongrass.


Thanks so much for the piccie Anna! She's done her own thing with the toe and heel (original uses diff. stitch and toe construction).  Looking fabulous Anna!

Keep those project piccies coming knitters and spinners!

Since I live in virtually a spin and knit-free zone most of the time, I treasure the projects you make.

Back to the woolpile.  See you at the Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair, Nov 3-6, Adelaide Showgrounds. Check the webshop for details -- email or ring if you have questions.

Monday 24 October 2011

The Week That Is Show Prep

Hello from SIOz Central, where I'm up to the neck in dyelots -- and the rainclouds roll in. Not to fear, as plan B is in progress.

The inevitable result of rain, dyelots, and normal orders is the feeling that I'm always behind on something. Situation normal.

I could pretend to be superhuman and have some magical backup stock of photos to share, but that would be complete fantasy. Nevertheless, the SIOz club packs went out as scheduled last week. And the highlight of that was the fibre that went out (well, it was a hard pick, as the socks put a smile on my face too).

I've admitted to a softspot for pin drafted fibre -- and the best of those are American Cormo and Rambouillet. So this month it was a special treat for the spinners -- the Pretty Good Green Rambo.


The Glinda Sock is the October Knitter's Project -- I've been alternating toe up and top down patterns -- as well as difficulty levels for the sock patterns throughout the year. This one is meant to be a good non-stress project after the tech-intensive Moggy Doggy for August.


The stitch in the Glinda Sock is a variation of the Embossed Wave Stitch -- it's zazzy without a lot of effort. I've added some texture to the heel and toe to integrate with the stitch. I hope those of you who are clubbies enjoy making this sock as much as I do.

It's Monday -- which is errand day in this household. So it's off to do the boring maintenance errands that suck the life out of a day off.

Til next time, Mel

Saturday 8 October 2011

Back at the Port Markets Sunday October 9th

Hello and thank you to all the knitters who have sent welcome home messages. It's great to hear from you all. Esp. kind have been the messages regarding the 2 Stranded In Oz sock designs in the latest issue of Yarn Magazine. If you are having trouble getting a hold of a copy, we've got some in stock online and at the Markets.

As you can imagine, the workshop is full of sorting jobs, drafts needing editing and orders to be cleared. The backlog that is a result of my travels in Sept is nearly cleared. Thank you all for your patience and good will.

I'll be at the Port Markets at last -- tomorrow. Thank you to Richard, the Shrek, and to Eric Corbin for keeping the place going while I was overseas. You are the best!

The shop will get an overhaul for Spring and Summer, beginning tomorrow. Out comes the cellulose and more sock yarn -- away goes the thick wool. If you, however, need something wintery to work on as a big long project, just let us know, as the yarn will be there, but not out on the displays.

For specific specials and product information -- keep an eye on the webshop blog.

I wish I could say I have a giant stack of photos to share from America, but really, most of my time was spent with my overseas family. In between catching up there was the Knitter's Day Out (which was fab) and a trip to Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival, where I finally caught up with Jim, the master spindlemaker.

Just when I thought it might be safe to visit their booth, he's gone and made wheels! Oh yes!

 And yes, he makes stools to match. Single and Double Treadle choices, the Hilltopper is Jim's new baby. And it's real wood of course. Love it.

There's nothing like talking to someone who's spent a lot of time and thought designing a new spinning wheel. And Jim and Susan are ace people to talk spinning with.