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.

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

Show Returns Sale on for this weekend at Stranded In Oz

We -- the wool and me that is -- are back from the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair. Four days of nonstop crafting mania! Thanks to some timely help from Melanie and Merilyn Scott, I made it through. And a special thanks to the Machine Knitters who lent a hand on Thursday!

A special thanks to the incredible knitters who stayed late in the day to catch my intro to sock knitting workshops. There are going to be some very well-clad feet in Melbourne! I really appreciate your enthusiasm and interest -- be sure to send us jpg's of your lovely sock creations.

The patterns and orders were shipped today -- if for some reason you don't receive your pattern envelope or emailed PDF, please contact me. There were so many pattern requests that the postie loves me now.

This Sunday at the Port Markets, Adelaide:

There are broken lots and lone hanks needing homes back from on the road. All will be marked down accordingly -- so for those of you who missed Bendigo Sheep and Wool, please come on up for a fondle of the hanks of yarn and balls of fibre.

In addition, I will bring a few of the new Namaste Mini Messengers and Skinny Minis. They're both ACE! The new Namaste gear is now loaded online and ready to ship or place an order for Port Markets pickup.

These new Namaste, Inc. bags are roomier than they sound -- larger than the Bitty Bag, but not as huge as the regular Messenger. I am so in love with this bag, as I like the messenger style roominess at the top.

And look at the cute new case -- she's a beauty!

Mt. Pleasant Fleece and Fibre Fair -- August 13th -- Stranded in Oz will be there with new lots of the latest sock wools. Yes, that includes the new Glinda, the Good Wool. She'll be there in her sparkly goodness.

 Glinda, the Good Wool from Stranded In Oz

The above shot of Glinda was taken by Jonelle Beck at SWTC. Thanks J for the awesome piccie of Glinda!

BAH-LING! The String Me Along sequined yarn on cones is nearly sold out, but more is on the way. Ditto for the new metallics -- JAZZ. For you hand-spinners, you'll love plying with this new carry-along BLING!

Must run -- new dyelots are needed for Mt. Pleasant and then, the KDO, PA! 

See you online and at the Port Markets on Sunday, Melissa

Off to Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show 2011

The wool is ready. The car has been emptied in preparation. It's all good here at SIOz Central.

In brief:

• for online customers, please note that orders placed from 13/7-19/7 will be shipped 20/7. If you have a query regarding a SIOz product, ring 0409 859 219.
• The Port Markets Shop is open this Sunday -- Richard will be there to assist you. There are fresh hanks of sock wools and some lovely new hanks of 10ply as well as a few more goodies in the Lone Hank Hamper. The bamboo needles will be there too.
• Namaste bags and accessories as well as the Kollage Square Needles will be in Bendigo at the Show

Thank you to the incredible knitters who came by on Sunday to have a chat and to check out the new yarns and fibres. The new Glinda, The Good Wool is getting a lot of attention. This yarn is a traditional sock yarn (some nylon for strength) plus a little bit of bling. It's incredibly soft and lovely to knit with.

Special hello to Theresa who came by to learn to use a drop spindle.

If you're at Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show do stop buy and see what's new at SIOz! And of course, if you've been by before, be sure to show us your FO's!


Back to the show prep, Melissa

Pre-Show Fun at SIOz

Hi there -- I'm in finish everything NOW mode. This season has been a bit crazy, as design deadlines have coincided with painting deadlines. Madness all around.

Check out the shopblog this week for a SNAP special discount. This is your chance to grab a further discount on the Namaste gear in stock before it goes to shows. I won't be restocking some designs, as the newer models come in stock. Still a nice selection here.

Some colour for your day:

Glinda, the Good Wool - 75% wool/25% nylon with a touch o' bling

Stranded Silk Sock

  

The above colour has been painted in both Glinda and the divine Stranded Silk Sock. Very distracting as I have other work to do. There are also hanks of Glinda and Stranded Silk Sock in a beautiful pale blues mix that I've nicknamed Heaven. It is truly heavenly. If you want to get your hands on this yarn... come by the booth at BSWS or the Melbourne Fair (see info below).

The Port Shop is still amply stocked with new yarn and colours -- most of the new yarns are going on the road, but don't worry if you are a local SIOz enthusiast -- I have special yarn at the Port, including more At the Quilt Shop and some new Fairies in the Garden hanks. 

bye for now -- Mel

Show Dates and News from Stranded In Oz

Glinda, the Good Wool from Stranded In Oz

Wow -- it really is that time of year! I'm just now coming out of the rainbow fog that is show dyeing. Thanks so much to everyone who's come by on Sundays to help keep me going. Your encouragement and enthusiasm keep me going.

So much news, and so little time! Here are some SIOz highlights:

Check out the new information regarding Socks a la Carte III: Colourwork
This is a really cool series of books for sock knitting enthusiasts and you won't want to miss this volume. Click on the link above and see what I mean! I had a lot of fun contributing to this book from Jonelle Beck and Kat Cade, along with all the other fab contributors. Go on and pre-order yours today.

CLUB MEMBERS: one lucky Stranded In Oz knitting club member, subscribed from August through December will win a copy of this book!

SHOWS: I'll be at Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show July 15, 16, 17 -- orders placed online or via email will be filled upon my return to Adelaide after the 20th. If it's an urgent request, ring the landline listed on the website and Richard will help you.

Melbourne Craft and Quilt: July 29, 30, 31 at the Melb Exhibition Centre -- where I'll be there with all the new yarns and fun things for knitters and crocheters to play with.

The Fleece and Fibre Fair -- Mt. Pleasant, SA Saturday, Aug 15th. A lovely day out in the Hills with the amazing people from SACSOS.

I'll be doing my utmost to try to keep this blog up to date, but please forgive me if I get behind. As always, I will check my email and mobile for messages.

Knit, spin, crochet, felt in good health and happiness.
Melissa

Beautiful Knitting and Yarns for the Weekend of June 19, 2011

Hello and thank you to everyone who came by on the holiday weekend. Enjoy your yarn and fibre.
And a special thanks to the people who shared their beautiful work.

Piecepatcher, Colleen, shared this photo with me and I have to post it -- I'm behind in the blogging!

Colleen's Piecepatcher (Rav) beautiful shawl knitted 

in SIOz hand-painted mohair/merino lace

The yarn used in this shawl is some mohair/merino I purchased from the good people at Kraemer Yarns, PA. It's been given the SIOz treatment of course and there are just a few hanks left -- in Floral Purples and in Cork, one of my more popular greens. Mmmmm. Green!

Here are some yarns to tempt you this weekend:

Glinda, the Good Wool -- new sock yarn from SIOz 

75% wool/25% nylon with a touch of lurex

This yarn as been torturing me this week as I work on show and design projects. But you, my dear yarn addicts can get yourself a hank of Glinda this week. There's more drying at the moment, in what I can only describe as a psychedelic serendipity. Totally, like, think Haight Ashbury.

Also ready for the needles -- more Dye! My Pretties!:

Fairies in the Garden -- Dye My Pretties Sock Yarn 

 Dark Ochre - Dye! My Pretties Sock Yarn

I have to admit it, it's going to be difficult to part with the new lot, Fairies in the Garden. There's just something about this dye lot that makes me smile. And the Dark Ochre is a tonal mix, for knitters who want less contrast for those more complicated stitches that need some colour, but not to be over-powered by wild yarn.

There are more lots to come, including a lovely purple-dominated Winter Floral mix that is drying at the moment.

Thanks as always to you all. There is no way for me to adequately express my gratitude for your continued support and enthusiasm for what I do. But thank you.  

 

 

Photos? Yarn and darkness do not mix

Apologies to those of you who've been trying to glimpse the new colours for this weekend. The lack of decent light -- and a busy weekend made for terrible photos. The one's I've got just don't cut it.

New lots for this weekend include Dye! My Pretties!:
Argus -- a mix of beetroot and pink
Bel Air Green -- very eucalypty
Easton Green -- Piney Green -- very dark
Antarctica AU -- icy, chilly blues

There are also lots of Will Scarlet and Dark Pear Green in the squidgy Merino4 Premium

A few hanks of Merino8 Premium will be available -- what's left after a run for a shop.

For weekend hrs, please see previous post.

What's next? There are some more announcements re Stranded In Oz in the next few weeks.

Lots for next week include:

Stranded In Oz's new sock wool -- GLINDA, the Good Yarn! This yarn is a traditional wool/nylon sock yarn with a thread of silvery, spangly lurex in it -- subtle sparkle for special feet. It takes dye more intensely than the Kraemer Silver.

More lots of Toe-Toe, the hand-dyed Tofutsies from Oz (in a long-awaited Woodland Creatures) and some more Dye! My Pretties! including a very Aussie, ochrey mix. as well as a bright blend of Winter Floral in blues and hot pinks and a very vibrant version of jade green.  Yowza!

Club packs go out on the 15th this month. Hey, you know, if you are currently a 6-mos subsciber, you are eligible to use your club discount on the resub. Clever knitters!

And... if you have been thinking of joining -- you can use your Ravelry SIOz one-time intro discount to join too. Because Aug's pack takes a bit more prep than some of the others, the sooner you sub would be greatly appreciated here at Oz Central.

CU online and at the Port Markets.