Moggy Doggy Bragging Rights from Stranded In Oz

Check out these beautiful socks from A. F. -- what a lovely surprise -- a finished pair of Moggy Doggy Socks in person! Thank you so much for showing them to us at the Fair. They are fantastic -- and her own take on where to put the moggy and doggy motifs.

The show has been so much fun thanks to the amazing knitters of Adelaide -- and sock enthusiasts!

If you would like to make your own pair of Moggy Doggy socks, stay tuned, the 4ply version kits will be available asap. I'll post a message or two and on Ravelry.

Bye for now -- it's been a long Saturday. See you at the Craft Fair tomorrow. Melissa

Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair -- Nov 3-6

Hello knitters, spinners, felters, crocheters, and lovers of all things yarny. I'm home now after a marathon session of setting up my Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair Booth. B17 -- come on down!

I must say, the booth is looking spiffy -- yes I have the camera ready to take a few piccies before the doors open at 10:00 am.

I will be at this fair all weekend. If you happen to get to the Port Markets instead, Richard will be on duty to assist -- the summer selection is there -- all the really great summer knitting bargain balls are out, including a rather delightful Mako cotton ribbon -- available to Port Markets shoppers only -- it's a crazy bargain at $3.50AU per ball. I'm so taken with it, I've naughtily stashed a few balls for summer. Shhhhh.

See you at the Craft Fair! Melissa

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

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.

Here's what I'm missing in Oz!

Lyta with Maddie, the Mastadon

The above is a photo of my beloved Lyta, snoozing with a toy she swiped from me! She likes to keep it close and give the tusks a cleaning every once in a while.

Here she is snuzzling under the handspun, hand-painted blanket I knitted last year! Cheeky monkey! I miss my Grl heaps.

And I miss this guy here:

Yes, he refuses to let me take a decent photo of him so bad luck, this is what I am able to post! Perhaps this will allow a better photo shoot in future!

Knitter's Day Out 2011

Just one more sleep until the 2011 Knitter's Day Out! The yarn is safely nestled into its tubs, the patterns are labeled and printed. The ridiculously huge US truck is full of petrol and ready to roll.

For those on the other side of the planet -- hello and yes, I'm homesick.

Online Shop: the new Hiya Hiya gear is starting to arrive and is loaded under it's own category on the shop. New bamboo interchangeable needle sets at an affordable price! There are also some mighty cute accessories to add to your collection of knitter's gear, including the insanely cute Dumplings.

Hiya Hiya 'dumpling' and stitch marker set

There are also some new circulars in 2.25 in the Hiya Hiya steel tips -- after requests from sock knitters to stock a good, solid knitting needle for 'magic loop'. Check 'em out! Nice tips, smooth joins. Mmmmm.


Happy knitting from Easton, MD.