Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Holla Knits Crochet Collection WINNER!

There were four entries in the giveaway for the Cute Girl Squares Tank pattern, and after using Random.org, the winner is post #1! Congrats, meanjean!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 45

Episode 45 - Yarnie 101



Shownotes

This week I show my finished socks. Inspired by this week's viewer questions, I continue our business series with a "getting started as a Yarnie" episode.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 44

Episode 44 - Easily Distracted



Shownotes

Announcements
Holla Knits Pattern Giveaway
No shop update next week, but check next episode for a special announcement!

Knitting
BFF Socks
Featherweight Cardigan
Pomme de Pin

Spinning
Lucky Cat Craft 70% Alpaca 30% Muga Silk - Done!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Review: Holla Knits Crochet Collection

Today I have a really exciting new pattern collection to show all of you: the Holla Knits Crochet Collection! If you've been following me, then you should be no stranger to the awesomeness that is Holla Knits. I reviewed the Fall/Winter 2012 collection and the Accessories 2012 collection previously, and my yarn was even featured in the Wallpaper Cowl pattern last year.

I'm excited to say that Gynx Yarns is back with the latest Holla Knits collection and I'm going to have a giveaway, but more about that at the end of this post. First, let's look at the patterns:

Granny Square Earrings and Ring by Casey Carroll


This set of ring and earrings (not pictured) would make such a fun and speedy gift for someone! I love how big the ring is and I think it's a great way to show off your yarn-y pride even when it's miserably hot outside.

Betty...Betty Grable by Rohn Strong


This summery vest is shown in a single color option (above) and a three-color option, and I can't decide which one I like more. I adore big vests, and if I were to wear it, I think it would look great belted at the waist.

Prim by Ann Leachman


I think the name of this pattern says it all. Perfect for the girly girl who loves collars (and the ability to change them!).

County Fair Scarf by Claire A. Denny


The shape of this is like a combination of a scarf and a kerchief. The shape of it allows it to lay beautifully and I think would make an awesome closet staple for times where you want a shawl but don't want to mess with getting it to stay on.

Deco Daisies by Michele Moskaluk


This cowl makes me want to try crochet again. It's that perfect length where you can drape it over yourself as pictured or double it up for more warmth.

Cute Girl Squares Tank by Allyson Dykhuizen


And finally, the tank that my yarn was used for! The green version of this tank is knit out of my Merino Sock base in the Cactuar colorway (which is the same color I'm knitting my Featherweight out of). What I love about this pattern is how easy it is to customize. Crochet it in a solid color like the version using my yarn and then the texture becomes the star of the tank, or have fun playing with color like in the second version. The first version is also shown with a bit of negative ease, while the multi-colored version is shown with a bit of positive ease (how I'd probably wear it). Whichever way you choose to crochet it, it is a very unique and fun warm weather piece (although, who's saying you couldn't layer it for the cooler weather?)

Now, for the giveaway! Allyson is generously letting me give away a copy of the Cute Girl Squares Tank to one of you lucky readers! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know which of the patterns you want to start first. Make sure you leave me your Ravelry name or another way to contact you. Contest will run through Tuesday, July 30 and a winner will be drawn via random number generator on Wednesday, July 31.

Check out the rest of the blog tour for more fun and giveaways!

July 9: The Sweatshop of Love
July 10: Rohn Strong Designs
July 11: Casey Carroll
July 12: Lion Brand Blog

July 15: Knits in Class
July 16: Claire Denny
July 17: Be Sweet Yarn
July 18: Stash the KP Staff Blog
July 19: Magical Grammar

July 23: Gynx Yarns
July 25: Kalanag
July 26: Casey Carroll & Knit Picks Curio relaunch

Monday, July 15, 2013

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 43

Episode 43 - Noro Sweater



Shownotes

Announcements
Google Hangout with Subway Knits & Yarngasm

Knitting
Arc-en-Ciel Pullover - Done!
BFF Socks
Featherweight Cardigan
Pomme de Pin

Spinning
Lucky Cat Craft 70% Alpaca 30% Muga Silk

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 - Salt & Citric Acid

Dyeing/Shop Update
Shop Update Tuesday, July 16 at 1 pm Central

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 42

Episode 42 - Pseudo Vacation



Shownotes

Knitting
BFF Socks
Arc en Ciel Pullover

Spinning
Innuendo Fibers SW Merino "Boy Toy"
Lucky Cat Craft 70% Alpaca 30% Muga Silk

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 - Synthrapol/Detergents

Monday, July 1, 2013

The Dyer's Notebook - Episode 41

Episode 41 - Summer DAL!



Shownotes

Knitting
Arc en Ciel Pullover
BFF Socks

Spinning
Innuendo Fibers SW Merino in "Boy Toy"

Ask A Dyer
Question #1 Ovens

Dye-a-Long
Info here

Dyeing/Shop Update
Update will be Tuesday July 2 at 1 pm Central