(All photos in the post are provided by Anne Vally of Little Skein)
Hi, Knitters,
First, I have to tell you that the registration for classes at Vogue Knitting Live in New York City have gone live and are open for sign-ups now! I am teaching a bunch of classes and I would love to see you there in January 17-19, 2014. I am super excited about this teaching event and it will be my first VK Live in New York and I am teaching all three days. What a privilege to be included.
Now onto today's news....
I have something big and exciting and fun for you today! I've been waiting for the right time to share this amazing sock kit collaboration put together by Anne Vally, the creative talent behind Little Skein in the Big Wool. The kit includes the talent of Anne herself, Laura of Gynx Yarns, and Laura Linneman of The Knit Girllls. All of these lovelies were inspired by the yarn-y children's book, Extra Yarn.
Let me give you some links here:
Gynx Yarns ~ Please go look at this Etsy shop! Laura's yarns are gorgeous and unusual. I am going to have to order some for myself. She has lots of stock and her shop is always full of incredible yarns. I love that.
The Dyer's Notebook (Laura's podcast) ~ It's a good one that I watch all of the time.
The Knit Girllls Laura Linneman's fantastic podcast!
Laura's Designs called, La La's Knits (I've knit her patterns and they are all wonderful and clear!)
This is a huge list of talent! The Happy Again Kit is a combined force of knitting nature and we are so lucky that they came together.
The book, Extra Yarn, is a Caldecott Honor Book, the artwork is interesting and knitters and children alike will love this story. The yarn was specifically designed and inspired by the book and created exclusively for this kit. Laura's socks are the perfect compliment to this rich, interesting, lightly speckled yarn. The pattern is for toe-up style socks and is sized for kids through adults. I think these will be my first toe-up socks! I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Let me share what is included in this fantastic kit (the following text is from Little Skein):
-- An original, toe-up sock pattern (PDF copy) – sized for adults and children – by Laura Linneman, of Lala Knits and The Knit Girllls
-- 1 skein of sock yarn from Gynx Yarns in BFL Sock (438 yards/100 grams | 100% superwash BFL) in “Extra,” an exclusive colorway inspired by Annabelle’s adventures-- Drawstring project bag, handcrafted by littleskein, and made out of an artisan fabric from textile designer, Tamara Serrao, in a design adapted just for this kit
-- Set of 8 stitch markers in your choice of design (see photo 3) and packaged in a miniature corked bottle
-- A sweet treat: a pack of 5 fruit gems by Sunkist
If you'd like to add the book to your kit, just select this option in the listing as you check out. If you would like an extra skein of sock yarn (or duplicates of any other kit items), please add one of the separate listings to your shopping cart.
{ ABOUT THE SOCKS }
Designer Laura Linneman of Lala Knits created these unique toe-up socks exclusively for the littleskein HappyAgain kit. They are perfect for adventurous beginners as well as more experienced sock knitters. They feature an asymmetrical, mirrored pattern that echoes the lines of a twining tree branch. The pattern is deceptively simple – it is easy to memorize and knit, and gives an impressive finished result that looks much more complex than it is to create. The slip stitch cables are a perfect introduction to cabling without a cable needle. The pattern provides:
* Complete instructions on how to knit these beautiful socks
* Four size options: children's, adult small, adult medium, and adult large
* Charts and written instructions
Here is some information from the Little Skein Etsy shop about the project bag. Do you remember my Little Red Riding Hood bag that I love so much (they are on pre-order right now on Little Skein ~ go order one!)? And my Llama Bag? This is the same maker/designer and her bags are exquisitely made, such detail!
Anne Vally designed the fabric exclusively for this kit!! It is a great print and the inside is just as good.
The following text is from Little Skein:
{ ABOUT THE PROJECT BAG }
Annabelle's Treehouse project bag is handcrafted out of a custom-printed cotton-linen fabric, in a design adapted exclusively for this kit. The bottom portion of the bag is dark plum canvas, made for durability, and the interior is in a custom-printed quilting cotton print of hand-drawn sweaters. This bag will comfortably fit 1 to 2 skeins of yarn and your work in progress. The bag is:
-- Approx. 10" wide and 11" tall when the bag is flat, with a 5x5" square base
-- Made with a plum-colored grosgrain ribbon drawstring and cord lock, and a "word ring" that says HAPPINESS to inspire your knitting
-- Made with a canvas bottom, so the bag will stand on its own but still be "floppy" enough at the top to enable your working yarn to pull neatly from the bag.
-- Machine stitched
-- Fully lined and top-stitched, with all seams enclosed, for a neat and polished look
-- Handcrafted with love in a smoke-free, pet-free, kid-friendly studio
The kit would be an excellent gift for any knitter or just for yourself! I think this would be about the best gift around for the coming holiday season. I would love to receive something like this.
Laura from Gynx Yarns is smart and talented. I love her work! Just look at this yarn, it is beautiful.
I have quite a few tiny glass vials with a cork stopper from Little Skein sitting on a shelf in my studio. These are the first stitch markers I reach for when I'm working on a project. I have purchased many sets and use them all of the time. I am a huge fan and I've even hosted giveaways for them in the past. I joined Ann's Wizard of Oz Stitch Marker Club as a treat and I wasn't disappointed. I love them all so much.
Here is some information directly from the Little Skein Etsy shop about the stitch markers:
{ ABOUT THE STITCH MARKERS }
You will receive a set of 8 snag-free stitch markers that fit up to a size US 9 or 5.5mm knitting needle, in your choice of design: Annabelle (in a scarf) or Annabelle's Treehouse, packaged in my signature corked glass bottle. The master marker features a 12mm cameo base with glass cabochon, and you will also received 7 handcrafted beaded ring stitch markers. My stitch markers are made out of substantial 18-gauge base metal with a color-coordinated Japanese glass seed bead. The ends of the ring are secured inside the bead, so the stitch marker is completely smooth to the touch and will not snag your knitting.
The kit is selling for $75 on the Little Skein shop right now. There are choices available and you can order some of the individual pieces of the kit on the shop as well. The book can also be included with the kit. Ann is a smart, reliable and wonderful shop owner. Her customer service is fantastic and that's a big part as to why her shop is doing so well.
Today I am so happy to offer you a chance to win a Happy Again Kit!!
Please leave one comment (be patient for your comment to appear, it takes some time, and please don't leave multiple comments)! Your comment must include an email address or your Ravelry ID. I will randomly select a winner in a few days.
Thank you to Anne for bringing us this huge opportunity! Thank you to the fantastic designers and talents that came together to make this inspiring kit. If you don't win the kit here please check out the Little Skein Etsy shop and order a kit. You won't be disappointed.
I received a kit to review from Anne and I can't get over the quality of every piece included!
Good luck and let the comments begin!
best, susie