Happy New Year!

I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful new year - may it bring you all lots of yarny goodness. :)

Until next year...

Yarn Name: hazel knits artisan sock
Yarn Color: Chuckanut Drive
Type: Indie
Content: 90% Superwash Merino, 10% Nylon
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 132 grams
Gauge: 8-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-2
Purchase At: http://www.hazelknits.com

Bright, vibrant colors; a soft hand despite being a soft hard-twist; heavy for the put-up - this is a delightful yarn. As you know, I'm not a fan of the hard-twist, but this one is exquisite. The colors form secondary colors at the joins, as well as having little blobs of color peek through other colors. Since the put-up is 400 yards, you need to check your pattern requirements carefully to ensure that you have enough yarn. Smaller sizes should have no problem; anything above a size 8 or 9 will most likely have to purchase two skeins unless the pattern is a simple one. Wearability should be excellent. This artist also creates knitting jewelry in addition to her yarn line.





Yarn Name: Dashing Dachs
Yarn Color: Enchanted
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 560 yards
Weight: 4 oz.
Gauge: 8-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-2
Purchase At: http://www.DashingDachs.com

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what "Dashing Dachs" meant, so I went and looked at this dyer's website. It turns out that her family has a dachshund (Dachs) who likes to gnaw on knitting needles, and then dashes away (Dashing) when she tries to retrieve them. In any event, this yarn is gorgeous. Available in many different colorways, all the skeins I purchased have a soft twist, inspired colorways, soft blending at the joins, vibrant colors, and a very squishy feel in the skein. Due to the generous put-up, all sizes and patterns should require only one skein. I'm not too sure how well this yarn will wear when knitted into socks due to the soft twist and pure merino content; however, it's such a lively, bouncy yarn that I don't care. You may also purchase this yarn through Woolgirl.





Yarn Name: Creatively Dyed Yarns Ocean Series
Yarn Color: Numbered
Type: Indie
Content: 70% Wool, 30% Seacell
Put-Up: 365 yards
Weight: 118 grams
Gauge: 6-7 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.creativelydyed.com

Seacell is made from seaweed and has antimicrobial properties. It is the new hot item to blend with wools such as merino. I was curious to see what it would be like, so I ordered a couple of skeins. I don't particularly like the feel of the skein, but once you separate a strand, it's much softer. This is what I call a "fat fingering" weight. It's very heavy for the put-up, which is sparse; you will need two skeins for most patterns and larger shoe sizes. The twist is soft, and the colorways inspired. The colors move, dance, and flow into and out of each other, forming very interesting combinations. The dyer is very friendly and customer-oriented. I'm not too sure about this yarn yet, but perhaps I'll love it when I knit with it. I don't particularly like trendy things, no matter what the medium. Trendy things come with a steep price tag, and so it is with this yarn. If the put-up were greater, I could justify it. As things stand, however, I won't add any more of it to my personal stash. For those who love it and are willing to pay the price, it should knit up into incredible patterns.





Yarn Name: Spindle Cat Studio
Yarn Color: Hosta
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 450 yards
Weight: 104 grams
Gauge: 8-10 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://spindlecatstudio.etsy.com

I have been buying this dyer's yarn from the time I began buying indies. Her earlier colors tended towards the black/gray/white families; lately, however, she has branched out and begun dyeing colors on top of black as well as more conventional colors. That's where the conventional stops, however. I was stunned when I received this skein. There are few parts of the individual strands that are a solid color; for the most part, even the "solid" colors have undercurrents of other colors showing through or different colors dancing throughout the skein. There are no discernible breaks; the colors just ebb and flow, making music as they swell and recede. This yarn is soft as butter and flows through your fingers. With a medium twist, wearability should be good. These yarns knit up into the most interesting patterns. Due to the generous put-up, you should need only one skein for almost all patterns. This dyer has excellent customer service and offers a variety of items. I can't recommend this yarn highly enough.





Yarn Name: All Spun Up
Yarn Color: Woodland
Type: Indie
Content: 100% BFL
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 4.3 oz.
Gauge: 8-10 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http:/Allspunup.etsy.com

This is a new dyer for me, and I'm glad I found her. I found it hard to believe that this was handspun; her spinning skills are outstanding. With a loose twist, this yarn may not wear very well, but it will make wonderful sandal or house socks; it also has the durability of BFL going for it. Her colorway is beautiful; because the two plies are different, they combine to make fascinating combinations. The put-up is excellent, especially for a handspun; you should be able to get a pair of socks out of one skein. This yarn is exceptionally soft, especially for BFL (which I've always found to be a bit harsh in the skein). I would like to see a lot more of this artist's work. Give it a try; you won't be sorry.





Yarn Name: Tempted
Yarn Color: Fascination
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 130 grams
Gauge: 6.5-7.5 sts/in
Needle Size: 2-3
Purchase At: http:/www.theloopyewe.com

Vibrant. In your face bright. Deep saturation. All this and more in one skein. There are a number of colorways to choose from, all of them beautifully painted. The different colors have hard breaks, but then bounce back to the color they came from. This is a hard-twist yarn, so wearability will be excellent. The hand is good, but as is typical of hard-twist yarns, it's not especially soft. I have a hard time believing the given SPI; you should get around 8-10. I also would use a size 1 or 2 needle, not a size 3. If you want a hard-wearing, beautifully painted yarn that will shout out when you wear the socks made from it, this is your choice. Because of the put-up, you may need two skeins for a pair of socks; be sure to check your pattern for requirements.





Yarn Name: Yarn Pirate BFL
Yarn Color: Spruce
Type: Indie
Content: 100% BFL
Put-Up: 420 yards
Weight: 98 grams
Gauge: 8-10 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http:/www.yarnpirate.com

This dyer is well-known among knitters who clamor for spots in her "Booty Club". She puts out a variety of yarns; this one is her BFL line. With a soft twist, it should have decent wearability because of the durability of BFL; however, I wouldn't expect socks made of it to last too long with regular wearing in closed shoes. Her colorways are always inspired; this one didn't disappoint. The colors fade, swirl, dance, and blend into each other; even her semi-solids are works of art. One skein should be sufficient for a pair of socks. She also sells books, roving, and other items in her shop.

I Survived - But Barely

Dear Readers -

I barely made it through the holiday intact - we slept almost all day and night yesterday, so I'm just now coming to my senses. As such, I haven't photographed the yarns I'm reviewing this week. That's my task for tomorrow, so please check back. I have some beautiful yarns for you to see and read about.

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and are all intact yourselves. :)

Until tomorrow...

A Note to Everyone

Since Christmas and the various holidays are upon us, I won't be posting any updates until after Christmas Day has passed. There are very few people around to read blogs, so I'll save the pictures until everyone is back. Rest assured that I have many reviews to share with you.

That said, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate), and hope that your holiday season is filled with joy, love, and family and friends.

Happy Holidays. :)

Yarn Name: Artfibers Carezza
Yarn Color: Peach
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 30% Silk, 30% Baby Alpaca, 40% Extrafine Merino
Put-Up: Various
Weight: Various
Gauge: 7 sts/in
Needle Size: 3
Purchase At: http://www.artfibers.com

I included this yarn because it really is incredible. Artfibers is a small yarn shop on the second floor of an old building in the Financial District in San Francisco. They have a fairly extensive selection of yarns that are exclusive to them and are all hand-dyed; however, I listed them as indie/commercial because they reproduce all their colorways using a second party (I don't who or what company does the dyeing for them). I chose this particular yarn because it was one of only three that were suitable for sock knitting; it was also the softest one I felt. One of the unique things about the store is that they have "yarn tasting"; you are able to borrow a pair of needles, choose a yarn, and knit a swatch to see if you like it. You are also allowed to take the swatch home. As for the yarn, it's a study in eroticism. Because of the fiber content, it's extremely soft and silky; having a loose twist adds to the softness. Their yarns come on cones; if you don't want enough yarn to knit a shawl, you can have the yardage you need wound off onto foam cores. This yarn will have poor wearability because the twist is so loose; however, because of the fibers, it won't fall apart immediately. It's just better suited for occasional wear with shoes (sandals) and will be happier at home as house or bed socks. Because this particular type is a semi-solid (with the emphasis on solid), stitch definition is superb. It is best suited to patterns such as cables, lacework, textural stitches - anything that needs the pattern to shine as opposed to the yarn. The swatch I saw was gorgeous both in look and feel. I'm looking forward to using this yarn for a very special pair of socks.





Yarn Name: Urban GypZ Bam! Boo! Hand Painted Sock Yarn
Yarn Color: Twisted MaMaLove
Type: Indie
Content: 60% Superwash Merino, 30% Bamboo, 10% Nylon
Put-Up: 420 yards
Weight: 4 oz.
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.urbangypz.etsy.com

As you may know, I'm not a fan of bamboo. However, I loved this colorway, so I thought I'd give it a try. I've had bamboo yarns before and, while usually soft, I just didn't like them. This one, however, has made a liar out of me (to myself). It is incredibly soft and squishy with a medium twist that adds to the softness. Wearability should be good. The colorway is exquisite; the colors are bright and compliment each other. The painting is expertly done; the colors melt into each other and form secondary and tertiary colors at the joins, as well as having surprises of color popping up through other colors. This yarn is a joy to view and hold; I can't wait to use it. You should be able to get a pair of socks from one skein. I think that "lively" is a good descriptor of the colors used.





Artist: PopsieDaisy
Item Name: Hoot
Material: Recycled Articles
Contact At: http://www.PopsieDaisy.etsy.com

Hoot is a delightful creature that I found on Etsy. The artist makes a variety of creatures who function the same way as Hoot; they are designed to hold a cake of yarn and, with the grommet on the back, allow the yarn to be fed through and prevent tangling/collapse of the cake. You can also use Hoot and his pals to hold pretty much anything you want to put in him. There is a zipper on the back to allow you to put items into Hoot. Here is a picture of his backside:





Rather than try to describe Hoot, I'm using the artist's own words from her ad on Etsy:

The Knitter's Critters....
* are made with repurposed wool that has been washed and felted
* have their own personalities
* have a zippered pouch on their back where you can store your yarn or other goodies
* have a grommet on the back that your yarn can feed through
* use zippers and wood that are repurposed
* have their own unique personalities
* have a padded bottom so they sit nicely on your lap
* are lined with coordinating fabric
* don't mind when you have to frog a project

Hoot works like a dream. He sits on my lap or the footrest of the Monster and doesn't topple over, no matter how hard I pull on the yarn. He's also a lot of fun to look at. I'm hoping to carry Hoot and his friends in my shop. He's not inexpensive, but I think he's worth the cost. A lot of work went into making Hoot; things like this are a pain to sew, and even though I could do it, I choose not to and buy the finished product instead. He would also be a fun gift for a special friend.





Yarn Name: meliabella Toasty Sock
Yarn Color: Jack Frost
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Merino, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 420 yards
Weight: 4 oz.
Gauge: 8-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 0-2
Purchase At: http://www.meliabella.etsy.com

I have seen "Keegan Lane" associated with this dyer's yarns, so I'm not sure which is the correct one to use. However, meliabella is the name on the ball band and the website, so that's what I'm using.

This yarn is exquisitely dyed; the seller states on the ball band that each skein is dyed one at a time. I don't doubt it for a minute. The colorway is inspired; I own other skeins from this dyer and they are all exquisite. The colors fade into each other, forming secondary colors where they meet. Being a hard-twist yarn, wearability should be excellent. Even though the twist is hard, this yarn is incredibly soft. A complementing stitch marker is tied onto each skein. You should be able to get a pair of socks from one skein. Customer service is excellent; this dyer is friendly and responsive. I had a problem with identifying this yarn, thinking that I had received the wrong one; she went out of her way to ensure that I had the right one (it didn't look like the picture but was indeed the correct one). I will be buying a lot more from this dyer.

Gone for Anniversary

Dear Readers,

Tomorrow is my 16th wedding anniversary, so we'll be gone for a few days. I'll be adding more yarns on Saturday.

Until then, have a lovely week!

Company: Northern Essence
Owner: Traci Hoffman
Item Name: Various
Type of Purchase: Website
Contact At: http://www.NorthernEssence.com

I first discovered this company from a lotion sample that Jen at Woolgirl put in my package. I was hooked! Jen carries some of their line, but I wanted more. So I went over to their website, only to discover that it was under construction. It just opened a couple of weeks ago, and when I went over there to buy some lotion, I was floored. They have an enormous selection of things for sale with over 150 scents to choose from. I decided to stock up. What you see in the picture are Whipped Lotions in "Ocean Rain", "Lemongrass & Sage", and "Lavender & Herbs"; Solid Lanolin in "Patchouli (Essential Oil); All Natural Healing Salve; Whipped Shea; Body Butter in "Almond"; Liquid Goatsmilk Soap; and a travel size bottle of Whipped Lotion in "Lavender Mist". They make pain relief salve, baby, bath, nursing mothers, lip, hand, and several other categories of products. All are made with natural ingredients by WAHM's (work at home mothers); because of this, the company recommends that you use their items within nine months of purchase to retain freshness. The items are made in small batches for just that reason. Packaging is simple but attractive; delivery is rapid; the company has a question box if you need help; they offer "sniffy samples" if you need help in deciding which fragrance to get; their website is easy to use and navigate around. I, for one, am sold on these products and will buy them for as long as they are sold. I highly recommend this company; a little goes a long way in both product and money spent.





Yarn Name: Hill Country Yarns Sweet Feet Sock Yarn
Yarn Color: Grape Crush
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Merino
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 4 oz.
Gauge: 9 sts/in
Needle Size: 2
Purchase At: http://www.HillCountryYarns.com

This is a new dyer for me. When I opened the box and removed the yarn, I was shocked at how harsh the skein felt. After playing with it for a while, it softened up; however, it's still not what I would call a soft yarn. Perhaps washing will make a difference. The other thing that surprised me was how thick the yarn is. The yarn isn't listed as fingering, but it's also not listed as DK or sport; since it's a sock yarn, I assumed it would be fingering. Because it gets such a high stitch count on size 2 needles, I would call it a thick fingering. It has a loose medium twist, which would normally make the yarn soft, or at least a lot softer than this. The color changes are abrupt; there are no secondary colors, no blending, no surprises. I checked the site where I bought it from, and there are still quite a few skeins left. I understand why now. This is not a yarn that I will be purchasing again. In fact, I'm inclined to find a new home for the two skeins I purchased; I'm not happy with them at all. Maybe someone who prefers a thicker yarn than normal fingering and doesn't mind washing it with a lanolin softener would like it. The one good thing is that you should be able to get a pair of socks out of one skein, as long as the socks aren't too large or too detailed.





Yarn Name: Alpaca Plus
Yarn Color: No. 600
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 60% Alpaca, 20% Wool, 20% Nylon
Put-Up: 410 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7 sts/in
Needle Size: 0-1
Purchase At: http://www.alpacaplus.com

The skein I purchased is best described as semi-solid, with varying shades of lavender making up the colorway. A loose-twist yarn, I expected this to be soft as a cloud; however, the individual strands sort of stuck together when I took it out of the box. After pulling the strands apart and squishing it for a while, it softened up considerably. Color changes are not abrupt; they fade into each other. The make-up of this yarn ensures that it will hold together and not drift while knitting; the wool and nylon give it strength. One skein should make a pair of socks. I don't expect this yarn to have very good wearing properties; the twist is too loose, so I expect it will wear fairly quickly. However, alpaca is a strong fiber on it's own; I could be pleasantly surprised. Because of the recommended small needle size, this will help with the wearability problem. There are a variety of colorways available. Since this is not a superwash product, it will need to be hand-washed and laid flat (or on blockers) to dry. It would be lovely knitted into a lace or cable pattern.





Yarn Name: Miss Babs Yummy Superwash Sock & Baby Yarn
Yarn Color: Hot Mamma
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 100% Merino
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 3.6 oz.
Gauge: 7-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.missbabs.com

This is a beautiful yarn. With a hard twist, the wearability should be excellent, yet it is soft enough to put next to a baby's skin. Offered in many different colorways, each one is beautiful; the colors softly change into the next with secondary colors forming at the changes. You should be able to get a pair of socks from one skein; however, if you have large feet or are doing an intricate pattern or cables, check your pattern carefully for yardage requirements. This particular type of yarn also comes in a sport weight. I don't expect this yarn to bloom either during knitting or washing. Since it is a superwash yarn, it is suitable for baby clothes which need to be washed frequently.





Yarn Name: Miss Babs Cashmere Moon
Yarn Color: Bronze Plum
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 100% Cashmere
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 2 oz.
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 2-4
Purchase At: http://www.missbabs.com

This is yet another offering from this dyer. When I took it out of the box, I almost swooned. Soft doesn't even begin to describe this yarn. It has a fairly hard twist for cashmere, so wearability will be enhanced. Even so, this is a luxury yarn and should be treated as such. It is best suited to house or bed socks; if you want to wear it in shoes to show off its' beauty, sandals would be the best choice. As with the yarn above, the colors fade into each other and form secondary colors at the changes. Note the difference in weight and needle size; cashmere is much warmer than merino in a much lighter package. The larger needle size is to allow the bloom which will occur when knitting and washing. Treat this yarn with care when washing; cashmere has a habit of drifting when knitting and is fragile, so hand-wash only and lay flat to dry. It certainly won't fall apart when wearing it and shouldn't when knitting because of the hard twist and ply, but even so, don't pull hard on it when knitting. This yarn also comes in a rainbow of colorways. It is an expensive yarn as befits the fiber, but well worth the cost if you want a luxury pair of socks. You should be able to get a pair of socks out of one skein if the pattern is not complex and you don't have overly large feet. A true sensory delight!





Yarn Name: Strings and Yarn
Yarn Color: The Unforgiven from Apocalyptica
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 455 yards
Weight: 3.25 oz.
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-4
Purchase At: http://www.stringsandyarn.etsy.com

This is one of my favorite dyers. She takes a piece of classical music (she's a violinist) and translates the music into color. Even though I'm not a fan of classical music (I do apreciate it's complexity, however), I'm a huge fan of her interpretations. This particular musical selection is by a group called Apocalyptica, which consists of cellists who play metal music and arrange Metallica songs (although they are now composing their own music). Jodie Danenberg is the lady behind the yarn. Like all of her yarns, this one is soft, soft, soft, with a hard medium twist. Wearability should be very good. Her colorways are more than inspired; like the music they represent, they swell, move, dance, play, and create all kinds of new colors between and within themselves. Knitting with it is a joy; the yarn flows through your fingers and forms a lovely halo from being handled. One skein is plenty for a pair of socks. A stitch marker is attached to each skein, along with an elaborate hang tag which contains information about the yarn. The only thing I would add to the tag are suggested needle sizes and approximate gauge. I have several skeins of Jodie's and love each and every one of them. They are all beautiful and ethereal like the music they interpret.





Manufacturer: Jelby
Artist: Cary
Item Name: Felted Stitch Markers
Purchased At: Etsy
Contact At: http://www.Jelby.etsy.com

These stitch markers are true jewels. Cary is the woman who painstakingly makes each and every one. You have your choice of three sizes of rings: small, medium, and large. Split rings in small and medium, and solid rings in medium, are also available. In addition, she does custom orders. Each marker is made with a combination of wet and needle felting with embroidery. A key ring is also shown, and she makes hair clips (not shown). The acorns were sold separately from the key ring, but because they clearly made a set, I bought them together. Even though you can use the key ring as it was meant to be used, I put my markers on them. I custom-ordered the sheep; they are just shy of 1/2" from top to bottom. Because they are so light, I use them on sock knitting and have no problems with them weighing down my work or getting in the way. I use stitch markers all the time; using these makes me smile. They are whimsical, joyful, and impeccably crafted. I have a lot of patience with my work (even though it sometimes gets flung across the room); I cannot imagine the type of patience that fine work such as this takes. These would also make a perfect gift for a knitter friend or swap pal. Cary has outstanding customer service, makes the markers at the speed of light, and ships just as fast. She will work with you until you're satisfied with the final result. Try them - you'll be as enchanted as I am.

Yarn Name: Forbidden Fleece
Yarn Color: Pumpkin Spice
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.ForbiddenFleece.etsy.com

This is the first offering from a brand new dyer (a husband and wife team). I was astonished when I saw the pictures of their first efforts, but actually holding the yarn really knocked my (hypothetical) socks off. I've seen established dyers whose yarns weren't as well done as this. The yarn is a very soft 2-ply with a medium twist; it has a lot of squish and poof and should bloom nicely when knitted and/or washed. It should flow through your fingers with ease when knitting. Wearability should be good. The color selection is inspired; colors softly fade into new ones with secondary colors at the changes. Many other colorways are also offered. The put-up is generous, allowing you to get a pair of socks from one skein. Customer service is excellent, and this dyer will do custom orders. I hope to add many more of their colorways to my stash. A breath of fresh air for the indie scene!





Yarn Name: FatCatKnits
Yarn Color: Bermuda Sand
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Wool, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 416 yards
Weight: 3.6 oz
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.FatCatKnits.etsy.com

I had to look this yarn up under the dyer's profile to see if it was hand- or commercially-spun. What a pleasant surprise to see that it's a hand-spun! Outstanding spinning with a hard twist; even though this yarn is soft, it will have excellent wearability. The dyer describes this yarn as monotonal; however, the oranges and purples peek out, giving the color and yarn delightful dimension. This yarn should flow through your fingers when knitting. You probably need one skein for most patterns; check your pattern requirements. This dyer has a wide range of colorways to choose from and also offers roving. Customer service is good and shipping is fast. I would use this yarn in highly textural patterns, lacework, or cabling. Due to the colorway, it will allow the pattern to shine while still retaining enough character to show itself off as well. This is another dyer whom I will be visiting again.





Yarn Name: Hand Maiden Camel Spin
Yarn Color: Dragonfly
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 70% Silk, 30% Camel
Put-Up: 329 yds
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 6.5-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 2-3
Purchase At: http://www.thesweetsheep.com

This is another of those yarns that borders on commercial, but it's so special that I had to include it. This yarn is pure luxury; even softer than cashmere, it should be reserved for the most special of garments, socks included. There are several colorways to choose from, and since this yarn is expensive (but well worth it!), choose wisely. You will need two skeins to make a pair of socks, even more for larger garments. The silk makes this yarn glow and shine; the colors dance, appear, disappear, and reappear; it's hypnotic to look at. Make sure your hands are absolutely smooth before you work with this yarn; even the smallest rough spot on your fingers will cause it to catch and perhaps snag. Once your hands are smooth, however, this yarn will slide through your fingers like a hot knife through butter. Be careful if knitting socks on DPN's; because of the high silk content, this yarn is also very slick. All the little precautions are more than worth it, though, because even just a swatch will make you drool and want more. I bought two skeins because I want to make a pair of house socks. A medium-twist yarn, it will probably have decent wearability. Because of the high silk content, it's best suited to house socks or bed socks. Shawls and scarves would also be heavenly made from this. Because of the riot of colors, a simple stitch pattern should be used. This yarn is a heavy fingering weight, falling in-between fingering and DK or sport. No matter how much it costs, it draws me like a moth to the flame. I'm sure I'll get more of it (hmm... my wedding anniversary is in seven days - gift time!). :)

Yarn Name: Stash-Up Handpainted Yarns
Yarn Color: Mister Darling
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash BFL
Put-Up: 430 yards
Weight: 3.5 oz
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 0-3
Purchase At: http://www.stashupyarns.etsy.com

This is another new dyer for me. What a delight! When I opened up the tissue surrounding this skein and the other one I purchased, the unmistakable aroma of lavender wafted out. When I put the skein up to my nose, I was enveloped in that delightful aroma. I don't normally list colors, but this skein has so many that I felt you might be interested. They are medium to light blue, light turquoise, slate blue, dark to medium brown, moss green, and lavender. I've heard people rave about the softness of BFL, but I've never found it to be overly soft in the skein. This yarn, however, has proven me wrong. Soft as a cloud, with colors that flow and move and form secondary colors, there are surprises everywhere you look. This yarn has a hard medium twist, which makes the softness that much more surprising. Because of this, wearability should be excellent. With the generous put-up, you'll only need one skein for a pair of socks. The dyer puts all the information you need to know about the skein (other than the gauge and needle sizes) on the label, including the care instructions. There are several colorways to choose from, each one as delightful as this one. I think this dyer is going to make a name for herself in the knitting world before long, and I'm delighted to be in on the ground floor.





Yarn Name: Lime & Violet Sasquatch Sock
Yarn Color: Risk
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 425 yards
Weight: 104 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.limenviolet.com/shop

A beautiful offering from our good friends, Lime & Violet (of podcast fame). This latest series of yarn has been named after board games. They have not disappointed me. The colors are soft and melt into each other; there are no hard breaks. Secondary colors peek out here and there. The yarn is soft with a medium twist. Wearability should be good. You should only need one skein to make a pair of socks. Their colorways are inspired; you will find a host of them at their website and The Loopy Ewe, which is where I purchased this skein. I particularly like this line; it makes beautiful socks, and the yarn flows through your fingers with ease. According to the label, the only thing you have to pay attention to is: Beware of Bigfoot!





Yarn Name: Chewy Spaghetti
Yarn Color: Lovely
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 430 yards
Weight: 110 grams
Gauge: 6-7 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.chewyspaghetti.etsy.com

This is another dyer whose yarn is borderline indie/commercial. They have gotten so big that I really don't consider them an indie anymore, but they're also very popular, which is why I've included them here. This is the fingering weight; they also have a DK weight which I don't care for (DK yarn isn't my cup of tea). Like all their colorways, this one is indeed "Lovely". The breaks in color are a bit abrupt, which is a sign of commercial yarn. I'm sorry to see this; their yarn used to have very soft breaks with secondary and even tertiary colors forming at the color changes. Even so, the colors are beautiful and the yarn is a joy to knit with. This is a hard-twist yarn, so wearability is excellent. One skein is ample enough for a pair of socks. I like this yarn and their myriad colorways, but I don't think I'll be buying much more of it. It's moving too far into the commercial realm.





Yarn Name: Painted Skeins
Yarn Color: Graphite
Type: Indie
Content: 63% Superwash Merino, 20% Silk, 15% Nylon, 2% Real Silver
Put-Up: 420 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 6.75-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 0-3
Purchase At: http://www.paintedskeins.com

When I saw this skein, my heart stopped, I had trouble breathing, and I fell off my chair. Then I hit the appropriate keys on the keyboard to snag it before someone else took MY skein. This is one of the most unique pieces of art I've ever seen. I consider all hand-dyed and -painted skeins art, but this one is unique. Look at the contents. Yes, you read it right - real silver. You would think that putting metal in a skein of yarn would make it stiff, but quite the contrary. Even with the silk content, which sometimes makes yarn sticky, this one is soft and silky. The silver sparkles under lights like diamonds. The color is actually a dark charcoal and is kettle-dyed. What a sophisticated yarn! It has a hard medium twist which makes its' wearability very good. The only thing that concerns me is that the silver thread sticks up out of the yarn; I'm not sure how well that will wear when rubbing against a shoe. Nevertheless, this yarn would make a spectacular pair of socks for that special evening out - most appropriate for the holiday season and when you're wearing a dressy pants outfit. One skein is all you'll need for that special pair of socks. I think this yarn would show itself off in lace or a complex textural pattern; cables tend to not show up as well in dark yarns. All the information you need about the skein is on the hang tag. I'm looking forward to casting on with it. The dyer is very friendly and has excellent customer service. This is another dyer who is going to make a name for herself in the knitting world.





Yarn Name: Spindle City Yarns
Yarn Color: Granite
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 462 yards
Weight: 102 grams
Gauge: 7-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.prochemical.com

This is another of those yarns that I saw and had to have. The colors are darker than what the picture shows and quite dramatic. Colors move, flow into and out of each other, form secondary and tertiary colors and have no hard breaks. In fact, there are no breaks anywhere. This yarn is extraordinarily soft and squishy. When I pick it up, I have a hard time putting it down. The colorway is inspired and sophisticated. All the information you need is on the hang tag, although the weight says 100 grams. Even though the skein feels light, I had to weigh it due to the large put-up. My scale said 102, so I think it's just a matter of scales differing slightly. Besides, the weight isn't what's important to knitters. This yarn has a medium twist, which accounts for the poofiness and softness it possesses. Wearability should be good. Because of the generous put-up, you should be able to knit any pattern for a pair of socks. This is also a new dyer for me, and one which I will visit again.





Yarn Name: Maine Woods Yarn & Fiber
Yarn Color: Birch Trees
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Merino
Put-Up: 450 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.mainewoodsyarn.com

This is yet another new dyer. When I saw this yarn, I had a feeling that there would be more to it than the picture showed, and I was right. The colors in this cake (since it came wound for me) move in and out of each other, so there really are no breaks; yes, the colors change, but there are colors on colors in colors, so it's difficult for me to say that the colors break like most other yarns. Soft and squishly, this yarn has a medium twist that makes it feel wonderful in your hands. It should have good wearability. I couldn't find any washing instructions, and since the content states "merino" as opposed to "superwash", I would handle the finished product as a hand-wash item. This skein has an exceptionally good put-up; you can make any pair of socks out of this. The only gripe I have is that I would have liked to see a lot more information than just the name of the dyer and the color of the yarn. Otherwise, use your common sense. This is a dyer that I will definitely visit again.





Yarn Name: Wolf Creek Wools Toe Jammies
Yarn Color: Caribe
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 470 yards
Weight: 4 oz
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-2
Purchase At: http://www.sweetgrasswool.com

I love this dyer. Her customer service is outstanding, and she goes the extra mile to make sure you're satisfied. This yarn is extremely soft, which is surprising because it has a hard twist. The colorway is exquisite. The colors are bright and well-defined, and they softly fade into the next color rather than break sharply. Wearability should be excellent. The put-up is extremely generous; you should be able to make any pattern you wish for a pair of socks. All the information you need is right on the ball band. Because this yarn is busy, it is best used for patterns that do not rely on the stitch formation for the pattern. The plainer the pattern, the better this yarn will shine. This dyer has many colorways, all of them as beautiful as this one. I will be visiting her many more times in the future.

Yarn Name: Castle Fibers
Yarn Color: Spicy
Type: Indie
Content: 80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 0
Purchase At: http://www.castleman.etsy.com

I was very pleasantly surprised when I received this yarn. It has a hard twist but is remarkably soft. I've also never seen this particular method of dyeing before. The dyer calls it "spaghetti dyeing", and it looks like someone took a paint brush and spattered the skein with various colors. The overall effect is gorgeous. This yarn will have exceptional wearing properties. One skein is sufficient for most patterns. The dyer is very friendly and has terrific communication skills. I have two skeins of her yarn and am looking forward to adding more to my stash.





Yarn Name: Hobbledehoy
Yarn Color: Rosy
Type: Indie
Content: Superwash Merino, Nylon
Put-Up: 460 yards
Weight: 106 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.Hobbledehoy.etsy.com

This is another of those extra-squishy yarns that you can't put down. It has a medium twist, so wearability should be fairly good. The dyer has exceptional dyeing skills; the colors flow, blend, pop up within each other, form secondary colors where they flow together, and have little surprises everywhere you look. Due to the generous put-up, one skein will make a pair of socks. This is a new dyer on the block, but one which I will frequent again and again.





Yarn Name: Hobbledehoy
Yarn Color: Bluegrass
Type: Indie
Content: Superwash Merino, Nylon, Donegal
Put-Up: 460 yards
Weight: 108 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.Hobbledehoy.etsy.com

As you know, I don't usually review yarns from the same manufacturer unless they're very different from each other. This yarn is made by the above dyer and has flecks of donegal spun throughout. All the characteristics of the above yarn are present in this one except for the donegal, which produces socks with a decidedly tweedy character. The only other difference is that it doesn't have as many colors throughout the yarn, but the presence of the donegal makes up for that with flashes of color.





Yarn Name: dye4fun
Yarn Color: Blue Spruce
Type: Indie
Content: 70% Merino, 30% Silk
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.dye4fun.etsy.com

This is yet another new dyer. Her yarn is gorgeous. The silk makes the yarn glimmer and it has a beautiful sheen. Only a few colors were used, but in such a way that they become part of each other. The dye was applied randomly so as to prevent any pooling, striping, or flashing. This yarn has a medium to soft twist and is exceptionally soft and squishy. Wearability should be good. Because of the generous put-up, you should be able to get a pair of socks out of a skein. Communication is good. Since this is not made of superwash merino, you will need to handwash the finished socks and lay them flat to dry or put them on blockers. I will be adding more of this dyer's work to my stash.





Yarn Name: C*EYE*BER Fiber
Yarn Color: Plum
Type: Indie
Content: 80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon
Put-Up: 435 yards
Weight: 108 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.ceyeberfiberyarns.com

I have seen this dyer's yarn at The Sweet Sheep, but this is the first time I've tried it. I'm sure glad I did! The skein I got is dyed with shades of plum, from the darkest to the lightest. The colors flow effortlessly into each other. There are no hard breaks between the colors; rather, they change imperceptibly from one shade to the next. Soft doesn't begin to describe this yarn; it feels like velvet. This yarn has a medium to soft twist; wearability should be good. You will be able to get a pair of socks out of one skein. This dyer offers several different colorways; this particular colorway is seasonal. Another yarn which I will be buying a lot more of!





Yarn Name: Rabbitworks Fibre Studio - Toe Jam Sock Yarn
Yarn Color: The Sweet Sheep
Type: Indie
Content: 70% Merino, 30% Nylon
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 106 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.fibrestudio.etsy.com

I have read this dyer's blog for a while but never realized that she dyed and sold yarn. What a pleasant surprise to find out that she does both! This yarn is soft and silky with a medium twist. Wearability should be good. The colors flow and breathe with no hard breaks between the changes. You will be able to get a pair of socks out of one skein. These colorways are non-repeatable and limited to stock on hand at The Sweet Sheep (http://www.thesweetsheep.com). I only bought one skein but hope to add many more to my stash.





Yarn Name: Dragonfibers
Yarn Color: Chaos
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 435 yards
Weight: 150 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.Dragonfibers.etsy.com

This is another new dyer for me. What a glorious yarn! Soft as can be, it is dyed in intriguing blobs and splashes of color. Since the color is blobbed more than actually dyed or painted, there is no blending between the colors. Rather, the base color is primary with the spots of color splattered throughout. This yarn has a medium to hard twist and should wear extremely well. One skein is enough for most patterns. Customer service was excellent before, during, and after the sale. With a generous put-up and a really good price, this yarn is a real bargain.





Yarn Name: Dragonfly Fiber Design
Yarn Color: Let It Rain
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 4 oz
Gauge: 8.5 sts/in
Needle Size: 1
Purchase At: http://www.etsy.com

Yet another new dyer for me. This yarn is gorgeous. There are parts where the colors have a hard break; other areas show the colors flowing into each other. Every stitch reveals a surprise. A hard-twist yarn, it will have excellent wearing properties. Unlike most other hard-twists, this yarn is extremely soft and well-suited for socks as well as any other item which requires fingering weight. One skein should be enough for most patterns; if your pattern has a lot of detail, check the yardage requirements. Customer service was good throughout the sale. I would have liked a little more contact with the seller, but since she's new, that may well improve. I would recommend this yarn to anyone.





Yarn Name: Dream In Color Smooshy
Yarn Color: Blue Lagoon
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 100% Superfine Australian Merino Suuperwash
Put-Up: 450 yards
Weight: 4 oz
Gauge: 6.5-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.theloopyewe.com

This yarn can't really be classified as a true indie, but it's very close, which is why I've included it here. A hard to medium twist yarn, it has remarkable wearing properties. The "Smooshy" in the name is an apt descriptor; this yarn begs to be squished and petted. It has a much puffier feel than most other yarns and knits up as such. With excellent yardage, you will only need one skein for most projects. The colors in these skeins are subtly variegated - the skein looks like a solid color until you look closer. When knit, the variations in color (and they are of one color family) become more apparent. This yarn is a joy to knit with and even nicer to wear. There are a number of colors available and they are easy to find at various merchants. With a wide range of gauges, this yarn is suitable for many patterns.





Yarn Name: Madelinetosh
Yarn Color: Ginger
Type: Indie/Commercial
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 395 yards
Weight: 118 grams
Gauge: 6.5-7.5 sts/in
Needle Size: 2-3
Purchase At: http://woolgirl.com

This is another yarn that I don't consider a true indie, but since it's hand-dyed, I've included it here. I avoided buying this yarn for a long time because of the non-indie status, but I finally gave in and bought a skein to give it a try. I'm sure glad I did! This yarn is incredibly soft , especially since it has a hard to medium twist. The colors are divine - they're like Dream in Color in that a basic color has all the different shades in it. This particular color also has what appears to be a soft green running through it. It knits up like a dream and is very comfortable to wear. It also will have excellent wearing properties due to the twist. Since this yarn fulls and is a little thicker than normal sock yarn, it's between a fingering and DK weight. This gives it good versatility with many patterns. Since the yardage is short of 400 yards (my baseline for purchasing one skein), you may need two skeins for more detailed patterns. Be sure to check the pattern requirements. This is one yarn I'll be adding a lot more of to my stash.





Yarn Name: Yarn Nerd
Yarn Color: Jewel of the Nile
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Merino
Put-Up: 430 yards
Weight: 3.2 oz
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.theloopyewe.com

Another brand new dyer, and what a terrific one! Yarn Nerd is dyed by a gentleman whom, I believe, is a computer programmer; hence the name. I was happily surprised when I took it out of the box. It's soft, soft, soft, with a medium twist and is very puffy and cuddly. Like the two yarns previously reviewed, this skein uses a main color along with all the shades of it; there are also highly variegated patterns. This yarn should make socks with good wearability. One skein should make a pair of socks; as always, check your pattern requirements. I'm looking forward to seeing what this dyer comes up with next.





Yarn Name: Vancalcar Acres Flock Sock
Yarn Color: Random Rainbow
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://woolgirl.com or http://www.nysfarm.com

For a hard-twist yarn, this yarn is extremely soft and squishy. It comes in a wide range of colors and combinations; this particular colorway is very soft with all the colors of the rainbow represented. Even though the specs say that it gets 8 stitches per inch, I think it would get closer to 9 or 10; the yarn is very thin. Even though it's thin, it's also extremely strong. Socks made of this yarn will have exceptionally good wearing capabilities. One skein should make most patterns; if you have a very detailed pattern or one with cables, check your pattern requirements (a very good idea anyway). This yarn is available from many different merchants; you should have no problem finding it.





Yarn Name: Lavender Sheep
Yarn Color: Sexy Chocolate Cherry
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 460 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://woolgirl.com

I have many skeins of this dyer's yarn and will most likely get many more. There are many colorways offered, and all of them have colors which move, flow, and breathe. Secondary and tertiary colors appear where the color transitions take place. The yarn is extremely soft with a soft twist. They will have decent wearability as socks, but because of the soft twist will wear faster than a harder twist yarn. The softness more than makes up for this, however. Because of the generous put-up, one skein is all you'll need for a pair of socks. This dyer is very friendly with outstanding communication and excellent customer service when purchased from her directly. The yarn is a joy to knit with and flows through your fingers. I highly recommend this yarn to anyone who wants very soft, beautifully colored socks.





Yarn Name: Liisu Yarns
Yarn Color: Waves of Memories
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Mohair
Put-Up: 205 yards
Weight: 2 oz
Gauge: 6-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://woolgirl.com

This is an exceptional yarn. The dyer has many different colorways from which to choose, all of which flow and move, creating secondary and tertiary colors where the color changes occur. I prefer to knit this yarn on a slightly larger needle than I usually use for sock yarn because of the mohair; it allows the stitches to bloom and gives the mohair room to be slightly furry. Exceptionally soft for a hard-twist yarn, it will make socks that have a long life. Knitting with it is a dream; it flows through your fingers and is easy to rip back should you need to correct a mistake. Because of the small put-up, you will need two skeins to make a pair of socks; check your pattern for yardage requirements. As with most other yarns that are highly variegated, I would use this yarn for patterns that do not depend on textural stitches for their make-up. Cables are the exception; this yarn looks wonderful in them. It also looks terrific when used in a lace pattern; the mohair isn't so prevalent that it obscures the yarn-overs. This is another yarn which I plan to add many more of to my stash.





Yarn Name: OneSheepHill
Yarn Color: Cheetah
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Mohair
Put-Up: 462 yards
Weight: 108 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://onesheephill.etsy.com

This is one of those yarns that you just want to sit and smoosh all day. It's incredibly soft and very pettable. With a medium twist, this yarn should have good wearability, but it will wear faster than a hard-twist yarn. The dyeing is incredible; the colors move, shift, pop up, disappear, and then reappear. There are areas of clear color followed by areas of black with orange or yellow mixed in or on top. The colors don't merely fade into each other; they dance. With such a generous put-up, one skein will be sufficient for a pair of socks. Delivery was fast, and the skein was well-packed. This is a new dyer for me, but one which I will frequent again.





Yarn Name: BungalowBuns
Yarn Color: Jewels of Autumn
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 495 yards
Weight: 116 grams
Gauge: 6-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://BungalowBuns.com

I have to admit that I have no idea of where this yarn came from, but I'm sure glad it appeared today. The name of the color is an apt descriptor; it glows softly with reds, yellows, browns, and flashes of cream. This yarn is very soft and has a medium twist. It will make socks that have good wearability. There are no hard breaks in the color changes; they blend into each other effortlessly. With such a generous put-up, you should be able to knit any pattern and get a pair of socks with some yarn left over for repairs. I have tried to track this yarn down, but the website says the dyer now dyes under the Yarn Love label. I didn't see anything even close to this at that site, however. A mystery to be solved! In any event, this yarn is delightful; I would love to add more of it to my stash.





Artist: knithappens
Item Name: Hobo Gloves
Type of Purchase: Commission
Contact At: knithappens.etsy.com

Suzanne is the artist of knithappens and has the distinction of being the first non-yarn review. She has a wide variety of knitted items in her shop: panties, gloves with fingers, gloves without fingers, morkers (remember Mork from Ork?), hobo gloves (gloves with very short fingers), and other goodies. Because my hands get cold in the evenings due to poor circulation, I wanted a pair of gloves without fingers (but with finger stubs, also known as "hobo gloves") so I could knit. Fingerless gloves lay across your palm or various joints of your fingers; those would catch on the knitting. After doing an Etsy search, I chose Suzanne to make my gloves. I liked her "dotty gloves" pattern; they're basically a wild Fair Isle pattern that she has come up with. She worked closely with me, getting my hand measurements so the gloves would fit "like a glove", as well as suggesting several colorways. Being a Fair Isle pattern, the gloves are very warm; however, the yarn is thin, so they don't get in my way. Construction and delivery were very fast, and the gloves are a perfect fit. I can knit, type, and do anything that requires me to use my hands without them getting in the way. I wear them every night and absolutely love them. I would recommend Suzanne for any type of glove (or even panty). She is very friendly, has excellent communication, and delivers exactly what you order. Her prices are also very reasonable. I will be doing business with her again in the near future.





Yarn Name: The Plucky Knitter
Yarn Color: Schnapps
Type: Indie
Content: 80% Merino, 20% Cashmere
Put-Up: 400 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.thepluckyknitter.com

This yarn is dyed in the most gorgeous colors: turquoise, brown, and cream. There are several colorways to choose from. Soft as a cloud, this yarn will knit up into the most delightful socks, but wearability will not be very good. Socks made from this yarn are better suited to wearing as bed or house socks, although you could wear them with sandals and not cause undue wear. One skein should make a pair of socks, although you should check your pattern for yarn requirements. One thing that I was unhappy about was the delivery time. I ordered it on October 1st; it didn't arrive until November 5th. I waited almost two weeks before I contacted the seller. Supposedly, the first shipment was lost in the mail. However, it took another two weeks for the replacement to arrive, and it was shipped Priority Mail. I don't know what was going on, but it was apparent that it wasn't shipped promptly, which was borne out by the postmark on the package. I'm confused by this, because she has a 100% satisfaction rating on Etsy. Other than that, I love the yarn. I don't think I'll be doing business with this particular dyer again, however.





Artist: Scout's Swag
Item Name: Sock Blockers
Type of Purchase: Website
Contact At: http://www.scoutsswag.com

This is the second non-yarn item I've reviewed, and it's a dandy. I don't remember exactly where I found out about this seller, but she has a delightful site full of goodies. I was in need of sock blockers and knew she made some, so I gave her site a try to see if she had any in stock. She did, so I ordered a pair of mediums. Delivery was extremely fast, and the blockers were carefully packed to avoid damage. They're made of a hardwood which has been sanded smooth and sealed to keep moisture from penetrating the wood. There's a cutout of a martini glass at the tops, and a stitch marker in the shape of a martini glass (with a toothpick and olive!) is tied to them. They're well-made and will last for many years. I'm delighted with the service I received and will be doing business with this seller many more times in the future.





Yarn Name: YarnAddict Yarns
Yarn Color: Mixed Berries
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 106 grams
Gauge: 7-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://YarnAddictAnni.etsy.com

Anni makes the most gorgeous yarns, and this one is no exception. Soft, puffy, and an absolute joy to knit with, this yarn is technically a two-color yarn, but secondary colors form where the colors fade into each other. This yarn has a medium twist, so it should have good wearability. When knitting with it, the yarn flows through your fingers. Due to the generous put-up, one skein should be sufficient for a pair of socks. Anni also has laceweight yarn which is incredible. She is extremely friendly and has lightning-fast shipment, usually arriving in a week from the UK. Anni also has other colorways from which to choose. In addition, she runs Sockamania - an enormous effort that gives a lot of knitters joy. I will be doing business with Anni again many times in the near future.

I'm Sorry

My Dear Readers,

I would like to apologize for the lack of reviews lately. We were on vacation for over a week and are now sick as dogs. As soon as I get a little better, I will resume the reviews. Thank you for sticking it out with me. :)

Yarn Name: Drooling Over Yarn
Yarn Color: Water Slide
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Merino
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 106 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.droolingoveryarn.etsy.com

I won't often be showcasing different colorways from a previously reviewed dyer, but this dyer's yarn continues to keep me in awe. Her work is incredible. This yarn, as well as the next one, share all the same characteristics which I commented on in her earlier review.



Yarn Name: Drooling Over Yarn
Yarn Color: Whimsy
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Merino
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 104 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.droolingoveryarn.etsy.com

See above.



Yarn Name: Crash Into Ewe
Yarn Color: Fallin For Ewe
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Peruvian Wool
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.crashintoewe.etsy.com

This yarn is my first experience with Peruvian wool. It is extremely soft with a very soft and loose twist. Due to this looseness, the yarn will most likely wear fairly rapidly, but the socks made from it will be very soft and lofty. The colors are very soft and flow into each other, creating secondary colors where they overlap. There are a number of colorways, weights, fibers, and roving available from this dyer. Customer service is outstanding before, during, and after the sale. You will need one skein for most socks; check your pattern for yardage. I would knit this yarn a little tighter than usual to minimize wear; it will bounce right back.



Yarn Name: The Painted Tiger
Yarn Color: Elements - Water
Type: Indie
Content: 70% Merino, 30% Silk
Put-Up: 440 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-8 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.ThePaintedTiger.etsy.com

What a sensory treat! This yarn quite obviously has silk in it; you can see and feel it. There are no hard breaks between colors; rather, they flow into each other, back off a bit, have little blobs of different colors scattered throughout, and then emerge into the next color. This yarn has a medium twist; the socks made from it will have good wearing properties. Socks made from this yarn will need to be hand-washed in cool water and laid flat to dry, but it's a small price to pay for such an exquisite yarn. This dyer offers incredible customer service and has a wide variety of fibers, weights, and knitted items for sale. You will need one skein of yarn for most sock patterns.



Yarn Name: Enchanted Knoll Farm
Yarn Color: Wood Elves
Type: Indie
Content: 90% Merino, 10% Nylon
Put-Up: 425 yards
Weight: 100 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-3
Purchase At: http://www.enchantedknoll.org

This dyer has a family farm where they raise their own sheep and process their own wool. The inspiration for the colorway in this particular skein is autumn on their homestead. What a terrific job they did! I'm enchanted by the colors in this skein, the way they flow and move, the secondary and tertiary colors that emerge, and the little surprises that pop up as you knit. This yarn is very soft and squishy, smells heavenly, and flows through your fingers like water down a river. Also offered for sale are batts/roving, kits, knitted/crocheted items, and handspun yarn. Delivery was very fast, and I'm sure that everything this dyer sells is as wonderful as this yarn. It has a soft to medium twist and should have decent to good wearability. You will need one skein of yarn for most sock patterns.