Wednesday, January 16, 2008


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Yarn Name: Bizyhands
Yarn Color: Easter Grass
Type: Indie/Handspun
Content: Merino Blend
Put-Up: 568 yards
Weight: 4.3 ounces
Gauge: 8-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-2
Purchase At: http://Bizyhands.etsy.com

This is another of those exquisite handspun yarns that is so rare and difficult to find. Finding handspun isn't the problem; it's finding handspun with enough yardage to make a pair of socks from. This is such a skein.

A two-ply yarn with each ply dyed differently, the strands twist around each other forming new and delightful color combinations. Soft as a cloud with a loose ply and perfectly balanced, this yarn flows through your fingers and knits up into gorgeous fabric. The spinner is highly skilled at her art; there are no thick and thin areas to contend with. Her prices are also very reasonable given all the time and work that went into making this yarn. I have since purchased another colorway from her and am as delighted with that one as I am with this one. Wearability should be good, and you will be able to get a pair of socks of any pattern from one skein due to the very generous yardage. Those with smaller feet should be able to knit a matching hat or some other small accessory.


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Yarn Name: Kangaroo Dyer
Yarn Color: Black Raspberry
Type: Indie
Content: 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon
Put-Up: 450 yards
Weight: 126 grams
Gauge: 8-10 sts/in
Needle Size: 1-2
Purchase At: http://kangaroodyer.etsy.com

This is a brand-new dyer on Etsy; I was delighted to be able to leave her first feedback. A gorgeous yarn with a hard twist, this hand-painted skein forms secondary colors where the changes occur, blending and flowing into each other as effortlessly as a cloud traveling across the sky. Bits of color pop up here and there and provide pleasing surprises along the way. I was surprised at how soft and silky this yarn is because of the twist, but you won't find me complaining! Wearability will be excellent due to the hard twist. You will be able to get a pair of socks from one skein due to the generous put-up. I would like to see a lot more of this dyer's work; patronize her shop and give her some exposure. You won't be sorry.


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Yarn Name: Sunshine Yarns
Yarn Color: Into The Mystic
Type: Indie
Content: 100% Superwash Merino
Put-Up: 450 yards
Weight: 98 grams
Gauge: 7-9 sts/in
Needle Size: 0-2
Purchase At: http://sunshineyarns.etsy.com

I have a few other skeins of this dyer's yarn, so when I spotted this skein on sale, I snapped it up. It turns out that this skein was part of the 2007 Harry Potter Sock Club. Nonetheless, it's a gorgeous, very soft yarn with lovely colors. The breaks between colors are a little abrupt, which I found surprising. It gets its softness from the loose medium twist and fiber content; because of this, wearability will be decent, but not terrific. This could have been enhanced if there were some nylon added for strength. The put-up is generous; you will be able to get a pair of socks out of one skein. Despite the color breaks and somewhat diminished wearability, I'm glad I bought this skein. It will knit up into beautiful socks. I have never been disappointed with any of Sunshine's yarns and will buy more in the future.

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