You Heard It Here First

There's an amazing new yarn dyer and business joining the industry.

Brooklynne has set up Grrrl Shaped Yarns and has some of the most gorgeous yarn  I've seen or felt. On Wednesday at the local Stitch and Bitch knitting night I just couldn't resist leaving with some of this. The sheen and softness of this yarn has is just fabulous.

Theresa - 50/50 Merino Silk

This is a very special yarn that starts with a story. I met my friend Pam on Ravelry nearly 2 years ago and we became rather close, supporting each other in times of trouble. One of the things that has been troubling her for a while is, her sister Theresa was diagnosed with cancer a few years back and it has been a rough battle that keeps getting harder to fight for Theresa. I wanted to help but there wasn't much I could do, so i dyed this yarn in Theresa's favorite colour tealy blue with some shot of white hope in honour of Theresa. This yarn is kettle dyed.

50% of all proceed will be donated to UC Davies Cancer Research in Theresa's name, an organization that has been helping Theresa fight her war!

50% silk / 50% wool natural yarn, 100 gram skein 430 yards, 400 metres

Will make luxurious socks, beautifully soft scarves and hats. Lovely for "against the skin" wear. This yarn has is super soft with an amazing drape, but will also block beautifully.

Now, there are lots of other great yarns that Brooklynne stocks, and I've heard that there is a bamboo merino blend on the way this week too, plus she does custom slots also.

On top of all that, Brooklynne has offered to sell our Swifts via her site! Check this out

Handmade Wooden Swifts

(Thanks for the photo of the swift in use Belinda/Matisse)

'But what's a swift?' I hear you ask?
Take a gander at this amateur vid we shot HERE

My husband Blair is able to make wooden swifts to make wool hanking and winding easier. I think it came about after he had to sit there for about an hour and a half with his hands out while we balled up 160gms of 2ply (laceweight). Blair is an engineer and has an eye for perfection as well as having been brought up hanging out with his Dad in his man-cave.

Very stable with a well balanced wide base. Made from high quality sturdy and carefully chosen materials. They have easily adjustable pegs so can wind skeins and hanks of various lengths. All the pieces fit together beautifully as well as coming apart easily so it can be stored in a cupboard or under the bed - approx 80 cms in length disassembled (mine lives in bag hanging on a hook in the laundry).

They can be made to order for $60.

Postage is $7.50 to the North Island, $12.50 to the South Island and $18NZD Airmail to Australia (in AUD including postage it works out to around $60 altogether)

Email me,  jstanfield@xtra.co.nz  for more information or to order. I do accept paypal payments as long as you cover the fees.

'And how do I assemble it after I get it?'
Look no further, hopefully your question will be answered HERE (email me if you're still having difficulties)

Thanks Ali for letting us use your picture, it's actually borrowed from her blog, Blair's first customer!

We Have Swift-Off

Sometimes my husband drives me nuts, and other times I think he is the best thing ever!

This week I've been thinking he's pretty fabulous since he made me a swift

It's a doo-dacky for winding wool into (and out of) hanks. I LOVE it and since he made it I've been dyeing up a storm for both my sisters birthday and a swap I'm taking part in. Pics of the yarnage tomorrow maybe :)

But here is my new baby

(since the photo though it has had a few more holes drilled and a couple of stabilising blocks added)