Techno-geddon

Readers may be perplexed by the fact that this post is dated to Feb. 9th, but only just appeared today, Feb. 11.  This is because we have been facing our very own Techno-geddon.  Hardware, software and even web hosting turned against us for a couple of days there, but we emerged victorious.  If you tried to visit the website yesterday and, well, couldn't, that was due to our (and our web server's) Techno-geddon.  We're back, though, and have a lot to show you!

First, is the collection of projects Sandra brought in to share.  On the top is a Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf, made with 3 skeins of KPPPM:

Below that, in the lower left corner, is her Annabella's Cowl.  Made with the yarns originally used by the designer in the color "Mighty Redwood".  At the very bottom of the pile is her in progress Wavy Scarf, using Schaefer Helene in the color "Renata Tibaldi".  Sandra is definitely going to have a warm and stylish neck this year.

Let's see, what else has been happening in the midst of Techno-geddon?  Well, have you seen that we now have FREE SHIPPING?! 

It's true.  Get free Priority Mail shipping with a domestic order over $75.  If you'd like to read all the specifics, see our Online Ordering FAQ's page.

Next, we have to admit to some excitement over the arrival of a special edition release from Interweave Press - Knitting Traditions magazine:

"Indulge your passion for knitting with Knitting Traditions! This 148-page special publication from PieceWork magazine presents more than 40 projects—socks, shawls and scarves, items for baby, a variety of hand coverings, hats,  squares and edgings, and finger puppets—each with a story that provides historical context." - Interweave Press

Admittedly, we are a little geeky here (hence our staff obsession with Knitting: 19th Century Sources).  But this magazine is absolutely packed with traditional and historic patterns from around the world.  We just received 15 copies (for all you other knitting geeks out there!) and, well, 3 have already been reserved by staff members and Marj is even talking about using one of the patterns within as her Knitting Olympics challenge.

And, while on the topic of the Knitting Olympics, are any of our blogfans participating?  I'm slowly managing to convince my co-conspirators coworkers to try it this year.  I'm thinking of making the attempt. What about you?  Are you interested?  If so, what're you going to make?

While you ponder that, you might want to check out our New Arrivals page - we've just put up EIGHT new yarns from Rowan, Noro, and Habu Textiles.  The Revive, IMHO, is absolutely scrumptious:

But we'll let you make that determination for yourself.  Until next time, barring another Techno-geddon, happy knitting!  And look out this afternoon for another edition of Fashionknitsta.

Skif-a-long

I think Sara hit the nail on the head with thinking the Knitting Fates were paying attention. It's barely noon (well, it was when I started this!) and we already have a huge amount of staff and customer projects to share with all of you.

We'll begin with Dana's lovely Rosamund's Cardigan (pattern by Andrea Pomernatz) from Interweave Fall 2009. Dana knit this cardigan with Joseph Galler's Peruvian Tweed in color 105 and it took her less than 3 weeks! I am loving the choice of alpaca for this short-sleeved cardigan, it really makes it the perfect layering piece for this late summer-early fall weather we are having. Thanks for sharing with us Dana!


Now onto a round up of some staff projects. Kevin was so kind to share with me a sweater of his own design, his annual summer sweater project which is turning out just lovely. He wanted to make a heavy winter sweater and so is working with Shibui Highland Wool Alpaca in Ivory held with Joseph Galler Peruvian Tweed color 117. The surprise contrast pockets are the Shibui Highland Wool and Malabrigo Chunky in Olive. Great choices for a winter sweater and I love the color palette, especially those pockets! I am such a sucker for green anything.

Thousand apologies for the horrid picture quality. I have now learned my lesson taking pictures in the basement.

Continuing on with Marjorie's beautiful Heart Skif. Her materials list is just absolutely drool worthy:

• Habu Silk Tweed Kasuri (coming soon to Knit Purl!)
• Habu Root Sizing Silk in colors 1 and 5 (coming soon to our website)
• Habu Silk Stainless in color 16
• Habu Tsumugi Silk in color 67
• Shibui Silk Cloud in Peony
• Isager Tvinni in colors 17 and 17s (coming soon to our website)
• Isager Viscolin in Wine

Wow. She is also contemplating doing the top in Art Yarns Silk Rhapsody color 251, talk about luxurious. I think we should all do our best to convince her this is a great idea. This was a fun project even to photograph, I can't wait until she finishes it!

and a detail shot

So, if you've noticed the title of this blog you would guess this post would include multiple Skifs and you would be right. Sara and the Sandy's are also in the early Skif planning stages which is very exciting especially since Knit Purl going to host a Skif KAL beginning October 1st!

I was able to wrangle Sara to get an idea of what she is pondering for her June, which right now is Habu Tsumugi Silk, Habu Cotton Linen Spiral, and Isager Viscolin. I can hardly wait to see what color family she is thinking!

And now onto a couple non-Skif related things.

If you've ever been interested in dyeing your own yarn and roving but never wanted to ruin your good pots or deal with harsh chemicals your wish has been granted! Coming this November Sara is going to be teaching a class on Kitchen-Safe Dyeing.


Here is a preview of some of her test samples which came out quite beautifully, I really want to see these spun and knit up. The class (which will be available for registration online or over the phone soon) will be held here at the store on November 7th from 1-5pm. Two skeins of yarn will be provided and a crockpot is the only material you are required to bring.

Just in case any of you missed our e-Card on Friday, we are getting into the end of summer spirit with a WoodSock special. All Noro Silk Garden Sock and Kureyon Sock as well as Sheep Shop's Sheep Feet are 15% off through the 14th of September. I must warn anyone interested in this to jump on it fast, these are going quicker than we anticipated!

As long as we're talking socks we should remind all the sock knitters out there about the opportunity to win a year's membership in our Sock Club through our Twitterific Sock Contest. Entries need to be submitted by midnight tonight, September 4th so if you're interested grab your camera!

Until next time blogfans!
-Lindsay

Lucy Neatby Trunkshow

We're getting ready for a visit from one of the funkiest knitters in North America to visit this weekend. Her trunkshow has arrived, the brightly-colored yarn and patterns are stocked and all we have to do is wait until Lucy arrives. Until then, here are some pictures of her extremely fun socks and Venus Rising Cardigan - all of the patterns of which are available for sale and her classes are still open for registration. Call or register online, if you'd like to snatch one of the last spots open!

Moving on with the show (thank you, Liz, for modeling on such short notice...)















I think my favorite are the Fiesta Feet (fourth photo from the top) and I might just have to get the pattern or take Lucy's Even Cooler Socks! class because she has a really cool technique I've never seen before on no-swatch sock knitting. Sounds interesting, huh?

Ladies & Gents, it's time for another YarNews Flash!

We've got not one, not even three, but FOUR new yarns for your tactile pleasure. All arrived yesterday and were just put up on the New Wall. First off, temping us all greatly here, are the three new Art Yarns lines:

1. Top row: Cashmere Sock Yarn. 65% Cashmere/ 25% Wool/ 8% Nylon. 146m/ 146y per 50g skein with a gauge of 22sts = 10cm/ 4" on 4.5mm/ US 6 needles. Yummy. Can you image how glorious a pair of socks made with this yarn would feel? At the moment we only carry 6 colors (one of which was bought up immediately!), but we might be getting in more if it turns out to be as popular as it should.
2. Bottom row, left: Silk Pearl & Sequins. 100% Silk strung with glass beads and sequins. 71m/ 78u per 50g skein with a gauge of 17sts = 10cm/ 4". Available in 5 colors. Don't get me wrong, I like this yarn, it's very fun and lovely to touch - but it strikes me as the perfect accessory for a European Discotheque. Still, would be a lot of fun to work with.
   
3. Bottom row, right: Beaded Mohair & Sequins. 80% Silk/ 20% Mohair strung with glass beads and sequins. 104m/ 114y per 50g skein with a gauge of 18 sts = 10cm/ 4". Available in 4 colors. A slightly lighter version of its all-silk sibling, but with a gentle halo. Still sparkly and fun, but probably quite a bit warmer for handknit garments.
   

Fourth on the New Wall is the latest Noro creation:

Noro Yuzen. "Yuzen" is actually a Japanese dyeing technique used to paint kimonos and paper for origami. This line comes in skeins, not balls, and features more subdued tweedy colors. It's absolutely lovely, and if it didn't have mohair in it I'd have bought a bag. In any case, the blend is 56% Wool/ 34% Silk/ 10% Mohair. Each 50g skein has 110m/ 121y with a gauge of 16 - 18 sts = 10cm/ 4". It's a solid worsted-weight that'll be great for winter garments.

And, finally, completely unrelated to YarNews...

A wip photo of my in-progress Seraphim Shawl, the "Manta Ray" as 3M calls it:

Made with Knit Purl's The Natural Collection yarn in a color best described as "Cochineal". Aside from a long-standing desire to make this shawl, I thought it would be appropriate to have it finished in time for Miriam Felton's visit in November. Yes, you heard me right. The designer of the Icarus Shawl and Juno Reginan Stole is coming to Portland to teach to two 1-day workshops at Knit Purl.

I really want to take the Intro to Lace Design class...

Anyway. It seemed a cool way to welcome her (okay, showing off) when she got here and a great reason to use the yarn I had originally stashed for this project in December.

Ahem. This wip might be a reoccuring topic over the next month... But it should be buffered with tons of YarNews, store workings and customer wips/ fos (which we haven't been seeing many of lately, where are you guys?).

Introducing... Leslie!

A day late, sorry. But, hey, I got lots of pictures for you, 3 new yarns and a short introduction to our newest slave employee Leslie:

Who says "Hi", incidentally.

I had to corner her, she wasn't too enthusiastic about being photographed. I guess I've gotten spoiled with having Liz around, who can be badgered into modeling anything. If you see Leslie wandering around the store, it's not because she's a hardcore regular. So, with luck, expect to run into her often when visiting us!

We were lucky to be visited by Jenni & Co. yesterday. I barely managed to snap a very blurry shot of Ayanna "helping" us behind the registers.

The boys, who are older and more wary, managed to elude any photographs. Jenni, distracted by her two-week-old, was relatively easy to catch:

Kandyce also says "Hi" to everyone in Blogland.

"Relatively" directly referring to the way she kept turning away from the camera. Since the camera does not have an X-Ray setting, this made it a little difficult to get a mommy & baby photo that wasn't blurry.

Next, keeping up with store workings/ news, we've got THREE new yarns. Which are totally not up on the web, sorry, but should be soon. Two are on the New Wall, however:

• ShibuiKnits Superwash Merino Worsted. 100% 19 mircon Merino wool, superwash treated, 195y per 100g skein. $19.75, and available in 17 colors. We've been looking forward to the arrival of this yarn for months. So exciting. It's literally the worsted sibling of ShibuiKnits Sock.
  

• Noro Taiyo. 40% cotton, 30% silk, 15% wool, 15% nylon. 200m/ 220y per 100g skein. $18.25 a ball, and available in 6 colors.
  

And one is on the Sock Wall:

• Pagewood Farms' Bluefaced Leicester Sock yarn. 80% Bluefaced Leicester, 20% nylon. 450y per 4oz skein. $25.50 a skein and available in 8 colors.

LOVE this stuff, despite the nylon. I actually helped pick this one out. Pagewood Farms always produces beautifully hand-dyed yarns that have a really nice depth of color. Several skeins of this are so going into my stash. And, since it's a Pagewood yarn, it should be mentioned that this will likely be a limited-run yarn line. When we sell out of their yarns, we usually don't/ can't get them again.

That's pretty much everything that's new or new-ish. There are only 19 spaces left in the Sock Club, so we're very excited about that. And, with the SKIF KAL kick-off coming up, we're madly preparing for more SKIF-related fun.

a rockstar, updates, and an extremely late YarNews Flash

Have I got a Rockstar for all y'all. Today we were visited by Paula (no blog and not on ravelry, :sad:), who was eager to show off her finished "Joy" from Rowan Vintage Knits:

She used Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4-ply, which is now discontinued, and about 3 million beads (I'd guess). The finished sweater was beyond beautiful. Maybe we should be happy she's not on ravelry, it's hard not to feel like an underachiever by comparison, isn't it? Still, she definitely deserves Rockstar status.

As for updates... In the past week, LOTS has happened. Let's see...

1. Jenni, our beloved inventory specialist, had a baby girl yesterday who weighed in at 6lbs 9oz. I believe the name chosen is Kandyce. No photo yet, but maybe soon...
   
2. The August 15 Newsletter went out, woe unto me as the web orders person. (well, not really) And let me just tell you, if you want one of those Japanese books (like me :sigh:), there's going to be a little wait - we sold out in almost record time.
   
3. We received our special Koigu for the Sock Club and it is gorgeous. Simply beautiful. The gals at "No Mean Feet!" admitted to being awed last night. And the pattern to go with it? Exquisite, really. I can't wait to knit it for myself!
4. At a rapid pace, open space is diminishing in the Club. We're filling up spots so quickly, I can barely keep up with enrollment.
5. And last, but not least, I spoke with SOAK today and they are sending along not only our Sock Club goodies but a bunch of surprise treats for us to give away to participants.
   

In the YarNews section of this post, it's a bit embarrassing, but... We've had Noro Silk Garden sock in the store and in stock for a while now and it's still not on the web (it will be soon, if I have anything to say about it). Should you want a ball or two (or the new colors of Kureyon sock), drop by the store:

We got ya covered.

Shown above is also a Clapotis made with 1 skein of the Silk Garden sock in #269.

The final tidbit on my list of updates? My Skif #2, a Habu-happy Zena:

If you want to know all the yarns, well, check out my ravelry notebook or click on the picture and see the notes on the original image. The thought of linking all the yarns I'm using just makes me a little faint, honestly.

Noro Kureyon sock yarn!

... we interrupt your normal blogging for an important YarNews Flash:

Knit/ Purl now has Noro Kureyon sock yarn in stock!

Yes, you read correctly, Noro Kureyon sock yarn.

Much like our familiar friend Kureyon, this new sock yarn is single-ply, thick-and-thin, and features loooong, vibrant color repeats.

Unlike the traditional Kureyon, this is 30% nylon for durability and knits up at 7.5 sts/ inch on 3mm DPNs.

For more information, check out our 7 new colorways or drop by the store :)

Gratis Knits: Spring 2008

Baby Court Jester

Size:
Baby-Toddler

Measurements:
15 – 17” head circumference

Materials:

• 1 skein of DK weight yarn (or light worsted)
• 4mm/US size 6 circular needle and dpns, 12” long (or one 32” long circular needle for Magic Loop method) or size needed to obtain gauge
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Pom-pom maker (optional)

Gauge:
24 sts & 28 rows = 4” in St st.

Notes:
I used about 38g of handspun that Fyberduck created for the hat. While we determined it was a light worsted weight yarn, because it was a thick and thin ply, the fabric was a bit too lacy when knit at lower gauges. If you choose to use a commercial yarn for this pattern you will want a fabric that is sturdy but not stiff. The gauge is the most important factor. There is a list of possible substitutions at the bottom of this post but you might find other plump sport-weights or some light worsted-weight yarns work just as well. When in doubt go with a heavier yarn because it will fit a baby at some point in their life.

Abbreviations:

* repeat instructions following the single asterisk as directed
alt alternate
dpn double-point needle
K knit
kfb knit front and back (increase one st)
k2tog knit two stitches together
P purl
pm place marker
rnd(s) round(s)
skp slip, knit, pass stitch over—one stitch decreased
st(s) stitch(es)

I-cord Cast On (á la Ruth Sørenson)

Cast on 5 sts on DPNs or circular needle and k 5 sts. At the end of the row, slide the sts to the other end of the needle and pulling the yarn around the back, k the sts again. You’ve completed one row of Icord.

Continue in this manner, pulling down on the cord occasionally as you go, until the cord is approximately 20” long. Break yarn and thread through the last row of sts, cinching them up tight.

(Now here is the cool part… You may have noticed on one side of the I-cord a slight gap. Some call this gaping a “ladder”. It looks like disaster in a sock, but in this case it is your best friend.)

With your needle pick up K 90 sts creating 1 st in each of the rungs from the ladder starting about 2½ inches from one end of the I-cord. If your sts are off-center when you fold the I-cord in half), do not worry because you can always pull off or add the first few sts at the beginning. Just make sure to end with 90 sts total.

Hat Body (working flat)

Row 1: *kfb, K 19 sts, skp, k 1, k2tog, k 19sts, kfb *. Repeat between the * to the end of the row.

Row 2: P across.

Repeat Rows 1 – 2 once more.

Hat Body (in the round)

Rnd 1: *kfb, K 19 sts, skp, k 1, k2tog, k 19sts, kfb *. Repeat between the * to the end of the row.

Rnd 2: pm to mark start of the rnd and join stitches in the round (being sure not to twist the stitches). K row.

Alt row 1 with a K row until you loose the will to live which, coincidentally, measures about 5” from the I-cord edge.

Dividing the hat into points…

Set up rnd:

K 45, place remaining 45 sts on waste yarn or a stitch holder

Left point:

Fold hat in half with adjustable ties in back, PM, and K the first stitch in the row joining it in the round.

K 3 rnds.

Decrease row: K2tog, K 17 sts, skp, K 1, K2tog, K 18sts, skp, k1. [41 sts remaining]

Continue in this manner by decreasing 4 sts every 4^th rnd, until there are only 5 sts left.

Break yarn and thread through the remaining 5 sts cinching them tight to secure.

Right point:

Return remaining sts to needle(s), PM to mark beginning of rnd, K 4 rows.

Decrease row: K 9 sts, skp, k 1, k2tog, k 17, skp, k1, k2tog K 9. [41 sts remaining]

K three rows

Continue in this manner, decreasing 4 sts every 4^th rnd, until there are only 5 sts left.

Break yarn and thread through the remaining 5 sts cinching them tight to secure.

Finishing:

Weave in ends. Add pompoms to the ends of your hat points or tassels. Decorative buttons are cute too. Go wild; the hat isn’t meant to be serious and the only time one can wear such ridiculousness if they aren’t in the theatre, is under the age of 3 and over the age of 83.

Substitutions:

If you aren't a spinner or can't get your hands on some handspun in an appropriate weight, I suggest giving the following brands a try:

For lots of color Scotia Silk, Great Big Sea, or Blue Faced Leicester DK are nice. Koigu Kersti is a fab choice as well. If you want transitional color, try Migrations, Mitsuri, or Silk Garden. You could try a plain hat too or one with stripes out of Balance or Sublime Yarns Extrafine Merino Wool too.

Another Noro sock

That manages to make mine look rather simple and plain (but that's okay):

My socks are happy with their simplicity, I'm sure. Shown above is Sarah, one of our Sock Knitters Night regulars, showing off her latest finished sock - knit with Noro Kureyon Sock S185. She plugged in a very pretty stitch pattern, courtesy of Barbara Walker, and tried out one of Cat Bordhi's mind-blowing heels and toes from New Pathways for Sock Knitters.

Seriously, if you want to challenge yourself and destroy any preconceptions you had about sock knitting, check out this book. Ms Bordhi must be some sort of super genius, or something.

What were the rest of us knitting? you ask. We-ell, I'm afraid we were mostly the vanilla or ribbed sock knitters last night. Maybe I should bring in Pomatomus or Firestarter next time...

Gratis Knits: Winter 2008

Intended for incipient designers, Gratis Knits will be a platform for knitters to submit original and unpublished patterns (featuring a yarns and products available for sale at Knit Purl). A selected pattern will be featured in the next season's newsletter and the designer will receive a $50 gift card to the store. The deadline for the Spring 2008 Newsletter will be March 1, 2008. Please submit patterns to info (AT) knit-purl (DOT) com.

Snowdrops Socks

By Sara Morris

SIZES
Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL)

MEASUREMENTS
6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5)” foot circumference

MATERIALS

• 1 ball Noro Kureyon Sock (shown in color S180)
• set of 5 US 1.5/ 2.5mm 6” DPNs
• tapestry needle
• tape measurer
• 2 stitch markers

GAUGE
8 sts & 12 rows/ 1” in stockinette

NOTES:
This sock is knit from the toe-up.

SNOWDROP LACE INSERT: (worked over 11 sts)

• Row 1: YO, SL2K, YO, K5, YO, SL2K, YO

• Row 2 & all even rows: K11
• Row 3: YO, SL2K, YO, K5, YO, SL2K, YO
• Row 5: K3, YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO, K3
• Row 7: YO, SL2K, YO, K1, YO, SL2K, YO, K1, YO, SL2K, YO
• Row 8: K11

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOCK

Toe:

Using Turkish CO method; CO 22 sts over 2 DPNS (11 sts per needle) and knit one round. Redistribute stitches as follows: 5 sts on N1, 6 on N2, 5 on N3, and 6 on N4.

• Row 1: *K1, YO, K9, YO, K1* twice

• Row 2: *K1, K1 tbl, K9, K1 tbl, K1* twice
• Row 3: *K1, YO, K11, YO, K1* twice
• Row 4: *K1, K1 tbl, K11, K1 tbl, K1* twice

Continue increasing in this manner (4 sts every other row) until there are 34 sts TOTAL (17 on instep, 17 on sole). On next increase round (odd #’d row):

• K1, YO, K2, PM, work ‘Row 7’ of Snowdrop Lace insert, PM, K2, YO, K2, YO, K15, YO, K1.

On all even rows to follow: *K1, K1 tbl, K to last 2 sts on instep/ sole, K1 tbl, K1* twice. After this row start with Row 1 of Snowdrop Lace insert between the stitch markers.

Continue increasing the toe while working the Snowdrop Lace insert between stitch markers, until there are 50 (54, 58, 62, 66) stitches TOTAL.

Foot:

Work the stitches as established: K7 (8, 9, 10, 11), SM, work Snowdrop Lace insert, SM, K to end of round. Continue in this manner until sock measures 2” less than total foot length OR 7 (7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8)” from the CO edge. End with an even row.

Heel:

Work across the instep, keeping the Snowdrop Lace insert in pattern. The directions below are for the 25 (27, 29, 31, 33) heel sts on N3 & N4:

• Row 1: K 24 (26, 28, 30, 32), W&T
• Row 2: P 23 (25, 27, 29, 31), W&T
• Row 3: K to next unwrapped st, W&K
• Row 4: P to next unwrapped st, W&T.

Repeat Rows 3 & 4 until there are 11 sts that have not been wrapped. On the next row:

• K11, PU&K the wrap and stitch together, W&T (next st)
• P12, PU&P the wrap and stitch together, W&T
• RS: K to next wrapped st, PU&K the 2 wraps and stitch together, W&T
• WS: P to next wrapped st, PU&P the 2 wraps and stitch together, W&T

Continue in this manner until all stitches and their wraps have been worked. End with a WS row. Turn. K across 25 (27, 29, 31, 33) heel sts. New row starts here.

Leg:

Resume pattern as established in the foot:

• K7 (8, 9, 10, 11), SM, work Snowdrop Lace insert, SM, K to end of round.

Continue in this manner until piece measures approximately 9 (8.75, 8.5, 8.25, 8)" from the base of the heel. By this point the second repeat of the colorway should be close.

Cuff:

Rows 1 - 12: *K1, P1* across.

BO loosely. Work second sock as for first, starting it at the same point in the color repeats as the first if desired. Weave in ends and block.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABBREVIATIONS:

CO	Cast on
K	Knit
YO	Yarn over
K tbl	Knit stitch through the back of the loop
SSK	Slip, slip, knit
SL2K	Slip one stitch, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over
K2TOG	Knit 2 together
ST	Stitch
W&T	Wrap the next stitch and turn work
PU & K	Pick up and knit

True Plies: The Set-up

After some lengthy plotting brainstorming, the Blogger and I have decided to organize the blog. From now on, once a week every week (note to self), I shall present to you a very special review column, "True Plies".

About?, you ask. Knitting. Books, yarns, needles, and patterns. And now, without further "adieu", let's get started...

True Plies: New Kureyon Steps Up

by Sara Morris

Like many sock knitters before me, I had vowed not to knit with the Kureyon sock yarn. Previous encounters with Noro had left me a little disappointed. Until I saw the yarn in person, that is. You may recall that the yarn arrived on the day of the very first meeting of Knit/ Purl's Sock Knitters. The stars must have aligned or the Knitting Muse simply has a wicked sense of humor.

While receiving and displaying the new yarn, the prospect of Kureyon-colored socks wore me down. I snuck over to the display and quickly sqooshed it, the yarn didn't feel too scratchy. Thus defeated, I took home a ball that night and CO a swatch a couple of days later. The swatch went quickly and soon I was looking for a pattern and a recipient - handwash ONLY socks don't fit within my lifestyle, unfortunately. But both were found and a new pair of socks was started.

My review? I can't tell you yet how well the yarn will wear, but I have my suspicions. 30% nylon sounds promising. In many ways Kureyon sock reminds me of our old friend, Trekking. Durable, vibrant, and a little rough. I don't mind the slight roughness too much, but some knitters or wearers might. The fact that the yarn is single-ply doesn't worry me either. This yarn, like other Noro yarns, has been fulled a bit to keep it in shape. It shouldn't cause any problems on that account.

And, of course, the colorways are enough to make most knitters drool. The color repeats are a little longer than Trekking, but maybe about the same length as some Opal or Regal sock yarns. Just as you're about to get bored with one color, another one starts.

All in all, I'm quite pleasantly surprised by the yarn. My only, minor, complaint would be the occasional VM (vegetable matter) spun in with the ply. But that's common with in many brands of yarn and, well, it tells you that there was actually a sheep involved in the making of this yarn at some point in time. As much as it annoyed me at first, I have to admit that it is comforting in a way. And I can tug the rare twig or leaf out as I go, in any case.

Sooo, in this humble sock knitter's opinion, Noro Kureyon Sock gets 8 out of 10 happy toes. Not bad for a yarn I refused to touch at first!

Pimps versus Pushers

*sigh*

The scene:
My desk.

State of mind:
Calmly recuperating from the monthly trauma knows as "The Newsletter", cuppa tea in hand. The blepharospasm on my right and palsy in my left arm were slowly dissipating.

Enter stage right:
Secret Gay Husband* and my office mate Ninja.

The accusation:
Blogging Yarn Pimp.

The reaction (inside my head):
"Why I never!" and "Who do they think they are?" and "Do they know who they are talking to?" and also "People who have time to criticize obviously have too much time on their hands and are desperately in need of some menial manual labor. Perhaps something that involves tinking 5000 yards of lace weight mohair would be in order."

The reaction (in real life):
"Really You didn't like the blog post because you thought (cue sound in echo effect) the all knowing list was a shameless plot to hock yarn?"

Their point:
When I refer to (cue sound in echo effect) the all knowing list like I'm yodeling from a precipice on the Grand Canyon, it seems a tad shameless.

The explanation:
I was trying to look out for my peeps because I know what it feels like to be a much loved recipient of, uh... creative holiday presents. (Seriously, do not buy one of those for your fifth grader. She'll just think you're tetched)
It was my intention to offer an aid for the lost souls of the land frantically buying willy-nilly for their yarn lovers. A map of delicious goodness that they could give that was sure to please.
Honestly, there are folks out there who are suffering with indecision and I think it high time the madness stops.

The concept:
I prefer the concept of myself as "Yarn Pusher" versus "Yarn Pimp". Pimps don't have heart. They are only looking out for themselves and their investments. I don't mind if people think of me as the fiber equivalent of that sweaty guy down the hall in college who had the cloud that leaked from underneath his door and who proffered chugs from his beer-bong while he played Pink Floyd as the soundtrack to The Wizard of Oz in an eternal loop.

That guy was a yahoo-hippie, but he was always friendly, generous, and always made sure everyone was having a good time.

Limitations:
Now, those who know me and or have met my pet Stash, know I have what some term as "a weakness" for the sock yarn. I don't think of it so much as a weakness but as a deep yearning. A hunger so powerful, I swoon a bit as I pass by the sock wall in the store.
But I recognize there are boundaries. Namely, a life expectancy that (most-likely) won't extend beyond ninety-five, a formidable appetite for sock yarn, a muscular and healthy limb of sock yarn on Stash, and a landlord who demands I pay Stash's money for rent every month.

I can't do it alone. Try as I might, I cannot own all the yarn myself.
The magical solution:
So, I figure sharing is the best way to spread the love (and the yarn) around. If I can't own it and call it my own, then my neighbor should. If I have an extra can of soup and someone is hungry, logic dictates I share what I can to help those around me.

Here's what you can do:
Just as my neighbor should take the poor scared little yarn home to love and cherish, we should all open up our pantries and take a can (or two or three) and pass it on to someone who could use it. If you just scored a righteous bargain on whosits or whatsits while shopping, take the cash you saved and go load up at the grocery store. Go ahead, you save more when you buy in bulk anyway.
Participate in the food drive tonight at Stitch and Sip where you can also give homeless yarn a new fleece on life as a knitted charity donation.
You can't make it tonight? No worries, join in the fun and knit socks (or other stuff, we won't judge) on Monday nights with the sock addicts group, uh... er sock knitter's group. If you need motivation just read this testimonial from Fyberduck:

... we interrupt your normal blogging for an important YarNews Flash:

Noro Kureyon sock yarn!

Knit/ Purl now has Noro Kureyon sock yarn in stock!

Yes, you read correctly, Noro Kureyon sock yarn. Much like our familiar friend Kureyon, this new sock yarn is single-ply, thick-and-thin, and features loooong, vibrant color repeats. Unlike the traditional Kureyon, this is 30% nylon for durability and knits up at 7.5 sts/ inch on 3mm DPNs. For more information, check out our 7 new colorways or drop by the store :)

Posted by Fyberduck at 11:31 AM

The Sally Struthers:
...Didn't that just open up the cockles of your heart and make you feel gooey inside? Does it feel like you need to give some Kureon a good home? What about the food? You were planning on starting that diet at the beginning of the new year so and drop off some nutritious food tonight or throughout the year for the Oregon Food Bank.


* My Secrect Gay Husband has a new requirement in his contract: any reference of his title must include a link to his picture.