A sock club of one
Bet you thought my sock yarn stash would be bigger than this, hunh? One of the side benefits of always having multiple sock projects on the needles is that I’m always dipping into the sock yarn stash, so it stays a nice manageable size. Modest sock yarn stash, happy full sock drawer.
Those of you who have been reading since before the baby-induced Great Knitting Time Reduction know that I have a thing for sock knitting and sock yarn and the wearing of handknit socks. Love love love knitting socks. Love love love wearing handknit socks. So you probably werenÂ’t surprised to learn that IÂ’m a member of the 2007 Socks that Rock sock club, even though I have also been pretty forthcoming about the fact that knitalongs and the like give me a rash.
The great part about the sock club has been receiving a package of mystery yarn and a mystery pattern every other month. ItÂ’s coming from a reliably wonderful source, so thereÂ’s no risk of getting crap yarn, etc, and if I donÂ’t like the enclosed pattern I can always choose a different one. No problem. IÂ’ve rarely met a sock yarn I didnÂ’t like, so itÂ’s been a lot of fun to take part in the club this year. That said, IÂ’ve only been moved to cast on for one of the projects so far.
Renewal notifications went out to the current members recently and I had to decide if I wanted to re-up. As much fun as it was this year, I am on a budget and the club ainÂ’t cheap. YouÂ’re paying a premium to get colorways and patterns not yet available to the public, and frankly I donÂ’t give a damn about that. I can wait. Also, I wasnÂ’t sure I wanted to go for a second year of surprise yarn. I think IÂ’d like to choose my own, and IÂ’d like to try out some different dyers, just for variety.
If I rejoined the sock club, IÂ’d have to budget $18 a month for it, and get shipments every other month. Instead, IÂ’m going to take about the same money (give or take) and buy a skein of sock yarn from a different indie dyer each month. My own Indie Sock Club. IÂ’m pretty excited about it. I may even let myself start a month or two early. I plan to revisit favorites IÂ’ve already bought from, like Brooklyn Handspun, Vesper, and Fearless Fibers, but I also want to try others, like Painted Skeins, Sweet Georgia, etc. What indie dyers must I absolutely take a look at? Who are your favorites right now?
(Truth be told, thereÂ’s also likely to be more STR making it into the stash. IÂ’ve got a big crush on the new Ravens series. IÂ’ve always loved crows and ravens. Living in Portland now, finding that the crows are as common here as pigeons are back in New York, has been kind of wonderful. Spotting a field full of crows, hearing them caw back and forth to each other from the trees outside our bedroom windowÂ… I hope I never take the crows here for granted like I did the pigeons back in NYC. So yeahÂ…definitely some more raven sock yarn headed my way. And Lenore is knitting up beautifully. Yep…I want more of that series for sure.)
ETA: Thanks to Aura for reminding me of Twisted yarns. I’ve got some in the stash already (can you spot it? It’s a lovely orange skein) and definitely plan to go back for more. Lovely, lovely stuff.
My favorite indie dyer right now Sunshine Yarns: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=4375
Check out her new overdyes, they are gorgeous. I am also a big fan of Sundara sock yarns, her colors are really stunning.
Posted by: Bertha
I love twisted.etsy.com. Very cool organic stripes!
Posted by: Aura
My favorite indie dyer right now Sunshine Yarns: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=4375
Check out her new overdyes, they are gorgeous. I am also a big fan of Sundara sock yarns, her colors are really stunning.
Posted by: Bertha
I love twisted.etsy.com. Very cool organic stripes!
Posted by: Aura
My fave places to get lesser known sock yarns are woolgirl.com and loopyewe.com. They both sell some of the basics as well, but I’ve made a few fun discoveries through them.
Posted by: Vicki
Try Zen Garden over at etsy.com. And if you love having multiple projects going, try Tipsy Knitter over at etsy. She has the BEST little bags perfect for socks or other small projects. Great fabric prints to choose from.
Posted by: knittingnurse
Your sock yarn club for next year sounds nifty. Enjoy!
Posted by: Sarah
I have to second Bertha, I’ve been lusting over this one all day at Sunshine Yarns:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7743997
I’ve knit one pair of socks with her yarn and I love to wear them, and then had her custom dye some stash yarn for me and it’s beautiful.
Posted by: Johanna
A lady at my LYS could not stop raving about Claudia Hand Paints the other day – so I bought some 🙂 Tess’ Designer Yarns Super Sock and Baby is a great yarn that also smells really good. I’ve also had great luck with Woolarina yarns (http://www.woolarina.com/shop/index.php). On my wish list is anything from Sundara yarns (http://sundarayarn.typepad.com/sundara_yarn/.
Posted by: Jenna
I know Yvonne Ellsworth, who is LavenderSheep. She has great colors, decent prices, and she has a couple of places that she deals her yarn through, as well as her own website, lavendersheep.com She lives in Hood River, OR, about an hour or so from Portland on the Columbia River. Lots of trails and rivers and windsurfers to see in the summer. 🙂
Posted by: Karen
The one I’ve most recently checked out is Wollmeise, a German dyer who’s just opened up a webshop. Her colors are fantastic and come in three different intensities, so you can get exactly what you’re looking for. And you can order mini test-skeins of other colors to check them out. Really fun stuff – it’s not the cheapest, with the exchange rate, but it’s actually not that bad, and shipping is surprisingly fast.
Posted by: anne
My fave places to get lesser known sock yarns are woolgirl.com and loopyewe.com. They both sell some of the basics as well, but I’ve made a few fun discoveries through them.
Posted by: Vicki
Try Zen Garden over at etsy.com. And if you love having multiple projects going, try Tipsy Knitter over at etsy. She has the BEST little bags perfect for socks or other small projects. Great fabric prints to choose from.
Posted by: knittingnurse
Your sock yarn club for next year sounds nifty. Enjoy!
Posted by: Sarah
I have to second Bertha, I’ve been lusting over this one all day at Sunshine Yarns:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7743997
I’ve knit one pair of socks with her yarn and I love to wear them, and then had her custom dye some stash yarn for me and it’s beautiful.
Posted by: Johanna
A lady at my LYS could not stop raving about Claudia Hand Paints the other day – so I bought some 🙂 Tess’ Designer Yarns Super Sock and Baby is a great yarn that also smells really good. I’ve also had great luck with Woolarina yarns (http://www.woolarina.com/shop/index.php). On my wish list is anything from Sundara yarns (http://sundarayarn.typepad.com/sundara_yarn/.
Posted by: Jenna
I know Yvonne Ellsworth, who is LavenderSheep. She has great colors, decent prices, and she has a couple of places that she deals her yarn through, as well as her own website, lavendersheep.com She lives in Hood River, OR, about an hour or so from Portland on the Columbia River. Lots of trails and rivers and windsurfers to see in the summer. 🙂
Posted by: Karen
The one I’ve most recently checked out is Wollmeise, a German dyer who’s just opened up a webshop. Her colors are fantastic and come in three different intensities, so you can get exactly what you’re looking for. And you can order mini test-skeins of other colors to check them out. Really fun stuff – it’s not the cheapest, with the exchange rate, but it’s actually not that bad, and shipping is surprisingly fast.
Posted by: anne
Gee…you could start your very own KAL. 🙂
Posted by: Amy
Check out Yarn Nerd Yarns from The Loopy Ewe.
http://www.adamknits.com
Hard to believe he’s only been knitting for two years.
Posted by: Tiny Tyrant
Try Lisa Souza:
http://www.lisaknit.com/
and yarnforest:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5268814
Posted by: Celia
Sundara has gorgeous colors. Also, check out Sophie’s Toes on Etsy – I can verify that her yarn is scrumptious.
(http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=47909)
Posted by: ann
I know and love Melanie of LotusYarns – she has lovely colorways. I have several skeins of her yarn!
Posted by: Carrie
I’m not sure why the link didn’t work – but I’ll try again! Here’s Lotus Yarns: (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5137849)
Posted by: Carrie
That sounds like a great plan!
My favorites at the moment are Sundara Yarns (sundarayarn.typepad.com) and Woolly Boully (woollyboully.etsy.com). Have fun
Posted by: Risa
Gee…you could start your very own KAL. 🙂
Posted by: Amy
Check out Yarn Nerd Yarns from The Loopy Ewe.
http://www.adamknits.com
Hard to believe he’s only been knitting for two years.
Posted by: Tiny Tyrant
Try Lisa Souza:
http://www.lisaknit.com/
and yarnforest:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5268814
Posted by: Celia
Sundara has gorgeous colors. Also, check out Sophie’s Toes on Etsy – I can verify that her yarn is scrumptious.
(http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=47909)
Posted by: ann
I know and love Melanie of LotusYarns – she has lovely colorways. I have several skeins of her yarn!
Posted by: Carrie
I’m not sure why the link didn’t work – but I’ll try again! Here’s Lotus Yarns: (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5137849)
Posted by: Carrie
That sounds like a great plan!
My favorites at the moment are Sundara Yarns (sundarayarn.typepad.com) and Woolly Boully (woollyboully.etsy.com). Have fun
Posted by: Risa
Amen–what is that slavish desire to be the first and only with a colorway? I don’t get it.
I recommend my friend Gail, the Kangaroo Dyer. Her yarn is available at Webs and it’s really nice! Great reds and oranges, good yardage, strong as hell.
I had to exercise serious restraint with the Ravens….
Posted by: Cirilia
Oh, and it’s called Franklin!
Posted by: Cirilia
I haven’t knit socks with it, but http://www.theknittery.com/ have gorgeous merino and merino/cashmere handpainted 4 ply sock yarn and they’re Australian: merino straight from the source!
Posted by: fluffy geek
Psst. . . I have something to send you (don’t worry, it’s not sock yarn, I think you’re weighed down enough with that at the moment). Would you send me your mailing address?
Also, where did you get those beautiful clogs you’re wearing in the Tussie Mussie photos? I really feel like if I’m going to knit the sweater, I’ve gotta have the clogs to go with.
Posted by: jodi
Oh yeah, and I’ve gotten some lovely things lately from Violin Jodie, here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5218296. Her colours are intense and wonderful.
Posted by: jodi
Jana of Handmaiden (www.handmaiden.ca) is my best pal & she has some new sock yarn (cashmere & merino baby) that is to die for. We are starting our own group called SABS (socks-at-bars) where we’ll knit the crazy new Cat Bordhi sock patterns (http://www.catbordhi.com/NP1.html). At bars. We’re mamas with babes who need to get out of the house every once in a while. Too bad you don’t live in Vancouver!
Posted by: Kristy
Dream in Color Smooshy, ShibuKnits, Sleeping Dragon, Chewy Spaghetti and Seacoast Handpainted are some of my new favorites that haven’t been mentioned. Great online shops include yarn4socks.com, Simply Sock Yarn Company, and Sonny and Shear.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Jenn
Amen–what is that slavish desire to be the first and only with a colorway? I don’t get it.
I recommend my friend Gail, the Kangaroo Dyer. Her yarn is available at Webs and it’s really nice! Great reds and oranges, good yardage, strong as hell.
I had to exercise serious restraint with the Ravens….
Posted by: Cirilia
Oh, and it’s called Franklin!
Posted by: Cirilia
I haven’t knit socks with it, but http://www.theknittery.com/ have gorgeous merino and merino/cashmere handpainted 4 ply sock yarn and they’re Australian: merino straight from the source!
Posted by: fluffy geek
Psst. . . I have something to send you (don’t worry, it’s not sock yarn, I think you’re weighed down enough with that at the moment). Would you send me your mailing address?
Also, where did you get those beautiful clogs you’re wearing in the Tussie Mussie photos? I really feel like if I’m going to knit the sweater, I’ve gotta have the clogs to go with.
Posted by: jodi
Oh yeah, and I’ve gotten some lovely things lately from Violin Jodie, here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5218296. Her colours are intense and wonderful.
Posted by: jodi
Jana of Handmaiden (www.handmaiden.ca) is my best pal & she has some new sock yarn (cashmere & merino baby) that is to die for. We are starting our own group called SABS (socks-at-bars) where we’ll knit the crazy new Cat Bordhi sock patterns (http://www.catbordhi.com/NP1.html). At bars. We’re mamas with babes who need to get out of the house every once in a while. Too bad you don’t live in Vancouver!
Posted by: Kristy
Dream in Color Smooshy, ShibuKnits, Sleeping Dragon, Chewy Spaghetti and Seacoast Handpainted are some of my new favorites that haven’t been mentioned. Great online shops include yarn4socks.com, Simply Sock Yarn Company, and Sonny and Shear.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Jenn
I really like hello yarns! Adrian has some great colors and a variety of weights.
Your plan for next year sounds great. I can’t wait to see the yarn you get.
And (belated) welcome to Portland!
Posted by: Jenn M
I love the small ravens we have in the Pacific Northwest. My sister has done a series of paintings from Saltspring Island. They are as small as crows, but very smart. Perhaps they are your neighbours.
Posted by: Angie
I just recently got some Madeline Tosh from yarn4socks.com and I LOVE it. I’m having a hard time deciding what to pattern to make.
I have been lusting after some of Sundara’s yarns but haven’t been lucky enough to have the $$ for them when she updates her shop.
Also have to inclue Yarn Pirate (www.yarnpirate.com) her yarns are AWESOME! I’ve met her and she’s seriously cool as well.
Posted by: Stephanie
What beautiful sock yarn! Very envious. I can only point you to the knittery (linked in a previous comment) they are australian, and I’ve only bought the 4 ply merino, but its lovely.
Posted by: Sharon
i think it was already mentioned, but sundara yarns (not just sock yarn!) are really nice…and i htink she’s up in the seattle/portland area!
Posted by: elaine
I’ll second Yarn Pirate. I want to try Yarn Chef and DharmaFey, both on Etsy. Beautiful colors.
Posted by: Beth
love the glimpse at the sock yarn stash. that could totally be claudia’s stash. great minds think alike, eh. 🙂
Posted by: carolyn
I really like hello yarns! Adrian has some great colors and a variety of weights.
Your plan for next year sounds great. I can’t wait to see the yarn you get.
And (belated) welcome to Portland!
Posted by: Jenn M
I love the small ravens we have in the Pacific Northwest. My sister has done a series of paintings from Saltspring Island. They are as small as crows, but very smart. Perhaps they are your neighbours.
Posted by: Angie
I just recently got some Madeline Tosh from yarn4socks.com and I LOVE it. I’m having a hard time deciding what to pattern to make.
I have been lusting after some of Sundara’s yarns but haven’t been lucky enough to have the $$ for them when she updates her shop.
Also have to inclue Yarn Pirate (www.yarnpirate.com) her yarns are AWESOME! I’ve met her and she’s seriously cool as well.
Posted by: Stephanie
What beautiful sock yarn! Very envious. I can only point you to the knittery (linked in a previous comment) they are australian, and I’ve only bought the 4 ply merino, but its lovely.
Posted by: Sharon
i think it was already mentioned, but sundara yarns (not just sock yarn!) are really nice…and i htink she’s up in the seattle/portland area!
Posted by: elaine
I’ll second Yarn Pirate. I want to try Yarn Chef and DharmaFey, both on Etsy. Beautiful colors.
Posted by: Beth
love the glimpse at the sock yarn stash. that could totally be claudia’s stash. great minds think alike, eh. 🙂
Posted by: carolyn
Oh my goodness, if I ever have several hundred bucks to blow in perfect happiness, I’ll come back I read the comments.
I like Emily Parsons/Sophie’s Toes at Etsy. I think she advertises on Knitty. Not technically savvy enough to link…
Posted by: Anne
That’s a great idea! I think I need to give myself permission for an “extravagance” like that.
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson
Deb at Fearless Fibers has some GORGEOUS colorways, and she’s in the Portland area, too. 🙂 I’d also recommend the lovely stuff at Ball and Skein.
Posted by: Katinka
Good luck finding Sweet Georgia – she’s not dyeing anymore.
My favourite indie dyer is Indigo Moon – http://www.indigomoonyarns.com/
Her colours are just fabulous!
Posted by: Dotty
Um, I dye some… http://crazymonkey.etsy.com — I do small batches of colors I like to put together, and will do some unique dyes if requested. 🙂
Posted by: Christy Cooper
Mmmm, socks…
Okay, I love the Yartini colors. I bought some in a colorway called Tequila Sunrise awhile back, and it’s so lovely I may have to put it in a vase. They sell Yarntini at Twisted, on NE Broadway and (I think) 28th. I love that shop.
And are you going to the Blue Moon stash sale this weekend? I’m kind of giddy with the thought of getting to play with it all.
Posted by: Avalynda
Not a suggestion but a question. From whom did you get the fabulous tiger-striped yarn?
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
Oh my goodness, if I ever have several hundred bucks to blow in perfect happiness, I’ll come back I read the comments.
I like Emily Parsons/Sophie’s Toes at Etsy. I think she advertises on Knitty. Not technically savvy enough to link…
Posted by: Anne
That’s a great idea! I think I need to give myself permission for an “extravagance” like that.
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson
Deb at Fearless Fibers has some GORGEOUS colorways, and she’s in the Portland area, too. 🙂 I’d also recommend the lovely stuff at Ball and Skein.
Posted by: Katinka
Good luck finding Sweet Georgia – she’s not dyeing anymore.
My favourite indie dyer is Indigo Moon – http://www.indigomoonyarns.com/
Her colours are just fabulous!
Posted by: Dotty
Um, I dye some… http://crazymonkey.etsy.com — I do small batches of colors I like to put together, and will do some unique dyes if requested. 🙂
Posted by: Christy Cooper
Mmmm, socks…
Okay, I love the Yartini colors. I bought some in a colorway called Tequila Sunrise awhile back, and it’s so lovely I may have to put it in a vase. They sell Yarntini at Twisted, on NE Broadway and (I think) 28th. I love that shop.
And are you going to the Blue Moon stash sale this weekend? I’m kind of giddy with the thought of getting to play with it all.
Posted by: Avalynda
Not a suggestion but a question. From whom did you get the fabulous tiger-striped yarn?
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
don’t forget Dani at Sunshine yarns!
Posted by: Kate
I’m absolutely shocked that two of my favorites haven’t been mentioned– Wollmeise– amazing sock yarn from Claudia in Germany. Dyeing genious, very hard twist to her merino superwash. Love it. http://www.wollmeise-yarnshop.de/ (Click on the US flag for English. It’s 12 Euro/skein with VAT reduction for non-Europeans)
The other one– and I hate telling people about her because items FLY out of her etsy shop— but you should certainly check out Pigeonroof Studios. She’s been in a nasy accident, but she still updates the shop. Amazing.
Posted by: Deb
Wow. Your comments are a goldmine of good suggestions.
I like Sundara at the moment, and my Zen Garden is seriously nice yarn.
Posted by: claudia
i just got the notice for the sock club, too, and finally decided that i didn’t have the money (really and truly) for it. i was kind of regretting the decision, but then i read this post and i enjoy the idea of this much more. thanks for the great idea and happy hunting!
Posted by: duni
I also recommend Sunshine Yarns on etsy. I met Dani at Rhinebeck and got to see many of her colorways in person–they are vibrant and really beautiful! Even though it was really hard to choose a color, I managed to ordered a couple of skeins from her recently. They arrived quickly and I can’t wait to start knitting them up. The comments on this thread are giving me tons of ideas of where to look for sock yarn. Thanks!
Posted by: Jennifer
I was debating about whether or not to renew my STR membership but I caved in after receiving the Lenore shipment. I like your idea though!
Posted by: Knittripps
I’ve been very happy with the yarn I received from KnitPixie and The Knittery–such beautiful colors, such squishy yarn!
Posted by: Jamie
don’t forget Dani at Sunshine yarns!
Posted by: Kate
I’m absolutely shocked that two of my favorites haven’t been mentioned– Wollmeise– amazing sock yarn from Claudia in Germany. Dyeing genious, very hard twist to her merino superwash. Love it. http://www.wollmeise-yarnshop.de/ (Click on the US flag for English. It’s 12 Euro/skein with VAT reduction for non-Europeans)
The other one– and I hate telling people about her because items FLY out of her etsy shop— but you should certainly check out Pigeonroof Studios. She’s been in a nasy accident, but she still updates the shop. Amazing.
Posted by: Deb
Wow. Your comments are a goldmine of good suggestions.
I like Sundara at the moment, and my Zen Garden is seriously nice yarn.
Posted by: claudia
i just got the notice for the sock club, too, and finally decided that i didn’t have the money (really and truly) for it. i was kind of regretting the decision, but then i read this post and i enjoy the idea of this much more. thanks for the great idea and happy hunting!
Posted by: duni
I also recommend Sunshine Yarns on etsy. I met Dani at Rhinebeck and got to see many of her colorways in person–they are vibrant and really beautiful! Even though it was really hard to choose a color, I managed to ordered a couple of skeins from her recently. They arrived quickly and I can’t wait to start knitting them up. The comments on this thread are giving me tons of ideas of where to look for sock yarn. Thanks!
Posted by: Jennifer
I was debating about whether or not to renew my STR membership but I caved in after receiving the Lenore shipment. I like your idea though!
Posted by: Knittripps
I’ve been very happy with the yarn I received from KnitPixie and The Knittery–such beautiful colors, such squishy yarn!
Posted by: Jamie
OOPS! I so meant SockPixie, not KnitPixie, which seems to be something else entirely. Sorry!
Posted by: Jamie
What a great idea! I too was in the 2007 Rockin’ Sock Club but I decided I didn’t want to go for it again (as much as I enjoyed it). I want to choose my own yarns but never thought of doing it the way you described. I may just join in the fun 🙂 I’m sure there are others who might be interested in doing this too – perhaps a blog/yahoo group is in order??
As for dyers – I discovered Sweet Georgia just as she was shutting down (I still hope she will come back!) and I did manage to acquire a nice stash of her yarns. I have to second Dotty’s vote for Indigo Moon though – Trish has a super eye for color! I HIGHLY recommended checking out her offerings. http://www.indigomoonyarns.com/hand_painted.html
Posted by: Amanda
One year of STR was enough for me to. Glad I did it, not interested in a second round.
I’ve been getting into mohair blends because I find merino wears out so fast. I like Apple Laine which is wool/mohair/silk and dyed in a manner that looks like Koigu. I love Schaefer Anne, a wool/mohair/nylon blend, for the colors and the feel, but the yarn is so fine it takes a long time to make something to fit my big feet.
Posted by: LaurieM
spunky eclectic, hello yarn, spirit trial fiberworks. Those are the top 3 that make my stash. 🙂
Posted by: anj
LOL, everyone’s beaten me to most! (Oh, but go look at Yarn Forest’s Aurora 6; I haven’t knit it yet, but it feels and looks fantabulous!) But aha, I have one more local dyer. I haven’t purchased from her yet, but Shelley at Butternut Woolens
http://www.butternutwoolens.com/
has some fantastic grays in her Super Sock recently. Got to meet her at OFFF, and things looked gorgeous.
As well as crows, keep an ear out for Canada geese flying over in migration season. (I always get chills down my neck whenever I’m lucky enough to hear them.) And if you do go out to the Blue Moon sale, look north towards the Columbia after you pass Sauvie Island. Those white dots you’ll see on the ground in the distance are flocks of whistling swans (wups, tundra now,) or possibly trumpeter swans.
Posted by: MonicaPDX
It sounds like you’ve got enough local options that you could do a 100-mile sock club! We’ve been doing this for food (trying to eat as locally as possible – check this out for inspiration – http://100milediet.org/) but I hadn’t thought of it for yarn! I’ll watch your progress with interest!
Posted by: Cath
That is an idea great enough to be worthy of your wonderful sock yarn stash. Others have mentioned her, but Dani’s yarns (Sunshine yarns) are lovely if you’ve never worked with them. I’m into the Pumpkin Latte I got from the Plucky Knitter right now, too.
Posted by: Amy
OOPS! I so meant SockPixie, not KnitPixie, which seems to be something else entirely. Sorry!
Posted by: Jamie
What a great idea! I too was in the 2007 Rockin’ Sock Club but I decided I didn’t want to go for it again (as much as I enjoyed it). I want to choose my own yarns but never thought of doing it the way you described. I may just join in the fun 🙂 I’m sure there are others who might be interested in doing this too – perhaps a blog/yahoo group is in order??
As for dyers – I discovered Sweet Georgia just as she was shutting down (I still hope she will come back!) and I did manage to acquire a nice stash of her yarns. I have to second Dotty’s vote for Indigo Moon though – Trish has a super eye for color! I HIGHLY recommended checking out her offerings. http://www.indigomoonyarns.com/hand_painted.html
Posted by: Amanda
One year of STR was enough for me to. Glad I did it, not interested in a second round.
I’ve been getting into mohair blends because I find merino wears out so fast. I like Apple Laine which is wool/mohair/silk and dyed in a manner that looks like Koigu. I love Schaefer Anne, a wool/mohair/nylon blend, for the colors and the feel, but the yarn is so fine it takes a long time to make something to fit my big feet.
Posted by: LaurieM
spunky eclectic, hello yarn, spirit trial fiberworks. Those are the top 3 that make my stash. 🙂
Posted by: anj
LOL, everyone’s beaten me to most! (Oh, but go look at Yarn Forest’s Aurora 6; I haven’t knit it yet, but it feels and looks fantabulous!) But aha, I have one more local dyer. I haven’t purchased from her yet, but Shelley at Butternut Woolens
http://www.butternutwoolens.com/
has some fantastic grays in her Super Sock recently. Got to meet her at OFFF, and things looked gorgeous.
As well as crows, keep an ear out for Canada geese flying over in migration season. (I always get chills down my neck whenever I’m lucky enough to hear them.) And if you do go out to the Blue Moon sale, look north towards the Columbia after you pass Sauvie Island. Those white dots you’ll see on the ground in the distance are flocks of whistling swans (wups, tundra now,) or possibly trumpeter swans.
Posted by: MonicaPDX
It sounds like you’ve got enough local options that you could do a 100-mile sock club! We’ve been doing this for food (trying to eat as locally as possible – check this out for inspiration – http://100milediet.org/) but I hadn’t thought of it for yarn! I’ll watch your progress with interest!
Posted by: Cath
That is an idea great enough to be worthy of your wonderful sock yarn stash. Others have mentioned her, but Dani’s yarns (Sunshine yarns) are lovely if you’ve never worked with them. I’m into the Pumpkin Latte I got from the Plucky Knitter right now, too.
Posted by: Amy
Dyebolical Yarns on etsy is my fave. All her colors are inspired by comic books and superheros.
Rachel makes a “Flash” colorway that might appeal to you.
Posted by: sarahkate
I admit that since I started dyeing (for myself, not commmercially), I prefer to dye my own sock yarn, so I don’t have any suggestions for you. I think mostly I just like to be surprised at how it turns out. Yes, I’m easily amused.
If you do get to missing pigeons, there’s a large flock that hangs out most of the time in Lovejoy Foutain Park, near where I work (south end of downtown): http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark=242
My favorite crow is story is when a flock of them were flying down to dive bomb a raccoon, who had climbed a 20-ft cherry tree to get at the fruit. All the squawking and cawing brought us outside to watch.
Posted by: BigAlice
I should add that although I saw the pigeons Tuesday, flying over, they’re more likely to be there when the fountain is on (I think April->September, but I’m not sure of the dates)
Posted by: BigAlice
Definitely check out White Willow’s store on etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=40138
Her yarn is lovely to work with and her colorways are amazing! She’s a bit low on stock right now (her little boy’s been ill, but he’s on the mend now!) but bookmark her! You’ll be glad you did. I’m doing a pair of Jaywalkers in her Rainbow Sherbert color scheme and, honestly, I want sherbert and lots of it every time I pull them out.
Which, I realize, is not a good thing.
Posted by: Em
Hi, I love Wollmeise’s yarn even though it is a tiny bit splitty: http://www.rohrspatzundwollmeise.de/flash_content/rohrspatzundwollmeise.html
Karin
Posted by: Karin
Ah! I am jealous of your sock yarn! I’m halfway through my first sock, and already I feel the need to drop everything and start more. 🙂 As for indie dyers, if you want original colorways with original names, I like http://www.dkknits.etsy.com
Posted by: Amber
Dyebolical Yarns on etsy is my fave. All her colors are inspired by comic books and superheros.
Rachel makes a “Flash” colorway that might appeal to you.
Posted by: sarahkate
I admit that since I started dyeing (for myself, not commmercially), I prefer to dye my own sock yarn, so I don’t have any suggestions for you. I think mostly I just like to be surprised at how it turns out. Yes, I’m easily amused.
If you do get to missing pigeons, there’s a large flock that hangs out most of the time in Lovejoy Foutain Park, near where I work (south end of downtown): http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark=242
My favorite crow is story is when a flock of them were flying down to dive bomb a raccoon, who had climbed a 20-ft cherry tree to get at the fruit. All the squawking and cawing brought us outside to watch.
Posted by: BigAlice
I should add that although I saw the pigeons Tuesday, flying over, they’re more likely to be there when the fountain is on (I think April->September, but I’m not sure of the dates)
Posted by: BigAlice
Definitely check out White Willow’s store on etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=40138
Her yarn is lovely to work with and her colorways are amazing! She’s a bit low on stock right now (her little boy’s been ill, but he’s on the mend now!) but bookmark her! You’ll be glad you did. I’m doing a pair of Jaywalkers in her Rainbow Sherbert color scheme and, honestly, I want sherbert and lots of it every time I pull them out.
Which, I realize, is not a good thing.
Posted by: Em
Hi, I love Wollmeise’s yarn even though it is a tiny bit splitty: http://www.rohrspatzundwollmeise.de/flash_content/rohrspatzundwollmeise.html
Karin
Posted by: Karin
Ah! I am jealous of your sock yarn! I’m halfway through my first sock, and already I feel the need to drop everything and start more. 🙂 As for indie dyers, if you want original colorways with original names, I like http://www.dkknits.etsy.com
Posted by: Amber
http://www.simplysockyarn.com/StoreFront.bok does a mini-sock club in the summer-fall (Aug-Sept-Oct). It is three months of yarn from small dyers, enough for a pair in colorways that will not be repeated and not available in the dyer’s normal offerings. No patterns, just yarn because as she says–there are enough patterns and intelligent people out there knitting socks.
Posted by: grace
I just found your blog from the Yarn Harlot. Being a dog person, I was intrigued by the name…and just wanted to let you know that I’ve posted a few of my homemade dog treat recipes on my blog, so if you feel the urge, check them out…i’m sure you’re little guys would love them!
Posted by: Sara
iwww.indigomoonyarns.com
Posted by: entangled
An excellent idea. I’m partial to Chewy Spaghetti and Etsy’s Fearless Fibers and Hazel Knits. And I’m totally in love with the STR Raven series, too.
Posted by: mindy
I have bought sock yarn from Cider Moon. They have great colors and a variety of types of yarn.
Kristina
Posted by: Kristina
My vote goes to http://www.poshyarn.co.uk, fantastic hand dyed yarns, several sock yarn options. Dee does a weekly sale on a Sunday evening and there is always something I covet!
Posted by: Shell
Lisa Souza’s my favorite. lisaknit.com
Posted by: AlisonH
http://www.simplysockyarn.com/StoreFront.bok does a mini-sock club in the summer-fall (Aug-Sept-Oct). It is three months of yarn from small dyers, enough for a pair in colorways that will not be repeated and not available in the dyer’s normal offerings. No patterns, just yarn because as she says–there are enough patterns and intelligent people out there knitting socks.
Posted by: grace
I just found your blog from the Yarn Harlot. Being a dog person, I was intrigued by the name…and just wanted to let you know that I’ve posted a few of my homemade dog treat recipes on my blog, so if you feel the urge, check them out…i’m sure you’re little guys would love them!
Posted by: Sara
iwww.indigomoonyarns.com
Posted by: entangled
An excellent idea. I’m partial to Chewy Spaghetti and Etsy’s Fearless Fibers and Hazel Knits. And I’m totally in love with the STR Raven series, too.
Posted by: mindy
I have bought sock yarn from Cider Moon. They have great colors and a variety of types of yarn.
Kristina
Posted by: Kristina
My vote goes to http://www.poshyarn.co.uk, fantastic hand dyed yarns, several sock yarn options. Dee does a weekly sale on a Sunday evening and there is always something I covet!
Posted by: Shell
Lisa Souza’s my favorite. lisaknit.com
Posted by: AlisonH
I am crazy for http://www.madelinetosh.com/index.php?main_page=index=4. Her colors are so vibrant they are practically alive. I feel the same way about handknit socks and wear handknit socks everyday. It’s a rare day when I wear store-bought socks. I’ll only buys shoes that show off the handknits too.
Posted by: Kim
This is a good idea! However I don’t have any self control. I did join again next year. I think I’m as addicted to “happy” mail as I am to sock yarn;) Sheepaints really has some beautiful yarns. I found her through Woolgirl.com (another Oregonian).
Posted by: deb
I am crazy for http://www.madelinetosh.com/index.php?main_page=index=4. Her colors are so vibrant they are practically alive. I feel the same way about handknit socks and wear handknit socks everyday. It’s a rare day when I wear store-bought socks. I’ll only buys shoes that show off the handknits too.
Posted by: Kim
This is a good idea! However I don’t have any self control. I did join again next year. I think I’m as addicted to “happy” mail as I am to sock yarn;) Sheepaints really has some beautiful yarns. I found her through Woolgirl.com (another Oregonian).
Posted by: deb