TGIF mes amis!! I know it's been a week since I last posted but what can I say, life's not so crafty when you've got tendinitis in both of your wrists. But I'm happy to report that I've started a weaving project a few days ago and it has been great fun so far. I haven't used my loom in years but I've discovered that weaving is like riding a bike: once I started the process of setting up the warp everything started to feel familiar again and everything fell into place. Even the Mister agreed, since he's usually the one that has to help me wind the warp onto the loom. For those of you who don't weave, as far as I know at least, when doing a direct warping onto a rigid heddle loom there's one person holding the free end of the warp with some tension as a second person winds the other end onto the back apron rod. Technically you can do a solo warp and I've seen video tutorials on how to do that, but I definitely haven't reached that level of weaving confidence yet! There's probably other ways to do a direct wrap but that's as far as my weaving knowledge goes.
Anyhoo, guess what? I've also been knitting these past couple of days!! Well...I've only been able to knit for a few minutes here and there but still, I'm knitting! YAY!! Even though the knitting is slow going and it's so hard to put down the needles once you get back into the groove, I really don't want to push or injure myself any further so I have to work hard to limit myself to just a few minutes of knitting at a time. To avoid putting any excessive stress on my wrists I have to refrain from working on any large and heavy projects. Obviously that means no cardigan knitting for me and only knits that can fit entirely in my hand. You know what that means, right? Socks!
Unfortunately the two pairs that I currently have on the needles are just too fiddly for my fragile wrists, so it was absolutely perfect timing when a lovely package from Spud & Chloë arrived in the post containing a skein of their new Stripey Fine fingering weight yarn and a sock pattern for little ones! Ok, I'll confess straight up that I knew that these little gems were on their way, I just didn't know that I would have a legit reason to cast on something new and that it would be within my knitting parameters! But first, let me introduce to you the newest yarn added to the Spud & Chloë line up:
Clockwise beginning at the top: Blueberry Cheesecake, Tootie Fruitie, Grape Freeze,
Cherry Sundae, Neopolitan, Orange Crush, and Mint Chip in the center
That there is the yummy Stripey Fine!! If you're familiar with Spud & Chloë yarns and have knit with their Fine yarn before, than you'll be pleased to know that Stripey Fine is made with the same base comprising of 80% superwash wool and 20% silk, and comes in seven fabulous (and deliciously named!!) colourways as pictured above. Each variegated colourway is composed from the solid-coloured Fine palette, meaning not only can you mix and match for colourwork, stripes, and whatever other effect you can think of, but you can also find the exact colour(s) needed to create a contrast in your project - like for example the toe, heel, and cuff for socks! Due to the fine gauge and the superwash capabilities, this yarn is perfect for socks, baby knits, shawls, and cowls.
The Stripey Fine Wristlets pattern is the first design to be released that features Stripey Fine but I chose the Lots O' Socks pattern so that I could knit the Munchkin a pair of socks and let him pick the colourway. Even though the pattern is written for babies and toddlers, the kiddo has teeny, tiny, skinny legs that work perfectly with the numbers in the pattern and all I have to do is knit a little extra length in the foot to fit him. As much as I would have loved to knit with the Cherry Sundae colourway (which I'm sure you all probably thought I would have picked), the kiddo's choice was this beauty of a skein, Mint Chip:
Random factoid: both mine and the Mister's favourite ice cream flavour is Mint Chocolate Chip. True story!
Anyhoo, due to my wrists I've only managed to knit half of a sock, but it was enough to at least get a feel for the yarn. I've only ever knit with Spud & Chloë Sweater yarn before knitting with the Stripey Fine so from that experience I kind of knew that I was going to be dealing with a standup, quality yarn. Sure enough, before I even cast on the sock I could already tell that this yarn was going to create knit wear that was going to last. From sight alone you can see just how wonderfully round this yarn is and that it would yield excellent stitch definition, especially in lace and texture work. Upon closer examination and a little manhandling, I discovered that the yarn is composed of three strands - each consisting of two plies - all twisted together to form a bouncy (re: so, so squishy!!) and super strong yarn. Yes, even if the Munchkin wore these socks on a daily basis I'm quite positive that he'll outgrow them before any holes could form in the heels or toes! Did I mention that Stripey Fine is also superwash and therefore machine washable? Total bonus. I can't wait to get these socks finished and onto the kiddo's feet. With these rainy, cold, and dreary days that we've been having, these Stripey Fine socks are going to be fantastic when worn with his rain boots!
I'm seriously contemplating knitting in an afterthought heel so that I can add length and replace the heel as the Munchkin grows. Even when the leftovers are all gone, I take comfort in knowing that I can always pick up a skein in one of the solids that make up this colourway (in case any one wants to know, Mint Chip consists of: #7804 Cricket, #7814 Shitake, #7806 Calypso, #7805 Anemone, and #7800 Popcorn) and replace the heel or toe as needed. Cool, right?
Now, the only thing that might be confusing to some would be the stripey reference in the yarn's name. Depending on your gauge and pattern I suppose you can produce a self-striping effect, like how it is in my sock pictured above. Please don't knit this yarn expecting a true self-striping pattern, it is a variegated. When you take a peek at all the Spud & Chloë colourways you'll see that they're all solids, Stripey Fine is the only yarn in their product lineup that isn't. I just wanted to clarify that.
So...would you like to give this yarn and pattern a try? The lovely people at Spud & Chloë gave me an extra skein of Stripey Fine and copy of Lots O' Socks to give away to one lucky reader! If you're too impatient and need to have this yarn in your hands now, good news: Stripey Fine has already made its way to a bunch of yarn shops and if your LYS carries Spud & Chloë they might have it already in stock too (and if your LYS doesn't carry Spud & Chloë there's no harm in asking them to!). And if you've been looking for a sock pattern for your wee ones, here's even better news, use the code "STRIPEY" from February 6 to the 14th (Valentine's Day!) and get 50% off the Lots O' Socks pattern!! Link for the socks here.
Ok, back to the giveaway. Once again, you can win this duo:
:: THE PRIZE ::
One lucky winner will receive:
:: 1 yummy skein of Spud & Chloë Stripey Fine in the Mint Chip colourway
:: a copy of the Lots O' Socks pattern by Colleen Powley
:: THE RULES ::
:: The giveaway is open to everyone!! YAY!!
:: Giveaway is open until Friday, February 13, 2015 at 11:59pm PST
:: All comments must include a valid email address or Ravelry ID so that I can contact you if you are the winner
:: Winner will be chosen via random number generator and will be contacted within 48 hours after giveaway ends
:: HOW TO ENTER ::
Simply leave a comment below telling me which Stripey Fine colourway is your favourite and what you would knit with it. Don't forget to also include your email or Ravelry ID with your comment!
Good luck!
A huge thank you to Spud & Chloë for inviting me to be a part of the Stripey Fine Blog Tour. Follow the Blog Tour by visiting the other stops for more giveaways, information on the other colourways in this collection, as well as more discounts for other Spud & Chloë patterns:
Week One :: Subway Knits
Week Two :: Miso Crafty Knits
Week Three :: Little Things Blogged
Week Four :: Hands Occupied
Week Five :: Candy & Bagel
Week Six :: Stockinette Zombies
Week Seven :: Handmade By Stefanie
♥ Happy Knitting! ♥
Please note: unmarked photo(s) in this post are by Spud & Chloë and are used with permission.
:: Disclaimer ::
I am not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post. I received no monetary compensation from said company for my review. I was sent a skein of yarn for review purposes and a pattern to knit the yarn with in exchange for posting the review. The opinions I've written are my own and I will not be receiving any commissions from the links provided in this post.
I'd love to knit with the Mint Chocolate chip or the Blueberry Cheesecake. Those are all gorgeous colourways! I'd likely be very boring and make a pair of vanilla socks (or mittens if I'm feeling a little cray-cray).
ReplyDeleteRAV: jacflash
The grape freeze and cherry sundae are calling me... I'd make socks for myself. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, so much stripey goodness! That sock pattern collection looks really sweet. I think I like Neapolitan or Orange Crush the best- it's so hard to decide! (Rav ID: knittedblissJC)
ReplyDeleteRave ID KarenPre
ReplyDeleteWould definitely choose cherry sundae & knit up squishy soft socks ;)
I LOVE the mint chip! Also my son's favourite colours, so I would love to knit him a pair of socks with it:):)
ReplyDeleteCherry Sundae is my favorite, with Orange Cream a close second. Thanks. Savannagal on Rav.
ReplyDeleteOrange Crush! Although they are all "delicious" looking!
ReplyDeletehannahkzun@gmail.com
Prairie-Knitter : Rav ID
ReplyDeleteLoving the Mint Chocolate Chip :-) I would make either socks or something for my toddler!
Great prize!
ReplyDeleteMint chocolate chip is my favorite color. I even have some brown fine that I could use for heels and toes if I win.
Rav name: javajennie
DeleteSorry about that!
Love this color! I want socks made from it! Knitterutah or barnettvikki@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI did what you did, and my kiddo picked the same one: Mint Chocolate Chip. Personally, I think Tutti Fruitt is pretty darn cute, but the kiddo is already growing out of his last pair of socks, so...
ReplyDeleteTishkette on Rav
I'm loving the mint chip and cherry sundae colourways... they would make deliciously colourful socks!!
ReplyDeleteRav: crescendoknits
Grape Freeze is gorgeous! Been meaning to cast on socks for my two little ones--hopefully they'll knit up faster than the ones I've been working on for myself...
ReplyDeleteRavelry ID thelizzybee
Tootie Fruitie for sure, because a kind friend is letting me stay at her place for the month, and she has 4yr old twins, and I know they would love some socks :)
ReplyDeleteLauraNicole on Ravelry!
Super lovely. I'm digging on the neopolitan! I think I would match it up with some solid and knit up some rocking colorwork mittens! (Rav: mandiej367)
ReplyDeleteBlueberry cheesecake and Neapolitan are calling to me, with mint chip not far behind! I'd knit socks!
ReplyDeleteRav ID akspinedoc
ok so the mint chip colourway is super nice! I also am LOVING the orange crush. swoon. i'd totally knit socks or mittens with it! xo rav id: gundyknitter oxoxo
ReplyDeleteI love the cherry sundae colorway! I'd make fingerless mitts or combine it with a spud and Chloe fine solid colorway to make the Leftie shawl 😃. RavID: -bebe
ReplyDeleteI love the Grape Freeze and would knit socks because I am utterly & completely obsessed with socks
ReplyDeleteRav: pgknittingnurse
I would make lovely socks with grape freeze. RavID IronicalKnitter
ReplyDeleteTutie Fruitie would make a cute pair of socks! TheNekkidSheep on Rav.
ReplyDeletePS - my first attempt at commenting got eaten when I had to sign in on Google after making it. Kinda irritating.
Cherry Sundae is a clear favourite for me, but they're all so nice! Glad to hear your wrists are getting better.
ReplyDeleteMint chip!! I would knit a lovely pair of socks! amnarloch@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteReally, I have to pick just one? Probably have to go with Neopolitan. It's pretty enough to get me to finally try my hand knitting a pair of socks. (Rav id: acgknit)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely in looooove with Cherry Sundae. Hello fabulous mittens. I'll be daydreaming about casting those beauties on. But, I do need to work on my sock skills, and Mint Chocolate Chip is calling my name and my needles ;D
ReplyDeleteangelarichie123@Gmail.com
Loving grape freeze, so cute! Ravelry Id di327
ReplyDeleteIt's a toss up between mint chip and orange crush. I would knit up a pair of socks and try them on one small circular, which I've been dying to try. Rav ID Claire06
ReplyDeleteLove blueberry cheesecake. I am new to knitting one year and I am on my second pair of socks I would love to see this knitted into a toe up pattern. My email is levisgirl56@aol.com
ReplyDeleteBlueberry cheesecake is my favorite, but I love them all!! Rosmith1@aol.com
ReplyDeleteOoh Cherry Sundae or Neopolitan. I would make sock! ispy11461@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHard for me to choose between Cherry Sundae and Orange Crush. I think I would knit some fingerless gloves with them.
ReplyDeleteellaetc@gmail.com
I tried to just edit my last post, since I forgot my Revelry name in it. I love the Mint Chip and Neapolitan, which would both make some lovely socks.
ReplyDeleteRav name: knitney-j
Wow, they are all beautiful. I think Grape Freeze is my favorite. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete--JerseyShoreDeb on Ravelry
I like the Blueberry Cheesecake and my 3 boys would be fighting over who'd get socks first!
ReplyDeleteRav: KathyH
Blueberry cheesecake is amazing! Expectingsam on rav :-)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGrape Freeze, socks or mittens or both or a hat
ReplyDeleteDChris Rav ID
I love cherry sundae - I'd probably knit up some mittens.
ReplyDeleteRav id: nicnicnab
The Blueberry Cheesecake is my favorite. Probably because the hubs loves it, and I love him, therefore must have dessert socks. That's rational, right? RavID NDAKKatie
ReplyDeleteI love the mint chocolate! Such a fun giveaway!
ReplyDeleteummrania on rav
Cherry sundae is my favorite and I would knit socks and possible matching mittens for my granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteOooo I love the Mint Chip! Blueberry Cheesecake is a close second. I would definitely make some lovely socks with these. I'm hungry now...
ReplyDeleteAnother Mint Chip lover here! And definitely some wee socks would be cast on with this lovely looking yarn. :-)
ReplyDeleterav...lolasluvbug
Mint Chip and Orange Crush are my faves. I would knit Hermione's Everyday Socks using Stripey Fine. Ravelry ID parenthood21
ReplyDeleteI like the Cherry Sundae! yarnlaw on rav
ReplyDeleteI think the Mint Chip might be my favorite! I would knit myself a pair of socks.
ReplyDeletebean1082@gmail.com
My favorite is Grape Freeze! I would knit socks.
ReplyDeleteQueenofkings5 on Ravelry
I love the Mint Chip - which is also my fave ice cream as well. I would buy a skein of Anemone and make socks for myself with solid toe and heel. (Rav ID: ramonafirehorse)
ReplyDeleteI would love to knit a Sallah cowl from Knitty winter 2012 in the Grape Freeze color. Please visit me on Ravelry at jillio! Thank you for doing the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteOooh yum, Orange Cream is my fave! meagan(dot)radford(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteMint Chip and Grape Freeze are tied for my favorite. I'd make myself a pair of gloves with it.
ReplyDeleteSheilaOKeefe on Rav
Mint Chip or Orange Crush! To knit up my first ever pair of socks! Email: bluecrush13@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCherry Sundae or mint chip. Definitely a pair of socks or gloves. Would be super fun to knit with two colours in a stripe or pattern sequence......hmmmm interesting?!?! I'm silverfox on Rav.thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletei like the Grape Freeze.I would love to knit a hat
ReplyDeleteAnna
anna_k67@yahoo.com
MINT CHIP
ReplyDeletelots of mice knitted up as toys for my new kittens!
loonasmom@gmail.com
Blueberry cheesecake for new mittens.
ReplyDeleteRav id: eaz1201
I'm going to jump on the mint chip bandwagon!
ReplyDeleteRavelry: wraybot
Mint chip is my favorite and a pair of socks is the way to go
ReplyDeleteRavelry: tcufrogrn
Love the Mint chip! I would love to make some baby socks for the new baby arriving over the summer in our family! Ravelry:reneekp email: walkersfam@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI love the Mint Chip (although Blueberry Cheesecake is a close second), and I'd knit socks. Probably a fairly plain pattern, as the yarn is the star.
ReplyDeleteikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca
Thanks for the giveaway! Mint Chip is my favorite although Grape Freeze is pretty fabulous too!
ReplyDelete- afistfuloflemons @ gmail.
I love the Neopolitan…I would knit socks for the grandkids (or maybe myself!) gerscott at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteYou've made this so easy: Mint Chip, of course! (And yes, mint-chocolate chip really is my go-to milkshake flavor!)
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! These yummy names just made me go raid my refrigerator! My favourite is Cherry sundae and would make a pair of the Airplane socks by Mel Clark. My rav Id is angeleena.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is Mint Chip - such lovely and fun colors!
ReplyDeletesassykrafty on Ravelry
Mint Chip is DEFINITELY my favorite. I would knit some socks with it, and probably get some solid yarn for yummy contrast toes and heels. besharp on Ravelry!
ReplyDeleteI love the Grape Freeze! I'm partial to anything purple. I'm on a big sock kick lately, so it would definitely become a pair of socks for me! My RavID is LisaM87.
ReplyDeleteI love them all but Grape Freeze is my favorite. I would make socks!
ReplyDeletePamfromNOLA on Rav
Cherry Sundae would make a great pair of Valentine's day themed socks! I've wanted to knit a pair forever, and this yarn would make it easy to start! My RavID is rachaelmorag.
ReplyDeleteI like the Blueberry Cheesecake best although the Mint is a very close second. I would like to knit a pair of fingerless gloves out of the yarn.
ReplyDeleteRav: wolfcreeker
Grape Freeze is my favorite. It would be perfect to help me make my goal of 12 pair of socks this year!
ReplyDeleteRav is SeraM
Grape Freeze! I'd make some vanilla socks to show off the gorgeous colors. I'm ASchindler on Ravelry.
ReplyDeleteI love blueberry cheesecake and mint chip, but tootie fruitie would make the cutest leg warmers for my little granddaughter! Rav ID: mimiknits2
ReplyDeleteI love blues and greens so Blueberry Cheesecake and Mint would easily get my vote!
ReplyDeleteBdgrammy on Rav
Thanks for the giveaway. I've often thought of a striped cardigan knitted with self-striping yarn, but honestly I don't think I'd want to bother making sure the stripes started at the same place with each new skein, so I'm unlikely to create such a thing. Socks it is for me, and fingerless mitts would be fun with Stripey Fine too. I love the Mint Chip and Orange Cream colourways the most.
ReplyDeleteThe Orange Crush looks pretty cheerful, but I love the Mint Chip colorway. My daughter is going to teach me to make socks using the Magic Loop, so I might try those!
ReplyDeleteI'm really digging the Blueberry Cheesecake and that Grape Freeze!
ReplyDeleteRavelry ID: RisingPhoenix23
Definitely Cherry Sundae to make socks for my pink obsessed three year old daughter.
ReplyDeleteRavelry ID: lilpixie124
love love love the Mint Chip (ice cream AND the yarn!) I think Jane Richmond's Climb socks would be awesome or even her Linden Mitts!
ReplyDeleterav ID: nendy
I think mint chip is my favorite, closely followed by grape freeze. alcbrooks on Ravelry if I should be so lucky.
ReplyDeleteI love the Blueberry Cheesecake and I would be knit socks for my great granddaughter. RAV ID Grammacher
ReplyDeleteMint Chip would be my choice. I'm thinking cowl. Thanks for the chance. Ravelry ID wrennest
ReplyDeleteTootie Fruitie is my favorite and I'd probably knit a simple hat with it. Ravelry ID is mountaindreams
ReplyDeleteOrange Crush is so happy and sunny that it would have to be some mittens or maybe a hat for my happy sunny daughter. curlyline0205(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love the blue/grey/white combo but they are all lovely! I want to give them all to my Mom who is 92 and knits socks like a champ. vera khule at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make fingerless mitts with mint chocolate chip. lw1977 on ravelry.
ReplyDeletea long skinny scarf or leg warmers with orange crush. melissc at ran
ReplyDeleteAh I'm so happy 'Little things blogged' linked to your blog! Great, I immediately added you to my bloglovin list! now I have something to look forward to. I hope your wrists are a bit better... I love the blueberry cheesecake colorway, but they're all very nice, aren't they? ravelry id: marzo
ReplyDeleteorange cream is my favourite! would love to knit some spring socks!
ReplyDeleteI love them all, but tootie frootie would make a wonderful pair of fingerless mitts for a loved one (namely me). My ravelry id is aebell
ReplyDelete