Stranded In Oz: Hand-Painted Yarns and Fibres, Original Designs, and Artwear

More Funny For Your Week -- Mel's T-shirt

2012-02-22T23:37:00.001+10:30

Yup, this is the shirt I'm wearing at the moment. It made me laugh so hard in the USA when I saw it that I knew I'd have to get it and wear it often. It's a rotten colour, but I still like it. And those of you who know me personally will know just how bloody funny this shirt is for me to wear.

As for the book, The Cat in the Hat? It was the first book I read myself cover to cover. I loved it. Still do.

Biz Update: the contest details are posted to the SIOz Ravelry group. Avva look! If you have been unsure about whether to join an SIOz fibre or knitting club this year, don't sit on the fence! Come and join us.

The first pack is called Practically Magical -- and it's been a huge hit. Thank you for the positive feedback re the colour and the sock design. Thank you heaps! The packs were posted on the 15th and already 1 knitter has finished her pair!

melissa

A Biz-Post -- First Club Packs Out This Week

2012-02-14T17:53:00.000+10:30

Hello to clubbies and wanna-be clubbies. February is here and that means the first yarn and fibre packs for 2012 are due to ship out at the end of this week!

I must admit, the colour and theme for this first pack was a big challenge. You'll see what I mean when you get it, as those of you who are SIOz fans know I favour certain colours over others. Can't help it, it's the way I roll.
The yarn? A best-seller from 2011. The fibre? By far one of my most popular blends. NO PEEKS!

So this month? A total departure! And it's on the wild side!

If you still want to join the 2012 Club fun, you can jump onto the webshop and do so! Back to the salt mine! Melissa

Have a Laugh at My Expense Knitters and Spinners! Mel's photos way old, old, and newer

2012-01-31T00:11:00.000+10:30

Mum, Sis, and Me

Dig the Rebel Stance!

Posing at 5 (LOL)

17 and helping my friend Judy's family make wine.
Looks like my tongue is purple. Hmmmm. How did
THAT happen?

Angela and Me at the Ramones, 1979 -- Love the Fiorucci Shades!

All that clubbing tires a woman out - 1982
Nice Shot Donna -- think it coulda been a bit
more ladylike is all I'm sayin, m'kay?

London in the '80's - Give me the damn camera

Please, please, please, stop playing Cats

Portugal, Xmas, 1983 Staying with a Port Wine-Producing Family
No, officer, we're not drunk, we've only been drinkin' PUNCH!

And 2, much more recent and special piccies -- by far!

Melissa takes her AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP!

So ok, have a laugh -- I don't know which one is my fave? The attitude stance at 5 or the Aussie Citizenship photos. Anyway, doing a new year's clean out has its benefits.

Bye, for now, M

Soy Hand-Paints at the Port Markets

2012-01-28T12:06:00.000+10:30

Wild Mix One Soy DK by Stranded In Oz

The new lots of Soy DK, Soy Lace (16/2), and Soy Bulky Ribbon will be at the Port Markets tomorrow. They will be loaded onto the webshop Monday.

It is sheer joy for me to paint these yarns, which I only work with when it's really really sunny weather. If you are looking for something really special to knit with for that special project, check 'em out. All of these yarns are genuine Soysilk@. If you've not enjoyed knitting with other types of soy yarns -- forget the bargain stores stuff and try the real deal from Stranded In Oz.

In the midst of the painting, order-packing, and prepping for the first club packs, I've been working on new designs and projects for the 2012 season. Oh, and planning new show displays. It's a very busy time here at Oz Central. Thank you for your continued support and knitting and spinning camaraderie.

Back to work I go, Mel

January Knitting at Stranded In Oz

2012-01-09T13:18:00.001+10:30

The pileup that is my life in January has buried me with a vengance. The winding machine arrived. Great news, but that means a pileup!

Taking advantage of a few cloudy days to knit some design work and wind yarn in order to get the wool ready for sunny sunny Adelaide summer.

Eagerly awaiting the postie, who has most of the new stocks of commercial as well as undyed yarns for the 2012 knitting year! Amongst the piles of boxes is more fibre as well.

The hardest part for me is deciding the order in which the yarns will go up for sale, both in general and specifically for the Stranded In Oz knitter's club.

In between planning, knitting, spinning (just a teensy bit), I've been catching up on music. Verdict? The sound system here needs a serious upgrade! Working with a small radio just isn't cutting it.

holiday spinning - Queen Anne's Garden Merino/Lyocel

Back the the pile, M

Handspun Alpaca - Beach Box Inspiration

2012-01-03T09:52:00.001+10:30

Stranded In Oz Hand-Painted Alpaca and JoTheCrafty's handspun!

Mmmmm -- handspun alpaca (100% Australian-grown, processed, and dyed!) Spun up over the holidays by JotheCrafty. Gorgeous stuff. Jo advises she thinks it looks like fairy floss.

Alpaca is one of those fibres that I least enjoy painting -- it doesn't always give me the effect I want from my painting process. This batch came closest to how I envisioned it to look at the end, so that's really cool. Since this was the fibre for 2012 Dec, it seemed fitting to choose a colour from my list of Beach Box colourways.

If you like this type of colour, check out the organic cotton lace in Beach Box on the webshop:

Happy New Year from Stranded In Oz. There are some really fun and inspiring yarns heading this way. I'm working on the plans for each line so that when it hits my door, I'll be ready to get going right away on the new lots.

Some of you who read the Ravelry postings on the SIOz group heard my news: the winding machine broke! Yup, the new one has been shipped, so fingers crossed this much-needed piece of equipment arrives safe and sound. Much swearing could be heard on our side of town when the previous one went CRACK!

Mel, in stinkin' hot Adelaide

A Personal Entry at Year's End - warning no knitting content

2011-12-29T10:51:00.000+10:30

This is what happens when you catch up with friends over the holidays:

You know you are ancient when you have nostalgic convos with your old uni pals. Rang an old bud from the dark ages, that period of the very early 80’s when our music was really f’in loud and our hair seriously short and crunchy.

Well, at least mine was. Dear Donna remembered how bloody poor we were – no phones (‘cept the shite one in the halls hallway), no spending money, and really crap food. Well, I only remember eating Saturday or Sunday am after an all-night outting with friends. She recalls she did actually eat at the dining hall on occasion. Being a veg, the sight of ham salad on the salad bar, well, let’s just say it seemed safer to me to drink Tab and smoke cigarettes than trust the ‘salad’ bar.

That said, she was remembering how absolutely penniless I was one summer living in the Back Bay of Boston. Yup, I remember I had to borrow packets of 2-minute noodles from a mate who lived nearby. He lived on the things so much so that he’d buy an entire grocery store case of the suckers and glued it to his kitchen wall, with a cutout where the packets could be conveniently dispensed. Just in case you weren’t sure what that was for, there was a sign on the box that said, Take One.

I wrote a 2-minute noodle cookbook (wrote them out by hand with drawings) and gave them to friends. I wonder if anyone still has one of these gems of culinary publishing.

Good times people.

Donna also reminded me how much I pissed her off going out mid-week when she’d have a management exam. See, if you loved music, the way I did, that major was simply OUT. Too many exams. Me? I figured out early that an English and Communications major involved writing lame papers and working on ‘projects.’ No exams to cut into the club schedule you see. Donna Donna Donna, how could you not have known this?

One thing that came in handy were her management textbooks. I recall one evening when we used her Fundamentals of Management (or some such wanky title) to cut cheese slices (nice thick cutting board) to go with our Mooseheads (or was it Molson?). This was the night we decided to write fake answers to personals ads in the local cool free paper. So after a few of our missives (man wouldn’t it be great if I had a copy or two?) we sealed the envelope(s) and went for more beer at the Star Market.

Next morning I said, hey, let’s read some of those letters. She said, WHUH? After all, we had worked our way through some at least ½ a slab – no M, we mailed ‘em.

Well, that sent us into hysterics. A few days later I (I think I must have signed a few) WE got a reply. The result was a very strange d00d and one really strange song Kenne Highland wrote called Froggy. Uh, I kinda helped over a lunch break. Do I have a copy of the recording session still? Oh yes I do. Can you hear it. No you can’t.

Good times Donna. I’ve decided I’ve remained in contact with D when I’ve not done so with anyone else from that time. Why? Insurance. She knows way too bloody much.

A Christmas Gift from SWTC and SIOz

2011-12-23T13:38:00.000+10:30

A big thank you to Jonelle Beck and the entire SWTC family and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (for those of you who don't celebrate Christmas) from them (and us) to you!

Here's the latest SWTC enticement for your needles, with a little help from Stranded In Oz.

2010 Knitter's Club members will recognize this scarf as the Dark Rainbow Scarf -- here it's been knitted in the divinely soft Infatuation by Treisur. Am I infatuated? Yuh, it's fabulously soft and has a nice stitch definition for a bamboo-blend sock yarn. Mmmmmmmm. Did I mention this is also my favourite scarf?

Customers who order 2 balls of Infatuation from Stranded In Oz 'til the end of January will automatically receive this pattern with their order, starting today. The stocks are a bit low (xmas shoppers, thank you!) but MORE is on the way.

Infatuation by Treisur

Next time someone asks you why you knit wool jumpers...

2011-12-12T10:24:00.000+10:30

Check out this article from Mother Jones -- just adds some nice fuel to the anti-fleece argument fire. I reckon ditto goes for the plastic-based fleece-type yarns?

Ah well, there goes my guilty pleasure sleeptop -- the one I knitted out of microfibre. Then again, chucking that into a bin will pollute something for sure. Hmmm. Recycle it into what?

So when someone in your family or circle of friends says, really, what's with the woolly jumper knitting, you can say, well, it won't harm the oceans, it keeps Australian sheep farmers in business (buy it here please), supports local retailers, provides clothing for me and my family, and brings me hours of entertainment and relaxation as well. How many people can claim that for their hobby?

I've been cooking up an article about why I love sustainable man-made fibres from natural sources, like soy. Stay tuned for that after my next deadline this week!

Bye for now, Melf

December? Really?

2011-12-03T13:49:00.000+10:30

Getting into the holiday spirit here at SIOz Central -- this means holiday orders amongst the usual juggling of painting, designing, and writing. Can't say much at present, as been busy restocking and tackling the monumental task of sorting out mill orders for 2012.

Check out the new gift category on the webshop if you are so inclined. I've been steadily planning what to put there for you fab knitters, crocheters, and spinners, and felters.

Back to the workpile, which includes some sorting for tomorrow's Port Market.
m

A word about TOES. Sock. Toes. Really.

2011-11-16T17:09:00.001+10:30

A Sock For Helen

Sock Toes. Who'd think this topic would generate interest? Not me. But I was wrong. Especially after talking about socks with knitters in Adelaide this week.

As a dedicated sock knitter, the importance of toes, and heels, does not escape me. The topic first caught my attention around 5 years ago, when I was knitting Sister Socks by yes, my sister, Bitsy. The subject came up then as we discussed the virtues of round vs standard toes, as only sock designers are want to do.

Anyway, I fell in love with the round toe and made many a pair with it. But then, I decided I needed to knit it from the toe up. I hunted around both in books and online, but could find no reference to it at the time.

Then, later on, I found a reference to it in another sock knitting quest, in Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks. Alas, she didn't elaborate, (just a few lines!) but it added a nice weight to my obsession. We knitters, for the most part, understand that knitting is a communal craft and that innovation is a risky word. I like to err on the side of caution and use the Elizabeth Zimmermann assumption that it's unvention. Thanks to Ms. Schurch, I wasn't the only knitter who thinks it's a good toe.

Anyway, years later and I'm still extolling the virtues of the toe up round toe. Why?

It's easy to get started – no fancy, special cast ons necessary
It's forgiving – only a few sts to get started and off you go. You can adjust the stitch numbers further up the toe if it gives you trouble
Because it's symetrical, you can choose where to insert a heel further down the line – very nice if you are a procrastinator and can't decide where you want your heel to go
It's teachable – for people who are scared off by casting on 64 sts for a sock from the top, it is easy to manage the limited number of sts for new users of dpns

Baby Beantoes

I'm sure there are more reasons than those above, but suffice to say, I'll keep knitting socks with this toe. And yes, there are some limitations to it, but hey, I'm sure we'll figure those out too, or just embrace them as an excuse to try something else that's new.

Dark Rainbow Socks

Melissa, where it's summer and that means sock knitting season

Moggy Doggy Bragging Rights from Stranded In Oz

2011-11-05T21:15:00.000+10:30

Check out these beautiful socks from A. F. -- what a lovely surprise -- a finished pair of Moggy Doggy Socks in person! Thank you so much for showing them to us at the Fair. They are fantastic -- and her own take on where to put the moggy and doggy motifs.

The show has been so much fun thanks to the amazing knitters of Adelaide -- and sock enthusiasts!

If you would like to make your own pair of Moggy Doggy socks, stay tuned, the 4ply version kits will be available asap. I'll post a message or two and on Ravelry.

Bye for now -- it's been a long Saturday. See you at the Craft Fair tomorrow. Melissa

Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair -- Nov 3-6

2011-11-02T21:18:00.000+10:30

Hello knitters, spinners, felters, crocheters, and lovers of all things yarny. I'm home now after a marathon session of setting up my Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair Booth. B17 -- come on down!

I must say, the booth is looking spiffy -- yes I have the camera ready to take a few piccies before the doors open at 10:00 am.

I will be at this fair all weekend. If you happen to get to the Port Markets instead, Richard will be on duty to assist -- the summer selection is there -- all the really great summer knitting bargain balls are out, including a rather delightful Mako cotton ribbon -- available to Port Markets shoppers only -- it's a crazy bargain at $3.50AU per ball. I'm so taken with it, I've naughtily stashed a few balls for summer. Shhhhh.

See you at the Craft Fair! Melissa

Stranded In Oz Glinda Sock Project Piccies on a Friday!

2011-10-28T14:00:00.001+10:30

Here's Anna's version of the Glinda Sock -- shown in October Sock Club colorway, Fresh Lemongrass.

Thanks so much for the piccie Anna! She's done her own thing with the toe and heel (original uses diff. stitch and toe construction). Looking fabulous Anna!

Keep those project piccies coming knitters and spinners!

Since I live in virtually a spin and knit-free zone most of the time, I treasure the projects you make.

Back to the woolpile. See you at the Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair, Nov 3-6, Adelaide Showgrounds. Check the webshop for details -- email or ring if you have questions.

The Week That Is Show Prep

2011-10-24T14:27:00.002+10:30

Hello from SIOz Central, where I'm up to the neck in dyelots -- and the rainclouds roll in. Not to fear, as plan B is in progress.

The inevitable result of rain, dyelots, and normal orders is the feeling that I'm always behind on something. Situation normal.

I could pretend to be superhuman and have some magical backup stock of photos to share, but that would be complete fantasy. Nevertheless, the SIOz club packs went out as scheduled last week. And the highlight of that was the fibre that went out (well, it was a hard pick, as the socks put a smile on my face too).

I've admitted to a softspot for pin drafted fibre -- and the best of those are American Cormo and Rambouillet. So this month it was a special treat for the spinners -- the Pretty Good Green Rambo.

The Glinda Sock is the October Knitter's Project -- I've been alternating toe up and top down patterns -- as well as difficulty levels for the sock patterns throughout the year. This one is meant to be a good non-stress project after the tech-intensive Moggy Doggy for August.

The stitch in the Glinda Sock is a variation of the Embossed Wave Stitch -- it's zazzy without a lot of effort. I've added some texture to the heel and toe to integrate with the stitch. I hope those of you who are clubbies enjoy making this sock as much as I do.

It's Monday -- which is errand day in this household. So it's off to do the boring maintenance errands that suck the life out of a day off.

Til next time, Mel

Back at the Port Markets Sunday October 9th

2011-10-08T12:09:00.000+10:30

Hello and thank you to all the knitters who have sent welcome home messages. It's great to hear from you all. Esp. kind have been the messages regarding the 2 Stranded In Oz sock designs in the latest issue of Yarn Magazine. If you are having trouble getting a hold of a copy, we've got some in stock online and at the Markets.

As you can imagine, the workshop is full of sorting jobs, drafts needing editing and orders to be cleared. The backlog that is a result of my travels in Sept is nearly cleared. Thank you all for your patience and good will.

I'll be at the Port Markets at last -- tomorrow. Thank you to Richard, the Shrek, and to Eric Corbin for keeping the place going while I was overseas. You are the best!

The shop will get an overhaul for Spring and Summer, beginning tomorrow. Out comes the cellulose and more sock yarn -- away goes the thick wool. If you, however, need something wintery to work on as a big long project, just let us know, as the yarn will be there, but not out on the displays.

For specific specials and product information -- keep an eye on the webshop blog.

I wish I could say I have a giant stack of photos to share from America, but really, most of my time was spent with my overseas family. In between catching up there was the Knitter's Day Out (which was fab) and a trip to Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival, where I finally caught up with Jim, the master spindlemaker.

Just when I thought it might be safe to visit their booth, he's gone and made wheels! Oh yes!

And yes, he makes stools to match. Single and Double Treadle choices, the Hilltopper is Jim's new baby. And it's real wood of course. Love it.

There's nothing like talking to someone who's spent a lot of time and thought designing a new spinning wheel. And Jim and Susan are ace people to talk spinning with.

Here's what I'm missing in Oz!

2011-09-25T06:34:00.000+09:30

Lyta with Maddie, the Mastadon

The above is a photo of my beloved Lyta, snoozing with a toy she swiped from me! She likes to keep it close and give the tusks a cleaning every once in a while.

Here she is snuzzling under the handspun, hand-painted blanket I knitted last year! Cheeky monkey! I miss my Grl heaps.

And I miss this guy here:

Yes, he refuses to let me take a decent photo of him so bad luck, this is what I am able to post! Perhaps this will allow a better photo shoot in future!

Knitter's Day Out 2011

2011-09-09T09:40:00.000+09:30

Just one more sleep until the 2011 Knitter's Day Out! The yarn is safely nestled into its tubs, the patterns are labeled and printed. The ridiculously huge US truck is full of petrol and ready to roll.

For those on the other side of the planet -- hello and yes, I'm homesick.

Online Shop: the new Hiya Hiya gear is starting to arrive and is loaded under it's own category on the shop. New bamboo interchangeable needle sets at an affordable price! There are also some mighty cute accessories to add to your collection of knitter's gear, including the insanely cute Dumplings.

Hiya Hiya 'dumpling' and stitch marker set

There are also some new circulars in 2.25 in the Hiya Hiya steel tips -- after requests from sock knitters to stock a good, solid knitting needle for 'magic loop'. Check 'em out! Nice tips, smooth joins. Mmmmm.

Happy knitting from Easton, MD.

Bon Voyage for this week

2011-08-25T10:41:00.002+09:30

Check out the shopblog for the ltd time discount offer to help send me off to the USA!

Note: thank you to the customer who asked -- seriously, Kollage Square needles really are different. I wouldn't sell them if I didn't think so. Sure, they cost a bit more than some brands, but the square tips (greater stitch control and really, they make your knitting look really tidy) and the no-memory lines that connect the circs are totally different than other brands.

Yes, the Kollage people do make the sturdier lines now for the circs, but I reckon it's the revolutionary no-memory lines that make them a pleasure to knit with, esp. for tired wrists.

I thought I'd put my money where my mouth is and run this special. See how you go with a pair.

There's so much I would like to write about show prep, workshop prep, and the new yarns and designs, but I'm pushing my luck this week.

Enjoy your taste of Spring if you are here in Adelaide. See you this Sunday at the Port Markets or online!

Did Someone Say SOCKS and COLOUR?!

2011-08-24T16:10:00.000+09:30

Check out the latest title by Jonelle Beck and Katherine Cade - Socks a la Carte III - Colorwork. They've even put up a free pdf sock pattern to give you just a taste of what's in the new book. Thanks SWTC!

And yes, Stranded In Oz is a contributor to the fun. I really enjoyed Socks a la Carte II (toe ups!) and can't wait to get my hands on the newest volume. Remember, one lucky Stranded In Oz Knitter's Club member will win a copy of this new book. To order, please consider keeping your purchase in Oz -- check out Colonial Lake Books. Brenda is ACE and an Aussie-based bookseller.

Back to the dyelots and prep for KDO!
Mel

Yarn and Fibre Adoptions Successful -- It's Melf's Birthday!

2011-08-08T08:51:00.001+09:30

Happy Birthday to myself. Well, it's very early in the am and the dog and hubby have already wished me a happy birthday. Not quite sure of the hubby as he is NOT a morning person. It's rather pathetic --walks into walls, answers to Fred. Ugly am man.

Lyta, the Kelpieweiler Princess, just rubbed her eyes with her paws, yawned, and rolled over to sleep again.

Inspiration: yesterday, the Intrepid Knitter popped by, and I was grossly distracted by her very cool PURPLE CORDUROY Converse sneakers. I now covet them very badly. When I inquired where they were found, she replied -- online shopping!

It has been said numerous times that I flunked shopping. So this am, I have been perusing for cool stuff online. And found this:

Isn't it pretty? From Threadless. Now, I need to knit a t-shirt T-shirt in return. So there!

We're not Threadless here at Stranded In Oz!

Special thanks to the knitters, felters, spinners, and crocheters who came by yesterday at the Port to get some rare SIOz bargains. Well, there are a few hanks of Mitey Sock left to go to Mt. Pleasant. MSock is one of the yarns I used in socks for the Sept Issue of Yarn Magazine (pre-orders cheerfully taken from SIOz online). The ltd edition merino/alpaca (80%/20%) is now missing Robin Hood, but the other colours, Sherwood Forest, Maid Marian, and Friar Tuck are still available. There will be some new lots for this Fair.

Hello and thanks to the 2 knitters from Melbourne who graciously put up with the bags and bins that was the Market stall yesterday. I love it when you find just what you are looking for.

There, in the crazy oddball bin of mohair blends from Turkey, was THE BALL Melbourne Knitter #1 was needing to finish a project. Glad it was there for you and thanks for taking the time to come up the Port Adelaide. Please send a piccie so we can see how it turned out!

We've all done it -- you know, bought some yarn for somethingorother. Then, once you've into the project, disaster. Need just one. bit. more. To finish. It can drive you nuts when this happens, so I really sympathised with this knitter's problem. The knitting goddess was smiling yest.

It may be my birthday, but it's back to the work I go. CU at the Port Markets, online, and at Mt. Pleasant this Saturday. M

Show Returns Sale on for this weekend at Stranded In Oz

2011-08-03T17:23:00.000+09:30

We -- the wool and me that is -- are back from the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair. Four days of nonstop crafting mania! Thanks to some timely help from Melanie and Merilyn Scott, I made it through. And a special thanks to the Machine Knitters who lent a hand on Thursday!

A special thanks to the incredible knitters who stayed late in the day to catch my intro to sock knitting workshops. There are going to be some very well-clad feet in Melbourne! I really appreciate your enthusiasm and interest -- be sure to send us jpg's of your lovely sock creations.

The patterns and orders were shipped today -- if for some reason you don't receive your pattern envelope or emailed PDF, please contact me. There were so many pattern requests that the postie loves me now.

This Sunday at the Port Markets, Adelaide:

There are broken lots and lone hanks needing homes back from on the road. All will be marked down accordingly -- so for those of you who missed Bendigo Sheep and Wool, please come on up for a fondle of the hanks of yarn and balls of fibre.

In addition, I will bring a few of the new Namaste Mini Messengers and Skinny Minis. They're both ACE! The new Namaste gear is now loaded online and ready to ship or place an order for Port Markets pickup.

These new Namaste, Inc. bags are roomier than they sound -- larger than the Bitty Bag, but not as huge as the regular Messenger. I am so in love with this bag, as I like the messenger style roominess at the top.

And look at the cute new case -- she's a beauty!

Mt. Pleasant Fleece and Fibre Fair -- August 13th -- Stranded in Oz will be there with new lots of the latest sock wools. Yes, that includes the new Glinda, the Good Wool. She'll be there in her sparkly goodness.

Glinda, the Good Wool from Stranded In Oz

The above shot of Glinda was taken by Jonelle Beck at SWTC. Thanks J for the awesome piccie of Glinda!

BAH-LING! The String Me Along sequined yarn on cones is nearly sold out, but more is on the way. Ditto for the new metallics -- JAZZ. For you hand-spinners, you'll love plying with this new carry-along BLING!

Must run -- new dyelots are needed for Mt. Pleasant and then, the KDO, PA!

See you online and at the Port Markets on Sunday, Melissa

SIOz back on the Road for Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair

2011-07-21T16:18:00.001+09:30

Yup, just as I headed back to Adelaide -- chucked laundry in machine, patted needy pooch, nursed hubby who has a nasty cold, it dawned on me that I have to go back to Melbourne in a week. Wheeee. Thank you to all the incredibly talented people who came by the booth at the Sheep Show. I love to see what you are making!

YAY! For you Melbourne/Victorian Stranded In Oz enthusiasts, I have 4 FREE TICKETS to the Craft and Quilt Show to give away. First emailed, first won, so email melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com and if you're quick, you may win a $16.00 ticket! That's a damned fine savings. Means more $$ to spend on cool craft gear at the show, right? Update: They're gone!

This Sunday at the Port Markets: more hanks of Dye! My Pretties :-). The BSWS response was incredibly positive re this yarn. Thank you everyone who purchased it. I hope you enjoy knitting with it as much as I did painting it!

I'll be posting a show preview early next week.

Since I'm on another dye schedule, I'll keep this entry brief.

Knit in good health and happiness, Melissa

Off to Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show 2011

2011-07-12T09:02:00.000+09:30

The wool is ready. The car has been emptied in preparation. It's all good here at SIOz Central.

In brief:

for online customers, please note that orders placed from 13/7-19/7 will be shipped 20/7. If you have a query regarding a SIOz product, ring 0409 859 219.
The Port Markets Shop is open this Sunday -- Richard will be there to assist you. There are fresh hanks of sock wools and some lovely new hanks of 10ply as well as a few more goodies in the Lone Hank Hamper. The bamboo needles will be there too.
Namaste bags and accessories as well as the Kollage Square Needles will be in Bendigo at the Show

Thank you to the incredible knitters who came by on Sunday to have a chat and to check out the new yarns and fibres. The new Glinda, The Good Wool is getting a lot of attention. This yarn is a traditional sock yarn (some nylon for strength) plus a little bit of bling. It's incredibly soft and lovely to knit with.

Special hello to Theresa who came by to learn to use a drop spindle.

If you're at Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show do stop buy and see what's new at SIOz! And of course, if you've been by before, be sure to show us your FO's!

Back to the show prep, Melissa

Pre-Show Fun at SIOz

2011-07-07T14:21:00.000+09:30

Hi there -- I'm in finish everything NOW mode. This season has been a bit crazy, as design deadlines have coincided with painting deadlines. Madness all around.

Check out the shopblog this week for a SNAP special discount. This is your chance to grab a further discount on the Namaste gear in stock before it goes to shows. I won't be restocking some designs, as the newer models come in stock. Still a nice selection here.

Some colour for your day:

Glinda, the Good Wool - 75% wool/25% nylon with a touch o' bling

Stranded Silk Sock

The above colour has been painted in both Glinda and the divine Stranded Silk Sock. Very distracting as I have other work to do. There are also hanks of Glinda and Stranded Silk Sock in a beautiful pale blues mix that I've nicknamed Heaven. It is truly heavenly. If you want to get your hands on this yarn... come by the booth at BSWS or the Melbourne Fair (see info below).

The Port Shop is still amply stocked with new yarn and colours -- most of the new yarns are going on the road, but don't worry if you are a local SIOz enthusiast -- I have special yarn at the Port, including more At the Quilt Shop and some new Fairies in the Garden hanks.

bye for now -- Mel

Show Dates and News from Stranded In Oz

2011-07-03T21:11:00.000+09:30

Glinda, the Good Wool from Stranded In Oz

Wow -- it really is that time of year! I'm just now coming out of the rainbow fog that is show dyeing. Thanks so much to everyone who's come by on Sundays to help keep me going. Your encouragement and enthusiasm keep me going.

So much news, and so little time! Here are some SIOz highlights:

Check out the new information regarding Socks a la Carte III: Colourwork
This is a really cool series of books for sock knitting enthusiasts and you won't want to miss this volume. Click on the link above and see what I mean! I had a lot of fun contributing to this book from Jonelle Beck and Kat Cade, along with all the other fab contributors. Go on and pre-order yours today.

CLUB MEMBERS: one lucky Stranded In Oz knitting club member, subscribed from August through December will win a copy of this book!

SHOWS: I'll be at Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show July 15, 16, 17 -- orders placed online or via email will be filled upon my return to Adelaide after the 20th. If it's an urgent request, ring the landline listed on the website and Richard will help you.

Melbourne Craft and Quilt: July 29, 30, 31 at the Melb Exhibition Centre -- where I'll be there with all the new yarns and fun things for knitters and crocheters to play with.

The Fleece and Fibre Fair -- Mt. Pleasant, SA Saturday, Aug 15th. A lovely day out in the Hills with the amazing people from SACSOS.

I'll be doing my utmost to try to keep this blog up to date, but please forgive me if I get behind. As always, I will check my email and mobile for messages.

Knit, spin, crochet, felt in good health and happiness.
Melissa

blog lagging

2011-06-25T19:41:00.000+09:30

Hello from SIOz Central where the dyeing just keeps on going! I wish I could say I've got a clear list in my head, but to be honest, the colours are going faster than I can list.

If you are wondering what is heading up to Bendigo... here's few hints (not a full list):
New yarn in Robin Hood colours -- this is a charming merino with a touch of alpaca fine yarn -- approx. 225m per 50gms. It's incredibly lovely in this colour group and I'm sooo wanting to play with it. But onward...

Select hanks of Uruguayan merino lace in some oldies but goodies, including Drama Queen, Banjara Quilt (haven't painted THAT in a while and why, I do not know), as well as a few others that people have requested. I've done a few hanks of Dye! My Pretties in the same colours. Just for fun!

There will be several specials for July, so check back every so often for those. In the meantime, thanks for reading the blog and for your enthusiasm!

Melissa

Beautiful Knitting and Yarns for the Weekend of June 19, 2011

2011-06-17T14:40:00.001+09:30

Hello and thank you to everyone who came by on the holiday weekend. Enjoy your yarn and fibre.
And a special thanks to the people who shared their beautiful work.

Piecepatcher, Colleen, shared this photo with me and I have to post it -- I'm behind in the blogging!

Colleen's Piecepatcher (Rav) beautiful shawl knitted

in SIOz hand-painted mohair/merino lace

The yarn used in this shawl is some mohair/merino I purchased from the good people at Kraemer Yarns, PA. It's been given the SIOz treatment of course and there are just a few hanks left -- in Floral Purples and in Cork, one of my more popular greens. Mmmmm. Green!

Here are some yarns to tempt you this weekend:

Glinda, the Good Wool -- new sock yarn from SIOz

75% wool/25% nylon with a touch of lurex

This yarn as been torturing me this week as I work on show and design projects. But you, my dear yarn addicts can get yourself a hank of Glinda this week. There's more drying at the moment, in what I can only describe as a psychedelic serendipity. Totally, like, think Haight Ashbury.

Also ready for the needles -- more Dye! My Pretties!:

Fairies in the Garden -- Dye My Pretties Sock Yarn

Dark Ochre - Dye! My Pretties Sock Yarn

I have to admit it, it's going to be difficult to part with the new lot, Fairies in the Garden. There's just something about this dye lot that makes me smile. And the Dark Ochre is a tonal mix, for knitters who want less contrast for those more complicated stitches that need some colour, but not to be over-powered by wild yarn.

There are more lots to come, including a lovely purple-dominated Winter Floral mix that is drying at the moment.

Thanks as always to you all. There is no way for me to adequately express my gratitude for your continued support and enthusiasm for what I do. But thank you.

There. That's Better! And thank you!

2011-06-11T18:51:00.000+09:30

Antarctica, AU Dye! My Pretties!

Argus and Pinks in Dye! My Pretties!

The sun came out just in time to take some photos! Here are some new ones of the latest lots of Dye! My Pretties! The newest lots have been loaded online.

And here's a photo of the free glove pattern to go with the luxury cashmere and cashmere/merino hanks for the weekend. The colour shown is Loaded Dog. This glove features a gusset shaping that works for either hand, making it easy to work up quickly.

A big thank you has to go out to everyone who voted for my Under the Sea Sock for the Cherry Tree Hill Sock Contest. I didn't win, but that's ok, because I sold the pattern this week to a different yarn company. I'll let you know when it becomes available for you to knit! I hope all of you who voted got some consolation by getting the discount voucher from CTH. Mmmmm. Supersock!

CU at the Port Markets this weekend, and online. M

Photos? Yarn and darkness do not mix

2011-06-08T22:06:00.000+09:30

Apologies to those of you who've been trying to glimpse the new colours for this weekend. The lack of decent light -- and a busy weekend made for terrible photos. The one's I've got just don't cut it.

New lots for this weekend include Dye! My Pretties!:
Argus -- a mix of beetroot and pink
Bel Air Green -- very eucalypty
Easton Green -- Piney Green -- very dark
Antarctica AU -- icy, chilly blues

There are also lots of Will Scarlet and Dark Pear Green in the squidgy Merino4 Premium

A few hanks of Merino8 Premium will be available -- what's left after a run for a shop.

For weekend hrs, please see previous post.

What's next? There are some more announcements re Stranded In Oz in the next few weeks.

Lots for next week include:

Stranded In Oz's new sock wool -- GLINDA, the Good Yarn! This yarn is a traditional wool/nylon sock yarn with a thread of silvery, spangly lurex in it -- subtle sparkle for special feet. It takes dye more intensely than the Kraemer Silver.

More lots of Toe-Toe, the hand-dyed Tofutsies from Oz (in a long-awaited Woodland Creatures) and some more Dye! My Pretties! including a very Aussie, ochrey mix. as well as a bright blend of Winter Floral in blues and hot pinks and a very vibrant version of jade green. Yowza!

Club packs go out on the 15th this month. Hey, you know, if you are currently a 6-mos subsciber, you are eligible to use your club discount on the resub. Clever knitters!

And... if you have been thinking of joining -- you can use your Ravelry SIOz one-time intro discount to join too. Because Aug's pack takes a bit more prep than some of the others, the sooner you sub would be greatly appreciated here at Oz Central.

CU online and at the Port Markets.

Queen's Birthday Specials and Kaz's First Sock!

2011-06-07T12:07:00.000+09:30

Queen's Birthday Long Weekend: Stranded In Oz will be trading both Sunday and Monday for the long weekend. To Port Shoppers, please peruse the online shop -- and if you wish, order ahead. There are of course yarns that haven't been loaded online yet, but if you see something you want to buy, do so now to avoid disappointment. Choose Store Pickup for your shipping option.

And, to celebrate the Queen's birthday, I'm running a special on the luxury side. What else? Cashmere.

This weekend, I will have the Cashmere DK and Cashmere/Wool DK on sale -- 90gms of hand-painted luxury yarns -- each pack will have 3 hanks of yarn and a pattern for gloves. $19.99 for cashmere/wool and $24.99 for the pure cashmere. You won't find these yarns any where else -- they are luxury spun yarns done for a European brand. I've got the lot here and am continuing to dye it until it's gone.

I am endeavouring also to top up the Lone Hank Hamper and the bargain yarns -- for fun scarves and other nice things to knit this winter.

Something to share from Kaz:

Kaz has been majorly bitten by the spinning and knitting bug -- here's her first sock! Spun in SIOz merino/lyo (that's the fibre I'm featuring this month for the club) -- she spun hers from the Queen Anne's Garden mix. I was blown away by her socks! Thank you to Kaz for giving me permission to post these piccies.

Socks Away, tidying up, moving forward

2011-06-02T20:02:00.006+09:30

I have a deadline hangover. That's right -- the files are emailed, the garments have been confirmed received (until they are confirmed safe, there's that few days where you think, AusPost, please make sure the hand-knitted X arrives safely. Puh-leeeese).

And today, I have a deadline hangover. Hearing slightly off (that could just be the Van Halen hangover from the 80's -- no earplugs, head in giant Marshall stack), slightly dizzy, prone to napping with doggie.

And just when I thought it was safe to go to the computer, there are more files that need attention.

Today, I've tidied up the webshop a bit, added a few colours to the Dye! My Pretties! range, including the very subtle, very soft and pretty Blue and Paler Purple WF Mix. The colour shifts are very subtle in this dyelot -- the photo just doesn't capture this at all!

Dye! My Pretties in Blue and Paler Purples

I've also uploaded new photos of some of the Merino 4 Naturals yarns -- my fave scarf yarn at the moment.

Rome Purple and Blue Mix - Merino 4 Natural

Destined for the needles: new designs for 2011 and 2012. More socks, more shawls, and some more larger projects. I've been obsessed with a cardigan idea on and off for way too long and that needs my attention.

There's a heap of news regarding SIOz and shows both here in Australia and my work in the USA. Will try to keep you posted asap. Stay Tuned. First up of course is Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show in July. I hope to see some of you there!

Club Updates: the yarn and fibre are ready to rock and roll. I'm fully subbed on the lots that are ready. If you've been thinking of joining, the subs for the second half of the year are open. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding. I'm pretty damned excited about June's sock. The colour is decidedly DARK and rich -- just right for a warm pair of socks or a lovely winter scarf.

As much as I want to sneak a piccie on the blog, I don't want to ruin the surprise for the subscribers. The colourway for both clubs is Melbourne Twilight -- a purple-dominated colour.

Off to giftwrap the darling husband's birthday gift. Tomorrow we celebrate by going to see the new X-Men flick. Yup, his choice for sure.

Best X-Men pic ever!

New Article by SIOz in YARN Issue 22

2011-05-26T23:33:00.006+09:30

Ahoy Mate-eees! It's time for the Winter issue of YARN magazine, the Aussie Indie mag for fibre addicts. And in this issue you will find an article by yours truly. It's a rather short description of my thoughts on wool and Aussieness. I was rather sedate in my commentary, which for those of you who've discussed the issue of global business and local wool selling, will already be familiar. If you'd like to read this issue, I've loaded copies on my webshop. And if you have any little pirates around you, you may just have to knit one for them.

Dye! My Pretties! - the newest SIOz sock yarn is available in the first colourways of the season. I'm very excited about this yarn as it is a really nice match between yarn type and the way I paint. The results are just what I was looking for in a sock yarn for 2011.

Keeping it brief for now, as the worktable awaits, M

Thank you and what's happening at SIOz

2011-05-21T12:55:00.004+09:30

Well, it's been a busy week here at SIOz Central. Amongst the winter knitting and various projects, I've managed to get the dyelots going -- sleep obviously is at a minimum, but still at a healthy level (don't worry Melanie!). These will take longer to dry as the humidity level has gone up again.

I've been tackling the new sock yarn lots. This week -- it's reds and more softer florals, including a version of one of my favourites, Timberlake (a bit of sky, a bit of water a bit of trees). This week's is a dusky version with a tinge of light purple. We're still chewing on names on the Ravelry group, so hop on and you too might win a free hank of new, fresh, sock yarn! Thank you to everyone who's played along -- keep those suggestions coming.

There are more hanks of 8 and 4 ply blues and purples, with a nice mix of Rome (see prev postings) and a complementary blue.

Here's a photo of the hood I am still playing with. I'm trying to get this one off my back -- I broke my leg last year just after sewing in the ends. Seriously, this hood has some bad juju I'm trying to get out. Anyway, it's knitted in SIOz Merino 10. Very warm and I think will be reknitted in something lighter before I've said FINISHED for this design. Hmmm.

The Hood by SIOz

Cable Close Up for The Hood

Amongst the yarns that I HEART very much in the SIOz line at the moment are the cashmere treat hanks -- here are some piccies of the latest colours loaded:

ink marle in 100% cashmere dk

dark orchid in 100% cashmere dk

I've checked the going rate for 50gms of cashmere online (well, the european good stuff anyway) and it, on sale, runs around $32.00 per 50gm. SIOz hand-painted cashmere dk is $12.50 for 30gm/75m hanks. This yarn has brilliant stitch definition and is lovely to knit with. 3 hanks makes a pair of women's mittens.

Name That Sock Yarn

2011-05-18T17:26:00.007+09:30

Kraemer Sterling - Hand-Painted by SIOz

Supersocke Silk in SIOz Pretty Good Green

It occurred to me as I started running the new sock yarn lots that I needed a name for the yarn. I've labeled it Stranded Sock, my catch-all name for regular sock yarn. But I really need a name for this one.

Wanna win some new sock yarn? Just join the Stranded In Oz group on Ravelry and offer your suggestions on the Name That Sock thread. You might just get your name chosen. I welcome a healthy debate on names. Best name wins! Who decides? The group should take care of that for us nicely! SIOz knitters aren't a shy bunch.

Here's another peek at the new yarn, in a run of my Winter Florals.

100% Superwash wool -- spun for socks
This yarn needs a name!

The green yarns shown above are lone hanks I ran last week. The Supersocke Silk is a test hank -- of the new yarn base from Cherry Tree Hill. The Sterling was the last of the lot I had and it said it wanted to be green. Really!

It's back to the needles for me. Mel

Not sick of sock knitting. Nup

2011-05-11T12:38:00.006+09:30

Foreground: Stranded Sock 100gm/360m superwash wool
spun for sock knitters

Greetings from Oz central, otherwise known as the place where 100gm hanks of superwash woolly goodness threaten to bury the inhabitants.

That's right -- Mr. Delivery D00D arrived this am with my much-anticipated boxes of socky fun. Only problem? It came un-dyed. I somehow forgot to clone myself in an alternate universe, dye it, then ship it to myself over here. Ah well.

In the midst of the wool pile, I'm immersed in some sock designs - what else would I be doing right now?

I was thinking as I unpacked boxes -- I tend to design in my head doing other things -- that it's the minutia of knitting stitches that attracts my attention. Tweak this, swap that, and suddenly, the whole thing looks different. As you can imagine, I spend a lot of time doing this.

So this week, I have in front of me 2 very different projects -- a completely natural sock (I like to work in un-dyed yarn as a change of pace) as well as a decidedly oceany blue sock.

Ravelry: thank you to everyone who has joined us at Oz Central on la Rav. Some of you very clever knitters are already taking advantage of the Thanks For Joining SIOz on Rav discount of 15% off your next order. This offer is only good on regularly-priced items and is a one-time only offer. No additional discounts apply. And yes, it's good on Namaste, Inc. products, thanks for asking.

Want to join the fun? Join Rav, the SIOz group, then email me at melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com and I'll send you the handy discount code. Most of the time I can figure out who you all are, but sometimes your fun Ravatar names don't immediately connect to your 'real' names.

Winter Chill Down Under -- we love it

2011-05-07T13:12:00.009+09:30

Ocean Blues Superwash Sock Yarns -SIOz

The first blast of cooler air has finally hit Adelaide and I, for one, am loving it.

Fun and games this week for me here in the workroom. What arrived? Well, many kilos of... the wrong yarn. From the mill. *sigh* Lemons from lemonade you ask? Yes, well... since the cost of shipping it back were ridiculous and decidedly UNGREEN, I've negotiated a way out of the headache on this end. Not ideal of course, but at least I can put the Panadol back in the cupboard! LOL Here's a piccie of the new ooopsie yarn:

I ran a lot in a darker version of Forbidden City. It positively glows!

What's at the Port Markets this week?

Mixed lots of special yarns -- when I say mixed lots... I grouped individual yarns by type and dyed them in the same lots.

Ocean Blues (above) -- haven't run this one for a while, so was pleased to do so this week. Didn't think they would dry in time, but hey presto -- all superwash sock yarns went into this lot. Make a pair of socks in SIOz Ocean Blues for winter. There are hanks of Kraemer Sterling, given the SIOz treatment, as well as some Louet Gems, and some ltd edition Italian Sock (my fave high twist yarn for socks, far too dear to run very often). The photo was taken before I finished processing the hanks -- just had to snap a colour shot right away!

Rome Purple from Stranded In Oz

The purple run was a test of a new colour I'm torturing myself with called ROME. Purple. What else? And the photo on my screen just doesn't do this shade justice. My screen a yarn much bluer than in person.

I've been in search of the ultimate purple; and just when I think I've got it, it eludes me. This search has meant a lot of mixing and remixing -- emailing dye houses, and all manner of colour mania. Dare I even say I think I've got it? The truth will be in the knitting.

Come out this Sunday and grab one of the few test hanks in ROME. Who knows, I may go back to the drawing board yet again. I am looking forward to the feedback on this colour. In this lot was a hank of Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Sock -- a base they don't wholesale, as well as a hank of my beloved Merino 4 Natural. Sooo soft, so luxurious. And yes, I don't want to part with either, but out they go.

MORE banana palm silks and So Sari:

So Sari in Light Olive from Stranded In Oz

Banana Palm Silk in Kansas from Stranded in Oz

Banana Palm Silk in McLaren Vale from Stranded In Oz

The diehard SIOz addicts know that I don't run the McLaren Vale in BPS very often. This lot is divine and features another new purple -- it's rather grapey and rich as well as my fave dark eggplanty purple I use in this colorway.

Pattern restocks -- there's been a run on sock patterns at the Markets, so I've printed up a new batch. If you purchase online, be sure to ask in your notes upon ordering if you'd like a free pattern with purchase.

CU online and at the Markets, M

Online, Really!

2011-05-02T19:08:00.010+09:30

In the midst of deadlines, the usual Autumn yarn and design rush, I've been playing catchup on the online shop. Whew!

Unrelated to the workweek, above and below, please find a photo of my beloved hank of Bronze Goddess, spun by Vellan. I've now wound it into a ball and still can't bear to knit it yet. Sooo lovely.

The photos don't do the colour justice -- a bit of olives, bronzey rust, and a lighter shade of the same. It's organic merino -- simply fab.

BIG SIOz NEWS? Weeeelll, Adrienne T. in SA has won the 40% off voucher via a mystery mini-hank she received in her mail order! Well done Adrienne, who has recently been bitten by the toe up sock bug!

Still want some kewl discounts or fun prizes? There are a few mini-mystery hanks left and loaded online. Missed out for Easter at the Port? Clever crafters have asked, can I order online for the Port and still get my mystery hank? Yup -- just pop the mystery hank in your cart and choose Store Pickup for delivery option. :)).

I'll be posting shop updates on the shopblog later in the week-- In brief, the Nepal Handspun products have been updated and sorted for easier browsing. I've also loaded Tofutsies in the sock yarn category -- the stocks change frequently for that yarn at the Port, so I've been reluctant to load them -- just in case one sells while I'm vending offline, but I've loaded a safe amount on the webshop to make it easier to get your hands on this incredible sock yarn. There are some hand-painted Tofutsies hanks loaded as well.

In the meantime, if you're a RAVELRY fan, check out the new Stranded In Oz group -- started by spinner extraordinary, Vellan. Thank you V for the new group!

Admission: I'm a reluctant Raveler. Not because I have any feelings about social networks, it's just a lack of time on my part. I'd rather paint, spin and knit than read about it, so my time online, when it is available, is devoted to updating blogs, editing photos and corresponding with customers via my website.

When I've asked my customers about Ravelry many say they aren't interested in social networks. Perhaps it is a demographic issue, not sure. I look forward to hearing about, no matter the medium, what people do with the yarn and fibre once it leaves here. And judging from what I see every week, I must be doing something right, as the knitting and spinning is really inspiring. Thank you for that!

Inspirational KNITTER! Jenice came by last weekend -- it was lovely to meet her. After a diagnosis of Parkinson's as well as lung cancer surgery, Jenice decided it was TIME. Time for what? Time to get out of the house and buy SOCK YARN! Her visit was so inspiring. Talk about a dedicated sock knitter. Anyway, she's off knitting socks in new Infatuation and of course, couldn't resist the Tofutsies. I can't wait to see her socks. Whatever minor grumping I had going on in my head has completely vanished after meeting Jenice.

Plans are in the works for all sorts of activity SIOz-wise (new yarns, new patterns, and more). For now, it's back to the needles and dyework.

melissa

Easter Hunt and FO report

2011-04-19T20:36:00.006+09:30

FO report and some gorgeous photos from Rockleigh on Ravelry:

A huge thanks to everyone who came by on Sunday – some to pick up club packs and show their FO's.

Alison showed off her magnificent BHM! Tofutsies socks – they are so fab and I am very jealous of her feet. The pair I've got are for shop samples and I can't wear 'em! She wore hers with a cool pair of Mary Janes to show off the lacy bit on the foot. GAWJUS!

A big hello to Raph, who's crocheting his way around a magnificent pair of house shoes, crocheted in SIOz hemp and wool in the recycled green. I'm really looking forward to seeing them as they develop and sharing a photo or two. There is nothing like this yarn – with its strength from the hemp (60%) with the wool, which takes the colour. Combined together they make an earthy tweedy handspun that is inspiring to work with. Raph recommends the 4mm crochet hook for that yarn.

Kaz stopped by with some handspun merino/lyocell in a mix of Woodland Creatures and the Garden mix. She's knitting a 2-ply version of the SIOz Milk Can bag in her beautiful handspun. It looks and feels amazing.

Thanks to Adrienne, who emailed with a query for the new club sock pattern, the Woodland Creatures sock – she's off and running now and if you knitters have a query, please feel free to contact me. I will try to update the site with comments this week, but it's a very crammed schedule I must admit.

And here are Rockleigh's mitts! She was the recipient of some Stranded In Oz ltd edition cashmere/merino dk (50/50) luxury blend. I ran some special Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show lots last year and she snarfled up the FREE pack that was the Ravelry Door Prize at the Saturday Brekkie. Aren't her mitts knitted beautifully? The colourway is Martha Stewart's Vegetable Garden.

Speaking of cashmere and spinning and all things SIOz, check out the SIOz shopblog for the update on the Easter Hunt 2011. This weekend, along with the annual 'egg' hunt, SIOz is having a special on hp cashmere yarn, just in time to make a quick Mother's Day giftie. :-)

Back to the deadlines, Melissa

It's a Club Day today!

2011-04-14T16:28:00.008+09:30

Merino 3 Premium 200gm hanks from Stranded In Oz

Whew! It feels really great when the club packs go out. Bye bye yarn and fibre! Go to your happy new homes. Given next week is a holiday week (mega) I figured it would be wise to send out the packs 1 day ahead of schedule. Some will arrive at their destinations tomorrow -- others on Monday, of course depending on the distance it must travel. I will post photos once the packs have been received. No spoilers.

That out of the way, it's a further WHEW now that I now my latest overseas design arrived safely at its destination. No peeking, sorry, as it isn't published yet. All I can say is it's an heirloom shawl project in one of my favourite yarns. :). I am rather sad I had to part with it. *sniffle*

For shoppers, there are new yarns to go up at the online shop and some already there. Temptation photos:

Merino Laceweight 100gm hanks in Winter Floral Red
(it's a wicked, bluebloody red~)

Merino 10 Premium Winter Floral Pinks Purples II 100gm hanks from Stranded In Oz

I was in a florally mood last time I painted. I feel some greens coming on... and more Robin Hood Colours. Hmmmm.

Also, just arrived are the re- and expanded stocks of Riveting, the recycled blue jeans yarn. This has distracted me to NO END today, as I face another deadline project. My reward for finishing is a new garment in Lava Riveting.

For updates regarding SIOz at the Market and online, check out the shopblog, which I will update shortly. Included will be more information regarding the now ANNUAL Stranded In Oz Easter Egg Hunted (well, it's actually hunting for mini-hanks of wool that contain prize or discount vouchers).

Catching up on fibre and knitting in April

2011-04-07T11:24:00.004+09:30

Time to spin? I've posted some recent results on my spinblog. Hard to believe how little spinning time I've had recently, but no matter; a few minutes here and there still added up to a nice hank or two!

This week is filling with special orders, including a few people who've been patient waiting for banana palm silk. The Robin Hood colours had to wait until the banana silks were going. Why take so long Melissa? Weeeellll....

As with all things SIOz, I like to do things right. The banana silk is a personal mission on my part. Thanks to Michelle Moriarty, who got me hooked on the stuff, I've been working with this yarn for a while and have come to the conclusion that if I want it to be worth working with, I have to process it myself. WHY?

First, it comes from Nepal in need of a wash. I buy it directly from the spinners and ask that they don't dye it or do anything to it before I get it. Yes, it has been washed, but it has a long way to go, is sometimes stored for periods, and, well, it needs a professional scour in commercial-grade textile detergent. So that's my first step. If you've ever scoured fibre, you have an idea of the process. This stuff gets scoured in a very hot wash, by my own hands.

Once that is accomplished, I set about the dyeing process. After a lot of experimentation, I've gotten a process I can live with -- lower water use, longer curing time. The whole process takes a coupla days. If the weather cooperates, the yarn is dry is a reasonable amount of time. That said, I'm at the tail end of the sunny weather, so am hurrying to get my lots done before the grey weather approaches.

OK, sure, you could buy your banana palm silk from other stockists in Australia and beyond. But it won't look or feel like SIOz banana palm silk, hand-painted or vat dyed by yours truly, right here in Oz.

Here's my fave from last week:

Banana Palm Silk, hand-painted by Stranded In Oz - Parroty

Then there's a water colour (with 2 more being processed this week):

Banana Palm Silk, hand-painted by Stranded In Oz - water

These colours are available already online.

Designs from SIOz -- there are two new ones -- a shawl and a wrap -- on the way -- from a fave yarn company. Will post when available. Until then, the latest club happenings go out next week. NO PEEKING! Only hint this week: autumn colourways. The yarn? Well, it's Merino 4 Premium, low-micron wool ready for socks, scarves, shawls, and all sorts of lovely knitted things for the winter.

Not a member of the knitter's club? Waddayawaitin' for? Come on and join the fun! Questions? Feel free to email me at melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com and I'll be happy to get you started. I've been inspired by some of the FO photos in this colourway previously and can't wait to see the 2011 version.

It's back to the needles and the occasional peek outside to check the dyelots. CU online and at the Port Markets, melissa

April Sales Promotion at Stranded In Oz

2011-03-31T16:58:00.004+10:30

APRIL Promotion: For all of April: show us your FO in Stranded In Oz hand-painted yarn or fibre and receive a 10% discount on any regularly-priced SIOz product. For online customers, email your piccies and a description of the item you made and receive an online coupon via email. For Port Market customers, just bring your lovely FO by.

Hello to the knitters, spinners, crocheters of Adelaide and beyond... Your needles. hooks, and wheels continue to inspire me. Thanks so much for sharing what you do both online and at the Port Markets.

Above you'll find a picture of the latest lot of Loaded Dog, a blend of colours inspired by a neighbour's brindle Staffy. 2 hanks of this luxury blend makes a nice pair of hand-cosies -- this yarn has incredible stitch definition and is 70% wool/30% cashmere. Divine.

On Sunday – a real treat! The Intrepid Knitter showed off her socks – in SIOZ Merino 4 Premium sock wool – excellent socks with a lovely eyelet diagonal stitch working up the side. Alas, my camera wasn't handy and I didn't get a piccie to share! I can't wait to see what she knits next. I call her the Intrepid Knitter as she likes to experiment with some of the more unusual yarns in the SIOz collection, including some Uruguayan singles!

To superwash or not to superwash, that is the question? My instinct as a knitter is to want the least-treated wool possible for my winter knitting. Though non-treated wool doesn't take dye as strikingly or brightly as un-treated, I still prefer au naturale for feel and long wear.

There seems to still be a preference for the superwash wools, which still puzzles me, but I guess it makes sense. If I had more than 2 people in my household, the washing and care might sway me towards superwash.

Drying outside: Rusty roving. I've been obsessing about deep rust for the past few weeks. Not too brown, not too glowy orange. I want it to have a brightness but not on the boarder of harsh. It's been driving me crazy. The latest version is drying on the line – just in time for Autumn. A dyed lot of Romney carded roving. It teases me when I walk past – spin me!! Fie!

For now, it's back to the needles and computer files. From the dyetable this week – a long awaited lot of painted banana palm silk -- there are 2 ocean-y mixes and a rainbow, and another installment in the Robin Hood Colourway line.

Mel

Colour from Adelaide on a grey, rainy day

2011-03-23T16:12:00.005+10:30

From Raph's garden on Sunday == it's Weds and the flower still looks good as it sits in a cup of water. Just some colour for us on a very rainy and grey Adelaide afternoon.

I'm holding off one more day for painting, as the weather hasn't cleared yet for drying. In the meantime, I'm amazingly close to finishing the edge of a large shawl that as preoccupied me for some time. And there are many socks to photography, yarn to tag, packages and all sorts of duties to attend to, including making muffins for R. They usually look like this:

Banana choccy today. For the Shrekie.
CU at the Port and online, M

Namaste, Inc. at Stranded In Oz

2011-03-21T12:13:00.005+10:30

The New Bitty Bags and Zuma bag restocks are here -- just in time for the new week. More Buddies too. Check out the new SIOz pricing for March or while supplies last! If you've been wondering what all the fuss is about with the Namaste gear... have a look.

Happy Monday from SIOz

Near, far, and local

2011-03-18T15:10:00.005+10:30

Handspun Nepalese Wool Lace from SIOz

Thank you to Near and Far, Cygnet, Tasmania, and their continued enthusiasm for Stranded In Oz Nepalese yarns and fibres. The new shipment of SIOz yarns are at their shop, and if you're an SIOz wool/hemp or So Sari fan, check out their new stocks of knitting yarns. They also have some limited editions of luxury yarns from SIOz, including a really lovely lot of alpaca/wool dk, which is perfect for gloves and scarves.

Brett and Karen take a lot of care and pride in their unique products and friendly service. If you are visiting Cygnet, be sure to stop by.

It's been a short week and after a marathon session on a shawl border, I'm taking a blog break. There are multiple socks, scarves, shawls in varying states of doneness.

Latest temptations are the balls of Terra and the Vespera project that I've had to put down every time a design project comes in. Alas poor jacket, you are neglected once more.

A special hello to Adrienne, who came by the Sunday Shop to inquire about knitting socks on circulars. After a brief description and directions to sites on the 'net, Adrienne is hooked. Another SIOz customer hooked on socks. I def should put a health warning banner next to the sock wools -- it's addictive, but in a good way, right?

CU at the Port on Sunday and online, M

Very Special CSS Kits!

2011-03-11T13:16:00.007+10:30

Amanda from Cedarland Farm has kitted up her magnificent yarn with the Stranded In Oz Coloured Sheep Shawl pattern. Here's a picture of her special blend of luxury fibres and Icelandic sheepwool.

The CSS kit features a three-ply Cedarland Farms yarn; approximately 100gm/4 oz per skein with 450 yds. It is 50% alpaca, 45% Icelandic wool with 5% angora! Available in milk chocolate or a dark brown/grey. Thanks Amanda for choosing the CSS project to go with your beautiful Icelandic yarn!

Back to the needles! CU at the Port Markets this Adelaide Cup Day weekend

Adelaide Cup Day Long Weekend

2011-03-09T17:50:00.006+10:30

Stranded In Oz Will be open on both Sunday and Monday this Adelaide Cup long weekend at the Port Adelaide Fishermen's Wharf Markets. Check the shopblog for details. Open 9am to 5pm both days.

Got to love this picture of Vellan's baby cardi in SIOz Free Trade sock yarn. I couldn't wait for the finished jacket photo, just had to post it now!

Excuse short post this week -- the dyelots and needles are demanding attention.

Warm and Cosy Handspun Hemp Blends Week

2011-03-03T13:22:00.003+10:30

Richly Coloured Handspun Wool with Hemp and So Sari Lots are on the dye list this week. Wheeeeeee. For those SIOz lovers of the Nepal handspun line, you will be happy to know it's full steam ahead. While the weather is still warm, the official Australian calendar says this is the first week of Autumn Down Under. This means I'd better get with it and tackle the long dyelot list...

Green Serendipity Wool with Hemp

Brights of Wool with Hemp from Stranded In Oz

These yarns have an earthy feel to them, so I like to dye them in rich, dark colours. I supposed they'd be fun in brights (I've done a few), but the rich reds, blues, purples, and greens feel right to me. Just mixed a really nice Teal (on the blue end of the shade) that looks really nice outside, hanging in the breeze.

Above you'll find the merino/lyo that Colleen used in her lace shawl (prev entry). I was messing around with blues and greys and only did one lot of that colourway.

Goodbye to the last hank of Brick Lane (above) some CTH supersoft, low micron merino that was a ltd edition yarn run. They decided not to get that milled again, so it's gooooorrrn. *sniffle* But it went to a good home, so that's ok!

mohair and merino lace yarns from SIOz

The two lace yarns pictured above are driving me to distraction -- super super soft mohair and merino blend with no trace of mohair fuzz. It's so soft, I just want to squish it. Since I'm in the midst of dyelots and design deadlines, there's no chance I'll be knitting it, so it's all for sale at the moment.

Sometimes a high contrast variegated just doesn't make the most of a lace pattern -- other times, it might. Anyway, a nice semi-solid, in the right shade will bring a smile to my knitter's face. I used to use a commercial solid from either Skacel or some of the Italian lace merinos, but once I started working with hand-dyed yarn, they just didn't interest me. There's something about the subtle changes in the shade of a hand-dyed solid that make the project for me.

OK, so you probably noticed that even when I don't plan on it, I end up running lots of purple and green on the same day. R. came in to where I was working and said, "You killed the Hulk again." Errr. Sorry. It wasn't my intention.

Back to the needles and beyond, M

Hand-Painted Wool Colour

2011-02-24T15:30:00.006+10:30

With my hands deep into designing for deadlines, I've been interspersing my schedule with some painting time.

Free Trade Sock Yarn 100gms $24.00

Played with a new primary red, which was actually a special run of a colour from a dye company. When it's gone, it's gone, but while it's lasting, I've been having fun with it. I love this sock yarn -- it's squidgy and bouncy -- an 8-strand 4ply weight. There's more yarn and shop news on the shopblog.

Colleen's Shawl in merino/lyocell – Colleen, lace shawl knitter extraordinary, came by on Sunday to show off her gorgeous lace shawl. It's just fabulous, complete with lovely little smokey purple beads. *sigh* My photo doesn't do it justice. This shawl was knitted in a SIOz test colourway of a yarn I was contemplating, a 50/50 merino/lyo blend.

The colourway is too subtle for me to adequately capture – light greens and purples with grey. Colleen has knitted it all. In my excitement to look at her shawls, I neglected to take a photo of the second one she brought in – a 1.5 ply alpaca lace beauty in aquas and blues. Ia yarn 'd painted a while ago. That shawl is amazing as well. Can't wait to see what she creates with the new SIOz mohair and wool lace.

It will be a warm and sunny day at the Port Markets this weekend. CU there and online, M

Club Packs, Thanks SWTC and thoughts on Soysilk

2011-02-15T14:14:00.003+10:30

The club packs for Feb are in the post. This is happiness all around. For knitters, your pack includes preview yarns of what is coming your way down the track -- knitable samples to get you hooked on SIOz. Hey, you already are, but I know I love samples, and you seem to too. So enjoy!

For the spinners, you have a nice chumpy pack of this month's fibre, along with a sample of the next fibre on the schedule, SA coloured sheepwool. OK, I was a stinker and included something un-dyed. You didn't think I'd spoil the fun and tell you the April colour did you?

Hello to the people at SWTC - who posted a hot shot of the Feb Tofutsies. Thanks for posting the piccie. I'm an unapologetic, shameless Tofutsies addict. And the knitters coming to the Port Markets are too! I've restocked the Port Shop with more variety of Tofutsies balls as well as the new Dark Orchid. The colours available change weekly. If you're online, it's best to email me if you have a colour group you would like -- trying to always keep a blue, a purple, a red, and greens available.

Also from SWTC -- the new Treisur Infatuation is a winner -- and also a terrible distraction while I'm under deadline. FIE! Here's a lovely shot of the colours in stock at the moment. My fave is the Southwestern- Americanish red, purple, green, and gold blend

Nearly everyone who touches a ball of this yarn buys it. The bright mix is perfect for a baby gift. Or a girlie pair of socks. I'm working on a shawl in this yarn as well. Well, while I'm designing a shawl in Jezebel, my other favourite SWTC yarn.

SOYSILK -- ok, I will say a few words regarding soy fibre for spinning. There are a few online vendors selling soy fibre -- beware. All soy fibres are not SOYSILK. You only will know the difference when you start spinning with the other stuff. Why? Because genuine Soysilk fibre is processed in a way that is just superior to other soy fibres out there -- it's a smooth, superfine top. Your fingers will know the difference.

Sure, you'll save some money, but it's not worth it. I have not been asked to write this, nor do I get any money from writing about it. I just want to put this out there in cyberspace for people to read. When I hand-paint soy, it's genuine Soysilk.

Club for February Week 2011

2011-02-13T22:05:00.006+10:30

BHM Tofutsies - February Fab Four Ply Knitter's Club

I'd meant to write an update earlier this week, but I've been really busy with organising the club packs, several deadlines, and a full dye schedule.

Dark Matter (Way Over the Rainbow, Dark Mix
Wool/Mohair Feb Fibre Club

Above you'll find the first shots of the club colours for February. The first sock colour is tonal -- a blend of reds to suit the hot phase of an Aussie Summer. I usually paint 1 semi-solid for the club for the year -- and this year, the sock needed a semi-solid colourway to make the most of the pattern stitch. Of course, it's Feb., so red is the colour -- if you're a Hallmark-type of person. Me? I don't get Valentine's Day anything, as my partner thinks it's an evil American capitalist plot to take his money. He's a Feb Grinch. Hmmph.

The fibre this month has been a terrible distraction -- I'd scheduled merino top, but I'd caught this lot of wool/mohair and had to grab it when I saw it. Don't worry -- the merino top is still scheduled. Trust me, you will not be sorry when you open the bag and put your hands on this fibre.

The December knitter's club colourway was 'dark rainbow,' but I'd not painted the fibre club in this colourway (that was a special blend of ES Red -- for xmas 'natch). I knew I wanted to try it in the fibre and the result is just what I'd planned -- the emphasis in this lot is on the blues and greens and it's very very dark. By the time we all get 'round to spinning and eventually knitting it, the weather will have cooled and we'll be ready to wear it!

On Sock Knitting: just when I think socks have run their course, I meet more knitters who haven't made socks. Yet. Ah hah! More prospective sock knitters! I'd better get my roller skates on, as the hp sock yarn stocks are getting depleted again! There are still plenty of hanks, but as per usual, the purples and blues seem to disappear first! And it is time for me to paint greens again (yes V., GREENS).

In between several sock designs, I've been working on 3 new shawls -- 1 on the needles for the US, 1 for a mag issue, and another for SIOz. They're all in various stages of development and each is a child demanding attention. When the screaming gets too loud, I take out a spindle for 15 minutes. That seems to calm everything down. All it takes is a few minutes of spinning and I've cleared my head. *sigh*

Back to the needles, M

Giving the boot THE BOOT!

2011-02-05T12:38:00.003+10:30

Uruguayan merino and 8ply hand-paints from SIOz

Well, I've been given the all clear to go bootless, so I'm now officially Gimpy. The walking gets better everyday, while the mystery foot pain continues to annoy, I'm so relieved to be able to GIVE THE BOOT THE BOOT! Wahooo!

There are new things happening from SIOz, including new designs in the works and the backlog of hand-painting. Thanks again for everyone asking for updates and good wishes.

The first sock for the 4ply yarn club uses one of my new faves, an eyeletty rib. It's a top down sock (I know, I usually don't do 'em that way) but it's good to keep things fresh. I love the Dutch heel and the tweak on a heel stitch (you'll have to join the club to make this one) The first colourway is a tonal mix to make the most of the stitch. If you haven't resubbed and were meaning to, there's time.

Boo hoo! One of my fave projects in 2010 was a hood I'd been working on in aran wt/worsted. I'd just finished casting off when I went outside the shed and had my accident in VT. Now, I've put the things somewhere, perhaps unconsciously putting the accident behind me, and now, can I find the darned thing? Must be a reason. Do I file the project away or reknit it? Hmmmmm.

Well it's back to the workpile for me. If you're in Adelaide, enjoy the next few days in the cooler weather. m

Where Did the Week Go?

2011-01-28T19:12:00.003+10:30

Luxury Merino 4ply (superfine Australian, feltable and great for shawls, socks, and baby knits

Infatuation Bamboo Sock Yarn from Stranded In Oz

Finished a test sock in the new bamboo/wool Infatuation. The photo doesn't do justice to the wonderfully soft yarn! I'm rather picky when it comes to sock yarns, so wasn't sure if I'd like Infatuation. After all, I'm a Tofutsieholic. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a great wool and bamboo sock yarn blend, check it out! Plenty loaded at the SIOz online shop. Even in the blazing heat of this week, intrepid knitters have snarfled this yarn up!

Long Shot Vest (SWTC pattern by me)-- it's often the case that once I've done a design for a yarn co or mag, I don't see the garment again -- distance makes it sometimes silly for the thing to go to and fro. Anyway, while Long Shot was done a while back, I got busy working on other designs and neglected one for myself. Above are some progress close up shots. The first is a pic of the side and a better view than previous of the stitch used. It's an asymetrical chevron stitch that keeps mesmerising me. The second photo a close up of a revised edge finish. I liked the edge of the first one as it was pretty straight forward, but I like this second one better. Easier to finish if you are impatient and hangs nicely.

Am hoping to put the final touches on in time for the weekend, but I suspect that is a silly notion.

Happy Knitting, spinning, even in the HEAT of the weekend here in Adelaide. It's back to socks in this weather!

Saturday Summer Distractions and Knitting

2011-01-22T14:30:00.003+10:30

It finally feels like summer here in Adelaide. We seem to love talking about the temperature around here. I guess when you live near beautiful beaches and hills, it's important to know if you're planning a weekend outing.

I have to say thanks whenever I get the chance to those who keep sending their email good wishes regarding my healing leg. I am happy to report that while I am gimpy, I am still around the place and gearing up for painting in 2011. The leg and foot don't look great, but continue to mend and I'm hopeful the surgeon next week will think so too.

So it's now onward to 2011 painting. And first up are the club yarns and fibres. I'm getting a bit excited! Tofutsies is the first yarn to hit the dyetable and I really enjoy painting it. Jonelle at SWTC continues to indulge my love of this all-purpose 4ply/fingering weight yarn. And I keep finding new uses for it in my own knitting.

Richard, computer nerd that he is, has worked a plug-in for my webpage for those of you who check out the webshop on your mobile phones. Thank you to the people who emailed suggestions! Let me know how you go with that.

In the meantime, I think I mentioned the other day regarding yarn distractions. My friends know I'm not exactly miss glamourpuss, but I've been distracted by new yarns, including anything shiny (new metallics). It's like cooking with cayenne pepper, a little goes a long way with me. Been experimenting with colour-matching the yarn samples so that the effect is more subtle than 70's disco BLAM metallic. You may remember the full gold lame look? But hey, if that is your thing (and I bet there are people who can pull it off) then why not? It's your knitting right?

It's back to the socks and HP Tofutsies on the needles. Til next time, m

Greens on Wednesday

2011-01-19T13:36:00.009+10:30

The greens on my screen of the yarn are brighter than in rl and are closer to my screen's

capture of the painting. Not sure what you'll see...

It's Cezanne's birthday today (thank you Google) and the below is a Cezanne that captures certain types of Northern Hemisphere greens. I painted a lot of Lux Merino 4 in these colours and my green-loving friends here said, that's weird. They're decidedly foreign in different light. Perhaps I was a bit home (hemisphere) sick when I painted the yarn? The example that proves my pet theory that colour can be cultural.

La Maison du Pendu

Today was a design day, then a yarn shipment arrived and distracted me beyond belief -- a wool tape made from mostly wool, woven onto a nylon 'frame' -- it works to around 2.5sts per inch, which is so huge to me -- I'm working on socks and shawls at the moment, so it feels really strange to play with 2.5 sts per inch! But I put it away after pawing the ball a while and got back to work.

So it's back to the socks and shawls and scarves on the needles at the moment -- and in the middle of all that, I try to find time to finish my Long Shot Redux. It's all good. Here comes the heat again and I've found the fans, so it'll be ok here on the couch.

Summer socks and all manner of knitting goodness

2011-01-13T17:18:00.006+10:30

Summer Cotton Wrap

After working on the Summer Cotton Hand-Paint wrap for far too long, I'm still not done playing with this design. I've been trying to construct garments that are simple, down to the basics, but looking at knitting construction and shapes in new ways. When I say new ways, I mean, new to me. I have no doubt cleverer knitters on this rather large planet have thought of these things previously. I'm a firm believer than the knitting process is highly personal. What is new to you may be old to someone else, but who cares? Make it if you like it and want to wear it.

This wrap came about because I love modular knitting for summer. Do a bit here, do a bit there. But I am not always fond of the fabric of modular knitting. When a pattern calls for 1400gms of 4ply, I say to myself, damn, that looks fantastic. And sure, the yarn seller in me goes, hey, that's a lot of yarn to make that garment. But I just can't go there. I mean, I would never wear that much wool on my body at once. Maybe if I lived in Nova Scotia I'd think about it.

So, I set about trying to change the math to make something modular and a fabric I could wear most of the year. Eh voila, the Summer Cotton Wrap was born. It will work in other 4ply/fingering wt yarns, so I'm not done playing with this one, that's certain.

Further to the make it and wear it thread... One of my most successful designs continues to be The Coloured Sheep Shawl. The less complicated I made it, the more I had to rethink the whole thing. I really haven't seen another design like it and I guess that's ok.

Stranded Silk Sock in Lone Heart Red 100gm hanks

I've been swatching and playing with this yarn for the past week. It has the most amazing stitch definition and feel to it. Most of the knitters who've purchased this yarn continue to advise that once they get it home, they think it's too nice for socks. Yeah, I know what you mean, but why not pamper your feet? Then again, the drape on this yarn says, please knit me into a cowl or something like that. Thank you to Sr. Joan Mary who has decided just that. I can't wait to see what she knits with it.

For product info, check the SIOz shop -- more yarns have been loaded this week, including sock yarns.

New Year's Holiday Trading and New Sock Yarn

2011-01-01T00:03:00.005+10:30

Happy New Year! Stranded In Oz is trading at the Port Markets this weekend both Sunday and Monday, Jan 2nd and 3rd, from 9am to 5pm. Last weekend was good fun -- I love it when it gets noisy -- knitting is FUN! Special thanks to Kate and Colleen and Leslie, who dragged her sis along, and all the others who came by for a chat and some wool.

I must admit, the hot weather took all my energy today. The first really hot day of the year usually does that to me. No matter, as I hid in the bedroom with a fan, finishing the final bit of edging on my garter stitch Way Over the Rainbow hand-spun shawl. This poor project gets bumped every time I have work due, so it has taken forever to finish. It needs a good blocking! Now where are those bobbins I wound to ply that McLaren Vale laceweight, spun from Polworth? That's been sitting there, waiting to be plied for, yes, a year.

In the meantime, I'm working on the Long Shot vest -- and of course -- decided to change the edging. As soon as I'm finished, I'll blog post the edging option.

Long Shot Vest close up of stitch pattern

New Sock Yarn -- the new bamboo sock yarn, Infatuation, has arrived and is loaded on the online shop for you to peruse and purchase. I will have stock at the market this weekend for you to snarfle. Besides Tofutsies, I generally do not carry commercially-dyed sock yarns, but this one? I just LOVE it. Soft, squidgy, and in very wearable colours. For me, this yarn is not a substitute for Tofutsies, the all-purpose, all 'round excellent yarn for Aussie weather, but it is a lovely addition to the SWTC line. This yarn may just be too soft and luxurious for socks and might end up as a cami, or perhaps as baby wear. On the other hand, why not spoil your feet?

Infatuation Sock Yarn by SWTC now available

Christmas at the Port Markets and 2011 Clubs

2010-12-21T11:53:00.007+10:30

Happy Christmas to you and yours as we get ready for the holiday weekend.

Holiday Trading: Stranded In Oz will be trading on Sunday, Dec 26 and Monday, Dec. 27, from 9am to 5pm. Paid parking is close to the Markets, while you can usually find free parking across the way at the TAFE lot.

2011 Knitting and Fibre Clubs: The club subscription products have been added to my online shop

Details regarding club yarns, fibres, and patterns are on this blog at the sidebar and at my website. Please feel free to email me with your questions - melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com.

Right now, I'm keeping very busy on designs for 2011 -- all sorts of knitting fun in store -- socks socks socks and wraps, and cardigans, and all manner of knitting and spinning. On the needles? For myself, my long awaited personal version of Long Shot, one of my favourite designs. I really need to finish this one pronto. The yarn for this project, Terra, is so incredibly soft without any fuzz or brushiness -- it's truly a luxury blend of cotton/bamboo. I'm actually working on 2 at the same time, but that is another story... The yarn and pattern are available. I'll be posting finished photos of the vest -- so you can see the stitch pattern and close up of construction.

Long Shot by Melissa Deutsch Scott for SWTC

Inspirational Knitters and Spinners

2010-12-13T21:10:00.000+10:30

A Coloured Sheep Shawl

A nice Sunday at the Port -- sock knitters coming out for a peek at the new yarns on a rather cold and grey morning. Thank you for coming by.

My favourite part of the day? A visit from a lovely 93-yr-old knitter who's decided to knit A Coloured Sheep Shawl. Wow -- that was inspiring. She advised she hadn't knitted that type of shawl before and is looking forward to it. I just love that she was willing to have a go at making it! How cool is that? Isn't knitting a fun craft?Itg brings together people of all ages to share their experience and enthusiasm.

Sock knitter spotted: first socks on the needles -- and stuck? Yup, that's what happened on Sunday. A look at the needles revealed that New Sock Knitter was actually right on target and had done the waste yarn for an afterthought heel correctly. Sometimes you just need someone to look and say, yup, that's the right path. This, among many other reasons, is why I work at my market once a week. Whilst chatting and looking at stitches, she asked me -- what's the latest thing in the USA for kniters?

I had to think a minute -- for yarn, the big thing is 'tonal' yarns -- blends of colour on colour at varying degrees -- similar to hand-dyed semi-solids. My theory is that the commercial yarn companies are trying to get their yarn to look like hand-paint. Some of these new yarns are quite attractive and worth a look, like Kollage Yarn's Sockalicious. I've added 'moonstruck' to the new sock yarns for sale at SIOz. Why 'moonstruck'? It's the most striking and universally wearable colourway in the range. Check out Stranded In Oz Silk Sock for my hp version of this yarn.

And what's back? BLING. Yup, sparkle is in -- metallic glam mixed into some of your fave yarns. There's a whole bunch of 'em from all sorts of companies -- including sock yarns. Tinsel for your toes.

One forecast I've read says novelty yarns are back. Errrrr. I'm not so sure how that is going to play out over the year, but I'll be interested to see.

Back to the drafting I go, M

2010-12-10T14:21:00.000+10:30

'wild betty' Stranded Silk Sock 100gm hanks
merino/mulberry silk/nylon sock yarn $25.00

Well, out of the depths of my mysterious camera's memory, I managed to retrieve a nice photo the Ltd Edition Stranded Silk Sock -- this yarn is now available online and at the Port Market this weekend. There are a few hanks of 'Wild Betty' (shown above) as well as some very fetching hanks of 'lone heart red'
. One hank makes an average sized women's sock. I have very limited quantities of this yarn available, so get it while it's here. You will love this sock yarn.

mmmmm. Bunny butt! Couldn't resist sharing this photo of my beloved pooch. Here, she's playing with her new bunnybunny I brought back from Ameriican. It has a very loud honker in it and is life-sized for added kelpieweiler enjoyment. Hrs of fun.

Clubbing, the fibre artist's way

2010-12-08T16:12:00.000+10:30

Logistics, logistics, logistics. The fine art of organising wool for the 2011 Stranded In Oz knitting and spinning clubs is on in earnest.

This year, I've been trying to source Australian wools and other fibres to knit and spin. But how to keep excellent quality, emphasize AUSSIE and not bust the budget? It's a delicate balancing act. Hmmm. Balancing isn't a word I should be using, given I am hopping about on one foot, crutches, and a moonboot.

A Sock Knitter's Club To sock or not to sock? For those who know me and my knitting/spinning habits, they know I am a sucker for fine wools -- cobweb is just fine. And I have friends, like Eric Corbin, who think one should never knit with sewing thread, thanks very much!

Even so, it is with this addiction to 4ply/fingering wt yarns that I've taken the plunge and developed a sock knitting club for 2011. There's no shortage of sock designs on my desktop and no end of the types of sock yarns I continue to fall in love with.

What's missing from this picture? Alas, the ultimate, tightly twisted, worsted-spun Australian sock yarn still eludes me. But who knows, perhaps my dream will come true? Not Kiwi (though we love that too), but Aussie. Like, say, the one produced in South Africa that has a lovely tight twist and will never ever pill?

In the meantime, I've been planning a nice mix of 4ply and 3ply yarns -- some grown and spun in Australia, some from a small, family-owned mill overseas, as well as a few on the exotic side, like my fave SWTC Tofutsies, hand-painted the SIOz way.

Jonelle Beck Raffino, owner and developer of the fun, funky, and fab that is the SWTC line continues to enable me. Bless her cotton sox. Or should I say soy and bamboo sox? Yup, she's just come out with a new line of bamboo sock yarn, Infatuation. Don't worry, it's on it's way to Stranded In Oz and to you. Of course, it's in happy SWTC colours! Greeeen. Plenty of blue, pink, and all manner of sock colours to play with.

SWTC Infatuation Bamboo Sock Yarn

But still, a sock knitting club? What if you are allergic to knitting socks. That's ok; with 100gms of lovely thin yarn, there's no end to what you can do with the club pack. Right now I'm knitting a scarf in Tofutsies -- it's an eyelet chevron pattern I'm preoccupied with and will make a fine fashion accessory.

There's also a cute knitting bag pattern on the desktop awaiting editing, not to mention the shawls in various states of development. So you see, it's all 4ply all the time at SIOz.

This reminds me of that strange quote attributed to Wallis Simpson, 'you can never be too rich or too thin.'
Err... you can never knit too much or too thin?

Dye... My Pretties! M

Thanks SWTC and new SIOz SubTle in YARN20

2010-12-01T11:03:00.000+10:30

Check it out -- the latest edition of Jonelle and Kat's Socks A La Carte -- Toe Ups! As it was released in the midst of my show season, I neglected to mention that Stranded In Oz made the GALLERY page! What a nice surprise from the people at SWTC! Thanks guys.

At the Sock Summit 2009 I had given Kat some Tofutsies HP in Sherwood Forest for her to play with. And hey, a lovely sock ended up in their second book of the series. And of course, I am thrilled that it made it into the TOE UP volume, as I love toe up socks. So check it out.

And did I mention that one lucky SIOz 2010 Knitter's Club member will receive a copy of the book, along with their December club pack, which of course, will contain 100gm of SIOz hand-painted Tofutsies? The pattern for December is a lacy chevron sock that makes the most of the special colourway.

And even MORE SWTC and Stranded In Oz: The December 2010 issue of YARN magazine has a new Stranded In Oz design in SWTC Bamboo. It's a new colourway, just perfect for Aussie summers.

SubTle by Melissa Deutsch Scott in YARN 20

Awwww. loooooook, innit cute? I LOVE goats!!!

So thanks to SWTC and the editors of YARN, I have once again spread my love of viscose yarns. This time, it's SWTC Bamboo.
This design features some very subtle design inclusions -- the stitch changes from the body to the bodice, which you can only appreciate when you are working on and wearing it. The edge is small and unobtrusive. I'd been kicking around a keyhole top design with corded edging for ages and finally got it into something I think is simple and very wearable. Included in the notes are why I chose the stitch used and some comments on using man-made yarns from natural sources, like bamboo or soy. SubTle can be knitted in either SWTC Bamboo or SWTC Oasis.

I'm sure there's plenty more I could type about at the moment, but the needles and drafts demand my attention. Thanks for reading!

melissa

For a Friday From the Lounge

2010-11-26T11:56:00.000+10:30

Yup, here I sit, in between hopping down the hallway then back up the the lounge room. Got one of these on my leg before arrival in Australia. It's better than a hard cast (mine's not exactly like the pic, as it has a giant moonbooty platformish heel) but you get the idea. The velcro bits get stuck on everything. And when it's hot, it isn't very nice.

But at least I am home and have been wading through the mountain of work that awaited me.

Weather for this Sunday at the Port Markets is supposed to cooler than last, for which I am grateful.

Corntastic Yarn Update and bits and pieces: Have loaded the new stock of Kollage Corntastic. It's one lovely yarn. If you don't see a colour you want, I am happy to order more colours, so feel free to email with requests. In addition, there are some new sock yarns (the first arrival of Sockalicious -- I have re-organised the sock yarn category on the site for better perusability)

Kollage Corntastic $9.95/50gm hanks

New Space Age Boot and of course, yarn

2010-11-22T18:53:00.000+10:30

Yup, I got the boot -- a black removable cast for my injury. Gone is the fetching purple cast.

Made it through a very hot day at the Port Markets on Sunday. Knitting must have been in the air, as I taught 3, count 'em, 3 different people to knit yesterday. Walk in clinic, shingle out. Two friends, visiting students, and a traveler from Hong Kong.

That must be a record of some kind. Spontaneous need to knit. My first day back after 3 months and whaddaya know. It was fun.

In addition to catching up on mail, orders, and the usual SIOz stuff, I've been going through new yarn for the hot weather, including some fabulous Kollage Corntastic. I'll be loading the colours this week online. 100% corn in a non-ribbon type yarn. The colours are decidedly tropical and summery. The lovely people in the SIOz knitter's club are getting a sample hank in their packs for Part II, pack 2.

I've been busy designing several new shawls, some more socks, and a few other garments that will head to the Port Markets as well as listings online.

While many knitters prefer to put down the needles in the heat, for reasons of working in 2 hemispheres, I am constantly knitting off season at this time of year, so it's onward with hats, socks, and all manner of things knitted. Somehow, it tends to work itself out.

For now, knit, spin, felt, crochet something fun for summer. Perhaps this is the time to tackle your first lace project? Or finally work on that second sock? First sock? Hmmmm. I know I have an orphaned sock project bag somewhere.

Thanks so much for thinking of Stranded In Oz. I hope the new season finds you and yours well and ready for cricket, a good bbq, and of course, the holiday season that rapidly approaches.

M

Pink Ribbon Namaste Accessories and other BCA stuff

2010-10-24T09:36:00.000+10:30

Ltd Edition OhSnap! by Namaste now available from SIOz in reg and xlrg

The Ltd Edition Pink Ribbon Oh Snaps! and some super-sweet Ltd Edition Pale Pink Buddies are now available online from Stranded In Oz.

The pale pink Buddies are so new and special there's no product picture from Namaste, Inc., and the boxes aren't even marked with the usual product stickers. And they are a gorgeous rose quartz pale pink. If you like pink of course!

The Stranded In Oz knitter's kits for the cure are in the works and I will post those when they are ready to ship -- the kits will include the ltd edition OhSnap! in pink of course.

ALL PROFITS FROM THE SALE OF PINK OH SNAPS!, PALE PINK BUDDIES, AND PINK KNITTER'S KITS FROM SIOz WILL BE DONATED TO THE MCGRATH FOUNDATION.

It took me a while to decide which part of the BCA world I wanted to donate to, and with the help of my friend Tamise (thanks TimTam!) and others, I narrowed it down to who made the biggest difference? The answer? Breast Cancer Nurses. They are incredibly important -- and there aren't enough of 'em.

Laguna and Cali Binder Namaste, Inc. update: I've loaded all that is in stock -- both designs have been discontinued by Namaste, Inc.

On the Mend: thank you so very much for all the kind and thoughtful email and notes of Get Well Soon. I'm using this unexpected non-standing time to finish new designs, including new knitting club designs, socks, as well as other fun gear to keep your fingers busy all summer -- and I know it'll be summer very very soon.

You know, one has a lot of time for reflection when stuck in a hospital and on a couch with one's leg elevated. And most of my musing has been influenced by the news in the US -- it's election time here again. Since I don't live here, it is easy to find the 24/7 saturation coverage a kind of amusing, psychedelic circus/theatre. I'm so glad I don't have to cast a ballot here - the negative campaigning would make me cast a non-of-the-above ballot.

To all my US festival customers -- thanks so much for buying SIOz yarns and fibres this Autumn. It was a pleasure to see you all.

Mel, from Easton, Maryland

MMMM special sock yarn from Kollage - Sock-a-licious!

2010-10-17T03:07:00.000+10:30

For all you Ravelers, check out kzooerica's shot of the special hand-painted sock yarn I've been painting, the new Kollage Sock-a-licious: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kzooerica/simple-things

I have to say, this was the test hank of the first run, a blend of purples, blues, and greens. I regret not stashing a hank and yes, it's long gone. There are hanks of this yarn left from the last show and I will endeavour to load them onto the shop next week -- it's a one-time-only availability of Kollage Sock-a-licious painted by yours truly.

I've been sternly warned by Mark at Kollage that it's not going be available, un-dyed, again (sniffle), so I really agonised over the colourways as you can imagine. Sock-a-licious is a luxury blend of merino, mulberry (yes, mulberry) silk, and a bit of nylon for you sock knitters.

Frankly, it's so luxurious, I think Erica is right to make a shawl out of it.

zooerica's small things in ltd edition Stranded Silk Sock

Hanging In There. Really!

2010-10-14T04:07:00.000+10:30

Well, there's no easy way to say it, so I'll just say it. After a pleasant and uneventful journey up to Tunbridge, Vermont, B and I arrived for setup on Thursday, October 1st.

After having a yummy cup of Green Mountain Coffee, saying hello to the folks at Green Mountain Spinnery, I headed out to the toilet building from the show shed. It didn't take more than 5 seconds for me to slip on a patch of muddy grass, go down on my ass, and then... disaster registers -- my ankle.... in pieces.

I don't remember much after that -- Margot, the cashmere sheepherder, and also trained as a nurse, held my hand as I went into shock. The incredibly kind and professional paramedics, the very long ride to a hospital. Then, a nice young doctor, who said, this is going to hurt...

And then, I don't remember much of the following 24hrs. Once my dislocated (you just don't want to know what it looked like) and multiply-broken ankle had been set, I was admitted to the little hospital in Randolph, Vermont. After SIX days waiting for surgery (yeah, I really really messed up the ankle), I was told that it was still going to be a wait for surgery.

Thanks to my parents in Maryland, I was taken back to Easton, MD (near Annapolis, for those who like checking maps), to await surgery there. Driving 750 miles in a toe to thigh pre-op cast, with bones that need permanent pins) isn't much fun. I don't recommend it.

I'm happy to report that the surgery went well on Monday and that I'm safely ensconced on the parental lounge. Dad's set up a small tv (with cable!) and I'm typing away on the notebook 'puter sister Melanie gave me.

I can't really articulate my disappointment adequately at the moment. I spent all year saying I can't wait to see the goats at Vermont Sheep and Wool. Didn't see a-one.

BIG THANK you to the customers who came by, left good wishes, and purchased yarn in my absence. Thank you so very much. Knit it all in good health and happiness!

The show yarn and fibre is with me here in Easton, MD. If you wish to place an order, or have questions, please email me at melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com. As the healing takes hold, I will be loading new things online, so stay tuned!

Here's what my husband has sent to keep me company in the US:
Yes, you're right -- I miss my dog Lyta, who's my best medicine.

As I type, there's a squirrel who's decided to climb up the screening around my parents' porch dining area. It's very funny watching him scurry upside down around the perimeter.
Mel, in Easton, Maryland

Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival

2010-09-30T08:48:00.000+09:30

Tunbridge, Vermont bound. I really look forward to this show, as the setting is lovely in the New England Autumn and the people are special too.

This show is a chance to catch up with the Icelandic sheep breeders, the cashmere breeders, as well as some of my favourite natural dyers, like Tidal Yarns.

See you online and at the Vt. show.

If you have an order, please feel free to email melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com. And if you have questions, ring Richard on the number listed on the shopsite. He's been ace at helping out when I've been away.

Stay tuned, as there are new yarns and fibres in the works for Stitches East and the knitters and spinners clubs!

Melissa, on the road again

On the road again... to KDO and Shenandoah

2010-09-24T21:52:00.000+09:30

On my way out the door to drive to Central PA College, where the Knitter's Day Out is held. Then, it's off the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Fest in Berryville VA.

The camera still isn't talking to the notebook, so I'm a text-only gal again. FIE.

Clubs: Yes, as some of you have asked, the club subs are on-going. You can join a part any time, so if you missed August, that's not a problem, as I have some kits available. If you are in the US, please email your order to melissa AT strandedinoz DOT com to pay less on the August kit postage.

CU at the fests and online. m

One the Road, Week 2 Finger Lakes Fiber Fest

2010-09-16T01:15:00.000+09:30

Join Stranded In Oz and Bitsyknits this weekend at the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival in Hemlock, NY. This year, instead of the little booth in the back barn, B and I will be in our own tent in the field. Wish for sunny weather please.

New Lots

I'll be bringing with me some fresh lots of Luxury Merino 4, a low micron, super soft yarn -- luxury fibre with a rustic, homey spin to it. This yarn will be featured for my EC shawl kits. Supply is limited, as the mill has stopped milling this yarn, and yes, I just couldn't resist getting a nice big pile for the US. Colours include a new autumn red, a luscious blue blend, a new purple, and a killer dark green.

Thank you to the outstanding volunteers at the Garden State Sheep Breeders Show, as well as the awesome NJ/NY/PA knitters and spinners who came to the event. Rain threatened to ruin Sunday, but as 11:30 rolled by, the clouds rolled away.

Packing for Hemlock, NY (it's about 1hr sth of Rochester)

Garden State Sheep Breeders Festival - On the road, week 1

2010-09-09T01:40:00.000+09:30

SIOz Luxury 4Ply/Fingering -- ltd edition, low micron merino
available at SIOz, Port Adelaide Market and in ltd quantities in the USA

Bitsyknits and SIOz will be at the Garden State Sheep Breeders Festival this weekend. I'm hoping Jon Benet, my favourite llama will be there too!

Now that I've made it to Bitsyknits' house, I've commandeered (sp?) her laptop and thought I'd write a bit about the drive from Maryland to PA.

On the Road: if you've ever wondered why Americans drink so much coffee and live on donuts and hamburgers, it becomes clearer once you hit the highway here. Speed limit 55mph? Nah, it's more like, 70-80. I mean, all that caffeine and sugar gives a driver a fair amount of energy, yah know? And you NEED it to play dodge 'em cars along the highways of the Mid-Atlantic.

But yes, I made it to the Lehigh Valley, PA, where I leave tomorrow for NJ and the sheep fest.

Adelaide:

Richard is on duty this weekend at the Port Markets. If he looks confused, don't worry, he still can look through the displays to help you out. I'll be offline from Sat to Tues, but R will be checking the online shop for me.

Still fighting with camera to speak to new notebook(s), so pictures on hold of what's new re yarns and fibres. Apologies for the text only.

CU in NJ and online, M

G'day From Yankland

2010-09-03T06:55:00.000+09:30

Whew! Hello from the Chesapeake. It's lovely and sunny, and HOT here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. First night after I arrived I was a guest at a crab boil dinner on the river. Ever see a roomful of adults whacking dead crabs with a mallet?

Big THANK YOU to all the awesome knitters who came by on the 22nd of August for the Hank Hunt. Way to go to YOUKNOWWHO for scoring the 40% off voucher. I look forward to seeing what you knit and spin with the bag of wooly goodness you hauled away. My needles and spindle are jealous.

For those of you who didn't venture forth on the 22nd, the Port Market shop is fully stocked. Yes, I've sent away most of what was out on that day, but there are some special yarns I've left for Adelaide and beyond customers. What's there? Have a look at the shopblog for details. I'll be updating that as best as possible while on the road.

First stop is the Garden State Sheep Breeders next weekend. It's a little gem of a show. Why do I do this one? Well, blame bitsyknits. My sister's guild is involved in the show, so I tag along as a vendor. Last year was the big Shetland Breeders involvement. Many more sheep and also, BIG FLIES. I am hoping that isn't the case this year. *lol*

The highlight of that show for me is visiting with my fave llama breeder. Oh yes, I plan to get some fibre this year.

Until I get the camera and computer to talk to each other over hear, it's text-only for now. M

Bon Voyage Part II -- the SIOz Mystery Hank Hunt

2010-08-21T11:42:00.000+09:30

Luxury 4ply chain in Evil Stepmother Red 100gm/$22.00AU

The hank vouchers are ready to go and I'll be planting the ? hanks in the display at around 9am tomorrow at the Port Markets. So, if you are planning to go hunting tomorrow, arrive after around 9:30 ish to ensure the display is ready. The mgrs don't allow us in any earlier than 8:30 am.

Right -- the Hunt Guideline are posted on the shopblog. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

There are new lots of yarn that will be out for sale, most of which are going overseas this week. I will load some yarn onto the website for online sale only for while I'm away. As always, email or ring if you don't see what you need, as it may be on the workshop shelf or on the road. If it's not a knitting emergency, we can get to you, with a postal delay.

A thank you to the lovely people at the Brighton Organic and Healthy Living Market, Masonic Hall, Brighton SA for having me as part of the group this winter. I promised I would return for the summer (they're planning some kewl stuff this year). SIOz will have bamboo, soy, and ethically-traded cottons, plus plenty of HP Tofutsies for summer knitting.

CU at the Port Markets and online, m

Look what arrived in the post this am!

2010-08-17T17:17:00.001+09:30

I don't normally post pics of birthday pressies, but isn't this the cutest damn mug ever? I must make cocoa tonight for my new mug. Do you think she likes cocoa?

I'm doing an online swap at the moment and the recipient is a dog-lover, so naturally, I had to order one for her straight away. You can get yours, or the kitty version!!!, at The Animal Rescue Site. I've linked (I hope) directly to the mug page. And in addition to getting the best doggie mug ever, you will be giving bowls of dog food with your purchase.

Right -- it is back to work I go.

What's happening at Stranded In Oz

2010-08-16T14:18:00.000+09:30

Winter Floral Blues Merino 4 Premium

Wild McLaren Vale Merino 4 Premium

Winter Floral Reds/w Purple Merino 4 Premium

A big thank you to SACSOS for their hosting of the annual Fibre Fair at Mt. Pleasant. The rain didn't seem to dampen (sorry!) the spirits of those who made their way into the Hills for a fibrey day out. There was so much sheepy beautiful stuff there it was hard to know where to look first!

For this week: I'll be posting the 'rules' on the shop blog for the 2nd SIOz Hank Hunt -- this time a bon voyage --at the Port Markets this Sunday, 22nd Aug. I must admit it was fun watching you all dig around the yarn displays looking for hidden hanks. I'm rolling out more sock yarn, bags of bargains (seriously, there are some very nice yarns for Sunday to get ready for the warmer weather) and a new yarn for SIOz.

Brighton Organic and Healthy Living Market this Thursday, Aug 19th. This will be my last time for the winter that I'll be there. If we're lucky, Sunnydale Farm will be there! And perhaps Rita and her outrageous Greek pastries!!!!! Oh my god, it was torture setting up next to her last time I was there. But of course, I managed *lol*

See you at the markets and online, m

Thursday 5th and Sunday 8th August

2010-08-04T11:28:00.000+09:30

Tomorrow, at the Brighton Market (Commercial Rd, in the Masonic Hall), I'll be featuring Fairy Fleece, 60% wool/40% sugar cane viscose. You have to feel this yarn to believe how soft it is, and because it's a viscose blend, it has fabulous drape and 3-season wear-ability.

Fairy Fleece Yarn from Stranded In Oz

For Sunday, which just happens to be my birthday, I'm featuring Karaoke (soy/wool blend from SWTC) Kits for the Milk Can Bag -- there are brights as well as darker colours to choose from -- at a ridiculously low price of $28.00AU per kit.

I've had this design in a work folder since first designing it in the US -- it was inspired by an antique milk can and available through a friend's US yarn business for a while. It just kept getting bumped out of the way here for other designs.

What I love about the yarn for this design is that if you want a felted version, the soy/wool blend won't shrink much -- but felts brilliantly! Like many of my designs, it is worked circularly, in a stitch chosen for its durability and how it looks in the yarn chosen.

Milk Can Bag Design from Stranded In Oz -- FREE Pattern with Project Yarn Purchase

Brighton Market 5th Aug and Mt. Pleasant Fair

2010-08-02T09:01:00.000+09:30

Hello and thanks to the intrepid knitters who came by yesterday at the Port Markets. Esp. nice seeing all the lovely knitted things you are wearing this winter!

SIOz will be at the Brighton Organic and Healthy Living Market on the 5th (this Thurs.) and 19th of August. It will be my last month there before I head off to the US of A.

Mt. Pleasant Fleece and Fibre Fair, Soldier's Memorial Hall, Mt Pleasant, Sat. Aug 14. Doors open at 10am: I'm usually away for this show, but this year, I am happy to say SIOz will be there -- there will be Fair specials to get you thinking about spring and summer, including sock knitting yarns. If you are thinking of purchasing a Namaste bag or accessory, and would like to pick it up at this fair, please order online and tick Store Pickup or ring to arrange your order. Be sure to put a note on the order message system so I know when to deliver.

CU at the markets, m

That was fun!

2010-07-30T09:47:00.000+09:30

Namaste Cali Needle Binder in LIME

Thank you to everyone who came by on Sunday for the lone hanks and general fun digging around bags of yarn. Happy knitting to all! Most of those lots on Sunday are destined beyond our shores. But don't fret, there's more new yarn for us here.

There is much in the works at SIOz at the moment -- I'll post details once they're finalised.

Latest for the SIOz online shop -- the new Namaste stock is in, alas still sans circ cases. Have no fear, there's lots of good stuff to go up online. As soon as the circ cases are available, I will post a message accordingly.

Bon Voyage Part I

2010-07-23T14:12:00.000+09:30

8ply Australian Merino (feltable)

The fun and madness that is SIOz on the road has started (this is all a good thing btw, it's just a logistical exercise that tests my organisational skills). Thanks heaps to everyone who made the SIOz BSWS 2010 experience such a success. It was great to catch up with you all.

Big thanks to Tara (Rav fiestywench) for her awesome organisation of Rav events this year. Thanks to Jen for letting me join in the fun with the Bendi Bingo! May the best spinner/knitter win!

Port Shop updates (the shop blog will be updated soon, but deadlines, yet again, loom large):

To start it off, I will be selling from lots destined for the US of A. They are due to ship out (Part I) next week, but like last year, I wanted to give my Adelaide customers a fair perusal and squeeze before the yarn and fibre went bye bye.

So, this weekend, if you come to the Port Markets, have a good look at:

A -- the main trading table, where the fresh yarn will be...
B -- the lone hank hampers, where the lone hanks from the Sheep Show live. All items in these bins are discounted (I don't do this at any other time usually) and this weekend, will include the lone hanks straight from the BSWS lots. Some beauties will be in there... at 20% off.
C -- new lots of spinning fibre, including Bitsyknits lovely Blue Hulaballoo superwash wool and alpaca blend -- perfect for spinning sock wool, an outrageously soft superfine merino and a pretty lot of merino/lyocel in red florals that I am coveting.
D -- new lots for the ridiculously under-priced luxury yarn ball bin, including new lots of alpaca blends, some very nice balls of wool boucle (with a touch of cashmere), and assorted other cools stuff my pals in Turkey sent over. Oooooh. No time to knit for me, but you can take advantage of the cools yarns in that bin.

The online shop has been depleted due to show and Port Market sales, but a new stock of Namaste is due in next week, including more spring bag colours (LIME!) as the shipment has been sent. Still awaiting the circ cases (totally sold out d00ds!), but I intend to be first in line for the new lots due in a few weeks. Check the shopblog for those details.

CU at the Port Markets and online, M

On the Road Again -- BSWS 2010

2010-07-13T10:26:00.000+09:30

A quick hello from the woolroom. Thank you to my Adelaide customers for the kind bon voyage messages!

For Bendigo: There will be show specials as well as some general show fun. This year, SIOz is one of the sponsors of the Ravelry events -- I look forward to meeting and chatting with everyone!

I wish I had more time to post piccies and other assorted, but time has slipped by and alas, I must run. CU at the show. M

Hello From Sunny Adelaide, just. Time for Knitting

2010-07-09T08:57:00.000+09:30

Alpaca/Wool 50/50 blend in dk in Floral Purple at the Port Markets

The countdown begins til the yarn, fibre, and assorted knitting and spinning fun gets packed to head off to Bendigo. For details on what's in store at the show, check the shop blog.

It's a very schizophrenic time of year for me. I am dyeing for both Bendigo and Aussies as well as the lots that get shipped to the US of A for the Fall festival Season stateside.

I've written on and off about how important it is that I base my business locally, and it's always hard for me to run off for several months to trade overseas. I miss my Richard and my Lyta, but it is part of what I do.

Chunky Merino in Puny Human at the Port Markets

To say thanks to my customers in Adelaide, I will repeat last year's previews. Out for sale for one Sunday, July 25th, at the Port Markets, will be the yarns that I'm shipping to the US. Fresh yarn lots and all are special runs. Check the SIOz shop blog for details after next weekend, upon SIOz's return from Bendigo.

Thank you to the kind folks at the Brighton Organics and Healthy Living Markets (every Thurs. am at the Brighton Masonic Hall). SIOz will be there every 2nd and 4th Thursday until the end of August.

CU at the Markets.

Dye... My Pretties!

2010-07-02T14:31:00.000+09:30

Hello again from dyer's central. Wheeeeeeeeeee! I just picked up my travel docs to go the USA -- wasn't I just there? It is very hard for me to believe it has been almost a year since I left for Yankland, but there you have it!

Yesterday was a purple, green, and winter floral day. Today, it will be a range of Woodland Creatures.

Whilst most of the new lots are destined for Bendigo and points beyond, there are still new lots at the Port, as it will be stocked while I travel. New and wonderful yarns and fibres are destined for the displays up there, so it's worth a trip.

The blasted blogger isn't taking my photo uploads today. Fie!

Back to the saltmine. m

in between lots...

2010-06-28T15:30:00.000+09:30

G'day from Dyer's Central in Queenstown, Port Adelaide. Today is a Sherwood Forest day. For SIOz fanatics, this is a good day.

There are a few colour groups that I repeat, and the Robin Hood colours are some of the more popular combinations. Sherwood Forest -- I can't even remember who or why it was named that, but it stuck. Depending on the season, and my eye on the day, the colourway varies a bit, but it's always SF.

I am always interested in hearing opinions on hand-painted yarns -- should the colourways vary? Should they be consistent? Since I'm an independent dyer, I take every opportunity to paint the best yarn I can, so for me, that means changing and improving on what I do.

My friend V says it's like hearing someone play music live -- you get the interpretation that night. So, I guess I do jazz yarn... doobie doobie dooooooooooooo.

This week, besides SF, I'll be mixing the faved McLaren Vale (traditional style) as well as some decidedly wilder blends.

Back to the dye mixing... see shopblog for this week's yarn updates, which include restocks of some Namaste bags and accessories.

Time for Winter Florals and webaches

2010-06-22T22:25:00.000+09:30

Hello -- just popping onto the net in between dyelots.

And a big thanks to the customers who were kind enough to contact me this am regarding problems accessing parts of my online shop. The IT guru Richard and I have been sorting things out today and it seems to be back to normal. We really appreciate your queries. Even with the webache this am, the orders went out on time. Whew!

Getting ready for Bendigo means that it's that time of year when I plan my travel to the US of A. Besides catching up with the fibre fanatics stateside, this year I get to play with the newest members of the family, my sister Beth's new Scottish Terrier pups, Fred... and Ginger. I can't wait! Puppies!!!! I've pestered her for pictures.

I'll be at the Brighton Organic and Healthy Living Market this Thursday. The coffee brewmaster there, Richard, makes an excellent cappuccino. And I look forward to munching on the organic olive and rosemary bread sold there too. Mmmmmmm. Love the market!

On the needles this week? A Merino 4 beanie in Will Scarlet. Yes, it takes a bit longer with the 4ply, but I'm loving the result.

cu at the markets

Beanie Redux

2010-06-16T17:44:00.000+09:30

Right, so husband Richard wanted a red beanie for his birthday. And he got a lovely knitted beanie in Kollage Fantastic Vixen Red. But... the beanie isn't long enough round the ears. It needs to be more 'ribby' -- *heavy sigh*. To avoid hearing him whinge, I am now working on beanie 2, this time all ribbed, in a hand-painted version.

The first beanie is quite wearable thank you very much.

Along with the knitting in progress for show season, I've been updating the shop stocks and sampling new yarns for the next year. The heavy wool teases me with its warmth while I must focus on knitting in bamboo, soy and cotton for the warm weather to come. But no matter, as it's all GOOD.

Here are the new colours from the SIOz club subs/June:

one-hank happiness wool/lyocel in Monet blue - beanie project

spindler's winter blues handspun beanie

Poochini is crying that she is wasting away --- hungry hungry hungry doggie. Must feed pup.
CU at the Port Markets or Brighton Organic and Healthy Living 2nd and 4th Thurs.

Brrrr!

2010-06-09T15:50:00.000+09:30

It be very cold in the house this week. Excellent pup-hugging weather. :-) And for wearing beanies!

The dyeing for shows has begun in earnest. Now, if the rain would clear the yarn could really dry. Nevertheless, the process continues.

I'll be updating the shop info today.

In the meantime, check out my new sock design in the latest issue of YARN mag:

Isn't he a cute pooch. Editor Michelle Moriarty advises the pooch was a walk-on! Since I'm a dog-lover, this made me happy. He must have smelled Lyta on the socks!

SIOz has the yarn and mags for sale if you'd like to make a pair of Seriously Warm Socks. Will have that loaded later today.

Winter Knitting

2010-06-01T15:21:00.000+09:30

Just finished a nicely-fitting beanie in Scarlet Kollage Fantastic. It is an really well-named yarn, as it feels fabulous and no whinging that it itches from the hubby!

Love this colour:Mmmmmmm. So soft, so squishy. Maaaaahvelous. As soon as Richard sits still with the beanie on, I will grab a snap. I'm totally hooked on this yarn. No time for a jumper, alas. *sniffle*

Deadlines still fly around me so it's back to the saltmine. Birthday beanie has been accomplished, so all is well.
m

Thank you to the HKGSA, Inc.

2010-05-26T14:59:00.000+09:30

SIOz Fairy Fleece -- wool and sugarcane viscose

A big thank you to the Handknitters Guild SA, Inc. for all the hard work last weekend running their biannual exhibition. Thanks so much for the invitation!

All those knitters, wool, and knitting in one spot! Whew.

But now, it is onward with preparations for Bendigo and beyond.

Apologies: to the customers who came by the Port and hadn't checked the website! Mea culpa. I promise I will both at the Port (Sunday) as well as the Brighton Organic and Healthy Living Market (tomorrow) this week.

It is hard to believe Beth -- bitsyknits -- and I are well into preparations for the USA autumn festivals. But so it is.

Knitting this week: deadline jumpers and shawls... What's on your needles?

Handknitters SA, Inc. Biannual Exhibition this weekend

2010-05-18T15:10:00.000+09:30

G'day from woolpile central. Getting ready for the:

Handknitters Guild, SA, Inc's Biannual Handknitting Exhibition
Where: Unley Senior Citizen's Hall -- Arthur Street, Unley
(across from shopping centre, heaps of parking available)

When: 10AM - 4:30PM Sat May 22 and Sun May 23.

There is a small admission fee. Coffee, tea, and biccies will be for sale and there is a raffle (usually really good raffle!).

Vendors will be selling (yeah, I'm there) yarn, fibre, garments, and other assorted knitting goodness.

Port Adelaide Markets this week: the shop will be open with Verena there to help you out if you need something. A LOT of what I sell will be in Unley, but there will still be plenty to purchase at the Port Market. If you need to pick something up there, email or ring ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

NAMASTE BAGS AND ACCESSORIES -- they are here and will be with me at the Handknitter's Exhibition so you can touch them and see what all the fuss is about. I have a limited stock to bring with me -- and have the colours people most often asked for.

TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT: I'll be loading the Namaste to the Online Shop this arvo. If you want to pick it up at the Exhibition this weekend, choose store pickup for delivery.

For ONLINE Customers -- NO SHIPPING FOR the Namaste Bags ONLY (not the groovy accessories). I figure, the USA postage has already been factored into the price and hey, us Down Under customers deserve to not pay the earth for the Namaste.

Some knitting I did last week in between a deadline project and painting:

Garter stitch shawl knitted in handspun SIOz Spindler's Club fibre I.

SIOz at Brighton Organic and Healthy Living Market

2010-05-12T09:45:00.000+09:30

SIOz will be at the Brighton Organic and Healthy Living Market tomorrow, Thursday May 13th, from 9:30-12:30. I was at this market last winter and since they were nice enough to request my return, I said of course! This is a smaller display than Port Adelaide, but is quite convenient for people in that part of the city. See you there -- at Commercial Rd, next to the Windsor Theatre, Brighton, just up from the nice row of shops and cafes near the beach.

2010-05-06T17:51:00.000+09:30

Does it look like soot to you?

Spindlebrat's scarf knitted in SIOz handspun Nepalese lace singles

Isn't this scarf pretty? Spindlebrat on Ravelry made this from some yarn I left at the Spinnery in Vt -- I happily swapped the yarn with her -- she is such an ace tour guide and all around interesting person to meet. I went away with some cones of singles that I was eyeing -- the cone ends are in a bin in the shop and I just love them -- natural cotton singles, odd bits of different natural wools. So cool.

The colourway of this scarf is part of a series of winter florals I did.

Was dyeing some cashmere/wool in grays for a commission and couldn't resist adding some 3ply to the lot. The black went all feral and blue and it's really nice. What to make with it?

Back to the deadline. m

gloVe from one-hank happiness club

2010-04-29T08:01:00.000+09:30

gloVe -- Pattern 2 from SIOz one-hank happiness club

close-up of club edition of Woodland Creatures in Merino/Silk Fine

The clouds have rolled in again and set my drying back another day, but no matter. It's time to get ready for shows.

First up -- a small exhibition in Adelaide -- the Biannual Handknitters Guild SA's Exhibition. This year it will be May 22 and 23 from 10-4 at the Unley Senior Centre in Arthur Street, across from the large shopping centre. Plenty of parking 'round the place.

Shop Updates on www.strandedinoz.com/sioz-blog

Anzac Day Weekend

2010-04-23T11:04:00.000+09:30

Yup, it's that time again and yes, I'll be at the Port Adelaide Markets both Sunday and Monday this weekend - 9 to 5 each day.

Feeling the pinch of festival season already upon me as the date confirmations and mill orders come in. R is already grumbling at the boxes, but that is fine. It arrives and goes right back out again! In the middle of that I paint and wind and label and it all comes good.

Thanks as always to everyone who checks in on the latest SIOz news. The shopblog gets updated for products now.

Must post some more piccies very soon, including pictures of Bitsy's new PUPPIES! Not 1 but 2 new scottish terrier pups. Yeah, 2 -- Fred and Ginger, of course!

Have a great weekend. m

Leftover chocolate Easter Eggs

2010-04-13T09:21:00.001+09:30

Mmmmmm. What to do with leftover choccy Easter Eggs. Hid them in the centre of the banana muffins. :-))))

It's a new week!

2010-04-12T15:38:00.000+09:30

Well, another interesting week has gone and it's straight into this one. The highlight so far has been a new idea for a teapot cosy. I am sneaking this project into my schedule, which is rather insane, but I just need to tackle it. I reckon it needs to be purple, non?

It's hard to believe, but I'm working on the USA schedule. It seems like I JUST GOT BACK. But I didn't. This makes family in USA eversohappy, but I look at my precious Lytapup and sigh. I hate to leave her. And all the things happening here.

So, the sock from last week's post will be an orphan 'til the next. The gloves for the One-Hank Happiness club goes out this week.

One Hank Happiness gloVe

And I'm sure I'm not listing everything. Except for testing some fibre for April Spindlers , I've hidden the others to ensure I don't get into trouble.

And have I mentioned I want to play with:

Little John Merino/Silk Fine

Ruined Pennies in Cashmere dk

Easter Bunny Hopped all over

2010-04-06T09:40:00.000+09:30

Short and Sweet Sock in SIOz Sock (100% superwash sock wool)

My redux Short and Sweet Sock pictured above. I haven't a clue where the original pair I did is, and decided I had the right yarn for a pair, so these were on the needles a few weeks ago.

Tried to keep the chocolate under control this weekend. Husband very much into the Easter choccy overload. I noticed the little choccy egg bag is now empty. Hmmmm.

Saddened that one of my favourite traders, Tabitha, at the Port Markets is leaving. She's opened a lovely vintage shop in Prospect and as soon as I've got the details correct, I'll link it here.

After several beanies and finishing my DWB sock (it's too ugly and dark today for a decent photo), I'm back to design knitting. Must hide spindles.

Hank Hunting

2010-04-04T08:03:00.000+09:30

Off to the Port Markets for the long weekend. The hunt hanks are ready and I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes. Plenty of free yarn to go around.
I'm beginning to tackle a new shawl project, but have not gotten really going until all the ends of the various other knitted items have been sewn in and finished.
The DWB socks are finally finished and I look forward to blocking those.
Happy Easter to all. I've limited the chocolate bunnyness in our house, which evokes frowns from R., but seriously, Aussies go nuts on the Easter choccies.
CU at the Port, m

Easter Fun and more beanies

2010-03-31T13:07:00.000+10:30

After finished a big project, it's nice to work on something small. I tackled a beanie yesterday, in hp handspun hemp and wool. Must sew ends in.

SIOz is hosting an easter hank hunt this weekend and details are on the shop blog link on www.strandedinoz.com

Only a little bit of time to knit beanies as I'll be painting and putting up mini-hanks the rest of the week. But is is very nice to work on something different. And this new lot of banana palm silk is calling my name -- I'm thrilled with the blend of green with blue that I mixed that day. Thinking a vest knitted with some soy dk. Hmmmmmmmmm.

m

Pondering the Plight of the wool shop

2010-03-27T15:28:00.000+10:30

I don't often get time to read Ravelry lists -- I like to say hello to people and answer queries, but time is ltd.
Just puzzled today regarding negative posts on Ravelry regarding our local Adelaide wool shops. My response sometimes surprises people. Perhaps they think that I welcome a competitor's demise. In reality, I wish they would all flourish. Why? Because they don't offer knitters the same products as I, nor do they provide the same types of services.
When you make artyarn, you may fight for some of the same $$, but in reality, buying 20 balls of yarn for a plain jumper isn't the same sale as selling to someone looking for a luxury hank of hand-painted alpaca.
Each of the local shops serves their own communities and offer retail services that I, as someone who designs and paints, cannot. Nor would I want to.
The sad truth is, that while some of the locals might seem a bit daggy, and don't offer deep online discounts, they do provide a service that is essential to a community of knitters -- their experience, talents, and often amazing wealth of technical knowledge.
Sure, walking into a local shop in Adelaide might not be as exciting as entering say, Wondoflex in Melbourne, which is just HUGE, but there's always something new and nice to touch and buy.
For me, buying local means I'm not wasting money on postage and the added carbon footprint to a purchase. And when I have a problem, it is so much nicer taking it to the shop than arguing on the phone or online.
I really feel badly for one owner, who has to deal daily with the browsers who come in, check colours and brands, then leaves, knowing they'll go home, log on and make a purchase. These shops don't exist for that purpose.
Of course it's not just a local issue -- I've had the same conversation with owners all over the Mid-Atlantic region as I work there several months a year. One proprietor is just downright surly with customers now, when I know it wasn't always that way. I reckon at one time she was a cheerful, happy yarn store owner.
Well, tomorrow is a retail day. I may joke that retail isn't my forte, but I look forward every week to seeing what has been knitted or spun with SIOz yarn and fibre.
As always, thank you for reading. m

Web Updates and SIOz Blogspot

2010-03-24T12:24:00.000+10:30

Whew! Finally, the new website is up and running and I've migrated the SIOz official shop blog to my website -- it's a link there new.

I'll be using this blog for misc. fibre chat, rather than the strictly business SIOz announcements.

All is linked via www.strandedinoz.com

For today, I soldier on under deadlines and anticipation of cooler weather. I really want a jumper for the new season -- for me myself I -- but I reckon that is merely a dream, given my schedule at the moment. But I can doodle every once in a while, can't I?

I'm continuing to do a row or two of the Doctors Without Borders sock -- a kit I got in an auction at the Sock Summit. Painfully slow, but it does keep my fingers occupied in queues. Sorry for the small thumbnail -- I haven't edited the downloaded piccie.

Back to the needles, M