My Sister's Knitter

Tamar Lustre blend yarn~ Blacker yarns review.

 

New and amazing things are always happening at Blacker Yarns and the proof is in the release of their newest yarn line...Tamar.

 

Photo courtesy of Blacker Yarn's website.

Anytime that I am given the chance to try out Blacker Yarns I jump at the opportunity. Not only are their yarns beautiful, but they are a really good company doing really great things. You know what I mean?

"The mill specialises in adding value to fleece supplied by farmers and turning it into high-quality knitting yarn which they can sell for themselves and generate a new or growing source of income from their flock. The Natural Yarn Company has been created to help them achieve this."

 

Available in 15 dyed shades and 2 natural shades.

Okay back to their newest yarn, Tamar. When I opened the package and cuddled on this yarn, I thought to myself that this must be what Rumpelstiltskin was aiming for. It is luxury, but not smack you in the face luxury. The true beauty of this yarn is revealed once it has been knit up and had a bath.

 

In their own words:

Tamar is a lustre blend yarn with a fluid sheen, reminiscent of flowing water and the river which gives this blend its name. This luxurious lustre yarn has been worsted spun to enhance the fibre’s inherent drape and shine.

Pure lustre blend yarns may be rather lean and lack ‘give’, so we’ve added 30% Cornish Mule to Tamar, helping the yarn retain that characteristic woolly bounce.  Mules are a crossbred sheep and can be found on most British farms.  For Tamar, we’ve hand selected only the finest local Cornish lambs’ fleece.  The baby-soft Cornish Mule creates a fine cloud of delicate fibre which perfectly complements the long staple of the lustre breeds creating a yarn which is durable, yet velvet soft. Due to the long fibre length this yarn will get softer and softer with every wash. 

 

The fiber combination lends itself  to being patterned into something that has flow and drape. Case and point this beautiful shawl knit up in it by Sonja.

 

© ThisMustBeSonja

Yes, a shawl would be something truly lovely to wear, but my mind goes to a flowing lightweight cardigan in the pink color Kensey.  Can you imagine that? I can as I am rubbing  this freshly soaked and blocked swatch on my face... it is brilliance.

 

4-ply in the color Withey Brook.

Tamara Lustre Yarn will be launching today, March 3rd! Thank you Blacker Yarns for allowing me to sample and review your creation.

Have a the best day today!

XO,

Andi

Knitlandia: A Knitter Sees The World: Clara Parkes, review and give-away...

 This giveaway is now closed~ Thank you for all who entered.

Let me begin with vowing my love for Clara Parkes. I want to be best friends with her and I know that I am not alone in my desire. When I read The Yarn Whisperer ( three times and counting), a term that I normally felt uncomfortable with "fan girl", was for once a real thing and I was one. I heard that Clara was coming out with a new book, but someone the knowledge of this got pushed to the backburner of my mind with the holidays and such. Then I was contacted by a lovely angel, Traci from ABRAMS books about a review. A review about a book written by my pseudo best friend...heck yah!

 

 

Knitlandia: A Knitter Sees The World, is not only a dream read but my true to life dream. While other's plan our their possible lottery wins by listing homes for parents and paying off debts, I list an across the world yarn store and knitting event crawl.

Being one the last knitters in the world not to experience knitting events to read this book was like being there. Clara takes us along to TNNA in Columbus where we get to experience all the wonderful joys to be had.

 

MIGHTY SCOOPS AND PHO TO G O : Celebrating TNNA in Columbus

BOOKSELLERS HAVE BOOKEXPO AMERICA, the gift industry has NY NOW, and in the knitting world, industry folk converge twice
a year for TNNA, our largest and only trade show, sponsored by the National NeedleArts Association.

Here, the people who make our world go ’round—the manufacturers, distributors, designers, agents, and retailers, to name a few—come together to network, take classes, and conduct business for the coming season. TNNA is where trends are launched, competitors are eyed, and closely held secrets are revealed. Are we headed toward novelty yarn again? You’ll get your answer at TNNA. Is the pompom back in style? A quick walk through the show floor and you’ll know.

 

  Clara shares with us stories of Jeni's Ice Cream that I have heard about in what I thought were fairy tales...

 

The Farmer's Market sundae at Jeni's, featuring delicious lemon frozen yogurt and boozy berries and a dollop of freshly whipped cream

And because us knitters not only go to the event and ignore what the community has to offer, we get to experience a Pride Parade.

 

 

gay pride parade. 

We needle crafters take it all in, or so I read and heard.

 

storm clouds over North Market

 So if you are like me and long to experience travel through a knitter's eye, you really should read this book. In true Clara Parkes style there will be many moments when you laugh aloud, so maybe you shouldn't read in public if you are easily embarrassed.

Lucky for me ABRAMS Books not only provided me a copy of the book to review but also offered up a copy for one lucky reader. Leave me a comment telling me about your favorite knitting event or if you are like me and have yet to experience one, what your dream knitting event is.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian entries only. Giveaway will close March 4th at midnight (PST) and I will announce the winner via a blog post on March 6th. I will be in contact with the winner and forward your info to ABRAMS Books. Good luck!

There are more stops on this fantastic book tour~

Feb 22           Knit and Tonic 

Feb 26           Mary Jane Muckelstone 

Feb 29           Knit Circus

March 2          Yarniacs 

March 4          Leethal 

March 7          Tin Can Knits

March 17          Marly Bird (Yarn Thing Podcast)

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi

Sweet Georgia Yarns Fall Collection Review...

 

Fall, as you all may know is one of my favorite months. Memories of apple picking, jumping in leaves, and the beautiful changing of colors all make Fall so wonderful. Who would have thought that when I began playing with yarn, that the seasons would serve up as an inspiration for dyers and designers as well?

 

 

Sweet Georgia Yarns just recently created a new 12-piece knitting pattern collection and  lucky me, I got a chance to be part of the blog tour.

• three cardigans
• two cowls
• two scarves
• two shawls
• mittens
• fingerless mitts
• a pullover

 Now that is quite the collection!

Obviously we all have our favorites. The ones I pictured just happen to those that caught my eye, but I am positive that you will find at least three or more that you would love to knit.

In addition to being able to drool over review this gorgeous collection, I also got to have a bit of a chat with Tabetha Hedrick the Knitwear Design Director at Sweet Georgia Yarns. 

 

 

What in particular about Fall inspires yarn colors and designs for you?

Fall represents such a physical change in our environment, from the temperatures to the colours to the textures, that you can’t help but be inspired. The colours and designs don’t necessary exude “fall” in the traditional sense, but they push us to experiment with those same components.

 

© SweetGeorgia Yarns / Josh Yong, 2015. Fall with SweetGeorgia Vol 1.

 

 Where did the idea of a Fall collection come about?

Fall has always forced me inward, to evaluate what I need to learn, which relates just beautifully with knitting. As I curl up at home with hot tea and warm fires, I can invoke that inner reflection into and through my knitting – trying new techniques, experimenting with fibers, exploring new colours, and savoring the comfortable. Combine that deeper emotion with the trends walking the runways and our team was able to curate a collection that speaks to the heart while remaining fabulously wearable and trendy.

 

 © SweetGeorgia Yarns / Josh Yong, 2015. Fall with SweetGeorgia Vol 1.

 

When designing are there ever times that a yarn/ yarn color  speak to you, letting you know what sort of design it wants to become?

Oh, goodness, yes! It is usually the yarn that determines it’s fate and I try my best to listen to it by playing with swatches, testing out different needles, and exploring new effects. The yarn leads the way from cast-on.

 

© SweetGeorgia Yarns / Josh Yong, 2015. Fall with SweetGeorgia Vol 1.

 

 

Where can knitters go to learn more about you, the collection, and SweetGeorgia?

Felicia, SweetGeorgia’s Founder and Creative Director, recently interviewed me for her podcast, The SweetGeorgia Show – give it a listen to hear a lot more behind-the-scene thoughts on the collection, as well as more about my work with the company. You can also, always, visit our website for all the latest details on everything going on.

Thank you, Tabetha!

 

 

For other great reviews (past and future) here are some of the other bloggers on this tour:

 

Sept 23 (wed) – Tabetha at www.tabethahedrick.com

Sept 25 (fri) – Corrina at www.picnicknits.com

Sept 30 (wed) – Julie at www.knittedbliss.com

Oct 1 (thur) – Heidi at www.handsoccupied.com

Oct 2 (fri) – Shireen at www.thebluebrick.ca

Oct 7 (wed) – Meaghan at www.unapologeticknitter.com

Oct 9 (fri) – Andi at www.mysistersknitter.typepad.com

Oc 14 (wed) – Robyn at www.shemakeshats.blogspot.com

Oct 16 (fri) Hunter at www.violentlydomestic.com

 

Thanks to Sweet Georgia Yarns I have the honor of offering up one pattern to a lucky winner. Please take a browse at the Fall with Sweet Georgia Vol. 1 look book here and tell me which pattern gift able via Ravlery  you would like to win. I will draw and announce a winner on Sunday October 18th via a blog post. Please ensure that you leave your Ravelry id in the comments. :)

Good luck and have the best day today!

XO,

Andi

Blacker Yarns~ Cornish Tin Review...

 

I am always honored whenever I am contacted by the creators of beautiful yarns to review their product. To also be included in being a part of a 10 year birthday celebration for Blacker Yarns was beyond exciting.

 

Photo from Blacker Yarns website

For those not familiar with Blacker Yarns, here is a bit about them taken straight from their lovely website.

"Blacker Yarns and Blacker Designs were launched in 2008 as brands of The Natural  Fibre Company, our specialist wool mill at Launceston on the  Devon-Cornwall border. NFC makes all the yarns we use for the Blacker brand.The mill specializes in adding  value to fleece  supplied by farmers and turning it into high-quality  knitting yarn which  they can sell for themselves and generate a new or  growing source of  income from their flock. The Natural Yarn Company has been created to help them achieve this."

I mean seriously, aren't you already in love?

 

 

I was contacted by the creative and talented Sonja asking if I would like to review their super special anniversary edition yarn, Cornish Tin. This beautiful 4-ply sample yarn in the color Wheal Rose Red.

 

Now, if you are going to celebrate 10 years of true artistry this is the way to do it. This scrumptious yarn contains  some the following:

• Alpaca
• Gotland
• Jacob
• Shetland
• Black Welsh Mountain
• Mohair
• English Merino

 

 

So you have a great company producing wool by traditional methods, being environmentally conscious, aids in preserving rare breeds...but what is it like to knit with. You may think without a doubt the most brilliant yarn to knit with and you wouldn't be wrong.

While I knit with a small sample I still felt that it deserved to be something that I could use. So I  tested out this yarn by knitting a mug cozy. Trying it out with a pattern that would display it's many beautiful layers.

My thoughts:

• The buoyancy is magnificent
• There is an ever so slight halo that adds to the already beautiful texture of the yarn.
• The bloom factor is off the charts. I can only dream of what a garment or Guernsey scarf would be like knit up in Cornish Tin.
• I was not expecting it to be as soft or luxurious as it was. It is something that I would want to wear as close to my face as possible at all times.

If you can get your hands on some of this limited edition yarn, you won't be sorry. It is a treasure. Blacker Yarns will be launching their Cornish Tin on September 18th. Thank you Blacker Yarns for allowing me to review this celebratory yarn. Cheers to another 1o years!

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi

Gift of knitting...

 

Hello and happy Sunday! Here we are at the end of another week. How was your week?

 

 

This week has been a great one knit-wise. The mojo is still going strong and I feel like I have been getting a lot accomplished. Maybe not in finished objects but more in the sense that I have really been enjoying my knitting. Don't you love it when that happens? I think it has everything to do with the yarn I am knitting with.

 

 

About a month ago I was contacted by Joan Lucey, proud owner of Vibes & Scribes, a wonderful craft shop in Cork, Ireland. Yes, you read that correct...Ireland. Lucy has been expanding the shop's selection of Irish Aran Yarns and wanted to know if I would like to try some.  Absolutely!

 

 

Being the tea drinking addict I am, I begged asked Lucy if she wouldn't mind including some tea from Ireland. What a love, she sent me a whole box. I'm in heaven!

 

 

Since I felt that such a thoughtful gift  deserved to be made into a thoughtful gift knit. I have decided to knit a shawl for a friend who lives here in the states and is very proud of her Irish heritage. I cast on the Henny shawl by Buckaloo View.

 

 

While there is something to be said for supporting our local yarn farms and dyers, I also  think that supporting the knitting community as a whole is equally important. In my eyes we are all one big knitting family. Thank you Joan for your wonderful gift. Not only for gift of yarn and tea but for reaching out to share you beautiful shop and a bit of Ireland with me with my American friends.  

You can find out more about Vibes & Scribes at their website or on Facebook. Their shipping to the states is super fast!

Hope today finds you knitting with yarn you love. :)

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi

Date Night Collection Review & Giveaway...

 

Happy Sunday to you!  Boy, do I have a fantastic review and giveaway for you.

 

 

Those who have read my blog before may remember a review I did for the Graceful Pullover by Elegant Economy Knits. Maria Yarley has just launched a wonderful new collection, Date Night.

 

Peaceful Pullover~ Adult version of the Graceful Pullover.

This collection has two cardigans, a pullover, a wrap, and a cowl. All one could want or need for a date night or any night for that matter.

 

Crabtree Cardigan

One of the things that stood out to me immediately when looking through the patterns was how well the knits were styled. Sometimes when I see a knit I can't actually picture what I can wear with them, not in this case.

 

 

Kildaire Cowl

I can honestly say, I could knit every single one of these patterns. This is something I don't say too often with collections. Now, if I had to pick the first item I want to knit...the Mill Wrap.

 

Mill Wrap

Another favorite thing about this pattern collection is how each pattern has it's own layout and instructions. No need to print off a copy from a book or magazine that is hard to keep open.

 

 

Favorite things:

• The patterns in pamphlet form.
• The styling of the knits. In some cases like with the Irving Cardi it is styled dressed up, casually, and with accessories.
• Varying yarn weights and yarn brands.
• Detailed instructions and abbreviations in each individual pattern.
• There is a wide range of sizes for the cardigans and pullovers.

 

Thanks to Elegant Economy Knits, one lucky person can win the Date Night Collection. In addition to the gorgeous printed patterns, the winner will also get digital copies and some surprise goodies!

 

 

In order to be entered into the giveaway, please leave a comment telling me which pattern you would want to knit first. Deadline for entries will be March 28th at midnight (MST). I will draw a winner via Random Number Generator and announce the name here on March 29th.  This giveaway is open world wide.

If you can't wait to see if you win, there is a bundle coupon code that will allow Ravelry users to get all five patterns for $25.

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi

Dress-to-Impress Knitted Scarves book review and giveaway...

 ~This Giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering~

Thanks to the wonderful people at Stackpole Books, I have a lovely review and giveaway for you.

 

 

Pam Powers has recently released a gorgeous new book, Dress-to-Impress Knitted Scarves.

 

There are 24 patterns to chose from, which may turn out to be difficult when deciding which to cast on first.

 

 Triple Plaited Infinity Scarf

Bonus, the beauty of this book it that it has designs to meet everyone's tastes and styles.

Things I really enjoyed about this book:

• The something for everyone type of the patterns. They range from ruffles to mosaics, and everything in between.
• 6 pages of detailed and beautifully photographed techniques.
• How to Read My Patterns page from the author. I appreciate when designers add this feature because as we all know, no two designers write patterns the same.

 

 Mosiac Cowl

 If you would like a chance to win a copy of this book, tell me your favorite pattern in the comments below. You can take a glace at the Look Book here.

As the publisher is sending out this book, it will be open to US residents only. Please ensure you include your email address when prompted in the comments so that I can forward that to Stackpole Books. This giveaway will close Sunday February 8th at midnight (PST). I will announce a winner via blog post on Monday February 9th.

Good luck!

XO,

Andi 

Addicted to Socks eZine review and give-away...

 

You may know that I am a sock knitter. Maybe that is putting it mildly. The best part about being an avid sock knitter is the fact that I am not alone. There are many knitters with the same addiction. Knitters, who like me, must have at least one pair of socks on the needles, but usually more. I call them my sock brothers and sisters. Not really but I do feel a very deep connection.

 

this pic is from a while ago. :)

This leads me to a new eZine called Addicted to Sock Knitting. Have you heard of this brilliant publication that was the brain child of Debra of the popular ASK group? If you haven’t heard the eZine is all about sock knitting!

 

 

I got a chance to preview the first issue, can you say sock talk heaven?

 

 

This issue is jam-packed full of sock patterns (7), interviews, galleries of brilliant socks, and reviews of yarn shops and products. My ultimate favorite was the gallery of Mind the Gap socks.

 

 

I left the following review on the ASK website:

I thoroughly enjoyed your eZine. In my opinion you should be charging 20.00 per issue not, 7. The amount of information, patterns, interviews, tips, stories, and introduction to products is obese! I would compare the quality of your eZine to Interweaves.
You should really be proud of yourself!

Andi G. of My Sister’s Knitter Blog

 

Thanks to Debra, one of you lucky peeps can win a yearlong subscription to ASK eZine. The subscription consists of 4 issues, winter, spring, summer and fall. All you have to do is leave a comment here telling me what about sock knitting do you love.  The comments will be open till December 27^th at midnight PST. I will announce the winner on December 28^th. Good luck!

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi