The Hand Dyed Yarn Swap

Dyers Unite!

2008-09-17T19:27:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies. Check the board on Ravelry when you get a chance. There's a thread titled "Dyers Unite! Will you join me?" that I would like for you to check out. Thanks. :)

pictures at last

2008-09-17T13:41:00.002-04:00

Pictures at last of the beautiful pacakge of hand dyed yarn that Cathy sent to me. I have been so busy with family here from England that this is the first chance I have had to post pics. As you can see she did an awesome job and I cannot thank her enough, it makes me very sad to see she was herslef flaked on after she did such a wonderful job for me.

Angel without a photo - oops!

2008-09-15T22:05:00.003-04:00

Yes, it was me who sent a little something to our dear Cathy-Cate. Since I had to dye it up and get it out fast, I couldn't find a photo to suit the needs of the colours I had in mind. So she got yarn but no picture.

I hope she enjoys anyway :-)

Here is a photo of the yarn, from my end. I thought I had a photo of them once re-skeined, but I can't find it! So here is the yarn before reskeining, as seen in Cathy-Cate's photo:

I used a mix of Jaquard Acid dyes and Louet Gaywool Dyes, and used the hand-dipped/dip-dyeing method, rather than kettle-dyeing, to get a repeatable in-the-round colour pattern.

An Angel From Canada!

2008-09-14T21:39:00.002-04:00

Thanks so much to Ursa, who took pity on my yarn-less state and sent this gorgeous hand-dyed yarn which arrived yesterday afternoon, lighting up a grey day.

In real life, the colors are a little deeper -- my very favorite jewel tones. Beautiful!

She has more similarly lovely yarn and roving at her etsy shop, Roaring Bravado.

Thanks so much, Ursa! I very much appreciate it!

Look at my yarn!

2008-09-11T08:22:00.002-04:00

A very belated public thank you to Lindsey. I absolutely love this yarn--so much that I started knitting with it immediately. I love how the colors pooled into zigzags on this scarf.

So far, I've only used half the skein. The pattern is Yellow Dog's Trellis Lace Scarf free on ravelry.

I love this swap!

Especially for Natalie

2008-09-09T20:55:00.004-04:00

Here's a shot of the yarn I sent to Natalie last month. She told me she likes LOTS of color and prefers DK weight sock yarn. The photo that inspired this yarn was a gorgeous picture of Party Fuchsias...one of my favorites! I can't wait to see what she makes from this fun yarn!

Janet

From Bridget to Shelly

2008-09-08T21:32:00.003-04:00

This was my greeting as i returned home after my evacuation to Texas from Hurricane Gustav.
Thanks for your patience in awaiting my post to this blog. Bridget was inspired by an early morning sunrise photo she took after a long nights work. The sun is just rising and the dark blue sky is fading into the horizon.

The yarn she dyed for me is beautiful; wonderful hues of pink, white, red, and soft purple signalling "a new morning" combined with "end of the day" dark blues and purples. I LOVE the YARN Bridget Made for me! i plan to make a pair of pedicure socks. Bridget also made 5 little silver leaf stitch markers and included them with a butterfly paperweight, breakfast blend coffee, and some handmade peach soap. This was all worth waiting for!

My home never lost electricity and i am OK. This was my first swap ever and i enjoyed it all so much. I think i now have a new hobby: dying yarn. This swap has inspired me. Now i just have to study, drink some breakfast blend, knit, study more; so i can start to earn my first money; money that i will inevitably spend on yarn and more swaps!

so sorry.

2008-09-07T08:15:00.002-04:00

I am firstly so sorry I have not done this earlier.

I recieved an absolutely amazing package from Cathy and I jsut have not had time to post. suprise visitors all the way from england kind of freaked me out.

anyway Cathy did a wonderful job with dying my yarn I cannot wait to use it. She did it in many shades of blue it looks almost like denim. 2 skeins. But that was not all she also sent to me a dyed sock blank in blues, a set of lovely knitting themed note cards, a wonderful pattern to use for my sock yarn , cherry blossom socks which are beaded at the top, so she also sent me the beads to go with
and many candy items all of which were eaten the day they arrived not all by me i have to add.

thanks cathy for a lovely package.
i will post pictures later this morning as my camera is in the car and i really wanted to get this done as it has been so long

Thank You Cari!!!

2008-09-04T08:41:00.002-04:00

Thank you so much Cary for the wonderful package! Peach cobbler inspired yarn with her peach cobbler recipe. Also a great pattern she wrote for mittens and socks. And even more ... two samples of spinning fiber from her farm! I was spoiled rotten! :)

And thank you to everyone who volunteered to be an angel. Sorry I haven't gotten back to anyone yet. I will shortly. We've had a super busy past week filled with a birthday party, my son's first day of school, selling my car & in the process of buying another one. I'm looking forward to resting this coming weekend. :)

Falling Leaves

2008-08-29T23:10:00.004-04:00

It arrived in the mail this week ~ along with the full moon, clear cold nights and change in the air that signals autumn...my favorite time of the yarn and my yarn gift from Natalie:

Beautiful yarn in flaming fall colors and a pattern written by Natalie herself called Falling Leaves. The photo that inspired her is inspiring to me, too...I love it!

I did reskein the yarn (see below) and I really, really want to start on the socks right NOW ~ LOL ~ but I have so many other little projects close to completion that I should finish first. But couldn't I at least cast on?!?

Thank you so much, Natalie, and thank you Celena for a fun swap!

Thank You Kristie!!

2008-08-27T20:49:00.002-04:00

Today I received a package from my fabulous swap partner, Kristie. I LOVE IT!!!

She sent me this beautiful yarn and the picture that inspired it. Not only that, she also sent me New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bhordi and some Ghirardelli chocolate.

I can’t wait to find the perfect pattern to make myself a pair of socks. Thanks so much Kristie!!

First Sock Done

2008-08-27T12:39:00.007-04:00

I have the first sock finished.
I looked through all my
books until I found the perfect

pattern. I ended up using Embosed Leaves
Socks out of the Interweave
Knits Favorite Socks.

I'm really happy with the way it turned out now for sock number 2.

MMMMMMMMMMM, Yarn!

2008-08-26T23:41:00.003-04:00

As scheduled I received my hand dyed sock yarn on Monday. It's funny now when I look back on the emails from Celena, because it was me that she wanted to surprise, and boy did she! Not only did she dye the perfect colorway for the sock pattern I've been itching to knit, but she also dyed merino/nylon spinning fiber! Oh, the two together bring me back to "The Crush" season in Sonoma,CA. My yarn is perfumed by the fragrance of the most adorable chocolate goat's milk soap in the shape of a sheep. Do you know how hard it is not to eat it! Underneath it all you'll see the largest knitting bag I now own. Oh the possibilities!

Thanks, Celena, for all your thoughtful touches.

Felicia

Ursa's yarn from Susan

2008-08-26T20:28:00.003-04:00

So my package arrived today. The person dyeing yarn for me hadn't contacted me so I didn't know who she was. And surprise! It's Susan, or JustKeepKnitting from San Fran. She certainly paid attention to the colours I like, as the skein contains my favourites - blues, greens, purples, burgundy...
It came with a fun sock purse and a lovely card with a painting on it of some wine, a big wedge of watermelon, what looks like a half of a cataloupe melon, both on plates. With the variety of colours on this painting, the colours she could have used are varied indeed: gold, creamy yellow, white, the pink/red of the watermelon flesh.
The yarn up close.

Thanks again, Susan!

cheers
Ursa

Yarn From Cassandra For Meghan

2008-08-25T19:49:00.003-04:00

I received this in the mail on Friday, but was unable to get pics up until today.

I love love love what Cassandra sent me!! It is based off of my Wedding colors (we will celebrate our 3rd Anniversary this October)
Ironically it came in the mail the same day as a Jury Summons for Kings County Superior Court for, no lie, September 11th...

The Yarn was by far the better of the 2 things in my mailbox that day!

my hand dyed yarn arrived

2008-08-24T20:07:00.005-04:00

Thank you Christina for your "The Litte Mermaid Princess Ariel" hand dyed colorway. It's a skein of lace weight, 440 yards. It included a sock pattern on the inside of her home made label.

Thank you, Felicia!!!

2008-08-23T17:07:00.009-04:00

I am so thrilled with my package from Felicia!! Just look at this gorgeous yarn!! The photos do not at all do it justice. It's wonderfully muted shades of greens and blues, with a bit of yellow. Felicia dyed this yarn for me with Superwash Merino in sport weight. She calls it "PG Getaway" after her home in Pacific Grove, California.

Along with my beautiful yarn, Felicia also sent me some really fun gifts. There is some lavender-scented vegetable oil soap, some "beak balm" (not sure what to do with that, yet), a lovely Lantern Moon notepad, and a postcard with a photo of the beach at Pacific Grove. Each item is fabulous!

Now, on with the search for the perfect sock design to showcase this beautiful yarn. Thank you, Felicia!!

My package from Shelly!!

2008-08-23T13:04:00.002-04:00

I had a very sad day when I found out that two of my skeins of sock yarn were ruined in what I call "The Sippy Cup Incident of 2008." My day was made better when I found this in my mailbox. It's a beautiful tweedy orange yarn, perfect for a pair of Halloween socks.
Included in my box was a crocheted business card holder, which is the perfect size for my ipod!!
I love the sock yarn that my partner made for me. Thank you so much Shelly!!
She also sent me a note that something else is on it's way to me, I can't wait!! This was my first
swap, and I'm definitely going to participate in more.

A little extra info about Christabel's yarn

2008-08-22T16:27:00.003-04:00

So here is some info about the yarn I dyed for Christabel (who has already posted below). The second photo below is the "inspiration" photo, of Chestermans Beach near Tofino, on Vancouver Island (I'm in Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island). It wasn't a postcard but a photo I told when I was there in June. Our family goes there every second year, and I love it! I had planned to print out the photo to include in the package, but my printer would have none of it! So I had to settle with emailing the photo to her, and including it here for all of you to see.
I call the colourway, oddly enough, "Chestermans Beach". I dyed it Kettle-dyeing style, adding a little extra water so that it wouldn't be too dark of colour saturation. I wanted to leave some areas white to show the fluffy clouds in the sky, a little brown and green for the trees and small islands shown, and some sand, and of course, the blues and blue-greens of the sky and sea.

I look forward to seeing the socks later on!

cheers
Ursa

Adding to the Blog

2008-08-19T18:32:00.002-04:00

I had a request (which I think is a great one btw) that after the yarn you dyed is posted you create a reply post of your own telling everyone what method you used to dye the yarn. If you took any pictures during the dyeing process we'd love to see those too.

I LOVE this yarn!

2008-08-19T16:08:00.005-04:00

Okay I finally figured out how to do this after spending WAY too much time trying to understand how to post a blog before asking for help which Celena was nice enough to provide. I'm so happy with the yarn I received! I'm looking for the perfect sock pattern for it right now and have it narrowed down to 4. Meghan's inspiration was Niagra Falls which was a really unique thing to dye yarn to go with. There was more candy but my 3 year old ate it before I took the photo. She also included a pack of notecards which was really nice. I was really happy with this swap! Thanks Celena and Meghan!

Perth to San Francisco in record time

2008-08-16T11:55:00.002-04:00

I received my swap package from Christabel on Friday. Wow--what a package! This yarn is amazing--it is honestly the best sock yarn base I have ever seen. And Christabel--you did such a wonderful job dyeing the yarn. It practically glows--I really like the orange. And the sockdown challenge for September is to knit with orange yarn, so the timing is perfect. I'm planning to make Nancy Bush's First sock in Shell Pattern--I'm really looking forward to knitting with this yarn.

The entire package is very generous--Christabel even included a hand-crocheted peach pin. Home canning peaches is a summer tradition in my family and peaches hold special memories for me. Thank you very much for everything Christabel--it is wonderful and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Yay!

2008-08-14T11:48:00.002-04:00

My yarn arrived yesterday. Many thanks to Ursa!

Such beautiful colours. I can't wait to knit it up.

The Fun is About to Begin

2008-08-11T17:30:00.002-04:00

I've heard from several participants that they already mailed their swap packages out. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's blog posts. This is where the swap really gets fun!

Partners!

2008-07-24T12:00:00.002-04:00

I sent out swap pals last night. I did not do partners for this round. This means that the person you are sending yarn to (the questionnaire you received last night) is NOT the person sending yarn to you. If you did not get a forwarded questionnaire last night, please check your junk/spam mail folder. Let me know if you have any questions!

Happy Swapping!
~Celena

Last Chance!

2008-07-17T13:32:00.001-04:00

I'm going to assign partners this weekend so if you still want in on this swap you've got a couple more days to get me your questionnaire answers.

Housekeeping

2008-06-24T13:13:00.002-04:00

I did a little housekeeping to help me keep track of things for this round. I deleted all the blog authors so the list was clear so if you have participated in the past, please look for your new invitation. Thanks!

Questionnaire for Round 4

2008-06-21T13:42:00.002-04:00

Sign-Ups for Round 4 Open

1. Name and mailing address:
2. Website/blog (if you have one):
3. Ravelry username (if you have one):
4. Email Address (I know I have it already but this is for your pal):
5. Have you ever dyed yarn before?
6. What are your favorite colors?
7. Are there any colors you really don’t like?
8. Do you have a preference for sock yarn weight? For example, do you prefer to knit with larger yarn (worsted, bulky, etc) or with smaller yarn (dk, fingering, etc)
9. Are you allergic to any fibers?
10. Have you participated in any other swaps? If yes, which one(s)?
11. Do you spin?
12. What other hobbies do you have besides knitting/crochet?
13. Do you have pets? Kids?
14. Is there a sock pattern (or two or three) that you’ve had your eye on for a while that you really want to knit but still don’t have the yarn for?
15. What are the last three things you knit? Were they for you or did you give them away?
16. What’s on your needles right now?
17. Do you sell yarn or other knitting related items? If so, how? (Etsy, LYS, eBay, etc)
18. If you had to pick only one type of item to knit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
19. Are you willing to ship internationally or would you prefer a pal in the same country?
20. When you think of summer, what comes to mind?
21. If you could go anywhere for a summer vacation and money were not a factor, where would you go/what would you do?
22. Is there anything else you want your pal to know about you?

Round 4: INSPIRED BY PICTURES

2008-06-04T13:39:00.005-04:00

Round 4 is on for this summer! Here are the details:

Round 4 will be “Inspired by Pictures” - Your yarn should be inspired by a picture (postcards are okay) and you should include it in your package. Some ideas floating around are your favorite beach or vacation spot, an interesting animal, etc.
We will swap sock yarn again. Enough for an adult pair of socks. Whether you dye one big skein, split it in two or do mini skeins for toes and heels is totally up to you. Feel free to be creative, as long as it’s enough to make an adult size pair of socks.
To sign up, send the answers to the questionnaire above to swappingyarn@gmail.com.
Please make sure you are able to take and post pictures before you sign up. A big part of this swap is this blog. If you don't intend to take and post pictures, please do not sign up.
After I receive your questionnaire, I will send you an invite to this blog or an email if you were already invited in a previous round. That will serve as your acceptance to the swap.
Any questions/concerns/ideas .. please let me know.
Let's have a great summer swap!

Interest in Round 4?

2008-05-29T12:10:00.000-04:00

Checking to see if there is interest in doing another round of the swap this summer. Please leave a comment to this post if you are interested. I'm thinking it will be another round of sock yarn. Maybe with a pattern, maybe not.

Hooray!

2008-04-21T13:13:00.002-04:00

Quick post to say I just returned from a 10-day trip last night, and finally the post office had coughed up the package from Heidi Kim which she had mailed about a month ago!

Hooray!

It's awesome!

Here are the pictures now, and all the juicy details.

First, some Norwegian chocolate (mmmm, through sheer willpower as well as lack of time, untouched, you will notice! Then, two, TWO lovely skeins of not only hand-dyed but hand-spun gorgeous yarn! Heidi Kim and I must have been channeling each other, because the yarn I dyed for her looks like a combination of these two yarns. The shades of purple yarns is a thick and thin spun merino, for which Heidi Kim included the pattern for My So-Called Scarf. A pattern I've been wanting to try for hand-dyed yarn, but the yarn I tried it in was too stiff. This one won't be! It is so soft.

But not as soft as the blue yarn. Ooooh. See the cute little face on the label?

That's one of Heidi Kim's angora rabbits, and the yarn is 100 % handspun angora!

Wow! I've never had anyone hand spin yarn for me before, and most especially not from their own bunnies! And in my most favorite jewel tone colors! I feel so special.

I think this might become a special lacy scarf; it definitely has to be next to the skin somehow.

So back up to the first picture, she also sent a scenic postcard from Norway with explanations, two pretty stitch markers (and given that there are two, if I don't require them as stitch markers, I can always wear them as earrings!), and blocking pins that are much more lovely than my T-pins!

Wowzers. Totally worth the post office kidnapping and wait. Thank you so much, Heidi Kim!

Cathy (Cathy-Cate)

Thank You Again, Penny!

2008-04-14T20:43:00.004-04:00

I just received a SECOND package from Penny. She included sock patterns, more yarn, Eucalan samples and some Smarties candies!! How fun! Thank you so much, Penny...you are very generous and the yarn is so nice!!!

Promote Your Yarn/Fiber Shop

2008-04-11T13:40:00.003-04:00

Later this month, I will be attending Yarn School . It's a dyeing and spinning workshop in Kansas, in a relaxed setting with great people. Many of the attendees have their own etsy shops, yarn stores, or other crafty business. This session we've been invited to add a contribution to the goodie bag that every student receives!

It's short notice, but I think it's fun and a great way to reach more people with your product. The guidelines are here and I hope many of you can participate because you're all so talented and I'm sure everyone at Yarn School would love to see your creations.

Any questions, or to participate, you can contact Nikol Lohr

Think about it.

Sometimes the mail makes me happy....

2008-04-09T23:01:00.002-04:00

....sometimes the mail makes me sad.

Right now, it's sad. Heidi Kim mailed a package from Norway that left there March 25 and still hasn't arrived on my doorstep. I'm leaving tomorrow (before the mail usually comes) and will be gone for 10 days, so I won't be able to see it if it does come, or tell you, until I get back.

But I know she mailed it! Just wanted to let everyone know.

P.S. Cute puppies at her blog.

Cathy

Need some caffeine?

2008-04-08T00:09:00.003-04:00

Bridget says that she got her yarn from her buddy and she was really excited about the package.

Here is a link to her blog for the juicy details!

Thanks Felicia

HOW DID I FORGET?

2008-04-07T05:32:00.003-04:00

I guess I was tired when I wrote the last post but despite still being tired I can't seem to sleep (and I need to be somewhere tomorrow or later today at 1:30PM and it is now almost 5AM).
I forgot to tell you about the two sock patterns that Jan also sent me. I got a Lisa Souza pattern called Petal Lace Socks which doesn't look too difficult and a sock pattern called Esther by Stephanie van der Linden which looks a bit more complicated. Well actually a lot more complicated.They were by my bed on my reading pile and I forgot them in the previous post. I didn't have either and this is my first Lisa Souza pattern. I love the picot edge on the Esther pattern and have always wanted to try knitting sock cuffs like that so here is my chance.
AND the candy Jan sent is gone. I must have inhaled it faster than usual as I can't even remember it now which is not like me. I am terribly sorry Jan.

MY PACKAGE ARRIVED.....

2008-04-07T00:27:00.004-04:00

...this past Wednesday from Jan of Janknits. I was so worried about it as it was taking so long to get here. I still have two other swaps that have yet to arrive and were mailed way before Jan sent hers. She got mine before I received hers and I sent here several days after she mailed me my packge BUT PHEW it arrived at my home intact and safe. What a wonderful package Jan sent me. The color of the yarn is just perfect for me and such deep bright colors.

In addition to the yarn, Jan sent me some coconut tea, beads which I love, and a Lavender Sachet a favorite scent of mine. In fact, as soon as I opened the puffy I could smell the lavender scent. Is this yarn not lovely? AND it is oh so very soft.

Thank-you Jan for the lovely package you sent and being patient until I posted this. Now I will go and post it on my blog which will be be dated Wed as that is when I started that post.

Thanks so much, Susan!

2008-04-06T23:27:00.006-04:00

I've been very remiss in posting, since I actually got the package last week. (And I'm very happy you liked your yarn too!)

Susan sent me 6 skeins of beautiful shaded autumn-colored merino wool and the book for making and felting the entrelac Market Squares bag. I also got some snacking chocolate, a cute card, and an intricate lace bookmark (now I know what to do with those lace swatches). I am absolutely stunned. I can't say thank you enough for sending me on the path to a neat new technique and reusable bag goodness!

Package from Bridget

2008-04-06T16:50:00.002-04:00

I received a lovely package from Bridget. I got Knitlite needles, that my daughter asked if she could have (no) and some really lovely worsted yarn in greens. Also some flower patterns, a hat pattern and some really yummy caramel corn (love it, opened it immediately). Thanks for the fab package! Oh, and Bridget published the package I sent her on her blog instead of this one, so check it out through the blog link on this page.

Yiah, I got packet from Cathy.

2008-04-01T09:53:00.009-04:00

Yesterday I run to the post office because I got two note about packets arrived, one of them was from Cathy. I love all of it, look at this gorgeous hand dyed yarn - called Ultramarine. She also send me Knitpicks Bare 70% merino and 30% silk that I can dye and look at all the other goodies :o)

You can read more in my blog.

Thank you so much Cathy, now I hope my packet soon arrived to you :o)

Checking In

2008-03-31T01:26:00.003-04:00

Hi swappers! You all are coming up with some great stuff this round ... as I knew you would! Life is settling down for me and i'll be back to run the next round. Many thanks to Felicia for stepping up and running round 3 for me. Looks like things are going well. Make sure to post pictures of what you receive (even if you don't love it) so the rest of us can get a glimpse. Remember that's part of what makes this swap so much fun. (hey, it wouldn't be a round of the hand dyed yarn swap if i didn't do just a little nagging about posting pictures now would it?)
Happy Swapping!
~Celena

ps... i'm having a big sale in my etsy shop to help me fund the purchase of a piano so come check it out (RocketYarn). i'm also destashing so if you're on ravelry (username: celena) check out my trade/sell page. thanks!

Thank you, Penny!

2008-03-29T15:34:00.011-04:00

Your package arrived today!

Penny included a skein of Kool-Aid-dyed sport-weight wool/nylon yarn, lots of goodies, several Avon products and a copy of Canadian Living. She also enclosed a letter that was that was apologetic for her dye-work.

Penny, please remember that we all start at the beginning. The yarn you dyed for me is wonderful and will make cozy socks. Please don't apologize! It's just lovely! And I thank you! --Janet

IT'S HERE!!

2008-03-27T19:20:00.005-04:00

CARMELL!!!
I love, love, love my package, my yarn, my pattern, everything, thank you!! I was away for the weekend and returned to find it here on Monday. I will post photos asap so everyone can see all the goodies you sent, you are awesome... Wendy

Howdy Partners

2008-03-27T14:51:00.002-04:00

For those who are participants in the swap, please check your email for the latest developments:)
Hope things are going well!

Felicia

Belated Yarn post!

2008-03-27T00:22:00.006-04:00

Hello....I wanted to let everyone know that yes...I did receive my yarn and I apologize for not posting earlier. Felicia sent me some awesome purple yarn and a link to the satchel @ knitty.com. I also received some awesome man soap, that has such a great smell, I feel clean just sniffing it at my desk! There is also a his/hers bar of soap that I can share with my significant other! Thanks Felicia for the great gift...I know we will love it! Fib3rG33K

What a package!

2008-03-24T22:10:00.004-04:00

Sharon put together this wonderful package of goodies for me.

I moved from a town near hers a couple of years ago, and Sharon put together some great goodies from my old farmers market--dried mango and sesame snacks, plus locally roasted coffee.

This picture shows the colors more accurately. Sharon dyed a skein of self-striping yarn and a contrasting solid, and included a pattern for a faux-isle pillow. I am in awe of people who dye self-striping yarn. The yarn is absolutely beautiful and I love the pattern.

The best thing about the package was the letter Sharon wrote talking about the yarn and her dyeing process. It was such a great personal touch--I will have to remember that for my future packages.

Sharon--Thanks so much! It was great swapping with you. I hope you like your package as much as I like mine.

Package heading over the Atlantic Ocean!

2008-03-24T12:07:00.002-04:00

Heidi-Kim, your package is finally on its way too! No postal holidays here, so it may even leave the US a little before yours leaves Norway. It took me longer to mail partly because I did have to get to the post office during business hours to mail it, and work's been busy lately. But now it's off, and based on your answers to the questionnaire, I think you'll like the colors!

Cathy

Heavenly Knitting

2008-03-22T16:39:00.004-04:00

I received this wonderful package from Stephanie yesterday. 200g of bulky alpaca/wool in my favorite blues and greens! So soft and light, I want to hug it and keep it all for myself. Maybe a hat and neck warmer ....

She sent me not one, not two, but a whole book of fast and easy knitting patterns. Wow. Perfect for this novice knitter. Those mittens are really cute!

And for noshing while knitting, she sent a bunch of premium Scharffen Berger chocolates for snacking. Yum!

Luv it all and can't wait to get started!

GOT MY PACKAGE

2008-03-20T12:32:00.004-04:00

i received this yesterday

got 2 patterns. one is a purse and the other is a little chick!! too cute. got some peeps which are not in the picture cause the barely made it out of the box before my kids got a hold of them. some real pretty beads along with some fun fur. and this brightly sherbet colored wool!! neat! my middle child has already laid claim to it!

thanks WENDY!!!

Orange You Glad.......

2008-03-20T00:22:00.003-04:00

.....I finally posted my picture! Orange is my secret favorite color. I've liked it for years and have recently decided to tell people and knit wearables in this bold color. I love the vibrant and juicy saturation Ralph achieved. The pattern he sent with the yarn is The Square Cake, which scores points for me since it is knit in the round. I avoid sewing as much as possible. That fabric you see there is dyed silk. It is very shimmery so it looks lighter. He also included grapefruit Euclan, cable needles, and yummy chocolates. Hooray for a project I can take to knit nite!
Thanks Ralph

Confession of a Yarn Swapper

2008-03-19T12:21:00.005-04:00

Hopefully, we're all done dying and have sent out our packages! A few recipients have giddily posted there goodies, but we are expecting loads more. As soon as you get over the excitement of your package contents TAKE A PICTURE AND POST IT!

Now having said that, I am guilty as charged. My partner and I have successfully swapped, I'll post pics tonight after children are asleep. If you are running behind in either posting or mailing out your package, please keep in mind that your partner has been anxiously waiting since 3/15 and she needs her yarn fix! You may want to communicate with me or your partner if life is holding up her hand dyed delivery.

Felicia

Yarn From Kena for Meghan

2008-03-18T20:53:00.005-04:00

So I got my yarn in the mail on Thursday or Friday of last week but was sorta sick this weekend. I forgot to take a picture and then my neighbor's 7 year old who LOVES knit nite at my apartment was sad that her sister got to wind some yarn, so I asked if she'd like to wind my new yarn. I had showed them the yarn for Kena before I mailed it out and they were excited to see what I received.
Needless to say she was 1/3 the way through happily winding when I remembered that I hadn't taken a picture yet. Soooo here is the yarn wound into a cake instead.
I love the colors, so foresty and snuggly looking!

Plus Kena sent these pretty blue stitch markers( my favorite color) and the cutest sheepy card!

Thank you, Thank you! I loved it all so much. These will definitely make some great RPM socks (the pattern Kena sent me)
Now I just need to finish the others I'm working on!

Yarny goodness!

2008-03-18T20:30:00.005-04:00

My package arrived from Jo today -- it's gorgeous!! Two skeins of worsted in lush greens plus brown, blue, and gold! We traded 200g, and the skeins she dyed for me are siblings: same colors, different techniques. The color selections couldn't have been a better match for me; it's like having my favorite cabin in the woods right here in my stash!!!

She sent two patterns: a lovely little handbag pattern from DROPS, and a moebius scarf/shrug from KnitPicks.

She also included a bar of handmade soap, and some hot cocoa!

I can't wait to knit with it, as so on as I decide what to make!!

Packet send.

2008-03-18T19:09:00.002-04:00

Hi Cathy.

I got your packet send today, but because of easter it will take a time before it go out from Norway. We have a lot of free days in easter and tomorrow they close very early and open first at Tuesday for work again :o)

Had a fun time dyeing your yarn, almost like I kept it myself, LOL.

Heidi Kim

on the way

2008-03-18T17:11:00.003-04:00

Hey Wendy!

your package is on the way. hope you like it!

Yummy!!

2008-03-18T14:08:00.002-04:00

I received this yummy BFL ultra superwash yarn from Meghan today. It was worth the snowy, wet, slushy treck to the mailbox!! She labeled it "calming waters" it is beautifully dyed with blues and greens, my favorite colors. She included a fingerless glove pattern and a sock pattern, I think I am going to make this into socks!!! They are the perfect color for my bluejeans!!

Thanks Meghan, and thanks to Felicia for hosting the swap.

Its on the way

2008-03-17T21:20:00.002-04:00

Hi Felicia,

Thanks for taking me a little late in the game....I hope you like what I sent out to you!

Fib3rG33k

2008-03-17T17:46:00.002-04:00

Hello Carmell!

Look for your package in the next couple of days!!
Enjoy...
Wendy

In the mail

2008-03-16T14:55:00.002-04:00

Sent Stephanie's package yesterday. I'm very happy with the way it turned out, almost didn't want to send it. Hope you like it!

Hey, Penny....

2008-03-15T12:52:00.001-04:00

It's on its way!!!!

Show & Tell!

2008-03-14T21:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, just butting in from the last swap to show off the yarn Celena dyed for me. It was a sock yarn swap. I thought I loved this yarn while it was a skein, but look how it's knitting up:

Beautiful! Thanks, Celena!!

In the mail tomorrow

2008-03-14T16:13:00.001-04:00

Jo's package will be on its way tomorrow... hope you enjoy it!! I had such a blast doing this, I only wish I could do a swap every month!

My package is on the way to my pal

2008-03-13T16:04:00.002-04:00

Genevieve: your package is on it's way. It will be coming from NY so please allow 2 days. I hope you will enjoy what I put into the package.

Package sent!

2008-03-11T08:51:00.003-04:00

My package is in the mailbox awaiting the postal persons arrival!! My partner should have it in a couple of days. I hope she likes and enjoys it, in my opinion it is one the prettiest skeins I have dyed. (ya, I pat myself on the back, but I had a tough time putting it in the envelope to send off!!) :-)

Ready, Set, Dye!

2008-02-14T20:09:00.002-05:00

........or, dye, set, rinse......Let's get started with Round 3. Partners have been assigned so check your mail. Remember, this swap is for the yarn and the pattern. Also, the person you are dyeing for, is dyeing for you! I've already received an enthusiastic email from Wendy, my kind of group! I really look forward to seeing what the Dyeing Divas come up with (that's you guys!)

Post pictures since we can't all be there when you get open your package!

Felicia

Round 3

2008-02-13T17:42:00.003-05:00

Felicia was kind enough to take over responsibilities of Round 3 for me while I get my new career in order. I have forwarded all of your sign up emails to her and she will be contacting you soon.

Thank you so much Felicia!

Partners Assigned Soon

2008-02-08T10:28:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. Sign-ups are closed and i'm working on partner matching. I'll be sending your assignments out this weekend so keep an eye on your inbox.

Happy Swapping!
~Celena

Questionnaire for Round 3

2008-01-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

To sign up, please send answers to this questionnaire to yarnswap@intergate.com.

1. Name and mailing address:
2. Website/blog (if you have one):
3. Ravelry username, (if you have one):
4. Email Address (I know I have it already but this is for your pal):
5. Have you ever dyed yarn before?
6. What are your favorite colors?
7. Are there any colors you really don’t like?
8. Do you have a preference for yarn weight? For example, do you prefer to knit with larger yarn (worsted, bulky, etc) or with smaller yarn (dk, fingering, etc)
9. Are you allergic to any fibers?
10. Have you participated in any other swaps? If yes, which one(s)?
11. What other hobbies do you have besides knitting/crochet?
12. Do you have pets? Kids?
13. Is there a pattern (or two or three) that you’ve had your eye on for a while that you really want to knit but still don’t have the yarn for?
14. What are the last three things you knit? Were they for you or did you give them away?
15. What’s on your needles right now?
16. If you had to pick only one type of item to knit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
17. Are you willing to ship internationally or would you prefer a pal in the same country?
18. Are you willing to send more than 100 grams of yarn or would you prefer to keep it to that amount? Please don’t feel obligated to say “yes”. This question is just to help me assign swap partners.
19. Is there anything else you would like your swap pal to know about you?
20. What type of project would you like to receive in this swap? (Just delete things you don’t want and feel free to add something that isn’t there as long as it’s not something that requires a large amount of yarn like a sweater or blanket. If you want a total surprise then just put that but don’t be disappointed if you don’t give any direction and then don’t like what you get.)
· Hat
· Scarf
· Toy
· Household item (pillow, felted bowl, etc)
· Wrap or Shrug
· Mittens or Gloves
· Socks
· Purse/Handbag
· Felted Bag
· Market/Shopping Bag
· Baby Sweater or Dress
· Hat & Booties
21. Do you sell anything knitting related? (yarn shop, online shop, etsy shop, etc) If so, please list your website(s)

My hand dyed yarn

2008-01-18T11:07:00.001-05:00

I finally just got to snapping a photo of my hand dyed yarn.

A belated thank you

2008-01-18T02:32:00.000-05:00

Here's part of the package that I got from Cathy! She not only sent me her own dyed yarn, but some Twisted yarn!

My son uses the tin for his crayons now!
Here's what I knit:

The variegated yarn is from the first round from JanKnit! I'm going to be putting the pattern on ravelry in a couple of days.

Just a Thought ....

2008-01-14T15:40:00.001-05:00

If you've knit something using yarn you received during The Hand Dyed Yarn Swap AND you are on Ravelry, please add that project to the group page. We'd love to see!

And also, the idea for Round 3 is developing itself ... please stop by the group page on Ravelry and give us your input. I'll be changing the polls soon here on the blog to reflect the updated idea (not different ... just better) as well as adding a couple of lists to the sidebar that go along with the updated idea. Stay tuned ... this is going to be F-U-N! :-)

I'm late, I'm late! For a very important date!

2008-01-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

My sincere apologies to Heidi Kim for posting these pictures so terribly late. Heidi Kim sent an amazing package but I had some serious camera woes. I finally got a new camera last night (and it works!) so....on to the pictures!

Beautiful sock yarn in a brilliant sapphire blue with spots of lighter blue, red, and purple. It is really pretty and I'm looking forward to knitting with it.

Next we have the best surprise of all--HAND SPUN YARN! Wow--Heidi Kim, you really blew me away with this. Heidi Kim wrote that she had ordered a sock yarn blank but didn't think it was going to get there in time, so she started spinning some sock yarn to dye. It is a wonderfully soft 50/50 BLF/merino blend that she dyed a semi-solid lavender.

In addition to the yarn, Heidi Kim send DPN holders (very handy) and some teas and Norwegian chocolate (long gone). Heidi Kim--thank you so much for your generous swap package. It is all just lovely and I am enjoying it very much.

Round 2 Over!

2008-01-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

We had another great round of the hand dyed yarn swap. I only needed one angel over the past two rounds ... I think that's a pretty great statistic for a swap. Now that round 2 is over i'm working on details for round 3. I'm going to change things up a bit to keep it interesting. Stay tuned for details, dates and polls.

Happy Knitting!

~Celena (swap mom)

Wow!

2008-01-08T22:33:00.000-05:00

I received the most amazingly lovely hand-dyed yarn from Bridget!
Just look at this:

Aren't they wonderful? Can you read the colorway names? Cranberry Sauce and Brrrr!
Love it!
But just like on late-night-TV informercials --
That's not all!

Chocolatey treats; and knitting/pattern/calendar treats; and:

the most cool knitted wire flower, posing aesthetically on a tree reflection!

Thanks, Bridget! I love it all, but especially the yarn, it's so me!

Cathy

MY WONDERFUL YARN AND GOODIES FROM TAMI

2007-12-27T01:16:00.000-05:00

WOW I opened my Hand Dyed Yarn Swap 2 package from Tami on Christmas day and what a lovely package it was. Here is a photo of all the goodies I received.
I received coffee which is locally roasted in her city and is a favorite of hers, a glow in the dark Starbucks Travel Halloween mug that that I will save for next year which I can't wait to use, four small packets of Smarties, two stitch markers and a nice card. As you can see Tami sent me NOT one BUT two skeins of yarn she dyed for me. One is red and white called Vampire. AND the second one is called Penny's Colorway and it is pinks and blues. Loverly just loverly!!! Perfect colors for me.Actually both skeins of yarn were dyed perfect colors for me.

AND that is not all I received. I also got a couple of stitch markers that you may not be able to see clearly in the top photo so here is a closer view. I certainly hope there will be another dyed yarn swap as it was so much fun. I only wish my dyeing skills were as good as some you other gals in the swap. I guess with time they will get better, maybe.

Thank-you Tami for the wonderful swap package and for being so patient with me hanging on to it until Christmas day to open. BUT it sure helped make Christmas for me.

Christmas Present

2007-12-26T12:26:00.000-05:00

My package from Nicole arrived on Christmas Eve, things have been a touch nuts around here so this is the first time I've had a chance to post the pictures.

Box and pretty packages-

Beautiful yarn-y goodness:

Goodies! (chocolate, tea - breakfast teas are my favourite, and I can now add Australian to my collection of English, Irish, and Scottish - mmmmmm-; a cute calendar of Australian animals, a post card of the Three Sisters).

Thank you so much Nicole, it is all so beautiful, and such a great Christmas present.

Yarn Received by Moa

2007-12-22T00:13:00.000-05:00

I got my yarn on Tuesday from Debbi and just got pictures of it today. She said the yarn I sent her was received last week. Heres the pic of the yarn and loverly stitch markers she sent as well.

2007-12-19T13:07:00.000-05:00

Late! I know.
Barbara sent me this yarn, along with some other neat things; candles, chocolate covered Altoids, a mini white board for my fridge, and a scarf-weaving kit. Unfortunately, I didn't get the scarf kit in the picture.

Finially (very late), pictures

2007-12-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

I am finally getting these pictures posted that I promised days ago! Natalie dyed this beautiful yarn and sent it with a cute notebook, chocolate mints, tissues, and another pet for us. Oribel had to check everything out as usual! Thanks so much Natalie! I am looking forward to knitting with this!

Look what the Postman brought for me today!

2007-12-15T01:00:00.000-05:00

When I got this package I new right away what was inside! In all my excitement I almost ate the dog treats (The Hot Dog says THANK YOU!). Inside my package was: the most gorgeous colored yarn, Mary Engelbreit note pad, a cute doggy calendar keychain, Tea party stitch markers, some fun crafting scissors (which my 2yo swiped and immediately ran off with), doggie treats, and a sweet card.

Here is a closeup of the Yarn. This is probably my favorite colorway, because it reminds me of the living in the Sonoma California Wine Country! To check out Kena's other talents, click here

Received my yarn from Norway

2007-12-13T22:06:00.000-05:00

I got my yarn from Heidi Kim last week. The yarn is stunning and amazing. My pictures can only be described as craptastic; you could probably leave off the "tastic" and you'd be correct. Between finals and long days at work and a new camera being on my list for Santa this year...excuses, excuses, I know, and Heidi Kim deserves better--the yarn she sent me is just wonderful. I will do my best to get pictures posted to the blog soon!
Susan

Through the grapevine....

2007-12-12T19:40:00.000-05:00

My hand dyed yarn package came in the other day and look how pretty! It also came with swedish fish, but those didn't last long enough to make it into the picture. Hattie dyed it for me and called the colorway grapevine. It's fingering weight superwash, so I can knit the prettiest socks ever.

You can't tell so much from the picture because of the poor lighting, but the yarn is green and deep purple with some touches of brown and sky blue. It's gorgeous. Thanks Hattie! More about my pretty new yarn here.

From Australia to Ontario, Canada

2007-12-11T23:38:00.000-05:00

Kate your package is on it's way and should be there in 10 business days (usual time). Merry Christmas :)

Thanks Penny!

2007-12-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

I received a great package from Penny.She sent some very pretty hand dyed yarn using some of my favorite colors, purple/red/blues, isn't the blue just gorgeous. She did a marvelous job. Penny also included some Swedish Berries(my fav), lotion for my dry hands(much appreciated), a pretty little box with a purple beaded bracelet inside and a kaleidoscope(not shown, Collin has it and is having a blast), lol. Thanks so much Penny, I look forward to making a new pair of tweedy socks in the new year!

More pics on my blog
Tammy
Faery Fiber

My yarn is here, my pictures aren't

2007-12-10T17:54:00.000-05:00

I did get my beautiful yarn from Natalie last week, I just haven't gotten my act together to post pictures yet. I am the slacker, not her. Really, I was running late on mailing out too, but it is in teh mail now. Pictures tomorrow, I promise!

Better late than never!

2007-12-08T17:54:00.000-05:00

As promised, I've finally gotten around to photographing my yarn from Paula. Isn't it beautiful?? There's also the wonderfully smelling soap. What's not seen are all the edibles as we've devoured those long ago~ dark chocolate, Swedish fish and gummy clown fish. MMmmmmm good! Thanks again, Paula!! Sorry it's taken me so long to post a photo!

Got my yarn!

2007-12-08T14:24:00.000-05:00

I received my package in the mail yesterday when I went to the post office. Inside was some gorgeously soft yarn in bright blue and a reddish brown. It reminds me of somewhere with red dirt and bright blue skies. Some soap from Italy, koala's for my kiddo's from Australia, and maple sugar candies (which hubby was eyeing all night lol). There was a card too...but it disappeared right after I read it!Thank you Mary, I love it all!

My Yarn is here!

2007-12-08T11:10:00.001-05:00

My yarn is here, and it's beyond wonderful! Just look. Isn't the yarn simply stunning? It is from the wonderful Jan, of Jan Knit and I am so in love with it. The roving is a silk/merino and it is the most pet-able roving. I spent the longest time after I opened the package just fondling it. I have never felt anything that soft.

Thank you Jan! I'm drinking some of the tea and thoroughly enjoying my swap. I was thinking I would have to sit out the next round because I'm very over committed early next year, but this was so much fun that I'm going to have to do it again!

Joyce
www.elliebelly.com
paper & fiber arts

http://joycevance.typepad.com

Yummy Yarn from Mollie! Thank you!

2007-12-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

I received my package from Mollie right before I left on a road trip... now that I'm back and my camera is charged, I wanted to share the yarny goodness she sent me!

She sent coffee, a cute (and big!!) mug, stitch markers and wool wash, all of which were wonderful extras, but best of all... smooshy yarn in glorious blues and purples!

Here's one last closeup of the yarn:

I can't wait to see how it knits up. Thank you, Mollie.

My blog: Needleplay
My yarns: Siren Song Yarns

PACKAGE RECIEVED

2007-12-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

Tammy I received your package yesterday and right now I am just letting you know it arrived and saying thank-you. I will be waiting until Christmas to open it. I hope you don't mind. Seems like I will be getting some lovely specially dyed for yarn for Christmas.
You will be getting a full and proper thank-you once I have opened it.
I hope you don't mind if I wait. It isn't that far away now. Please check my blog at http://pennypurlsandkittyknits.blogspot.com/ &/or back here on this blog at Christmas time for photos of my now still boxed treats. I am planning to have myself one lovely Christmas this year.

I got package from Corey - THANK YOU!

2007-12-04T23:39:00.000-05:00

Whoo hoo, it feels like xmas. This is my first swap. I love it. The yarn is very pretty, will match perfectly with my birkie.. Love the goodies too. Just yummy.. You can't see it too well from the pictures, but there's also stitch markers. Can't wait to finish my other projects so I can start my socks with this yarn..

Thank You Heather!

2007-12-04T14:06:00.001-05:00

Thank you Heather! I love everything and the yarn is gorgeous. I think i'm going to use the yarn for something lacey. :)

I'm Not Worthy!

2007-12-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

Wow! What an amazing package I got from Celena today! I can tell she put a lot of thought into it and looked into some of my other interests. Here's what she included, clockwise, from the upper right:

1. Nice Impressionist card - "Pond Lillies" by Allott Fuller Graves

2. Vertigo chocolate-caramel pop. Celena recommends letting it melt into a cup of coffee. It may not last that long.

3. THE YARN. My stupid flash makes it look more red, but it is a lovely deep purple-burgundy with indigo and navy blue. Can't wait to ball it up and try it out!

4. Pink Frosting body butter by Simple Pleasures. Alas, this is not edible.

5. Cute stitch markers that spell out YARN

6. Thick stack of green quilting squares! All kinds of patterns; two of my favorite motifs are showing - leafs and stars.

7. Underneath it all is a green canvas tote, perfect for groceries or craft stash. Not sure of the dyeing method used on the tote (batik maybe?) but I love it.

Thank you so much, Celena! I hope you like the things I sent.

Swap Arrived in Oregon

2007-12-02T16:46:00.000-05:00

I was so happy to see a box on my step Friday when I got home from work. I had come home early due to a migraine and that box really lifted me up. Which just goes to show that wool heals. Also chocolate. Thanks swap pal this was fun. ANd I love the purples.

Blues

2007-12-01T14:44:00.000-05:00

Anyone else notice the blue theme we have going on with the yarn so far? :)

And speaking of blues ... here's the yarn I sent my pal during Round 1.

SWAP MAILED

2007-11-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to mailing out my swap package to Tammy last this afternoon. It won't get picked up until tomorrow morning. It should get there sometime next week just a few days late. I am so sorry it will a couple of days late. Please forgive me.

apology note to Joyce...

2007-11-30T19:34:00.000-05:00

It's late. I'm so sorry.
Please be gentle with me.
It'll be there soon.
Love, JanKnit

Finally Mailed

2007-11-30T11:31:00.000-05:00

Poor Celena! Not only did she put this whole thing together, but she got stuck with me for a swap partner! Well, it may not arrive today, but her package finally hit the mail on Thursday, so I hope it will be there before too long.

Thanks, Celena! Hope you like your yarn!

I got my packet from Susan.

2007-11-29T12:46:00.000-05:00

Hi all.

Today I got my packet from Susan, there where two skein with yarn.

The problem with me, is that I love hand dyed yarn so I just store it in my basket and look at it very often :o) They are so great and lovely in colors, need to think what I am going to knit of the skein.

Susan had also send me some sweets from See's, yiah I love it Susan. They are handmade and I have just take one bit, they are so lovely to look at. But taste better, so I am sure that the box soon will be empty.

Thank you again so much Susan, this packet was just great. I hope you get yours soon.

:o)

Gorgeous!!

2007-11-29T01:23:00.000-05:00

I received a wonderful package from Joyce! The yarn is gorgeous!! I absolutely love the blues and grays. Also included were some lovely goodies...a lavender sachet with some of her fantastic elliebelly graphics, a darling spinning wheel stitch marker, a magnet and a hand-made card. As soon as I finish making my holiday gifts, I'm knitting blue socks for me!! Thank you, Joyce!!

PS...she does great stuff. Go check out her site!!