Journal

June is the month of our winter solstice here in Australia, which makes it the perfect time to have a winter accessories KAL.  

** THE DETAILS **

* This is a winter accessories KAL: hats, cowls, gloves, socks, legwarmers, shawls etc. are all perfect.

* Cast on is June 1 and the KAL will run until June 30

* This is an open KAL, so you can use ANY yarn you have in your stash (it doesn't have to be our yarn)

* WIPs are fine to knit on, too!

* The KAL will be held on our Ravelry group, Discord and you can post on Instagram as well with #sysolsticeKAL

* There will be prizes!  We will be randomly selecting posts with pictures on all three platforms - so, make sure you post!  If you do use our yarn, you will get a double entry bonus for prizes.

Come join us for some pre-cast-on chatter and let us know what you are thinking of knitting!

Shibori is the traditional Japanese method of resist dyeing that can be traced back to the 6th century.  It literally translates as 'to wring, squeeze or press' and involves various techniques that can include binding, folding, stitching, pressing or crumpling the fabric prior to dyeing. Traditionally, there are six different types of shibori techniques that each have their own symbolic meanings related to nature and life. Today, we are delving into each of these methods: Kanoko, Kumo, Miura, Itajime, Arashi and Nui.  I have added videos so that you can see a demonstration of each technique and, hopefully, be enticed to try them yourself!

Kanoko 

Translates as 'fawn' and is most similar to the western method of tie-dye.  Fabric is bound by string or rubber bands to create a pattern or spots similar to those seen on a fawn's back.  The Kanoko pattern symbolises longevity and the richness of nature.

Photo credit: Shibori

Kumo

Literally means 'spider' and the resulting pattern using this technique resembles spider webs.  The fabric is gathered and bound tightly and closely with thread.  The fabric can also be pleated finely to enhance the design.  Kumo symbolises wisdom and the intricate beauty of life.

Photo Credit: Art Threads

Miura

Uses a hooked needle to pluck sections of fabric that are then bound by a thread.  The thread is left loose with no knots, making it very easy to unbind the fabric once dyed.  The process, however, is very time consuming. Yet the resulting patterns are so beautiful and fittingly symbolise the ebb and flow of tides, linking it to the fluidity of life.

Photo Credit: Talu

Itajime

Literally meaning 'board-clamping' in Japanese, this technique uses wooden boards or templates, between which folded fabric is sandwiched and then clamped. The boards or shapes form the resist and prevent dye from touching the fabric.  The fabric itself is folded in a precise way, thereby creating patterns that are geometrical in nature and symbolise stability and the earth.

Arashi

Literally meaning 'storm', it is a technique where the fabric is wrapped diagonally around a pole and then tightly bound with string.  The fabric is then scrunched together and dyed.  The resulting pattern symbolises driving rain and represents the dynamic and sometimes overwhelming forces of nature.  

Photo Credit: Common Fold Blog

Nui

This method of shibori uses stitches to form a resist that results in a wide variety of patterns. There are many different ways to use this method, from complex designs to simpler running stitches. 

Photo Credit: The Printed Fabric Bee

Interested in trying shibori or have you already given it a go?  Let me know in the comments below.

We turn 15 in May!!!

It's amazing how quickly time flies!  I started Skein back in May 2010 and I NEVER thought that fifteen years later I would still be dyeing yarn.  I really am so grateful for all your support over the years.

I have lots of fun plans for May, but I wanted to do an early announcement for our May Make-A-Long, which coincides with our yarniversary (details below).  Stash yarn is totally fine to use for the MAL; however, if you would like to cast on with something new, we're celebrating our 15 years with 15% off our in-stock yarns.  Having the sale now means you'll get your yarns in time to cast on with us on May 1!

I've got lots of fun things planned, and I can't wait for May to arrive so I can share everything with you!

15% off in-stock yarn until Sunday night!  Use the code YARNIVERSARY

Celebrate our 15 year yarniversary this May with a month-long Make-A-Long!  Join us in creating something fun with our yarn while we talk about old times and future plans.

Here are the details:

* Our MAL starts on May 1
* Use all or part of Skein Yarn in a project. 
* All crafts are welcome! Crochet, weave, knit, punch needle, embroider etc.
* The MAL will be held over on our Ravelry group.
* You can also share your projects on Instagram #symakealong
* There will be prizes!  To enter, you must post in our Ravelry group or use the hashtag on Instagram.  All posts from 1-31st May are eligible for prizes.
* There's no pressure to complete your project.  We want this to be fun and relaxing.
* Last day of the MAL is May 31

I have already started a thread on Ravelry, so come on over and let me know what you are planning to knit, and what yarn base and colour/s you are using.  Feel free to tag me on Instagram, too (@skeinyarn)!

Happy knitting!

Kristen xx

I love dyeing up long-repeat colourways.  I also love the way they look when skeined up.  However, knitting with them can be challenging.  The biggest issue is pooling, which looks fabulous for socks but can, for some people, be a problem in larger projects like shawls and sweaters.  This is where assigned pooling comes to the rescue!

So, how does assigned pooling work?  Basically, the shortest colour repeat is worked into a 'yarn hungry' textured-stitch pattern (i.e. bobbles/nups, wrapped stitches or even short rows) which gathers together this colour repeat in small clusters.  Every time you come to the colour change, this stitch pattern is worked.  The longest colour repeat forms the 'background' that is usually worked in stockinette stitch.  It's a very creative and interesting way to deal with yarns that pool.

So, what colours work best for assigned-pooling projects?  You want to look for yarns that have been dyed in two distinct sections: one will be long, and the second short.  Here's an example of our colour Aster that we developed especially for assigned pooling; it was used for our sample shawl (pattern is Calico by Dawn Barker).

If you are searching for assigned pooling projects, you must check out Dawn Barker who is the creative innovator behind this fabulous technique.  She has a ton of patterns developed especially for long-repeat colourways.  Here's just a few!

Fizz

Floriculture

Ramble

Have you tried assigned pooling before?  Is this something you are interested in trying? Let us know in the comments below!

Bouclé yarns are making a bit of a comeback, but what can you knit with them?  I get asked this question regularly.  There's not a lot of patterns out there (yet!) and it isn't a yarn most knitters are familiar with.  So, I thought now would be a great time to write a blog post to give you all some simple tips on what patterns to look for when using bouclé.

Firstly, bouclé yarn is highly textured.  The yarn itself features lots of tiny loops that knit up into a fabric that looks a little like terry toweling.  Because of this, you don't want to choose patterns that feature fancy stitches, cables or lace - these details will be hidden under all those loops.  The best patterns for bouclé feature simple stockinette or garter stitch with, or without, a rib.

Colourwork, on the other hand, looks great.  Stripes, slipped stitches, stranded colourwork, even brioche looks great knit in bouclé yarn.  I'm planning to cast on a Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter with our bouclé yarn Curly.  I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Basically, the simpler the stitch the better when choosing patterns for bouclé yarn.  The most important thing to look for is a pattern that features simple stockinette or garter stitch with or without colourwork.

Here's a few pattern ideas:

Superlative Sweater by Samantha Guerin

Ship Shape by Heidi Kirrmaier

Ginny by Andrea Mowrey

Arco Iris by Joji Locatelli

DRK Everyday Cowl by Andrea Mowrey

Field Day Cardigan by Hailey Smedley

Balloon Cardigan by PetiteKnit (this is the pattern I knit, pictured in the beginning of the article)

Hope this helps! 

This week, we are introducing Bubs: our new yarn base spun from 100% baby llama.  Baby llama refers to the first shearing, which is done when the animal is in its adolescence.  The first shearing produces the finest quality fibre that is highly sought after in the textile market.  To be honest, I didn't know much about Llama fibre, so I did some research and found out how amazing it is.

1. One of the warmest fibres on the planet

Llama fibre is hollow, so it provides greater surface area for insulation and thermal properties, making it even warmer than wool.  Because the fibre is hollow, its weighs less, making it super lightweight yet incredibly toasty.  Also, the hollow core wicks away moisture, keeping it away from the skin.

2. Does not contain oil

Unlike most animal fibres, llama contains no natural oils or lanolin.  Most fibre allergies are caused by a reaction to the oil in the fibre.  As llama is oil free, it is considered to be hypo-allergenic - great news for people with wool or other fibre allergies!

3. Llama fiber lacks 'crimp'

If you were to compare a strand of llama fibre to wool under a microscope, you will see that it looks very flat and smooth and does not have the crimp associated with wool.  Just like silk, llama is smooth to the touch, strong, and has a beautiful drape.

4. Naturally microbial

Studies have shown that llama fibre is naturally resistant to bacteria.  This means that items made from llama fibre do not need to be washed as often because the fibre is able to naturally rid itself of bacteria, which in turn keeps it smelling clean and fresh.

5. Flame resistant

Just like wool, llama is flame resistant.  It does not support a flame or melt, making it a very safe fibre to wear or to have in the home.

This week our pattern spotlight is the Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter.  I have been knitting one for myself using our Cushy DK/8ply and, since it's our yarn of the week, I thought it would be perfect for our spotlight pattern.

The Soldotna Crop was designed to use four colours; however, I have seen three colour versions and was inspired to try them myself.  I'm using Olive, Parchment and Orchid and I am super happy with how it's knitting up!  This does mean that the small colourwork 'spots' in the body will be omitted, but I'm totally fine with that.

If you are interested in creating your own three-colour Soldotna Crop, here are my tips. 

I suggest choosing a palette that consists of a dark, a medium (or a bright) and a light colour.  This will give you the best contrast and will really make the colourwork pop.  Next, you need to work out your colour placement.  The pattern is written for four colours (C1, C2, C3, C4), and this is my suggestion for how to order your colours for a three-colour version.

Light-Coloured Soldotna Crop (body will be light)

• C1 - will be your darkest colour
• C2 - will be your lightest colour
• C3 - will be your medium or bright colour
• C4 - you will use colour 2

Dark-Coloured Soldotna Crop (body will be dark)

• C1 - will be your lightest colour
• C2 - will be your darkest colour
• C3 - will be your medium or bright colour
• C4 - you will use colour 2

I am knitting a light version, so my C1 is Olive, C2 and C4 is Parchment, and C3 is Orchid.

If you are after some new stash to cast on a three-colour Soldotna, I have put together a few colour palettes using this week's colourways.  They have been photographed in order with the first 2 skeins on the left being light, then dark and the medium/bright at the end.  You can create your own light or dark Soldotna using any of these combinations (I have listed the yardage you will need below).

• Silver (light), Char (Dark) and Just Peachy (mid/bright).
• Botticelli (light), Midnight Blue (dark) and Just Peachy (mid/bright).
• Parchment (light), Olive (dark), Orchid (mid/bright).
• Tequila (light), Marigold (dark), Thistle (mid/bright).
• Silver (light), Char (dark), Orchid (mid/bright).
• Silver (light), Char (dark), Marigold (mid/bright).
• Tequila (light), Sushi (dark), Persimmon (mid/bright).

For a three-colour version your yardage will of course change; here is what you will need.

Sizes 1(2,3,4,5,6){7,8,9,10}

Finished circumference at bust:
32.75 (36.5, 40, 44.5, 48, 52.5) {56, 59.75, 64, 67.75} ”
83 (92.5, 101.5, 113, 122, 133.5) {142, 152, 162.5, 172} cm
This sweater is designed to fit with 1-4.5” 2.5-11.5 cm of positive ease at the bust.

C1: 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2) {2, 2, 2, 2} skeins Cushy/DK weight yarn.
C2: 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2) {2, 3, 3, 3} skeins Cushy/DK weight yarn.
C3: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) {1, 1, 1, 1} skeins Cushy/DK weight yarn.

If you have any questions, just use our contact page and I'll get back to you.

Have a great weekend xx

We are super excited about Joji Locatelli's newest release, the Elton Pullover.  This gorgeous design features alternating bands of Mohair Silk Lace and Fingering-weight yarns which not only creates an interesting texture, but also a light, yet warm, pullover that would be fabulous for Autumn.

Because we love this design so much, we have decided to put together kits featuring our favourite colour duets that we think will look stunning knit up as Elton Pullovers.  We've chosen speckled/variegated colours for the fingering-weight yarn (Uptown Sock) and coordinating semi-solid colours for the Mohair Silk Lace.  This combination of will create a fabulous effect that will be perfect for this design. Here are the kits!

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). Shown in size 3 on a 36” bust.
Recommended ease: Approx. 16” (40 cm) of positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust circumference: 44 (48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80)“ 110 (120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200) cm.

Yardage
2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins of Uptown Sock
1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3) skeins Mohair Silk Lace

Kit Colours
Kit 1: Hydrangea and Botticelli
Kit 2: Boho and Cotton Seed
Kit 3: Summer Nights and Char
Kit 4: Cane Fields and Iroko
Kit 5: Aquatic and Big Teal
Kit 6: Black Cherries and Tamarind
Kit 7: Antique Brass and Tequila
Kit 8: Bloom and Golden Peach

The kits are now available; as they are pre orders, they will ship in around 2-3 weeks.

Happy Knitting!  xx

This summery top has been on our radar for quite some time and, with the weather warming up, we thought now would be the perfect time to spotlight this gorgeous pattern.

This cute, cropped top, designed by Megan Nodecker, is knit from the top down in easy stockinette and features a very sweet, scalloped hem.  The drop-shoulder design gives the top an elegant look, and the wider neck and cropped length is perfect for wearing in warmer days. 

This week, our feature yarn is All Rounder (perfect for this top).  We have dyed up some fun speckles; you can see all the colours here.  We also dye this yarn to order if there is a special colourway you wish to order!

Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Bust circumference: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)“ / 76 (86, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157) cm to be work with 0-2” / 5 cm or more positive ease.

Yardage
2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins of All Rounder

Mount Pleasant by Megan Nodecker is available via Ravely.

Happy Knitting!  xx

This week, our pattern spotlight is the Balloon Cardigan by Petite Knit.  We chose this design to highlight our newest addition, Curly, which is a DK-weight bouclé yarn.  The Balloon Cardigan is perfect for this base because it's knit using a simple stockinette stitch that allows the highly textured yarn to shine!

The cardigan is knit top-down with the neck and front bands being knit as you go (yay!).  The two main features are the deep v neck and the oversized, balloon sleeves.  I have cast on for this design using our new Curly base, and I can already tell it's going to look amazing when it's done. Here's where I'm up to:

I'm using the colourway Mustard, but there are a ton of colours to choose from!

The original design uses two yarns held together, which make a DK weight; however, you only need to use one strand of Curly.  Here's the yardages you will need for this design.

Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL

Bust circumference: 100 (106) 111 (116) 123 cm

Yardage: 5 (6) 6 (6) 7 skeins Curly

You can find the Balloon Cardigan by PetiteKnit on Ravelry and our new Curly DK can be found here.

Happy Knitting xx

Caitlin Hunter is well known for her amazing colourwork designs and, when Soldotna Crop was released in 2019, it was an instant hit.  Since then, the Soldotna Crop appears regularly in the 'Hot Right Now' patterns on Ravelry. Many people have knit this design (including me!) and intend on knitting again (ditto!).

The most appealing thing about this pattern is the speed in which it knits up.  It is a cropped top which obviously helps, but apart from that the colourwork is easy and intuitive and it becomes rather addictive seeing the colours knit up to form the colourwork motifs.  The yardage required is also very appealing; you don't need many skeins to knit this cute crop top!

The Soldotna Crop is perfect for our Cushy DK.  We have just topped up the shop with lots of colours, and have curated a few colour combinations for this fabulous design.  Here they are:

1(2,3,4,5,6){7,8,9,10} 

Finished circumference at bust: 
32.75 (36.5, 40, 44.5, 48, 52.5) {56, 59.75, 64, 67.75} ” 
83 (92.5, 101.5, 113, 122, 133.5) {142, 152, 162.5, 172} cm 

Finished sleeve circumference at upper arm: 
11 (11, 11.75, 13, 14.5, 16) {18.25, 19.75, 20.5, 21}” 
28 (28, 30, 33, 37, 40.5) {46.5, 50, 51.5, 53.5} cm

This sweater is designed to fit with 1-4.5” 2.5-11.5 cm of positive ease at the bust and 1” 2.5 cm of positive ease at the upper arm. 

Sample pictured is a size 3 on a model with a 36” 91.5 cm bust, worn with 4” 10 cm of positive ease.

YARDAGE
C1: 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2) {2, 2, 2, 2} skeins Cushy DK
C2: 2 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2) {2, 2, 2, 2} skeins Cushy DK
C3: 1 (1, 1 1, 1, 1) {1, 1, 1, 1} skeins Cushy DK
C4: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) {1, 1, 1, 1} skeins Cushy DK

You can find the Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter on Ravelry and our Cushy DK yarns can be found here.

Happy Knitting xx