Marie Grace Designs: Free yarn...

I've never done a yarn give-away before but Llamajama and I are in cahoots to get the word out about a new yarn. Nothing spreads the word faster than yelling “free yarn” in front of a bunch of knitters so here goes...

Llamajama has this to say about their new 1855 Wool collection...

This is our artisan created, hand-spun, naturally dyed merino wool yarn.

In 1855 everything from printing inks to textiles was colored naturally. It was the year before the creation of synthetic dyes. We have gone back, not to 1855, but to the original process of naturally dyeing yarns. We begin by spinning the combed and carded merino fiber by hand to create a strong worsted yarn. Next we use dyes that have been adapted from ancient recipes using locally available flowers, roots, barks and even insects to dye the wool. Our color palate is rich, subtle and like all things in nature, ever changing.

Whether you are looking for historically accurate yarns, or you simply love natural fibers, the 1855 wool is sure to delight you.

Because 1855 yarns are naturally dyed and handmade, you can anticipate subtle changes in color from skein to skein. Buy enough yarn to complete your project at one time. Alternate knitting from two skeins every few rows.

Since I do a bit of designing for Llamajama I had a chance to do some secret sampling of 1855 Wool before it went public. The colors are rich and deep and I’m fascinated by the fact that every inch of it is hand-spun on drop spindles. Its a chunky weight with a somewhat thick-and-thin nature that knits up super fast and the fiber is very soft and sturdy so its a great choice for even next to the skin knits.

I designed Wool Noggins (shown above) specifically for 1855 Wool. Its a simple hat pattern that’s quick and easy (and FREE) and really shows off the yarn. All you need is one evening and one hank of 1855 Wool. And I’ll even supply the hank of yarn for a few of you!

If you would like a chance to sample some 1855 Wool for FREE just leave your name or nick-name and your email address in a comment to this post.

-Sign-ups will be open through Friday November 23rd 2007.

-3 winners’ names will be drawn from a knit hat (quite literally) and announced in a post here on Monday November 26th 2007. Winners will also be notified by me by email.

-Winners will receive a hank of 1855 Wool in their choice of either Sky or Mixed Berry (shown in the picture above).

-Everybody can have a copy of the Wool Noggins pattern. Its available as a free download at The Garter Belt.

While you're at TGB check out our 2 new members and all the new designs that are available!

Comments

The yarn looks awesome, but really, those eyelashes on you babes always leave me smitten.

It is good to see you guys at the Garter Belt back, you guys have some of the best designs.

Posted by: Deva | November 20, 2007 at 12:18 PM

I would love to sample this yarn. Thanks

Posted by: jen-m | November 20, 2007 at 12:17 PM

Ooh, I'd love to have the sky coloration. Thanks for the contest!

Jan at vtcjan@yahoo.com

Posted by: Jan | November 20, 2007 at 10:43 AM

I always love your patterns and have knit a couple of them up for my own "Tater-sized" dear daughter. So sure, sign me up for a chance to knit one of your patterns in the same yarn that you used. :)

"Mel" of Knit.Frog.Repeat.

Basket_angel@valornet.com

Posted by: Mel | November 20, 2007 at 10:27 AM

Fun hat! And here's my info- Deb deb.sean@sympatico.ca

Posted by: Deb | November 20, 2007 at 07:43 AM

Oops--forgot to add

kamsarmer@cox.net

is where to find me!

Posted by: kt | November 20, 2007 at 01:14 AM

Yay free yarn! I can't pass up an opportunity like this!

Posted by: Kat | November 20, 2007 at 12:46 AM

Oh yummilious - yes please, add my name to the hat!