Art that Inspired Art that Inspired Art

Art that Inspired Art that Inspired Art

When Claude Monet finished the original oil painting, Study of Olive Trees, in 1884, Do you think he saw this coming?  

The inspiration traveled through time when Canadian Yarn Artist, +Roxanne Yeun, the talent behind+Zen Yarn Garden,  recently brought the colors from Monet's original work into her own hand painted yarn  (Available here: http://goo.gl/ngiYaa)  Yes,  it's really is all painted by hand.  She used a base of fine Merino wool and cashmere, with a touch of nylon for stability, and added her own choice of color to match that of the original oil painting.  The added nylon is a really nice touch if the yarn is to be used for a harder worn fabric, like socks.  

Next, Roxanne teamed up with Canadian designer, +Laura Chau, to use her Milkweed Shawl pattern (Available here: http://goo.gl/s4tAma) to create the gorgeous look you see pictured below.  (_I love the #collaboration between the two!_)  

Now, knitters around the world are seeing the result of their collaboration as it's featured by +Yarn Mountain (http://goo.gl/XpblNZ), and feel the yearning to make one of their own. It's either the colors or the look of the finished scarf, usually a combination of the two, that pulls us in. We instantly know if this is something that will suit us personally, or someone close to us. For a limited time, everyone can order this combination of colors and design to make one as shown, using the colors inspired by the original painting. Thus, we introduce a third level of inspired art, the handcrafter. Approximately 400 yards and 2000 stitches will go into this scarf, each yard painted and each stitch knit by hand to create one scarf, for one very lucky recipient. The story of the art and inspiration that has traveled through time that originated in the imagination of Claude Monet so long ago, and has traveled though paint brushes, dye pots, design software, and #knitting needles may actually be lost on the recipient. While that seems like a shame in the short term, the art will continue to inspire, and these colors will continue to resonate with those that pause long enough to take them in. Hopefully, this finished project will be treasured by it's recipient, the story told along the way. Maybe, just maybe, both will be passed on to future generation as a favored heirloom.

I'll be adding this one to my own project line-up (http://goo.gl/LjCK11) and I _might_ already know who that lucky recipient will be! 
_Christina_
#KnitwithMe

Yarn Photo Credit: Zen Yarn Garden
Shawl photos are copyright Gale Zucker Photography

Sock Club Summer Scavenger Hunt

A #SockClub Summer Scavenger Hunt.  

Win $100 worth of Sock Knitting Supplies

The Facts

1.  #SockTrip2014 starts May 24th and runs through Sep 1st.

2.  The Knitter who earns the most points by Sep 1st wins!

How it Works

1.  Take your sock knitting with you as you enjoy your summer.

2.  Find as many of the 100 Scavenger Hunt items as you can!

3.  Snap a picture of your sock knitting by, at, on, or with an item on the list.

4.  Share the picture with Yarn Mountain via social media (tagged #SockTrip2014) or by email.

5.  Earn Points for each photo submitted:

• 1 Point:  Picture of your sock project with the item on the list
• 1 Bonus Point:  Include yourself in the photo
• 5 Bonus Points:  If it’s one of our Sock Club patterns
• 10 Bonus Points:  Include a finished pair of Socks in your photo.
• 25 Bonus Points:  For Every Sock Club 2014 pattern finished during the summer.

6.  Point rankings are posted weekly.  

Prizes

1.  Grand Prize:   $100 worth of Sock Yarn and supplies

2.  Runner-Up:  $50 worth or Sock Yarn and supplies

3.  2nd Runner-Up:  $25 worth of Sock Yarn and supplies

4.  Everyone that submits photos will be recognized and get HUGE bragging rights!

• Approved photos will be recognized on our social media sites.
• Participants will be recognized in our newsletter and social sites.

The Rules

1.  Photos must be in good taste, and will be disqualified if found to be inappropriate.  

2.  Only one listed item per photo.

3.  Photos must clearly show both the item and the sock knitting project, and may not be altered.

4.  Must be over 18 years old.

5. This contest is open to all member's of Yarn Mountain’s #SockClub.

6.  No purchase is required to participate.

7.  Participation serves as consent to share photos from the scavenger hunt on our social media pages.

Sock Club Members can pick up the Scavenger Hunt List in the Pattern Database HERE.

New to #Sock Club? Join in Here.

Sock Club 2014 Winter Challenge!

Are you up for a Challenge, #SockClub?

Knit 3 for 3 on the first three patterns of the year by April 15th, and you win!

What do you win?  I knew you would ask!

1)  Your very own Sock Club Pin.

2)  Entered into a drawing to receive a copy of The Knitter's Book of Socks by Clara Parks.

3)  Planning to Knit all 12 this year?   If you do, you'll be eligible to Win a Set of Addi Click Interchangeable Needles!

Post your finished pics to The Knitting Lodge, to the Yarn Mountain page on Google+, Ravelry, or Facebook, or send them to me via email by April 15th.  The drawing will be held by April 20th.  Are you in it to win it?   Let me know!   Please use hashtag #SockClub in all of your posts so we can all find them.  Sock Club is free to join and does not require purchase. (Although, you will see some sweet perks.)  Good Luck!

Click Here to Learn More about Sock Club 

Fast & Fuzzy socks for Kids

Here's a really fun pattern for warm children's socks using a chunky weight polyester chenille in bright colors.   It's a simple toe-up construction and perfect for a beginner.  I've included Tutorials to learn Judy's Magic Cast On, developed by Judy Becker and The Sweet Tomato Heel, developed by Cat Bordhi.  I use both of these techniques frequently in more complex patterns for #SockClub.   Find a fuzzy yarn and give it a try! - Christina

Save, print, or download the pattern by clicking here.
Click Here to schedule a personal Sock Knitting Workshop.

A Basic Toe-Up Sock Knitting Pattern

Here's an easy beginner knitting pattern for a basic pair of toe-up socks.  I've included Tutorials to learn Judy's Magic Cast On, developed by Judy Becker and The Sweet Tomato Heel, developed by Cat Bordhi.  I use both of these techniques frequently in more complex patterns for #SockClub.   Find your favorite yarn and give it a try! - Christina

Save, print, or download the pattern here.
Schedule a personal Sock Knitting Workshop here.

Herringbone Sidewinder Socks

Knitting Socks Sideways!

Here's a new pattern from Blue Ridge Yarns that takes knitting with hand painted sock yarn to a new level of fun!  The contrasting toe and heel of Footprints sock yarn adds just the right contrast to an intriguing pattern.  Created for the intermediate sock knitter, The Herringbone Sidewinder sock is an exercise in several different techniques.  Give it a go, and let us know what you think!

Save or Print the Pattern Here

Footprints yarn Available Here

Twist & Drop your Garter Scarf

Here's a very quick scarf to knit.

  Use a super-bulky yarn to really speed up your gift knitting!

Save or Print the pattern Here