handmade by stefanie

Today I have a special treat to share: an exciting new yarn from Spud & Chloë called Stripey Fine ! It's a fingering weight blend of 80% superwash wool and 20% silk, which is a blend I don't think I've ever come across in a sock yarn (with the exception being Fine, the solid-colored predecessor to Stripey Fine). This gives it a bit of a sheen to the yarn itself, and I'm willing to be that the addition of silk gives it added strength while reducing the likelihood of pills. The yarn feels very similar to a sweater I made several years ago which was also a similar blend of wool and silk (which is now discontinued); that sweater has yet to pill or show signs of wear. Stripey Fine comes in seven variegated colorways, shown above clockwise, beginning at the top: Blueberry Cheesecake #7863, Tootie Fruitie #7860, Grape Freeze #7864, Cherry Sundae #7866, Neopolitan #7862, Orange Cream #7865, and Mint Chip #7861 in the center. Each colorway knits up in what I would des...

Did you miss my review of Hunter Hammersen's new book, Curls, earlier this week? If so, I highly recommend clicking here before you read any further. Ok, all caught up? That's great, because I have one print copy of Curls to give away to a lucky blog reader! Use the widget below for your chance to win this awesome prize which was generously donated by Hunter herself. I'll announce the winner next Wednesday, February 4. Good luck! And now, on to the WIPs! I couldn't resist casting on for the first shawl in the book, Caesious , using some of my handspun yarn: I love how it's knitting up! I spun this super-sproingy 2-ply using Malabrigo Nube , and it's more or less a sport weight. I chose US 6 needles so that the fabric was just the right amount of light and airy. I'm participating in the Caesious KAL which is happening here in the Violently Domestic Ravelry group , and it's been fun to see everyone else's projects shared in the thread . It...

Earlier this month, I test-drove a product I discovered at TNNA, the Gleener Cleaner. Billed as "the ultimate fuzz remover," this two-in-one product not only removes unsightly pills from virtually any fabric, it also has the most effective brush for removing lint, pet hair and spinning fluff I've ever used - click here to view my blog review & case studies ! As I prepare for the tour de fleece, the Gleener has become an essential tool to keep near my spinning wheel. Just look at how amazing it is at removing fluff & stuff from a heavy-duty spinning session (bonus: my cat Tilly makes her requisite videobomb appearance): On today's post, I'm giving you a chance to win a Gleener Cleaner  of your very own! Use the form below to subscribe to my e-newsletter as your entry (if you're already a subscriber, just enter the email address you subscribed with); there are also plenty of ways to gain bonus entries via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest! The w...

What better way to celebrate the Tour de Fleece and surpassing 200 fans on my new Facebook fan page than a giveaway? Click here for your chance to win a luxurious skein of yarn handspun by yours truly! That's hand-dyed BFL/Silk roving from one of my favorite hand-dyers of yesteryear, Kitchen Sink Dyeworks, loosely plied with a natural brown BFL Top for maximum softness. You'll have enough to make fingerless gloves or a nice warm hat; skein is approx. 120 yards, 8 wpi (Aran weight). I'll announce the lucky winner on Saturday, July 20. Good luck!