GB Socks Away KAL 17

Yes the GB Socks Away KAL is returning for a third year! The chatter has already started in the BritYarn Ravelry Group but don't worry as we don't cast on until Friday 22nd September 2017.  There is plenty of time to place that little BritYarn order or to have a stash or patten rummage. Also in the chatter thread are the rules but for those that have taken part previously they are the same as previous years. 

A selection of socky yarns available at BritYarn

There will be prizes for both FO's and for chatter.   If you have never knit socks before come and join us.  This KAL in previous years has been the starting point for lots of new sock knitters.  Also it is not just knitting socks..... crochet socks are of course always welcome.  

For pattern ideas you can browse the special sock section of the BritYarn website.

Look forward to chatting with you in the BritYarn Ravelry Group.

Come and join me on Saturday 6th May at Countess Ablaze, Manchester

Yes it is happening again! BritYarn is returning to the wonder of the Countess Ablaze studio on Saturday 6th May 2017.  I will be bringing along a section of yarns, books and of course Ethel canvas shopping bags.  This time I will be joined on the day by Whistlebare and The Little Grey Girl.  I hope you can join us!  

Since last years event Countess Ablaze has moved to the centre of Manchester.  The studio can be found at 21 Swan Street (in the Northern Quarter) which is a 15 - 20 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station (buses and taxis are of course another option).   There are lots of really nice cafes and shops in the surrounding area if you want to make a day of it.  

I have started a thread in the BritYarn group for the day if you want to pop over and say hi and see how else is going.  

Samite Silk Blend - A New Yarn from Blacker Yarns

The new yarn from Blacker Yarns, Samite Silk Blend launches on 23rd March and of course BritYarn will be stocking it.  

I thought it might be useful to share some of the thoughts of bloggers and podcasters who have tried this amazing yarn already.  

First up is a blog post by Sue Blacker explaining in a lot more detail about how the blend was created.

The lovely Lisa from the Erika Eckles blog gave Samite a road test a few weeks ago. 

Louise Scollay chatted about Samite on Episode 78 of the KnitBritish podcast.

Louise Tilbrook (I am a big fan of her sock and shawl designs) wrote a review recently after knitting a little sample in the gorgeous Drowsy Flowers shade. 

Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade chatted about Samite during episode 162 of her podcast.

I have started a Samite thread on the BritYarn Ravelry group page, feel free to chat there about your Samite cast on plans.

Photo used with kind permission from Blacker Yarns.

Samite is a permanent addition to the Blacker Yarns range.  This 3 ply woollen spun yarn is a blend of 30% Bluefaced Leicester, 40% Shetland, 20% Ahimsa silk and 10% Gotland from Sue Blacker's own flock.  

Samite will go on sale Thursday 23rd March.