Category Archives: Dyes

Quad Sets finally done

Knitivity Posted on by

These were more than a little frustrating, each step of the way, but now they are done and I’m happy to share them with you.

Each Quad set includes FOUR half-size hanks of Phydlbitz Sock, 75/25 SW Corriedale/Nylon, 215 yards each, a total of 860 yards per full Quad set — same as two regular size skeins of Phydlbitz.

These particular color combinations will not likely be repeated any time soon, so if you see a set that you like, now is the time to claim them.  Like regular Blog Reader Specials, these are ready to go and will be shipping on Wednesday.  To claim yours, just email me,  and tell me which set you want — R.T.J., Child’s Play, or Memories.    For each combination there are TWO SETS available, so if you want both sets, please request both.  Requests will be honored in the order of your email time-stamp.

Each Quad set is $52.00, same as two regular skeins of Phydlbitz Sock.

Already Claimed:   Memories #1 & #2, Child’s Play #1 & #2, R.T.J. #1

R.T.J. Quads – $52 each set of 4 half-size hanks of Phydlbitz Sock. #1 is taken

Child’s Play Quads – $52 each set of 4 half-size hanks of Phydlbitz Sock.  (Child’s Play #1 & #2 are now claimed)

Memories Quads – $52 each set of 4 half-size hanks of Phydlbitz Sock.  (Memories #1 & #2 are now claimed)

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My Dye Broke!!

Knitivity Posted on by

We’ve all had the experience of dye ‘breaking’ during the setting process — some dyes set faster while other dye molecules wander around a while.

This evening I was dyeing up some of the new Luxury Fingering aiming mostly for nearly solids, or monochrome fades.

But this Twinset….. well, I have NO idea what happened because I was using ONE jar of dye.  Granted, it was leftover from *that* jar (which was a mix of a mix of a couple other mixes, so thoroughly blended), and leftovers from *this* jar, which was a tiny bit of blue-gray, into which I put a bit of pink.    So, anyway, I remixed ALL of this leftover stuff, added a little supplemental citric acid for good measure, covered the jar, shook it thoroughly and it was a single oddly sexy musty dirty green…..  I poured it onto the yarn …. and

OHMAHGAWSH!!!!

How the hell did that happen?  It broke even as I poured it!      I mean, it IS sort of cool-looking, but I am mystified completely.   Even so, after almost eleven years doing this (Yeah, for real — October 1 is my 11th anniversary!), I still say, “If I knew what the hell I was doing, I might could get a job somewhere.”    Hahahaha  🙂

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Socksy Weekend, Part Two

Knitivity Posted on by

ETA: The unclaimed yarns of this batch are now posted on the Blog Reader Specials page. Click through for individual presentation photos and to see which are available at the time of your visit.

Yesterday I dyed up the 2nd batch of Phydlbitz Sock, as promised.    They are all dyed as Twinsets, but you don’t have to take both hanks of a set if you don’t need both.  I dye them and show them together as a convenience for those who like to knit larger projects — scarves, baby blankets, summer sweaters, etc.  🙂

For each Twinset I have rotated one of the hanks so you can see all the colors within both hanks.

Anyway, it’s the same deal as the previous racks:

Phydlbitz Sock are normally $26.00 — claim any of these today or tomorrow (Saturday or Sunday) for just $22.00 apiece for your Early Bird discount.

To claim the ones you want, just send me an email with your numbered selections. Be sure to let me know your destination state or country, so I can calculate correct shipping.   I’ll write up your PayPal invoice, and when that is paid your order to will be lined up for the next available package pick up.  These will be ready to ship on Monday.

Already Claimed:  510, 511, 518, 519, 521, 526, 527, 532

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oh! Surprise!

Knitivity Posted on by

Well, sort of a surprise ….

My Cousin Ruth lives in Alaska and among her other fiber artist activities, like quilting, she also raises sheep.   Lots and lots of sheep.

Lookie what just came in the mail today!   A box of yarns spun from her own sheep.  How cool is this.   Some of it goes back to her of course, and she said I could keep back some for myself or to sell.    

There are 5 of the 3 ply (on the left) and 12 of the 2-ply.    And 2 of the two-ply are definitely lighter in color than the rest (the two top-most on the right hand pile).  I’m so long dyeing up lace and fingering and sport that I’m not good judging if this is worsted or bulky, and not sure how to tell, BUT I will do wraps-per-inch to get a start on figuring it out.   Usually I can tell approximate ranges with the yard counter (basing on average yardage-per-weight), but these are not 4 oz hanks, so I’m not sure how to go about it, other than to put it on the skein winder and measure it.  🙂

Anyway, this feels very much like it has to become a fisherman’s scarf of some sort.  Or nice wooly cabled cap…   We shall see.   I will definitely dye some of it, and give her as many as she wants off the top, and sell a bit of it, but hold those two off-color 2-ply hanks for a winter hat for myself.   Or I might use a couple of them for drawings or something special for you guys.  🙂

The cool part — she says she just sent off the black fleeces for processing, and that will definitely be interesting to dye up.   I’ve dyed black wool before, and it really is interesting.

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