1.11.2011

giveaway #50

The two winners of the Traveling Woman Collection and a skein of Plucky Knitter Primo are:

Phyllis & knitwork

Congratulations! Please contact me at yarnonthehouse@gmail.com to collect your prizes.


I apologize for being late this week; however, the prize arrived a day late and I really wanted to share a picture of the beautiful yarn being offered, but I promise, it was all worth the wait! Meet our wonderful and generous sponsor this week: Sunshine Yarns. Dani is the cool owner and artist behind this line of yarn and she did a fun written interview for us. Take a look...




1. Dani, please start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

Hello, and thanks so much for having me! Let's see ---- my name is Dani and I just bought a house with my husband Scott in Boulder, CO. I grew up in Colorado, so its good to be back! We have two kitties, Soma and Kali who are like our little kids. I'm a very outdoorsy person --- I hike, bike, run, swim and have recently started doing triathalons. I also love food and have become obsessed with our garden and eating what we grow. I love to read, love to go to happy hour and am dying to start sewing. I'm a pretty laid back person and try to take each day at a time. Sunshine Yarns fits really well into who I am as a person. Its often hard to balance the business and my own life, especially since we have grown so much the past couple of years. But, it keep me on my feet! You can see what we are up to at our website here: http://www.sunshineyarns.com; or see our "not too up to date" blog here: http://www.sunshineyarns.com/blog. We also have a wonderful and very active Ravelry group called Sunshine Yarnies --- come check it out!.

2. You offer some amazing hand dyed yarns. Where does your inspiration come from?

I am so inspired by the world around me. I grew up in the mountains of Colorado and from an early age, was out hiking, skiing, canoing, camping. I think this has always made me appreciate nature. I love to look at yarn and see an ocean, a sky, a rainforest. I also love to travel --- many of my colorways come from recent journeys both close to home and from around the world.

3. What got you started in dyeing yarns?

Let's see, well, while working as an Environmental Scientist in Boston, I started knitting alot more frequently and also started perusing knitting blogs. I saw the Kool-Aid craze sweep across the blogs and wanted to give it a try. I was quickly hooked and started Sunshine Yarns not long after that (this was Fall 2005). Starting a business wasn't something I really set out to do, it kind of just happened. Its been a learning experience for me, but I am thrilled with how things turned out. I think sometimes its better when you kind of fall into something you love to do!

4. I know that your yarns and colors are probably like children to you, but what's you current favorite colorway and/or yarn base that you offer?

My favorite colors have always been blues and greens, but recently I've been addicted to oranges and yellows. I don't think I can give you one colorway, but a few of my current favorites are Peacock, Saffron and Wanderer. I love, love Sportweight yarns --- so my current favorite base is the Merino Sport (or Luxury Sport).

5. What will be next for you? Do you have new colorways in the works that you can share with us?

Well, our next BIG thing is that we are going to Stitches West in February! Its our very first public appearance. I'm so excited, but there is also alot to get ready for! After that, we plan on having some new base yarns this year, and will hopefully continue to offer up our fun yarn kits and clubs. I'm always dyeing up new colorways, so its always good to check out our Tuesday store updates. This week's is 1-11-11 at 11am MST. How cool is that?!

6. Why do you knit?

I've always loved arts and crafts. I used to watch my amazing grandmother knit and sew, paint and bead. I love to knit because it is creating --- its relaxing, its fun, and its a great excuse to get together with knitting friends :)

7. When did you learn to knit and who taught you?

I am a self-taught knitter --- decided one day that I just had to knit and went to Michaels for some cheap yarn and needles (let's see, this is the Fall of 2003). After looking up some internet tutorials, I sat down to cast on a scarf. It turned out to be a blanket for our cats, because I had no idea how many stitches to cast on. I think I had at least 100 in bulky yarn. We laugh now, because I had the nerve to just keep on knitting, rather than frog and start over!

8. If you were to knit and live anywhere in the world, where would you knit and live?

I've traveled alot over the years, but New Zealand felt the most like home to me; plus there is sheep galore. To be honest though, I'm perfectly happy on our 2 acres here in Colorado :)

9. What's been your worst knitting or in your case, yarn dyeing disaster?

Hmm, I've actually never had anything too horrible happen! I guess I would say the worst disaster was last year, when we had a sudden wind storm, and I was moving all the drying roving inside. I tripped and fell over a pot and cracked a few ribs and partially dislocated my shoulder. Yep, seriously.

10. And last but not least, if you were to be drinking a cocktail while reading my blog, what would it be?

A rum and tonic with lots of lime of course!


Thank you, Dani, so much for visiting us! Sunshine Yarns is offering one of the coolest giveaways, the Dipped Infinity Kit. I'll let Dani tell you all about it:

"Dipped infinity Kits create an amazing scarf or scarf knit in the round --- it is joined, so its like a huge cowl. The pattern that comes with the kit is by Laura Chau. You always knit two colors together, so you get a really beautiful fabric, with the colors blending into one another. To find out more information, take a peek on Ravelry to see all the beautiful finished knits! You can view all the color sets we offer on Ravelry, or in our Sold Out section on the website, www.sunshineyarns.com. You can simply type in "infinity" and what we offer pops up. We offer color sets such as: Secret Garden, Be Natural, Find Me A River, Shoots and Leaves to name a few! If you are interested in ordering, please email me!"

Check out some of these amazing knitted scarves:

Kit color: Secret Garden




Kit color: Find Me a River




And, here is the lovely kit in the Autumn kit colorway Dani has sent over for one lucky follower to win:




Isn't that just cool?! I told you it was worth the wait.


I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:


1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.

2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 1/16/11. Just imagine... it's a cold winter evening with snowflakes falling outside and you are sitting in the most comfortable chair by a cozy warm fire. What are you knitting?


I'll randomly pick the winners on Sunday and post the results on Monday along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

Sincerely,

Ve

301 comments:

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Courtney said...

I know that i am probably knitting a baby sweater. I have two good friends that are due in February/March and i just cannot have a new baby-friend enter into this world without some hand knit goodies!

StatenIslandSusan said...

I'd be knitting socks from my huge stash of Sunshine Yarns. And I'd knit a few rounds on a sweater. And a few rounds on a hat. Back to the Socks. Start a blanket? Have another drink? yes to all of the above!

Anonymous said...

I think I would knit some nice plain stockinette socks. Or any other "no-think" project.

Anonymous said...

Chances are pretty high that I would be knitting socks with some Sunshine Yarn! I've got a saWEET collection :)

Megan said...

I would be knitting a pair of socks because my feet are always cold and love the pampering of handmade socks. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

mountainweaver said...

I'd be on the couch under a wool blanket, a cat on my lap and one next to me and knitting mittens.

AmyLee said...

I'd be knitting some fingerless mitts. I woke up this morning and my first thought (in my very cold house) was that I needed some mitts, so casting on a pair is on my list of things to do

nelago said...

I'd probably be knitting socks, just because I am so obsessed with socks right now! Plus, with socks, there's plenty of space to be covered in kitties and not have to worry too much about the project's safety :)

binkette55 said...

I would be sitting here surrounded by my rather large Sunshine stash working on either socks, fingerless mitts or one of the DIS kits I've already purchased from Dani.

I am a "Sunshine-aholic" and proud of it!!

Angela said...

Socks to keep my feet warm!

Teri said...

I'd be knitting the Dipped Infinity Scarf I'm hoping to win! :)

becca said...

I think I'd have to work on something cozy, wooly and cabley, and for someone dear. Maybe a baby blanket for a wonderful friend. (it has the added bonus of making everything that much cozier as it gets bigger)

I love Dani and her gorgeous Sunshine Yarns! Thanks for featuring her!

Jodi said...

I've recently discovered Dani's yarns, and I am obsessed! I'd be knitting something in her lux sport base. So soft. My favorite!

Unknown said...

I'd be knitting a warm cowl and matching hat to keep what sticks out of my coat warm and cozy.

Allison said...

Well, it's not evening here, but it IS cold! I'm knitting some socks to keep my feet warm, and I have cowl next to me that's a WIP. Love Dani's yarns!

Sharon said...

I'd be knitting a cozy sweater to keep my little grandson, Charlie, warm. It would be in Dani's "Charlie" worsted, maybe with "Bella's truck" for the ribbing. I would have to put an owl on it somewhere because he loves owls.

Orli said...

Definitely knitting a pair of warm wool socks for my grandad--he wrote a poem to thank me for his first pair and he so deserves another!

Sarah said...

Well, that has been me this week, and I have been knitting myself a new hat to wear on our vacation to Colorado next month!

Jessica said...

I'd be knitting socks, socks, socks

Stephanie said...

I'm knitting pretty socks in Dani's Classic Sock, of course!

Jessica Powers said...

Do doubt I would be continuing my gift cowl knitting craze - I'm on the third in two weeks! Was even going to do one in Sunshine's Worsted, but have decided I don't want to gift it all away!

bbailey said...

I live in florida so we don't have snow here...but we have had many 30 degree nights so far! I would have to say fuzzy slippers or mayeb fingerless gloves (my husband says I am a texting fiend!).

Turtle said...

A jewel toned Juneberry shawl. Of course i am thinking a nice wooly hat would be appropriate as well! Gorgeous fall colors.

Kathy said...

What am I knitting? Hmmm... something mossy green with cables for one of my boys.

winterwrens at gmail dot com

kerry huckins said...

i'm knitting and crocheting tea cosies at the moment to keep that vital pot of hot, yummy leaf tea (of which i have an entire cupboard full of various blends) hot so i dont have to drink lukewarm tea, drink quickly or get up to make a new cup so I can stay on the comfy sofa and continue getting toasty warm!

Jan said...

Mmmm, beautiful infinity kits! And beautiful yarn at the website!

I'd be knitting something for charity, probably. The next things up are red/white/blue shawlettes for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors) auction from String Theory Continuum Self Striping.

Thanks for this contest!

vtcjan at yahoo dot com

Hilary said...

Im knitting mittens Your can never have enough pairs. :)


LadyPinky on Rav

Hilary said...

Im knitting mittens Your can never have enough pairs. :)


LadyPinky on Rav

Baasil said...

I would be knitting soft, warm hats for charity while watching the snow fall.

Jane said...

I would definately be knitting with Sunshine Yarns. Since I have discovered Dani's beautiful yarn, it is all I knit with. The yarn is so soft and she is such an artist!

BusyMomKnits said...

I'm working on a pair of house socks in worsted.

Glyn said...

I'd probably be working on any one of my unfinished projects! Or possibly an afghan or a Dipped Infinity Scarf; I've been wanting to make one, and eyeing Dani's beautiful colorways! Thank you for this giveaway!

Evan said...

i would definately be knitting something super warm and cozy, like a pair of french press slippers, or a matching hat/cowl/mitten set.

Juney said...

I am knitting a soft pair of white mittens....hey, I was just doing that!!! Let me get back to it! :o)

kshotz said...

A hat, scarf & mitten set, or socks is what I would be knitting! That yarn is truly lovely!

slmiller8 said...

My knitting project most likely would be a sweater of some kind-either a long sleeve pullover or a cardigan

Tish said...

I live in Minnesota so something warm would be what I would make with this yummy yarn! Actually, I'm making scarves and hats right now. LOL

Vanessa said...

Well, it doesn't snow here, and I don't have a fireplace in my house, nor would I ever have that kind of time to myself, but IMAGINE if I did have all those things-- something complicated that requires ALL my attention.

Shelby said...

I would be knitting a hat/scarf and some gloves to keep warm in February!

historychica said...

Well, it just *was* a cold, snowy winter evening, and I was working on a Wavy scarf to help keep my mom warm the next time we have to go out and shovel!

Kristy said...

I would be knitting some fingerless gloves and matching hat for my sister.

Alice said...

Usually, socks. Sometimes a very warm shawl.

Jen said...

I'd be knitting one of those lovely infinity scarves that I'm going to win the kit for *wink*wink*

jendada on ravelry

Sarah said...

I've been knitting Doctor Who socks while seeing snow!

Unknown said...

It is cold and snowy here in Massachusetts and I am knitting the Susie Hoodie from More Big Girl Knits.

Janet said...

It's cold here and going to get colder...below below zero! I'd knit a lap robe with such wonderful colors.

Rosie said...

I'm knitting a beautiful, light cashmere lace shawl.

Brandy L said...

Well it is a cold winters evening with snow flying outside here and I am currently knitting a slouch sock yarn hat in Sunshine classic sock yarn. The wanderer colorway!

Anonymous said...

I would be trying to finish my Central Park hoodie! I need to be wearing it now! Yarn - cascade 220, I think.
LynnIL

One Sheep said...

It's a sweater, for me, until Mom sees it, then it's probably hers.

kmvdvm said...

a large blanket - so it can be laid over your lap while you knit - simultaneous entertainment and warmth!

|chee-uh| said...

I am knitting a lace shawl or a pair of socks of course. However, from looking at those photos, I should probably knit myself a washcloth to wipe the drool from my face.

monkalicious on Rav

Amy V. said...

A cosy cabled hat, maybe Ysolda's Gretel, in a soft cuddly slightly-fluffy yarn with possum or alpaca. Mmmm...

Emily said...

I would be knitting a blanket! It can keep me warm as I knit! Or another pair of socks, I wish I had a nice warm fireplace and a comfy chair to curl up by now!

Anonymous said...

Snowy night, nestled inside... I am knitting gifts for people. Right now, a scarf for my cousin who's struggling through her first year of college. It's a bright, happy pink to brighten her cold MN winter days.

-Kristin

Catalina said...

I am right now sitting in MI in a very cold winter looking at the snow falling outside my window, it's beautiful!
If I could I'd love to be knitting an afghan, I've always wanted to do that.

V said...

Yay Colorado!! Since we actually have had snow recently here in Colorado I can say from experience (minus the fireplace darn it) that on a snowy day I can be found knitting just about anything. I adore knitting socks, hats, and mittens though- there is so much you can do with them to make them fun to knit and they are so wonderful to give away and usually are appreciated very much.

Anett Kiefer said...

I'd knit probably knit a pair of socks or a cozy cardigan/sweater. But at the moment I am glad that the snow is almost gone here.

Rachel D. said...

I think I would be knitting something small like a sock, so I could be bundled up in a blanket at the same time and not get myself hopelessly tangled.

Julia said...

Hmmm- I'd be working on a shawl or my son's new cardigan. Anything to keep some wool on my lap! Thanks for the contest!

Krystal said...

I would be knitting a cowl in bulky weight yarn. A simple and soothing pattern that I barely have to look at, and it would be done by the time I went to bed. And there would be chai tea on the table beside me. And my dogs would be sleeping at my feet. I feel better just thinking about all that:-)

Sara said...

I'd be knitting a nice cardigan for myself, just to try something new and different (and selfish).

Morgan Syring said...

Let's put it this way...no matter when or where, no matter the weather, I'm probably knitting Sunshine! Currently I'm working on a Clockwork Shawl in Ancient Ruins and Paper Cranes.

Lorena said...

I'd be knitting a hat. I love hats! and Dani's awesome Sunshine Yarns colors!

s0nicfreak said...

I'd be knitting leg warmers for my 1 year old that refuses to wear pants...

twistedtexan said...

I'd be knitting a cozy pair of socks. Also, holy moly, that kit is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Well I just happened to be sitting in a comfy chair by a fire knitting and enjoying the eerie quiet of the snow falling (my favorite part of the winter experience) earlier this week. I was working on a beautiful shawl made of knock-out gorgeous yarn, wishing it was already finished so I could throw it around my shoulders.

Pam said...

I'd be working on Escher Socks designed by Lorna Miser and knit with Sunshine Yarns.

mary said...

I love Sunshine yarns.I would probably knit a shawl in the gorgeous colors of autumn ,despite the snow on the ground.

Nancy said...

I'd certainly be knitting a fun hat for one of my grandbabies.

Anonymous said...

I would be working on something for spring or summer in a nice light cotton. If I was in front of a fire working with wool, I'd be sweating!

Laura said...

Oooh, Dani used to be a neighbor of mine but I've never actually knit any of her yarn! Funny thing about your question is I imagine myself in front of a fire knitting a big blanket covering my lap but I don't actually knit blankets in real life. Great interview!

--aprilshowers on Ravelry

mommieof4munchkins said...

Lately I would be knitting toys for my kiddos or hats. I want to knit a sweater for myself soon though. I absolutely adore the River set!

Anonymous said...

I would certainly enjoy knitting by the fire and I would be working on my scarf!
Chelsey
chelseyb5@aol.com

tothfamily25 said...

I have my eye on this little cuye frog toys for my grandson

Kayla said...

I would be knitting a sweater or a hat to replace the one my DH just left in his friends car.

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

I should be knitting sleeves, as I have 3 sweaters waiting for them. Two of them because I figured out they were the wrong size once I finished the bodies, and one because I don't know how the heck I'm going to do them yet. But it will probably be anything else so I can keep procrastinating.

Kristin said...

What a gorgeous scarf kit!

I'd probably be knitting socks. I love socks. (Though, to be fair, I just finished up a shawl that's been bothering me.)

Robin said...

I'd knitting a hat and warm scarf I love her yarns. Going to go look at them all Bye!

Sophia said...

I am knitting hats for my family! Easy knitting to enjoy the fire.

Emily said...

I'm knitting an afghan so it covers me up as I go!

Jenna said...

I would probably be knitting something for a baby, with my favorite hand knit blanket for extra warmth. gidgettm@ravelry

CarolineN said...

I'm knitting a cozy cowl with a nice cup of tea... and listening to music. Oh! and keeping my feet warm by my dog!

Connie said...

I don't have to picture it - that's what is like here! I am knitting a puffy hat.

jodyroo said...

I'm knitting some nice warm socks. And probably watching hockey!

Pamela said...

I would be knitting my elephants for my daughters that I had hoped to have finished by Christmas.

Frankly Beka said...

Most likely, I'd be knitting socks. Sock knitting is so addictive! But if not socks, I'd be knitting a tank top, hoping that It's finished in time for warmer months.

Mylyne said...

Warm and luscious-looking describes the give-away. Thanks for the chance to win.

Mercy said...

As a matter of fact, it has been cold this week and I have been knitting a dog sweater. My Boxer has recently had to become an outside dog and to make my son feel better about it, I let him pick out the yarn for her sweater.

midwifemom on Ravelry

Robin L. said...

I'd be working on a coordinating set of a hat, cowl and some mittens. Knitting away on a Dipped Infinity Scarf would be wonderful, too! :)

Lori S. said...

I discovered Sunshine Yarns almost a year ago, and I've quickly become a Sunshine Addict. There's a support group for us on Ravelry groups. Well...maybe not support so much as enabling.
I love SUNSHINE! Dani your work is the best!

Pavlina said...

Something warm to wear and I hope I get to finish it fast, so I can wear it! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.

Unknown said...

Socks. For my sweet children.

Shenoka said...

That is what I am doing now...minus the snow.

I am working on an entrelac hat knit in the round. This is a new technique for me and so fun.

Marilyn said...

I'd be knitting some socks with Dani's yarn. I have used it before, and it is wonderful.

Allison said...

What beautiful yarn!

Julianne said...

I would be knitting me a wonderful soft, warm Dipped Infinity Scarf with Dani's wonderful scrumptuous yarn.

Kurt said...

I just finished a hat, so I'd knit myself a nice scarf and maybe some gloves (haven't done those before :O ).

Kristen said...

It's cold in Minnesota and my next project is Pamuya shawl. And Sunshine yarn is LOVELY!

kimz said...

I don't have a fire, and don't need one in TX, but I'd be working on a matching hat for my Snapdragon fingerless mitts!

YarnOnTheHouse said...

POSTING FOR THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you everyone for posting! -Ve

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