11.05.2012

giveaway #97

The Grand Prize winner of the Yarn Buddy and a skein of beautiful Sun Valley Fiber yarn is:

ypsiknitti

The Runner Up who will also receive a skein of some SVF yarn is:

Carmen Nuland

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


Somehow October has just flown by in our household. It was my birthday on the 16th and I swear the days just keep getting shorter and shorter as I get older! I love this time of year though, not only because my birthday is in October, but because the air starts getting chilly which makes for perfect stay in and knit moments. Plus the colors of the season are just magical around our neck of the woods, and pumpkin spice lattes are my favorite!

In honor of this wonderful season of change, this giveaway's sponsor: Fable Fibers (or you can check out the blog as well), has sent over some gorgeous Autumn colored yarn to share with you. But, first let's let Lelah tell you about her indie yarn company in a written interview she did with me:


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

I'm primarily a very proud mother to an almost three year old boy and 17 month old little girl. To say they keep me busy is an understatement. We recently moved to New Hampshire, also. My husband took a temporary position for work, so we've all been adjusting!

2. Your hand dyed yarns are really beautiful! I especially love the way you blend the colors and tones in your yarns. Can you talk a little bit about what inspires you?

I think like a lot of hand dyers, I'm inspired by the fine arts. I look to how Mark Rothko layers his pieces to do my kettle dyes. I will admit I will look anywhere for color inspiration - nature, high fashion, history... beauty is everywhere if you look critically enough.

3. Do you have a favorite colorway or yarn that you offer?

I love the green and purple I do, it's called Purl Jam after the yarn store I used to teach beginning knitting at. Both colors are smokey, but they definitely do not come that way out of my dye stock. The green is a vivid kelly green with a lot of yellow in it, and the purple is like grape jelly. How they play off each other after I layer the colors is just amazing.

4. For budding new yarnies out there, what's the one piece of advice you have?

Don't be afraid to mess up your yarn. You can always overdye it. Learn about color theory, and you will be fine.

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

I am planning on doing more spinning fiber, as well as more hand painted yarn. Winter is coming, so I need to make some more bright colorways.

6. I always like to ask, why do you knit?

I've always knit as a way to relax, as a way to express my creativity, and as a means to make myself things that are better quality than what you can buy in stores.

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

I always wanted to learn, but nobody in my family could teach me. My Grandma tried to show my how to crochet, but it wasn't for me. I finally got to learn after I found knitting-help.com! It was 2002, and I really wanted a Harry Potter house scarf. The videos were insanely helpful, and still are. I have their app, it's great.

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

Honestly, I think I'd like to live in Paris. And I've never even been there. I feel like the history, culture, beauty, and je ne sais quoi would really appeal to me. I heard yarn isn't sold in actual yarn stores there, but that's ok. I'll have my own shop. I feel like I could be inspired there every single day. My husband will laugh when he reads this, because my music tastes would tell you that I'd live in London. I can easily visit, though. :)

9. What's been your worst knitting or in your case it could be a yarn dyeing disaster?

With our recent move, I moved all my dye stock too. Well water and city water don't mix! I nearly cried after I took my first few skeins out of their dye baths! Having messed up ph levels can produce some dull colors.

10. And last but not least, if you were enjoying a favorite drink while reading my blog, what would it be?

A River Horse Hop Hazard. I miss my favorite microbrew up here in NH!!!


I'll let the picture of her yummy yarn do the talking! Isn't it BE-U-TI-FUL?!

GA97yarn

Three winners have the chance at winning one of theses fantastic skeins of Fable Yarns pictured above.


In addition to sharing Fable Yarns with you today, I wanted to mention what Lelah is also doing in her Etsy shop for relief help over on the east coast after the devasting hurricane Sandy. In her own words...

"Basically until the Etsy shop is sold out, I am giving all the profit I make to:

Jersey Coast American Red Cross
Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
Popcorn Park Zoo
(Associated Humane Society): They are collecting/distributing animal supplies for pets of people displaced by Sandy.

The buyer can leave me a comment when they purchase yarn as to where they'd like their donation to go, and I will make the donation in their name, and send them the email receipt to the charity they choose.

As you know I'm temporarily living in New Hampshire right now, but I am a 20+ year resident of New Jersey, and my favorite places to go with my family were completely destroyed. All the places my husband and I walked when we were dating are gone. The place we honeymooned at is gone. The beach we held our daughter's first birthday party on is gone. And it wasn't just our family's leisure spots destroyed, so very many year round residents had their places wiped out, as well as their livelihoods. I can't imagine my home destroyed, and not being able to return to my property for 6-8 months. And I can't imagine being with my two toddlers in a house with no electricity and freezing weather at night for over a week. I also can't imagine having to wait five hours for gasoline because most gas stations are also without power. But that's the reality of the entire state right now. Slowly the power is being restored, and we will rebuild, but my state needs some desperate help right now."


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, 11/18/12. What's your favorite thing about Autumn?


I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

Sincerely,

Ve

129 comments:

florapie said...

How generous that Leleh is donating all profits! (And how tempting since my employer is matching donations right now)

My favourite thing about Fall is the weather-those crisp days when it's still sunny and the leaves have changed. Also, Apples.

Krista said...

Beautiful yarns & great cause!
My favorite thing about fall has to be pumpkins,love the color, jack-o-lanterns,pie,seeds, even planting & growing :-)

Loca4crafts said...

Those yarns are amazing and remind me of my favorite thing about fall, the beautiful colors.

Sara said...

Great causes...

The yarns are gorgeous! My favorite part of fall - the colors the leaves change to here in New England...

nhsarab on ravelry
nhsarab at yahoo dot com

UmmRania said...

Wow, beautiful yarns, and a beautiful gesture of giving. My favorite thing about fall is all the cheap produce, peppers, apples, pumpkins, kale, etc.

Rachelle said...

My favourite thing about Autumn is the colours of the leaves; so beautiful.

Michelle said...

It is hard to pick ONE favorite thing about autumn, as I have many! Probably the change in the weather is the one I'll pick, though. I am so not a hot-weather person.

Sheila said...

Gorgeous yarns! I love that she's donating profits to Sandy relief.

I'm not really an autumn person, I kind of hate it when Oregon's rains set in in October and I know I'll barely see the sun for months. But there are a few things I look forward to every autumn and one happened just last week. My local food coop had the first shipment of fresh cranberries! Yum! I just love cranberries and have many cranberry baking projects planned. Plus some go in the freezer for when they're no longer available in the store.

Melody said...

I love the produce. Great food.

Knitmish on Ravelry said...

Crisp, cold days- perfect for a walk wrapped in hand-knits. I also love hearty soups, and the colours of the leaves!

Kerry said...

My favourite thing is the cooler air, the crispness of fallen leaves underfoot and most definitely the changes in colour Mother Nature gifts us with.

Fab cause and so very generous and selfless of Lelah to donate her profits.

Elaine said...

My favourite thing about Autumn are the colors of the season that pop out of the surrounding autumn grey.

Nidhi said...

Favorite thing about autumn has to be the colors:)
nidhikansal on ravelry

Suzanne said...

Leleh's yarns are beautiful and I admire her efforts to support hurricane relief. My favorite part of fall is likely the changing of the leaves and the rediscovery of many dishes made with butternut squash and pumpkin.

Amanda said...

Sweater weather!

Jade said...

My favourite thing about Autumn is the crisp days, where it's cold enough to see your breath, but the sun is shining brightly.

Chelsea W said...

I have the glossary on knitting-help.com bookmarked and I use it a LOT. I love the smell of fall!
Thanks for the generous giveaway :-)

amchart said...

the color of the leaves

Unknown said...

I love hearing the crunching of the leaves when I walk on them, and the smell of crisp, cool air!

kjramstack said...

I think it's great that you are donating your profits to Sandy relief efforts.

My favorite thing about autumn is how the moody skies with heavy, dark clouds look against the glowing gold fields of corn.

Kristen said...

My favorite thing is the cooler weather! I can finally bust out the shawls and cardigans.

Emily said...

My favorite thing about autumn is having a hot cup of sleepytime tea before bed.

Holly said...

What beautiful colors! I'm in love with the pear green.

My favorite part of fall is being able to bust out my cardigan collection again.

Kassia said...

I love autumn! I love the colors, I love the cool temperatures, I love being able to knit without my hands getting sticky, I love pulling out the handknits. :D

Susan aka paintermom said...

My favorite thing about Fall is the quality of the light as it filters through the colored foliage and newly bare branches.

The yarn is lovely! Thanks for the giveaway.

Sabrina said...

So many things! The crisp smell in the air, the way the light changes and everything looks sharp and colorful, and of course, knitting even more than usual!

Ginger said...

I love when it's cool but not too cold, just enough to wear a nice sweater.

Rav: GingerLee25

katherinelynn_04 said...

My favorite thing about autumn is trips to the cider mill. Mine has a working grist mill and the BEST cider and hot donuts.

jennybookworm said...

My favourite things about Autumn are: the crisp air, beautiful colours of the changing leaves, the opportunity to wear hand-knits again (especially socks!) and it's my birthday in October too - the 14th !

Suburban prep said...

I love the clean crisp air. I love the cooler weather. I love the changing of the leaves. I lvoe the college football games.

becca said...

Lovely, lovely yarns! I adore the gorgeous leaves on all the trees around our home and the nip in the air.

Laura said...

Being outside in my warm handknits is my favorite thing about fall!

Sarah said...

My favorite thing about fall is pumpkin flavored coffee! mmmm, i can't get enough!
also, lots of extra knitting time :)

Jennifer in Ohio said...

The beautiful colors of the changing leaves, especially the reds.

jaf61205 (RavID)

Rae Lynne said...

My favorite thing about fall would have to be the changing of the leaves. The colors are so beautiful. Pair that with the crispness in the air and it's my favorite season, hands down. :)

Beautiful yarn and colors!

raelynne01 on Rav

Laura said...

What a generous thing she's doing!
I love the smells of fall.

Amy said...

The colors of all are my favorite. Not just the changing of the leaves, but the differences in some days having stark blue skies and others having an impenetrable gray. Even though it is a busy season, if I just step outside and look around, I feel like everything just stops. I love that. :)

Zabbers said...

My favorite thing about autumn is the sense of change in the air.

Gynx said...

My favorite thing about autumn is definitely pumpkin-flavored everything!

Enid said...

Beautiful yarn! I really like warm weather, so I really like the days in autumn when the sun is strong, Indian Summer, I guess? I also like all the fiber festivals that get scheduled in the fall to take advantage of the change in seasons and get you supplied for a long winter of knitting.

Lindr said...

There was a quote in a book I read once: "I glory in windy days". That epitomizes autumn for me - crisp, windy days, when everything seems possible.

Kristen said...

Cool weather for exercise, pretty changing leaves, chili for dinner, and pumpkin treats!

sacha said...

I have to say that I love a bite in the air!

Lori ann said...

congratulations to the winners!

i loved reading about Lelah and her beautiful yarn, but it makes me so sad to hear about the losses from the devasting storm. bless her for donating.

the best thing about autumn is having a big pot of soup simmering on the stove and knitting till it's ready!

thank you for the lovely giveaway.
xo lori

Amanda Vondrasek said...

I love getting to wear layers! Especially scarfs :) And, of course, the change from knitting summer things to heavier winter things!

LeStyleophile on Ravelry said...

What gorgeous yarn, and what a lovely gesture by Lelah. My favourite things about fall are the gorgeous colours of the season, and the milder weather: good for studying, and great for knitting!

Evan said...

i think the obvious answer is busting out my hand knits!

Elspeth H. said...

My favorite thing about autumn is the color palate!

nancy88 said...

What gorgeous yarn!

I do love the coziness of fall. Fireplaces, hot cider, knitting, and pumpkin flavored everything. :)

How wonderful to donate profits. I will go check out the shop!

<3 Nancy

Unknown said...

Thanks to Leleh for donating her profits to one of my favorite places - the "Jersey Shore" where we vacation and honeymooned also! I love the beautiful colors of maple trees in autumn...

Marlitharn said...

My favorite thing about autumn - it's cool enough to make soup!

Emily said...

Certainly the colors, but also getting to pull out the cozy sweatshirts and sweaters!

PenCraft said...

gorgeous sunny days and yellow aspen.

Anonymous said...

I also love the Fall colors around where I live and have more indoor time to enjoy knitting and wearing all the knits.

Beautiful yarns and so nice of her to donate profit from yarns.

StaceyKnitsIt

Rachel in Austin said...

My favorite thing about autumn is the reprieve from the blistering heat of summer in Texas.

LindsayJoy said...

I am new to fall, but I love the colors and the crisp air!

And lelah, I think what you are doing is awesome!

sparky136 said...

I love the crisp air in the early morning and the colorful leaves.

Unknown said...

My favorite thing about fall is that it is now cold enough for me to wear scarves and jackets without getting odd looks.

1 Mom said...

What I love about the fall, is the opportunity to go apple picking with my family. Taking those apples and making apple crisp & making jelly. Making a huge leave pile for my little guy to jump in and hear his laughter.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

My favorite things about are the leaves changing colors and the smell of the fall spices like pumkin, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. The yarn is beautiful.

Stranded Things said...

The best part of autumn, for me, is the moment when the stuffiness of summer air suddenly disappears and there is a crispness, a freshness in the air.

And then of course soon it's cold and dark and slush everywhere, but for a moment I get to shuffle in dry leaves and sniff the new air, and I love it.

Unknown said...

The best part of autumn is wearing hand knits and hearing the leaves crunch under my feet!

Anonymous said...

Autumn is my favorite season - the colors of the leaves, the cool air, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the smell of thanksgiving turkey cooking.
Joanne Perrow

Smiling Nerd said...

My favorite things about fall are the fall leaves, the smells in the kitchen from the soups and warm cookies. and being able to wear sweaters and scarves again.

Debbie said...

My favorite thing about Autumn is Halloween. I love to see the little ones all dressed up. Thanks!

Katie said...

I love Fall leaves and Fall air, and the lovely chill in the air.

Thank you so much, Leleh, for using your profits to support Sandy relief efforts. Our hearts go out to the people who are suffering from the storm.

butnostephanie said...

I love the smells of autumn! i can finally bake!

Alice said...

I love watching our ravine change and, on those days I can sleep in, being able to snuggle down in a down comforter with it still dark outside.

Debbie said...

I love when the leaves turn and there's frost on the ground.

KnittingMama said...

My favorite thing(s) about autumn are the smell of leaves burning, campfires, and the glorious colors of fall leaves.
Thanks for the giveaway!!

Eenae said...

Honeycrisp apples! I also really love breaking out the handknits and bundling up for the first time.

RavID-Maegwin

an ika said...

My favourite things about Autumn-colorful leaves and knitting

Anna

ksurty@aol.com

Kayla said...

I love autumn skyies and golden leaves

dclulu on ravelry said...

My favorite thing about autumn: sweater weather!

andri. said...

The pretty colours of the leaves:)

Biscuit said...

Love the yarn! Hands down my favorite thing about Autumn is the changing leaves and the crisp air. I just love it!

Anonymous said...

Living in So Calif, and currently having a heat wave, one doesn't know it is fall, but I love the cooler nights


Fracksmom

Anonymous said...

The thing I love about autumn most is knitting socks, it's always nice to sit and look out the window at the blowing wind and leaves this time of year while knitting in my cozy chair. The end result is usually so rewarding and fun! Thanks for the contest offer. Vikki

castlecountrystitchery.blogspot.com

Catherine said...

My persimmon tree turns this gorgeous color. I wait all year for about two weeks of orange and gold and crimson.

Lael said...

The weather - I'm not good with summer heat and the cooler days of fall are very welcome here! Especially love a crisp morning, a warmer sunny day and then cool temps at night.

InJuneau said...

My favorite thing about autumn is the return of weather that's good for hot cider and ginger cookies. Of course, it's actually that kind of weather all the time where I live...but a girl can dream, can't she?

karen alho said...

Oddly enough, where I live now my favorite thing is that the flowers don't stop. I have birds-of-paradise blooming alongside bouganvilla and mums! Much as I love "real" fall I was always anticipating (and dreading) the incipient winter.

As for who a donation should go to - Lelah's choice would be my option.
Good for her!

slmiller8 said...

I like that things start to slow down a little (for me, anyway) as the weather cools down. I don't have to divide my time so many ways.

Sylvie said...

My favorite thing about fall is pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING.

TopHat said...

I like crunching leaves! I ran over quite a few on my bike today. :)

Christine Lima said...

Um...favorite thing about autumn...it's not winter yet? ;)

Turtle said...

sweater weather and layering!

good luck with things. My family fared pretty well with only minimal damage, though our old neighborhood in RI will have to really rebuild. Hopefully it will someday just be a "remember when" story...

Anonymous said...

My favourite thing is when we have to start using the fireplace again. It's so nice to sit in front of it, knitting.

-Ravnejenta on Ravelry

Phyllis said...

My favorite part of autumn in the cooler weather. It makes me want to knit more! :-)

DebrafromMD said...

My favorite thing about autumn is gathering with the family at Thanksgiving. The holidays are when the whole family is present.

Unknown said...

Autumn to me means family, soft sweaters, hot cocoa, and snuggling with a loved on to watch the night sky around a bonfire.
But most importnat are all the lovely colors of yarn that come out of hiding.

liz h said...

My favourite thing about Autumn is getting all my wool socks out again and having warm feet.

Pensamientos Marcianos said...

My favorite thing about autumn (even when it's spring here) are the colors.

meeshelle said...

My favorite thing about autumn is the colors of the leaves on the trees, and also that it's time to cozy up with some knitting and a cup of tea and relax.

Anonymous said...

What beautiful yarn - those are the colors of fall for me. Here in Miami, my favorite thing about fall is that the Season starts up - art exhibitions, festivals, farmers' markets, concerts. Lots of outdoor things to do.

masshag said...

Beautiful yarn,. my favorite thing about autumn is that it is almost wool sock weather

Brenda said...

The yarns are indeed beautiful . My favorite thing about autumn is the leaves changing color. Also, the chance to spend more time indoors, baking muffins and cooking stews!
(goodstuff on Rav)

Zilliah Bailey said...

My favourite thing about autumn is the smell!

Destiny said...

Very generous to donate to those on the East Coast - they need it right now!

I live in Washington, so my favorite thing about fall is the delicious, crisp apples. There is nothing like them!

Jaime P said...

I love the change of weather. The first cold days are great!

KnittySue said...

I was born in NJ so it's heartbreaking to see it so torn up. My favorite thing about fall is the chrisp weather and beautiful colors which this year is more special since I had a double mastectomy on Monday. Thanks for the chance to win.

Manda-B said...

My favorite thing about fall is the colors. I don't get to see many leaves change where I live now, but I love seeing pictures of them when I can't see them in real life.

CeltChick said...

Very pretty yarns! Of course, my favorite thing about autumn is getting out the handknits! and wearing them ALL THE TIME!

phaedra96 said...

I hate heat and humidity and sweating. The fall temps and sunshine are invigorating and I accomplish so many tasks let go over the summer. I love those colorways.

Jessica Powers said...

Her colours are awesome and her generous spirit is doubly awesome!

k2ntrish said...

I love the weather changes, cooler season meals like stew, looking forward to the holidays, the opportunity to wear knits and jackets, autumn activities. Everything except having to rake up all the leaves!
hotknitter on rav

Unknown said...

My favorite thing is, I get to wear all of my favorite sweaters that have been stored away for the summer.

Savories of life said...

Hiking! val vsbelley @gmail.com

Angela said...

All of the flavors - pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla...

Anonymous said...

I love Autumn because of all the chilly walks down to the park. Bundling up to go play in the leaves.

OregonGrl on Rav

knittingsal said...

Lovely, lovely yarns. Favourite thing has to be running through fallen leaves with a toddler and kicking them up in the air, and hearing their squeals of delight. Then going home, lighting the fire and having hot chocolate, and knitting.

knittingsal said...

Lovely colours. Favourite thing about fall (autumn in UK) is the colours of the leaves, and running through them kicking them up in the air with a toddler with you, and hearing their squeals of delight. Then going home, lighting the fire, drinking hot chocolate and knitting. Bliss.

oakbayknits said...

My favourite thing about Autumn is unpacking all my knitwear stored away for the Summer. I always feel like it is CHristmas!

Nena said...

My favorite thing about Fall is everything becoming pumpkin flavored! I adore pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, and carving pumpkins (and of course then roasting the seeds!)

Charlotte said...

My favourite thing about autumn is the colours and the first hearty soup of the year. But right now, because I'm in the southern hemisphere I'm enjoying the spring growth

Lizzi said...

We have had a beautiful autumn this year - the colours have been stunning. My favourite thing about the season is the way that the light changes the colours of the leaves - you can look at the same tree (the copper beach behind our house is what I am thinking of) and it looks so different at various times of the day. I love it. Walking through fallen leaves with a wee grandson is up there, too.

susanmhj said...

Hard to say just one thing I like about fall, the colors, the coolness of the weather, cooking again with great fall produce, a wood stove fire, and on! Thanks for another great giveaway!

Unknown said...

My favorite things about fall are the leaves, apple crisp, and the cooler weather. I love being able to take my sweaters out of the closet!

asteride said...

A glass of Porto Wine in front of the burning wood in the fireplace. Crisp air and long walks. My dog happy to go to the beach.

LynnIL said...

I love fall for the color, smells and cool enough temps for a sweater.

Clare Kirkpatrick said...

I love cosying up at home with my children with candles lit, crafting together - presents for Christmas and also autumn crafts to decorate our home :)

itsanae said...

I love the turning of the leaves and that everyone is serving pumpkin flavored things!

ikkinlala said...

My favourite thing about autumn is that it's cool enough to bake and knit again.

Retrobaby said...

My favorite thing in autumn are the days of crisp, fresh air and picking horse chestnuts with the kids!

Unknown said...

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love all the gorgeous colors!!

Anonymous said...

I love going to pick apples in the orchard and taking long walks in the woods

Juney said...

I love the cool,crisp air; the beautiful leaves; pumpkin spice anything; cuddled at home with my family and knitting.

Anonymous said...

My favorite thing about Fall is the leaves changing colors and the cooler weather.

Walden said...

Two favorite things, the slightly cooler weather and all of the falling leaves. I love the colors of Autumn.