A New Sock Yarn
January 5, 2012
I may have to re-think that “no sock yarn in 2012″ pledge, since on the 4th day of the new year I had a little accident and fell completely off the wagon and must’ve bumped my head and temporarily forgotten that I wasn’t supposed to buy sock yarn. Seriously, I think I’m going to revise my commitment. Is it possible to revise the no buy contract I made with myself? I’m changing my pledge to this:
I will not buy more of the sock yarn I already have. No Wollmeise. No Tosh Sock, No Lorna’s Laces. I will buy minimum quantities of any new yarn that I see and can’t get out of my head, if it has gotten rave reviews from users. I will knit it up as soon as it arrives and will promptly post a review of the yarn.
OK . . that works. Consider my yarn buying in 2012 to be a public service. Whew . . I feel better already.
Last night while watching that dreadful Clemson game, I was trying to shield my eyes from the TV . . couldn’t take it, and I was reading Ravelry. By the way, we switched teams about half time and began rooting for the mountaineers, so in the end, our team won! How’s that for dedication and loyalty? 
On one of the Ravelry posts, in the 12 in 2012 group I think it was, the sock knitters were talking about their favorite yarns. I accidentally clicked on a link. I’m sure it was before half time and my hands were trembling at that “almost touchdown for Clemson that ended up being a touchdown for the other team play” and before stopping myself, the Springtree Road website appeared on my screen.
It was so much easier looking at that website than looking at the TV. We had not yet realized we were mountaineer fans instead of tiger fans and I was feeling really sad and then I saw the Muscadine yarn. I was wishing I had a piece of toast with muscadine jelly but the muscadine jelly is still packed! Then I saw a color called persimmon (which is not in the picture because I bought it and now it’s unavailable for you to buy). We love persimmons and are going to plant a tree. And then I saw that the skeins have 460 yards. The current yarn I’m working with has 395 and I’m so afraid I’m going to run short on these socks I’m making. Because of my new and extremely strong love for orange, I really wanted the tangerine and the bajiao but, if I’m just using the yarn to be able to write a review, one skein will have to do, right? Maybe!
Then I saw the Julip yarn – superwash merino, cashmere and nylon and 434 yards. Who could resist? With a game like we were watching, I needed some cheering up. Be Bright (check it out!) and Saffron hopped right into my cart. A yarn like this, it just might take two skeins for me to be able to give an accurate review. (I just made that up!)
My tastes in yarn are definitely like my tastes in fabric. I’m loving making pretty socks with the solid or almost solid yarns. Most of the patterns show up so much better. For plain socks, self-striping and speckled yarns will do but if I’m going to the trouble to make 5,439 cables, which I think I might be doing on my current pattern, I want those rascals to show up very clearly.
The Springtree yarn should arrive early next week. If I’m lucky, it will not arrive on Saturday when Vince is home!
And if you’ve read all the way to the bottom, you must be a knitter so here’s a little contest for you! Leave a comment and tell me which yarn you think I’ll use first and why. I think I already know which one I’ll use first so your reasoning isn’t going to change my mind. On Saturday evening, I’ll let the random number generator choose a number and you’ll get your choice of one skein of Muscadine yarn from Springtree Road Yarn & Fiber — a gift from me!
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I know which one I would use: the Pumpkin Spice. It is absolutely luscious. I can almost smell the pumpkin pie. Yum.
I think that since Be Bright jumped into your cart, that should be the one! You can’t deny those colors that decide they need to come to you!
Judy,
Julip in Be Bright would be next on my needles!
I think you’ll be using the Julip in Saffron first. Spring is coming and the Saffron will be a lovely springy color.
TSK TSK TSK — 4 days??? that has got to be the sorriest, trying to justify it, excuse I have ever heard! ROFLOL
I vote for Saffron–during the gray days of winter, I need a little sunshine to brighten things up!
Maybe your resolution should have been for “four days a week” not for the whole year, no sense setting yourself up for failure LOL. I think you’ll use the Persimmon yarn first as a tribute to Clemson. I planted a persimmon tree a few years ago, but it just sulks in the clay I have for soil.
I think you need to go back and order some of the Julep Perfect Poppy, just cause you have an extremely strong love for orange. There a several nice oranges at this store, you need to go back and look again! Meanwhile, my guess is for the Saffron, because you will save the orange so it will ‘last longer’. Sort of like saving your favorite part of the meal til last so that is the taste that stays on your tongue.
Hmm, looks like some yummy yarn…I would say the Persimmon goes on the needles first.
I’m jumping on the Be Bright bandwagon…. although Persimmon runs a close second. These colors will definitely chase away the dull gray days of winter and give you a lovely color high! Enjoy!!!
if you make the rules…you can change them…anytime…
Judy, you make me want to learn to knit socks…I think you will use the persimmon first, its your color. I have so much fun reading your blog.
Bobbie
That game was horrible. I bet 50% of the viewers tuned out for the second half as we did. The ACC has had a very poor performance this bowl season!
I think you will use the persimmon first. It’s beautiful and will make great socks!
Judy,
You make me feel a whole lot better about my impulse yarn purchases! I think you’ll go for Be Bright first, since you’ve just finished the Olympic Copper ones, and may want a change of colour.
Persimmon. That was the yarn that knocked you “off the wagon”, right? I think that one will be first.
I’d probably start with the Julip – just for the feel of the finished socks. I really wish you wouldn’t do this – finding new yarn sites that is, I’ll get hooked sure as shootin.
Persimmon would be my choice. Good for you.
Barbara
Persimmon since it was the one that caused you to break your no buy challenge. You would have made it if it wasn’t calling you so loudly. LOL
I think it will be persimmon… because I totally understand the orange thing, and colors named after fruits always have an advantage.
I’m betting you’ll use the persimmon first! They all are amazing looking yarns/colors! What a find!
BTW, do you dry your persimmons?? I LOVE them fresh, but some friends just gifted us some of their homegrown & dried organic persimmons and they are wonderful as a side to a bit of cheese. YUM.
I’m not much of a knitter, but if I win, I’ll be making my first pair of socks!
Joanna
I love your rationale for buying yarn….
I think persimmon will be knit first!
I think it will be Julep Perfect Poppy, what gorgeous yarn! Nobody can resist the cashmere content. So nice and squishy it screams knit me!
I’m proud of you. Four day’s that’s 96 long hours. LOL
I’m leaning towards Herbivore.
The last couple of pair of socks you posted were in the red family so it’s time to change family’s.
A pair of socks with cables would look great made with the Herbivore yarn.
They are all beautiful, but I’ll go with the Persimmon…what do you do with persimmons? Don’t see them very often up here, not sure I’ve even tasted any!
I think you will use the persimmon yarn first. It is the one I think you are most excited about.
I’m going to make a pair of socks with a Lana Grossa self-striping yarns in blues/creams/greys.
Thanks for the contest!
Persimmon – and at least that game did not alter your love of orange!!!! (…I type on my orange phone!)
Persimmon got my vote also. Will wait and see which you choose. Would love to knit a pair of socks. It has been a long time since knitting socks for my husbands cold feet at work.
Thanks for this giveaway.
Marge
Persimmon is my guess – strictly for the sake of a fair review. I do believe that we get the whole month of January to fine tune any resolutions.
Am i the only one voting for Shiraz? i love that color!
(and a glass of wine to accompany it while knitting wouldn’t go amiss either!, lol)
Well, I would say ‘persimmon’ BUT the saffron (cashmere….yum!) just barely edges it out!!!! My vote….just sayin’
Persimmon, cause you want to plant a tree. Then you can wear your socks and show people what color the fruit of your tree will be and then explain how to make jelly and it will be the color of your socks!
I’m guessing the persimmon…how can you not go with the muscadine!
They are all such yummy colors but I think I’m going with everyone else and voting for the Persimmon yarn.
Deb S.
My resolve to not buy yarn or fabric went out the winder on Jan 2. I bought clearence fabric online that day and yesterday went to my LYS because they were having a pre-inventory sale of 20% storewide. It just wouldn’t have been right if I let the silk/camel hair blend yard I’ve been thinking about for months just sit there. Then when a skein of Madeline Tosh DK started telling me the beautiful things it could become, how could I resist getting a buddy for my intended?
Uh hem. I feel like I was just as confession. As far as your purchases, I think you will knit up the saffron first.
I almost know without looking again – it has to be orange! However, there are two possibilities – I’ll go with the Bajaio. I had to go back and review in order to spell that. I can knit. One of these days I will find a knit shop and learn to make socks – short and sweet projects even if there are two of them.
P.S. Wasn’t that a stolen score in the Clemson- W. Va game, gasp!!
I’m guessing saffron, such a bright happy color for this time of year. I’m looking at the red delicious for myself.
I love your rationale. Unlike you, I did not take the pledge–i wouldn’t have lasted 5 minutes!!! OK I will vote for Persimmon because I can’t see it but I know I would love the color. I love bright colors with yummy names. My first loopy box came today. A beautiful red cascade yarn for the first quarter loopy challenge. I didn’t think anyone or anything could make me take a little step back from quilting–BUT YOU DID!!!!. Now I will have to visit yet another yarn shop on line. THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL PLACES YOU SEND ME..
I am guessing persimmon so you can wear them when you plant Your tree
I’m thinking persimmon but I really like saffron. Those are great colors. I think I actually need sock yarn to be able to do 12 in 2012 so I’m headed over to Springtree Road.
Tony Stewart orange — his old nascar color—- which is Persimmon in sock color…..
Judy – thank you for trying out this yarn for all of us. Your unselfish act is deeply appreciated — LOL! No I really am happy to get an unbiased opinion on a new yarn. As for me the Pumpkin Spice would be my first choice -but all of those skeins look yummy. Happy knitting!
Not a knitter, so I don’t need yarn, but Judy. You MUST learn to place orders on Friday – or maybe Thursday night. Then you have a whole week for stuff to arrive.
I’m not a knitter – so if the random number thingy hits me pick the person before me… but of course I was still reading! You’re too funny not to read every single word of every post!!!
Love your blog and you JudyL!
Love from Indiana! ~bonnie
Guessing you will start with the Be Bright as that will be a sunny winter picture to share when you have them done. Also it would brighten my day to win your generous give away because I am so bummed about missing your retreat in Feb! All my DH’s board mtgs are the 3 rd Mon. but in Feb it is the 3rd Thurs as it is the big annual mtg…go figure!!! Gr-r-r I know I should be brave enough to come alone but I am not that great of a driver…and I tend to get lost
Keep doing your part to help the economy…I am too. Just had the Bliss put on my Mille!
Persimmon gets my vote.
I think the Julip yarn in “Be Bright.” Mainly because it’s the type of yarn that you see it and immediately have a pattern in mind for it. I love the blend description and can’t wait to see what you do with it…
Is she tricksey? Is she false? ;p My first guess would have been the Muscadine persimmon, but then you were offering a choice of the Muscadine as a prize, so I’m going with the Julip Be Bright. I’m afraid to go look, Judy, but I did start my Minimalist Cardigan last night and perhaps I won’t be tempted!
I’m guessing Julip – but whichever one you choose – I’m sure it will be gorgeous!! And what fun to fall off the wagon – into a soft pile of beautiful yarn – YAY!!
)
Accidents happen!! And have you ever read the contracts for phone service or internet service or credit cards?? You the customer have to abide by the contract or pay a penalty, the company can change the rules at any time they feel like it and you don’t have anything to say about it. So, in a contract with yourself you can do pretty much whatever you feel like. Nebraska beat themselves in their Bowl game too so it’s a good thing I’m not a football fan or who knows what I would have bought online…..oh, wait a minute, I DID buy a bunch of fabric and new pantos. It’s all for planned projects though so that’s OK, right? RIGHT??
Love the reasoning behind your yarn purchases! It works for me. Wonder if I could use that as an excuse when I buy fabric, lol. Don’t put my name in the drawing since I don’t knit, but I had to tease you a little.
I think persimmon. There is a persimmon tree on our farm between Brownwood and Brady and those insides have the most gorgeous color.
Since Persimmon caught your eye first, I think that will go on the needles first. I feel your pain about the Clemson team. Our son works for the University and we are headed up there to visit tomorrow. I suspect the whole town will be in mourning or at least hanging their heads in shame.
I have to say that I think the tangerine color, if you bought it. You are loving orange right now, and orange is so cheerful, and in the gray daze of winter, seems you should use something in the bright and cheerful orange family
Happy knitting … I’m trying to learn how to knit. I did make a washcloth … going to move onto socks when my friend has time to teach me
vic
Id guess the persimmon since thats the one that made you buy it first! And hey if your budget can take the hit, buy as much as you want, its good someone has money for yarn, youre doing your bit for the economy!
I think you’ll use the persimmon first. It’ll make up for your current lack of a tree and help you remember to plant one.
the pumpkin spice. It is my favorite flavor so I think that should be first.
I’m not a knitter so include me OUT but that persimmon is some orange orange. I would love a sweater in the Shiraz color, it is amazing how clear (not muddy) her colors are. One very talented woman.
I am sure you could email her to ship on Friday or Saturday so it arrives midweek. I do that for customers all the time. That is the advantage of buying from a home based micro business. Boutique service.
My vote is for Be Bright. It appears to be a bit more out of your “usual” comfort colors. I think you are up for the challenge.
liz
That’s a hard choice but I think the Persimmon first or maybe the Saffron. I’d have to pet them for awile until I couldn’t stand it any longer then just grab one and get started.
Your blog made me laugh!
I’m confused…How many skeins and which colors did you end up with? You gotta be strong! Maybe print off the picture of all your yarn tubs and tape it to your computer. That might remind you not to order more? (I know– you use a laptop and can’t tape it, but …whatever).
I vote Julip!
I think you will use the persimmon. No particular reason, but it is food related.
Which will you use first — seriously — I just learned to knit socks and I love the way they feel! I would say you would have a bit of all the yarn on different needles — wouldn’t want any yarn to feel that it was given preferential treatment!!!
Looking forward to seeing your (ahem!) finished sockS — well at least 1 in each colorway. I knit therefore I am . . .
Muscadine in persimmon without a doubt.
Be Bright looks like a good choice to me! You are always looking for something different. BTW Happy New Year!
I’m guessing you’ll choose Persimmon since you are on an orange kick. Now you’ve got me trying to remember the words to that poem about the possum, raccoon, and persimmon tree.
I will have to vote for the Muscadine……. They make Duplin County wine out of those grapes around here and it is a favorite of mine…………..
Judy, Thank you so much for trying to help Clemson last night. I have been a Tiger since the day I was born, so, last night was just devastating.
Ok, I’m going to guess Persimmon, because I’m loving shades of orange lately too
Saffron would be my choice. Sounds beautiful! (I’m nearing completion of my first sock. I can see that this could be an addiction.)
Persimmon with the saffron a close second because of the paint color in your studio. I love orange as well, I can wear some oranges. I can’t wear the olive green colors but can wear alot of greens. Love them all. Go with your heart!
Since Persimmon was the first to jump in your cart, I’d guess that’s what you’ll use first. I can’t wait to see and read your reviews on all of them!
I think Julip yarn it sounds like spring time.
[...] not one to point fingers at OTHERS but you remember the 12 in 2012 Challenge to knit 12 pairs of socks and NOT buy new yarn. Well I [...]
I’m laughing so hard I think I may fall out of my chair…….you have no self control when it comes to yarn!!!!!!
I refuse to look at your yarn sites, I just refuse!!! Seriously, it’s all I can do not to look but I know if I do, I’ll have a box coming to my house too. 
I’m picking persimmon, just because it’s such a happy color-like you!
This is sort of like “was it Col Mustard in the LIbrary?” type question, but i think you are going with the Nutbay (not sure I got the name right) The purpleish one and I think you are going to make a pair of socks for Vince! Once you get him hooked on your handmade socks, he will never give you trouble again over ordering yarn
I am thinking the persimmon muscadine yarn will be your first!
You can never have too much yarn! Half the fun is deciding what pattern would be perfect for that yarn, who says what year it has to be done in. I think you will use the persimmon color first.l
Julip yarn is what I think you will use first.
You know resolutions are to be broken. Friend and I order fabric back in mid October, guess what, it was just released or at least arrived at her house a couple days ago. So there goes my stash numbers. sigh……
Hugs!!!!!!!!!!
I think you will be using the persimmon first since it was in your cart first, and you love persimmons. Maybe you will wear them when picking your persimmons.
I think it will be the Persimmon–because you can’t go visit it on the website if it’s sold out, so you’ll need to stitch it right away to renew your friendship!
Being a new knitter and true”Yarn-A-Holic”, I’m thinking you will use the Delicate Peach Muscadine Sock first because the shade of peach is absolutely one of the most gorgeous I have ever seen! On the feet, I can just imagine the wearer would feel like a very special person indeed. Whatever you choose, I KNOW the outcome will be FABULOUS!
Pledge is not legally binding and no “Yarn Police” will come to your door!!
Enjoy!
Julip – Be Bright! Very pretty yarns!
Persimmon…definitely……well at the moment that is the one I would use ……so in love with the oranges, which go with the pinks and lime greens…..bright and cheery…yup persimmon…sorry it’s gone!!! Glad you got it though, but since you did you need to “review” it first! LOL I love it!!! So I can buy new fabric to review how well it goes with other new fabric, in the new quilt ROFLOL…..Where do I sign up for the socks hahahahaha
Please start with Persimmon. I can hardly wait to see what it looks like knit in cables. I think I will order the Saffron and wait to see Persimmon later.
Shoot I’m stuck between Pumpkin spice or Persimmon……I’ll choose Persimmon and hope for the best.
Where is West Virginia…in the end zone!! Orange you glad we won!!! Go with the saffron…then add a little blue and you can wear them to your next WVU game!
Persimmon….ode to a tree…
Ohhh, you’re a naughty girl!
However, with that said… I can’t wait to see what you think when your new yarn arrives!
Oh yeah, I forgot to comment on the first yarn…
I think you’ll use the persimmon first. I think you just can’t wait till that tree is planted & fruiting, so this will be your “adopted persimmon” until you’re getting actual fruit… Plus, your talk of how you love the color…. YEP, you’re using the persimmon first!
Julip, as in mint julips? I personally would have probably started with the persimmon – I so much wanted persimmon pudding for Christmas but didn’t find any persimmons. Now you’ve gone and made me hungry for it again! Have fun with your purchases and thanks for the chance to win.
I think you will use the Julip yarn first. It sounds so refreshing after that terrible game and all the work you did trying to cheer them on.
I think you will use the Persimmon first because that’s a color that’s close to your current favorite of orange!
Ill throw my guess at the be bright, what a beautiful color and sock it would make.
I would say Be Bright because it is a Spring color, which is just around the corner! I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the yarn you bought though! I think that maybe for the sock yarns in your stash that are a bit shorter length than you think you need – have you considered doing the heel & toes (or just the toes) in a contrasting color, or even adding stripes at the top of the cuff. This is a way that many of my friends stretch a skein while also using up small balls of various yarns. Since you primarily buy solid colors, I think this idea might work out nicely for you! Cheers! Evelyn
I’ll say the Persimmon first. If it were me, I’d choose the Saffron for U of Oregon – Go, Ducks! They did an awesome job in the Rose Bowl…
a nice glass of muscadine sounds perfect so how great would muscadine socks be?
I think Herbivore. I am really liking greens lately. Have fun!
I am guessing the Saffron…for no reason at all. I am not a knitter and know NOTHING about yarn but my daughter thinks she wants to knit a pair of socks (right now she is mastering dishcloths). I’d pass the yarn on to her.
I think if it were me I would have to try the Julip, in the “be bright” colorway first. The pull of the cashmere in the yarn would be too strong for me, so because it would be my choice, (and we are so much alike in our interests, habits, cooking and such) I am going to guess it will be yours too!
I’m voting for Persimmon! Your revised pledge makes total sense to me!
I vote Shiraz too! They are all so pretty. Did you need my address to send me the socks when you are done? I need to learn to knit so I can make my own socks, I can never find any I love!
I think you will use the persimmon first. Beautiful yarn, just like fabric is hard to resist.
Don’t even think about blaming that terrible Clemson game on you falling off the wagon! LOL! It was a terrible game! I really feel bad that you fell off the wagon. Why don’t you let me buy some of that yarn? Then it’s like it NEVER happened! LOL!
Persimmon andif i win will you teach me to make socks? I make scarves abd blaket but can finish a pattern for my life. Your green one looks terrific and warm.
I’m thinking that the Julip Saffron will be first and I don’t know why. It just keeps hitting the front of my mind. Things bounce around in their like ping pong balls.
Persimmon goes on first, I think. Why? Because you “love persimmons and are going to plant a tree”. Personally, the yarns speak to me. There is usually one that just calls my name, then it runs through my mind constantly until I can get it cast on. Shortly after getting it cast on, another one takes over. I think I am obsessed! That could be why I have 3 pairs of socks cast on right now even though in the past I have NEVER had more than one knitting project going at a time.
Kat in Tamale Land
you didn’t say a thing about Tangent – Muscadine Sock!!!! are you avoiding orange now??? or is this the tangerine you were talking about?? of course we couldn’t see the persimmon, because you bought it ALL. saffron has to be yellow, but you must have bought all of it too, because i didn’t see a picture of that either. i looked up persimmons….they must be a tree that can’t take ice and winter. i have never seen one. yup zone 6-10. we are zone 5. most of them are a yellow orange, i think that is the first you will use.
Love the way you think!!! I vote for Bajaio…you didn’t mention it, but it is divine!!!
Persimmon should be used first. It sounds Mischievous!
Me, I’d have started one of each. LOL So, which one was it?
[...] NOT to buy any more yarn yet? (okay that last one I know at least one person who might be named Judy who broke that vow in about four days into the challenge). [...]