The Club shipped today, via priority mail. Enjoy! I can’t wait to read your comments!

We are so excited to be offering not just one, but two patterns with each of the three shipments this time around. One of socks, and one of another kind of garment. It is a lot of extra time for me and testers, but I think worth it. Talk about a great gift for any twilight loving knitter… so pop over to my store and check out before we sell out!

The site has a new name, a new look, and I think it is looking pretty hot.In just a week we will be full fledged open for new club sign ups - its different this time folx so read the descriptions… I think its even better. In addition the book of patterns is available for purchase in pdf format. Happy shopping! 

Ok, I got a little zealous and dyed 1 too many kits… anyone up for a contest..? Design the cover for my PDF book to be released in July 2009. You have 4 days. Spread the word. Non members of club can participate. submissions in Mac friendly forms only. I will send you the kit, and a surprise for the winner. Credit to be attributed inside book to designer as well. Email sales@knitmeup.com with your submissions and good luck.

Well, I have been neglecting the blog. But rest assured not the club. It has been announced on Ravelry to the members there, that the club will not accept renewals until December. With 3 kids underfoot already, and another arriving shortly, I want to be fair to all and not over stretch myself. The club will be available for sign up in December, and shipments at the near end of January.

 As far as when the Patterns will be available, I will release a E-book, once the 1 year mark has rolled around for the last pattern. That means July 2009. The Colorways MAY become available in a similar Twilight Series based Line in my shop. That will be decided by you, my readers. I will poll the most favored colors, and packaging preferences as the time comes.

This month’s shipment will be going out in a mere 5 days. The dye is set. It is very strong colors, and I have set them 3 times. I am hoping we have eliminated the bleed effect. Please let me know if you are still experiencing bleeding. Keep using the microwave method just in case. This is my favorite colorway of all. It is definately been the most predictable. I hope everyone else loves it as much as I do.

 I have submitted 3 skeins for the Ravelry Twilight T-shirt design contest. They are twilight themed, but one offs. (good for a scarf, or elbow length mits, or knee high socks…. ah the possibilities) So go give it a shot!

Thats it for now… No pics, no hints, no spoilers. Just a promise for adoration! 

Ok, I have to let everyone know, the packages wont be leaving till friday morning. I am so sorry. I wanted to ship them out today. But I have just had the worst headaches, and have been taking it easy. That means slow moving. We are almost done reskeining. Everyone should have theirs by Tuesday, 5/20. I am posting it on Ravelry for everyone to see too. Its pretty, and I love the pattern.

Need to clear space.  All Handmaiden on sale 27% off. Great prices. Needles and books are about to go up online soon, and we will be listing those at 30% off or more. More yarns to be listed on sale. Come on over to the shop. The sock club still has a few spots open, so I am leaving the signups on the site open as well. This month (the last of round 1) is on the testing needles, getting ready to go out soon. ( 4 days till international shipping). I ordered more base, to allow for the increase in membership. We have to get them in the dye pot soon.Good luck, and spread the words to your friends. 

Ok, so To make this an easier pattern print for all those poor souls who had to modify greatly on the last pattern… I want to give you an option to give me your input on two of the vital choices of the pattern printing… So PLEASE weigh in quickly so I can get forth and publish said pattern!

A few have asked, and I think it is a  good idea to post the best method I know of for setting any hand dyed yarn once finished knitting. So Here is what I do, and I never forget. Even my Merino Tencel purchases never bleed.

Once i’m done knitting and weaving in ends, i put my socks in a plastic container and add a 1:10 ratio of vinegar and hot (130F)-out-of-the-tap water. Microwave for 2 minutes, let it rest for 4, microwave for 2 minutes, rest and repeat 1-2 more times. That will set the colors and any bleeding afterwards is excess dye and will not cause the sock colors to fade. then i rinse and wash in mild wool detergent in warm water, and block as usual.

 Feel free to print, share and whatever. I want everyone to have lovely knits forever!

These are at the credit of BullMonty -