Monday, June 07, 2010

Time for my monthly update...

Even though I'm sure it has been more than a month since my last post. Such is life these days!

I have been busily working behind the scenes on my latest project, which I introduce to you now:



(Click on the graphic to go to the new website...)

This is the first public step towards publication of my next book, which is aiming for next summer. It's ever so handy that there will be a Sock Summit 2011 to prod me along (thanks, Tina & Stephanie!).

The book will have little profiles on around 25 hand dyers who make fabulous sock yarn. Yes, it was incredibly hard to narrow it down to 25. We tried to find a wide variety of styles and business size ranges from teeny tiny to relatively large (although even the "big" dyers still only have a few people working to produce ALL. THAT. YARN.). Each dyer sent me a yarn that they feels represents them well, and I'm designing a sock specifically for each yarn. I'll also sprinkle in some tidbits on my own creative process.

The CSK (Community Supported Knitting - many thanks to Bill for coming up with that one!) idea is a way for people to get involved in the actual production of the book, sort of how a CSA member helps a farmer to harvest by purchasing the veggies before they're harvested (often before they're even planted!). With the CSK, as with the CSA, members will get patterns as they're developed instead of having to wait until the book is actually on the market. CSK members will truly be partners in the publishing of Indie Socks, and I find that idea to be so very exciting!

Just to tantalize you a little more, here are some of the luscious yarn photos that my intrepid photographer Gail (you'll remember her work from Toe-Up! and her fabulous blog) has taken of the yarns so far. Aren't they good enough to eat?









My biggest regret is that I can't send a skein of each yarn out with each copy of the book. Now wouldn't THAT be sweet. Donna and I briefly considered a yarn club to go along with the CSK, but I decided that I'd end up dead or institutionalized if I tried to take that on. I will happily be telling you how you can get your hands on each yarn for yourself, though.

Exclusive goodie bags for the first 150 people! Free stuff! Whoo!