Great Northern Supporters, Please Read:

Well Coop, as they say, there's good news and there's bad news.

The bad news is, we have to delay printing. This is Leah writing, and I'd like to tell you why. This was an incredibly hard decision to make, and I apologize. It is 100% on me. As some of you know, the last few months have been a period of extreme upheaval and change in my personal life, leading to a stress-related illness that has occupied much of my energy and time. I am on the mend (a diagnosis always helps!), and after moving apartments and re-structuring my work life, I can get back to this project that I love immensely.

 I am sorry to have to do this. A delay feels like I am letting you down.

 I really don't want to rush out some less-than-excellent sweater patterns because my focus was elsewhere. This project means too much to me, and I know it means a lot to some of you. You know who you are! Thank you. I see you and I love you. Really, thank you.

 The good news is, we still have a fun surprise for you this fall. Great Northern Early Check-In, a pre-release ebook with more of our finished designs, will be Ravelry-gifted to you (or emailed-- please get in touch with us if you haven't given us your preference) this week. We will be doing a KAL this fall before the holidays, too! So even if we can't deliver the book into your hands this fall, you'll still get your stitchy Twin Peaksy fix this year.

 And hey, if David Lynch can delay the new season, we're in good company... right? ;)

As far as a timeline going forward, I hope to have that figured out very soon. You will be the first to know when to expect the book! I want to see this baby in print.

 Heavy sighs and big hugs. Leah

Kickstarter--one month out!

Teresa's owl mug cozy is available for test knitting!

What's all this about?

Teresa did a post on the Great Northern blog about what's happened in the month since our Kickstarter was funded, head over there to check it out!

Post-Kickstarter Fugue State

I don't know if it was the excitement, the stress, the not sleeping, the joy, the endless work, or WHAT, but the Kickstarter campaign really threw me off my game. For the last almost-month since we got funding, I've been in a sort of hushed, exhausted state from which I am just emerging.

Swatching for Great Northern outdoors, naturally

So, I apologize for the lack of updates! I'm still here, working, and sending out packages to our backers. If you haven't gotten an address survey from us yet, you will soon.

Now, the real work begins again! Designing an amazing collection piece by piece to knock your bobby socks off. I am so excited to start knitting again.



Keep up with Great Northern news on our blog!

Wow.

I still cannot quite believe it. 

Thursday night when we reached our goal, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all of you who have helped Teresa and me along the way to raising this money. Without the generosity and support of the fiber community we would not be able to start this next step--were gonna PRINT A BOOK!!! 

Dude.

Thank you all for your kindness, your time, your enthusiasm. I can't wait to show you what we've got in store. I'm also really looking forward to sleeping again!

ONE MORE DAY

The countdown ends tomorrow, Friday October 9th at 11pm CST!


Tell your friends and snag the last rewards while they're still there!!!

There are currently only 7 logo bags left at the $32 level, which includes the print book and ebook.

Some other amazing remaining rewards:

Sweatshop of Love Kit/Project Bag - $40

Handspun Merino Yarn - $67

Handknit fingerless gloves, Blue $45, Purple $55, Kid's red $35

Holla Knits Magazine 1 Year Subscription, $55


... and more. Teresa and I have both committed to knit hat, scarves and sweaters for backers at higher levels!

I am happy to combine rewards if you want more than one thing! Email Leah.cs (at gmail dot com).

We're so close! Help us get to 100% and get all your goodies!

Teresa's Log Lady sweater is done!!!

Did you see that Teresa posted her first completed sweater for Great Northern? Meet Cherry Pie.

This gorgeous colorwork cardigan is one of the designs for our collection! Read all about it on Teresa's blog!

Oh, and only 2 MORE DAYS to back us on Kickstarter!!! We are currently at 86% -- so close!

Yarn rewards: The last of Leah's Koigu stash

I am knitting with some of Stefanie's handspun yarn right now, and it is delicious. Check it out:

There's beautiful handspun still available as Kickstarter rewards!

Ok ok, here's that Koigu I was telling you about. This is the last of my Koigu that is unwound! Please give it a good home.

Koigu Bundle 2, mermaid edition - 500g, aka my favorites:

Kersti, 3 skeins, colors:

• 1000 (bright blue) 
• 2405 (grays) 
• 2392 (gorgeous taupe)

KPPPM, 7 skeins total. 

• 4 skeins color 518 (green/teal/gray/mauve/purple/chartreuse)
• 2 skeins color 412 (blues/greens/teals)
• 1 skein color 850 (bright turquoise blues, clear aqua, deep blues, periwinkle)

Comes in a Logo bag, and of course includes the Great Northern print and ebooks!

$182

Kickstarter link here.

Remember, I am happy to re-group a reward together for you! Thanks to all who've contacted me so far, you all are amazing.

Email me at leah.cs at gmail, or tweet @rubysubmarine. 

Handspun Yarn from Handmade By Stefanie!

My friend Stefanie is, among many other kick-ass things, an amazing spinner. Today I got to look through her bin of handspun yarn while drinking home-brewed beer... not a bad Thursday, let me tell you!

Stefanie has generously offered up some of her beautiful handspun yarn as incentives for our Kickstarter! Check them out below. Can you believe it?? They're so gorgeous.



Handspun 1, Pink and Blue/Gold - 288g: 

• One skein of Chunky weight Blue/Gold: 75% BFL + Organic Polwarth + 25% Mulberry Silk, 128 yards, opposing ply (kinky texture!)
• One skein of Aran weight Pinks/Mauves: Mystery fiber, super soft and lovely, 95 yards.
• Both are so gorgeous it hurts
• $75

Handspun 2, Natural and Natural/Red/White Marl - 238g: 

• One skein of Chunky weight Natural: 100% Romney, 106 yards.
• One skein of Aran weight Natural/Reds/Whites: 50% Jacob, 50% mixed fiber, 95 yards
• Beautiful and rustic
• $70

Handspun 3, Super soft merino Gray and Green - 180g

• One skein of Aran Weight Green 100% Merino, 100 yards
• One skein of Aran Weight Gray 100% Merino, 95 yards
• These are begging to be used together in a magical project
• $68

Handspun 4, Big Blue - 210 g

• One big skein of Worsted weight Louet Northern Lights multi blues, 258 yards.
• Striking, and could definitely work for a more masculine project
• $54

Also donated by Stefanie, although not handspun:
A beautiful Erin Lane drawstring project bag with goodies (350g of yarn):

• One skein of heavenly soft KnitPicks Diadem Fingering (50% Alpaca 50% Mulberry Silk) in "Diamond" (white)
• One skein Cascade Heritage sock yarn in 5642 (red)
• One skein Cascade Heritage sock yarn in 5638 (brown)
• One ball of Knitcircus Yarns Greatest of Ease gradient in color: Chocolate + flowers dip dye
• Chic-a Gadget tray with snaps
• Erin Lane drawstring project bag in abstract red/white/black flower print
• $105

If you've already pledged to our Kickstarter and you want something you see above, never fear! I am happy to bundle together whichever prizes you'd like.

Email me (rubysubmarine at gmail) or tweet me (@rubysubmarine). Let's get this thing funded so you can receive all the goodies!

EVEN MORE YARN! Great Northern Kickstarter Rewards

You asked for it! More of my precious, beautiful stash is up for grabs!!! You can upgrade your pledge any time before October 9th, nothing is charged until (if?) the Kickstarter is funded.

Koigu KPPPM, 250g:

Color 821, teals/black/gray. $75

Multicolor Pretties - 530g:

• Pigeon Roof Studios Fingering weight in Indigo Ink - 100g
• madelinetosh Merino Light in Opaline - 100g
• Berroco Seduce (2 skeins) in olive/aqua - 80g total
• Mountain Meadow Wool Powell in Fern (4 ply worsted) - 100g
• Artyarns Ultramerino4 in color 234 (sagey green) - 50g
• Artyarns Beaded Silk in color 133s (springy light green w/ silver beads) - 50g
• Manos Serena in Zinnia - 50g
• Comes in a handpainted red/gray logo bag!
• $120

Sunset Jewels - the good stuff, oh man. This kinda hurts. 500g:

• The Fibre Company Road to China in Citrine - 50g
• The Fibre Company Road to China in Ruby - 50g
• Classic Elite Lush (2 skeins) in 4466 (peach, oh my god I love this yarn) - 100g total
• Koigu Kersti in 2180 (marigold yellow) - 50g
• Koigu Kersti Multi (4 skeins) in 4256 (navy, blue, peach, mauve, gray) - 200g total
• Alchemy Yarns Synchronicity in Texas Bluebonnet - 50g
• Comes in a handpainted red/gray logo bag!
• $150

Blues and Greens - 400g:

• Manos Silk Blend Multi in Stellar - 50g
• Manos Silk Blend Multi in Mermaid - 50g
• Colinette Cadenza in Dusk - 50g
• Noro Cash Iroha in color 129 (emerald) - 50g
• Cascade Alpaca Lace Paints in color 9788 (ocean blues) - 50g
• Koigu KPPPM in color 529 (blue/green) - 50g
• Mountain Colors Winter Lace in Chinook (green/blue/wheat) - 100g
• Comes in a handpainted red/gray logo bag!
• $100

Ewe So Sporty - 250g:

5 balls of Ewe Ewe Yarns soft sportweight in Cotton Candy. $50

Noro Kureyon -300g:

6 balls of Kureyon in color 74 (turquoise, teal, purple, fuchsia) - 300g. $49
See them here.

Don't forget about THESE tote bags! They are a little bigger than the logo bags.

Listed under "Yarn cloud project bag" at $32.

Happy hunting! We're getting there, just passed 50% funded! Please share so we don't lose it all. Thanks, pals.

10 Days Left on our Kickstarter!

What can you do to help us get the book printed? Well, I'm so glad you asked!! Thank you!

1. Donate to the Kickstarter, if you haven't already. You can upgrade your pledge later if you see a reward you like! 

2. Share the project on your facebook, twitter, blog, instagram, tumblr, website, carrier pigeon service, etc. Grab the image on this post and spread it around! Share our Kickstarter link! Hashtag GreatNorthernKnits! 

3. Tell your friends, in person. People who like printed books, people who knit, people who like cult TV shows, vintage wardrobe lovers... or anyone who wants us to make them a beautiful sweater.

What do you get out of this? Besides the amazing rewards, of course...

If all goes well, we will have a beautiful, well-designed book with many professionally edited patterns and a fantastic story in photography, and you can hold it in your hands, take it home with you, knit from it, and it will bring you much joy!

We have 10 days left.

Let's Rock. ‪#‎GreatNorthernKnits‬

Special Neon Logo Bag, now with More Yarn!

One of the wonderful things about my tendency towards stash hoarding is that I occasionally have more yarn in a certain dyelot than I think I do... this time you get to reap the benefits!

I found an additional skein of Mrs Crosby Steamer Trunk in Hot Pimento... meaning that the Special Neon Logo bag now contains:

bright neon happiness!

• 3 skeins of Mrs Crosby Steamer Trunk in Hot Pimento (reds)
• 2 skeins of Mrs Crosby Steamer Trunk in Squid Ink (blacks)
• 1 skein of Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney in Hubbard (aqua)
• 1 Cascade Kid Seta Shawl kit (teal/aqua)
• 1 gorgeous handknit beanie made by designer Allyson Dykhuizen (featured in Knitscene--this ACTUAL hat sample!)

GOOD DEAL.

The yarn retail value ALONE in this bag is over $180. For $200, you also get the handknit hat, the one-of-a-kind Neon Logo Bag, and print book and ebook of Great Northern.

Look for this one-of-a-kind reward on our Kickstarter page at the $200 level!

Great Northern Kickstarter: I will make you these things!

Today, our Kickstarter reaches the halfway-over mark. Since we are currently only 36% funded, Teresa and I decided to step up our game for reward offerings. Here's a sample of what I'm offering to make for you if you pledge and we get funded!

$150 level-- hats

$175 level -- scarves

$375 level -- wraps

$1200 level -- sweaters

These are just suggestions, and I welcome requests. Send me a picture and we'll work something out!

Kickstarter link here... have you watched the video yet?

Great Northern: A Quick and Dirty Photoshoot

This is my first completed sweater for the Twin Peaks-inspired collection, and it is called From Another Place. I thought I'd get some better photos of it today while there was beautiful light. It's so lovely out, still! Hang on, sunshine!

This is me in my bedroom, channeling someone much more glamorous, like Audrey Horne.

Just imagine what our REAL photoshoot for the book will be like! I have so many amazing plans!

Help us get funded to make the book a reality.

In other news, I am really happy with how this neckline turned out.

Kickstarter Rewards: Handknit Mitts, Deluxe Yarn Bag and Special NEON Logo Bag!

More amazing rewards to entice you to support our Kickstarter! If you've already backed us (high five!), remember, you can change your pledge any time before the campaign ends on Oct. 9th. ;)

This is the good stuff, people.



First of all, these handknit (by WORK+SHELTER) handwarmers are pretty sweet. I've got a couple pairs of each color available up on the Kickstarter.

Blue pair is soft acrylic-- really nice, actually. Women's size S/M
Purple pair is supersoft wool. Women's size S/M
Red pair is supersoft wool. Child size M/L



Next, feast your eyes upon this Chic-a bag stuffed with gorgeous hand-dyed and specialty yarns (I'm calling this the Deluxe Yarn Bag:

In there, we have skeins from:

Alchemy (Silk Straw, 4 skeins already wound, color is Soft Turquoise)
Artisan Yarns (Alpaca Silk light worsted, 1 skein, color is Brick)
ArtYarns (Beaded Mohair w/ Sequins, 1 skein, color is 108s Purples)
Baah! (La Jolla, 1 skein color is Orchid yellow)
Baa Ram Ewe (dovestone dk, 1 skein, color is Parkin)
Bijou Basin (Bijou Spun, 1 skein, color is Lhasa Wilderness)
Lorna's Laces (Shepherd Sock, 1 skein, color is Miami)
Your Mom Knits (Lolo, 1 skein self striping sock yarn, green/gray)

All are 100g skeins except Art Yarns and Bijou Basin, which are 50g.

There are so many beauties in there!




And finally, there's this baby.

I painted 1 (one) neon bag.

The camera had a hard time capturing this vibrant beauty.
The triangle is neon red/orange!

Then I put some amazing yarn from the collection in there, plus a beautiful shawl kit PLUS a handknit hat. Oh my.

Yes, that's 4 skeins of Mrs. Crosby Steamer Trunk (in Squid Ink and Hot Pimento), a skein of Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney, a Cascade Kid Seta Shawl kit (yarn + pattern), and the Lake Ontario Hat, handknit by Allyson Dykhuizen, the very same one that was featured in an issue of Knitscene!

I'm calling this the Special Neon Logo Bag, and again, there can only be one. May the best (probably) woman win.


Swing by the Kickstarter to pledge!

If you want to know more about Great Northern, visit our site. We're very excited to get this book printed and into your hands!