I’m delighted to let you all know that I’ll be producing another yarn Advent Calendar this year!

I know it’s still only April but this kind of project is a massive undertaking and by launching now, it gives me plenty time to break it down and gives you the chance to pay in instalments too.

Last year’s advent was a huge success and I am so pleased to see some completed projects appearing using these earthy mini skeins.

The production of an advent calendar is an all consuming labour of love! The dyeing is the easy bit. The ideas and planning before hand take quite a while, then the actual yarn preparation and winding - well let’s just say each mini takes approximately 1 minute to wind then multiply that by hundreds!

Here’s a look at behind the scenes at the final hurdle last year - boxing them up. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoy this part!

This year I am going to draw inspiration from the Ellon Castle Gardens in my home town.

The ruin castle (Ardgith) dates back to around the 15th century and in recent years the walled gardens have been taken on by a group of volunteers to restore the gardens to their former glory. They have created an inviting, tranquil community space and it is lovely to see how the project has progressed recently. The gardens feature Yew trees that are estimated to be around 500 years old and the group host events under the branches of the trees.

The walls themselves have all been restored and I’ll be using some of the colours in the bricks as well as the abundance of flowers to take you for a tour around the Ellon Castle Gardens even if you can’t visit them yourselves.

Now some Frequently Asked Questions:

What yarn options will there be?

I like to keep things simple - I’ll be doing my 75% merino / 25% nylon base and will have both fingering and double knit options.

Will you have a 10 gram option?

I’ll have a very limited number of 10 gram advents available in both weights but these are likely to go quickly. They are actually even more work than the 20 gram ones and because the issue with advents are labour not product costs they are a little more expensive.

What will the colour pallete be?

Think pretty pastels with the odd pop of colour like you would see in a country garden. I’ll definitely use some of the colours in the walls and ruin too as a backdrop for the florals. Expect a more pastel palette than last year but still a cohesive set of yarns that can be used in a single project. I’ll put them in a fade order like last year but I might fade in and out of colours and depths so feel free to mix them up yourselves.

When will they launch?

Fri 28th April at 7pm

Last year they all sold out within 24 hours. I like to keep this project manageable and pride myself on producing a high quality item which is shipped out on time. I have upped the numbers a little this year by an additional 10 calendars but this is my absolute limit. I always make extra boxes and these are made available mid November once I can be sure all the others have arrived. Make sure you are on the mailing list to hear when they are ready.

When will they ship?

I aim for the first week in November and a little earlier than that for international orders to ensure then are there in plenty time.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes. I use the subscription service on my website to take 6 equal payments in April, May, June, July, August and final payment in September. You can read more about this here. Please note, this will include UK shipping. Any international orders will be invoiced a separate amount in September to allow for the additional costs.

How much will they be?

The 24 x 10g will be £80 and 24 x 20g will be £140

Will there be extras in the box?

There will be some small extras including a printed image but the yarn will be the main focus.

Will you do an additional Christmas day skein?

I’ve been asked by a few customers to offer a separate Christmas day skein for those of you who don’t want an advent and I’ll do this separately and will offer this up later in the year. It will be one skein taking in all of the colour inspiration in the advent.

What can I make with an advent?

Why not have a look at the pinterest board I made for some ideas….