Bravo Brando!

Brando this morning when I dropped him off at Clifton Beach

Here at Skeinz, being 'accidental environmentalists' has meant we have crossed paths with some pretty inspiring people. One such person is Brando Yelavich.  This young Aucklander is well set on becoming the first person to completely circumnavigate New Zealand by it's coastline.

Brando with his two HB walking companions at the tip of Cape Kidnappers

Brando's journey stared last February at Cape Rienga & has taken him down the West Coast of the North Island, all the South Island (including the wild West Coast in the middle of Winter!) & yesterday I picked him up from Clifton Beach, on the Napier side of Cape Kidnappers.  For the two nights & day it will take him to walk the Napier stretch of Hawkes Bay, my family & I have had the extreme pleasure of having Brando in our home.

Just another of the breathtaking views at this stage of his journey

It is refreshing to meet such a bewitching & inspirational young man.  Brando is the definition of a global thinker.  His epic journey has given him a unique & personal experience with the grandeur, yet delicate nature of our NZ coastline, all whilst exuding the classic relaxed kiwi 'can do' attitude.

How could you resist these eyes!

As a sufferer of both ADHD & Dyslexia, Brando struggled within the conventional confines of education & started down some pretty 'rough' paths, but the true grit of this young man showed through when he decided to "clear his head & his life".  He said to my husband & I last night that if he was going to make a change, it may as well have been a BIG one!  Brando is a real "shoot for the stars" man.  He's hoping the experiences gained through this journey in his own "Coastal University" will help his future career prospects.  I have no doubt they will, his engaging personality, communication skills, sheer grit & determination & the ability to just get on with the job, will make him an asset to organisation lucky enough to snap him up once his odyssey is over.

Simply Stunning

With all this being said, Brando is still finding time to give back.  He's been fundraising for all three Ronald McDonald houses in NZ.  These are havens for families who have sick children, who need somewhere to stay whilst their loved ones are having treatment in one of the Tertiary medical hospitals in Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch.  So far he's exceeded his $10,000 goal, not surprising having met him.

My son's just engrossed in the photo's of his last few days

So - Thank You Brando for spreading your infectious spirit in our house.
If you want to Support Brando - click here to donate.
Want to follow Brando on his exploits - Click here.
But most importantly SHARE Brando's message with your own social media networks - spread the Brando spirit!

Unraveling from Unwind.

It was great bring samples for people to play with

 This past weekend was the Unwind Fibrecraft Retreat in Dunedin. Retreats are a great way to connect with other knitters, spinners & yarn crafters & to get inspired.  It is a chance to see yarns from online retailers in the flesh to fondle, caress & squish.  Here are a few images from the weekend for you to savour & enjoy.

A symphony of colour

Skeins of deliciousness

Well & truly getting Unwound!

So good to see the garments in real life.

Recovery Required!

Colourful Collection

Firstly a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in our epic pre-season sale last month!  It was so exciting to meet so many new Skeinz converts & to have so many exciting yarns to be able to share with you all.  The new 10ply & Sock random prints were especially popular & we still have plenty of 10ply for the upcoming season.  I have decided to keep the especially sharp pricing as a thank you treat for such a successful sale.

The first week of this month I spent hiding under my duvet with a very nasty case of bronchitis, but it did mean I got to spend some time catching up on some reading & research.  It has been a great month for pattern releases in Skeinz yarn.

A must have for this Winter

Gabriella Henry from SweetP Designs launched a delightful shawl pattern using our Vintage.  A combination of both the Premium DK & the Filigree - Filigree the Shawl is a satisfying yet simple pattern - a great one for the Winter repertoire.  We have given away two of this lovely pattern to two lucky Skeinz customers who purchased Vintage in February.  Congratulations to Joanna Taylor from Auckland & Patricia Johnson from Whangarei - Gabriella will be in touch with your pattern soon.

Yeah Baby!

Also this month was the next installment of the Stitch Seekers Men in Knits calendar.  Mr March featured a very Darcy-esque scarf pattern by Deb Moore in our very own Texas.  This image has been circulated among the girls here & has met with wholehearted approval.

I so wish I had the figure to pull off these panties!

This has gone in my queue

Also from the Stitch Seekers team is their first pattern collection called Decadence & Decay.  It's a collection of patterns that beg to be dressed up & will add flare to your Winter Wardrobe.  From panties to gauntlets, shawls & capes it eludes to an opulence from a pre-revolutionary time.  I can't wait to see the next installment due out in August.

Would also look Great in Heritage Organic Merino

A fabulous freebie launched last month on Ravelry was from RachelC the Te Ara Fingerless Mitts.  Made in the now sold out Skeinz Vineyard colours 4ply, you could also make these in our Merino Soft 4ply or even the Heritage Organic Merino.  Definitely worth the download.

Great work Amy!

Lastly from my favourite project file is this stunning blanket from Amy van de Laar (Rav ID: baroquepurls).  It is a real labour of love & a great use of Skeinz Prism.  Make sure you check it our on Ravelry, it certainly gets me itchy to drag out my crochet hook!

I'm off to Unwind tomorrow - so look out for updates on our Facebook page!