I was just reading over March’s Meet the Sponsor’s post, where I was going on about how the warm spring weather was upon us… now it’s been cold and snowing. Sigh. Well, if the view outside my window is going to be dreary, let’s get to the wonderful treats that would love to follow you home… I know a few of them have followed me home already!

Name: Madbird 

What They are all about: Alecia and Rob Miller make wonderful project bags, project clutches, totes, spindle bags, needle and hook rolls (even for dpns and interchangeables), and zip pouches- with a wide variety of fabrics, you’re sure to find the right size you need in a print you love.  They are all sturdily built, with fleece interfacing and solid bottoms that ensure the bags stand up well on their own, once a project is inside. If you haven’t tried one of their bags, you are missing out- every detail is perfection! They are offering 10% off everything in the shop with the code KNITTEDBLISS.

A Few of My Favourite Things, from Left to Right: The needle wallet (I love the fox print!) is my ideal travel companion. It’s absolutely perfect if you are going away for the weekend and taking a couple different projects with you. The interior pockets hold a variety of needles (dpns and circulars, as well as crochet hooks) so whatver you need, you can easily keep it organized. Then there is this beautiful, reversible mermaid print project bag– I just got my new project bag (which is the same shape) and it’s fantastic. Then there is this chic grey and bee print interchangeable needle case, that even has a small zippered pouch attached that is perfect for notions. Click through to see interior photos!

Name: Sweet Sheep Body Shoppe

What She is All About: Alicia makes luxurious all-natural lotion bars and lip balms using skin-loving ingredients like lanolin, cocoa butter, almond oil, and vitamin E and mango butter. If you haven’t tried a lotion bar before you are missing out! Everything is non-greasy, and the lip balms are my favourite on the planet- moisturizing without being sticky or shiny.

A Few of My Favourite Things, from Left to Right: Vanilla Mint lip balm is sweet and fresh, and super moisturizing.  And if you love vanilla, then you will adore the Sandalwood Vanilla Lotion bar with it’s velvety scent and fabulous moisturizers. And if you haven’t got one of her sheep soaps before, you are missing out- these lather up so well, and Lila loves washing her hands with a sheep shaped soap. I love that the goat’s milk soap is non-drying and smells like heaven- this one is Lemon Cake. I haven’t met a fragrance from this shop that I didn’t love!

Name: The Blue Brick 

What She is All About:  You can probably tell from the photos that Shireen is a professional photographer; and she takes her yarn inspiration straight from the images she captures. These yarns are all hand-dyed in small batches on a variety of bases and weights, based on her photographic inspiration (you can read more about the yarn here). Each skein is sent out with a copy of the photo that inspired it- a really beautiful detail that makes me marvel even more at how she can dye the yarn to so closely resemble the photos! Shireen also designs beautiful patterns, as well.

A Few of My Favourite Things, from Left to Right: There are some stunning gradients coming out of The Blue brick these days- Willow  (available in 3 bases) is a wonderful neutral that shifts from dark grey to a warm sand and a grassy pale gold.  Ocean Fortress (available in 3 bases) has the soothing colours of of surf breaking on a wet beach, and Carnelian (available in 3 bases) might be my favourite- I love the rich red, the russet, the flame orange!

Name: Fuzzy Mitten 

What She is All About: Barbara designs the most adorable knitted animal toys, and has patterns for all sorts of clothing for them, too! They are great value, as every pattern comes with instructions for more than just the animal– there’s always something for them to wear, or an accessory or two. Starting April 15th she is having another mystery knit along, and I am a big fan- she sends out a clue for a part of the toy each week, and it usually takes a few weeks before the group can guess what the critter is! The group is always really fun and shares great pics in progress, and I’m definitely joining in again!

A Few of My Favourite Things, from Left to Right: The Siamese Kitty is super sweet, and if you are interested in experimenting, you could also knit it striped and turn it into a tabby! Pattern also comes with the lace dress she is wearing. Then there is this fantastic dragon, which any kid would love to play with- especially as the pattern comes with instructions for the little knight and princess, too.  And if you would like to knit a toy for a baby or a toddler, this little baby bunny would make a sweet gift!

Name: Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts

What They Are All About: Ancient Arts yarns has a huge selection (and just added a whole bunch of beautiful new colourways!) of hand dyed tonal, variegated and speckled colourways. Each colourway is offered in a variety of bases (most from bulky to laceweight, plus a variety of fiber bases within each weight), so you can totally customize for whatever project you have in mind. There is also their very special Meow Collection and Woof Collection, which are inspired by cat and dog breeds and a portion of the sales are donated to Best Friends Animal Society to help animals in need. Knitting AND helping animals? Sign me up.

A Few of My Favourite Things, from Left to Right: Art Deco is a beautiful skein with shades of pink quartz, grey, and a washed blue that is begging to be knit up in a stunning shawl or gorgeous socks. Raindrops and Roses is a fun speckled colourway that would be amazing in just about anything ( vote sweater!). Calling all Star Trek fans– To Boldly Go is a rich, deep colourway that is totally out of this world (sorry, I couldn’t resist.) All those colourways are available in lots of different weights, too!

What do you think? Anything calling your name?