Featured Yarn Company - Namaste Farms and a giveaway
January 10, 2012
Calling Namaste Farms a cool Yarn Company is accurate, but a complete understatement!
Not only do they produce one-of-a-kind yarns that I've never seen before, but the y hand create the yarns from the rare, award-winning sheep breeds they raise on the farm!
Natalie Redding is the fiber artist behind the Namaste Farms line of luxury fibers. On her farm in Temucula, CA, she has:
- Champion Wensleydale Longwools
- Gotlands and Bluefaced Leicesters
- Racka Sheep
- Old English Babydoll Southdowns
- Angora and Pygora goats
And that's only a partial list of the animals she raises at her farm!
As if running a farm with 85 to 100 animals isn't keeping her busy enough, Natalie hand spins and hand dyes all of the yarns with only a few others to help, so each hank is incredibly special and unique. (And if you are curious about the process of creating and handling fine fibers, spinning, etc., check out her YouTube videos!)
When she approached me to design something with her yarns, I just had to say yes! Plus, she developed a special color, called "Babe" just for me! "Babe" features a gorgeous blend of pinks and mango tones with hints of turquoise. And it's the perfect backdrop for the Hello Kitty Charms that are part of the yarn (see the top hank below)! I'm a sucker for Hello Kitty, so combining my love of yarn + knitting + Hello Kitty is like a dream come true!
"Babe" is also available as a color in her "Ohm Kid Mohair" yarn (see the bottom two hanks here, which I'll be giving away later in this post, BTW!)
To buy Namste Farms yarns, see the line exclusively at YarnMarket.com.
To learn more about this unique Yarn Company, visit their website at www.namastefarms.com, on YouTube (namastefarms), and on blogtalk radio at
blogtalk: Namaste Farms, where Natalie talks about farming, interviews designers, and much more!
And thank you, Natalie, for sponsoring my latest pattern, the #135 Babe Zip-Front Hello Kitty Cardigan (with matching Cowl!) This top-down design features the Charmed-Hello Kitty yarn mentioned above that is completely one-of-a-kind! See it exclusively at YarnMarket.com.
The all-over cable design wth short-sleeves is in a coordinating color of Malabrigo Worsted. The Charmed-Hello Kitty yarn worked perfectly with it as an accent on the knit-in pockets and along the bottom border.
See more photos and purchase info for the #135 Babe Zip-Front Hello Kitty Cardigan, now available in the Knitting Patterns shop!
AND lastly, I have 2 hanks of Namaste Farms Ohm Mohair yarn (sorry, NOT the one with the Hello Kitty charms!) in color "Babe" to give away!
To enter this contest:
1) Post a comment on this blog entry by 9pm PST, January 31, 2012 and tell us what you would do with a hank of this gorgeous yarn! One comment per person, please. And please also SHARE this post using the Twitter, Google+, and Facebook links below.
2) Post a comment on the Ravelry.com Forum post in the SweaterBabe.com Fans group announcing this giveaway by 9pm PST, January 31, 2012, telling us what you would do with a hank of this gorgeous yarn. One comment per person, please. Also, please "fave" this pattern on the SweaterBabe patterns page at Ravelry.com.
After the end of the month, I'll choose 2 random commenters to each be sent a hank of the Namaste Yarns Ohm yarn in "Babe" color.
Good luck to all! Sorry, but winning hanks can only be sent to U.S. and Canada addresses.
*** Winners Announcement ***
Congrats to go CoriInKansas on Ravelry, who commented on Ravelry January 24th and to Ann, who commented on the SweaterBabe.com Blog for this giveaway on January 24th.
You'll each be receiving one hank of the Ohm yarn in Babe (Each hank retails for $44.85!) Woohoo!
Posted on January 10, 2012 at 11:00 AM in Giveaways and Contests, Knitting and Crochet News, New Knitting Patterns, Product Reviews, Updates | Permalink
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Comments (142)
I posted on ravelry also - this pattern looks great to me. Love the pockets. My daughter is a total PINK girly girl and she's love anything made with this yarn and the color.
Posted by: Sara Byron | January 10, 2012 at 11:35 AM
I think this yarn is just beautiful and the Hello Kitty Cardigan is jut gorgeous!
Posted by: Jennifer Lucas | January 10, 2012 at 01:33 PM
I love this yarn. It is a beautiful shade of pink. If I won a hank of the charmed Hello Kitty yarn, I would have to make a cowl for my daughter who is all about PINK!! :)
Posted by: Tammy Larink | January 10, 2012 at 03:42 PM
So pretty! My friend's daughter looks fabulous in pink and absolutely adores Hello Kitty. I think the yarn was made for her. :)
Posted by: mesha | January 10, 2012 at 08:42 PM
Beautiful. I'd have to get more as I'm thinking retro sweater.
Posted by: Knittingwithrat | January 11, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Thanks for the give-a-way. I love the Hello Kitty Yarn. The Cardagin is awesome. I think I woul love to make a hat and cowl set for my daughter using the yarn.
Posted by: Cheryl Clemons | January 11, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Gorgeous...off to find some yarn to make this :)
Posted by: Leslie | January 11, 2012 at 10:45 AM
I would knit a cap for my friend's sister who is going through chemo. This pink would suit her.
Posted by: Lisa | January 11, 2012 at 10:48 AM
The Hello Kitty pink is so beutiful. My mother is a big fan of pink i could make her gorgous infinaty scarf with this yarn.
Posted by: Donna Ann Wilson | January 11, 2012 at 10:50 AM
If I had a hank of this yarn I would make this cardigan or maybe a lovely scarf or wrap.
Posted by: Stefanie | January 11, 2012 at 10:51 AM
I would make a shawl with the Ohm Mohair as the collar or the part of the shawl that touches my neck. It looks so soft and cuddly.
Posted by: Virgadean Richmond | January 11, 2012 at 10:51 AM
This would be so cute on my granddaughter. Thanks for the giveaway offer.
Posted by: Elaine Johnston | January 11, 2012 at 10:53 AM
I would use the hank to make my new baby girl a dress, jacket, and matching hat if I had enough. She looks so cute in pink and would probably never want to take it off:)
Posted by: Katherine Bauman | January 11, 2012 at 10:54 AM
So adorable to have the charms mixed in!! Love the colors, too!! : )
Posted by: Charlene Giordano | January 11, 2012 at 10:58 AM
These complexion flattering shades are perfect for a yummy, chunky, girlie cowl!
Posted by: Kaye Tamez | January 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM
I am thinking a hat or scarf!
Posted by: Kenyetta | January 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM
I would make something lovely for myself.
Posted by: Lennette Daniels | January 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM
I love your stuff! My 4-year-old daughter is into everything Hello Kitty and pink, and if I won a hank, I would make her something. Maybe a ballet wrap sweater. Sometimes I give her a choice, and sometimes I surprise her with stuff, but every time she sees me knitting, she says, "Ooooohh, that's beautiful! Is it for me?" Too cute!
Posted by: Tracie Tolentino | January 11, 2012 at 11:08 AM
I am crazy about Hello Kitty! The yarn looks so fun and whimsical. =^-.-^=
Posted by: A girl called Pete | January 11, 2012 at 11:12 AM
I would make something for my beautiful 4 week old baby girl! Rav amchart
Posted by: Anne Marie | January 11, 2012 at 11:17 AM
a scarf for my daughter and a tiny, thin scarf for my 6 month old grand daughter. They are in Utah so it would be perfect!
Posted by: Marie | January 11, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Pink is my favorite color!!! I have been thinking of designing my own Chanel-ish knit jacket and would use the hank as an accent for the collar, cuffs and hem.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 11, 2012 at 11:23 AM
I like to knit with fun yarns. Hello Kitty is fun sensuous and warm. If I am one of the winners, I would make a lovely scarf or cowl and enjoy wearing it very much. The cardigan design feastures an outstanding cable pattern that would be fun to knit and absolutely fun to wear. Thank you for sharing and hope that I am selected.
Posted by: Susan B. | January 11, 2012 at 11:23 AM
So pretty, if I won one hank, I would definitely have to purchase more so that I could make that fabulous cardigan!
Posted by: Joy Nickerson | January 11, 2012 at 11:25 AM
My daughter's favorite color!
Posted by: Lynn Clogston | January 11, 2012 at 11:29 AM
I would make a cowl or a scarf for my sister, who is dealing with some health issues and could use some cheering up.
Posted by: brenda | January 11, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I just love your patterns, and this yarn totally goes with them!
Posted by: Shirley Ryan | January 11, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Hmmm if I won a hank I thin it would become a donated hat to the charity drive for chemo we're participating in!
Posted by: Alyson Hudak | January 11, 2012 at 12:14 PM
This is beautiful! I would love to make a hat and mitts out of the yarn. Our knitting group makes hats, scarves and mitts for local women's shelters etc and this would be a lovely thing to give to the charity.
Posted by: Jennifer Jamieson | January 11, 2012 at 12:25 PM
I've been making manias and fingerless gloves for gifts lately. I'd use this beautiful yarn for bands in some of the striped versions. The texture and color would go wonderfully.
Posted by: Christina S | January 11, 2012 at 12:31 PM
What yummy yarn
Posted by: B. Quinn | January 11, 2012 at 12:37 PM
I would knit some fingerless mitts for my nephew's 4 year old daughter. Pink and purple are her 2 favorite colors.
Posted by: Knittingdancer on Ravelry | January 11, 2012 at 12:50 PM
After years of hedging, I have come clean, pink is my absolute favorite color. So I painted my kitchen pink and knit with some variation of it whenever possible. These hanks are incredible, I would do something like an infinity cowl, something close to the face with such a flattering shade.
Posted by: cindy | January 11, 2012 at 01:11 PM
I love the slight variations in the yarn color. I can totally see garments in very simple patterns that highlight this yarn.
Posted by: Barbara Kahl | January 11, 2012 at 01:15 PM
I would love to make a cowl or scarf for my best friend because she and her husband are dealing with some very tough health issues right now. What more could cheer her up and wrap her in love.
Posted by: Rose | January 11, 2012 at 01:24 PM
I would probably knit a slouchy beret with it! To give a zest and sunshine to my day!
Posted by: Caroline | January 11, 2012 at 01:49 PM
I think I would make a wonderfully warm cowl!
Posted by: Cindy Wilbanks | January 11, 2012 at 01:52 PM
Oh my...my baby granddaughter needs a new hat for winter! The braided ear flap hat I made for her last year had eyelash yarn all around her head and was just darling, but alas..its too small now! I want to make her a darling little hat that will keep her head warm from the Minnesota winters.
Posted by: Susan Lee | January 11, 2012 at 02:02 PM
This yarn would become wrist warmers or yoga socks...yummy!
Posted by: amy in ne | January 11, 2012 at 03:06 PM
If i won a hank of this yarn, I would definately use it to make a warm hat! I do so love the color variations and pink would look beautiful during winter.
Posted by: Suzette Hungerford | January 11, 2012 at 03:08 PM
I love your work! Everything is so beautiful; feminine and yet practical, so perfect for today. While I am not a "pink" person, this yarn looks beautiful.
Posted by: Victoria Waterbury | January 11, 2012 at 03:30 PM
This yarn looks great to work with and is so beautiful! Love it.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 11, 2012 at 03:33 PM
I would find the right cowl pattern, but first I would hold and just enjoy the sight and feel of the yarn. :-)
Zowmom on ravelry
Posted by: Judi A. | January 11, 2012 at 04:06 PM
ooh! today is my daughters 6th birthday! she has to have Hello Kitty daily! we have hair pins, and shirts, skirts, and if all else fails even HK socks! I must purchase some Hello Kitty yarn ASAP! but the opportunity to win the Ohm yarn would be awesome! I follow Namaste on Facebook and adore how wonderful it all looks, and now mixed with some 'Babe' patterns! ooh!!!
Posted by: kim | January 11, 2012 at 04:12 PM
It would be the perfect yarn to do the trim on a sweater project I am working on. Get me addicted to use it for the Babe sweater!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 11, 2012 at 04:29 PM
Beautiful!!! What a great color & it looks so soft! I'd make something special for my Mom, a breast cancer survivor. Its the perfect pink!!
Posted by: Valerie W. | January 11, 2012 at 04:34 PM
Such pretty colors!! Would love to do a pretty scarf with this yarn with a nice fringe! Maybe something like the boho eternity scarf! :)
Posted by: Andrea | January 11, 2012 at 04:54 PM
I have been thinking of making "cleaves" (from knitty) for a while but never found quite the perfect color, and I think this gorgeous yarn is it! Absolutely perfect for a brisk winter day or just lounging around. I love it!
Posted by: Wendy | January 11, 2012 at 05:00 PM
This is a beautiful cardigan and I think I will also have to make one for myself. If I were to win the yarn I would use it to trim the cardi or make a lacey cowl to wear with it. And pink is my favourite colour too!
Posted by: Debbie | January 11, 2012 at 05:05 PM
Beautiful yarn....I would make a cowl with this yarn..or perhaps a scarf that would look a bit lacy....like the color too...ty!
Posted by: Ann | January 11, 2012 at 05:33 PM
You have absolutely beautiful designs! So many patterns I have seen are just variations of a single pattern but yours are all wonderfully unique!! I am disabled so my funds are limited but I will save up to buy some of your patterns! Thanks for sharing your talent!
Posted by: Karen Schoonveld | January 11, 2012 at 05:33 PM
My daughter has never wore pink, but this one!! she will. She just ask me to make the sweater for her.
Posted by: Christiane Johnson | January 11, 2012 at 05:57 PM
This yarn is beautiful. I will make something for my friend at work whose favorite color is pink. She just found out she is expecting and she is determined it will be a girl!
Posted by: Leigh G. | January 11, 2012 at 06:13 PM
This yarn is really beautiful. I would have to make something for my 3 year old daughter. She loves pink and purple so this is great for a sweater or cardigan for her. Pretty in Pink!
Posted by: Jaime Mars | January 11, 2012 at 06:33 PM
My mom has ovarian cancer. I'd make her a hat. Or I'd make my daughter a hat and mittens. It looks so soft!
Posted by: Denise Koster | January 11, 2012 at 06:52 PM
How beautiful I would knit a little cozy scarf or cowl this yarn looks like it needs to cozy right up to the skin
Posted by: Donna Moody | January 11, 2012 at 09:42 PM
This will make the cutest hate for my niece, who is also a bif Hello Kitty fan! Looks luscious! Pick me!
Posted by: Louise | January 12, 2012 at 05:25 AM
I would use this yarn along with some of the same colors to make a fun and unique shawl.
Posted by: Adell | January 12, 2012 at 05:59 AM
I see a beautiful scarf for myself this time using this exquisite yarn.
Posted by: Joyce Maltby | January 12, 2012 at 06:00 AM
I think I would make a lovely scarf so that I could enjoy it every day.
Posted by: Vivette Ashen-Brenner | January 12, 2012 at 06:58 AM
I love the colors. I would love to make matching hats for my daughter and her 2 younger girl cousins with this. They love to have matching clothes and these would be adorable.
Posted by: Michelle MW | January 12, 2012 at 07:49 AM
I would love to make a beret for my three year old. She loves pink and it would be fun to find some charms to embellish it with!
Posted by: Annalisa Pedraza | January 12, 2012 at 08:35 AM
I think a hank is enough for a shawl, right? Or at least a shawlette. I would gift it to my girlfriend who just completed radiation therapy!!
Posted by: Monkeygurl | January 12, 2012 at 09:10 AM
I don't know what I would make with this beautiful yarn--I'd want to feel it first for inspiration. ;) But would probably make something for my daughter or me.
Posted by: CarolHS | January 12, 2012 at 09:12 AM
i would make my little granddaughter a hat. she would love it.
Posted by: Terri Sue | January 12, 2012 at 02:08 PM
If I had a hank of this beautiful yarn, I would help my 8 yr. daughter (who is learning to knit - let the crafting continue!) make a hat and cowl for herself. My daughter LOVES and lives in pink!
Posted by: Margaret | January 12, 2012 at 02:22 PM
I would make some mittens for my 5 year old Hello Kitty fanatic daughter!
Posted by: Nici Johnson | January 12, 2012 at 07:52 PM
If I were to win a hank of such exotic yarn ... I would hope it's long enough to make myself a beanie and a bow-tie neck scarf.
I just have to wonder though if sheep raised in such a southern location have as many ... I'm sure there's a more correct term ... *strands* of *hair* per square inch as those raised in cooler climes.
Posted by: Jessica-Jean | January 13, 2012 at 04:44 AM
Love the new pattern, and the Hello Kitty Babe yarn is perfect for the pockets.
My grand niece will be 3 in April. If I win a hank of this luscious yarn, she'll be getting a special birthday present! Maybe a hat or sweater, sure to be gorgeous with this great yarn.
Posted by: Niki Winchell | January 13, 2012 at 07:47 AM
I would love to make a hat and/or mittens with this lovely yarn.
Posted by: Beth Rudo | January 13, 2012 at 02:52 PM
When I saw this yarn, I thought it would make a beautiful medallion for a swing jacket. Since I've never made one before, I'd like to either try one, or try coming up with my own design. What beautiful yarn, and it's definately something I can't afford at this time!! Thanks to both of you for making it possible!!
Posted by: Peggy Roberson | January 13, 2012 at 07:02 PM
Seeing as how I'm freezing at the moment, I would probably make a cowl. It would keep me warm, yet be safe from those lovely little puppy toenails!
Posted by: Janie Holley | January 14, 2012 at 06:23 AM
I would lve to win and I would make a beautiful cowl
Posted by: mayra | January 15, 2012 at 04:18 PM
A cowl! What a gorgeous colorway!
Posted by: Sara | January 18, 2012 at 12:34 PM
I think I would make your lovely Babe Zip front sweater, although I might have to buy more yarn to go with it. I also saw a cowl pattern recently that I love.
Posted by: Mary Alice | January 18, 2012 at 12:54 PM
After I nap on top of this yarn (because it looks o-so-soft) I think I would make a pair of fingerless mitts.
Posted by: Ann Marie | January 22, 2012 at 05:40 PM
I'd love to make the Babe Zip-Front Hello Kitty Cardigan and Cowl - I'd start with the cowl as I'm a very slow knitter! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Muireann | January 24, 2012 at 08:14 AM
What lovely yarn...like many I think it would be perfect for a cowl.
Posted by: Estella | January 24, 2012 at 09:44 AM
It would be an honor to work with such beautiful yarn as Namaste Farms Ohm Mohair yarn in any color. Please consider me.
Posted by: Nancy (aka, Beachkoz) McAfee | January 24, 2012 at 09:50 AM
I could make my wife something fabulous with this pink yarn!
Posted by: Rusty Boyd | January 24, 2012 at 09:56 AM
I would make myself a scarf to celebrate buying our new house and because I never make anything for myself!
Posted by: Susan Wall | January 24, 2012 at 09:59 AM
I would make a cowl out of this beautiful yarn. Thanks for considering me!
Posted by: amy sunder | January 24, 2012 at 10:00 AM
I have never been able to afford such nice yarn. I would make a hat for my son's girlfriend's daughter. She is 5 and loves anything pink. She loves dress and anything frilly. She would just love it! And I would be so proud to present her with it.
Posted by: Wanda | January 24, 2012 at 10:01 AM
Wow! Beautiful color. I think I'd do a lace scarf to show off the yarn, and I think the color would be nice near to the face. I could also see a felted purse coming out pretty cool in this yarn.
Posted by: Ellyn H | January 24, 2012 at 10:01 AM
This yarn looks lovely! I would have to give it a prominent place, on my head, incorporated into a hat (my favorite accessory to knit and wear!)!
Posted by: ambjer | January 24, 2012 at 10:04 AM
What gorgeous yarn! If I won the yarn, I might make a flapper-style hat with it. Fun!
Posted by: Ann Marie | January 24, 2012 at 10:05 AM
I would love to get ahold of this yarn and make an infinity scarf.
Posted by: Dolores Horine | January 24, 2012 at 10:15 AM
Perfect yarn and color for some fingerless gloves to add a pop of color to my new black jacket!
Posted by: Kristina G | January 24, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Love the warm pink colour. Your description of "mango" tones is right on. I would make a lacy scarf or maybe a pair of fingerless gloves, or a slouchy beret or cloche. Any of these would look terrific in this yarn. They would feel great too! Pick me!
Posted by: Ilehlia | January 24, 2012 at 10:19 AM
That yarn would fit right into my current cowl jag!
Posted by: Debbie | January 24, 2012 at 10:26 AM
I just found out that I will be the grandmother of a beautiful baby girl in a few months, so I would love to knit something special for this precious babe.
Posted by: Deidre | January 24, 2012 at 10:37 AM
New yarn, it is awesome to touch and feel!
I would have to feel it before I decided what to make. I think it may make a beautiful scarf or cowl though by looking at it and reading about it's history.
Posted by: Jan K. | January 24, 2012 at 10:43 AM
THIS WOULD MAKE A REALLY COOL LOOKING SHRUG FOR A LITTLE GIRL. A HEADBAND TO MATCH WOULD COMPLETE THE OUTFIT.
Posted by: MARGARET E | January 24, 2012 at 10:45 AM
I think the diamond cable baby hat would be adorable in this yarn!!
Posted by: Sue J | January 24, 2012 at 10:59 AM
I would also make a cowl of neck scarf of this lovely yarn, to enjoy as much as possible--
Posted by: Cori in KS | January 24, 2012 at 10:59 AM
I think I would knit a little friend for my toddler. She loves stuffed animals. Can you imagine a soft little pink knitted kitty cat? It would be so sweet.
Posted by: Alison | January 24, 2012 at 11:03 AM
At first I thought of knitting a hat with this yarn. After having looked at the sweater pattern with the cowl in the 2nd pic I've decided a cowl would be just the thing I'd love and use the most.
Posted by: Linda Newcomb | January 24, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Wow I sent a msg on ravelry and I love the new Cardi and the yarn is so wonderful...thank you so very much for the free entry. hugs, rose
Posted by: rose | January 24, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Wow, what would I make with the yarn if I were to be the lucky recipient? I do not have much for pink in my wardrobe so my first thought was that I would make something for a good friend of mine who loves pink. I was thinking maybe a scarf. Then I realized that all of the colors in the yarn would match a skirt I have so maybe it would turn out to be a short sleeve or 3/4 length sleeve top. The babe cardigan would be a temptation for sure. Love your designs! Keep up the good work. Lori
Posted by: Lori Sutton | January 24, 2012 at 11:47 AM
The first time I came here to enter, I went off looking at the videos from Namaste and completely forgot how I came to be there. If I won a hank of this yarn, I'd have to get some more, and then make something for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Posted by: Wanda Setzer | January 24, 2012 at 11:50 AM