Be Sweet yarn has arrived!

There are a lot of reasons to love Be Sweet.  Who wouldn't go for soft yarn in candy colors?

Bambino Taffy

But this "company with a conscience" has been helping people since 2003!  Let's have them explain:

"Be Sweet works with several job creation programs in South Africa by giving artisans the confidence and the means to support themselves and their families in an otherwise economically depressed region. The empowerment groups have grown to include over 200 villagers, mostly female members of the Xhosa tribe, who live in Cape Town, the Eastern Cape region and Johannesburg. Participants are responsible for making mohair, bamboo and organic cotton yarns, accessories and home goods. Many of the women depend on their work for their survival. With the help of experienced program directors, the women are able to work in stable environments where they can earn a fair wage, learn a new skill and enjoy their jobs."

 And I love that the ball band includes a cute pattern:

Sweetie Pie Hat from Be Sweet's site

Here's mine (my photography isn't as good):

Needs some blocking!

We also have a very cool and different yarn called T-shirt.  I love that they tell the story of how T-Shirt is made and by whom:

"Our super cool T-Shirt yarn is made in South Africa, by two gentlemen by the name of Richard and George. Richard is 29 years old and married with two children aged 6 and 8. He and his large family have lived in a handmade bungalow in Capricorn, an informal settlement on the Atlantic ocean side of Cape Town close to the beach for the past 4 years. George is 23 years old, single and has lived with his cousin Richard for 7 months. George spends a great deal of his time at the home affairs office trying to attain permits to continue to stay in South Africa."

Check out the whole story on their blog.

Oh, and they included a pattern for this one, too:

Hexagon Bag - I added the strap.

We look forward to continuing to support Be Sweet's efforts!

**UPDATE**
They've added a free Bambino Taffy pattern to their blog:
http://waggledancing.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/irina-lawrence/
Too cute!

On the finishing side

I worked out the mitten thing. Ripping back to top of the first mitten and finishing them both with blue made a passable pair.

I ended up with four pairs! (I'm pretty happy about that.) These are going off to Afghanistan today.



Next up for finishing is a lace cowl from my handspun.


This was from this fiber.



It's 50/50 merino and tencel from Tactile, and I have to say that I loved spinning, love knitting with it, and I'm going to love wearing it. (Psst - we'll be carrying this fiber blend soon!)

I met with Maia and Brooke from Tactile last week. Let me tell you, these ladies are awesome. I could explain how they are knowledgeable but make you feel comfortable, or how they have a great sense of humor, but I'm hoping that you'll get to meet them sometime at LLK!

And for another topic change:

We're doing a charity knit- and crochet-a-long! We talked to Homeward Bound of Marin, which helps Marin County folks transition from homelessness to financial independence, and they could use some warm hats and scarves. Adult and children's sizes are needed and unisex items are useful! All items can be dropped off at Llama Llama Knit before December 19th.

To kick it off, we're offering 15% off yarn purchased to make these items! (Stay tuned; there will be more!)

I'll be keeping updates here as well as on Ravelry.