Yarn Advent Calendars - Are they worth it? 

Ooh I think I am going to make myself an advent calendar soon and stash it inc the recent bargains from Colinette's sale ...brilliant idea lovely Anniken

Last year I unsuccessfully looked for yarn advents in September, only to discover that most seemed to become available in the April timeframe and had sold out. This year there seemed to be a lot more advents for sale. I purchased three: Blush Yarns, Chelsea Yarns and Murray Wool Co. I was very pleased with all three. I used mini skeins from Blush and Murray to knit Helen Stewart’s Anthology Throw. I am binding it off today. I highly recommend this pattern. Next year I would like to purchase advents from Giddy Yarns and Greenlambkin Fibres, even though overseas postage is so expensive. It was a lot of fun opening the yarn advents each day.

Thanks Anniken, I have really loved seeing you open each window. The suggestion that you consider not using them all at once, beneficial, especially if some of the colours don't suit you. As I like using one brand per project, the buying of larger contrasting skeins as a base makes good sense. Hope your cold gets better and Happy New Year.

Just ordered the Botanical Yarn full skein advent! First time ever, I‘m so excited!

I have regrets each year that I don't have a yarn or fibre advent - usually once Vlogmas rolls around and I see everyone starting to open theirs! :) This year, I decided to do my own with fibre for spinning on my drop spindle. I purchased two sample packs of fibre - 10 x 10g sample colours in one pack, 12 in another - and my lovely husband separated them into little bags for me when they arrived. Although I have seen them on screen, I tried not to look too closely at them before purchasing and it was a lucky dip as to which I pulled out and worked with each day. Not technically all of December (even less than it should have been as they got caught up in the mail strikes...) but I would definitely do it again. Purchasing a selection of mini skeins would be much the same, and I may do that as well next year. I will plan slightly earlier though and I may also ask him to add some chocolates in to some of the bags! :) I do like the idea of swapping/organising with friends but I don't have any yarn/fibre friends local enough to do that with (yet). It cost me around £25 for 220g of fibre in a mix of colours. I'm likely to ply them with a neutral I think - that's still in the planning stage...

Hi Anniken, This video was REALLY useful….I have been looking at yarn advent calendars for a couple of years but, not ordered/bought one….yet😉😏. Still undecided but LOVE the idea of creating/sharing them with others using up ‘left overs’. As an avid sock and string bag knitter, there are always useful amounts left at the end of a project. Here’s a thought…(that may reduce the cost of a calendar?!)…..perhaps 12 of the skeins be Indie dyed and 12 of a solid colour (that works with the dye palette). I’m thinking contrast heel and toe socks for example? Or a ‘stained glass’ effect. Wishing you all the best for a very Happy New Year and fabulous 2023. 🥰👏😁

I’m not a fan of advent calendars. I am very particular about my yarn and I don’t like to be surprised. When I spend money on yarn, I want to pick it out myself.

Great video and sound advice about purchasing a yarn advent. First year, this year, for me buying a yarn advent and it was 4ply, 10g skeins - so about enough to make a lap blanket which I have started but of course it is quite fine. Love the multi-colours it contained and happy so far with how it is working out but I wonder whether you think for an item like this, or a small throw, it works better in DK. I didn't have a neutral to hold double and I'm sure DK weight would have been more robust - but I do like the effect - I am using the skeins in the order they arrived, 1-24, so quite random striping. It'll need a border and I'll sort that out. I have loved following your vlogs this year and look forward to your posts in 2023. A happy New Year to you and your family x

I am swapping with two zoom group friends . I totally understand how much work there is in dyeing etc of advent yarns but they are just not an option for me . I really enjoy doing swaps though .