Friday, July 29, 2011

Buying trip giveaway



Having just returned from our annual buying trip to Europe, I'm feeling sooooo excited about the beautiful fabrics we've purchased from Italy and, for the first time, Germany . They're all bundled up and en route to Sydney as I type this.

I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. The only thing holding me back is a rather delayed reaction to some hardcore jetlag and a two week stint of jury duty. Not a winning combination, I can assure you...

And so, foggy head and all, I'm marking my return with a beautiful giveaway. I picked this one up in Greece and, unlike last year, I actually remembered to bring it home with me (long story).


Mallia Sakalak
30 Kolokotroni St
Athens
Ph: +30 2103231710

Whilst in Athens, I made a point of visiting Mallia Sakalak, a knitters paradise situated just minutes from the much troubled Syntagma Square (but we witnessed no sign of trouble only coffee/ouzo drinking and the sound of dice rolling on backgammon boards). I've been following the store after coming across it on Flickr. On my visit I was very lucky to meet owner Joseph, and discovered his store has been in the family for three generations.



Although this blog is predominantly a sewing blog, I know that quite a few of our readers are also knitters. So when I spotted beautiful 100% linen LANG YARN (Imported from Italy) in the store, I couldn't resist!


For this giveaway I have 10 balls of Shade 0070 - Steel Grey, plus ...




...Joseph very kindly threw in an issue of FATTO A MANO 182 - SUMMER COLLECTION, which includes 70 stylish and up-to-date knitting patterns!

Feel free to leave a comment if you would like to receive the yarn and book. All readers welcome, local and international, by end of day Wednesday 3rd August AEST. Note: Readers without a Google account please leave me your email address.

Needles crossed!
xxx
at

83 comments:

  1. RieJuly 29, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Ooh, the yarn looks delicious! I think I'd knit myself a huge scarf with it as it is freezing down here in Hobart!
    Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nomaliza AzmanJuly 29, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Should I comment here? (I'm kinda lost here, since no one commenting yet)
    I'd love to receive the yarn and book. This will be the first time trying to knit if I win this! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Two of clubsJuly 29, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Oh so beautiful!! I would love to have these! What do I need to do to win them? WANT! big time want...

    ReplyDelete
  4. AimeeJuly 29, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    That's gorgeous yarn, thanks for the comp :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. JoJuly 29, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    That linen yarn looks divine! I'd love to win, fingers & needles crossed ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Catie_JJuly 29, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Wow what gorgeous yarn! Joseph looks so genuinely happy to have met you and so gracious. I'm off to Google the store right now!

    ReplyDelete
  7. hueiseiJuly 29, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Loves to win the yarn and book!!!
    Thanks for a chance !!!!
    Needles crossed too :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. BirlotJuly 29, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Everything crossable crossed. I love knitting with linen.

    ReplyDelete
  9. MoiaussiiJuly 29, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    That is stunning yarn. I love the first photo too. Wouldn't it be lovely to see that each day as you go about your business?
    Thanks for a great giveaway
    Moi

    moiandwal@iprimus.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  10. ChristyJuly 29, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    I'm in! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. KeelyJuly 29, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Ooh, that yarn shop is droolworthy. I know someone who'd love the yarn.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJuly 29, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Oh my! It took me 7, yes SEVEN, years to knit a scarf and it wasn't a terribly long scarf either... Yet seeing photos of such a beautiful shop has made me want to start knitting again.

    Thanks,

    Melina
    m.glasson@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au

    ReplyDelete
  13. JenniJuly 29, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    The yarn looks beautiful. Love the colour and your photos of the shop as well. Would love to get some of this into my needles.

    ReplyDelete
  14. WendyJuly 29, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    How gorgeous is that yarn and the shop looks just as gorgeous!!
    My mum died 2 years ago - very quickly after a brain tumour was diagnosed
    She was a great knitter and I wasnt fussed about knitting till she died and then I took to knitting in a huge way - in a funny way I feel close to her - somehow I have become my dear mum!!
    I would love the prize and so would she if she was still with me
    - I love your blog!!
    wendy
    wendyemorris@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. ZerlinaJuly 29, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    What's not to love? Linen and in a steel gray colourway? Count me in!
    By the way, I LOVE your blog!

    Zerlina
    zervansicks@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Maria (viola33)July 29, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Wow! I've just started following your blog a couple of days a go and voila, here is a giveaway and I can participate!I started making plans for autumn knitting recently and this steel grey yarn is exactly what I need :)). I would love to win this beautiful yarn and the book (though I know, I never win in lotteries :().

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jody PearlJuly 29, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Gorgeous - looooove the colour and can only imagine how divine it would feel!
    Funny I've a Give Away going at the moment too!

    ReplyDelete
  18. AmyJuly 29, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Oh, that yarn looks lovely. My challenge this year is to learn to knit properly (not just garter stitch) and I reckon this might be just the thing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. SuellenJuly 29, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Collette, totally envious of your buying fabric trip. Will look forward to the new fabrics. Would love to knit with the Italian linen - dreamy.

    ReplyDelete
  20. CatherineJuly 29, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Count me out because I don't knit but I just had comment how lovely that yarn is! Linen yarn, well well.

    ReplyDelete
  21. BelindaJuly 29, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    ooh yes please! I have just learned to knit and now I can't stop! And linen yarn - oh my.

    ReplyDelete
  22. CamilaJuly 29, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    that yarn looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. RosanneJuly 29, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    That Steel Grey is soooo sophisticated, I'm sure I could knit something fabulous and then sew something fabulous to go with it...hmmmm say a nice loose fit Linen Jumper with a fabulous half circle soft grey satin skirt or a pair of wonderful soft grey wide leg linen pants.....lush!!!

    Rosanne

    rosanne.ewing@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. LELJuly 29, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    One of my favourite blogs now combines two of my favourite things, fabric and yarn. I'm always looking for lovely yarn, often online. The linen yarn and pattern book look perfect for Sydney's climate and style, I'd love the chance to knit it up - fabulous opportunity, thank you. On another tack, can't wait to see the new fabrics!

    LEL
    lholgerssonultimo@yahoo.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  25. KimberleyJuly 29, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    I am liking this foray into knitting, what a gorgeous yarn store xox

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousJuly 29, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    What a fabulous give away. I'd love to enter. The Greeks are very into their knitting, aren't they? I wonder what the cultural history is behind this.

    ReplyDelete
  27. StaceyJuly 29, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    The store looks lovely, look at all that yarn! I would love to win, thanks for the chance. Hope the jetlag has gone!

    ReplyDelete
  28. living-in-an-atticJuly 29, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    yummy steel grey linen, come to me!

    ReplyDelete
  29. PurpleMumJuly 29, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    How wonderful, a third generation family owned business like this. i hope it makes it to the fourth generation. And what Gorgeous yarn. I would love a chance to work with it, i'm glad you brought it home!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousJuly 29, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    This is so beautiful! I want to send this to my mother - but selfishly, because she is so much a better knitter/crocheter than me, and she's very generous!

    Katharine
    katharineb[at]hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. susanJuly 29, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    My late father-in-law was posted to Athens in the late 1950s. When he drove around Greece on official business, people would cheer when they saw the Australian flag in thanks for supporting the Greeks in the battle for Crete in WW11. They are, as you say, wonderful people with the best hospitality. I can see that linen with a greek key border on an Interweave shell!

    ReplyDelete
  32. GaussJuly 29, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Very beautiful and modern. Linen is one of my favorite fibers to work with, and this looks like a great yarn. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  33. HeleneJuly 29, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    oh wow! all my favorite elements! grey, linen, yarn. I'm swooning. and I've bookmarked Mallia Sakalak as a "must visit" location. Well at least on Flickr, since unfortunately, as much as I wish I could, I don't see a trip to Greece in my near future. The shop looks so beautiful! Than you for the oh-so-generous giveaway! Lucky person who'll win it.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Stitching At Stone CottageJuly 30, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    welcome home....gorgeous yarns...

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnniinBCJuly 30, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    Oh Yah, you betcha! Love linen, love grey, love give-a-ways.

    ReplyDelete
  36. lizJuly 30, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    How lovely. Linen yarn sounds a much more sophisticated project than the retro tea cosy I've just finished! Thank you for the giveaway and a great blog.

    ReplyDelete
  37. MargaretJuly 30, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Don't enter me in the competition, I haven't resumed knitting yet! However, wanted to say welcome home and can't wait to see the fabric from Italy and germany - yipppeee. Looking forward to seeing you soon

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousJuly 30, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Wow, the yarn looks gorgeous, and I love the photos of the Athens yarn shop.

    ReplyDelete
  39. SharonJuly 30, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Oh that yarn looks divine and would love to knit one of the patterns in that wonderful book.

    ReplyDelete
  40. lupinbunnyJuly 30, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Oooo... linen is one of mt favourite fibres. I've never knit with it before. But that grey is just my colour...

    ReplyDelete
  41. rubyslippers_86July 30, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    the yarn looks gorgeous with that Liberty Bourton red!
    What a beautiful little store, lucky you getting to visit these amazing little spots, All in the name of work :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. LouJuly 30, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    Agree with Margaret... I cant wait to see (and wear... :) ) your new Italian fabrics too! And looking forward to seeing the ones from Germany too! As I am sure they are exquisite! They cant come onto the online site quick enough!! :)
    How can you bear to part with such gorgeous yarn?? Such a generous giveaway and an absolutely fabulous color too....and linen !!! Just perfect for NQ..:) That Lino Pattern book is simply amazing and how wonderful of Joseph to include it..!
    Now Joseph's shop is just gorgeous!! How could you feel anything but Happy in there??? Was it hard to leave?? Surrounded by so much fabulous colour and texture!!It makes you feel happy just browsing the pics... so thanks for sharing... Does this mean Tessuti might consider stocking Lino Yarns and Patterns??? (needles crossed....) As I see there is no Aus. stockist?? ... yet... lol...
    Hope you are having a great weekend!
    Lou x

    ReplyDelete
  43. LouJuly 30, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    Ooops .. Lino / Lang... Almost the same... lol!

    ReplyDelete
  44. MelindaJuly 30, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    That looks fantastic. I LOVE knitting and especially love grey knitted garments. Please include me in the giveaway :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. CarmenJuly 30, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Yes please! What a beautiful grey!

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousJuly 30, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Looks glorious! I can only hope and pray!

    Cheers
    Sophia x

    ReplyDelete
  47. RosaJuly 30, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    love love love the colour. thank you for the opportunity to win these goodies :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. BrigitaJuly 30, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    I love the color of the yarn. Count me in. :-)

    Brigita

    ReplyDelete
  49. KirstieJuly 30, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Oooh, could I be included. Thanks for the opportunity. The yarn looks fabulous!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Star specklesJuly 30, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    That's gorgeous, very envious of your trip (though I'm sure it's not all fun)!

    ReplyDelete
  51. FionaJuly 30, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Oh wow! 10 balls of gorgeous grey!
    I love to knit as much as I love to sew.
    I'm itching to get that yarn on the needles to make a drapey wrap cardigan that will be perfect heading into Spring.
    Looks like you had a fantastic trip and looking forward to seeing the spoils online.
    Thanks for the competition!

    ReplyDelete
  52. JosephineJuly 30, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    What a lovely present to bring home from you travels. Please count me in. Can't wait to see the new fabrics in the shop.

    ReplyDelete
  53. KylieJuly 30, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Can't wait to see the new fabric and that yarn looks beautiful. Knitting has been my new happy place!

    ReplyDelete
  54. JessJuly 30, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    You always have such fantastic giveaways! Thanks for always thinking of your readers.

    ReplyDelete
  55. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    Ohh lovely. I love knitting with linen as it's much more wearable in the NQ climate. Fingers crossed!

    Josie
    (lareina.cahill@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  56. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 3:33 AM

    I love linen and knitting. Thanks for the giveaway. Patti
    pbirvin@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. crazyjaneJuly 31, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    What a fab giveaway, just found your website, and i love it, please include me for this givaway , thank you

    ReplyDelete
  58. Bird BathJuly 31, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    oh, lovely yarn and the colour is superb! I should be so lucky. Thanks for the look in - what a dreamy yarn shop. fingers crossed.

    ReplyDelete
  59. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    What beautiful yarn! And such a beautiful colour!

    Jen (milty.joe@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  60. GenkiJuly 31, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    That yarn store looks amazing! I'd love to win that yarn, it is such a gorgeous colour.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Gay McDonellJuly 31, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    What a lovely yarn store!

    ReplyDelete
  62. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    I would love to knit this up into something cozy!

    carolyn.deane@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. JanoJuly 31, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    Wow that is stunning, perfect timing. I'd love to win so I have something to keep my hands occupied while feeding my new baby.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Ms TJuly 31, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Oh I just love the look of the linen. It is the one fibre I haven't knit with. With spring fast approaching I would love a spring yarn to knit with so that I don't have to go into knitting withdrawal.
    My needles are crossed and waiting in anticipation.

    ReplyDelete
  65. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Can't wait to see your new fabric's collection!!!
    This sensational linen would chill me a bit, busy with knitting :)
    An.

    emol@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. lorraineAugust 1, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    what a fantastic yarn store..looks like heaven! i would love to win this! i adore lang yarn..thanks! raineoc@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. RutaAugust 1, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    This is a very beautiful yarn! Love it!
    And the book, too. I want to win!
    Very kind of You!
    Compliments about Your blog, best regards.

    ReplyDelete
  68. RebeccaHowardAugust 1, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    I love the colour of that yarn. I would check out the included book before I decide what to make. Thanks for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  69. BohdanaAugust 1, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Wow how lovely that yarn is!
    I think I'd make a light shawl, similar to the cover of the book, my first full garmet, non-tea cosy!
    Dana.szydlik@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. passionaAugust 1, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    thanks for sharing the spoils of the buying trip!

    ReplyDelete
  71. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    That yarn store looks amazing!

    Needles Crossed!

    (julie6458@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  72. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Knit Purl, knit purl,
    That yarn would look wonderful
    On this girl.

    acoates51@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Wow,such beautiful yarn, love the colour. And the patterns, 70 styles, that is fabulous. Could not resist the temptation, got to give it a go and try my luck.


    Queenie

    ReplyDelete
  74. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Wow thank you for opening my eyes to such beautiful things, your trip and the lovely wool and patterns delightful. What a splendid treat!
    Ann-Maree annmaree_hanratty@yahoo.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  75. UnknownAugust 1, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    That yarn looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  76. ~ Kim ~August 2, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Gorgeous yarn. I have many littlies to knit for and it would be a perfect excuse to start knitting again. So thoughtful. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Raija ChapmanAugust 2, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    I could quite happily LIVE in a knitting store! I love sewing but can always be swayed back to knitting especially when there are new patterns around, thanks for an inspiring and informative post :-)

    ReplyDelete
  78. RenateAugust 2, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    I so love the grey yarn! Just stylish and what a girl wants! Thanks for the give away
    Renate (leibmann@westnet.com.au)

    ReplyDelete
  79. HannahAugust 3, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    What lovely wool - and what a fabulous shop - I suspect I would need an extra suitcase were I to visit!

    Thanks for the giveaway

    Hannah

    ReplyDelete
  80. ChristineAugust 3, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Grey and Melbourne. What a winning combo. And the Greek connection. We have the largest population of Greeks living in Melbourne than anywhere except, well, Greece. I would love to knit something in this beautiful yarn. Maybe something with a Greek connection. Can't think what at this stage.

    Hope the jury duty did not involve a fashion crime! Sorry, stupid, but could not resist.

    ReplyDelete
  81. annaAugust 3, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    With so many lovely yarns and patterns on the market now, you can see why knitting is back in vogue. Thank you for the opportunity to win such a great prize.

    ReplyDelete
  82. AnonymousAugust 3, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Beautiful pictures of the wool shop, and what glorious grey linen yarn. Thanks for the chance to enter the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Julie'smusingsNovember 3, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    Staying with family who live near Athens, always wanted to find a knitting shop here!!! Hoping to find it on Tuesday when we go into Athens to explore! Thanks for this!

    ReplyDelete