Welcome to the first episode of the Yarn Ambassador Podblog - a showcase for independent Yarn Dyers of the UK. This month the spotlight falls on Debbie from Down Sheepy Lane.

I was lucky enough to meet with Debbie a couple of weeks ago and we ate glorious home-made cake, chatted about Down Sheepy Lane, and bonded over a mutual yarn sniffing habit. You can watch the interview and hear from Debbie about her journey to yarn dying in the podcast below:

I first stumbled across Down Sheepy Lane in January when I found one her Roald Dahl inspired Sock Kits - The BFG. I thought the kits were amazingly good value (a project bag, 100g sock yarn or 5 x 20g minis, themed stitch markers and a postcard for £30) and the Quentin Blake illustrations and Debbie's interpretations of the stories into yarn gave me that 'sleeping in your childhood bed' feeling and I was hooked. After that came Mathilda, George's Marvelous Medicine, James and the Giant Peach and the final kit (in her shop now) is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

And then came the Game of Thrones inspired sets and I basically should have just set up a direct debit there and then. Whether you watch Game of Thrones or not.. it really doesn't matter - this is a sumptuous, rich and vivid collection. Roughly each month Debbie released five colourways of a different 'House'. First up was House Stark - strong, down to earth and proud: Sansa, Ned Stark's Bastard, The Night's Watch, Ayra and the Red Wedding. I went a bit funny when I saw the Ayra colourway and snapped up enough to make a jumper. And what a joy that was. I cast on the Pavement Sweater by Vera Valimaki and it was a natural combination of yarn and pattern. The deep gold, green and brown/blacks created a wonderful tonal jumper and the high-twist merino-nylon gave it a wonderful drape. I've barely been out of it since. It was my first ever sock-weight sweater and it felt as easy as pie.

Then there was House Lannister - regal, rich and perfectly conceived. Kingslayer, Cersei, The Imp, Wildfire and The Pie is Dry (Joffrey!). My favourite of these was The Imp - a deep burgundy that looked like it had been sloshed in red wine (though Debbie assures me it took a bit more than that though doesn't promise some wasn't consumed in the process).

The the bright and vivid colourways of House Targaryen: Khaleesi, My Sun and Stars, Blood and Fire, Moon of my Life and Bring me my Dragons.

Debbie has started a Sheepy Lane Thrones Knit Along that is now running until August. You can find all the details on her Ravelry Page (see below)

Debbie has several bases:

Sturdy sock- 75% Bluefaced Leicester, 25% nylon blend (100g/425m /4ply)
Sparkle sock Silver stellina/merino/nylon (100g/400m/4ply)
Glimmer sock - Gold stellina/merino/nylon 100g/400m/4ply
Comfy sock - 80% Merino, 20% nylon blend with a high twist 100g/365m/4ply
Opulent Sock - 70% baby alpaca, 20% silk , 10% cashmere, 100g/400m

For me the High Twist Comfy sock is a brilliant all rounder - for socks, shawls, garments and it has brilliant stitch definition. I didn't dare try the Opulent in case I never resurfaced.

Click on the images below for a mini showcase of Debbie's colourways and bases:

Debbie is a relatively new kid on the block when it comes to dying and her Etsy shop has been going less than a year. But from the quality of the yarn and her dyes and the way she looks after her shop, you'd never know. It's like she's been doing this for years. Getting a parcel from Debbie is an absolute joy and it's no lie to say that some of the packages have been packed with more care and attention than some of my Christmas presents...

And we have two treats for you! Firstly Debbie is offering all Yarn Ambassador readers and viewers a 10% discount in her Etsy shop until 30th June (details below) and I am hosting a giveaway. Pop over to the Yarn Ambassador PodBlog group on Ravelry to see how you can enter to win a set of Down Sheepy Lane Mini Skeins - perfect for a scrappy blanket or contrasting heels and toes.

I hope you've enjoyed this showcase of Down Sheepy Lane, are maybe inspired to check out her yarns and if you see Debbie at a yarn festival be sure to say hello to her. She is super lovely.

Details:

Instagram @downsheepylane

Ravelry: Down Sheepy Lane and her group is http://www.ravelry.com/groups/down-sheepy-lane (where you'll find details of the Game of Thrones Kal

Email: downsheepylane@gmail.com

Shop: downsheepylane.etsy.com (10% off till 30th July with code: SHEEPYPODBLOG*)

NB1 Both Debbie and I were rather nervous so please take that into account!

NB2. This is an entirely independent Podblog - I'm so pleased Debbie got involved but none of this has been influenced by her. I just am that excited by her yarns..

NB3. If you are interested in having your work showcased then please drop me an email!

*this has been updated and the discount extended to end of July!