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Sunday, October 2, 2011
Comic 958: Evil Contains The Seeds Of Its Own Destruction
[Comic title: Hotels; alt text: 'Rating: 1/5. Room filled to brim with semen, and when front desk clerk opened mouth to talk, bedbugs poured out.']
This is probably the closest we've gotten to Black Hat Guy behaving in what one would call the "classic" manner if one were completely insufferable. Antisocial self-interest! Randy finally remembered!
Of course, this being a day of the week, Randy's comic is full of problems. Some astute (ha ha ha) commenter pointed out in the previous thread that the inclusion of a script to post negative reviews seems counterintuitive at best. First, it somehow knows when he's staying at hotels, and it automatically assumes he'll like it. But then, since he dislikes hotels sometimes, he often has to go and manually change it. The conclusion that the aforementioned commenter came to is inescapable: the only reason the word "script" is included is so XKCD fanboys could nerdgasm over it.
Then we have panel 3. In this panel, Randy does this thing he often does where he points out the flaws in his plan, but doesn't quite seem to realize it. A single negative review won't drive anyone away from a place. It's pretty hard to find an establishment on Yelp that doesn't have at least one one-star review. Most frequently-reviewed places will have several. This doesn't have a noticeable effect on said establishment's popularity.
As Randy himself observes: "the odds of my review putting a hotel out of business are negligible." He doesn't seem to grasp that the odds of his review having any impact at all, let alone an impact significant enough that BHG is getting noticeably cheaper prices and having a noticeably easier time getting rooms, is also negligible. Perhaps if he were to employ a botnet to make hotels he likes suddenly look like roach-havens? But even then, the loss in revenues would cause a considerable hit in service quality. (Here is the part where people protest that it's just a comic and it's not supposed to make sense and where they probably suggest that I must not like (insert fantasy story here) because it has wizards in it or something. Can we just take that as said and move on?)
The rest of the comic after panel 2 is basically post-punchline dialog--not sure if he's ever done two whole panels of it before. You've got a name-drop of the tragedy of the commons to set up what I guess must be intended as a humorous exchange, and a line that you can tell Randy thought was very clever.
78 comments:
Rob, you clearly just haven't studied enough economics to find this funny.ReplyDelete
Which is to say "one introductory first year course and no more"
- AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 1:34 PM
I do, however, like "The Tragedy of You're A Dick." That's a nice joke. Simple and completely silly, but nice.
Incidentally, if you obliterate the mysteriously boxless third panel, and get rid of Black Hat's dialogue in the final panel, the comic becomes a lot more streamlined. Not good, per se, but it's all excess fat.
- AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 3:34 PM
I like how Man Who Is Not Black Hat Guy's feet dangle above the ground, like a child's. It is interesting how some one who criticizes the Monroe's idea is subtly portrayed as small and juvenile. I'm kidding, of course, I would never accuse Mr Monroe of subtlety.ReplyDelete
Sorry, Raven, after an introductory first year course you would most likely find this idiotic. Now, maybe if you read the table of contents.ReplyDelete
Who the fuck takes a course?ReplyDelete
It's called Wikipedia, guys. Come on.
Since you mentioned it, I think Randy just read some Wikipedia articles that pertained to economics and decided to do a comic about them.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 9:39 PM
We may be reaching a new BHG density record.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Rob, stop doing detailed, accurate reviews without ad hominems. Without your hate to fuel us, the comment section is uninteresting and flaccid.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 11:16 PM
You know what I miss? The Megan jokes. More Megan jokes, Rob!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 11:22 PM
More proof that Randy is racist against Czechs.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 2, 2011 at 11:50 PM
Today's joke is very funny. I can see why he couldn't wait until Christmas to use this idea.ReplyDelete
i liked today'sReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 12:44 AM
This 'Tragedy of the Commons' name-drop, as a couple of other commenters have mentioned, really smacks of Randy's habit of stumbling upon wikipedia articles on things he finds clever/interesting and then using that newfound knowledge to make a shitty webcomic about it trying to appear clever.ReplyDelete
The rest of us, however, got over these sorts of jokes after the first Intro to Political Science lecture, or after the first time we say that humorous cow-economics poster.
For someone who loves to blow the horn of science/mathematics constantly, telling us all how complex and deep it all is, he really doesn't make any effort whatsoever at applying this view to any other pursuit, so he ends up making jokes on history/political science/economics/literature at the intellectual level of a first-year common room.
I was having trouble articulating it in the post (so I didn't put it in) but I also got the impression the tragedy of the commons namedrop didn't really fit. I mean, yes, it's what he's describing, but why would you invoke that as a reason for doing what you're doing?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 12:58 AM
You wouldn't, but like everyone who discovers a new political/economic concept they find clever, Randy has thrown it in arbitrarily to show off how "knowledgeable" he is.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 1:16 AM
Let's not forget that Randy probably would invoke it as a reason for his antisocial behaviour.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 1:31 AM
Huh todays comic was good. Wasn't it? I need my opinions to be validated by this site! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 1:51 AM
Wenceslas didn't massacre anyone - he was murdered by his brother's men. (He also wasn't a king, he was Duke of Bohemia - the pope gave him the "king" title after his death). There was a King called Wenceslas, but it wasn't the same guy (and it was 200-300 years later I think)ReplyDelete
Also - seasonal much? Bring on the Easter Bunny comics.
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 2:35 AM
Well sure you can prove anything with facts!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 2:57 AM
Yeah, I checked Wikipedia and it doesn't say anything about a massacre so I guess 1:51 is right. Where did Randall get his inspiration from this time?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 4:04 AM
Wenceslas massacred increasingly-classless assholes?!ReplyDelete
Well good for him, then!
Why isn't this "even Tragedy of the Commons anymore?" It's seems like the exact same scenario as when I vaguely remember hearing it.ReplyDelete
On the other hand, I enjoyed the alt-text. Mostly because I enjoy reading stupid hyperbole for some reason.
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 5:12 AM
Tragedy of the Commons is the notion that humans are all antisocial bastards(*), incapable of practicing self-restraint for the good of the wider community and needing force from authority. It is often used as an excuse either for unfettered capitalism or a command economy, with the outcome being equally shitty in either case.ReplyDelete
Its usually being nonsense notwithstanding, it has nothing to say about fraud or misrepresentation. Anyone can break the terms of a contract or break the law and try to get away with it - the TotC is about some arrangement granting sufficient freedom that abuse is not legislated against on the basis that people will act nicely.
(*) In fact, there are only two categories which will invariably carry out abusive behaviour: (i) Internet aspies like Randall who reduce human relationships to a series of robotic rules; (ii) big businesses as government regulation becomes so weak in the hope that various sectors become "self-regulating". Most individual men and women, OTOH, are not psychopaths.
OMG DID ANYONE ELSE READ 959? I LOLLED SO HARD MY LOLS WERE LOLOLOLOLING. GOD I SPIT MILK ALL OVER MY KEYBOARD WHEN I READ THIS COMMENT AND WOKE UP MY ROOMMATE BECAUSE I WAS MASTURBATING SO LOUDLY TO THIS COMMENT. HE TOLD ME TO STOP GETTING CHEETOS ON HIS DESK AND THEN I SHOWED HIM THIS COMMENT AND WE LITERALLY LOLD TOGETHER. LOLOLO.ReplyDelete
I cry myself to sleep at night.
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 7:15 AM
the fuck are you talking about?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 7:22 AM
more like the tragedy of a shitty webcomic, AMIRITEGUYZ????ReplyDelete
- Randyll Podrick MonrowOctober 3, 2011 at 7:24 AM
This website's inhabitants argue against your final sentence. I have never seen such a group of obvious social "science" majors in my life!ReplyDelete
You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, maligning the forces of intellectualism and liberalism with your foul, unaccredited accusations. Why, I bet you couldn't even make a graph to save your life! And calling a good man like Randall an "aspie" simply because you lack the intelligence to understand the beauty of his glorious mathematical mind - have you no shame?? As Cantor's proof did to real numbers, I shall do to you, demonstrating that most of you are irrational. I mean, have you SEEN his Megan comics?! Randall is a deeply sensitive, caring individual, and I'll not stand for you dragging his name through the mud! Could a man with "limited empathy with [his] peers" (Wikipedia) make such impassioned defenses of women (http://xkcd.com/385/)? Could he touch so many people with his poignant words (http://xkcd.com/162/)? I think not!
What a den of iniquity! What vile, loathsome snakes you are! I have half a mind to send you all bobcats! But no, you are beneath me. Instead I will find solace in the milky teats of my beloved Aquarian mail-order bride; as I make love to her, knowing how much she loves it, I will rest easy in the knowledge that I am better than you all in every way possible.
I miss ALT-F :(ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Have you guys seen the latest XKCD? I'm trying to figure out if it's almost three months early, or over nine months late.ReplyDelete
- That's what sheOctober 3, 2011 at 12:19 PM
It's about 1070 years late; nobody makes King Wenceslas jokes anymore.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Why are people suggesting the latest comic is good? Because it sure isn't. More black hat guy, not doing anything particularly clever (or funny). Randall clearly heard the christmas carol, and thought 'Hmmm wouldn't it be funny if someone was singing that and someone else was like.... no he isn't good!!'ReplyDelete
This is five minutes work, if that.
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 1:42 PM
I used to think the carol went, "Good King Wences last looked out..."ReplyDelete
So, guise, what other hilarious things did you misunderstand as a child?
I always thought "ravished" and "ravaged" were the same word. The issue... really hasn't affected me yet.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 2:17 PM
@1:42 I used to think Daddy beat me because he loved me, but when I grew up I learnt he was just a drunkard.ReplyDelete
I used to think the world was a fine place, and worth the fighting for.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 3:25 PM
I nerdgasmed when you said "botnet".ReplyDelete
We don't call Rob the "cesslord" for nothing.ReplyDelete
- Floating head count #959October 4, 2011 at 6:45 AM
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 6:47 AM
/ \
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 6:47 AM
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
Latest comic is Randy going all "Lol, look how anti-social Black Hat guy is! He ruins peoples fun!" It doesn't even have anything to do with the actual King Wenceles and everything to do with "Hehe, let's be a jerk." Possibly it reflects a deeper desire to control people via destroying their expectations, but I'll refrain from going to "arm-chair" on Randy at this time. (removed and reposted due to a couple typos).ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 9:44 AM
alex u faggotReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 10:08 AM
disregard that, i'm a fishReplyDelete
flip flop flip flop
FLIP FLOPReplyDelete
GLUB GLUB SHRUG?ReplyDelete
- Penile burninationOctober 4, 2011 at 1:10 PM
More like Good King FAGceles, amirite?ReplyDelete
- Anal condensationOctober 4, 2011 at 1:13 PM
Too true, Penile. Too true.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Penile burnination = Anal condensation = Boleslav = samefagReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 4:02 PM
Good Tsar Vencislav was a true leader of the SlavsReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 5:48 PM
SHUT THE FUCK UP WITH THE SAMEFAG SHIT ANONYMOUSReplyDelete
- Penile BurninationOctober 4, 2011 at 8:28 PM
Yeah, anonymous. Shut the fuck up.ReplyDelete
- Anal CondensationOctober 4, 2011 at 8:29 PM
You tell him, Penile!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 11:48 PM
Dammit, XKCD, if I wanted shitty surrealism I'd come to xkcdsucks.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 12:03 AM
the latest one (subliminal) is actually pretty good! randy does a lot of weird comics just for the sake of being weird, but this one's off-the-wall in a good way, i think.ReplyDelete
and god help me if i ever say something like that again.
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 1:55 AM
@12:03 You either need more medication or less.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 3:30 AM
LOL SO RANDOM RANDY XDReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 4:02 AM
GOOMHR, I also saw Guy Fawkes watching Willie Mays catch a fly ball while an armored assault vehicle rolls past!!!!!!!!!ReplyDelete
960 was good. My one criticism is that my eyes were drawn to the final panel before I read the first two. That spoiled the punchline a little.ReplyDelete
My eyes were also drawn to the last panel (or what I at the time thought were 2 panels), trying to decipher their meaning, because it didn't look like Fedex logo at all. The blue one looked like some sort of a face with big round eyes, and I correctly identified the orange one as Guy Fawkes. Then I read the comic from the beginning and was like "Fedex? That's kind of a stretch". And then went on my merry way.ReplyDelete
tldr: rob is fat
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 6:11 AM
He does a lot of HAHA IT'S DRUGS punchlines for an uptight nerd imo.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 6:19 AM
I don't fucking get it. I see the word Fedex, and I see the figures the guy's talking about, but what "hidden arrow"? Am I missing something?ReplyDelete
Meh on the Subliminal one. Not awesome, not horrible. Would help if the FedEx logo looked like what he said, or if drug humor was his usual vein. Either way, it's not a horrible comic but not one that made me laugh really. It is a refreshing change of just trying to be odd without trying (unsuccessfully) to be clever.ReplyDelete
@9:44- Zing, you win the internet. I have never been hit with such an awesome power of insult as your faggot remark. If I had a heart left, my blood would be pumping out the wound you gave it.
- The word "Random" shouldn't beOctober 5, 2011 at 6:42 AM
I'm sick of fuckers saying things are random. Writing a Transformers review isn't random. Throwing darts at a poster of words and submitting those as a blog entry, that would be random.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 8:28 AM
6:42: You'll grow out of it.ReplyDelete
CAPTCHA: batati -- how random.
The FedEx logo has a hidden arrow in it: the negative space between the 'E' and the 'x' forms an arrow pointing to the right. This has associations with travel and movement, which is good because FedEx is a delivery company.ReplyDelete
In this comic strip, Randall has jokingly pretended that he can't make out this simple hidden design because he instead makes out a much more complicated one. It is implied this is because he is on drugs, which are funny. Also part of the design is a guy in a Guy Fawkes mask. This is good because Guy Fawkes masks are cool and edgy on the Internet.
Ohhh. I assumed that's what the FedEx logo actually looked like. I didn't know Randal created that himself. I guess that's pretty cool, then.ReplyDelete
Thanks, cunnilingus.
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 9:55 AM
Is EVERYONE dumb?
- Dicksmash McIroncockOctober 5, 2011 at 11:06 AM
No, just you.ReplyDelete
Captcha: ganse
Goatse's grandmother
@Jokes Explained: You actually made me laugh harder than the comic, thanks for that.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 11:45 AM
@Oct 3 1:42ReplyDelete
I actually thought those were the lyrics up until I read your post.
Guys, guys, you'll never guess what happened. I dug up Kurt Cobain's corpse and shat all over him, took pictures, and sent them to his family.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 5, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Seems appropriate.ReplyDelete
Random is the new buzzword for "I like it but can't justify it because it has no objective merit, only subjective. I feel like excluding people, but socially so"ReplyDelete
That said, if Randall could just take out the PPD about drug-use, I would like #960. Buuuut, hey. Who are we dealing with here.
- AnonymousOctober 6, 2011 at 8:14 AM
So.... do you not have a clue how scripts work? Here's a hint:ReplyDelete
ReviewHotel Good Hotelname
A script doesn't mean it's autonomous, it means he invokes it when he gets home and gives it an argument or two for what he wants to happen. You don't recreate your blog from scratch every time you want to say something different do you?
As for a single review... a lot of people specifically read the bad reviews and base their judgement on that. A single recent review that says "bed bugs" would ensure my girlfriend avoids all hotels within a 20 mile radius! Also a lot of hotels don't have hundreds or thousands of reviews. BHG is going for a small impact anyway. Is it going to make a difference to the hotel? No. Is there a slightly larger chance a room will be open next time he wants to go there? Yes.
your complaint about scripts does not actually resolve the problem with his use of scripts. sorry!ReplyDelete
i also specifically read bad reviews and base my judgment on that, which is why i am quite certain this tactic wouldn't really do anything. in order for a solitary bad review to dissuade me, it needs to make it clear that the problem is endemic to the hotel and not merely a fluke or the individual reviewer's craziness. if a large number of reviews all mention the same problem, and that problem is something that might dissuade me (as opposed to, say, 'my complimentary champagne didn't arrive fast enough'), then i will probably look elsewhere.
and again: he specifically says that there are more vacancies (plural) and lower prices next time he visits, as the result of his single review. this is highly implausible. even if he only wants a slightly higher chance of a vacancy (which is not generally a problem for people who plan their trips in advance), the increased likelihood generated by his review is so negligibly small that he would need to be staying at dozens, if not hundreds, of hotels before he actually sees a benefit of a single extra vacancy. this is assuming that every time he tries to stay at a hotel he finds no vacancy; if you take into account the fact that the odds are pretty good he'll have a vacancy if he makes reservations in advance he may never actually see the benefit--that vacancy will merely be another open room in the same hotel.
- AnonymousOctober 8, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Credit where credit is due: the alt text for 958 is the first time in a while I've literally laughed out loud at XKCD.ReplyDelete


text:
Before we get too far into the actual post, I wanted to address the content of this blog. Up to this point, Psynister's Notebook has been almost entirely about World of Warcraft. I made a few exceptions for personal posts and a couple of Rift reviews here and there, but otherwise it's all WoW all the time.
That's going to change.
I have found that I very much enjoy playing Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), and with in its current state WoW isn't exactly thrilling me. I haven't given up on WoW entirely, but I'm not too far off. If you're only a WoW player and have no interest at all in seeing posts about other games, then you're not going to be happy with me for the next few months. There's a good chance that I'm not going to put any serious play time into WoW until Mists of Pandaria, which means you aren't likely to see me blogging about WoW until then either (unless they release new heirlooms, 'cause I'm a sucker for heirlooms).
To express my official position, I don't have anything at all against WoW right now. I might not love everything about every aspect of the game, but it's done nothing but treat me well since the day I rolled my first toon. Personally, I just don't feel a lot of drive to play WoW right now. I have fun doing a lot of things there still, I'm just finding more fun with another game at the moment.
Now, back to SWTOR and on to Crew Skills.
Crew Skills are to SWTOR what Professions are to WoW. You'll see me refer to them often as professions rather than crew skills because I'm still trying to make that mental switch in my head. Just know that when I'm using either of those words/phrases I'm referring to Crew Skills.
Crew Skills are SWTOR's version of professions, and for the most part I love them. You, as the player, select three Crew Skills that your Companions will have access to. You get three, and only three. Of those three, only one of them can be a Crafting skill (you don't have to have a crafting skill, you just can't have more than one on the same character).
Crafting Skills: Armortech, Armstech, Artifice, Biochem, Cybertech and Synthweaving.
These professions all craft gear, consumables, and/or item mods. You can only have one of these per character. You don't actually craft anything yourself, your companions do all of the crafting for you. You can never do your own crew skill crafting, no matter what your character level or crew skill level happens to be. If you want to craft something, you have to have companions available to craft it for you.
While crafting, each companion can have a crafting queue of up to 5 items at a time. The number of companions you can have crafting for you is based on your level and how many companions you currently have access to. You can only have 2 companions actively "deployed" at a time until level 25. Deployed means they are either crafting or running Mission quests for you, the one you have running around with you doesn't count as being deployed. At level 25 you can send out your third, and I don't have any characters high enough to deploy a fourth yet so I can't confirm for certain when that slot opens up just yet. [Update: I've been informed via twitter than level 41 is required to deploy your forth companion.]
Gathering/Mission Skills: Archaeology, Bioanalysis, Scavenging, Slicing.
These professions are all used to gather items while you're out questing, and they can be used as mission skills to get specific types of items. Both you and your companions can gather nodes while you're out in the world(s), but only your companions can go on the Mission quest portion. With the exception of Slicing, these professions all give you the basic materials required by the crafting professions. I've heard that during beta they restricted you to a maximum of 2 gathering professions as well, but my main has Archaeology, Scavenging, and Slicing so I know that is not correct in live.
Concerning the Mission portion of this skills, refer to the last paragraph of the Crafting section up above to see the limitations of how many companions you can have actively doing missions for you at one time.
Mission-Only Skills: Diplomacy, Investigation, Treasure Hunting and Underworld Trading.
These crew skills, to my knowledge, do not have any nodes that you can gather from, and instead require Mission quests to level. These crew skills are required if you want to be able to make Blue or Purple quality gear with your crafting professions as they are the only reliable method of obtaining the rare materials required to craft them.
That last sentence isn't entirely correct since you can get the crafting mats you need for blue+ items from buying them off of the Global Trade Network (GTN), which is SWTOR's version of an auction house. If you want to be self-reliant though, you'll need to pick up a mission skill.
Refer to the last paragraph of the Crafting section up above to see the limitations on how many companions you can have actively doing missions for you at one time.
To get a visual idea of when each class gets their companions, I refer to you the chart below (click to enlarge of course) given to me by the infamous @Suzushiiro of Big Crits.
In order to help you navigate this beast of a post, you'll find links like the following to help you bounce around as needed.
|Treasure Hunting
|Underworld Trading
Perceptions of Crew Skills
A lot of players right now feel that leveling a crafting profession is a waste of time because the gear you craft doesn't compare to what you can easily obtain at level 50. There is some validity to this, though how important it is depends on who you're asking. Everyone has their own opinion about what professions should or shouldn't do, and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
The professions causing the most problem in this area are Armormech, Armstech, and Synthweaving. There's not quite so much of a stir about the ones that craft mods since they're good for leveling, but there's still some concern there since most of what you can craft is outmatched by mods you can purchase from commendation vendors in the area you're questing in. Some people like to mod their gear while others do not, so again it comes down to personal preference (at least to some degree).
Personally, I'm more interested in how my professions can help me throughout the leveling process than I am about what they do for me at end game. I don't expect a profession to give me better gear than I can get from actually playing the game, though I would certainly hope that I could craft a set of starter gear to help me get to the end game. What I do expect from my professions is that they allow me to make gear upgrades for multiple characters, and for that I think they've done a great job on the majority of them. I'm not thrilled with Armormech or Synthweaving, and Armstech isn't too far behind those, but otherwise I like where we stand overall considering the game was just released.
I also like for my professions to provide income, and I've got mixed feelings on that. I think right now the Global Trade Network (the auction house) has a horrible interface and I really don't like using it. Buying things is a pain, and selling things can be a nightmare (especially if you're trying to sell several stacks of mats that you want broken down into smaller sizes). Since I'm not willing to spend a great deal of time at the GTN in order to sell all of my goods, my primary source of income is the Slicing skill.
Slicing got a recent nerf that made the Mission portion of the profession much more hit and miss and slimmed down the profit margins of the top 2-3 tiers worth of missions. However, they also increased the amount of credits you got from the gathering portion of this crew skill by almost 100%. While it's not quite as easy to get a lot of credits at low level as it was prior to that nerf, this still gives us an option for earning a steady amount of credits while leveling without having to go through the potential hassles of playing the auction house.
Matching Crew Skills to Class Choice
Typically, people like to choose the professions that match their character class or the concept of their character. You'll often see tanks who like to build their own armor for example, or altoholics who like professions that can benefit all classes like one that makes potions or enchants gear to make it better, or you may find a PvP oriented character who goes for the profession that offers him the most versatile or surprising options.
What you don't often see is people taking professions that completely conflict with their character, such as a WoW Paladin having Tailoring back before they gave professions bonuses that impacted game play (I did that). That's the basis for this section of the post; which classes match which crew skills the best.
Armormech (Crafting)
Linked Gathering Skill: Scavenging
Linked Mission Skill: Underworld Trading
Primary Classes: Trooper, Smuggler, Bounty Hunter, Imperial Agent
Mods Produced: None
Armormechs make Medium and Heavy armor for the tech-based classes (those that use Aim and Cunning). The only benefit you get from this as a Force using class is being able to make gear for your non-Force Companions. Armormechs do not make any type of mods for gear, though they can make gear that can be modded. In that way Armormech can be utilized by Force using classes to make the blank armor and then fill the slots with applicable mods, but this type of armor is the exception rather than the norm.
There's not a whole lot more that can be said about this profession. You build armor for tech users and that's about it.
Armstech (Crafting)
Linked Gathering Skill: Scavenging
Linked Mission Skill: Investigation
Primary Classes: Trooper, Smuggler, Bounty Hunter, Imperial Agent
Mods Produced: Barrels (Tech classes only)
Armstechs make all form of blaster-style weapons and Barrel mods for them. Force classes do not use blaster weapons and Barrels work only in blasters. That being the case, this definitely isn't your optimum choice if you're not playing one of the classes listed above. As with Armormech, the only benefit you get form this as a Force user is being able to make weapons for your non-Force companions.
While Armstech does build Barrel Mods, that mod slot is only used by Tech classes (or Tech companions).
Artifice (Crafting)
Linked Gathering Skill: Archaeology
Linked Mission Skill: Treasure Hunting
Primary Classes: All
Mods Produced: Color Crystals (all classes), Enhancement (all classes), Hilts (Force classes only)
This one skill is the reason why I decided to write this post in the first place. Literally every guide I've seen written regarding crew skills lists this as being a Force class profession and that it builds "lightsaber color crystals". Let me fix their faulty information for you right now.
The Artifice crew skill makes 4 things: Color Crystals, Hilts, Generator/Focus, and Enhancement mods.
Of those four things, three of them are used by every class in the game. The only Force-specific items that they build are Hilt mods. Unlike Armormech and Armstech where there's virtually no reason for a Force-user to take them, the presence of Hilts is in no way a reason for Tech classes to avoid this profession.
Color Crystals are used in both Lightsabers and all forms of Blaster weapons, meaning they're great for every class in the game. Hilt mods are only used by Force classes which does restrict their usefulness a bit. Generators and Focuses are used by all classes as well. Enhancement mods are also used by every class, and are used in both weapons as well as armor making them one of the more versatile mods out there.
Biochem (Crafting)
Linked Gathering Skill: Bioanalysis
Linked Mission Skill: Diplomacy
Primary Classes: All
Mods Produced: None
If you were to relate Biochem to World of Warcraft, you'd end up with a mix of Alchemy and Inscription. Overall Biochem is tied with Cybertech as the single most versatile crafting profession in the game. Biochem makes Stims (similar to Scrolls, Battle/Guardian Elixers, or Flasks in WoW), Adrenals (similar to short-term buff potions in WoW), Medpacs (similar to health potions in WoW), and Implants (roughly equivalent to the Relic slot in WoW).
Biochem is a great fit for every class since everything it can build can be tailored to your class, your companions, and your situation. If you rely on a companion for soloing but your companion is always dying and you have no means to heal them, Biochem gives you medpacs that heal both you and your companion. If you like buffing yourself with Stims but hate how many credits you waste because the effect wears off when you die and you need to apply another one, Biochem has you covered with reusable stims.
From my experience with Biochem (my first profession), I wouldn't hesitate to say it's the best crew skill to take for the solo leveler. It isn't going to make you rich by any means, and it's quite capable of making you broke if you're going to chase down every schematic out there, but it's also going to give you more lasting benefits and more survivability than any other profession. With reusable medpacs providing heals every minute, stims that persist through death, medpacs that heal both you and your companion and apply an additional heal over time effect for you both – it's just hard to beat this for the solo player.
Biochem also has another neat little feature that most other crafting professions do not, which is that the majority of the items you make are able to stack. That's not just good for saving your inventory space though. Another benefit of stacking is that you can Reverse Engineer an entire stack with a single click. This makes getting new patterns faster and easier as you can craft stacks of 3, 5, 7, 10, etc and then RE the whole thing to get the full amount of mats back and an equal number of chances to roll for that new pattern.
Cybertech (Crafting)
Linked Gathering Skill: Scavenging
Linked Mission Skill: Underworld Trading
Primary Classes: All
Mods Produced: Armoring (all classes), Mod (all classes)
Cybertech is the odd duck of the crafting world, similar to Engineering in WoW. It's useful for all classes and offers the pieces of gear that don't necessarily fit into the other crafting categories such as Droid armor, Earpieces, Starship equipment, and explosives.
Cybertech is the sole source of craftable Armoring mods as well as Mod mods (I really wish they would have called Mods something else, like Modular, so we didn't have mod-mods). Both of these mods are used by every class.
The explosives are similar to the explosives from WoW's Engineering profession. All of them have a secondary ability (I believe) so that in addition to dealing AoE damage you'll also Stun, Slow, Root, or apply a Fire damage over time effect to those within the blast radius. Explosives are great for leveling any class whether you're using them for the added damage or for their crowd control effects, and with SWTOR's enemy NPC's almost always being in groups of 2-5, having AoE damage on demand is pretty nice.
Synthweaving (Crafting)
Linked Gathering Skill: Archaeology
Linked Mission Skill: Underworld Trading
Primary Classes: Jedi Consular, Jedi Knight, Sith Inquisitor, Sith Warrior
Mods Produced: None
Synthweaving is the Force users' version of Armormech. You make gear with Willpower and Strength which are used by Force classes and that's about it. Synthweaving does not make any type of mods, though it does make gear that can accept mods.
As with Armormech, I would not suggest using this skill on a class that cannot directly benefit from it, though there's certainly nothing wrong being a Tech Synthweaver if that's what you're really into. Synthweaving is SWTOR's Tailoring except that it can't increase your inventory with bigger bags, nor does it provide any direct benefit to non-Force users save crafting gear for the odd companion.
Gathering Crew Skill Special Notes
For the most part, gathering professions are pretty straight forward. While you're running around the world you'll come across gathering nodes that allow you or your companion to gather items related to your chosen skills. You also have the option of sending your companions on mission quests that will both increase your skill and give you varying amounts of materials.
When you're killing monsters or NPC's out in the various worlds and you see one with an icon of some type beside their name, there's likely a chance that you can also farm the mob with a relevant gathering skill after the corpse has been looted (unless it's a humanoid). For example, most Droids can be farmed with Scavenging and most beasts can be farmed with Bioanalysis. I haven't found a farmable enemy that gives Archaeology nodes when you kill them, but I would be surprised if they don't exist somewhere. I haven't seen a Slicing node mob yet either, though I don't expect them to exist with the nature of Slicing.
Archaeology (Gathering)
Linked Crafting Skills: Artifice and Synthweaving
Archaeology is useful for gathering Color Crystals, Artifact Fragments, and Power Crystals. Of those three materials color crystals are used only by Artificers, where artifact fragments and power crystals are used by both Artificers and Synthweavers.
When doing Mission quests with Archaeology you can also find each tier's vendor material. Each tier of crafting has at least one white quality item that you can purchase form a vendor and will be used in at least some of the patterns for your skill range. Running missions for these vendor items saves you an average of 10% credit cost compared to just purchasing them from a vendor. If you have companions with +Critical to the this skill then you can occasionally proc additional mats and save significantly more credits.
Bioanalysis (Gathering)
Linked Crafting Skill: Biochem
Bioanalysis is somewhat unique because it's the only gathering profession that has only one crafting profession that utilizes it (Biochem). Gathering nodes will yield all kinds of biochemical samples and compounds used to craft biochemical items; all of which are used in Biochem. You will often find the corpses of beasts that you kill allow you to use Bioanalysis on their corpses after you loot them.
When doing Mission quests with Bioanalysis you can also find each tier's vendor material. Each tier of crafting has at least one white quality item that you can purchase form a vendor and will be used in at least some of the patterns for your skill range. Running missions for these vendor items saves you an average of 10% credit cost compared to just purchasing them from a vendor. If you have companions with +Critical to the this skill then you can occasionally proc additional mats and save significantly more credits.
Scavenging (Gathering)
Linked Crafting Skills: Armormech, Armstech, Cybertech
Scavenging is the most widely used gathering skill of them all as it has three crafting professions that it feeds (see above). Gathering nodes appear around the worlds and your primary source of kill farming comes in the form of Droid "corpses".
When doing Mission quests with Scavenging you can also find each tier's vendor material. Each tier of crafting has at least one white quality item that you can purchase form a vendor and will be used in at least some of the patterns for your skill range. Running missions for these vendor items saves you an average of 10% credit cost compared to just purchasing them from a vendor. If you have companions with +Critical to the this skill then you can occasionally proc additional mats and save significantly more credits.
Slicing (Gathering)
Linked Crafting Skills: None
Slicing is the king of odd ducks in the gathering world because it has no related crafting or mission skills at all (except itself). Slicing allows you to farm various lockboxes while you're out in the world, which will contain credits.
Another thing that sets Slicing apart from the other gathering skills is that it has the chance to proc additional goodies when you're farming nodes or doing Slicing missions. Slicing procs include special Mission quests for every gathering/mission crew skill (including itself) which take significantly more time but also return significantly higher or larger quantity rewards, Cybertech crafting schematics for Ship items and vehicles, and additional lockboxes with even more credits. You can get multiple procs for each mission/gather as well. The best I've gotten so far is the base lockbox that gave me 140% profit above the cost of the mission itself along with two purple mission quests.
And in case Slicing wasn't already unique enough for you, it also has a unique Mission reward. Slicing missions come in two varieties: lockboxes and augments. Lockboxes work just like the gathering version I just described in the paragraph above. Augments are a special type of item mod that comes only from Slicing (and quest rewards and such). Augment slots often appear in crafted gear that, when made, is made critically so that it comes out as an Exceptional version of the item which will have all of the same stats but include an Augment mod slot as well. I believe there are some higher level pieces of gear that come with Augment slots already, but for leveling I think only the Exceptional crafted pieces will have the slot.
Mission Crew Skill Special Notes
Mission skills are an interesting addition to the professions world to me, as someone who has MMO experience only in WoW. Mission skills require you to send your companions away for a period of time to complete a quest that gives you certain rewards. There are no nodes for you to gather from and no other way to level these than sending your companions off and burning the credits it costs to do so.
Mission Skills are the only means (other than the Global Trade Network) of obtaining blue and purple quality crafting mats which are required to craft all non-green patterns for the crafting professions. If you want to be able to craft everything with your crafting skills you MUST have the linked mission skill unless you're willing to spend the credits buying them off of the GTN; there's no other way around it.
If you're just starting out, be careful about sending your companions out on too many mission skills as it's very easy to find yourself nearing level 25 about to buy your first mount (40,000 credits) only to find you only have 4,000 credits to your name. I made that mistake on my first character with Biochem/Bioanalysis/Diplomacy as I was crafting like a fiend right up until I found myself broke as a joke.
NOTE: ALL mission skills give you an option to farm Companion Gifts. I'm going to say that here and now so that I don't have to bother repeating myself on every listing below.
Diplomacy (Mission)
Linked Crafting Skills: Biochem
Diplomacy is a really cool mission skill because it offers you something beyond just simple mats and companion gifts. Each Diplomacy mission also comes with a Light or Dark rating and running that mission will result in you gaining those Light/Dark points. If you're really looking to maximize your Light/Dark standing in game then this is your ticket.
Diplomacy missions typically return either Companion Gifts or Medical Samples which are used in high quality Biochem recipes. Diplomacy can also proc the occasional Synthweaving Schematic from what I've read, though I never saw that in my own experience and I'm not currently playing any of my Diplomacy alts to test that for you.
Investigation (Mission)
Linked Crafting Skills: Armstech
Investigation is the mission skill of the Armstech world, allowing you to research new and improved ways of shooting things in the face. It's considered to be the Tech user's mission skill because it ties well into the Armstech and Armormech crafting skills by providing mats and/or schematics for the two.
Investigation missions allow you to find rare metals used in Armstech, and occasionally you will also find schematics for Armormech, Armstech, and Synthweaving.
Treasure Hunting (Mission)
Linked Crafting Skills: Artifice and Synthweaving
Treasure Hunting is the Force user's version of Investigation, and provides the rare mats required for blue+ schematics in Artifice and Synthweaving.
Treasure Hunting missions also have a chance to proc schematics for Armstech, Cybertech, and Artifice.
Underworld Trading (Mission)
Linked Crafting Skills: Armormech and Cybertech
Underworld Trading is the Chex Mix™ of mission skills. While it only provides materials for Armormech and Cybertech, the missions skills have a chance to proc schematics for every crafting profession in the game.
If you want to make money by selling schematics on the GTN, then this is one of your best options because it has such a large array of schematics to pull from. It's also the only way to get additional Biochem schematics outside of vendor training and reverse engineering.
Companion Efficiency and Critical Bonuses
The section above goes over which crew skills match up with which classes from the standpoint of who will use what that skill is capable of making. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that those classes will be the best ones at using those skills. So in this section we're going to look at optimizing your skills based on which companions are available to each class.
I know some of you out there don't really care how a profession relates to a character, you just want access to a certain profession and you happen to have a character to stick it on so away you go. If you don't care that our Force user can only build Tech items as long as you get some kind of bonus for doing so as that Force user, then this is where you find out what your best options are.
The following values are brought to you by the swtor-spy.com companions database with the assumption that "Research" actually refers to Investigation.
|Efficiency Bonus by Crew Skill
|Crit Bonus by Crew Skill
|Bonuses By Class
|Bounty Hunter
|Imperial Agent
|Sith Inquisitor
|Sith Warrior
|Jedi Consular
|Jedi Knight
Efficiency Bonus By Crew Skill (Reduced Crafting/Mission Time)
Archaeology: Consular +15, Smuggler +10, Knight +10, Warrior +5
Armormech: Bounty Hunter +15, Smuggler +10
Armstech: Trooper +10, Knight +10, Warrior +10, Agent +10
Artifice: Inquisitor +15, Knight +10
Bioanalysis: Trooper +10, Knight +10, Inquisitor +10, Agent +5
Biochem: Agent +15, Trooper +10, Consular +5
Cybertech: Smuggler +10, Warrior +10, Agent +10, Consular +10, Trooper +5, Bounty Hunter +5
Diplomacy: Smuggler +15, Warrior +10, Consular +10, Inquisitor +10
Investigation: Consular +15, Agent +10, Trooper +10, Bounty Hunter +10, Inquisitor +5
Scavenging: Agent +10, Knight +10, Smuggler +10, Bounty Hunter +10, Warrior +10
Slicing: Bounty Hunter +15, Trooper +10, Consular +10
Synthweaving: Consular +10, Inquisitor +10
Treasure Hunting: Inquisitor +5
Underworld Trading: Smuggler +10, Bounty Hunter +10, Knight +5, Smuggler +5, Warrior +5
Critical Bonus By Crew Skill (Chance to proc extra quantity or higher quality)
Archaeology: Inquisitor +5
Armormech: Trooper +5, Agent +2
Armstech: Smuggler +5, Consular +2, Bounty Hunter +1
Bioanalysis: Smuggler +2, Bounty Hunter +2, Warrior +2
Biochem: Knight +5, Bounty Hunter +2
Diplomacy: Agent +5, Trooper +2, Consular +2
Investigation: Warrior +2
Scavenging: Trooper +5, Consular +2, Inquisitor +2
Slicing: Knight +2, Agent +2, Inquisitor +2, Smuggler +1
Synthweaving: Warrior +5, Knight +5
Treasure Hunting: Warrior +5, Smuggler +2, Bounty Hunter +2, Knight +1
Underworld Trading: Agent +2, Inquisitor +2, Consular +1, Trooper +1
By Class
Each of the following listings is grouped by bonuses that belong together if you're considering going with the full Crafting + Gathering + Mission lineup. As such you'll see a full listing of available bonuses, but if there's a bonus to Scavenging for example and they have a bonus to two or more crafting skills that use Scavenging then you will see the bonus to Scavenging listed multiple times.
Bounty Hunter:
+15 Armormech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+10 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+1 Armstech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+10 Investigation Efficiency
+2 Treasure Hunting Crit
+2 Biochem Crit
+2 Bioanalysis Crit
+5 Cybertech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+10 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+10 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+15 Slicing Efficiency
So if you're looking to maximize your potential crew skills with a Bounty Hunter you're best options are Armormech (efficiency bonuses all around), Armstech (efficiency bonuses all around), or Cybertech (efficiency bonuses all around). You have solid bonuses for Biochem as well.
Imperial Agent:
+2 Armormech Crit
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+10 Investigation Efficiency
+10 Armstech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+2 Underworld Trading Crit
+15 Biochem Efficiency
+5 Bioanalysis Efficiency
+5 Diplomacy Crit
+10 Cybertech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+2 Underworld Trading Crit
+2 Underworld Trading Crit
+2 Slicing Crit
The Imperial Agent is one of the most well rounded classes in terms of bonuses. From a maximization standpoint you should go with Armormech (crit crafting and efficient gathers), Armstech (efficient craft/gather with a crit to your rare mats mission skill), Biochem (efficient craft/gather with crit to rare mats missions), or Cybertech (also with efficient craft/gather and a crit mission for rare mats).
Jedi Consular:
+2 Scavenging Crit
+1 Underworld Trading Crit
+2 Armstech Crit
+2 Scavenging Crit
+15 Investigation Efficiency
+15 Archaeology Efficiency
+5 Biochem Efficiency
+2 Diplomacy Crit
+10 Cybertech Efficiency
+2 Scavenging Crit
+1 Underworld Trading Crit
+10 Synthweaving Efficiency
+15 Archaeology Efficiency
+1 Underworld Trading Crit
+10 Slicing Efficiency
Jedi Consulars have a decent grouping of bonuses that allow for flexibility. If you're looking to maximize then you'll want to choose Armstech (crafting/gathering crit for higher quality and larger quantity with mission efficiency), Cybertech (crafting efficiency and gathering/mission critical for extra materials), or Synthweaving (efficient crafting/gathering with mission crit for rare mats). You also have decent bonuses to Armormech and Biochem.
Jedi Knight:
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+5 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+10 Armstech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+1 Investigation Crit
+10 Artifice Efficiency
+10 Archaeology Efficiency
+5 Biochem Crit
+10 Bioanalysis Efficiency
+5 Synthweaving Crit
+5 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+2 Slicing Crit
Jedi Knights are a bit odd considering the only grouping they have full bonuses in is Armstech (craft/gather efficiency with mission crit for rare mats) which they don't use at all themselves. However, they do have a solid bonus to Armormech, Artifice, Biochem, and Synthweaving of which all but Armormech are directly usable by the Knight.
Sith Inquisitor:
+2 Scavenging Crit
+5 Investigation Efficiency
+2 Scavenging Crit
+2 Underworld Trading Crit
+15 Artifice Efficiency
+5 Archaeology Crit
+5 Treasure Hunting Efficiency
+10 Bioanalysis Efficiency
+10 Diplomacy Efficiency
+10 Synthweaving Efficiency
+5 Archaeology Crit
+5 Treasure Hunting Efficiency
+2 Slicing Crit
The Sith Inquisitor fits in right about where I would expect them to. Optimal professions are Artifice (crafting/mission efficiency and critical gathering for extra base mats) and Synthweaving (again crafting/mission efficiency and critical gathering for extra base mats). They also have a decent pairing of other crew skills allowing them some advantage as an Armormech, Armstech, or Biochem.
Sith Warrior:
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+5 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+10 Armstech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+2 Investigation Crit
+5 Archaeology Efficiency
+5 Treasure Hunting Efficiency
+2 Bioanalysis Crit
+10 Diplomacy Efficiency
+5 Synthweaving Efficiency
+5 Archaeology Efficiency
+5 Treasure Hunting Efficiency
+10 Cybertech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+5 Underworld Trading Efficiency
The Sith Warrior is pretty well off overall with their bonuses. Maximizing professions shows that Armstech (efficient crafting/gathering with critical mission for rare mats), Synthweaving (full efficiency bonuses), and Cybertech (full efficiencies) are your best options. If those don't thrill you there are still solid bonuses to Armormech, Artifice, and Bioanalysis.
+10 Armormech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+10 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+5 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+5 Armstech Crit
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+2 Treasure Hunting Crit
+2 Bioanalysis Crit
+15 Diplomacy
+10 Cybertech Efficiency
+10 Scavenging Efficiency
+10 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+5 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+10 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+5 Underworld Trading Efficiency
+1 Slicing Crit
Smugglers are unique in that they have two different companions with efficiency bonuses to Underworld Trading. That doesn't surprise me at all given the class concept, but it's odd to see something like that which is almost tailored to the class when you look at some of the other classes and their lack of relevant bonuses.
From a maximization standpoint you definitely want to shoot for using that Underworld Trading which means Armormech (full efficiency with dual mission efficiency) or Cybertech (full efficiency with dual mission efficiency). Armstech and Bioanalysis have some decent bonuses as well, and that dual UT efficiency could help with rare mats for Synthweaving as well.
+5 Armormech Crit
+5 Scavenging Crit
+1 Underworld Trading Crit
+10 Armstech Efficiency
+5 Scavenging Crit
+10 Investigation Efficiency
+10 Biochem Efficiency
+10 Bioanalysis Efficiency
+2 Diplomacy Crit
+5 Cybertech Efficiency
+5 Scavenging Crit
+1 Underworld Trading Crit
+1 Underworld Trading Crit
+10 Slicing
Troopers are another fairly well rounded class, and they fit in right about where I would expect them to on their bonuses. Optimization shows that Armormech (full crit bonuses), Armstech (crafting/mission efficiency with crit gathering for extra mats), Biochem (craft/gather efficiency with crit mission for extra rare mats), and Cybertech (efficient crafting with crit gathering/mission for extra mats).
Making the Decision That's Right For You
When it comes to crew skills in SWTOR, or professions in any other game, remember that this choice is yours to make. You can choose whatever you want and so so for whatever reasons you want. Unlike WoW, SWTOR professions do not give specific bonuses that increase your
performance stats in game, so there's no reason to worry about a +2 Aim difference between maxed Arsmtech versus maxed Biochem because such a bonus does not exist. [Update: Had that last sentence worded as "performance" which isn't actually true if you consider the explosives of Cybertech in terms of PvP since they can have a definitely impact on your performance there. Thanks to @aggrazel for pointing out the bad wording for me.]
If you want to be self reliant then you want to pick up three professions that match up together. In all cases that is 1 Craft + 1 Gather + 1 Mission, and in none of those cases is Slicing an option.
If you want to be able to make gear upgrades for all of your alts, then your best bet is to go for one that crafts mods. The top two mod crafting professions are Artifice (Hilts, Crystals, Enhancements) and Cybertech (Armoring and Mod mods).
If you want to maximize your earnings, then you definitely want Slicing (for the gathering aspect more so than mission runs). Crafting is very hit and miss and varies wildly from one server to another, so I won't make any suggestions there.
If you just want to gather, then by all means grab yourself some gathering professions and go to town. Of the four gathering professions, only three of them provide materials (the fourth being Slicing). Of those three, Scavenging is the most widely used since it feeds three professions, Archaeology next feeding two professions, and Bioanalysis last feeding only one. In some cases Scavenging will be the most lucrative because it has the highest supply and demand, while in others Bioanalysis will top the charts because it has the lowest supply and lowest demand. Archaeology is the invisible underdog since it rests right in the middle, which means there will also be times that it comes out on top as people fight over the other two.
So take what you want, and do with it what you will.
As for me? Gotta catch 'em all!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Although, with a name like Sock-a-licious, it's hard not to love. Now, sing it to this. Hehehe.
For me, it is all about the colors! Those semi-solid colors, the varying shades and depth of color that keep you interested while knitting, look gorgeous knit up, and are perfect for just about any pattern.
I'll admit. This colorway, Chateau, is probably my favorite!
But the color isn't the only reason why I love it! You know I love color, but I'm also a yarn snob. I'll admit it. My stash doesn't really lie. You all know this about me. And this yarn, with 70% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 10% Silk, and 20% Nylon, well, it feels snobby! It feels so squishy and soft just like some of my favorite sock yarns.
Color, yarn content, name I love, perfect, right? But there's more. Wait for it.
It is going to retail for just under $20 a skein, with each skein having 350 yards!! Told you I love it!
I say going to, because it has just been released by Kollage Yarns and should be hitting the stores soon (ETA: Paradise Fibers is taking pre-orders, yarn arrives next week, oh, and it is retailing there for $18.75)! One of my good friends from Sock Camp, Erica, sent me 3 skeins of Sock-a-licious!! Seriously!! Sometimes its nice to have friends who work for yarn companies!!
Best part, one of the skeins is for you!! Time for a little contest, don't you think!! I saved this gorgeous one, colorway Heather, for you guys (sorry I can't part with the Chateau!). Wouldn't it make a perfect pair of Blackberry Brambles? You don't have to knit it in Blackberry Brambles, but I will be including the pattern with the yarn!
So how can you win this yarn and the pattern? Just leave me a comment of what pattern or item you'd love to knit this with!
I'll admit, this yarn is so nice, I know I'm going to knit some type of cowl or scarflette with it too...want that pretty silk by my face!
Bonus contest.... if you rewrite the lyrics to Fergalicious (doesn't have to be the whole song) with Sock-a-licious (hehehe...because someone should, right??), you'll be entered twice! and the first five song writers will automatically win a copy of Blackberry Brambles!
Contest will run through Sunday morning at 10am.
And yes, I said she sent me 3 skeins. I couldn't wait, one skein is already wound, swatch started and everything!!
Happy Knitting!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits
108 comments:
- Knitika said...
Oooh, so pretty! Blackberry brambles would be perfect in that yarn. It just speaks of juicy berries and cool flavours in a smoothie. Mmmmm!
- May 25, 2010 at 10:19:00 AM PDT
- Kelly said...
That is gorgeous and I would love to knit blackberry brambles with it!
- May 25, 2010 at 10:22:00 AM PDT
I'm sorry, it's only sometimes good to have friends who work for yarn companies?
Do I have to knit something with that yarn? Can't I just take it to bed with me and snuggle?
- May 25, 2010 at 10:27:00 AM PDT
- Karen said...
Listen up y'all cause this is it,
The sock that I'm knittin's sockalicious.
Sockalicious—definition makes those Dotty Socks loco
They want my fiber but for now they have a photo
You can see me, you can't squeeze me
I ain't cotton, I ain't rayon
I got silk in me to tease em.
Knitters come and beg to wind me.
With apologies to will.i.am
- May 25, 2010 at 10:28:00 AM PDT
- WingedStrategos said...
That yarn looks gorgeous. I can see why you don't want to part with Chateau.
I'd knit either the Crocus Socks or the Diamonds and Cables Socks from Wendy Johnson's book Toe-Up Socks for Every Body.
- May 25, 2010 at 10:31:00 AM PDT
- Channon said...
Inquiring minds what to know which colorway made you cake it up immediately.
And I think that if I won, I'd be torn... Blackberry Brambles or some lovely little shawlette... no idea which one though.
- May 25, 2010 at 10:44:00 AM PDT
- Mya said...
Blackberry brambles would look super in this yarn. And here's my quick rewrite of the song:
Listen up y'all'cause this is it
The yarn that I'm knittin' with is delicious
Sock-A-licious composition
Make knitters go loco!
They want a pair of socks
In colors yummy like those photos
You can seed stitch or just garter
Make it easy, maybe tweedy
Thanks to Kollage yarn for releasin'
Hot sock yarn just for the season
- May 25, 2010 at 10:45:00 AM PDT
- JelliDonut said...
Sock-a-licious would be lovely for Blackberry Brambles, but I'm thinking Cotty would be just as fabulous. Thanks for the contest and sharing!
- May 25, 2010 at 10:48:00 AM PDT
- tapmouse said...
OMG-simply gorgeous! And such the IrishGirlie colors!
- May 25, 2010 at 10:55:00 AM PDT
- Playin' Hookie said...
Blackberry Brambles gets my vote, too. Very interested to try this yarn.
- May 25, 2010 at 11:02:00 AM PDT
- Chantel said...
I love them! If I didn't use the Blackberry Brambles I think I would knit up these Raspberry Swirl Socks! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/raspberry-swirl-socks
- May 25, 2010 at 11:08:00 AM PDT
If I had a sweaters worth, it would probably be a Featherlight Cardi. Otherwise, probably something lace!
- May 25, 2010 at 11:12:00 AM PDT
- Anna said...
I think it wants to be a Milkweed Shawl.
- May 25, 2010 at 11:12:00 AM PDT
- Emily said...
Oooh! Very pretty! And I love the under $20 part! Since I'm just about done with my first pair of Blackberry Brambles, I think I'd try Cotty with it- I've never knit them in a semi-solid before :)
- May 25, 2010 at 11:21:00 AM PDT
- Madeleine Fitzgerald said...
Definitely Dotty socks!
- May 25, 2010 at 11:45:00 AM PDT
- Jennifer said...
Not brave enough for socks yet. But a shawlette would be nice. Simple Things?
- May 25, 2010 at 12:01:00 PM PDT
- Jennifer said...
Ooo! I would knit Cookie A.'s Kai-Mei! Wouldn't that look outstanding!
Jen H. (Ravelry: jenbrook96)
- May 25, 2010 at 12:08:00 PM PDT
- gaylen said...
Oh - Woodelves. I think. I really love the chateau colorway. But I want to know which color way demanded to be knit right now! g
- May 25, 2010 at 12:10:00 PM PDT
- Katie said...
I would love to knit Blackberry Brambles wit that yarn!
- May 25, 2010 at 12:18:00 PM PDT
- JelliDonut said...
I'm Jelli-licious and I'm knittin' so fine
Saw Sock-a-licious
Need to make that yarn mine
If I'm knittin' or I'm bloggin'
Now, it doesn't really matter.
Gonna hit on Sock-a-licious
Gonna knit it 'til I'm badder.
Sock-a-licious. Yeah.
I must want this BAD to humiliate myself this way! LOL!
- May 25, 2010 at 12:36:00 PM PDT
- erica said...
I am so glad you love Kollage's new squishy, fabulous sock yarn! I just got a skein of Sock-a-licious in Mango and I'm going to knit Cotty with it.
- May 25, 2010 at 12:44:00 PM PDT
- Katy said...
Pretty, pretty yarn! I think I would knit socks with it, possibly Bell Flower Boogie".
- May 25, 2010 at 1:46:00 PM PDT
- dianne said...
That color is so pretty and makes me think of you. Blackberry brambles, Dotty, Uncle Frank, Merrily, would all be beautiful in that yarn. Oh! And Winnie too!
- May 25, 2010 at 1:48:00 PM PDT
I was thinking that colour would be perfect for dotty. I would love to know what the third colour looks like.
- May 25, 2010 at 1:59:00 PM PDT
- chemgrrl said...
I would love it and hug it and name it George. Or maybe just love it. Especially the silk part.
- May 25, 2010 at 2:23:00 PM PDT
- Kelly-ann said...
Holy cow...I want some of that yarn! I can see the yarn as a scarf or shawlette, but who am I kidding - it would probably become socks. Okay, now I am going to see if any online socks are carrying this yarn yet ;)
- May 25, 2010 at 2:29:00 PM PDT
Pretty pretty!
I'm on a cowl kick right now and yarn with some silk in it would be just fine.
Blackberry brambles would also be perfect. Too hard to decide!
- May 25, 2010 at 2:43:00 PM PDT
The colors would look lovely in Glenna C's "Revival" pattern ...
- May 25, 2010 at 2:57:00 PM PDT
I also love semi-solid colors...they show off pattern so well. I have not yet knit Blackberry Brambles so that sounds like a very good combo!
- May 25, 2010 at 3:02:00 PM PDT
- Scrabblequeen said...
Your sock has it's own colorway now, how cool is that? If I had some of that yummy Blackberry Brambles I think I might finally knit a Clapotis. It would be delicious!
- May 25, 2010 at 3:03:00 PM PDT
- Jodi said...
Ooh, so pretty! I think the yarn would be perfect for an Ishbel.
- May 25, 2010 at 3:20:00 PM PDT
- VicKnits said...
I think it would make a beautiful Simple Things or Blackberry Brambles. Thanks for the give away.
- May 25, 2010 at 3:39:00 PM PDT
- Zonda said...
Oh...wow!! Silky sock yarn! I think that colorway will be perfect for Dotty too! (don't enter me, I won last time) I just wanted to commence to drooling! Can't wait to get my hands on that!
- May 25, 2010 at 4:45:00 PM PDT
- Bezzie said...
Ooo...yeah that Chateau is purty! It's almost like cement. But pretty cement!
- May 25, 2010 at 5:09:00 PM PDT
- weezalana said...
That yarn looks so amazingly squooshy! I think I'd knit some mitts with it (maybe Rose's Mitts from Dr. Who), and go toe-up with some lacy short socks or anklets with the leftovers.
I WANT! I don't have time at the moment, but I may have to come back sometime before Sunday with those lyrics to up my odds of winning!
- May 25, 2010 at 5:28:00 PM PDT
- sockdoc said...
Any sock design BY IGK would be awesome of course...but I am on a shawlette kick and doing Ysolda's Damson with a swath of garter stitch that the plummy tones of this yarn would be lush and nubbly at the same time and just right to wrap one's neck in the fall...or Saroyan with shade variation cruising through the stockinette breadth...or something yet to be created just in time for fall plummy tones....
- May 25, 2010 at 5:53:00 PM PDT
- Karalee said...
I think that color is perfect for Blackberry Brambles!
- May 25, 2010 at 6:26:00 PM PDT
- doviejay said...
Beautiful! I have to admit, I would knit another Ishbel with this! It even looks soft and yummy through the computer - I can just imagine throwing it jauntily over my shoulder!
- May 25, 2010 at 7:25:00 PM PDT
I would love to knit some socks with the sock-a-licious yarn.
- May 25, 2010 at 7:31:00 PM PDT
- piddleloop said...
oooh i'd knit dotty or merrily...i've been dying to cast on one of those two patterns of yours!
- May 25, 2010 at 9:21:00 PM PDT
- Jennifer said...
I'd make Cotty. I have had my eye on it forever, and every time Gail Neuroknitter does a new pair I think to myself how much I need to get the pattern. So if I had the yarn, I'd buy the pattern and do Blackberry Brambles in something else.
- May 26, 2010 at 6:08:00 AM PDT
- Irisheyes Lynn said...
I just purchased your Dotty pattern, and I think this would be the perfect yarn for it!
- May 26, 2010 at 6:29:00 AM PDT
- AmyT said...
That is very pretty yarn. I have been wanting to try out Cotty and Merrily. But I have also been looking for something semisolid or solid to knit the Long John Socks. This just might be a good fit for that. I can't wait to see what you make with yours, too!!
- May 26, 2010 at 6:40:00 AM PDT
- Jocelyn said...
Coulda fooled me, I thought it was MCN base. Definitely snobby but loks like it's worth it. And at $20 a skein? Whoa! Where do I buy a shedload of it?
Blackberry Brambles or Merrily would definitely be great in that pink colourway. Or maybe even plain ol' Monkeys.
I think a scarf or a shawlette would be brilliant too.
- May 26, 2010 at 9:54:00 AM PDT
- ikkinlala said...
I'd definitely knit socks - I'm not sure what pattern, though.
- May 26, 2010 at 9:55:00 AM PDT
- Laura said...
Oooh I am intrigued by the twist to that yarn! It looks quite sproingy.
I think I'd knit a plain vanilla sock with it -- they're my one true sock knitting love! (Sorry, I am boring!)
- May 26, 2010 at 12:11:00 PM PDT
- Paradisegrrl said...
We (Paradise Fibers) are taking pre-orders for this yummy new Sock-a-licious yarn here
We will have it in stock in less than a week!
- May 26, 2010 at 12:49:00 PM PDT
- Awa said...
so pretty! I'd make myself a cute pair of plain jane socks. yum!
- May 26, 2010 at 1:27:00 PM PDT
I would like to knit either Blackberry brambles or the Fruitloop socks from Knitty in this yarn. Of course, I haven't felt it yet - it might want to be a cowl or scarf at my house. Sometimes the yarn demands a certain project.
Colleen in Kansas
- May 26, 2010 at 1:50:00 PM PDT
I would love to knit anything in this gorgeous color. I am still hoping to do Cotty, so this or Blackberry brambles would be my choice. Or Irish Jig. Or...
- May 26, 2010 at 2:48:00 PM PDT
- hearthead said...
I would love to make a pair of Slip Jigs in that gooey, squishy, pretty yarn! You are one lucky lady!!!
- May 26, 2010 at 3:17:00 PM PDT
- momwhoknits said...
I can see Dotty - or Winnie in this colourway - I seem to be on a theme of things with holes (or dots ) knitted into them!!
- May 26, 2010 at 4:22:00 PM PDT
- Jana said...
It would look great in Blackberry Brambles, but I would prefer Dotty. I really think the pattern (and the story of the name).
Sock-s-licious sounds great. Merino, SILK & Nylon - my friends
- May 26, 2010 at 5:52:00 PM PDT
I absolutely have to knit the Blackberry Brambles I already own in that yarn!!! Then, I might have to dye a skein (as I learned) at sock camp in my version of a Blackberry colorway. I really love the pattern and things two pairs would be lovely. Cross my fingers!
- May 26, 2010 at 7:23:00 PM PDT
- pdxknitterati/MicheleLB said...
Shawlette, scarflette, or Blackberry Brambles!
- May 26, 2010 at 7:48:00 PM PDT
Love the colors and it would make a perfect cowl!
- May 26, 2010 at 8:41:00 PM PDT
- sprite said...
Ooh! I think maybe a Stephanie van der Linden pattern -- Esther or Honeybee Socks.
- May 27, 2010 at 12:57:00 AM PDT
- Lisa (JeepGirl) said...
That yarn & color are gorgeous! Love it! I'm a pink loving girl!
I have to admit that I don't know the song so I'd be afraid to try to re-write it! LOL!!
Anything knit with it would be striking - even stockinette socks!
Thank you for the chance to win it! :-)
- May 27, 2010 at 5:32:00 AM PDT
- peaknits said...
Wow, more pretty yarn - it has been a banner week indeed!
- May 27, 2010 at 5:55:00 AM PDT
I'm thinking Blackberry Brambles myself. Such pretty yarn! Love it! Count me in!
- May 27, 2010 at 6:23:00 AM PDT
- Mary LeMaster said...
Yummy Yummy
I have been dying to make a pair of socks but just too chicken.... Maybe this would be the kick in the butt I need, LOL
- May 27, 2010 at 6:28:00 AM PDT
- Knitter said...
If I were to get a skein, I'd knit it into a milkweed shawl=) Dunno why, just seems fitting.
- May 27, 2010 at 6:56:00 AM PDT
- Jennifer said...
I just drooled, it really wasn't pretty. That sock yarn is screaming dotty!
- May 27, 2010 at 6:58:00 AM PDT
- Mary Beth said...
Oooohhh! Pretty!
- May 27, 2010 at 7:31:00 AM PDT
- Amy said...
This is lovely yarn. I would want that softness up near my neck and would use it to make a Lace cowl
by Wendy Dayus. Thanks for sharing!
- May 27, 2010 at 7:39:00 AM PDT
- Kassia said...
Hmmm.... so many patterns out there, so little time! I think I'd be making socks of some sort (mainly because I've got 2 pairs just about off the needles so it's time to start another!).
- May 27, 2010 at 7:51:00 AM PDT
I would have to say I would knit it in your new pattern, Dotty. I have it in my ravelry basket and need to pay for it:). But I have also been admiring your Cotty pattern, which I have only recently found.
- May 27, 2010 at 1:06:00 PM PDT
- Kitten With a Whiplash said...
Anything would look good made up in that gorgeous color. If you don't believe me just ask Uncle Frank!
- May 27, 2010 at 1:42:00 PM PDT
Oooo, I am drooling! I LOVE the colors in it! I would love to try it with Blackberry Brambles... actually I want to use it for every pattern I have!
- May 27, 2010 at 2:11:00 PM PDT
- clare said...
I think that knitting Anne Hanson's Hayricks sock pattern would be beautiful in the Blackberry Brambles color. Yum...
- May 27, 2010 at 3:13:00 PM PDT
- stringplay said...
Yarn looks delicious. I'm having trouble deciding, but it is a cross between Evelyn A. Clark's Waving Lace Socks or Sandi Rosner's Spiral Eyelet Socks.
- May 27, 2010 at 3:32:00 PM PDT
I think I'd design something with you in mind. An original, just like you!
La-La-La badombambam.
- May 27, 2010 at 6:10:00 PM PDT
- Nancy said...
Well I would love to knit up that yarn in Blackberry Brambles. Bricker by Anne Hanson is another one on my queue that would work.
- May 27, 2010 at 7:18:00 PM PDT
- Jackie said...
With the slightly varigated yarn, I think a shawlette would be wonderful. Also, I like your Slip Jig for this yarn! I'd love to be entered.
- May 28, 2010 at 3:55:00 AM PDT
Although your sock patterns are among the prettiest I've seen, I have yet to try to knit socks myself. But I have a couple of patterns for small shawls that call for sock yarn that I am anxious to try. I think the Heather yarn would be perfect! Pick me! Pick me!
- May 28, 2010 at 5:33:00 AM PDT
add me to the "Blackberry Brambles" camp.
MMM. I may have to give myself permission to do a little stash-enhancing.
- May 28, 2010 at 7:09:00 AM PDT
- crzyknittengran said...
I would love... to make a shawl with the yarn. Yarn-a-licious, definition make the boys go loco, they want my treasures so they get their pleasures.
Pick me.
crzyknittengran Ravelry
- May 28, 2010 at 7:48:00 AM PDT
- Maegwin said...
You lucky gal getting to try that yarn early! I think the Blackberry Brambles would be beautiful or maybe a Cedar Leaf Shawlette. Not sure if it would be enough yardage though.
- May 28, 2010 at 7:55:00 AM PDT
- LFRIES said...
Oooh, that looks gorgeous! I need some new sock yarn -- too bad none of my LYSes carry Kollage. Blackberry brambles looks great, and I would definitely like to knit Thayer's new pattern Blueberry Bubbles. So cute!
- May 28, 2010 at 9:09:00 AM PDT
- Tanya said...
brainless or firestarter by Yarnissima would be pretty.
- May 28, 2010 at 11:05:00 AM PDT
- Susie said...
I am so glad you love the yarn. I can't wait to see who wins the contest.
- May 28, 2010 at 11:59:00 AM PDT
- Manda said...
Wow, that yarn is super pretty! Whether I win or not, I'm going to have to get some of it! haha :) I think the yarn would look pretty in your Dotty pattern. I also have a pattern in my head that wants to be knit, so it'd probably look pretty in that, too. :D
- May 28, 2010 at 3:25:00 PM PDT
- Linder said...
I enjoyed SlipJig so much that I'd like to knit another one of your patterns. I think you're exactly right - Blackberry Brambles would be perfect.
- May 28, 2010 at 6:36:00 PM PDT
- KnittySue said...
WoW that yarn is to dye for...
Here's my lyrics...thanks for the fun.
Listen up y'all ?cause this is it
The beat that I'm bangin' is Sock-a-licious
Sock-a-licious definition
Make them boys go loco
They want my treasure
So they get their pleasures from my photo
You can see me, you can squeeze me
I am easy, I am ssquishy
I got reasons why I knit 'em
Socks just come and go like seasons
(So delicious)
But I ain't promiscuous
And if you was delicious
All that knittin is Sock-a-licious
I knit kisses
That puts them socks on rock, rock
And they be slippin? down the block
Just to watch what I got
(Four, tres, two, uno)
(It's hot, hot)
So delicious
(I put them socks on rock, rock)
So delicious
(They want a tpair of what I knit)
(T-t-tasty, tasty)
Sock-a-licious def-
Sock-a-licious def-
Sock-a-licious def-
Sock-a-licious definition
Make them knitters go crazy
They always see my socks and know me
Callin' to me call me Sock-a-licious
(Hey Stacy)
I'm the S to the O, C, K, the O, the L
And can't no other lady KNIT THEM like me
I'm Sock-a-licious
(So delicious)
My needles stay vicious
I be up in the studio
Just workin? With my Sock-a-licious
Your my witness
(Ooh wee)
I put yo' socks on rock rock
And he be purling? down the block
Just to watch what I got
(Four, tres, two, uno)
Baby, baby, baby
If you really want socks
Honey, get some patience
Maybe then you'll get a swatch.
Of my Sock-a-licious
I'll be laced with lacey
It's so soft as a daisy
It'll make you crazy
T, to the A, to the S-T-E-Y, girl you tasty
T, to the A, to the S-T-E-Y, girl you tasty
D, to the E, to the L-I-C-I-O-U-S
To the D, to the E, to the, to the, to the
Hit it Fergie!
All the time I turn around projects gather round
Always lookin? at me while I knit, lookin? at my
I just wanna say it now I ain't tryin? to round up drama
Sock-a-licious is perfect for yo mama
And I know I'm comin? off just a little bit conceited
And I keep on repeatin? how the knittin wanna take it
But I'm tryin' to tell, that I can't be treated like clientele
?Cause they say is so Sock-a-licious
(So delicious)
But I ain't a newbie
And if you was suspicious
All that fiber is Sock-a-licious
I blow kisses
That puts them socks on rock, rock
And they be a wearin ? down the block
Just to watch what I got
Four, tres, two, uno
I'm Sock-a-licious, t-t-tasty, tasty
To the D, to the E, to the L-I-C-I-O-U-S
To the D, to the E, to the, to the, to the, to the,
- May 29, 2010 at 6:24:00 AM PDT
Ooohhh so pretty. Definitely the Blackberry Brambles:) It reminds me of my mom's homemade blackberry pie, Mmmmmm.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:29:00 AM PDT
If I wil I will buy the Dotty pattern, which I think will look beautiful.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:30:00 AM PDT
I am obsessed with the cotty patterrn and would love to see how it would knit up in the yarn.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:31:00 AM PDT
Definitely would have to be the Blackberry brambles.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:33:00 AM PDT
I haven't decided which pattern to use from my March RSC kit, but I would like to use the other pattern for this skein.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:34:00 AM PDT
I would like to make either the Blackberry brambles cowl.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:37:00 AM PDT
Definitely the Blackberry Brambles.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:41:00 AM PDT
It would have to be the cotty's.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:44:00 AM PDT
The slip jig pattern. I absolutely love that one!
- May 29, 2010 at 8:45:00 AM PDT
Naturally the Blackberry Brambles.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:46:00 AM PDT
Mmmmmm Blackberry jam, um oh yeah the Blackberry Brambles.
- May 29, 2010 at 8:48:00 AM PDT
Your new Dotty pattern:)
- May 29, 2010 at 8:49:00 AM PDT
It is amazing that there seems to be an infinite supply of beautiful sock yarn and fantastic patterns-thye fun never stops!!
- May 29, 2010 at 7:52:00 PM PDT
Love that colorway and the pattern. Both would have a nice home with me.
- May 30, 2010 at 4:29:00 AM PDT
- LaTina said...
Love! Would be great for my first pair of socks!
- May 30, 2010 at 6:47:00 AM PDT
- Christine said...
I don't remember if I posted a comment, but if I did, I'm sure I would say "Stop enabling!!".
- May 30, 2010 at 8:42:00 AM PDT
Love, love, love the Chateau! Would be great for my first pair of socks!
- May 30, 2010 at 9:19:00 AM PDT
I wish for Dottie. Why? Because I had a lovely Aunt Dot, who loved to quilt with a beautiful colt like this. And-because we used to go berry picking in the Barrens in Northern Wisconsin with her. What lovely memories-thanks for helping me think of those times.
- May 30, 2010 at 10:16:00 AM PDT
- Andrea said...
I'm always in the mood for a sock yarn! I'm honestly not sure what I would make with the yarn, because I have so many awesome choices.
- May 30, 2010 at 2:55:00 PM PDT
I am thinking that a little colonnade shawl would be really pretty out of that yarn. I love the name of the yarn! I have to have some of that!
- May 31, 2010 at 9:05:00 AM PDT
I lurve blackberries......
Yummy looking yarn, too...
- May 31, 2010 at 10:36:00 AM PDT
- Jeri said...
of course blackberry brambles would be awesome.... I would also consider knitting a pretty cabled sock, or Cookie A's Angee Socks. :)
- June 1, 2010 at 4:41:00 PM PDT
- JessicaRose said...
you already picked the perfect pattern for that yarn. Blackberry brambles. But it would also make an absolutely stunning lace shawlette.
- June 3, 2010 at 7:45:00 AM PDT
- JessicaRose said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- June 3, 2010 at 7:46:00 AM PDT


text:
Depending where commenters were in Butler County this morning, they could have driven through snow or saw no snow at all.
A half foot or more of heavy, wet, slushy snow coated roads in parts of Butler County early today.
But those in the northern part of the county had no problems. There was no snow in Bruin, North Washington got a dusting, and Foxburg, just over the county in Clarion County, reported no snow.
While the snow was not the storm of the century, it was much worse than the 1 to 3 inches that most weather forecasters had predicted.
Buffalo Township may have hit the high mark at 13 inches. Sarver got socked with 9 inches, Zelienople with 6 inches.
In Butler, accumulation was about 5 inches.
But elsewhere, primarily north Route 422 motorists were wondering what all the fuss was about.
"Bruin got nothing," said Bob Skrak, PennDOT's maintenance manager in Butler County. "The dividing line was the Route 422 corridor. Down south they got it pretty good."
There was so much snow so fast that most county schools canceled classes. But Karns City opened on a two-hour delay. Moniteau operated on its regular schedule.
By 12:30 a.m. today, snow started to fall in southern Butler County, and it kept coming.
"It was coming real quick," Skrak said. "We were getting an inch-and-a half to 2 inches an hour for a white."
PennDOT about 11 p.m. Tuesday pretreated some roads with brine solution and others with granulated salt, in anticipation of precipitation.
But the waves of white seemed unwavering.
"It was impossible to keep ahead of that," Skrak admitted.