Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet

In Episode 33 I return after a long break. I talk about some of the reasons I've "been away" and touch upon some unexpected twists, turns and materials that have been keeping me busy. I also delve into a couple of practical projects I've recently been working on: a capacious handbag and a garden project.   You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In Episode 32 I mull over some of the blockages involved in re-fitting garments, review how a wool suitable for lightweight garments is wearing and talk about an outsourced repair which brought me a disproportionate degree of delight. I also get excited about some wriggly helpers I welcomed into our household to help tend our soil and share how I made some antihistamine salve sticks from a common 'weed'.  You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet and there is also a video on my YouTube channel by the same name to accompany this episode. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In Episode 31 I share a couple of big projects that have been keeping me busy: a winter coat and a job in the garden. I also talk about a handful of in-between makes, from ones relying on tried and tested patterns, materials and techniques to a new kind of tool making.  You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet and there is also a video on my YouTube channel by the same name to accompany this episode. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In Episode 30 I pop in for a bit of a chat about the year. I review some of the themes in my knitting and sewing this year and ponder what 2022 may hold in. I also reflect on some of the things have not gone so well and how I've been getting proactive to mitigate some challenges. You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet and there is also a video on my YouTube channel by the same name to accompany this episode. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 28 features a distinctly unglamorous making project, using a knitting pattern as a blueprint and employing some old-school technology on an unplanned, urgent sewing project. You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet and there is also a video on YouTube to accompany this episode. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 28 features an ethereal sock yarn and pattern pairing, my first forays into foraging for fibre and some more tool making. You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet and there is also a video on YouTube to accompany this episode. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License  

Episode 27 features lace, in the form of a brooding shawl and a successful bra sewing projects, and a spot of tool making. You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet and theres also a snippet of footage on YouTube to accompany this episode. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License  

In this latest episode I talk about a sock experiment with a twist and a couple of practical, needs-driven sewing projects. I also whip up a bathroom concoction, making use of some prunings from the garden in the process.  You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I talk about my first experience of steeking and testing a woven knicker pattern to restock my undies drawer, not to mention delving into the origins and necessity of various elements of underwear design. I also share a recent simple but essential repair and include an announcement about Issue 2 of the Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet pamphlet.  You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. And as an experiment I've also added a little video footage on YouTube under the same name to accompany this podcast. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In the first episode of 2021 I muse about the functional and frivolous aspects of Operation Chilblain. I also talk about a toile fail and add a new questions segment.  You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this last episode of an odd year I muse about some familiar materials and shapes but also new processes, explorations and challenges in my knitting, sewing and ceramics.  You can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet for my general making antics and as M.R.Keramik or on my ceramic website for pottery specific work. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

As the past two months have not gone to plan, this podcast is a bit of a tangle of enquiry, tangents and rants. As I try to settle on the colours for a stranded colourwork waistcoat, I mull over possible connections between colour, brainwave activity and the human nervous system. I am also hacking or rather simplifying a go-to top pattern to turn it into a canvas for disruptive craft/art. Finally, as I spin yarn for cloth, I mull over what spinning is teaching me.  You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram. I am also still on Ravelry as Meg-aka-Mrs-M but not particularly active there. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I talk about how my creative practice has taken a bizarre and slightly unexpected turn in recent weeks. I also share some swatching I've been doing for my next sweater knit and how I have been flexing my preserving muscles to capture the taste and colours of the season.  You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram. I am also still on Ravelry as Meg-aka-Mrs-M but not particularly active there. More detailed show notes are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License      

In this episode I revisit my Tonnach cardigan, talking about what blocked my progress and exploring my initial feelings about the finished garment. As operation "Restock my underwear drawer" has started but I'm too brain foggy to talk bra making yet, I share my knicker making efforts, and particularly how sewing your own smalls is actually an act of self-gentleness. Although I don't normally talk about acquisitions, I share a new fabric range that may be of interest. And I finish up with a kitchen experiment inspired by one of the shortages due to Covid-19 lockdown. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. More detailed show are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Times are a bit strange at the moment but the making continues. In this episode I seek comfort in the familiar, albeit familiar with minor tweaks, but due to the nature of the times, I am also very focused on the practical: from fabric efficiency through waste avoidance to finally tackling some of those more mundane makes that I've been deferring as there were always more interesting, elegant projects to work on. Despite all the upheaval and uncertainty, Covid-19 is causing my curiosity to buzz more than ever so I share some inspiring gems that have been getting my inquisitive juices flowing of late. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. More detailed show are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

With life in a state of lockdown I really miss having a chat with friends over a cup of tea or glass of wine so I decided to record another short Mrs M's Scrapbook entry. This episode sees me in the garden again and also the kitchen. For photos check out the accompanying notes on my blog Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. And if you would like a little turn round my garden, I've shot a little footage which is available on YouTube. If you want to follow my pottering between scrapbook episodes, you can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet.  Music: Windswept Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

The second instalment of Mrs M's Scrapbook sees me sewing a tried and tested pattern to get out of a sewing funk and knitting a comfort cardigan, inspired by the beautiful rings of the Trametes versicolor polypore. For photos check out the accompanying notes on my blog Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. If you want to follow my pottering between scrapbook episodes, you can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet.  Music: Windswept Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode I give an update on my nylon-free sock experiment and talk about a garden-based fibre experiment. Prompted by a recent pricing experiment amongst some pattern designers, I include a book review about an interesting grassroots initiative, Incredible Edible Todmorden. And I finish with a bumper crop of inspiring gems.  You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. More detailed show are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License  

The first instalment of Mrs M's Scrapbook sees me pottering in my quirky garden, getting on with a couple of jobs I should really have done last year and keeping on top of a bully of a weed. For photos and illustrations, check out the accompanying notes on my blog Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. If you want to follow my pottering between scrapbook episodes, you can find me on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet.  Music: Windswept Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

I'm popping by to introduce listeners to a forthcoming addition to the Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet: Mrs M's Scrapbook. In additional shorter, more regular and chatty podcasts, I share snippets that don't fit into the regular Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet episodes or longer reflective Pamphlet essays and give a flavour of how I juggle my various making interests to cobble together a life that makes sense to me.  If you want to be notified of the launch of Mrs M's Scrapbook you can subscribe to this podcast on your usual podcast player, follow me on my blog Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet  or on Instagram as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet.  Music: Windswept Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/      

In this short episode I share how making adds some little luxuries, in my wardrobe, the kitchen and the bathroom, and explore what luxury actually means to me. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. More detailed show are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License  

In this episode, prompted by recent knits and sewing projects, I muse about how I balance my need for creative inspiration with a desire to avoid novelty for novelty's sake. I also talk about how one of my creative avenues has a degree of novelty hardwired into it. Finally a share an inspiring gem and talk about a forthcoming addition to the "Curiosity Cabinet". You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. More detailed show are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.  Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I share my musings on the distinction we often make between product and process knitting. And prompted by a recent sewing product, I pay homage to the engineering that goes into pattern design. I finish up by sharing some inspiring gems. Oh, and my opinionated feline makes a cameo appearance too. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Show notes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Since recording the podcast, there's some new information about a couple of things I talk about (including a discount code) so I would recommend checking out the show notes. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I share some thoughts and observations about natural shades of fibres, prompted by my recent participation in the KnitBritish Nature's Shade Along. I share my adventures in trousers making and invite you to join me for a tricky toile along. I also talk about the seasonal delight of foraging and finish up by sharing a couple of inspiring gems. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Show notes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

This episode is a little different than normal as it is the first time I welcome a guest onto the podcast. Aidan, aka the Knitting Monk on Instagram and YouTube, joins me to discuss the book "Cræft: How Traditional Crafts are About More Than Just Making" by Alexander Langlands (published under the title Cræft: An Inquiry into the Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts"). You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. These include references to other podcasters who have reviewed or shared thoughts about this book. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License  

In this episode I reminisce about Edinburgh Yarn Festival and how the organisers have created an event that celebrates the community of knitters and crocheters as much as yarn. Rather than give an overview of my purchases, I pull together some thoughts on the breadth and diversity of the hand knitting wool sector, based on the amazing wool, processes and approaches I spotted when walking around the marketplace and talking to fellow visitors. I also share some of the projects to come out of my recent natural dyeing sessions. I re-draw a winner for the This Thing of Paper giveaway and answer a listener's questions on whether petitions (like one she had seen on microfiber plastic pollution) are an effective way to create change. Or whether there are better ways to press for change. And I finish up by sharing an inspiring gem. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I review Blacker Yarn's forthcoming Jacob breed wool and explain why it will be on my Edinburgh Yarn Festival' shopping list. I also share the latest instalment of my nylon-free sock experiment, which sees me knitting with Ovis Et Cetera's Igneae yarn. As this blend contains a new to me fibre, I talk about ramie's history, production and properties in detail as well as about the feel of the yarn and which stitch patterns might lend themselves well to this blend. I also announce the winner of the Socks 2018 e-ebook giveaway. And I finish up talking about a spot of tool making I've been doing to add a tailore's ham to my sewing kit.    You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I announce that I will be attending the Edinburgh Yarn Festival and thank the organisers for inviting me to participate as a podcaster in the Blacker Yarns' Podcast Lounge. In the sewing segment I talk about the ups and downs of my latest sewing project (a smart shirt or blouse), including my choice of pattern, the new skills I've acquired and the fitting challenges I've faced. Despite occasional frustration and despondency, I decide to focus on the agency and body kindness that being able to make a properly fitting garment gives us and touch upon the language of fitting. I also explore a listener's questions about the relative benefits and harm of paper versus PDF sewing patterns. In the knitting segment, I mull over how my recent sewing experience is spilling over into my knitting and making me more bold about playing around with the style and shaping in knitting patterns, almost to the point of reworking them entirely. I also announce the winner of the This Thing of Paper giveaway; review Socks 2018, a new e-publication by Making Stories focused on nylon-free, non-superwash socks; and announce a giveaway of a digital copy of Socks 2018.    You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I talk about the changing nature of luxuries when we choose to avoid certain products for environmental or ethical reasons, reviews Karie Westermann's recently published book called This Thing of Paper, and shares a recent paper-related workshop she atttended. This episode also includes a give-away of a copy of This Thing of Paper. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In my latest episode I provide an update on my no-nylon sock experiment and talk about using knitting and sewing as tools for engineering a more natural wardrobe. I also review the book Folk Fashion, Understanding Homemade Clothes by Amy Twigger Holroyd and share some inspiring gems.  You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is now also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

In this episode I talk about a couple wool-shawl combinations that have intentionally slowed my knitting speed and rate, and explore the psychology and content of my wool pantry. I also share some notes from the kitchen after weeks of preserving.  You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is now also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: Springish by Gillicuddy on FreeMusicArchive and shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.

In this short thematic episode I talk about how waste features in my making and how it has unlocked my dormant creative instincts.  You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is now also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: Springish by Gillicuddy on FreeMusicArchive and shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.

After a summer hiatus I am back with an update on my no-nylon sock experiment, some thoughts on the complex issue of the affordability of materials with ethically or environmentally kinder credentials and my recent efforts to improve the fitting of my sewn tops. This episode also includes a give-away, kindly sponsored by the inspiring Daughter of a Shepherd. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast, where the give-away will be held. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: Springish by Gillicuddy on FreeMusicArchive and shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.  

In this month’s bumper episode I talk sock knitting, my wool pantry, dyeing and kitchen gardening but the thread that ties these topics together is a desire to make with local materials, breeds and varieties as much as possible. You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry. There is now also a Ravelry Group for the podcast. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: Springish by Gillicuddy on FreeMusicArchive and shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.  

In this episode Mrs M updates you on her all natural fibre sock experiment. She also shares some lessons from the sewing room and muses on comfort knits and comfort knitting. Finally, in the context of London Craft Week, she explores another ancient fibre craft, paper making. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: Springish by Gillicuddy on FreeMusicArchive and shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.  

In this episode Mrs M embarks on an all natural fibre sock experiment (complete with control samples). Under the section Craft of Use, she talks a much ignored aspect of a handsewn wardrobe as well as Kate Fletcher's most recent book "Craft of Use. Post-Growth Fashion". Finally she shares a little kitchen alchemy she's been dabbling in recently: the ancient art of fermenting. Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Music: Springish by Gillicuddy on FreeMusicArchive and shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.  

In this first episode Mrs M talks about her thinking behind her podcast about materials, the making instinct and a craft-full life and shares her experience of the Edinburgh Yarn Festival as well as some of the wool goodies she picked up there. Music: Springish by Gillicuddy on FreeMusicArchive and shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.