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70 episodes with barry philips
Barry Philips qualified as an attoney in the United Kingdom and now works in business leading the multi-award winning trending company Legal Island. This company has won the best place to work in Ireland in many occasions. CONNECT with Barry HERE LISTEN to Barry's TEDx talk HERE BeTheTalk is a 7 day a week podcast where Nathan Eckel chats with talkers from TEDx & branded events. Tips tools and techniques that can help you give the talk to change the world at BeTheTalk.com !
Barry Philips qualified as an attoney in the United Kingdom and now works in business leading the multi-award winning trending company Legal Island. This company has won the best place to work in Ireland in many occasions. CONNECT with Barry HERE LISTEN to Barry's TEDx talk HERE BeTheTalk is a 7 day a week podcast where Nathan Eckel chats with talkers from TEDx & branded events. Tips tools and techniques that can help you give the talk to change the world at BeTheTalk.com !
Hello and welcome to 2018! Not quite sure where the last two months went to be honest, but there you go! On the Needles Contoura by Woolly Wormhead in BabyLongLegs Mesmerino DK Mystery Hat B by Woolly Wormhead in Stanley Sport. In The Weave Shed I have taken some of the designs for upholstery that I created in project 4 at college and reworked them in very fine silks to explore the possibility of small art pieces. Yarn Shops Galore The Wool Boat - Colin and Carole's Creations on the Emma Maye. Checkout out their blog or Facebook page for up-to-date information on where they will be moored. Something I Really Like The Farmers' Country Showdown on BBC1. Rhian's episode is episode 10 of Series 2 and is available until the 15th February. Shop Update Currently there is a 20% off sale until the end of January using the coupon code CHEERUP. This is off all products in the shop as well as the brand new Dyeing Day workshops I have put up for March and June. Don't forget that if you sign up to the newsletter you will be sent regular codes for subscriber discount. On The Horizon Waltham Abbey Wool Show Sunday 21st January at the Marriot Hotel, Waltham Abbey. Edinburgh Yarn Festival 14-18th March (marketplace 15th-17th) My 100th episode! No big party like Knit British, but I thought I might have an Ask Me Anything section - those of you who have stuck with me through the last 8 years, especially the lean ones (LOL), can have a chance to take part in an interactive segment. You can either email me your question, or ask it on Twitter using the hastag #askYFTP. Links Lucy Neatby Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. Yarns From The Plain now has a Facebook page here - come over and hit that like button! There's a Ravelry group for both the podcast and the shop, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain, on Instagram as @yarnsfromtheplain and on Twitter as @yarnsfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
On this episode if Grappler Union we have Barry Philips in studio. Barry is a second degree Black Belt under Adem & Eddie Redzovic and owner / head instructor at R-Team Deerfield. Also in studio is Javier Palomo.
Hello, not from Cheshire today, but Bradford! Join me as I give a quick round up of my knitting and weaving over December and talk about my own new beginnings this year.On The Needles The Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat has been parked, waiting to be frogged. I have cast on a Kunye by Claire Devine as part of The Golden Skein's first birthday celebrations. I have also cast on an Every Baby Sweater for my cousin's little boy, but I have no pictures yet.In the Weaving Shed I finished my cousin's husband's scarf, made from my Mobberley 4ply and Chelford yarns: And I finished her scarf too, which was in a merino silk laceweight from DT Crafts. Shop There is currently a 20% discount on items in the shop to banish the January Blues. Use the code JANUARY2015 at www.YarnsFromThePlain.Etsy.com .The shop can also be reached from the Shop link on the front page of my new (almost ready) website at www.yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk, where you can also sing up for the newletter, to keep up-to-date with any shop updates, news, etc. Ultimately the show notes will be hosted here, but not just yet, so the Blog button isn't live yet. For shop tweets, follow @yarnsfromplain.Links To find out about the winter Workshop in detail, check out my original blog, Tales From The Plain, starting with this post.Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as @talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
Hello from the Cheshire Plain. This episode was recorded on 30th November but unfortunately editing took a back seat to real life, so only got finished now.On The Needles As well as my Dorothy for WIPCrackAway, I've been working on the Mystery Hat from Woolly Wormhead. I think I may need to rip it out though as I suspect it is too small. :( WIPCrackAway Well done everyone! What a sterling effort from you all - 87 finished items! Prizewinners can choose from: From Left to Right: Green Eyed Monster GEM Alpaca Sock in The Green Green GrassEasyKnits Bamboo Merino Mix in LuauFyberspates Sparkly Silk & Silver SockYarnPosh Yarn Lucia 70% merino 30% cashmere in SkipHazel Knits Artisan sock in 117 - Chuckanut Drive I actually finished my Dorothy! In The Weaving Shed The Chelford/Mobberley scarf for my cousin's husband on the Ashford Samplit loom: And the laceweight yarns I have dyed for my cousin's scarf.: I'm still undecided!LinksDT CraftsUpcoming events The FO&Dye podcast are hosting FOFest on the weekend of 16th & 17th May 2015 in Exeter.Music: Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as @talesfromplain. My shop can be found here and the shop tweets as @yarnsfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
Hello from the M40. Listen in as I prattle on to keep myself awake on a trip to Oxfordshire! Off The Needles I finished the Sheep Yoke Baby Cardigan! I love the little sheepy buttons, which came from Textile Garden at Unwind Brighton. I also got round to blocking my Rainbow Revontuli made with my Krafty Koala merino nylon WIP Crack Away! So lovely to see all the finished items clocking up! No one has yet finished up a WIP that is as old as my whale... You can take a peek in the thread here. Don't forget it's being co-hosted with the Knit British I'm chugging away slowly on my Dorothy, a Natural Dye Studio pattern. Good job crochet blocks don't need much bandwidth...Something I Really Like Podcaster meet ups! I also want to say thank you for my little project bag from RunKnitDig, which I was given at Unwind Brighton. Also plotting and planning the PodRetreat....Upcoming Events PodRetreat is back! If you are interested in joining me, Jo from Shiny Bees, Louise from Knit British and Chrissy from Stitched Together in Chester Thursday 19th- Sunday 22nd February, the rooms are ensuite and cost £160. If you're prepared to share, the price will drop to £80. There will be an additional £10 towards breakfast and evening meals. There will also be a meet up at some point on Saturday 21st February.LinksCaithness Craft CollectiveKnit.Spin.CakeHarbour YarnsGeeky Girls KnitiMakeA Playful DayMusic Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
Hello from the Plain! This episode I'm joined by some new arrivals as I explain the radio silence for the last three and half months...Off The Needles I finished the Traveling Woman shawl using swap yarn from Ginger Twist Studio . It's lovely! I also completed the March pattern of the Kaleidoscope blanket.Spinning I plied the Hilltop Cloud Ann of Cleves, but missed the deadline for the Spinalong. LinksCaithness Craft Collective podcastGinger Twist StudioStitched Together podcastShiny Bees podcastMusic Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a riverside car park in Northwich. There is still birdsong, but cars and planes too...On and Off The Needles I'm halfway through the March instalment of the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Blanket Club. Hubby's Beau is a few rows further on. I've also cast on a Traveling Woman shawl using swap yarn.Spinning I've spun two bobbins of singles on the Hilltop Cloud Ann of Cleves. The pressure's on to ply by the end of April!Competition Crazy The Golden Skein photo competition can be found here.Something I Really Like The Knit British podcast.Upcoming Events Unwind Brighton. There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm, Saturday 12th July in the Mezzanine Café at the Corn Exchange, Brighton. More details to follow.LinksCaithness Craft Collective podcastGinger Twist StudioStitched Together podcastMusic Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
Hello from Cragside and a glorious holiday in Northumbria. Tune in for more birdsong! On and Off The Needles I finished my Ravellenics Baktus back in February and the February instalment of the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Blanket Club. Hubby's Beau is about 20cm up both front and back. No other progress.Spinning Progress on the Jacob's from Shearer Girl and some gorgeous Picperfic Fluff 'n' Stuff. I've also started on the Hilltop Cloud Ann of Cleves.Something I Really Like Staying in a National Trust property - I get to walk around the gardens and pretend they are all mine!www.nationaltrustcottages.org.ukUpcoming Events Unwind Brighton. There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm, Saturday 12th July. More details to follow.Shop I have recently updated the shop with both yarn and fibre. https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlainMusic Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a slightly blustery graveyard next to Lindisfarne Priory. Apologies for the wind gusts, I hope you can cope! In this episode I reflect on retreating from the world in such a beautiful place, fill you in on recent fun and shudder at the memory of shepherds with wandering hands... Links:Lindisfarne PrioryKnit.Spin.Cake podcastDaisyBunBoo DesignsShinyBees podcastMacclesfield Silk Museum & Paradise MillStash Fine YarnsDewa Roman Experience Cath's Blank Canvas Competition: To be in with a chance of winning the pink Rowan Pure Wool Aran, leave a comment here, or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or at the Ravelry group thread, stating "I'd like to win a ball of rowan Pure Wool Aran because..."Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact: We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from the Plain! Proper show notes will follow ASAP, but here are the music and contact linky bits! Music: Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from Magnatune.We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN, Nic x
Hello from Bedlam…. In this episode, I probably repeat myself about some Works in Progress, smile at some crocheted critters and explain what’s happening in my world... Works in Progress Here’s the second pair of Saartje’s Booties… I’ve worked on some ideas from the Amy Singer workshop and I’ve worked a bit on a Hannah Fettig Sock Sweater in Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in Chocolatier for another baby in the family. I’ve also been working on the Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat Knit-A-Long in Fyberspates Vivacious DK. Yum! I’ve not knit for a week or so because I’ve been spinning samples from Fiberholics UK into a random bobbin of singles. Suppliers include Lime Green Jelly, Knitter Scarlet, Porpoise Fur and Manda Crafts. I’m currently spinning the second bobbin ready to ply with the first. Last week I went to Manchester and made this: Impressive, huh? Well maybe not, but here are some really great pieces: Madness Part 1 I’ve been dyeing to show you these (groan!) Breaking News: I now have an Etsy Shop! It can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain Madness Part 2: Aimee from Knit.Spin.Cake and I are hosting a knitting and spinning retreat! Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd February 2014 in Chester. Rooms are £140; however if you would be prepared to share then this price is reduced as the house is a fixed rate. This price covers accommodation for the three nights, food on Thursday night and breakfasts. Remaining meals and the itinerary will be agreed by the attendees later. If you are interested, please PM me on Ravelry (I’m talesfromtheplain) or drop me an email at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom. OMG! Upcoming Events Janefrogged on Ravelry has sent up the knitsignal, asking for contributions towards the yarnstorming of Ampthill linked to Fibre East next year. To help out, please contact her on Ravelry or by email at jckclayATgmail.com. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a pre-sunrise Oxfordshire! This is a brief episode simply to highlight the Manchester Hyperbolic Coral Reef and the drop in sessions that are taking place today, 9th November 2013, Sunday 17th November and Sunday 1st December, all 1pm to 4.30pm at the Manchester Museum on Oxford Road.details can be found here. I've lifted this from the Ravelry group: First off, and really importantly, all contributions should be made in synthetic yarn only. This is because the kind of creepy crawlies who munch through natural fibres are just the blighters who also munch through precious ancient artefacts. It’s a great excuse to use up your squeaky synthetics or have an excuse to buy that dirt cheap acrylic that’s keeps on tempting you in the pound shop! Secondly, to avoid our coral reef ending up looking like a big pile of multicolour jumble, we’ll be sticking to a limited palette of greens, blues, purples, whites and creams if possible. A few brighter colours can be used as edgings or for small detailing but if we stick to the palette it’ll give us the opportunity to pick out starfish, anemones etc. in brighter colours later. Nice! If you are in a knitting group please get everyone involved! There will be sessions at the Museum that you might want to come along to or please feel free to crack on at home. You can drop off or post any contributions c/o Wendy Gallagher at The Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL Patterns can be found here. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Halloooo from somewhere on the M6. In this episode I share finished objects (wahay!), shake my head in despair at how easily I'm distracted and look forward to an impromptu workshop. Off The Needles The Every Baby Sweater by Taiga Hilliard. Saartje's Bootees by Saartje de Bruijn. Oh The Joy! I have completed the Neon Rainbow Merino/Nylon from Krafty Koala, and nearly finished plying it. No photos I'm afraid. It might become a Revontuli when it grows up. Something I Really Like Workshops of any kind! Here are the finished items in the kiln after the workshop Mum & I took at Crafts From The Dungeon the other week. Bee has since attached the pendants, earrings and cuff links to jewellery findings. Links Subway Knits podcast Stitched Together Podcast Left Coast Yarns Hannah Fettig Sock Yarn Sweater Hazel Knits Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello everyone. Where did September go? Yarndale I didn't record any audio at Yarndale, as it was all a bit overwhelming to be honest. I really shouldn't go to shows when I'm a bit tired and wired, as I buy way more stuff than I need or can process into anything else! It was lovely to meet up with fellow podcasters Jo from Shinybees and Aimee from Knit.Spin.Cake. For a full sharing of my goodies, please listen to Episode 12 of the Shinybees podcast. Finished Objects In the near two months since I recorded last, I have finished just one sock, a test knit. Pathetic! On the Needles and Hooks During the second week of the holiday I cast on a pair of socks using the sock stripe yarn from The Knitting Goddess that I picked up at Fibre East. These are currently stalled not far from the cuff and susequently mislaid (eek!). When I got back from holiday I decided to join in the Mystery Sock-A-Long on the APlayfulDay podcast group, but haven't got far on those because I can't seem to pick up the lace pattern easily (limited details here). These are in the same project bag as the stripey socks, ergo they too are missing. Then at the end of August I cast on a Chevron Pullover in Noro Kureyon as part of the Stitched Together podcast's Craft-Library-a-long. Completed the sleeves within a fortnight but have now slowed down due to limited bandwidth. On the coach back form Yarndale last week I started crocheting an Iris scarf in NDS Dazzle HT as part of a kit I bought but this photo was taken once it crashed to a halt over the pale greeny-blue top left. This has now been removed! Last night I also picked up the Dorothy in Sublime merino DK that I bought with my prize winnings form Thame Show. Crafting ADHD? Moi? Something I Really Like Parkrun! Upcoming Events Knitting and Stitching Show, 10-13th October 2013, Alexandra Palace; Crafts From The Dungeon Open Days, Frodsham, 16th & 17th October 2013 Cheshire Guild Friendship Day, Frodsham Community Centre, 19th October 2013 Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell; Knitting and Stitching Show, 21-24th November 2013, Harrogate. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Snatching a moment to speak to you all between filling a skip and trying to get on top of the ironing! This episode is accompanied by spinning on the Traddy.On and Off the Needles and HooksI've cast on a Liesl in an early handspun, but not got very far with it. I've knit two cowls as a test knit for Knit.Spin.Cake (details here and here). I've also cast on another test knit, a sock with travelling cables (no Rav notes yet). I've also bought some Sublime merino DK in raspberry pink to crochet a Dorothy.Spin It!Currently I'm spinning a rainbow braid bought ages ago from Krafty Koala on the Joy and a large carded batt of grey Jacob from Shearer Girl Yarns.Fibre East GoodiesIn 67 minutes I got quite lot! I bought yarns from the Knitting Goddess, fibre from Fluff'n'Stuff, LongdrawJames, Shearer Girl Yarns and The Wool Room, some throwsters' waste, some Knitpro Karbonz and some mill-soiled undyed sockyarn from Texere. I also bought a new spindle from Spin City UK.Out and AboutWe went to Highclere Castle - great for Downton Abbey fans!Something I Really LikePodcasts - this episode I talk about a newer podcast, Stitched Together and an old favourite, CogKNITive. Upcoming EventsYarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton;Knitting and Stitching Show, 11-14th October 2013, Alexandra Palace;Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell.MusicRondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact!We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN,Nic x
Hello from my garden here on the Plain. Not to self - don't place the iPhone on the same level as the Joy when recording in the garden in future! Sorry if you find the spinning noise annoying; at least it didn't squeak!Fleece to FinishedThanks to Bee for these photos from the event.From left to right: Annie's Best Coat, 4 hours 50 minutes; Elsibett, 4 hours 30 minutes; Whole Lotta Rosie 3 hours 58 minutes.Tour de Fleece From left to right: 16g, 28 yds of Rosie 2 ply 6g, 8.66 yds of Annie 2ply. These are the bits left on my Joy bobbins after our Guild Fleece to Finished challenge. 105g, 148 yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 3-ply on the Joy. 73g, 271.5 yds BFL I’d dyed lilac myself and spun last year - final 15g spun on the Traddy and then plied as a 2-ply on the Joy. 107g, 476 yds of Shunklies Cheviot spun last year and plied as a 2-ply on the Traddy. 106g, 139yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy. 6g, 25yds Ashford merino/silk lurking on a bobbin (left over from the spinning for the Peacock Shawlette) and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy. 10g, 33yds of raw alpaca purchased from Great House Alpacas, spun and plied as a 2-ply on my spindle. 19g, 71yds of HilltopCloud hand blended in Shetland/merino/llama/fire star, spun and plied on my spindle.Show ReportI saw alpaca...It was very hot... If you get a chance at a show, you must see the Lamb National! OK, onto the exhibits... Three handmade cards...... ....and the knitted/crocheted baby item. Rag doll... ....and creative embroidered picture. Item made from recycled materials (oven mitts)... ...and a beaded necklace. Item of felting.... ...Hand or machine made bag Knitting: Advanced... ....Cushion, any medium. Bottom: Item of other craft, inspired by favourite book. Top: Item of handspun yarn, knitted or woven - along with the Diploma for best exhibit. Upcoming EventsFibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton;Knitting and Stitching Show, 11-14th October 2013, Alexandra Palace;Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell.MusicRondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact!We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN,Nic x
Some (not so) brief ramblings, the night before the show... apologies, not been edited to remove ums... Something I Really Like My new Ultra-Fine Blocking Wires Upcoming Events Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October, Bakewell Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Well, there was when I recorded it anyway! Links Ruth Packham Woolyknit Hilltop Cloud Crafts From The Dungeon Something I Really Like The Pompeii and Herculaneum Exhibition at the British Museum Upcoming Events Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October, Bakewell Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Finished Objects There is progress sin my preparation for the Oxfordshire County & Thame Show. I've so far completed three more projects for classes: a pair of oven mitts from recycled clothing (no pictures yet), my Northman stranded mittens and a pair of baby bootees from a Sirdar Snuggly 3ply pattern (Ravelry details here). I've also finished knitting the I-cord on the stripy Noro messenger bag and fulled it in the washing machine. Now it needs to be lined. In The Weaving Shed I've been working on the 32" Rigid Heddle loom, making a houndstooth pattern. The brown is chocolate Jacob, the white is a blend of British wool, both from Wool City Wools available from Texere. This will become a cushion. Further Show Prep A Clothkits rag doll has been sewn, although she has no dress yet. One and half cards have been made. A half finished beaded necklace has been fished out of the WIPs bin and it is moving apace, as is a long stitch embroidery of a nuclear power and reprocessing plant. No, seriously. What do you mean you haven't got one? Still no pictures I'm afraid! Here's some Merino Silk blend I've spun on the Joy, which is now being knitted into the Peacock Shawlette by Kitman Figueroa. Something I Really Like Cancer Research's Race For Life 5k races. I'm running at Tatton Park on Sunday 30th June in memory of my Uncle Jeff. If you could spare a few coppers and would like to sponsor me for the event, my just giving page is here. Thank you. Links Upcoming Events Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; The Wool Experience, 6 July 2013, Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough; Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a delayed episode recorded in May. Reports and a family bereavement conspired to throw me into a flat spin and I didn't edit this for ages. Apologies for the delay. It'll probably be like buses - there'll be another episode along in a few minutes... ;) On and Off The Needles I have cast on another Adrift, this time in some 4 ply from John Arbon Textiles. It's gone well, but it currently languishing as I slooooooowly unpick the cast on. Ravelry details here. The Tomten Jacket (Ravelry details here) STILL hasn't had the zip sewn in (I'm such a chicken!). I crocheted these Easy Victorian Shell Mitts by Bron Green in DT Crafts 100% BFL Aran in an afternoon. Gotta love crochet! Show Prep Yes indeedy! I'm gearing up to enter several classes in the Oxfordshire County & Thame Show. If you are in the area on Saturday 13th July, do go. It's a great day out. I'm bringing a pair of stranded mittens and the stripy Noro messenger bag out of the WIP bin for some of the classes, as well as working on a number of other projects that are not yet photographed or completed. More details later! In A Spin Here's some Merino Silk blend I've spun on the Joy, which may well become a shawl or scarf for the show. I don't think it's 54 wpi here though! Something I Really Like The Great British Sewing Bee Links Clothkits Coldharbour Mill Bohemian Rhapsody Wrap Upcoming Events Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from an almost Springlike Cheshire Plain, specifically the carpark in the Blakemere Craft Village! In this episode I waffle on about the weather (again!), review something I've never reviewed before and just shake my head in despair at my knitterly ADHD. What's On The Needles? Zipping along on the Tomten: I've also swatched for a seamless yoke sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann (I blame A Playful Day ;) !), using some of the Sheepfold blues and purples and cream left over from my Woolsack cushions. This is one idea for some colourwork.... ...and this is the first part of the hem, with the picot row worked. Review Inspector Norse by Lipservice Theatre Something I Really Like The Killing Upcoming Events Wingham Woolwork Fibre Sampling Workshop, 6th April 2013, Frodsham Community Centre; Wonderwool Wales, 27-28 April 2013, Builth Wells, Powys; Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a distinctly un-Springlike Cheshire Plain... brrr! On The Needles I've completed the waist decreases on Adrift, but I've decided to lengthen it and add some complimentary increases. Ravelry details of my project are here. I've also knit and crocheted some bunting triangles for the Guild's bunting, using the Sheepfold Clotted Cream I dyed a year ago. Yesterday I cast on a Tomten by Elizabeth Zimmerman for a new arrival in the family. Oh the Joy! No progress pictures, but I have spun some more purple BFL on the Traddy and more green merino/silk blend on the Joy. The Traddy's had a good scrub down and wax too. Holiday Souvenir Competition We have a winner! Listen to find out who won one of these yarns from La Droguerie. Something I Really Like The National Gallery. Here's Whistlejacket, Mr & Mrs Andrews and Seurat's Bathers at Asnières. Upcoming Events Wingham Woolwork Fibre Sampling Workshop, 6th April 2013, Frodsham Community Centre; Wonderwool Wales, 27-28 April 2013, Builth Wells, Powys; Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from the M6, via a very long delay... sorry! In this episode I celebrate our mini KAL, talk about a new toy and swoon a little over Mr Thornton. On The Needles A few more rows on Adrift by Carol Feller at Stolen Stitches. Ravelry details of my project are here. I've also worked some more rows on the Mini-Mania Scarf by Sarah Core. Ravelry details of my project are here. This is a free pattern, so join me in a knit-a-long. Oh the Joy! We have become a two-wheel family, with the acquisition of a lightly used Ashford Joy. Bliss! Holiday Souvenir Competition Don't forget, to be in ith a chance of winning one of these yarns from La Droguerie, leave a comment or message me before the end of February. Something I Really Like Netflix Upcoming Events Unravel, 23-24 February 2013, The Maltings, Farnham, Surrey; Wonderwool Wales, 27-28 April 2013, Builth Wells, Powys; Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a crisp Cheshire Plain! In this episode I admit to a thick head, update you on some works in progress and share some New Year's Resolutions. Future Knits Owls by Kate Davies Portulaca by Carol Feller On The Needles Adrift by Carol Feller at Stolen Stitches. Ravelry details of my project are here. Mini-Mania Scarf by Sarah Core. Ravelry details of my project are here. This is a free pattern, so join me in a knit-a-long. In The Weaving Shed I whipped up another Mobius cowl in a Saori style. Ravelry details of my project are here. Details of how to make a Mobius Cowl can be found in this Ravelry forum page where there is a link to this Picasa Web Album. There are notes on each photo to explain what to do. Something I Really Like Craftsy Upcoming Events Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts Show at Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, London and Exeter at various points through the year, starting woith Manchester 7-9 February 2013; Wonderwool Wales, 27-28 April 2012, Builth Wells, Powys; Woolfest, 28-29 Junes, Cockermouth, Cumbria; Fibre East, 27-28 July, Ampthill, Bedford Links New Lanark Mills; Natural Dye Studio Murder on the Moor Club Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello and welcome to a celebratory episode of the podcast. It's my third podiversary - woo hoo! Links CaithnessCraftCollective podcast Raspberry vodka recipe (the actual recipe is for gin but I used vodka instead) Damson gin recipe Christmas Pudding vodka recipe I can't find the exact recipe I used for the Damson brandy, but you could use the Damson gin one. The reason the one we sampled was so syruppy was because I used damsons from the freezer that had been cooked in sugar with the intention of making jam, then followed the recipe and added more sugar! If I track the recipe down, I'll post an update. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN Nic x
Hello all! this is an extra episode, recorded when we visited Paris earlier this year. Here are a few snaps... Who couldn't include the Eiffel Tower? Especially at dusk, when it's covered in twinkly lights... Some enigmatic bird... Naopleon III's apartments at the Louvre. La Droguerie... Apologies that this one is on its side. I took it on the iPad and no matter how many times I save it in the other oirientation, it's not having any of it! Boules in front of Les Invalides... A statue on the Pont Alexandre III. I was fascinated by the padlocks... Look! It's Miss France! Links La Droguerie Lil Weasel The Louvre La Musée Rodin La Musée du Quai Branly Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a distinctly chilly Cheshire Plain! In this episode I wonder if I've lost my marbles, coo over a virtual new-born and confess my latest obsession... On The Needles Adrift by Stolen Stitches in Lundy by The Natural Dye Studio. News The Playful Baby has arrived! If you haven't listened to GreenTriangleGirl at the A Playful Day podcast, go and listen. One of my photos was featured in a post on Saturday 24th November on the Wovember website. Please go over and browse -it's a great read. Something I Really Like Patchwork. Who knew? I've been learning with Cheshire Needlecraft. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. lease go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are!Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!) TTFN Nic x
Hello and welcome from an autumnal Cheshire Plain! In this episode I (finally) bid a fond farewell to a number of things close to my heart - but fret not, dear listeners, you are not amongst them! On and Off the Needles All Woolsack Cushions are now done! Woop woop! Since the last episode I have seamed the Make Do and Mend cushion that has a back that was knitted by Carotrike. The front was made in my own handspun that I had dyed before spinning. The blue and yellow were deliciously soft Falkland, the green was the grey Gotland that shed a lot of dodgy looking guard hairs as I spun (Details in Episode 48). I also finished the cushion based on the Circle socks by Anne Campbell. I knit it in the round using Judy’s Magic Cast On to reduce seaming. It’s made from Sheepfold's lovely Clotted Cream, a blended cream aranweight yarn. I dyed what was supposed to be Union Jack red and blue, but it turned out more pink and baby blue! I have also started an Elsa cardigan designed by the Natural Dye Studio, started and finished a Colour Affection Shawl as part of the iMake podcast knitalong... and started Adrift by Stolen Stitches in more NDS yarn. In The Weaving Shed The finished weaving off the loom before fulling... And then afterwards. Note how the warp has fluffed up. Here is the seamed cushion before being sent for stuffing. Full details are listed on Ravelry here. I also snuck in a quick Saori style Möbius cowl (details here). The photos are not great I'm afraid. Some of the other cowls that were made during the Weave-a-long can be seen here. Something I really like Nicsknots' bags! Chit Chat It's goodbye to Woolsack, the Sticks and String podcast and Fibre & Clay. But it's hello to Ruby at home in Namibia: Coco and Nic at home in Botswana: and Frank and Otto at home in South Africa! All photos courtesy of the Mother Bear photo gallery. Competition winner! We have our first London Souvenir winner! The first draw was from the first 100 members of the Ravelry group, and the winner is... well, you'll have to listn to find out! To be in with a chance of winning,make sure you've joined the group here or added a pin to the listeners' map! Links Babylonglegs Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic xx
Hello from a family bank holiday in the North East. In this episode I talk about itching to start something new and how going to a yarn show doesn't do anything to reduce the inflammation! On and Off the Needles I have seamed the handspun listener Woolsack cushion (details on this Rav page ) I also finished the little squares for the front of the Make Do and Mend cushion by Anna Elliot. The back for this was made by the lovely Carotrike. One more left on the needles, based on Circle Socks by Anne Campbell. In The Weaving Shed The actual weaving in progress. Starting off: You can also see the yellow of the contrast clasped weft. Keeping track: Nearing the end... Something I really like The self catering accommodation at Dairy House, nr Cullompton, Devon. Details at www.dairyhouse.biz Upcoming Events British Wool Weekend, Sept 1st & 2nd, great Yorkshire Showground. Details at britishwool.net. Links Woolsack Electric Sheep podcast Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic xx
Hello from a very summery day here on the Plain. In this episode I consider the London 2012 legacy, drool over thoughts of indie dyers and warp a loom. On the Hooks and Needles I completed my Millicent by The Natural Dye Studio, although not before the Olympic flame was extinguished :( Ravelry details are here. I also finished off a few Woolsack cushions (although I'm not sure it gets a mention in this episode!). Details about the sheepy cushion here and the Guild cushions here. Recommendation The Shinybees podcast. Give Jo a listen, it's great! Warped Here are some photos from the warping session. Ready to go... ...starting to warp... ...almost there... ...sorting out some tension issues... ...threading the warps through the eyes... Finally! Something I Really Like Yarns from indie dyers such as BabyLongLegs, Easy Knits, Fyberspates, The Knitting Goddess, and The Natural Dye Studio which use common base yarns from... Upcoming Events ...Bluefaced.com, who are having an open weekend Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August just outside Chester. Details here. Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a variety of Olympic venues and tourist sites in London. The Olympics have started!! In this episode I try to capture a flavour of what it's like to attend some of the events, plus I visit a couple of well-known places I've never been before... On the Hooks and Needles My Ravellenics projects are Millicent by The Natural Dye Studio and another Woolsack cushion in Sheepfold Clotted Cream. Details here and here . Links Nest Caithness Craft Collective A Playful Day Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a rather noisy back garden in the North East of England! In this episode, I get over excited about all thinks Olympic. Forgive me. Finished Objects In reverse order, I finsihed the weaving and made the cusion from the fabric my class were weaving. Rav details here. I also assembled the green woven cushion that's been woven for over two months. Rav details here. And here are front (above)n and back(below) pictures of the cushion worked on during the Y6 residential that I mentioned last episode. Rav details here. Something I really like My brand new Olympic venue Top Trumps set! Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from the Plain! The last few weeks have flown by in a whirl of assessments and cushions, so this is just a quick update prior to the Postcard, which was recorded back in April. Woolsack Update The first two Listener Cushions are now assembled and stuffed and ready to make their way to London. Thank you all so much! The first cushion I think is made from a lot of Rowan British Breeds, and includes a square made in the US on the front.... and squares made in Australia on the back... The second cushion also has some "Made in Oz" squares, this time on the front.... Thanks to all the listeners who contributed! A Postcard from Oxford The music in this postcard is from the album The Oxford Ramble and is used with the kind permission of Magpie Lane . Some photos from the day: Magdalen Tower Inside Darn It & Stitch The dinosaur in a badly-knitted Fair Isle sweater (aka Keble College) Another dinosaur - real this time! Looking down into the Pitt Rivers - it looks a lot darker than this in real life! The Shrunken Heads in the Pitt Rivers The Radcliffe Camera The Bodleian Library Links Magpie Lane http://www.magpielane.co.uk/ May Morning http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decVanilla/MayMorninginOxford.htm Magdalen Tower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalen_Tower Botanical Gardens http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/ The Grand Cafe http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/ ; Darn It and Stitch http://www.darnitandstitch.com/ ; Oxford Kitchen Yarns http://www.oxfordkitchenyarns.com/shop/ Morse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Morse ; Lewis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Lewis ; Oxford University Museum of Natural History http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/ ; Pitt Rivers Museum http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/ ; Shrunken heads http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrunken_head/ Bodleian Library http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley John Hampden http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hampden Christchurch http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/ ; Dr Fell http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fell_(bishop) Howard Goodall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Goodall ; Ashmolean Museum http://www.ashmolean.org/ Martyrs’ Memorial http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyrs'_Memorial ; Oxford Martyrs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_Martyrs Theme Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x
Hello from a sunny Cheshire Plain! In this episode I reflect on my lack of productivity, review a new toy and ‘fess up on my purchases at Wonderwool Wales. Works in Progress A little bit of work on the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. I also warped up my new loom with Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Sorry for the lack of pictures. Woolsack Haul Some Polworth from EasyKnits (and some Falkland for my friend); a Manx Laughtan fleece; some Torddu from Sheepfold and some Dazzle HT from Natural Dye Studio to make a Millicent. The photo I have is rather badly lit, I'll try and sort it and get it up later. Review 12” Ashford Knitter’s Loom with carry bag Something I Really Like The Draw Something app on my phone. Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchelss, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from the Plain, where we're being bombarded with April showers! This is a short episode to sum up after the Woolsack stuffing event. I'd love to show you pictures, but Blogger AND Podbean are both playing up. You'll just have to go look on the Cheshire Guild WSD group thread instead. ;) Upcoming Events: Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a sunny spot in Oxfordshire. This episode I'm out and about, taking advantage of the lovely weather! Woolsack Update Cushions are taking over my life. If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll find me under a pile of cushion squares and stuffing... I've finished sets 9 squares for Guild cushions, seamed my sixth cushion and made a start on blocking the 4 inch squares sent in by you, my lovely listeners. Spinning I've spun up some Falkland sliver (gorgeous to spin!) that I dyed myself. I also spun up some dyed carded Gotland. Knitting I'm using that handspun to make another cushion, this time the Make Do and Mend pattern. Here's the Union flag in progress on the train. Review Knit Today magazine, May 2012 issue. Something I really like: The Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines at the Mountbatten Festival of Music. Here's a link to a video of the Royal Marines Corps of Drums. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from the Cheshire Plain. Thanks for allowing me this moment of self-indulgence (yes, I know, a very long momemt!) Links Knit A Journey podcast; My Forest Canopy Shawl; Mum's Socks; Mum's Mrs Beetons; The Infamous Bobble Hats (apologies, I DID put a bobble on my Father-in-Law's!); Venezia and Autumn Rose sweaters by Eunny Jang; Lissuin by Ann Kingstone; Carol Feller at Stolen Stitches; Ann Kingstone; Information on Cumbrian dialect and the sheep counting system; Sheepfold; Blacker Yarns. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a cold and blustery Cheshire Plain. This episode I share spinning, update you on my Woolsack progress and reveal the answers to the Manchester music quiz. Spinning: I finished spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies. Then I spun up a 125g sample pack of Shetland combed tops from Jamieson and Smith. Woolsack Update: I finished the back for the Celtic Yarns Cushion designed by Blacker, and have knitted an edging onto one of the too small Guild cushions. On The Needles: I've cast on for an Alletta shawl for the Alletta/Allegra Knit-along with the Caithness Craft Collective podcast. I'm using Fyberspates Sparkle Sock and Ravelry details are here. Prizes! Prizewinners need to let me know their order of preference of these five skeins: From left to right: Posh Yarn Lucia in "Skip" (100g/365yds); Posh Yarn Charlotte in "April Showers Bring May Flowers" (100g/350yds); Posh Yarn Lei (100g/380 yds); Fyberspates Echo Self-Striping Sock (100g/380yds); Natural Dye Studio Unicorn in "Apple" (100g/400m) Upcoming Events: Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers are taking demonstrating and holding their exhibition at West Kirby Library on Tuesday 10th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th April. I'll be there on Tuesday - come along and say hello! The Guild is also hosting a Woolsack Stuffing Event at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire on Saturday 21st April, 11am-3pm. This event is open to anyone in the area to drop in and stuff your cushion. There is carparking at the Centre and refreshments. Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Links Posh Yarn Fyberspates Natural Dye Studio Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a slightly overcast Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about the original Woolsack, twitch over big art projects and small children and say thank you. A lot. Works in Progress/Woolsack Update: To console myself after last week, I cast on a new Woolsack Cushion, using Sheepfold and Jamieson of Shetland yarns. It's a Blacker Yarns pattern, the Celtic Yarns Cushion, and Ravelry details are here. In addition, I recapped on the aims of the Woolsack project amd the origins of the word. Here is a shot for the UK Parliament's Flickr stream that I found of the Woolsack: I also interrupted myself to take a photo of this little fella: Something I really like: Llama BBQ bites! Thank You!: Thank you to everyone who responsed to my meltdown last week. The squares are starting to roll in. Thank you also to the lovely sandcola, who was my partner in the Fabric Postcard swap over on the Caithness Craft Collective podcast. Upcoming Events: Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers are taking demonstrating and holding their exhibition at West Kirby Library on Tuesday 10th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th April. Come along and say hello! The Guild is also hosting a Woolsack Stuffing Event at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire on Saturday 21st April, 11am-3pm. This event is open to anyone in the area to drop in and stuff your cushion. There is carparking at the Centre and refreshments. Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Links: Woolsack; Sheepfold; Jamieson's of Shetland; CogKNITive Podcast; Caithness Craft Collective. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a gloriously sunny, if blustery, Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about my crafty AD/HD, bemoan a lack of pictures and send you a postcard from my recent break in the Lakes. Works in Progress: I cast off my Damson! It's not yet blocked, but Ravelry details are here.You can't see the loopy border in this shot, but proof that it is indeed finished. I've also been dying more yarn (Kid Silk Lace from Posh Yarn) and fibre (more BFL and also some Falkland Sliver from DT Craft & Design, and a selection of Gotland curls from May Hill Gotlands (gotland_mayhill@yahoo.com) in the Forest of Dean and carded grey Gotland from Blacker Yarns) to use up the dye solutions from last weekend. Talking of last week's marathon dying session, I used the dyed Sheepfold Clotted Cream and some black Hebredian to crochet a set of interlocking rings for the Cheshire Guild's exhibition on the theme of circles. I also took the dyed BFL fibre and needled felted it on in a series of cirlces along a length of the undyed BFL top which I'd lightly needled felted to keep the wave of the fibre visible. Of course I've not been so clever as to take photos of them before I handed them over to the Exhibition Secretary, so you'll have to wait a while, or come and see the Exhibition! Woolsack Update: I've been working on more little squares using JaneKAL pattern recipe to make up cushion fronts and backs made by members of the Guild and seaming some of them together. It looks like we could have over 30 cushions just from the Guild alone, let alone any from members of the public who come along on the day. I'm so excited! I've also started warping up my loom to weave a cushion in Wool City Wool 4ply from Texere Yarns. A Postcard from ... the Lake District: Sadly the vast majority of photographs I talk about in the clips were lost when my memory card corrupted, but I have this shot of me behind Dove Cottage... ...my Cream Tea... ...a view from the drive north from Windermere, showing Derwentwater glistening by Keswick... and a shot of some of the alpaca... : Links: Woolsack; Keswick Launch on Derwentwater; Dove Cottage; I Wander'd Lonely as A Cloud, read by Graham Williams for LibriVox; Find out more about The Terrible Knitters of Dent at the Dent Village Heritage Centre; The Alpaca Centre; Wonder of Wool exhibition at Rheged; Susan Crawford; Kate Jenkins; Freddie Robins; Joss Wrigg; Amy Twigger Holroyd. Upcoming Events: Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers are taking demonstrating and holding their exhibition at West Kirby Library on Tuesday 10th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th April. Come along and say hello! The Guild is also hosting a Woolsack Stuffing Event at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire on Saturday 21st April, 11am-3pm. This event is open to anyone in the area to drop in and stuff your cushion. There is carparking at the Centre and refreshments. The WOW exhibition runs at the Rheged Centre, Cumbria until Sunday 15th April and is open daily. Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a glorious Cheshire Plain. In this bumper episode I discuss dying, squawk about space and am rendered speechless... Thanks for the feedback on Episode 41: A Postcard from Manchester. It's been a privilege to share the memories the music invokes for you. A couple of people are close but no one has yet identified all of the clips, so I'll leave it open until March 31st. PM or email me with your answers. Works in Progress: Slooooooow work on the Damson Shawl as part of the Caithness Craft Collective Knitalong, but the end is in sight. I hope to have it finished for next episode. Ravelry details are here. I've also been dying yarn (Clotted Cream from Sheepfold) and fibre (BFL from DT Craft & Design) to make something for the Guild Exhibition. I need to hand it in next Saturday, so I'd better be quick! I've also dyed 100g of BFL in a purple to ply with the Cheviot from Shunklies. No more progress has been made in the actual spinning, though. Woolsack Update: I've finished my fifth cushion for Woolsack. The pattern is Tilting at Windmills by Woolly Thoughts. It needs a bath in Soak though, to soften up the Jamieson's of Shetland Aran yarn (now discontinued I think). It's not scratchy so much as just a bit stiff. Here's the front... ...and the back... Review: Knitty Issue 39, Spring + Summer 2012. Something I Really Like: Astronomy, my telescope that I still can't use and my SkyView app. Here's the photo I took when I stopped recording. It's slightly blurry because I was too excited to get the tripod out and do it properly, I'm afraid. Venus is the brighter light on the right, with Jupiter on the left. It really did appear just as I was saying it. Uncanny! Links: Woolsack; A Playful Day; Subway Knits; Counting Sheep; The Heathen Housewife; Prof Brian Cox. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from the Cheshire Plain. Spring is definitely in the air! This episode sees the launch of a new, occasional, series A Postcard From... A prize is available for anyone who can identify the music clips in the postcard! Works in Progress: No work on the Damson Shawl as part of the Caithness Craft Collective Knitalong. Ravelry details are here. I've completed a second bear this year for the Mother Bear KAL/CAL over at the CogKNITive podcast. This one is called Frank, in honour the the recently departed Frank Carson. Woolsack Update: I'm partway through another cushion for Woolsack. Although I described the pattern, I didn't actually name it (shame on me). It is Tilting at Windmills by Woolly Thoughts. Spinning: I'm still spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies. I'm now over three-quarters of the way through it. A Postcard from...Manchester Whilst writing these show notes, I've made the horrific discovery that my memory card has corrupted, so I only have a few photos that I took on my phone to share, and those do not include the detail from The Hireling Shepherd by William Holman Hunt. So sorry! The Jasperware by Wedgewood on the landing in the Manchester Art Gallery. And the landing itself, looking at the casts of the Parthenon friezes. This is the sign I mentioned when I was outside Affleck's. I took some superb pictures of the theatre-in-the-round structure inside The Royal Exchange, but sadly you'll just have to put up with these two wobbly shots of the same area, to go with the shortened clip (I was just too quiet!) Links: Woolsack; Mother Bear Project; iMake Podcast; Knit A Journey Podcast; Fred Aldous; Purl City Yarns. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
A repost of Episode 40 to counteract the gremlins! Hello from a coffeeshop in Knutsford! In this episode I contemplate comfort knitting, smack my forehead at my own stupidity and, on listening back, overuse the phrase really, really interesting (sorry!). Works in Progress: A Damson Shawl as part of the Caithness Craft Collective Knitalong. I'm using the Carezza I bought at Artfibers in San Francisco last summer and the Ravelry details are here. I'm also working on a bear for the Mother Bear KAL/CAL over at the CogKNITive podcast. Although not finished at the time of recording, she is now. Let me introduce you to Ruby, stood here, in the grounds of Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's home 1799-1808. Woolsack Update: I finished my cable cushions, although I'm obviously very stupid! Ravelry details are here and here. Spinning: I'm still spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies. I'm nearly three-quarters of the way through it, and I'm fairly sure I'm going to dye some British Blue Faced Leicester to ply with it. Review: The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook by Robson and Ekarius. Something I Really Like: The internet community we are building, triggered by our first Gulf State pin in the listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Links: Easyknits - look out for their Spin Love Club! Woolsack Mother Bear Project Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a cold and wintery Cheshire Plain! This episode I share limited progress, explain terminology and hector my listeners. Giveaway: Thank you for all your entries. We have winners! Works in Progress: I'm knitting a cushion back (no photos or Ravelry details yet) and I'm still spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies (still no pictures but I've found the purple!). I'm also lusting after Easyknits' Superwash Merino Fluff in Punk colours (sorry, I mispelt it in the show) and can't wait to spin them. Jon's blogpost about them, along with his finished yarn, is here. Something I Really Like: My conservatory! Woolsack Update: Please please please consider making a cushion for the Woolsack project. There's a thread over in the Ravlery group waiting for your pictures. Links: Posh Yarn; Woolsack; The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from my newly decorated conservatory! This episode I natter about nibbling sleeves, compare spinners to moths, and contemplate future plans. Giveaway If you would like to be entered into the giveaway for either a skein of laceweight Posh yarn or a skein of sockweight Posh Yarn, leave me a message by February 4th telling me which one you'd like to win and why. You can leave a message here on the show notes, over on the show notes on the Blogspot site, over at the Ravelry group, or drop me an email on yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. Off The Needles I finished the Rainbow Scrappy Liesl. Details are here. I have been spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies (no pictures yet I'm afraid). Woolsack Update The Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers have started their Woolsack cushion campaign by making little squares. Something I Really Like BBC Drama Gratuitous Conservatory Picture Here's one taken the day the floor was laid. Check out Stella's confusion over the reflection in the roof! Links Posh Yarn Ysolda Teague Socktopus Woolsack JaneKAL Sheepfold Blacker Yarns Jamieson's of Shetland The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a very wet Cheshire Plain. Today I dream about a future space, announce a winner and gibber not so quietly about the nigh-on uncontrollable urge to knit Christmas presents. Congratulations to PokedAGoblin, who has won the lovely Crafts From The Dungeon Mayan Spinner from Episode 31. Suggestions for quick(ish) present knits: Quick Cable Slouch Hat by Azure Calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee A cowl knit in chunky yarn, like the ones here and here I knitted last year. Fetching and Dashing by Cheryl Niamath Mrs Beeton by Brenda Dayne (Ravelry downlad available from here) Scar by Julie Gardner Tidepool Socks by Rainy Day Goods Links: Sarah Hazell Fibre and Clay Rowan Colourscape Chunky Woolsack Sheepfold (Scroll down to find the utterly delicious Methera) Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed, as used in my Chocolate Stripes sweater Music: Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a blustery Cheshire Plain. This episode is entirely focussed on the Woolsack project, including an interview with JaneKAL My Woolsack Cushions are detailed here and here. Links: The Woolsack site (www.woolsack.org) has a long list of suppliers of British Yarn. I've mainly been using yarn and fibre from Sheepfold and Blacker Yarns. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a chilly Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about extra spinning, the joy of little hats and saggy knees. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Giveaway: To win a Mayan Spinner from Crafts From The Dungeon, leave a comment here, on the show notes at the http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/ site or over at the Ravelry group, finishing off this sentence: "I want to win a Mayan Spinner because..." Leave your comment by 24th November 2011. On the Needles and the Bobbin: Apologies for the lack of pictures, but the decreased levels of light are thwarting me at the moment. I've made Tubey and Waltzer from Wee Woolly Toppers and a couple of Christmas Pudding Hats from Debbie Bliss's Kids' Knits for Heads, Hands and Toes. I've spun extra yarn for my handspun Rainbow Liesl, which I will cast on soon. I've also been working on Woolsack cushions, but more on those next time. Review: Big Girls Knits by Jill Moreno and Amy Singer Tears: Remember this sweater? Well, it doesn't look like that any more... (photos to follow when I can bring myself to) Links: Woolly Wormhead; Woolsack; Fibre & Clay; Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a drizzly Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about all the other things I've been doing instead of knitting, play with a new toy and wax lyrical about squash. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Not on the Needles (!): Something that will potentially become a Kauni Wrap... ...some Tunisian crochet... ...some scrap spinning... ...and some Polymer buttons. Review: Mayan Spinnner Kit, £15 plus p&p. including a hand-carded batt and instructions, from Crafts From The Dungeon. Giveaway: To win a pretty Mayan Spinner just like mine, leave a comment here, on the show notes at the http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/ site or over at the Ravelry group, finishing off this sentence: "I want to win a Mayan Spinner because..." Leave your comment by 24th November 2011. Something I really like: Cooking with squashes! One favourite is a stuffed squash using a Schwartz Spices mix, another is a risotto I created this week, using roasted chunks of butternut squash and chorizo. Links: Scandinavian Knitting Design; Fibre & Clay; Heike Gittins' blog and the Knitsisters website; Clayaround; Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello AGAIN from the Cheshire Plain! This is the last episode in this marathon catching up session, honest! We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! In this episode I talked about various events linked to the Cheshire Spinning Guild (the Ravelry Group for the Guild is here), including the Exhibition at Dunham Massey and the trip to Woolfest. I also mentioned the Wool Experience and the gorgeous ice cream at Blaze Farm. Here is the Great Wheel in use at Blaze Farm: I also attended a Woolly Wormhead sideways hat workshop at Fibre & Clay, based on her book Going Straight. My hat needs maybe an hour's more work before it's finished. And talking of finishing... which of these should I finish first? 1.Posh Yarn Featherweight cardigan 2. Poshman Mittens 3. Stripy Noro Messenger Bag 4. Modern Quilt Wrap 5. Tank Top in Noro Kuryon Sock Yarn 6. Lizard Ridge Afghan 7. Olympic Medal Socks (I'll probably take these on holiday anyway) 8. Pondemonium child's stranded sweater 9. Best of Both Whirls Cushion 10. Double Vision Cushion 11. Hipknits Silk Aran Fair Isle Cardigan So leave me a message here, drop me an email or post in the Ravelry forum! And finally.... which is THE yarn shop to visit in San Francisco? Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a wet Cheshire Plain. OK, it's raining, but after the heatwave I've experienced over the last week, I'm enjoying feeling cooler! Sadly I'm still arguing with the new mic, so I've used the hand-held again. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! This episode is sub-titled the ME, ME, ME show (thanks Louise!) and features a detailed run down of the items I entered in the Oxfordshire County and Thame Show at the weekend. Firstly for the Knitting Class, I submitted my Mint Choc Chip scarf, which is the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. In the Baby Knitting, I made this sweater, the February Baby Sweater from the Knitter's Almanac. I found meleliza's Ravelry notes very helpful. For the Crochet Class, I made the Circles Scarf by Linda Permann (details of my project here). For the Embroidered Picture, I finished this that has been lurking in my embroidery UFO bin for a very long time. The motifs are based on those in Jo Verso's World of Cross Stitch, and the composition inspired by one of hers, but the final design is mine. For the Beadwork Class, I entered my first ever piece of beadwork (other than simply threading beads onto a string), which I learnt on a course at The Bead Trail at Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway. In the Item made from Recycled Materials, I entered a gift bag made from the Financial Times. For the Three Handmade Cards Class I entered two Lacé designs (the Golden Wedding and Birthday cards) and one iris folding design (New Baby). The entry into the Cushion Class involved some "teach yourself" skills, namely wet felting and needle felting. The main fabric was made from two shades of grey carded Gotland fleece from Eden Gotland Sheep, with the creamy white curls from May Hill Gotlands (gotland_mayhill@yahoo.com) in the Forest of Dean and the dark curls from Diesel from the Pedwardine Gotland flock in South Lincolnshire needlefelted onto the finished cushion. Finally I entered 98g/382 yds of 2ply handspun made from Yummy Yarns UK carded batts (merino, bamboo, silk, firestar and mohair threads) in the Duchess of Cambridge colourway. I also entered these photos, too: "Stick Dressing, Northumberland County Show" for "Country Life" "Elmer in the Garden, Eating Lupins" for "My Pet" And here is the Thame Show Trophy, for the most points in the Handicrafts Section. Don't get over-awed, it's only six inches high! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a sunny Cheshire Plain. Apologies for the long delay in re-recording this. Even now, I haven't quite worked out the new mic as I needed to swap to the hand-held recorder for the last part. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! On my needles and spinning wheel: Between Episode 24 and the beginning of May, I finished two bears for the Mother Bear Project. I also plied more of the the Picperfec singles into a 4 ply with a view to making a Liesl. Otto Coco Review: Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders, edited by Judith Durant, published by Storey Publishing. Agricultural Shows: I'm gearing up for the Oxfordshire County and Thame Show on the 30th July. I also mention the following shows: Wigtown Show: 3rd August Bakewell Show: 3rd&4th August Fishguard Show: 5th August Cranleigh Show: 7th August Sedgefield Show: 14th August Gillingham & Shaftsbury Show: 17th August Hawkshead Show: 23rd August Poynton Show: 27th August Bucks County Show: 1st September A full events calendar can be found on the website of the Association of Agricultural Organisations. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a blooming Cheshire Plain. In this episode, come with me as I go to Wonderwool Wales! Apologies for the occasional background noise, I've tried to even the levels out as best I could. On my needles and spinning wheel: I've been working on a bear for the Mother Bear Project, some Baker's Dozen Squares and my sock yarn blanket. I've also tried plying the Picperfec singles into a 4 ply and it's just what I want! At Wonderwool I met up with guzzisue from the Spinnotts (click here for more info about them) and ambermoggie at the Ravelry Meet-up area. I also spotted Jess in the finger-crocheted hat (sorry, can't remember your Rav name!) teaching Angie and Penny how to spin: I spotted more historic mill bobbins at The Threshing Barn and bought one. I also bought some fibre from Freyalyn's Fibres and some felted jewellery making cupkits from Bryncurl Workshops. I also saw some sheep! First some Shetlands... ... then a gorgeous Leicester Longwool... ...and finally some Manx Loaghtan (but I only photographed the ram, not the two ewes). Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a blooming Cheshire Plain! This episode I share a little industrial heritage, show my maths geek credentials and ponder travel plans. Review: Patricia Ackroyd's talk at the Cheshire WSD Guild meeting last week and the Heike Gittins workshop at Fibre and Clay. Heike Some of the other course delegates What's on my wheel and needles: The Picperfec fibre continues apace, I think it's time to "swatch ply" to see how thick the finished yarn will be. The sock yarn blanket is also growing nicely and this weekend I've completed a Moebius (Möbius?) cowl in Rowan Felted Tweed and Rowan Kidsilk Haze at the worshop. Something I really like: Making travel plans! Any suggestions for the South Western states of the USA? Upcoming Events: Wonderwool Wales at Builth Wells, Powys, 9th and 10th April; Woolfest in Cockermouth, Cumbria, 24th and 25th June; Knit Nation in London, 15th-17th July; a range of workshops at Fibre and Clay, including another Moebius Knitting workshop on 17th September and Tunisian Crochet on 10th September and 15th October. I haven't as yet started one, but if you're interested in knitting or crocheting a bear for the Mother Bear Project, details can be found here. Sorry I was too late for your KAL/CAL, Dr Gemma! Links: Ackroyd and Dawson; Heike Gittins' blog and the Knitsisters website; Picperfec's Etsy shop, Fluff and Stuff; Carol Feller;CogKNITive Podcast. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a defrosted Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk last minute Christmas knitting, share discoveries over my sense of self and raise a glass in toast! On the Needles: Here's a photo of the second Christmas cowl, knit in Thistledown Yarns as promised last time: I also completed these socks at the last minute: The pattern is Scar by Julie Gardner and can be downloaded for free here from her blog. Details of this pair can be found on my Ravelry projects page here. I have also cast on a third cowl, again in the Rowan Colourscape Chunky: Review: Rowan Colourscape Chunky Something I Really Like: My new D-SLR camera and playing on Flickr! And yes, this was me during the podcast today. Not quite mastered the art of smiling yet... Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). Happy New Year! TTFN, Nic
Hello from a frozen Cheshire Plain. In this episode I make excuses for not knitting, visit a new shop and drink mulled wine- hic! On the Needles: I finished the second Christmas cowl, made from Thistledown Yarns. I've not yet put it on Ravelry in case it gets spotted, so no photos yet, I'm afraid. Review: Purl City Yarns, Manchester Something I Really Like: Christmas decorations and the wonderful smells of Christmas. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Links: Garnstudio Drops; King Cole; Designer Yarns; Green Eyed Monsters; Wild Fire Fibres; Fyberspates; Natural Dye Studio; Lorna's Laces. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). Have a peaceful and relaxing Christmas! TTFN, Nic
Hello from a slushy Cheshire Plain. This week we've had snow, along with most of the UK, although the thaw started yesterday. Still plenty of the white stuff on the Peaks in the distance though! This week I talk about gifts, acrylic and music and announce the winner of the draw for the Boysenberry Biffle+ from Easy Knits. On the Needles/Hooks: I'm stockpiling a few 8x8 inch squares, although I have no photos to share. I've turned a short row heel on the first Biffle+ sock and started my own design of circular lace shawl in Kidsilk Haze. This morning I finished my first Christmas gift, a cowl for one of my cousins. Review: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Worsted Something I Really Like: Christmas music! What's your top recommendation for trimming the tree? Let me know. Upcoming Events: A variety of day courses at Fibre & Clay in the new year, including learning to crochet, Tunisian crochet and Moebius knitting. Details on their website or telephone 01565 652035. Purl City Yarns have an evening with Natural Dye Studio on Wednesday 8th December and with Fyberspates on Saturday 11th December. Book a place through email: info@purlcityyarns.com Links: Banyan Tree Yarns Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a very blustery Cheshire today. Batten down the hatches, mother! In this episode, I talk Tudor, catch up with some new friends and reflect on how bad I am at actually joining in! On the Needles and Hooks: I finished the Schuyler blanket in memory of Andrew and Claire that I first talked about in Episode 2. Thanks to everyone who contributed a square: smorancie; simplebeans; elljay; sassi-sketti; diamandy; jenknitsalot; LateFordinner; LKManitou; blakdove; Scarletti; YarnDiva; instar; NinjaBunnyStudios; Una; my Mum and also to YarnCloud and Riana for the help in edging.Thanks also to fakeknitter for the beautiful label. I've also caught up on some Baker's Dozen Squares. This is the Starburst New Millenium 12" block by Designs by Muggins. I've also cast on for a plain sock in EasyKnits Biffle+ in the Carosel colourway. Love it! It's so lovely, I bought some for you too! Here it is in Boysenberry. If you'd like to win this, leave a comment telling me why you have to have it in your stash, either here, or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/ or at the Ravelry group here by the end of 30th November 2010. Fibre Flurry was a real joy, well organised with a heaving market place in a delightful location. Here are the two buildings. Firstly, the Saracen's Head, where the market place and the cafe were: Then the Old Grammar School, the site of the workshops: Review: Easyknits Biffle+ in 70% Superwash BFL/ 20% Silk / 10% Cashmere Something I really Like: Sock Clubs. Photo shows lollipop.yarn yarn from Catherine on the left and Wollmeise from the Socktopus Knit Love Club on the right. I also reveal my first parcel from the EasyKnits Sock Club. (I'm not sponsored by EasyKnits, BTW, I just love the yarn!) Links: Knitting Goddess; Posh Yarn; FeltStudioUK; Ann Kingstone; Atomic Knitting. Don't forget the competition for the Easyknits Biffle + in Boysenberry. Leave a comment telling me why you have to have it in your stash, either here, or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/ or at the Ravelry group here by the end of 30th November 2010. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from an autumnal Cheshire Plain. In this episode I offer up a moment of ritual humiliation with an authority figure, reflect on professional behaviour and talk about record breakers. Swag from Knit Camp: Natural shades of Shetland sample packs from Jamieson & Smith; Rainbow Merino Tops from EasyKnits; a selection of luscious fibres from Freyalyn's Fibres; undyed Falkland (not in picture) from DT Craft & Design green 100% superwash merino from Abstract Cat; two 100% Superwash Merino from Left Coast Yarns; and a nice 100% wool (can't remember what!) in heathery pinks from Thistledown Yarns. Back to Back Challenge: Team members posing with the Provost of Stirling, Fergus Wood. From L to R: Astrid and Angela (co-owners of knittybitty.de), Susan, the Provost, Ann (in front), Miriam (behind) and Freyalyn. Sandra is behind Freyalyn and obscured in this shot. The finished article! From L to R: Ann, Susan, Sandra, Astrid, Steve modelled the sweater, Angela, Miriam and Freyalyn (with thanks to Woolly Thoughts for the use of the photograph). Upcoming Events: Susan Crawford at Fibre & Clay, Knutsford, 21st and 23rd September; http://www.fibreflurry.co.uk/, Birmingham, 30th October. Additional Links: Woolly Wormhead; Horti Honey's blogpost and Lucy Neatby's blogpost about Knit Camp. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from behind a pile of fibre and washing here in the Cheshire Plain. Another bumper episode this week, with a report from the weekdays of the recent UK Knit Camp at Stirling in Scotland. Despite organisational problems and a lack of communication for day visitors, I had a brilliant time. I took classes with Jon Dunn of EasyKnits, Lucy Neatby, Kate Tetlow and Mary Jane Mucklestone. Photos from Jon's spinning class... ...and shots of my handspun taken in Mary Jane's class. Animal, spun from batts from EverImprovingMe Navajo-plied fibre from DT Craft & Design bought at Wonderwool Wales in April I also have an overwhelming desire to make Lucy Neatby's Bubbles Scarf. Luckily there's a knit-a-long for the pattern in September. There's also an interview with the designer of the Knit Camp Vest, Ann Kingstone. Finally, if you want to imagine me whirling Debbie Stoller around the dance floor, this video shows (sort of) what we were doing. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although I don't Tweet much!). TTFN, Nic
Hello from a distinctly un-summery Cheshire Plain. It's a bumper one this time around! This episode I share some finished objects, give you a history lesson and subject you all to my ramblings and reminicences on livestock. On the needles/wheel: I've finished the Manos del Uruguay Clapotis in time for the Clap-o-tea party at UK Knit Camp. I've also taught myself how to navajo ply on the singles I spun from a hank of unidentified fibre (possibly BFL and tencel) I bought from DT Crafts at Wonderwool Wales. No photos here, I'm afraid, but details on Ravelry for the Clapotis and the handspun. I'm also having a blast spinning some Muppet batts from EverImprovingMe. Gorgeous!!! Something I really like: Open Country on BBC Radio 4, particularly using the iPlayer. The Fair Isle Kntting programme is here. Upcoming Events: UK Knit Camp, 9th-13th August and UK Ravelry Weekend, 13th-14th August, Stirling, Scotland; I Knit Weekender, 10th-11th September, London; Fibre Flurry, 30th October, King's Norton, Birmingham. The bulk of this episode is taken up with information about The Oxfordshire County and Thame Show. It's something I attended every year as a child and teenager, but haven't been sinc ei went into teachign in the mid-90s. So, ready for the photo fest that is my record of Thame Show? OK, don't say I didn't warn you. There's a lot of photos. Seriously. Heaps. First up, the patchwork class. The red certificate is for First prize, blue is Second, yellow is Third, white is Very Highly Commended. The first prize winner in the patchwork is the first piece completed by the entrant.Then it's the fibre classes. First knitting... ... then baby and toddler knitting... ... then the single entry in the Crochet class. Then I wondered down the other end of the marquee to the vegetables. Later I went into the rabbit tent.... ... the pigeons.... ... and the caged birds. Onto the larger animals. This class appears to be for a South Devon bull, heifer and calf. Inside the tent were some beautiful livestock, including this Hereford heifer... and some Holsteins. Outside you can see some Jacob sheep in the pens on the left. Lookee! A livestock Judge, In a Bowler hat! A shot from the sheep judging ring. A Southdown with a fleecy face. Beautiful Alpaca! One of my favourite parts was the Sheep Show. Here's the lorry, with all nine sheep on show. Close up shots... Craig shearing his first ever Scottish Blackface. Some of the Sheep show participants. First Lenny the Lincoln Longwool... ...the Rupert the Rouge De L'Ouest from France... ... and finally Dougal the Scottish Blackface. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although I don't Tweet much!). Nic
Hello from a chilled Cheshire Plain - it's the summer holidays! Yayyy! In this episode I talk hat design, upcoming events and confess to my inner beardie. What's on the needles: No real progress on anything currently on the needles, but I have designed and made my own hat! Review: Woolly Wormhead's hat design course at Fibre & Clay. Woolly has blogged about it here. If you get a chance to do one of her workshops, grab it! Upcoming Events: Knit Nation, 29th-31st July, London; UK Knit Camp, 9th-13th August and UK Ravelry Weekend, 13th-14th August, Stirling, Scotland; I Knit Weekender, 10th-11th September, London; Fibre Flurry, 30th October, King's Norton, Birmingham. Something I Really Like: Folk music and, in particular, A Folk Song A Day. Links: Woolly Wormhead; Fibre & Clay; Cyril Tawney; Eliza Carthy; Jim Moray; Seth Lakeman; Jim Causley; Karine Polwart; Bellowhead; Jon Boden Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello from a little piece of green space overlooking the Weaver Navigation Canal. In this episode I muse on my missing mojo, announce a winner and ponder on tails as an essential accessory. UFO contest: Thanks to all those who entered, but nobody guessed the correct UFO, which was in fact my Birthday Pinwheel Sweater: Details are here. Although no-one correctly identified it, I thought I would still have a draw, so the random number generator picked out a winner. Was it you? You can choose from either of the Abstract Cat yarns I mentioned in an earlier episode, a lovely pint silk laceweight from Knitwitches or some lovely Lei from Posh Yarn Abstract Cat Retro: Abstract Cat Jolly: Knitwitches 100% Pure Silk Laceweight: Posh Yarn Lei in Charming: or Posh Yarn Lei in an unspecified colourway I bought at Wonderwool Wales in 2008: Thanks to all who entered! What's on my needles: a Featherweight cardigan in Posh Yarn, a Clapotis in Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend and a Stripy Noro Messenger Bag. Fancy joining in the Fibre & CLay knit-a-long for this bag? We're already international, so feel free! The pattern can be downloaded from here. And finally.... what else would you see at the V&A than this... Random! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello from a sunny yet cold Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about the wanderer returning, wander with a wonderful friend and wonder at Wonderwool Wales. What's on my needles, hooks and wheel: Not much knitting or crochet in the last fortnight. Work's been busy and any spare fibre moment has been spent at my wheel. I've spun about 60g of merino tops bought at Wonderwool Wales last year into an as yet unspecified 2-ply yarn. Lumpy in places, but well balanced (like me, perhaps?) Over the Bank Holiday weekend I did finish the last of the NYOBE Round 5 squares. Review: Wonderwool Wales. A brilliant time, with a fairly restrained amount of shopping I feel... Believe me, I could have bought an awful lot more! I mention pretty much everything in the podcast and link to it below, but when I looked at the photo I realised I didn't mention the glorious dyed oatmeal BFL from The Thylacine. Bad podcaster! Want to go? Next year's dates are Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April 2011. Links: Knitwitches; Sheepfold; DT Crafts & Design; Sparkleduck; The Threshing Barn; Black Mountain Alpacas Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. There's now a Ravelry group for the podcast, which can be found here. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello from the Plain! This episode I celebrate my own making and doing and talk about the recent Make, Do and Knit event from Liverpool. On my needles, hooks and spindle: I finished seaming the stripy sweater... and the missing bear... I finished crocheting blocks for NYOBE Round 5: and I finished spinning the Shetland Top and then plied it: Make, Do and Knit, Liverpool A lovely relaxed atmosphere at the show, from the Blue Coat School at Liverpool (exterior and interior shots of the chapel). Did you spot the cobweb? There was a chance to see the Knitted Poem, although not in all its unrolled glory! Upcoming Events: In reverse order: Woolly Wormhead at Fibre & Clay, Knutsford, July 17th/18th; Wonderwool Wales, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys, April 24th & 25th Dr Who!!!! BBC1, 6.20pm, Saturday 3rd April Links: Electric Sheep; CogKNITive Podcast; Mother Bear Project; Purlesque; Poetry Society; Kraft Koala; Babylonglegs; Fyberspates; Natural Dye Studio; Jamie Possum ; Just Call Me Ruby. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. There's now a Ravelry group for the podcast, which can be found here. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello from a damp but spring-like Cheshire Plain! In this episode I talk about slumping, indie dyers, Yarn Forward magazine and blow my chance of being an extra in Larkrise to Candleford. What's on my needles: The stripy jumper is nearly done, just some seaming to go! Review: The Friday Night Knitting Club: Knit 2 by Kate Jacobs Something I really like:;Fibre and Clay in Knutsford. Links: Abstract Cat Crafts; lollipop.yarn and also at My LYS; The Sanguine Gryphon; A Verb For Keeping Warm; Pigeonroof Studios; Freckle Face Fibers; There's now a Ravelry group for the podcast, which can be found here. Don't forget the Liverpool Make, Do and Knit next weekend, 27th and 28th March. I'll be there on Saturday, please say hello if you see me! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Apologies for the Gremlins in the first attempt to upload this episode. Hello from an almost spring-like Cheshire Plain! Today I talk about the Ravelympics and the Knitting Olympics, review my first full mitten pattern and squee over 9 foot of striped novelty yarn: On the Hooks and Needles: For the Ravelympics I've been working on the Chocolate Stripe tunic/dress from Knitting Noro by Jane Ellison... ... and my Poshman Mittens, David Schulz's Northman Mittens in two colours of Posh Yarn Emily. I've also been producing 12x12 inch squares for the fifth round of NYOBE (Not Your Ordinary Block Exchange), but I have no photos yet as most aren't finished, and produced these two squares for a Schuyler Blanket in memory of Juan. Review: Northman Mittens by David Schulz of Southern Cross Fibre Something I really like: Independent hand-dyed yarns. What makes your heart sing? Let me know! Links: Life as a Nuurdy Girl podcast Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage) Woolly Thoughts Posh Yarn The Knitting Goddess Krafty Koala Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello from a sunny Cheshire! In this episode I talk about the danger of discounts, hopes for Spring and how 70,000 people can make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. On the Hooks and Needles: Sparkly Monkeys are done! Hurrah!! I've also completed three blocks for my Shuyler Blanket and cast on a new pair of socks (no photos yet). Something I really like: RBS Six Nations Rugby! Links: NYOBE; The Fancy Yarn Specialists (can't find a Web link, maybe the sign said "Fancy Yarn Co.", they do offer a mail order service 01944 711616) ; CogKNITive Podcast The Black Sheep Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage). Posh Yarn Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) Feel free to leave a comment here or at www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello from the grey and somewhat dreary Cheshire Plain here in the North-West of England. In this episode I talk about feeling better, splitting yarn and introduce you to the Wrong Bongs. On the Hooks and Needles: Squares for three Shuyler Blankets (details here) and a knitted bear (currently MIA!). Review: Rowan 47 Something I really like: Parcels! Links: Electric Sheep; CogKNITive Podcast; Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage); Mother Bear Project; Posh Yarn; The Knitting Goddess; Socktopus Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello from the frost-bitten Cheshire Plain here in the North-West of England! In this episode I talk about snow, labyrinthitis and get cross with the cat. On the Needles: I talk about the Sparkly Monkeys, which now have a pair of legs, consider the negative progress made with the Sock Yarn Blanket, ponder the fun that can be had with Scarf Journeys (details here and here) and Traveling Scarves (mine is here, although full photos are not yet up as it's not quite fully finished - oops!), and admire the strength and love involved in making squares for the Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage). Review: Regia X-mas, a 4 ply wool, nylon and metallic thread blend sold in 100g balls and six festive colours. Something I really like: My new Nespresso coffee machine! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
Hello and welcome to the first episode in a new podcast for knitters, crocheters and anyone who loves playing with yarn. What's on my needles: I've just cast on the Sparkly Red Monkeys (click here for Ravelry notes) and I'm also working on the Sock Yarn Blanket (details here). Something I really like: David Tennant in Doctor Who! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic
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