Podcast appearances and mentions of erika knight

In this special fireside conversation recorded live at our Bath Luxury Knitting Retreat, Carmen sits down with legendary British knitwear designer Erika Knight. With a glass of wine in hand and surrounded by fellow makers, they chat candidly about Erika's creative journey, the intersection of fashion and handcraft, and the deep, soul-nourishing experience of working with yarn.Episode HighlightsThe story behind Erika's journey as a designer and makerHow creativity, fashion, and function shape Erika's design philosophyReflections on the evolution of hand knitting and the role of communityThe importance of slowing down and embracing the processInsights into the A Yarn Story x Erika Knight Signature CollectionWhat inspires Erika today – from colour to craftsmanship#KnittingPodcast #YarnLover #UnravelFestival #KnittersOfInstagram #HandDyedYarn #FiberFestival #KnittingCommunity #CraftersUniteAsk us anything!Click here to submit a question for the podcast-----------------------------------Get In TouchSocial Media: Instagram | TikTokWebsite: www.ayarnstory.co.ukEmail: hello@ayarnstory.co.ukVisit us:A Yarn Story,128 Walcot Street,Bath,BA1 5BG+44 (0)1225 429239-----------------------------------Huddle Podcasting LtdThis episode was produced by Huddle Podcasting Ltd. Learn how you can harness the power of podcasts to grow your business at www.huddlepodcasting.com

Join Carmen and Beverley and go behind-the-scenes of Unravel, one of the UK's most beloved yarn festivals. Fresh from the event, they share their festival highlights, yarn hauls and hilarious mishaps (including one-armed sweater shopping and emergency bra assistance!).Tune in to hear:✔️ Insider Access – What it's really like to vend at a major fibre festival✔️ Colour & Yarn Trends – What's hot in the knitting world right now✔️ Project Inspiration – Beverley's new sweater plans & Carmen's latest FO✔️ Must-Know Indie Brands – Who to watch (and where to find them!)✔️ Upcoming Events – From The Big Flock to an exclusive night at the Roman Baths (more below)Whether you love yarn festivals, crave knitting inspiration, or just enjoy a good laugh with fibre friends, this episode is packed with cosy, crafty goodness!Fizz & Fibre | You're Invited To This Exclusive EventJoin us for a magical after-hours gathering at the Roman Baths, where torchlight, history, and creativity come together. Sip fizz, mingle with fellow knitting enthusiasts - including the iconic Erika Knight who designed our Signature Collection - and hear from Jonny King of Garthenor Organic as he shares the incredible journey of building Wales' first worsted spinning mill. With exclusive access to this breathtaking setting, it's an evening of inspiration, storytelling and community you won't want to miss!Get your tickets here >>>#KnittingPodcast #YarnLover #UnravelFestival #KnittersOfInstagram #HandDyedYarn #FiberFestival #KnittingCommunity #CraftersUniteAsk us anything!Click here to submit a question for the podcast-----------------------------------Get In TouchSocial Media: Instagram | TikTokWebsite: www.ayarnstory.co.ukEmail: hello@ayarnstory.co.ukVisit us:A Yarn Story,128 Walcot Street,Bath,BA1 5BG+44 (0)1225 429239-----------------------------------Huddle Podcasting LtdThis episode was produced by Huddle Podcasting Ltd. Learn how you can harness the power of podcasts to grow your business at www.huddlepodcasting.com

In this special episode, we're unveiling The Signature Collection—an exclusive collaboration between A Yarn Story and acclaimed British designer Erika Knight. This beautifully curated collection blends timeless knitwear design with modern color theory, creating versatile patterns for every knitter.Join Carmen & Kayleigh as they take you behind the scenes of this exciting launch, sharing the creative process, expert styling tips, and how the collection came to life. Whether you're passionate about knitting, looking for inspiration, or simply love high-quality handmade fashion, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode, hosts Carmen and Beverley delve into their knitting projects and personal anecdotes. Carmen showcases the CoCo vest by Bana Kavanagh, while Beverley, the newest team member, dons the Bella Blocking by Anne Ventzel (in Isager Tweed and Fluff). See the whole AYS Team wearing this sweater. As we pour a Pinot Blanc Chardonay courtesey of the wonderful Wolf Wine, Beverley shares her journey from Oxford to Bath and her dream job at Yarn Story. They discuss their knitting origins, Beverley's colorful childhood skirts, and the rekindling of her passion for knitting during the pandemic.We also share more details about the uber-exciting Bath Luxury Knitting Retreat at the Royal Crescent Hotel, featuring renowned knitwear designer Erika Knight and other special guests. Don't miss out!New YarnWe share the gorgeous new colours (which are nearly a year in the making, believe it or not!) for Walcot Yarns Opus: Key Lime Pie and Lavender Haze) and new shades from Spincycles Yarn Dyed in the Wool.We round things out on a slightly different note with a lighthearted hand-stretch routine inspired by a young fan, Eve!-----------------------------------Ask us anything!Click here to submit a question for the podcast-----------------------------------Get In TouchSocial Media: Instagram | TikTokWebsite: www.ayarnstory.co.ukEmail: hello@ayarnstory.co.ukVisit us:A Yarn Story,128 Walcot Street,Bath,BA1 5BG+44 (0)1225 429239-----------------------------------Huddle Podcasting LtdThis episode was produced by Huddle Podcasting Ltd. Learn how you can harness the power of podcasts to grow your business at www.huddlepodcasting.com

Erika and Arabella are delighted to be joined "across the pond" by one of the most knowledgeable and well-connected women in the world of knitting, the warm and wonderful Trisha Malcolm. A conversation about craft and creativity with insider insights into the workings of the hand knitting industry from the ex-editor of Vogue Knitting, the overlap of hand knit and fashion, and musings on the future of craft.  If you enjoy this episode please rate and review on your preferred podcast platform and subscribe to make sure you are the first to know about the next episode.  For inspiration and news about designs, books and new projects, please follow instagram and facebook @knightkraft. 

After a little time away, knitwear designer Erika Knight and daughter Arabella are back to chat about the reason why many people take up knitting for the very first time. The precious knits, future heirlooms and irresistible mini-me projects for baby. With an archive of beautiful baby books including Simple Knits for Cherished Babies and Natural Nursery Knits and a brand new collection for Rowan Yarns - Bloom at Rowan, Erika shares her tried and trusted patterns for baby and why the little details are so important. If you enjoy this episode please rate and review on your preferred podcast platform and subscribe to make sure you are the first to know about the next episode.  For inspiration and news about new designs and projects, please follow instagram and facebook @knightkraft. 

Celebrate National Craft Month with these recommended reads! Check out what we talked about: Books mentioned: "Simple Crocheting: A Complete How-to-Crochet Workshop with 20 Projects” by Erika Knight, “Learning to Crochet” by Sue Whiting, "Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet" by Ana Rimoli, and "Crochet So Lovely: 21 Carefree Lace Designs" by Kristin Omdahl. “Craft the Rainbow: 40 Colorful Paper Projects” by Brittany Watson Jepsen and “Scissors, Paper, Craft: 30 Pretty Projects all Cut, Folded, and Crafted from Paper” by Christine Leech. “The Natural Soap Chef: Making Luxurious Delights from Cucumber Melon and Almond Cookie to Chai Tea and Espresso Forte" by Heidi Corley Barto. “100 Days of Lettering: A Complete Creative Lettering Course” by Jay Roeder and “Creative Lettering: Techniques & Tips from Top Artists” by Jenny Doh. "Fables & Fairy Tales to Cross Stitch: French Charm for Your Stitchwork" by Véronique Enginger. “Stamp Stencil Paint: Making Extraordinary Patterned Projects by Hand” by Anna Joyce. "Wise Craft Quilts: A Guide to Turning Beloved Fabrics into Meaningful Patchwork" by Blair Stocker. Find Claudetta Crochet on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCF-qb4ofDJSL41BNBxpbMDg Register for a Take Out program by visiting the library's events calendar: oakcreeklibrary.org/events To access complete transcripts for all episodes of Not Your Mother's Library, please visit: oakcreeklibrary.org/podcast Check out books, movies, and other materials through the Milwaukee County Federated Library System: countycat.mcfls.org hoopladigital.com wplc.overdrive.com oakcreeklibrary.org

Just in time for Wool Week, knitwear designer Erika Knight and collaborator (and daughter!) Arabella chat to fourth generation British mill owner James Laxton of Laxtons Ltd about the changing landscape of yarn production in the UK. We ask James to jargon bust some technical terms and unravel the processes involved in transforming fleece to finished yarn. If you like wool and are interested in a behind the scenes insight into the textile industry in the UK, then listen up! And if you enjoy this episode please rate and review on your preferred podcast platform and subscribe to make sure you are the first to know about the next episode. Follow us on instagram and facebook @knightkraft.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 193 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website:  This week’s segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Knit Wit Yarn Shop, Cookie & Bees, agirlandherwool & Sunsoaked Yarns. Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Eme’s Halloween Garland  Acorns: Ravelry Link, Website  Pumpkins: Ravelry Link, Website Owl: Ravelry Link, Website  Oak Leaf: Ravelry Link, Website Teenie Tiny Pumpkin: Ravelry Link, Website Baby Ghost: Ravelry Link  Itty Bitty Bat Amigurumi: Ravelry Link, Website  Fall Oak Leaves: Ravelry Link, Website  Amigurumi Candy Corn: Ravelry Link, YouTube Tutorial Spooky Spider Bro: Ravelry Link, Website Materials: Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm) On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Bella Cosa Shawl Pattern: Bella Cosa Shawl (free crochet pattern on Ravelry) by Stitch with Passion Crochet Hook: J 6.0 mm Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK. No colorway listed.  Freewheeler Sweater Pattern: Freewheeler by Kristen Finlay (Ravelry Link) $11 AUD (~$8.35 US) Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Yarn (held double): Holiday Yarns (Badger Black Colorway); CeCe’s Wool Yarn Baby! 1120 yards fingering weight Superwash Merino (Cherries Jubilee Colorway) Black is the New Orange Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 SW Merino, Nylon Self Striping in the Black is the New Orange Colorway Using my handmade Hello Kitty Halloween Project bag.    Scrappy Sparkly Halloween Socks- Ravelry Project Page Link Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Some scraps. Some Knitty & Color minis  Declan 1st Socks (Ravelry Link) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Grey Brown Marl Colorway with Flax for heel Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Vampire Vibes Socks (Ravelry Link) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Vampires Vibes colorway. Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Sock (heels) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Fall Garlands Acorns: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) Pumpkins: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) The September Leaf: Ravelry Link (made 2) Oak Leaf: Ravelry Link, Website (made 2) Teenie Tiny Pumpkin: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) Fall Oak Leaves: Ravelry Link, Website (made 1) Materials: Yarn: DK & Worsted scraps Hook: C (2.75 mm) or D (3.25 mm) Brainstorming I’m having a hard time finding a lion crochet toy pattern I like (and that isn’t too large). This Lion Amigurumi is kind of cute. I keep browsing the bundle of patterns from Pigskin ’20 Sponsors. Thank you Zoom Dog Knits for putting this together.   From the Armchair Listener Mary sent this tutorial for joining granny squares. Check out this link to the zigzag slip stitch join tutorial.  I scored two great crafty books at Savers. Spent less than $6 for the pair!  Basic Crochet Stitches: 250 Stitches to Crochet. Edited by Erika Knight. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book Knitting in Passing I told stories about knitting with my 2 year old niece, Hattie, and her wearing my handknit socks. When she’s big she wants her own knitting and a bag for her knitting. My best friend wants a gnome after seeing mine. Link to my Ravelry Project. A family friend, age 16, asked me for handknit socks. So sweet.  KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here .Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and BeesDon’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests & #LessentheLibrary  I will pull Q3 winners in next episode October 1- December 31: Slay the Stash Of course we still want you to slay your stash so we added it to the very end. Use up any skein purchased prior to 2020 all the way down to the last 3 yards. Again, older than 5 years gains you an extra entry. Pigskin Party ’20 Check out all of the details you need to know either in the Start Here Thread  on Ravelry or on my website.  Important Links: Rules– see what’s new and exciting this year.  Sign up Form– get your name on the Roster! Points Tally Form– earned some points? Get credit! Support Request Form– mixed up something when entering points. Let us know. Scoreboard List of Pigskin ‘20 Sponsors Pro Shop Sponsors Exclusive Items Coupon Codes Prize Thread Questions Thread End Zone Dance Thread on Ravelry.  Use #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance on Instagram September/October Huddle Ravelry Thread. Use #DCSPigskinParty20 on Instagram Mark it Monday Ravelry Thread. Use #DCSPigskinMarkItMonday on Instagram Important Details shared this episode: check out the October Interception on my website or on Ravelry. Events Virtual Vogue Knitting Live– October 9-11 Festive sock along with Amy Florence of Stranded Podcast. Stay tuned to her podcast Ravelry Group for details. October 1- December 1  #Festivesockalong2020  Beth MDQuilter (Instagram) and Abigail Covert_Knits (Instagram) teaming up for gilmorealong2020. Starts 9/22. I bought yarn from Area 51 Fibres. Can’t wait!  Knit All the Yarn Podcast  #stockingstuffersmal2020 Check out the details in the Knit All the Yarn Podcast Ravelry Group. Ask Me Anything In Episode 192- Timenow13 on Instagram asked about listening to older episode of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. You can download The Podcast App– available for Apple + Android and go all the way back to Episode 1 (like I did this week. WOW!) On a Happy Note A clean house, decorated for fall! We had a small social distant gathering at the house. Oisin, Will, Aila, and Declan were here working in the woods all day. Their parents came in the evening for a beer and some pizza. We had a camp fire and my best friend brought s’mores stuff.  I found another new trail. I’m enjoying watching the leaves falling and seeing our neighbors’ goats out and about. When boys working in the yarn I took my grabber and cleaned up our frontage of so much litter!  Making soups. Currently loving this Asiago Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup.  Fresh garlic from our friend’s garden.  Quote of the Week “Life is a train of moods like a string of beads, and as we pass through them, they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue, and each shows only what lies in its focus.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Knitwear designer Erika Knight chats with collaborator and daughter Arabella about fibre, texture and sustainability whilst choosing her top 5 yarns that she has saved in her yarn collection or 'stash' over the years. If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review on your preferred podcast platform and subscribe to make sure you are the first to know about the next episode. Follow us on instagram and facebook @knightkraft.

Knitwear designer Erika Knight chats with co-creator and daughter Arabella to un-pick the secrets of the perfect "old friend" jumper, and why some sweaters have a timeless appeal. Follow us on instagram and facebook @knightkraft for images of the photographs we discuss in the episode. And if you enjoyed this episode please rate and review on your preferred podcast platform and subscribe to make sure you are the first to know about the next episode.

Hello there and welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes for Episode 50 – Woohoo!   My name is Fay and this is my audio and video podcast for those that love fibre crafts, particularly crochet.  It’s a community for people that like to support their fellow humans regardless of race, gender, sexuality, ability, size or age. I hope you feel the welcome embrace and love of the Crochet Clan.  Come on in and stay awhile.     In this episode, I cover Old Dog New Tricks; WIP RIP 2019; Final Destination; En Route; Quick News Beats; Big Up and J’adore.    This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:     1 – Old Dog New Tricks Last month, I said I was also going to start sharing your top tips in this section.  This fist Crochet Clan tip comes from two folk – Trina (browneyedgirlGB on Ravelry and  @browneyedgirl on Instagram) and Andrea (woolwoman2k8 on Ravelry,  @woolwomank2k8  on Instagram and  Woollen Yarns Blog).  The tips are all about using stitch markers.  Andrea uses them to mark the right side of her work, making it easier to find where you are in a pattern.  Trina uses them to mark the first stitch of each row.    I really like the bulb safety pins and stitch markers with the lever back arch because they are easy to attach and lock in place.  Using stitch markers may seem like a bit of a faff, but it can honestly save you hours of work and help you to keep your row and round counts accurate.    I’m working on a blog post which answers your questions on blocking.  You still have time to ask me specific questions on blocking, if you have any.  One of the questions was about how to block hats.  If you are lucky enough to have a bowl that has the same circumference as the recipient, then you can use that.  However, if the bowl is too deep, you run the risk of the hat brim being stretched too widely.    I wanted to create a hat blocker that was bespoke to the circumference of my head, so I made one with papier mache and a balloon.  Here is how to do it: 1 – Measured the circumference of your head.  I measured 58cm across my forehead, over my ears and around the nape of my neck. 2 – Blow up a balloon and deflated it until it has a circumference of 2cm less than your measurement at the widest point and tie it off.    Note that you reduce the circumference by 2cm so that the hat will block slightly smaller than your head and will be a good fit.  3 – Make a ‘glue’ from ½ cup of flour and 2.5 cups of water, heat on the hob and whisk until it creates a thick paste.  Allow it to cool.  This was enough to create two hat blocking moulds. 4 – Tear a few pages of newspaper into strips. 5 – Using a pastry brush (or similar), spread some of the paste over the balloon and press strips of newspaper over the balloon.  Cover most of the balloon in an initial layer.  Use a mug to stand the balloon on.  Keep on building up paste and newspaper layers over the balloon.  I added three layers of newspaper and three layers of tissue paper.  You will need at least five layers to create a thick enough mould that will retain its shape when the balloon has deflated.  6 – Leave the mould to dry thoroughly.  7 – Coat the mould with three layers of clear varnish, allowing it to dry between coats.  This will help to harden the mould and stop create a waterproof barrier between your wet damp hat and the paper.      ALT TEXT : Photo 1 - cream background with two blown up balloons covered in newspaper and brown tissue paper.  Photo 2: a newspaper/tissue covered balloon is sat on a mug on top of newspaper.  A tin of interior clear wood varnish and a brush lie beside the mug.   If you make hats for other people too, you may as well make two hat blockers at the same time.  I also made a smaller one that fits my nieces head.   To wet block your hat, soak it in wool wash, squeeze out the excess water and place it on the hat blocker (you may want to stand it on a mug).  The shape of the mould should mean that the brim of your hat is at a point with a smaller circumference.  This means that the brim will block to a smaller size from the main body of your hat and help to keep it on your head.      ALT TEXT: Papier mache balloon mould is in a mug and has an orange and green knitted hat blocking on it.   2 – CAL Updates #wiprip2019 You did so well with the #wiprip2019.  So many projects were finished up before the 31st of December.  I managed to pass into 2020 with the following WIPs: 1 – a knitted jumper for my Dad 2 – a crocheted shawl design (30% done) 3 – a new crocheted shawl design (about 10% done) Basically, no personal WIPs, which is exactly what I was aiming for.    3 – Final Destination I have finished a lot of items in the last month.  Some of them were things that needed to be sorted and others were designs or samples. Here is what has been finished off: My Bark Sweater by Sidsel Sangild (link) needed a remedy for the bottom because it was curling up. I have added two rounds of dc (US sc) and although it is curling a little, I haven’t yet blocked it and I think it will work. My Strandir knitted jumper (link) by Hulda Hakonardottir needed to be lengthened. I picked up stitches from the bottom, cut off the original ribbing and knitted a new 2 x 2 rib to make the jumper my desired length. I finished off my laceweight design shawl. I thought I would be able to show them all to you in this podcast, but I am entering them into a design competition that Unravel Yarn Festival is running.  I’ll let you know how I get on! I finally finished my Verity Vest – it has only been about 18 months. It was designed by Dawn at The Almond Snug (link) and I crocheted it in Aruancania Ranco (link) in the colour – turquoise.  I haven’t blocked the vest because it’s for my friend and she may want to add more length to it.  I was also taking part in The Craft Bank, Gift along. I had chosen to sew for my gift partner and so made matching large and small project bags because she was teaching her granddaughter to knit.  Whilst I was making the bags for my gift partner, I made some for me too.  I’m trying to use up some of my fabric stash… Over the festive season, I made another bag, but this time, I added embroidery to one side and embroidery applique to the other. This will be used as a shop sample to show what you can make from some of the books I sell.  I really enjoyed doing these embroideries.  Sometimes working on a different craft can create a welcome break.          ALT TEXT Photo 1 - waist rubbing of Strandir jumper showing the cut off the old rib and newly finished 2 x 2 rib. ALT TEXT Photo 2 - finished Strandir jumper on black background.  The jumper is a snowy white colour with tabs of a midnight blue at the yoke and cuffs. ALT TEXT Photo 3 - cream background with mottled turquoise coloured Verity Vest.  The top is sleeveless and is worked in diagonal rows the form in the centre.  Eyelet rows give it more features.              ALT TEXT Photo 4 - front of a cream, linen handmade project bag.  Three detailed black and yellow bees have been embroidered onto the bag and loo as though they are flying upwards. ALT TEXT Photo 5 - back of the same cream, linen bag has mustard and green leaves appliqued onto it with woollen threads in an oval wreath with additional foliage embroidery. ALT TEXT Photo 6 - Two, one skein handmade bags on top of a cream background.  The bag on the left is a French blue colour with white clouds dumping snowflakes. The bag on the right has a cream background and a light teal motif that looks like a knit stitch/cat head.  Both bags have two poppers to close them and sage green tabs as a small handle.   4 – En Route I have two WIPs on the go.  The first is a jumper for my Dad and it’s a design called Jon (link) and is by the same designer as my Strandir Jumper – Hulda Hakonardottir.  I’m knitting it using Lettlopi (link) in four shades of grey.  I’m trying to make this quickly so that my Dad can get some use out of it this winter.   I’m also about to start on the marsupial pouches to send to WIRE in Australia.  I plan to make three of them, with cotton liners, before the end of January.    Crocheted pouch patterns – https://www.facebook.com/rubylovesbrains/photos/pcb.10159191872638032/10159191871513032/?type=3&theater Knitted pouch pattern – https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-possum-pouches Sewn cotton liners – https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-possum-pouches Birds’ nest pattern -  https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-wildlife-nests   If you are unable to create something but want to help in some way, donations are also being accepted by WIRES (Wildlife Rescue (link)). All donated items should be sent to Jacqui Fink, who is matching items up with the volunteers animal carers and organisations who need them. Her details are: Jacqui FinkPO Box 126,Balgowlah NSW 2093Australia ARRINGAH MALL NSW  2100     5 – Feeding the Habit I have managed my six months of no yarn buying (this excludes yarn that I needed to buy for designs and the yarn dyeing workshop that I did).  I was giving myself until the beginning of January to see if any yarn took my fancy, but I haven’t seen anything.  That said, I was given three sets from Matthew for Christmas.  I do have my eye on some yarn, but it isn’t available until the end of January, so my plan is to start another six-month yarn ban from the beginning of February.  Here are my Christmas pressies.    Three skeins of Autumn in colour Narcissus from Freehold Yarn Company (link).  I asked for this because I already had a skein of the mustard and a skein of the grey in my stash and wanted more to make a jumper – also, it was 40% off.  It’s a fingering weight yarn (385m per 100g) and a blend of 25% Gotland and 75% Bluefaced Leicester.    ALT TEXT: cream background with three skeins of sunshine, mustard coloured yarn and white label.   Eight skeins of Tuku Wool (link) in colour H22 Valo.  It’s a fingering weight yarn (195m per 50g) and 100% Finish wool.  This was also from Freehold Yarn Company and was 40%.   ALT TEXT: cream background with seven, 50g skeins of greeny mustard lying vertically and one skein lying on top diagonally.  The yarn looks woolly and is heathered with green and mustard colours.   Six skeins of Erika Knight British Blue 100 (link) which is a DK weight yarn ( 220m per 100g) and 100% British grown and spun Bluefaced Leicester.  The colourway is called Mrs Dalloway.  This was a last-minute addition because a local garden centre was selling off their Erika Knight stocks at 50% off, so £6.50 per skein.  More skeins were bought to make Matthew a jumper too.    ALT TEXT: cream background with two skeins of plum – proper mustard, squishy wool with a kraft paper label.     I also received a skein of variegated yarn as a present from my friend Charlie.  It is the colourway Exposed Steel by Gilly at Fjord Fibres (link).  I really love crocheting and knitting with Gilly’s yarn – it’s really plump and warm.  80% Norwegian wool and 20% nylon – 350m per 100g.   ALT TEXT - cream background with a variegated skein of plump yarn.  It is green, grey, yellow, brown, orange and utterly gorgeous.    6 - Ask me anything As we are at Episode 50 of the podcast (woohoo) and I said that if you had any questions to ask, then I would answer them, so here you are:   Ally asked - I know you left your job to start your business but what made you decide to design as well as running the business? Did you do any training/reading/workshops, etc before doing your first pattern? Pretty much as soon as I picked up a hook, I was designing my own items, even if it was just crocheting a cowl with a stitch pattern.  It sounds a bit cheesy, but it was like I finally found my creative calling.  Prior to crocheting, I wouldn’t have called myself a creative person at all.  Crochet is what helped me understand that creativity isn’t just about being and to draw or write or play an instrument.  Crafting opened up a whole new part of my life and creativity just keeps on pouring in. Fiona asked - When it is suggested you alternate skeins of hand-dyed yarn does it mean every 2 rows or how many? Does that mean extra ends to sew in too? Personally, if it was something worked in rows then I would do alternate every two rows so that there were no extra ends to weave in.  If I was working in rounds, I would change every round to really blend the skeins.     Claudia asked: What is your goal - where do you see your business in five years time? I would love my designs to have more prominence.  It’s really hard to get your designs seen and to become well known in the world of crochet and knitting.  I would also like to be in a position to support other new designers.  This is something that I am working towards now, but I think one of my skills is in pulling people together to move crochet forward as a craft.   Do you think that Brexit will have an impact on your business and if so - in which way? Most of my customers are UK based and I try to buy in as much stock as possible from the UK or make it myself, so I’m not seeing a massive impact at the moment.  I know that there has been an increase in some of my raw materials that come from the EU which isn’t great.  I suspect that there is a tightening of belts for UK citizens which isn’t great for our economy in general.  However, there is an increase in the number of people crafting because it’s a skills-based hobby that is seen as useful and value for money.  Interest in crochet, in particular, is on the up.   Do you have many friends in your local area you can meet up with and knit/crochet together? Do you know that saying “if you want something doing, ask a busy person”?  Well, I also run a fortnightly craft group called Woolgathering Sandbach.  It has been going for four years now and we have a lovely group that meets up. I’m also beginning to work on another crafting meet-up with my friend Bec.  The plan is to offer a meet up just south of Manchester a few times a year so that we can increase the number fo crafters meeting up in our part of the UK. Let’s not forget the Global Hook Ups too, where I et to meet with crafters from Russia, Australia, Germany, France, Scotland… Why did you leave Scotland and would you ever like to move back and live there? I had to leave to get a job associated with my degree.  The expectation was that I would have to do voluntary work to be able to get a conservation job in Scotland and I couldn’t see why after five years of further education, I shouldn’t be paid for my expertise.  I moved to England to have a job interview and became the Compost Development Officer for Oxfordshire County Council.   I don’t ever imagine going back to Scotland.  I suspect that our next move will be to North Devon!   What other things - aside from yarn - are you passionate about? Which of your other talents would you like to develop more in future? Cooking!  I love food and finding new ingredients.  At one point, I was actually working towards running a charcuterie company.  Then I started crocheting and decided it was a safer bet than charcuterie.  I love the idea of crocheting a garment from shearing to hook and also learning to weave.  I basically want to learn all the crafts.  Corrine asked -  What’s your naughtiest yarn-based project/ story?!   I think I would probably have to hark back to a time when we had a fair bit more money coming into our household.  Matthew had bandmates staying to write and record an entire album in one weekend.  I was basically banished to the bedroom whenever I was in the house and by Sunday lunchtime, I had had enough.  I basically surfed all the big yarn websites and pulled together a very large basket of goodies.  The more frustrated I got, the better the yarns got.  Needless to say, I have some very lovely cashmere in my stash that Matthew bought me to ease my pain over that weekend!      7 – Quick News Beats 1 - Global Hook Up – The January hook ups are on: Saturday 25th  at 8 pm (GMT) and Sunday 26th at 9 am GMT. The meeting ID number is 475-047-5819 and you will need to join via Zoom which you can do here:  https://www.zoom.us/join If you are joining on your phone or tablet you will likely need to download the software in advance.  If you are joining from a PC or Mac, you can join via the link above.  Everyone needs to use the same ID number to get into the session.  2 –  I have had my first ever pattern printed in a crochet magazine!  Basalt has been printed in Inside Crochet.  I really like the team at Inside Crochet, so it wasn’t exactly a hard decision when they asked if they could use the pattern for the magazine.  It’s in issue 121, which came out on the 19th of December. 3 – My company name has changed from KNIT IT – HOOK IT – CRAFT IT to Provenance Craft Co.  You may have seen some of my details change over on Instagram and across other social media.  This is what the new logo looks like:   I’ll be back on February 7th 2020.  Have a fab festive season! Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite  

Erika Knight is a renowned knitwear designer and respected consultant to the yarn and fashion industry. Erika has a unique interpretation of craft: her mission is to simplify and communicate her insight and passion for knitting and crochet with accessible yet enticing projects in order to inspire everyone to experiment and, above all, enjoy crafting. The author of numerous acclaimed knitting and crochet books, Erika has lectured at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, as well as leading art institutions and universities.

Hello there and welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes for Episode 38 – World Pomination   In this episode, I cover: Old Dog New Tricks: CAL Updates; Yarn Review; Final Destination; En Route; Feeding the habit; Quick News Beats; Big Up and J’adore?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 – Old Dog New Tricks I never, ever, ever, expected to be writing the following words: “I am a little bit in love with a pompom”!   Normally, I see a hat and I think that it would look so much better without a pom pom on it.  Then the flick switched during a silly shopping trip in TK Maxx with my best friend, Jenny.  We tried on almost every single hat in there, to try to find styles that actually suited us.  Who knew, I could rock a pompom?   So now that I am pom-pom obsessed, I have made two of them and my friend Bec came up with a very cunning idea.  Pom poms are a pain to make and trim, so why not have some that are transferable to different hats?  After all, you can only really wear one physical hat at a time.     If you sew a button onto the pompom and leave enough of a gap at the top of the crown to tightly pass the button through, you can wash the hat without the pompom, change the pompom colour, wear the hat without the pompom.     2 – CAL Updates  The #ChristmasEveCAL continues with lots of lovely projects being made.    As usual, you can crochet, knit, weave, do whatever yarn-based craft you please.  This is all about having a chilled-out project that you can work on during the Festive Season and the month of January.    The CAL ends on Sunday 27th 2019.  It is a very chilled out CAL, mainly because I am flat out at the moment and don’t want to over-commit myself again.    Use #ChristmasEveCAL and #ChristmasEveCALFO to show off your projects and finished objects.   3 – Yarn Review I have been working with ‘wild wool’ from Erika Knight.  It’s an aran weight yarn (170m/186yds to 100g) and is a blend of 85% wool (unspecified breed/s) and 15% nettle fibres.   Last month I was talking about the Onion Yarns wool and nettle blend and how much I loved it.  The same is true for ‘wild wool’.   I have really tested the metal of the yarn.  It does brilliantly when ripped back and reworked.  It creates a lovely stitch definition and has a lovely, substantial feel to it.     It’s widely available in the UK and beyond and I have provided the stockist links and a full review as a blog over on my website. I would definitely love to use this yarn again.  The nettle brings qualities such as durability, and strength but also silver strands to the yarn, no matter what colour the wool has been dyed.   I can see it making great accessories and on a larger hook/needle size amazing, drapey garments.   4 – Final Destination I finished a couple of hats this month – both with pom poms! Who am I? The first is the Wynn Slouch Hat by Harlee Wentworth.  You can get this pattern for free on the Noowul website or pay for an advert-free version on Ravelry.  I paid for the pattern (about £3) to be able to support the designer.   I used my 100g skein of wild wool from Erika Knight in the colourway ‘Mooch’ and added a contrast pom-pom in some Rowan yarn I had stashed.   I have added project notes on Ravelry for both hats and you can fine me there as MaDashper.       My second hat is knitted colour work.  I fell in love with this design when I saw Kate at Northern Yarn making one.  In the lull between Christmas and New Year, I decided to treat myself with a quick project that taxed my brain a little.   The pattern is called Curlew and it’s by Linda Shearer.  Again, it’s a free pattern but was designed to raise awareness of the decline of the Curlew.  You can get the pattern through Ravelry or on the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) website. I donated £5 to the RSPB as a thank you for a lovely pattern that I will make again and to help with bird conservation projects in the UK and across the globe.     My Curlew is made from Rowan Felted Tweed and some stash yarns that I had that are very similar to Felted Tweed. More details can be found on my project page.   I finished off my two whopper projects and got the designs in on time for the deadline.  I actually quite enjoyed crocheting with heavy laceweight yarn.  I will be able to show those projects off in March/April time.     I also stupidly put myself under pressure to knit four pairs of socks as Christmas presents.  It was worth it though to see some of my favourite people wearing matching handmade socks on Christmas day.  They were all knitted in West Yorkshire Spinner’s special edition Christmas yarns:  Candy Cane from 2017 and Fairly Lights form 2018.     5 – En Route I have been making good progress on my pink Fallen Leaves sock, the heel has been turned and I am now just crocheting up the leg.  It’s quite a dense, but well-fitted sock, so it’s taking quite a lot of time to make.  I suspect that I am going to knit the cuff onto it rather than crochet it because I can make it more accurate and get better elasticity from a knitted cuff.     One of my interests this year is around using knitted cuffs, heels and toes for crocheted socks.   Let me introduce my future WIP - an Esja jumper to be made with yarn dyed by my friend Bec of Black Horse Yarns and Socks Yeah! in the colour 'Chryso'.       6 – Feeding the habit I have been very good this month - not a single gram of yarn has been bought.  This is just as well because I tidied up the Stash Palace and I have enough to be getting on with.   What I did receive were some lovely crafting and lifestyle books (see links below).  My friend Jenny also ordered Vicki Brown’s 4 ply advent calendar.  Before I left her on Boxing Day, she pulled out six 10g mini skeins that she definitely won’t use.  So, they are now in my stash and I have sent her six 10g mini skeins that are more her colours. Everyone is a winner!     Ikigai - The Japanese secret to a long and happy life Look what we made - a tribute to a handmade life  Knits About Winter - 12 knitting patterns inspired by Winter   7 - Quick News Beats  1 - Global Hook Ups – the first Hook Ups of 2019 are: January – 12th Saturday (night) and 13th (morning) GMT The other dates for the first half of 2019 are in the Ravelry thread.     2 - The next yarn show that I am vending at is Waltham Abbey Wool Show on the 20th January.  It’s run by Diane from the Crochet Chain, so has a nice mix of crochet at the show too.    3 - I have set up the ‘Setting the Scene for 2019’ thread in Ravelry.  Feel free to use this as a space to set out your crafting and personal goals for the year.   I will be pulling together a very relaxed 2018 round-up and 2019 goals episode in the next week or so.  It will be a chatty episode with coffee and a roaring fire rather than my usual heavy edited style.  It’s more about signing up to the year ahead than spending hours at a computer making a shiny episode.    8 – Big Up There’s another podcast for you.  This one is hosted by the lovely and beautiful Marceline and it’s called the Hey BrownBerry podcast on YouTube.  She has been podcasting for a while and has 60 episodes to go at.  She is predominantly a  knitter but does all sorts of crafts from crochet to drawing.   Marce also works with a friend called Kelly and together they run MakersMerch on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/makersmerch selling pins and bags.   Until very recently Marce also had a natural yarn dyeing business that she runs with her daughter.   9 - J’adore You lot.  I am not particularly good at responding to comments.  I see them all, but rarely get the time to respond.  I figure that you all prefer me spending time on show notes, reviews and trips out to interesting places anyway.    Thank you for coming on my yarn journeys with me.  I have some fab things lined up for the year ahead…    Have a great start to 2019.  I will be back on Friday the 1st February!   Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite        

Hello there and welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes for Episode 34 – Sock Season   In this episode, I cover: CALs, Yarn review; Final Destination; En Route; Designs in Progress; Feeding the habit; Quick News Beats; Big Uo and J’adore?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 - #SockAlong 2018 CAL This CAL is starting to shape up rather nicely.  Here’s what you can look forward to: It runs from Saturday 29th September – 31st October 2018. You can join in with crocheted or knitted socks. Designers, podcasters and yarn dyers are getting involved with the CAL. You can get the full details closer to the CAL start date on both Ravelry and Instagram (#SockAlong2018) Tamara is organising a blog hop which will start on the 15th of September, two weeks before the CAL starts. The chatter thread(s) will be available on Claudia (Crochet Luna’s Ravelry page), the FO thread will be hosted by Kathryn from the Crafternoon Treats podcast Ravelry Group and I will head up the Instagram # and information. Behind the scenes, we are pulling together some great crocheted sock patterns for you to try out. These range from free to paid for and beginner onwards.  My blog hop is all about choosing the right yarn for crocheted socks and that will come out before the CAL starts so that you have time to get your paws on yarn if you need to. There will be prizes for winning entries into the Ravelry FO thread and those using #SockAlong2018FO The CAL officially starts on 28th September when a bunch of us will be gathered for a picnic at Yarndale.    2 – Yarn review – ‘Tor’ – Blacker’s 2018 birthday yarn Blacker Yarns sent the podcast some of their latest birthday yarn to squish and review.  I asked for some extra skeins so that another clan member could also have a squish with it.  I sent three of the mini skeins to Jo (@jofeatherandthreads on Instagram) and I have been playing with the other three mini skeins. Jo's full yarn review is up in the yarn review Ravelry thread in The Crochet Circle Group.        3 – Final Destination I finished yet another Loft which is a crocheted DK version in gorgeous wine colours.  Again, this is in Knit by Numbers by John Arbon Textiles and will be available to squish on their show stand.   When I was over in Northern Ireland, Louise at Lighthouse Yarns gave me some vintage Irish linen.  I have about 1kg of this linen left after I crocheted up a Zeens & Rogers Market Bag for a friend.        I did manage to whip up a pair of my standard socks using the Alley Cat (AKA Dirty Tiger) yarn that I bought over at Ewe & Ply in July.  I have used West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 ply for the contrast heel and toes in colourway ‘Poppy Seed’.       4 – En Route Time is 100% against me at the moment.  I have very little personal crocheting time and so things like my summer top have languished in a project bag.  I am desperate to get to it but I just have too many design and show deadlines at the moment.     My Verity V neck is my only real WIP at the moment.  Once this episode is out, I plan on getting some time back for me, myself and I.     5 - Designs in Progress Here is the pashmina/cowl that I have been working on, called Arete.  You can see where it will be steeked - where the stitches differ.  It's going to be nail-biting stuff!       6 – Feeding the habit I took a little look in my Stash Palace the other month and felt a little overcrowded by it all.  That is usually a good time to stop spending or at the very least, slow it down and concentrate on making things instead.  I even declined more Icelandic wool from my Dad…   That said, I had some lovely things liven to me at the Southern Wool Show.  Flic has taken pity on my phone and bought me a child’s stopwatch so that I can get my phone fixed and hopefully not break it again!  Ali gave me some dodgy yarn which isn’t at all dodgy and Helen baked some AMAZING brownies that clearly can’t be shown here because they got wolfed at the end of the show during takedown.   So, here’s what has been incoming this month:       1 – Wild Wool from Erika Knight – a blend of wool and nettle. 2 – Some gorgeous handspun from Mary at Marethdale.  I went to see her at The Pop Up Wool Show at Port Sunlight.  3 - Supposedly 'dodgy yarn' from Ali of the Little Drops of Wonderful podcast.  4 - Hand Spun from Jo at Dancing Goat Crafts. 5 - Present from Flic to preserve my phone! 6 – Studio Donegal’s ‘Soft Donegal’ in shades 5528 & 5219.  I bought these from Louise at Lighthouse Yarns when we were over for Yarnfolk. 7 – Woolganic Knitters Yarn from Australian Fleece Wool in shade CHB8.  I forgot to add it to the photo!       Harvest Hues from John Arbon Textiles ready for a crocheted Arete pashmina/cowl.   It’s a blend of Zwartbles (35%) and Merino (65%) and is only £11 per 100g.   7 - Quick News Beats  Global Hook Ups – The next Global Hook Up is due to be on Saturday 15th September 2018 (BST) Time: Saturday 15th September 2018 8:30 PM London BST Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/4750475819  The meeting ID number is 475-047-5819 and you will need to join via Zoom which you can do here:  https://www.zoom.us/join There is then a second one on Sunday 16th September at 9am (BST) Time: Sunday 16th September 2018 9:00 AM London BST Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/4750475819  The meeting ID number is 475-047-5819 and you will need to join via Zoom which you can do here:  https://www.zoom.us/join   Thanks to everyone that came to say hi at the Southern Wool Show.  I was hugging people right left and centre.  It was an amazing day and I am hoping to be there again next year.  My next show is Yarnporium in London on the 2nd & 3rd November.  It’s a whopper of a show and I have lots of stuff up my sleeve for it. It’s all very exciting!   8 – Big Up To everyone that is helping to pull together the #SockAlong2018.  I am really stretched for time at the moment, so having so many great people being involved in making it a better and more interesting CAL.  Huge thanks and appreciation goes out to Caroline, Tamara, Kathryn, Claudia, Vicki and Deanne.  Let’s get some socks on the hook.      9 – J’adore Song – Of course I have a new song to obsess over and it’s another dance remix.  It’s called ‘Send me on my way’ by Rusted Roots and it’s a Jesse Bloch remix.  You may recognise the original from the film ‘Ice Age’. TV – We have gone back to watch Green Wing for the umptieth time.  This really is proper, silly, British humour.  It can be a bit sweary, so if that’s not your thing then don’t look it up! Autumn - It’s a bit Autumnal round these parts but I’m still managing to eke out a few more times sitting outside (with a blanket) as I work.  I love the Autumn and the fact that soup, log fires and blankets are back on the menu.   Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite        

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes for Episode 26 – CALathon.   In this episode, I cover: Quick news beats; Old dog, new tricks;  FOs; WIPs; DIPs; Feeding the habit, Review of Making Winter book; Big Up and What's good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 - Quick news beats Global Hook Up – Are you all ready to join in the first-ever Global Hook Up?  Here are the joining details:    Hi there, Fay Dashper-Hughes is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: 1st Global Hook Up with The Crochet Circle Podcast Group Time: Feb 3, 2018 7:00 PM London Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/4750475819 The meeting ID number is 475-047-5819 and you will need to join via Zoom which you can do here:  https://www.zoom.us/join I have set it up so that everyone is on mute to begin with and then I can unmute you.  The meeting will start when I join in at 7pm (GMT) on Saturday 3rd February.  It will run for an hour and then we can take a call on whether it works and we want longer sessions.   The next session will be on 24th of February and may have a later start time so that it is more accessible from the Eastern time zones too. You may need to bear with me whilst I get to grips with the technology.  If you are on Instagram, then please get involved by using #GlobalHookUp and following that hashtag.  That way I can see what you are all up to and comment on your projects.        I will also release the meeting code on Instagram about an hour before it starts on Saturday night (GMT). One Skein Wonderland CAL – By the time this podcast is out the CAL will have closed.  We will announce prizes shortly afterwards. There have been so many great projects.  Even if you haven’t managed to join the CAL, I encourage you to look at the Finished Objects thread in the Love Charlie Podcast group on Ravelry and #OneSkeinWonderlandCAL on Instagram to see some fabulous projects. Different Designer CAL – This will start on 1st March and run until 8th April.  The premise is that you go to the ‘Different Designer CAL’ Ravelry thread and tell everyone who your favourite designer is.  You share why you love their designs and which your favourite one is.  You then get to look through all the suggestions or come up with your own. You HAVE to try out a new designer, that’s the only rule.  Other Crochet Circle CALs – 4th May to 30th June – Summer tops CAL 13th July – 31st August – Vintage Along (using either vintage yarn or a vintage pattern - 20+ years old)  14th September – 26th October – Sock Along 24th December – 31st January – One Skein Wonderland CAL Apart from the Different Designer CAL, I am going to add a new twist which is that you can enter WIPs so long as they fit the brief. #FridayIsDyeDay – It’s great to see people taking part in this on the last Friday of every month.  There was some amazing speckled yarn by Lyndsay (andthentherewasmorgan on IG), Gemma (curlygem92 on IG) dyed up four fab bright colourways and started almost straight away to crochet a hat with one of them.  Haylie (fireweedfibres in IG) dyed up two colourways and Jo (dancing_goat_crafts on IG) dyed up some wool tops ready for spinning.   I managed to do some from my weekend accommodation.  I dyed a shop-bought pair of cashmere gloves a bright turquoise and over-dyed some orange yarn that I had previously dyed and not loved.  It has already been crocheted up into a cowl which you can see in FOs.  I also made my Mum dye up a skein which you can see below.  It’s and 80% Merino/20% silk mix and she wants me to knit her a pair of socks with it.     Unravel Festival – I am heading to Unravel on the Sunday 18th February.  If you are going to be about and fancy meeting up for a coffee, let me know.  Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia – Eeek, I’m going to be at this show working on the Erika Knight stand!  If you are going to the show, I will be there all day on Friday on Stand F62.  Come and say hello.  I promise to both wave at you and hug you! Both are obligatory.   2 - Old dog, new tricks Google images – If you have a specific pattern in your mind that you want to make, then a really quick way of trying to see whether it exists is to use Google images as a search function.  I also use this if there is something that I want to buy, and I want to see what options there are.  For instance, I typed ‘crocheted asymmetric shawl lace’ and it came up with hundreds of options which I can then quickly assess and click on the image to find out what the pattern is.  You may still have to do some sifting through because the occasional knitting pattern may appear, but I still think that it is a great way to see what is available beyond Ravelry.   Instagram – I mentioned a few of the tricks of Instagram in Episode 24 and I think that it prompted a few of you to join Instagram.  If that is the case, I really hope that you are finding it to be the positive, inspirational space that I find it to be.   3 - Finished Objects Well first up must be  Cardigan of Doom really.  I used Cascade Heritage in shade Dark Plum (2632) I cannot say how happy I was to get this project off my needles and out of my life.  It has now arrived safely with Frazer (after I sent it to the wrong address!) and here is a quick pic of him in it.  I learned some major lessons with this project: 1 – Never knit a 4-ply cardigan ever again. 2 – Don’t make big items for other people.  3 – If you make an obvious mistake, frog it back and remedy it. 4 – Don’t work simultaneously on two projects that have a level of cross over.  I ended up adding two rows of moss stitch rib to a K1/P1 section of the cardigan rib… My third Criss-cross shawl for the Olann and Criss-cross CAL is finished! I used Rowan’s Alpaca Colour DK, sadly, a discontinued yarn. It was nice to work with and used 260g in total and came out at a whopping 2.8m in length.    You can get the pattern free of charge from Olann and. It is available to download as a PDF in both UK and US terminology and there is a YouTube tutorial to help you through the slightly trickier elements, but that said, this is a pattern for competent beginners and up.  There is still time to get hooking this shawl as the CAL doesn’t finish until the 23rd February.     At the weekend I over-dyed some chunky alpaca yarn from orange to green.  I asked Becci from River Knits for some advice and she very kindly gave me three options.  I chose option three which would give me greens and browns.  I have gone from feeling totally meh about this yarn to loving it and crocheting it up straight away.  More on the pattern in the Making Winter book review below.     4 - Works in progress I have been beavering away on my final set of designs for Erika Knight and remaking the patterns in five different and very awesome colourways.  This means that whilst I have been crocheting away, I haven’t got much that I can show you as I only have a couple of personal projects on the go and they are both for CALs!   Alyson and Vivian from the Keep Calm and Carry Yarn Podcast are hosting an #Ultravioletkcal based on Pantone 2018 Ultra Violet.  I can’t resist a CAL and so I am crocheting up the Inclination Wrap which is available designed by Julme Conradie and available from the Nurturing Fibres website.   It is a properly sized wrap and uses linen stitch to get some nice stitch definition with the colour changes.  My yarns are Drops Alaska (03 Light Grey), a purple yarn that I hand-dyed a couple of years ago (on a base from John Arbon) and want to put to good use and a skein of Life in the Long Grass aran in colourway Viola (the one with pops of yellow and burgundy).    I have a future WIP which I am planning to start between now and the next podcast.  Claudia at the Crochet Luna vlogcast is hosting a Fortune Cookie CAL which starts on the Chinese New Year (16th February) and runs to the 31st March.  I already have my yarn selected and just need to crack open a fortune cookie which will dictate the pattern that I do.     5 - Designs in Progress My other DIP is just at the very beginning stages.  I’m not really a fan of granny squares and the granny stitch.  Is that something you can say when you have a crochet podcast?  Are you going to disown me?  Rosina from the Zeens & Roger vlogcast is hosting a granny along.  It started on 1st February and I figured that it isn’t really acceptable to broad-brush say I don’t like something, so I am determined to create a granny something in colours I like and hopefully a pattern I like too.  The yarn is Álafoss Lopi in shades Dark Grey (0005), Mid Grey (0058) and Light Grey (0054).  These are leftovers that I had from my version of the Phasian Blanket from Take Two.       Watch this space to see whether I can be converted. Or not.   6 - Feeding the habit  When I did the interlocking crochet workshop at Black sheep wools, I was in great company.  One of the other participants was the lovely Kathryn from Crafternoon Treats Podcast.  We did some podcast goodies swapping and I have a lot of very lovely things to give away from Kathryn’s Crafternoon Treats Etsy store.  Even better the prizes were chosen by Katherine and Lyndsay when we met up for a coffee before the workshop started at Black Sheep Wools.    If you haven’t looked at Kathryn’s store yet, you really should.  She dyes up some beautiful colourways and specifically works with British breeds.  So, you will see some of these goodies going out as podcast prizes for the 2018 CALs.     She also gave me some lovely yarn to design with and some great single breed hanks which I can use for my version of Wool Exploration throughout the year.  I am a very lucky lady!   I spent the last weekend in Wales.  Do you remember tales of me supposedly walking back down Snowdon having taken the train up there?  Well, because we had moved the dates of our trip, it was out of season for the train.  I took one look at the torrent of rain and decided that even a little walk was not for me.  Instead, I went shopping with my Mum and got some crafting time in. That was after I managed to photograph our feral goat visitors.     En route I had to pop into Abakhan (a haberdashery chain based in the NW of England and Wales).  They had a nice selection of Rico cotton which I bought because ready for the Vintage Along in July.  I want to use a pattern from a very old book and it up to date with soft modern colours of cotton.      7 – Book Review ‘Making Winter’ by Emma Mitchell I bought this book from Loop London the day after it was launched in the same shop.  I bought it for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, it is a multi-craft book with crochet patterns in it and I feel that this needed supporting.  All too often the woollen craft part of these types of publications is knitting so it’s refreshing to have crochet in there instead. Secondly, other crafts feel very natural and environmentally friendly.  The author, Emma Mitchell is very much inspired by nature and this is oh so apparent if you follow her in Instagram.  This is the kind of crafting that I like.  Taking my inspiration and raw materials from nature whenever possible.   I have pulled together a full book review which you can read over at my blog.     8 – Big Up It has been a little while since I did a Big Up and new crochet podcasts are popping up!   Here are some of them for you to look at: Micky Midge Crochet Podcast – Michelle has been podcasting for a few months and has a weekly podcast.  She’s based in the UK, is a working Mum and is starting to be drawn into the rabbit hole that is hand-dyed yarn!  Michelle is about to start a SprintimeCAL which is due to start on 14th February and ends at Easter.  The idea is that you crochet something that is Spring themed.   Talia Louise Crochet – Natalie has a couple of podcasts out so far.  She’s based in Australia and works on a range of projects with lots of different yarns.  I think that Natalie is aiming for a monthly podcast.  Earl Grey Crochet – Elizabeth has been podcasting for about seven months now and crochets all sorts of things.  She makes A LOT of amigurumi.  She is great fun, based in Australia and full of enthusiasm.  Elizabeth is also running a Blurred Shawl CAL starting on the 31st March.  Of course, I will be participating in that! Samsqueak Craftcast - Sam has a couple of podcasts out and is based just outside Chicago.  She loves to crochet and do all sorts of other crafting too.   9 - What's Good I had a thoroughly lovely day at Black Sheep Wools.  The morning was spent drinking coffee and eating cake with lovely friends Katherine, Lyndsay and Kathryn.  Charlie and Katie popped their heads in for five minutes too!     The workshop that some of us did in the afternoon was interesting and it taught me a new technique – interlocking crochet.  The tutor was Graeme Knowles-Miller and he was great fun and very informative.  It’s so nice to be able to sit and chat with fellow crafters, so roll on Global Hook Up!    Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes for Episode 22 - The Secret's Out...   In this episode, I cover: Quick news beats; Old dog, new tricks; FOs; WIPs; DIPs; Feeding the habit; Setting up a craft group; Big up and What's good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 - Quick news beats #Fridayisdyeday - On the 27th October I hosted the first #Fridayisdyeday, showing how different yarns can be dyed using professional (acid), icing colourant and natural dyes.  If you are interested in having a go, take a look at the blog post that I pulled together.  The plan is to do a #Fridayisdyeday over on Instagram on the last Friday of every month.  I might be dyeing again, showing what I am making with my own hand-dyed yarns or highlighting what I am making with some of those special hand-dyed skeins that are residing in the Stash Palace!     If you fancy having a go, it would be great to have you on board.  The blog post has lots of links to further information on dyeing yarn and here are my results from Friday:     Ravelry moderators - the keen-eyed amongst you will have noticed that I have added three more moderators to the group.  Anna, Jo and Lisa are always in there welcoming people in and responding and generally being a bunch of lovelies and making our Rav group a lovely sharing place to be.  They agreed to be moderators for us all.  We have never had to kick anybody out or edit what is in the group which is amazing and the job of moderating is more about welcoming people to the group and keeping the chat going.  Tamara and Helen were already in there as moderators and I am hoping that they will stay on even after the #BackToSchoolSweaterCAL.   Global Hook Up - A wee while ago (... quite a few months ago) I mentioned that I wanted to start hosting Global Crafting gatherings online.  You then heard nothing more on the subject but in the background, I have been researching the best way to bring this to you.  The sessions are going to be on a Saturday night (GMT) so that as many people as possible can join in.  A handful of people will be able to interact on an audio and visual basis and as many people as want (I believe) can join in by seeing what is going on.  You can also use #GlobalHookUp on Instagram to track what is going on with the session and interact and show off your crafting.   The initial test Global Hook Up is going to be on Saturday 25th November.  The exact time is to be announced and the details will be added to a Ravelry thread and on Instagram. The idea is to use the first hook up to see how it works for everyone and iron out any niggles, ready for the next one in December   CALs for 2018 - Over the next couple of months I would like to ask you to tell me what CALs you would like me to run in 2018.  I have a few ideas but would like to get you involved in the process.  I have opened a thread on Ravelry so please do let me know what ideas you have.   Christmas Eve CAL - We had so much fun with last year's Christmas Eve CAL, that it's going ahead this year too.  Charlie from Love Charlie podcast and I are teaming up together to host the One Skein Wonderland CAL.  You can hook on at 00.01 on the 24th December.  More details to follow on this but the idea is to look out that special skein of yarn (100g) or maybe you have one coming as a present on the 25th?      There is a thread on Ravelry so that you can suggest one skein projects that I can add to a bundle for everyone to see.    2 - Old dog, new tricks This month it's all about upping the odds of winning at yarn chicken (that game you play when you really, really hope you have enough yarn to finish off a row or round).   I tested out three different yarn weights (4 ply, DK and chunky) to see if there was any real difference in the amount of yarn needed.   After a couple of rows of dc to settle my tension on each swatch I then crocheted three rows of dc, three of half treble and three rows of treble crochet.  This allowed me to take an average length of yarn required over three rows.      Here are the results: 4 ply (400m per 100g) dc requires 9 times the length of your row/round htr requires 11 times the length of your row/round tr requires 14 times the length of your row/round   Double Knitting (DK - 200m per 100g) dc requires 9 x the length of your row/round htr requires 12 x times the length of your row/round tr requires 14 x the length of your row/round   Chunky (100m per 100g) dc requires 9 x the length of your row/round htr requires 12 x the length of your row/round tr requires 14 x the length of your row/round I have since tested this on the Homebody Sweater that I am crocheting.  It's in rows of htr and I am using a 4ply yarn and a 4.5mm hook, so very different from what I tested above.  Guess what?  Yup, it took just under 12 x the length of the row.  My final nugget of yarn had 10 lengths and so I managed to save myself some time and just started a new ball instead.   3 - Finished Objects  I didn't think I had much to show this month but it turns out I do.  First up is my Sicily jumper which is free of charge Rowan pattern.  Although it calls for 4ply cotton, I used a 4 ply wool blend instead (Shilasdair luxury 4 ply in shade Hawthorn).  The wool has a lot more stretch than the cotton and the sample on the model seemed quite bulky so I opted to make the smallest size and it is my best fitting handmade garment to date.     It has been really lovely to be part of the Back To School Sweater CAL with Helen and Tamara.  So much so that I have started a second jumper.   As part of another along, I took part in the Fibre Friends Podcast North Bound Knitting Along which meant knitting any of Lisa Mutch's patterns.  I chose to do Auspice using up the 100g skein of skinny Merino that I had hand dyed with blackberries.  The yarn has faded from a soft purple colour to a silver grey and I really like it.   I also had a day out in London with four lovely friends (Flic, Corrine, Helen and Charlie) and we made our way to i Knit and Loop.  Whilst in Loop I purchased a hot off the press copy of Making Winter by Emma Mitchell (Silverpebble2 on IG).  It has some lovely crochet patterns in it as well as recipes and lots of other crafty makes.  I suspect that this is going to be a firm favourite with lots of people and I know that it is already on a few Christmas lists.      I have made the Hawthorn mittens and although I could have stuck to the one colour version in the book, I had to fiddle and add some of my Hawthorn inspired Shilasdair yarn for the actual hawthorn berries and some brown wool that I did a test icing colour dye on in advance of #Fridayisdyeday    It is so cold in my office that I have had these on all day!  You can also see a scrap yarn garland that I have made ready to be part of my exhibition stand.  This is a free pattern from Little Conkers.  My final FO is a pair of socks.  I have been trying a different heel construction this time and I have to say I really like working the after thought heel and am in love with the colour.  You can see the sock/yarn blank in the photo and the subsequent socks.      4 - Works in progress I only have a couple of WIPs on the go at the moment.  The first is my second version of Criss-cross using Gym Nut from Green Elephant Yarns.  This is a CAL with Olann and which will start in January (it was going to be November but we are now going for January).  If you fancy joining in, you need a 2 x 100g of 4ply with at least 350m per 100g.  More details will follow on Ravelry and Instagram. Progress is fairly slow on this one because I am recording a tutorial for the pattern as I crochet along.     The second is a new jumper using some Bluefaced Leicester (BFL) and Masham blend (4 ply and using a 4mm hook) which is really light and airy but oh so warm.  The pattern is Homebody Sweater by Megan Shaimes and it is available as a free download.  I liked the idea of having a slouchy, kick around the house crocheted jumper and had already dyed up the wool during #Fridayisdyeday knowing that I wanted a stone-washed denim look.     5 - Designs in Progress Thank you to everyone that responded to my call for test croheters and product reviewers.  My plan is to keep with this segment whenever I have something to say.   This month I have something massive to tell you!  The reason I have been quiet of Ravelry and IG is that I have been designing crocheted items for Erika Knight.     That's it, the secret really is out now.  I have been sitting on this information for just over two months and have a series of four shawls that I have designed in Erika's fab new British Blue 100 range (8 shades in gorgeous 100% British BFL).  There are some other designs as well, one finished and some in the pipeline.      I have been working with Erika and Bella to design a set of four shawls that increase in complexity as you move from one to the next.  All four are based on the same basic pattern repeat and shape but a change of stitch or addition of lace rows leads to four very different shawls.   When I started crocheting and knitting three years ago, I naturally gravitated towards Erika's patterns and yarns because I am always drawn to elegant simplicity.  If you haven't already, please check her out - there are 10 pages of patterns on Ravelry to look at and a massive back catalogue of books too (I think I own almost all of them). In the Stash Palace I have two shelves that are dedicated to specific yarn brands.  One is Erika Knight and the other is John Arbon Textiles.  I think you all know what that means.  The love is strong.   I still keep on having to pinch myself because I cannot quite believe that this has happened.  I have the utmost respect for what Erika and Bella achieve - they are incredibly hard-working, lovely people. The patterns will be released next year and I will, of course, shout about it from the rooftops and show them off to you when I can.   I am so, so happy! :-)   And then this arrived through the post and that's my Doppio Colosseum on the front!     6 - Feeding the habit   Bags from EMYA Handmade (AKA the very lovely Emmie and Yael).  Not only did they send me these bags as a surprise (one of which is going to become a podcast prize) but they are also offering a 20% discount code on their shop www.emyahandmade.com you just need to use the code EMYA20.  They have a great range of items, including reusable make up remover pads and panty liners (one of my biggest concerns of non biodegradeable waste).   Making Winter from Emma Mitchell is priced at £14.99 Indigo dyed yarn and natural undyed yarn from Border Tart.   7 - Setting up a craft group I promised to go through how I set up Woolgethering Sandbach and it turned out to be quite lengthy so it became a blog post as well as the detail that I gave in the podcast.     8 - Big up I'm going a little left field this month with an audiobook(ish) and a film podcast: I love listening to audiobooks, especially since I started working from home on my own.  It's very easy to feel like your brain is turning to mush and there is a lack of intellectual content because you are missing out on office situations where dialogue and debates occur every day.    Audiobooks mean that I continue to learn really interesting stuff as I design or crochet or catch up on emails.  My latest is a series of lectures called The Great Courses and I chose to listen to the lectures on The Vikings.  It is extremely in-depth and brilliantly delivered by Prof. Harl - not at all dry and boring.  It was just one credit on Audible and I had 18 hours of amazing content.  There are many subjects to choose from in The Great Courses and they're well worth taking a look at. Every Friday night Matthew and I sit down to listen to the Empire Podcast.  We love watching films and really enjoy this film review podcast.  It's silly, quite sweary and great Friday night entertainment.   9 - What's Good 2018 is shaping up to be a pretty good year.  I feel like I set the standard for what I want to achieve in 2017 and feel ready to take 2018 on as a crochet designer and podcaster.  Watch out world!    Until December.   Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite

We're back on schedule with this week's episode, in which we talk about Allison's trip to Shetland for part of Shetland Wool Week and dig into the patterns in two gorgeous books: Wool Journey: Shetland by Amber Corcoran, Jaime Jennings, Malia Mae Joseph and Stephen West, and Shetland by Marie Wallin.   Sponsor This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Garthenor, providing a variety of sustainable, organic British wool products in an ecologically responsible way. See Garthenor’s glorious yarns, including a kit for Isabell Kraemer's new Amory sweater, on their website at http://www.garthenor.com. Make Happy – aka – What we’re working on Rachel is still plugging away on her yellow Erika Knight jumper in British Blue 100. The change in weather means her wool mojo has returned with a vengeance, so she's also been spinning and had a bit of a slip last weekend, and is now the proud owner of a 10" Cricket loom which is destined for generating lots of handspun handwoven scarves.  Allison has finished spinning her Turning on Shetland from Porpoise Fur, and mostly finished her Martinique Beach Cowl! Still working on Lemon Difficult by Kate Atherley, but mostly has been spinning like a demon for Spinzilla.  Shetland Alli talks about her trip and all the fabulous places she visited, including Uradale Farm. Then we discuss the five patterns in Wool Journey: Shetland, by Amber Corcoran and Jaime Jennings, owners of Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver (Rachel visited the shop several summers ago) and Malia Mae Joseph and Stephen West, co-owners of Stephen & Penelope in Amsterdam. See all the patterns on Ravelry here. Last but not least we talk about the glorious stranded colourwork designs in Marie Wallin's new book Shetland (see all the patterns on Ravelry here). Lushly photographed and full of glorious colourwork designs, this book is definitely worth a look for anyone with a hankering for a challenge! Other books about Shetland you might want to explore:  Shetland Wool Week Annual 2017 Shetland Oo by Kate Davies and Tom Barr  Colours of Shetland, Inspired by Islay, or anything else by Kate Davies Wrap up Many thanks for joining us for another episode! You can find the podcast on iTunes and Stitcher Radio (please rate, review and subscribe!) and you'll find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, in our Yarn in the City group on Ravelry, or in person on Wednesday nights at our knit night at The Goat on the Rise  between 7 and 10pm. However, the Goat will be closed for refurbishment from the 16th of October for approximately a month, so check out the thread in our Ravelry group for our alternative meet up place.  Have a great couple of weeks and we’ll chat with you soon!  Music credits (available on NoiseTrade) Ridiculously Happy (feat. Twilight Meadow) - Owl City

Hello my lovelies! Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes from Episode 21 - For the love of socks.   In this episode I cover: Old dog, new tricks; FOs; WIPs; DIPs; Review of Step Into Crochet; Feeding the habit; Big up and What's good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 - Quick news beats Crochet Cakes - I am very pleased and relieved to say the Clarisabeth and Caroline (and family) are well.  They live in Puerto Rico which was hard hit by Hurricane Maria. The news came via Alyson from the Keep Calm and Carry Yarn podcast.   I have just donated money to the Alianza Somos fund because they are concentrating on areas such as power and communications, two things that will help to get infrastructure back up which should make general aid relief easier.   It may be some time before we hear from Clarisabeth again, and it is just great to know that they are well.   Logging your projects - I am often asked how I log my designs and projects and at long last, I have pulled together a 'How I log my designs, WIPs and FOs' blog in case you are interested too. Setting up a craft group - I asked the good folk of Instagram if they were interested in finding out how I set up and run Woolgathering Sandbach.  The answer was yes, so in the November podcast, I will go through how I went about getting it off the ground, how it has evolved and how much time it takes me to manage the group. Vicki Brown giveaway - I finally got to meet Vicki face to face at Yarndale and she passed me a lucky bag for a lucky listener.  It has a temporary tattoo, gauge, wool needle, mini skein and 10% discount code.  If you want to win, head to the Ravelry thread 'Vicki Brown giveaway' and let me know what your favourite colourway is from her range.   #FridayisDyeDay - if you fancy getting involved on Instagram, a few of us are going to have a Dye Day on Friday 27th October.  Either use the # or follow it to see what dye creations have been made across the globe.  I am going to do some natural dyeing using conker husks/ shells and probably some professional acid dyeing too.  Claudia (Crochet Luna podcast) is going to use acid dyes, Charlie (Love Charlie podcast) is doing natural dying with avocado stones and skins.  You can even use food colourants, so you really don't have to go out and buy specialist equipment.  If you don't have undyed yarn, you can overdye existing yarn that you aren't that fond of.     A quick internet search will give you lots of ideas and thoughts on how to dye your yarn.  I will also be pulling together a blog post in advance to give details on how you can get involved.     2 - Old dog, new tricks It's amazing where you can glean information on crochet techniques from.  This month's Old Dog New Tricks is all about a little trick that I picked up from a pass away comment somebody made on Instagram.  It's a neat little way of increasing stitches without it being as obvious.  It doesn't make a huge amount of difference to your finished object but I do think it is a little less obvious. Instead of crocheting two stitches into one, crochet one on the front loop only and the second in the back loop only.   Give it a try and let me know what you think.    3 - Finished Objects  The sock theme has continued well into September as I pull together the review of 'Step Into Crochet' by Rohn Strong. I would love to say that I now have three pairs of finished socks but actually I have one pair and three singles.  The book review explains why...  I have been working on lots of other design projects that I am hoping to share with you shortly.   In the meantime, this is my other FO for September.  This gorgeous little cardi is called Crumpet and was designed by Erika Knight.  This is my new go-to baby cardigan; it's really quick to work up and the 6-12 month version took just over 100g of DK yarn.     There were two purposes to this cardigan.  The first was to have a crocheted item to send to Knit for Peace with the card to explain what Crochet Circlers had been up to during the summer with Festival of Finishing and helping me to raise funds.  The second was to show the journey of recording, washing, blocking, sewing seams and choosing trims as part of my Blog Hop for the Back to School Sweater CAL.       Last month I had made a start on my Basket Weave Cushion Cover by Jo Janes (AKA Jojotwinkletoes) and now it is an FO!  I was doing more stash diving and using up odds and sods.  This is Aurancania Milidon (no longer available) and was actually a shawl that I never wore and so frogged to reuse the yarn.  I really love the final effect and Autumnal feel of the cushion. It's going to be used outside when I am sitting crocheting and need extra squish and back support.  Thanks for a great pattern Jo, I definitely feel like I now have a good understanding of front and back post trebles!   4 - Works in progress I have one WIP on the go this month and it is a whopper!  It's my #BackToSchoolSweaterCAL.  I went all round the houses with this project - incapable of deciding what I was going to make.  I finally decided on the Aberdeen Castle Cable Sweater and after about seven rows I realised that I just wasn't enjoying the cabling process.    Back to the drawing board and a pattern that I have had queued up for a long time - Sicily.  It's a free pattern by Rowan and can be downloaded straight from Ravelry.  Although the pattern calls for a 4 ply cotton, I am using Shilasdair 4ply (lambswool, angora, cashmere) and it is working up very nicely.  It is light, warm and by the end of the jumper I suspect that I will have only used 350g of yarn.     Future WIP is going to be my second version of Criss-cross using Gym Nut from Green Elephant Yarns.  This is a CAL with Olann and which will start in November.  If you fancy joining in, you need a 2 x 100g of 4ply with at least 375m per 100g.  More details will follow on Ravelry and Instagram.     5 - Designs in Progress There are designs that I can't show you yet because they are for yarn brands and then there are ones that I put out for myself under Fay Dashper-Hughes Designs.   Whilst I always aim within the podcast not to bombard you with KNIT IT - HOOK IT - CRAFT IT shop updates, it occurs to me that you may actually be interested in the design process and how it moves on from one month to the next.  So, this month I am going to show you a design in progress and you can let me know whether this is something that interests you or not.    This design came to me at Yarndale when I bought the yarn from River Knits Yarns.  Their colours are just fabulous and instantly knew how I was going to use the colours in a cowl, mittens and possibly hat too.  I had put the puff stitch into a shawl that I was designing and it just wasn't right, so it got logged away for a couple of weeks, waiting for the right yarn/stitch combo to pop up.       I love how this pattern is working up.  It's going to be called 'Barley' and should be out later this year if all goes well.   6 - Review of Step Into Crochet and £5 discount code I am loving the fact that crocheted socks are getting more air time with more people making them and appreciating the warmth of crocheted socks on their feet.  I received Step Into Crochet as a gift from Claudia of the Crochetluna podcast.  She is a lovely! So, here are a few caveats before I get into the review proper: I have long, thin, pointy feet and thin ankles.  This makes hand crocheted and knitted sock fitting a bit harder.  Standard patterns don't fit me as well and I usually have to make changes to get something that fits well. I have an aversion to using anything below a 3mm hook. If you are starting a new crocheted or knitted sock pattern, be prepared to have a sacrificial first sock that is either going to be wonky or frogged. The three points given above have to be taken into account when you read the review because they are issues that I have to work around when making socks. The book is very detailed - which I love.  There are sections on understanding sock construction, the differences in sock yarn and working out your foot measurements.  This information is incredibly helpful, especially if you have never crocheted or knitted socks before.   There are 16 sock patterns in the book and two of those have been provided as cuff-down and toe-up options, so really there 18 patterns in total.  These patterns build up really nicely from plain one colour patterns through to cables, lace, stripes etc.  What I particularly liked was that different toe, heel and cuff patterns were given too, so you could learn different techniques and see what works best for your feet.  If you have a high instep, for instance, you may need to swap out for a different heel type that gives more stitches.     If you want to get to the point of having really good fitting handmade socks, it usually takes a few pairs and some chopping and changing of construction before you get there and that needs to be taken into account when you are working from sock pattern books.   I chose to work up three separate patterns from the book so that I could review it well and test out different sock yarns at the same time.    Gorman Toe-up was worked up over three socks and two different yarns.  On each occasion I used a 3mm hook and because of that, I had to rework the pattern over 40 sts rather than the smallest size provided which was 44 sts.  This wasn't a difficult task.     Things I loved about the book: The detail given on construction, sizing etc. The stitch guide for each pattern is given at the top of each pattern so you don't have to flick to a glossary at the back. The designs fit really well and are easy to adapt to your preferred length of cuff etc. Good photography which helps to understand the construction of the socks. Lots of ankle socks so you get patterns that can take you through more seasons.    Issues I had with the book: At times, small parts of the pattern were missing.  In Mordecai, the stitch guide for foundation double chain crochet (US) is incomplete.  If you didn't know that, you would struggle to get the sock started.  In the Azalea pattern, the written instructions are incorrect.  It says to repeat rnd 6 to complete rnd 7 but that is incorrect and I only know that because I read the accompanying chart.  These aren't big issues because I have used these techniques enough times but a first-timer coming to these patterns with less confidence may struggle.  It feels like a more thorough tech edit was required to check and double-check the patterns and provide better instructions in some areas.  Again, I managed workarounds and could understand where the problems were but only because I have knitted and crocheted quite a few pairs of socks now.     Would I recommend this book to others?  Even with the issues that I have outlined above, I would still recommend the book.  I would just encourage people to read through the pattern thoroughly, be prepared to frog or have an initial wonky sock until the perfect length, stitch count etc is reached.  It may also be worth heading to project pages on Ravelry where people like me have put up notes explaining changes and pattern work arounds.     There are currently no errata links for this book on Interweave's website or Ravelry.   In the UK the book retails for £16.99 and I think this is good value for money.  Eighteen patterns, loads of upfront information before you even start and loads of techniques to learn.  You just have to have the confidence to know when something probably isn't quite right and be able to work around that.   In the UK the book retails for £16.99 and I think this is good value for money. Eighteen patterns, loads of upfront information before you even start and loads of techniques to learn. You just have to have the confidence to know when something probably isn't quite right and be able to work.   FW Media have offered people in the UK a £5 discount code and free P&P, bringing the cost down to £11.99. All you have to do is call 01206 255777 and use code KHC117. The discount is available until the 15th December 2017.     7 - Feeding the habit Here are some of the things that I acquired at Yarndale:   1 - Yarn from Black Horse Yarns 2 - Dorset Button kit from Tania at TJ Frog 3 - Amazing yarnyness from RiverKnits 4 - More buttons from Textile Garden 5 - Vintage scissors from Eliza Conway 6 - Some paper yarn to play with.   That RiverKnits yarn in the middle is called Indian Giant Squirrel - just look at it unskeined and the the actual beast below!     And here is my amazing prize from Vivian and Alyson from the Keep Calm and Carry Yarn podcast.  This is an exceptionally well-made bag form Vivian via her Pearl and Plum shop.    8 - Big up I have a couple of podcasts for you to take a look at. Both are on YouTube.   Deanne from Addydae Designs is very well known for her crochet designs such as the Blurre shawl, but she has a podcast too.  She lives in Australia which gives it a different twist for me and is very open about her design process and sharing with the audience.    The second is the Thread the Love podcast on YouTube.  Amber has a couple of episodes out so far.  She is a crochet designer and so far her episodes are both under 30 minutes.   9 - What's Good Clarisabeth and Caroline are well - it is worth reiterating that this is very good news.  I am loving that Charlie from the Love Charlie podcast is local to me.  It is really nice to have a podcaster just down the road.      I have just interviewed Becci and Markus from RiverKnits.  I really enjoyed doing the interview with them and it reminded me how much I enjoy the process, so I need to get out on the road and get interviewing people again!  You can hear the interview or watch it.     See you all in November.   Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite  

September has been an incredibly busy month, and on this episode we recap the fifth annual Great London Yarn Crawl, including our live interview with special guest Erika Knight.  Our sponsor: This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Garthenor, providing a variety of sustainable, organic British wool products in an ecologically responsible way. See Garthenor’s glorious yarns, including a kit for Isabell Kraemer's new Amory sweater, on their website at www.garthenor.com.  News and Events:  Drawing for prizes from last podcast:  Two skeins of Brushwork: pinkpot on Ravelry  Strander Gradient Sweater pattern: LuisaM  Congratulations to both, and thanks to everyone who posted a comment! Upcoming events: 7 – 22th October – UK Wool Week  11 – 15th October: The Knitting and Stitching Show, Ally Pally London  14 –15th October: Bakewell Wool Gathering  13 – 15th October: Loch Ness Knit Fest  14 October: West Wales Wool Show, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire  28 – 29th October: Kendal Wool Gathering  1 – 30th November: WOVEMBER!!!! This year's theme is Woolness: where wool meets wellness  11 November: Festiwool, at a new venue!  11 – 12th November: Nottingham Yarn Expo  23 – 30th November: London Guild exhibition – The Thames and Southwark: Threads of London Life, Southwark Cathedral  Save the date... 20-21st October 2018: The Knit-Tea Retreat, sign ups open 8 October, 2017 Make Happy – aka – What we’re working on Rachel is finishing off her shawl pattern for the handspun KAL that will kick off on October 9 after Spinzilla is over – head over to her thread in the Ravelry group to sign up! She’s also working on a new sweater design in Erika Knight British Blue 100 that will hopefully be available at the end of the month.  Allison finished her Bousta Beanie, and is almost done with her Martinique Beach Cowl. She's been spinning Turning on Shetland from Porpoise Fur, and is currently working on Lemon Difficult by Kate Atherley.  GLYC Wrap up:  The fifth edition of the Great London Yarn Crawl was a huge success! Many thanks to our volunteers, sponsors and all the participants who came out on the day and made it such a great time, and brought over 100 items to donate to Knit for Peace! The event raised a total of £817, bringing the five year total to over £4200 donated to Refuge.  Finally - we have the audio from our live interview with Erika Knight at the after party and we love the stories that she has to share from her life in yarn and knitting. She's very passionate! Enjoy! *** Many thanks for joining us for another episode! You can find the podcast on iTunes and Stitcher Radio (please rate, review and subscribe!) and you'll find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, in our Yarn in the City group on Ravelry, or in person on Wednesday nights at our knit night at The Goat on the Rise  between 7 and 10pm. Have a great couple of weeks and we’ll chat with you soon!  Music credits (available on NoiseTrade) Ridiculously Happy (feat. Twilight Meadow) - Owl City

Hello my lovelies!   Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes from Episode Nineteen - Sweater, socks & woolly wool.   In this episode I cover: Old dog, new tricks; FOs; WIPs; Review of The Crochet Sock Collection; Festival of Finishing CAL; #BackToSchoolSweaterCAL; Feeding the habit; Big up and What's good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon: 1 - Old dog, new tricks I know that you should really swatch for each project, but if the meterage to weight ratio is the same or only slightly different then I tend not to and that's a mistake.   I have now made the Hove Beach Bag in two different yarns. The first is Erika Knight's Gossypium Cotton which is 100% cotton and 50g/ 100m.  The second is Yarn and Colours Charming which is 68% cotton/ 32% acrylic and 50g/ 102.5m.   On face value, they are very similar yarns but when crocheted into fabric, they are very different.  The Gossypium Cotton has very little give to it and so doesn't really condense down when crocheted.  In contrast, the cotton/ acrylic mix does and this makes for a denser fabric and therefore, smaller finished object.     The 100% cotton had 18.5 sts and 21 rows over 10cm whereas the cotton/ acrylic mix was 21 sts and 24 rows over 10cm.   From now on in I vow to look at the make-up of my yarn as well as the weight/ meterage ratio, particularly if one of the substitute yarns is a blend.     2 - Finished Objects  I have a handful of large-ish FOs this month.  I showed the beginnings of my Fronds Shawl by Joanne Scrace using Touch Yarns Possum/ Silk / Merino in last month's podcast and I worked on it furiously on the journey back from our holiday, finishing it off as we were driving down the side of Loch Lomond.     The pattern is easy to memorise and grows very quickly. Whilst the yarn was lovely to work with - it is very, very soft - the colours just aren't for me and so my friend Jenny will be the recipient of this shawl.  This also marks bag five of six of my Stash Bingo project, so I am very happy that I am using up some of my older stash in projects.   I also managed to finally finish off some things for the Festival of Finishing!  The TARDIS cross stitch was finished just before we went away and then I made it up into a cushion when we got back.  I learned a few new skills in making the cushion (mitred corners and piping) and was using YouTube videos for tutorials.     The TARDIS cross stitch is by StellarSpaceCraft on Etsy and I used DMC thread 311.     I was encouraged by Crochet Cavalier to rescue my dog tapestries from the charity shop pile and do something with them.  After an hour or so of pondering, I finally fell on the idea of making pincushions.   I cut up two tapestries to make five-pin cushions that will be sent out to lovely friends that will put them to good use.     3 - Works in progress Last month I talked about doing a yarn comparison on the Evesham socks because I have already crocheted one pair. What I have discovered is that my tension has changed since I made my initial pair and so I have frogged the little that I had done.     Instead, I am going to make four pairs from Step into Crochet by Rohn Strong.  The four pairs will come from two separate patterns, one toe up and one cuff down and they will all compare yarns to see whether there is a difference. This will also allow me to give you a decent review of Rohn's book in a couple of months and assess the yarns that I have used.      So far, I have a sombrero for a very small teddy bear!   4 - Book Review - The Sock Collection by Vicki Brown Two very lovely listeners, Anna and Hayley have become a little sock obsessed.  They have both independently crocheted every one of the six patterns in The Sock Collection book by Vicki Brown.     Here's a quick rundown of what they had to say about the collection and you can read their full reviews in the Crochet Book Reviews thread for this podcast group on Ravelry.     Both gave the book an overall 5/5, and 5/5 for value for money and would recommend to friends.   They loved that each pair had a different construction and that no two socks were the same!   Here are Hayley and Anna's six pairs of socks:        5 - Festival of Finishing CrAL The ongoing response to this CrAL is fantastic!  I wanted to point you towards somebody that has been vlogging their Festival of Finishing journey.  His name is David and he has been putting vlogs up on his Boy Who Knits YouTube channel, coming to you from Brisbane, Australia.   David has a lovely sunny nature and is a crocheter and knitter.  When I was watching his videos earlier, I was shattered and had just managed to delete the initial version of these show notes.  Tears nearly happened!  I watched David and was re-energised and happier. Thanks, David for unknowingly cheering me up!      I would love you to get involved with the CrAL and share what you are up to within the Ravelry thread in The Crochet Circle Podcast Group or by using #FestivalOfFinishing on Instagram.   As an additional element, via my company Provenance Craft Co, Claudia at Crochet Luna podcast and Caroline (also fo the Fibre Friends Podcast) and Kathy at Evertote, each FO you have under the Festival Of Finishing is now worth about £2.37. The charity that will benefit from the money is Knit for Peace.     5 - #BackToSchoolSweaterCAL Here are the latest details on the sweater CAL. Helen and Tamara are doing a great job pulling all of this together and you can check out the CAL through their blogs and the thread within the Crochet Circle Podcast group on Ravelry:     Feeding the habit Hmmm, 'nuff said.     1 - Border Leicester keyring from Imogen Louise 2 - DK wool from The Little Grey Sheep 3 - Naturally dyed yarn from Shilasdair 4 - Storm Grey and Peaty Brown from The Birlinn Yarn Company 5 - Harris Tweed buttons bought at the Kildonan Museum on South Uist 6 - Hebridean and Gansey wool from Yasin at Island on the Edge   My lovely goodies from Fibre Friends Podcast folk.   Destined to become part of a jumper or two - my haul from Uist Wool.   6 - Big up Caroline from Fibre Friends Podcast is now also doing a solo podcast all about her cross-stitch projects.  I love Caroline and her energy, so go and check her out at Off The Grid Needlearts.   I also came across a new magazine called Reloved.  It's a UK based publication and costs £4.99.  I initially picked it up because there was information on doing modern macrame, which is easily going to become a new obsession. Having now had a better flick through the magazine, I really like lots of the projects and the ideas for upcycling through crafting. There are great photo tutorials throughout the magazine and the projects are stylish, not frumpy!   7 - What's Good I have been on holiday in the Outer Hebrides off the West coast of Scotland.  It was AMAZING!  I clearly bought lots of wool, walked on the beach and generally had a great time chilling out. The house we were staying in looked straight out to sea and I loved sitting crocheting watching the tide roll in and out.  It really was bliss.      See you all in September.   Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite

On this episode of the podcast we’re a little bit overwhemed that this year marks the 5th anniversary of the Great London Yarn Crawl. With tickets going on sale on July 1st we have tons of news to share with you about the big event! Shout Outs + News + Events Huge shout out to everyone who came and joined us at The Village Haberdashery for World Wide Knit in Public Day. We had a terrific turnout and it was great to meet so many new makers! Many thanks to Annie from The Village Haberdashery for hosting with us and to SweetGeorgia Yarns for providing our door prizes! Details on the GLYC Anniversary KAL have been released. 23 - 24 June:  Woolfest gets underway next weekend in Cockermouth in Cumbria 1 July: Tickets go on sale for the GLYC on Saturday (check out the routes here) 8 - 9  July: The British Wool Show in North Yorkshire 14 - 15 July: Pomfest, celebrating 5 years of Pom Pom Quarterly magazine 15 - 16 July: Yarningham  in Birmingham 29 - 30 July: Fibre East in Bedfordshire Other event resources: Ravelry UK Event Listings and listings on the Knitter’s Review  Make Happy – aka – What we’re working on Rachel is working on nada at the moment, but is trying to recover from a couple of weeks of crazy work. Allison is working on her Joji Mystery KAL, and has been doing lots of sewing. Celebrating 5 Years of the Great London Yarn Crawl How did this even happen?! Time sure flies when you’re having fun. This September 9th is the 5th Anniversary of the Great London Yarn Crawl, once again benefitting Refuge and we have planned to make it extra special for you this year so we really hope you’re going to join us us! This year we’ve got 12 awesome routes for you, each route is named after one of the lines of the London underground. NOTE OF CLARIFICATION: The team name has no bearing on your transport routs, and the shops you’re going to visit are not only on that tube line (would that were so easy for us in terms of the planning!) Tickets will be £20, which includes your goody bag (full of gloriousness, including a skein of yarn from one of our yarn sponsers: Erika Knight and The Fibre Co.), entry to the Mini-Marketplace and After Party (with door prizes and other cool stuff).  We will again be collecting items to donate to Knit for Peace, and will be having a raffle for a grand prize basket of goodies! *** Many thanks for joining us for another episode! You can find the podcast on iTunes and Stitcher Radio (please rate, review and subscribe!) and you'll find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, in our Yarn in the City group on Ravelry, or in person on Wednesday nights at our knit night at The Goat on the Rise  between 7 and 10pm. Have a great couple of weeks and we’ll chat with you soon!  Music credits (available on NoiseTrade) Ridiculously Happy (feat. Twilight Meadow) - Owl City

Live from Edinburgh Yarn Festival, Sophie is joined by guest host Bristol Ivy - who has an exciting Pom Pom Press announcement! This episode also includes an interview with the fabulous gals behind Spincycle Yarns. Thanks to our sponsors Erika Knight.

Hello folks, come on into The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the show notes from Episode Fourteen - Unchained Melody?   In this episode, I cover: Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet; FOs; WIPs; Feeding the Habit; Tunisian CAL; Festivals; Big Up and What's Good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 - Yay crochet, yay crochet, yay crochet and a wee bit more yay crochet! I love to learn, and so when I come across a new technique I like to dive in and understand its pros and cons rather than just accept that is naturally better.   I was coming across comments on Instagram about how many people preferred to start their projects with a chainless foundation, rather than the traditional chained foundation because it was quicker and they preferred the finished effect.  Hmm, time to get my hook out and investigate.   The below photo shows you the times, sizes, pros and cons that I found between chained and chainless foundations.        Bella Coco has a great YouTube tutorial on how to do a chainless foundation.   2 - Finished Objects I always get through more projects that I think.  Through the guise of #StashBingo I have been using some really lovely yarns that otherwise would have remained at the back of the Stash Palace.  I have really loved working with the Jamieson & Smiths Shetland wool and it comes in a fantastic range of colours.     1 - J&S 2 ply Jumper Weight (100% Shetland wool): Blue is shade FC41, dark green is shade 65, light green is FC62 and the fawn is actually J&S 3 ply jumper weight in undyed shade 2008/Katmollet.  I was testing out whether the 3ply was better for the beginning of the cowl because the colourwork strands mean that the patterned areas are heavier and contain more yarn.  My conclusion is that it is best to double up on the 2ply where needed rather than use the 3 ply. 2 - J&S 2 ply Jumper Weight (100% Shetland wool)  Cream is shade 1A, orange is shade 125 and the dark red is shade FC62.  I have been working on these projects as part of #StashBingo but also to design projects that can use up yarn straggles and look good.   I also did a bit of investigating on the best place to buy Jamieson & Smith wool from and the cheapest source was Purlesence.  They offer free UK and EU postage for orders over £25 and I believe that their non-EU shipping is also very reasonable.  25g of J&S 2 ply is only £2.90.     3 - This was a Corriedale pencil roving that I bought from Queen of Purls in Glasgow, but it doesn't seem to be listed on their website anymore.  I used it to crochet a hat for my niece Darcie, which you can see below. If you like the look of this yarn then you may want to try Erika Knight for John Lewis XXL which is a slightly chunkier version or Drops Eskimo.  The pattern is Super Chunky Bobble Hat by Jo Janes on Ravelry.        4 - Wolle Rodel Sport and Strumpfwolle in shade 16915  75% wool and 25% polyamide. 5 - Regia 4 ply 75% wool and 25% polyamide in Ocean (06629).  I think this is what the yarn is...   The pink yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 ply, 75% wool (35% is Bluefaced Leicester) and 25% nylon in shade 545 Sarsaparilla.   To share the love with listeners and watchers of the podcast, I want to test giving out a 50% discount code for my patterns.  I am starting this off with my latest pattern Doppio Colosseum and so between 3rd and the 17th March (midnight GMT) you can get 50% off the pattern in Ravelry by using code DOPPIO50%. This is what Doppio Colosseum looks like and it requires 200g/800m of a 4ply fingering weight yarn.           3 - Work in Progress I have two main WIPs on the go at the moment, one crochet and one knitted.  From now on in the podcast, I am only going to talk about my knitting projects when they have become finished objects.  I want to make sure that the podcast remains predominantly about crochet but I still need to be able to reflect on the other things that I craft because they also give me inspiration for my crochet makes.   Here is my second #StashBingo project (project bag number 4).  This is some really course British wool that I picked up at Wonderwool Wales almost two years ago with the thought of making housewares with it.  I then dyed up some of the wool when I ran the dyeing workshop last September.  There was no real thought to how I dyed it, I was just helping to exhaust some of the wool in Gill's dye pot. The result is lovely with a shift in the depth of colour as you get to the outer parts of the skein because the dye couldn't penetrate the inner part of the yarn cake as readily.   I am holding two strands of wool together to make this rug, starting with two strands of undyed.  When the first cake of undyed had been crocheted, I added the lightest of my dyed wool in and continued to crochet with two strands - one undyed and one dyed.  This is adding a really nice sense of balance to the rug because the undyed yarn is visible throughout the whole piece.  I have then moved onto the next darkest skein of dyed yarn, and so on and so on.  I love it! This will be an FO on the next podcast.     Here is my knitting WIP.  It is Stream by Isabel Kramer and I am using one of my sock club skeins from Life in the Long Grass and Socks Yeah! in Sphene (104) the mustard colour and Sugilite (112) the plum colour.      4 - Feeding the habit I am still being good.  I have bought Top-Down Crochet Sweaters by Dora Ohrenstein and my subscription of Pom Pom Quarterly has turned up and here is a link to the Hanbira cardigan. I continue to focus on the MANY gorgeous yarns in my stash.     5 - Tunisian CAL is GO GO GO! This new CAL started on the 3rd March and runs until the 16th April.  We are being expertly guided by Sol through this CAL as she already teaches Tunisian crochet, has tutorials on her blog and is providing patterns for the CAL. Tamara (long-term listener and group member) has also pulled together her top Ten Tunisian Crochet Tips as a blog post, so give that a read too. There are three categories: 1 - Sol's Cobbled Streets Cowl which is free of charge pattern and needs one skein (400m) of 4 ply yarn, a 4mm (G6) hook and a 30cm cable, though you may be able to use a long-shafted hook instead. 2 - Sol's Ocaso shawl which is a paid-for pattern and needs three (1 x Yarn A and 2 x Yarn B) skeins of 4 ply yarn with about 380m per skein.  You will need a 4mm hook (G6) and an 80cm cable.  Use code TCCPODCAST to get 50% off this pattern in Ravelry. 3 -  Anything goes.  The pattern of your choice, it just has to be Tunisian crochet. A Ravelry thread has already been opened and you can use #tccTunisianCAL on Instagram.   If you are looking at joining in under category three, then you may be interested in a couple of new patterns: 1 - Zoe Halstead has a Tunisian shawl in Inside Crochet issue 87. 2 - The Crochet Project has a new Shawl book coming out and there is a Tunisian Crochet shawl in that.     Here are the yarns that I am thinking about using:     The one on the left is Denim 4ply (50% Merino/50% silk) 100g/400m by The Wool Kitchen and this is definitely going to become a Cobbled Streets cowl.   The second two yarns are another sock club skein from Life in the Long Grass 100g/400m and some Araucania Yarns Ranco 100g/344m (PT 2109) but the jury is out on these colours as I may change my mind.  Again.   6 - Festivals I didn't make it to Unravel but Helen did and has added a review to the thread in our group in Ravelry and also to get a new blog - thank Helen!   I am heading up to Edinburgh Yarn Festival on the 11th March and will be pulling together a vlog on my antics.   I will also be vending at Wonderwool Wales on the 22nd and 23rd of April and you can find me at stall H2.  Come and say hello!          7 - Big Up Here are some blogs and podcasts that you may want to check out:   Helen's making blog Making at Number 14 Chrissie Crafts on YouTube talking about her crochet and embroidery projects. Crochetcakes on YouTube talking about her life in Puerto Rico, crochet and knitting.     8 - What's good?   I am back in the room and that is what's good!      Until next month.   Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast   YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Ravelry Group: Search for The Crochet Circle Podcast in Groups Pinterest: Crochet_Circle   Twitter: Crochet_Circle        

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the show notes from Episode Ten - Take Two.    In this episode we will be covering: Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet; the (almost) final instalment of our Yarn Club Review; Yarn Review of The Big Scary Bear Alpaca DK; Copyright; Take Two; FOs; WIPs; Feeding the Habit and our final segment What's Good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet   Hello to Lisanif (Lisa), Soundzik (Marianna) and Monknitker (Amanda) from Ravelry.   Thanks to everyone that tunes in to our podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, iTunes or our new YouTube Channel.  Your support and engagement are really appreciated. We love doing the podcast and it makes it even more worthwhile knowing that there are people that really love it and are sat at their computers pressing refresh on publish day!    The person that has the closest birthday to our publish date is Littlefrog (Tania) - Happy Birthday Tania!   1. Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet It' a Nay from Lynne: This month I've suffered from Repetitive Strain Injury from my crochet, mainly due to a number of combined reasons - I was using a metal hook, the hook was small in size, my stitches were small and I was wrangling to get my hook into them for the particular stitch type I was using (I normally use a hook with a soft grip handle and a metal hook on the end, but I didn't have the size needed). To remedy this I crocheted in short bursts and wore a pair of fingerless mittens whilst crocheting, which stops the metal touching my skin and prevents the pain from occurring.   Fay: It's a yay from me.  I have said many times that I am quite a warm-bodied person and am usually stripping off rather than putting on layers. My friend and neighbour, Gill, pops in to see if I want to go for a walk and the weather has definitely taken a turn for the colder in Cheshire.  It has been too cold to go out with bare hands, but not cold enough to necessitate full gloves.  Given that all of the samples for Take Two have been sat in my kitchen, I just keep on diving into the bag to pull out my version of Lynne's pattern, Baltum which is a pair of fingerless mittens. They have given the perfect amount of warmth for our country walks.    2. Yarn Club Review The final instalment of our Yarn Club Review is from another Crochet Circler, Charlotte (purplehayescrochet on IG and Charlottemhayes on Ravelry), who has subscribed to two Clubs: Crochyay! and Little Box of Crochet. Charlotte's full review is going to be loaded onto the 'Things to know about yarn clubs' board, but here are the main points about the two box clubs that she has been receiving:   Little Box of Crochet is a monthly box that costs £17.45 and is done on a monthly rolling subscription although you can sometimes pick up additional boxes. Charlotte has been receiving this box since April 2016. Crochyay! is also monthly and costs £22.50 & P&P and you can also buy the boxes as a one-off.  Charlotte received her first box in October 2016.   With both boxes, you receive at least one pattern, the yarn required and lots of treats such as handmade stitch markers or a project bag. Charlotte has made most of the things from all of the boxes she has received with the exception of a Little Box of Crochet pin cushion because it isn't her type of thing.  She has simply stashed the yarn instead and will use it in another project. The yarns used have been great and have made Charlotte try yarns that were new to her.  The only one that she was less keen on was Rico cotton because it split a lot.   LBC generally sends out cotton-based yarn and Crochyay! has been acrylic/cotton so far.   The projects come with enough yarn for each project and the only time that Charlotte ran out, it was because her gauge was off but the yarn was readily available so she was able to go and buy more. Both boxes contain full written instructions.  LBC also use handy photos as part of a step by step guide and Crochyay has lovely big text which makes the patterns very easy to read and follow.   In October the LBC project was a tea cosy which Charlotte loved because she is a bit of a tea jenny.  The Crochyay project was a pair of mittens with a half heart on each, making a full heart when placed together.   All of the patterns have been easy to follow and Charlotte hasn't needed any pattern support. She has loved receiving both boxes and particularly loves receiving a surprise every time, making things that she wouldn't normally crochet and has particularly liked supporting small businesses. Charlotte does intend on moving to just one subscription and says that it will most likely be Crochyay! because the patterns are more modern and fit with her style. 3. Yarn Review - The Big Scary Bear Alpaca DK The Big Scary Bear is a relatively new company, owned by Richard and Karen Collier and is based in a small semi-rural village is Essex. Their fleece is sourced from their own herd of alpacas who live with them at Bramble Cottage, along with their six pygmy goats, two cats and two rabbits. The fleece is hand-sorted and graded before being spun into yarn by a specialist spinning mill in Oxfordshire. Their yarn is 100% alpaca and the ball band is made from recycled material. They have 6 shades available, all of which are lovely, soft hues, including Cream, Brown, Ginger, Navy, Cinnamon Grass, Pebble, Teaberry and Seafoam.   About the Yarn: DK weight/21 sts and 28 rows over 10x10cm in stocking stitch £6 per 50g ball.   We used a ball of yarn to knit up a test square using our standard test square pattern. Fay crocheted a premature baby hat with the remainder of the ball and Lynne crocheted a pair of mittens with a fresh ball.     Lynne: The knitted swatch shows that the stitch definition is really clear, with moss stitch, cables and stocking stitch. I love how there are flecks of lighter colour here and there where the dye hasn't fully taken, which creates a mildly semi-solid appearance. The yarn is incredibly soft and could be worn next to the skin and even I could wear it around my sensitive neck, which is fab. It is great to knit with too - the yarn slid through my fingers beautifully and created a nice, firm stitch. My test square blocked out beautifully and I'm itching to start a neck cosy in Fair Isle with it. The tension isn't on the ball band, but it knitted up almost to a standard double knitting (light worsted) tension of 21 sts and 28 rows to 10x10cm over stocking stitch. I also wanted to test it out for crochet, so I've started a pair of crocheted fingerless mittens using half treble crochet in the round. Again, the stitch definition is perfect and they are incredibly soft and really warm.   Fay: This is beautiful to work with and I felt that it really maintained the halo and sheen that I would expect from alpaca.  The yarn has been nicely plyed and so there were no issues with the yarn splitting when I was crocheting and it was a dream to run through my fingers.     I think that the pricing point is incredible for something that is 100% British and I would happily use this to make a garment with.  It feels like the company is in its infancy and I really hope that it goes well for them.   The only slight downside I had was that the dye in the teaberry shade wasn't completely exhausted and so a little came out when I washed it. However, this is the case with many yarns and so it is always worth testing a small cut of yarn in lukewarm water to see if it is dye-fast. This is particularly important if you are using more than one colour.     4. Copyright In our Take Two book, we encourage you to take our designs and change them up - if you don't like the yarn weight, then use something different, if you want to make it simpler then leave something out or if you're not keen of the colours, change them. However, all of the patterns are fully copyrighted to either Lynne or Fay, so even though you may tweak something in any published pattern, it doesn't mean that you can then publish the tweaked version as your own. There have been a few instances recently on social media where designers are finding that distinctive elements of their designs have been incorporated into another designer's pattern. Sometimes this has been something very obvious like a Fair Isle pattern, or it can be that the whole design looks almost identical. This sometimes happens purely by coincidence, after all, there are only so many ways to crochet a leaf or a granny square. So the best thing to do with a tweaked pattern is to add your FO to the designer's Ravelry page, then in the notes, you can document your tweaks.   5. Take Two Created and published by Lynne and Fay, from designing, sample testing, pattern styling and pattern checking, photography and book layout.     TAKE TWO is a collection of 8 crochet patterns, each shown as two designs - sixteen patterns.   We used some amazing yarns for our main designs, all of which have been spun in the north of England and in some cases grown there too. We each designed 4 patterns each which we passed to each other to remake in our own style using yarn from our stash. This wasn't a problem as we both have rather large stashes. We were keen to show that our designs could be made using the original yarns spun in the north of England, or they can be made using yarn that may be hiding at the bottom of your stash, waiting to be turned into something lovely. TAKE TWO is our first collection and includes a variety of easy-to-make crochet essentials including Colosseum (an asymmetrical shallow shawl); Auchincruive (a cowl); Skogafoss (a stylish messenger bag); Paraphernalia (a notions pouch or purse); Galicia (a long cowl); Baltum (a pair of fingerless mittens); Phasian (a textured Granny Square Blanket); Chrysanth (a textured circular cushion).   You can buy: A printed copy (which includes a digital download) £12 (we are currently taking pre-orders and hope that the hard copy will arrive during the third week of December, ready to be posted out ASAP).  When you buy the hard copy, you receive an instant digital download, or a digital copy £10 can also be purchased from Ravelry (search 'Take Two' under books) or from www.provenancecraft.com       We'd love to see your finished makes and you can add them to our Ravelry page and our discussion board FO thread.     6. WIPS Lynne: not much progress on WIPS - I'm focussing on one thing at a time now, to try and bring my FOs down to a more manageable level. My 12 WIPS are: Aran Tweed Blanket - working on the border/2 pairs of socks - no progress/Mother-in-Law's Travis blanket - no progress/Manos del Uruguay Shawl - own design - no progress/Accordion Fingerless mittens - no progress/Lopi Cushion - no progress/Wrist Warmers - no progress/Odeletta Shawl - no progress (I started this again with a heavier weight yarn)/Cabled mittens - one more to make/Baltum mittens in WYS DK - one more to make/Lisa Sweater - no progress/crocheted mittens for testing The Big Scary Bear - one more to make. I've frogged the Sausage Dog - I took out the toy filling to re-use and frogged the knitting, wound it into balls and it went to the charity shop as I would never use the colours myself. I've finished my Abraham Shawl.   Fay: There has been no attention paid to my Shorelines blanket or TARDIS cushion and that will remain the case until next year now - I just have too many other things to get on with.  Lots of time has been spent on the two Uncia shawls because I have to have them ready for the second weekend in December - hmmm.  I also have a HOP.  I am now calling a sock a Half Of Pair because if it is a sock, you would have to hop. The pattern is 'Solar' by Gill (Gilly Slater on Ravelry and it is free) one of the Woolgathering Sandbach goers.  I really love the vertical lace pattern and the bottle green makes me think of school uniforms and being eight again.     7. FOs Lynne: Abraham Shawl (knitted) made with stash yarns from John Arbon (Knit by Numbers) and Artesano (Superwash DK)/Christmas bauble (knitted) for a Christmas Swap/Test Square using The Big Scary Bear/Take Two Skogafoss Bag, Paraphernalia/various commission: knitted baby bootees, crocheted baby shoes, Daisy May next crocheted outfit, a crocheter flower wreath, a teeny tiny knitted panda and a crocheted sheep.     Fay: I have made a third and fourth version of Paraphernalia so that I could show it off in other sizes and double, double-check the measurements and amount of wool required.  There was also the premature baby hat for the local hospital but I will make a few of them before I hand them over.  Emma from Woolgathering has given birth to a baby girl, Matilda, and so a few of us have crocheted a pram blanket for her and I managed to finish that off over this weekend.  I also fired out the Newham hat from The Crochet Project's latest book, Raw and there is more to come on that in the next podcast.   The problem I face at the moment is that I just want to start all of the projects and have really had to stop myself!   Here are Fay's needle felting projects and knitted stockings, the Newham hat in John Arbon Knit by Numbers 4ply and Mamble socks in Shropshire Ply from Ewe & Ply from Raw. The baby blanket that Woolgathering folk worked on for Emma's baby and a premature hat for the local hospital.  The hat was in The Big Scary Bear Alpaca in Teaberry and the blanket used Blue Sky Cotton and Evie from Sublime.             8. Feeding the Habit Lynne: No new purchases this month for me - all yarns used were supplied for commissions or were in my stash including West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley DK, Garthenor Organics Wensleydale (4ply), Rico Essentials Cotton DK, King Cole Merino Blend 4ply, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino and Sublime Superfine Alpaca. That said - I've just purchased a skein of chunky hand-dyed yarn from Petra Black (Made By Black Elephant) - ethically sourced yarns, hand-dyed in Yorkshire. If yarn isn't local then it is ethically sourced and supports the communities that produce it (mulesing free).     Fay: I got my third and last instalment of my Life in the Long Grass yarn club which is called Chlorophyll and I can see why!  I also went to Yarnporium which was great fun and picked up some new Gotland from Midwinter Yarns and a very special skein from Helen at The Wool Kitchen which is most likely going to be used as my yarn for the Christmas CAL.     The other thing that I have purchased is a daylight lamp.  I have been struggling to see the pattern properly for the Uncia shawls and under the guidance of my friend Jenny, went to Hobby Craft to buy the Naturalight portable LED lamp.  What a difference this has made to my nighttime crochet and knitting activity!  You can use it with the internal rechargeable battery, via mains electricity or a USB cable which would be perfect for car crafting.  I am so impressed with this and it is currently reduced from £20 down to £15.  It gives off a white rather than a blue light which means that is isn't likely to set off migraines.   The yarn that I didn't have to purchase was the yarn haul that my Dad brought back from Iceland.  I have a sweater quantities worth of Lett-Lopi and some new Icelandic yarn that I hadn't seen before from Gusto, an Alpaca/Icelandic mix.     1 - 100% Gotland yarn from Midwinter Yarns (mustard 293, Peacock Blue 174 & Dark Grey 960). 2 - Erika Knight for John Lewis DK is 100% South American wool, dyed, spun and balled in the UK (Citrine 04). 3 - The newest of Erika's lines for John Lewis is XXL, 250g with 55m shown in Dusky Pink. 4 - Mini Skeins from Baa Ram Ewe in their base Titus shown Dalby, Parkin & Bantum (top to bottom). 5 - Newest wool available from Daughter of a Shepherd is Foxen meets Merino. 6 - The wonderous The Wool Kitchen skein - I really should have bought two!  This is in the colourway Denim.  7 - Icelandic wool is a firm favourite of mine, especially if it has come from one of my Dad's trips to Iceland.  This is Lettlopi and is destined to become a jumper.  The shade is Ocean Blue. 8 - A new to me Icelandic yarn brand called Gusta is a mixture of Icelandic wool and alpaca from Peru.  The one shown above is shade Coal Grey (2500) and is a fair bit softer than 100% Icelandic wool... 9 - The final instalment of my Life in the Long Grass has arrived and is called Chlorophyll.  I initially didn't really like this colour but it has grown on me and I find that I keep on going back to it to see all of the colours that are hidden throughout the skein.    9. What's Good? Lynne: I'm looking forward to a new year and being really organised. I say this every year, but it's definitely going to happen this year. I shall look forward to buying some shiny new stationery and making lists. Fay: It has been good doing the podcast with Lynne.  It has been great for me having left a small team to have somebody to bounce ideas off and work with. As said we will continue to work together and already have plans afoot for Take Two, Collection Two...   Happy listening and crocheting,   Fay and Lynne x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite    

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the Show Notes from Episode Seven - Buzz, Buzz, Buzz.     In this episode we continue with our crochet journeys, including helpful hints on sewing up; Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet; Yarn Club; Magazine Round-up; WIP's and FOs; Feeding the Habit, including Fay's trip to Fibre East; a sneaky peak at a couple of projects from our first book "Take Two" and finishing with What's Good.   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   Thank you for helping us reach over 4100 audio downloads.  Thanks to all of our lovely listeners and watchers for tuning in.  As well as our audio podcast, we will also upload each audio episode to Youtube. We've now taken the plunge with Episode Seven and recorded it live for Youtube, which was exciting but a bit nerve-wracking too. So shortly you can see us as well as hear us. We also have a new backdrop, curated by Fay: You can find us here on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpBm_Y5l_7S4Q114eKd11g   1.Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet (at 10:00 mins) It's a bit of both from Lynne: I recently went to Portugal on our family holiday and spotted quite a few crochet garments and accessories. The first thing I spotted was a gorgeous long cover-up which I  don't think was handmade, but it was lovely all the same. I also spotted a few nice crochet bags and some bright pink crocheted tops that seemed to be very popular. But the icing on the crochet cake was a crochet swimming costume – yes indeed I did spot a crocheted costume. It was quite like a bikini that was then joined down the middle. I didn’t see it in water – only on the sunbed, so not sure how it held up when wet.   It's a Yay Crochet from Fay: One of my book designs is a bag.        I finished it about a week ago and wasn’t 100% sure of the bag flap that I had designed.  So, come Monday morning I took the time to very carefully undo the flap - easier than it sounds because the yarn is a Mohair and Wensleydale mix and it took me a couple of hours.  I redesigned the flap and am now really pleased with the overall design and functionality of the bag.  It was worth taking the time out and getting the project to where I wanted it to be.   2. Our Crochet Journey: Weaving in ends when finished and when changing colour (at 20:00 mins) The easiest method is when joining double crochet row ends together as you can join the pieces by simply working double crochet (US single crochet) through the row ends of your work (working 1dc into each row end). This produces a neat, slightly stretchy finish. If you want a non-stretchy finish, use slip stitch instead.   If your work is in treble crochet (US double crochet) or half treble (US half double crochet) then it's not as straight forward because the posts of the stitches are longer, so working 1 stitch through each row end doesn't work. It's often a case of trial and error - try working 2 stitches into one row-end then just 1 stitch into the next row end, and repeat to the end. The good thing with crochet is that you can easily rip it out if there are too many or too few stitches.   Alternatively, you can use whip stitch to join trebles and half trebles, inserting your wool needle through the posts of the stitch (rather than underneath them, which can create a gap and leave the seam looking a little unsightly). Fay decided to add a row of double crochet (US single crochet) along the side of her garment, to create a much neater finish.      Granny Squares are easier to join as you already have a neat chain edge all around. You can use either double crochet (US single crochet), working through the back loops of the outside stitches (on the right side or wrong side depending on if you want a visible seam or not). You can also use a slip stitch to join Granny Squares but only use this on the wrong side of your work.    When changing colour when working, you can work over your yarn ends (like Tapestry Crochet), so hold your yarn end across the top of the stitches being worked and when you insert you hook into the stitch, wrap yarn around hook and pull back though, you will trap the yarn end into the stitch. Do this for about 6 or 7 stitches.   Links to useful websites for joining your work: Joining seams with a slip stitch and double crochet (US single crochet): http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/2013/01/09/beginners-class-joining-shapes-together/   Joining Granny Squares using 4 different methods: http://blog.deramores.com/how-to-crochet-joining-granny-squares/ Joining Granny Squares as you go: http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/joining-asyougo-sqaures.html     3. Magazine Reviews (at 41:00 mins) Let's Get Crafting issue 84: Theme is Christmas (is this too early?? - what do you think). There are lots of cute toys and decorations.   Lynne's favourite is the Bear from North Pole Buddies (page 40) designed by Aine Marriott.   Fay's favourite is the article "From Barn to Yarn" on pages 20 and 21. See issue 84 projects here on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/lets-get-crafting-knitting--crochet-84/patterns   Inside Crochet issue 80: Theme is still summery. Lynne's favourite is Star in a Star Blanket, by Red Sparrow Crochet, page 77 Fay's favourite is Wayfairer's Jumper by Molla Mills See issue 80 projects here on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/inside-crochet-issue-80-2016   Crochet Now Issue 5: Theme is 'bright'. Lynne's favourite is the free Mandala pattern booklet - The Big Mandala Swap which includes Lynne's design in Reds and Oranges, called Passion, page 42.   Crochet Now has teamed up with charity Rethink and yarn shops across the country so you can make a Mandala to swap, and maybe find a new crochet friend. Pages 80 and 81. Find out more about the Big Mandala Swap here: http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/mandala-swap/ Fay's favourite is Patchwork Garden Baby Blanket by San Beee, pages 60 and 61. Link to Crochet Now: http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/     4. FO's (at 51:50 mins) Fay: Blanket and cushion for our book.  Both were using Alafoss Lopi wool: http://alafoss.is/knitting-yarn/alafoss-lopi/ which is from the Icelandic sheep and is a chunky yarn.  I used a 5.5mm hook (US size 9). The fourth sock as part of my study in sock stripes – I have no HOs!    I have used four different techniques to try to find the best way of adding even stripes to socks and other projects knit in the round.  I have written a blog post about it so if you are also a knitter and like me have been striving to find the perfect stripe technique, take a look here: https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/blogs/news/jog-free-sock-stripes-two-pairs-of-socks-from-100g-of-yarn    I was using two different John Arbon sock yarns.  The pink is Exmoor Sock Yarn in shade Blossom: https://www.jarbon.com/yarns/exmoor-sock-yarn/exmoor-sock-yarn?zenid=u4mj75qpai6ncafru3fd9blr22#.V73Q9ZgrLic  The grey is Alpaca Sock Yarn in shade Charcoal: https://www.jarbon.com/yarns-wools/alpaca/alpaca-sock-yarn/uk-alpaca-sock-yarn?zenid=u4mj75qpai6ncafru3fd9blr22#.V73RC5grLic I use 2.5mm needles and generally knit a 60 stitch sock. A pair of these lovely socks will be donated to Winwick Mum's Yarndale sock appeal: http://winwickmum.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/yarndale-sock-line-2016.html     A few episodes ago I'd been a bit eager and put this shawl in my FO list and then had to admit within the podcast that I had messed up the rows.  I left it on the naughty step for two months, then frogged it back and then inside of four nights, I had knitted the lace and done the picot edge bind-off.  I used Rowan Finest for this project in shade 067 Cool: http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/rowan-finest   It was glorious to work with, so soft and warm.  I used 4mm (US 6)  Knit Pro Symphonies. It is made from extra-fine merino, cashmere and royal alpaca.  I didn’t know what ‘royal alpaca was so I looked it up.  Baby alpaca is between 19 and 21 microns in diameter.  Royal alpaca is anything below 19 microns and so is supposedly the finest alpaca that you can get.  Only about 1% of the alpaca produced is deemed to be royal alpaca. Human hairs range from about 17 – 181 microns depending on age, colour, weather etc. You can find out more about Royal Alpaca here: http://www.alpacacollections.com/natural-fibers     I mentioned a couple of episodes ago that I had bought The Book of Haps by Kate Davies Designs, even though I had tried my hardest not to.  I also tried to not join the KAL and failed miserably! I used Rowan Felted Tweed in five different colours and really love the outcome.  All of the details on yarn and needles can be found on my Ravelry page:  http://www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/nut-hap   I have added extensive notes, so if you were thinking about doing a Nut-Hap, you may want to take a look at my Kingfisher version before you start.  Mine is huge (but still lovely)!   I would definitely use this yarn for crocheting with and am currently dreaming up a cowl design for my leftover Rowan Felted Tweed.    Lynne: The only FOs I can share are the projects for our book – I finally finished my cushion which I LOVE, especially as it uses one of my favourite yarns (Wendy Ramsdale). I love the texture that I’ve created, which works perfectly with the yarn (which almost feels a little felted). I finished a shawlette (also for the book) and lots of projects for my latest Search Press book – I did have some knitting help with a couple of the projects, which was a relief, but there was still a lot of work to do, alongside some regular commissions that I do each month, so I’ve literally been knitting or crocheting all day pretty much every day and will be doing so for the foreseeable future. This month I've made: 2 hot water bottle covers, boot toppers, crochet collar, bunting, hats, washcloths, a deep cowl, a pincushion, a dress-up doll with outfits and some stuff I can't even remember. I've worked with some gorgeous yarns, including Sublime's Evie and Superfine Alpaca DK - both are beautifully soft to work with and are firmly placed on my "favourite yarns" list: http://sublimeyarns.com/       5. WIPs (at 72:45 mins) Fay: My WIPS are five in total plus some projects that didn’t even make the WIP list. I still have some standard items like the Tardis cushion and shorelines blanket which have had NO LOVE!  I have had to work on lots of crochet projects for the book and so these two WIPs have been placed on the back burner for now.   I've made a decent amount of progress on my Wrap Over Top from Simply Crochet issue 41.  Again I am using Rowan Finest but in shade 069 Star.  It's really lovely to crochet with even though it splits occasionally. So far I have used 9 balls worth and will probably need to put 12 into it.  Luckily I got the yarn at the Black Sheep Wools sale and so got 10 balls for under £30 instead of £65!  I had to do some maths to rejig the pattern for this yarn, and now that I am on the last 6 rows (but I will probably extend it) I can see that my calculations seem to have worked, so very worthwhile doing the swatching, blocking and maths.     I may have also started two new haps from The Book of Haps… Uncia – using John Arbon’s Harvest Hue’s 4 ply in Blue Spruce https://www.jarbon.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_184_176&products_id=245#.V73ZDZgrLic Uncia– using John Arbon’s Devon Wensleydale 4 ply which is an undyed natural grey.  Lynne: I'm the same as last month at 14, as I haven’t had any time to work on my own WIPS. I’ve started and finished lots of projects (work related) but nothing for myself so I’m really looking forward to a yarn dying workshop next week, organised by Fay, as it will be a nice to step away from knitting and crocheting for  few hours and learn a new skill. 6. Feeding the Habit Rabbit (rabbit... rabbit... rabbit) Link to Chas and Dave song "Rabbit, Rabbit": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOSseI1hao8   Fay: Since we last recorded, I've been to Fibre East. Unsurprisingly the yarn that I got was John Arbon mini skeins and some BFL fibre tops, also from John and Juliet.  The stand across from them at Fibre East was selling spindles and so I bought one of them too because I am desperate to learn how to draft, ready for the inevitable spinning wheel. Other habit feeders were our new mascot, who remains nameless until the competition has been judged at the beginning of September.  I also bought a new shawl pin which is ceramic and made in the UK: http://an-caitin-beag.myshopify.com/    I also bought some 2 ply linen to  play with and Verity’s new sock book  –  The Sock Drawer: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/449213136/the-sock-drawer-pattern-collection?ref=shop_home_active_1  If you haven’t heard the interview with Verity from Truly Hooked yet, then take a listen - it's been one of our most popular interviews to date.     However, that was on the 31st of July and so I created a self-imposed yarn diet throughout the month of August. Today is the 25th and, so far I have not bought any yarn that will be in my hands in August (apart from signing up to a yarn club).  I have six more days of no yarn buying and can prove a point to myself.   Lynne: I haven’t bought anything either this month, as I know I don’t have any time to crochet or knit and the Woolnest is just overflowing with stuff. So rather than buy new yarn I’ve gone through my drawers and bags and sorted out all the yarn I know I won’t use and will be selling this at Yarndale and hope that it will go to a good home and that someone will make something lovely out of it all.     7. Our First Crochet Circle Book (at 101:55 mins) We're really excited to tell you a little about the book that we have been working on.  It is called "Take Two" and the premise is simple.  We've each designed four crochet patterns.  Lynne has designed a long cowl with matching mittens, a blanket and a cushion. I have designed a short cowl, a bag, a narrow shawl and a purse.   So there's something for everyone - from accessories to homewares. There are two key differences with this book. The first is that the yarns we used had to be British and in particular had to be spun in the North of England as we feel proud of our industrial heritage and that fact that we still have working mills that produce amazing yarns.    The second is that we both re-made each other’s patterns using our own stash yarn.  This has allowed us to showcase British yarns and to also show how a change in yarn weight, colour or a slight variation in the pattern can create an entirely different project.  You don’t always have to use the yarns stated in a pattern and so we hope to encourage you to look to your stash when you are crocheting from a pattern and don't be afraid to substitute yarn and make the pattern your own.   Take Two is essentially two designers, eight patterns with two interpretations, creating sixteen designs.   Lynne’s favourite pattern from the book and yarn is: I'm twixt between my textured blanket which uses West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply yarn, and my textured cushion, but I think may be cushion just takes it (and has yet to be named).     The basis of the cushion is treble crochet worked in rounds, but for the front piece the rounds are worked in back loops only, leaving the front loops free for working a picot - this creates the deep texture (resembling a Chrysanthemum Flower). You could make it in almost any yarn, from 4-ply to chunky so it’s really versatile and looks like a shop-bought cushion. The size I made with DK yarn took just 6 balls of 50g. I used Wendy Ramsdale which is bred, spun and dyed in Yorkshire and is a sturdy yarn, which is great for a cushion, but it’s definitely a design that you could use up different yarns from your stash. Yarn support was kindly provided by Laughing Hens: https://www.laughinghens.com/ Fay's favourite design is Colosseum.  It is a narrow shawl that uses just one skein of 4 ply yarn.  The pattern is really simple and memorable, yet elegant and light.  I really love all of the yarns that I used for my patterns – Erika Knight and Whistlebare.  The yarns were specifically chosen to be soft or lustrous where they needed to be or hard-wearing where required – like the bag.              8.Yarn Clubs (at 115:20 mins)   We mentioned in Episode 6 that we wanted to do a review on yarn clubs.  We know that a few people that have signed up to them but neither Lynne nor I ever have.  So, in the interests of fair reporting and for you lovely Crochet Circler’s, Fay has selflessly signed up to a yarn club with Life in the Long Grass - a husband and wife team based in Ireland: https://www.lifeinthelonggrass.com/clubs/   Fay will open her parcel when we record the next podcast so we'll capture her excitement.  Lynne will look into other clubs, including Baa Baa Brighouse Yan Tan Tethera's club: https://www.baabaabrighouse.co.uk/shop/yan-tan-tethera-yarn-club/yan-tan-tethera-subscription/   So, in the next episode, we will be able to report back with a list of available yarn clubs, the cost of Fay's LITLG club and reaction to it, people’s feedback on yarn clubs that they have been part of. So, if there is anything that you would like to know about yarn clubs, please let us know through Ravelry – we will start a thread called ‘Things to know about yarn clubs’ and we will endeavour to answer your questions.     9. What’s Good (at 123:15 mins) Fay: I'm organising a workshop under the banner of KNIT IT – HOOK IT – CRAFT IT on hand-dyed yarns on the 3rd September and 10 of us will get to try out three different yarn dyeing methods – kettle, hand painted and dip-dyed.  I'm really looking forward to spending a day learning to dye with some lovely people.  It will be a welcome break from all of the work that I have been doing.    Lynne: I received advanced copies of my Mandala Book earlier this week, which was really exciting. I’m delighted at how lovely it looks. It’s one of the "20 to Make" titles by Search Press, and the idea is that the projects are quick to make, yet all different and interesting too. Hoping to have them for sale at Yarndale but not sure if they will arrive in time – fingers crossed: https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782214342/crocheted-mandalas    Happy listening and crocheting.   Lynne and Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite                          

Apologies in advance for any sound issues in this episode of the podcast - we're on either side of the pond at the moment, and do not have access to the best recording setup while that is the case. In this episode we chat about taking our yarn on the road - Allison to Scotland and Rachel to the United States - and we've got some great shops to tell you about, along with our tips on what makes the perfect road trip project. Sponsor: The Loveliest Yarn Company is a new online shop bringing you the loveliest yarn and knitting accessories. Buying yarn online can be a bit fraught so they have gathered the best into one place. The Loveliest Yarn Company stock artisan hand dyed yarn from Life in the Long Grass, organic merino from Rosy Green Wool, irresistible accessories from Merchant and Mills and lots more. Podcast listeners can get 10% off in July, August and September by using the code YITCEnabled2016. If you aren't shopping for yarn at the moment, be sure to sign up for their newsletter on the site. News and Events: GLYC 2016 tickets are on sale! The event is now over 50% sold, with five routes sold out, out so don’t wait too long to get your tickets! We've also started posting our sponsors for GLYC2016, including title sponsor Erika Knight! Other sponsors include Cocoknits, Daughter of a Shepherrd, The Little Grey Girl, Owl About Yarn, Pom Pom Quarterly, SweetGeorgia Yarns, Third Vault Yarns and Tin Can Knits, Now until 4th September – the Missoni Art Colour exhibition is on at the Fashion & Textile Museum in London. 30-31st July - Fibre-East, Ampthill, Bedfordshire. 5-6th August - the British Wool Show, York Auction Mart, Murton, York. 12-19th August - Knitting & Crochet in the Faroe Islands with Carol Meldrum 12-18th August - Hiking and Knitting between Fire and Ice, with Helene Magnusson, Iceland. 20-28th August - Yarn Along the Rockies, Colorado Front Range What we're working on: Allison is obsessed with her Wavedeck Shawl by Kate Atherley, and will be done shortly. She's also started the Garter Goodness Shawl by Stephen West. Rachel is working on Lambton Panes from Cowtown Knits, and her Kippen Cardigan by Kat Goldin from the Crochet Project, as well as a men's sweater design for A Yarn Story in the luscious Arranmore from The Fibre Company. The Tour de Fleece is now done - you can see photos of her spinning (and the rest of Team Porpoise Fur) on her Ravelry board. Summer Road Trip: Allison hit five shops in three days in Scotland, and she tells us all about her visits, including a trip to the New Lanark Mill. Rachel has grand plans for Fiber Space in Alexandria, VA; Looped Yarn Works in Dupont Circle, DC, and WEBS in Northampton, MA in the immediate future. She might also hit Dyakcraft,Golding Fiber Tools and Spunky Eclectic! Thanks so much for listening! Please leave us a comment or send us an email at hello@yarninthecity.com with your thoughts, or let us know what you think via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also find us oniTunes or Stitcher Radio (and please consider leaving a review for us!), or download us directly from the Yarn in the City website.  Or come join our Ravelry group to keep up to date on all the latest news, and join in the London Craft Guide craft-along! On Wednesday nights you can find us at knit night at The Goat on the Rise pub on Battersea Rise, close to Clapham Junction station in SW London. We meet from 7pm to around 10pm. The food is great and the knitters are friendly. Join us!  Music (all available on NoiseTrade): No Matter Where We Go - Whitney Airport Bar - Martin Courtney  

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the Show Notes from Episode Six - Shore to Shore.   In this episode we continue with our crochet journeys, including helpful hints on blocking; Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet; Yarn Review of Daughter of a Shepherd Hebridean/Zwartbles yarn; Magazine Round-up; a review of two fibre festivals on either side of the pond – Woolfest and Houston Fibre Fest; WIP Wall and FOs, Feeding the Habit, a fab giveaway from Anna Nikipirowicz and finishing with What's Good.   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1. Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet (at 2.55 mins) It's a Nay Crochet from Fay due to the lack of crochet content at fibre festivals and in general. When we visited Woolfest, we noticed that most of the stalls were aimed at knitters and even on most of the yarn stalls the samples that were on show were also knitted. This seems at odds with the increasing rise in the popularity of crochet and may be off-putting to new crocheters who perhaps don't realise that you can crochet with any yarn. We know that at Yarndale we'll see a lot more crochet-related vendors and Lynne and I will also be there waving the flag for crochet.   It's a Yay Crochet from Lynne for all the lovely things that people are crocheting up and the inspiration that they give to others. I’ve really been enjoying The Crochet Circle Podcast Ravelry forum – especially seeing all of the lovely finished objects that people are sharing. In particular, it’s also made me realise how adaptable crochet is, even if you’re not hugely experienced with crochet. It seems easier for people to take parts of a pattern and make something else altogether, or tweak patterns to suit their individual taste.   Here's the link to our Ravelry FO's board: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3400722/51-75#71   2. Yarn review (at 9 mins)   Daughter of a Shepherd: 75% Hebridean and 25% Zwartbles DK weight 233m/255 yards per 100g Recommended needles/hook:3.5-4.5mm hook/needles Cool hand wash only and leave flat to dry  Completely UK produced (sourced, scoured and spun in UK)  RRP: £18 for 100g.  Website: www.daughterofashepherd.com Rachel's blog: http://mylifeinknitwear.com/ We had 10g each to test and crochet up.  The characteristics of Hebridean wool are very similar to the Zwartbles that is has been blended with as both are very dark brown/near black in colour, durable and dense.  This yarn is spun at John Arbon Textiles and John says that the longer staple length of the Zwartbles helps with the processing of the Hebridean because it gives the Heb staples something more to align and grip to.        Fay – I tried this with a 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm and 5mm hook and found that the 4.5mm gave the nicest effect, so using a 4.5mm hook I created a tiny little bowl to put my measuring tape in because I am always losing it!  It is hard to see the stitch definition because of the natural yarn colour (which is very dark), but it is good.  I still had a little bit leftover and so made some leaves with the remainder and also made some using some Jacob wool that I had to create a cup holder for when I am out and about (I usually have them in my different handbags so that I don’t need the cardboard sleeve).   The wool is soft and nice to work with and becomes softer when washed and blocked. I would use this again for crochet and could easily take it up against my skin.  It would make a beautiful crocheted shawl with an open lacy structure that really makes the most of the stitch definition.  I would also use it with other natural wools to bring out the depth of colour that it has.  It would be great at the dark end of a gradient project or mixed with a really vibrant blue or burnt orange.   Lynne: I really enjoyed working with this yarn – as soon as I wound it off the skein I could smell the sheep and it made me feel happy to be working with a natural fibre that can be fully traced back to its source.  I love the natural colour of the wool– it’s a very deep brown, almost like treacle, and there are a few light coloured fibres running through. I have really sensitive skin, but for the time that I was using the yarn, I was absolutely fine. I don’t think I could stretch to wearing it directly around my neck (but that’s just me) but I could mix it with something else and just keep the Hebridean/Zwartbles away from the neck edge. I made two things also with my mini skein – a bookmark, which I’ve already been using, and a small mandala that I’ve made a pincushion from. Both have great stitch definition and are firm in structure. I made my pincushion using wool fabric from Eliza Conway (a Yarndale purchase) and I’m delighted with both of my mini-projects.   On Ravelry in Rachel’s group, there are lots of projects on the go with this yarn – often it’s mixed with something else, but it’s a great place to go and visit if you want inspiration.   Link to Rachel's Ravelry group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/daughter-of-a-shepherd   3. Magazine round-up (at 22.15 mins) Fay's overall favourite: Cowslip Parsley Garland from Simply Crochet issue 47, designed by Emma Mitchell. It's a free pattern download from Emma's blog: www.silverpebble.net Lynne's overall favourite: Lace Shirt from Love to Knit and Crochet issue 4. It's a button-down shirt with a scalloped edge on the cuffs and hem. A clamshell pattern creates a light and airy effect which is perfect for Summer. Simply Crochet – issue 47 Ravelry link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/simply-crochet-issue-47 Website Link: http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/2016/07/21/simply-crochet-issue-47/ Fay's favourite: Cow Parsley Garland,  designer Emma Mitchell, pg 98 Lynne's favourite: Freeform Floral Cowl,  designer Jennifer May, page 83 Let’s Get Crafting – issue 83 Ravelry Link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/lets-get-crafting-knitting--crochet-83 Website Link: http://www.letsgetcrafting.com/ Fay's favourite: Mouse toys (knitted), designer Sachiyo Ishii,  I have a pregnant friend that woudl love these for her daughter and new baby! Lynne's favourite: Hearts Garland, designer Kath Webber, pg 48  Crochet Now - issue 4 Website link: http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/ Fay's favourite: Flower Bedspread, designer Mrs. Moon, page 36 - this is beautifukl yarn to work with. Lynne's favourite: Candy amigurumi Deer, designer Irene Strange, pg 62    Love to Knit and Crochet - issue 4 Website Link: https://www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk/ Fay's favourite: Silky Vest Top, pg 33 Lynne's favourite: Lace Shirt, pg 34 4. A Crochet Journey - some tips on blocking your garment (at 26.30 mins) Like everything with crochet (and knitting), there are some aspects of blocking that are just a personal preference.  Fay - in the main I wet-block by immersing my finished object in cold water with a small amount of soaking product, gently washing then very gently squeeze out excess water and roll in a towel before pinning out to required dimensions.  You can see from the below photo that this can help to take out any residual (unexhausted dye).     Lynne - in the main, I spritz (or spray) my work to the point that it’s wet but not saturated. I use a plastic spray gun (the type that you can buy for the garden - usually around £1), then I gently press the water into the fibres with my hands. I then pin out carefully, according to the dimensions of the pattern, and leave to dry. Sometimes I repeat this process if I feel it necessary.   Even when a project is already the size you want it to be (pre-blocking), I'd still recommend blocking as it greatly improves your stitch definition and "sets" the stitches. I mainly steam block for cotton (I cover my project with a cotton cloth and hold the iron above and steam  - do not touch the fabric with the iron). I also steam block fair isle items because it really sets the stitches nicely. After steam blocking, I pin out because it’s damp and leave to dry.   What if I’m desperate? Sometimes I may be on a close call with a deadline – it could be 2pm in the afternoon and I’m still working on a project that needs posting that day – by 4.30pm – so I will always steam block just to make sure that the stitches look good for photography. If necessary I will use a hairdryer to dry it off before posting.   A lot of people say don’t block acrylic as it’s not wool and therefore has no stitch memory – but I do block acrylic projects, just because it improves the overall appearance and stitch definition. I would mainly spray block acrylic but have been known to steam block (very carefully) when desperate. There is more risk with steam blocking as you can relax the fibres too much and your work can become very droopy and much bigger than originally made. I always sew my ends in first and then block, whereas Fay doesn't sew in her ends before blocking because she found that if she sewed her ends in first and then blocked, the tail ends sometimes shift and she would have little bits of yarn poking out which then just create more work to neaten them up again.  When pinning out it is essential that you get your measurements right because if you overstretch the yarn then it’s ruined forever – yarn has a memory so once it’s set then it will spring back to that shape after washing. So be really careful when blocking, especially if using an iron. It really is a case of trying the method that suits you best given the yarn and project that you have made, but it is definitely worth it - see below!     5. Woolfest and Houston Fiberfest (at 48.50 mins) As you know we went off to Woolfest at the end of June.  Whilst we were there, Tamara, one of the listeners to the podcast was at a yarn festival in Houston, Texas.  Tamara kindly recorded some audio for us on the festival that she attended and we have some photos too.  Woolfest: Houston Fibrefest: We have started a thread in Ravelry for you to add details on any yarn festivals that you have been to. Kerry listens in Australia and has just added details of the large Wool and Sheep Festival that she has been at in Bendigo, Australia.  Feel free to add details of any yarn festivals that you have been to so that others can see what is available throughout the world.  I have added some standard questions that you can answer if you need something to crib from. Tamara is on the left - thanks for doing the review! Here's Tamara's round-up from Houston Fiber Fest: Link to website: http://www.houstonfiberfest.com/ New companies that Tamara hadn’t come across before: Independence Farmstead Fiber Mill, an artisan mill service for the independent fiber producer: http://www.independencefarmsteadfibers.com/ Windmill Crest Farms near San Antonio: http://www.windmillcrestfarms.com/ There was a gentleman there had an industrial needle felting machine: http://www.feltcrafts.com/ Lucky Ewe Yarn in New Braunfels dye their own yarn which is called Wool Tree Yarn using natural ingredients: http://www.luckyeweyarn.com/ Things that Tamara bought: Brazen Stitchery Harmony Sock in colourway Team Gayle semi-solid in tonal shades of dark green: http://www.brazenstitchery.com/ Lazy cat yarns 2 x 50-gram skeins of Endurance - semi-solid – in shades of gorgeous teal: http://www.lazycatyarn.com/ Western Sky Knits, 2 variegated 100g skeins: http://www.westernskyknits.com/ Hedgehog Fibers is an Irish indie dyer. I was surprised to find Irish yarn in Houston. This festival was their launch at Park Avenue Yarns (a loyal yarn store): http://shop.hedgehogfibres.com/ http://www.parkavenueyarns.com/ Blind date project from In Skein Yarns, one of the local yarn stores. So fun! They were clear plastic bags with a label on the outside describing the project - The craft (I chose crochet), yarn weight, fiber content, the difficulty of pattern and type of project:  https://inskeinyarns.com/ Shawl pin – from the Muddy Knitter: https://squareup.com/store/themuddyknitter Two mini Loomes spelt L-O-O-M-E and you can make pom poms, cords, tassels and weavings: https://www.theloome.com/ A funky necklace from Fiesty Fenn Fibers: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FeistyFennFibers Some tea from Independence Fiber Mill: http://www.independencefarmsteadfibers.com/     Didn’t buy but have ear-marked: Suzoo’s Wool Works: http://www.suzooswoolworks.com/ Inner Loop Dyeworks: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/InnerLoopDyeworks – I will definitely buy some more of her yarn – we stock her yarn at the store where I work which is very lucky but tempting at the same time http://www.nimblefingerstx.com Podcaster Suburban Stitcher’s project bags. http://suburbanstitcher.com/ I might buy a mini loom for weaving from Purl and Loop www.purlandloop.com All of Tamara's photos of Houston Fiber Fest can be found here:  https://uk.pinterest.com/craftyescapism/  and you can also view her blog here: http://www.craftyescapism.com/ 6. Finished Objects (at 71.45 mins) Fay - Missed Kingfisher shawl was completed whilst in France with Jenny.    Cowls for the book – testing more colours because I am thinking about doing them as a kit for Yarndale.  Also, the items for the yarn review. One sock firmly in the HO pile!   Lynne: Pincushion and bookmark from Daughter of a Shepherd (so pleased with both); mandala coaster for hubby (at his request) to put his mobile phone on at night; lots of commission projects, including a hot water bottle cover, a pair of fingerless mittens, a teddy, a lampshade cover, a set of crochet frames, a cushion, a pair of slippers, another pincushion and another couple of bookmarks - phew.   7. WIPs (at 79 mins) Fay - Simply Crochet wrap-over, Henslowe shawl, Nut-Hap (Kingfisher colours), Tardis cushion, Shorelines blanket, Baby Bird scarf, blanket for the booklet, John Arbon socks for a study on adding stripes to socks. I'm still at eight but there are so many things that I want to start! Lynne – I'm still at 14, but have started (and finished a few) so they didn't even make onto the list (which is good) and I probably won't be able to make a dent in this until after Yarndale.     8. Feeding the habit (at 91 mins) Fay – I thought I was really good this month and so, I bought some extra Rowan Felted Tweed to be able to do a Kingfisher based Nut-Hap.  I also realised that I needed to get another skein of the Kalinka linen because it would look great with a contrast colour. Then I remembered that I had been to Woolfest... At Woolfest, I bought yarn from John Arbon and Ripples Crafts, some amazing Art Deco buttons and some woven fabric. It was also my Birthday so I am book rich – Fleece and Fiber, Erika Knight’s latest, a book on dyeing yarn, British Sheep Breeds and an old book of my Dad’s.  Very lucky to have so many nice wool related books to go through in the next few months and enhance my reference library with.     Lynne - At Woolfest I bought some John Arbon skeins (I love their mini skeins too),  a couple of squares of handwoven fabric which is really lovely, some buttons for my cowl from Textile Gardens, and Emily Foulds kindly gave me a ball of WYS Signature 4ply from the cocktail range for my knitting book which I can’t wait to use. I have bought lots of yarn for kits and to test colours, but I don’t count work-related purchases as they go through the business.     9. Competition Time - Odeletta Shawl Give-away     This month we have a give-away, kindly sent to us by Anna Nikipirowicz for her Odeletta Shawl Kit which contains everything you need to create your own shawl, including two balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze, patterns, beads and a crochet hook. Plus a lovely teabag so you can enjoy a nice cuppa whilst you crochet. Thanks Anna!   Anna's website is here: https://moochka.co.uk/ Find all the details for the giveaway here: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/topics/3468941     10. What’s Good (at 105 mins)               Fay:  This was meant to be my What's Good but I was so excited about it that I covered it off early!  I just mentioned that my Dad gave me one of his books.  It is a very special book that was my absolute favourite book when I was little. It is the Observer’s book of Farm Animals.  I was born in 1977 and the book came out in 1976 and was given to my Dad by friends when we moved from Wiltshire to Caithness in the North of Scotland in early 1978.  It used to fit in the pocket of my pinafore and I would spend ages pawing through the different breed photos and memorising them.  I even wrote in the front of the book to amend it to say “Fay - it is to Fay” so that I could lay claim to it.  Needless to say, the book is battered and the spine is being held together with masking tape and love. It is delightful to have something in my possession that brings back nice memories and until recently I had completely forgotten about.  It clearly influenced and shaped the person I have become.   So my What's Good became the excitement for going to interview John Arbon down in Devon - it really was good!   Lynne: Really enjoying natural fibres at the moment – you can definitely feel the difference and there are lots of affordable natural yarns out there that are well worth a try. I’ve been using Wendy Ramsdale which is about £3.50 a ball for 50g and the colours are lovely as well as the texture and feel of the yarn. I’ve used if for hats (only takes 1 ball to make a child’s hat) and also for my cushion (6 balls, so less than £24) for the yarn. Also Erika Knight British Blue is £4.20 for a 25g ball – a bit more expensive but well worth it when you can make a nice cowl with just three balls - so that's £13 for a cowl made with British yarn - where every step is traceable. Remember cotton is also a natural fibre and you can buy Rico Cotton Aran for less than £2 for 50g. I’m not saying I don’t use acrylic as I do because some projects have to be really affordable but there are some lovely yarns out there that may cost less than you would expect.   Happy listening and crocheting.   Lynne and Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite                

Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the Show Notes from Episode Five.   In this episode we continue with our crochet journeys, including helpful hints on how to get through the next stages of working on a garment; Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet; World Knit in Public Day; WIP Wall and FOs along with our usual Magazine round-up, our competition winners so far, our new regular feature called "Feeding the Rabbit" and we finish with What's Good.   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:       1. Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet It's a Nay Crochet from Lynne this month, as she lost her favourite crochet hook: My favourite hook is an Addi Swing Crochet Hook, size 3.5mm which I use all the time – it’s an ergonomic hook so it's really comfortable and sits in your hand perfectly, so I was quite annoyed at myself for losing it. The question is – do I just buy another one as a replacement? Do I try a different make, do I buy just one or a set? They're quite expensive individually and even more expensive for a set so these would have to be a Birthday/Christmas gift. I can’t decide what to do, so I’m having a think and will have a mooch around Woolfest or go to Black Sheep Wools. If anyone uses any other good ergonomic hooks and has a favourite - do let me know – it might help me decide. I bought my lost hook from Laughing Hens: https://www.laughinghens.com/knitting-needles/addi-swing-crochet-hooks It's a big Yay Crochet from Fay on her Liala Top by Designer Marie Wallin: I love my top and the way that it looks. It is easy to wear as summer chic or dressed down with jeans or over a dress with tights for some winter colour. The yarn I used has unfortunately been discontinued (Jeanette Sloan 4 ply alpaca/silk) but it was lovely to work with and produced a very soft garment with clear stitch definition.      Link to Jeanette Sloan: http://www.jeanettesloandesign.com/ Link to Marie Wallin: http://www.mariewallin.com/   Fay also sneaked in a Knitting Nay for picot cast off: I've knitted a lovely shawl for a friend which involves a picot edge bind-off which is a new technique for me. It involves knitting lots of stitches before actually casting off, making it a long-winded process. I gave up after about an hour and a half and seemingly getting nowhere, so I will choose a different method to cast off with.      2. Magazine Round-up We've have added Pom Pom Quarterly into our list of magazines because they generally feature a couple of crochet patterns in each issue.  As the title would suggest, it comes out quarterly so you will hear about Pom Pom every third episode.   Inside Crochet – issue 79 - Seaside Theme Website Link: http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/ Lynne's favourite: Greta Stole designed by Claire Montgomerie using Coopknits Socks Yeah – I really love the colour combination and you could use up your oddments of sock yarn to create your own colour combination (pg 54).   Fay's favourite: Friendship Quilt, designed by Mica York, using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (pg 80).   There’s also a great interview with Betsan Corkhill, who is a Wellbeing Coach who focusses on the therapeutic benefits of knitting and how it can help improve your health and mindfulness. It’s not just about enjoying knitting and crochet, it links to meditation, to calmness, to stress relieving and to helping you improve your mood by working with calming colours – it’s fascinating and I'd recommend going along to one of Betsan’s workshops if there’s one near you.   Betsan's Website: http://www.stitchlinks.com/ Simply Crochet – issue 46 - Nautical theme Ravelry link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/simply-crochet-issue-46/patterns Website Link: http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/2016/06/23/simply-crochet-issue-46/ Announces a Crochet-A-Long for subscribers, for a blanket using different crochet squares.   Lynne's favourite: I LOVE the cute little Beach Babe Piggy by designer Illaria Caliri – he/she’s so cute and even has a life ring, bucket, spade and beach towel, using DMC Natura Just Cotton (4-ply) (pg 42). Fay's favourite: Claude the Octopus by designer Kate E. Hancock (Fay is slowly being brought round to the fun side of crochet), using Drops Paris 100% cotton (pg 24).   Kat Goldin also talks about her local yarn shop and how it provides a sense of community and a place of creativity (pg 34). Crochet Now - issue 3   Website link: http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/ Lynne's favourite: Amigurumi Guard and Bus designed by Editor Hugh Metcalf.   Fay's favourite: Infinity Cowl designed by Vicki Brown. Let’s Get Crafting – issue 82 Ravelry Link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/lets-get-crafting-knitting--crochet-82/patterns Website Link: http://www.letsgetcrafting.com/ Features The Crochet Circle Podcast on page 6 – thank you.   Lynne’s favourite: The Wildlife Rescue Nets by Kath Webber, which link to a charity knitting project for animal rescue centres who are looking for knitting donations (pg 28).   Fay's favourite: Baby Slippers - Summer Espadrilles designed by Jackie Carreira (pg 40).   Woman's Weekly Knitting & Crochet July Issue Website Link: http://www.womansweekly.com/ Lynne's favourite: Teal Appeal - Vintage Cardigan knitted in mohair (Rowan Kidsilk Haze) (pg 24).   Fay's favourite: Hi-Ho Silver - Cotton shrug, crocheted in DMC Petra Cotton 3 (pg 50).   Pom Pom Quarterley Website Link: https://www.pompommag.com/ Ravelry Link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/pom-pom-quarterly-issue-17-summer-2016/patterns Lynne and Fay's favourite: Altair by designer Joanne Scrace. Love to Knit and Crochet - issue 3 Website Link: https://www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk/ Lynne's favourite: Crochet Stool Cover - Too Cool for Stool (pg 57). Fay's favourite: Feeling Tubby - crochet bowls (pg 56).   3. Our Crochet Journey - Next Steps and issues we've faced Lynne's progress with her Lisa Sweater: I had to rip back a couple of times due to losing stitches - in the end, I gave up ripping out and just added a couple of stitches along the row instead. Now that I'm in the flow of the pattern I've stopped dropping a stitch at the end. It isn't noticeable where I've added the extra stitches. I had to buy 4 extra balls of Rowan Purelife Revive which are a different dye lot than my original 5 balls. Luckily, the yarn is mottled so the slight difference in the shades is not noticeable. I will alternate the balls used but will do the same on each half of the jumper so that any difference will appear as if it's intentional as both halves will be identical. Fingers crossed they will blend nicely or look like gradient yarn.     For those new to crochet or knitting, on the ball band of every ball of yarn is essential information on the yarn itself – what it’s made from, what needle size to use, the tension and the weight. Also, you will find the shade number or reference and (like a tin of paint), the dye lot or dye batch that has been used. Like paint, a different dye lot will potentially produce a slightly different shade, so when buying yarn for a project, you need to make sure that all the ball bands have the same dye lot on them.   I found 2 balls of yellow Rico cotton in The Woolnest to show you how different the dye lots can be and therefore how important it is to use the same batch of yarn – you can see the difference below:     Fay's progress with her Liala Top: I had to rip back due to an error in the pattern, which I didn't realise until I'd ripped it back about 5 times. I also re-jigged the hook size and change the pattern a little to make it into a wearable top because of my body shape. I'm really happy with my crocheted top and will be making more. Full notes of my changes are on my Ravelry project page. Link to Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/liala It's fantastic to see the different garments that people are working on, over on our Ravelry forum.  Helen is motoring on with her Aberfoyle Cardigan and Jo is working on a wrap-around top from issue 41 of Simply Crochet which I love and I'm now making my own version using Rowan Finest.     After seeing Helen's Aberfoyle, Lynne has mooched in The Woolnest and found enough balls of Garthernor Organic 4-ply to make her own. Garthernor produces sustainable, organic yarn in and ecological way. They started out in the 1990s with their own sheep and now buy raw fleeces from other UK farmers, so all their wool is fully traceable and fully certified organic.  At Wonderwool this year Lynne had a lovely chat with the owner and they had some beautifully knitted samples on show and once washed, the yarn is really soft and much softer than it is on the ball.   Link to Aberfoyle Cardigan by Joanne Scrace: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aberfoyle-cardigan So our next patterns are Aberfoyle and Simple Wrapover.  We have been inspired by the folk in the Crochet Circle podcast to make the same items that they are making - so thank you. Feel free to join in with our Stylish Crochet CAL and don't forget to wear your garment at Yarndale.   Link to our Stylish Crochet Ravelry forum: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3438284/26-50#31     4. Woolfest We're off to Woolfest in the morning.  Whilst we are there, Tamara, one of the listeners to the podcast will be at a yarn festival in Houston, Texas.  Tamara lives over there now but we've noticed that lots of people seem to be travelling much further afield to go to yarn festivals.  At Edinburgh yarn festival, people had come from all over Europe. TNNA (The National Needle Arts Association) was on in America a couple of weeks ago and lots of folks were there from the UK.   So, given that Tamara is going to be at a yarn festival at the same time as we are we thought we would share notes.  We have the same set of questions to answer and photos will be taken from both sides of the pond and added to the Pinterest board for Episode 5.      5. World Knit in Public Day This was held on Saturday 18th June. Link: http://www.wwkipday.com/find-a-kip/kips-in-europe/  Fay experienced the East London Yarn Triangle, Hackney made up of 3 shops - Fabrications, Wild and Woolly and Knit With Attitude. They offered 10% off if you posted 3 photos with their hashtag on Instagram, and they also had refreshments. The yarn shops are within walking distance and maps were provided which highlighted the photo locations and I bought lots of wool and concluded that you can indeed crochet on a swing.   http://eastlondonyarntriangle.com/   6. Finished Objects Fay: Liala top by Marie Wallin, Cowl for The Crochet Circle book using Erika Knight British Blue and Shawl for the book using Whistlebare's Yeavering Bell (Mohair/Wensleydale blend). http://www.whistlebare.co.uk/ Fay also has an answer on whether a sock from an unfinished pair is an FO or a WIP.  It’s a HO (half object). Lynne's FO's are mainly secret commissions but she finished her Cowl for The Crochet Circle book, using Baa Baa Brighouse yarn called Baa Baa Brew. https://www.baabaabrighouse.co.uk/     7. WIP Wall Fay: I'm currently at 8 and many are the same as last time.  A new one on the list is the Wrapover Shawl from Simply Crochet issue 41, and I don’t have much to report yet other than I have done a yarn and hook substitute to change the finished fabric a little. Lynne: I’m at 11 – I frogged a pair of socks as the yarn wasn’t showing off the lace pattern properly, in fact it was barely visible. I finished the secret project for our book and I haven’t really started the Studio Linen Shawl so it doesn’t really count. With my Lisa Sweater I'm back up to 12 and my next book project will take me up to 13 WIPs.   8. Feeding the Rabbit (aka feeding the habit) Fay's purchases: I bought quite a lot of yarn during my visit to London on World Knit in Public Day, including: From Fabrications - Recycled Fibre (in lovely creams, whites and denim blue from UK); 100% Bluefaced Leicester Roving yarn (brown) and 100% Bluefaced Leicester Roving yarn (cream), both from West Yorkshire Spinners, suitable for hand-dying and felting. From Wild and Woolly - Rowan felted tweed and Erika Knight British Blue Wool from the Stash Depot (buying another person’s stash); Kalinka linen from Sweden in colour cyan  (Fibre: 100% linen Yardage: 320m per 100g skein Gauge: 28 stitches per 10 cm, recommended needle size: 3-4 mm needles) From Knit with Attitude - Hedgehog Fibres in colourway Dragonfly  (DK weight yarn, 100% merino wool, superwash. 115g/200m); Socks Yeah! – in colourway 110 Malachite -(75% superwash merino, 25% nylon, 50g/212m/231 yds). Mirasol – Kingfisher 14 (4-ply, 60% merino wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk, 250m/274yds, 50g). http://www.wildandwoollyshop.co.uk/ http://www.fabrications1.co.uk/ http://knitwithattitude.com/shop/ I also sneaked a visit to Ewe and Ply in Shrewsbury - and still resisted the spinning wheel. Ewe and Ply have a great selection of British wools and is well worth a visit. I bought some Eden Cottage yarn, and one of the natural roving yarns from West Yorkshire Spinners. Link to Ewe and Ply, Shrewsbury: http://www.eweandply.co.uk/   Lynne's purchases: I bought a gorgeous skein of yarn from I Knit (London) – I had a spare few hours a couple of weeks ago when in London, so I jumped on the tube to Waterloo and found the shop quite easily. I’ve wanted the yarn ever since seeing it - mainly because it’s called Starman – one of my favourite songs by my favourite artist, David Bowie, so I just had to buy it. I’m going to try my crochet cowl from the book and see how it works with the hand-dyed yarn.     Link to I Knit London: http://iknit.org.uk/   9. What’s Good                For Lynne: About a year ago I was commissioned by Search Press to write a book for their "20 To Make" series. I had great fun designing the Mandalas for the book and have also designed a few more for commissions. I’m definitely hooked by Mandalas – they’re meditative and you can make them your own by using your favourite colours and favourite yarns. They’re useful for all sorts of things, like placemats, wall hangings and you can even sew them together to make a throw. The Search Press book is out in October and you can pre-order it on Amazon at the moment. Link to pre-order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782214348/ref=s9_simh_gw_g14_i2_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=8GEY1S41T0EQ7PTJK30T&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=26de8ef0-2ad7-412c-8634-6cd03b7b73e2&pf_rd_i=desktop For Fay there are 2 things: Firstly, I was contacted recently by Knitting magazine who would like to review and feature my stash tags, so I'm delighted and excited. It came out of the blue and it was because of Erika Knight and Emma Knitted!   Link to Stash Tags KNIT IT - HOOK IT - CRAFT IT: https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/products/stash-tag Knitting magazine: https://www.thegmcgroup.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idProduct=2327&idCategory=717 Erika Knight: http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/ Emma Knitted: http://www.emmaknitted.co.uk/         Secondly, we were sent Daughter of a Shepherd mini-skeins by Rachel Atkinson to test for crochet. We love how they smell and can't wait to try them out. Rachel is manufacturing Hebridean wool from sheep her father breeds in the UK. Link to Daughter of a Shepherd: https://daughterofashepherd.com/ As we both smelled the sheepiness of the yarn we realised that we were both sporting Hebridean moustaches. Other things we've mentioned: Winners Round-up - Who's won what so far: 200g DMC Natura Medium and DMC hook – Kerryd19 from Australia Arne & Carlos Sock yarn (with signed Stash Tag)  - Curlylou – UK Lynne Rowe's Once Upon a Time in Crochet (signed copy) - JojoTwinkletoes Erika Knight’s Simple Colour Knitting (signed copy) – DianeB 2 x 50g Erika Knight’s Studio Linen – Emma from Woolgathering Sandbach   Happy listening and crocheting.   Lynne and Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite                                                              

This week on CRAFT-ish, Vickie talks with iconic British Knitwear Designer, Erika Knight about the influence of the 80's punk & dance scenes, the simple style that defines her work, and the importance of spreading the desire to hand make things. For photos, links and info go to the Show Notes Page here: http://vickiehowell.com/podcast/episode-12-erika-knight/

In this episode we talk about getting started on a crochet journey, including substituting yarn and the importance of making a tension square; lace-weight yarn; myth-busting – does crochet really use more yarn than knitting? WIP Wall and FOs along with our usual magazine round-up and our look towards Woolfest. Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast. Here are the Show Notes from Episode Four.   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   Rooster Delightful Lace Competition Prize is sponsored by www.roosteryarns.com   First, we have a few thank you’s for helping us to reach over 1,200 downloads on Podbean.   Thank you to Kathryn at www.crafternoontreats.com who mentioned us in her podcast Episodes 7 and 8 and also to Tamara at www.craftyescapism.com for a great review on her website.   Thanks to Trinketknits for her lovely iTunes review and to everyone else that is engaging with us through Pinterest, IG, Ravelry and Twitter.   You may have spotted us in Crochet Now, Let’s Knit magazine and Simply Crochet - so thanks to Hugh, Sarah and Sara for featuring The Crochet Circle on their News pages. We're really chuffed to bits.                   1. Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet (at 3.55 mins) It's a nay from Fay about lace-weight yarn and having to use anything below a 3mm hook:  I love what other people can create, however, it just isn’t for me as I prefer more instant gratification. I don’t intend on doing everything in chunky yarn but I found lace weight crocheting and knitting REALLY frustrating and I’m very happy to leave that in the hands of others... Such as these brilliant examples of miniature crochet, from Suami: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SuAmi    Its a yay from Lynne on teaching crochet: Last week was the last of my 5 Learn to Crochet Classes at Sandbach in Cheshire. I’ve been running crochet and knitting classes through the Sandbach Adult Education programme for about four or five years now and I’ve met some lovely people along the way – many of whom have become really good friends and even work colleagues J. This time round I had four enthusiastic ladies who had all tried to teach themselves but hadn’t been able to get to grips with crochet and felt that they need to be physically shown, rather than learning by book. It was great that I have a wide range of ages, from a lady in her late 20’s up to a lady who was 79 (and who came on her bike!!!). We learned the basics of crochet and made a flower, granny squares, ripple stitches, shell stitches and we worked in a spiral. I’m always amazed when my pupils return the following week with things they’ve made from the stitches learned and even happier when they tell me how much they’ve enjoyed making things with their new skills.       2. Helpful Hints on how to get started on a project (at 8.05 mins) We're both starting a crochet garment (or two) that we aim to wear at Yarndale.   You can join in too and we can see just how stylish crochet can be. We've set up a board here on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/topics/3438284   In this episode, we talk about choosing or substituting yarn and the importance of working up a swatch or tension square. We recommend http://yarnsub.com  as one method of checking which yarns you could substitute to. We covered making a tension square in the last episode and you can find the notes here: http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/explaining-crochet-tension.html Then in upcoming episodes, we’ll cover: Finishing off the project  - best way to sew it together Washing and blocking the project so that the stitches look as they should Wearing/using the object Aftercare Darning if required – dealing with holes etc. Lynne has chosen Aster, by designer Marie Wallin from her book 'Filigree collection three' Ravelry link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aster-14                                                 Filigree Book link: http://www.mariewallin.com/filigree.html I love Marie's Filigree collection and have chosen a design as my first 'proper' crochet garment. I will raid my stash for an alternative as I'm desperately trying not to buy yarn. I've written a blog post here on how to substitute yarn: http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/substituting-yarn.html Fay has chosen Liala, also by Marie Wallin – it's a free pattern available on Rowan's website: if you subscribe: http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/liala                                   The pattern calls for you to use Rowan Panama which is a 55% viscose, 33% cotton and 12% linen mix and although the ball band suggests a 3.25mm hook.   I also considered a few other things such as: I want to use my stash; I want the finish to be a little more fitted; I want to use something with wool content and I don't want to use anything below a 3mm hook. After raiding my stash, I found a suitable alternative with Jeanette Sloan Baby Alpaca and Silk and started my tension square.   Link to Jeanette Sloan yarn: http://www.jeanettesloandesign.com/ourshop/cat_835200-Baby-Alpaca-Silk-4ply.html   It's important to block your tension square as the size of your stitches may change after blocking. For my first square, there was about a 9% increase in size for both stitches and rows which was going to work perfectly for me in substituting yarn and pattern size (so I'll make a small size rather than the medium). It's worth remembering that most yarns when knitted or crocheted up will change when blocked. I like to wet-block almost everything because it helps release the dirt that builds up and it helps to bring out the pattern in the fabric especially if there are cables or lace. But be careful not to over-stretch the fabric when you block.   I gently squeezed my square, rolled it up in a towel and then pinned it onto a blocking mat and leave it to dry.   It's worth taking the time to assess whether you're using the right yarn, hook or needle, rather than get to the end of a project and then not being happy with the fit or finish of the item having put so much work into it. Here's a link to Fay's Ravelry project for Liala:   http://www.ravelry.com/projects/MaDashper/liala We also promised to let all of the Rowan yarns that are being discontinued.  This list was provided by St Trinians on Ravelry: Superfine Merino DK & Aran Pure Wool 4 ply Kidsilk Haze Stripe Mohair Haze Wool Cotton Rowan Finest Rowan Tweed Fine Art & Fine Art Aran Alpaca Colour Tetra Cotton Cotton Lustre Panama Revive Pure Linen All Seasons Cotton Soft Knit Cotton Truesilk Lima Lima Colour Fazed Tweed Colourspun Thick 'n' Thin Alpaca Chunky British Sheep Breeds Fur Creative Focus Worsted Chenille Big Wool Colour Big Wool Silk   3. Yarn Review - Manos Del Uruguay Marina (at 28 mins)              Shade Shantung N1765 Lace-weight yarn 100g/800m 100% superwash merino wool RRP £16 Recommended needle size 2-4mm Hand-dyed in Uruguay by Ellta, who is part of a fair-trade cooperative.   Link to full range of shades: http://www.roosteryarns.com/manos-marina.html   Read about the Manos Del Uruguay fair-trade cooperative here: http://www.roosteryarns.com/about-manos-del-uruguay.html     Link to Lynne's full yarn review: http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/yarn-review-manos-del-uruguay.html     4. Myth-busting with Fay (at 34.50 mins)              Fay investigates the generalisation that crochet uses more yarn than knitting. Is it a myth or a fact?  Well, it's a bit of both really, with some interesting results! Read Fay's full investigation here: https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/blogs/news/179247111-in-the-ring-its-crochet-v-knitting-but-who-is-the-heavyweight     5. Magazine Round-up (at 43.10 mins) Inside Crochet Issue 78 Theme: Bright Ideas – all about colour and texture for Autumn. Lynne's favourites include Scullis Shawl in Rachel Atkinson's Column http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knittingtastic/scullis Lisa Sweater designed by Annelies Baes Fay's favourite is also Lisa Sweater There are also lots of lovely bags and baskets Link to Inside Crochet issue 78: http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/blog/bright-ideas-with-issue-78/ Crochet Now Issue 2 Theme: Rainbow brights – creative with colour – things that make use smile Lynne's favourite is Nerida Shawl by Anna Nickipirowicz – a deep semi-circular with a simple lace pattern In my yarn stash diaries this month is a crochet staple – a washcloth which is great for last minute gifting Fay's favourite is Spring leaves cowl, designed by Mary Renji Link to Crochet Now: http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/956/crochet-now-issue-2/   Let's Get Crafting issue 81 Theme: Brights with Fiesta yarn kit – lots of toys including a very cute pair of Pandas by Sachiyo Ishii Lynne's favourite is the Hanging Heart wreath designed by Irene Strange and everyone loves a bit of bunting - Fiesta Bunting designed by Tilley Bancroft   Link to LGC issue 81 projects: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/lets-get-crafting-knitting--crochet-81/patterns Woman's Weekly June issue Theme: Crochet Special including five crochet garments and some lovely crochet homewares We spotted an interview with Louise Walker who is a member of our Ravelry group and we love Louise's very cute animals and blanket.  Link to Woman's Weekly: http://www.womansweekly.com/ Simply Crochet Issue 45 Theme: Summer Brights, including a great article on how to sort your stash. There's a very pretty Ladder stitch top designed by Editor Sara Huntingdon and a fun giant doughnut cushion by the renowned Twinkie Chan.   Link to Simply Crochet: http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/     6. WIPs and FOs (at 45.30 mins)               We haven't done a great deal this month as we've both been really busy with our businesses and the podcast content. Fay has been working on her Shoreline Blanket and Lynne is ready to start the beading rows on her Odeletta Shawl.   We'll be adding to our WIPs with our crochet garments, and we'll be keeping a record of how long they take us.     7. Our Book (at 52.50 mins) We're delighted to announce that we're writing a book of 8 crocheted accessories - 4 designed by Lynne and 4 designed by Fay.   We’ve currently secured yarn support from Erika Knight http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/ BaaBaaBrighouse https://www.baabaabrighouse.co.uk/ Laughing Hens https://www.laughinghens.com/   We’ll say more in time. But it will be a really useful collection of crochet essentials that are straight forward to make, using gorgeous yarns 8. Charity Projects We're still collecting your fungi an mammals for the National Trust's Woollen Woods project. You can read more here on our Ravelry page: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3425147/1-25 10. Competition to Win Rooster Delightful Lace (at 54.30 mins) We have a new competition open on our Ravelry forum to win a gorgeous skein of Rooster Delightful Lace in Shade Talara 623.                      Rooster Delightful Lace is well, delightful! A blend of 80% Alpaca and 20% Silk creates a stunning 2-ply lace weight yarn which is perfect for light garments and shawls. http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3438319/1-25#7     9. What's Good (at 56.05 mins) We're looking forward to Woolfest: http://www.woolfest.co.uk/ and Fay is looking forward to visiting Caithness on a retreat organised by Louise Hunt from the Caithness Craft Collective podcast: http://caithnesscraftcollective.podbean.com/   Happy listening and crocheting.   Lynne and Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite                

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   Featuring a full-length interview with Erika Knight, chatting about her new Studio Linen yarn and Studio Linen Collection, her partnership with John Lewis, the importance of Yarn Shop Day, British manufacturing and why she wants to teach Bear Grylls to crochet.   Please note that this interview was recorded at a trade show so there is quite a bit of background noise and you may need to adjust your volume a little.  We have tried to filter out as much of the background noise as possible, but is was a very busy trade show...           1. Studio linen http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/studio-linen/   2. Studio Linen Collection http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/studio-linen-collection/     3. John Lewis Partnership - Erika Knight for John Lewis http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/erika-knight-for-john-lewis/   4. More information on Linen and Flax  http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-linen-and-vs-flax/ and http://www.myinterestingfacts.com/linen-facts/     5. New Manchester cotton mill  http://www.drapersonline.com/news/cotton-industry-revived-in-manchester/7002776.fullarticle     6. Yarn Shop Day  http://www.letsknit.co.uk/yarnshopday     7. YAK Brighton  http://yarnandknitting.com/   8. Black Sheep Wools www.blacksheepwools.com   9. Skein Cocaine  www.skeincocaine.com   Thanks for listening to our podcast and don't forget to tune in on the first Friday of each month for a new episode.   Happy Crocheting   Lynne and Fay x Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite  

This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co. and Lynne Rowe Knitting and Crochet Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   Here are the show notes for our first ever The Crochet Circle podcast. In this episode, we introduce ourselves, our WIPs and our up-coming interview with Erika Knight. We round up this month’s crochet magazines and talk about Yarn Shop Day. It’s quite a long one – but hope you found it well worth a listen.   1. Meeting Fay and Lynne and putting faces to our names    2. Fay’s garoffice and home of The Crochet Circle Podcast     3. Lynne Rowe links Lynne blogs about her knitting and crochet adventures here: http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk and Lynne also has a business website here: http://lynnerowe.weebly.com   4. Fay Dashper-Hughes links www.madashper.com for all things craft, blog and food www.knitit-hookit-craftit.co.uk Fay's new start up company   5. First Competition Once Upon a Time in Crochet This competition is being hosted on our Ravelry Group and is open until midnight on the 30th April. For full details on how to enter, click the link below. http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-crochet-circle-podcast/3403498/1-25#2   6. Local Knit Groups Find a crochet or knitting group local to you:  http://www.ukhandknitting.com/why-belong-to-a-group   7. The Crochet Circle WIP Wall (at 18.50 minutes) Here's a photo of the WIP Wall and current status. Lynne - 20 WIPs Fay - 8 WIPs   8. Our WIPs Lynne's Blanket in Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/417920040402647882/ Link to the yarn http://debbieblissonline.com/yarns/donegal-luxury-tweed-aran/ Fay' Blanket: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/417920040402647891/   9. Lynne’s Use it or Lose it Campaign http://thewoolnest.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/use-it-or-lose-it-1-rules.html   10. Erika Knight Studio Linen (at 38.30 minutes) http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/studio-linen/       11. Pattern for Samples Crochet sample square pattern coming shortly Knitted sample square http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cables-and-lace-test-square   12. Magazine Round-up (at 45.00 minutes) Inside Crochet: Pom Pom Shawl (Designer Vicki Brown) http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/patterns/pom-pom-shawl/   Contemporary Cushion  (Designer Susie Johns) http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/patterns/contemporary-cushion/   Inside Crochet Digital Download issue 75 http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/magazine/issue/75/   Intarsia Crochet: Fay's first attempt at crochet intarsia https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/417920040402647827/ To help with intarsia crochet worked in rows, here are a few helpful tips: If using a chart and working in rows, always work from the bottom right corner. Read first (and odd-numbered rows) from right to left. This is the right side of your work. Read second (and even-numbered rows) from left to right. This is the wrong side of your work. Use short lengths of yarn at a time, rather than yarn from the ball, because if you have 4 or 5 different colours on the go at the same time, these will very easily become tangled up. Use approximately 2-3m lengths for smaller areas or 4-5m for larger areas. The great thing with crochet is that you can join a new length of yarn easily at any time. The shorter lengths are easier to work with and can be wound onto a yarn bobbin if preferred. When the chart changes colour, you will change yarn. However, you will always change colour during the last yrh of preceding stitch. In other words, if the chart shows 8 sts in Colour 1 followed by 10 sts in Colour 2 and then 8 sts in Colour 1, this mean that you will change to Colour 2 during the 8th st of Colour 1, then change to Colour 1 during the 10th stitch of Colour 2. Make sure you keep your yarn ALWAYS on the wrong side of your work. This is fine when working with the right side facing as your yarn is naturally at the back of your work and therefore against the wrong side. However, when you turn to work the next row, the wrong side is facing you, so you need to keep the yarns against the wrong side (which is the side facing you) when changing colour.    Simply Crochet: Caravan (Designer Kate Bruning) http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-caravan Lamb boot toppers (Designer HannahCross)  No info available at present   Simply Crochet Digital Editions: http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/digitaleditions/   Let’s Get Crafting: Slip stitch chicken  (Designer Fiona Goble) http://www.letsknit.co.uk/free-knitting-patterns/chicken-doorstop   Subscribe to Let's Get Crafting http://www.letsgetcrafting.com/#latest   Woman’s Weekly: Flower Blanket (Designer Leonie Morgan) An extract from The Woman's Weekly Guide to Crochet by Tracey Todhunter https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782213833/woman-s-weekly-guide-to-crochet Tracey talks about the beautiful blanket here on her blog http://grannycoolcrochet.com/2016/03/31/a-rather-lovely-blanket/ Erika’s stripey Cushion: Extract from Erika's latest knitting book, Simple Colour Knitting   Subscribe to Woman's Weekly Knitting & Crochet: https://www.magazinesdirect.com/az-magazines/34207301/knitting-and-crochet-from-woman’s-weekly-subscription.thtml   Crochet Now (at 58 minutes): Take a look inside a preview of issue 1 here: http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/whats-inside-issue-1/   13. Yay Crochet or Nay Crochet (at 63 minutes) Fay’s Nay Crochet eggs   and what they should look like http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/2016/03/20/free-pattern-rabbit-egg-cosies/    14. Yarn Shop Day (at 67 minutes) For more details on what’s happening near you on Yarn Shop Day: http://www.letsknit.co.uk/yarnshopday      15. What's Good Lynne’s new bed is UK manufactured and contains wool!  http://www.harrisonbeds.co.uk/choosing-a-harrison-bed/   Thanks for listening to our very first podcast and don't forget to tune in on the first Friday of each month for a new episode.   Happy Crafting.   Lynne and Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite  

It's official. We've fallen off the cold sheep wagon in this episode of the Yarn in the City podcast and we tell you all about in addition to our regular segments - and a new feature! News and Events: Allison recaps her visit to the third annual Yarndale, where she breathed a lot of yarn fumes. The following events are also happening now, just wrapped up or are happening this month: Shetland Wool Week Swiss Wulle Festival  UK Wool Week - where we'll be at the Twin Spin event at Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday, 6th October and also doing a spinning demonstration on Savile Row on Friday the 9th. Come say hello! Details on the sheep slippers that Allison mentions in Erika Knight yarn can be found here. The Knitting & Stitching Show - we're going on Wednesday, opening day! Our What Knitting Does to Your Brain event with Heather Ordover - coming up soon on 18th October. Tickets are still available. Gwlana retreat in West Wales - and we're thrilled to help Brenda and Caerthan announce the details of Gwlana for spring 2016! You're going to want to save the date now... (May 20-22 2016) And speaking of saving the date, we're going back to Bath for our own Bath Christmas Craft Crawl, and we'll be doing that on Saturday, 28th November. More details to come soon! What we're working on: Rachel has finished her 8-piece collection for The Fibre Co. out of their chunky Tundra yarn, as well as the bouclé cardigan that she's threatening to gift to Allison. She's close to wrapping up the Aranami Shawl by Olga Jazzy and is designing a new shawl out of the Sincere Sheep Cormo Fingering that she bought at Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver this past summer. Rachel is also swatching for the Angostura Vest by Ysolda Teague that she's planning on knitting out of her new purchase of Cornish Tin. Allison also has a few FOs: the Sproutlette Dress and Tiny Shoes that are a gift for a friend's new baby. Allison has also installed her first zipper on the cardigan/jacket/Skulls Hoodie that she's finished for her brother. Everything else is being pushed to the side now for Grettir, that she hopes to finish in time for Christmas and her WIP of Quaking Aspen in The Fibre Co.'s Acadia yarn continues. We're both also getting ready for Spinzilla which starts at 12:01am on Monday, 5th October and we've got plans to spin up some SweetGeorgia fibre - and whatever else we can lay our hands on! Confessions of (former) cold sheepers: We confess our sins at falling off the cold sheep wagon, although it would appear that Allison's transgressions of three sweater quantities are far worse than Rachel's three skeins. Hmmmm... NEW FEATURE - Yarn in the City on the Road! Something new for us to talk about on the podcasts, the various shops that we've been visiting. Rachel tells us all about the glory and wonder that is Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver, CO and you can also read her blog post and drool over the photos - they're yummy! As usual you can find us at The Goat Pub in Clapham Junction on Wednesday nights from 7pm, or in our Ravelry group, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

What's going on, aka The Madness that is the Month of May:3 May: Love your Yarn Shop Day! Local events include Erika Knight at Nest (Friday night, give them a heads up if you're joining them), Debbie Bliss at Wild & Woolly and 10% off purchases at Knit with Attitude.9-10th May: Stephen West is teaching two classes at Loop in Islington - Knit a top-down shawl and Colour play the Westknits way!14th May: Knit a Tulip for ME Kick Off at Double Tree by Hilton London in Chelsea. The Nymphalidea shawl WIP - knit in Porpoise Fur fibre in the YFP and Clotted Cream colourways. 15-16th May: I Knit Fandango, Royal Horticultural Halls, London. We will be there at the Porpoise Fur booth - come say hi!15-18th May: Gwlana, a knitting retreat in Pembrokeshire, Wales with Brenda Dayne of Cast On and Felicity Ford of Knitsonik. The Mini-Marketplace on Sunday afternoon is open to the public, and will feature Triskelion Yarns, Purlescence, Beads by Laura and Hand Dyed by Kate. 16-17th May: John Arbon Open Weekend, South Molton, Devon.23rd May: A Yarn Story Grand Reopening! In their new digs at 128 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG from 18th May.23rd May: Highland Wool Festival, Dingwall Mart.25th May: The Shipston on Stour Wool Fair, Shipston on Stour, South Warwickshire30-31st May: Proper Woolley, Holsworthy, Devon. Vendors include A Yarn Story (with some Porpoise Fur fibre), Midwinter Yarns, John Arbon and Wildcraft.What we're working on: Rachel's gorgeous Windmill Bay Stole is finally off the needles! Rachel has completed not one, but two things - hooray! First up is her Windmill Bay Stole, 8 stinking feet of fingering weight alpaca lovelieness. There is much relief that it is finished. She's also finished a handspun shawl for the Porpoise Fur booth at I Knit Fandango - Nymphalidea from Knitty.com designed by Melinda VerMeer, in Clotted Cream and YFP (aka fluorescent yellow) Shetland. She is still working on Painted, and has started another handspun shawl - Penrose Tile by Carol Feller.Allison finished her Green Memories colourwork hat for the Yarn in the City Not-a-KAL-KAL, and has done some spinning, as she is about to start adding to her fibre stash in a monthly fashion with the Hello Yarn Fiber Club.Charity KnittingWe start off with the amazing charity knitting done by 2014 Great London Yarn Crawlers, who donated over 150 items to our charity partner Refuge. We will be collecting again for Refuge this year, so please bring any and all charity items to the kick off party at the Yarn in the City Pop Up Marketplace on 5th September.We also recently learned about AYME (the Association of Young People with ME), an organization that supports the estimated 25,000 children and young people in the UK who suffer from myalgic enchephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. AYME is launching an awareness campaign called "Knit a Tulip for ME", with a goal of collecting one knitted tulip for every ME-affected young person in the UK in 2015. So far, they've collected 5,000 woolen tulips, and they are holding an official launch on 14th May at the Double Tree by Hilton London - Chelsea with a display of some of the tulips already contributed. The campaign also has a Justgiving page, if you'd like to make a donation. You can also email Jackie (scroll down for the email address) for the pattern and a sponsorship form. There are a number of other charity knitting opportunities out there, including Knit for Peace, which supports people in India, Pakistan and Rwanda. There's also a wealth of charity knitting groups on Ravelry, including Knit Aid UK, Charity Crafting UK, and the innocent and Age UK's Big Knit (love the smoothie hats!).As always you can find us on Ravelry, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and feedback with us, and please come say hi at any of the events we're attending if you get a chance! Everyone is welcom to come join our Wednesday night knit group from 7-9 pm (or longer) at The Goat on the Rise, Clapham SW11 1EQ.Music credits (all available on NoiseTrade)Loneliness & Alcohol - Jars of ClayFierce Flawless - Ani DifrancoEverything You've Done Wrong - SloanStraight for Your Heart - Sarah Peacock

Our first podcast of 2015! We chat to Erika Knight.

"Space Cowboy" is by Matthew Long and is available on GarageBand.com. The short story, "Operation Earthworm," was written by Joe Archibald and published in Fantastic Universe in September 1955. I found it at Project Gutenberg. 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse: Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew (1000 Series) is by Garth Johnson. Robot makers: * Mike Rivamonte * Scott Sauer * "Chrome-delicious Robot Art & Ray Guns" article on robot makers, with links to their websites, from Dark Roasted Blend The Expectant Knitter: 30 Designs for Baby and Your Growing Family is by Maria Connolly. Natural Nursery Knits: 20 Hand-knit Designs for the New Baby is by Erika Knight. "Chiron Beta Prime" is by Jonathan Coulton and is available on Music Alley at Mevio.com.

  Listen to the episode directly In this episode: Rachel and Natalie introduce themselves and ponder on why they ‘craft’ Natalie talks about pop culture and knitting and discovers that she is a “Sweater Knitter” above all else Rachel talks about replacing those pesky nupps with beads and tackling sleeves two at a time. This is our first episode so we’re just working out the bumps. I nearly tore my hair out when we lost about 15 minutes of really good audio because the batteries in my Zoom recorder died out. As Rachel said, “You live and learn.” In future episodes we want to do at least one feature segment from the following subjects: Product Obsession (Review) Crochet Chat Stash Busters DIY Nation Craft Philosophy Pop Culture Knits We will probably plan more segments but we thought we’d stop for now with those. Pop Knits Contest Entries: Share your pop culture inspired knit or craft item in our comments. E-mail us at cloudychancefiber@gmail.com with your item's story so we can contact you if you are the winner. Sylvester Stallone knits a full aran sweater overnight in Demolition Man Show notes and links: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival September 26-27 Woodland Woolworks Angel Hair – Knitting in the Movies list Erika Knight’s Classic Knits Kauni Effektgarn Yarn Datura Fiber Arts  (Post on their sock yarns on my blog). If you’re not in Portland, OR, you can check out their gorgeous yarns on their Etsy site here:  www.daturafiberarts.etsy.com. If you’re in Portland you can buy their yarns at the Naked Sheep Knitshop in North Portland. Swallow Tail Shawl (.pdf) Dava Bead and Trade Music: Girl’s Bike – Eric & Ryan Kilkenny Anything Goes – Cole Porter More about us: Both Rachel and I are bloggers. Natalie’s blog =I am Addicted (Ravelry ID: natknit) Rachel’s blog = Pen and Notebook (Ravelry ID: RachelP)   From Natknit’s wall of fiber Datura Sock Yarns in Mauve, Grey and Aqua. Prize yarn is either the Mauve or Grey. Winner's choice.