Yarns From The Plain

Hello from a very blustery Cheshire today. Batten down the hatches, mother! In this episode, I talk Tudor, catch up with some new friends and reflect on how bad I am at actually joining in! On the Needles and Hooks: I finished the Schuyler blanket in memory of Andrew and Claire that I first talked about in Episode 2. Thanks to everyone who contributed a square: smorancie; simplebeans; elljay; sassi-sketti; diamandy; jenknitsalot; LateFordinner; LKManitou; blakdove; Scarletti; YarnDiva; instar; NinjaBunnyStudios; Una; my Mum and also to YarnCloud and Riana for the help in edging.Thanks also to fakeknitter for the beautiful label. I've also caught up on some Baker's Dozen Squares. This is the Starburst New Millenium 12" block by Designs by Muggins. I've also cast on for a plain sock in EasyKnits Biffle+ in the Carosel colourway. Love it! It's so lovely, I bought some for you too! Here it is in Boysenberry. If you'd like to win this, leave a comment telling me why you have to have it in your s

Sorry for the delay! Proper show notes with links to follow

Hello from an autumnal Cheshire Plain. In this episode I offer up a moment of ritual humiliation with an authority figure, reflect on professional behaviour and talk about record breakers. Swag from Knit Camp: Natural shades of Shetland sample packs from Jamieson & Smith; Rainbow Merino Tops from EasyKnits; a selection of luscious fibres from Freyalyn's Fibres; undyed Falkland (not in picture) from DT Craft & Design green 100% superwash merino from Abstract Cat; two 100% Superwash Merino from Left Coast Yarns; and a nice 100% wool (can't remember what!) in heathery pinks from Thistledown Yarns. Back to Back Challenge: Team members posing with the Provost of Stirling, Fergus Wood. From L to R: Astrid and Angela (co-owners of knittybitty.de), Susan, the Provost, Ann (in front), Miriam (behind) and Freyalyn. Sandra is behind Freyalyn and obscured in this shot. The finished article! From L to R: Ann, Susan, Sandra, Astrid, Steve modelled the sweater, Angela, Miriam and Freyalyn (with thanks to Woo

Hello from behind a pile of fibre and washing here in the Cheshire Plain. Another bumper episode this week, with a report from the weekdays of the recent UK Knit Camp at Stirling in Scotland. Despite organisational problems and a lack of communication for day visitors, I had a brilliant time. I took classes with Jon Dunn of EasyKnits, Lucy Neatby, Kate Tetlow and Mary Jane Mucklestone. Photos from Jon's spinning class... ...and shots of my handspun taken in Mary Jane's class. Animal, spun from batts from EverImprovingMe Navajo-plied fibre from DT Craft & Design bought at Wonderwool Wales in April I also have an overwhelming desire to make Lucy Neatby's Bubbles Scarf. Luckily there's a knit-a-long for the pattern in September. There's also an interview with the designer of the Knit Camp Vest, Ann Kingstone.  Finally, if you want to imagine me whirling Debbie Stoller around the dance floor, this video shows (sort of) what we were doing. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, a

Hello from a distinctly un-summery Cheshire Plain. It's a bumper one this time around! This episode I share some finished objects, give you a history lesson and subject you all to my ramblings and reminicences on livestock. On the needles/wheel: I've finished the Manos del Uruguay Clapotis in time for the Clap-o-tea party at UK Knit Camp. I've also taught myself how to navajo ply on the singles I spun from a hank of unidentified fibre (possibly BFL and tencel) I bought from DT Crafts at Wonderwool Wales. No photos here, I'm afraid, but details on Ravelry for the Clapotis and the handspun. I'm also having a blast spinning some Muppet batts from EverImprovingMe. Gorgeous!!! Something I really like: Open Country on BBC Radio 4, particularly using the iPlayer. The Fair Isle Kntting programme is here. Upcoming Events: UK Knit Camp, 9th-13th August and UK Ravelry Weekend, 13th-14th August, Stirling, Scotland; I Knit Weekender, 10th-11th September, London; Fibre Flurry, 30th October, King's Norton, Birmingham. T

Hello from a chilled Cheshire Plain - it's the summer holidays! Yayyy! In this episode I talk hat design, upcoming events and confess to my inner beardie. What's on the needles: No real progress on anything currently on the needles, but I have designed and made my own hat! Review: Woolly Wormhead's hat design course at Fibre & Clay. Woolly has blogged about it here. If you get a chance to do one of her workshops, grab it! Upcoming Events: Knit Nation, 29th-31st July, London; UK Knit Camp, 9th-13th August and UK Ravelry Weekend, 13th-14th August, Stirling, Scotland; I Knit Weekender, 10th-11th September, London; Fibre Flurry, 30th October, King's Norton, Birmingham. Something I Really Like: Folk music and, in particular, A Folk Song A Day. Links: Woolly Wormhead; Fibre & Clay; Cyril Tawney; Eliza Carthy; Jim Moray; Seth Lakeman; Jim Causley; Karine Polwart; Bellowhead; Jon Boden Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment her

Hello from a little piece of green space overlooking the Weaver Navigation Canal. In this episode I muse on my missing mojo, announce a winner and ponder on tails as an essential accessory. UFO contest: Thanks to all those who entered, but nobody guessed the correct UFO, which was in fact my Birthday Pinwheel Sweater: Details are here. Although no-one correctly identified it, I thought I would still have a draw, so the random number generator picked out a winner. Was it you? You can choose from either of the Abstract Cat yarns I mentioned in an earlier episode, a lovely pint silk laceweight from Knitwitches or some lovely Lei from Posh Yarn Abstract Cat Retro: Abstract Cat Jolly: Knitwitches 100% Pure Silk Laceweight: Posh Yarn Lei in Charming: or Posh Yarn Lei in an unspecified colourway I bought at Wonderwool Wales in 2008: Thanks to all who entered! What's on my needles: a Featherweight cardigan in Posh Yarn, a Clapotis in Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend and a Stripy Noro Messenger Bag. Fan

Hello and apologies for the delay in uploading this episode which was actually recorded last Sunday. Events and internet access have conspired against me. Proper show notes will follow, but the Dunham Massey event mentioned is this weekend (22nd and 23rd May) and the UFO competition does not yet have a prize identified. Leave a comment here or on Ravelry by the end of Tuesday 1st June and the winner will be drawn out of the hat from those who correctly identify which of the following hibernating UFOs  I have been working on: Pondemonium, a child's stranded sweater in Rowan Wool Cotton; Hipknits silk aran weight Fair Isle cardigan; Olivia, a tank in Noro Sock Yarn; Pinwheel Sweater in natural shades of Sesia Pura Lana Ecologia; a pair of textured socks in green Louet Gems; Modern Quilt Wrap in Rowan Kid Silk Haze; Lizard Ridge Afghan in Noro Kureyon; Woolly Thoughts' Double Vision cushion in acrylic; Woolly Thoughts' Best of Both Whirls cushion in acrylic. Review: 200 Crochet blocks for blankets, throws and

Hello from a sunny yet cold Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about the wanderer returning, wander with a wonderful friend and wonder at Wonderwool Wales. What's on my needles, hooks and wheel: Not much knitting or crochet in the last fortnight. Work's been busy and any spare fibre moment has been spent at my wheel. I've spun about 60g of merino tops bought at Wonderwool Wales last year into an as yet unspecified 2-ply yarn. Lumpy in places, but well balanced (like me, perhaps?) Over the Bank Holiday weekend I did finish the last of the NYOBE Round 5 squares. Review: Wonderwool Wales. A brilliant time, with a fairly restrained amount of shopping I feel... Believe me, I could have bought an awful lot more! I mention pretty much everything in the podcast and link to it below, but when I looked at the photo I realised I didn't mention the glorious dyed oatmeal BFL from The Thylacine. Bad podcaster! Want to go? Next year's dates are Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April 2011. Links: Knitwitches; She

Hello from an eerily silent Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about the lack of background noise, urge people to exercise their democratic responsibility and admit to a guilty change of allegiance (oh fickle creature!). On my needles and hooks: Mainly blanket squares, either from the Schuyler Blanket... or for NYOBE blocks. Review: Jamie Possum Paints DK Something I really like: Matt Smith in Doctor Who! Forthcoming events: the General Election on 6th May - make sure you are registered to vote here; Wonderwool Wales on 24th & 25th April 2010 at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys.

Hello from the Plain! This episode I celebrate my own making and doing and talk about the recent Make, Do and Knit event from Liverpool. On my needles, hooks and spindle: I finished seaming the stripy sweater... and the missing bear... I finished crocheting blocks for NYOBE Round 5: and I finished spinning the Shetland Top and then plied it: Make, Do and Knit, Liverpool A lovely relaxed atmosphere at the show, from the Blue Coat School at Liverpool (exterior and interior shots of the chapel). Did you spot the cobweb? There was a chance to see the Knitted Poem, although not in all its unrolled glory! Upcoming Events: In reverse order: Woolly Wormhead at Fibre & Clay, Knutsford, July 17th/18th; Wonderwool Wales, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys, April 24th & 25th Dr Who!!!! BBC1, 6.20pm, Saturday 3rd April Links: Electric Sheep; CogKNITive Podcast; Mother Bear Project; Purlesque; Poetry Society; Kraft Koala; Babylonglegs; Fyberspates; Natural Dye Studio; Jamie Possum ; Jus

Hello from a damp but spring-like Cheshire Plain! In this episode I talk about slumping, indie dyers, Yarn Forward magazine and blow my chance of being an extra in Larkrise to Candleford. What's on my needles: The stripy jumper is nearly done, just some seaming to go! Review: The Friday Night Knitting Club: Knit 2 by Kate Jacobs Something I really like:;Fibre and Clay in Knutsford. Links: Abstract Cat Crafts; lollipop.yarn and also at My LYS; The Sanguine Gryphon; A Verb For Keeping Warm; Pigeonroof Studios; Freckle Face Fibers; There's now a Ravelry group for the podcast, which can be found here. Don't forget the Liverpool Make, Do and Knit next weekend, 27th and 28th March. I'll be there on Saturday, please say hello if you see me! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Hello, from a very tired and rambling podcaster. In this episode I pause a lot, lose the thread, talk about going cold turkey and let the cat significantly reduce the audio quality. Links: Make, Do and Knit Back next week, hopefully with some knitting done and some sleep! Nic

Apologies for the Gremlins in the first attempt to upload this episode. Hello from an almost spring-like Cheshire Plain! Today I talk about the Ravelympics and the Knitting Olympics, review my first full mitten pattern and squee over 9 foot of striped novelty yarn: On the Hooks and Needles: For the Ravelympics I've been working on the Chocolate Stripe tunic/dress from Knitting Noro by Jane Ellison... ... and my Poshman Mittens, David Schulz's Northman Mittens in two colours of Posh Yarn Emily. I've also been producing 12x12 inch squares for the fifth round of NYOBE (Not Your Ordinary Block Exchange), but I have no photos yet as most aren't finished, and produced these two squares for a Schuyler Blanket in memory of Juan. Review: Northman Mittens by David Schulz of Southern Cross Fibre Something I really like: Independent hand-dyed yarns. What makes your heart sing? Let me know! Links: Life as a Nuurdy Girl podcast Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage) Woolly Thoughts Posh Yarn The Kn

Hello from a sunny Cheshire! In this episode I talk about the danger of discounts, hopes for Spring and how 70,000 people can make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. On the Hooks and Needles: Sparkly Monkeys are done! Hurrah!! I've also completed three blocks for my Shuyler Blanket and cast on a new pair of socks (no photos yet). Something I really like: RBS Six Nations Rugby! Links: NYOBE; The Fancy Yarn Specialists (can't find a Web link, maybe the sign said "Fancy Yarn Co.", they do offer a mail order service 01944 711616) ; CogKNITive Podcast The Black Sheep Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage). Posh Yarn Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) Feel free to leave a comment here or at www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Hello from the grey and somewhat dreary Cheshire Plain here in the North-West of England. In this episode I talk about feeling better, splitting yarn and introduce you to the Wrong Bongs. On the Hooks and Needles: Squares for three Shuyler Blankets (details here) and a knitted bear (currently MIA!). Review: Rowan 47 Something I really like: Parcels! Links: Electric Sheep; CogKNITive Podcast; Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage); Mother Bear Project; Posh Yarn; The Knitting Goddess; Socktopus Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

A promo for the podcast!

Hello from the frost-bitten Cheshire Plain here in the North-West of England! In this episode I talk about snow, labyrinthitis and get cross with the cat. On the Needles: I talk about the Sparkly Monkeys, which now have a pair of legs, consider the negative progress made with the Sock Yarn Blanket, ponder the fun that can be had with Scarf Journeys (details here and here) and Traveling Scarves (mine is here, although full photos are not yet up as it's not quite fully finished - oops!), and admire the strength and love involved in making squares for the Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage). Review: Regia X-mas, a 4 ply wool, nylon and metallic thread blend sold in 100g balls and six festive colours. Something I really like: My new Nespresso coffee machine! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Hello and welcome to the first episode in a new podcast for knitters, crocheters and anyone who loves playing with yarn. What's on my needles: I've just cast on the Sparkly Red Monkeys (click here for Ravelry notes) and I'm also working on the Sock Yarn Blanket (details here). Something I really like: David Tennant in Doctor Who! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic