Yarns from the Plain


A podcast for knitters, crocheters and anyone else who loves playing with yarn!

Episodes can be downloaded from iTunes, directly from http://yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com or streamed using the widget below.

Friday 27 December 2013

Episode 83: The Christmas Fairies

Hello from a very blustery Cheshire Plain. In this episode I wax lyrical about chunky knits, share the delights of my personal Christmas Fairy and launch a Knit-Along. There will be prizes!

Works In Progress
I'm having great fun whipping up my Vivido cardigan by Stolen Stitches in New Lanark Chunky as art of the APlayfulDay podcast Feller Holiday KAL (Ravelry thread here).



I've also been spinning on my SpinCityUK spindle, with some Picperfic Seduce (60% BFL, 20% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk).

The Christmas Fairies
Did you get any crafty goodies for Christmas? My Christmas Fairy got me a subscription to the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Club (squee!)

Fair  Isle KnitAlong
I will be hosting a Fair Isle Knit-Along from January 1st to Easter Sunday (Western, not Orthodox). Can be for new or existing projects, there will be progress AND finished object prizes. Head on over to the Ravelry Group for more details.

Links
Louise Scollay's KnitBritish.net with its British Yarn Giveaway.
BabyLongLegs' Sock Yarn Club

Music
Intro music is Sans Day Carrol-Sussex Carol-Deck The Halls by James Edwards, final music is Dancing Day Part II: Coventry Carol (Rutter) by Stephane Potvin and the Con Brio Choir, both from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, available from Magnatune.

We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Episode 82: And Relax...

Hello from a tinsel-bedecked Cheshire Plain. Join me as I wrap presents, indulge in a bit more Christmas music and open a parcel from The Golden Skein.

Happy Christmas to you all!

TTFN
Nic x


Sunday 15 December 2013

Episode 81: We Have A Finished Item!

Hello from a not-quite-as-blustery-as-yesterday Plain! A brief episode, just so I can play some Christmas music....

Finished Object:
Woo hoo! My Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat is finished! Ravelry details are here.

Something I Really Like:
Green smoothies. My basic fall-back is one cup of chopped spinach blended very well with one cup of water, then blended with two chopped bananas and a pinch of cinnamon.

Music:
Intro music is Sans Day Carrol-Sussex Carol-Deck The Halls by James Edwards, and outro is God Rest You Merry Gentlemen by Ralph Rousseau Meulenbroeks, both from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, available from Magnatune.

We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).


TTFN and Season's Greetings to you all,
Nic x

Sunday 8 December 2013

Episode 80: The Knitting Podcast With Hardly Any Knitting

Hello from the Plain! Proper show notes will follow ASAP, but here are the music and contact linky bits!

Music:
Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from Magnatune.

We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).


TTFN,
Nic x

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Episode 79: Madness

Hello from Bedlam…. In this episode, I probably repeat myself about some Works in Progress, smile at some crocheted critters and explain what’s happening in my world...

Works in Progress
Here’s the second pair of Saartje’s Booties…

I’ve worked on some ideas from the Amy Singer workshop and I’ve worked a bit on a Hannah Fettig Sock Sweater in Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in Chocolatier for another baby in the family.
I’ve also been working on the Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat Knit-A-Long in Fyberspates Vivacious DK. Yum!



I’ve not knit for a week or so because I’ve been spinning samples from Fiberholics UK into a random bobbin of singles. Suppliers include Lime Green Jelly, Knitter ScarletPorpoise Fur and Manda Crafts.



I’m currently spinning the second bobbin ready to ply with the first.

Last week I went to Manchester and made this:



Impressive, huh? Well maybe not, but here are some really great pieces:







Madness Part 1
I’ve been dyeing to show you these (groan!)







Breaking News: I now have an Etsy Shop! It can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain

Madness Part 2: Aimee from Knit.Spin.Cake and I are hosting a knitting and spinning retreat! Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd February 2014 in Chester. Rooms are £140; however if you would be prepared to share then this price is reduced as the house is a fixed rate. This price covers accommodation for the three nights, food on Thursday night and breakfasts. Remaining meals and the itinerary will be agreed by the attendees later. If you are interested, please PM me on Ravelry (I’m talesfromtheplain) or drop me an email at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom. OMG!

Upcoming Events
Janefrogged on Ravelry has sent up the knitsignal, asking for contributions towards the yarnstorming of Ampthill linked to Fibre East next year. To help out, please contact her on Ravelry or by email at jckclayATgmail.com.

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain.

TTFN,
Nic x Listen to this episode

Saturday 9 November 2013

Episode 78: A Brief Message

Hello from a pre-sunrise Oxfordshire! This is a brief episode simply to highlight the Manchester Hyperbolic Coral Reef and the drop in sessions that are taking place today, 9th November 2013, Sunday 17th November and Sunday 1st December, all 1pm to 4.30pm at the Manchester Museum on Oxford Road.details can be found here. I've lifted this from the Ravelry group:

First off, and really importantly, all contributions should be made in synthetic yarn only. This is because the kind of creepy crawlies who munch through natural fibres are just the blighters who also munch through precious ancient artefacts. It’s a great excuse to use up your squeaky synthetics or have an excuse to buy that dirt cheap acrylic that’s keeps on tempting you in the pound shop!
Secondly, to avoid our coral reef ending up looking like a big pile of multicolour jumble, we’ll be sticking to a limited palette of greens, blues, purples, whites and creams if possible. A few brighter colours can be used as edgings or for small detailing but if we stick to the palette it’ll give us the opportunity to pick out starfish, anemones etc. in brighter colours later. Nice!

If you are in a knitting group please get everyone involved! There will be sessions at the Museum that you might want to come along to or please feel free to crack on at home.
You can drop off or post any contributions c/o Wendy Gallagher at

The Manchester Museum,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Road,
Manchester, M13 9PL

Patterns can be found here.

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x Listen to this episode

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Episode 77: Stick A Fork In Me Baby, I'm Done!

Halloooo from somewhere on the M6. In this episode I share finished objects (wahay!), shake my head in despair at how easily I'm distracted and look forward to an impromptu workshop.

Off The Needles

The Every Baby Sweater by Taiga Hilliard.




Saartje's Bootees by Saartje de Bruijn.



Oh The Joy!

I have completed the Neon Rainbow Merino/Nylon from Krafty Koala, and nearly finished plying it. No photos I'm afraid. It might become a Revontuli when it grows up.

Something I Really Like

Workshops of any kind!

Here are the finished items in the kiln after the workshop Mum & I took at Crafts From The Dungeon the other week. Bee has since attached the pendants, earrings and cuff links to jewellery findings.



Links
Subway Knits podcast
Stitched Together Podcast
Left Coast Yarns
Hannah Fettig Sock Yarn Sweater
Hazel Knits

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Saturday 5 October 2013

Episode 76: Colour Theory

Hello everyone. Where did September go?


Yarndale
I didn't record any audio at Yarndale, as it was all a bit overwhelming to be honest. I really shouldn't go to shows when I'm a bit tired and wired, as I buy way more stuff than I need or can process into anything else! It was lovely to meet up with fellow podcasters Jo from Shinybees and Aimee from Knit.Spin.Cake. For a full sharing of my goodies, please listen to Episode 12 of the Shinybees podcast.

Finished Objects
 
In the near two months since I recorded last, I have finished just one sock, a test knit. Pathetic!


On the Needles and Hooks
During the second week of the holiday I cast on a pair of socks using the sock stripe yarn from The Knitting Goddess that I picked up at Fibre East. These are currently stalled not far from the cuff and susequently mislaid (eek!).
 

When I got back from holiday I decided to join in the Mystery Sock-A-Long on the APlayfulDay podcast group, but haven't got far on those because I can't seem to pick up the lace pattern easily (limited details here). These are in the same project bag as the stripey socks, ergo they too are missing. Then at the end of August I cast on a Chevron Pullover in Noro Kureyon as part of the Stitched Together podcast's Craft-Library-a-long. Completed the sleeves within a fortnight but have now slowed down due to limited bandwidth.


On the coach back form Yarndale last week I started crocheting an Iris scarf in NDS Dazzle HT as part of a kit I bought but this photo was taken once it crashed to a halt over the pale greeny-blue top left. This has now been removed!


Last night I also picked up the Dorothy in Sublime merino DK that I bought with my prize winnings form Thame Show.


Crafting ADHD? Moi?

Something I Really Like
Parkrun!

Upcoming Events
Knitting and Stitching Show, 10-13th October 2013, Alexandra Palace;
Crafts From The Dungeon Open Days, Frodsham, 16th & 17th October 2013
Cheshire Guild Friendship Day, Frodsham Community Centre, 19th October 2013
Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell;
Knitting and Stitching Show, 21-24th November 2013, Harrogate.

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Friday 9 August 2013

Episode 75: Hatopia

A mini-episode if you will, spreading the word about Hatopia a limited edition by Woolly Wormhead. Full details about the collection can be found at http://www.woollywormhead.com/hatopia/ .

Photo ©Woolly Wormhead
Here is the Official Statement:


Official Statement
The Mutoid Waste Company arrived in Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italy in 1990 to perform in that year's "Festival Dei Teatri", a renowned annual festival held in the town. From that time on Santarcangelo became a base for the group and it became their home. Their art, their way of life and they themselves became an accepted part of life in Santarcangelo. Over the last 23 years they have increasingly collaborated on projects with local institutions such as schools, and their ties with the local community have strengthened. In recent years some of the Mutoids have chosen the Yard as a safe place to raise their own children.
The Yard is unique: a place that follows the rules whilst living completely outside them, a place that advocates an alternative outlook on life, a place that allows people to discover new things - and it's wonderful that such a place is considered a true part of Santarcangelo and that the locals readily accept the Yard as part of their community.
Despite these many years of mutually respectful cohabitation there is one voice that has continually spoken against the Mutoids presence; a single objector who now seriously threatens this culturally important phenomenon.
Mutonia is not a campsite (even though its inhabitants live in caravans, buses, trucks and temporary constructions that look more like works of art than houses); it's not a standard travellers site (although many of its inhabitants have a semi-nomadic lifestyle); and the group have never illegally occupied the land.
In recent years Santarcangelo's local council has been searching for a solution to the situation, seeking help from other government bodies, with the ultimate aim of declaring the Mutoid Yard as a Site of Cultural Interest.
Unfortunately the Yard currently finds itself under a very real and serious threat of eviction - a reality which would not only destroy this unique community but also disperse its inhabitants and their artwork.

Here are the links I mentioned in the episode:
How You Can Help

For each copy of this eBook sold, Woolly will donate £7 (approx. $11/€8) to the legal fund. she states: "You can help us reach our fundraising target by spreading the word: by tweeting and retweeting links, by posting and liking on Facebook or by talking about this eBook on your blog or website. http://www.woollywormhead.com/hatopia/
The 'Pro Mutoid' page on Facebook is the online hub for our cause. 'Liking' the page will keep you up to date with news, reviews, support and more. Many of the posts will be in Italian, and as much as the online translators aren't perfect, they offer a great service! https://www.facebook.com/ProMutoid
We also have an official online petition, in both English and Italian, which is hosted at change.org, one of the largest websites for online petitions and worthwhile causes: https://www.change.org/petitions/salvate-mutonia
Thank you for all your help, it is greatly appreciated."

Go on. 10 patterns for £9? what's not to like?

Thursday 8 August 2013

Episode 74: Snatched Moments

Snatching a moment to speak to you all between filling a skip and trying to get on top of the ironing! This episode is accompanied by spinning on the Traddy.


On and Off the Needles and Hooks
I've cast on a Liesl in an early handspun, but not got very far with it. I've knit two cowls as a test knit for Knit.Spin.Cake (details here and here). I've also cast on another test knit, a sock with travelling cables (no Rav notes yet). I've also bought some Sublime merino DK in raspberry pink to crochet a Dorothy.

Spin It!
Currently I'm spinning a rainbow braid bought ages ago from Krafty Koala on the Joy and a large carded batt of grey Jacob from Shearer Girl Yarns.

Fibre East Goodies
In 67 minutes I got quite  lot! I bought yarns from the Knitting Goddess, fibre from Fluff'n'Stuff, LongdrawJames, Shearer Girl Yarns and the Wool Room, some throwsters' waste, some Knitpro Karbonz and some mill-soiled undyed sockyarn from Texere. I also bought a new spindle from Spin City UK.

Out and About
We went to Highclere Castle - great for Downton Abbey fans!

Something I Really Like
Podcasts - this episode I talk about a newer podcast, Stitched Together and an old favourite, CogKNITive.

Upcoming Events
Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton;
Knitting and Stitching Show, 11-14th October 2013, Alexandra Palace;
Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell.

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Saturday 27 July 2013

Episode 73: Putting Louise Out Of Her Misery...

Hello from my garden here on the Plain. Not to self - don't place the iPhone on the same level as the Joy when recording in the garden in future! Sorry if you find the spinning noise annoying; at least it didn't squeak :)

Fleece to Finished
Thanks to Bee for these photos from the event.






From left to right: Annie's Best Coat, 4 hours 50 minutes; Elsibett, 4 hours 30 minutes; Whole Lotta Rosie 3 hours 58 minutes.

Tour de Fleece
From left to right:
16g, 28 yds of Rosie 2 ply
6g, 8.66 yds of Annie 2ply. These are the bits left on my Joy bobbins after our Guild Fleece to Finished challenge.
105g, 148 yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 3-ply on the Joy.
73g, 271.5 yds BFL I’d dyed lilac myself and spun last year - final 15g spun on the Traddy and then plied as a 2-ply on the Joy.
107g, 476 yds of Shunklies Cheviot spun last year and plied as a 2-ply on the Traddy.
106g, 139yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy.
6g, 25yds Ashford merino/silk lurking on a bobbin (left over from the spinning for the Peacock Shawlette) and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy.
10g, 33yds of raw alpaca purchased from Great House Alpacas, spun and plied as a 2-ply on my spindle.
19g, 71yds of HilltopCloud hand blended in Shetland/merino/llama/fire star, spun and plied on my spindle.

Show Report
I saw alpaca...



It was very hot...

 If you get a chance at a show, you must see the Lamb National!





OK, onto the exhibits...

 
  
Three handmade cards......                            ....and the knitted/crocheted baby item.
  
Rag doll...                                                             ....and creative embroidered picture.
 

      
 
Item made from recycled materials (oven mitts)...                 ...and a beaded necklace.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item of felting....                           ...Hand or machine made bag
 
 
Knitting: Advanced...                                                             ....Cushion, any medium.
 
 

Bottom: Item of other craft, inspired by favourite book.
Top: Item of handspun yarn, knitted or woven - along with the Diploma for best exhibit.
 

Upcoming Events
Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;
Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton;
Knitting and Stitching Show, 11-14th October 2013, Alexandra Palace;
Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell.

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Saturday 13 July 2013

Episode 72

Some (not so) brief ramblings, the night before the show... apologies, not been edited to remove ums...

Something I Really Like
My new Ultra-Fine Blocking Wires

Upcoming Events
Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;
Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton
Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October, Bakewell

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Episode 71: A Week To go!

Well, there was when I recorded it anyway!

Links
Ruth Packham
Woolyknit
Hilltop Cloud
Crafts From The Dungeon

Something I Really Like
The Pompeii and Herculaneum Exhibition at the British Museum

Upcoming Events
Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;
Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton
Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October, Bakewell

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Friday 28 June 2013

Episode 70: Midsummer Madness

Finished Objects
There is progress sin my preparation for the Oxfordshire County & Thame Show. I've so far completed three more projects for classes: a pair of oven mitts from recycled clothing (no pictures yet), my Northman stranded mittens and a pair of baby bootees from a Sirdar Snuggly 3ply pattern (Ravelry details here). I've also finished knitting the I-cord on the stripy Noro messenger bag and fulled it in the washing machine. Now it needs to be lined.

In The Weaving Shed
I've been working on the 32" Rigid Heddle loom, making a houndstooth pattern. The brown is chocolate Jacob, the white is a blend of British wool, both from Wool City Wools available from Texere. This will become a cushion.

Further Show Prep
A Clothkits rag doll has been sewn, although she has no dress yet. One and half cards have been made. A half finished beaded necklace has been fished out of the WIPs bin and it is moving apace, as is a long stitch embroidery of a nuclear power and reprocessing plant. No, seriously. What do you mean you haven't got one?

Still no pictures I'm afraid!

Here's some Merino Silk blend I've spun on the Joy, which is now being knitted into the Peacock Shawlette by Kitman Figueroa.




Something I Really Like
Cancer Research's Race For Life 5k races. I'm running at Tatton Park on Sunday 30th June in memory of my Uncle Jeff. If you could spare a few coppers and would like to sponsor me for the event, my just giving page is here.  Thank you.

Links



Upcoming Events
Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria;
The Wool Experience, 6 July 2013, Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough;
Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;
Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton.

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x

Saturday 22 June 2013

Episode 69: It's That Time Of Year Again!

Hello from a delayed episode recorded in May. Reports and a family bereavement conspired to throw me into a flat spin and I didn't edit this for ages. Apologies for the delay. It'll probably be like buses - there'll be another episode along in a few minutes... ;)

On and Off The Needles
I have cast on another Adrift, this time in some 4 ply from John Arbon Textiles. It's gone well, but it currently languishing as I slooooooowly unpick the cast on. Ravelry details here.


The Tomten Jacket (Ravelry details here) STILL hasn't had the zip sewn in (I'm such a chicken!).


I crocheted these Easy Victorian Shell Mitts by Bron Green in DT Crafts 100% BFL Aran in an afternoon. Gotta love crochet!


Show Prep
Yes indeedy! I'm gearing up to enter several classes in the Oxfordshire County & Thame Show. If you are in the area on Saturday 13th July, do go. It's a great day out. I'm bringing a pair of stranded mittens and the stripy Noro messenger bag out of the WIP bin for some of the classes, as well as working on a number of other projects that are not yet photographed or completed. More details later!

In A Spin
Here's some Merino Silk blend I've spun on the Joy, which may well become a shawl or scarf for the show.


I don't think it's 54 wpi here though!

Something I Really Like
The Great British Sewing Bee

Links
Clothkits
Coldharbour Mill
Bohemian Rhapsody Wrap

Upcoming Events
Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria;
Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;
Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton.

Music
Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.

Make Contact!
We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN,
Nic x