Episode 22: Er... Happy New Year?

Hello from a definitely spring-like Cheshire Plain. In this episode I grovel about my tardiness, share a story of infestation and cuddle up under my sock yarn blanket. On a technical note, apologies for the sound quality. I recorded it on my iPhone, but of course that's in an MP4 format, not MP3, so I couldn't import it into Audacity to edit, hence the hiss and the lack of theme tune. Hopefully normal service will resume next time.

What's on my hooks and needles: I finished my own Rowan Colourscape cowl over the New Year and that's the only thing I've finished all year! Ravelry details here.



I have however knitted and crocheted some squares for the Baker's Dozen swaps:







Pictures of the squares I've received are here.

I'm also working on my sock yarn blanket, so here are the photos from this morning:





Something I really like: My Fitflop Mukluk boots. Mine are in chocolate!

Upcoming events: A variety of courses from Purl City Yarns in Manchester; Moebius Knitting at Fibre and Clay on 26th March; Cheshire SWD Guild spinning at Norton Priory (16th April) and Dunham Massey (7th and 8th May)

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

Episode 21: One Year Old!

Hello from a defrosted Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk last minute Christmas knitting, share discoveries over my sense of self and raise a glass in toast!

On the Needles: Here's a photo of the second Christmas cowl, knit in Thistledown Yarns as promised last time:

I also completed these socks at the last minute:

The pattern is Scar by Julie Gardner and can be downloaded for free here from her blog. Details of this pair can be found on my Ravelry projects page here.

I have also cast on a third cowl, again in the Rowan Colourscape Chunky:

Review: Rowan Colourscape Chunky

Something I Really Like: My new D-SLR camera and playing on Flickr!




And yes, this was me during the podcast today. Not quite mastered the art of smiling yet...

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.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!).

Happy New Year!

TTFN,
Nic

Episode 20: Christmas Cheer!

Hello from a frozen Cheshire Plain. In this episode I make excuses for not knitting, visit a new shop and drink mulled wine- hic!

On the Needles: I finished the second Christmas cowl, made from Thistledown Yarns. I've not yet put it on Ravelry in case it gets spotted, so no photos yet, I'm afraid.

Review: Purl City Yarns, Manchester

Something I Really Like: Christmas decorations and the wonderful smells of Christmas.

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

Links: Garnstudio Drops; King Cole; Designer Yarns; Green Eyed Monsters; Wild Fire Fibres; Fyberspates; Natural Dye Studio; Lorna's Laces.

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.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!).

Have a peaceful and relaxing Christmas!

TTFN,
Nic

Episode 19: Christmas Spirit

Hello from a slushy Cheshire Plain. This week we've had snow, along with most of the UK, although the thaw started yesterday. Still plenty of the white stuff on the Peaks in the distance though! This week I talk about gifts, acrylic and music and announe the winner of the draw.

On the Needles/Hooks: I'm stockpiling a few 8x8 inch squares, although I have no photos to share. I've turned a short row heel on the first Biffle+ sock and started my own design of circular lace shawl in Kidsilk Haze. This morning I finished my first Christmas gift, a cowl for one of my cousins.



Review: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Worsted

Something I Really Like: Christmas music! What's your top recommendation for trimming the tree? Let me know.

Upcoming Events: A variety of day courses at Fibre & Clay in the new year, including learning to crochet, Tunisian crochet and Moebius knitting. Details on their website or telephone 01565 652035. Purl City Yarns have an evening with Natural Dye Studio on Wednesday 8th December and with Fyberspates on Saturday 11th December. Book a place through email: info@purlcityyarns.com

Links: Banyan Tree Yarns

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.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

Episode 18: A Flurry of Fibre (and Yarn!)

Hello from a very blustery Cheshire today. Batten down the hatches, mother! In this episode, I talk Tudor, catch up with some new friends and reflect on how bad I am at actually joining in!

On the Needles and Hooks: I finished the Schuyler blanket in memory of Andrew and Claire that I first talked about in Episode 2.













Thanks to everyone who contributed a square: smorancie; simplebeans; elljay; sassi-sketti; diamandy; jenknitsalot; LateFordinner; LKManitou; blakdove; Scarletti; YarnDiva; instar; NinjaBunnyStudios; Una; my Mum and also to YarnCloud and Riana for the help in edging.Thanks also to fakeknitter for the beautiful label.

I've also caught up on some Baker's Dozen Squares. This is the Starburst New Millenium 12" block by Designs by Muggins.


I've also cast on for a plain sock in EasyKnits Biffle+ in the Carosel colourway. Love it!


It's so lovely, I bought some for you too! Here it is in Boysenberry. If you'd like to win this, leave a comment telling me why you have to have it in your stash, either here, or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/ or at the Ravelry group here by the end of 30th November 2010.


Fibre Flurry was a real joy, well organised with a heaving market place in a delightful location. Here are the two buildings. Firstly, the Saracen's Head, where the market place and the cafe were:


Then the Old Grammar School, the site of the workshops:


Review: Easyknits Biffle+ in 70% Superwash BFL/ 20% Silk / 10% Cashmere

Something I really Like: Sock Clubs. Photo shows lollipop.yarn yarn from Catherine on the left and Wollmeise from the Socktopus Knit Love Club on the right.


I also reveal my first parcel from the EasyKnits Sock Club. (I'm not sponsored by EasyKnits, BTW, I just love the yarn!)

Links: Knitting Goddess; Posh Yarn; FeltStudioUK; Ann Kingstone; Atomic Knitting.

Don't forget the competition for the Easyknits Biffle + in Boysenberry. Leave a comment telling me why you have to have it in your stash, either here, or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/ or at the Ravelry group here by the end of 30th November 2010.

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.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

Episode 17 show notes

Another intersection with the fail whale here, since I didn't get these up within 24 hours of the show last week as I had hoped. These aren't even going to be proper show notes as the bits I really needed to post contact details for have gone (or almost have). However, I can give you a photo of Alice Starmore and Eala Bhan.




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

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

Episode 16: UK Knit Camp (Part the Second)

Hello from an autumnal Cheshire Plain. In this episode I offer up a moment of ritual humiliation with an authority figure, reflect on professional behaviour and talk about record breakers.

Swag from Knit Camp:


Natural shades of Shetland sample packs from Jamieson & Smith; Rainbow Merino Tops from EasyKnits; a selection of luscious fibres from Freyalyn's Fibres; undyed Falkland (not in picture) from DT Craft & Design green 100% superwash merino from Abstract Cat; two 100% Superwash Merino from Left Coast Yarns; and a nice 100% wool (can't remember what!) in heathery pinks from Thistledown Yarns.

Back to Back Challenge:


Team members posing with the Provost of Stirling, Fergus Wood. From L to R: Astrid and Angela (co-owners of knittybitty.de), Susan, the Provost, Ann (in front), Miriam (behind) and Freyalyn. Sandra is behind Freyalyn and obscured in this shot.


The finished article! From L to R: Ann, Susan, Sandra, Astrid, Steve modelled the sweater, Angela, Miriam and Freyalyn (with thanks to Woolly Thoughts for the use of the photograph).

Upcoming Events: Susan Crawford at Fibre & Clay, Knutsford, 21st and 23rd September; http://www.fibreflurry.co.uk/, Birmingham, 30th October.

Additional Links: Woolly Wormhead; Horti Honey's blogpost and Lucy Neatby's blogpost about Knit Camp.

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.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