tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43875978874908612612012-01-29T11:33:44.388Zor.. "Haven't you finished that yet?!" A knitting / sewing circlepeahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.comBlogger2581100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-80052638191991220082012-01-29T11:12:00.003Z2012-01-29T11:33:44.418Z

At Christmas Mum showed me how to hold a crochet hook. I've resisted crochet for a long time, but a long time ago I pinned this pattern: Tatiana Pullover from Interweave - it's lovely and inspired me to learn to use a hook.It didn't go too well at first, but I've persevered and after lots of head-scratching over the pattern and gazing at Youtube videos it's taking shape! The yarn I've chosen is

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-43260957523832593192012-01-18T15:36:00.002Z2012-01-18T15:51:00.244Z

I'm not doing very well with my resolution to be finishing more projects than I'm starting, but as I've started and finished this one, does it cancel itself out?I was feeling down at the weekend and needed a quick and brainless knit. This is the Easy-Fit Ribbed Hat. I had a skein of Artesano 50% alpaca / wool aran weight- 100g just about made the hatIt wasn't as quick to knit as I had hoped,

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-40899480801460468002012-01-04T19:41:00.003Z2012-01-04T19:51:13.588Z

Much-requested before Christmas and demand exceeding supply, I visited Helen during the holidays and saw lots in progress. I was able to take a limited number of finished ones which are now available at p2tog She's had problems getting the bowls dry in the cold weather, if they're not dry they explode in the kiln. There are lots more in progress, both the original design (pictured) and the new

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-44989468899766451952012-01-01T16:16:00.005Z2012-01-01T16:33:01.092Z

As if they're not cute enough, they're all the more special because the pattern is a vintage pattern and I've used some of my grandmother's needles.The great thing about baby knitting is the speed that you can finish things. I finished knitting these on Christmas day, just a couple of days after starting them but because I hate seaming up, they've been sat in my bag waiting.The pattern is Twinkle

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-57806480993164805292011-11-26T14:28:00.002Z2011-11-26T14:30:53.820Z

I've just added two more yarn bowl designs from Helen Dixon. The dark bronze in colour is mirror-like. The other glaze is a very bold red. I think these glazes and the geometric design are reminiscent of the opulent Ard Deco era - what do you think?

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-57792402069392996622011-11-26T12:03:00.005Z2011-11-26T12:20:07.306Z

I've not made any progress with any of my own projects recently because I've been spinning this 130g of pure cat fluff.It was badly matted, with lots of variation of colour. I tried drum carding which would have saved a lot of time but lots of work with hand carders was the only way to separate the fibres nicely. This meant that each lot on the carders became well-blended colourwise, but I tried

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-77177935767132912072011-11-05T14:27:00.005Z2011-11-05T15:36:32.476Z

Contents:Sheep and fleeceSpinning with a drop spindle or just your fingersSpinning wheelsCarding and combing fleeceSpinning techniquesGetting the handspun yarn ready for hand knittingFancy handspun yarnsNatural DyeingGlossaryFirst impressions are that the book is smaller than I was expecting (6" x 8"), but that does make it a nice portable size, and it packs in 127 pages of not-oversize text and

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-83278704790702564672011-09-21T11:47:00.002+01:002011-09-21T11:58:04.496+01:00

... for the autumn weather:Really pleased with these. It's my first go at colourwork (Intarsia in the round = lots of ends to weave in) that's worked out very well, the second one is neater than the first! The detail is embrodered on, not something I'm familiar with or very keen to do more of The chart only gives you the leg - after that you're using your favourite sock pattern. I love the

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-81665094093931342882011-09-06T16:33:00.003+01:002011-09-06T16:47:11.697+01:00

In the last post I'd decided to make some hiking socks from some black zwartbles yarn that I was very proud of. I kept looking at the skein and swatch and wasn't sure that it was saying socks to me. So I tried knitting a sample bit of cable from the Opulent Raglan and loved the result! The cable is very well defined with the black yarn. The grey really is a woollen yarn which is ok for the big

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-21207676570823071092011-08-28T18:46:00.006+01:002011-08-28T19:27:26.294+01:00

This week has seen me using wool combs for the first time and some of the nicest and most consistent yarn I've made so far. The gauge is not only spot on, but I've been experimenting with colours. The black is the zwartbles fleece that I've been selling. I thought the yarn would be great for the trekking sock pattern in the background, but I've found that wool on its own wears quickly, so the

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-83027298328489795952011-08-09T16:31:00.002+01:002011-08-09T16:39:07.721+01:00

I read this blog post from Amy of Spin-Off magazine which made me think about the Luddites and their motivation. Wool and cotton mills and spinning and weaving machinery were broken and burned. The recent distubances in London have similarities to the actions of the 19th century textile workers, but also some important contrasts. 'Luddite' is a term used about someone who

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-28004721832692397512011-07-24T18:05:00.006+01:002011-07-25T17:57:07.900+01:00

Thoroughly enjoyed a day sitting in the sun spinning with some lovely people. It wasn't a full attempt at the challenge but a dry run for the full version maybe next year. We made a child-size jumper so that visitors to Fibre-East could see the event from start to finish while they were there.Some firsts:Spinning with unwashed greasy fleeceSpinning longdraw from a teased mass of fibre without

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-34816240770738021782011-07-12T16:27:00.005+01:002011-07-12T16:36:32.070+01:00

I don't remember being good at needlework at school, I don't think my gonk was very good, so I'm a little perturbed about having to embroider the 'Police Box' lettering.The detail on the windows has gone well though, and I'm very pleased with the knitting generally. I really like the 'square panel' pattern (probably not easy to see in the photos) and so I carried it on over the top of the foot,

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-37197248698530070432011-07-06T18:22:00.003+01:002011-07-06T18:51:33.266+01:00

A newsletter reader asked for some pictures of the wide carder in use.First up was some 'fairy wings' angorino. Just 50g but it fitted on the drum easily. I'd usually do that quantity in two lots so it made short work of that.Next up was some of the Shetland I scored recently.I kept feeding until the drum seemed full. A monstrous batt indeed, but weighed in at 66g, a bit short of the promised

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-56451435469029979792011-07-01T17:23:00.004+01:002011-07-01T17:27:24.808+01:00

I had the pleasure of meeting these neatly-clipped girls this afternoon, and taking away some shetland fleece in various shades. I now have lovely soft hands and the scoured fleece will be available at handspinner shortly.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-48474857822762500002011-06-25T12:24:00.001+01:002011-06-25T12:26:19.034+01:00

Do your knitting habits change with the seasons? Craftsy magazine held a survey on Facebook and found the top answer to be 'the weather doesn't affect my knitting'. The next highest answer was that projects become smaller; hats and socks.In response to this, Stefanie Japel has put together her top five free summer patterns.I guess that like me, you are not often moved by many of the patterns in a

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-42991861263646371632011-06-07T15:43:00.003+01:002011-06-07T15:53:08.143+01:00

This is my contribution to Lolly's Project Spectrum. This year she's concentrating on the 'additive' primaries', the basics of coloured light rather than pigment. For June she'd like us to focus on green.http://lollygirl.com/blog/2011/06/06/greenShe's set a challenge to capture some greens in your neighbourhood.Easy! I took this photo on Saturday on a circular walk starting from home. Being in

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-80238073729262680082011-05-28T14:04:00.004+01:002011-05-28T14:14:30.789+01:00

Most Ashford products often come in 'natural finish' which is a nice way to say that the wood needs finishing somehow, stain, oil, wax, varnish, the choice is yours. Some things come lacquered or have a lacquered option.But the great thing about the natural finish is that it gives you the chance to get your creative mojo on.My decorated spindles and decorated spinning wheels

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-5434560806597537412011-05-26T11:47:00.003+01:002011-05-26T11:57:48.185+01:00

If you're a knitter or just curious about spinning, then this free eBook is for you!It contains excerpts from well-established books from Lee Raven, Maggie Casey, Amy Clarke Moore and others. You can learn how to make a spindle for yourself and spin & ply your first yarn!The free download requires you to give your email address to SpinningDaily, but their regular emails are often interesting and

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-25673470177683631432011-05-08T15:33:00.004+01:002011-05-08T16:01:59.900+01:00

I've been doing more weaving recently, and with a bathroom redecoration 'looming', this article has inspired me to make a pair of curtains for the smallest room.It also contains some good easy-to-follow guidance about calculating yardage needed for warp and weft.Much experimentation with yarns and patterns has yielded some results I really like. The ideal colour came from handspun made from my

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-33536254187301464752011-04-26T19:02:00.003+01:002011-04-26T19:09:55.390+01:00

There's still time to enter this year's Spring competition, a good prize on offer and not a huge number of entries so far. So why not give it a go?I'm inviting you to make some yarn inspired by this springtime photo of cherry blossom.It's a freestyle event - do whatever you like, dye the fibre, mix bought dyed or natural fibre, use animal, vegetable or synthetic, straight or funky, whatever you

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-59884633569730777772011-04-25T17:02:00.003+01:002011-04-25T17:15:03.205+01:00

One very dirty spinning wheel (or rather a pile of dirt that turned out to have a spinning wheel underneath) + bowl of slightly soapy water = very shiny wheel plus what looks like... cloudy beer?To be more serious, this wheel demonstrates the protection that Ashford's factory-lacquered finish gives. It's not been a decorative item - there are signs of use - and it's been neglected as evidenced by

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-44373908654013428062011-04-22T17:07:00.005+01:002011-04-22T17:37:56.138+01:00

It's been a very long time since I warped this loom and started learning to weave using an 8-shaft loom (to be honest only threading 4 of those 8 but that was taxing enough). This afternoon felt right to pick up the shuttle and do some more.I warped using one colour so that I could experiment with plain and twills. After a while, I'm very pleased to see that my edges are coming nice and parallel.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-32092194873836972792011-04-20T22:51:00.003+01:002011-04-20T22:54:25.346+01:00

See previous posts for details of pattern and yarn. I'm not sure how to wear it, but it feels cosy, soft and warm. I love it!

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-69387736658609969982011-04-12T10:04:00.003+01:002011-04-12T12:57:37.275+01:00

The yarn from the last post did plump up a bit when set, and looks just how I'd hoped. It's my own 'just for fun' go at the handspinner spring competition The yarn is merino and silk, it feels very squishy and yummy and warm. Hopefully the airiness of the pattern will make it comfortable to wear at any time of year.The pattern is the Chunky Mochi Fan Stitch Scarf. It's effective but very simple;

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-52955880635133639632011-04-10T09:25:00.003+01:002011-04-10T09:40:54.809+01:00

This is my own (non-qualifying) go at the handspinner spring competition. The brief is to make yarn inspired by the cherry blossom photo provided. There's a good prize on offer, so please have a go. More information is in the March newsletter.I think this is my fattest yarn since my very first go at spinning, which was not intentionally fat.I could picture those colours in a squishy arty scarf,

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-17178652453890924412011-04-03T14:59:00.002+01:002011-04-03T15:11:09.073+01:00

With Haldane wheels not made any more, if you need more bobbins, or as in this case, a secondhand wheel comes with no bobbins at all, then your only option is to have some made. Many thanks to Joan and Clive at Woodland Turnery for making me three perfectly-matching and reasonably-priced bobbins for this wheel,

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-30716883799906813352011-04-02T21:18:00.003+01:002011-04-02T21:29:45.488+01:00

I'm a little bit annoyed that I cottoned on to Eskimimi's Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week half way through the week and only fully appreciated the concept and size of it later on in the week. Having now realised that it has sparked loads of fantastic knitting and crochet posts and that they're easy to find by Googling 2KCBWDAY1, 2KCBWDAY2 etc, I've had a good riffle through and listed a few of

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-75071985504267115412011-04-01T15:46:00.001+01:002011-04-02T03:56:19.018+01:00

Here is my latest knitting project. Want to know how it came about? Well, last week, No. 1 and I ventured out in a torrential downpour to visit a yarn shop she likes. Neither of us was looking for anything in particular, but you don't need to walk into a yarn shop with a project in mind, do you? You just need to want to look at absolutely every ball and skein and flip through every pattern

Scouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06209638721810105979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-62240324508580471972011-03-08T16:48:00.002Z2011-03-08T16:52:17.759Z

Three new yarn bowl designs from Helen. These are prototypes but if you'd like to buy any of them, please let me know.Which do you like? We'd love feedback / comments.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-61692337599982705422011-02-27T11:36:00.004Z2011-02-27T11:47:12.535Z

Couldn't wait to spin some more of my camel/merino/silk mix but what to knit with it?I made a sample, trying stocking stitch and a lace pattern - both looked good and felt very soft. it's lovely next to the skin, so I thought a scarf might be good. I picked Mini Mocha Jasmine Lace Scarf It's always nice to find a stitch on a pattern that you haven't come across before. This time it was the picot

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-71257943165537567372011-02-19T15:00:00.003Z2011-02-19T15:09:59.127Z

I've seen newspaper 'yarn' but not tried making it. I received a question about it and curiosity got the better of me.I went for the 70g top-whorl spindle and it worked fine. I found that I couldn't give it a good twist and let it spin as you do with wool, I guess something slightly heavier would be good but anything too heavy and you'd run into problems with the paper tearing I expect.I had to

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-40427406650650994772011-02-05T20:18:00.005Z2011-02-05T20:35:13.583Z

This was a bit experimental but I love the way it's turned out - I'm going to have to card and spin loads more and make something special from it. I wanted to try mixing camel top (which is quite short) with something longer - it's 70% 'white' camel, 20% white merino and 10% silk. I carded and carded so that the fibres are really mixed together well, pre-drafted and spun it short draw so that the

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-10623302865415916472011-01-28T16:55:00.002Z2011-01-28T16:58:38.597Z

I needed to try out this Kiwi (fitted a new flyer and whorl) and thought it might be a good opportunity to try the sample of crab that someone gave me some time ago. Yes, crab! very silky and drafts very easily. The result is smooth with a nice lustre, and a very slight fuzzy halo to it.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-19974633685529733482011-01-16T12:02:00.003Z2011-01-16T12:09:45.887Z

First finished project of 2011Here they are again with the yarn bowl I usedThe bowl is a new design from Helen. She's reluctant to make more of these because the ram's horn idea isn't original, but it works very well.Once again the yarn is trekking sock yarn from p2tog, the pattern is my favourite: Ginkgo socks

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-1017640442166003492011-01-14T11:12:00.003Z2011-01-14T11:19:12.107Z

Just before the new year my sister and I left the Game store without the cover for her new DS we'd gone in for on account of people packing the shop shoulder-shoulder.Instead I bought a ball of yarn and some dpns and set about making this before the end of the year. I didn't quite make it, I cast off the next morning, and the button still has to be sewn on, but it's soft and no-one has one like

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-89044188813139672952011-01-10T23:57:00.002Z2011-01-11T00:08:58.902Z

I'm only one pattern repeat away from casting off my current pair of socks (photos coming very shortly). That's a very quick (for me) one month.not sure whether it's too late to join in now, but I've only just seen the A-Z sock challenge on Ravelry via a blog post from laalbear. The idea is that you knit a pair of socks every two weeks this year - yes that's 26 pairs. Each pattern has to begin

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-36297193849775022032011-01-06T23:44:00.003Z2011-01-06T23:55:42.864Z

If you'd asked me about showing off handknit socks with peeptoe heels that have been decoupage'd with newspaper I don't think I'd have been impressed with the idea, but what do I know? These images look fantastic and I would be very impressed if I met these in the street.The yarn is hand-dyed sock yarn from pigeonroof studios. The image has also been added to the Flickr group Handknit Street

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-90167073653495858482010-12-26T10:27:00.003Z2010-12-26T10:30:45.831Z

This is not my knitting, my sister in law just made it for my Christmas Present. Thought it worth putting on here as am very happy with it.The wool comes from my cousin Janet's needlecraft shop which she runs with her friend Joan, and they have marvelous wools in..Hope everyone has had a great Christmas Holiday xxxx

Alifanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01680151878441268622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-63317928309059989362010-12-19T12:28:00.002Z2010-12-19T12:31:02.644Z

The downside of being self-employed is that you don't stop being at work, even when your head has turned into a snot production machine but one of the upsides has got to be working in front of a fire in your dressing gown and no-one knows or cares.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-63785140358430038452010-12-15T10:09:00.003Z2010-12-15T10:21:39.452Z

I've borrowed the title from a favourite knitting / spinning blog but it's very apt. These last few weeks have been incredibly busy, too busy to sit down and take a break, but this beautiful yarn and growing project have been calling to me and insisting that I take half and hour here and there (usually very late at night!) to knit a few rows. Without that I'm not sure I would have coped.I love

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-64322327377141431362010-12-11T12:04:00.006Z2010-12-11T12:24:17.162Z

I'm finding myself waaaaay too busy to sit and knit for long, but I've snatched a couple of short late-night sessions (as my bleary eyes will attest) and have got as far as a toe and one pattern repeat.I lurve the yarn, and very pleased with how neatly it's stitching up. You can see how it's starting to stripe in a soft way.I'm a creature of habit - the pattern is my favourite lace sock pattern -

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-5489866672433478402010-12-09T11:00:00.002Z2010-12-09T11:04:20.193Z

Whoop! Look what's just arrived from p2tog - A little Christmas treat for myself: trekking sock yarn (75% superwash new wool, 25% nylon) Can't wait to get casting on. (Might be taking more 'coffee breaks' today than I really should)

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-26358283903692585882010-12-04T08:38:00.002Z2010-12-04T08:42:37.577Z

Just finished sewing my squares together and so have a nice warm cover to put on my legs in the evening when I sit! ha ha sounds like a poor old woman, but have enjoyed making it, used to just do them for the cats, but thought I would have one as well...and it used a lot of old wools up..Not quite up to your standard Shiela, but about time I posted on here again.. love to all. x

Alifanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01680151878441268622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-73941701936534611412010-11-30T23:32:00.003Z2010-11-30T23:38:22.490Z

I can hardly believe that it's the countdown to Christmas once again. Last year's advent calendar went down so well, I'm going to do it once again. I'll make a special offer to my Twitter followers, facebook friends and newsletter subscribers every day between now and Christmas. (There's nothing stopping anyone from joining in at any time by subscribing to the newsletter at handspinner.co.uk or

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-83595962682965399402010-11-26T10:06:00.004Z2010-11-26T10:14:22.757Z

There are still a few days left to enter this month's competition. Have you a photograph of some of your own handspun inspired by autumn colour?No judging, it's just a prize draw with a £20 voucher up for grabs.For more details, see the current handspinner newsletter.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-86098898048231420782010-11-23T18:06:00.008Z2010-11-23T18:57:30.552Z

My simple mitt pattern is as simple as can be, but I really don't like sewing up, so I have rewritten the pattern for knitting in the round.(It's untested - I wrote down the pattern as I made the first one, and then followed the pattern for its pair. They seem to match and fit the recipient.)I used 4mm needles and hand-dyed handspun (found wool)Mimi mitts ('in the round' version of my Cecilia

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-78871223397220097402010-11-15T16:50:00.002Z2010-11-15T17:24:16.687Z

Finit! Really pleased with it, the pattern is lovely, the colour is nice and I really like the fluffy brim. Just hope it fits now...Once again, the pattern is Baby Leaves Baby Hat, free on Ravelry. Doing the brim in the fluffy yarn was my modification, I just switched to that yarn when I reached the k1p1 rib and continued until it was long enough.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-35656089954837768892010-11-12T13:10:00.003Z2010-11-12T13:16:34.938Z

The photo of the finished hat on the pattern is quite small and indistinct, and it's impossible to tell from the chart how the pattern looks, so it's thrilling to get through the rows and see the pattern gradually appear.Now I can see why the pattern is called Baby Leaves. It's a very clever leafy design.It reminds me a little bit of Wooly Wormhead's mystery knit-a-long.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-83353857822382048302010-11-10T17:02:00.004Z2010-11-10T17:12:49.795Z

...for the first time in ages. The reason is for speed; it's a present for a newborn baby. Spinning the wool would be nice but I'd like to get the present sent off asap.I love casting on and it's great to have an excuse to cast on yet another WIP.The pattern is Baby Leaves Baby Hat by Heidi Sunday. I'm going to do the version with the brim and have some of that nice fluffly stuff for the brim.I

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-87827946274847746312010-11-08T17:12:00.003Z2010-11-08T17:24:51.166Z

I love my job. It was a very pleasant hour yesterday carding this corriedale for somebody. It's called Aqua. My 'recipe' is 44% green corriedale, 44% blue corriedale and 12% natural white. Also traces of cheesecake and lavender. The blue, green and white are well-blended with the yellow and purple added later in the process. At first the blue and green appear as separate colours, but on the

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-9326403572049561562010-11-07T19:04:00.002Z2010-11-07T19:07:29.773Z

This item also appears in the handspinner newsletter (November 2010) 11-17 October 2010Wool Week was led by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the campaign for wool. It aimed to reverse the trend that now sees fleeces being burned because farmers are shearing their sheep at a loss and encourages us to think of wool as part of our heritage and a renewable, sustainable and versatile

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-76329231950766300312010-11-03T11:26:00.003Z2010-11-03T11:39:08.154Z

I've been reading about the Spin Off Annual Retreat (SOAR). A week-long event featuring workshops, spinners' market, gallery, fashion show, spin-ins.Batts to hats was a fun event for the final night. the challenge was to spin and make a hat within an hour. Seven out of eight teams finished their hats in the allotted time.Are you or do you know Charlotte, Beverly or Mary of The Brits Team? I'd

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-46691059026818063252010-10-29T12:36:00.004+01:002010-10-29T13:28:16.672+01:00

My top-down raglan jumper is progressing slowly but surely. Along the way I've had to learn the 'backward loop' cast on. As you'll know if you've used this cast-on there's nothing to it:http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/howto/archive/2008/05/15/backward-loop-cast-on.aspxSo the 11 new stitches at each arm and 39 for the front panel took no time at all to add, and for the first time it looks like

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-9118539330378135012010-10-17T11:07:00.000+01:002010-10-17T11:08:25.968+01:00

Beautiful and animal-friendly! I love these big-cat pelts by Aussie artist Ruth Marshall.check out her reptiles too - she's knitted all 68 known species of coral snake.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-55681653366208651682010-10-09T11:25:00.000+01:002010-10-09T11:26:50.643+01:00

I've reported the wool promotion event in Savile Row starting 11 Oct, and in this fascinating post, devonfinefibres describes the logistics of getting their flock to London.Read the post

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-31308261548648940602010-10-04T16:20:00.003+01:002010-10-04T16:25:09.457+01:00

Did I need to sit down and relax last night. It was the perfect time to put on the current audiobook and get spinning for fellow Bint, Scout. I'd carded the fibre a while ago - my 'wheatfield' mix of merino and a little silk - I was just waiting for an opportunity to spin it.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-55763290724116496872010-09-29T09:55:00.003+01:002010-09-29T10:18:46.300+01:00

I've been struggling to make time for the current project, but I have spent some very late nights recently with Robert Harris' Fatherland and spinning the first couple of hundred grams of this pale grey merino fibre.As you cast on, it's too early for there to be any mistakes in the work. In fact the finished project, which is still in your imagination, is perfect in every way. It looks like the

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-44485493832592330482010-09-26T22:03:00.003+01:002010-09-26T22:12:06.169+01:00

I've been asked more than once whether my damselflies would work on a Traveller. The problem is that the wheel has concentric grooves around the wheel, leaving a narrow band in the middle for the design. If reduced down to this size, I thought the insects would be too small and lose detail. I tried sketching the design onto a Traveller wheel overlapping the grooves:That worked well, so here goes:

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-83952120432420159552010-09-25T12:58:00.003+01:002010-09-25T13:36:16.257+01:00

Knitpro have let me know that they're phasing out their clear acrylic needles, known as 'Spectra' or 'Zephyr', in favour of the purple variety, 'Flair'.I have some samples here, what do we think?

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-3270109212743216682010-09-23T17:43:00.001+01:002010-09-23T17:45:04.041+01:00

I'm a country mouse, and so the idea of turfing over a London street and moving in some Exmoor horn and Bowmont sheep really does appeal to me! The event takes place for a week starting 11 October and is organised by the Campaign for Wool.The aim is to promote wool and tell Londoners about how wool is produced and made into the luxury cloth used by the tailors working in the adjacent shops. For

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-46131009114326471412010-09-20T18:34:00.004+01:002010-09-20T18:43:54.351+01:00

I just saw this wonderful pink crocheted wig (right) on Knithacker - it's not a free pattern, in fact I can't find the pattern, but the maker does sell her crochet patterns here on Etsy so maybe it's coming soon. But it reminded me that I'd started a free wig pattern round up some time ago. So here it is:Hallowig: http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATThallowig.htmlHousefrau: http://knitty.com/

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-7617287431443168922010-09-14T14:26:00.002+01:002010-09-14T16:07:15.714+01:00

Have you been curious about natural dyeing? In this lovely series of blog posts that will inspire you and make you hungry at the same time, Helen of My Heart Exposed Yarns links the methods and inspiration for her natural dyeing to her cooking, with tasty photos, tips and secrets.GreensRed, orange, yellow

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-11003846840781033292010-09-10T16:22:00.005+01:002010-09-10T16:30:38.861+01:00

I felt so excited when I was offered some alpaca fleece because I had wanted to spin some for a while. To my surprise there were many shades to choose from. The one I picked was this lovely copper colour, it came from an Alpacacalled Emmanuel.I loved the feel of it because it was so soft. I was told too late the there is no need to wash it first. But hey. Being very fortunate I have a drum

whippetsgalorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923504795520319871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-10344039828362525642010-09-05T10:37:00.001+01:002010-09-05T10:40:20.745+01:00

The recent threat to drop knitting from the curriculum on the Sheltand Islands has had a side-effect of attracting the media's attention onto the traditional crafts of spinning and knitting and brought into the open the question of whether the island should move to more indstrial techniques and increase production.I've enjoyed this article on The Business of Fashion. While similar jumpers are

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-58800571079515330362010-08-28T12:53:00.007+01:002010-10-02T15:25:22.694+01:00

If you buy a wheel or loom with a 'natural' finish, it'll cost far less than a lacquered one, but you do need to do something to finish the wood. It doesn't look pretty and I've seen an unexplained crack in one which was left unfinished.I like to use wax but I've seen good-looking varnish finishes (clear and coloured). Wood dye can be used to very good effect under wax or varnish. I know that

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-11352881144068954722010-08-24T14:13:00.003+01:002010-08-24T14:17:36.429+01:00

I can't believe how appropriate this present is! It's from Jo, we've scavenged for fleece together. It's a bag that will fold up and be in my rucker ready for the next lot! lol

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-3954549239160066232010-08-19T17:54:00.003+01:002010-08-19T18:22:55.422+01:00

The sun did not shine.It was too wet to play.So I sat in the houseAnd knitted on that cold, cold, wet day.Is it sad to keep picking up your work and squeezing it just because you like the feel of it? I can't believe how soft and lovely this wool feels, especially as it's a Heinz 57 of varieties, all carded together. The very chunky design helps. I'm so chuffed with the colour too.I thought cables

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-87888449849358648702010-08-16T16:51:00.003+01:002010-08-16T16:57:57.472+01:00

I left my recent dyeing experiment simmering for twice as long as it should have done, waiting for the dye water to go clear. It didn't, so I guess it wasn't exhausted once the skeins had taken all that they wanted. I let the pan go cool, popped in this 100g of white corriedale sliver, and brought it back up to the simmer again. The result is nowhere near as deep in colour and a little bit

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-92174531672237221072010-08-14T15:44:00.003+01:002010-08-14T16:04:46.132+01:00

We have half of a fold-up brim! The pattern is, as you can see, the Lucky 7 hat by weezalana. If you look closely, you can probably see the word 'arse' in the first sentence, which I take as a good omen in any situation.The yummy colour of the yarn did get a bit lighter as it dried out, but is still perfect. You can also see the gauge which was also perfect, possibly the first time that I've

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-83141812222282799712010-08-11T16:52:00.003+01:002010-08-11T17:03:48.113+01:00

Today I dye! For this project I decided to dye the skein after spinning rather than dyeing the fibre before spinning. This should give a much more even colour. We want a burgundy colour. A little bit experimental, but it couldn't have worked out better. For this 150g I used half a teaspoon of scarlet acid dye and added as much navy blue as I dared. I didn't want to end up with purple, but If the

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-64583721889476174822010-08-10T23:38:00.005+01:002010-08-11T00:04:00.634+01:00

I'm knitting something more complicated than a baby hat, and it's all my daughter's fault. My daughter, Katie, is an excellent knitter. You can see her work at www.ravelry.com (screen name: kmartins). It was at the ravelry site that she found a fascinating garment, something sort of like a sweater knitted with unique yarn, and she emailed the link to me with a note saying "You have to make this!!

Scouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06209638721810105979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-12497775798306258452010-08-10T12:55:00.003+01:002010-08-10T13:15:42.347+01:00

Do you tend to buy patterns or search the multitude of free ones? It's very rare for me to buy a pattern, especially as Ravelry makes it so easy to search all of the patterns under the sun.But when I saw the Opulent Raglan by Wendy Bernard, I fell in love with it and was happy to shell out the $5.50 for the pattern. I love the neckline, I love the 3/4 sleeves. It will suit me down to the ground (

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-56785698845647478782010-08-09T09:33:00.003+01:002010-08-09T09:46:01.413+01:00

Was lucky enough to meet these two guys last week - Wallace and Grommit. This picture really sums up the experience - they are curious and affectionate. I'm used to sheep shying away but these two loved being fussed. It was the first time I've cuddled a sheep.They're zwartbles, a rare Dutch breed, I spun samples of the fleece a week or so ago - one small skein from Wallace, a 1-year-old ram (

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-3778711706568930442010-08-05T22:40:00.002+01:002010-08-05T22:43:03.547+01:00

Moira Hickey marches across sodden fields on Fair Isle to look at the importance of knitting to the islanders at a time when knitting is about to be dropped from the curriculum. Besides meeting the sheep and discussing the traditional techniques, she asks about the viability of a 'fair trade' product handmade from fleece to jumper, and whether hand knitting should be kept alive as a tradition on

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-43264263206416562802010-08-03T12:18:00.004+01:002010-08-03T12:26:28.374+01:00

I hope I am still allowed to post on here ha ha! sorry been a while, but have been very busy. Have been admiring all the wonderful things everyone has been doing, and Pea, well what can I say you are so talented.This is a little coat that I usually make for new borns, not that they wear this sort of thing anymore. but this one I have just made for my niece Liz for Max. who is about 12 weeks old

Alifanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01680151878441268622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-6774427654549299512010-08-03T09:48:00.004+01:002010-08-03T09:57:29.324+01:00

Now spun and plied, this is the 'found' wool that Jo and I picked up on this visit to the Peak District. It's a Heinz 57 of sheep varieties, but I'm pleased with how soft it feels.I have two skeins, approx 75 turns each of the 15" niddy = 150*4*15 / 36 = 250 yards.I dyed the fibre before spinning for my last project. This time I'm going to do it the other way around to see the difference. First

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-50016670578688450302010-07-31T22:35:00.004+01:002010-09-21T19:00:36.825+01:00

It's holiday time, but can you knit on the plane...?I recently read this tip in Lion Brand's newsletter:When traveling by airplane, I carry a printed copy of the rules that say that you're allowed to carry knitting needles in my carry-on. I have used it to get my knitting on board many an airplane! You can get this information from www.tsa.gov.- Cynthia G.That tip is American, but there is much

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-71721923419267846332010-07-30T09:57:00.002+01:002010-07-30T09:59:55.482+01:00

I can't really see the link between sheep and telephones, (maybe the switch to optical fibre for communications...) so they strike me as a little bit surreal. But these captivating sheep are beautifully-made. They're made from old telephones and cords, and so maybe they highlight the green aspect of real wool. Make up your own mind. Thank you to Joanna Kenny for this one.Read the original

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-13282071989146607882010-07-29T17:02:00.007+01:002010-08-09T09:48:24.681+01:00

This rare Dutch breed's fleece is a rich black and said to be great for felting and spinning. The wool looks quite brown in this picture, but you're seeing the sun-bleached ends. (all together... Aaahhhh).I'm lucky enough to have been sent samples and can compare spinning fleece from a year-old ram with some from an older ewe.The young fleece is very consistent in colour - inky-black (with

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-38078139935118742022010-07-27T18:27:00.003+01:002010-07-27T18:52:23.314+01:00

One or two spinners will recognise this Kiwi's amazing paint job.In case you haven't guessed, she's called Freya. Her original owner, Leni (correct me if I have any of this wrong, girls) painted the wheel blue. Her last owner, Helen of myheartexposed added the beautiful flowers.Helen has something new and very exciting on her shopping list and so I'll be offering Freya very shortly after making

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-7985936080927937762010-07-26T18:14:00.001+01:002010-07-26T18:16:48.762+01:00

Mmmmm... Selvedge Summer issue (number 35) is with us. Beautiful images and writing as well as the wonderful smell of new book. http://handspinner.co.uk/selvedge_magazine.html

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-84896199102193052612010-07-25T09:28:00.004+01:002010-07-25T09:42:03.784+01:00

I'm warped up now. It took a whole afternoon and some of the evening, and I've only used a part of the width of this slim loom (96 ends) and four of the eight shafts.I can't imagine getting to grips with this if I wasn't already familiar with warping up my knitters loom, and it's difficult to imagine how long it would take to fill the width of one of the wider looms.The few passes of chunky yarn

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-57994126543588310172010-07-24T10:50:00.003+01:002010-07-24T10:53:30.391+01:00

This chocolate fondue has no calories. In fact you'll burn some when you make it. I recently mentioned Kate Jenkins' incredibly realistic food. Here are a couple more scrummy knitted projects. First of all, for the fridge, knitted meat complete with polystyrene tray and cling film: See knitted meat The chocolate fountain in the picture is from skymagenta's Flickr photos. Her crocheted food

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-80350124694056890062010-07-23T09:43:00.006+01:002010-07-23T10:29:50.298+01:00

I had decided I could manage without a raddle, but quickly changed my mind.So what's a raddle and why do I need one?It's a stick with pins in it and it keeps your warp nice and even as you wind it onto the back of your loom.It's so useful, the question should probably be why isn't it included with my loom; especially as it's shown in the instructions?The cynical answer might be that they can then

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-9227458534129253562010-07-22T13:45:00.004+01:002010-07-22T14:09:33.494+01:00

This is the start of a very exciting journey; leaving behind the rigid heddle and the peg method of warping.My guide is Anne Field's Book of Four Shaft Weaving. It's a steep learning curve, the book is thick and detailed, but I feel I'm in good hands. My loom has eight shafts, but all of the principles are just the same and I'll just ignore four of the shafts initially.First step is to make a

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-47293090203205569512010-07-21T12:38:00.003+01:002010-07-21T12:48:33.419+01:00

This is a real mixed bag of fleece. Some of the locks are long and slinky, some are short and crimpy but it all went into the carder together.Jo's socks were made from wool that Jo picked up in a field while she was on holiday. That worked out so well, Jo and I couldn't resist picking up loads more on a walk in the Peaks. There's a real variety here but altogether it's very nice.I'm still new to

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-71821677164279834082010-07-18T11:10:00.002+01:002010-07-18T11:12:04.554+01:00

I'm impressed with the scale and practicality of this project. Needing a carpet for the upstairs hall, Yarnspider thought "Why buy new carpet when we could have something more personal and cosy instead?"It looks beautiful so far and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished item.http://yarnspider.blogspot.com/2010/07/and-so-to-rug-on-my-loom.html

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-57280207781636139422010-07-18T11:01:00.003+01:002010-07-18T11:09:18.856+01:00

A while ago I featured automatic knitting in the shape of a knitting lampshade and wind-powered knitting and here's another project along similar lines. This design seeks to make time a tangible, physical thing. German designer Siren Elise Wilhelmsen exhibited her 365 knitting clock at DMY International Design Festival Berlin. The circular knitting machine with 48 needles moves clockwise and

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-64267129159442326162010-07-16T13:39:00.004+01:002010-07-16T13:50:44.517+01:00

I'm so grateful to the lovely lady who commissioned me to do this on the strength of my recent sketches.I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and I'm very proud of the finished result. It's a double-drive Trad (switchable between single and double) and so it's versatile as well as unique.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-85104818985944513812010-07-14T22:57:00.004+01:002010-07-14T23:19:18.812+01:00

I've not deliberately been taking part in the Tour de Fleece, but I have probably spun every day for the last few days. I enjoy winding down at the end of the day with an hour of spinning.For the last few hours of spinning, I've been enjoying the Librovox recording of 'Journey to the interior of the Earth'. It's my second Jules Verne and I'm addicted. I really didn't want that one to finish. I

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-65088292520513005562010-07-13T12:50:00.004+01:002010-07-13T13:04:21.568+01:00

After last month's mention of iPods and audiobooks it seemed natural to follow on with a round-up of podcasts about spinning / knitting / weaving. Basics Skip this bit if you're already wise in the ways of the podcast. You don't need an iPod or mp3 player, but one of those is good if you want to listen to your podcasts (as well as your music collection) on the move. All you need to enjoy

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-36936768291114925942010-07-12T18:20:00.001+01:002010-07-12T18:22:45.472+01:00

This video shows Rachel John breaking records by knitting with 1000 strands simultaneously on a pair of giant needles. The work of art took place at a Textiles exhibition in 2006. It's designed to make us think about waste and finding / making yarn, and as with much art, taking things out of context. I love it for these reasons, and most of all because I love it when things are taken to

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-87559175497578661172010-07-11T20:49:00.006+01:002010-07-11T21:19:50.429+01:00

I've had a few ideas for more painted spinning wheels floating around in my head, based on folklore and nature. Here they are straight out of my sketchbook. I'd certainly appreciate feedback about your likes / dislikes.This one is damselflies. It seems that blues / greens look great on these painted wheels. The damselfly lends itself beautifully with its iridescent body. I can see eight different

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-16561972047224199562010-07-10T17:53:00.005+01:002010-07-10T17:59:58.430+01:00

I don't usually feature bought patterns, but Tina of Peacefully Knitting has gone to the trouble of searching out some of the best shawl and shawlette patterns, and there are some beautiful ones here:http://peacefullyknitting.com/2010/07/08/shawls-for-summer-and-early-fall/Fitting in perfectly here is this free pattern that I also found this week and have added to my queue: Wakefield Diagonal

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-885097227768387072010-07-08T10:42:00.001+01:002010-07-08T10:44:18.013+01:00

I love this little purse - it looks quick and easy to make using some stash yarn.http://www.finecraftguild.com/cabled-bag-w-buckle-free-knitting-pattern/

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-15164686283357481522010-07-07T13:09:00.005+01:002010-07-07T13:16:51.009+01:00

I recently designed a 'washing instructions' label for a handspun / handknitted gift. I've shared the label here as text / image for you to copy and paste or in word format for you to download.100% woolWash and rinse gently by hand in lukewarm waterSqueeze out water between towelsPull into shape and allow to dry naturally Read more / download the labels.

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-32132331580979316842010-07-06T09:46:00.001+01:002010-07-06T09:49:19.661+01:00

A collaborative work, in which hundreds of people from around the world made stitched selves, has been on display for one night only at the Science Museum.the Stitch Yourself exhibit was on display in the main Energy Hall on 30 June 2010.The gathering of little people included a flasher and a lady busy knitting her own head.StitchLondon's blog post about the event is herehttp://

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-19442087024675816492010-07-05T10:52:00.000+01:002010-07-05T10:53:30.216+01:00

We've seen knitted food before, but Kate Jenkins does it on a big scale with realism and humour. Her previous exhibitions have included a bangers-and-mash cafe and fish and chips at Brighton. Her current exhibition, Come Dine With Kate, is showing at the Rebecca Hossack gallery in London until 24 July View the slideshow

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387597887490861261.post-80486530298220253512010-07-05T10:50:00.000+01:002010-07-05T10:52:13.196+01:00

I really don't know what's going on here, and I'm not sure I want to know. She's demonstrating crocheted iPod and iPad cosies; this pom-pom one is quite clever - the pom-pom folds around the back to provide a soft shock-absorbing angled rest. But she's doing all of this while wearing a crocheted dragon outfit complete with LED nose and red-painted toe nail slippers. I went to make a cup of

peahenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395503525006623752noreply@blogger.com0