Yarns from the Plain

Episode 48: Cosy Crazy

Hello from a sunny spot in Oxfordshire. This episode I'm out and about, taking advantage of the lovely weather! Woolsack Update Cushions are taking over my life. If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll find me under a pile of cushion squares and stuffing... I've finished sets 9 squares for Guild cushions, seamed my sixth cushion and made a start on blocking the 4 inch squares sent in by you, my lovely listeners. Spinning I've spun up some Falkland sliver (gorgeous to spin!) that I dyed myself. I also spun up some dyed carded Gotland. Knitting I'm using that handspun to make another cushion, this time the Make Do and Mend pattern. Here's the Union flag in progress on the train. Review Knit Today magazine, May 2012 issue. Something I really like: The Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines at the Mountbatten Festival of Music. Here's a link to a video of the Royal Marines Corps of Drums. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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

Episode 47: Sheer Indulgence

Hello from the Cheshire Plain. Thanks for allowing me this moment of self-indulgence (yes, I know, a very long momemt!) Links Knit A Journey podcast; My Forest Canopy Shawl; Mum's Socks; Mum's Mrs Beetons; The Infamous Bobble Hats (apologies, I DID put a bobble on my Father-in-Law's!); Venezia and Autumn Rose sweaters by Eunny Jang; Lissuin by Ann Kingstone; Carol Feller at Stolen Stitches; Ann Kingstone; Information on Cumbrian dialect and the sheep counting system; Sheepfold; Blacker Yarns. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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

Episode 46: Spinning and Knitting and Prizes, Oh My!

Hello from a cold and blustery Cheshire Plain. This episode I share spinning, update you on my Woolsack progress and reveal the answers to the Manchester music quiz. Spinning: I finished spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies. Then I spun up a 125g sample pack of Shetland combed tops from Jamieson and Smith. Woolsack Update: I finished the back for the Celtic Yarns Cushion designed by Blacker, and have knitted an edging onto one of the too small Guild cushions. On The Needles: I've cast on for an Alletta shawl for the Alletta/Allegra Knit-along with the Caithness Craft Collective podcast. I'm using Fyberspates Sparkle Sock and Ravelry details are here. Prizes! Prizewinners need to let me know their order of preference of these five skeins: From left to right: Posh Yarn Lucia in "Skip" (100g/365yds); Posh Yarn Charlotte in "April Showers Bring May Flowers" (100g/350yds); Posh Yarn Lei (100g/380 yds); Fyberspates Echo Self-Striping Sock (100g/380yds); Natural Dye Studio Unicorn in "Apple" (100g/400m) Upcoming Events: Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers are taking demonstrating and holding their exhibition at West Kirby Library on Tuesday 10th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th April. I'll be there on Tuesday - come along and say hello! The Guild is also hosting a Woolsack Stuffing Event at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire on Saturday 21st April, 11am-3pm. This event is open to anyone in the area to drop in and stuff your cushion. There is carparking at the Centre and refreshments. Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Links Posh Yarn Fyberspates Natural Dye Studio Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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

Episode 45: And... Relax

Hello from a slightly overcast Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about the original Woolsack, twitch over big art projects and small children and say thank you. A lot. Works in Progress/Woolsack Update: To console myself after last week, I cast on a new Woolsack Cushion, using Sheepfold and Jamieson of Shetland yarns. It's a Blacker Yarns pattern, the Celtic Yarns Cushion, and Ravelry details are here. In addition, I recapped on the aims of the Woolsack project amd the origins of the word. Here is a shot for the UK Parliament's Flickr stream that I found of the Woolsack: I also interrupted myself to take a photo of this little fella: Something I really like: Llama BBQ bites! Thank You!: Thank you to everyone who responsed to my meltdown last week. The squares are starting to roll in. Thank you also to the lovely sandcola, who was my partner in the Fabric Postcard swap over on the Caithness Craft Collective podcast. Upcoming Events: Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers are taking demonstrating and holding their exhibition at West Kirby Library on Tuesday 10th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th April. Come along and say hello! The Guild is also hosting a Woolsack Stuffing Event at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire on Saturday 21st April, 11am-3pm. This event is open to anyone in the area to drop in and stuff your cushion. There is carparking at the Centre and refreshments. Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Links: Woolsack; Sheepfold; Jamieson's of Shetland; CogKNITive Podcast; Caithness Craft Collective. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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

Episode 44: Woolsack Woes

Just a brief set of show notes to accompany this appeal. Please, please, please, if you are in the UK and can knit a 4 inch square in British wool, either your own handspun or commercial British yarn, please do so and contact me for details on where to send it, Thank you, Nic

Episode 43: A Postcard From... The Lake District

Hello from a gloriously sunny, if blustery, Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about my crafty AD/HD, bemoan a lack of pictures and send you a postcard from my recent break in the Lakes. Works in Progress: I cast off my Damson! It's not yet blocked, but Ravelry details are here.You can't see the loopy border in this shot, but proof that it is indeed finished. I've also been dying more yarn (Kid Silk Lace from Posh Yarn) and fibre (more BFL and also some Falkland Sliver from DT Craft & Design, and a selection of Gotland curls from May Hill Gotlands (gotland_mayhill@yahoo.com) in the Forest of Dean and carded grey Gotland from Blacker Yarns) to use up the dye solutions from last weekend. Talking of last week's marathon dying session, I used the dyed Sheepfold Clotted Cream and some black Hebredian to crochet a set of interlocking rings for the Cheshire Guild's exhibition on the theme of circles. I also took the dyed BFL fibre and needled felted it on in a series of cirlces along a length of the undyed BFL top which I'd lightly needled felted to keep the wave of the fibre visible. Of course I've not been so clever as to take photos of them before I handed them over to the Exhibition Secretary, so you'll have to wait a while, or come and see the Exhibition! Woolsack Update: I've been working on more little squares using JaneKAL pattern recipe to make up cushion fronts and backs made by members of the Guild and seaming some of them together. It looks like we could have over 30 cushions just from the Guild alone, let alone any from members of the public who come along on the day. I'm so excited! I've also started warping up my loom to weave a cushion in Wool City Wool 4ply from Texere Yarns. A Postcard from ... the Lake District: Sadly the vast majority of photographs I talk about in the clips were lost when my memory card corrupted, but I have this shot of me behind Dove Cottage... ...my Cream Tea... ...a view from the drive north from Windermere, showing Derwentwater glistening by Keswick... and a shot of some of the alpaca... : Links: Woolsack; Keswick Launch on Derwentwater; Dove Cottage; I Wander'd Lonely as A Cloud, read by Graham Williams for LibriVox; Find out more about The Terrible Knitters of Dent at the Dent Village Heritage Centre; The Alpaca Centre; Wonder of Wool exhibition at Rheged; Susan Crawford; Kate Jenkins; Freddie Robins; Joss Wrigg; Amy Twigger Holroyd. Upcoming Events: Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers are taking demonstrating and holding their exhibition at West Kirby Library on Tuesday 10th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th April. Come along and say hello! The Guild is also hosting a Woolsack Stuffing Event at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire on Saturday 21st April, 11am-3pm. This event is open to anyone in the area to drop in and stuff your cushion. There is carparking at the Centre and refreshments. The WOW exhibition runs at the Rheged Centre, Cumbria until Sunday 15th April and is open daily. Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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

Episode 42: Life, The Universe and Everything

Hello from a glorious Cheshire Plain. In this bumper episode I discuss dying, squawk about space and am rendered speechless... Thanks for the feedback on Episode 41: A Postcard from Manchester. It's been a privilege to share the memories the music invokes for you. A couple of people are close but no one has yet identified all of the clips, so I'll leave it open until March 31st. PM or email me with your answers. Works in Progress: Slooooooow work on the Damson Shawl as part of the Caithness Craft Collective Knitalong, but the end is in sight. I hope to have it finished for next episode. Ravelry details are here. I've also been dying yarn (Clotted Cream from Sheepfold) and fibre (BFL from DT Craft & Design) to make something for the Guild Exhibition. I need to hand it in next Saturday, so I'd better be quick! I've also dyed 100g of BFL in a purple to ply with the Cheviot from Shunklies. No more progress has been made in the actual spinning, though. Woolsack Update: I've finished my fifth cushion for Woolsack. The pattern is Tilting at Windmills by Woolly Thoughts. It needs a bath in Soak though, to soften up the Jamieson's of Shetland Aran yarn (now discontinued I think). It's not scratchy so much as just a bit stiff. Here's the front... ...and the back... Review: Knitty Issue 39, Spring + Summer 2012. Something I Really Like: Astronomy, my telescope that I still can't use and my SkyView app. Here's the photo I took when I stopped recording. It's slightly blurry because I was too excited to get the tripod out and do it properly, I'm afraid. Venus is the brighter light on the right, with Jupiter on the left. It really did appear just as I was saying it. Uncanny! Links: Woolsack; A Playful Day; Subway Knits; Counting Sheep; The Heathen Housewife; Prof Brian Cox. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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

Episode 41: A Postcard from Manchester

Hello from the Cheshire Plain. Spring is definitely in the air! This episode sees the launch of a new, occasional, series A Postcard From... A prize is available for anyone who can identify the music clips in the postcard! Works in Progress: No work on the Damson Shawl as part of the Caithness Craft Collective Knitalong. Ravelry details are here. I've completed a second bear this year for the Mother Bear KAL/CAL over at the CogKNITive podcast. This one is called Frank, in honour the the recently departed Frank Carson. Woolsack Update: I'm partway through another cushion for Woolsack. Although I described the pattern, I didn't actually name it (shame on me). It is Tilting at Windmills by Woolly Thoughts. Spinning: I'm still spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies. I'm now over three-quarters of the way through it. A Postcard from...Manchester Whilst writing these show notes, I've made the horrific discovery that my memory card has corrupted, so I only have a few photos that I took on my phone to share, and those do not include the detail from The Hireling Shepherd by William Holman Hunt. So sorry! The Jasperware by Wedgewood on the landing in the Manchester Art Gallery. And the landing itself, looking at the casts of the Parthenon friezes. This is the sign I mentioned when I was outside Affleck's. I took some superb pictures of the theatre-in-the-round structure inside The Royal Exchange, but sadly you'll just have to put up with these two wobbly shots of the same area, to go with the shortened clip (I was just too quiet!) Links: Woolsack; Mother Bear Project; iMake Podcast; Knit A Journey Podcast; Fred Aldous; Purl City Yarns. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, 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.blogspot.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

Episode 40: Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby!

A repost of Episode 40 to counteract the gremlins! Hello from a coffeeshop in Knutsford! In this episode I contemplate comfort knitting, smack my forehead at my own stupidity and, on listening back, overuse the phrase really, really interesting (sorry!). Works in Progress: A Damson Shawl as part of the Caithness Craft Collective Knitalong. I'm using the Carezza I bought at Artfibers in San Francisco last summer and the Ravelry details are here. I'm also working on a bear for the Mother Bear KAL/CAL over at the CogKNITive podcast. Although not finished at the time of recording, she is now. Let me introduce you to Ruby, stood here, in the grounds of Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's home 1799-1808. Woolsack Update: I finished my cable cushions, although I'm obviously very stupid! Ravelry details are here and here. Spinning: I'm still spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies. I'm nearly three-quarters of the way through it, and I'm fairly sure I'm going to dye some British Blue Faced Leicester to ply with it. Review: The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook by Robson and Ekarius. Something I Really Like: The internet community we are building, triggered by our first Gulf State pin in the listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Links: Easyknits - look out for their Spin Love Club! Woolsack Mother Bear Project Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain 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

Episode 39: What's In A Name?

Hello from a cold and wintery Cheshire Plain! This episode I share limited progress, explain terminology and hector my listeners. Giveaway: Thank you for all your entries. We have winners! Works in Progress: I'm knitting a cushion back (no photos or Ravelry details yet) and I'm still spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies (still no pictures but I've found the purple!). I'm also lusting after Easyknits' Superwash Merino Fluff in Punk colours (sorry, I mispelt it in the show) and can't wait to spin them. Jon's blogpost about them, along with his finished yarn, is here. Something I Really Like: My conservatory! Woolsack Update: Please please please consider making a cushion for the Woolsack project. There's a thread over in the Ravlery group waiting for your pictures. Links: Posh Yarn; Woolsack; The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, 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.blogspot.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

Episode 38: Happy New Year!

Hello from my newly decorated conservatory! This episode I natter about nibbling sleeves, compare spinners to moths, and contemplate future plans. Giveaway If you would like to be entered into the giveaway for either a skein of laceweight Posh yarn or a skein of sockweight Posh Yarn, leave me a message by February 4th telling me which one you'd like to win and why. You can leave a message here on the show notes, over on the show notes on the Blogspot site, over at the Ravelry group, or drop me an email on yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. Off The Needles I finished the Rainbow Scrappy Liesl. Details are here. I have been spinning the Cheviot I got in the Secret Santa on the UK Spinners board on Ravelry from Shunklies (no pictures yet I'm afraid). Woolsack Update The Cheshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers have started their Woolsack cushion campaign by making little squares. Something I Really Like BBC Drama Gratuitous Conservatory Picture Here's one taken the day the floor was laid. Check out Stella's confusion over the reflection in the roof! Links Posh Yarn Ysolda Teague Socktopus Woolsack JaneKAL Sheepfold Blacker Yarns Jamieson's of Shetland The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, 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.blogspot.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

Episode 37: Happy Podiversary To Me!

Full show notes will follow shortly. If you'd like to enter the Posh Yarn giveaway, leave a message here or over at the Ravelry board telling me why you would like to win a skein of laceweight Posh Yarn or a skein of sockweight Posh Yarn.   Happy New Year! Nic x

Episode 36: The Night Before Christmas

Hello from an unseasonably mild Cheshire Plain. This episode is another brief one, just to keep me sane I think... On the Needles: I now have a pair of finished Mrs Beeton, knit in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and Debbie Bliss Party Angel in pale greys. The ends are not yet woven in and I need to wrap them soon. I cast on a second pair using the charcoal DB Cashmerino DK but it won't be finished. I'm also using my first ever wheelspun yarn to make a small scarf for my Dad, using the One Row Handspun Scarf pattern by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. No photos I'm afraid. Half finished and unlikely to be for Christmas morning. Something I really Like: Christmas Countdown by Frank Kelly Music: Intro music is Sans Day Carrol-Sussex Carol-Deck The Halls by James Edwards, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music and the piece in the middle is Six Noels Anciens: Venez mes enfants (Patriquin) by Stephane Potvin and the Con Brio Choir, from Goode Christemas Musicke, both available from Magnatune. The final piece is Boars Head Carol performed by Jon Boden, released as part of the Folk Song A Day podcast project. 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.blogspot.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 and Season's Greetings to you all, Nic

Episode 35: Descent into Madness

Hello from chilly Cheshire! Just a brief episode today, updating you on the Christmas gift knitting here on the Plain. On the Needles: One finished Mrs Beeton, knit in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and Debbie Bliss Party Angel in pale greys. Listener Suggestion for Quick Gift Patterns: Daisy Frog suggested Fast & Easy Fingerless Mitts; Helenhfj suggested Gradient Mitts and the Little Shells shawlette; PokedaGoblin suggested the Cranford Mitts; FatCat suggested Starving Artist and Starving Musician. 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.blogspot.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 34: Argh.....Christmas!

Hello from a very wet Cheshire Plain. Today I dream about a future space, announce a winner and gibber not so quietly about the nigh-on uncontrollable urge to knit Christmas presents. Congratulations to PokedAGoblin, who has won the lovely Crafts From The Dungeon Mayan Spinner from Episode 31. Suggestions for quick(ish) present knits: Quick Cable Slouch Hat by Azure Calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee A cowl knit in chunky yarn, like the ones here and here I knitted last year. Fetching and Dashing by Cheryl Niamath Mrs Beeton by Brenda Dayne (Ravelry downlad available from here) Scar by Julie Gardner Tidepool Socks by Rainy Day Goods Links: Sarah Hazell Fibre and Clay Rowan Colourscape Chunky Woolsack Sheepfold (Scroll down to find the utterly delicious Methera) Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed, as used in my Chocolate Stripes sweater 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.blogspot.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 33: Woolsack - A Call To Arms

Hello from a blustery Cheshire Plain. This episode is entirely focussed on the Woolsack project, including an interview with JaneKAL My Woolsack Cushions are detailed here and here. Links: The Woolsack site (www.woolsack.org) has a long list of suppliers of British Yarn. I've mainly been using yarn and fibre from Sheepfold and Blacker Yarns. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, 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.blogspot.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 32: Big Girls Don't Cry... Or Do They?

Hello from a chilly Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about extra spinning, the joy of little hats and saggy knees. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Giveaway: To win a Mayan Spinner from Crafts From The Dungeon, leave a comment here, on the show notes at the http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/ site or over at the Ravelry group, finishing off this sentence: "I want to win a Mayan Spinner because..." Leave your comment by 24th November 2011. On the Needles and the Bobbin: Apologies for the lack of pictures, but the decreased levels of light are thwarting me at the moment. I've made Tubey and Waltzer from Wee Woolly Toppers and a couple of Christmas Pudding Hats from Debbie Bliss's Kids' Knits for Heads, Hands and Toes. I've spun extra yarn for my handspun Rainbow Liesl, which I will cast on soon. I've also been working on Woolsack cushions, but more on those next time. Review: Big Girls Knits by Jill Moreno and Amy Singer Tears: Remember this sweater? Well, it doesn't look like that any more... (photos to follow when I can bring myself to) Links: Woolly Wormhead; Woolsack; Fibre & Clay; Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 31: The One Without The Knitting

Hello from a drizzly Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about all the other things I've been doing instead of knitting, play with a new toy and wax lyrical about squash. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Not on the Needles (!): Something that will potentially become a Kauni Wrap... ...some Tunisian crochet... ...some scrap spinning... ...and some Polymer buttons. Review: Mayan Spinnner Kit, £15 plus p&p. including a hand-carded batt and instructions, from Crafts From The Dungeon. Giveaway: To win a pretty Mayan Spinner just like mine, leave a comment here, on the show notes at the http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/ site or over at the Ravelry group, finishing off this sentence: "I want to win a Mayan Spinner because..." Leave your comment by 24th November 2011. Something I really like: Cooking with squashes! One favourite is a stuffed squash using a Schwartz Spices mix, another is a risotto I created this week, using roasted chunks of butternut squash and chorizo. Links: Scandinavian Knitting Design; Fibre & Clay; Heike Gittins' blog and the Knitsisters website; Clayaround; Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 30: The One With The Knitting

Hello from an autumnal Cheshire Plain. In this episode I consider startitis and finishitis, worry about pilling and get over-excited. We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! On the Needles: I've finished the I remember Mama socks, knitted a swatch and picked up the Stripey Noro Messenger Bag again. Review: The Scrumptious Collection Volume 1 from Fyberspates Something I really like: Wales' performance in the Rugby World Cup! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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 29 repost

A repost of Episode 29 in the hope that it's not eaten by iTunes this time!

Episode 28: Normal Service

Show notes to follow ASAP, currently available on yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com (limitations of mobile browsing!)

Episode 27: Catching Up

Hello AGAIN from the Cheshire Plain! This is the last episode in this marathon catching up session, honest! We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! In this episode I talked about various events linked to the Cheshire Spinning Guild (the Ravelry Group for the Guild is here), including the Exhibition at Dunham Massey and the trip to Woolfest. I also mentioned the Wool Experience and the gorgeous ice cream at Blaze Farm. Here is the Great Wheel in use at Blaze Farm: I also attended a Woolly Wormhead sideways hat workshop at Fibre & Clay, based on her book Going Straight. My hat needs maybe an hour's more work before it's finished. And talking of finishing... which of these should I finish first? 1.Posh Yarn Featherweight cardigan 2. Poshman Mittens 3. Stripy Noro Messenger Bag 4. Modern Quilt Wrap 5. Tank Top in Noro Kuryon Sock Yarn 6. Lizard Ridge Afghan 7. Olympic Medal Socks (I'll probably take these on holiday anyway) 8. Pondemonium child's stranded sweater 9. Best of Both Whirls Cushion 10. Double Vision Cushion 11. Hipknits Silk Aran Fair Isle Cardigan So leave me a message here, drop me an email or post in the Ravelry forum! And finally.... which is THE yarn shop to visit in San Francisco?

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 26: Best In Show?

Hello from a wet Cheshire Plain. OK, it's raining, but after the heatwave I've experienced over the last week, I'm enjoying feeling cooler! Sadly I'm still arguing with the new mic, so I've used the hand-held again.

We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! This episode is sub-titled the ME, ME, ME show (thanks Louise!) and features a detailed run down of the items I entered in the Oxfordshire County and Thame Show at the weekend. Firstly for the Knitting Class, I submitted my Mint Choc Chip scarf, which is the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. In the Baby Knitting, I made this sweater, the February Baby Sweater from the Knitter's Almanac. I found meleliza's Ravelry notes very helpful. For the Crochet Class, I made the Circles Scarf by Linda Permann (details of my project here). For the Embroidered Picture, I finished this that has been lurking in my embroidery UFO bin for a very long time. The motifs are based on those in Jo Verso's World of Cross Stitch, and the composition inspired by one of hers, but the final design is mine. For the Beadwork Class, I entered my first ever piece of beadwork (other than simply threading beads onto a string), which I learnt on a course at The Bead Trail at Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway. In the Item made from Recycled Materials, I entered a gift bag made from the Financial Times. For the Three Handmade Cards Class I entered two Lacé designs (the Golden Wedding and Birthday cards) and one iris folding design (New Baby). The entry into the Cushion Class involved some "teach yourself" skills, namely wet felting and needle felting. The main fabric was made from two shades of grey carded Gotland fleece from Eden Gotland Sheep, with the creamy white curls from May Hill Gotlands (gotland_mayhill@yahoo.com) in the Forest of Dean and the dark curls from Diesel from the Pedwardine Gotland flock in South Lincolnshire needlefelted onto the finished cushion. Finally I entered 98g/382 yds of 2ply handspun made from Yummy Yarns UK carded batts (merino, bamboo, silk, firestar and mohair threads) in the Duchess of Cambridge colourway. I also entered these photos, too: "Stick Dressing, Northumberland County Show" for "Country Life"

"Elmer in the Garden, Eating Lupins" for "My Pet"

And here is the Thame Show Trophy, for the most points in the Handicrafts Section. Don't get over-awed, it's only six inches high!

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 25.2: Do-over

Hello from a sunny Cheshire Plain. Apologies for the long delay in re-recording this. Even now, I haven't quite worked out the new mic as I needed to swap to the hand-held recorder for the last part.

We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! On my needles and spinning wheel: Between Episode 24 and the beginning of May, I finished two bears for the Mother Bear Project. I also plied more of the the Picperfec singles into a 4 ply with a view to making a Liesl.

Otto Coco

Review: Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders, edited by Judith Durant, published by Storey Publishing. Agricultural Shows: I'm gearing up for the Oxfordshire County and Thame Show on the 30th July. I also mention the following shows: Wigtown Show: 3rd August Bakewell Show: 3rd&4th August Fishguard Show: 5th August Cranleigh Show: 7th August Sedgefield Show: 14th August Gillingham & Shaftsbury Show: 17th August Hawkshead Show: 23rd August Poynton Show: 27th August Bucks County Show: 1st September A full events calendar can be found on the website of the Association of Agricultural Organisations.

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 24: Wonderwool Wales 2011

Hello from a blooming Cheshire Plain. In this episode, come with me as I go to Wonderwool Wales! Apologies for the occasional background noise, I've tried to even the levels out as best I could. On my needles and spinning wheel: I've been working on a bear for the Mother Bear Project, some Baker's Dozen Squares and my sock yarn blanket. I've also tried plying the Picperfec singles into a 4 ply and it's just what I want! At Wonderwool I met up with guzzisue from the Spinnotts (click here for more info about them) and ambermoggie at the Ravelry Meet-up area. I also spotted Jess in the finger-crocheted hat (sorry, can't remember your Rav name!) teaching Angie and Penny how to spin: I spotted more historic mill bobbins at The Threshing Barn and bought one. I also bought some fibre from Freyalyn's Fibres and some felted jewellery making cupkits from Bryncurl Workshops. I also saw some sheep! First some Shetlands... ... then a gorgeous Leicester Longwool... ...and finally some Manx Loaghtan (but I only photographed the ram, not the two ewes).

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 23: Moebius or Möbius?

Hello from a blooming Cheshire Plain! This episode I share a little industrial heritage, show my maths geek credentials and ponder travel plans.

Review: Patricia Ackroyd's talk at the Cheshire WSD Guild meeting last week and the Heike Gittins workshop at Fibre and Clay.

Heike

Some of the other course delegates

   

What's on my wheel and needles: The Picperfec fibre continues apace, I think it's time to "swatch ply" to see how thick the finished yarn will be. The sock yarn blanket is also growing nicely and this weekend I've completed a Moebius (Möbius?) cowl in Rowan Felted Tweed and Rowan Kidsilk Haze at the worshop. Something I really like: Making travel plans! Any suggestions for the South Western states of the USA?

   

Upcoming Events: Wonderwool Wales at Builth Wells, Powys, 9th and 10th April; Woolfest in Cockermouth, Cumbria, 24th and 25th June; Knit Nation in London, 15th-17th July; a range of workshops at Fibre and Clay, including another Moebius Knitting workshop on 17th September and Tunisian Crochet on 10th September and 15th October.

I haven't as yet started one, but if you're interested in knitting or crocheting a bear for the Mother Bear Project, details can be found here. Sorry I was too late for your KAL/CAL, Dr Gemma!

Links: Ackroyd and Dawson; Heike Gittins' blog and the Knitsisters website; Picperfec's Etsy shop, Fluff and Stuff; Carol Feller;CogKNITive Podcast.

Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 22: Er...Happy New Year?

Repost of Episode 22 in MP3 format.

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.blogspot.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.blogspot.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 announce the winner of the draw for the Boysenberry Biffle+ from Easy Knits. 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.blogspot.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.blogspot.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.blogspot.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.blogspot.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: The Early One That Was Really Late

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

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.blogspot.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 15: UK Knit Camp (Part the First)

Hello from behind a pile of fibre and washing here in the Cheshire Plain. Another bumper episode this week, with a report from the weekdays of the recent UK Knit Camp at Stirling in Scotland. Despite organisational problems and a lack of communication for day visitors, I had a brilliant time. I took classes with Jon Dunn of EasyKnits, Lucy Neatby, Kate Tetlow and Mary Jane Mucklestone. Photos from Jon's spinning class...

...and shots of my handspun taken in Mary Jane's class.

Animal, spun from batts from EverImprovingMe

Navajo-plied fibre from DT Craft & Design bought at Wonderwool Wales in April

I also have an overwhelming desire to make Lucy Neatby's Bubbles Scarf. Luckily there's a knit-a-long for the pattern in September.

There's also an interview with the designer of the Knit Camp Vest, Ann Kingstone.  Finally, if you want to imagine me whirling Debbie Stoller around the dance floor, this video shows (sort of) what we were doing.

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.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 I don't Tweet much!). TTFN, Nic

Episode 14: It's Show Time!

Hello from a distinctly un-summery Cheshire Plain. It's a bumper one this time around! This episode I share some finished objects, give you a history lesson and subject you all to my ramblings and reminicences on livestock. On the needles/wheel: I've finished the Manos del Uruguay Clapotis in time for the Clap-o-tea party at UK Knit Camp. I've also taught myself how to navajo ply on the singles I spun from a hank of unidentified fibre (possibly BFL and tencel) I bought from DT Crafts at Wonderwool Wales. No photos here, I'm afraid, but details on Ravelry for the Clapotis and the handspun. I'm also having a blast spinning some Muppet batts from EverImprovingMe. Gorgeous!!! Something I really like: Open Country on BBC Radio 4, particularly using the iPlayer. The Fair Isle Kntting programme is here. Upcoming Events: UK Knit Camp, 9th-13th August and UK Ravelry Weekend, 13th-14th August, Stirling, Scotland; I Knit Weekender, 10th-11th September, London; Fibre Flurry, 30th October, King's Norton, Birmingham. The bulk of this episode is taken up with information about The Oxfordshire County and Thame Show. It's something I attended every year as a child and teenager, but haven't been sinc ei went into teachign in the mid-90s. So, ready for the photo fest that is my record of Thame Show? OK, don't say I didn't warn you. There's a lot of photos. Seriously. Heaps. First up, the patchwork class.

The red certificate is for First prize, blue is Second, yellow is Third, white is Very Highly Commended. The first prize winner in the patchwork is the first piece completed by the entrant.Then it's the fibre classes. First knitting...   ... then baby and toddler knitting... ... then the single entry in the Crochet class. Then I wondered down the other end of the marquee to the vegetables. Later I went into the rabbit tent....   ... the pigeons.... ... and the caged birds. Onto the larger animals. This class appears to be for a South Devon bull, heifer and calf. Inside the tent were some beautiful livestock, including this Hereford heifer... and some Holsteins. Outside you can see some Jacob sheep in the pens on the left. Lookee! A livestock Judge, In a Bowler hat! A shot from the sheep judging ring. A Southdown with a fleecy face. Beautiful Alpaca! One of my favourite parts was the Sheep Show. Here's the lorry, with all nine sheep on show. Close up shots... Craig shearing his first ever Scottish Blackface. Some of the Sheep show participants. First Lenny the Lincoln Longwool... ...the Rupert the Rouge De L'Ouest from France... ... and finally Dougal the Scottish Blackface. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. 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 I don't Tweet much!). Nic

Episode 13: Gettin' Woolly With It

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

Episode 12: Has anyone seen my mojo?

Hello from a little piece of green space overlooking the Weaver Navigation Canal. In this episode I muse on my missing mojo, announce a winner and ponder on tails as an essential accessory. UFO contest: Thanks to all those who entered, but nobody guessed the correct UFO, which was in fact my Birthday Pinwheel Sweater: Details are here. Although no-one correctly identified it, I thought I would still have a draw, so the random number generator picked out a winner. Was it you? You can choose from either of the Abstract Cat yarns I mentioned in an earlier episode, a lovely pint silk laceweight from Knitwitches or some lovely Lei from Posh Yarn Abstract Cat Retro: Abstract Cat Jolly: Knitwitches 100% Pure Silk Laceweight: Posh Yarn Lei in Charming: or Posh Yarn Lei in an unspecified colourway I bought at Wonderwool Wales in 2008: Thanks to all who entered! What's on my needles: a Featherweight cardigan in Posh Yarn, a Clapotis in Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend and a Stripy Noro Messenger Bag. Fancy joining in the Fibre & CLay knit-a-long for this bag? We're already international, so feel free! The pattern can be downloaded from here. And finally.... what else would you see at the V&A than this... Random! Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Episode 11: Upcoming

Hello and apologies for the delay in uploading this episode which was actually recorded last Sunday. Events and internet access have conspired against me. Proper show notes will follow, but the Dunham Massey event mentioned is this weekend (22nd and 23rd May) and the UFO competition does not yet have a prize identified. Leave a comment here or on Ravelry by the end of Tuesday 1st June and the winner will be drawn out of the hat from those who correctly identify which of the following hibernating UFOs  I have been working on: Pondemonium, a child's stranded sweater in Rowan Wool Cotton; Hipknits silk aran weight Fair Isle cardigan; Olivia, a tank in Noro Sock Yarn; Pinwheel Sweater in natural shades of Sesia Pura Lana Ecologia; a pair of textured socks in green Louet Gems; Modern Quilt Wrap in Rowan Kid Silk Haze; Lizard Ridge Afghan in Noro Kureyon; Woolly Thoughts' Double Vision cushion in acrylic; Woolly Thoughts' Best of Both Whirls cushion in acrylic. Review: 200 Crochet blocks for blankets, throws and afghans, Jan Eaton, published by David & Charles in the UK, 2004 Upcoming Events: Woolfest, Cockermouth, Cumbria,  June 25th and 26th; UK Knit Camp and Ravelry Weekend, University of Stirling, Scotland, 9th-14th August Links: EasyKnits   Nic

Episode 10: Wonderwool Wales

Hello from a sunny yet cold Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about the wanderer returning, wander with a wonderful friend and wonder at Wonderwool Wales. What's on my needles, hooks and wheel: Not much knitting or crochet in the last fortnight. Work's been busy and any spare fibre moment has been spent at my wheel. I've spun about 60g of merino tops bought at Wonderwool Wales last year into an as yet unspecified 2-ply yarn. Lumpy in places, but well balanced (like me, perhaps?) Over the Bank Holiday weekend I did finish the last of the NYOBE Round 5 squares. Review: Wonderwool Wales. A brilliant time, with a fairly restrained amount of shopping I feel... Believe me, I could have bought an awful lot more! I mention pretty much everything in the podcast and link to it below, but when I looked at the photo I realised I didn't mention the glorious dyed oatmeal BFL from The Thylacine. Bad podcaster! Want to go? Next year's dates are Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April 2011. Links: Knitwitches; Sheepfold; DT Crafts & Design; Sparkleduck; The Threshing Barn; Black Mountain Alpacas Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. There's now a Ravelry group for the podcast, which can be found here. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Episode 9: Silence

Hello from an eerily silent Cheshire Plain. In this episode I talk about the lack of background noise, urge people to exercise their democratic responsibility and admit to a guilty change of allegiance (oh fickle creature!). On my needles and hooks: Mainly blanket squares, either from the Schuyler Blanket...

or for NYOBE blocks.

Review: Jamie Possum Paints DK

Something I really like: Matt Smith in Doctor Who!

Forthcoming events: the General Election on 6th May - make sure you are registered to vote here; Wonderwool Wales on 24th & 25th April 2010 at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys.

Episode 8: Make, Do and Knit

Hello from the Plain! This episode I celebrate my own making and doing and talk about the recent Make, Do and Knit event from Liverpool. On my needles, hooks and spindle: I finished seaming the stripy sweater... and the missing bear... I finished crocheting blocks for NYOBE Round 5: and I finished spinning the Shetland Top and then plied it: Make, Do and Knit, Liverpool A lovely relaxed atmosphere at the show, from the Blue Coat School at Liverpool (exterior and interior shots of the chapel).

Did you spot the cobweb? There was a chance to see the Knitted Poem, although not in all its unrolled glory!

Upcoming Events: In reverse order: Woolly Wormhead at Fibre & Clay, Knutsford, July 17th/18th; Wonderwool Wales, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys, April 24th & 25th Dr Who!!!! BBC1, 6.20pm, Saturday 3rd April

Links: Electric Sheep; CogKNITive Podcast; Mother Bear Project; Purlesque; Poetry Society; Kraft Koala; Babylonglegs; Fyberspates; Natural Dye Studio; Jamie Possum ; Just Call Me Ruby.

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

There's now a Ravelry group for the podcast, which can be found here. Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Episode 7: Indie Girl

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

Episode 6: Incoherence

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

Episode 5 (repost): Citius, Altius, Fortius

Apologies for the Gremlins in the first attempt to upload this episode. Hello from an almost spring-like Cheshire Plain! Today I talk about the Ravelympics and the Knitting Olympics, review my first full mitten pattern and squee over 9 foot of striped novelty yarn: On the Hooks and Needles: For the Ravelympics I've been working on the Chocolate Stripe tunic/dress from Knitting Noro by Jane Ellison... ... and my Poshman Mittens, David Schulz's Northman Mittens in two colours of Posh Yarn Emily.

I've also been producing 12x12 inch squares for the fifth round of NYOBE (Not Your Ordinary Block Exchange), but I have no photos yet as most aren't finished, and produced these two squares for a Schuyler Blanket in memory of Juan.

Review: Northman Mittens by David Schulz of Southern Cross Fibre

Something I really like: Independent hand-dyed yarns. What makes your heart sing? Let me know!

Links: Life as a Nuurdy Girl podcast

Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage)

Woolly Thoughts Posh Yarn The Knitting Goddess

Krafty Koala

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

Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Episode 4: Scrum!

Hello from a sunny Cheshire! In this episode I talk about the danger of discounts, hopes for Spring and how 70,000 people can make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. On the Hooks and Needles: Sparkly Monkeys are done! Hurrah!! I've also completed three blocks for my Shuyler Blanket and cast on a new pair of socks (no photos yet).

Something I really like: RBS Six Nations Rugby!

Links: NYOBE; The Fancy Yarn Specialists (can't find a Web link, maybe the sign said "Fancy Yarn Co.", they do offer a mail order service 01944 711616) ; CogKNITive Podcast The Black Sheep Schuyler Blanket Project (Ravelry group and webpage). Posh Yarn Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) Feel free to leave a comment here or at www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain. Nic

Episode 3: Parcels, parcels!

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

Promo

A promo for the podcast!

Episode 2: Baby, It's Cold Out There!

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

Episode 1

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