Episode 35: Can you teach an old knitter new tricks?

In this episode of the podcast, we review Tracey Todhunter’s new book, Women’s Weekly Guide to Crochet, which is inspiring us to pick up our hooks. Along with the usual - shout-outs, chat about what we’ve been working on, upcoming events and a very special announcement!

Shout outs, news, events: 

Shout to all the regulars and new faces at our knit night who took over three tables in the pub this week, and thanks for everyone’s yarn show tips!

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last episode of the podcast, and congratulations to our giveaway winner of CC Almon’s book Coffee With CC – Clare! 

News and events:

18-24 April: Makers for Fashion Revolution photo challenge hosted by Karie Westermann, aka Kariebookish, on Instagram. The idea behind the challenge is to get conversation happening within the making community about where our clothes come from. 

21 April: A Yarn Story is bringing their Shibui Mix Party to Omnibus, in Clapham. This one-off special event will give you a chance to learn more about the Shibui Mix Concept and try out their various yarns to create your own personalized textures for your knits. Space is limited but tickets are still available for £15, a portion of which will be credited to any yarn purchases made on the evening. 

23-24 April: Wonderwool Wales in Builth Wells. 

30 April- 1 May: The annual Knitter’s Folic in Toronto! 

30 April: Wooltastic Mini Pop-Up Wool Show, Walton Village Hall, Cumbria.

30 April: Yarn Shop Day - show your love for your local Yarn Shop by popping in to see what they have. In Manchester, Brit Yarn will be having a special pop-up at the Countess Ablaze studio. In Bath, A Yarn Story will have a yarn tasting of all their Fibre Co. yarns and will have a world-exclusive of The Fibre Co.’s newest yarn, Arranmore! 

7 May: Wharfe Wool Fair, Ilkley

21 May: Highland Wool and Textile Fair, Dingwall Mart

21-22 May: Baa Baa Bazaar at the Shepley Spring Festival, Shepley.

UK Fibre and Yarn Events group on Ravelry.

What we’re working on:

Rachel is working on the Crocheted Starburst Baby Blanket by Sara Rivka, and the Coffee Date shawl by C. C. Almon. In finished objects, she's blocked the world's largest shawl (Freshwater Shawl from the last podcast), and finished her latest shawl design. 

Allison finished Your Mileage May Vary by Joanne Scrace and finished spinning her Porpoise Fur fibre club from January resulting in 138 yards of worsted weight yarn. She’s now back to working her way through her WIPs and on a couple of baby and toddler sweaters. 

Book review: Women’s Weekly Guide to Crochet by Tracey Todhunter 

Tracy Todhunter, a long time crochet designer and teacher, has a new book out that is perfect for those, like us, who are not the most accomplished crocheters. Great photos, tutorials and tips for all! You can find it on Amazon UK and in your local yarn store. It's also available in the US, as Crochet: Learn It. Love It.

Wonderful Wonderwool (and other Yarn Show) Tips 

At our most recent Knit Night, we asked for tips from our compatriots on how they get ready for wool shows, and we share their thoughts with you.

And speaking of yarn shows… 

We have a big announcement: the Yarnporium is coming!!!! All the details that are currently available are here, and stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks. If you are interested in vending at the Yarnporium, more information is here, and if you'd like to volunteer, there's information here.

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Please let us know what you think through comments on the show notes, send us an email at [email protected] or via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can find us on iTunes or Stitcher Radio (and please consider leaving a review for us!), or download us directly from the Yarn in the City website.  

On Wednesday nights you can find us at knit night at The Goat on the Rise pub on Battersea Rise, close to Clapham Junction station in SW London. We meet from 7pm to around 10pm. The food is great and the knitters are friendly. Join us! 

Music (all available on NoiseTrade):Sunstroke - WylderOffer Up My Love - Midnight PilotThe Good Life - Midnight Pilot