Yarns from the Plain

By Nic

Yarns from the Plain episodes

June 10, 2012 Episode 52: Media Storm
Just a brief episode to bring listeners up to speed on developments with the Woolsack project. There has been a lot of media coverage this week, so I thought I would round it up for you.... oh and brag about meeting the GB Women's Watr Polo squad in Manchester!
That's me, lurking at the back, third in from the right (the pink's almost washed out in this shot), along with most of the squad and six cushion makers from Tattenhall, near Chester. The squad loved their cushions!
These cuties were made by Chloe Wilcox's mum, and the girls love them!
Upcoming Events:
Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012
Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012
Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012
Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012
Links
Woolsack
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.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).
TTFN,
Nic
23 min
June 05, 2012 Episode 51: Jubilee!
Hello from a bunting-bedecked Cheshire Plain. In this episode I provide a few updates, sympathise with elderly people stood in the rain and consider the quandry of when a Union Jack is not a Union Jack.

Works in Progress
I finished the weaving on the Ashford Knitter's Loom with Bute from Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Now I just need to cut and sew the pieces together.

I've also finished the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. Here they are blocking.

I've also been crocheting the listeners' squares together using crab stitch.
Something I Really Like
Bunting!

Upcoming Events:
Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012
Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012
Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012
Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012

Links
Woolsack

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.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN, Nic
25 min
May 07, 2012 Episode 50: Gold?
Hello from a sunny Cheshire Plain! In this episode I reflect on my lack of productivity, review a new toy and ‘fess up on my purchases at Wonderwool Wales.

Works in Progress

A little bit of work on the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. I also warped up my new loom with Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Sorry for the lack of pictures.

Woolsack Haul
Some Polworth from EasyKnits (and some Falkland for my friend); a Manx Laughtan fleece; some Torddu from Sheepfold and some Dazzle HT from Natural Dye Studio to make a Millicent. The photo I have is rather badly lit, I'll try and sort it and get it up later.
Review
12” Ashford Knitter’s Loom with carry bag
Something I Really Like
The Draw Something app on my phone.

Upcoming Events:

Woolfest at Mitchelss, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012

Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012

Links
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.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).

TTFN, Nic
26 min
April 23, 2012 Episode 49: Get Stuffed!
Hello from the Plain, where we're being bombarded with April showers! This is a short episode to sum up after the Woolsack stuffing event. I'd love to show you pictures, but Blogger AND Podbean are both playing up. You'll just have to go look on the Cheshire Guild WSD group thread instead. ;)
Upcoming Events:
Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April.
Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012
Links
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
16 min
April 15, 2012 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
26 min
April 09, 2012 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
1 hr 29 min
April 04, 2012 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
37 min
March 31, 2012 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
34 min
March 31, 2012 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
34 min
March 23, 2012 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
16 min

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