CH 198: Lots of KAL News and The Tchaikovsky Hat and Mitts

Today's podcast is a roundup of what's going on in the Curious Handmade KAL world, with stories from Knitvent so far and a bit of chat about my current knitting queue! Show Sponsors: Alongside an eclectic yarn range, which includes Hazel Knits, Icelandic Lopi & CoopKnits, we stock a carefully chosen selection of needles and notions. We’ve also recently launched ‘hand dyed by meadowyarn’, our very own in-house, hand-dyed yarn range. Working in our tiny dye studio, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, we are able to indulge our love of colour, producing complex tonal, kettle-dyed shades across a range of weights and bases. With regular updates our collections evolve and grow, inspired by the landscape and people around us. AYS is a wool boutique specializing in hand dyed yarns and luxury fibres from around the world. You’ll always find a well curated collection of yarns and colors on the shelves and a friendly knowledgeable staff on hand. Some of our favorite brands include Hedgehog Fibres, SweetGeorgia Yarn, Julie Asselin, Shibui Knits and The Fibre Co. You can find A Yarn Story on Walcot Street in Bath or online at www.ayarnstory.co.uk Show Links The Knitvent 2017 Collection Norah George Yarn Herbstblatt Regina Yarn   Yesterday we saw behind the third Knitvent window, and there were two patterns there! The Tchaikovsky Hat and matching Tchaikovsky Mitts! Tchaikovsky’s music is unapologetically emotional and emotionally irresistible The Nutcracker score contains moments of soaring joy, exquisite tenderness, rippling humour and even a hint of menace. Tchaikovsky himself was tremendously introverted and famously shy, but his music never holds anything back. Critics didn’t always appreciate this fearless creativity: the first reviews of The Nutcracker were famously bad. But the audiences loved him and his wholehearted music, and we still do. From the first notes of the overture to the last triumphant flourish, we are transfixed. Named in honour of this great composer, the Tchaikovsky Mitts feature a sweet and simple texture which will allow your most exuberant skeins to shine. They are designed to pair perfectly with the Tchaikovsky Hat. Dk weight yarn means they’re a quick and enjoyable knit, even when you think you’re behind on the holiday knitting. The cosy mitts come in two sizes, child and adult, and are easily adjustable to the perfect width and length. Beyond The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky composed the scores for two more of the world’s most beloved ballets: Sleeping Beauty and, of course, Swan Lake. In each of these ballets, Tchaikovsky’s unabashed genius for emotional nuance takes centre stage. The almost heartbreakingly beautiful music is brought to life by the dancers and we are swept into the story. It is probably this emotional accessibility which makes all three Tchaikovsky ballets perennial fixtures for ballet companies around the world. Forming a perfect Pas de Deux with the Tchaikovsky Mitts, this lovely hat is another tribute to our legendary composer. The Tchaikovsky Hat is a super fast knit using DK weight yarn and a fun, simple texture which will highlight the glories of your favourite skeins. It’s a great stash buster. This slightly slouchy beanie looks good on everyone: women, men and children. With four sizes to choose from, it’s a beautiful fast gift that can fill up several spaces on your list. Meadow Yarn Fell Circus Tonic Handmade La Bien Aimee Toft Alpaca The Shawl Society Season II Collection We have a winner of the final Shawl Society Mini KAL for the Familiar Shawl ruthbuchanan please contact me to arrange your prize! Tundra by The Fibre Company The Shawl Society Grand KAL will end on Tuesday December 5th TSS Collage Thread to post your collage of 5 or 6 shawls from this season to qualify for the Grand Prize I will also draw a winner from each of the FO Threads! Surprise Party Shawl