Today I'm talking about what I'm knitting, giftingzen and the simple life. I also announce the winner of my giveaway of Kate Atherley’s newly released book, Pattern Writing for Knit Designers Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. What's in the WIP? Candlelit Shawl in Skein Australia Merino Cashmere A monster from Rebecca Danger's fab book The Big Book of Knitted Monsters: Mischievous, Lovable Toys And a big blanket for my husband for Christmas (...ish) #GiftingZen The the Knitvent designs are all available as single patterns now. I have a holiday coupon code available until Sunday 28 December - you can get a FREE pattern if you put three of my patterns in your cart (3 for 2 offer) with the code HAPPYHOLS342 I announce winners for the Knitvent Knitalong. The date for posting your finished objects on the Ravelry thread has been extended until Sunday 28 December. There are some fabulous prize sponsors for the KAL including Eden Cottage Yarns Fringe Supply Co The Simple Life  My word of the year for 2015 is Simplify Sponsors Please visit Meadow Yarn to see the delightful range of yarns and notions they have available. I am also a Craftsy affiliate so if you are purchasing courses or yarn from Craftsy it will help support the podcast if you click through from this ad:

Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. #GiftingZen The final Knitvent 2014 pattern was released this week, the Ice Skating Scarf ad Wrap. iCord edging video tutorial by Very Pink Knits The Madeline Tosh Vintage yarn for the Wrap Version is available from show sponsor Meadow Yarn. Book Review I do a review of Kate Atherley's new Book Pattern Writing for Knit Designers (everything you didn’t know you needed to know) The ebook is available from Kate's blog Wise Hilda for US$25 I highly recommend this book to anyone who is designing and writing knitting patterns for hand knitters. Kate also has a really great Craftsy class - Blocking Handknits with Kate Atherley - I  talked about the topic of blocking on the podcast in Episode 13. To win this eBook, leave a comment on this post by Tuesday 16 December and let me know why you would like to have a copy of Kate's book, Pattern Writing for Knit Designers (everything you didn’t know you needed to know) (sponsored link) Shop Craftsy's Stuff your Stocking Flash Sale now! Enjoy special savings on popular yarn, sewing and quilting products and get it in time for Christmas. But act fast because this limited supply won't last! Offer expires at midnight on December 12th, 2014 at 11:59 PM MT.

This week I'm talking about the 4th Knitvent pattern - the Adorn Gift Bags, some tips for knitting them and ideas for things to put in them from the Curious Handmade community. Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. #GiftingZen Knitvent 2014 window 4 opened to reveal the Adorn Gift Bags It comes in two styles A and B. Some techniques used in these bags: Magic Loop Kitchener stitch (grafting) - I've always used this Knitty Tutorial for kitchener but I also saw this TECHknitting one that also looks good. or 3 needle bind off - Written instructions or Video tutorial How to knit an  i-cord Adding Beads to your knitting with a Crochet Hook Libby of Truly Myrtle blog - her thoughts on 9" circular needles. Thank you to YAK for including the Lind Cowl in your Pattern Round up on the YAK blog and for the alternative yarn suggestion of Bessie May Grace. I can't wait to share my Betty Etiquette printable gift tags with you! They will be gifted to everyone on my newsletter list or anyone who has purchased Knitvent 2014 next week!! You can buy her gorgeous unique Christmas and other gift cards here. She uses the most beautiful card and printing for her designs. Meadow Yarn have gorgeous stitch markers and other lovely notions (not to mention the yarn) and this weekend they are having a 20% off sale! Just use code celebratesmall Knitvent 2014 KAL Don't forget to post your finished object in the thread and join in the chat on the Curious Handmade board on Ravelry to be in with a chance to win fab prizes. Join in the Knitvent Podcast tour with: Knitgirllls Knittng Pipeline A Playful Day Yarniacs Skein Studio 2 Knit Lit Chicks Events I went to a talk by Wool and the Gang at the Apple Store. A Playful Day - #MEalong Pom Pom Quarterly Christmas Party This week I'm curious to know what knit alongs you are participating or know about happening at the moment? And don't forget to play the Curious Handmade Instagram game!!  

Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. What's in the WIP? Still working on secret design knitting. Paper snowflakes - fab tutorial that kids can do - How to make paper snowflakes tutorial #GiftingZen Week 3 Knitvent pattern - Crisp and Even Cowl Leave a comment on the pattern page above and let me know who you would make this for to go in the draw for a ball of Rowan Creative Focus Worsted (by Sunday 30 Nov) Milla Mia Knitting cables WITH a cable needle (front cross) Knitting Cables WITHOUT a cable needle Join in the Knitvent KAL over here on Curious Handmade board on Ravelry. There is going to be an Eden Cottage Yarn shop update this weekend which will include some BFL sock. And Eden Cottage Yarn is going to sponsor the Knitvent Jingle Bells Grand Prize!! Non-Guilty Pleasures Did you see that A Playful Day SSSalong has been renamed #MEalong? It made me think about the book I'm reading at the moment The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown and how being a little bit selfish isn't necessarily a bad thing. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, gratitude, #MEalong and #zengifting I chat about some little things that I'm planning on "indulging" in. Drink more water - its really nice with a squeeze of fresh lemon Do 5 minutes of breathing in a quiet space (or in a queue at the post office) Declutter a space in your house – even just one space or surface Delete those sale emails and don’t even click on them! Do one little annoying job that you’ve been putting off. Pee when you need to Call a friend – remember how we used to pick up the phone and talk to people? Reclaim the phone! Take some things off your plate and say "no" to more things. Maybe start or revive a a gratitude practice such as a journal or a visual one e.g. 100 happy days AND enjoy and savour your knitting regardless of whether you are knitting gifts or something for yourself. I'm curious about what are your non-guilty pleasures and tips? Leave a comment below on the blog by Wednesday 3 December and let me know and I will give away a gorgeous skein of yarn to a commenter.

Today I'm talking about knitting in the round because the second Knitvent pattern, the Lind Cowl is knit in the round. Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. What's in the WIP? I'm doing some secret knitting and listening to some wonderful podcasts: Skein Studio by Kristen Knit FM  #giftingzen The second pattern in the Knitvent 2014 collection was released this week. Lind Cowl I talk about knititng in the round. Here are two good YouTube tutorials with slightly different methods. Nancy Wynn iknitwithcatfur Knitvent Podcast Tour Kicked off this week with The Knit Girllls Knitting Pipeline This weekend you can listen to GreenTriangleGirl and I chatting about our approach to holiday knitting on A Playful Day. More dates to be announced! All the podcasts on the tour will have discount codes and giveaways so make sure you check them out.

Talking about holiday gift knitting and some indie yarn I have in the stash. Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. What's in the WIP? Dream Big Collection....Complete! Eden Fells Scarf Eden Fells Hat 3 for 2 Offer on Ravelry with coupon code DBPARTY until Sunday 9 November Jill Draper Makes Stuff Hudson madelinetosh Vintage Yarn Love A Fine Fish Yarn - Fair Folk colour Cast On Cast Off - Kirsty is based in Australia Shamu Makes Eden Cottage Yarn Gifting Zen #giftingzen I'm participating in the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long on Ravelry starting Thursday 13 November. You can see my designs that will be 25% off as part of the event on my designer page. Some great gift knitting patterns there :-) Knitvent 2014 will be starting next week! The Festive Mystery Knit Along returns! Join in each week as we take the stress out of holiday knitting and cheer each other on with Knitvent 2014. Each week another pattern is revealed which is perfect for either a gift or your own selfish desires. The collection will feature 5 accessory patterns with each pattern offering a choice of at least two sizes or tips on how to modify them. It's time to release that special skein from your stash to lavish on someone you love, even if that someone is you! Still undecided? Join in the KnitVent 2014 chatter and fun with our Ravelry group, inspirational blog posts and a newlsetter packed full of discounts and goodies, thanks to the Curious Handmade seasonal challenge. You can sign up here for the free Holiday Knitting Planner and Knitvent updates Let the Curious Handmade community help you get your knitting #giftingzen on this holiday season.

Today I'm talking about our trip up NORTH to the Eden Valley, what I was knitting on the trip and I announce the winners of the Curious Collective DKAL. Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. What's in the WIP Knitting "up NORTH" Bobble Hats - My free pattern Dream Big The last two designs in the Dream Big collection coming out next week will be the Eden Fells Hat and Scarf The model is the lovely Mattieu and photography by Vicki. Christmas Gift Knitting ideas If you would like to get organised and plan your knitting projects for the holiday season you can signup for my free Holiday Knitting planner. You will also be signing up for my mailing list and will get updates for the Knitvent collection and quite possibly some nice discounts! Some girls cardigan suggestions -  Sunday Sweater by Ginny Sheller  - suggested by Libby of Truly Myrtle blog Miss Marple by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne - suggested by marynvoight Other holiday knitting ideas -  3 Gnomes suggested by PrairiePoppins New shawl design by BostonJen from Down Cellar Podcast, the Aila Grace Shawl As always....don't forget to play the Instagram game!

Talking about initial planning for Christmas knitting and newly published Knitsonik book. Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. Holiday Knitting Planning Am looking at these patterns for Sophie and Lexie for Christmas cardigans. I really want to participate in the Double Knit Cardi Party! Granny's favourite Mini Manu Book Review Knitsonik Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook

  I’m talking about colour theory in the 10,000 hours segment and how it can help knitters choose yarn for multicoloured projects. Show Sponsor - Meadow Yarn Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It's a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, Hazel Knits and many more. 10,000 Hours - Colour Theory I'm definitely not an expert on colour theory but I wanted to share a few tips that I have learnt recently that might really help you with colour choices for knitting projects. There are some gorgeous multicoloured projects around such as Veera Valimaki's Colour Affection shawl and of course lots of Stephen West’s shawls and garments including his new mystery shawl. Does anyone else have as much trouble as I do choosing colour combinations for these type of projects? Back in June I did a Colour Theory class with Amy Hendrix founder of madelinetosh and it really ignited my interest in colour theory. I have always LOVED colour on a kind of emotional and intuitive level but having even just a tiny amount of theory is proving to be invaluable. My prompt for talking about this today is the Global Nomad pieces from the Dream Big Collection. Back in May I released the Global Nomad Cowl and this week I released the Global Nomad Handwarmers both in grey and yellow (grello!) and both knit in madelinetosh yarn Global Nomad Cowl was knit in madelinetosh tosh sock Composition Book Grey and Chamomile Global Nomad Handwarmers were knit in madelinetosh tosh DK (bought recently from our sponsor Meadow Yarn shop in Charcoal and Winter Wheat Colour theory definitions Hue = “colour” e.g.  yellow and red Hues mixed with white are tints, those mixed with grey are tones, and those mixed with black are shades. Value = Lightness and darkness Trick is to take a picture in greyscale on your phone. If you have an iphone there are three different B&W filters and after some research I think that the mono is best to use. Saturation = the purity of a colour Hues mixed with white are tints, those mixed with grey are tones, and those mixed with black are shades. Resources mentioned: Colour Theory with Jared - Jared Flood on the Brooklyn Tweed blog Colourlovers - a colour community and has some fun tools. Color: A Natural History of the Palette Knitty article Knit FM Episode 9 Hanna Fettig and Pam Allen talk about choosing colours for the Quince and Co yarn lines DKAL Announcement If you’re participating in the Curious Collective DKAL – don’t forget to post your finished shawl by this Sunday 19th October. And I’ll be drawing for the prizes next week. The sponsor is Juno Fibre Arts. Are you on Instagram yet? Join in the fun and the amazing yarny knitting community there! Play the instagram game and tag me with a pic of where you’re watching the podcast.

This week I'm answering a listener question about how I juggle designing with family life. What's in the WIP? A lot of secret knitting. Next Dream Big pattern will be released next week. Next week is the last week of the Curious Collective DKAL. The Simple Life - a listener question Today I'm answering a question from TanyaMarie who hosts the Sampler Girl podcast about how I balance design and knitting time with my family life. Giveaway Stay tuned to the end of the show as I draw the lucky winner of the madelinetosh Prairie yarn from commenters on last week's episode. Thanks so much to everyone who commented. Don't forget to play the Instagram game!

I'm talking to my special guest and good friend Vicki Hillman, fashion stylist about the trends in knitwear for the Autumn/Winter 2014 season. Trends we discussed: Sweater Dresses Pinterest board: Sweater Dresses Chunky Hats and Scarves and Texture Pinterest board: Chunky Hats and Scarves Knitted Trousers Pinterest board: Knitted Trousers Fabulous fluffy pom poms can be found at TOFT Alpaca Giveaway AlpakkaAnna’s comment about holiday knitting got me thinking about how many of us, me included love to knit gifts for family and friends but often find it a bit of a challenge. I am planning a wonderful Knitvent collection for you again this year so I’m really curious this week to know – What is it about gift/holiday knitting that you find most difficult? Anyone who leaves a comment below by 9 October 2014 to help me understand the challenges of holiday knitting will go in the draw for a skien of divine Madeline Tosh Prairie in the Posy colour. This is the yarn I used to knit my Cloud Wrap with.

What’s in the WIP?, an update on the Curious Collective knit along and a recap about the Great London Yarn Crawl I went on last weekend. Thank you for all your lovely comments and feedback about my interview with Jemilla Robertson founder of Fellow Dreamers last week. Please have a look at her Fellow Dreamers Kickstarter page - even if its just to have a look at the lovely video she put together for the campaign. What's in the WIP? Cloud Wrap from the Dream Big Collection - just launched. Socks with "Mind the Gap" yarn from Trailing Clouds Curious Collective DKAL The Curious Collective DKAL is in Week 3 and we are aiming for 60% completion mark by this Sunday 28 September. There are some gorgeous finished shawls already posted in the FO thread on the Curious Handmade Rav Board. All the Tribes are represented! Don't forget to post on social media with the #CCDKAL to be in the running for the Social Media Maven prize. The Great London Yarn Crawl The Great London Yarn Crawl A Playful Day - post about Refuge and video of Patrick Stewart talking passionately about his support for the charity Nest Prick Your Finger Wild and Woolly Pom Pom Quarterly Party Thank you so much to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers and my lovely BFL team mates for a wonderful day out. We have a GIVEAWAY!! To win the two Silver Screen Knits books by Kathleen Lawton-Trask just leave a comment below telling us what your favourite local yarn store (LYS) is. ETA: I've now drawn a winner ....listen to Episode 44 of the podcast to see if you won! Thank you so much to Kathleen and to the lovely Sadie who is Whitehart on Ravelry for donating her door prize to the give away.

I'm talking to Jemilla Robertson, Fashion Designer and founder of Fellow Dreamers, an ethical and sustainable lingerie and loungewear label. We chat about why she started Fellow Dreamers, the ethical fair pay workshop in India where embroiderers create the artisan embellishments on her garments and her hopes for Fellow Dreamers to grow and help even more disadvantaged women. Links from the episode: Fellow Dreamers Website Fellow Dreamers Kickstarter Campaign Where you can see the beautiful video and more details of the embroidery in progress and the gorgeous lingerie and loungewear that Jemilla designed. Team of Artisan Embroiderers in India Fellow Dreamers Vivienne Playsuit

Talking about What's in the WIP, an update about the Curious Collective DKAL and the Great London Yarn Crawl. Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. Announcement about the closure of Juno Fibre Arts. What's in the WIP? I've finished the sample for the August Dream Big design. It is a oblong wrap in lace weight yarn. I'm using MadelineTosh Prairie. I hope to have this pattern out in the next week. I'm working on a new collection - Knitvent 2014. To get inspired I made a collage style mood board and I talk about how I made it on the show. You can see it in the title image above. I also pulled out a whole bunch of yarn from the stash to see what I already have that fits in with the theme of the mood board. The theme is "more is more" which was a headline I saw on the latest issue of Living Etc (one of my all time fave home mags here in the UK) Curious Collective 2014 DKAL The knit along for the Curious Collective 2014 shawl is well underway. You can read more about the KAL and Tribes in this post here. Use #CCDKAL on social media for entries into the Social Media Maven prize. I share some tips about knitting the shawl. Events I will be attending the Great London Yarn Crawl on 20 September in London. It is for a great cause - the charity Refuge.   Thank you to all my lovely listeners for tuning in and a huge thank you for your iTunes Reviews - they make such a big difference to being discovered on iTunes by other knitters.

I’m back in London after a long break in Australia and Asia. Its back to school for kids in the UK this week so its been a flurry of new shoes and sewing labels on uniforms. Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. What's in the WIP? I'm working on the August Dream Big design. It is a oblong wrap in lace weight yarn. I'm using MadelineTosh Prairie. It will be a similar shape to Clapotis by Kate Gilbert from Knitty 2004! Curious Collective 2014 Shawl I'm very excited to announce that the pattern for the Curious Collective 2014 shawl will be released on Monday 8 September. The Knit Along for the shawl will also start on Monday and run until 17 October. You can read all about the Choose Your Tribe theme for the knit along on the blog post here. To join a tribe just nominate which tribe you would like to join here on the Curious Handmade Ravelry thread. The categories for the Curious Collective KAL are as follows and there will be some fabulous prizes: Finished Object – Random selection Prize for random draw from FO thread in Ravelry. Finished Object – Best Styled FO Prize for the best styled shawl in keeping with the theme of the Tribe. Social Media Maven Prize Shout outs for the Curious Collective DKAL posted on Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram with the hashtag #CCDKAL will go into the draw for a special prize. Use the following Tribe hashtags for some friendly competition between the tribes! #CCDKAL #spacechictribe #frenchvintagetribe #englishrosetribe #enchantedforesttribe #artdecotribe You can still buy the yet-to-be-released pattern here for 50% OFF:   This week I'm curious about... What you would like to hear more of on future episodes of the podcasts? More interviews? Who with? Any segments you love that you want more of? Let me know in the comments. Play the Instagram game! Take a picture of where you are listening to the podcast or what you are knitting and tag me #curioushandmadepodcast

I'm recording from Australia and working on the Curious Collective 2014 design. Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. Global Nomad I'm recording from the Sunshine Coast in Australia this week and its the last week of our trip. Some good Australian TV I've been enjoying: Australian Story Who do you think you are? What's in the WIP? Curious Collective 2014 Shawl I'm working busily on designing the Curious Collective 2014 shawl. I'm nearly finished the design and am hoping to have the pattern released by late August, maybe early September. You can read all about the Choose Your Tribe theme for the knit along on the blog post here. To join a tribe just nominate which tribe you would like to join here on the Curious Handmade Ravelry thread. You can buy the yet-to-be-released pattern here for 50% off: Pebble Beach Shawlette The Pebble Beach KAL is finished and I announce the prize winners. The prizes are sponsored by Kettle Yarn Co and Curious Handmade. If you sign up to the Kettle Yarn Co newsletter you'll receive a 10% discount off your first order.

I'm travelling in Australia and visit Tangled Yarns in Brisbane and am still hosting several fun knit alongs. Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. Global Nomad I'm reporting from the Sunshine Coast in Australia this week. I visit Tangled Yarns in Brisbane and meet some lovely friends Julia 9Crafty11 and Deanne Mrs Ramjet who is a crochet designer. I love Deanne's Blosem crochet blanket pattern. I bought some gorgeous beads and stitch markers! So cute!! What's in the WIP? Curious Collective 2014 Shawl I'm working busily on designing the Curious Collective 2014 shawl. You can read all about the Choose Your Tribe theme for the knit along on the blog post here. To join a tribe just nominate which tribe you would like to join here on the Curious Handmade Ravelry thread. You can buy the yet-to-be-released pattern here for 50% off: Pebble Beach Shawlette Pebble Beach Shawlette in Skein Australia Yarn - I'm up to about 30% The Pebble Beach KAL is in week 4 and will finish on Sunday 10 August. The prizes are sponsored by Kettle Yarn Co and Curious Handmade. If you sign up to the Kettle Yarn Co newsletter you'll receive a 10% discount off your first order. Velvet Rose Shawl The winner of the KAL is DebrisUK. Congratulations Deb! Dream Big 2014 The next pattern in the Dream Big collection is now released. It is the Sunburst Shawl knit in Kettle Yarn Co Islington in the Blighty colourway.  

This week I'm recording from Australia. I'm talking a little bit about our travels and various Curious Handmade knit alongs happening at the moment. Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. Global Nomad I'm recording from the Sunshine Coast in Australia this week. I've brought the girls over for a couple of weeks for their summer holidays and to spend time with my family. We're enjoying the nature in the area and the kids are enjoying looking out for local birdlife and ticking off their sightings in their Young Birders' Birding Booklets from Birdlife Australia. I was given a lovely birthday gift from my sister of some handpainted mohair and merino lace weight yarn from Touch Yarns in New Zealand. And also some local Alpaca yarn from Mum and Dad that I need to investigate further. What's in the WIP? Pebble Beach Shawlette Pebble Beach Shawlette in Skein Australia Yarn - I'm up to about 25% The Pebble Beach KAL is in week 3 and the goal by Sunday 3 August is 75%. There are some good notes on making your Pebble Beach shawl larger on these lovely projects: KnittingFiona MarilynA Chellieanne ToryJaneKnits Velvet Rose Shawl Just one week left of the KAL to be in the running to win a skein of Wollmeise lace. Curious Collective 2014 Shawl I announced the Tribes for the Curious Collective 2014 knit along. You can read more about it on the blog post here. There was an update for Juno Alice yarn on 31 July and there is still some Alice in the Juno Etsy shop if you would like to use the same yarn as the sample. You can buy the yet-to-be-released pattern here for 50% off: Dream Big 2014 The next pattern in the Dream Big collection is nearly ready for release. It is the Sunburst Shawl knit in Kettle Yarn Co Islington in the Blighty olourway. Here is a sneak peak of the shawl.

Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. What's in the WIP? A little bit of sewing - a project pouch for Deb (her wonderful write up of Unwind is on her blog here. A new (extra glamorous) shawl design for the July pattern Dream Big Collection - currently being test knit. Unwind Brighton Recap I attended Unwind Brighton a couple of weeks ago. Highlights included: The weather and location in and around the Brighton Dome. It was sunny and being by the seaside felt like being on holiday. Meeting people was a major highlight. I caught up with some good friends from my knitting group and people I knew online including podcast listeners and new friends. I also spoke to a couple of knitting celebrities including the lovely Joji Locatelli. My two classes with Amy Hendrix of MadelineTosh and Åsa Tricosa who is a very talented designer. Podcaster meetup Here is a very cheery gang of UK podcasters and thanks to one of my lovely listeners Chloe for this photo! Casting on Pebble Beach in the Pavilion Gardens We had a lovely spot under the trees and a group of us gathered and started our Pebble Beach shawls. I cast on mine using some divine Skein Australia Merino Cashmere in the Sea Salt colourway. Thank you to suddgummi, littleyellowuke, lumpyjumperlady, ruthrabbit, aspellofwinter, amaknitter, snailgarden, tinkhickman for joining us in the gardens. The Marketplace I was very honoured to have my shawls displayed on the stands of two brilliant UK indie dyers, Juno Fibre Arts and Kettle Yarn Co. True Brit Knits Eden Cottage Yarns Juno Fibre Arts Kettle Yarn Co Thank you SO much to the brilliant Dani and her fabulous team for putting on such a wonderful fibre event in Brighton. Knit Along Updates Velvet Rose Shawl KAL Going until 8 August Sponsored by the Curious Stash with a skein of Wollmeise lace. Prize for randomly selected FO Pebble Beach Shawlette KAL Sponsored by Kettle Yarn Co and the Curious stash Prizes for: Randomly selected FO Curious Handmade Favourite FO Social Media Maven #pebblebeachKAL Curious Collective DKAL Voting is live for Week 4: What border do you want on the shawl? Sponsored by Juno Fibre Arts I will announce more details about the knit along segment of this project next week. Let's just say - there are going to be Tribes and its going to be awesome!! You can buy the pattern here On holidays in Gascony This episode is recorded in Gascony, France where I'm on holidays with my family and wonderful knitting friend Loba. (she is also a designer and has a super cute kids pattern in Arimisu that featured on last week's episode - it is a small knitting world!!) Have an awesome week!!

I have a wonderful guest interview for you this week with Meri Tanaka of Amirisu magazine from Japan. This is the last in my series of interviews from Squam. I’m HellsBells on Ravelry, and CuriousHandmade on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. Interview with Meri Tanaka, co-founder of Amirisu Magazine Meri Tanaka together with her business partner Tokuko Ochiai are the founders and editors of Amirisu magazine. Tokuko also has some stunning knitting designs available on Ravelry including the Yane sweater in BT Wool People 7. Here are some photos of Meri and Tokuko enjoying Squam and the cover of their latest issue of Amirisu. Events Curious Collective DKAL Pebble Beach KAL #pebblebeachKAL

Today I'm catching up with What's in the WIP, Events and knit along news. I've launched a new design, the Georgie Baby Blanket as part of the Dream Big collection and am getting very excited about Unwind Brighton happening this weekend. Thank you to my show sponsor: Juno Fibre Arts is an artisan yarn and fibre company producing a unique hand dyed collection of yarns and spinning fibres for handknits, spinning, felting and weaving. The Juno studio is located in the grounds of an old, working farm in rural Devon, surrounded by British countryside and the range draws inspiration from its stunning pastoral setting. Juno yarn is dyed in small and exclusive batches and is available in limited editions on the Juno Arts Etsy shop so look out for the monthly shop updates towards the end of each month. What's in the WIP Custom Fit Pullover Custom Fit - "CustomFit makes custom patterns for hand-knit sweaters. It takes your choices, your body, and your hand-knit fabric and produces a pattern perfectly suited to you." I haven't cast on this yet but have been stalking Custom Fit projects. Erin and Jessica mention Custom Fit in their recent Double Knit episode 93 I'm keen to delve more into Amy Herzog's Knit to Flatter course on Craftsy and join in with the Knitting Pipeline Craftsy KAL. (Please note - I am a Craftsy Affiliate and the above is an affiliate link) Georgie Baby Blanket The Georgie Baby Blanket is the June pattern for the Dream Big collection and was released this week. Georgie is an easy baby blanket or throw in a fresh modern style. You can buy it on Ravelry here. Curious Collective DKAL Week 1 of the Curious Collective 2014 is now live. Join in the DKAL on the Curious Handmade Ravelry board here. You can buy the pattern here: The yarn for the Curious Collective 2014 shawl is Juno Fibre Arts Alice sock weight. Unwind Brighton - this weekend! Pebble Beach Shawlette We will be kicking off the KAL for the Pebble Beach shawlette at Brighton so bring some 4mm (US 6) needles along. Juno Fibre Arts Juno Fibre Arts will also be in the marketplace and I will have a “mini trunk show” at the stand of my designs knit in Juno Fibre Arts yarn which are Fireflies Rising Shawlette,Curious Collective Shawl, Frangipani Shawl and Glitz at the Ritz.  I will also be at the Juno Fibre Arts stand between 3-4pm on Saturday afternoon to chat with anyone who has questions about the designs. Podcast meetup There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm on Saturday at the Mezzanine level of the Cafe at the Brighton Dome. Just next to the Corn Exchange where the Marketplace is. Come along and say hi! Velvet Rose KAL The Velvet Rose shawl KAL has been extended until 8 August - another three weeks to knit this shawl and be in the running to win a gorgeous skein of Wollmeise Lacegarn!! Play the Curious Handmade Instagram game – take a picture of where you are listening to the podcast, or what you are knitting and tag me with #curioushandmadepodcast

I have a very special guest on the show today, Jared Flood founder of Brooklyn Tweed. I'm HellsBells on Ravelry, and CuriousHandmade  on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Events Unwind Brighton, 12 - 13 July 2014 The Pebble Beach Shawlette will be published in the Unwind Brighton programme for attendees and on Ravelry on 14 July 2014. The Pebble Beach Shawlette Knit Along details are now up on the Curious Handmade board on Ravelry. You can sign up now and see the categories for prizes. #PebbleBeachKAL Podcast meetup: 1pm Saturday at the Cafe (Mezzanine level) at the Brighton Dome next the Corn Exchange where the Marketplace is. Juno Fibre Arts "mini trunk show":  you will be able to see my shawls designed in Juno Alice at the JFA stall in the marketplace. Dream Big Collection The next pattern in the collection, the Georgie Baby Blanket will be released soon! Curious Collective 2014 The Curious Collective Design and Knit Along (DKAL) is back again this year! I’ll be asking YOU for your input into my next design – via a series of polls on the blog. The first poll will be released this weekend. Interview with Jared Flood, founder of Brooklyn Tweed at Squam I recently attended the Squam Art Workshops Spring sessions in New Hampshire and was lucky enough to catch “knitter in residence” Jared Flood for a chat on the deck of one of the cabins at Squam Lake. Jared Flood is a knitwear designer, photographer, and founder of Brooklyn Tweed. From what started as a blog, recording his photography and knitting projects to the design house and yarn manufacturer that it is today – Jared and his company Brooklyn Tweed have been on an amazing trip and today Jared shares some wonderful stories about that journey, including the inside story about developing the Brooklyn Tweed yarn lines Shelter and Loft, what inspires his designs and a little sneak peek as to what is coming up in the future for Brooklyn Tweed. Brooklyn Tweed BT Kids Petal - lace cardigan with round yoke - by Michele Wang Berenice - short-sleeved lace & cable top - by Julie Hoover I love this short video of behind the scenes of the BT Kids photoshoot! Play the instagram game! Take a picture of where you are listening to the podcast or what you are knitting and tag me @CuriousHandmade! #curioushandmadepodcast

In this episode I’m talking about some events including knit alongs and Unwind Brighton. I also discuss the brilliant Amy Herzog Sweater knitting class I took at Squam recently, Body and Soul. I’ve made a list of the top 10 tips I learnt in the class that I wanted to share with you. I'm HellsBells on Ravelry, and CuriousHandmade on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And if you sign up to my email newsletter "Curious Yarns", I’ll make sure you don’t miss out on any exciting announcements and you also get a free pattern and a coupon code for any Curious Handmade pattern of your choice in my Ravelry shop. Events: Velvet Rose Knit Along I'm currently hosting a knit along for the Velvet Rose shawl on the Curious Handmade Group on Ravelry. It is running until 18 July 2014 so you have three weeks left to start and finish your shawls. It's not too late to join in. I will do three more random draws from the chat thread each week for little prizes and then do the main prize draw which includes a prize of Wollmeise lace from projects posted in the FO thread by 18 July. Velvet Rose KAL prize - Wollmeise Lace in Blue Curacao I'm very happy to encourage double dipping in other knit alongs. Some other KALs on at the moment are: Leslie and Laura - Knit Girllls Knit Girllls – Stash Dash 5K – Runs until 7 August From the Knit Girllls board: "The rules are simple (and totally cheater friendly): Knit from stash! Every yard of yarn used from 5/23 to 8/7 counts toward your goal of knitting through 5K of yarn (5,468 yards)." Michelle – ACTually KNITting podcast – Podcast Along Knit Along = PAL KAL Cast on: July 1 Bind off: September 1 "The basic idea is to support a podcaster you listen to or watch by knitting one of their patterns and/or using their yarns for your project." Thank you to Archaeo and IrishF for suggesting my patterns and podcast for the KAL and also drawing my attention to this fab KAL Unwind Brighton Unwind Brighton is a fibre festival coming up in a few weeks over the weekend of 12-13 of July, in Brighton. Pebble Beach Shawlette My Pebble Beach Shawlette will be launched in the Unwind Brighton Programme. Everyone who attends the marketplace or classes will receive a copy of the programme with my pattern included! What an honour! The pattern will be released on Ravelry as a paid for pattern just after Unwind on 14 July. Stay tuned for details of a KAL that will kick off at Brighton and continue online afterwards! If you are thinking about casting on at Unwind Brighton you will need a pair of 4mm (US 6) circular needles (100cm long) and a skien of sock yarn 400m/437yds. I'm sure there will be endless opportunities to pick up the perfect skien of sock yarn at the Unwind Marketplace including the Kettle Yarn Co Westminster yarn in "Gold Rush" colourway that I used in the original sample. Juno Fibre Arts Juno Fibre Arts will also be in the marketplace and I will have a "mini trunk show" at the stand of my designs knit in Juno Fibre Arts yarn which are Fireflies Rising Shawlette, Curious Collective Shawl, Frangipani Shawl and Glitz at the Ritz.  I will also be at the Juno Fibre Arts stand between 3-4pm on Saturday afternoon to chat with anyone who has questions about the designs. Podcast meetup There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm on Saturday at the Mezzanine level of the Cafe at the Brighton Dome. Just next to the Corn Exchange where the Marketplace is. Come along and say hi! The Curious Handmade Design Along is back again this year! Last year I hosted a knit along with a difference and it was so much fun I’m doing it again. It was a choose your own adventure shawl design so each week I posted a poll on the blog and participants voted for various design options such as the shape of the shawl and yarn. The end result was the Curious Collective Shawl. I am teaming up with Juno Fibre Arts again and we’re going to use the Juno Alice in ...

Today I have a very special treat for you. In last week’s episode, I talked about my experience at the Spring session of Squam Art Workshops founded by Elizabeth Duvivier held at Squam lake, New Hampshire in the US. Squam is all about promoting creativity as a way of life. This week I am so honoured to be sharing with you a conversation I had with Elizabeth at Squam. We settled into one of the gorgeous cabins in the woods after a magical poetry reading by Sarah Sousa, and Elizabeth shared her stories and wisdom. Elizabeth Duvivier with artist Kerry Lemon Things we spoke about: Elizabeth's Provy Love blog Amirisu magazine Jared Flood's Brooklyn Tweed talk Squam in the City - Providence session The "process table" in the dining hall where workshop participants share their creations Yarn bombing Elizabeth introducing Jared Flood This week I am curious about what you do to “get quiet” and listen to your intuition and any tips you have for ways you nurture your creativity …”in real life”? ________________________________________ Play the Curious Handmade Instagram game! Take a picture of where you are listening to the podcast or what you are knitting and tag me @curioushandmade and #curioushandmadepodcast

Talking about my experience at Squam Arts Workshops last week including my Narrative Truth photography class with Amy Gretchen and a talk by Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. I'm HellsBells on Ravelry, and CuriousHandmade on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Squam Satis Cabin  Amy Gretchen's Narrative Truth photography class Talk by Jared Flood from Brooklyn Tweed   Don't forget to play the Instagram game! Post a photo of what you're knitting or where you're listening to the podcast!  

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Shownotes at www.curioushandmade.com/28. Sign up to my newsletter for free updates and treats! This week I talk about Whats in the WIP?, a book review and events. Thank you for all the lovely comments about Paris and I'm glad I could share a little bit of the trip with you. What's in the WIP? Radiance Shawl - not quite blocked but nearly! Aislinn by Amy Herzog - I'm back on track and tackling the lace with calm and lots of care! I mention Kusha Kusha shawl and its influence on mindful knitting. I would love to make this one day! Lots of power knitting on a secret, last minute design to enter in the Unwind Brighton Design Competition in Kettle Yarn Co Westminster sock yarn. Book Review Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walness Published by Quadrille Publishing Amazon UK link: Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking Amazon US link: Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking Tilly and the Buttons Great British Sewing Bee Highly recommended for any sewer looking for chic sewing patterns but especially beginners. Events Visit my pop-up shop at: Makegood Festival Friday 30 May to Sunday Sunday 1 June A festival of culture, creativity and entrepreneurship! I'll have lots of samples of my designs, printed patterns and other goodies. #makegood And if you haven't already, please sign  up to my newsletter for free updates and treats when I launch the next pattern in the Dream Big 2014 Collection: Velvet Rose Shawl next week!    

This week I talk a little bit about Whats in the WIP before a chat with my friend Stewart about our tour around Paris textile shops with Barbara from Stitching up Paris. What's in the WIP? I finished casting off a year long project - Radiance I'm also still slogging away at Aislinn but haven't made much progress this week. Paris for Yarn Lovers Tour I'm chatting with Stewart (stewartw on Ravelry) after a brilliant day touring around Paris with Barbara from Stitching up Paris. Les Tricoteurs Volants Brin de Cousette L'Oisive The Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for the latest photos and tag a picture of where you are listening with #curioushandmadepodcast

Today I’m talking about what’s in the WIP?, a crafty and foody tour around Islington in the Londontown segment and some events. Welcome to all my new listeners and members of the Curious Crew on the Curious Handmade Ravelry board. Thank you for Tanya (tanyamarie on Rav) for introducing us to her Sampler Girl Podcast. What's in the WIP? My Radiance project in Sweet Clement Cherish Cerise My Aislinn project by Amy Hertzog in Posh Yarn Rosalind DK Launched the Global Nomad Cowl for the April Dream Big 2014 design. I'm celebrating Mad May and MadelineTosh yarn with 20% off all my patterns on Ravelry with the code MadMay14. Londontown Loop Islington Ray-Stitch Merchant & Mills By Hand London The Elk in the Woods Quince and co Sparrow 100% linen yarn - a blog post about the colours Ottolenghi Events Me Made May on the So Zo What do you know? blog. #mmmay14 "Me-Made-May'14 (MMM'14 for short) is a challenge designed to encourage people who sew/knit/crochet/refashion/upcycle garments for themselves to actually wear and love them." Makegood Festival  Friday 30 May to Sunday Sunday 1 June, London A festival of culture, creativity and entrepreneurship. Come and visit my Curious Handmade pop- up shop at the festival!! #makegood Join in the Instagram game and post a pic of where you are listening to the podcast with #curioushandmadepostcast 

Today I’m talking about What’s in the WIP?, events and some discussion from the question I put to the group last week. Welcome to everyone who introduced themselves to the Curious Crew this week: JCElisson, Poppycleo, Cristaltips, 4girls, Robbac, Mgladue, latinaknits, curlyred, KnittingDaddy. What's in the WIP? Aislinn Cardigan by Amy Herzog - onto the first front piece. Introducing the soon to be published, Global Nomad Cowl for the Dream Big Collection. Knit in Tosh Sock by Madelinetosh Mad May for Madelinetosh Lovers - a fun event happening in the group on Ravelry #madmay Tosh Sock is available in the UK at Meadow Yarn and Loop Islington Tutorial by TECHknitting to bind off your knitting in the round. I used “Method 2–a pretty good method” I can't wait for Amy Hendrix Colour class at Unwind Brighton in July! We'll be having a podcaster meet up on Saturday lunch time so I hope to meet lots of you! The Simple Life How did we start our obsession with fibre arts and knitting? Sarah (swanstea on Ravelry) from Fibre Trek shares her lovely story on Episode 6 of her podcast. Thank you to everyone who shared their story on the Ravelry thread for Episode 24. Events I announce the winners of the Fireflies Rising Shawlette knitalong. Thank you so much to Asti of Juno Fibre Arts for sponsoring this knit along. Me Made May on the So Zo What do you know? blog. #mmmay14 "Me-Made-May'14 (MMM'14 for short) is a challenge designed to encourage people who sew/knit/crochet/refashion/upcycle garments for themselves to actually wear and love them." Me Made May article in The Guardian Makegood Festival  Friday 30 May to Sunday Sunday 1 June, London A festival of culture, creativity and entrepreneurship. Come and visit my Curious Handmade pop up shop at the festival!! #makegood Join in the Instagram game and post a pic of where you are listening to the podcast with #curioushandmadepostcast 

I talk about What's in the WIP, a book review and events. Welcome to new members of the Curious Handmade group on Ravelry. What's in the WIP? Aislinn Cardigan by Amy Herzog - I've finished the back March design for Dream Big a colour block cowl - yet to be named! Its knit in the round and I love this tutorial by TECHknitting to bind off your knitting in the round. I used "Method 2--a pretty good method" Bunny Nuggets by Rebecca Danger Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds Bouclé You can see my photo in this blog post. A Book Review UK Amazon Link: Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Colour: An Autobiography US Amazon Link: Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color: An Autobiography A Kaffe Fassett talk about quilts I went to in Liberty of London back in 2005. Kaffe Fassett's website. Kaffe Fassett's first knitting book, the classic Glorious Knits Events Fashion Revolution and #insideout campaign and day on 24 April 2014 Fireflies Rising Shawlette - we're having a knit along on the Curious Handmade Ravelry board until the end of April - there are lovely prizes. Paris for Yarn Lovers - there are still some day tickets left! Come and join us if you'd like a last minute adventure. Makegood Festival London, Friday May 30 to Sunday 1 June This is a celebration of the end of the School for Creative Startups course run by Doug Richards that I've been working on. It's a a festival of culture, creativity and entrepreneurship. There will be an amazing collection of creative business exhibiting their work -  Sewing patterns by Tilly and the Buttons from last year’s Great British Sewing Bee, lingerie sewing patterns by new designer Handmade by Freya. My lovely and talented photographer Kirsty Barton will be exhibiting. There will be fashion, cards, ceramics, art, yummy food and lots of interesting tech companies. I’ll have lots of samples of my designs for people to see in real life and try on, patterns  for sale and I’m hoping to organize a bit of a knitting drop in session if space permits and maybe some learn to knit  demonstrations. I would absolutely love to meet any of my listeners that can make it to the event and leave a message on the blog or Ravelry if you think you might be able to make it to the show. This week I’m curious how we got into our obsession with knitting and fibre arts? I would love it if you leave a message on the RAvely board or blog this week and tell me do you remember why and when you first learnt to knit or why you picked it up again after a break. Tell me your story. Don't forget to play the Instagram game!!  

Today I'm talking about What's in the WIP?, Selvedge Spring Fair in Londontown and the Fireflies Rising knit along. I'm feeling a bit tired and wondering if it might be the weather? That last comment is a reference to this Australian TV advert from the 80's which I'm finding hilarious and being a bit nostalgic. Welcome to new members of the Curious Crew: rustysun, allthatcakeknit, Xstitch, YrnKrazy, Lastknit2, Mrshoo, Dutchie, Gracieanne, NMSTacey I forgot to mention that Mrshoo aka Sarah hosts the In a sKnit video cast- check it out. What's in the WIP? Aislinn Cardigan by Amy Herzog - nearly finished the back piece. March design for Dream Big (a colour block cowl) Bunny Nuggets by Rebecca Danger Bunny by Kate Gilbert Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds Bouclé Chicken Easter Cards with the girls I'm in the planning stages of some sewing projects. I'm looking at this Papillon & Mandarine Little Angel top for the girls. Londontown Selvedge Magazine Spring Fair Sheep of Steel John Arbon Textiles Ray Stitch Merchant & Mills "The Dress Shirt" Events Juno Fibre Arts is sponsoring the Fireflies Rising Knit Along on Ravelry. Woot woot! Post your finished Fireflies Rising Shawlette on the FO (finished object) thread by the end of April for a chance to win a skien of Juno Alice sock in the Oyster colour way. I'm also offering two very cute zip pouches by Hip to Pieces Squares as prizes. Thank you to Paula from Knitting Pipeline and Laura and Lesley at Knit Girllls (Episode 199) for mentioning my designs. Thank you to JCEllisonKnits for the lovely iTunes Review. Don't forget to play the Instagram game and tag a photo of what you're knitting while you listen to the episode with #curioushandmadepodcast!! Have a great week!

I'm talking about the launch of the Fireflies Rising Shawlette, my Aislinn cardigan progress and I'm pondering the idea of sewing some clothes. What's in the WIP? Fireflies Rising Shawlette, the second design in the Dream Big Collection launched this week. A huge thank you to my superstar test knitters Tinkhickman, Britt-MarieK, Candigirl429, Judiesgirl, JenwrenOZ, Jessieisskoopy and dambird. Deb who is Tinkhickman on Ravelry has a lovely blog with lots and lots of knitting and creative news. She is giving away a copy of the Dream Big collection so please have a peek. I'm really enjoying my Aislinn cardigan knit - am well underway with the back piece. My Rav Project page for Aislinn. The Simple Life I was inspired by Isabelle's latest Fluffy Fibres podcast episode 13 to think about sewing clothes, not just for the girls but for me as well. Country Road Australia - staples of my first corporate wardrobe. I delve into my stash and find some beauties. What to make?! Thank you for the wonderful iTunes Reviews I would love it if you would play the Instagram Podcast game this week. Tag a picture of you listening to the podcast, what you're knitting or where you are with #curioushandmadepodcast and tag me in your picture (CuriousHandmade)!!

Today I’m talking about what’s in the WIP including starting my Aislinn sweater project, the launch of my new design Fireflies Rising and a wander around some Parisian yarn shops. I'm HellsBells on Ravelry and CuriousHandmade  on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. The Magic Cake Ruffle Shawl by Paula E-F is a very popular way to use up leftover yarn. What's in the WIP I'm working on Aislinn by Amy Herzog - my Aislinn project page on Ravelry I enjoyed learning how to do a tubular cast on and am enjoying this knit. The yarn is lovely and the pattern is very clear. I'm nearly ready to release my latest design for the Dream Big Collection. It is a crescent shaped shawl called Fireflies Rising which was inspired by the feeling of spring in the air. The name is a reference to a lovely poem called A Cold Spring by Elizabeth Bishop. The construction is created by increases on each side of the shawl rather than short rows. If you would like to know when it is being released and to get an exclusive coupon code for the pattern, please join my newsletter (you'll also get a free Curious Handmade pattern too!). If you would like to snap up some Juno Alice 4ply yarn for either Fireflies Rising (you need one skein) or Frangipani Shawl (you need two skeins) you can buy it on the Juno Fibre Arts Etsy shop. There is still a little bit left as I write this including some Corn Dolly yellow for Frangipani. A virtual tour of some Paris Yarn shops Last summer Mum and I did a tour of Paris yarn shops with Barbara from Stitching up Paris. La Drogeurie Lil Weasel Les Petits Points Parisiens Photos of my purchases to follow soon! Have a look at my May 2014 Paris Trip and video  Join the Curious Handmade Ravelry Group Don't forget to play the Instagram game and tag me on a photo of where you are listening to the podcast with curious handmadepodcast hashtag or what you're knitting.

Today I’m talking about what’s in the WIP including starting my sweater project, the simple life and events. Welcome to new members to the Curious Handmade Ravelry group and thank you to farfromharmfarm, techknit and firebrand55 for introducing themselves on the group. I also announce the winners of the London Underground Tea Towel giveaway from Episode 18. What's in the WIP? Designing a shawlette The March pattern for the Dream Big collection is coming along nicely. I'm designing a spring influenced shawlette in Juno Fibre Arts Alice 4ply. Juno Fibre Arts is having a big shop update of some stunning Alice 4ply on Thursday 27 March. I'm honoured that Asti from JFA has written a beautiful post  about my latest design, the Frangipani Shawl and gives some gorgeous suggestions for colour combinations for the shawl (I thought it was 21 March so I mention the wrong date in the episode but you will have more time to have a look so its all good!) Juno Alice 4ply in Boudoir and Potpourri || Image credit: Juno Fibre Arts Self Indulgent Sweater for Squam I'm knitting  Aislinn  by Amy Herzog for my next sweater project. I talk about preparing to start the project, choosing the best size to knit, knitting a gauge swatch. Question for this week is do you swatch and what motivates you to swatch? I refer to Amy's book Knit to Flatter and her companion Craftsy Knit to Flatter course. The Simple Life I did a bit of decluttering in the stash and wonder what you do with your left over yarn from projects?? Events There are exciting plans afoot for a podcaster meetup at new UK yarn event Unwind Brighton in July I've posted details about my Paris for Yarn Lovers trip in May and please have a look at the video in the post. I'm ridiculously pleased with it! And A Game! Join in the Virtual Curious Knitting group on Instagram. Post a photo of where you are listening or what you are knitting while listening to the podcast and tag your photo with CuriousHandmade and add #curioushandmadepodcast in the caption. (You will need to download the Instagram app on your phone and join up if you haven't already)

  Spring and magic is in the air in London this week! I'm planning my self indulgent sweater for Squam and starting a knit along to chat about it. What's in the WIP? This week I'm talking about deciding on my self indulgent sweater for Squam. You can have a look at the main contenders on my Sweater Pinterest board. Some past sweater efforts Moonlight by Kim Hargreaves and my Moonlight project page (Rav link) Dusk by Kim Hargreaves and my Dusk project page (Rav link) Central Park Hoodie by Heather Lodinsky and my CPH project page (Rav link) Buttony Sweater by Katie Marcus (I just saw Katie has a fab sewing blog too ) and my Buttony project I've decided to knit Aislinn by Amy Herzog. I talk about Amy's excellent Knit to Flatter book and her Knit to Flatter Craftsy course: UK Amazon link:  Knit to Flatter US Amazon link: Knit to Flatter Amy's Knit to Flatter course on Craftsy is great and is currently on sale at 35% off!! Do you like knitting sweaters? How do you choose what sweater pattern to knit?

Its a sunny day in London and the magnolia tree is about to explode into bloom. There is optimism and joy in the air. Its been a rollercoaster week with a sick kid, a awards ceremony and some knitting ups and downs. Thank you to everyone for listening, joining in the conversation on the Curious Handmade Ravelry Board and to the new members who have introduced themselves. LondonTown Brand Amplifier Awards ceremony I mention a few of my lovely fellow finalists and winners: Magpie Haberdashery, Van Girls, Thinking Bob, Archie Mac London, Nalla Skincare, Rose Fullbright, Vicki's Kitchen Whats in the WIP? Design Fail - the Feburary Dream Big design was behaving badly. My new free easy Bobble Hat Pattern for beginner knitters A Curious Handmade Giveaway So …….we're having a giveaway instead! It is a well known fact that when things are going wrong, the best thing to do is sit down and have a lovely cup of tea. With that theme in mind I will be sending two listeners a London Underground tea towel. Here they are here: Aren't they fun?! To enter the giveaway leave a comment on the blog or on the Curious Handmade Ravelry group by Sunday 16 March, and let me know what problems stop you from finishing your knitting projects? The Simple Life I tried out the Honey Mask recommended by Vintage Amanda and really liked it. Events Look out for the details of my Paris for Yarn Lovers trip. In the Marais district of Paris on 15-18 May 2014.

This week is a short update. I was on holidays with my family in France and thought I'd quickly update you on a couple of things rather than miss an episode. What's in the WIP? The February pattern for Dream Big is running a little late but is coming along nicely. It's going to be an infinity scarf in Erika Knight's Vintage Wool Aran. The shades I'm using are #09 drizzle and #33 gorgeous (darling!). I've also made some hats for the girls in Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky (50% alpaca, 50% wool). I'm also organising a yarn lover's tour of Paris with Barbara from Stitching up Paris on 16-17 May 2014.  

This week I have a special guest on the show for a cup of tea and a chat about natural remedies and skincare with Amanda Cook from Vintage Amanda. We have a lovely chat about some super simple items from the kitchen cupboard you can use as highly effective beauty products. Be prepared for some surprises! Some of the links mentioned in the episode are: Vintage Amanda Honey Face Mask Coconut Lime Deodorant Facial Oil Rituals vs Routines Kale - Thyroid Connection  

Happy Valentine's Day! Mwah Mwah!! Feeling soggy here in the UK right now... but never soppy. We talk about how much we love Ravelry….this heart shaped icon for Valentines day is just one of the many reasons why! Thank you for all the suggestions for finding more time to knit and colorwork resources, following on from last week's episode. Following your recommendations, I've signed up to do Sunne Myer's Stranded Colourwork Class on Craftsy*. I will report back on progress! Source: Craftsy.com What's in the WIP? Follow your Arrow by Ysolda Teague. I said on the podcast I had finished clue 2 but I have just realised I'm only halfway through! I have only done one out of two repeats! I also planned and knit some fingerless mitts for my beginners knitting workshop on Tuesday night. I ended up adapting Paula's Mildred Mitts pattern to Aran weight yarbbecause the lovely folks at Rowan sponsored my Knitting 101 workshop and sent us some beautiful Rowan Aran 100% wool for my Brand Amplifier brigade. Londontown Brixton Village and Brixton Market Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant OMG checkout this video clip - more like a trip down Memory Lane (if you're a child ..ahem, teen...of the 80's like me that is!!). Knitting at Seven at Brixton tapas and cocktail bar.   Events Unravel - Next weekend - 21-23 February 2014 Curious Handmade Group on Ravelry - join the group and help us get to 1000 members so we can have a big party!! Have a lovely week. * I am a Craftsy Affiliate which means if you purchase a class from Craftsy after clicking on this link I will receive a commission. I want you to know I really appreciate it, so thank you so much if you do this.

I've been stuck at home a lot this week as it just keeps on raining here. We're all experiencing a bit of cabin fever. I'm having a nice cup of tea and digestive biscuit. Today's segments include What's in the WIP? and a slightly tonge in cheek but mostly serious 10,000 Hours. What's in the WIP? Follow Your Arrow KAL by Ysolda Teague. I've finally finished clue 1! I made a cute pompom had in Rowan Big Wool for beginners. I'm stalking the PomPom Quarterly Spring 2014 magazine patterns. I'm also practicing my colour work skills. Let me know if you have any good resources or YouTube video to help learn how to do colour work. 10,000 Hours I share my top 10 tips on how to find more time to knit! Anthology Magazine Issue No. 12, Summer 2013 Home Is Where the Art Is My Memorable Quotes Pinterest board. Wrap up Join in the Dream Big Knitalong on the Curious Handmade Ravelry board. (Tip - listen to the episode for a discount code on the Dream Big collection or for the Frangipani Shawl). Happy 2nd Birthday to Gayle and Sharlene at the Yarniacs Podcast.

I'm HellsBells on Ravelry, and CuriousHandmade on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Today I talk about what's in the WIP, introduce a segment for the first time - 10,000 Hours and give a little update about some knitting events. It's been such a nice week because I've been having so many conversation with lovely interesting people both online and offline. One of the things I was worried about when I stopped working in an office was lack of interaction with other human beings but that hasn't been the case at all! I'm actually doing two courses at the moment. I've gone back to school! I mention: School for Creative Startups Brand Amplifier Emma-Victoria Houlton of WeProduce - edits my podcast beautifully each week. What's In the WIP? I finally cast on for Ysolda's Follow Your Arrow MKAL and started with clue A. I'm using Fyberspates Nef Sock yarn in Sunshine colourway. I'm getting a little bit addicted to Instagram! SHHHH! (follow me! I'll follow you back) 10,000 Hours Introducing a new segment. If you have any feedback I'd love to hear it. Leave a comment on the blog or on the discussion thread for this show. And if you have any requests for future segments let me know! I talk about blocking your knitting. I talk about blocking wires - I bought mine at Loop, Islington. you can see some of the tools I mention here. I plan to put together a tutorial for you soon….in the meantime, you'll have to listen to the episode. The pictures give you a sneak preview of the Frangipani Shawl from the Dream Big Collection. Events I sadly won't make to to Unravel …but don't let that stop you! Its going to be fab. But I've booked three classes at Unwind in Brighton in July. I can't wait!

This episode includes What's in the WIP, continuing the conversation from last week about planning and getting motivated to take on a new year and some great events coming up this year in the UK. The theme this week is so close and yet so far.   WHATS in the WIP   Follow your Arrow - I'm planning on doing clue 1A and 2A. I'm planning to use my Fyberspates Nef Sock in the Sunshine colourway. Self Indulgent Sweater for Squam - I have a Pinterest Board for ideas! Thank you so much for all the great suggestions on the Curious Handmade Board on Rav  MadelineTosh Tosh Merino DK  Baby Cables and Big Ones Too by Suvi Simona  Gnarled Oak Cardigan by Alana Dakos Fifikins - A Down Under Yarn Podcast - Videocast Posh Yarn Miranda DK Poolside by Isabel Kramer Aislinn by Amy Herzog Frangipani Shawl from the Dream Big Collection - progress is being made! I'm using Juno Alice 4ply by Juno Fibre Arts Simple Life Sum: Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman "Comparison is the thief of joy" - Theodore Roosevelt. Another book currently giving me great inspiration is Gypsy: A World of Colour and Interiors by Sibella Court   Events Unravel 21 - 23 February 2014 Unwind 12th & 13th July 2014 in Brighton, UK Ravellenics A Playful Day Old Maiden Aunt 

This week the theme is indulgence. Giving myself time to recover from the travel back to London from Aus, thinking about indulgent knitting projects and indulging in planning and dreaming big for 2014. Whats in the WIP? I finished the Naughty or Nice Pom Pom Hat from the Knitvent collection for Sophie to wear to school. I'm yet to set up a project page for it and take pics. I'm still working on my Red Robin Shawl, also from Knitvent which was my easy travel knitting on holiday. I'm considering the options for Ysolda's Follow Your Arrow Shawl Mystery Knit Along. I'm trying to decide what sweater design to knit for the Yarniac's indulgent KAL and to wear to Squam in June. I have sweater quantities of Tosh Merino DK (100% merino)  and Posh Yarn Miranda (80% Alpaca, 20% silk) Options include: Poolside by Isabell Kraemer Planters Punch by Thea Colman I'd love to knit Fuse by Veronique Avery but not right now because I want to knit it in BT Shelter but I'm knitting this one from stash. I've created a Pinterest Board called Self Indulgent Knitting for Squam to track my ideas and see all the options in one place. Let me know if you have any ideas! The Simple Life I talk about setting Goals, Inspiring Words and Resolutions. For setting goals the 2014 Create Your Amazing Year in Life & Business Workbook is a great resource and Rachel from http://www.goodyarnguide.com video cast talks about it in more detail. I like setting an inspirational word and Vintage Amanda wrote an inspiring post about it - her word is "Spacious" (http://www.vintageamanda.com/2014/01/spaciousness/) Finally for resolutions and changing habits I love Leo Babaota's blog Zen Habits.  

This episode I'm talking to you from holidays in Queensland, Australia. It has been hot but I've still been doing a bit of knitting in between the beach and catching up with friends and family. What's in the WIP? A Red Robin Shawl in Juno Alice sock yarn, colourway Goldmine A Naughty or Nice Hat in Rowan Wool, Navy I'm working on designing the Frangipani Shawl for the January pattern for the Dream Big 2014 Collection. Listen in for a great discount on the collection for a short time only! The not in Londontown Segment The Sunshine Coast of Australia is a gorgeous part of the world and I rave on about it a wee bit. Buderim vegan, organic cafe - Ground Organic Kunara Organic Marketplace I also announce the winners of the Knitvent KAL.