Stranded Podcast - Episode 29 - Sound The Finished Object Gong

Hi Everyone! Thankyou so much for checking out the episode.



Intro: Happy Winter Solstice everyone! Thankyou to everyone who has purchased yarn over the Christmas period - my last batch of orders to arrival before Christmas have been shipped! I'm taking a week's holiday, but I'll still be packing and shipping orders as they arrive :)

WIPs: I am working on my Saturday Matinee Socks by Mara Catherine Bryner. These are being knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in the 'Ice Skating Party' colourway.

I also show my sock blank socks from Gales Art - the 'New Leaf' colourway.

FOs: My Rosemont Cardigan by Hannah Fettig is done! This was knit out of Cascade 220 in the 'Forest Agate' colourway.

My Christmas socks are also done - they're knit out of Gynx Yarns Strong Sock in the 'Christmas Lights' colourway and the contrasting heels are Mad Tosh Sock in 'Moorland'.

I have also finished the Vanishing Point Mittens by Georgia Farrell out of a skein of Stranded Dyeworks Castaway DK in the 'Aqualine' colourway.

Future Knitting: I've picked a skein of Knitter's Nightmare yarn in the 'Enchanté' colourway for my Christmas Eve Cast on. I've decided to cast on a Sockhead Cowl by Kelly McClure out of a skein of Another Crafty Girl Twinkle Sock in the 'Ponkie Brewster' colourway. And I want to knit some socks with leftover Fab Funky Fibres yarn and some Stranded Dyeworks 'Highway Code'.

Destash: Thankyou to everyone who's checked out my destash. I've added a couple of new things - you can find the post detailing it right here.

Giveaway: My 1K Subscriber Giveaway is open until Christmas Eve! Enter in the thread in the ravelry group.

Stranded Podcast - Episode 28 - Podcast Nook (aka. I'm writing proper shownotes again!)

Hello everyone! Thankyou very much for stopping by to check out this week's podcast episode. I'm getting a headstart on my New Year's resolutions and upping my podcast game - which means being organised and writing proper shownotes on a regular basis! So here goes...


Intro - I talk about my new podcasting space, remind everyone that the UK last date to order from my shop is Tuesday 20th December - for Christmas delivery! I also announce that I'll be vending at Unravel in February 2017. You can find more information about Unravel here.

WIPs - I'm still working on my Christmas Lights socks - toe up vanilla socks that will have a true afterthought heel. These are out of Gynx Yarns on her Strong Sock base in the 'Christmas Lights' colourway. I'm going to put contrasting heels in with Mad Tosh Sock in the 'Moorland' colourway.

(I forget to mention that I'm wearing my Old Romance cardigan by Joji Locatelli, knit out of Mad Tosh sock in the 'Moorland' colourway)

I'm also still working on my Rosemont cardi by Hannah Fettig - out of Cascade 220 in the 'Forest Agate' colourway.

FOs - I've finished my Ice Dancing Mitts by Nicky Winterton- which were a test knit and are now available on ravelry right here. Mine are knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in the 'Candy Wrapper' colourway.

I have also finished the Flax Light baby sweater by Tin Can Knits that I was knitting out of Stranded Dyeworks Paradise MCN in the 'Christmas Confetti' colourway.

Future Knitting - I want to cast on the Vanishing Point mittens by Georgia Farrell from Pom Pom Quarterly Winter 2016 and I also want to join in the Christmas Eve Cast On that Dani from the Little Bobbins Knits podcast is hosting. I also mention Find Your Fade by Andrea Mowry and Askews Me Shawl by Stephen West.

Stash - I have two lovely skeins of Qing Fiber Super Soft DK in 'Frost' and 'Acid Bomb.' I also have a lovely new Sock Sack project bag from Quince Pie.

I'm having a little destash - I listed some of the yarns I'm no longer in love with, in the for sale/trade section of my ravelry stash. Take a peek if you're interested.

Giveaway - I'm hosting a 1000 subscriber giveaway in the Stranded Podcast Ravelry group - just go into the giveaway thread and post something you'd like to see on the podcast in 2017 and you could win a skein of my Industrial Kingfisher colourway on Paradise MCN fingering. Deadline for entries is Christmas Eve.

Shop Update: I share new colourways that will be in this week's shop update - the last of 2016 - on Thursday December 15th.

Thankyou so much for watching! Ax

Stranded Podcast - Episode 20 -

Shownotes for episode 20




Intro: I blather about my new hair and am wearing my very first shawl - Daybreak by Stephen West - which I think is knit out of Artesano Alpaca Silk 4ply.

Knitting: I'm still working on my Fright Night socks out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in the 'Fright Night' colourway.

I have also restarted my Bronywn sweater which is by Melissa Wehrle, out of Cascade 220 in the 'Greystone Heather' colourway.

FO's: I have finished my Vintage Prim hat by Andrea Mowry. This was knit out of Plymouth Yarns Happy Feet Splash 100 in the 'Lipstick' colourway and a skein of The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock in 'Hi Vi Pink'.

Stash Enhancements:

I bought a beautiful project bag from Lara of the Fawn Knits Podcast - and the Fawn and the Fox etsy ship.

I also traded some yarn for some gorgeous project bags from a lovely instagrammer - cloudmoonflower.

I got a braid of Rambouillet fibre in the 'Oil Paint' colourway from Spindles and Stitches. Aleks also sent me a mini skein from Sóc Una Troca.

I bought a Gleener! Much hilarity ensued. If you're in the UK, you can get a Gleener here.

I also picked up a copy of Woollens by Jared Flood and West Knits Best Knits by Stephen West.

Personal: 

I chat about my wrecked car and my holiday plans to Denmark!

Thanks for watching!

Stranded Podcast - Episode 19 - Forgetful

Knitting:

This week I've been spreading the love over a few projects...

I've been working on my toe up vanilla socks out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in 'Fright Night' which is the 2016 Halloween colourway.

I've also put a few stripes on my EatKnitDye socks in the colourway 'Grey Garden'.

My first Saturday Matinee sock is done and I'm halfway through the second sock. These are by Mara Catherine Bryner and I'm knitting them out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in 'Ice Skating Party'.

I have cast on the Vintage Prim hat by Andrea Mowry. I'm using a skein of Plymouth Yarns Happy Feet 100 Splash in the colourway 'Lipstick' for my main colour, and a skein of Uncommon Thread Tough Sock in 'Hi Vi Pink' for my contrast colour.

I started and need to frog the Bronywn sweater which is a Brooklyn Tweed pattern by Melissa Wehrle. I was using Quince and Co. Osprey in the 'Kumlien's Gull' colourway.

FO's:

I've finished the Sirle Hat by Suvi Simola, a free pattern on ravelry, knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Castaway DK in 'Shiner'.

I've also finished my Exploration Station shawl by Stephen West. It's knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Solo Single ply in 'Highway Code', 'Spook', 'Limoncello' and 'Feathered'.

Question:

I answer a question from the ravelry Questions thread and I talk about blocking and how and why I block. I mention the following products:

Wooden Sock Blockers,
Knit Picks Sock Blockers,
Bryson Sock Blockers,
Inspinknity Blocking wires.

Stash Enhancements:

I talk about Yarndale 2016 - mention my Yarndale Vlog and share the things I bought.

A skein of WooSheeps in the Reg base, in the 'Claret' colourway.
A skein of Triskelion Yarns in the Dyfnaint DK base, in the 'Ffestiniog' colourway.
An art batt from SpinCity - the 'Peaceful' art batt.
A braid of Superwash Merino from FeltStudioUK in an unnamed colourway.

Dyeing and Shop Updates:

You can find my Stranded Dyeworks etsy shop right here.

Stranded Podcast - Episode 18 - Background Noise aka NOT my Yarndale epsiode

Shownotes for the episode:



This week's episode is actually LAST week's episode. There was some youtube drama and it refused to upload.

Knitting:
I am working on a toe up vanilla sock out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in the 'Fright Night' colourway. These are being knit on 2mm needles (US 0).

I am still working on my Exploration Station shawl by Stephen West for the KAL being run by Kristen of the Yarngasm podcast and Lara of the Dyer's Notebook podcast. I am using Stranded Dyeworks Solo Singles in 'Limoncello', 'Feathered', 'Highway Code' and 'Spook'. I mention Grace - who is @littleminky93 on instagram and ravelry - you can find her unnamed podcast here.

FO's:
I knit a swatch out of my 'Candy Wrapper' colourway on Oasis Fingering. I discuss possibly making a Featherweight cardigan by Hannah Fettig out of it.

I also share my finished Flamingo Legs socks - which are the Dyad Top Down pattern from Sock Architecture by Lara Neel. These are knitted out of 'Flamingo Legs' on Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering.

Stash Enhancement: 
I received a wonderful letter from Amy - who is oddknits_adventure on instagram and oddknitsadventure on ravelry. She sent me a skein of The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock in 'Hi Vis Pink' and a little mini skein of the same base in 'Hi Vis Yellow'.

Questions: 
I answer questions from the Questions thread in the ravelry group. (I also mention my planner - which you can find here).

How I develop new colourways? and How to spin even yarn? Are the questions I answer this week.

Dyeing:
I talk about the colours going up in the shop - no new colourways this week, but you can find the shop right here. I also mention the Stranded Dyeworks Sock Blank club - there are still spots open, you can find them here.

Stranded Podcast - Episode 17 - My Head Is Full Of Yarn

Episode 17 - My Head Is Full Of Yarn

Intro

Thankyou's and an explanation about last week's video quality!

Knitting: 

Most of my knitting time this week has been spent on my Exploration Station shawl for the KAL being hosted by Lara of the Dyer’s Notebook Podcast and Gynx Yarns; and Kristen of the Yarngasm Podcast and Voolenvine Yarns. The pattern is Exploration Station by Stephen West. I’m using Stranded Dyeworks Solo Singles in ‘Highway Code’, ‘Spook’, ‘Feathered’ and ‘Limoncello’. 

I’m still working on my Dyad Socks from Sock Architecture by Lara Neel. These are being knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in the ‘Flamingo Legs’ colourway. 

I have cast on a toe up vanilla sock out of some self striping yarn from Eat Knit Dye in the 'Grey Garden' colourway.

Finished Objects:

I have finished my Garter Stitch Baby Kimono by Joji Locatelli out of some super old hand dyed fingering weight from stash. 

I have also knit three Hexipuffs from the Bee Keepers Quilt pattern by Tiny Owl Knits. I also mention this project, which is the one I'm trying to emulate. 

Dyeing: 

I list all the colours that I've dyed up for the shop this week, that are now in stock in my etsy shop - which you can find right here. I share my Halloween 2016 colourway 'Fright Night' which is available on Oasis and Paradise Fingering and Plateau Sock Blanks. I also launch the very first Stranded Dyeworks Sock Blank Club, sign ups run from 15th-30th September. You can find out more details about it right here. And you can find examples of my previous sock blank dyeing adventures here.

Thankyou very much for watching! 

Stranded Podcast Episode 16 - Comfort Zone

Episode 16 - Comfort Zone

Intro

I apologise for not recording last week - I didn’t really feel like it and I didn’t have much knitting! 

I’m wearing my Quicksilver shawl that I talked about last episode.

Knitting: 

I’m still working on my Dyad Socks from Sock Architecture by Lara Neel. These are being knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in the ‘Flamingo Legs’ colourway. 

I have cast on a Garter Stitch Baby Kimono by Joji Locatelli out of some super old hand dyed fingering weight from stash. 

I have cast on and finished the first in a pair of Saturday Matinee socks by Mara Catherine Bryner, out of Oasis fingering in ‘Ice Skating Party’. 

Finally I have joined the #ExplorationStationKAL being hosted by Lara of the Dyer’s Notebook Podcast and Gynx Yarns; and Kristen of the Yarngasm Podcast and Voolenvine Yarns. The pattern is Exploration Station by Stephen West. I’m using Stranded Dyeworks Solo Singles in ‘Highway Code’, ‘Spook’, ‘Feathered’ and ‘Limoncello’. This is being stored in my Pom Pom Quarterly ‘Survival of the Knittest’ tote bag.

I don’t have any finished objects or any spinning this week.

Dyeing: 

I talk about new colours that are currently in stock in the shop - which you can find on etsy, right here. There will be an update in the shop this Thursday - the 8th September. 

Personal / Random Chatter: 

I mention that I’m going to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child this weekend. I also talk about comfort zones, mental health and challenging yourself.

Thankyou for watching! 

Stranded Podcast - Episode 15 - HOT HOT HOT

Episode 15: HOT HOT HOT 

Intro: There’s a change in back ground this week because autofocus hates me - which is why I didn’t upload an episode last week.

Knitting: I am working on socks out of a new colourway from Stranded Dyeworks in the ‘Flamingo Legs’ colourway. These are the Dyad Top Down socks from Sock Architecture by Lara Neel.

FO’s: Improvised socks - toe up with an afterthought heel with 1x1rib for one round every time the colour changed. Knit out of Knit Picks Felici in the ‘Baker Street’ colourway.

I finished a Luuk hat by Annis Jones out of some handspun from Jelly Beans Yarns batts in the ‘Candyfloss’ colourway. 

I knit an army of Garter Stitch Ear Flap Hats which is a free pattern on the Purl Bee blog. The first is knit with Cascade 220 superwash, the second is super old hand dyed aran, the third is leftovers of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in ‘Highway Code’ and ‘Spook’ held together, as is the fourth. 

I also improvised a hat - vaguely using this pattern - but in a heavier weight - fingering held doubled instead of fingering weight. This is knit out of ‘Spook’ and ‘Highway Code’ held together, striped with mystery rainbow sock yarn held together.

The big finished objects are: 

My Quicksilver Shawl by Melanie Berg, also knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in the colours ‘Party Dress’, ‘Spook’ and ‘Highway Code’. 

And my Mira sweater by Justyna Lorkowska - which I’ve shown before, is blocked and the ends are woven in.

You can find all my yardage for Stash Dash here.

Spinning-wise…

I spun some natural wool - it’s a mystery wool - very rustic, 2ply. 

I spun some felted fibre claiming to be 18.5 micron extra fine Merino. Naming no names here. Single ply. 

Next up is another single ply - hand dyed Merino in my banned ‘Clone Club’ colourway. I mention Orphan Black which is the TV show the colourway name comes from.

Finally I spun up an unlabelled colourway from the stash - I think it’s from Spin Pretty. It’s a 2ply, using a technique mentioned in the Craftsy class Spinning Dyed Fibres with Felicia Lo. 

Stash Enhancement: 

I bought three braids of Merino/Tussah Silk in the ‘Pebble Beach’ colourway from Spindles and Stitches. 

I also bought three braids of fibre from Artist’s Palette Yarns - a braid of BFL in the ‘As Luck Would Have It’ colourway, and two braids of Superwash BFL in the colourways ‘Grand Dame’ and ‘Fandom’.

Dyeing: 

You can find my etsy shop Stranded Dyeworks right here. 

I have three new colourways - two repeatable ones - in the shop this week. I have a batch of Paintbox no. 15 - a one of a kind colourway on my Solo Singles base. 

‘Candy Wrapper’ is in stock on Oasis Fingering and ‘Feathered’ - my blue tit inspired colourway - is in stock on Oasis Fingering and Solo Singles. 

Thankyou so much for watching! 

Stranded Podcast - Episode 14

Intro - I'm still filming with my new camera - it's a bit hit and miss but there you go!

Knitting - The only active work in progress I have is the Quicksilver shawl by Melanie Berg, which is being knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis fingering weight in the colourways 'Party Dress', 'Spook' and 'Highway Code'.

Finished Objects - I have finished my Treeline socks by Hey Lady Hey. These are out of a OOAK skein of Voolenvine Yarns on her Footsie base.

I have also finished my Mira Sweater by Justyna Lorkowska. This is out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in the 'Magpie' colourway. The ends still need weaving in and it needs blocking...

Spinning - I finished spinning the handdyed orange Polwarth that I was working on last week. It's a 2ply 173m.

I experimented with spinning some single ply yarn - we think it was Corriedale fibre - that I was gifted by a good friend of mine.

I spun a braid of merino from Shunklies - which is a seriously ropey overspun 2ply - entirely down to the fact that I was having driveband issues with my wheel - which I have now solved! This is 141m for stash dash!

I also spun a braid of BFL from Artists Palette Yarns in the 'Creek' colourway.

Dyeing - I have a brand new colourway in the shop - Scuba is a tropical turquoise colour that is currently in stock on all of my fingering weight bases. I also restocked some other colourways - you can find them all in my Stranded Dyeworks etsy shop.

Stash Enhancement - This week I show my yarn haul from the fabulous Haus of Yarn in Nashville TN. I purchased the following things...

The S/S issue of ami isu magazine.
A sweater quantity (which is five skeins for me, to be on the safe side) of Malabrigo Sock in the 'Piedras' colourway.
Mrs Crosby Satchel in the Peacock blue colourway - which was a gift for my mother.
Sweet Georgia Worsted in the colourway 'Basil'.
Plymouth Yarns Happy Feet in the colourway 'Lipstick'.

Stranded Podcast: Episode 13 - Autofocus (and SSK recap!)

Episode 13 - Autofocus (and SSK recap!) 

This week’s episode is a long one - lots of content in all sections apart from dyeing. I’m recording on a new camera - the episode isn’t as brightly lit as I’d like, but we’ll get there.

Knitting:

I am knitting on the Mira Sweater by Justyna Lorkoswka out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in the ‘Magpie’ colourway.

I’m also working on a pair of Treeline socks by Hey Lady Hey, out of an OOAK colourway from Voolenvine Yarns.

Finally I’m knitting on a sock out of Knit Picks Felici in the ‘Baker Street’ colourway. These are an improvised toe up pattern, where I throw in a round of 1x1 rib every time I hit a colour change.

Finished Objects: 

I have knit the Hoarfrost hat by Atelier Nordbrise out of Fyberspates Vivacious DK. 

I have also finished ALL the socks! 

My Ribbed Ribbons socks by Wendy D. Johnson are finished - these are knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in ‘Party Dress’. These are on Bryson sock blockers - UK people can find them here. US people can probably find them anywhere! ;) 

My Street Art sock blank socks are finished - these are toe up afterthought heel socks, knit out of a Stranded Dyeworks Plateau Sock Blank in the ‘Street Art’ colourway.

I have knit up my handspun yarn from the last episode - a chain ply fingering weight out of fibre from Spin Pretty in the ‘Cool Rainbow’ colourway.

Finally I have finished a pair of socks knit out of some very, very old handdyed yarn - the toe up Strie Socks by Lara Neel from Sock Architecture. 

Spinning: 

I finished plying my hand dyed BFL - I got 343m of a predominantly sport weight 2ply. 

Two 25g batts from Jelly Bean Yarns in the ‘Candyfloss’ colourway - 47m of a 2ply. 

Next I spun up a mystery art batt (only a mystery because I can’t remember what batt it is - and it doesn’t have a label) - from SpinCityUK, I got 137m of a 2ply.

I have also finished some handdyed merino - 129m of a 2ply. 

I mention Yarndale festival - which I’m going to be attending in September - I’ll talk about it more in the next episode.

I’m currently spinning some hand dyed Polwarth - which will be a 2ply. 

Dyeing: 

I updated the shop with a small amount of Street Art on various bases - the shop is kind of empty at the moment - because I’ve been away, but there will be an update on Thursday August 4th.

SSK Recap:

SSK is the Super Summer Knitogether retreat run by The Knit Girllls, in Nashville Tennessee. 

I took an Intro To Brioche class with Mercedes Tarasovich - I mention her book Brioche Chic. 

I tried the Hansen Mini Spinner in the Tasting Room, and I played with a drum carder and made a very amateur batt that I’m ridiculously pleased with. 

Stash Enhancement - I’m just going to list vendors / dyers, I’ll talk about the individual yarn and fibre when I work with it.  

Knitters Nightmare,

Turtle Purl, 

The First Draft, 

Spin Monkeys,

Lady Bug Fibers, 

Must Stash Yarns,

Akerworks,

Hobbledehoy,

Ancient Arts,

Another Crafty Girl,

Miss Babs,

Fibernymph Dyeworks,

Western Sky Knits,

Twist Fiber Studio, 

Gales Art,

Gynx Yarns,

Eat Knit Dye.

(I also mention Haus Of Yarn - the best yarn shop in Nashville!) 

Stranded Podcast Episode Five: Monogamy

Shownotes:

0.00-3.17: Intro - I talk about the Ravelry Group I have started for the podcast and show off the cowl I'm wearing - the pattern is Mikan Snood by Kyoko Nakayoshi, knit out of Cascade Eco+ in a long forgotten colourway.

3.18-9.04: Work In Progress - This week I'm only working on one project - my Light Trails sweater by Suvi Simola. This is being knit out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in the 'Highway Code' colourway. I also talk about how important it is to alternate skeins when using hand painted yarn.

9.05-11.06: Spinning - Technically not spun this week, but I forgot to show it last week ;) I'm spinning some hand dyed Polwarth on an Akerworks bobbin. I'm aiming for a traditional 3ply sock yarn.

11.07-18.34: General Chat - I talk about gift knitting and ask for recommendations for patterns for baby boys, thank people for their lovely comments about last week's episode and I talk about a gift horror story ;)

18.35-End : Dyeing - I've dyed a lot of yarn this week - all of which is available in the shop right now.

Thankyou all very much for watching!

Stranded Podcast - Episode Four: For the sixth time...

Shownotes:

0.00-4.23: Intro - lots of apologies for technical hitches and delays, thank you to everyone who's subscribed. I explain the new set up and ask for everyone to bear with me. The book that I mention is my boyfriend's favourite (even if I'm using it as buffer...) is The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervin Peake.

4.24-15.00: Works in Progress -

Vanilla toe up sock on 2mm (US 0) needles, out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in the 'Flamboyant' colourway. I use Judy's Magic Cast On and Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off for my toe up socks. I also mention the socks I had on the needles in the last episode - both pairs are finished...


Sock Blank Socks from a blank by Sew Knit Obsessed.

Time Traveller Socks out of Knit Picks Felici in 'Time Traveller'.

Light Trails sweater by Suvi Simola, also out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering weight, in the 'Highway Code' colourway. This is living in a Doose's Market tote bag - a Gilmore Girls reference - it was a gift so I don't have a link for it! I also mention my 2016 Knitting Resolutions blog post which you can find here. I chat about gauge, ease and why you should swatch.

15.01-19.43: Spinning -

I have spun some sample fibre sent to me by Aleks of the Spindles and Stitches blog - and soon to be of the Spindles and Stitches shop.

I have also spun a batt by SpincityUK - 'Azurite' which I have 2 plied - 168yds of a DK/Worsted weight. I love Louise - you should definitely check out her shop.

19.44-22.00: Dyeing -

I have dyed up a batch of 'Funfair' on Oasis Fingering. I also have a couple of skeins of 'Pumpkin Spice' also on Oasis. I have a large batch of 'Ocean Rainbow' on Castaway DK that I don't show, but mention.  I also share some mini skeins I made for promotional purposes. You can find my yarn company Stranded Dyeworks right here.

22.01-End: - Why I Started Knitting...
I talk about how I started knitting and sideline in to why I still knit now, with a 'knitting is really good for your mental health' overtone!

Thankyou so much for watching!

♥

Stranded Podcast Episode 3: Unexpected Hiatus

Hi everyone, without further ado - please let me share with you, the third episode of the Stranded Podcast!



Shownotes:

0.00-3.15: Introduction: Thanks, technology excuses and apologies for the delay!

3.16-11.46: On the needles / Works in progress:

I show off a pair of ex-two-at-a-time socks knit using Knit Picks Felici in the 'Time Traveler' (only one L! This blows my English mind guys. Same with Color. But it feels wrong to correct spellings of American titles / names for things) these are being knit on 2mm (US 0) Knit Pro Karbonz needles.

I'm also working on a Quicksilver shawl by Melanie Berg. This is being knit on 4mm (US 6) ChiaoGoo Red Lace needles. The shawl is a sample for my yarn company Stranded Dyeworks, I'm using 'Highway Code', 'Spook' and 'Party Dress' on my Oasis fingering weight 75/25 merino/nylon base. I also mention Melanie's instagram, you can find her here - @mairlynd.

I'm still working on my socks from a sock blank from Sew Knit Obsessed, the first one is finished and I'm really pleased with it. Again knit on 2mm (US 0) needles. Kira, the dyer behind Sew Knit Obsessed also has a podcast that you can find right here.

Finally, I'm working on a crochet project - a granny square blanket, using this tutorial by NAME Simply Daisy for Sunburst Granny squares. These are made from Cascade220 in a whole host of colours. This project is living in my Survival of the Knittest tote bag from Pom Pom Quarterly.

11.47-14.12: Finished Objects:

I have finished my Color Affection shawl by Veera Välimäki. This is made from Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in 'Truffle', 'Villain' and 'Granny.'



I have also finished my Slable Hat by Woolly Wormhead, which was made out of Stranded Dyeworks 'Pumpkin Spice' on the Paradise MCN fingering base.

14.13-15.53: Spinning:

I have finally finished spinning and plying my Nunoco mixed merino bags in the 'Fen' colourway. I have 384yds of a predominantly sport weight. It is not my best work, but it's done!

15.54-18.37: Dyeing:

I have been dyeing a fair amount of yarn - I share my new base - Castaway DK - 100% Superwash Merino, that is currently available in 'Bonanza', 'Spook' and 'Ocean Rainbow'. I also mention 'Russet' on Paradise MCN and 'Flamboyant'. You can find all my yarn in my shop - right here.

18.38-End: Miscellaneous chatter:

I talk a bit about knitting fatigue / knitting ennui / loss of knitting mojo. I also mention the Super Summer Knitogether retreat hosted by The Knit Girllls.

Thankyou so much for watching! There shouldn't be such a long gap between episodes next time ;)

♥

January FO's

So, please excuse the unexplained quiet over here - I've been busy juggling retail work, with dyeing work and knitting and general life! I haven't done as much knitting as I'd have liked this month - my inspiration has been all over the place and I've had trouble settling on projects. But I have finished a few things and I wanted to share them with you. I thought I'd do monthly round ups of my FO's - primarily to ensure I actually take photographs of them! So without further ado, here are January's...

Toe Up Vanilla Socks (improvised pattern). This is my first pair of socks using 72 stitches instead of 64, and 2mm (US 0) instead of 2.25mm (US 1) needles. The fit is much better - and I prefer the density of the fabric to the socks I had been making. I made these as a sample for my shop - out of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis Fingering in the 'Ocean Rainbow' colourway.

I also knit a second Slable Hat by Woolly Wormhead - also out of Stranded Dyeworks yarn - the Paradise MCN fingering in 'Pumpkin Spice'. This is a birthday present for a friend - and is being modelled by mother, as since I've had all my hair chopped off - hats look very silly on me! This is something I'm pretty sad about, as I love love love hats.

Finally, I finished my Color Affection shawl - which was on my list of 5 Shawls I wanted to knit this year. This is a pattern by Veera Välimäki that I knit out of Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in 'Granny', 'Villain' and 'Truffle'. I love it - but I wish I'd done the yarn over modifications people have suggested on raverly, because the edges are so tight that the ends curl up... But it's still super squishy (technical term) and really wearable.

Not a bad start to the year in my opinion... I just need to work on my sweater goals... But hey, you can't do everything, right?!

♥

Stranded Podcast: Episode 2

Shownotes:

0:00-3:46: Introduction, thankyous, I ramble a bit about the cold weather, show off my new haircut and talk about my hand knit cowl of an improvised pattern, which uses corespun yarn by Heather of Little Owl Crafts.

3:47-9:30: Works In Progress: I'm working on four projects this week...

- Color Affection Shawl by Veera Välimäki, knit out of 3 skeins of Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in 'Truffle', 'Villian' and 'Granny'. I'm on the 3rd section - the short row section - it should hopefully be finished by next week!

- Slable Hat by Woolly Wormhead, knit out of a skein of my handdyed yarn - Stranded Dyeworks Paradise in the 'Pumpkin Spice' colourway. I mention the previous Slable Hat I made which you can see right here.

- Sock Blank Socks, an improvised vanilla toe up pattern on 2mm (US 0), knit out of a sock blank from Sew Knit Obsessed.

- Two Hexipuffs from the Beekeepers Quilt pattern by Tiny Owl Knits. The yarn is a sample from Wren & Ollie in 'Wheatgrass' and some leftovers of Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in 'Ocean Rainbow'.

9:31-10:35: Finished Objects: I have one finished object this week - my Ocean Rainbow vanilla socks are finished! Knit with Stranded Dyeworks Oasis in 'Ocean Rainbow'. These are an improvised toe up vanilla pattern on 2mm (US 0) needles.

10:36-13:05: Spinning: I've been working on one spinning project, my merino mixed bags from Nunoco in the 'Fen' colourway. I have 2x100g bags that I'm spinning together, separately out the colours to create a long gradient. I then talk a little bit about the fibre prep I like to spin.

13:06-14:19: Dyeing: I show off a new colourway I'm calling 'Funfair' which is on my Oasis base. I've also dyed Ocean Rainbow on both of my fingering weight bases but they're both still drying. (These are up in the shop now if you're interested!)

14:20-End: I respond to a viewer's request to talk a little bit out my experience with Art School, and studying creative subjects to a degree level. I didn't go about the university process in the usual way so I talk about it a little more in depth. The schools I mention are here:

Wimbledon School of Art - They no longer offer the foundation diploma - they turned the building I studied in, into flats... but you can find out more about the foundation diploma's that the University of the Arts London offer right here.

Camberwell College of Art - disclaimer: I didn't study here, but I have friends who did and loved it.

Kingston University, Illustration and Animation undergraduate degree. This was the school and course I studied at.

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Thankyou so much for watching! All feedback is greatly appreciated.

♥

Introducing the Stranded Podcast...

One of last year's knitting resolutions was to start my own knitting podcast. I'm a year too late - but who's counting?! Please excuse the video quality of the very first episode - I'm going to attempt to record the next one using my DSLR...



Shownotes:

0:00-2:14 - Introduction and a little bit about me.

2:15-9:57  - Works In Progress:

Improvised Slip-Stitch socks, on size 2.25mm (US 1) HiyaHiya Sharps, out of Wren & Ollie 'Ollie's Sock' in the 'Serendipity' colourway.

Toe-up vanilla sock, improvised pattern, on size 2mm (US 0) needles - ChiaoGoo Red Lace (even though I don't mention that!) - this is being knit out of my hand dyed yarn Stranded Dyeworks 'Oasis Fingering' in the 'Ocean Rainbow' colourway.

Insouciant by Julie Hoover, out of Habu Textiles in Tsumugi Silk.

Color Affection shawl by Veera Välimäki. This is knit out of Hedgehog Fibres 'Skinny Singles' in the colourways Truffle, Villain and Granny.

Hexipuff Seat Cushion from The Bee Keeper's Quilt pattern by Tiny Owl Knits out of assorted sock yarn leftovers.

9:58-14.40 Projects I'm Proud Of:



Old Romance cardigan by Joji Locatelli. Knit out of Madeline Tosh Sock in the 'Moorland' colourway, with modifications by ittybitty.



Pomme de Pin cardigan by Amy Christoffers. Knit out of Madeline Tosh Pashmina in the 'Leopard' colourway (again, something I neglect to mention). I talked more about this project in this blog post.



Linus Shawl by Annett Cordes, knit out of 2ply, fractally spun handspun from batts by Justadaydream in the 'Olive Bowl' colourway.

14:41-16:50 - Spinning:

No actual spinning to share, but I show off the Akerworks Bobbins I received for Christmas, for my Schacht Matchless spinning wheel.

16:51-End - Dyeing:

No actual dyeing to show (it was Christmas guys, I was lazy!) but I talk a little about my hand dyed yarn business Stranded Dyeworks.

You can find me on ravelry and instagram as amyflorence.

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So it's the very first episode, a learning curve - I need to write more detailed show notes for when I record next - so I don't forget vital information like colourway names! But seeing as I started recording this about thirteen times, just finishing it and uploading it feels like an achievement!

♥

5... Shawls that I want to cast on right now.

I knit three shawls last year - this year I really want to make more! Here are some that have been on my list for a while now...

Exploration Station by Stephen West. I knit a Daybreak shawl a couple of summers back - I think it might have been my first ever shawl project... Anyway, a lot of Stephen's designs are a little too out-there for my tastes, but I really like this shawl. I think the colour palette pictured here really helps too - I love corals.

Color Affection by Veera Välimäki. I've actually already cast on my Color Affection (oh my it feels wrong spelling colour the US way!) - using some Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles that I scored in an update just before Christmas. I've just started the short row section and I'm loving it! Such a fun, addictive knit.

Tailwind by Clara Falk. I first saw this shawl on the Knitting Expat podcast with Mina and I love the simplicity of it! I want to knit this as a shop sample with some of my Stranded Dyeworks yarn - maybe greys with a pop of neon... 
Duane Park Triangle by Kirsten Kapur. The combination of garter, stripes and lace in this pattern is utterly perfect! It's just enough lace to add a dainty, feminine edge.

Volga by Jenny F. This last one is more of a cowl than a shawl - but it was too nice to leave off. I love the drape-y fabric, this is so 'me' - there's nothing I like more than jazzing up a plain top with a big cowl or shawl. I love the slipped stitch 'seam' detail down the centre and the lattice lace sections add a fabulous texture to it.

Okay - let's see how many of these I can manage this year! One can never have too many shawls, right?! ;)

♥

2015 - or How Knitting Saved My Life.

At the beginning of 2015 I couldn't go to the supermarket without having a panic attack. I slept for about 18 hours a day and I left the flat two days a week to go to work. I stopped going to university, I didn't cook anything. I stayed in bed, ate packet after packet of biscuits and wished I was dead. I'd been doing this for about five months before it became evident that I was going to fail my degree, not be able to afford to live in my over priced South London flat anymore and if nothing worse, eat myself to death. So in February, I moved to Sussex, to live in the spare room of my parents' new house, while I tried to put myself back together.

When I left London I weighed 210bs - I was an 18/20 UK dress size. This is a photo of my Docklight sweater that didn't make it onto the blog.

Leaving London was the hardest thing I have ever done. It's the only place I've ever lived. I had a job I enjoyed, with a company I was proud to work for. I had the kind of friends I have never had before. I had my independence and I lived in a flat with the best flatmate a girl could wish for. But I was miserable, I was more depressed than I'd ever been and I was so scared of everything that I rarely went outside. Eating was the only thing that temporarily made me feel alright. So I didn't have a choice, there wasn't a decision to be made, I had to leave.

The Spring Beret I knit for Aleks in the Buckaloo View Mystery Hat Swap.

When I arrived in Sussex, I didn't know anybody, I'd completely lost my knitting mojo and I thought my life was over. I would stare at the walls for hours on end and sleep just for some space away from my thoughts. And then I knit a hat for a swap that my friend Nina said I should join. I knit the Spring Beret by Natalie Larson in a day and it turned out that actually knitting was all it took to kickstart my mojo.

Some of my Stranded Dyeworks yarn in the Paradise MCN base.

I got a retail job to pay for driving lessons. I started and then finished therapy. I met with my doctor and started taking new meds that actually work. I joined a knitting group. I lost 28lbs. I passed my driving theory test in November and I opened up an online shop to sell my hand dyed yarns. I started this blog. And I knit. A lot.

A handful of projects from 2015.

Looking back on the things I made last year, validates the time I spent, predominantly alone, getting well.

Yesterday I booked flights to go to Nashville, Tennessee in July, to attend the SSK retreat run by The Knit Girllls. That's a 15hr flight with two stopovers. I have never been on a plane on my own before, I have never been on holiday on my own before. In July, it's just me and a suitcase full of knitting, heading across the Atlantic on the biggest adventure I have ever had. And to think, this time last year I couldn't walk five minutes down the street to the supermarket on my own.

I'm sorry for posting this photo for a third time - but I wanted a recent photograph of me to contrast with the first photo. 

I'm looking forward to everything that 2016 has in store for me and I intend to spend as much of it as possible, needles in hand. I'm not sure if knitting saved my life, but it definitely helped.

♥

Sidenote: If you're struggling with Depression or Anxiety or any mental illness, it is the worst thing in the world. A year ago I wanted nothing more than my life to be over. It does get better. It's not always perfect. But it does get better.