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With several big projects ending last week, Knitvent 2015 just starting, and the holidays looming I feel a little bit upended, not sure whether I’m coming or going. I do know I’ve been burning the candle at both ends a bit lately, so I could probably do with a bit of a slow down. But there are so many exciting things going on and coming up that it’s not always easy to put on the brakes! In this week’s episode I talk a bit about what’s going on for me and my knitting right now, and also review some exciting, magical new yarn from the same family that created the Hole and Sons Yarn which was such a smash hit last year.
Show Sponsors
Today’s show is sponsored by The Fibre Co, and their beloved Acadia yarn.
Acadia is named after the oldest American national park east of the Mississippi river, a place of natural beauty where the sea and mountains meet, slopes are densely forested and wild blueberries abound. Acadia National Park is in the state of Maine, The Fibre Co.’s birthplace. The yarn inspired by this beautiful region has a rustic look and a soft hand. A subtle tweed effect is created by the silk noil that is combined with a heathered base made from fine merino wool and brown baby alpaca. The yarn is a classic DK weight and makes a beautiful textured fabric that is perfect for next to the skin accessories as well as garments.
You can find Acadia at our other sponsor’s shop, 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, the Fibre Co and many more.
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I talk a bit about what I accomplished personally around the Curious Handmade Wardrobe Challenge
I completed 2 out of 3 of my pieces: the Merchant and Mills Dress Shirt, and my own Summertide Shawl:
Still working on the third: the Times Square Vest by Norah Gaughan and I’m really enjoying every single stitch of it, so I’m not sorry I didn’t finish it on time. I am still in love with the yarn I’m using, which is the same as the sample: Knightsbridge by The Fibre Company in the Beaverton colourway
Knitvent 2015 has just kicked off, and the first pattern is out: the Winter Wander Shawl.
The design was inspired by two gorgeous Shibui Knits yarns that I fell in love with on my way to Squam. Silk Cloud and Staccato.
I also mention Wovember again: it’s really worth a look by anyone who loves wool fibre. There are all sorts of great articles and events going on for the month.
I talk about the Knit British Podcast and the Breed Swatch Along
Anyone interested in natural breed-specific wool will find this book useful: A Field Guide To Fleece: 100 Sheep Breeds and How To Use Their Fibres
I’m a big fan of Hole and Sons Farm and their yarn, as you know. I interviewed Benjamin Hole on the podcast a few months ago, and Hole and Sons Yarn inspired my Whispering Island Shawl. Well, there’s some exciting news: the family has come out with some new yarn: Isle Yarn.
Sue Hole, Ben’s aunt, has created another small-batch yarn from her son Sam’s Poll Dorset flock, and it’s brilliant. She sent me some yarn to swatch and review, and I’m going to use this for my Breed Swatch Along entry. I’ve included a review here on the podcast, but Sue sent me some lovely photos and answered a few questions, so I think I’m going to give it its own post later this week.
Upcoming events
Curious Handmade Krimbo Party
Sunday November 22nd from 2:30pm until 6:00pm…I’m hosting a Curious Handmade Christmas Party in London! It’s going to be a very festive afternoon of knitting and holiday surprises, with a few holiday glasses of wine and snacks. I’ll have tickets for sale very soon!
That’s everything for this week! Happy knitting until next time!
