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Welcome to the very last post in July’s Summer Series! Today I’m looking back at the year so far: how I’ve done on the goals I set for myself in January. The word I chose for the year was “simplify” and it’s been pretty influential, though there’s always room for improvement! I also had the opportunity to review a wonderful pattern book by Hannah Fettig, Home and Away.
Show Sponsors:
Today’s show is sponsored by The Fibre Co, and their lovely lovely 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 buy 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.
Show Links:
I mention that I went back to listen to episode 56 of the podcast, “Hello 2015” and I that I’ve finished the Amy Herzog Custom Fit Pullover that I began back then!
I discussed the design work I’ve accomplished so far this year:
Whispering Island was a break from the plan, just a moment of inspiration I had to seize. Hole and Yarns, and two more samples with Blacker Shetland DK and one with The Fibre co Arcadia
Re-releasing Pebble Beach with two new sizes and samples in yarn from The Uncommon Thread
Re-releasing Afternoon Tea with a new size and the checklist pattern format, with another two samples in Anzula Squishy
I mention a book that I’ve found really helpful in my quest for simplicity:
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
it has a lot in common with another book I loved:
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Book Review
Home and Away: Knits for Everyday Adventures Hannah Fetig
Includes an interview with Pam Allan from Quince and Co. Yarns
While every garment in the collection is gorgeous and wearable, my favourite patterns from the book are
Calligraphy, a long button-up cardigan.
and
Lesley, a pullover with a gorgeous neckline
I love the book so much that I’m keeping it, but I have an electronic copy to give away! To win, just leave a comment by Thursday the 6th of August, telling me your favourite pattern from the collection, or whether you prefer top down knitting or knitting in pieces and seaming.
Announcements:
In August and September, the podcast theme will be “A Handmade Wardrobe.” Several people have sparked that idea for me, including:
Libby from Truly Myrtle
Felicia from Craft Sessions and her inspiring review post of her Me-Made May
Karen from Fringe Supply Co.
Kate from A Playful Day who talked to Ysolde Teauge about making your own clothes
I’ve mention in previous weeks how much I’m looking forward to September 5th, when I’ll be involved with the Great London Yarn Crawl. I’m sharing a stand with some other (very talented!) designers as part of their pop up marketplace Indie Designer Spotlight. Please come and say hi!
Plans for the first Curious Handmade Workshop with Emily Quinton from Makelight Studios and my friend Vicki Hillman, fashion stylist are starting to take shape! It will happen on Friday the 9th of October, so save the date!
That wraps up the show notes and the Summer Season! See you next week, and until then, happy knitting!
