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We’re in the very last week of the Curious Handmade Wardrobe Challenge, and as a special treat I have a wonderful interview to share with you on the podcast. Renee Callahan of East London Knit is a unique talent and her rich experience in art history and fashion add depth and beauty to everything she does. Renee has been along for the CHMW Challenge journey with us, and we talk a bit about what it has meant to her and what she has achieved. We spend some time exploring the fascinating story of her time at fashion school: what she learned and what she didn’t and what it has brought to her knitting design. We also chat about body image and sustainability as two important motivations for handmade fashion.
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.
Along News
It’s the last week for our two big projects!
Summertide Shawl MKAL
A rainbow of beautiful objects keeps growing in the FO thread. Make sure to get yours in there before Oct. 31st for your chance to win one of the prizes from our brilliant sponsors!
Curious Handmade Wardrobe Challenge
I can’t say enough about how awe-inspiring everyone’s achievements have been. The finished objects are evidence of so many makers really stretching themselves and their skills. It’s been incredible to watch.
Don’t forget, we’re seeing both these challenges off in style with the Online Reveal Party on Nov. 3rd. We’ll be celebrating on Instagram and Ravelry, and I’m also planning to do some Periscopes throughout the day. If you’re new to Periscope you can download the app for iPhones in Apple Store and on Google Play for Android
Don’t forget to use the hashtags!
#CHWchallenge
#SummertideMKAL
Knitvent
It’s just around the corner, and just in time to stave off that bereft feeling we always get at the end of a KAL! My annual holiday collection is like a big knitting advent calendar, with a new pattern released each week. You’ll be able to sign up from Tuesday Nov. 3, and the first design will arrive on Thursday Nov. 5. More details as we get closer, but I’m pretty excited. In the meantime, grab yourself a copy of the free Curious Handmade Gift Knitting Planner. It’s a handy PDF to help get us all organized as the holiday knitting season kicks into high gear.
Show Links
Renee’s Curious Handmade Challenge declaration blog post.
One of Renee’s CHMW Challenge finished objects is the Endless Summer Tunic
Here’s her gorgeous version!
Renee is releasing a beautiful new six-pattern collection, now available for pre-order until the 29th of October at a special early bird price.
You can read a little more about the designs and get some sneak peeks here on Renee’s blog
(I’m also going to be taking part in a blog tour to celebrate the launch next week, so stay tuned for a closer look at the beautiful pieces.)
The Paul Klee Exhibit at the Tate Modern which inspired the collection
Renee mentions listening to the new Seamwork Radio
Giveaway Winners
London Stitch and Knit by Leigh Metcalf Winner: lizicee from Instagram
Westwater Tunic Pattern by Squam and Sam Lamb Winner: Ronna on the blog with this comment:
Thanks for another great episode! I’d love to have a copy of this great pattern to jumpstart my handmade wardrobe.
Upcoming events
November 22nd…save the date for a Curious Handmade Christmas Party in London. Details to follow…
That’s everything for this episode! Happy knitting!
