Episode 40: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

A Playful Day is kindly sponsored by Superknits. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above- go on, spoil yourself!!!.

A Playful Day is also kindly sponsored by NorthboundKnitting, uniquely hand dyed yarn, spinning fibre and modern knitting designs. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above.

A Playful Day is proudly sponsored by Candy Skein, hand dyed yarns sweet enough to eat! Please support our playful friend by supporting the banner above.

Show notes:

Thank you to the many well wishes and plenty of chatter that kept me sane whenever I could log in.

Come join 'The Night Circus Along', entirely hosted by lovely group members and making me smile everytime I swing by. There's also a bit of a push to get all our holiday knits finished thanks to Smoon. 

KnittyBarb and Tracie from the 2KnitLitChicks Podcast share their holiday favourites with us in a special Playful Pursuits with these notes:

Books:

Skipping Christmas:http://www.amazon.com/Skipping-Christmas-Novel-John-Grisham/dp/0440422965

Santaland Diaries:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=161Fyi6fid0

6 to 8 Black Men:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYdpte1W0vk

Holidays on Ice:http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=holidays+on+ice+david+sedaris&sprefix=Holidays+on%2Caps%2C324

Movie:

A Christmas Story:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/

Song:

Merry Christmas from the Family:http://www.cmt.com/videos/robert-earl-keen/39118/merry-christmas-from-the-family.jhtml

Future knits brought to you from Dani Sunshine and Nikki Van Der Car. 

Off the Needles
Scylla by Fiona Lucas in a mystery sock yarn.  

On The Needles
Plume by Lisa Mutch in The Uncommon Thread in The Uncommon Thread Posh Fingering in the 'Nimbostratus' Colourway and Silky Merino Fingering in 'Cerulean' Colourway.
Dashing by Cheryl Niamath, in Artesano Aran in the Oak colourway.  

Songs:

Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on Music Alley
The First Noel by Alison Crowe, available on Music Alley .

Contact me at: aplayfulday@gmail.com
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A Much Overdue George Update

Well with everything that's been going on in the playful house, there's not been much love for poor George lately. I've not seen him in months in fact but rest assured I've been receiving regular updates from my parents and the chorus of 'oh no George!' has still been called.

Perhaps I should explain.

As George settled into his new home after months of unhappiness we began to see more of the excitable puppy like behaviour you would expect from a boy of his age: jumping up, barking, playing, and endless curiosity at the world. It was charming to see this young man living fully once again.

However, with this new found excitement came bravery.... And with bravery came a catalogue of stories that have kept everyone amused. First there was the incident with the bakery, the smell of fresh bread and 9 missing bread rolls. Then there was the cat being chased around its own house once the pair had flown through the open front door. The list went on.

The giant and I were browsing children's books, not long after we found out that I was expecting and I found this:

This book not only contained beautiful pictures that looked uncannily like George but also a narrative that was just like George too. This George tries to be good but just can't help eating the cake or ruining the picnic and each time there's a cry of 'oh no George!'

So whenever I get a call from mum to tell me what adventures he's been up to lately, there's usually a cry of 'oh no George!' Amongst barely stifled laughter.

The last oh no was uttered yesterday: 6 missing cakes from a fresh batch cooling on the side.....

..... All together now....

London Calling

Some time last Spring I noticed a tweet looking for someone to help with a new enterprise, an app and website dedicated to hooking (pun intended) crafters up with crafty connections in London. As with many freelance projects, I had the joy of watching an idea grow into a realisation but as is often the case, only glimpsed a small part as I worked through edits and emails back and forth. It's only now it's launched that I can see the overall picture and wow, I love it. 

The project was 'Craft Candy', a free online website listing of crafty suppliers and happenings around London. I can't speak for the app as I've not yet downloaded it to use in the wild but I'm already super excited by the website and have bookmarked it to help me plan my crafty-ness when I get back in the game. 

The website is easy to use and browse and has that magical balance of white space and great graphic design that I so love in an information website (I get confused and cross easily when it's too busy). What I like the most is the many aspects that are joined up: social media, blogging, listings, well known resource bases such as Ravelry.... it makes sense to me to have these things all in one place. 

So why have I broken my golden rule about not discussing work projects on my blog?

Because I hope to see you at an event soon. So go check it out!

Time to Share

One of the joys of blogging and podcasting is the people who get in touch. I hear from listeners, crafters, producers and designers and they tell me their news and share ideas. I like this community a huge amount and the fact that my profile makes people want to reach out and share just makes me smile. 

Someone who got in touch recently was a rather lovely fellow podcaster who I've listened to in the past. I say in the past as I'm woefully behind with podcasts as you can probably imagine. Lara Neel is a podcaster, blogger and designer. She got in touch to share the news that she's now producing pay for patterns and hoped I'd share a little of her story with you all.

Many of you will know Lara due to her podcast Math4Knitters, the Crafty Living Podcast. It's an interview format  show which includes a section where she talks about the pattern of the week that is produced via the newspaper she works at, Crafty Living. With so much experience, Lara decided to hit out on her own and produce paid for pattern with the kind of attention to detail she's become known for. This is a new enterprise for Lara and I've seen she's been very active on the free testers group, checking her designs and growing from feedback she's been given.

She sent me the Eulalia Shawl pattern to look at and I liked how typical this was of her designs: deceptively simple with an attention to finishing details. This is a top-down, semi-circular shawl with interest added due to a double-knit side edge that is incorporated as you knit, so other than darning in ends, there is practically no finishing at all. This creates interest through rolling inner and outer edges and will sit beautifully on your shoulders. It's simple with a twist and I approve of that! I like patterns to have on the needles that are comforting in their simplicity but have the all the details to give a pleasing finished result.

(c) Lara Neel

You can find Lara's test-knit patterns for sale via Lara Neel on Ravelry, where you'll also find over 140 free patterns, produced for the podcast and newspaper. I wish Lara every success in her growing career as designer.

So big

I can't believe you're one month old already. I'm so proud of your tenacity and spirit little one. You've thrived and I'm honoured to be observing that. 

Happy one month Playful Babe!

A Cottage Industry

One of the lovely things about having a baby is the exciting mail you receive. We've had flowers, packages, cards and.... brownies. 

Yes you read that right, Brownies by MAIL. Also, Brownies deserves capitalisation in my humble opinion. 

I received a beautifully wrapped box of chocolate Brownies from the giant's mum who not only knows and encourages my love of baked goods but also independent producers. I have to admit I paid little attention at first to where these divine goodies came from as I devoured 3 in one hit but once the sugar buzz wore off I found the card and looked them up online. Wow. Just my thing. 

Gower Cottage Brownies takes the idea of a cottage industry (A business or manufacturing activity carried on in a person's home) quite literally. Kate, the owner and baker behind the enterprise, produces these wonderful treats in her family home. In a beautiful cottage located in Wales, Kate has created a business that is not only deliciously indulgent but award winning too. Her baking and customer service have all been recognised for their excellence and I can see why. 

As much as I wanted to keep this news to myself so I could eat ALL the brownies, I just had to share. Brownies make the world a better place after all. 

Just Saying Hi

Just popping in to report a few important facts that I feel I should share with you, the readers:


1. I've figured out where I am on that pesky sock 

2. I've figured how to knit and nurse 

3. Knit progress is slow but has restarted



(big beaming smile)

That is all....

Episode 39: Here at Last

A Playful Day is kindly sponsored by Superknits. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above- go on, spoil yourself!!!.

A Playful Day is also kindly sponsored by NorthboundKnitting, uniquely hand dyed yarn, spinning fibre and modern knitting designs. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above.

A Playful Day is proudly sponsored by Candy Skein, hand dyed yarns sweet enough to eat! Please support our playful friend by supporting the banner above.

Show notes:

Thank you to the many well wishes and plenty of chatter that kept me sane whenever I could log in.

Come join 'The Night Circus Along', entirely hosted by lovely group members and making me smile everytime I swing by.

There's a bit of a push to get all our holiday knits finished thanks to Smoon. Also, here's the link to the Hats for the Homeless thread started by ClareMarie that I stupidly forgot in the podcast.

Heather Ordover gives us her delightfully peaceful take on Thanksgiving for the holiday season and I am thankful to her for it. For those of you who wanted to listen to Franklin again, here's the link to the podcast shownotes.

Off the Needles 

Magic Coffee Baby Hat by Tracey Kay in leftovers of the Artist Palette and BC Yarnings DK.
On the Needles

Scylla by Fiona Lucas in a mystery sock yarn. 
Plume by Lisa Mutch in The Uncommon Thread in The Uncommon Thread Posh Fingering in the 'Nimbostratus' Colourway and Silky Merino Fingering in 'Cerulean' Colourway.
Dryad by Jared Flood using The Uncommon Thread Lush Worsted in 'Bois' Colourway. 

Songs:

Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on Music Alley
Grateful by James Casto, available on Music Alley .

Contact me at: aplayfulday@gmail.com
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These Are The Days

Life is falling into some kind of hazy lull here in the playful house. The giant is on paternity leave and we're learning our little girl's habits and just how much sleep we can cope without. Friends and family arrive with food and respite and we introduce them proudly to the playful babe. It's all rather nice. 

I've managed to knit the grand total of a row and a half which believe me, felt amazing. I've looked at magazines and have now got a bit better about actually opening them and diving in. First up was Mollie Makes, a little saccharine for my tastes but full of thoughts of learning to sew (one day) and projects I will accomplish for gifts..... NEXT year. 

It's the knitting magazines (naturally) that I've really indulged in. I rarely read magazines from cover to cover, preferring to pour over certain articles or patterns and returning to reread them again in the months to come. What I've discovered I have a talent for is reading cover to cover (including adverts!) and returning to pour over pattern details later. This, therefore, prolongs the life of the magazine which is considerably easier to hold with and nurse than a paperback book. Thank God for the Kindle!

Knitscene Winter 2012 excelled itself and my highlights were the short row shaped shawls in triumphant colours from the very talented Kyoko Nakayoshi. Isn't it stunning? I can't wait to think up my own colour combinations and laze my way through comfort knitting and wraps and turns. I love a wrap and turn. 

(c) Interweave Press

I also really appreciated the Farmstead Cardigan by Amy Gunderson as I realise I am woefully lacking on the warm winter cardigan front. I adore the panels on this and it's simple but stylish shape. As always, the simple pullover with lace detail stole my heart and this issues Gate Pullover delivered just the kind of pullover I want to fill my wardrobe with. There's an interesting construction to this too which has me intrigued: it's worked side to side. 

(c) Knitscene

Then I noticed the new Twist Collective has gone live and need to find time to drool further on a bigger screen than my iphone. In the meantime though, my dreams are haunted by the decadence of Rachel Coopey's 'Chamomile'. 

(c) Jane Heller

What have you been fantasy knitting?

Stormout and All Things Snuggly.

Well I find myself in front of a laptop and I won't beat around the bush, I'm pretty chuffed at myself. I'm writing SHOWNOTES and a blog post. Yes, I know, wait for the sound of spinning plates crashing... 

We're enjoying cuddling and being together and all things fun in the playful house and I'm thinking about when I get to knit again. Thus far I've looked at the cover of two knit magazines (Pom Pom and Knitscene FYI) and Mollie Makes and I've read through Stormount pattern that I promised I'd blog about before the arrival of my Playful Babe. While I'm yearning to knit, this is keeping me satisfied for now and I have to say, I'm impressed with this first published pattern. 

(c) CelticCastOn

 Stormont is a unisex cabled toque featuring a celtic cable design on the front and back.
With sizes ranging from 6mths to large adult it’s a hat with the whole family in mind. The designer is Kelly Ashfield who writes over at CelticCastOn, a blog I thoroughly enjoy- the woman knits like a machine!

(c) Copyright CelticCastOn

 Patterns are written and charted using conventional abbreviations and has been laid out in a logical way that keeps things clear despite the multiple sizing. I love the addition of the pompom for the little version too- adorable! I also hear there's plans for a slouchy and beanie version which excites me greatly.  

(c) Copyright CelticCastOn

You can purchase your pattern here via Ravelry and check out Kelly's amazing blog here. Thanks for the copy of this pattern Kelly, when I get those needles going, there's going to one for all the playful family members. We'll debate how many pompoms that will be nearer the time....

Anticipated

Well I had to giggle looking at the last post: anticipation? Wow. Yes. A very eagerly anticipated arrival finally made her way into the world last week and I've tried several times since to gather my thoughts enough to sharing some news and musings on life with a playful bundle. 

I can't. 

There's too much joy. Too many high emotions. Too many life lessons and things I realise slowly like a light gradually climbing in through a crack..... 'oh.... that's what matters? Huh....'

Our playful babe was born Sunday, 4th 2012 at 11:42 and is one week old today. I'm already wondering where does time go? It just goes with a new born and you savour every moment. Yes, even the 3am wake up party because she's here. 

She's finally here. 

Thanks to all the well wishes, kind messages, gifts and general buzz. We felt like the world was as excited as we were. Which is, of course, impossible. No one would ever get anything done!

More soon. 

An-tici-PAY-SHUN

I can't use the word anticipation without hearing it exaggerated by a rather gorgeous Tim Curry in drag. I tried to type it in the header normally but somehow just couldn't so I felt a nod to a great dress up/ Halloween favourite of mine was probably quite festive anyway. For the record, I'm always Magenta because after the drag queens, she got the best makeup. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, go get a copy of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a friend who knows the parts to shout at and a vat of gin then come back. 

Anyway.....

Anticipation is becoming a major theme around here and there's more than one thing I'm excited about. I thought I'd share a few. 

Stormount (c) CelticCastOn

Firstly, I'm going to be writing a blog post about this rather magic pattern soon that's just been released by one of my favourite bloggers. Isn't it gorgeous? I love cables and need more in my life and this clearly needs to happen. 

Then there's a flurry of books that are being blogged about in anticipation of their arrival. The first that left me all a twitter was Jane Richmond's Island, now available for pre-order. It looks absolutely stellar and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. 


No less exciting is the anticipation of the Smitten Kitchen cookbook. I am always banging on about the genius that is this blog but really, I don't think I can stress this enough: the woman is a genius. 

I also got very excited when I realised how close election day is for the US: 6th November 2012! Watching this video about the power of the female vote to say 'no' to a regime that will attempt to reclaim them as property made me want to stand up and cheer. 60% of the voters last time were women and that means you can literally say 'my body, my decision'. How exciting! Here in the UK I'm hoping we realise the same next election as the abortion and welfare debates roll on with little female voice, research or forward thinking in any shape or form so I'm waiting the outcome of the US election with baited breath and hoping it signals a change for us here too.

So whether it's knitted bliss, food or just being so damn powerful, I hope you're anticipating something special over this coming week too!

Split Pea and Carrot Soup

Well it's another soup recipe. I know, it's like I don't have teeth or something. It's all soups and compotes (I need to write up the compote I just made- it's amazing). But come on, who doesn't like soup?!?!?! Especially as we enter autumn and winter coldness, soup wins everytime.

Here's a winter warmer I knocked up the other day and have since devoured. 

Split Pea and Carrot Soup.

Ingredients:
2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup cooked Split Peas 
2-3 cloves garlic
1 large chopped onion
3 chopped celery stalks
1 chilli, diced (deseeded if you don't like things too spicy)
1 tsp of fresh diced Ginger
1/2 tbsp Ground Coriander
1 litre stock, veg or chicken (I used veg) 
Seasoning

To Make:
1. Take a good size pan, slosh some olive oil (about 2 tbsp) in and heat.
2. Saute the onions, celery and carrot for about 5 mins, until starting to soften. 
3. Add chilli, ginger, coriander and garlic, stir and cook for another 2 minutes or so.  
4. Season, pour in veg stock and reduce heat once it starts to simmer. Pop a lid on and leave for about 25 mins or until everything is nice and soft. 
5. Add cooked split peas (You don't have to do this seperately but I find it makes it less dominant if I do so). Warm through.
6. Blend to preferred consistency and pop back on the heat to warm through again a little, adjusting seasoning if necessary. 

Serving suggestion: amazing sour dough bread from Brick House Artisan Sourdough Bakery that I just discovered. It's amazing.

What to Knit When You're Expecting: A Review

While I was recovering in bed over the last month or so, a rather lovely new book was delivered to my house that made me quite excited to say the least. I'd been contacted by the author Nikki Van Der Car via Ravelry as she knew I was expecting and we discussed reviewing her new book. I will admit when she told me the title I was intially concerned as I'd not got on with the book 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' AT ALL (for those interested I have no desire to be told what to wear that is slimming or why I should worry about my weight pregnant or otherwise). 

What dropped through the door though was nothing short of wonderful. I peeked inside at the beautiful photography and saw lush knits that I would actually want to knit. I often don't want to knit baby or children's patterns as they're not the kind of thing I've been motivated by but here were textures, lace, cables and yummy yarns on some very cute wee ones. I dived in....

'Baby Cozy', (c) Claire Richardson

The book is broken into 3 'trimesters', staggered so the more complex knits that would take longer come sooner in your pregnancy (if that's when you're actually knitting) and the quick, impatient knits are located towards the end when you're a little frazzled and impatient. I liked the idea and the variety that this offered in terms of choice: tv knitting or something I could sink my teeth into. Marvellous. Great for long term knitting as well as last minute gifts for friends who are expecting. 

'Honeycomb', (c) Claire Richardson

The yarns are widely sourced from Rowan to Madelinetosh and Debbie Bliss so there's a mix of affordability, durability and luxury. I liked the choice of yarns offered and the fact that there were gendered clothes in here but also a good mix of non gendered. Even the gendered clothes were not in the usual boring boy blue or princess pink that's become baby uniform in most shops I've visited. I mean, look at this girl's dress, isn't it adorable? 

'Emily Dress', (c) Claire Richardson

The sizes remain within the first year of life which means that this has a relatively short shelf life if you're knitting for a little one but I could easily see this being used as a treasury of gift knitting too so I'm still sold as far as this book goes. I really hope Nikki makes a follow up for toddlers and children as her stylish and homely knitting will be very welcome in this family without a shadow of a doubt. I especially loved the fact that instructions were clear and knitting in the round was an option on garments. For reasons I can never understand, so many children's knits are worked in pieces. This is how I knit and so I trust that I'll get the result I want from my knit. 

'Ike Sweater Vest', (c) Claire Richardson

What am I working on from the book? Well you'll have to stay tuned to find out...... ;)

A huge thanks to both Nikki and the publishers, Running Press for giving me the opportunity to review this book. If you'd like to grab a copy, check out Amazon or check out Nikki's lovely blog for more information.

Episode 38: Time is a Healer

A Playful Day is kindly sponsored by Superknits. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above- go on, spoil yourself!!!.

A Playful Day is also kindly sponsored by NorthboundKnitting, uniquely hand dyed yarn, spinning fibre and modern knitting designs. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above.

A Playful Day is proudly sponsored by Candy Skein, hand dyed yarns sweet enough to eat! Please support our playful friend by supporting the banner above.

Show notes:

Thank you to the many well wishes and plenty of chatter that kept me sane whenever I could log in.

Come join 'The Night Circus Along', entirely hosted by lovely group members and making me smile everytime I swing by. 

Off the Needles 
Attending the blocking party were: Annular by Woolly Wormhead using Artist's Palette Merino Cashmere DK, Dry Stone Cowl by Dani Sunshine in BC Yarnings DK SW in the 'charcoal' colourway and a random cowl self designed from leftovers of the BC Yarnings DK SW and Sanguine Gryphon's Skinny Bugga held double in the Katydid colourway.


Linnie by Justyna Lorwowska using Northbound Knitting Superwash Merino Fingering Weight in the 'Moonstone' colourway and Sundara Sock Yarn in the Brown Sugar over Buttermilk colourway.
A matching new born hat out of the fumes of these leftovers. 
Poppy hat by Justine Turner in Tactile Fibres Occidental DK in Meyer Lemon colourway.

On the Needles
Magic Coffee Baby Hat by Tracey Kay in leftovers of the Artist Palette and BC Yarnings DK.
Scylla by Fiona Lucas in a mystery sock yarn. 
Plume by Lisa Mutch in The Uncommon Thread in The Uncommon Thread Posh Fingering in the 'Nimbostratus' Colourway and Silky Merino Fingering in 'Cerulean' Colourway.

Munch Burp, Schlurp
I pull out the casserole dish and treat friends and family to Boozy Beef Stew. 

1. Take diced steak or a preferred cut (it can be a cheaper cut due to the cooking time) and coat with seasoned flour.
2. Brown off in the pan before adding onions, celery and carrots or any other roots you feel like that have a longer cooking time. 
3. Add more vegetables you like. I went for mushrooms and green beans and added garlic here. 
4. Add a dried bay leaf and a bottle of red wine....
5. Stire in a little cornstarch mixture to preference, season and reduce heat or pop in the oven on a low heat for 2-2 1/2 hours. 
6. Take off the lid and return to a higher heat on the stove for 10- 15 mins, stirring occasionally. Add any aromatics at this point: fresh herbs such as rosemary or basil and zest of citrus (lemon works very nicely with rosemary)

Songs:

Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on Music Alley
Underdogs by Jen Foster, available on Music Alley .

Contact me at: aplayfulday@gmail.com
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Videocasts

I feel I should point out something before I launch into this post: I am not a fan of the videocast. I have tried. I swear. I want to like them. I do. I appreciate the effort, the access, the welcoming community but I just can't get behind them. I have often wondered why it is I'm not drawn to the many, many out there in the same way I am audio podcasts. 

I have a few theories that I've come to realise over the course of the last few weeks as I have found myself watching about half a dozen quite a lot. This is new for me and it made me wonder what my original problem was with the videocast. I realise it's a lot about your viewing/ listening habit. I'm a traveller. I found the podcast scene when I racked up hours and hours of commuting a week and they kept me company on nights of insomnia without bothering anyone else in the house. This is when I would access podcasts and I listen to dozens and hungrily devour back episodes. I don't watch tv so the habit of sitting in front of the a programme in the evening after work, videocast or other, just doesn't resonate with me. I'd rather switch on a podcast while I cook or potter around.

HOWEVER..... I have half a dozen I am watching most days recently and catching up on old episodes. I've always tuned in to Round The Twist and The KnitGirllls but now there is CraftStash and 90% Knitting added into the daily cycle. Yarnivore makes me chuckle and I'm hankering to find a few more but I struggle when I do this. I realise the other thing that's left me cold before with videocasts is that you can see. Well, DUH! But seriously, I enjoy the way a good podcaster describes their process/ the yarn or reviews a book. They have to be thorough, they have to tell you all the details and get it right because it's not right there in front of you. I suspect the reason I like these is that the audio and visual is quality both in terms of tech and presentation. They are very good at describing their process and despite wanting my knits and wanting them now, I love to hear all about someone else's process. 

So what do you watch? What would you recommend?

Hope

Sometimes when entering your projects onto Ravelry, a name seems wholly appropriate. Most of the time I just load them up and am more concerned about the notes to be helpful for other knitters. However, knits that have stories usually get named pretty quickly. This little knit was one of them. 

A few weeks ago I began to go into labour... early. Far more early than I would have ideally liked. I was very ill and my body was irritated and so was the baby it would seem. I was very lucky that I had the comfort of a lovely friend who I've grown closer to over the last year or so that had a baby that was born earlier than expected. Both herself and this gorgeous little lady caused quite a panic but have since thrived and look the picture of health. The family are wonderful company whenever the giant and I see them and when I sent out an SOS text to explain my situation, my friend knew just what to say. 

In those hours and hours of uncertainty, there was the reassurance to be found that not only had a mother as wonderful as my friend managed this but also her baby had come out just peachy and despite being so tiny proved she was ready for life indeed. I was a week on from her arrival, I would be fine. I remembered the picnics in the park, the cuddles, the laughter and used that to remove anxiety from my mind and think about the wonderful things I had to look forward to if my baby really was set on coming early. I calmed myself down, labour signs died down, and the moment of intense urgency passed and instead has become a rumbling background noise to my days.

So when I remembered it was this inspiring little girl's first big birthday and I was sent home for bed rest and told to keep little one cooking as long as possible, I turned to a gift knit for this little ray of sunshine. The family are very funky and love retro things so I settled quickly on the Poppy hat, a great free pattern that is written for 3 weights of yarns and lots of sizes. Perfect stash busting as a result of the weight options so I grabbed a skein of special yarn I'd been gifted and sat knitting with a contented smile. 

The project name was simple: Hope.

Pure Wool: A Blog Tour Post

While I've been keeping the sofa safe over the last few weeks, lots of new books, publications and knitty related wonders have come my way and one of them was a new publication called 'Pure Wool'. I was intrigued and agreed to help out with a blog tour as this was slightly different from other texts I'd seen come my way of late. 

'Pure Wool' is produced by Sue Blacker who is the managing director of Blacker Yarns. This is a company dedicated to British Wool Breeds and the book is a showcase of the knowledge that comes with such a company. Blacker Yarns and Blacker Designs were launched in 2008 as brands of The Natural Fibre Company, which is their specialist wool mill on the Devon-Cornwall border. The mill specialises in adding value to fleece supplied by farmers and turning it into high-quality knitting yarn which they can sell for themselves and generate a new or growing source of income from their flock.Knowing this adds a context to the book as you understand the passion of supporting British Wool and the Campaign for Wool that has been highlighted by Kate Davies, amongst others, in the past and this week for British Wool Week. 

For this post, I reviewed a digital copy of the book and enjoyed finding out about the different sheep breeds, spinning processes and the characteristics of the specific yarns produced. There are a collection of patterns that have been specifically designed to showcase these yarns and their qualities and they are beautifully presented. If you're a photography nut, you will love the images in this book as each page is a mini homage to all things sheepy and woolly. It made me very happy as colder weather began to set in around my perch on the sofa. 

What I really liked is that despite the British Wool focus, there was a lot of comparison between UK and US terminology and I felt that this would be especially useful if you were a novice knitter or spinner, trying to get to grips with the difference between fingering and 4ply. That's not to say this book doesn't cater for the more advanced fibre enthusiast, it really does. There's a good level of information to be found here without it becoming overloaded or dry. 

The patterns are presented in a really fun way too: each breed has a kind of 'ID card' or fact file, explaining the characteristics, uses etc. Then the pattern follows with written instructions and a full picture. I liked this as I understood why a particular breed worked especially well for crisp cables etc. The patterns themselves are gloriously rustic and simple. Instructions are written and information and notes are at the start of the pattern so you know what you need before you start. Needless to say, Blacker Yarns are the featured yarns and their natural palettes really help the cosy feel of this publication. There isn't a massive choice on sizing for the garments however so you'd need to make adjustments for fit. 

If you'd like to get your hands on a copy, visit the website here for more details. A huge thank you to the publishers at Bloomsbury and Blacker Yarns for letting me be part of this tour.

Scheduling

Oh boy I hate missing deadlines. By deadlines, I largely mean those I set myself. I am something of a perfectionist about certain things- perhaps you've noticed? I want things done a certain way to make ME happy and the podcast and blog have always been a few of them. The fact that other people like them too is just brilliant and now I feel I have to keep a certain momentum going.

The last few wobbly weeks have meant the recording schedule got all kinds of squiffy which is not a problem for some folks but is for others. I can only apologise and reassure you that it's driving me mad too. I suspect what is going to happen is the blog will become a little busier as I move news over to here and recording becomes once monthly. I'm not sure. I know this Sunday's won't happen as I am recovering from the third infection, a chest infection, and sound like a snot monster. I am a snot monster though so that makes sense. 

So what I'm rambling on about is the fact I don't have a set schedule for the podcast anymore but I do LOVE to podcast and blog so I'm not fading. Just taking a little more time to get to the end destination that I wanted. Features and episodes will happen, when they happen. They make me happy when they do and hopefully it'll be an added bonus to whichever day they fall on for you. This is something I can maintain with little one's arrival too so it's kind of a good habit for the moment: each day as it comes. I'll let you know when things get more settled and I feel able to say 'THIS IS A PLAN'. I like a good plan, especially if it involves gin, cake or knitting.

So stay well and keep playful! Also, keep an eye on here over this weekend for a post about a rather yummy book I'm reviewing as part of a blog tour..... it's a goodie!

Block Party

So the builders have finally retreated and as the dust literally settles, I am faced with quite a task: catching up on two months of chaos and getting ready for an impatient arrival. More over, I have knitting to sort. 

I've cast on many things over the last few months and finished quite a few. I've lived off the fumes of stash and I've worked hard to create loving knits for friends, family and the previously mentioned impatient arrival. Of course now I have to block everything and weave in ends. The pile currrently stands at this:

Then there is a few more knits soon to be off the needles and a pile of hand made socks that need soaking. I should be concerned about getting the house ready but I'm mostly concerned about getting these finished, photographed and ready once and for all. That's totally normal right?

Right?

It's the Little Things

Things I have loved over the last week: 

Watching a spider knit its' beautiful web. It was a good spider and a good web. Both were fantastic shapes and colours in the morning sun. I could have watched for hours. 

Autumn came while I was tucked away, recuperating inside.I ventured out for a little walk around the garden and there were colours and smells in the air that I adore. I love Autumn and I was sad I wasn't outside when she truly arrived but I liked the presents she left like leaves scattered on the green grass and the waning rays of the sun on my skin as I inspected them.  

Testing my ability to truly get every last bit out of a skein that I can. Emergency knitting needs to be cast on to ensure that I don't have the dread of running out of knits ever again. However, lingering on the details of those last few scrap of skeins was quite decadent and I feel very virtuous now. 

The giant. He's perfect and kept watch over me and little one so well that we stayed safe. I couldn't do this without him. 

My knit best friend. She understood I needed time and some chatter and she was there, as she always is. 

Friends and family. You really do find out how lucky you are when you put the call out for help and so many respond. I am overwhelmed and eternally grateful. Even in the global community of Twitter, people sent messages and well wishes and they were so important to keeping my mood bright. I came out of my shell where I'd hidden out of fear and just embraced each contact. I forget to do that sometimes. 

A new book that fills you with wonder. The words on each page, the characters, the hours lost as you come round and remember you're own setting. 

Safety. A feeling of safety. Nearly there...

Episode 37:

A Playful Day is kindly sponsored by Superknits, now with a super new website. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above- go on, spoil yourself!!!.

A Playful Day is also kindly sponsored by NorthboundKnitting, uniquely hand dyed yarn, spinning fibre and modern knitting designs. Please show your support for our playful friend by clicking on the link above.

A Playful Day is proudly sponsored by Candy Skein, hand dyed yarns sweet enough to eat! Please support our playful friend by supporting the banner above.

Show notes:

Thank you to the many well wishes and plenty of chatter that kept me sane whenever I could log in.

The Gifted Athletes along winners have been announced so please claim your prize if you haven't already! A huge thank you  to those who donated prizes:Gynx Yarns, Brenda Castiel, Circes, Super Knits, Melanie Gall and Pom Pom Magazine.

I review the 'Little Rascals Collection by Millia Mia and talk about bright yarns!

Off the Needles 
Annular by Woolly Wormhead using Artist's Palette Merino Cashmere DK.
Cozy Little Toes by Judy Kaethler from left over sock yarn.
Dry Stone Cowl by Dani Sunshine in BC Yarnings DK SW in the 'charcoal' colourway. 

On the Needles
Linnie by Justyna Lorwowska using Northbound Knitting Superwash Merino Fingering Weight in the 'Moonstone' colourway and Sundara Sock Yarn in the Brown Sugar over Buttermilk colourway.
Random Cowl from my head using leftovers of the BC Yarnings DK SW. More details next episode

Songs:

Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on Music Alley
All in My Head by Kosheen.

Contact me at: aplayfulday@gmail.com
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Surfacing

Hello all

Yes, I am here. Waving, gently from beneath the rubble of our home and a duvet. Things sometimes take over in a way that you weren't expecting at all. Sometimes several things take over. In fact, sometimes so many things take over that you genuinely don't know what to do. 

That happened over the last week. 

I have plans, I have daydreams, I have things I want to share. I just can't right now due to several of these things that include lack of internet, a quiet place to record, the energy I need to set up pictures/ write shownotes etc. and then more serious things that are not playful so I don't really want to chat about here. The list seems endless. 

I'll be back. I promise. I just need to ride out this challenging time a little longer so I can be playful once more. After all, play is the esssence of this blog and podcast and the thing that makes me feel the most alive. A lack of it lately will need addressing and I can't wait to invite you to join in. 

Thanks x

Duvet Day

Some days you need to hit the stop button. Often you hit it far, far, too late and find yourself tired and desperate by the time you realise you should have planned time out sooner. 

Today I've decided to hit the stop button. I was going to work, run errands and had lots planned but as the day progressed I realised my head, body and heart were weary and I need to just stop. Now. 

I have changed out of my top, smart jeans and walking shoes in favour of handknit socks, yoga pants and a snuggly jumper. I have knitting, I have Ravelry, I have sunshine streaming in on me from a beautiful day where I can see the leaves being painted yellow as autumn moves in. I have cups of tea and if I really wanted I could work out which box holds a blanket and could be unpacked to snuggle under. Only if I really wanted though. 

Music choice?

Oh Adele on days like this. Followed by Joni Mitchell. Naturally. 

Feels Like...

It's been hectic of late. Really hectic. A lot of my usual chores have been connected by scurrying to find internet access or picking up ordered items and not really taking note of my surroundings despite a new area to explore.It's unlike me, I'm usually very happy to walk along, looking at the clouds and plants and humming to myself. (I am the local mad woman, I accept this).

Today however I noticed something that snapped me out of hum drum and took me right back to my usual self: I sensed Autumn hovering in the wings. The sun was shining but not so hot I couldn't wear jeans and a shirt with a shawl wrapped around my neck. I looked for signs of change and the last of the petals and leaves are stretching out before the oranges and yellows move in. Autumn is there, patiently waiting and gently moving herself in to fill the world with all my favourite things like pumpkin and spice.

Autumn is my absolute favourite time of year: layered clothes, digging out your favourite bots, squashes and stews, bonfires and endless walks. Love it.

Stay playful people x

Take 2

I have been meaning to show my second attempt at handspun for a while and now my friend has finally got her birthday package, I can.

This skein was a Shetland braid that another crafter gifted me to play with and I'd been told Shetland was pretty easy to spin so I pulled it out with the intention of spinning it into a birthday gift. I wasn't wild about the colours as I'm just not a pastel girl but there were some bright pops of pink and yellow in there that I decided was a challenge. Could I get them to pop in the skein too? I wanted to spin as consistently as I could for my friend so I commited to the Shetland to help with that and away I went.

This time I worked the braid differently. For the first half of the braid, I spun it as it came to me and filled the first bobbin. For the second half, I tore the braid in half again to muddy the colours and make shorter colour repeats to fill the second bobbin. 

I feel I had some success although I really need to learn how to join the fibre back in once it's broken as I just end up with big fluffy parts. I found it harder to get the Shetland as even as the BFL which could either be due to using a single treadle wheel this time or the fibre itself. It felt a little lumpy rather than fluid like the BFL I first spun. I don't have enough experience to know if that's the case with all Shetland though. 

I'm pretty pleased though and I love spinning. I just need a magic fairy to bring me a wheel now...