tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62902547003326377642024-02-25T21:13:22.783+00:00A Playful DayA Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-76597094000104421742014-03-15T08:15:00.002+00:002014-03-15T08:15:25.377+00:00New RSS Feed ButtonFor those of you who asked x<br />
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<a href="http://www.aplayfulday.com/blog/?format=rss">Direct link</a>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-58551994995379785642014-03-14T21:01:00.002+00:002014-03-15T08:01:15.992+00:00Time to Say GoodbyeToday is the day I say goodbye to this blog and hello to <a href="http://www.aplayfulday.com/">my new website</a>.<br />
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If you've been following the blog, you'll need to update your <a href="http://www.aplayfulday.com/blog/?format=rss">RSS feed</a> and if you're looking for the podcast, you'll find it over there too.<br />
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See you there!<br />
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<br />A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-43563349951264879622014-03-12T10:00:00.000+00:002014-03-12T10:00:01.260+00:00It's almost here....There's been some pretty exciting work going on around here that I can finally give you a sneak peek of....<br />
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<a href="http://www.aplayfulday.com/">the new website!</a><br />
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This weekend, the website will go live and host it's first podcast. It's a website that will have a layout that separates blog posts, podcast episodes and also my professional pages.<br />
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I can't wait to show you. It's very shiny!A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-46855539867859188252014-03-10T20:17:00.002+00:002014-03-10T20:31:10.074+00:00The Art of Play<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well I had to write a post dedicated to Play eventually right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's no secret I am devoted to Play (capital intentional) both as an adult and for children. For me, play is about learning, being free and giving yourself permission to explore. Having a small toddler has reinforced any thoughts I had that Play is really so much more than 'free time'. Watching my little scientist actively learn concepts, acquire language and develop her understanding of the world has been mesmerising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The confusing thing for me is a constant barrage of suggested activities that come up on my various social media feeds. On one hand I'm delighted by ideas of what I can do to occupy a little girl always hungry for fresh experiences but on the other I'm left wondering if constantly finding activities makes it hard to just be free and Play?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are very few times in a toddler's life (or indeed any age) when free time is just that. No chores, no routines, no need to be somewhere, no instructions, rules or boundaries. My Tot is a strong willed little person which will shock many of you I'm sure. While taking her to swim classes tires her out and gives her a vital skill there's always an exhaustion on both our parts at the bag packing, changing, wrestling into the buggy, navigating transport and 'please for the love of god, let's not be late AGAIN'-ness to it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I had two fun experiences that left both of us refreshed and content all day. I wanted to share them with you as I think sometimes simple, self directed Play is overlooked in value. I'm not here to preach, by all means work those pipe cleaners into an Easter scene and bake a million cookies (share them with me though, ok?). I just wanted to show what fun you can have by letting your child lead the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We visited the V&A Museum last week as we had visitors from overseas. As soon as we got there, the Tot was keen and ready to point, discuss and explore. We initially tried to keep up with our friends who were having that kind of 'check things off a list' whirlwind visit that left me exhausted. However, the Playful Tot has a way of making things clear that she has her own agenda....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep. This is a zoomed in picture of my Tot, point blank refusing to keep up. She tottered to a doorway and stood for a long time enjoying the different lights between the rooms, the shadows that fell and of course, lots of people watching. I waved our friends on and instead crouched at her eye level and asked 'where shall we go next?' What followed was 2 glorious hours of a toddler tour of the museum. I honestly had no idea that there were so many plugs, or how wonderous those low fences are to a child of diminutive stature. She slept like a log and woke to babble away about the sculptures we saw and the magic truck we discovered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pleased, I applied the same rules again but this time omitted the epic journey across London. Suited and booted with pockets ful of snacks and drinks, I took us just outside the house and plonked her down. With a little trolley to steady her or collect treasure with, we spent a good hour or so mooching along the path near our house. The thing that struck me most was the language that developed. Given the complete freedom to stop and comment or ask questions about things at her eye level, we talked about all sorts of new things. In the buggy or sling, we talk about things I can see or I deem interesting enough but from her position as leader, the Tot was able to open up a whole new world that I might otherwise have overlooked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a scary thing to just do nothing. We're programmed to feel we need to do MORE. The Tot however, is showing me and everyone else that if we trust her, she'll develop her own understanding just fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my top tips for self directed play:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Take your time- This isn't something you allow 15 minutes for before you move on to the park. You might not make it to the park but that's ok. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Don't interrupt- This is key. We feel a need to narrate, explain or intervene at the tiniest frustration. It's ok. Learning doesn't need to be in a straight line. When we interrupt to add our explanation, we're changing the experience from theirs to ours. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Make safe- Toddler freedom comes with its risks. A busy roadside is not the best place to let your toddler be completely in control. Make sure things start off on the right foot by carefully choosing where you start your toddler led journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Permission- The Tot constantly looked up for reassurance, permission and guidance. I tried very hard to communicate to her that it was her choice. As time went on, she got bolder, stronger and more accomplished with her decision making. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Food and water- No toddler (or tired parent) functions well on low rations. Make sure you're well stocked so you don't have to pause when fully immersed to hunt out rice cakes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- weatherproofing- rain or shine, we go out and I take a splash suit and a jumper just in case. There's no reason a little rain should get in the way. Quite the opposite, the Tot is fascinated by raindrops on things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Change your point of view- Ever sat in the floor at your gallery? Do it. See what your toddler sees. You'll honestly be amazed how different things look (or how many plug sockets there are). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a weird skill to learn: the art of doing nothing. It's a vital one. Go forth and Play!</span></div>
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<br />A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-50432819391060069352014-03-07T13:55:00.001+00:002014-03-07T13:55:20.393+00:00For the Love of Writing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few nights ago I was melancholy. There were various events over the last week that left me listless, dissatisfied and a little emotionally raw. In the past I kept a journal which I poured my soul into but having stopped the habit years ago, picking up a pen now feels overwhelming. I felt like that was what I needed though and while the blog helps my urge to write and tell tales, I don't have that same release any more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started at an empty page wondering where to start. I needed to work through, cataloguing things to find a pattern, a catalyst and hopefully reach a resolution. I didn't know how to any more though. I was overwhelmed by the words I suddenly didn't have and still, there was this noise in the background, making it hard to focus. I wanted it out so I could move on. Nothing BIG was wrong. I was just blue and struggling to move on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I put out a plea via Twitter, Instagram and Ravelry and found others who kept journals. A few different systems were suggested:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.bulletjournal.com/">Bullet Journalling</a> (I NEED this in my life too, also I need something reflective too though..... how to incorporate?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/">One thousand Gifts</a>. (while not religious myself, I found the idea of finding joy in each day interesting.... this could easily be included in the Bullet Journal format)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Every few days, writing highlights and notes, collecting pages, adding details through tickets or photographs (note: I would love a polaroid for just this reason)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 5 year diaries. A small note each day that you return to year after year. My grandfather has done this for decades. I hope to inherit these as I understand the preciousness of the daily act. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- A journal with additional clips and sticky notes, colour coded for different types of note such as knitting, anxiety and shopping lists. I liked this idea a lot. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Doodles, yarn swatches and a visual index of things that have provoked a reaction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Journals with prompts such as quotes or images already on the pages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Describing your immediate setting as a way to launch a meditative entry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been left with lots of ideas that I like so I wanted to share them with you. I might try and develop a 'system' and share it again, inviting you to join me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you write? And if so, how? Come tell us <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/aplayfulday-podcast/2866525/1-25#4">over in the group</a>. There's more than just me who'd appreciate the inspiration I can assure you!</span>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-18032850670495699522014-03-03T14:29:00.002+00:002014-03-03T14:29:57.696+00:00NEW!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Spring rapidly approaching and the start of a new month, it is fitting that today I am welcoming Alana Dakos as this month's blog and podcast sponsor! Today is an especially good day because it sees the long awaited release of Alana's latest Collection, '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/botanical-knits-2-twelve-more-inspired-designs-to-knit-and-love">Botanical Knits 2</a>'!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Forest Foliage', (c) Alana Dakos</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a teaser for those of you who can't wait:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Continue to embrace the beauty of nature with Botanical Knits 2. In this follow up collection, traveling cables, organic textured stitches, and lacy stitch patterns make a reappearance, along with easy to read charts and written pattern instructions. From the cables of a heavy sweater coat to the delicate stitches of a lace shawl, the essence of plant life is worked into each of the 4 sweaters and 8 accessories included in this book'.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Bare Branches', (c) Alana Dakos</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Botanical Knits 2 is available as an ebook ($18) or to pre-order in print ($22 plus shipping). Everyone who pre-orders the book in print will receive a complimentary ebook to download right away. Those who pre-order will a;sp receive a botanically inspired gauge measuring bookmark as well as a new complimentary knitting pattern designed by Alana Dakos with their book shipment in June. To get your preorder, simply click on the button in the side bar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Botanical Knits Ravelry Group has KALS for each of the designs which you can find <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/botanical-knits">here</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Thicket', (c) Alana Dakos</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to find out more? I'll be featuring the latest Collection in the next podcast and you can win a copy. So join me on 16th March 2014 to celebrate Botanical Knits 2. I can't wait to share it with you!</span></div>
A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-72169023732571672392014-03-02T19:17:00.000+00:002014-03-02T19:17:06.985+00:00Episode 51: Unravel- Part 2<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2705579/height/360/width/580/theme/legacy/direction/no/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="580"></iframe>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Show notes:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you joining us for the BIG LOVE ALONG? There will be prizes from our sponsor Inspiration Knits as well as <a href="http://www.whimzy.co.uk/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Whimzy</span></a> yarns. Check out the blog post <a href="http://aplayfulday.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/big-love.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm moving home! Keep an eye on the blog for details of where to look for blog posts, podcasts and professional service information very soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This episode is all about </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://craft.farnhammaltings.com/portfolio/unravel-festival/">Unravel</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Featuring:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Louise from </span><a href="http://inspirationknits.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspiration Knits</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katie from </span><a href="http://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hill Top Cloud</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Home.html">Susan Crawford</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/">Sweet Georgia</a>, <a href="http://www.purlescence.co.uk/">Purlescence</a> and the <a href="http://www.purlescence.co.uk/item--Purlescence%20Knit-A-Long--yarn_sw_kal.html">Knit Along</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wendyfowler.com/">Wendy Fowler Pottery</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly Eliza Conway doesn't have a website but if you are interested, please do contact me and I can put you in touch with this wonderful story teller. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for part 2 coming very, very soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Songs:</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe">Noise Trade</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unsuccessful by Hilary Saunders, available on </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe">Noise Trade</a></span></div>
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A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-36822535840507264462014-03-01T13:49:00.001+00:002014-03-01T13:49:28.097+00:00Episode 50: Unravel... part 1<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2705557/height/360/width/580/theme/legacy/direction/no/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="580"></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Show notes:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This episode is all about </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://craft.farnhammaltings.com/portfolio/unravel-festival/">Unravel</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Featuring:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeni from <a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Fyberspates</span></a> and her new yarn Cumulus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.coopknits.co.uk/">Coopknits</a> and her latest Collection, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/coop-knits-toasty-volume-one/patterns">Toasty</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily from <a href="http://www.tincanknits.com/">Tin Can Knits</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Belinda from </span><a href="http://www.truebritknits.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">True Brit Knits</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jenacknitwear.co.uk/">Jen AC</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/tillyflopdesigns">Tilly Flop Designs</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victoria and David from </span><a href="http://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eden Cottage Yarns</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meghan from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/coop-knits-toasty-volume-one/patterns">Pom Pom</a> magazine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jumblejelly.com/">Miss Elle Knits</a> from Jumble Jelly and <a href="http://misselleknits.blogspot.co.uk/">podcast</a> fame</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://tomofholland.com/">Tom of Holland</a> and the <a href="http://tomofholland.com/category/the-visible-mending-programme/">Visible Mending Programme</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.annamaltz.com/">Anna Maltz</a> and the <a href="http://ricefield.co/">Ricefield Collective</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth from <a href="http://www.rockandpurl.com/">Rock and Purl</a> and Kate Heppell from <a href="http://www.knitnowmag.co.uk/">Knit Now</a> and her own <a href="http://kateheppell.wordpress.com/">design fame</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for part 2 coming very, very soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Songs:</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe">Noise Trade</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strings by Anna Barnett </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> available on </span><a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Noise Trade</span></a><br />
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A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-24902420566046821782014-02-28T09:00:00.000+00:002014-02-28T09:00:00.678+00:00Eden Cottage Yarns<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well I think it's fair to say that I fell in love last weekend. I'd long suspected that this would be the case but my 'favourite of favourite' circle of indie dyers just made room for another: <a href="http://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/">Eden Cottage Yarns</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victoria's booth was like a siren song that all weekend I popped back to, sighed and wished myself in a better place knitting wise. I wanted something in every yarn weight. I could just see the projects with her gorgeous sense of colour and great selection of yarn bases. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In her own words, Eden Cottage is the <i>"home of semi-solid colours, from muted pastels, to stone-washed mid-shades and rich, jewel-tones. The yarn is dyed with an emphasis on simple but gorgeous colours, as well as sustainability, and ECY has become synonymous with a muted palette of semi-solid shades"</i>. Victoria is not kidding. Her stand at Unravel was like a wardrobe full of knits waiting to happen. Everything was just so wearable. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">I brought a sweater quantity home, my single yarn purchase all weekend. I wanted to save myself for something I truly wanted and apparently, I truly wanted <a href="http://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/PBSCCatalog.asp?CatID=2236715">Oakland DK</a>. This is New Zealand Polwarth, handdyed in the 'Midnight' colourway. </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsRT-Bq0vw8uvNTfhpgqBunEA8MBzabVxU36NWtjdrOyEh_5QjAmF69pENlyJkt__dguizVTMiobgVOisV7vaRNRyMpBB39PckWB-LV66_eXX2sfJwIRdpxpWWCjoT0IY7QOCQjzhLoc/s1600/eden+cottage+polwarth+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsRT-Bq0vw8uvNTfhpgqBunEA8MBzabVxU36NWtjdrOyEh_5QjAmF69pENlyJkt__dguizVTMiobgVOisV7vaRNRyMpBB39PckWB-LV66_eXX2sfJwIRdpxpWWCjoT0IY7QOCQjzhLoc/s1600/eden+cottage+polwarth+2.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I think it's destined to be a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hooray-cardigan">Hooray Cardigan</a> by Veera Valimaki. I've been wanting to make one for ages, ever since I saw the thick cables on the front. I think this bouncy and crisp feeling yarn will give great stitch definition and I'm excited to try a new-to-me fibre too. It made adding it to my stash feel much less naughty somehow as I didn't have any other Polworth. See? Totally justified!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(C) Veera Valimaki</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-19592945836410631462014-02-27T12:30:00.000+00:002014-02-27T12:30:00.299+00:00Big Love<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how are you feeling today? Are you feeling the love? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over in the Playful Group, we've been sharing some gorgeous stories about selfish knitting, unselfish knitting, knitting memories, crochet dreams and spinning to die for. Why? Because we're all about the Big Love Along I'm currently hosting. There's even prizes just for entering!</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kick off when the Ravellenics end</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WIPS and double dipping allowed.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to be a group member</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to tell us your BIG LOVE story.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what will it be? A skein you’ve loved for a long time? A technique you adore? Fibre you’ve lovingly spun for a friend? Something loving for YOURSELF?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell us!</span></div>
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<br />We have some gorgeous skeins donated from <a href="http://www.whimzy.co.uk/">Whimzy</a> yarns who collaborated with our sponsor this month, Inspiration Knits, to bring fabulous kits to Unravel. You can read all about the patterns Louise recommends Whimzy for <a href="http://inspirationknits.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/bringing-a-little-whimzy-to-unravel/">here</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the left is <a href="http://www.whimzy.co.uk/sokkusu-o-10-c.asp">Sokkusu O</a>, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">(O for Original), a </span><span style="background-color: white;">100% Superwash Merino base in the 'Summer Storm' colourway. On the right is 'Johanna' on <a href="http://www.whimzy.co.uk/silkie-merino---fingering-weight-20-c.asp">Silkie Merino</a>, another </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fingering weight yarn but this time 50% Superwash Merino, 50% Silk. To lucky winners will get a skein each, drawn at random from the FO thread. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another Way (c) Inspiration Knits</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Then whether you have a hankering for '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/another-way">Another Way</a>' or a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/louise-zass-bangham">different design</a> of Louise's, you can choose a pattern if you're the 3rd lucky winner in this solidarity along! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The along has already started and I think I'll close the FO thread at the end of March so come on over and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/aplayfulday-podcast/2835563/1-25">join in the chatter</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-36614110521614938852014-02-26T14:15:00.001+00:002014-02-26T14:15:55.666+00:00In Praise of Scones<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was another miserable wet day. I sighed, pulled out the waterproofs and we headed to the park muttering the words 'hopefully it won't get too wet'. When the rain started coming down horizontally, we retreated to cover and munched rice cakes while we gloomily surveyed swings we weren't going to go on again that morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is having a toddler. Wet days become about the less horizontal parts you manage to grab before retreating to whatever fun you can find indoors. Rain, unless it's 'soak you through to your knickers' wet is not necessarily a deterrent. However, I draw the line at horizontal and soggy knickers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, we tried baking......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For our toddler sized baking session I chose scones for 2 reasons: no raw egg, and you can hide goodness in them such as sweet potato, courgette or in this case, Marmite and cheese. I also learned that anything you mix with your hands then 'cut out' is a hit too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use a basic scone recipe but sub in a little wholemeal flour (about 50g) and if I have it in I also use buttermilk too. It makes for delicious fluffy scones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having had a complete success with this activity, here's some top tips for cooking with toddlers:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Food safety- think dry goods rather than raw eggs or cross contamination. Hands go everywhere and often in mouths!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Simple tasks that we found easy: greasing the tray, squashing butter, sieving flour, stacking bowls and measuring spoons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Have everything you need ready before you even start- even the washing up bowl of soapy water!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Make a game of washing up. Washing up is great water play and helps you deal with the tidy up. I use sensitive washing up liquid anyway and she loves the bubbles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Don't wear anything you care about getting dirty (see picture above for further explanation)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Allow enough time. Flour is great sensory play so let it fly safe in the knowledge you don't have to be anywhere soon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Secure seating: balancing acts and hot stoves/ flour are not a good combo. We used the tray of the high chair which made clean up easier too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most importantly though is enjoy the scones together afterwards. That's surely the best bit about baking??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find a sugar and salt free recipe, suitable for toddlers and babies <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/8163/basic+scones">here</a>. </span>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-33827893245388863892014-02-25T14:21:00.000+00:002014-02-25T14:22:30.352+00:00Wartime Farm Sleeveless Pullover, Fenella and Susan Crawford<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like I have weeks and weeks of blogging and podcasting material thanks to Unravel. I'm on about day 2 of recovery though so today is an indulgent, lingering kind of post about all things <a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Home.html">Susan Crawford</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always loved to see Susan's booth at shows. It's a wonderful setup full of gorgeous samples, books and yarn but the thing that strikes me most, without fail, each and every time, is that I step in and feel like I'm in someone's sitting room. She brings wallpapered walls and period pieces to display her vintage inspired finery and the effect is not lost on me. I feel the crowds disappear and wish I was wearing a string of pearls EVERY TIME. I'm transported to another era and my mood is instantly lifted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Susan always looks the part, showcasing her designs and more often than not a fabulous, authentic hairdo too but I'm afraid to say it was her husband that stole the show this year. He was modelling the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wartime-farm-sleeveless-pullover">Wartime Farm Sleeveless Pullover</a> that Susan designed, complete with hat and tie. This picture will give you an idea of why I sighed every time I looked down the hall and saw him in that booth of charm and wonder. I longed to show my Grandmother; I felt like I could hear my Grandfather humming 'We'll meet again' each and every time I saw him. (Which my Grandfather does interchangeably with 'Here We are Again' and it's a habit I adore)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Susan Crawford</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILmrgHtqb856DIvlnEHitHMYqMYsRAnyu4sinEVxHmJScBpWijOb71CRwjFr0MH51VdmWvYYf3FwP3S5QUUAYK-BSJwXlfrCG1mbTyiJJqYT0ulXZ9lm4PVvn6JSoUrHJb_kXqC09jZo/s1600/WartimeFarmSleevelessPullover_02_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't heard about this wonderful sweater and the project surrounding it, you really should go and <a href="http://justcallmeruby.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/wartime-farm-sleeveless-pullover.html">take a look</a>. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the wake of the popular Wartime Farm BBC TV series, you can now knit your very own authentic Fair Isle Sleeveless Pullover, modelled on a 1938 original and as worn by Alex Langlands no less! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For each pattern sold, a £2.50 donation will be made to the Women’s Land Army Tribute Campaign to help raise money for a permanent memorial to these forgotten ladies and their untold toil during the World Wars. There's a </span><a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Wartime_Farm_Sleeveless_Pullover.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kit</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> available featuring Susan's wonderful yarn that she's developed to help you achieve the most authentic garment possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talking of yarn, I was mid interview with Susan when I spotted this little bit of deliciousness peeking at me.....</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Myrtle'</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/susan-crawford-fenella" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fenella</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the newest recruit to Susan's unique yarn range. Susan understands that vintage inspired patterns require vintage inspired yarn as the modern day equivalents often don't behave like their predecessors. With this in mind, Susan has been working with British Wool supplier </span><a href="https://www.jarbon.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Arbon Textiles</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to develop a yarn range that will allow knitters to create garments with authentic colour choices and achieve that perfect fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fenella is a 2ply that knits as a 3 ply, a weight that many vintage patterns call for but has all but dyed out in modern milling. Available in 124m (135yds) per 25g, this is 100% pure new British wool, (70% Exmore Blueface, 30% Bluefaced Leicester). It's amazing and I'm currently pondering what it wants to be when it grows up. I guess I will have to indulge myself by curling up with one or two of Susan's <a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Books.html">inspirational books</a> and see what I find eh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in the name of research and recovery. Obviously. </span></div>
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<br />A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-77463472706230542422014-02-24T14:08:00.000+00:002014-02-24T14:08:14.286+00:00Unravel and everything after<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleepily I'm typing in a sun spot of the house, pondering a gorgeous weekend. This weekend was a big one to say the least. I might be over tired as a result but Unravel was completely worth it this year. What a rush!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlights for me:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The <a href="http://www.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/">Sweet Georgia</a> girls completely fangirling Victoria from <a href="http://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/">EdenCottage</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Home.html">Susan Crawford</a>'s stylish booth and winning smile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Fyberspates new yarn, <a href="http://fibrespates.blogs.com/shop_blog/2014/02/introducing.html">Cumulus</a>, sitting like little tribbles at the stand</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plume by Lisa Mutch in The Uncommon Thread yarn</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The way my shawl was an instant point of conversation each time I made a new acquaintance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.coopknits.co.uk/">Coopknits</a> just next door with her explosion of pompoms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Eliza Conway gleefully telling me stories of vintage knitting finds and the wonderful reactions they cause. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Emily from </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tincanknits.com/">Tincanknits</a> campaigning for me to attend Edinburgh Yarn Festival (haha)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted Stuffed Heads!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The knitting decorations</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- So much banter, good will and fun from all the vendors. It was truly a brilliant event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to be blogging about a few things I brought home and editing 2 podcasts worth of audio this week because sometimes you just don't want something to be over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although my fourth cup of tea begs to differ. </span></div>
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A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-49184187481405511812014-02-19T13:51:00.001+00:002014-02-19T13:51:12.511+00:00StillSometimes amongst all the chaos, the constant movement and the endless (endless) work, you need to stop and be still. Taking time for yourself is always hard but it's something I struggle with even more as a mother of an oh so Playful Tot. However, unless we take risks we don't know where our boundaries lie right?<div><br></div><div>I've been scrunched up into myself lately, brow furrowed and just living for the afternoons in with the Tot, rolling around on the floor and completely lost within each other. I've loved it. With Unravel coming at the weekend though and so much social strength needed to cope with crowds of people and banter, I knew I needed to push myself a little. </div><div><br></div><div>With a trusted friend I tried something new..... Art, lunch, let the girls run wild and then? Stillness. </div><div><br></div><div>I wonder if it will stick?</div><div><br></div><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKdwwLVVXjgHQCbYUwYzOYBD0fMYOk8E8uFRYcF6iWsc7g1vBtFpY86ruTRBgsXyVQaCcr_AMXnDQeicuqhjpEm5iNmfmx1lCm40sfaYwKyjZbRhf53a4PRnTFgM2K9PVvewqYKTUWS0/s640/blogger-image-1794037054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKdwwLVVXjgHQCbYUwYzOYBD0fMYOk8E8uFRYcF6iWsc7g1vBtFpY86ruTRBgsXyVQaCcr_AMXnDQeicuqhjpEm5iNmfmx1lCm40sfaYwKyjZbRhf53a4PRnTFgM2K9PVvewqYKTUWS0/s640/blogger-image-1794037054.jpg"></a></div></div></div>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-54552391277014370802014-02-16T20:57:00.000+00:002014-02-16T20:57:36.338+00:00Episode 49: Big Love<iframe style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2686135/height/360/width/550/theme/legacy/direction/no/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" height="360" width="550" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Show notes:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you be at <a href="http://craft.farnhammaltings.com/portfolio/unravel-festival/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Unravel</span></a>? <a href="http://unwindbrighton.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Unwind</span></a>?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A big thank you to Michelle from <a href="http://berrycolorfulyarnings.bigcartel.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">BC Yarnings</span></a> for helping out with prizes. We love you!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you joining us for the BIG LOVE ALONG? There will be prizes from our sponsor Inspiration Knits as well as <a href="http://www.whimzy.co.uk/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Whimzy</span></a> yarns. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The winner of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-scrumptious-collection-volume-3-2"><span style="color: #e06666;">Scrumptious Collection Volume 3</span></a> is Knitterlynina. Thanks to everyone who entered!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i><i>Off the Needles</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pyrite" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pyrite Socks</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Carol Feller</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">in Juno Fibre Arts</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/juno-fibre-arts-buffy-toughie"><span style="color: #e06666;">Buffy Toughie</span></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in the 'Wanderer' Colourway.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hickory-4"><span style="color: #e06666;">Hickory</span></a> by Cecily Glowik MacDonald using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/greentrianglegirl/stash/cashmerino-chunky"><span style="color: #e06666;">Debbie Bliss Cashmerino</span></a> Chunky. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-2"><span style="color: #e06666;">Simple</span></a> by Alice Plummer in some rather <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/greentrianglegirl/stash/lisa-is-magic"><span style="color: #e06666;">special handspun</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Future Knitting</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dancing Socks for the Big Love along. Candy Skein Yummy Fingering in the Rainbow Fruit Chews colourway. Gratuitous stash <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/greentrianglegirl/stash/yummy-fingering-superwash-sock"><span style="color: #e06666;">link</span></a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jeck"><span style="color: #e06666;">Jeck</span></a> Socks with CarbonSoup of the <a href="http://www.thesheralynn.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Fibre PigeonHole</span></a> podcast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unravel plans abound. My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/greentrianglegirl/queue?set=splurge&view=thumblist"><span style="color: #e06666;">queue</span></a>!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Songs:</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on <a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe"><span style="color: #e06666;">Noise Trade</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ce Jeu by Yelle , available on </span><a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Noise Trade</span></a></div>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-55243993868101101842014-02-14T09:30:00.000+00:002014-02-14T09:30:00.864+00:00New Articles!Not one but TWO magazines arrived on my doorstep yesterday, heralding the news that two new articles were just published. Great stuff.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24iTWxV9BUuR-_ECXIT5gS04DPX4e7wpBD-mOYVaPVd3FaRG925qXuO1XRFyFhYzBozipryWNYfi0P32W_qYzjC6jWTh9XQGEdIwwuziXM0eR3MB8w4V0tgnxt4JSCj0amZ_QZmqicvo/s1600/IMG_2790%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24iTWxV9BUuR-_ECXIT5gS04DPX4e7wpBD-mOYVaPVd3FaRG925qXuO1XRFyFhYzBozipryWNYfi0P32W_qYzjC6jWTh9XQGEdIwwuziXM0eR3MB8w4V0tgnxt4JSCj0amZ_QZmqicvo/s1600/IMG_2790%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The first is about Anna Maltz, a fabulously talented designer that I know as a friend but who also happens to be involved in lots of fun things, including the Ricefield Collective. You can catch that in the most recent issue of <a href="http://www.pompommag.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">pom pom magazine</span></a>.<br />
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The next is a feature about the lovely Asti and her set up with <a href="http://junofibrearts.squarespace.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Juno Fibre Arts</span></a>. I had the pleasure of visiting Asti last summer and really enjoyed writing this article for The Knitter. You can find that in Issue 67.<br />
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Happy reading!A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-64269128070314114362014-02-12T09:30:00.000+00:002014-02-12T09:30:00.978+00:00Slow BurningA discussion picked up on Twitter the other day about the pleasure in a slow and steady knit. It was quite apt given the garment I just finished and FINALLY took pictures of but I'll talk about that a bit more in a minute.<br />
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What we agreed was that while wearing knits was wonderful, it's always with slight sorrow that we bind off. I find myself eager to get to that finishing point, to have my hat, to wear my shawl, to share it with other knitters who will 'ooohhhh' and 'ahhhhhhh' along with me at the clever pattern features and gorgeous yarn. However, I always feel slightly bereft at the point of cast off. I wish I was at the beginning again with all that fresh promise. I love the first few sessions of knitting on a new project. It's like making a new friend.<br />
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It's often when you're at the end that you've really hit your stride and can do the pattern repeat instinctively and of course, that's when it all speeds up and you're suddenly almost at the Bind Off. To be fair, there's also been projects that I've cast off and thought 'Oh thank God, I'm never knitting that again!' As a general rule though, slow meditative steps in our knitting should be celebrated as much as the 'quick knit' and the instant gratification that it promises. There's lots of workshops out there for you to speed up your knitting. I know I'm slow but I love every piece just as much.<br />
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If hats are fast and dirty, sweaters and socks are slow burners for me. I just don't knit that fast. It irked me when I first learned to knit as I wanted all my sweaters to be handmade and never to have to buy socks again. This is absolutely ridiculous at the rate I knit and even this far into knitting, with a back catalogue under my belt, I'd not make such a silly pledge.<br />
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It was rather lovely though to photograph these two slow burning projects at long last because I took them at a very steady pace which means I adore wearing them all the more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpzZ_ewGrC1U-G6d8MX-0sde1ZKy3r0R73sBirnExChfYF3uKGBQMRbsCSK-QgFsGqdlMhcPBI6SGebDuyR9UbWCyEAzIRDsvvmcAb62ZhzAveHmFiLZqEIdY_DvkJd6g4r83SWD9ew4/s1600/Julissa+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpzZ_ewGrC1U-G6d8MX-0sde1ZKy3r0R73sBirnExChfYF3uKGBQMRbsCSK-QgFsGqdlMhcPBI6SGebDuyR9UbWCyEAzIRDsvvmcAb62ZhzAveHmFiLZqEIdY_DvkJd6g4r83SWD9ew4/s1600/Julissa+2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julissa in Miss Babs Yowza!</td></tr>
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The first is my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/greentrianglegirl/julissa">Girl Crush Sweater</a>. I settled for photographing it on my sister (oh she had a lot of modelling to <a href="http://aplayfulday.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/sunshine.html">do that weekend</a>) so this doesn't quite show it's full glory, but still, a special sweater all the same.This sweater saw me through the discovery that I was pregnant, the big move from North to South London, settling into a home full of some pretty enormous DIY projects, the arrival of my daughter and then finally settling into Motherhood and feeling I had run a marathon! Each stitch has a story and I smile each time I reach for this sweater. I will always think of the many moments I retreated into its' comforting lace and cables when there was some huge changes going on in my life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsBR1meMKrm1bTRwNWFWzT4uNNZC-4EuqSQp3lW8e6mJCOsE4Z1WxxXPAIygx2PoZK1LuBkoI02rDyqzSn-d-FrYL2KEWqWze_dwZcgJhS7MjOyXbRuE9BRWlHV-FfJzrUzAD6Eb_ULQ/s1600/Pyrite+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsBR1meMKrm1bTRwNWFWzT4uNNZC-4EuqSQp3lW8e6mJCOsE4Z1WxxXPAIygx2PoZK1LuBkoI02rDyqzSn-d-FrYL2KEWqWze_dwZcgJhS7MjOyXbRuE9BRWlHV-FfJzrUzAD6Eb_ULQ/s1600/Pyrite+2.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyrite Socks in JFA Buffy Toughie</td></tr>
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Then, finally, there is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/greentrianglegirl/pyrite">Pyrite</a> Socks and I adore them. I bought the yarn after a visit to Asti's farm and each time I look at the beautiful colours I think of that magical countryside holiday with close friends and our family. Meeting Asti was the icing on the cake and we've formed a friendship that I treasure.<br />
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So I am now slightly lost and a little perturbed about my next knitting plans. The Ravellenics always unsettles me, making me feel that I should run to keep up and then, as is so often the case, I shrug and retreat into my slow, plodding knitting and remember that I'm just not that way inclined. I prefer to be the person coaching the team; I'm better suited to enjoying other people's glory than my own. I won't even model my own sweater for goodness sake!<br />
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xA Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-28664091576473579312014-02-09T10:47:00.000+00:002014-02-09T10:47:08.340+00:00Sunshine<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH this weather! Yes, I've kicked off a blog post talking about weather. I'm so British right now but do you know what? This wet weather is getting me down. Layers, miserable walks, no freedom for toddlers and absolutely no decent light with which to celebrate FOs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily I had a skein of this wonderful stuff. It's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/fyberspates-vivacious-dk">Vivacious DK</a> in the 'Sunshine' colourway and it has cheered some really miserable days let me assure you. I worked on two hats, ripping one back because I couldn't find a rhythm and starting afresh on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/evernia">Evernia</a>. It was the right decision because a) it had lace and b) POM POMS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The yarn held up really well to so much pulling back so I'm hopefully it will wear well. The hat is a little slouchier than I'd ideally like as I cast on with the wrong needle size but a brim that can be pulled over your ears in this weather is no bad thing let me assure you. It looks even slouchier in these pictures because it's worn by my sister who is a dot of a thing in comparison to me. She was a good sport to let me snap pics on a sleepy Sunday morning after the Playful Tot had kept her awake all night. Ahem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/tori-gurbisz">Tori</a> has written a fab pattern with multiple options. There's charting and writing instructions and everything is crystal clear and WORKS. I actually feel quite addicted to hat knitting right now. A <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/woolly-wormhead">designer</a> I know proposes that a hat is the perfect medium for trying things out and practising technique. She's absolutely right as I got my Lace fix with the instant gratification of a hat rather than the sobbing that would have gone with full on Lace shawl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh and the variation in colour between pictures? Yeah that would be the lack of light and need to photoshop it to oblivion in order to see any stitches. urgh. Roll on Spring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime? More hats!</span>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-86829774155828812662014-02-07T20:18:00.000+00:002014-02-07T20:18:00.191+00:00Traipsing Vines Wrap/ Shawl<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little while ago a pattern appeared in my Ravelry library with a lovely note. I was in one of my frantic rushes to meet a deadline and I believe there was some teething too so I forgot to share it. Luckily, I had said 'please remind me if I forget....' So here is the post I should have shared a little while ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/traipsing-vines-wrap-shawl"><span style="color: #e06666;">Traipsing Vines Wrap/ Shawl</span></a> by Arlin Chondro-Halim of the <a href="http://www.thelostgeek.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Lost Geek</span> </a>podcast. I<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">t's</span> a really beautiful design that I instantly liked but even more so when I read the kind notes attached the gift pattern. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">100% of sales of this pattern during the month of January and February 2014 will go to relief efforts of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z64DZdCBMnA"><span style="color: #e06666;">Manado flash flood</span></a>, <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/searealtime/2014/01/19/flooding-in-jakarta-displaces-thousands-amid-continuing-rain/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Jakarta flood</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2014/01/the-continued-eruptions-of-mount-sinabung/100660/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mt. Sinabung eruption</span></a>. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Funds will be directed to local Red Cross and local evacuation sites. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a beautiful pattern for a great cause. It's also brilliant because it solves the problem I always have of wraps etc slipping off. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hidden half-length sleeves keep the wrap in place without distracting from the overall look. From the front, the shawl can look like a long cardigan if you let it down, or it can look like a regular shawl if you wrap it around your arms. Isn't that clever?</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please do go and take a look and download a copy. I'm currently pondering what DK yarn I might purchase at Unravel to work it up in.... And what fancy occasion I should showcase it at. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for the pattern Arlin and I wish you luck wit your fundraising efforts!</span></div>
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A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-87282269373759816252014-02-04T20:07:00.001+00:002014-02-04T20:07:14.782+00:00Episode 48: So soon??<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/2663435/height/360/width/580/theme/legacy/direction/no/autoplay/no/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="580"></iframe>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you be at <a href="http://craft.farnhammaltings.com/portfolio/unravel-festival/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Unravel</span></a>? <a href="http://unwindbrighton.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Unwind</span></a>?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you joining in with</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/aplayfulday-podcast/2804381/1-25#1" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Team Playful</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">?</span> For those not wishing to participate with the Ravellenics, there's a KAL starting over in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/suburban-stitcher-podcast">Suburban Stitcher's Podcast Group</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I review <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-scrumptious-collection-volume-3-2">Scrumptious Collection Volume 3</a> thanks to being part of the Blogger and Podcast Tour. Please leave a comment in the Ravelry Thread for this episode to win a digital copy by 15th February 2014. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i><i>Off the Needles</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/evernia" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Evernia</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> by Tori </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Gurbisz</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/fyberspates-vivacious-dk" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-decoration: none;">Fyberspates Vivacious DK</a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> in 'Sunshine' colourway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>On the Needles</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hickory-4"><span style="color: #e06666;">Hickory</span></a> by Cecily Glowik MacDonald using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/greentrianglegirl/stash/cashmerino-chunky">Debbie Bliss Cashmerino</a> Chunky. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pyrite" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pyrite Socks</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Carol Feller</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">in Juno Fibre Arts</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/juno-fibre-arts-buffy-toughie"><span style="color: #e06666;">Buffy Toughie</span></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in the 'Wanderer' Colourway.</span> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-2"><span style="color: #e06666;">Simple</span></a> by Alice Plummer in some rather <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/greentrianglegirl/stash/lisa-is-magic">special handspun</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Playful Parenting</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time I talk about mark making, prewriting skills and the love of writing. This one's not just for parents but educators too!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://writedancetraining.com/">WriteDance</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/aplayfulday/little-writers/pins/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest Board</span></a> for writers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/aplayfulday/playful-activities/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest Board</span></a> for Playful Activities</span><br />
<a href="http://www.early-education.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Making%20their%20mark%20-%20children's%20early%20writing%20(7).pdf"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Developing writing through play</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Songs:</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fly, Fly, Fly by Adrina Thorpe, available on <a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe"><span style="color: #e06666;">Noise Trade</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In My Dreams by Nate Cronk , available on </span><a href="http://noisetrade.com/adrinathorpe" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Noise Trade</span></a></div>
A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-19080642619268996252014-02-01T10:02:00.004+00:002014-02-01T10:02:58.278+00:00Featured: New Sponsor, Inspiration Knits!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a new friend for the blog and podcast! Please welcome Louise, the designer behind <a href="http://inspirationknits.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Inspiration Knits</span></a>. You can find lots of amazing accessory patterns that are just perfect for using up stash and playing with colour. What's more, we have a coupon code and who doesn't love one of those right?</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/inspiration/120521197/DSC_6696_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/inspiration/120521197/DSC_6696_small2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise aka Inspiration Knits and her 'Trust Me' design</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked Louise a few questions to help you get to know our Playful new friend...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What was your favourite childhood game?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">I played a lot of different card games and board
games when I was little. I used to play basketball competitively (read: <i>very</i> competitively).
When I was a student, if I wasn't in the textiles studio you'd find me on a
basketball court.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your favourite
Munch or Schlurp?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good chocolate, good coffee and good wine. Great food, in general. I'm a cliché. I prefer quality over quantity. Having said that, I probably wouldn't
turn down cheap chocolate! I really am a dreadful coffee snob. I won't drink
instant coffee unless I'm ambushed with the stuff. If I suspect I'm being
offered instant, I'll always choose a cup of tea instead because it's harder to
fake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have a current knitting
crush (can be yarn crush)?</b><span style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmm. This is difficult. I have loads of things I want to knit, and
loads of yarns I want to try. Pick any hot indy dyer and you'll probably find I
want to try all their yarns - right now! I'm not into the big brands because it
can feel a bit bland by comparison. Some of the character will have been
squashed out by the corporation, or at least that's how it makes me feel, which
isn't good for my creativity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/inspiration/101953868/DSC_4303_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/inspiration/101953868/DSC_4303_medium2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Song of the Sea'</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been slightly obsessed with </span><a href="http://blueskyalpacas.com/yarns/metalico/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"> over the
last year. Finally, I have it on my needles. I'm making an ombre version of
</span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/song-of-the-sea"><span style="color: #e06666;">Song of the Sea</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">. It feels amazing - my kids keep cuddling it, which is
terrifying when I've crammed the stitches onto slightly-too-short circulars. I
am a card-carrying environmentalist at heart, so I always have my eye out for
environmentally-responsible choices that don't involve sack-cloth and sandals.
This yarn is undyed and is all-the-more spectacular for it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Having said that, I'm also obsessed with </span><a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Fyberspates</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">' silk colours.
Whether blended in Silk Twizzle or Faery Wings, or all on its own in 100% silk,
the way the silk fibres take Jeni's colours is truly spectacular. That's my
colour obsession right now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What is your favourite ever
FO?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I don't think I can choose one! I have a few things I do wear all the
time though. I've a small triangle shawl in </span><a href="http://handmaiden.ca/yarn_seasilk.html"><span style="color: #e06666;">Handmaiden SeaSilk</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> in Hemlock which
is wrapped round my neck for half the winter. It's so soft and the colour is
perfect. I'll take the fifth on the pattern I followed. Suffice to say, was a
real eye-opener as to how full of errors a free pattern can be!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">If I'm in a rush, I grab my Song of the Sea snug cowl instead because
it's so easy to throw on under a coat. It's warm round my neck but not bulky.
Mine is in </span><a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_512083/1/Scrumptious%25204ply"><span style="color: #e06666;">Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> in a one-off colour called Sea Green,
appropriately. I love that yarn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With little kids, fingerless mitts are essential. I absolutely adore the
pair of Blue Sky Alpaca mitts a lovely friend made for me last Christmas.
They're soooo warm, and purple!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R_L13xgxhzK0h6hdZFxyYmRtdwohbnmD6rD5wDoIPDbkc0lB5NaG00LBpKraEneQcLCFeLn3hyphenhyphenbVzc8FE8731m1PK8gC8LAlJDpW4e-1CTDP42MYy8nXxkam4H8Mz4Lv59r-KlgNX7c/s1600/midnight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R_L13xgxhzK0h6hdZFxyYmRtdwohbnmD6rD5wDoIPDbkc0lB5NaG00LBpKraEneQcLCFeLn3hyphenhyphenbVzc8FE8731m1PK8gC8LAlJDpW4e-1CTDP42MYy8nXxkam4H8Mz4Lv59r-KlgNX7c/s1600/midnight.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight Ocean (c) Inspiration Knits</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midnight-ocean"><span style="color: #e06666;">Midnight Ocean</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> gets compliments whenever I wear it, so it makes me
feel proud to have designed it. I wear it if I need to look presentable. The
sparkle in the Fyberspates Sheila's Sock really lifts it. My grey </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stay-awhile"><span style="color: #e06666;">Stay Awhile</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">
in Sokkusu O is my new alternative for dressing-up. Both of these are perfect
day-to-evening. Their versatility is probably why I wear them so much. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And finally...... Your knitting
nemesis?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hate badly written patterns, but that's more of a bete noir than a
nemesis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is an individual who writes about knitting in a popular magazine.
They're probably closer to a nemesis. My husband tries to stop me from reading
their contributions because I get so angry about the poor quality of the
writing and lack of basic grammar. I suppose reading these pieces does at least
encourage me to knit…so that I can calm down! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">I think I am particularly sensitive to bad writing
and long sentences because I try so hard to make my patterns clear. I
confess that if I see a <i>really</i> long sentence I have to count
the words. I know that's really geeky but I can't resist it if I see a possible
new record. The writer I mentioned holds the current record with a 62-word
sentence. Yes, unsurprisingly, it was completely incomprehensible. I know I
break the rules when I write, but I do it knowingly and for effect; I just hope
it comes across that way!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A big thank you to Louise for joining our Playful tribe and taking the time to answer these questions. Louise will be donating a pattern of the winner's choice to our Big Love along that will kick off at the end of the Ravellenics. What's more, she's offering 10% any of her patterns with the code <b>playful</b> at the Ravelry Checkout. Go forth and knit!</span></span></div>
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<!--[endif]--></span>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-11519560578002834002014-01-30T09:50:00.003+00:002014-01-30T09:50:55.088+00:00The Scrumptious Collection: Volume 3 Blog and Podcast Tour<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello and welcome to my post for the Scrumptious Collection Volume 3 launch! I've had the pleasure of being involved in the build up to this release and have really enjoyed the posts so far. You can see a full list of them <a href="http://fibrespates.blogs.com/shop_blog/2014/01/scv3-blog-podcast-tour-is-go.html"><span style="color: #e06666;">here</span></a> so go look as there's some real goodies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Collection is part of the Scrumptious Collection series that supports the Fyberspates Silk and Merino yarn range 'Scrumptious'. It's a popular series and I featured the first volume on the podcast some time ago. You can even hear the <a href="http://aplayfulday.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/youre-it-feat-fyberspates-yarn.html"><span style="color: #e06666;">interview</span></a> here for the podcast that I did with Jeni, the Director (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and all around lovely lady)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of Fyberspates. What I liked about this particular collection was how 'British' it feels: 13 exclusive designs from 8 British designers, all s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hot on location in the coastal region of Lyme Regis, UK. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">collection includes</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 5 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">garment (3 sweaters, 2 cardigans) and 8 accessory patterns. There's some chunky knits, some lace, some new to me techniques such as Fair Isle and some interesting sweater designs. It's got options for digital as well as hard copy which I always like to see. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRvytnEglMP-dCR__W6m-ZCqCqXaT70OcWwwi-sHxtPdfea_hnU8HMKRmp1nNjPslVn2tnHHr5U9TUBqdxFJTs5EhPqijXSd0TgskRdz73fLDZEnGST3dZR8fUiVC-9NtpFPRIKyvvT4/s1600/fyberspates_0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRvytnEglMP-dCR__W6m-ZCqCqXaT70OcWwwi-sHxtPdfea_hnU8HMKRmp1nNjPslVn2tnHHr5U9TUBqdxFJTs5EhPqijXSd0TgskRdz73fLDZEnGST3dZR8fUiVC-9NtpFPRIKyvvT4/s1600/fyberspates_0520.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simene Stole, (c) Jesse Wild</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what am I going to focus on for this blog post? The yarn obviously. There's a pattern that I'd personally like to play with and I've been pondering yarn options for ever since I saw the proofs.The</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simene-stole" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simene Stole</a> is</span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a geometric lace stole that is knit up in a stunning yellow for the book sample. I've actually just finished a hat in the same colourway, using a different base and I'll be talking about how happy it makes me in this weekend's podcast. Designed by Melanie Edgar, this stole calls for </span><a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_512087/1/Scrumptious%2520Lace" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Scrumptious Lace</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> base which I love for it's sheen and definition. I also think the Fyberspates </span><a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_512077/1/Gleem%2520Lace" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Gleem</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> base would be beautiful as it's just that little more crisper in definition due to the BFL content although still with the high shine Silk content. Mind you, </span><a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_512074/1/Ethereal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Ethereal</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the cashmere blend would be an amazing laceweight both to work with and to wear. This stole would just be so snuggly. It seems patterns are very enabling and I can spend hours considering yarn options!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethereal Laceweight in 'Tumeric'</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also just finished working with another yarn that I am itching to try again. Fyberspates <a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/tplsearchstore.cfm"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twizzle Silk</span></a> is a gorgeous Silk: Merino single that would be a stunning heavier option for this stole. It would certainly be less crisp in definition but wow would it be luxurious to wrap around your shoulders on a cool evening. I worked up a shawl recently and the garter stitch in the soft stitches it created just made my heart sing. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knit Night in Twizzle Silk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think this is what I enjoy so much about Fyberspates as a company and why I love working with Jeni. The yarns are constantly evolving and so with each collection you feel you have a range of options to indulge on the patterns. I'm currently craving lace and this could be just the fix I need. If only I could choose a yarn....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can grab your copy of The Scrumptious Collection Volume 3 either on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-scrumptious-collection-volume-3-2"><span style="color: #e06666;">Ravelry</span></a> or directly from <a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_Scrumptious%20Collection%20vol%203/512054/Scrumptious%20Collection%20vol%203"><span style="color: #e06666;">Fyberspates</span></a> for £12. There's also a list of wholesalers so do check it out to see if you're LYS is stocking it. </span><br />
<br />A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-8568794461754340682014-01-27T19:39:00.001+00:002014-01-27T19:39:55.110+00:00My AppleThey say an apple never falls far from the tree. As I stood watching the Playful Tot this afternoon I smiled at how similar we are. Sometimes watching your child is like watching yourself in motion.<div><br></div><div>It's been a really busy few days. We've been very social and the house has had a constant stream of guests. The phone rang for more guests in the future. It was busy. </div><div><br></div><div>This morning we charged out the door, late and groggy from not enough sleep. We got shopping and snacks sorted, booked appointments then did the weekly swim class before screeching back across London in time for my little mermaid's nap. </div><div><br></div><div>She woke contentedly and chattered away at me as she cuddled awake (we must always cuddle, there are rules I'm more than happy to abide by). Then she was done. She clambered off to read through a pile of books..... Build blocks and some activity that involved shouting into cardboard tubes then peering curiously down them. </div><div><br></div><div>She was completely lost in activity. I smiled because faced with so much busy and social time there's nothing I like better than to withdraw into quiet activity too.</div><div><br></div><div>She's going to be a knitter. I can feel it.</div>A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-66686229294371810382014-01-23T09:30:00.000+00:002014-01-23T09:30:00.723+00:00Carol Feller Along ProgressThere have been some lovely contributions, chatter and enabling going on over in the Playful Group so I've selected a few lovely projects to share. I'm planning to show some more once the KAL is over too as they're regularly trickling in to tempt and dazzle us whenever we check in to see how everyone is getting on. It's still not too late to join us- there's even prizes just for chattering!<br />
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First I'm going to share this rather lovely cardigan knit by Rooboost. It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ravi-junior">Ravi Junior</a> and I just love the contrasty buttons don't you? You can see all the project details <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rooboost/ravi-junior">here</a>.<br />
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I am hugely tempted by this one: the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/captiva-wrap">Captiva Wrap</a> which calls for squishy DK. I love this version knit by DebrisUK, the colour is stunning. You can check out her project notes <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DebrisUK/captiva-wrap">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misslillyknits/centrique">MissLillyKnits</a> kept with the green shawl theme and knit a stunning <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/centrique">Centrique</a>. I just think it's so delicate and feminine and makes me pine for Spring.<br />
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Then there was a super fast garment, knit in bulky weight by the charmingly lovely Talesfromtheplain (check out her podcast btw). This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vivido-cardigan">Vivido Cardigan</a>, a really quick and comforting knit. You can see all the project notes <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/vivido-cardigan">here</a>.<br />
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As for me? I'm onto the foot of those socks and determined not to lose face!A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290254700332637764.post-74855872063256414812014-01-21T20:51:00.000+00:002014-01-21T20:51:12.682+00:00In Response....Today a <a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/blog/2014/1/20/on-the-issue-of-branding.html?utm_content=buffer37d15&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer">blog post</a> blipped up in my Twitter Feed that made my heart sink a little when I saw the title. I grimaced, nervous and then I clicked through and..... smiled.<br />
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Right out the gate I'm going to say I love Woolly Wormhead and have had the pleasure of working with her several times. I will continue to do so in the future and I chatted to her about writing a response to her blog post. I felt I needed to. After all, she was talking about a small part of what I do.<br />
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I haven't blogged directly about what it IS that I do before but rather, alluded to it in the hope I don't make anyone feel wary that I'm in the business of supporting other businesses. I've been cautious about mixing too much work and play but let's be honest, without A Playful Day Blog and Podcast (yup, I did just capitalise that), I wouldn't have that very job. So I decided it was ok to talk today. In fact I SHOULD talk about what I do because the topic is on the table for discussion it would seem. I once had a work conversation with the incredible Emily from TinCanKnits and she said very seriously 'never apologise for your work or what you do'. So here we go Woolly and Emily, this one's for you....<br />
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I guess you could say I work in marketing. I feel sick just writing that however. I don't like sales people, PR makes me nervous and that weird advertising for things like beauty products? Yikes. No thanks. When Woolly talked about selling a designer like a product, she was right. That leaves a weird feeling in my stomach and I get scared that we've forgotten the joy of being creative for creative's sake and that you can't own talent.<br />
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Allow me to explain what I do. I am in the very privileged position to work with several designers and dyers to support their business. I'm available to hire as a freelancer which means I balance precariously, respecting confidentiality and the sensitivity needed around developing new work and business. I prepare web copy, I help plan projects and collaborations, I technically edit patterns, prepare timelines, make introductions and organise via many, many, many, emails promotional things like Blog Tours and strategic releases. I work for other self employed people and I rely on them trusting that I can help.<br />
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Why do I do it? Because I love the indie world. I adore seeing someone achieve and there's a real Feminist streak in me that wants to shout about an industry largely made up of women, often mothers, being paid what they are worth. In an industry that is often trivialised by the 'hobby' tag, I want people to be shown the respect and attention that they deserve. It's not easy to do that for yourself. Being too close or not having that particular skill set can be a really common problem in creative industries and with my writing background, I was soon telling stories that I saw as a professional friend to these wonderful independent business women.<br />
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So what of that dirty word, 'Brand'? A brand can be an identity that you slip on to get you ready to push your business to the next level; like a game face you get on before you face the world. It can help those that are a little prone to hermitting deal a little better with being so visible in this Social Media dominated era. It can also help separate work and non work as the line can get so blurred when you're making your money from your passion. I am not a fan of censoring or veiling in any form though. Just redirecting the spotlight a little to make sure we're all looking where we should and leaving the person to deal with being a Mum or a part time researcher for example. What's more, when we buy from independent suppliers we, as consumers, often do so because we want something with more personality and more of a story. We want to invest in that person.<br />
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Do I edit people? GOD NO. I have been called a cheerleader, a mother figure, a best friend, a pain in the ass, a guide and a critical friend. I sit well in all of those because yes, if you're underselling yourself I can be a royal pain in the ass. It is often the case when I'm writing about the Creatives that I work with, that I get a slightly shocked reaction, when to me, I have simply written the person and their business as I see them. 'Really?', 'Is that me?' 'Oh that's a bit scary'. Then.... I rewrite it, tone it down and you know what I've come to realise? We almost always go back to the first edit and that person suddenly seems a bit more sure of themselves. It's not intentional on my part, more of a process I've watched and started to reflect on recently.<br />
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I do not however. sit well with the full on branding that sells perfection. I love to tell a story, that's why I write and it's the thing that pulled me in. I don't want to rewrite though. It's simply not my place or my inclination.<br />
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Rereading Woolly's post again as I wrote this response, I smiled and nodded as I've felt that pressure too. Why wasn't I blogging perfect pictures and joining the ranks of 'Mummy Bloggers'? I think it's largely down to the fact that I feel I'd be betraying how hard it all is: balancing work, learning to be a mum, still being a partner and a daughter and all the other things I was before and also? It's just not on. Ever. It pits you against your peers and that's just wrong.<br />
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So that's me. That's what I do and why I love it so much. I cheerlead other people and am happy to sit behind them, watching them be amazing. Because knitters are you know. I think you've heard me mention it before.....<br />
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<br />A Playful Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360882534286079210noreply@blogger.com1