Hello and welcome to 2018! Not quite sure where the last two months went to be honest, but there you go! On the Needles Contoura by Woolly Wormhead in BabyLongLegs Mesmerino DK Mystery Hat B by Woolly Wormhead in Stanley Sport. In The Weave Shed I have taken some of the designs for upholstery that I created in project 4 at college and reworked them in very fine silks to explore the possibility of small art pieces. Yarn Shops Galore The Wool Boat - Colin and Carole's Creations on the Emma Maye. Checkout out their blog or Facebook page for up-to-date information on where they will be moored. Something I Really Like The Farmers' Country Showdown on BBC1. Rhian's episode is episode 10 of Series 2 and is available until the 15th February. Shop Update Currently there is a 20% off sale until the end of January using the coupon code CHEERUP. This is off all products in the shop as well as the brand new Dyeing Day workshops I have put up for March and June. Don't forget that if you sign up to the newsletter you will be sent regular codes for subscriber discount. On The Horizon Waltham Abbey Wool Show Sunday 21st January at the Marriot Hotel, Waltham Abbey. Edinburgh Yarn Festival 14-18th March (marketplace 15th-17th) My 100th episode! No big party like Knit British, but I thought I might have an Ask Me Anything section - those of you who have stuck with me through the last 8 years, especially the lean ones (LOL), can have a chance to take part in an interactive segment. You can either email me your question, or ask it on Twitter using the hastag #askYFTP. Links Lucy Neatby Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. Yarns From The Plain now has a Facebook page here - come over and hit that like button! There's a Ravelry group for both the podcast and the shop, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain, on Instagram as @yarnsfromtheplain and on Twitter as @yarnsfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Hello and welcome to 2018! Not quite sure where the last two months went to be honest, but there you go! On the Needles <a href="http://ravel.me/talesfromtheplain/c1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contoura</a> by <a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolly Wormhead</a> in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MamaLongLegs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BabyLongLegs</a> Mesmerino DK <a href="http://ravel.me/talesfromtheplain/sv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mystery Hat B</a> by Woolly Wormhead in Stanley Sport. In The Weave Shed I have taken some of the designs for upholstery that I created in project 4 at college and reworked them in very fine silks to explore the possibility of small art pieces. Yarn Shops Galore <a href="http://thewoolboat.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wool Boat</a> - Colin and Carole's Creations on the Emma Maye. Checkout out their blog or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thewoolboat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for up-to-date information on where they will be moored. Something I Really Like <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08fqypb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Farmers' Country Showdown</a> on BBC1. Rhian's episode is episode 10 of Series 2 and is available until the 15th February. Shop Update Currently there is a 20% off sale until the end of January using the coupon code CHEERUP. This is off all products in <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/shopping/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the shop</a> as well as the brand new Dyeing Day workshops I have put up for March and June. Don't forget that if you <a href="http://yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sign up</a> to the newsletter you will be sent regular codes for subscriber discount. On The Horizon <a href="http://www.walthamabbeywoolshow.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waltham Abbey Wool Show</a> Sunday 21st January at the Marriot Hotel, Waltham Abbey. <a href="http://www.edinyarnfest.com/home-2018" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Edinburgh Yarn Festival </a>14-18th March (marketplace 15th-17th) My 100th episode! No big party like Knit British, but I thought I might have an Ask Me Anything section - those of you who have stuck with me through the last 8 years, especially the lean ones (LOL), can have a chance to take part in an interactive segment. You can either email me your question, or ask it on Twitter using the hastag #askYFTP. Links <a href="https://lucyneatby.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lucy Neatby</a> Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. Yarns From The Plain now has a Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yarnsfromtheplain" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> - come over and hit that like button! There's a Ravelry group for both the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcast</a> and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-handdyed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shop</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain, on Instagram as @yarnsfromtheplain and on Twitter as @yarnsfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Episode 98: All Aboard!

Full show notes can be found here at yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/blogs/podcasts/.

Full show notes can be found <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/blogs/podcasts/?p=669&amp;preview=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> at <a href="http://yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/blogs/podcasts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/blogs/podcasts/</a>.

Episode 97: For The Love Of Woolly

Full show notes for this episode can be found here at yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk.

Full show notes for this episode can be found <a href="http://wp.me/p7mON8-aB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> at <a href="http://yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk</a>.

Episode 96: Redivivus Revisited

Shownotes can be found at yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk. Direct link for this episode here.

Shownotes can be found at <a href="http://yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk</a>. Direct link for this episode <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/blogs/podcasts/2016/04/04/episode-95-redivivus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Episode 95: Redivivus

Hello, not from Cheshire today, but Bradford! Join me as I give a quick round up of my knitting and weaving over December and talk about my own new beginnings this year.  On The Needles   The Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat has been parked, waiting to be frogged. I have cast on a Kunye by Claire Devine as part of The Golden Skein's first birthday celebrations.      I have also cast on an Every Baby Sweater for my cousin's little boy, but I have no pictures yet.  In the Weaving Shed   I finished my cousin's husband's scarf, made from my Mobberley 4ply and Chelford yarns:        And I finished her scarf too, which was in a merino silk laceweight from DT Crafts.  Shop    There is currently a 20% discount on items in the shop to banish the January Blues. Use the code JANUARY2015 at www.YarnsFromThePlain.Etsy.com .The shop can also be reached from the Shop link on the front page of my new (almost ready) website at www.yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk, where you can also sing up for the newletter, to keep up-to-date with any shop updates, news, etc. Ultimately the show notes will be hosted here, but not just yet, so the Blog button isn't live yet. For shop tweets, follow @yarnsfromplain.  Links  To find out about the winter Workshop in detail, check out my original blog, Tales From The Plain, starting with this post.  Music  Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.  Make Contact!  We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as @talesfromplain.   TTFN,  Nic x

Hello, not from Cheshire today, but Bradford! Join me as I give a quick round up of my knitting and weaving over December and talk about my own new beginnings this year. On The Needles The Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat has been parked, waiting to be frogged. I have cast on a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/kunye" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kunye</a> by <a href="http://yarnandpointysticks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claire Devine</a> as part of <a href="http://www.thegoldenskein.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Golden Skein's</a> first birthday celebrations. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43qCAx51ARQ/VLgsBtQuX6I/AAAAAAAACBk/FZHyl_PP8dw/s1600/2015-01-15%2B19.49.02.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I have also cast on an <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/the-every-baby-sweater-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Every Baby Sweater</a> for my cousin's little boy, but I have no pictures yet. In the Weaving Shed I finished my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/toms-scarf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cousin's husband's scarf</a>, made from my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/yarns-from-the-plain-mobberley-4-ply" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mobberley 4ply</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/yarns-from-the-plain-chelford" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chelford</a> yarns: <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kL28wZ43BgY/VLgs-giUWZI/AAAAAAAACBs/IdSrdSsTQkY/s1600/2014-12-03%2B06.02.28.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   And I finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/louises-scarf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">her scarf</a> too, which was in a merino silk laceweight from <a href="http://www.dtcrafts.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DT Crafts.</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP-bnAaO2Yc/VLgtHUWAUII/AAAAAAAACB0/zOphHhVRgmo/s1600/2014-12-30%2B11.34.51.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Shop There is currently a 20% discount on items in the shop to banish the January Blues. Use the code JANUARY2015 at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.etsy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.YarnsFromThePlain.Etsy.com</a> .The shop can also be reached from the Shop link on the front page of my new (almost ready) website at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.yarnsfromtheplain.co.uk</a>, where you can also sing up for the newletter, to keep up-to-date with any shop updates, news, etc. Ultimately the show notes will be hosted here, but not just yet, so the Blog button isn't live yet. For shop tweets, follow @yarnsfromplain. Links To find out about the winter Workshop in detail, check out my original blog, <a href="http://www.talesfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tales From The Plain</a>, starting with <a href="http://talesfromtheplain.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/day-one-monday-12th-january.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> post. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as @talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Episode 94: New Year, New Beginnings

Hello from the Cheshire Plain. This episode was recorded on 30th November but unfortunately editing took a back seat to real life, so only got finished now.  On The Needles  As well as my Dorothy for WIPCrackAway, I've been working on the Mystery Hat from Woolly Wormhead. I think I may need to rip it out though as I suspect it is too small. :(    WIPCrackAway  Well done everyone! What a sterling effort from you all - 87 finished items! Prizewinners can choose from:     From Left to Right:  Green Eyed Monster GEM Alpaca Sock in The Green Green Grass EasyKnits  Bamboo Merino Mix in Luau Fyberspates Sparkly Silk &amp; Silver SockYarn Posh Yarn Lucia 70% merino 30% cashmere in Skip Hazel Knits Artisan sock in 117 - Chuckanut Drive   I actually finished my Dorothy!     In The Weaving Shed   The Chelford/Mobberley scarf for my cousin's husband on the Ashford Samplit loom:          And the laceweight yarns I have dyed for my cousin's scarf.:          ﻿ I'm still undecided!  Links DT Crafts  Upcoming events  The FO&amp;Dye podcast are hosting FOFest on the weekend of 16th &amp; 17th  May 2015 in Exeter.  Music:   Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from Magnatune.   We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!   Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as @talesfromplain. My shop can be found here and the shop tweets as @yarnsfromplain.TTFN,   Nic x

Hello from the Cheshire Plain. This episode was recorded on 30th November but unfortunately editing took a back seat to real life, so only got finished now. On The Needles As well as my Dorothy for WIPCrackAway, I've been working on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/2014-mystery-kal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mystery Hat</a> from <a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolly Wormhead</a>. I think I may need to rip it out though as I suspect it is too small. :( <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_5d1J2eW_I/VKz8d6C6elI/AAAAAAAAB74/oa3IIwzsMzE/s1600/2015-01-07%2B09.28.39.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> WIPCrackAway Well done everyone! What a sterling effort from you all - 87 finished items! Prizewinners can choose from: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bBp_sj4Mxw4/VKvWS3n2zII/AAAAAAAAB7E/ac8FaLgxnaE/s1600/2014-11-30%2B15.23.10.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> From Left to Right: Green Eyed Monster GEM Alpaca Sock in The Green Green Grass <a href="http://easyknits.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyKnits</a>  Bamboo Merino Mix in Luau <a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fyberspates</a> Sparkly Silk &amp; Silver SockYarn <a href="http://poshyarn.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Posh Yarn</a> Lucia 70% merino 30% cashmere in Skip <a href="http://www.hazelknits.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hazel Knits</a> Artisan sock in 117 - Chuckanut Drive I actually finished my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/dorothy-short-sleeved-crochet-cardi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dorothy</a>! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jC1tts4Oyz4/VKz5pmgijtI/AAAAAAAAB7s/yTRlIOhQ2MY/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.17.43.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> In The Weaving Shed The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/yarns-from-the-plain-chelford" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chelford</a>/<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/yarns-from-the-plain-mobberley-4-ply" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mobberley</a> scarf for my cousin's husband on the Ashford Samplit loom: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YDbnGgFUFKE/VKvgdauu2yI/AAAAAAAAB7U/lEiJOmKoZAM/s1600/2014-11-29%2B22.38.15.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>     And the laceweight yarns I have dyed for my cousin's scarf.:   <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMdqTadN0yE/VKvg_eqMDFI/AAAAAAAAB7c/9gp91ouZAy8/s1600/2014-12-03%2B06.33.26.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   ﻿ I'm still undecided! Links <a href="http://www.dtcrafts.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DT Crafts</a> Upcoming events The <a href="http://www.podcastgarden.com/podcast/foanddye" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FO&amp;Dye podcast</a> are hosting FOFest on the weekend of 16th &amp; 17th  May 2015 in Exeter. Music: Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as @talesfromplain. My shop can be found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YarnsFromThePlain" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and the shop tweets as @yarnsfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Episode 93: Advent

Hello from a rather mild Cheshire Plain. This episode was recorded earlier in the month. Brief show notes here, I'm afraid, mainly consisting of the show items that you haven't already seen.  WIP Crack Away I'm so impressed with you all! So many finished projects! I'm plugging away on my Dorothy cardigan, but it was slower progress than I was expecting.... I have also started the Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat Knitalong for this year. Show Results The quilt - not seen at its best as it's a King Size quilt show here on a double bed:        Sheeeeeep!       My recycled garden tealight holder       Patch the needlework dog.       My pirate project bag.       The glass coasters.       The complementary cushion.  Shop Update  I have updated the Etsy shop with some of my new yarn bases. Take a look at https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain  TTFN, Nic x

Hello from a rather mild Cheshire Plain. This episode was recorded earlier in the month. Brief show notes here, I'm afraid, mainly consisting of the show items that you haven't already seen. WIP Crack Away I'm so impressed with you all! So many finished projects! I'm plugging away on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/dorothy-short-sleeved-crochet-cardi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dorothy</a> cardigan, but it was slower progress than I was expecting.... I have also started the <a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolly Wormhead</a> Mystery Hat Knitalong for this year. Show Results The quilt - not seen at its best as it's a King Size quilt show here on a double bed: <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctlCt8fzn-I/VHuTtX-SH0I/AAAAAAAAB6A/Np2vbYF_z9A/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.09.54.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWV3y1J4Dgw/VHuTsrm9qqI/AAAAAAAAB54/GAaQceQVywU/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.10.19.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   Sheeeeeep! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2oowU5BxT0/VHuTtOCCA_I/AAAAAAAAB58/NiV-CqRX9IQ/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.12.38.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   My recycled garden tealight holder <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLgd7x0u880/VHuTuulUsHI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/L7HOfMRdYuc/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.23.03.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   Patch the needlework dog. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsdA8Zn2DKY/VHuTvNNeJpI/AAAAAAAAB6U/hl89tp8iwUI/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.24.10.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   My pirate project bag. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Wo5l_LOVTY/VHuTvWAViiI/AAAAAAAAB6c/b002kM6mQaM/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.24.36.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   The glass coasters. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qz-pEa5sXho/VHuTwHduUaI/AAAAAAAAB6k/UhWpAqpAUrw/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.41.39.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   The complementary cushion. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vh-F-eqMhc/VHuTwcaojRI/AAAAAAAAB6s/E-Q7OWc0HbM/s1600/2014-11-30%2B13.43.49.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Shop Update I have updated the Etsy shop with some of my new yarn bases. Take a look at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain</a> TTFN, Nic x

Episode 92: The Results Are In

Hello from the M40. Listen in as I prattle on to keep myself awake on a trip to Oxfordshire!   Off The Needles  I finished the Sheep Yoke Baby Cardigan! I love the little sheepy buttons, which came from Textile Garden at Unwind Brighton.             I also got round to blocking my Rainbow Revontuli made with my Krafty Koala merino nylon﻿        WIP Crack Away!  So lovely to see all the finished items clocking up! No one has yet finished up a WIP that is as old as my whale... You can take a peek in the thread here. Don't forget it's being co-hosted with the Knit British I'm chugging away slowly on my Dorothy, a Natural Dye Studio pattern. Good job crochet blocks don't need much bandwidth...  Something I Really Like  Podcaster meet ups! I also want to say thank you for my little project bag from RunKnitDig, which I was given at Unwind Brighton. Also plotting and planning the PodRetreat....  Upcoming Events   PodRetreat is back! If you are interested in joining me, Jo from Shiny Bees, Louise from Knit British and Chrissy from Stitched Together in Chester Thursday 19th- Sunday 22nd February, the rooms are ensuite and cost £160. If you're prepared to share, the price will drop to £80. There will be an additional £10 towards breakfast and evening meals. There will also be a meet up at some point on Saturday 21st February.  Links Caithness Craft Collective Knit.Spin.Cake Harbour Yarns Geeky Girls Knit iMake A Playful Day  Music  Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.  Make Contact!  We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain.   TTFN,  Nic x

Hello from the M40. Listen in as I prattle on to keep myself awake on a trip to Oxfordshire! Off The Needles I finished the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/sheep-yoke-baby-cardigan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sheep Yoke Baby Cardigan</a>! I love the little sheepy buttons, which came from <a href="http://www.textilegarden.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Textile Garden</a> at Unwind Brighton. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wviv6kyiyeI/VDjb153YndI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/yecAvw5c2YI/s1600/2014-09-14%2B14.05.26.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e08HfgQdTHI/VDjb1Gby5vI/AAAAAAAAB5I/28rhboWUFQk/s1600/2014-09-14%2B14.05.38.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOXNroGHPhM/VDjb2eejYqI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/tQjryKdC0fs/s1600/2014-09-14%2B14.05.42.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>     I also got round to blocking my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/revontuli--huivi-northern-lights-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rainbow Revontuli</a> made with my Krafty Koala merino nylon﻿   <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5XdjOps9aE/VDjb1CigavI/AAAAAAAAB5E/5ncuPglnEEs/s1600/2014-09-14%2B13.51.35.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> WIP Crack Away! So lovely to see all the finished items clocking up! No one has yet finished up a WIP that is as old as my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/that-bly-whale" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">whale</a>... You can take a peek in the thread <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast/3024972/1-25" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Don't forget it's being co-hosted with the Knit British I'm chugging away slowly on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/dorothy-short-sleeved-crochet-cardi-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dorothy</a>, a <a href="http://www.thenaturaldyestudio.com/garments-pdf-crochet-patterns-301-c.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Dye Studio pattern</a>. Good job crochet blocks don't need much bandwidth... Something I Really Like Podcaster meet ups! I also want to say thank you for my little project bag from <a href="http://knitrundig.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RunKnitDig</a>, which I was given at Unwind Brighton. Also plotting and planning the PodRetreat.... Upcoming Events PodRetreat is back! If you are interested in joining me, Jo from <a href="http://shinybees.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shiny Bees</a>, Louise from <a href="http://www.knitbritish.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knit British</a> and Chrissy from <a href="http://www.stitchedtogether.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitched Together</a> in Chester Thursday 19th- Sunday 22nd February, the rooms are ensuite and cost £160. If you're prepared to share, the price will drop to £80. There will be an additional £10 towards breakfast and evening meals. There will also be a meet up at some point on Saturday 21st February. Links <a href="http://caithnesscraftcollective.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Caithness Craft Collective</a> <a href="http://knit.spin.cake/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knit.Spin.Cake</a> <a href="http://www.harbouryarns.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harbour Yarns</a> <a href="http://geekygirlsknit.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Geeky Girls Knit</a> <a href="http://www.imakegsy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a> <a href="http://www.aplayfulday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Playful Day</a> Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Episode 91: Travelling, Travelling

Again, another scantly edited episode with no show notes, but it's already eight days old. One day I will get back on top of this surely? Just a quick update on the fact that the podcaster meet up at Yarndale is on the 27th not the 28th. that's Saturday 27th at 3pm.

Again, another scantly edited episode with no show notes, but it's already eight days old. One day I will get back on top of this surely? Just a quick update on the fact that the podcaster meet up at Yarndale is on the 27th not the 28th. that's Saturday 27th at 3pm.

Episode 90: WIP Crack Away!

Apologies for the tardiness in getting this up - it's not really edited and there are no show notes, but if I don't do this now, it will never get up!

Episode 89: Crafty Catch Up!

A UK-based podcast for knitters, crocheters and anyone who loves to play with yarn!

Fun, funny, informative - a wonderful podcast.

I love this podcast!

Friendly, fun and good knitting. Thanks for great podcast.

Fab Podcast

Yarns from the Plain

Hello from the M6, via a very long delay... sorry! In this episode I celebrate our mini KAL, talk about a new toy and swoon a little over Mr Thornton.  On The Needles   A few more rows on Adrift by Carol Feller at Stolen Stitches. Ravelry details of my project are here. I've also worked some more rows on the Mini-Mania Scarf by Sarah Core. Ravelry details of my project are here. This is a free pattern, so join me in a knit-a-long.    Oh the Joy!  We have become a two-wheel family, with the acquisition of a lightly used Ashford Joy. Bliss!   Holiday Souvenir Competition  Don't forget, to be in ith a chance of winning one of these yarns from La Droguerie, leave a comment or message me before the end of February.     Something I Really Like Netflix   Upcoming Events Unravel, 23-24 February 2013, The Maltings, Farnham, Surrey;  Wonderwool Wales, 27-28 April 2013, Builth Wells, Powys;  Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria;  Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, BedfordMusic  Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.   Make Contact!  We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).     TTFN,   Nic x

Hello from the M6, via a very long delay... sorry! In this episode I celebrate our mini KAL, talk about a new toy and swoon a little over Mr Thornton. On The Needles A few more rows on Adrift by Carol Feller at Stolen Stitches. Ravelry details of my project are <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/adrift" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. I've also worked some more rows on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mini-mania-scarf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mini-Mania Scarf</a> by Sarah Core. Ravelry details of my project are <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/mini-mania-scarf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a> This is a free pattern, so join me in a knit-a-long. Oh the Joy! We have become a two-wheel family, with the acquisition of a lightly used Ashford Joy. Bliss! Holiday Souvenir Competition Don't forget, to be in ith a chance of winning one of these yarns from <a href="http://www.ladroguerie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Droguerie</a>, leave a comment or message me before the end of February. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssNzQUBSWvo/USPjxC_SRaI/AAAAAAAABdo/ROLaBXexb0s/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Something I Really Like <a href="https://signup.netflix.com/?ca_source=gaw&amp;ca_pos=1t1&amp;ca_cid=12623861&amp;ca_agid=4385794326&amp;ca_adid=17711461926&amp;ca_chid=2001681&amp;mqso=80034807&amp;awmatchtype=e&amp;awnetwork=s&amp;awcreative=17711461926&amp;awkeyword=netflix&amp;awposition=1t1&amp;awexpid=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Netflix</a> Upcoming Events <a href="https://farnhammaltings.com/festivals/unravel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unravel</a>, 23-24 February 2013, The Maltings, Farnham, Surrey; <a href="http://www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wonderwool Wales</a>, 27-28 April 2013, Builth Wells, Powys; <a href="http://www.woolfest.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolfest</a>, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; <a href="http://www.fibre-east.co.uk/Fibre-East/Home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fibre East</a>, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 65: On The Road

Hello from the Plain! The last few weeks have flown by in a whirl of assessments and cushions, so this is just a quick update prior to the Postcard, which was recorded back in April.Woolsack UpdateThe first two Listener Cushions are now assembled and stuffed and ready to make their way to London. Thank you all so much!The first cushion I think is made from a lot of Rowan British Breeds, and includes a square made in the US on the front....and squares made in Australia on the back...The second cushion also has some "Made in Oz" squares, this time on the front.... Thanks to all the listeners who contributed!A Postcard from OxfordThe music in this postcard is from the album The Oxford Ramble and is used with the kind permission of Magpie Lane .Some photos from the day:Magdalen TowerInside Darn It &amp; Stitch The dinosaur in a badly-knitted Fair Isle sweater (aka Keble College)Another dinosaur - real this time!Looking down into the Pitt Rivers - it looks a lot darker than this in real life!The Shrunken Heads in the Pitt RiversThe Radcliffe CameraThe Bodleian LibraryLinksMagpie Lane http://www.magpielane.co.uk/May Morning http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decVanilla/MayMorninginOxford.htmMagdalen Tower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalen_TowerBotanical Gardens http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/The Grand Cafe  http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/ ;Darn It and Stitch http://www.darnitandstitch.com/  ;Oxford Kitchen Yarns http://www.oxfordkitchenyarns.com/shop/Morse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Morse ;Lewis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Lewis ;Oxford University Museum of NaturalHistory  http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/ ;  Pitt Rivers Museum  http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/ ;Shrunken heads http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrunken_head/Bodleian Library http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodleyJohn Hampden http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_HampdenChristchurch http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/ ; Dr Fell http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fell_(bishop)Howard Goodall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Goodall ;Ashmolean Museum http://www.ashmolean.org/Martyrs’ Memorial http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyrs'_Memorial ;Oxford Martyrs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_Martyrs Theme Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents!Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN,Nic x

Hello from the Plain! The last few weeks have flown by in a whirl of assessments and cushions, so this is just a quick update prior to the Postcard, which was recorded back in April. <a href="http://www.woolsack.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolsack</a> Update The first two Listener Cushions are now assembled and stuffed and ready to make their way to London. Thank you all so much! The first cushion I think is made from a lot of Rowan British Breeds, and includes a square made in the US on the front.... <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mu2VKthW46A/UAw-CCdSLPI/AAAAAAAABR8/dAADRT3aq1Y/s1600/IMG_1568.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> and squares made in Australia on the back... <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ3EaU1LKJU/UAw-PYhox9I/AAAAAAAABSE/sm8c4ZsBaXA/s1600/IMG_1569.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The second cushion also has some "Made in Oz" squares, this time on the front.... <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRg8ISzJcyI/UAw-XidvjgI/AAAAAAAABSM/RqKq1qMZf6Y/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krUFwF5h2Ho/UAw-d8ofAxI/AAAAAAAABSU/vr_RFQGe3sU/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Thanks to all the listeners who contributed! A Postcard from Oxford The music in this postcard is from the album The Oxford Ramble and is used with the kind permission of <a href="http://www.magpielane.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magpie Lane</a> . Some photos from the day: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M59PqSETX98/UAxAamSvPKI/AAAAAAAABSc/Htz5MJ76P0Q/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Magdalen Tower <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G29KzTBcNGI/UAxAobFyrLI/AAAAAAAABSo/bGoiwP2_cY8/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Inside Darn It &amp; Stitch <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ziPZPhCqhc/UAxAzsEUJAI/AAAAAAAABSw/CaIh5U58xGg/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The dinosaur in a badly-knitted Fair Isle sweater (aka Keble College) <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoUrap6pQkc/UAxA97xSKuI/AAAAAAAABS4/F402NMjPbEQ/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Another dinosaur - real this time! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQhjTw6H7Gs/UAxBLKEFpOI/AAAAAAAABTA/iC_MEjcDUbc/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Looking down into the Pitt Rivers - it looks a lot darker than this in real life! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqU_c5I_-qM/UAxCmX4x10I/AAAAAAAABTU/Zhnf5Lungus/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The Shrunken Heads in the Pitt Rivers <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdEkN2jwsHc/UAxC3mZxPeI/AAAAAAAABTc/f-nWTU_oM5c/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The Radcliffe Camera <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrTPKp8-Bpk/UAxDAGdI__I/AAAAAAAABTk/8QC-VRmaZiQ/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The Bodleian Library Links Magpie Lane <a href="http://www.magpielane.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.magpielane.co.uk/</a> May Morning <a href="http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decVanilla/MayMorninginOxford.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decVanilla/MayMorninginOxford.htm</a> Magdalen Tower <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalen_Tower" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalen_Tower</a> Botanical Gardens <a href="http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/</a> The Grand Cafe <a href="http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/</a> ; Darn It and Stitch <a href="http://www.darnitandstitch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.darnitandstitch.com/</a> ; Oxford Kitchen Yarns <a href="http://www.oxfordkitchenyarns.com/shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.oxfordkitchenyarns.com/shop/</a> Morse <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Morse" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Morse</a> ; Lewis <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Lewis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Lewis</a> ; Oxford University Museum of Natural History <a href="http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/</a> ; Pitt Rivers Museum <a href="http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/</a> ; Shrunken heads <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrunken_head/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrunken_head/</a> Bodleian Library <a href="http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley</a> John Hampden <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hampden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hampden</a> Christchurch <a href="http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/</a> ; Dr Fell <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fell_(bishop)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fell_(bishop)</a> Howard Goodall <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Goodall" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Goodall</a> ; Ashmolean Museum <a href="http://www.ashmolean.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ashmolean.org/</a> Martyrs’ Memorial <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyrs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyrs'_Memorial</a> ; Oxford Martyrs <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_Martyrs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_Martyrs</a> Theme Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents! Feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 53: A Postcard From Oxford

Hello and welcome to a celebratory episode of the podcast. It's my third podiversary - woo hoo!LinksCaithnessCraftCollective podcastRaspberry vodka recipe (the actual recipe is for gin but I used vodka instead)Damson gin recipe Christmas Pudding vodka recipeI can't find the exact recipe I used for the Damson brandy, but you could use the Damson gin one. The reason the one we sampled was so syruppy was because I used damsons from  the freezer that had been cooked in sugar with the intention of making jam, then followed the recipe and added more sugar! If I track the recipe down, I'll post an update.Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFNNic x

Hello and welcome to a celebratory episode of the podcast. It's my third podiversary - woo hoo! Links <a href="http://caithnesscraftcollective.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CaithnessCraftCollective</a> podcast <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/allotment/2012/sep/06/allotments-gardens?INTCMP=SRCH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raspberry vodka recipe</a> (the actual recipe is for gin but I used vodka instead) <a href="http://www.allotment.org.uk/recipes/drinks-cocktails/damson-gin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Damson gin recipe</a> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/christmas_pudding_vodka_45343" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas Pudding vodka recipe</a> I can't find the exact recipe I used for the Damson brandy, but you could use the Damson gin one. The reason the one we sampled was so syruppy was because I used damsons from  the freezer that had been cooked in sugar with the intention of making jam, then followed the recipe and added more sugar! If I track the recipe down, I'll post an update. Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN Nic x

Episode 63: Pod Paaarrrty!

Hello from a very blustery Cheshire Plain. In this episode I wax lyrical about chunky knits, share the delights of my personal Christmas Fairy and launch a Knit-Along. There will be prizes!   Works In Progress  I'm having great fun whipping up my Vivido cardigan by Stolen Stitches in New Lanark Chunky as art of the APlayfulDay podcast Feller Holiday KAL (Ravelry thread here).      I've also been spinning on my SpinCityUK spindle, with some Picperfic Seduce (60% BFL, 20% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk).   The Christmas Fairies  Did you get any crafty goodies for Christmas? My Christmas Fairy got me a subscription to the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Club (squee!)   Fair  Isle KnitAlong  I will be hosting a Fair Isle Knit-Along from January 1st to Easter Sunday (Western, not Orthodox). Can be for new or existing projects, there will be progress AND finished object prizes. Head on over to the Ravelry Group for more details.   Links  Louise Scollay's KnitBritish.net with its British Yarn Giveaway.  BabyLongLegs' Sock Yarn Club     Music   Intro music is Sans Day Carrol-Sussex Carol-Deck The Halls by James Edwards, final music is Dancing Day Part II: Coventry Carol (Rutter) by Stephane Potvin and the Con Brio Choir, both from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, available from Magnatune.   We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!   Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).   TTFN,  Nic x

Hello from a very blustery Cheshire Plain. In this episode I wax lyrical about chunky knits, share the delights of my personal Christmas Fairy and launch a Knit-Along. There will be prizes! Works In Progress I'm having great fun whipping up my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/vivido-cardigan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vivido cardigan</a> by <a href="http://www.stolenstitches.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stolen Stitches</a> in <a href="http://newlanarkshop.co.uk/shop.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Lanark</a> Chunky as art of the <a href="http://aplayfulday.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">APlayfulDay</a> podcast Feller Holiday KAL (Ravelry thread<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/aplayfulday-podcast/2784931/126-150#146" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>). <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk6Lza-3FLE/Ur20EI8Fz7I/AAAAAAAAB3g/mmkkjwXiHsM/s1600/IMG_2610%5B1%5D.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I've also been spinning on my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/spincityuk?show_panel=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> SpinCityUK</a> spindle, with some <a href="http://picperfic.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picperfic</a> Seduce (60% BFL, 20% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk). The Christmas Fairies Did you get any crafty goodies for Christmas? My Christmas Fairy got me a subscription to the <a href="http://www.thenaturaldyestudio.com/kaleidoscope---crochet-blanket-club-2014-391-c.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Club</a> (squee!) Fair  Isle KnitAlong I will be hosting a Fair Isle Knit-Along from January 1st to Easter Sunday (Western, not Orthodox). Can be for new or existing projects, there will be progress AND finished object prizes. Head on over to the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ravelry Group</a> for more details. Links Louise Scollay's <a href="http://knitbritish.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KnitBritish.net</a> with its British Yarn Giveaway. BabyLongLegs' <a href="http://babylonglegs.bigcartel.com/product/sock-club-2014" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sock Yarn Club</a> Music Intro music is Sans Day Carrol-Sussex Carol-Deck The Halls by James Edwards, final music is Dancing Day Part II: Coventry Carol (Rutter) by Stephane Potvin and the Con Brio Choir, both from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 83: The Christmas Fairies

Hello from the Plain! Proper show notes will follow ASAP, but here are the music and contact linky bits!   Music:  Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from Magnatune.  We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!  Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN,   Nic x

Hello from the Plain! Proper show notes will follow ASAP, but here are the music and contact linky bits! Music: Intro music is Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, final music is Shchedrik - Carol of the Bells by Kitka, from the Magnatune Compilation album Christmas Music, both available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 80: The Knitting Podcast With Hardly Any Knitting

Well, there was when I recorded it anyway!   Links Ruth Packham Woolyknit Hilltop Cloud Crafts From The Dungeon   Something I Really Like The Pompeii and Herculaneum Exhibition at the British Museum   Upcoming Events Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;  Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October, Bakewell   Music  Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.   Make Contact!  We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).   TTFN,  Nic x

Well, there was when I recorded it anyway! Links <a href="http://www.ruthpackham.co.uk/content/?page_id=83" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruth Packham</a> <a href="http://www.woolyknit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolyknit</a> <a href="http://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hilltop Cloud</a> <a href="http://www.craftsfromthedungeon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crafts From The Dungeon</a> Something I Really Like <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/pompeii_and_herculaneum.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Pompeii and Herculaneum Exhibition</a> at the British Museum Upcoming Events <a href="http://www.fibre-east.co.uk/Fibre-East/Home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fibre East</a>, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; <a href="http://yarndale.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yarndale</a>, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton <a href="http://bakewellwool.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bakewell Wool Gathering</a>, 19-20th October, Bakewell Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 71: A Week To Go!

Hello from my garden here on the Plain. Not to self - don't place the iPhone on the same level as the Joy when recording in the garden in future! Sorry if you find the spinning noise annoying; at least it didn't squeak!  Fleece to Finished Thanks to Bee for these photos from the event.       From left to right: Annie's Best Coat, 4 hours 50 minutes; Elsibett, 4 hours 30 minutes; Whole Lotta Rosie 3 hours 58 minutes.  Tour de Fleece  From left to right:  16g, 28 yds of Rosie 2 ply  6g, 8.66 yds of Annie 2ply. These are the bits left on my Joy bobbins after our Guild Fleece to Finished challenge.  105g, 148 yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 3-ply on the Joy.  73g, 271.5 yds BFL I’d dyed lilac myself and spun last year - final 15g spun on the Traddy and then plied as a 2-ply on the Joy.  107g, 476 yds of Shunklies Cheviot spun last year and plied as a 2-ply on the Traddy.  106g, 139yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy.  6g, 25yds Ashford merino/silk lurking on a bobbin (left over from the spinning for the Peacock Shawlette) and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy.  10g, 33yds of raw alpaca purchased from Great House Alpacas, spun and plied as a 2-ply on my spindle.  19g, 71yds of HilltopCloud hand blended in Shetland/merino/llama/fire star, spun and plied on my spindle.  Show Report I saw alpaca... It was very hot...     If you get a chance at a show, you must see the Lamb National!        OK, onto the exhibits...  Three handmade cards......                            ....and the knitted/crocheted baby item.  Rag doll...                                                             ....and creative embroidered picture.﻿ Item made from recycled materials (oven mitts)...                 ...and a beaded necklace.Item of felting....                           ...Hand or machine made bagKnitting: Advanced...                                                             ....Cushion, any medium. Bottom: Item of other craft, inspired by favourite book.  Top: Item of handspun yarn, knitted or woven - along with the Diploma for best exhibit. Upcoming Events Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;  Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton; Knitting and Stitching Show, 11-14th October 2013, Alexandra Palace; Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell.  Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.  Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).  TTFN, Nic x

Hello from my garden here on the Plain. Not to self - don't place the iPhone on the same level as the Joy when recording in the garden in future! Sorry if you find the spinning noise annoying; at least it didn't squeak! Fleece to Finished Thanks to Bee for these photos from the event. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xoQAFgRIUY/UfQ2Qk19BXI/AAAAAAAABuU/Htq_ZqTdXUM/s1600/F2F1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cChIEGv0NA0/UfQ2V4wMYmI/AAAAAAAABuk/hYtOLzJYOyM/s1600/F2F3.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIiATbCG5eY/UfQ2bjRVRTI/AAAAAAAABus/sP0ZIWf7FKk/s1600/F2F2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWVWAQtTIKg/UfQ2eaw6xVI/AAAAAAAABu0/rg3bNeEGF8E/s1600/F2F4.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gox9DP9P-Y8/UfQ2hDyP9XI/AAAAAAAABu8/s6nE02BwzgY/s1600/F2F5.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> From left to right: Annie's Best Coat, 4 hours 50 minutes; Elsibett, 4 hours 30 minutes; Whole Lotta Rosie 3 hours 58 minutes. Tour de Fleece <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCUao3tfyZk/UfQtRE_WTHI/AAAAAAAABuI/4E_uxWvk-Io/s1600/photo-767915.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>From left to right: 16g, 28 yds of Rosie 2 ply 6g, 8.66 yds of Annie 2ply. These are the bits left on my Joy bobbins after our Guild Fleece to Finished challenge. 105g, 148 yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 3-ply on the Joy. 73g, 271.5 yds BFL I’d dyed lilac myself and spun last year - final 15g spun on the Traddy and then plied as a 2-ply on the Joy. 107g, 476 yds of Shunklies Cheviot spun last year and plied as a 2-ply on the Traddy. 106g, 139yds HilltopCloud Superwash BFL/Ramie, spun and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy. 6g, 25yds Ashford merino/silk lurking on a bobbin (left over from the spinning for the Peacock Shawlette) and plied as a 2-ply on the Joy. 10g, 33yds of raw alpaca purchased from <a href="http://www.greathousealpacas.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great House Alpacas</a>, spun and plied as a 2-ply on my spindle. 19g, 71yds of HilltopCloud hand blended in Shetland/merino/llama/fire star, spun and plied on my spindle. Show Report I saw alpaca... <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxBm8Fsmtq8/UfQ8J5YGAKI/AAAAAAAABxw/OC5-76fnNwU/s1600/photo-778290.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> It was very hot... <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9uepysIVZ8/UfQ4xvqN-TI/AAAAAAAABvQ/KW0km5qoxP4/s1600/photo-714051.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>  If you get a chance at a show, you must see the Lamb National! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_inw6vErZk/UfRE1UBLwwI/AAAAAAAABx8/VyDQ_ETDteU/s1600/IMG_6293.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtBmR_a3nfs/UfRFlaYm_aI/AAAAAAAAByE/8SyQO-7qIj4/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrf5M8Uw4T0/UfRF8UgDbDI/AAAAAAAAByM/RfPmnGiZmN4/s1600/IMG_6307.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TS96EMZ5UB8/UfRGOMpENNI/AAAAAAAAByU/NtvfzS79UXo/s1600/IMG_6308.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> OK, onto the exhibits... <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9C6ouEiTVo/UfQ7VxKRnhI/AAAAAAAABxY/uGA1KaazPXc/s1600/photo-770802.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAqAMKDNNi4/UfQ7EqLZQtI/AAAAAAAABwc/XtTJKDNTg1A/s1600/photo-701463.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Three handmade cards......                            ....and the knitted/crocheted baby item. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqNnRzssr5Q/UfQ7XnaSirI/AAAAAAAABxk/2oYaSBF_mc0/s1600/photo-778527.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFy86U8exNc/UfQ7G2jRXmI/AAAAAAAABwo/QA8fnll7rI8/s1600/photo-711238.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Rag doll...                                                             ....and creative embroidered picture.﻿ <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALpZH19cp-U/UfQ68xY2tXI/AAAAAAAABv4/AhikjUCEAQ0/s1600/photo-771194.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvufMWoI0vY/UfQ7MpiiFBI/AAAAAAAABw0/pdjKQrgOdpY/s1600/photo-734242.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Item made from recycled materials (oven mitts)...                 ...and a beaded necklace.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50KG6oUqz0M/UfQ661FlfvI/AAAAAAAABvs/ql4u2jpPdes/s1600/photo-762920.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqwyAO7jC4o/UfQ7S1-f8WI/AAAAAAAABxM/_BqpyVWk5qw/s1600/photo-758394.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Item of felting....                           ...Hand or machine made bag<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui8Og_QPFLY/UfQ7QN9xz9I/AAAAAAAABxA/VxDZ8b1VZ2U/s1600/photo-747852.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nA3t2r-4pVc/UfQ6-ye-iFI/AAAAAAAABwE/vWCL3YCrvtY/s1600/photo-778079.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Knitting: Advanced...                                                             ....Cushion, any medium. Bottom: Item of other craft, inspired by favourite book. Top: Item of handspun yarn, knitted or woven - along with the Diploma for best exhibit. Upcoming Events <a href="http://www.fibre-east.co.uk/Fibre-East/Home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fibre East</a>, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; <a href="http://yarndale.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yarndale</a>, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton; <a href="http://www.twistedthread.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knitting and Stitching Show</a>, 11-14th October 2013, Alexandra Palace; <a href="http://bakewellwool.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bakewell Wool Gathering</a>, 19-20th October 2013, Bakewell. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 73: Putting Louise Out Of Her Misery...

Finished Objects  There is progress sin my preparation for the Oxfordshire County &amp; Thame Show. I've so far completed three more projects for classes: a pair of oven mitts from recycled clothing (no pictures yet), my Northman stranded mittens and a pair of baby bootees from a Sirdar Snuggly 3ply pattern (Ravelry details here). I've also finished knitting the I-cord on the stripy Noro messenger bag and fulled it in the washing machine. Now it needs to be lined. In The Weaving Shed  I've been working on the 32" Rigid Heddle loom, making a houndstooth pattern. The brown is chocolate Jacob, the white is a blend of British wool, both from Wool City Wools available from Texere. This will become a cushion. Further Show Prep  A Clothkits rag doll has been sewn, although she has no dress yet. One and half cards have been made. A half finished beaded necklace has been fished out of the WIPs bin and it is moving apace, as is a long stitch embroidery of a nuclear power and reprocessing plant. No, seriously. What do you mean you haven't got one? Still no pictures I'm afraid! Here's some Merino Silk blend I've spun on the Joy, which is now being knitted into the Peacock Shawlette by Kitman Figueroa.   Something I Really Like Cancer Research's Race For Life 5k races. I'm running at Tatton Park on Sunday 30th June in memory of my Uncle Jeff. If you could spare a few coppers and would like to sponsor me for the event, my just giving page is here.  Thank you.  Links   Upcoming Events Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria;  The Wool Experience, 6 July 2013, Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough; Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;  Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton.  Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x 

Finished Objects There is progress sin my preparation for the <a href="http://thameshow.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oxfordshire County &amp; Thame Show</a>. I've so far completed three more projects for classes: a pair of oven mitts from recycled clothing (no pictures yet), my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/northman-mittens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Northman stranded mittens</a> and a pair of baby bootees from a Sirdar Snuggly 3ply pattern (Ravelry details <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/design-i---lace-layette-with-shawl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>). I've also finished knitting the I-cord on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/stripey-noro-messenger-bag" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stripy Noro messenger bag</a> and fulled it in the washing machine. Now it needs to be lined. In The Weaving Shed I've been working on the 32" Rigid Heddle loom, making a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/another-cushion" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">houndstooth pattern</a>. The brown is chocolate Jacob, the white is a blend of British wool, both from Wool City Wools available from Texere. This will become a cushion. Further Show Prep A <a href="http://www.clothkits.co.uk/clothkits-original-cloth-kitty-doll-pink-blue-p-180.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clothkits</a> rag doll has been sewn, although she has no dress yet. One and half cards have been made. A half finished beaded necklace has been fished out of the WIPs bin and it is moving apace, as is a long stitch embroidery of a nuclear power and reprocessing plant. No, seriously. What do you mean you haven't got one? Still no pictures I'm afraid! Here's some Merino Silk blend I've spun on the Joy, which is now being knitted into the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/peacock-shawlette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peacock Shawlette</a> by Kitman Figueroa. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiklcNj_l7g/UcV13-Cg5aI/AAAAAAAABt0/FRlwiAbR85w/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Something I Really Like Cancer Research's <a href="http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index.html?utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=race4life-Brand__Race_for_Life__Exact" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Race For Life</a> 5k races. I'm running at Tatton Park on Sunday 30th June in memory of my Uncle Jeff. If you could spare a few coppers and would like to sponsor me for the event, my just giving page is <a href="http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/nicolarudd446" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.  Thank you. Links Upcoming Events <a href="http://www.woolfest.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolfest</a>, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; <a href="http://www.blazefarm.com/news.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wool Experience</a>, 6 July 2013, Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough; <a href="http://www.fibre-east.co.uk/Fibre-East/Home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fibre East</a>, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; <a href="http://yarndale.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yarndale</a>, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 70: Midsummer Madness

Some (not so) brief ramblings, the night before the show... apologies, not been edited to remove ums...Something I Really Like My new Ultra-Fine Blocking Wires Upcoming Events Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton Bakewell Wool Gathering, 19-20th October, Bakewell Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact! We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN, Nic x

Some (not so) brief ramblings, the night before the show... apologies, not been edited to remove ums... Something I Really Like My new <a href="http://www.tangledyarn.co.uk/products/ultra-fine-blocking-wires" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultra-Fine Blocking Wires</a> Upcoming Events <a href="http://www.fibre-east.co.uk/Fibre-East/Home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fibre East</a>, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; <a href="http://yarndale.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yarndale</a>, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton <a href="http://bakewellwool.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bakewell Wool Gathering</a>, 19-20th October, Bakewell Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 72

Hello from a slightly blustery graveyard next to Lindisfarne Priory. Apologies for the wind gusts, I hope you can cope! In this episode I reflect on retreating from the world in such a beautiful place, fill you in on recent fun and shudder at the memory of shepherds with wandering hands...    Links: Lindisfarne Priory Knit.Spin.Cake podcast DaisyBunBoo Designs ShinyBees podcast Macclesfield Silk Museum &amp; Paradise Mill Stash Fine Yarns Dewa Roman Experience  Cath's Blank Canvas   Competition:  To be in with a chance of winning the pink Rowan Pure Wool Aran, leave a comment here, or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or at the Ravelry group thread, stating "I'd like to win a ball of rowan Pure Wool Aran because..."  Music:   Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.  Make Contact:  We have a listeners' map! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are!   Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN,   Nic x

Hello from a slightly blustery graveyard next to Lindisfarne Priory. Apologies for the wind gusts, I hope you can cope! In this episode I reflect on retreating from the world in such a beautiful place, fill you in on recent fun and shudder at the memory of shepherds with wandering hands... <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPJMNLnx8x0/U0HNShzZb0I/AAAAAAAAB34/HrRx7DOg1Tw/s1600/Lindisfarne+castle.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Links: <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/lindisfarne-priory/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lindisfarne Priory</a> <a href="http://www.knitspincake.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knit.Spin.Cake podcast</a> <a href="https://beta.folksy.com/shops/Daisybunboo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DaisyBunBoo Designs</a> <a href="http://shinybees.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ShinyBees podcast</a> <a href="http://www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Macclesfield Silk Museum &amp; Paradise Mill</a> <a href="http://www.celticove.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stash Fine Yarns</a> <a href="http://www.dewaromanexperience.co.uk/#3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dewa Roman Experience</a> Cath's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cathwood/blank-canvas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blank Canvas</a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_9lUs08ntk/U0HNtgeoSQI/AAAAAAAAB4A/wXciIPGqYxw/s1600/St+Cuthbert" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Competition: To be in with a chance of winning the pink Rowan Pure Wool Aran, leave a comment here, or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or at the Ravelry group thread, stating "I'd like to win a ball of rowan Pure Wool Aran because..." Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact: We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>! Please go on over to pop in a pin - I'd love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 85: Retreat

Hello from Bedlam…. In this episode, I probably repeat myself about some Works in Progress, smile at some crocheted critters and explain what’s happening in my world...   Works in Progress   Here’s the second pair of Saartje’s Booties…     I’ve worked on some ideas from the Amy Singer workshop and I’ve worked a bit on a Hannah Fettig Sock Sweater in Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in Chocolatier for another baby in the family.   I’ve also been working on the Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat Knit-A-Long in Fyberspates Vivacious DK. Yum!       I’ve not knit for a week or so because I’ve been spinning samples from Fiberholics UK into a random bobbin of singles. Suppliers include Lime Green Jelly, Knitter Scarlet, Porpoise Fur and Manda Crafts.       I’m currently spinning the second bobbin ready to ply with the first.    Last week I went to Manchester and made this:      Impressive, huh? Well maybe not, but here are some really great pieces:               Madness Part 1   I’ve been dyeing to show you these (groan!)               Breaking News: I now have an Etsy Shop! It can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain   Madness Part 2: Aimee from Knit.Spin.Cake and I are hosting a knitting and spinning retreat! Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd February 2014 in Chester. Rooms are £140; however if you would be prepared to share then this price is reduced as the house is a fixed rate. This price covers accommodation for the three nights, food on Thursday night and breakfasts. Remaining meals and the itinerary will be agreed by the attendees later. If you are interested, please PM me on Ravelry (I’m talesfromtheplain) or drop me an email at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom.  OMG!    Upcoming Events   Janefrogged on Ravelry has sent up the knitsignal, asking for contributions towards the yarnstorming of Ampthill linked to Fibre East next year. To help out, please contact her on Ravelry or by email at jckclayATgmail.com.    Music  Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.   Make Contact!  We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain.   TTFN,  Nic x

Hello from Bedlam…. In this episode, I probably repeat myself about some Works in Progress, smile at some crocheted critters and explain what’s happening in my world... Works in Progress Here’s the second pair of Saartje’s Booties… <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyHzTiuPDfU/UpKBsZ32H6I/AAAAAAAAB1U/5xZhwtcIQhE/s1600/2013-11-08+22.33.11.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I’ve worked on some ideas from the Amy Singer workshop and I’ve worked a bit on a Hannah Fettig Sock Sweater in Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in Chocolatier for another baby in the family. I’ve also been working on the Woolly Wormhead Mystery Hat Knit-A-Long in Fyberspates Vivacious DK. Yum! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk6tNMzY8UQ/UpKB96WkxnI/AAAAAAAAB1c/W-QvERIzO0Y/s1600/2013-11-03+10.13.07.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I’ve not knit for a week or so because I’ve been spinning samples from Fiberholics UK into a random bobbin of singles. Suppliers include <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/limegreenjelly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lime Green Jelly</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitterscarlet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knitter Scarlet</a>, <a href="http://www.porpoisefur.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Porpoise Fur</a> and <a href="http://www.mandacrafts.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Manda Crafts</a>. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bms6cu876Y8/UpKCbUDGv4I/AAAAAAAAB1k/Iyi_7ir1JqI/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I’m currently spinning the second bobbin ready to ply with the first. Last week I went to Manchester and made this: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6JKCkAalEM/UpKDlaDBdOI/AAAAAAAAB1w/IRiwpvMxO3A/s1600/IMG_2548.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Impressive, huh? Well maybe not, but here are some really great pieces: <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQcVv-fmRY0/UpKD8o0bRzI/AAAAAAAAB14/27y0aJ1amG4/s1600/IMG_2550.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFPLyWBo-cc/UpKD8uTDdQI/AAAAAAAAB18/3794AsHblYY/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdTut9TnZWk/UpKD-yt96iI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/PTKnoBZaAd8/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSgTlcOjtUg/UpKD_Zu8n2I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/fMBbfoUrS4w/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifMuJKYBJDw/UpKEAI5qWiI/AAAAAAAAB2g/S7mt3w5lAVA/s1600/IMG_2556.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Madness Part 1 I’ve been dyeing to show you these (groan!) <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Dh89Ij0bqY/UpKEgv5u0uI/AAAAAAAAB24/uZyAvsd-PM8/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvVzhy6FRO4/UpKEgOr7HqI/AAAAAAAAB2w/QiNd68-8vr4/s1600/IMG_2538.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqb1eWQ2pUs/UpKEgr2vrZI/AAAAAAAAB20/J0RgE6eqS4E/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1-ixec7GT8/UpKEh6_mIWI/AAAAAAAAB3A/bQ5PMXkE6cQ/s1600/IMG_2544.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqeLPeUjUz8/UpKEiFMwW7I/AAAAAAAAB3M/LW39EhpBdpM/s1600/IMG_2546.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Breaking News: I now have an Etsy Shop! It can be found at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain</a> Madness Part 2: Aimee from <a href="http://www.knitspincake.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knit.Spin.Cake</a> and I are hosting a knitting and spinning retreat! Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd February 2014 in Chester. Rooms are £140; however if you would be prepared to share then this price is reduced as the house is a fixed rate. This price covers accommodation for the three nights, food on Thursday night and breakfasts. Remaining meals and the itinerary will be agreed by the attendees later. If you are interested, please PM me on Ravelry (I’m talesfromtheplain) or drop me an email at yarnsfromtheplainATgooglemailDOTcom. OMG! Upcoming Events Janefrogged on Ravelry has sent up the knitsignal, asking for contributions towards the yarnstorming of Ampthill linked to Fibre East next year. To help out, please contact her on Ravelry or by email at <a href="http://jckclayATgmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jckclayATgmail.com</a>. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Episode 79: Madness

Hello from Cragside and a glorious holiday in Northumbria. Tune in for more birdsong!   On and Off The Needles  I finished my Ravellenics Baktus back in February and the February instalment of the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Blanket Club. Hubby's Beau is about 20cm up both front and back. No other progress.  Spinning  Progress on the Jacob's from Shearer Girl and some gorgeous Picperfic Fluff 'n' Stuff. I've also started on the Hilltop Cloud Ann of Cleves.  Something I Really Like  Staying in a National Trust property - I get to walk around the gardens and pretend they are all mine! www.nationaltrustcottages.org.uk  Upcoming Events  Unwind Brighton. There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm, Saturday 12th July. More details to follow.  Shop  I have recently updated the shop with both yarn and fibre. https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain Music  Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.  Make Contact!  We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain.   TTFN,  Nic x   

Hello from Cragside and a glorious holiday in Northumbria. Tune in for more birdsong! On and Off The Needles I finished my Ravellenics <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/baktus-scarf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baktus</a> back in February and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/kaleidoscope-crochet-blanket-club---february-2014" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">February instalment</a> of the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Blanket Club. Hubby's<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/beau" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Beau</a> is about 20cm up both front and back. No other progress. Spinning Progress on the Jacob's from <a href="http://shearergirlyarns.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shearer Girl</a> and some gorgeous <a href="http://picperfic.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picperfic Fluff 'n' Stuff</a>. I've also started on the <a href="http://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hilltop Cloud</a> Ann of Cleves. Something I Really Like Staying in a National Trust property - I get to walk around the gardens and pretend they are all mine! <a href="http://www.nationaltrustcottages.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationaltrustcottages.org.uk</a> Upcoming Events <a href="http://unwindbrighton.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unwind Brighton.</a> There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm, Saturday 12th July. More details to follow. Shop I have recently updated the shop with both yarn and fibre. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnsFromThePlain</a> Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Episode 86: An Early Morning Walk

Hello from an almost Springlike Cheshire Plain, specifically the carpark in the Blakemere Craft Village! In this episode I waffle on about the weather (again!), review something I've never reviewed before and just shake my head in despair at my knitterly ADHD.What's On The Needles?Zipping along on the Tomten: I've also swatched for a seamless yoke sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann (I blame A Playful Day ;) !), using some of the Sheepfold blues and purples and cream left over from my Woolsack cushions. This is one idea for some colourwork....﻿ ...and this is the first part of the hem, with the picot row worked.ReviewInspector Norse by Lipservice TheatreSomething I Really LikeThe KillingUpcoming EventsWingham Woolwork Fibre Sampling Workshop, 6th April 2013, Frodsham Community Centre; Wonderwool Wales, 27-28 April 2013, Builth Wells, Powys;Woolfest, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria;Fibre East, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford;Yarndale, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton.MusicRondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.Make Contact!We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN,Nic x

Hello from an almost Springlike Cheshire Plain, specifically the carpark in the <a href="http://www.visitblakemere.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blakemere Craft Village</a>! In this episode I waffle on about the weather (again!), review something I've never reviewed before and just shake my head in despair at my knitterly ADHD. What's On The Needles? Zipping along on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/tomten-jacket---child" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tomten</a>: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_FxfI0c7ko/UV8SA46rENI/AAAAAAAABes/Mj_lSk5gOzk/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>   I've also swatched for a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">seamless yoke sweater</a> by Elizabeth Zimmermann (I blame <a href="http://aplayfulday.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Playful Day</a> ;) !), using some of the Sheepfold blues and purples and cream left over from my Woolsack cushions. This is one idea for some colourwork.... ﻿   <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sfTQEE_pPag/UV8SsGQCNMI/AAAAAAAABe0/h2t_o0zj5OA/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> ...and this is the first part of the hem, with the picot row worked. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xxZ2xR2DQFs/UV8UAYdUw6I/AAAAAAAABe8/0OciYl8WKD0/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Review Inspector Norse by <a href="http://www.lipservicetheatre.co.uk/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lipservice Theatre</a> Something I Really Like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Killing_(Danish_TV_series)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Killing</a> Upcoming Events Wingham Woolwork Fibre Sampling Workshop, 6th April 2013, Frodsham Community Centre; <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--qBpa_Sk9as/UU8z167L3qI/AAAAAAAABeY/n8iU94QssGo/s1600/fibre_sampling.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wonderwool Wales</a>, 27-28 April 2013, Builth Wells, Powys; <a href="http://www.woolfest.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolfest</a>, 28-29 June 2013, Cockermouth, Cumbria; <a href="http://www.fibre-east.co.uk/Fibre-East/Home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fibre East</a>, 27-28 July 2013, Ampthill, Bedford; <a href="http://yarndale.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yarndale</a>, 28-29th September 2013, Skipton. Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 67: Zips and Lips

Hello from a riverside car park in Northwich. There is still birdsong, but cars and planes too...  On and Off The Needles  I'm halfway through the  March instalment of the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Blanket Club. Hubby's Beau is a few rows further on. I've also cast on a Traveling Woman shawl using swap yarn.  Spinning  I've spun two bobbins of singles on the Hilltop Cloud Ann of Cleves. The pressure's on to ply by the end of April!  Competition Crazy  The Golden Skein photo competition can be found here.  Something I Really Like  The Knit British podcast.  Upcoming Events  Unwind Brighton. There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm, Saturday 12th July in the Mezzanine Café at the Corn Exchange, Brighton. More details to follow.  Links Caithness Craft Collective podcast Ginger Twist Studio Stitched Together podcast  Music  Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.  Make Contact!  We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain.   TTFN,  Nic x

Hello from a riverside car park in Northwich. There is still birdsong, but cars and planes too... On and Off The Needles I'm halfway through the  <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/kaleidoscope-crochet-blanket-club---march-2014" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">March instalment</a> of the Natural Dye Studio Kaleidoscope Blanket Club. Hubby's<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/beau" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Beau</a> is a few rows further on. I've also cast on a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/talesfromtheplain/traveling-woman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Traveling Woman</a> shawl using swap yarn. Spinning I've spun two bobbins of singles on the <a href="http://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hilltop Cloud</a> Ann of Cleves. The pressure's on to ply by the end of April! Competition Crazy The Golden Skein photo competition can be found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-golden-skein/2899278/76-100#77" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a> Something I Really Like The <a href="http://www.knitbritish.net/tag/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knit British</a> podcast. Upcoming Events <a href="http://unwindbrighton.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unwind Brighton.</a> There will be a podcaster meetup at 1pm, Saturday 12th July in the Mezzanine Café at the Corn Exchange, Brighton. More details to follow. Links <a href="http://caithnesscraftcollective.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Caithness Craft Collective</a> podcast <a href="http://www.gingertwiststudios.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ginger Twist Studio</a> <a href="http://www.stitchedtogetherpodcast.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitched Together</a> podcast Music Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. Make Contact! We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Please feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain. TTFN, Nic x

Episode 87: Competition Crazy

Hello all! this is an extra episode, recorded when we visited Paris earlier this year.   Here are a few snaps...  Who couldn't include the Eiffel Tower? Especially at dusk, when it's covered in twinkly lights...     Some enigmatic bird...     Naopleon III's apartments at the Louvre.    La Droguerie...        Apologies that this one is on its side. I took it on the iPad and no matter how many times I save it in the other oirientation, it's not having any of it!        Boules in front of Les Invalides...        A statue on the Pont Alexandre III. I was fascinated by the padlocks...    Look! It's Miss France!    Links La Droguerie Lil Weasel The Louvre La Musée Rodin La  Musée du Quai Branly   Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune.   We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are!   Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).   TTFN,  Nic x

Hello all! this is an extra episode, recorded when we visited Paris earlier this year. Here are a few snaps...  Who couldn't include the Eiffel Tower? Especially at dusk, when it's covered in twinkly lights... <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxciz-e8AgI/UNhtYAlIKpI/AAAAAAAABZ8/8IaxgcADOUQ/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Some enigmatic bird... <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHs7JpQfpfY/UNhtfUWKqMI/AAAAAAAABaE/lqSnK5xoo6E/s1600/IMG_5766.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Naopleon III's apartments at the Louvre. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbWyZG-vRu4/UNhtmkxj1NI/AAAAAAAABaM/g0aLS8M2PVk/s1600/IMG_5803.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> La Droguerie... <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mr8FR1lRyoQ/UNhty_FjY5I/AAAAAAAABaY/0hIfJKfbFRc/s1600/Drog+2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_A7ZpsStLU/UNht1EdVu9I/AAAAAAAABao/wKTsCDtUxUM/s1600/drog+3.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Apologies that this one is on its side. I took it on the iPad and no matter how many times I save it in the other oirientation, it's not having any of it! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcY5j12m4BI/UNhvBvLwCKI/AAAAAAAABbg/VdpkJJ7TjLY/s1600/Drog1+(3).jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxtXqvZRfug/UNht2WAegKI/AAAAAAAABaw/z2vSOwW7utU/s1600/drog+4.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Boules in front of Les Invalides... <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0qxROigC6U/UNhuA9pwYTI/AAAAAAAABa4/2Ibqgglg1-w/s1600/IMG_5829.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeDod5AL6PI/UNhuI8C1UoI/AAAAAAAABbA/d31e4QImygQ/s1600/IMG_5838.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQL7tgIG6qE/UNhuPqIwjZI/AAAAAAAABbI/P15bFrSK0jk/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> A statue on the Pont Alexandre III. I was fascinated by the padlocks... <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tVphvx7aks/UNhuWHIZ96I/AAAAAAAABbQ/vMK2NsqX3m8/s1600/IMG_5867.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Look! It's Miss France! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVqCbNRtxX0/UNhuc-Knf2I/AAAAAAAABbY/352dU56GlE0/s1600/IMG_5871.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Links <a href="http://www.ladroguerie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Droguerie</a> <a href="http://www.lilweasel.com/laine-tissus-mercerie-boutique" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Weasel</a> <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Louvre</a> <a href="http://www.musee-rodin.fr/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Musée Rodin</a> <a href="http://www.quaibranly.fr/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La  Musée du Quai Branly</a> Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from <a href="http://magnatune.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnatune</a>. We have a <a href="http://www.zeemaps.com/228047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listeners' map</a>. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 5 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at <a href="http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:yarnsfromtheplain@googlemail.com">yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com</a>. We have a Ravelry group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarns-from-the-plain-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic x

Episode 62: Une Carte Postale de Paris

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