tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15088387040525480492024-02-20T10:09:27.049+00:00Playing with fi(b)reIn which I document my growing obsession with wool.
PLEASE NOTE: BLOG POSTS MAY CONTAIN LINKS TO RAVELRY.PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-5898340267882967482022-06-13T11:32:00.026+01:002022-06-13T11:52:47.349+01:00New Pattern - Turas Shawl<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiH7YU5Vr72qqf4F0M5EaR1T9D_7MjpOnogLlq-IHyZoR46uC-7gwe8nZKgRy35jSAI6OSCipwMNtu9r8tHwdHMcUh12yAoEjVGQ2NeLzR7SFw0FspRHcrFpZY4Zn5Ckeiw6JyIJh6RLtHTmMEVGqQa6D4_WW8rQ9Dl8g53EA2XNZhcn-3m5eE6-p/s3232/IMG_7325.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3232" data-original-width="2991" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiH7YU5Vr72qqf4F0M5EaR1T9D_7MjpOnogLlq-IHyZoR46uC-7gwe8nZKgRy35jSAI6OSCipwMNtu9r8tHwdHMcUh12yAoEjVGQ2NeLzR7SFw0FspRHcrFpZY4Zn5Ckeiw6JyIJh6RLtHTmMEVGqQa6D4_WW8rQ9Dl8g53EA2XNZhcn-3m5eE6-p/s320/IMG_7325.JPG" width="296" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family: arial;">Introducing my latest pattern, the Turas Shawl. This has been recently released as part of Stolen Stitches' Celtic Knits Club, and is available to purchase through the digital club option <a href="https://stolenstitches.com/products/celtic-knits-club-2022-digital-option">at this link.</a></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">Turas (Irish for 'journey') is a symmetrical triangle, worked from tip to tip, featuring garter stitch with a cable panel, and using short row shaping. Worked in Stolen Stitches Blasta yarn, it is so very cosy and perfect for wrapping up on cold days. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #262626; font-family: arial;">Blasta is a beautifully woolly DK yarn, produced by Donegal Yarns, using 60% Irish fleece. The yarn is woollen spun, and dyed in the fibre before spinning, which gives a complex heathered colour blend in the finished yarn. It is available through Stolen Stitches at <a href="https://stolenstitches.com/collections/dk-weight-yarns/products/blasta">this link.</a> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aIzIM2pn651X_xjpp_P53cNShbdkBt5I9j9437Q_wYsPdPCtvIg9po62G2MRUIZHSc6d9dJevfZdberzDNkDJGEgMJnREKWZzkYw01qYO8mOb1dpNjC1czcHbNc5EzAUNKG1UQbSXOFb4cQ8q8LdmfXPC9KhDFJYI-K3H-TlpwzVuD84Krv3v6fS/s4580/IMG_7307.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2968" data-original-width="4580" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aIzIM2pn651X_xjpp_P53cNShbdkBt5I9j9437Q_wYsPdPCtvIg9po62G2MRUIZHSc6d9dJevfZdberzDNkDJGEgMJnREKWZzkYw01qYO8mOb1dpNjC1czcHbNc5EzAUNKG1UQbSXOFb4cQ8q8LdmfXPC9KhDFJYI-K3H-TlpwzVuD84Krv3v6fS/s320/IMG_7307.JPG" width="320" /></a><span><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">The pattern was inspired by the question 'What does Celtic mean?' </span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">The continuous cable motif, flowing from simple rope cables, into braids and then into travelling stitches, was intended to represent a journey, both literal and metaphorical:</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><span><span style="color: #262626;">The Celts were groups of people who lived throughout the European continent, over quite a long time, from roughly 500 BC to 400 AD. The definition of ‘Celts’ changes depending on whether you define ‘Celtic’ based on language, historical record, or archaeological evidence. </span></span><span style="color: #262626;">People moved, traded goods, and shared ideas, and culture evolved over many generations. Historial accounts, written by the Greeks and Romans, were flawed. The Celts were often portrayed as barbaric but fierce - difficult foes to face, but no match for the civilised discipline of the Roman Empire. </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xMGwiYZuFHL40aLZVOS-mFAZAUDEpWw0mnFy0d5wK9acXxtnmWRVCrpPbNIzXdI-klBXvIRCgqGg7Of8eM6aA7OZ8d6AIMYjxSTySjCow0n6dKak84jh2t_07HZwBs_u4m7OXuPNs9CmcJZeFVmEDV7z84Xl67-eLDro2789GPI2fSV4OGuFExt4/s1244/Screenshot%202022-05-21%20at%2019.00.33.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1244" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xMGwiYZuFHL40aLZVOS-mFAZAUDEpWw0mnFy0d5wK9acXxtnmWRVCrpPbNIzXdI-klBXvIRCgqGg7Of8eM6aA7OZ8d6AIMYjxSTySjCow0n6dKak84jh2t_07HZwBs_u4m7OXuPNs9CmcJZeFVmEDV7z84Xl67-eLDro2789GPI2fSV4OGuFExt4/s320/Screenshot%202022-05-21%20at%2019.00.33.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">La Tene style: Loughnashade Trumpet C.100 BC</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdBlQdawhsXQ3QyVJIdtrjNL2WyRzW8z0641zqBgUiQejJMv2e7iC6B67OXE3pwUeKsrVePM1AIAqsKEu3vmr0x-lAB88w60gpx3uwOOrW5Y6m1Qwtzso2f3RXIwKS8fvjnlQE6OrQTjoe-Eei0-oNOpTljkaSFq4hKZR1H5zAHIhAQ7oodX4rDEX/s4608/Derrynaflan%20paten.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdBlQdawhsXQ3QyVJIdtrjNL2WyRzW8z0641zqBgUiQejJMv2e7iC6B67OXE3pwUeKsrVePM1AIAqsKEu3vmr0x-lAB88w60gpx3uwOOrW5Y6m1Qwtzso2f3RXIwKS8fvjnlQE6OrQTjoe-Eei0-oNOpTljkaSFq4hKZR1H5zAHIhAQ7oodX4rDEX/s320/Derrynaflan%20paten.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Early Christian: Derrynaflan Paten c. 8th Century</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><span><span style="color: #262626;">In an Irish context, ‘Celtic’ can refer to La Tene style artefacts in the National Museum, produced during the Iron Age. As time moved on, Celtic culture became </span></span><span><span style="color: #262626;">interlacing strapwork on early Christian art. </span></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4l5rrmGO2bwLUvvMwnMTgBc2JSHo14OIwLemfdpRdy-2BKE13xM18CapZ0Fs_ACqsUtNwyMzFbaxwhBvA9TQgWUP6t01WIaIwGAp90mdNgyP0yFLBp_vLHPg1ZThkMv9rjRWEiq3b7gWZlIUElmeJ6sHvITCCo6GigD17AZd809myV3waaT_-shAw/s874/Screenshot%202022-05-21%20at%2019.10.20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="874" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4l5rrmGO2bwLUvvMwnMTgBc2JSHo14OIwLemfdpRdy-2BKE13xM18CapZ0Fs_ACqsUtNwyMzFbaxwhBvA9TQgWUP6t01WIaIwGAp90mdNgyP0yFLBp_vLHPg1ZThkMv9rjRWEiq3b7gWZlIUElmeJ6sHvITCCo6GigD17AZd809myV3waaT_-shAw/w310-h245/Screenshot%202022-05-21%20at%2019.10.20.png" width="310" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Celtic Revival: Dun Emer Rug, early 20th century</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYLp4s9rQrXFbCV5BTYB4aZDvjzooAYlm_LfGx1AHgtHrbB2LdC4ydaAVaAAjW8nx4Sb_FZfhexQAlf57DfpaCXEilI_mGonZdLxN24JGG0WwrwK70lxVPTCOYn-SStaa-uORrLA72nfCvjwkePVs5St9IfJlZMq21cGjPYbg-3_6Ew3NkB4yeNeB/s1228/Screenshot%202022-05-21%20at%2019.07.27.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYLp4s9rQrXFbCV5BTYB4aZDvjzooAYlm_LfGx1AHgtHrbB2LdC4ydaAVaAAjW8nx4Sb_FZfhexQAlf57DfpaCXEilI_mGonZdLxN24JGG0WwrwK70lxVPTCOYn-SStaa-uORrLA72nfCvjwkePVs5St9IfJlZMq21cGjPYbg-3_6Ew3NkB4yeNeB/s320/Screenshot%202022-05-21%20at%2019.07.27.png" width="265" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Celtic Revival: High Crosses at Glasnevin Cemetery, varying dates.</span> </span></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><span><span style="color: #262626;">These motifs inspired craftspeople during the Celtic Revival of the 1800s and early 1900s: the Dun Emer guild produced beautiful textiles inspired by the interlacing strapwork on earlier manuscripts in the early 1900s, and there are</span></span><span><span style="color: #262626;"> countless numbers of high cross-inspired grave markers in Glasnevin Cemetery, with dates ranging from 1860 - 1960 (and probably beyond). </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><span><span style="color: #262626;">In our schools today, children are taught the </span></span><span style="color: #262626;">Irish language (a Celtic language, with striking similarities to Scots Gaelic); </span><span style="color: #262626;">stories of Fionn MacCumhaill and Cuchulainn (passed on orally, and </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626;">eventually written down once Christianity - and writing - came to Ireland)</span><span style="color: #262626;"> are part of the primary school curriculum.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #262626; font-family: arial;">So back to the question: what does 'Celtic' mean? It’s complicated, and changes depending on the context. I think it can be nicely summed up by a quote from Alice Roberts: </span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #444444; font-family: arial;">‘The Celts are different depending on how you define them - archaeologically, historically, artistically, linguistically. You can see why some archaeologists advise against using the C-word at all. And yet, if we’re interested in the spread of ideas, and how culture evolves, it’s still useful to try and track all those fluctuating aspects of ‘Celticity’.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><span><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">The cable motif on the Turas shawl was intended to represent that complication - the movement of people and ideas, trading of goods, and evolving cultures - in woolly form. Multiple cable motifs are combined in a continuous cable panel - s</span></span></span><span><span style="color: #262626;">imple rope cables flow into braids and travelling stitches, and back again. The garter stitch body allows for a bit of a rest between cable stitches, and creates a cosy, squishy fabric. Nice & cosy for a cold winter's day.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCAHbO_Vys4Lpcyde0LFn7Wv49aorRUCRrxeZZJT3x6aBJULOOZrYbTjLsKttE36Iw8oMcPh3Gn4nZl90Qo8wFrPLvO8tfMuQJNeXvKomWmUgsRFgMl6gY9MWl9Fop2_PNIfeov6Nc2FutGDp_IpCGmWxeOAHyC1BwsN23v2cn1Qr6qEechDV_zzS/s3979/IMG_7161.JPG" style="background-color: #eeeeee; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3979" data-original-width="3110" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCAHbO_Vys4Lpcyde0LFn7Wv49aorRUCRrxeZZJT3x6aBJULOOZrYbTjLsKttE36Iw8oMcPh3Gn4nZl90Qo8wFrPLvO8tfMuQJNeXvKomWmUgsRFgMl6gY9MWl9Fop2_PNIfeov6Nc2FutGDp_IpCGmWxeOAHyC1BwsN23v2cn1Qr6qEechDV_zzS/s320/IMG_7161.JPG" width="250" /></a></span></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /><i>Futher Reading: </i><br /><br /></span>https://100objects.ie</span><div><div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">Alice Roberts, The Celts: Search for a Civilisation.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">Barry Cunliffe, The Ancient Celts.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">Elinor DU Powell, The High Crosses of Ireland.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">Peter Harbison, Glasnevin Celtic Crosses: A Selection.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">Lady Gregory’s Complete Irish Mythology.</span></p><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: arial;">Loughnashade Trumpet, National Museum of Ireland. <a href="https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Collection/The-Treasury/Artefact/Loughnashade-Horn/8178d988-064f-4640-8fe1-4171e226955f">Link here.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Derrynaflan Paten, National Museum of Ireland. <a href="https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Collection/The-Treasury/Artefact/Derrynaflan-Silver-Paten/4dfbee87-288e-40cc-b575-967733820c70">Link here.</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Dun Emer Guild, National Gallery of Ireland Archives. <a href="https://www.sourcenationalgallery.ie/collection?term=dun+emer">Link here.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin Cemeteries Trust. <a href="https://www.dctrust.ie/experience-glasnevin.html">Link here.</a><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>eimear_PWFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16641739701385685612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-89752534855735557252021-11-14T11:17:00.001+00:002021-11-14T11:17:14.420+00:00New Pattern Release - Bulla Cowl<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">A wee while ago, I released the Roinn Cowl & Hat patterns. The motif used in these patterns came about while trying, and failing, to translate a particular something into knitted form. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Well, after quite a bit of tinkering, I've managed to turn those cast aside designs into the Bulla Cowl. This tube cowl features stranded colourwork motifs inspired by an artefact from the National Museum of Ireland: a bulla, found in the Bog of Allen, in Ireland's midlands. </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDiuOV00GoKERRUsquDw06MK-uXEfuddaWY92UXXAgwVOstfdisZmftN7ZKXpeecvKy03nHN0Q8GL43SgWlRuYzEOvEAC3Rj27n7Bqc7k3Gc8hViEcC6lqohhUekZxYM5qVGJnbi8vLo/s2048/Bulla+Cowl+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1977" data-original-width="2048" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDiuOV00GoKERRUsquDw06MK-uXEfuddaWY92UXXAgwVOstfdisZmftN7ZKXpeecvKy03nHN0Q8GL43SgWlRuYzEOvEAC3Rj27n7Bqc7k3Gc8hViEcC6lqohhUekZxYM5qVGJnbi8vLo/s320/Bulla+Cowl+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Dated to the Late Bronze Age, Bullae are fairly rare objects here in Ireland. Made of clay or base metal, and decorated with gold foil, our best guess is that they were worn as pendants (there are wee openings along the top of the bullae, that would allow the bullae to be threaded onto a cord.) The bulla from the Bog of Allen is the largest example on display in the NMI, at 6.4 cm tall, and features the delicately applied hatched triangles and parallel lines that inspired the cowl’s motif.</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZ1agz77nLdZaBxAFamnN6SYaHIV8Ucp_R47ejuwRCS9p2fx5W-BT6KNis7u_7X18djQB0QDErok2cTXKlePs7PSlg45iNK2i9EBKvAxdeCKeSKx4fvZpDKELye2bGmNV6kU-kv_NF8s/s1163/Bulla+artefact+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1116" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZ1agz77nLdZaBxAFamnN6SYaHIV8Ucp_R47ejuwRCS9p2fx5W-BT6KNis7u_7X18djQB0QDErok2cTXKlePs7PSlg45iNK2i9EBKvAxdeCKeSKx4fvZpDKELye2bGmNV6kU-kv_NF8s/s320/Bulla+artefact+1.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Worked in the round, this pattern begins with a provisional cast on, and is knit as a tube. The tube is twisted, before grafting together the ends. The Bulla Cowl sample begins with plain stocking stitch in a contrast colour, before working stripes and stranded colourwork motifs in monochrome colours. The pattern uses charted instructions for the colourwork motifs, and includes links to video tutorials on provisional cast on and grafting techniques.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkIVZWkBcQDpiYmm0RO8M38mGHdRG5YvRl0GDZ-dL-BOIYt9tccvMAJvPy-AtxOrjsy8cTazSmNWPBt59TtvQJTGJAlwDVTCBerx5LsTXe6FIKjeUCoUsUEDtBzox5C53yUgdLc8PXF4/s2048/Bulla+Cowl+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="2048" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkIVZWkBcQDpiYmm0RO8M38mGHdRG5YvRl0GDZ-dL-BOIYt9tccvMAJvPy-AtxOrjsy8cTazSmNWPBt59TtvQJTGJAlwDVTCBerx5LsTXe6FIKjeUCoUsUEDtBzox5C53yUgdLc8PXF4/s320/Bulla+Cowl+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The sample is knit using BC Garn's Semilla GOTs, a beautiful yarn wool yarn that has a wonderful range of subtly complex colour blends, that work so well together. This is yet another yarn that I would love to use again. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The photos were taken on Bull Island, during a sunny family day out. I've a vague recollection of trying to convince the big kid to angle my reflector, while also trying to listen to the spouse, behind the camera, tell me when I was making particularly squinty faces. The little bit of word play was accidental, but sure why not have a giggle about it?! The location also coordinated nicely with my sample...</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQgUHuCOt0c6Op8vFUExgYVe8h5SOrP3gFQBj1CWjrDeZPEFqgVOO9XuYl4pcmScXvCZZF8Onjg_3coGlavjaS77E66xaABPrSGUmjE9Iiadf1tWOOkLoE8dAp82lGiogegaWonZd9cI/s2048/Bulla+Cowl+close+up+with+lichen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="2048" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQgUHuCOt0c6Op8vFUExgYVe8h5SOrP3gFQBj1CWjrDeZPEFqgVOO9XuYl4pcmScXvCZZF8Onjg_3coGlavjaS77E66xaABPrSGUmjE9Iiadf1tWOOkLoE8dAp82lGiogegaWonZd9cI/s320/Bulla+Cowl+close+up+with+lichen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Pattern is available through Payhip <a href="https://payhip.com/b/fyCd4">here</a>, or through Ravelry <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bulla-cowl">here</a>.</span></div>eimear_PWFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16641739701385685612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-46577706680712185832021-10-14T10:14:00.001+01:002021-10-14T10:14:14.581+01:00New Pattern Release - TaisceRe-introducing the Taisce cowl!<div>This cowl was originally released as part of Stolen Stitches' Celtic Knits Club 2021. It is now available as a single pattern, so we might as well have a bit of a chat about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Taisce (pronounced tash-keh, Irish for hoard or treasure), is inspired by artefacts from the Golden Age of Irish Art. We tend to use the term 'Celtic' Design to refer to interlacing ribbon motifs, featured on many artefacts from the early Christian Era in Ireland. </div><div>Items such as the <a href="https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Collection/The-Treasury/Artefact/The-Ardagh-Chalice/ac53e68e-76a4-4560-a624-c87647c57a00">Ardagh Chalice</a> and <a href="https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Collection/The-Treasury/Artefact/Derrynaflan-Silver-Paten/4dfbee87-288e-40cc-b575-967733820c70">Derrynaflan Paten</a>, were made in the 8th or 9th Century, and consist large areas of smooth polished metal, with contrasting smaller areas of highly decorated surfaces. Some of these decorations include interlacing ribbons, which also bear a remarkable resemblance to some cable patterns typically used in Aran knitting, during the 20th Century. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo5SzOUB2NjhoXPOPFr8gVmJDXqCGzqzg88wNrSSznxEfv_E0dOd5RfaOYwDvx-MEcxNqrCg1BpF385poaduKvJG9797-TCfW-JDaF-K5TTOhyphenhyphenKW0SugLUOiKjpcMl6T4CSAqygBkwT8/s2048/Taisce_carol+edited+for+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1544" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo5SzOUB2NjhoXPOPFr8gVmJDXqCGzqzg88wNrSSznxEfv_E0dOd5RfaOYwDvx-MEcxNqrCg1BpF385poaduKvJG9797-TCfW-JDaF-K5TTOhyphenhyphenKW0SugLUOiKjpcMl6T4CSAqygBkwT8/s320/Taisce_carol+edited+for+pattern.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beginning with just a few stitches, Taisce is worked flat, and seamed. It features a cable panel, which hangs diagonally against a garter stitch background. Shaped using gradual increases, and short rows, the cowl also features integrated I-cord borders, and an I-cord bind off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sample is worked Stolen Stitches Blasta, in the shade Oir - a fabulous golden yellow, appropriate to the inspiration. This yarn is spun by Donegal Yarns, using a mixture of Irish and New Zealand fleeces, and is beautifully woolly, with delightful stitch definition. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsbExIi67NfZBZ-8AAMgZRfvAkIQkPa5_ewNDjQ8mwDgAk92e2NANCBoDKmRSFvLVE19kD4FvXe-fvgGereq6eVkZQd7DhEkNBCbQD3QiiiDc5gEpkE877vHqbuqLrNPGX6-5YvXOx-Y/s2048/Taisce+flatlay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsbExIi67NfZBZ-8AAMgZRfvAkIQkPa5_ewNDjQ8mwDgAk92e2NANCBoDKmRSFvLVE19kD4FvXe-fvgGereq6eVkZQd7DhEkNBCbQD3QiiiDc5gEpkE877vHqbuqLrNPGX6-5YvXOx-Y/s320/Taisce+flatlay.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TevXSejwTxPU-b_CUvLbFTFuiKyvSnZNAc7Vu8lZ4A1kPlBmrVFxPRIpKftLxxLWBrFN4JWKPGIrZgPijBVLMjjxBh7k2FOwKbc7pD1Huzeu-xZGrHIPZCrNsASAnClAgGeWFIEom20/s2048/IMG_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TevXSejwTxPU-b_CUvLbFTFuiKyvSnZNAc7Vu8lZ4A1kPlBmrVFxPRIpKftLxxLWBrFN4JWKPGIrZgPijBVLMjjxBh7k2FOwKbc7pD1Huzeu-xZGrHIPZCrNsASAnClAgGeWFIEom20/s320/IMG_2779.JPG" width="299" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Taisce is available as an individual pattern from my Payhip Store <a href="https://payhip.com/b/NMRVK">here</a> or Ravelry store <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/taisce">here.</a> <div>The pattern is also available as part of a detailed video workshop <a href="https://stolen-stitches.teachable.com/p/taisce-cowl-workshop/">here</a>.</div><div>Yarn kits are available from Stolen Stitches <a href="https://stolenstitches.com/products/taisce-yarn-kit">here</a>. <br /><br /><div>You can read more about the inspiration and thought process behind this design on Carol Feller's blog <a href="https://www.carolfeller.com/2021/05/celtic-knits-club-introducing-taisce-by-eimear-earley/">here. </a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>This blog post includes photography by Joseph Feller. </i></div><div><i>Massive thanks to Carol & the Stolen Stitches team for yarn & moral support!</i></div>eimear_PWFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16641739701385685612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-20509486009319660862021-09-12T16:18:00.001+01:002021-09-12T16:18:05.301+01:00New Pattern: Cas Hat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OO1hFtpavGRWTGdQxc1fsd6xjmovh3QmHCd8L8sJ-s_nuMsoqKWt-gTUcDqnlS17BopLoIJq2mb2Im7JtGZSa3DBFHuJBgPvmChf_fNdAaZujhqs4U38OlkMXngFLyjazrVTDbT9MQk/s2048/CasHat+Flatlay+group+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OO1hFtpavGRWTGdQxc1fsd6xjmovh3QmHCd8L8sJ-s_nuMsoqKWt-gTUcDqnlS17BopLoIJq2mb2Im7JtGZSa3DBFHuJBgPvmChf_fNdAaZujhqs4U38OlkMXngFLyjazrVTDbT9MQk/s320/CasHat+Flatlay+group+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Introducing my latest pattern, the Cas Hat. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Cas (‘kos’, meaning twist in Irish) is a two coloured hat, with an interlacing ribbon cable, which takes its inspiration from the Golden Age of Irish Art. The cable motif is a variation of the cable used in my Cas Shawl, released earlier this year.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">I wrote about the Cas Shawl in more detail for the KDD & Co blog, <a href="https://kddandco.com/2021/02/03/cas/">which you can read here</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSnYADzvwD005lxD32q2A3Pto1STgRSGp-BN-ltyqCWFuhXBEVAcSNQ_5nQUOoEzlSZKHE4mdhBZJDY_zeUxJpS2rg_CeWwfTRJiKoUFE0ZTYFMMSei_ufqT79ajGUu5nu7E6NKGjNoU/s2048/CasHat_Flatlay+group+with+shawl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1827" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSnYADzvwD005lxD32q2A3Pto1STgRSGp-BN-ltyqCWFuhXBEVAcSNQ_5nQUOoEzlSZKHE4mdhBZJDY_zeUxJpS2rg_CeWwfTRJiKoUFE0ZTYFMMSei_ufqT79ajGUu5nu7E6NKGjNoU/s320/CasHat_Flatlay+group+with+shawl.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This pattern is worked in the round, beginning with a ribbed brim. It features a single cable motif (based on my Cas Shawl pattern), worked in two colours, over a background of garter stitch stripes. Only one colour is worked in each round: the cable stitches are slipped when working with the ‘other’ colour. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">The hat has a gathered crown, worked over just a few rounds, which adds to the overall slouchy fit. </span>The pattern is written in three sizes, with cables adapted to suit each size.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SA1Z3hBbJtnX0WRiPGrzu8Ihk8gYlM4UHEx9xUFQTZrmLKScbbgHXkCmR_N8UEXX84gyv52dBZ78ef6wU3ErwVan6hyphenhyphennOUY7JblFL2RtGTqAsrnueLeoh-J_hEy46Qm2oK8t3_1VYv0/s2048/CasHat_S3_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1733" data-original-width="2048" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SA1Z3hBbJtnX0WRiPGrzu8Ihk8gYlM4UHEx9xUFQTZrmLKScbbgHXkCmR_N8UEXX84gyv52dBZ78ef6wU3ErwVan6hyphenhyphennOUY7JblFL2RtGTqAsrnueLeoh-J_hEy46Qm2oK8t3_1VYv0/s320/CasHat_S3_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The samples are worked in KDD & Co Milarrochy Tweed. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">(70% wool / 30% mohair. Single ply. 100m / 109 yards per 25g ball). </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The yarn is spun by Donegal Yarns here in Ireland, and features very subtle tweedy flecks, and slightly heathered colours, visible on close inspection. The yarn is available in a beautiful range of colours - some subtle, and some bold - and all of which work beautifully together.</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSGbSSoCm6-Q1BznajPXy-A8ccux-_0sVEqXtUihiJSvckHz9HEsTvMAEdRRGiNWfK7Y7ITnDXHrx32ZyKjSNY9m0PpUTVYGIluwJ_cRI722wtFjakjldf_LNywMSsTyKPzrcMjN8Kk0/s2048/CasHat_S2_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSGbSSoCm6-Q1BznajPXy-A8ccux-_0sVEqXtUihiJSvckHz9HEsTvMAEdRRGiNWfK7Y7ITnDXHrx32ZyKjSNY9m0PpUTVYGIluwJ_cRI722wtFjakjldf_LNywMSsTyKPzrcMjN8Kk0/w273-h320/CasHat_S2_5.JPG" width="273" /></a></div><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The main difficulty with this pattern is that there are quite a lot of slightly different cable stitches, so the cable requires attention, though there is also plenty of restful knitting with the garter stitch background. You may prefer to highlight individual stitches in different colours, to help differentiate, especially if (like me) you tend to knit in low light conditions. Cable instructions are provided in both written and charted form.</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3DVt5FjlkCdjOY-evoLt8bQ7iC9r827JzgwKUjqE_qcLvqOmjQrKtMCmjrWNdDO_84gM-8foTwfvg4cQQYVuD1awSfs4YykF4gvcPECZ4fMro-cf-WOMbNC747leQGgGqGbdGN8n8X8/s2048/CasHat_S1_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3DVt5FjlkCdjOY-evoLt8bQ7iC9r827JzgwKUjqE_qcLvqOmjQrKtMCmjrWNdDO_84gM-8foTwfvg4cQQYVuD1awSfs4YykF4gvcPECZ4fMro-cf-WOMbNC747leQGgGqGbdGN8n8X8/s320/CasHat_S1_8.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Cas Hat pattern is available on <a href="https://payhip.com/b/0fAYz">Payhip at this link</a>, or <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cas-hat">Ravelry at this link</a>.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span>The Cas Shawl pattern is available on <a href="https://payhip.com/b/C2HZ">Payhip at this link</a>, or <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cas">Ravelry at this link</a>..</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I owe a massive thanks to the wonderful test knitters who helped me whip this one into shape, and to my young models who accepted payment in the form of ice cream</span></p> <p></p>eimear_PWFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16641739701385685612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-46947498887346433432021-08-19T19:19:00.001+01:002021-08-19T19:19:08.267+01:00New Pattern : Roinn Hat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-hftaiUdQgIIiEeIevYw21TZQ8upAwYbcrqofzn8eoB5amxhgo4Q7PWoG5Ro_E_rBSx_eMQucuUSz_BMgLgrb7g50ajhC0Xu3-zFWr0xtMjxRaFCmsO8R-wtXLWPpnJ26w67tPFWCVg/s2048/Roinn+long+two+kids+on+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="2048" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-hftaiUdQgIIiEeIevYw21TZQ8upAwYbcrqofzn8eoB5amxhgo4Q7PWoG5Ro_E_rBSx_eMQucuUSz_BMgLgrb7g50ajhC0Xu3-zFWr0xtMjxRaFCmsO8R-wtXLWPpnJ26w67tPFWCVg/s320/Roinn+long+two+kids+on+tree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Introducing my new pattern, the Roinn Hat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Roinn * hat features a stranded colourwork motif, loosely inspired by Bronze Age artefacts found here in Ireland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> * "reen/rine/rin" depending on dialect, meaning to divide, share or separate in Irish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0u1ThpcYcalLrTxV90yRrC85fgZuz100SEbkEjCWXX_Ql_ie8Qb4S280bCrOMqh0vFCNsJXIKG5pjNFxzYE-X6MH-z05EbaiPQ1RCG5_QKKCaEU1ZIyl4-os8_CXeaqLkX851i_j1iU/s2048/RoinnHatS4S3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1988" data-original-width="2048" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0u1ThpcYcalLrTxV90yRrC85fgZuz100SEbkEjCWXX_Ql_ie8Qb4S280bCrOMqh0vFCNsJXIKG5pjNFxzYE-X6MH-z05EbaiPQ1RCG5_QKKCaEU1ZIyl4-os8_CXeaqLkX851i_j1iU/w320-h310/RoinnHatS4S3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 4, Standard Brim</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UpEQZz13-5RbM4I8KewPkHfxmFaW-Goznr88b_m4Wh4I2z-Nie3yXkhzlAcNjym13fBCQONeNL31vpz1C9_L-_Q27fKGPSKtKu2u32PD_Tv1JwZxCoS7ov4kBoX_L8GWsZ42Wg31MmQ/s2048/RoinnHatS4L_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1839" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UpEQZz13-5RbM4I8KewPkHfxmFaW-Goznr88b_m4Wh4I2z-Nie3yXkhzlAcNjym13fBCQONeNL31vpz1C9_L-_Q27fKGPSKtKu2u32PD_Tv1JwZxCoS7ov4kBoX_L8GWsZ42Wg31MmQ/w286-h320/RoinnHatS4L_1.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 4, Folded Brim</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The pattern is worked in the round, in two colours, with guidance for working a standard or folded brim.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmXOECsoy3RCiksFxhLmxRtgRXGrve01DeP1Gtny_-qWo3uhVPXkAmu65MEHYmLWoOZMM5CkQ7s8HKYpt-n8u7iUaxfD60WR6g2PYDrU1LHQZbAfM1YetormO-QCRS1shoe0ECw4oupM/s2048/RoinnHat+all+samples+flaylay+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmXOECsoy3RCiksFxhLmxRtgRXGrve01DeP1Gtny_-qWo3uhVPXkAmu65MEHYmLWoOZMM5CkQ7s8HKYpt-n8u7iUaxfD60WR6g2PYDrU1LHQZbAfM1YetormO-QCRS1shoe0ECw4oupM/s320/RoinnHat+all+samples+flaylay+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Roinn Hat is designed in four sizes, graded by changes in gauge. The samples are worked in Aran weight yarns, woolly, that work well at multiple gauges. DK or Worsted weight yarns could also suit the pattern, depending on the size worked. The yarns used in the pattern are wool fibre content, with a somewhat fluffy, woollen texture (compared to a smooth or slinky silk, or rigid cotton, for example), and can bloom or compress to different gauges, without being too gappy or too stiff. </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOIqPV_-b_K3-INvXQWtLM1xNTZwL40xYMNTzR7HeioQt0TujTuJ1D0KAS2bcRZtYr_9bdvW5405Xz6iFBbGbpgsvB_1J3zaxA4tpMI9YG3tXvf1xuorha6PTE1Mz_g4WSWQ8UXhmlQ0/s2048/RoinnHatS4L_2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOIqPV_-b_K3-INvXQWtLM1xNTZwL40xYMNTzR7HeioQt0TujTuJ1D0KAS2bcRZtYr_9bdvW5405Xz6iFBbGbpgsvB_1J3zaxA4tpMI9YG3tXvf1xuorha6PTE1Mz_g4WSWQ8UXhmlQ0/s320/RoinnHatS4L_2+copy.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 4 Folded Brim</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This pattern was inspired by my failure to translate simple engraved designs into knitting charts. After some tinkering, and mirroring, I came up with the 'Roinn' chart, used in the Roinn Cowl. With further tinkering and sketching, I adapted the Roinn chart to fit a decreasing hat crown. The graphic star that adorns the crown was a very happy accident.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghed4xcNvPezTD639TgT8MquVS2jzRwCHZmkrs1xJ8QgklR8nUKrmTQUC3RtgnzmqCLlN2nlgxmj_a3L9k5l6F7RcH5bKSFQWwNskEGl8CnwIXMdHE-v23U8xx-49AUsR7EraA6zPvfbI/s2048/RoinnHatS1S2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1926" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghed4xcNvPezTD639TgT8MquVS2jzRwCHZmkrs1xJ8QgklR8nUKrmTQUC3RtgnzmqCLlN2nlgxmj_a3L9k5l6F7RcH5bKSFQWwNskEGl8CnwIXMdHE-v23U8xx-49AUsR7EraA6zPvfbI/s320/RoinnHatS1S2.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 1 Standard Brim, modelled on a 21" head</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had spent some time deliberating over how to present the gauge information for the ribbing. Should I measure relaxed, or stretched, or 'average' ribbing fabric? How can I make sure the knitter can replicate these results? While swatching & working on samples, I noticed that ribbing behaves very differently, depending on the texture of the yarn used, and the length of ribbing worked. I decided not to provide a gauge for the ribbing. Instead, the pattern lists stocking stitch gauge, to help determine needle size for the ribbing at the brim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWABwOuKVFnZS6DYlM1l3xE1RLxWVIPXsjWy52KReDC8wk54Uz4AgzBxwhib4ue-jt7smTm-M_JqDM8-Hb-jhVuza32P0NF13wv8FaWMp3L7i2KbP89iLW7NsDyMTqLtF1rSnR-Rg9igU/s2048/Roinn+hat+aran+yarn+comparison.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWABwOuKVFnZS6DYlM1l3xE1RLxWVIPXsjWy52KReDC8wk54Uz4AgzBxwhib4ue-jt7smTm-M_JqDM8-Hb-jhVuza32P0NF13wv8FaWMp3L7i2KbP89iLW7NsDyMTqLtF1rSnR-Rg9igU/s320/Roinn+hat+aran+yarn+comparison.JPG" width="291" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBklfIkYZEaFdL4bUoJTyWabjHPwHFeV2MOVG80xC-qw8MfiIU0EwnynZuBW4nNVgNsJTdhYnmbG1ZlrcDZxHnzqUuSze0JXqW8YSvjdLFdzPg3PMCYL6e_fOTMte8aAlxWgAtDgfhLRQ/s2048/RoinnHat+SwatchComparison+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1989" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBklfIkYZEaFdL4bUoJTyWabjHPwHFeV2MOVG80xC-qw8MfiIU0EwnynZuBW4nNVgNsJTdhYnmbG1ZlrcDZxHnzqUuSze0JXqW8YSvjdLFdzPg3PMCYL6e_fOTMte8aAlxWgAtDgfhLRQ/s320/RoinnHat+SwatchComparison+2.JPG" width="311" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The photos above show comparison of the yarn, and swatches, used in the samples:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran, shade Pebble(100% Superwash Merino Wool, 100 metres per 50g).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Studio Donegal Donegal Wool Spinning Company, shade Oatmeal (100% Wool, 200 metres per 100g).</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Studio Donegal Soft Donegal is a woolly wool yarn, with two plies; woollen spun, with tweedy neps and thick & thin areas of yarn. The Rico Soft Merino Aran is relatively woolly for a superwash yarn: it has multiple plies and a consistent thickness. Both the fibre content and yarn structure give a smoother, slippier yarn when compared to the Soft Donegal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the swatches shown above, both yarns work to the same gauge in stocking stitch, when worked on the same needles. They behave very differently when worked in 1 x 1 ribbing: the smoother yarn makes a much tighter ribbed fabric. My best guess is that this is due the slippy vs grippy difference between the two yarns, and that the grippy bumpy yarn does not move in multiple directions quite so easily. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_Dd4HmIU5UHW625va9NaEykQCiDp4phfpeaZJfbG8CrXsu9zMWi9HCViW0JOqjdy3rP06XHYYT1Y4c6_mrcZK1flEMNAvirvcIJi39HbleGJUt4TcFY19aES2PXcFnX0Oxn6gCudVsk/s2048/Roinn+size+1+ribbing+comparison.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1691" data-original-width="2048" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_Dd4HmIU5UHW625va9NaEykQCiDp4phfpeaZJfbG8CrXsu9zMWi9HCViW0JOqjdy3rP06XHYYT1Y4c6_mrcZK1flEMNAvirvcIJi39HbleGJUt4TcFY19aES2PXcFnX0Oxn6gCudVsk/s320/Roinn+size+1+ribbing+comparison.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The above photos shows Size 1 samples in both Standard and Folded brim lengths. They are worked in the same yarn base, on the same needles. The colourwork gauge is the same. Yet we can see that the longer ribbing, when relaxed, draws in to a smaller circumference. Or, with the longer ribbing, the ribbed stitches are further away from the colourwork fabric, and are not being pulled out quite so far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RuJsbYLD4KSwu48SZm3MvGOIq325cT3wFtnV2p_n1CpX1MPZvLlBwGBJbE2IT9JTcLOaN4Muje_NwJnl3-qqCVOtp-dM_BU-A7uf-e4Qu24mYHewXobleM4dipKqmydH1FByJy0pdTQ/s2048/RoinnHat+S3L_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="2048" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RuJsbYLD4KSwu48SZm3MvGOIq325cT3wFtnV2p_n1CpX1MPZvLlBwGBJbE2IT9JTcLOaN4Muje_NwJnl3-qqCVOtp-dM_BU-A7uf-e4Qu24mYHewXobleM4dipKqmydH1FByJy0pdTQ/s320/RoinnHat+S3L_4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also learned a lot about bribery, and how best to convince children to cooperate with taking photos. Sometimes it's best to pay them, preferably in ice cream, and sometimes it's best to take photos while they are just getting on with being kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Roinn Hat is available to buy through <a href="https://payhip.com/b/pQgoe">Payhip here</a> or <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/roinn-hat">Ravelry here</a>. You can avail of a 20% discount by using the code 'NEW', until Monday 23rd August. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Roinn Cowl is available through <a href="https://payhip.com/b/YVnz">Payhip here</a> or <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/roinn">Ravelry here. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And as for the failed engraving translation? It became a whole other thing, to be shared soon. </div><br />eimear_PWFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16641739701385685612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-9222696021157195712021-02-16T22:28:00.000+00:002021-02-16T22:28:05.394+00:00Breaking up with Ravelry<p>Some months ago, Ravelry launched a new version of the website, without notice, and seemingly without user testing. </p><p>Due to a combination of factors (spacing, colour use and contrast), this website redesign has been reported to cause eyestrain, migraines, and epileptic seizures. It is also unusable with some screen readers. Ravelry's website remains largely unchanged; it is still causing health problems, and the owners have yet to offer any hope of significant changes to the website appearance. </p><p>Some people cannot use Ravelry at all, some can use it for a very limited time only, before experiencing significant issues. This has forced many of us in the yarn world to realise just how dependant we were on Ravelry, and to make changes to our online spaces.</p><p>I have previously used Ravelry links throughout my blog posts, without labelling them as such. I have begun the process of editing these links; removing or labelling the links as appropriate. At the time of writing, there are still Ravelry links, without warnings, on older blog posts. </p><p>I have removed pages from this blog, that listed patterns and linked directly to Ravelry without warning. I had a number of free patterns that were available on Ravelry: I have since discontinued the patterns through my Ravelry Store. They are a few years old, and I intend to review these free patterns before making them available again through a non-Ravelry source. </p><p>My patterns are still available for sale through Ravelry, for those who are able to use the site. They are also available through Payhip and Lovecrafts. Links for everything are available through <a href="https://linktr.ee/playswithfibre">my Linktree here.</a></p>PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-71400076065065836842021-01-30T21:17:00.006+00:002021-01-30T21:17:56.890+00:00New year, New socks<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8vmEOLHa6XBvD2oMRxVBLYcY8YI2bZe0j8-D0VNQcJM7Wt5Dzlvg1JmE-VLpkss_keXycvpBHcQf68lDHvgyLIy0HXE2cl5JZn86fjeyLuIrFywUGrBW1FcWYD8E9dEg5oCSLBzQnq4/s2048/IMG_4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8vmEOLHa6XBvD2oMRxVBLYcY8YI2bZe0j8-D0VNQcJM7Wt5Dzlvg1JmE-VLpkss_keXycvpBHcQf68lDHvgyLIy0HXE2cl5JZn86fjeyLuIrFywUGrBW1FcWYD8E9dEg5oCSLBzQnq4/w441-h322/IMG_4392.JPG" width="441" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> It's been a while since I have posted, but I have been knitting away, in between all the other bits of life. </p><p>The socks pictured above are made using leftovers from previous sock projects. To avoid purling all that reverse stocking stitch, the socks were knit inside-out for the most part, with some messing about at the heels and toes to allow me to knit those right side out. </p><p>Some of these leftovers are from socks, knit as gifts for friends & family over 10 years ago. I do sometimes wonder how those gift socks are holding up...</p><p><br /></p>PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-47252274744619186792019-11-07T20:40:00.000+00:002019-11-07T20:40:17.836+00:00Sock knitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ73m0b0X_HpfHTiiaP1fVgikJ8N8eQfL4IHw8wMF22OROJdPbwKgJJED2ZQfiqxcc4QkaEGfXm2GVLZsKQvDzZlfWxiIvnt-_WdRtOxd_Tz90pJnkE9lgNgs-OkuNUz_-nsnein78xa4/s1600/IMG_9225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ73m0b0X_HpfHTiiaP1fVgikJ8N8eQfL4IHw8wMF22OROJdPbwKgJJED2ZQfiqxcc4QkaEGfXm2GVLZsKQvDzZlfWxiIvnt-_WdRtOxd_Tz90pJnkE9lgNgs-OkuNUz_-nsnein78xa4/s320/IMG_9225.JPG" width="299" /></a></div>
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Every now & then, I catch myself doing something that probably would appear odd to <strike>onlookers</strike> non-knitters. Like measuring & drawing marks on my feet. </div>
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Of course it makes sense to anyone who has knitted socks, I'm sure. That magical 2 inches for the toe decreases. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyRJamz0XTZlCGcJHc0gLNvWMOue0Bl__AD9ymZvOFQQv-DnywF5R7DYKANmRGPDjNQ0Iju7dQMkZJWb6pBAjv_CAhv3feniO6j4D5GAhXsZ3TPhjf2TM7b7xzBCBRRnJOZ-iuWXSt5Q/s1600/IMG_9226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1209" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyRJamz0XTZlCGcJHc0gLNvWMOue0Bl__AD9ymZvOFQQv-DnywF5R7DYKANmRGPDjNQ0Iju7dQMkZJWb6pBAjv_CAhv3feniO6j4D5GAhXsZ3TPhjf2TM7b7xzBCBRRnJOZ-iuWXSt5Q/s320/IMG_9226.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
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I'm fairly certain nobody noticed me on the bus that one time, when I slipped off my sandals, revealing the line drawn on my foot before I left the house, to try on the sock in progress. Though it might have been caught on the security camera. Totally worth it for the knitted socks though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4nPs8gK4cq0Eeumzq-cQ1rL5eKMChhU_Rf0av_fYVzkp1yaCpshwDO5F6uJiI-bUahr9BUwhEtWOI8PJU78WHzAcTbU984I-K3ZYv797NjU5vtyYlvptqa36VDo8NvAtduUX3hgZt98/s1600/IMG_9233+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1217" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4nPs8gK4cq0Eeumzq-cQ1rL5eKMChhU_Rf0av_fYVzkp1yaCpshwDO5F6uJiI-bUahr9BUwhEtWOI8PJU78WHzAcTbU984I-K3ZYv797NjU5vtyYlvptqa36VDo8NvAtduUX3hgZt98/s320/IMG_9233+small.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
Sock in progress: no specific pattern, loosely based on a mash up of elements from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. Yarn: Araucania Huasco Sock, which came to me through somebody else's tidying up.PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-75038224216110347632019-09-23T21:08:00.002+01:002019-09-23T21:08:37.766+01:00New Pattern: Móin<div style="text-align: center;">
Introducing my new pattern Móin, soon to be released in the new book <i>Cosy Knits,</i> compiled and published by Carol Feller. Yes, that's right, I'm gonna have a pattern in an actual printed book! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ybb_nxgVu96DCOA1vyBbSylr04IIyTku93izW0dhYZyXBiYhHPmNT7dNxHPEe_TkVcToS0-CrD4f7njnvaeCtGMApiXF_POQxY9Nk7i619WtNM1VY9MZ-QeBcPj9KQEqARyJjHteoFw/s1600/Moin-Detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ybb_nxgVu96DCOA1vyBbSylr04IIyTku93izW0dhYZyXBiYhHPmNT7dNxHPEe_TkVcToS0-CrD4f7njnvaeCtGMApiXF_POQxY9Nk7i619WtNM1VY9MZ-QeBcPj9KQEqARyJjHteoFw/s320/Moin-Detail.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Móin (the Irish for peat) is a cowl worked in two colours, with a cabled motif worked over a striped garter stitch background. As inspiration, I looked at two different aspects of Irish history; simple rope cables from Aran knitting and this: </div>
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Anyone who spent time near a television in Ireland during the 80's is likely familiar with ads from Bord na Móna. The music, and the scenes of varying people (and pets) settling in for a cosy evening by the fire; it was the first thing that popped to mind when I read the brief for the book!</div>
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The cable motif used in Móin is reminiscent of flickering flames of the fireplace, or more accurately, cartoonish depictions of these flames. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2pJwYAGx_HEvUcIEo81k5R3xUcIF-OJ7oy-zV95Azy4SXWEwygJw1nJP6x5EmtvatU8pKRwDRbZUdbpxmDWtceBgIiQRSZXwgsScFNHMbv1y_8nzVm2YcbWPfaC_ykDWWbKRvHzB7BM/s1600/moin+with+a+mug+croppy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2pJwYAGx_HEvUcIEo81k5R3xUcIF-OJ7oy-zV95Azy4SXWEwygJw1nJP6x5EmtvatU8pKRwDRbZUdbpxmDWtceBgIiQRSZXwgsScFNHMbv1y_8nzVm2YcbWPfaC_ykDWWbKRvHzB7BM/s320/moin+with+a+mug+croppy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Móin is written in two sizes: the larger version is pictured above. </div>
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Móin is knit in Stolen Stitches Nua Worsted. I adore this yarn! The combination of Merino, Yak & linen gives a wonderful stitch definition, and the finished yarn has a heathered effect. The only downside is picking out colours; the shades work so beautifully together. This sample is worked in (MC) Unexpected Macaw and (CC) Late Night Blues. </div>
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I'm currently working on a smaller sample, in completely different shades, but you'll just have to wait & see how the other combination works!</div>
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Needless to say, I am honoured & grateful to have a design published by Carol & her team. It's always a pleasure to be involved with Carol's work (through sample knitting, or various events at This is Knit over the years), and to be honest, I never would have expected to have a piece published alongside some of the well established designers included in the book!</div>
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The important bits, with links. </div>
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The book is currently on pre-sale at a discount through Carol Feller's website <a href="https://stolenstitches.com/collections/print-with-digital/products/cosy-knits-print">here</a>.</div>
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Carol will be holding a launch party at her studio in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/517037359046795/">Cork on Saturday 5th October.</a></div>
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There will be book launch parties (yes, plural) in This is Knit on 12th October. The first event sold out so quickly, that a second was added, with spaces still available through <a href="https://www.thisisknit.ie/classes-events/">This is Knit's website.</a></div>
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There are more designs to be revealed through Carol's blog and instagram over the coming days. </div>
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Photos are thanks to Stolen Stitches, and Joseph Feller. </div>
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The imposter syndrome is strong in this one; I think I won't believe it until I see my name in an actual book!</div>
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PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-47739943971040542182019-08-09T21:15:00.002+01:002019-08-09T21:15:39.438+01:00Tour de Fleece... and then some. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I present to you my Tour de Fleece spinning! It wasn't much; I decided I would just do about 15 minutes a day in between all the other demands of life. I spun one project; approximately 295 metres / 110 grams of 3 ply yarn, of various fibres (wool, some mohair, some silk) gathered from stash and arranged in a gradient. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Kvk_FHhb1pw4RkWuoIS1AZ-jlVkAk4b0f4P9CW-w7qSyo2nQeHYRShOoykSv_y5TGyrBJ_wpbFiQG4O7PiFqDz6umMtVAPyHUwEptJ-FcVQ9mW8DuTpDZa07mFnZuXW2OFeX-yodzY/s1600/IMG_7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Kvk_FHhb1pw4RkWuoIS1AZ-jlVkAk4b0f4P9CW-w7qSyo2nQeHYRShOoykSv_y5TGyrBJ_wpbFiQG4O7PiFqDz6umMtVAPyHUwEptJ-FcVQ9mW8DuTpDZa07mFnZuXW2OFeX-yodzY/s320/IMG_7480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Only then I kept on spinning. </div>
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approx 217 metres / 87 grams from a batt prepared by <a href="https://dyecandy.co.uk/">Dye Candy</a>, bought at this year's Woollinn. Finished yarn is a 2 ply. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZKWVB_zVzNxP5iPe1Ijbn7ZEoA2crQINL8RDJgnu0rsUZMgiLXI6S-GpcrcGDy5PrejMpAEHr1T0uZnGTMyJlb9EczviQURaNhOQeMw2qbdIGfTjr7N4ZewfiQnYvilI9UEl8_1sGaI/s1600/IMG_7473+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZKWVB_zVzNxP5iPe1Ijbn7ZEoA2crQINL8RDJgnu0rsUZMgiLXI6S-GpcrcGDy5PrejMpAEHr1T0uZnGTMyJlb9EczviQURaNhOQeMw2qbdIGfTjr7N4ZewfiQnYvilI9UEl8_1sGaI/s320/IMG_7473+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Approx 148 m / 103 grams dyed by <a href="http://irishfairytaleyarns.com/">Irish Fairytale Yarns,</a> bought at last year's Woollinn. I tried to challenge myself by spinning thicker singles than usual. Fractal spun, plying 1/2 with 3/6s.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MgiVS4kHjjJG0WYzhoec2bYjof0MZP0IZVXhsFXR7nHLK-pnyRddDI0tJr-jIJiO9_SjTq86kW-y7jh9f1MSW1PrSV02Owp4kiMUnZjsFOzSbpDm1VxARiGw7Thuvd31RIvbCPdU4Bg/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MgiVS4kHjjJG0WYzhoec2bYjof0MZP0IZVXhsFXR7nHLK-pnyRddDI0tJr-jIJiO9_SjTq86kW-y7jh9f1MSW1PrSV02Owp4kiMUnZjsFOzSbpDm1VxARiGw7Thuvd31RIvbCPdU4Bg/s320/IMG_7481.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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Approx 190 metres/ 111 grams from batts prepared by <a href="http://ellieandada.com/">Ellie and Ada,</a> chain plied. I just adore Laura's batt preparations; there are always wee surprises of colours tucked inside. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwropPpaPk1hm-7EcFzKC5gM6tgmeuKMC7lxzeIT8csV57xHmyS9II_JN00K9N8b9xSAu3HSjDwkMZzWRu0OM83X9BOh2lVsbmOvadWugKhuBO35vGp0u5BdO3j1ClEpWDKQS1lHd8wXI/s1600/IMG_7483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwropPpaPk1hm-7EcFzKC5gM6tgmeuKMC7lxzeIT8csV57xHmyS9II_JN00K9N8b9xSAu3HSjDwkMZzWRu0OM83X9BOh2lVsbmOvadWugKhuBO35vGp0u5BdO3j1ClEpWDKQS1lHd8wXI/s320/IMG_7483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Approx 98 metres / 68 grams of Shetland tops, dyed by me quite some time ago. 2 ply, fractal spun as 1/2 and 2/4s. I am so very pleased with how the colour turned out in the finished yarn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTrgqZW3o87DvqZw8pBBKVtMendfMaNRPKFWBOuxVwJVuyQcKVuZZR2j7-jpJ2qnZnSNgJFpZvLNHMd600pe29aAe8ADnBIm24kDPFDRmTD0yfszECWE_YPDNlzAZYInVD05dUnQgN98/s1600/IMG_7489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTrgqZW3o87DvqZw8pBBKVtMendfMaNRPKFWBOuxVwJVuyQcKVuZZR2j7-jpJ2qnZnSNgJFpZvLNHMd600pe29aAe8ADnBIm24kDPFDRmTD0yfszECWE_YPDNlzAZYInVD05dUnQgN98/s320/IMG_7489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Approx 67 metres / 54 grams from rolags prepared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prettyfunkyfibre/">Pretty Funky Fibre,</a> chain plied. So pretty. So much fun to spin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFxH9oQLGX4wRPkeBExaum2rORkx1f3rS6zAb7-c2BH_tTsoru4Sn7RSJbf8kNpoby8taW-Ps8EqUwVoqQ38tdqDUAJho1mUNjOrCSrg3uwnXvuYN-i7_teGOrEahb6QF6ofn0JUFEZQ/s1600/IMG_7498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFxH9oQLGX4wRPkeBExaum2rORkx1f3rS6zAb7-c2BH_tTsoru4Sn7RSJbf8kNpoby8taW-Ps8EqUwVoqQ38tdqDUAJho1mUNjOrCSrg3uwnXvuYN-i7_teGOrEahb6QF6ofn0JUFEZQ/s320/IMG_7498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've also realised that this year marks my tenth year of spinning for the Tour de Fleece, and the tenth anniversary of this blog. (The blog originally started because I wanted to document my dye and spin experiments in more detail during my first Tour de Fleece). </div>
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Plans are afoot for a wee 10 year celebration...</div>
<br />PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-60990810399601802872019-07-28T20:31:00.003+01:002019-07-28T20:31:57.440+01:00Woollinn 2019The last 6 weeks have just flown by, and I have completely forgotten to share my spoils of <a href="http://woollinn.com/">Woollinn</a>.<br />
This year's festival was the second event run by the owners of <a href="https://www.thisisknit.ie/">This is Knit</a>, who I am lucky to call my friends and bosses. The vendors were a lovely mixture of familiar faces and new-to-me surprises. The teaching line up was a wonderful selection of people who really know their stuff, and who happen to be very nice people too. I was working on the This is Knit stand for the weekend, but took advantage of quiet moments to have a slow browse, or a mad dash through the market places.<br />
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The results of Friday's shopping through the indoor market place, in which you may sense a recurring theme. This bag of yarn smelled deliciously sheepy, as most of the yarns are undyed. I may have spent some time sniffing this collection.<br />
L-R :<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/west-wool-bicycle">Westwool Bicycle</a>, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/biches--buches-le-petit-lambswool">Biches & Buches Le Petit Lambswool</a>, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/lanivendole-a-stormy-blend-fingering">Lanivendole,</a> & more Biches & Buches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYYJFACMuWKTdtjID1NIx-oVe60BhuXLfXoDHaf8kPIyzIblUpuF6DrrKHA8zbWkDslt7cNg7Y7gk6W0LiTi8zztNQ8NHw7KKgC4iEwdBeAeCV3UAe13RPLuzrfxb27vzMweLaiZSngo/s1600/20190617_084753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYYJFACMuWKTdtjID1NIx-oVe60BhuXLfXoDHaf8kPIyzIblUpuF6DrrKHA8zbWkDslt7cNg7Y7gk6W0LiTi8zztNQ8NHw7KKgC4iEwdBeAeCV3UAe13RPLuzrfxb27vzMweLaiZSngo/s320/20190617_084753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Saturday, I had a bit of a mad dash through the marquee, having done some research before hand.<br />
I'm sensing another theme here.<br />
L-R: <a href="https://dyecandy.co.uk/">Dye Candy</a> mixed fibre batt, <a href="https://www.heyjayyarn.com/">HeyJay yarn </a>minis, <a href="https://www.undercoverotter.com/">Undercover Otter fibres,</a> Dye Candy's Bród colour way (a woollinn exclusive), <a href="https://www.finefishyarns.com/">Fine Fish yarns</a> Corriedale, <a href="http://bearinsheepsclothing.com/">Bear in Sheeps Clothing Gotland</a>, <a href="https://gamercrafting.com/">GamerCrafting</a>'s Reverse Rainicorn, and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/toft-fine-wool">fine wool from Toft </a>(something I have been wishing for, since I first got my hands on Toft DK a number of years ago)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhRIC6Oug2AERmGPCa4dyr_MLIw1CdwCBoELqvHBUl05XmsmkZqNtRZ9RySOooX93aFsZlQRVNEHz_com0vhLs6CQ7Zpq_AWDVoEpfCDeBvHXPfcxAoSYWhCcm6IryR8sh7MSCpaE-mA/s1600/20190617_084904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhRIC6Oug2AERmGPCa4dyr_MLIw1CdwCBoELqvHBUl05XmsmkZqNtRZ9RySOooX93aFsZlQRVNEHz_com0vhLs6CQ7Zpq_AWDVoEpfCDeBvHXPfcxAoSYWhCcm6IryR8sh7MSCpaE-mA/s320/20190617_084904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It might take me a while to make a dent in this.<br />
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Overall, my lasting impression of Woollinn was having lots of yarn-people, smiling. It was good.PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-87731907067898859312019-06-20T21:28:00.001+01:002019-06-20T21:28:13.842+01:00BanrionMy latest pattern has just been released on <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEff19/index.php">Knitty</a>!!<br />
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This is Banrion; a two - colour triangular shawl with ribbed cables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDCLCqdGFstSM_bFHpNCXPpo8t9YbQw80ekVeDZVEm2Det_YaIDEX4uEYbbUu-KsQ_sFVQwKUWEX0SX1-xIANmnztqWo7zLpUgSgh2GDr3Gqt_CmRGzOF6vAvSLpndICGddM2mBRO3Nk/s1600/IMG_3312+copy+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1248" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDCLCqdGFstSM_bFHpNCXPpo8t9YbQw80ekVeDZVEm2Det_YaIDEX4uEYbbUu-KsQ_sFVQwKUWEX0SX1-xIANmnztqWo7zLpUgSgh2GDr3Gqt_CmRGzOF6vAvSLpndICGddM2mBRO3Nk/s320/IMG_3312+copy+edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Confession time; Banrion is correctly spelled 'Banríon' (pronounced 'banREEon, meaning 'Queen' in Irish. Or 'woman - king' if were going for a literal translation). That wee fada over the 'i' there makes a huge difference in Irish pronunciation, and sometimes therefore the meaning of the word. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOmCogOe7l0xvhQGfridUri-A6bBn8RcDQZWeViCiAHuMDIV6BmTW6jeaFHz6f8pvaXeI7BpSQ9Yr2TWkYbkZtKT0NRGk7sHANvdbkL_cqE1SUuG08DAHvwurKcW7OnU7c_vH87CE_z0/s1600/IMG_3299+copy+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOmCogOe7l0xvhQGfridUri-A6bBn8RcDQZWeViCiAHuMDIV6BmTW6jeaFHz6f8pvaXeI7BpSQ9Yr2TWkYbkZtKT0NRGk7sHANvdbkL_cqE1SUuG08DAHvwurKcW7OnU7c_vH87CE_z0/s320/IMG_3299+copy+edited.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">While missing fadas do make me twitch, I also see the need for compromise when dealing with computers and non Irish speakers. I apologise to any Gaeilgeoirs I may have upset.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_R23LU9ySexjyR659O7xPpKDOeSmatw7z3gMM5RwTAzA6LLp0St9kJ-YUYwP0j6YhLfU9tC2yJsPPw0yCvyAObyCMymYxzHPdg1kIWu6Kho2cvUErEbf-zB_0rxJ90PMd7cpTNom2H8/s1600/IMG_3285+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_R23LU9ySexjyR659O7xPpKDOeSmatw7z3gMM5RwTAzA6LLp0St9kJ-YUYwP0j6YhLfU9tC2yJsPPw0yCvyAObyCMymYxzHPdg1kIWu6Kho2cvUErEbf-zB_0rxJ90PMd7cpTNom2H8/s320/IMG_3285+copy.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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Thanks to The Mister for the photographic assistance. The photos were taken on a very windy day at North Bull Island, with the two Small Humans pottering underfoot and putting my multi tasking skills to the test (trying to keep an eye on them and produce some useable photos).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvMs5-ubzkKMYsmGPo6g9EXf2xOfMoXyeGaq3nKjbEFc9luVGMqhx0UCE-JWHG9cmoybgGEelMlRS9JlEN3vz0dIzBWRe2m9ym9ZvfzJWyLfLLwhLL0VN3i_4q5658FcIs04Sl8Ta2kI/s1600/IMG_3320+copy+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="1100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvMs5-ubzkKMYsmGPo6g9EXf2xOfMoXyeGaq3nKjbEFc9luVGMqhx0UCE-JWHG9cmoybgGEelMlRS9JlEN3vz0dIzBWRe2m9ym9ZvfzJWyLfLLwhLL0VN3i_4q5658FcIs04Sl8Ta2kI/s320/IMG_3320+copy+edited.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
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I owe massive thanks to the team at LYS for moral support. Sometimes, being shoved out of one's comfort zone is a good thing!<br />
See the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEff19/PATTbanrion/PATTbanrion.php">pattern on Knitty</a> for more details. </div>
PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-13249788985116710952019-06-16T20:31:00.009+01:002021-02-16T20:50:43.428+00:00Cranra<div style="text-align: center;">
Cranra (Irish, meaning a knot in wood) is a rectangular scarf with fringes, and a slipped-stitch motif inspired by knots in timber. <span style="font-family: "minionpro";">Cranra was brought into existence because of my love for single-row stripes in garter stitch, combined with my desire to avoid weaving in ends or purling garter stitch in the round!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f4fD4z6fVOlq6LyLrjUub5clVFuOSlQSthzpqJPIvnhU0a11mwVRMwTj0zH0l0R66SKGJEBsTHOzWQHmpY4WBJOp5W62z4W_QMf5l6lEv7EToGxecEdEhNp8SR7-4hfJKtaYlIa-_Lk/s1600/IMG_7061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f4fD4z6fVOlq6LyLrjUub5clVFuOSlQSthzpqJPIvnhU0a11mwVRMwTj0zH0l0R66SKGJEBsTHOzWQHmpY4WBJOp5W62z4W_QMf5l6lEv7EToGxecEdEhNp8SR7-4hfJKtaYlIa-_Lk/s320/IMG_7061.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">Cranra </span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 13pt;">is begun by casting on lengthways, and knitting </span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">across the width of the scarf. Th</span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">e pattern is worked in single-row garter stitch stripes, with a slipped stitch motif. Th</span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">e yarn is broken aft</span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">er each row. Aft</span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">er binding o</span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">ff</span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">, the fi</span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "minionpro"; font-size: 12pt;">rst and last section of stitches are unravelled, and then knotted to form a fringe. </span></div>
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This sample is knit in Townhouse Yarns new base, Olla 2. The base yarn is spun in Donegal, and hand dyed by Townhouse Yarns in the most beautiful shades; I took quite some time deciding on just the right colour combination. This sample was knit in the colours Mustard Seeds and Smelt. I adore this combination of grippy, woolly wool in semi solid & subtley speckled shades unique to hand dyed yarns. The yarn will be launched at <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Woollinn</u></span> this weekend, and Cranra will be available to squish & squoosh at This is Knit's stand (number 1) during the festival. If you're attending the festival, make sure to pick up a copy of the programme to get a download code for your free copy of this pattern. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4k3vEz-BP79_5CLAPK7t3CS9E1tkSTT-Qkq6Am4Jk-3q2QG3vQelyU_oXXt2ja7K_Bf-ZhnDE8TqVBrzpRUHr-pjS2ajfEg_B_xg1AmSMHYlPqH5nEfdNGmr-9RF_ACmMB_Kdi4Uhtg/s1600/IMG_7016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4k3vEz-BP79_5CLAPK7t3CS9E1tkSTT-Qkq6Am4Jk-3q2QG3vQelyU_oXXt2ja7K_Bf-ZhnDE8TqVBrzpRUHr-pjS2ajfEg_B_xg1AmSMHYlPqH5nEfdNGmr-9RF_ACmMB_Kdi4Uhtg/s320/IMG_7016.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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The pattern purchase includes multiple files, in an attempt to allow the individual knitter to print just what they need; The first file is the printer-friendly basic pattern instructions with a concise chart, and written instructions. The second file contains a row-by-row diagram of the stitch motif, for those who like to tick off each row in their instructions as they progress. The third file contains photo tutorials for the finishing techniques used in the pattern; binding off, and unravelling and knotting the fringes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjW-Xr6d1ETBuEnrQ5eKNlScHPB2-AN8_jvqjTSmuuZUVpNVQjRkg5w6I8n1Ls5SEFTyPl_qdpNYQAE4htZo7nJnpPl9HA-3LI3l7wLpQ6IxCErIlNMRl2GzSY9GM4Qgfsx41zSxL0OM/s1600/IMG_7026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1091" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjW-Xr6d1ETBuEnrQ5eKNlScHPB2-AN8_jvqjTSmuuZUVpNVQjRkg5w6I8n1Ls5SEFTyPl_qdpNYQAE4htZo7nJnpPl9HA-3LI3l7wLpQ6IxCErIlNMRl2GzSY9GM4Qgfsx41zSxL0OM/s320/IMG_7026.JPG" width="218" /></a></div>
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In case you were wandering, the Irish for 'knot', as in a knot in yarn, is 'snaidhm', pronounced 'sneem' or 'snyme', depending on the dialect!</div>
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I am so thankful to Jenny of Townhouse Yarns for the yarn and moral support in bringing this pattern to life. </div>
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Thanks to Tom for the photos, and the small child for attempting to photo bom. Spot the bubble wand in this last picture!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pIkwV5KIGMhhRVUiN5ytvxdawg-gmWFb07nEBdrkgq6vBSHrm581fdIq2VopMpNARA1I_0izm32PiwEwLx4nZKQH83hxk7V9F4U3-8FET7iN_VJ9XTlP6tM8R9_N-KPc5_aoEW3fIbU/s1600/IMG_7043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pIkwV5KIGMhhRVUiN5ytvxdawg-gmWFb07nEBdrkgq6vBSHrm581fdIq2VopMpNARA1I_0izm32PiwEwLx4nZKQH83hxk7V9F4U3-8FET7iN_VJ9XTlP6tM8R9_N-KPc5_aoEW3fIbU/s320/IMG_7043.JPG" width="250" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Edit: this pattern is now available to buy through <a href="https://payhip.com/b/07ng">Payhip at this link,</a> or through my Ravelry Store (link in profile). </div>
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<br />PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-39545715624609439632019-05-26T09:38:00.001+01:002021-02-16T20:52:09.042+00:00LiathI'm still playing catch-up with the pattern releases...<br />
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Liath (pronounced <b>lee</b>-ah, and meaning 'grey' in Irish) was released earlier this year. This is a triangular garter stitch shawl, featuring a slipped stitch motif.<br />
The pattern came to life after I bought some gorgeous mini skeins from Ellie and Ada at last year's Woollinn Festival. It took me a while to figure out how best to combine these colours, and my love for soothing garter stitch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobirKD6VB5KXPuclu-cvWLHqSc1iYpIIjbkywOGpbCUccKrDJHJXZ4VAuBlRGFkMrK7UYf1Jb5iPflRx4whyVlGLw1qbTOYaW7GSv4UKPaPplrZLHX_YbCpoPFeyNy3_C3nCbIeJ_rrU/s1600/IMG_6382+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobirKD6VB5KXPuclu-cvWLHqSc1iYpIIjbkywOGpbCUccKrDJHJXZ4VAuBlRGFkMrK7UYf1Jb5iPflRx4whyVlGLw1qbTOYaW7GSv4UKPaPplrZLHX_YbCpoPFeyNy3_C3nCbIeJ_rrU/s320/IMG_6382+copy.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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This shawl was designed to showcase a set of mini skeins, combining one large semi-solid yarn with complementary semi-solid and speckled yarns. The mini skeins are arranged in a 'fade' progression, providing more contrast with the main colour as the shawl progresses. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gO-FBFKdTYWC17-1FBxF0DUfT0ntO0faF1bOCm1QwGWf6tqES3IKhWyIY2U6WCxSx9APG7VayPgjl4thCtElDzMFgCKDGBzJlpcfaqbpNSjIJ0UJMlbBvlsSfg2TD5AIodejwrp3aWA/s1600/IMG_6418+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gO-FBFKdTYWC17-1FBxF0DUfT0ntO0faF1bOCm1QwGWf6tqES3IKhWyIY2U6WCxSx9APG7VayPgjl4thCtElDzMFgCKDGBzJlpcfaqbpNSjIJ0UJMlbBvlsSfg2TD5AIodejwrp3aWA/s320/IMG_6418+copy.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
The pattern begins by casting on just a few stitches, working in alternating garter stitch stripes, and increasing the stitch count as you work. The mini skeins are arranged in a fade progression, with the slipped stitch pattern changing as each new colour is introduced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TWCkjutCQRQ4FmwSe7VD6LXzJhrG0uReLC-JbqAk6cBIF1aTRJVFkAcIIkzpQXr8HR1T0oNukKTeDcNdPTf52XBASf288oIP14ofgu0t2hH9BB6bVXKtUvloTEHQi50uybz4rcvDrKo/s1600/IMG_6391+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TWCkjutCQRQ4FmwSe7VD6LXzJhrG0uReLC-JbqAk6cBIF1aTRJVFkAcIIkzpQXr8HR1T0oNukKTeDcNdPTf52XBASf288oIP14ofgu0t2hH9BB6bVXKtUvloTEHQi50uybz4rcvDrKo/s320/IMG_6391+copy.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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<br />EDIT: The pattern is available to buy on <a href="https://payhip.com/b/sNd0">Payhip at this link</a>, or in my Ravelry Store. <br />
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I do love this shawl, and do tend to wear it more than others on a chilly day. I find simple garter stitch patterns incredibly soothing, and am tempted to make more. I'll be keeping an eye out for mini skeins at this year's <a href="http://woollinn.com/">Woollinn.</a>PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-45722634452203720772019-05-19T20:38:00.002+01:002021-02-16T20:53:06.346+00:00Kylemore Wrap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Still playing catch up on pattern releases; here is the Kylemore Wrap.</div>
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This is a rectangular wrap, with simple lace borders inspired by pointed arches typical of Gothic church architecture. The pattern is named after Kylemore Abbey & its neo-gothic church. </div>
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The pattern is knit flat, & includes buttons, and can be worn in multiple ways; as a giant scarf...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVYpRsz5pkdV6mKxs7-T1OQSXo4sNDLZ18tBwcN-gjOKO7lFXvEY699REfzrJxJtzqVEmbFhtbgh68rWOjGV2vMuCUxtBK70YDRlJslT07RKB3eRwAiv6Psbr999KVNKsKfhw1OLnbp8/s1600/IMG_5422+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1223" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVYpRsz5pkdV6mKxs7-T1OQSXo4sNDLZ18tBwcN-gjOKO7lFXvEY699REfzrJxJtzqVEmbFhtbgh68rWOjGV2vMuCUxtBK70YDRlJslT07RKB3eRwAiv6Psbr999KVNKsKfhw1OLnbp8/s320/IMG_5422+small.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
... a grand wrap....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1Ux9M1BG5WHli39ESzforR2PMkXF48tfOyjmkn_g93awCLvyfucWBzjBcJPeWoodQtQW0UMj0dmJHx_RHRmigQamTVby6Z91E43CuZ0c4KgKMrBHsyLgzBM3klX_yGz92SabqfqCxzI/s1600/IMG_5448+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1140" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1Ux9M1BG5WHli39ESzforR2PMkXF48tfOyjmkn_g93awCLvyfucWBzjBcJPeWoodQtQW0UMj0dmJHx_RHRmigQamTVby6Z91E43CuZ0c4KgKMrBHsyLgzBM3klX_yGz92SabqfqCxzI/s320/IMG_5448+small.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
or buttoned, & worn like a poncho.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_i-8Bxq7piIjpmy2K2Z4MSnbAWqXQ60FlFEFW0BzGCLYKDXm6-sEvDC3oWHHFxipICj0G-4B6UgSvgQJw0qKICVRjGFewOL6akHq0q4e2DybnQsn1lJAiFhAImUNkB8dhAL2KEI-4Ss/s1600/IMG_5347+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1335" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_i-8Bxq7piIjpmy2K2Z4MSnbAWqXQ60FlFEFW0BzGCLYKDXm6-sEvDC3oWHHFxipICj0G-4B6UgSvgQJw0qKICVRjGFewOL6akHq0q4e2DybnQsn1lJAiFhAImUNkB8dhAL2KEI-4Ss/s320/IMG_5347+small.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The sample is knit in Studio Donegal Darnie, shade 8805. This yarn has become a firm favourite; it is woolly, but still soft enough for my super-sensitive skin. It is warm, it is durable, and it has beautiful stitch definition. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">EDIT: Kylemore Wrap is available through my Ravelry Store, link in profile. </div>
<br />PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-2802581675855230662019-05-10T11:37:00.002+01:002021-02-16T20:53:48.659+00:00Rossmore ShawlWell I've really let down the blogging over the last while. Let's play catch up on some pattern releases, shall we?<br />
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Rossmore Shawl was released last Autumn. This triangular, biased garter stitch shawl begins by casting on a few stitches, increasing the stitch count as it is worked. It is knit in 3 colours, with garter stitch stripes, and featuring slipped stitch motifs. Only one colour is worked in each row.<br />
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The motifs take their inspiration from the surface decoration on <a href="https://www.museum.ie/Archaeology/Exhibitions/Current-Exhibitions/Or-Ireland-s-Gold/early-bronze-age-gold">Gold Lunalae</a> in the National Museum of Ireland. The pattern is named for Rossmore Park in Co Monaghan, the location where one of the lunalae was found.<br />
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The sample was knit in Brooklyn Tweed Loft - a beautiful woollen-spun fingering weight yarn, in three shades. I love the subtle heathery tones in this yarn - there is a surprising variety of tones, especially in the greys!<br />
<br />EDIT: The pattern is available for purchase through my Ravelry Store, see link in profile. </div>
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I'm still obsessing over the simple geometric designs on old stuff. I'm currently planning on revisiting some artefacts I looked at before, & reinterpreting them in another way. I suppose that's the thing about knitting; there are so many different possibilities that one can never try everything!<br />
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I'm grateful for the assistance of test knitters in bringing this pattern to life. There is currently some discussion on various social media about the fairness of using test knitters, and how to compensate them. At the moment, I ask for volunteers, and test knitters are compensated with another pattern of their choice for free. I admit that it's not really fair compensation for the time involved in trouble shooting, and providing feedback, never mind the knitting. And it is something I would like to change in the future. However, I am also of the opinion that it is okay to ask for help, as long as one accepts & respects a 'no' answer!</div>
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PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-5395593246302095322018-06-15T20:22:00.004+01:002021-02-16T20:55:10.786+00:00Ziggy Played with Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The last month or so has passed by in a little bit of a blur. The end of May was quite a busy & emotional time, between the first <a href="http://woollinn.com/">Woollinn Dublin festival</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-sixth_Amendment_of_the_Constitution_Bill_2018">a very important referendum</a>, and I still feel as though I haven't quite gotten back to normal. </div>
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Woollinn also saw the launch my latest pattern, Ziggy Played with Yarn. This cowl features a stranded colourwork zigzag pattern, and is knit in a tube and then grafted together in a loop. The colourwork pattern is a little reminiscent of 50s & 60s Op Art, with a gradual shift in the dominant colour. The pattern name is a word play based on lyrics from David Bowie's '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8sdsW93ThQ">Ziggy Stardust</a>' because, sure why not?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0hkW8e_EEITGGOw1wKbJrc-trgwDb_dF2W0a3b4tWmQwLLxVKmaRjXVnYBJwZDr4oEsyXioDVrbNxLOryDabOmOYiTUsxaw8AzKPMh1BsGMFPmKMyQbhyeMd3NVeQObgAC-ujkbrhFA/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0hkW8e_EEITGGOw1wKbJrc-trgwDb_dF2W0a3b4tWmQwLLxVKmaRjXVnYBJwZDr4oEsyXioDVrbNxLOryDabOmOYiTUsxaw8AzKPMh1BsGMFPmKMyQbhyeMd3NVeQObgAC-ujkbrhFA/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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The sample is knit in <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/studio-donegal-darnie">Darnie</a>, a new lambswool yarn from Studio Donegal. The yarn is 2 ply in structure, and fingering / 4ply weight, with a very subtle variation on Studio Donegal's signature neps. The yarn is a lovely woolly wool, but still soft enough for next to this sensitive neck. I'm very excited about the yarn, & want to knit all the things in it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyklGG-2SJpUbjmRi_RqdBPIlLZSzQ5-oDpk4HznR72yeXbk9ZNL1Oc667Hp0kcmzwKePblWWFKusRnqKDrGgcsm1agwtGe32LvWNeF93LqvFF6RZ_8BJRVbIqEvd1QMFbtcCdYEpDyc/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyklGG-2SJpUbjmRi_RqdBPIlLZSzQ5-oDpk4HznR72yeXbk9ZNL1Oc667Hp0kcmzwKePblWWFKusRnqKDrGgcsm1agwtGe32LvWNeF93LqvFF6RZ_8BJRVbIqEvd1QMFbtcCdYEpDyc/s320/IMG_1862.JPG" width="186" /></a></div>
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The pattern is available in the Woollinn Show Programme 2018, <a href="https://www.thisisknit.ie/product/woollinn-programme-2018/">(some copies still available from This is Knit)</a>. It still hasn't sunk in that I have been published, in print, alongside the amazing Carol Feller. </div>
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I leave you with some goofy photos; the Small Human was my photographic assistant, and encouraged my YMCA moves.....</div>
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EDIT: This pattern is available to download through <a href="https://payhip.com/b/bU9M">Payhip at this link,</a> or my Ravelry Store, see link in profile. PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-38789585114024317572018-05-11T20:12:00.005+01:002021-02-16T20:57:36.110+00:002018<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been rather a long time since my last post, so I guess I'll have to summarise my knitting output for 2018 so far, very briefly. Some months ago, I was overcome with the desire to make rainbow pom poms. Which became two hat patterns. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Solas (Irish for light) is knit in the round. It begins with corrugated ribbing brim. The body of the hat is knit without shaping, and is finished with a folded hem. This brim is drawn closed with an i-cord, finished with rainbow pom poms. I have been thoroughly amused watching these pom poms bounce about as Big Kid walks.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://payhip.com/b/RYHW">Link to Solas pattern on Payhip here)</a>.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stua (Irish for Arc) is a biased garter stitch hat with a square top. The hat is begun with a provisional cast on, knit flat, and grafted into a tube. The top is closed with a seam, and finished with rainbow pom poms. The garter stitch is super stretchy, which means it will accommodate growing noggins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://payhip.com/b/BWjp">(Link to Stua pattern on Payhip here</a>)</div>
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I've just released Ardcrony; a reversible triangular shawlette. The pattern is begun at the narrow end, working biased garter stitch and a reversible cable pattern. The width increases as you work, and the shawlette is finished with an i cord button hole band. For a larger shawl, you could continue to knit & omit the button closure. (adding that to my knit queue for later). The combination of garter stitch and reversible cable makes a super soft & squishy fabric. The shawlette was loosely inspired by <a href="http://100objects.ie/gleninsheengold-gorget/">gold gorgets in the National Museum of Ireland,</a> a bit of a recurring theme for me! </div>
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<a href="https://payhip.com/b/gNjz">Ardcrony pattern on Payhip here.</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">There will be more rainbow pom poms and reversible cable shenanigans in my future, but they will have to wait until after </span><a href="http://woollinn.com/" style="text-align: center;">Woollinn Festival of Yarn.</a><span style="text-align: center;"> The excitement is only fierce. It's been lovely to see so many vendors, dyers and makers sharing their Woollinn preparations on various social media. I'm also really looking forward to seeing an awful lot of familiar faces over the few days, though I do apologise in advance if I ignore you in favour of the yarn.</span>PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-89920662210147866022017-09-27T13:22:00.002+01:002017-09-27T13:22:49.974+01:00Sculpture in Context 2017<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">This year's <a href="http://www.sculptureincontext.com/">Sculpture in Context</a> is on now at the National Botanic Gardens, until October 20th. It's well worth a visit, though I like any excuse to visit the Botanic Gardens at this time of year.<br />
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Since having Small People in my life, my opinions on public art have changed somewhat. I've gone from liking the look, and sometimes the concept of the piece, to enjoying pieces that can be interactive; ones that encourage kids of all ages to get involved instead of having to warn them not to touch the untouchable thing on a plinth. Luckily, Sculpture in contect always has plenty of variety; lovely things to look at, fun things to interact with, hidden things, obvious things, and all in a wonderful setting.<br />
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There were quite a few pieces that reflected or distorted images of the rather iconic Palm house. It's enjoyable to imagine how these pieces would change depending on their surroundings - another play on the idea of sculptures in a specific context.<br />
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Here are some of our favourite pieces from this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEMvTGPI5kuZ1NFgtvlxd-lpy_KwstJ6x2Nb6senvyMKlC1OSjk65Il9w8oDLbZaboytgSCivKCvogo3LOvzuPVB93UewSPinrfgSuCJme2J-kfVVF2vwSOFSriFzQ0KfUsoSuK17XG4/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEMvTGPI5kuZ1NFgtvlxd-lpy_KwstJ6x2Nb6senvyMKlC1OSjk65Il9w8oDLbZaboytgSCivKCvogo3LOvzuPVB93UewSPinrfgSuCJme2J-kfVVF2vwSOFSriFzQ0KfUsoSuK17XG4/s320/IMG_5198.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Magic Door - Apologies for I did not note the artist's name.<br />
This one will be a lovely reminder to any 80's children of Ireland. Sadly, the zoo was not on the other side.<br />
This can't be explained with words; just a video. See<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ8XMmFQutQ"> Linky</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnX7fzNJoly5XE-kIKD9nxCXJ1JSmuEnqz4M6FyndfATnRD6-SaxMBi_LBRI-8kkBivo9mTGZtHDfr9QG4C3X990gm3XjhBPDkgCA5NIt_yIB_izXFuuu5I8gf4lN3e5fVODCwdyXhbE/s1600/IMG_5221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnX7fzNJoly5XE-kIKD9nxCXJ1JSmuEnqz4M6FyndfATnRD6-SaxMBi_LBRI-8kkBivo9mTGZtHDfr9QG4C3X990gm3XjhBPDkgCA5NIt_yIB_izXFuuu5I8gf4lN3e5fVODCwdyXhbE/s320/IMG_5221.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrubmarine by Claire Halpin & Madeleine Hellier<br />
I do enjoy a good word pun. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN1jCFPAY4GfGFKmC15nTBRwqiRBkrwR7S5Qi-wi8PVjDgkJM_nQrRgtX9FSX9D1Yw1v7UXW6DAl-oDE2o9yQvu4MUgMIy9uwU-t1WYbK7Z3NAXu0e6-ZwuBnxDcbzzT_ese3SnIkx90/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN1jCFPAY4GfGFKmC15nTBRwqiRBkrwR7S5Qi-wi8PVjDgkJM_nQrRgtX9FSX9D1Yw1v7UXW6DAl-oDE2o9yQvu4MUgMIy9uwU-t1WYbK7Z3NAXu0e6-ZwuBnxDcbzzT_ese3SnIkx90/s320/IMG_5238.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Poète by Mick Davis<br />
I love the use of old bicycle tyres for this. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiVz5miGDbKDj-2djOaX6Dgkq6jXtoNUz6MO7sUMN5w4Rfcn7si7f9NlgslJfDgdLbQ5yLUhyHhuWwXMlrN3SO0kdnYvmOClh3fMqjlxnfGbYDVySVYn5a0ufrKuN0cCaEAtlQIar0HY/s1600/IMG_5244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiVz5miGDbKDj-2djOaX6Dgkq6jXtoNUz6MO7sUMN5w4Rfcn7si7f9NlgslJfDgdLbQ5yLUhyHhuWwXMlrN3SO0kdnYvmOClh3fMqjlxnfGbYDVySVYn5a0ufrKuN0cCaEAtlQIar0HY/s320/IMG_5244.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foundlings by Roisin Murphy Purdue<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXX0xKH8-QLTegjtdV-yf8IUGdqQd1-GsutTHTh3PAUXVpTENZwQyXO1XY1-97lzPHFN1PWmQQhvXFYNflmNd9QLwRej_1VMebyd_KD8s6mKK29_WEmWGRmheDFRwMvHEG89dmWDzbjI/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXX0xKH8-QLTegjtdV-yf8IUGdqQd1-GsutTHTh3PAUXVpTENZwQyXO1XY1-97lzPHFN1PWmQQhvXFYNflmNd9QLwRej_1VMebyd_KD8s6mKK29_WEmWGRmheDFRwMvHEG89dmWDzbjI/s320/IMG_5255.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knotaball by Squarepegs Art Group<br />
Some fibre art!! each ball is wrapped in crochet. I do love simple shapes making a visual statement.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO41Nma38dutbXcOWX7SZbCIvpnBpptmxruMzHuw2OnzHbH8QQTjrTGLSZ8NTLV1W18l9SKLMb3AIi9daNNuiKsIiNiKnVpBxggEBx0m7LPr1deuagxmDq45XTbFNf79skDXRBA7mMd0/s1600/IMG_5267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyO41Nma38dutbXcOWX7SZbCIvpnBpptmxruMzHuw2OnzHbH8QQTjrTGLSZ8NTLV1W18l9SKLMb3AIi9daNNuiKsIiNiKnVpBxggEBx0m7LPr1deuagxmDq45XTbFNf79skDXRBA7mMd0/s320/IMG_5267.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecdysis - Shedding Skin by Lorna Murphy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qXrk6neZ3OZ81Pg9yNYvpNMVMslUC2KRpu75fthE02iJHOSmjTI9Sjo8a6y3EZqF6rLhEO092TFQH8suP0hTBUvoF2mnzmQ_Rn8MEqfcCGOlXJBn1lZ24E1fshOdk3UzP6XiwYvrojc/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qXrk6neZ3OZ81Pg9yNYvpNMVMslUC2KRpu75fthE02iJHOSmjTI9Sjo8a6y3EZqF6rLhEO092TFQH8suP0hTBUvoF2mnzmQ_Rn8MEqfcCGOlXJBn1lZ24E1fshOdk3UzP6XiwYvrojc/s320/IMG_5292.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaleidescope by Anna Maria Janiszewska *<br />
It took a few moments to realise that this piece used a lens to show images of the Palm house on the screen - subtle & beautiful.<br />
*One of 3 pieces on display, I'm not sure which number this was. Apologies!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlgW30cMuXD_8HMHLkv99VwiG8CG5tVhTY2P7wDY3GuRhfZSLJ0ikdjLBcDMZN1BW1c3fBnuRQ47JShWt3Z8dr_HANq_cNN4o4pSiUb-C_R5DgzNgEz07-CUy1GsU-O-QaCwA5O9wAx4/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlgW30cMuXD_8HMHLkv99VwiG8CG5tVhTY2P7wDY3GuRhfZSLJ0ikdjLBcDMZN1BW1c3fBnuRQ47JShWt3Z8dr_HANq_cNN4o4pSiUb-C_R5DgzNgEz07-CUy1GsU-O-QaCwA5O9wAx4/s320/IMG_5147.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Space in Between by Michelle Maher</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6JZltUaKsWzY79MfIrGh6JdseT6igrvSeDNRvq1nB8F4XFL6t_Z6SAzfS4fbUjFk506UFhyphenhyphenxPubF3qrPdqjsi6vIB0uqcfnATmWABbbPG87zluwOE_SglwRvhGrHqZT6igLUtFzb5ug/s1600/IMG_5155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6JZltUaKsWzY79MfIrGh6JdseT6igrvSeDNRvq1nB8F4XFL6t_Z6SAzfS4fbUjFk506UFhyphenhyphenxPubF3qrPdqjsi6vIB0uqcfnATmWABbbPG87zluwOE_SglwRvhGrHqZT6igLUtFzb5ug/s320/IMG_5155.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blanket for the Ground by Maeve O'Donnell</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmF4xnbgzt6iLUrp_mw7fy2nhrk3cfQVXGNJuWaereLPptx1gwx0uitdyi2bZHhfHhj-9VwqUrUdWmvCAjJIpFwGxgDuYgH8IN-5VTyt5obr9Ksuyti2UdnsI1e04ydN3WQ4-0K1eqWE/s1600/IMG_5211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmF4xnbgzt6iLUrp_mw7fy2nhrk3cfQVXGNJuWaereLPptx1gwx0uitdyi2bZHhfHhj-9VwqUrUdWmvCAjJIpFwGxgDuYgH8IN-5VTyt5obr9Ksuyti2UdnsI1e04ydN3WQ4-0K1eqWE/s320/IMG_5211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise by Martin O'Keefe<br />
This piece shows distorted reflections of the orchid house, or the tearooms, depending on your viewpoint </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT_4wJ5z7vFGK7k9Dq3aFcLWiRBb-wUGGXBiMnFtmL2ieXyY39Poxw9Ot-qQvCOQWhhrE25KWuifj1UOXGGI_vTrPkLz93o6f_SbOENTz7XLzMNKFklXTd18i3CinkhORRhpNazbZvrM/s1600/IMG_5297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT_4wJ5z7vFGK7k9Dq3aFcLWiRBb-wUGGXBiMnFtmL2ieXyY39Poxw9Ot-qQvCOQWhhrE25KWuifj1UOXGGI_vTrPkLz93o6f_SbOENTz7XLzMNKFklXTd18i3CinkhORRhpNazbZvrM/s320/IMG_5297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meitheal by Ballyfermot College of Further Education<br />
This was full of tiny details of garden creatures & plants, made of fabric, felt, braided wires & other materials.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOf9OTwPp4iFcZqKZwnBE1M7gpvNWx3KQDfiavFgZJj1LDqqaHEWVSvjJYF_kUYXUwz3hBNFhyJXjqxNm2dHSSzvOdAooiNx-vtEc8Fwj0tFnGRMwduWPbU9DR2wTgUFlJzxmexsm2o8/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOf9OTwPp4iFcZqKZwnBE1M7gpvNWx3KQDfiavFgZJj1LDqqaHEWVSvjJYF_kUYXUwz3hBNFhyJXjqxNm2dHSSzvOdAooiNx-vtEc8Fwj0tFnGRMwduWPbU9DR2wTgUFlJzxmexsm2o8/s320/IMG_5133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Heads - 'Branching' by Thomas Wollen</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkNw3lhhkDXJkKlVAUSBaUKE3RBR1DZgnrdp1gmfQ5mzkyzg9l_wqwSYQNVcl4piGV4upgKzPPwLuELg5aOxTbxevHxetyRqxk1YJf3qOh53rC0vFwG8qrQ34krJ0YR0oZQo-qpVo9cQ/s1600/IMG_5175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkNw3lhhkDXJkKlVAUSBaUKE3RBR1DZgnrdp1gmfQ5mzkyzg9l_wqwSYQNVcl4piGV4upgKzPPwLuELg5aOxTbxevHxetyRqxk1YJf3qOh53rC0vFwG8qrQ34krJ0YR0oZQo-qpVo9cQ/s320/IMG_5175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese by Kevin Pierce<br />
This was one of our favourite pieces. Each of the holes in the cheese is actually a pipe, some slanted at angles, and all begging for poking arms, & cheeky grins to be photographed. </td></tr>
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<br />PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-65774508935135282162017-09-17T16:31:00.004+01:002017-09-18T09:07:04.612+01:00PotionsOne of the projects that the Small Human & I undertook over the summer was to dye yarn using plant materials collected around the home. We started with a skein of undyed yarn, rescued from a friend's deepest stash (thanks L), and collected flower heads and petals from around our home. Dandelions caused the most excitement; we had multiple helpers aged under 5 spotting & gathering dandelions on our nearby green area. (At the time, the kids' favourite game was to gather stones & leaves to make potions.) We froze the flowers as we went, & added to them over the summer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe47ZQyWcpHAsQ3VBqFbEa3d4OiB8WnQLyhQ6pRBMz2EemBZhOcnsdURqAxXXfZxNEDY-K6aTejJK1daV-1ohZkuEKONChGLNOadrgM3w2t_ArZWFXFqv3GercZdeTW_evAGXv_UnS6A/s1600/20170801_161339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe47ZQyWcpHAsQ3VBqFbEa3d4OiB8WnQLyhQ6pRBMz2EemBZhOcnsdURqAxXXfZxNEDY-K6aTejJK1daV-1ohZkuEKONChGLNOadrgM3w2t_ArZWFXFqv3GercZdeTW_evAGXv_UnS6A/s320/20170801_161339.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knit Picks undyed yarn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgJ5-tyjMqjO6N9Efa5NFJ54XVrP7t_oQu1g4rnLNnkiEXgRyEL7byeKFnYr-KYO8mrcnyEOjxMPvUyQ_5YxwWJ28zMmd5_0aSCmcJPNeeQPQ7T26Jr1ncQg8p5svW-Y0n9nXiGw0_NE/s1600/20170626_134120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgJ5-tyjMqjO6N9Efa5NFJ54XVrP7t_oQu1g4rnLNnkiEXgRyEL7byeKFnYr-KYO8mrcnyEOjxMPvUyQ_5YxwWJ28zMmd5_0aSCmcJPNeeQPQ7T26Jr1ncQg8p5svW-Y0n9nXiGw0_NE/s400/20170626_134120.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Materials, clockwise from top left; dandelion heads, geranium petals, dianthus, onion peels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Once we had a substantial amount collected (and I realised the summer was almost over), we set about extracting dye. I set four jars into a large pan; the pan itself had some water, and each jar contained one plant material and some water. The whole shebang was simmered for an hour or two, and then cooled. The colour left on the cloth from straining out the vegetable matter seemed promising. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgpqWZCbo0gp7ma_K2uTwd_EykKwEX-prMAdC0isBMtsd2aHKonKkv5CkUv_S3M5SHEtgEBo8wGZT5h5K1xgnFR7Rx1kX4KGKeYGtYh6tX6VwuZJgvoXZrsyEvYfVuSmfLhjYcMUcq3s/s1600/IMG_5092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgpqWZCbo0gp7ma_K2uTwd_EykKwEX-prMAdC0isBMtsd2aHKonKkv5CkUv_S3M5SHEtgEBo8wGZT5h5K1xgnFR7Rx1kX4KGKeYGtYh6tX6VwuZJgvoXZrsyEvYfVuSmfLhjYcMUcq3s/s400/IMG_5092.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooked vegetable matter mush</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyrBclNoL2SlxtjL_JiKhiuYe4Ql9Bk5RuT0RiRqx_9q5MBys3o_C8BIRX8k5WUBIAuRkK5oK9xWQXDpGwrGDbgXP8KwvwhtD43F2ghJ5rzcObEJZ1E3SFiGsJNb4oJhS3LbuzNxwbgw/s1600/IMG_5094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyrBclNoL2SlxtjL_JiKhiuYe4Ql9Bk5RuT0RiRqx_9q5MBys3o_C8BIRX8k5WUBIAuRkK5oK9xWQXDpGwrGDbgXP8KwvwhtD43F2ghJ5rzcObEJZ1E3SFiGsJNb4oJhS3LbuzNxwbgw/s320/IMG_5094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extracted colour</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I used alum & cream of tartar as a mordant. (one of the least toxic mordant options)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBvntJJFSJ8d9wwT7hOaTwX98T_OCGmIe4d2VgI022hbKeGwv2mrNe8BNKnx8ObNG4vrlxjVHNWYUfSHWrESH6j3NpSMss_LNbNv2s6m6pxXpbcXxopNqjjYI8hyphenhyphenzFaRg3BpizsbuFX0/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBvntJJFSJ8d9wwT7hOaTwX98T_OCGmIe4d2VgI022hbKeGwv2mrNe8BNKnx8ObNG4vrlxjVHNWYUfSHWrESH6j3NpSMss_LNbNv2s6m6pxXpbcXxopNqjjYI8hyphenhyphenzFaRg3BpizsbuFX0/s320/IMG_5098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mordanting; alum & cream of tartar</td></tr>
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To avoid mixing all the dye colours, we dyed the yarn in two batches; one of orangey red shades, and another of yellowy green shades.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5263ACYQ_QFnqHtUigWKNof7PpM2NusLHoZvFsFQA4QmJ3cmGNdzbwVz9cEZYhmMxnXkCDVXGiWXUR5A5iIX6zfex_tXtGk-asISJZCmyxv57Z3qIwER2BkDANrHW-KzNpnDmwzl8uc/s1600/IMG_5104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5263ACYQ_QFnqHtUigWKNof7PpM2NusLHoZvFsFQA4QmJ3cmGNdzbwVz9cEZYhmMxnXkCDVXGiWXUR5A5iIX6zfex_tXtGk-asISJZCmyxv57Z3qIwER2BkDANrHW-KzNpnDmwzl8uc/s320/IMG_5104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium (in the jar) & onion skin dyeing</td></tr>
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Our experiments included the following plants;<br />
<div>
Pink Dianthus - turned to colourless mush in the freezer.</div>
<div>
Yellow onion skins - gave the strongest colour of all. </div>
<div>
Marigold flower heads - gave a surprisingly greenish colour on the yarn</div>
<div>
Dandelion heads - the extracted colour was so weak, I added some carrot leaves to the final dye bath. </div>
<div>
Pink geranium petals - gave a really lovely colour in water, but this did not transfer to the yarn; the finished yarn is a very subtle shade of not-quite natural. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjfFk19RNV9tg92z6AEKqIlWxYvpEAvUBZFOmKtK4BvQkyI3JoQIkFkiImUbC3OiFGuvG-r2zPQYbxZ3G2-yrGgTbniEc-xgR8iTGo30A7Lg9HmqfKvwdDYerzvQC-JvtL0wcE5DV9cI/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjfFk19RNV9tg92z6AEKqIlWxYvpEAvUBZFOmKtK4BvQkyI3JoQIkFkiImUbC3OiFGuvG-r2zPQYbxZ3G2-yrGgTbniEc-xgR8iTGo30A7Lg9HmqfKvwdDYerzvQC-JvtL0wcE5DV9cI/s320/IMG_5116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">L-R: onion skin, marigold, dandelion & carrot leaves, geraniums</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I enjoyed messing about with dye; the Small Human enjoyed the initial collecting leaves phase, but did not want to take part in any sorting etc. She was happy just to look in the boiling pots when the time came. I think she would have been more enthusiastic if we had managed to create something pink (in spite of my best efforts to encourage all the colours). I am already thinking of future dye possibilities; I wonder if the extracted dye could be used as paint?<br />
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To be continued....<br />
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</div>
PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-27474506746815954672017-08-23T11:10:00.000+01:002017-08-23T11:10:11.013+01:00Home Grown<div style="text-align: center;">
This summer, we have been experimenting with growing just a little smidgen of food. I will hold my hands up here & admit that I have no gardening knowledge beyond my 'throw in dirt, add water' technique, but am willing to give it a go. Our garden is mostly paved, with some gravel-filled beds. We have some vague plans to do big work to the garden, but for now I gathered a few odd containers (buckets used for bird feed from my Dad's shed, a red basket left behind in a previous rental house, and some chopped up milk cartons). With help from the Small Human (and the Smallest tied to my back in a sling) we added some gravel, compost & carrot and pea seeds.</div>
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And the plants grew - who knew?</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The peas have all been happily chewed; the Smallest Human seemed to appreciate that we grew a mange tout variety (she hasn't quite got the pincer grip for one pea at a time). The carrots are still growing; picking and eating a few a week.</span></div>
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We were also given some strawberry plants this year (thanks B!). The plants produced a little fruit, and a lot of runners, so I'm hoping to have more plants and more strawberries in the coming years.</div>
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Our garden output has been so small that it has had no impact on our food purchases. But I hope that this little smidgen of home grown produce will help the little ones understand that food does not magically appear on supermarket shelves. I think we have all enjoyed watching the seeds sprout, flowers appear, bees pollinate, and picking the carrots from the ground to reveal the strangely misshapen vegetables. Plus home grown produce tastes so much better. </div>
<br />PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-47130949342343317272017-08-14T10:35:00.003+01:002017-08-14T10:35:54.907+01:00Tour De Fleece 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm a little behind the times, but *finally* ready to share my (small) output for this year's Tour de Fleece. I started with one braid of Malabrigo Nube in the whales road colourway...</div>
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...and ended with about 260 metres of dk - aran-ish chain plied yarn. The pink is about 50 metres of mystery fibre, from a Hedgehog Fibres itty bitty fibre bag, spun about a year ago & finally plied. </div>
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The nube fibre was very compacted (by dye process, or being packed tightly for transport) and needed quite a bit of pre-drafting before spinning. I attempted spinning from the fold to have a semi-woollen finished yarn, but my drafting techniques were about as consistent as the Irish Weather. I have also discovered that the Smallest Human of the house enjoys watching things that spin, including the wheel, & ceiling fans at my LYS. </div>
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Eventually, when I get around to spinning a complementary yarn, I hope to knit a shawl with the Nube. I think the bright pink yarn will become something scrappy.</div>
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<br />PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-59996565511667596162017-08-02T20:48:00.000+01:002017-08-02T20:48:03.554+01:00Botanic Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With the Small Human on summer holidays, my day has been fairly consumed with taking care of the kids. There has been some time for knitting, but not so much for stringing words together in coherent sentences. In lieu of actual words, I'm sharing photos taken during a recent trip to the Botanic Gardens here in Dublin. We're quite lucky to live within an easy bus journey, and the Small Human enjoys wandering around the gardens every now & then. At the moment with so many flowers in bloom there is such a variety of colours & textures to enjoy. And even in the height of summer there are little moments of beautiful decay & peeling paint to admire. </div>
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<br />PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-45384887145683765812017-06-09T15:55:00.003+01:002021-02-16T20:58:32.955+00:00Finished knits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In spite of kid-related chaos and chronic lack of organisation on my part. I have actually been finishing some knits.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ff24xhAKy1Nt833DJsgvU3snUkqFmT_crLnWRRVQWVo0Xyw-3ACNJnXkmTuyL6-AzglBWbzkTOgz7RfoxVvyF1cpnwOGLBQlqAba9PAtIoccAYY3meO5fWLUBjGbk1zknNLtn2F0Pi0/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ff24xhAKy1Nt833DJsgvU3snUkqFmT_crLnWRRVQWVo0Xyw-3ACNJnXkmTuyL6-AzglBWbzkTOgz7RfoxVvyF1cpnwOGLBQlqAba9PAtIoccAYY3meO5fWLUBjGbk1zknNLtn2F0Pi0/s320/IMG_0566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welly socks for the Small Human, knit in Schoppel Wolle Zauberball Starke 6. Pattern of my own devising. The Small Human is quite happy with any bit of pink, though the weather has been less welly-friendly lately. </div>
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Lamitra by Woolly Wormhead in Townhouse Yarns Grafton 4 ply. I tinkered with this one a little to have less volume in the finished hat; I cast on using the instructions for a size smaller than intended, and omitted the short rows by the brim. I adore the subtle speckles in Townhouse Yarns Prism colourway so much that it was hard to give this one away (to my mother!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC9iTlopDRdxT24e2WInLOnnkcVkU2SNTY0DE7GQ8FXTHOf5OYJrpE24HU3bvlQIarvoZSnLX7GEY0lS1u07ZA6k2fHSr9YBs1EIFLCHxXWrWzRSgpzeW8zvZjL_f7ea-qb6Ef3u0nRM/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC9iTlopDRdxT24e2WInLOnnkcVkU2SNTY0DE7GQ8FXTHOf5OYJrpE24HU3bvlQIarvoZSnLX7GEY0lS1u07ZA6k2fHSr9YBs1EIFLCHxXWrWzRSgpzeW8zvZjL_f7ea-qb6Ef3u0nRM/s320/IMG_4993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Vanilla by Kelly van Niekerk in Studio Donegal Soft Donegal. </div>
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I have this lanolised & ready to use, but still haven't actually put my faith in wool and lanolin as a wee barrier. *One of these days...</div>
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A pair of coordinating frocks for the Small & Smallest Humans. Pattern of my own devising, it's a top-down raglan with side increases in the body for an a-line fit. The yarn was <a href="http://playingwithfibre.blogspot.ie/2015/10/dye-experiments.html">dyed by me</a> in a fit of experimentation some time ago. </div>
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Knitting continues when kids & time management & my ability to ignore housework allow. As the Smallest Human is now 6 months old, I've been trying to encourage the designer part of my brain back in action. The one thing I have re-learned so far is to swatch. Swatch. Always swatch. </div>
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*I am advised that lanolin treated wool has seemingly magical properties when it comes to cloth nappies. Apparently it allows wetness from nappies to evaporate, keeping baby's clothing and sheets dry overnight. Lanolin can also be used as skin moisturiser. It would seem that sheep are magical creatures. </div>
PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1508838704052548049.post-597360104357168012017-05-02T16:38:00.000+01:002017-05-02T16:38:17.419+01:00AWOLI can't believe it's been two whole months since my last post. There has been crafting, but as almost every waking moment is consumed with juggling needs of Small & Smallest humans, I haven't quite managed to photograph finished projects, never mind string together a sentence or two. I did remember to take photos during a trip to the Avoca weaving mills in Wicklow a couple of weeks ago. There was chocolate cake. There was lots and lots of yarn...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxR07gf-eTn075DCdT6FZec7RwmmQKCJSsRtnwJsb0JKDgUxzPK-Ez842JTGyX3Ac7c-Gyf9JmrkidoiHRQPNCJmoBNTJ_Qno-IrdplS0QoP1QOwmCye_BgyGPoM-7ewycZgj9UYG2k4/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxR07gf-eTn075DCdT6FZec7RwmmQKCJSsRtnwJsb0JKDgUxzPK-Ez842JTGyX3Ac7c-Gyf9JmrkidoiHRQPNCJmoBNTJ_Qno-IrdplS0QoP1QOwmCye_BgyGPoM-7ewycZgj9UYG2k4/s320/IMG_4881.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Cones and cones of beautiful, colourful, fine weight yarn<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVbEhgTUzqe8hqlF_RFjjSDhLz6bTMQwLruRq2-SHAVsgrW4EZZpjAWE5xYndFF6XHPOxJxGGyFIxydPHY9Cq6fdue56enfz9rd6nlWEWHmMjO7zaP56nnL-lYe9rGoQaaeKR7GPj50c/s1600/IMG_4883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVbEhgTUzqe8hqlF_RFjjSDhLz6bTMQwLruRq2-SHAVsgrW4EZZpjAWE5xYndFF6XHPOxJxGGyFIxydPHY9Cq6fdue56enfz9rd6nlWEWHmMjO7zaP56nnL-lYe9rGoQaaeKR7GPj50c/s320/IMG_4883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
But sadly, none was on sale in the on-site shop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0hn0PJMUeAWipa71ASjt6vG3NcBCkS4i1HBV6_dJibIIi587JlmPyBrahg-VZ1Yh7ryY30tfB_CdfYrFGobwDb5oUWa8ppoWuogadHBP1Qai6SCnX7u6NeKzCoWKwY3qRFzIuudEPSk/s1600/IMG_4894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0hn0PJMUeAWipa71ASjt6vG3NcBCkS4i1HBV6_dJibIIi587JlmPyBrahg-VZ1Yh7ryY30tfB_CdfYrFGobwDb5oUWa8ppoWuogadHBP1Qai6SCnX7u6NeKzCoWKwY3qRFzIuudEPSk/s320/IMG_4894.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
(these boxes were taller than me).PlayingWithFibrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377479369035931056noreply@blogger.com0