Shows
The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastBaby Knits RoundupFollowing Ep 171 about great patterns for baby knits and Ep 172 about good yarns for kids and baby knits, this week is a roundup of all the community feedback on both these subjects. I’m also asking for some suggestion on behalf of Kat, a lovely listener, who is undertaking a fairly arduous physical challenge. She’d appreciate some suggestions on how she can record this with an accompanying knitting project. All of the chat for this feedback occurred within the Shinybees Podcast Community. You can join for free at shinybees.com/community Kat’s Project Hey Jo, do you rememb...
2021-03-0227 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastGreat Yarns For Kids and Baby KnitsFollowing on from ep 171, today we are covering some of my go-to baby and kid knitting yarns. Split into 3 sections, we'll cover 4ply, DK and patterned yarns, at a variety of price points. There are also different fibres covered, so if you don't like animal fibre, or you don't want to use synthetics, there is a suggestion for you. 4-ply yarns are Regia Baby Smiles My First Regia, Drops Baby Merino, Adriafil Rugiada 4ply Sparkly, Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4ply, Sirdar Snuggle 100% Merino 4ply. DK yarns are Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK, West Yorkshire Spinners Colour Lab DK...
2021-02-1932 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastKnitting Trends For 2021What will be the knitting trends for hand knitters in 2021? Not that I am in any way an authority on the finer points of craft fashion and popularity, but these are my predictions for what will be a knitting trend in 2021. Knitting Trends For 2021 1. Intarsia It’s not the first time Intarsia has featured in my list of predicted trends for the year, and it’s not quite fulfilled its promise as yet in terms of reaching that top knitting trend popularity. There have been a few notable patterns, but it has still to reach main...
2021-02-0228 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastDelicious Little JoysThe #DeliciousLittleJoysKAL is coming! Having not hosted a KAL for a long time, I was inspired to do one given we are now in the second, not that exciting sequel to the original lockdown part one. Delicious little joys is the theme and the idea is to embrace the idea of looking for delicious little joys in the every day. Indeed, it’s about actively building in joy to your day. It’s gonna be miserable in the Northern hemisphere soon, so finding ways to bring joy will be a positive thing. Yarn is any that brings you joy. Patt...
2020-11-1336 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastThe Boyfriend Sweater CurseYou may or may not have heard before about the infamous folklore that is the Boyfriend Sweater Curse, also known as The Sweater Curse. The Love Sweater Curse occurs when a knitter undertakes to knit a jumper for a significant other, and this leads to the breakdown of the relationship - sometimes before the recipient has even received the gift! In a 2005 survey, 15% of knitters reported having experienced this very curse. 41% believed that it might be true. SO it's worth knowing about, even if you don't believe in it. This subject came up as I am about to -finally...
2020-11-0332 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastSocktober, The Month of SocksSocktober lends its inspiration this week, where I have a rundown of ten previous banging' Shinybees episodes that cover some great sock themed content. There are a couple of interviews, as well as some expert advice from Clare Devine on the Sock Surgery, all handily signposted from this episode. You'll find all the links in the shownotes at shinybees.com but here is the shortlist: Ep 27 - Toe up or Cuff Down For Socks Ep 29 - How to Make Socks That Fit Ep 33 - How to Fix Your Socks When They Go Wrong Ep 35 - Cast Offs For Socks...
2020-10-0639 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastYou Forget What You KnowThere are some great knitting sites available and I often forget that not everyone has discovered them yet. That was the case this week during a discussion on the Shinybees Podcast Community, when I shared the new Knitty First Fall publication, and found that some people had never heard of Knitty! So, this week I have shared some of my favourite knitting sites that I come back to often, specifically to help those new knitters that have started listening tot the podcast during lockdown, or that have started listening after returning to the needles. Knitty is the first example...
2020-10-0128 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastBack to School KnitsThis week is sponsored by Back to School, specifically the absolute abomination that is school shoe shopping. Despite indeed having no school for the kids, I decided to brave Clarks and get the pre-requisite footwear on a special early morning appointment. Sadly, this did not prevent the usual dick move behaviour when shopping for shoes from my dearly beloved offspring. Naturally, this inspired a back to school themed Pattern Pick. Full show notes at www.shinybees.com/156 Music for this episode with kind permission of Adam and the Walter Boys with 'I Need a Drink' available from iTunes.
2020-08-2535 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastMust Knit Vintage Patterns from A Stitch in Time Volume 2 by Susan Crawford and Jane WallerFollowing an existential corona crisis a few episodes back, I've added more blonde streaks, I'm working on the Mini and I have been looking for some vintage inspired pieces to add to my wardrobe. This week I've gone through A Stitch in Time Volume 2 by Susan Crawford and Jane Waller to select my top five must-knit patterns. These have been chosen for their versatility in modernising the look to be wearable now, even if you aren't a vintage fan. The styling of the A Stitch in Time books is sublime and I love the extra information that is included...
2020-08-1828 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastPaint the FenceThis week it's about finding a mindless way to feel productive by painting the fence. There's a lot going on at Casa Shiny and my parents have been restricted again in Greater Manchester, along with a load of friends, so the 'rona is making its presence felt. Thus, I have included some quality Youtube material to give you a giggle, including the Floppotron and the genius that is Sexy Sax Man. I've done some knitting on the Snaw Heid hat in between roaming Sussex and Kent looking for a new place to live. Reading wise, it's been all about...
2020-08-0728 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastOctopodiversary - 8 Years of the Shinybees Knitting PodcastEight years of the Shinybees Knitting Podcast means today is my Octopodiversary! Not sure if that is even a real world, but I'm now going to own it on the whole internet. This show is a roundup of my top 8 episodes of the past 8 years. Maybe you're a new listener and haven't gone that far back yet. perhaps you've been listening for a while - maybe since the beginning - and have forgotten these episodes. I'd forgotten some of the stuff and I was in them! There are some soundbites from each episode for your listening pleasure, which should...
2020-07-2454 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastChoose Your Own AdventureThis week there's a new home for the podcast community on the horizon, so there's a lot of chat about that - and about the general negativity of social media in general. The podcast is intended to be a fun and uplifting experience, so I am reluctant to bring listeners to a community on a platform that is negative and horrible to be on. I'm fleshing out the platform ready to move over, but the podcast community will be leaving Facebook in the next couple of weeks. A roundup of knitting fails follows this chat, and I discuss needing...
2020-07-2230 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastGoing LocalWe’re back after a regrettable rain and laptop-based accident, which caused an unplanned break in the schedule. If you decide to do yoga outside, remember to bring your computer back in when you are finished. If you live in the North, it’s probably going to rain, even if it is cracking the flags currently. A two-week break from any sort of work has encouraged me to pick up the needles again. I’ll tell you about that a bit later. Interiors and Decorating I’ve made the most of the unscheduled break by having some decorating work done in...
2020-07-1536 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastGone to RatsHere we are at episode 150! This week's planned content has been rejigged so it's a little later than planned. There have been some issues with accessibility on Ravelry which meant it is unwise at this stage for me to add any further links to the site. There's lots of information out there about the problems. TL;DR the new site design is giving people visual disturbances, migraines and in some cases, triggering seizures. At the moment, the Ravelry team don't appear to be communicating that they are listening to these valid concerns, so for the time being, I will...
2020-06-2625 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEmbracing Long Term WIPs for Mojo ReturnI've dug up some long term WIPs this week and it has heartily revived my knitting mojo! I've been stuck at home for 13 weeks on my own with two children. I never thought I would have to do this amount of time on my own with kids ever. Not without some kind of park I can go throw them on or grandparents, I can go throw them at. Or, you know, even just being able to go to the pub and have a drink, frankly. So I'm feeling quite proud of myself in some ways. That's pretty good. Right...
2020-06-1723 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastStash FitAfter the revelation of Ep 146, where I talked about seriously considering a Full and Complete destash, which may or may not have been a mid-Corona crisis, this week I review a method for creating a stash that fits. It's not some ghastly attempt at enforcing small stashed and yarn diets - far from it. The StashFit process is a well designed method for achieving a stash that creates joy and excitement, instead of guilt and dread. Cate Carter Evans of Infinite Twist is the dyer behind the system, and she surveyed and worked with many knitters to refine the...
2020-06-0954 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastKnitting For ComfortSome patterns to comfort or soothe might be what you need right now. This episode has five patterns with that cosy, comforting feeling for you to check out. Also there are three resources for finding great podcasts by BIPOC and/or Women of Colour on all kinds of subjects. It's not always easy to identify podcasts made by hosts from a more diverse range of communities due to siltation on search. Luckily, there are great directories out there to help! Full shownotes and links at www.shinybees.com/147 Music for this episode is by Adam and the Walter Boys...
2020-06-0418 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastLife Audit aka What Happens When You Consider and Full and Complete DestashHave you ever considered a complete destash? As in, getting rid of all your stash, totally, and starting again from scratch? Or not starting again? In this episode Jo confesses to having more than a passing consideration for getting rid of all of her painstakingly-assembled-over-nine-years-and-three-continents stash. It's triggered somewhat of a life audit in other areas (or maybe vice-versa). Jo asks some tough questions as to why this might be happening, and invites you to come along on the ride whilst the stash audit takes place. Full shownotes at www.shinybees.com/146 Music for this episode with kind permission...
2020-05-2627 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastCats to Knit and CrochetThis week, we're all about the cats. Despite being a non-cat lover, it is hard to deny that there are some great patterns out there for cat themed - well - everything! Whether you are looking for knitting or crochet, fine yarn to heavy yarn or even cat hair, there is a suggestion for everyone today. 1) Cat in a Corset by Anna Hrachovec 2) Cat Love by Sweater Freak 3) Cat Hair Finger Puppet by Kaori Tsutaya and Amy Hirschmann 4) Cat in the Night Mittens by Lumi Karimitsa 5) Slouchy Cat Hat by Maria Gilligan 6) Cat Lover Blanket by Marken of the...
2020-05-2027 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastStay on the (Kitty) CouchHello and welcome to all new and returning listeners! I planned for today’s episode to be a short one, however, once I got into the flow of chatting, it ended up being a full lengther. There’s been lots of chat in the Shinybees Podcast Community on Facebook. I’m still looking for a new home beyond Facebook. I’ve found social media and the news to be extremely negative at the moment. I’ve responded to this by judiciously muting and blocking of overly negative people and content. This has been an overwhelmingly positive thing. Sidenote – school whatsapp gro...
2020-05-1235 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastUseful Resources For Beginner KnittersStaying home has encouraged a wave of new and returning knitters. After receiving many knit-related requests over the past 6 or so weeks, this episode is a compilation of my favourite ones. Finding good resources, particularly free ones, can be a bit tricky I find. I'm also massively fussy about certain things that probably don't bother many people! My favourite resources are: Sheep and Stitch, Very Pink Knits, Purllinknitting, Knitty Grotty by Aneeta Patel and Knitting 1010 - Knitting For Beginners at Paradise Fibers. With that caveat, you can find links to all the resources at shinybees.com/143 Music for this...
2020-05-0532 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastMethods for Repairing Hand Knit SocksToday’s episode is all about repairing hand knit socks. I have a pair of socks that I have accidentally worn through the heel of, and I wanted to repair them. I’ve collated some resources and options for repairing knitted items. If you’re struggling with existential crises/dread/ennui as a result of over-thinking everything, Dr Shiny’s recommendation is vigorous consumption of comedy videos and memes. And Tiger King. Link to Bits n Pieces by Artemisia Methods for Fixing Hand Knit Socks The easiest way to repair worn-through hand knits, is to repair the thin patch before i...
2020-04-1720 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEp139 - New NormalGetting used to a new normal is tricky. This week has been challenging for most people and today there is a little bit of chat about that, along with a review of Wist Tha Bahn by Joy McMillan. You can hear more from Joy in her interview on the podcast at shinybees.com/118. This is a collection of 6 multi-colour shawls with Northern roots designed by Joy. All the patterns use British wool produced in the UK and dyed by The Knitting Goddess. Full Shownotes at www.shinybees.com/139
2020-03-3034 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastCan't Think of a TitleHello and welcome to another slightly strange episode of the Shinybees podcast. This episode has not followed my usual inspiration and research process and I think at the moment, that’s ok. I have some knitting patterns for you today, and I will be talking a bit about what I’m up to. I’m going to try and keep away from labouring the finer points of the virus, as we’re all hearing enough about that from other sources. I will talk about some of the things that I am doing and thinking, in the hope that it...
2020-03-2328 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastOn the Run From the CoronaIt's been a while since I was last behind the mic, owing to some unexpected turns of events and globetrotting. All is fine now, though, and I am back in the UK, with some podcasting equipment and able to record and speak to you again. This episode is a quick catch up, with a little knitting and an invitation to share some books you're currently enjoying. The show will be recorded as often as possible going forward, as we're now practising self isolation. We're not symptomatic, just being sensible people who are following the advice given. As such, I'm...
2020-03-2127 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastYarn Advent Calendars aka What to Knit With a Load of Mini-SkeinsYarn Advent Calendars have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years as a more fibre-orientated alternative to the traditional chocolate. Often, a kit that is specially made by an indie dyer will come with a pattern for the yarn. But what if you don't like it, or you don't have the spare cash to splash on a pre-made kit? Lots of knitters like to create their own version of the yarn advent calendar by making up small balls or mini-skeins of yarn (or using mini-skein sets acquired elsewhere). Informal kal or swap groups...
2019-12-1033 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastTurn the WheelAfter a longer than expected podbreak, Jo is back and talking about turning the wheel when life gets in the way of creativity. Sometimes you just need to get the things done and that doesn't always leave a lot left over for your craft, and that's ok. How do you keep the creative energy high? The way back to the knitting for me has been through a very simple pattern and some special yarn, to make a gift for a dear friend. Full show notes at www.shinybees.com/134 How do you keep...
2019-11-1517 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastI Aten't DeadThis week it's a quick catch up after an unscheduled break in programming thanks to contracting pneumonia. First up, I mention the recent discussion around racism, inclusion and diversity in the knitting community. This podcast has not been as inclusive as it should be in the content produced up to now and I apologise for that. News-wise, I share a new podcast interview I did that is released now on The InDependant Spouse podcast with Jess Sands, which is a podcast that shares stories from military spouses and veterans in business. After this, there's a...
2019-03-0523 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastStolen Stitches with Carol FellerCarol Feller joins me on the show this week, sharing her journey into knitwear design. Carol Feller (StolenStiches.com) is a designer, teacher, and author living in Cork, Ireland. She has published almost 270 patterns and 7 books, including Short Row Knits (Pottercraft) and Contemporary Irish Knits (Wiley), and is a popular instructor on Craftsy.com with almost 400,000 students. She regularly teaches at yarn shops, fibre festivals, knitting retreats and tours, covering a wide variety of basic and advanced skills including chart reading, garment shaping, short rows, cables, and colourwork. Carol first learned to knit in primary school, and there is...
2019-01-2245 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastHow To Get The Most From A Knitting ShowGot yarn show plans for 2019? Are you a show veteran? or have you never been to a show? Somewhere in between? In this episode I share some top tips for getting the most out of attending yarn shows, including where to find which ones are happening. Looking at why you want to attend (social, shopping, work or a mixture) can help you to narrow down the wide range of options available these days and ensure you get the best experience. On the shopping side, it's worth saving up if possible, so you have a kitty...
2019-01-1538 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastDaria Rakowski of Cloud 9 FiberworksDaria Rakowski is our guest today to discuss widely varying subjects from eyelash yarn merkins(!) to an overview of the Canadian yarn industry. Daria is the creative genius behind Cloud 9 Fiberworks, and is based in Winnipeg in Canada. Originally indulging in her love of yarn as a child, she would often be found under the table in her Aunt's yarn shop in Winnipeg, untangling balls of yarn. Still an aficionado of vintage yarns from the period, she also produces hand dyed yarns, both on custom blended yarns just for her as well as on more commercially available...
2019-01-0845 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastKnitting Trends for 2019What will be the five big trends for knitting in 2019? In this episode I share what I think will be the five top trends for the hand knitting world in 2019. Based on what has gone prior and general observation of content and social media, I have picked out the following as things to watch. 1) Intarsia - we've seen brioche come and get overcooked and 2018 was definitely the year of the colour work yoked sweater. Intarsia is the next logical step in this progression for me. Bonus: Beads will be big in 2020/1 I reckon.
2018-12-2829 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastPlanning a Year of KnittingIt's always a popular time to plan your projects for the coming new year, but do you really need to? I won't be doing Make9in2019 next year (spoiler) bout I will be using other people's ideas for that project as inspiration for what I could consider. The podcast will be going on tour soon and that has prompted some consideration in terms of what to take with me. As it's going to be a little longer than the average holiday, it's taken more consideration in terms of planning what to take. This episode is a discussion around the...
2018-12-1836 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastChristmas JumperChristmas Jumper Day is 14th December and in today's episode, I'm running through your different options when it comes to embracing this staple of the festive season. Prompted by a social media post from @fash_rev about the Brits' obsession with the Christmas Jumper. Did you know that we will spend in excess of £220 MILLION on Christmas Jumpers this year? A quarter of which will end up in the bin? Charity shops are saying they are overflowing with Christmas jumpers. So, for our first option for acquiring a festive sweater is to go t...
2018-12-1132 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastA Hat For Every EventualityEveryone needs more knitted hats in their life and today I share seven pattern ideas for hats. I've been out of knitting sorts lately and attempting a new hat is just the ticket to get back into it. I've gone through a tricky time recently and I wanted to find a way to order my thoughts through the yogic medium of knitting. I was inspired to look at hats as a quick and satisfying project. This would allow the thrill of an FO with minimal commitment of time and effort. Today I'll share seven different pattern ideas...
2018-12-0433 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastHawkshaw Sheep with Sue HornSue Horn of Hawkshaw Sheep in the Scottish Borders is our guest on the show today,. She shares the ups and downs of being a shepherdess, creating your own yarns and fabrics and farm life. Ever wondered what it is like to commission your own yarns? Sue shares how she decided to produce yarn, as well as how she went about producing fabric from the yarns. You can find Sue at www.hawkshaw-sheep-yarn.co.uk Full show notes at www.shinybees.com/125
2018-11-2734 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastYarnporium FunYarnporium 2018 is reviewed on this episode of the podcast, where I give you a rundown of what went on at Westminster Central Hall in November. Hosted by the fabulous ladies of Yarn in the City, Allison Thistlewood and Rachel Brown, this was a fabulous event which brought together some of the best UK and EU vendors into a glorious venue in Central London for two days of yarny fun. My Best in Show for this event was RiverKnits, Garthenor and Rosy Green Wool, and you can hear my thoughts on each of these and why you should check them...
2018-11-2044 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastStrange BrewThis week we review the new Tin Can Knits collection - Strange Brew. It's a knitwear collection that embraces everything colour work for the whole family. There's some knitty news and an update on School Council gate. There's also some knitterly news for you covering UK yarn events for the next couple of months including Yarnporium, Ferret Fest and Saturnalia. Full links and shownotes are at www.shinybees.com/123
2018-10-2439 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastHoliday KnittingHow do you decide what knitting to take with you when you travel? Do you spend more time choosing what yarn to take than which clothes to pack? This week we tackle the thorny subject of holiday/travel knitting. A source of much anguish for the average knitter, choosing what to take with you, and what to leave behind, can be like picking a favourite child. Even a short getaway can lead to stash packing that would enable you to survive a zombie apocalypse. So, today we discuss some ideas for how to decide what...
2018-09-2631 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastRusty Ferret with Leona Jayne of FluphIt's a chatty and fun episode today with the enigmatic Leona Jayne Page of Rusty Ferret/Fluph. Voted back onto the show as a guest for the second time, Leona tells us about how she moved from yarn shop owner into hand dyer. Rusty Ferret was, when we last met Leona, in the closet as a 'local dyer'. Well, the worst kept secret in knitting was uncovered and Leona was revealed as the dyer behind Rusty Ferret. Rusty is a steampunk gentleman and Leona draws upon all kinds of things for inspiration. We cover a...
2018-09-1351 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastFar East AdventuresThis week is a bit of a catch up as I share my Far East adventures so far. I'm in China, and I share some of the funnier/more unusual observations I've made so far being here, including crotchless baby clothes, sleeping in public and appreciative eating. Also involved is a marching column of riot police. On the knitting side, we revisit ep 114 (Yarn Snob) and I share some of the submitted entries for the remaining three categories of yarn snob. Full show notes and links at www.shinybees.com/117 Music...
2018-08-1134 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastReturn to Shetland with Susan CrawfordSusan Crawford joins me this week and we take a journey through the past three years since Ep55. The Vintage Shetland Project was officially published in February 2018. The culmination of 8 years of painstaking work, the book is an absolute triumph, both as an academic work, but also as Susan was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer just prior to the original planned publication date. In this episode we talk about the realisation of The Vintage Shetland Project into its paper form, and discuss a few of the amazing stories that have come out as a result...
2018-08-0136 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastPhone Down, Knitting UpWhere do you lose knitting time and how can you go about carving out more time to do it? In this week's episode, I talk about the idea of cutting out mindless phone scrolling time to increase your knitting time, and the associated benefits of doing so. Also we have a news round up for the start of the month, including information about the #titsoutcollective run by Countess Ablaze (along with her new YouTube channel), the Great London Yarn Crawl from Yarn In The City, the Indie Burgh Craft Crawl in Edinburgh and Fibre East. ...
2018-07-0632 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastYarn SnobYarn Snob. For some it's worn as a badge of honour and for others, it's the worst thing in the world, but what exactly is a yarn snob? There was (unsurprisingly) no dictionary definition for yarn snob, so I looked up both words individually to arrive at the following: Yarn Snob noun - A person who believes that their tastes in spun thread used for knitting, weaving or sewing are superior to those of other people. I looked far and wide to come up with 6, gusting 7 different types of yarn snob, and I'm l...
2018-06-2329 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastWoollen DublinDublin is the destination for this week's show. It's a new format where you can join me and (lots of) friends live-is from Woollen in Dublin. The festival took place at the end of May and you can join us there now. There were lots of great vendors and big name teachers attending on this inaugural festival. Full shownotes and links (there are a lot of them!) will be available at www.shinybees.com/113
2018-06-0836 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastKnit Share Love with Clare DevineClare Devine of #KnitShareLove rejoins me on the podcast this week, as we catch up with her after quite a while since her Sock Surgery days on the show. Clare is now in Australia, the country where her knitting adventure began, in a totally-unsuitable-for-knitting Broome. Now based in Brisbane, which is pretty warm, and presents its own knitting challenges. Since her last appearance on the show, which was shortly after the adult edition of her book, Sock Anatomy, was released, she's been involved of lots of exciting projects and collaborations. She's designed her first cardigan...
2018-05-1855 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastAssimilating New KnittersHow do we get the entire world knitting? It's a mission of mine and today we discuss the five pillars of knitter assimilation: marketing, self-belief, tools and materials, medium and motivation and access to decent resources. Of course, this are the Shinybees Pentagon of Knitting Assimilation and I think these are the things we need to be considering if we do want knitters to take over the world. More specifically, if we want the entire world to knit. Think how awesome that would be. Pillar one is marketing. No, it's not just for sleazy snake...
2018-05-1140 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastA Interview with Jane Murison of YarnisonJane Murison of Yarnison joins the show this week, talking about knitwear design, fish and chips and the urban landscape as an inspiration. Jane began designing a couple of years ago, and has several knitting patterns now, that are a homage to the post industrial landscape of Manchester, that she sees every day on her walk to work. A UX designer by profession, Jane enjoys bringing together design inspiration, techniques and the user (knitter) experience in her designs. Not one for 'quiet' yarns, she enjoys working with bold colours and neons to create striking pieces. ...
2018-05-0455 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn Podcast#HiddenHeels with Mitch of Surfing DucksMitch of Surfing Ducks is my guest on the podcast this week, where we discuss a plethora of things that spiral slightly out of control and end somewhere around knitted, transferable 'tramp stamps.' Yes... Mitch designs sock patterns with a particular twist; every heel flap is adorned with a quirky design. This led to the brand developing into an almost secret society under the #HiddenHeels theme. The idea is you can have these socks on, and have a heel that is usually hidden from view, but then is brought out on show at exactly...
2018-04-2742 min
The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastSpeckled Yarn: So Hot? Or So Not?Speckled yarn is the marmite of the knitting world right now. Outrageously popular, thanks to patronage by the likes of Stephen West and Andrea Mowry, speckles are so hot right now. Or are they? A straw poll of hardcore Shinybees listeners suggested a 66/33 split between Hot and Not. A lot of people expressed speckles as being something you need to be in the mood for. But what are speckled yarns? These are yarns that are dyed onto yarn that is a majority of one main colour, with random spots, splodges and flecks of other (often...
2018-04-0535 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 106: Colour Work ChallengeWho likes Angel Delight? This week's episode is definitely on the delight end of the pudding scale as opposed to a seven tier unicorn cake and that's often a good thing. It's a low tariff canter and catch up with no big questions asked or answered and instead we have some light and fluffy as air fun. In community news, I invite you to come and join the #shinybeescolourworkchallenge over in the Facebook group and try your hand at some stranded knitting. If knitting with more than one colour has been intimidating to you in t...
2017-02-0733 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 105: Knitting As More Than Just CraftKnitting: Is it *just* knitting? Or is it more than that? That's what we are going to be exploring today and in future episodes is how knitting transcends just being handiwork and becomes something much bigger. Today that's going to be using the Pussy Hat Project as an example. This is not a political rant episode, it's about using this case study (yes, I am a Geographer) to understand how knitting can spark change and allow people to be heard on a wider level. In community news, I'm inviting you to join the new Facebook...
2017-01-2032 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 104: Your Permission Is Not RequiredPermission. You don't need it from anyone to enjoy your hobbies, especially and most particularly if that hobby is knitting. This week the chat is about two notions: 1) selfish knitting and 2) hiding yarn purchases from significant others. Selfish is a bad word. It has negative connotations and is not a compliment. Why, oh WHY then, do we use this to describe engaging in our hobby if the thing we are making is for the benefit of ourselves? It's utter twaddle! Nobody expects it from football players or golfers. Nobody calls them selfish for doing their own hobby...
2017-01-1038 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 103 - Active Stash ExplorationThe first show of 2017 brings the project of the year for podcast to you. This year, we're all about Active Stash Exploration. What's that you say? It's definitely not cold sheeping, that is for sure. First up we have a quick catch up on happenings, before diving in to some news both for the Bees on the business front and for the podcast. Bees Inc is restructuring and that means we will lose some parts of the empire in order to focus on others. There is a free business group on Facebook (Business Without The Boll*cks...
2017-01-0451 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 102 - On The Edge Of Something MagicalThis week the show returns after a short hiatus. I'll give you a few funny tales from the past couple of months to get you in the mood for some Shiny On Form thought the episode. Pulling an octagenarian and gatecrashing a funeral are amongst the highlights. In Enabler's Corner, I enable you to the Tiny Tea Hat collection, which is the mini version of the most popular hats from Clare Devine of Knit Share Love's Tea Collection. It contains Chai, Everyday Brew, Lapsang and Liquorice. This is where it went off on one for...
2016-12-1441 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 101 - No Dalmatians RequiredAs Ravelry is disappointingly light on actual dalmatian patterns, I'm afraid this episode will not contain a pattern pick, but there will be a few of the usual segments you know and love. And a bit of mini Paul Rudd. Events-wise, coming up we have Yarnporium in London on 5-6 November. I'll be attending on the 6th: please say hi if you see me. And if I am holding any yarn, take it from me. Please. I have two tickets to give away - to enter leave a comment on the show notes on the Shinybees website...
2016-10-1837 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 100 - The Great Shinybees Hexipuff AmnestyThe tonne! A century! Episode 100 is upon us and a hearty thanks to all of you that have listened, do listen and are new to listening. Welcome one and all. Two topics of conversation this week, one of which contains zero knitting and a lot of the young Wigan version of Paul Rudd and his fit-for-his-age Dad. Don't ask... To celebrate episode 100 (and total credit to one Countess Ablaze for this idea) I am instigating The Great Shinybees Hexipuff Amnesty. Got Hexipuffs? Want to donate them for a good cause? Post them to Countess Ablaze's...
2016-08-1029 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 99 - When Pokemon Go and Yarn CollidePokemon is the theme of this week's episode as I delve deep into the bowels of Ravelry's pattern database to bring you a pattern pick of joyous wonder. If you've been sucked into the Pokemon Go craze (or PoGo to the cool kids) and you need some suitable patterns to accompany your meteoric rise as a trainer, I have you covered. From head to toe. In yellow acrylic. How does a Terry's Chocolate Orange fit into this madness? You're going to have to listen to find out! Also in the mis we have...
2016-07-2631 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 98 - Knitting in the NewsThis week we're indulging in a current affairs panel TV style format... without the panel. It's just me and three recent knitting related stories that have come to my attention and some thoughts on all of them. First up there is the story from Dundee of a woman given knitting as a punishment for a road rage related assault. Adamant she was a keen knitter, and that punching a woman in the face was just a momentary old of control before heading into The Knitting Pin, she was tasked with providing 'not a meagre amount' of knitting...
2016-07-1428 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 97 - Best UK Podcast of 2016This is the multi-award winning(!) Shinybees podcast, winner of the Best UK Podcast of 2016. Thanks to everyone who voted for the show. If you want to see the video of the acceptance speech, it's in the show notes. Knitting wise, I have been working mostly on Helen Stewart's Talisman Shawl from her Shawl Society club. It's being knit in Urban Hints 'Blood Orange' from The Wool Kitchen. The #RewindKAL has completed from a prize point of view, but we can keep going with the chat thread as I'm still nowhere near done. I ha...
2016-06-2932 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 96 - This Thing Of Paper - An Interview with Karie WestermannKarie Westermann joins me this week as my interview guest to tell us all about her journey into designing knitwear. Also a teacher and writer, Danish-born Karie calls Glasgow in Scotland her home since moving to the UK. A regular contributor to knitting magazines and publications as well as independent and commercial yarn companies, Karie became self employed two years ago. Author of the Doggerland collection, Karie has now embarked upon her first actual print book project - This Thing Of Paper. Previously a book historian, she will be bringing all this knowledge to the new project, w...
2016-06-141h 10The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 95 - Orange Mocha Frappuccino with Countess AblazeReturning from a mini podcast break, this week I'm joined by none other than the fabulous Countess Ablaze, who invited me to her studio in Manchester to dye some yarn and have a bit of a chat. News-wise, the Patreon for the podcast is no more - it just was not working for me int he way I had hoped. On a brighter note, the podcast has made the finals of the New Media Europe Awards in two categories: Best UK Podcast and Audience Appreciation Award. Please vote on Twitter each day for the show a...
2016-06-0757 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 94: Global HypercolourHello and welcome to a hyper colour episode of the podcast. This episode is sponsored by the Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl, Edinburgh's official yarn crawl, which is taking place on 11th June 2016 between 10am and 6pm. Visit three of Edinburgh's fantastic yarn stores and indie emporiums: Ginger Twist Studio, Be Inspired Fibres and Kathy's Knits. Enjoy a range of promotions and discounts, get your yarn passport signed and head to the afterparty at the Safari Lounge. Here you'll find a fantastic range of vendors in the pop-up marketplace including Phileas Yarns, Pekoe Tea, K.M. Bedigan, Spun Plu...
2016-05-1833 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 93: Alpaca LoveAlpaca is under the microscope this week as a fibre focus for the next few episodes. Before we move onto that thought, I have news for you as always. First up, the podcast is up for two New Media Europe Awards. Please follow the link in the show notes to cast your vote BEFORE 29th May, when the first round of voting closes. If you want your award back (you are an award winning audience after all!) then you need to get involved. Also in news the #RewindKAL is ongoing. I have just cast on...
2016-05-1028 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 92: Midwinter Yarns - An Interview with Estelle FaustThis week I am joined by Estelle of Midwinter Yarns.Specialising in Scandinavian yarns, Swedish-born Estelle runsMidwinter from her home in the rural Welsh Valleys.Aided and abetted by her husband Mark, also known as MrMidwinter, she delights in bringing the best yarns Sweden has tooffer to the UK, in her quest to share the culture of herhomeland. Originally an interior designer, Estelle started her businessafter moving to Wales. She'd often thought of starting a businessbut it was the move and having more space that made it a reality.She's a self-confessed endurance knitter.
2016-05-0335 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 91 - Is That It?Chat abound this week! Catching up is the order of the day. LJ
completed the marathon and her derriere is fine, thank you for
asking.
Yarn Shop Day is on Saturday and I am looking forward to diving
face first into The Countess' Tunnock's. That's not a euphemism;
she will have a tower of Tunnock's. If you can't come to
Manchester, why not check out what's happening in your area? If
you're abroad - stage your own Yarn Shop Day.
In Enablers' Corner, I invite you to be enabled to the ME box.
It's a...
2016-04-2640 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 90: Curious Handmade - An Interview With Helen StewartThis week I am pleased to welcome the lovely Helen Stewart onto the show. Designer and voice of the award winning Curious Handmade podcast.
Originally from Australia, Helen is quite the nomad and loves travelling. She began designing when she moved to London. It was a part-time venture for a while, until after he second daughter was born. Having become increasingly unhappy in her corporate role and keen to create a situation where she could have flexibility to be with her girls, she took the big leap into designing as a business at the end of 2013. She l...
2016-04-1943 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 89: Paula Abdul Would Be ProudThis week I bring you lots of things to be inspired by. The reference to Paula Abdul is not covered within the show but encompasses the idea of 'two steps forward/two steps back'.
First up there's news about Shiny's Hive, and a party to be remembered at Countess Ablaze for Yarn Shop Day on 30th April 2016. Come and join lots of us fun folk between 10am and 5pm and get involved in the fun. Isla of BritYarn will also be there with a trunk show. British Wool a gogo.
I review Yarn In The...
2016-04-1544 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 88 - The Wool Kitchen - An Interview With Helen ReedHelen Reed of The Wool Kitchen is my super-fun sidekick this episode. Helen is a hand dyer based in Walthamstow in East London, although originally she's a Northern bird, albeit from the wrong side of the Pennines (Yorkshire).
She worked in retail prior to becoming a mum, and once her kiddies were going to school, she decided to start The Wool Kitchen as a business to indulge in her creative side.
A colour addict, you can expect wild and vivid skeins from Helen. Even the pared down colour ways are still bright and lively. The...
2016-04-0539 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 87 - Travelknitter: An interview with LarissaLarissa of Travelknitter is my guest this week on the podcast. Fans of the show will know I am a big fan of her work, in particular her sorcery ability when it comes to creating red yarns. It's a hard colour to dye and she does it so brilliantly, I've collected one of every of her red colour ways.
Larissa is based in East London and is originally from Australia. Travelknitter is a part-time operation that was born out of her need to find exactly the right kind of red yarn (a girl after my own heart). S...
2016-03-2934 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 86 - Beaded Knitting on a TrainThis week we have a friendly catch up post Edinburgh Yarn Festival. I reassure listeners that knitting on a train with beads is indeed a perfectly safe activity. Come and hear the rundown of Scotland's premier knitting festival. It's not done to death, just a few highlights including my notable mentions for Beyond Measure, Cowtown Knits and Tilly Flop Designs and the Best In Show... which is like Crufts, only without dogs.
We round up with the three dyers from the spring quarter of The Golden Skein. Go and check out Whistlebare, Snail Yarn and Sparkleduck.
2016-03-2346 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 85: The Little Grey Girl - An Interview with Gemma DudleyThis week Gemma Dudley of The Little Grey Girl joins us ahead of her first ever show at Edinburgh Yarn Festival. Purveyor of stylish, handmade bags and notions, The Little Grey Girl is the perfect place to find a beautiful receptacle for your knitting.
Gemma opened The Little Grey Girl in October 2015 and runs it as a side-business from her main day job. A creative at heart. TLGG allows Gemma to explore this and escape from the office environment she inhabits during the day.
A huge lover of hand dyed yarns and the colour grey...
2016-03-1536 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 84: Yarns From The Plain - An Interview with Nic RuddNic Rudd, dyer behind Yarns From the Plain and voice of the popular podcast of the same name is our guest this week on the show.
Based on the Cheshire Plain in north-west England, Nic began her career as an industrial chemist working in the nuclear industry, before moving into what could be considered an equally hazardous environment as a primary school teacher. Having been curious about dyeing for some time, she began to sell her excess stock at local guild meetings, before taking the leap into it as a business, alongside studying for an HNC at...
2016-03-081h 06The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 83 - An Interview with Helen Lockhart of RipplecraftsI'm delighted this week to have Helen join us on the show to tell us about her journey into dyeing. I've admired her work for a long time (and asked her to collaborate with The Golden Skein twice as a result) and always enjoy the way she tells the stories of the yarns she creates and the way she's inspired to do so.
Helen is based in Assynt in the Scottish Highlands and finds endless inspiration in her surroundings and the traditions in the area. She grew up in Southern Africa before moving to the UK in...
2016-03-0236 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 82: CommitThis week has news, reviews and the potential theft of a bottle of IPA. Yes, it's still a knitting podcast, but we do enjoy a real ale on a regular basis.
First up you can now join me on Anchor and Snapchat as @Shinybees. Prep is ongoing for the #RewindKAL - you can join in over on Ravelry in the Shinybees Podcast group. I also reveal my word for the year. I've never done this before but I feel it's in the spirit of the word to do so. I'd love to hear yours!
Edinburgh...
2016-02-2340 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 81: Re-rewindWho knew that Craig David him-very-self would inspire an episode of a knitting podcast? Well, it's happened as this week I pay homage to his ability to not age one bit in a decade and still have perfect eyebrows and corkscrew curls.
Shoutouts to Trish, Jeny and Betsy and join in with the Fish Lips Kiss Heel pattern giveaway over in the Ravelry group, where there are still plenty of folks looking to gift patterns.
The podcast Patron virtual knit night takes place on Thursday 18th Feb 2016 at 2000GMT. To join in, become a patron...
2016-02-1735 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 80 - RelaxIt's Zoolander-aplenty this episode as I come rip-roaring (sort-of) back from having the flu. Zoolander 2 is out on 12th February and Zoolander is one of my favourite films of all time. I a bit love Ben Stiller. Imagine my surprise, then, that there are indeed no patterns on Ravelry for anything Zoolander themed. Not one. Not even a cheeky little amigurumi Hansel...
So, don't kill the president of Micronesia. Just chill out a bit more. Relax, Derek!
In Enabler's Corner, courtesy of Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade and Paula of Knitting Pipeline, I enable you...
2016-02-0937 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 79: OwlPrintPanda - An Interview with Amanda B CollinsGlasgow-based knitwear designer and purveyor of super-cute stitch markers, Amanda B Collins, is our guest on the podcast today. Amanda has been designing for a few years, producing patterns for the UK knitting press, including Knit Now Magazine and Pom Pom Quarterly. She has also released her own designs in self published collections as well as a series of shawls inspired by Glasgow. Spoiler: 'Bru' is a favourite of mine.
A doctor by day, she designs in the evenings, when she's not playing Wacky Races in her yellow Fiat 500. We discuss all manner of things, along with...
2016-01-2639 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 78 - What to Knit in 2016Time to own up to my knitting goals for 2016 after the chat last week about goal setting. I'm planning to knit 4 garments - Owligan by Kate Daves, Mallorn by Ann Kingstone, Lush by Tin Can Knits (again! x 2 perhaps!) and Raindrops, also by Tin Can Knits. If you're fretting about stash or just have ambitions of making it feel under control, or indeed you just want to start the year off by loving what you have, check out Curious Handmade's Stash Appreciation Month.
Join our virtual knit night by becoming a patron of the podcast at www.p...
2016-01-1950 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 77: Knitting GoalsGot knitting goals for 2016? Lots of wild plans? Let me help you get super focused with my five top tips for knitty goal setting.
For not the first time on the podcast, we talk about David Bowie's package and Labyrinth. Join us on the first Shinybees Virtual Knit Night by becoming a patron of the podcast over at Patreon.
In Enabler's Corner, it's about KALs again with the Nature's Shades KAL at KnitBritish and the Vintage KAL at The Golden Skein.
Then we have a lot of chat about goal setting. Lots of...
2016-01-1443 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 76: Knitting CalendarWelcome to the first show of 2016! This week it's all about planning your knitting calendar when it comes to attending shows. What are the top tips for survival? I'll share mine with you today!
Podcast news, there's more detail on both the podcast Patreon and the Shinybees Swagporium. Also, check out my interview with Kathryn Bryant on the Podcast Divas show.
Enablers' Corner features Katya Frankel's new mini-collection, Flatland: Adventures in Geometry.
There's a giveaway of Ann Kingstone's Lace Knits.
In a new segment, I give you the yarn events for th...
2016-01-0649 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 75: Joyeux NoelThis is a Christmas episode, the final podcast for 2015. There is some pensive reflection on the past year for the podcast and I encourage you to be appreciative of your achievements in 2015 and ignore the stuff you didn't manage.
There is a bauble themed pattern selection for you to enjoy. There really is no excuse for you not to have eyelash/funky fur tinsel on your tree next year.
A bit of beadalong chat follows with some tips for swapping out tricky increases in shawls.
The Patreon for the podcast is live now...
2015-12-2732 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 74: KnitivityThis week it's all a bit festive and we're discussing dogs in comedy Christmas knitwear and that infamous Christmas tradition of the nativity.
In Enablers' Corner, I encourage you to check out Tin Can Knits' 12 days of Christmas, where each day they are giving away one of their patterns for free! Find them at www.tincanknits.com.
In the final Sock Surgery for 2015, I bring together five festive sock patterns to celebrate the yuletide season. I've also pulled together some ideas for gifts for the sock knitter, including a very last minute suggestion if time...
2015-12-1641 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 73 - The Three Little PigsThis week it's a chatty catch up for the most part, with some news on renovations/maintenance issues at Casa Shiny. Roofers: know your limits!
Enablers' Corner directs you to the sale at Whistlebare Yarns. Get 20% off mohair lovelies over at www.whistlebare.co.uk, hand dyed and produced on the farm. Want to meet this small producer? Check out episode 72.
There is also some chat about a visit to the Countess Ablaze studio in Swinton, Manchester. Her hand dyed fabulousness knows no bounds; I'm a fan girl and I am not sorry.
W...
2015-12-0832 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 72: An Interview with Alice Elsworth of Whistlebare YarnsAlice Elsworth, our guest mohair expert, returns to the podcast for an interview to talk about life as a farmer in rural Northumberland in the UK. Alice keeps a herd of mohair goats at Whistlebare Farm and her four young sons keep a flock of Wensleydale sheep!
Alice has her yarn spun into a Mohair/Wensleydale blend and hand dyes the yarn herself on the farm, which is sold at various shows and online under the brand Whistlebare Yarns.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to live and work on a small farm, this...
2015-11-2651 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 71: Lace KnitsThis week it's all about lace and felt on the show (still with a smattering of mohair after our focus on the Diamond Fibre of late).
Enablers' Corner welcomes the Felt-Ed Kit Club 2016. Introduce yourself (or your children) to the wonders of wet felting with this monthly club. With 12 projects, it would be a great rainy day project or ideal Christmas gift for kids. It's also an ideal intro to the craft for adults curious about making felt. The monthly kit is accompanies by a worksheet and a video tutorial to accompany the project, created by a t...
2015-11-1736 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 70: An Interview with Boo KnitsThis week I am delighted to welcome beaded shawl design maven and all round lovely lady Bev, aka Boo Knits to the show. Having long been a fan of Bev's aesthetic, I knitted the Shawl of Awesome for the NMEU UK Podcasters' Awards from one of her patterns, Out Of Darkness.
Boo Knits patterns are the perfect choice for those who want to create a complicated-looking shawl with minimal effort. Simple and easy to follow - even for a beginner - there are a variety of shawls which would make perfect first beaded projects. One of Be...
2015-11-1250 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 69: Man SocksMale knitter? Want to knit socks for the man in your life? Rachel Coopey joins me this week to discuss the finer points of knitting for men, particularly in the sock department.
There's also a Q&A with Alice Elsworth of Whistlebare Yarns in Northumberland, who keeps a flock of her own Angora Goats and produces yarns from their own animals, which she hand dyes on the farm.
The details of the #beadalong are announced. Cast on is 16th November at 8:30pm GMT, live on Periscope (@Shinybees) and the end date is 10th January 2016. Three p...
2015-11-091h 14The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 64: Socktober HappeningsHello and welcome to the AWARD WINNING Shinybees podcast. That's right, we won 'Most Engaged Audience' at New Media Europe, which means you're officially an award winning audience!
This week there's a big thank you, as you'd expect, along with my top three take-aways from the New Media Europe conference. In short: be yourself, community is key and embrace failure. If you aren't failing, you aren't learning.
There's some Socktober news for you from the UK Sock Knitters group on Ravelry and BritYarn's GBSocksAwayKAL.
I review Blacker Yarns' latest spin, Cornish Tin, a 10...
2015-09-2936 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 56: Boardwalk - An Interview with Linda Lencovic of Kettle Yarn CoWe're welcoming Linda Lencovic of Kettle Yarn Co to the podcast to tell her story and introduce us to the Boardwalk Collection. Linda is based on the South Coast of England and specialises in glorious colourways on yarns that are extensively wear tested, for those who believe in fashion that lasts.
This episode of the Shinybees podcast is sponsored by Yarn In The City. Yarn In The City creates experiential, yarn-centric events for knitters and makers, designed to bring people together through a shared love of craft. Yarn In The City organises the Great London Yarn Crawl...
2015-07-2140 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 53 - Knitting Socks For SummerSummer has finally hit in Scotland and it is toasty! This week Clare is back on the Sock Surgery to talk about knitting socks in summer, follwoing on from our summer knitting yarns and pattern suggestions podcasts.
In Enablers' Corner, I talk about Periscope briefly. I'm on there as @shinybees and @TheGoldenSkein.
THe retro perfume review is of Exclamation. Get your bids in the shinybeesinfo@gmail.com or on Ravelry.
Shownotes are at www.shinybees.com
Music is via Music Alley with Adam and the Walter Boys with 'I Need a...
2015-06-3040 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 50: Strictly No Baby Nudity - An Interview With Emily Wessel of Tin Can Knits and Rainbow HeirloomThis week we welcome the fabulous Emily Wessel of Tin Can Knits and Rainbow Heirloom yarns to the show to chat about all things yarny. Max and Bodhi's Wardrobe will be available in print copy from 11 June 2015 and Emily and Alexa have very kindly offered a giveaway which will be hosted on the Shinybees Ravelry group.
Emily came to knitting whilst studying Architecture in Western Canada and met her business partner, Alexa Ludeman whilst they were both working at their LYS. Emily now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with her husband and seriosuly cute son, Max, who was...
2015-06-0937 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 45: Short Row Variations and Summer Knitting PatternsThis week we have a little yarny news, Enablers' Corner and the Sock Surgery with Clare Devine.
The Shinybees Podcast is sponsored by Blacker Yarns. Check out their new summer yarn, Lyonesse: a 50% linen, 50% wool blend, perfect for summer knitting and creating cool, breathable garments. Lyonesse is available in DK and 4ply now, in five colours and a neutral at www.blackeryarns.co.uk. Enjoy making shawls, cardigans and more this summer with Blacker Yarns Lyonesse.
News wise, the winner of the Wollmeise giveaway is announced along with the start of a new giveaway. If...
2015-05-0528 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 43 - There's a Short Row Technique For EveryoneShort rows are for life, not just for Christmas. We embrace the short row this episode in the Sock Surgery, where Clare Devine joins us again and we start our new sock for April.
In Enablers' Corner, we chat about the #hapalong being run by Louise Scollay of KnitBritish. Ever been interested in traditional Shetland knitting? Now's your chance to learn a little more!
There's a giveaway of a skein of Wollmeise to members of the Shinybees Ravelry group. To enter, hop over to the thread on Ravelry and tell me what your favourite bit...
2015-04-1939 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 36: The One With The Circus Music and a Trip to New Lanark MillStory time this week where there is a roundup of all the happenings at PodRetreat2015, including patio chairs, statues of Elvis and fuse box infernos. If you want several good reasons why you shouldn't buy French cars or Welsh farmhouses, you'll find them here.
In Enablers' Corner, we visit New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site in Scotland and learn a bit about the mill and social impact it had. There's a quick description of the facilities on offer there as well as inforation about the yarn they spin, which is the main thing we all want to...
2015-03-0451 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 31: The Sock Surgery Casts On and How to WIP Down Your Knitting ProjectsIt's finally arrived! Casting on our wonderful socks in the Sock Surgery is upon us and this week we welcome back Clare Devine and Kate Read to discuss that most crucial of techniques: casting on. If you want help for the whole year on your sock knitting, you're in the right place.
The episode opens with the Enablers' Corner, a new official segment, where you'll find all sorts of enabling to help you achieve your crafty goals. Having made the realisation that I am a knitting 80%er, I asked the gurus of the Stash Heap Challenge group...
2015-01-1850 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 30: Enablers' Corner and How to Build an Online Community with Sarah ChyThe enabling continues at pace this episode, where there is lots of #FreeYourSkeins2015 chatter, along with the introduction of the Stash Heap Challenge group. Want to join a group with lots of ideas of how to get control of your yarn collection? These are your people!
There is a bit of a discussion about feminism, the fact Loose Women is the worst TV programme ever made and the lack of any artistic merit in R&B music. It gets a bit shouty. You have been warned. Have you ever been sterotyped from a knitting perspective?
...
2015-01-111h 13
The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 27: Toe Up or Cuff Down for Knitting Socks and WTF KnitsIt's a yarn, comedy and sock knitting palooza this episode as we review WTF Knits and welcome Clare and Kate for the Sock Surgery.
It's time for your luxury yarn fix, with the latest offering from The Golden Skein. Check out our yarns from Knitsch in New Zealand, BaT'at in Yorkshire and Eden Cotatge Yarns in Yorkshire. There's also an announcement of the #tgsonekal, a knitalong to the pattern "Kunye" which was designed for us by Clare Devine. Details over at The Golden Skein group on Ravelry. There will be prizes. Very nice prizes.
Interested...
2014-12-1850 minThe Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 22 - Red AlertCommand and Conquer it ain't. Well, maybe. This week sees the latest happenings in my world, along with a quick virtual canter through this year's trip to Yarndale. In Wippin' Piccadilly, the Lush cardigan by Tin Can Knits in Blacker Swan is complete, and Quadratic by David O Kelly at Eden Cottage Yarns is on the needles. A new section is announced in the podcast: the Sock Surgery with Clare Devine and Kate Read. There is a giveaway PALOOZA jointly sponsored by Ginger Twist Studio and Yarn and Pointy Sticks designs. Finally, we have a one on one interview...
2014-10-251h 16The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn PodcastEpisode 3: The C WordThis week we take a trip to the Kruger National Park in search of the 'Big 5'. For those unable to spot the Big 5, we have the Shinybees Big 5 for your perusement! There is the return of the Wippin' Piccadilly section and we hear why Google is not always your friend, especially in Afrikaans.
Show notes, as always, can be found at http://shinybees.wordpress.com
2012-09-0942 min