Curious Handmade with Helen Stewart

Today I'm talking about What's in the WIP?, Selvedge Spring Fair in Londontown and the Fireflies Rising knit along. I'm feeling a bit tired and wondering if it might be the weather? That last comment is a reference to this Australian TV advert from the 80's which I'm finding hilarious and being a bit nostalgic. Welcome to new members of the Curious Crew: rustysun, allthatcakeknit, Xstitch, YrnKrazy, Lastknit2, Mrshoo, Dutchie, Gracieanne, NMSTacey I forgot to mention that Mrshoo aka Sarah hosts the In a sKnit video cast- check it out. What's in the WIP? Aislinn Cardigan by Amy Herzog - nearly finished the back piece. March design for Dream Big (a colour block cowl) Bunny Nuggets by Rebecca Danger Bunny by Kate Gilbert Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds Bouclé Chicken Easter Cards with the girls I'm in the planning stages of some sewing projects. I'm looking at this Papillon & Mandarine Little Angel top for the girls. Londontown Selvedge Magazine Spring Fair Sheep of Steel John Arbon Textiles Ray Stitch Merchant & Mills "The Dress Shirt" Events Juno Fibre Arts is sponsoring the Fireflies Rising Knit Along on Ravelry. Woot woot! Post your finished Fireflies Rising Shawlette on the FO (finished object) thread by the end of April for a chance to win a skien of Juno Alice sock in the Oyster colour way. I'm also offering two very cute zip pouches by Hip to Pieces Squares as prizes. Thank you to Paula from Knitting Pipeline and Laura and Lesley at Knit Girllls (Episode 199) for mentioning my designs. Thank you to JCEllisonKnits for the lovely iTunes Review. Don't forget to play the Instagram game and tag a photo of what you're knitting while you listen to the episode with #curioushandmadepodcast!! Have a great week!

I'm talking about the launch of the Fireflies Rising Shawlette, my Aislinn cardigan progress and I'm pondering the idea of sewing some clothes. What's in the WIP? Fireflies Rising Shawlette, the second design in the Dream Big Collection launched this week. A huge thank you to my superstar test knitters Tinkhickman, Britt-MarieK, Candigirl429, Judiesgirl, JenwrenOZ, Jessieisskoopy and dambird. Deb who is Tinkhickman on Ravelry has a lovely blog with lots and lots of knitting and creative news. She is giving away a copy of the Dream Big collection so please have a peek. I'm really enjoying my Aislinn cardigan knit - am well underway with the back piece. My Rav Project page for Aislinn. The Simple Life I was inspired by Isabelle's latest Fluffy Fibres podcast episode 13 to think about sewing clothes, not just for the girls but for me as well. Country Road Australia - staples of my first corporate wardrobe. I delve into my stash and find some beauties. What to make?! Thank you for the wonderful iTunes Reviews I would love it if you would play the Instagram Podcast game this week. Tag a picture of you listening to the podcast, what you're knitting or where you are with #curioushandmadepodcast and tag me in your picture (CuriousHandmade)!!

Today I’m talking about what’s in the WIP including starting my Aislinn sweater project, the launch of my new design Fireflies Rising and a wander around some Parisian yarn shops. I'm HellsBells on Ravelry and CuriousHandmade  on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. The Magic Cake Ruffle Shawl by Paula E-F is a very popular way to use up leftover yarn. What's in the WIP I'm working on Aislinn by Amy Herzog - my Aislinn project page on Ravelry I enjoyed learning how to do a tubular cast on and am enjoying this knit. The yarn is lovely and the pattern is very clear. I'm nearly ready to release my latest design for the Dream Big Collection. It is a crescent shaped shawl called Fireflies Rising which was inspired by the feeling of spring in the air. The name is a reference to a lovely poem called A Cold Spring by Elizabeth Bishop. The construction is created by increases on each side of the shawl rather than short rows. If you would like to know when it is being released and to get an exclusive coupon code for the pattern, please join my newsletter (you'll also get a free Curious Handmade pattern too!). If you would like to snap up some Juno Alice 4ply yarn for either Fireflies Rising (you need one skein) or Frangipani Shawl (you need two skeins) you can buy it on the Juno Fibre Arts Etsy shop. There is still a little bit left as I write this including some Corn Dolly yellow for Frangipani. A virtual tour of some Paris Yarn shops Last summer Mum and I did a tour of Paris yarn shops with Barbara from Stitching up Paris. La Drogeurie Lil Weasel Les Petits Points Parisiens Photos of my purchases to follow soon! Have a look at my May 2014 Paris Trip and video  Join the Curious Handmade Ravelry Group Don't forget to play the Instagram game and tag me on a photo of where you are listening to the podcast with curious handmadepodcast hashtag or what you're knitting.

Today I’m talking about what’s in the WIP including starting my sweater project, the simple life and events. Welcome to new members to the Curious Handmade Ravelry group and thank you to farfromharmfarm, techknit and firebrand55 for introducing themselves on the group. I also announce the winners of the London Underground Tea Towel giveaway from Episode 18. What's in the WIP? Designing a shawlette The March pattern for the Dream Big collection is coming along nicely. I'm designing a spring influenced shawlette in Juno Fibre Arts Alice 4ply. Juno Fibre Arts is having a big shop update of some stunning Alice 4ply on Thursday 27 March. I'm honoured that Asti from JFA has written a beautiful post  about my latest design, the Frangipani Shawl and gives some gorgeous suggestions for colour combinations for the shawl (I thought it was 21 March so I mention the wrong date in the episode but you will have more time to have a look so its all good!) Juno Alice 4ply in Boudoir and Potpourri || Image credit: Juno Fibre Arts Self Indulgent Sweater for Squam I'm knitting  Aislinn  by Amy Herzog for my next sweater project. I talk about preparing to start the project, choosing the best size to knit, knitting a gauge swatch. Question for this week is do you swatch and what motivates you to swatch? I refer to Amy's book Knit to Flatter and her companion Craftsy Knit to Flatter course. The Simple Life I did a bit of decluttering in the stash and wonder what you do with your left over yarn from projects?? Events There are exciting plans afoot for a podcaster meetup at new UK yarn event Unwind Brighton in July I've posted details about my Paris for Yarn Lovers trip in May and please have a look at the video in the post. I'm ridiculously pleased with it! And A Game! Join in the Virtual Curious Knitting group on Instagram. Post a photo of where you are listening or what you are knitting while listening to the podcast and tag your photo with CuriousHandmade and add #curioushandmadepodcast in the caption. (You will need to download the Instagram app on your phone and join up if you haven't already)

  Spring and magic is in the air in London this week! I'm planning my self indulgent sweater for Squam and starting a knit along to chat about it. What's in the WIP? This week I'm talking about deciding on my self indulgent sweater for Squam. You can have a look at the main contenders on my Sweater Pinterest board. Some past sweater efforts Moonlight by Kim Hargreaves and my Moonlight project page (Rav link) Dusk by Kim Hargreaves and my Dusk project page (Rav link) Central Park Hoodie by Heather Lodinsky and my CPH project page (Rav link) Buttony Sweater by Katie Marcus (I just saw Katie has a fab sewing blog too ) and my Buttony project I've decided to knit Aislinn by Amy Herzog. I talk about Amy's excellent Knit to Flatter book and her Knit to Flatter Craftsy course: UK Amazon link:  Knit to Flatter US Amazon link: Knit to Flatter Amy's Knit to Flatter course on Craftsy is great and is currently on sale at 35% off!! Do you like knitting sweaters? How do you choose what sweater pattern to knit?

Its a sunny day in London and the magnolia tree is about to explode into bloom. There is optimism and joy in the air. Its been a rollercoaster week with a sick kid, a awards ceremony and some knitting ups and downs. Thank you to everyone for listening, joining in the conversation on the Curious Handmade Ravelry Board and to the new members who have introduced themselves. LondonTown Brand Amplifier Awards ceremony I mention a few of my lovely fellow finalists and winners: Magpie Haberdashery, Van Girls, Thinking Bob, Archie Mac London, Nalla Skincare, Rose Fullbright, Vicki's Kitchen Whats in the WIP? Design Fail - the Feburary Dream Big design was behaving badly. My new free easy Bobble Hat Pattern for beginner knitters A Curious Handmade Giveaway So …….we're having a giveaway instead! It is a well known fact that when things are going wrong, the best thing to do is sit down and have a lovely cup of tea. With that theme in mind I will be sending two listeners a London Underground tea towel. Here they are here: Aren't they fun?! To enter the giveaway leave a comment on the blog or on the Curious Handmade Ravelry group by Sunday 16 March, and let me know what problems stop you from finishing your knitting projects? The Simple Life I tried out the Honey Mask recommended by Vintage Amanda and really liked it. Events Look out for the details of my Paris for Yarn Lovers trip. In the Marais district of Paris on 15-18 May 2014.

This week is a short update. I was on holidays with my family in France and thought I'd quickly update you on a couple of things rather than miss an episode. What's in the WIP? The February pattern for Dream Big is running a little late but is coming along nicely. It's going to be an infinity scarf in Erika Knight's Vintage Wool Aran. The shades I'm using are #09 drizzle and #33 gorgeous (darling!). I've also made some hats for the girls in Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky (50% alpaca, 50% wool). I'm also organising a yarn lover's tour of Paris with Barbara from Stitching up Paris on 16-17 May 2014.  

This week I have a special guest on the show for a cup of tea and a chat about natural remedies and skincare with Amanda Cook from Vintage Amanda. We have a lovely chat about some super simple items from the kitchen cupboard you can use as highly effective beauty products. Be prepared for some surprises! Some of the links mentioned in the episode are: Vintage Amanda Honey Face Mask Coconut Lime Deodorant Facial Oil Rituals vs Routines Kale - Thyroid Connection  

Happy Valentine's Day! Mwah Mwah!! Feeling soggy here in the UK right now... but never soppy. We talk about how much we love Ravelry….this heart shaped icon for Valentines day is just one of the many reasons why! Thank you for all the suggestions for finding more time to knit and colorwork resources, following on from last week's episode. Following your recommendations, I've signed up to do Sunne Myer's Stranded Colourwork Class on Craftsy*. I will report back on progress! What's in the WIP? Follow your Arrow by Ysolda Teague. I said on the podcast I had finished clue 2 but I have just realised I'm only halfway through! I have only done one out of two repeats! I also planned and knit some fingerless mitts for my beginners knitting workshop on Tuesday night. I ended up adapting Paula's Mildred Mitts pattern to Aran weight yarbbecause the lovely folks at Rowan sponsored my Knitting 101 workshop and sent us some beautiful Rowan Aran 100% wool for my Brand Amplifier brigade. Londontown Brixton Village and Brixton Market Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant OMG checkout this video clip - more like a trip down Memory Lane (if you're a child ..ahem, teen...of the 80's like me that is!!). Knitting at Seven at Brixton tapas and cocktail bar.   Events Unravel - Next weekend - 21-23 February 2014 Curious Handmade Group on Ravelry - join the group and help us get to 1000 members so we can have a big party!! Have a lovely week. * I am a Craftsy Affiliate which means if you purchase a class from Craftsy after clicking on this link I will receive a commission. I want you to know I really appreciate it, so thank you so much if you do this.

I've been stuck at home a lot this week as it just keeps on raining here. We're all experiencing a bit of cabin fever. I'm having a nice cup of tea and digestive biscuit. Today's segments include What's in the WIP? and a slightly tonge in cheek but mostly serious 10,000 Hours. What's in the WIP? Follow Your Arrow KAL by Ysolda Teague. I've finally finished clue 1! I made a cute pompom had in Rowan Big Wool for beginners. I'm stalking the PomPom Quarterly Spring 2014 magazine patterns. I'm also practicing my colour work skills. Let me know if you have any good resources or YouTube video to help learn how to do colour work. 10,000 Hours I share my top 10 tips on how to find more time to knit! Anthology Magazine Issue No. 12, Summer 2013 Home Is Where the Art Is My Memorable Quotes Pinterest board. Wrap up Join in the Dream Big Knitalong on the Curious Handmade Ravelry board. (Tip - listen to the episode for a discount code on the Dream Big collection or for the Frangipani Shawl). Happy 2nd Birthday to Gayle and Sharlene at the Yarniacs Podcast.

I'm HellsBells on Ravelry, and CuriousHandmade on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Today I talk about what's in the WIP, introduce a segment for the first time - 10,000 Hours and give a little update about some knitting events. It's been such a nice week because I've been having so many conversation with lovely interesting people both online and offline. One of the things I was worried about when I stopped working in an office was lack of interaction with other human beings but that hasn't been the case at all! I'm actually doing two courses at the moment. I've gone back to school! I mention: School for Creative Startups Brand Amplifier Emma-Victoria Houlton of WeProduce - edits my podcast beautifully each week. What's In the WIP? I finally cast on for Ysolda's Follow Your Arrow MKAL and started with clue A. I'm using Fyberspates Nef Sock yarn in Sunshine colourway. I'm getting a little bit addicted to Instagram! SHHHH! (follow me! I'll follow you back) 10,000 Hours Introducing a new segment. If you have any feedback I'd love to hear it. Leave a comment on the blog or on the discussion thread for this show. And if you have any requests for future segments let me know! I talk about blocking your knitting. I talk about blocking wires - I bought mine at Loop, Islington. you can see some of the tools I mention here. I plan to put together a tutorial for you soon….in the meantime, you'll have to listen to the episode. The pictures give you a sneak preview of the Frangipani Shawl from the Dream Big Collection. Events I sadly won't make to to Unravel …but don't let that stop you! Its going to be fab. But I've booked three classes at Unwind in Brighton in July. I can't wait!

This episode includes What's in the WIP, continuing the conversation from last week about planning and getting motivated to take on a new year and some great events coming up this year in the UK. The theme this week is so close and yet so far.   WHATS in the WIP   Follow your Arrow - I'm planning on doing clue 1A and 2A. I'm planning to use my Fyberspates Nef Sock in the Sunshine colourway. Self Indulgent Sweater for Squam - I have a Pinterest Board for ideas! Thank you so much for all the great suggestions on the Curious Handmade Board on Rav  MadelineTosh Tosh Merino DK  Baby Cables and Big Ones Too by Suvi Simona  Gnarled Oak Cardigan by Alana Dakos Fifikins - A Down Under Yarn Podcast - Videocast Posh Yarn Miranda DK Poolside by Isabel Kramer Aislinn by Amy Herzog Frangipani Shawl from the Dream Big Collection - progress is being made! I'm using Juno Alice 4ply by Juno Fibre Arts Simple Life Sum: Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman "Comparison is the thief of joy" - Theodore Roosevelt. Another book currently giving me great inspiration is Gypsy: A World of Colour and Interiors by Sibella Court   Events Unravel 21 - 23 February 2014 Unwind 12th & 13th July 2014 in Brighton, UK Ravellenics A Playful Day Old Maiden Aunt 

This week the theme is indulgence. Giving myself time to recover from the travel back to London from Aus, thinking about indulgent knitting projects and indulging in planning and dreaming big for 2014. Whats in the WIP? I finished the Naughty or Nice Pom Pom Hat from the Knitvent collection for Sophie to wear to school. I'm yet to set up a project page for it and take pics. I'm still working on my Red Robin Shawl, also from Knitvent which was my easy travel knitting on holiday. I'm considering the options for Ysolda's Follow Your Arrow Shawl Mystery Knit Along. I'm trying to decide what sweater design to knit for the Yarniac's indulgent KAL and to wear to Squam in June. I have sweater quantities of Tosh Merino DK (100% merino)  and Posh Yarn Miranda (80% Alpaca, 20% silk) Options include: Poolside by Isabell Kraemer Planters Punch by Thea Colman I'd love to knit Fuse by Veronique Avery but not right now because I want to knit it in BT Shelter but I'm knitting this one from stash. I've created a Pinterest Board called Self Indulgent Knitting for Squam to track my ideas and see all the options in one place. Let me know if you have any ideas! The Simple Life I talk about setting Goals, Inspiring Words and Resolutions. For setting goals the 2014 Create Your Amazing Year in Life & Business Workbook is a great resource and Rachel from http://www.goodyarnguide.com video cast talks about it in more detail. I like setting an inspirational word and Vintage Amanda wrote an inspiring post about it - her word is "Spacious" (http://www.vintageamanda.com/2014/01/spaciousness/) Finally for resolutions and changing habits I love Leo Babaota's blog Zen Habits.  

This episode I'm talking to you from holidays in Queensland, Australia. It has been hot but I've still been doing a bit of knitting in between the beach and catching up with friends and family. What's in the WIP? A Red Robin Shawl in Juno Alice sock yarn, colourway Goldmine A Naughty or Nice Hat in Rowan Wool, Navy I'm working on designing the Frangipani Shawl for the January pattern for the Dream Big 2014 Collection. Listen in for a great discount on the collection for a short time only! The not in Londontown Segment The Sunshine Coast of Australia is a gorgeous part of the world and I rave on about it a wee bit. Buderim vegan, organic cafe - Ground Organic Kunara Organic Marketplace I also announce the winners of the Knitvent KAL.  

This episode was recorded in London and published from Australia. All the Curious Knitvent Patterns have been released,  Anna and Purl are content and I'm thinking about my "word" for next year. Thank you to everyone who has left iTunes reviews. Also thanks to Paula from Knitting Pipeline and Martine from iMake for their lovely mentions on their podcasts. Martine is having a fun CAL (crochet along) next year called Snowflake Crochetalong. What's in the WIP The Christmas Gift Dilemma, final instalment. The last three Knitvent patterns were released this week: Warm Wishes Hottie Covers Naughty or Nice Pompom Hat Rella Fingerless Gloves Ravelry Curious Handmade Knitvent KAL Finished Object Thread for prizes The Simple Things What is your big goal, resolutions or "word" for next year? Mine is "Dream Big" And for knitting it is to complete my first colourwork finished object! Thank you for listening and have a very happy holidays!