Electric Sheep

We’re on a caffeine high at Hoxton Towers this week, as take a closer look at coffee. Plus there’s an update on my knitting, a yarny way to celebrate the upcoming Royal Wedding, and the scientific proof we’ve all been waiting for that sheep are smarter than we think. Anne Fadiman – Ex Libris, At Large and At Small Knit Your Own Nuptials Smart Sheep Ninja sheep

This week we’re tackling the slightly controversial topic of pattern pricing. Do you buy books or PDFs? Are they good value for money? Thanks to inspiration from a crafty blogger we’ll be debating the various viewpoints. Plus there’s a look at some seriously crazy knitwear, a yarn review, an update on the socks (which may or may not exist) and a great knitting event in Newcastle. Mooncalf’s blog post Yarn Yuck craziness Crafty Crafty on the designer unfinished knitting trend Newcastle Makers Faire (Ravelry Group) Flamboyance Yarns

The Sheep returns, with a very knitterly episode, as we take a closer look at the outcast of the yarn world: acrylic. After which I take you through the knitwear on my needles at the moment, and we have a look at a new knitting book from Debbie Bliss. (And if you’re wondering where the Sheep himself has got to, he’s been a little busy lately, developing his multi-media career….see below) Acrylic alternatives: Lanark wool, Twilley’s Purity, Scandinavian Knitting Design Cumulus, Neep Heid, Still Light, Knitmore Girls vanilla sock Debbie Bliss – The Knitter’s Year

It’s that time of year where the traditional British pantomime makes a return. This time the Sheep has written the show’s knitter’s audio panto, which means I can’t be held responsible for the content. Hope you enjoy it despite the chickens. Plus there’s a collaboration with a lovely listener to bring you a knitting-inspired take on a Christmas classic. A Stitch In Time Vol.2 Last year’s Christmas Panto episode The episode with the Knitting Raven Last Christmas – knitter’s version

In a week in which many Brits have found themselves looking to parliament with cries of ‘a plague on both their houses!’ I thought it only apt to look at an actual plague. So, providing us with an introduction to this most deadly of diseases is Sean Bean and the film Black Death, as the Sheep’s film review returns. Plus we have a roundup of what I’ve been knitting, and a collection of excellent suggestions from the folk who’ve been feeding the Sheep… Patterns mentioned – Habitat, Montana, Slable, Snuggle Up Either Way Snood, Blackberry, Aidez Feed the Sheep Ravelry thread – posts 327, 333, & 358

Happy Thanksgiving! This week, with the announcement of the royal wedding, we take a look at the monarchy. Plus there are funtimes to be had with some lovely knitting groups, and we have a round-up of some entertaining blogs. Classic quotes from the Duke of Edinburgh Stitch London – Christmas party Texere – knitting group Lily Cole North Circular photo article Slushpile Hell Reasoning with Vampires Red Riding Hood trailer review

This week we examine the pitfalls of making a bad joke, plus some knitterly Christmas festivities to look forward to and a collection of patterns that have some bite. More on the Twitter Joke Trial The Bothered Owl, Christmas Yarn Party The Water Poet, Christmas Fair Vampire Knits (Rav link)

This week we look at what happens when your knitwear turns against you, plus there are some new patterns from an old favourite, some Christmas gift ideas, a new flashmob advert that’s raising a smile, and an awful lot of gin… West Wing – ‘…turn around three times and spit…’ Brooklyn Tweed Literary Gift Company T-Mobile Welcome Back Ad Gin cake recipe; Gin & Tonic Cupcakes; Sloe Gin Fruitcake

This week we consider ways to save a penny or two in the wake of the Spending Review, and find a few things to keep us smiling. From a new knitting book, to the winners of the Purls of Wisdom Giveaway and some crazy crochet… Lanark Wool, Texere, Kemps, Drops, Cucumber Patch Cherished Crochet Fashions NSFW/C

This week we return to the subject of DIY only this time we’re talking about Design It Yourself. There’s also an update on what I’m knitting at the moment and an article from an unlikely source about a new knitting venture. Patterns mentioned (Ravelry links): Cobblestone, Owls, Central Park Hoodie, Gathered Pullover, February Lady Sweater, Paper Dolls, Cityscape, Wool Leaves Blanket, Blackberry Cardigan, Audrey in Unst Beryl Ware article

This week I’m off to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. Plus we take a peek at a new knitting book with a competition to win a copy of your very own and there are beaaaaaaaards! Oh yes. Knitting & Stitching Show Stitch London The Fleece Station – Gary Northfield, Sarah McIntyre Mrs Moon Loop Knitshop Addicted2Knit Knit With Attitude Purls of Wisdom – Jenny Lord – Blog competition entries here The European Beard & Moustache Championships

This week the Sheep is stashbusting, plus there’s the new issue of Interweave Knits Weekend. The Knitting & Stitching Show YarnGasm & the Stash Bust Army Wisp, One Row Scarf Interweave Knits Weekend

This week I’m on the hunt for good news to cheer us up as the weather turns chilly. Plus there’s a yarn review from a London yarn store, an update on what I’m knitting, and some fun silly patterns. Swallow, the CowSheep In case of emergency click here Knit Shop Yarnmarket Hotel The Little Red Plane Knitwit – Katie Boyette

A particularly Sheepy episode of the podcast this week, as the Sheep masterminds another adventure. Prepare for a silly tale and some chicken barbecue. Plus we take a look at the latest issue of Rowan Magazine. iKnit Weekender Rowan Magazine 48 The Bluestocking Stitcher’s excellent insights Shaun the Sheep Apologies, these are the podcasts I mentioned last week but whose the links were missing: iMake The Well Knitted Life

The Sweater of Doom is finally finished and whilst modeling the mohair beast behind the microphone, I’ll be discussing the professional advice some handmade sellers sought from a marketing expert; plus we take a look at the baby patterns you’ve recommended, there’s a new knitting book to review and the mother lode of crimes against knitting. Mary Portas open letter RegrEtsy Baby patterns (all can be found online/on Ravelry): Debbie Bliss Baby Knits for Beginners, Baby Eyelet Cardi, Pawprints Cardigan, February Baby Sweater, Elvira, Mini Manu, Seeds & Vines, Knitted Baby Cape/Poncho, Oh Baby Baby Booties, Super-natural Stripes, Tomten Jacket, Garter Yoke Baby Cardi. Vintage Gifts To Knit – Susan Crawford Rose-Kim Knits (and discovers Crimes Against Knitting)