Yarns from the Plain

Hello from a rather noisy back garden in the North East of England! In this episode, I get over excited about all thinks Olympic. Forgive me. Finished Objects In reverse order, I finsihed the weaving and made the cusion from the fabric my class were weaving. Rav details here. I also assembled the green woven cushion that's been woven for over two months. Rav details here. And here are front (above)n and back(below) pictures of the cushion worked on during the Y6 residential that I mentioned last episode. Rav details here. Something I really like My brand new Olympic venue Top Trumps set! Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from the Plain! The last few weeks have flown by in a whirl of assessments and cushions, so this is just a quick update prior to the Postcard, which was recorded back in April. Woolsack Update The first two Listener Cushions are now assembled and stuffed and ready to make their way to London. Thank you all so much! The first cushion I think is made from a lot of Rowan British Breeds, and includes a square made in the US on the front.... and squares made in Australia on the back... The second cushion also has some "Made in Oz" squares, this time on the front.... Thanks to all the listeners who contributed! A Postcard from Oxford The music in this postcard is from the album The Oxford Ramble and is used with the kind permission of Magpie Lane . Some photos from the day: Magdalen Tower Inside Darn It & Stitch The dinosaur in a badly-knitted Fair Isle sweater (aka Keble College) Another dinosaur - real this time! Looking down into the Pitt Rivers - it looks a lot darker than this in real life! The Shrunken Heads in the Pitt Rivers The Radcliffe Camera The Bodleian Library Links Magpie Lane http://www.magpielane.co.uk/ May Morning http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decVanilla/MayMorninginOxford.htm Magdalen Tower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalen_Tower Botanical Gardens http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/ The Grand Cafe http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/ ; Darn It and Stitch http://www.darnitandstitch.com/ ; Oxford Kitchen Yarns http://www.oxfordkitchenyarns.com/shop/ Morse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Morse ; Lewis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Lewis ; Oxford University Museum of Natural History http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/ ; Pitt Rivers Museum http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/ ; Shrunken heads http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrunken_head/ Bodleian Library http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley John Hampden http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hampden Christchurch http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/ ; Dr Fell http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fell_(bishop) Howard Goodall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Goodall ; Ashmolean Museum http://ww

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

Hello from the Plain! The last few weeks have flown by in a whirl of assessments and cushions, so this is just a quick update prior to the Postcard, which was recorded back in April. Woolsack Update The first two Listener Cushions are now assembled and stuffed and ready to make their way to London. Thank you all so much! The first cushion I think is made from a lot of Rowan British Breeds, and includes a square made in the US on the front.... and squares made in Australia on the back... The second cushion also has some "Made in Oz" squares, this time on the front.... Thanks to all the listeners who contributed! A Postcard from Oxford The music in this postcard is from the album The Oxford Ramble and is used with the kind permission of Magpie Lane . Some photos from the day: Magdalen Tower Inside Darn It & Stitch The dinosaur in a badly-knitted Fair Isle sweater (aka Keble College) Another dinosaur - real this time! Looking down into the Pitt Rivers - it looks a lot darker than this in real life! The Shrunken Heads in the Pitt Rivers The Radcliffe Camera The Bodleian Library Links Magpie Lane http://www.magpielane.co.uk/ May Morning http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decVanilla/MayMorninginOxford.htm Magdalen Tower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalen_Tower Botanical Gardens http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/ The Grand Cafe http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/ ; Darn It and Stitch http://www.darnitandstitch.com/ ; Oxford Kitchen Yarns http://www.oxfordkitchenyarns.com/shop/ Morse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Morse ; Lewis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Lewis ; Oxford University Museum of Natural History http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/ ; Pitt Rivers Museum http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/ ; Shrunken heads http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrunken_head/ Bodleian Library http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley John Hampden http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hampden Christchurch http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/ ; Dr Fell http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fell_(bishop) Howard Goodall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Goodall ; Ashmolean Museum http://ww

Just a brief episode to bring listeners up to speed on developments with the Woolsack project. There has been a lot of media coverage this week, so I thought I would round it up for you.... oh and brag about meeting the GB Women's Watr Polo squad in Manchester! That's me, lurking at the back, third in from the right (the pink's almost washed out in this shot), along with most of the squad and six cushion makers from Tattenhall, near Chester. The squad loved their cushions! These cuties were made by Chloe Wilcox's mum, and the girls love them! Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012 Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012 Links Woolsack We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Just a brief episode to bring listeners up to speed on developments with the Woolsack project. There has been a lot of media coverage this week, so I thought I would round it up for you.... oh and brag about meeting the GB Women's Watr Polo squad in Manchester! That's me, lurking at the back, third in from the right (the pink's almost washed out in this shot), along with most of the squad and six cushion makers from Tattenhall, near Chester. The squad loved their cushions! These cuties were made by Chloe Wilcox's mum, and the girls love them! Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012 Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012 Links Woolsack We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Just a brief episode to bring listeners up to speed on developments with the Woolsack project. There has been a lot of media coverage this week, so I thought I would round it up for you.... oh and brag about meeting the GB Women's Watr Polo squad in Manchester! That's me, lurking at the back, third in from the right (the pink's almost washed out in this shot), along with most of the squad and six cushion makers from Tattenhall, near Chester. The squad loved their cushions! These cuties were made by Chloe Wilcox's mum, and the girls love them! Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012 Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012 Links Woolsack We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from a bunting-bedecked Cheshire Plain. In this episode I provide a few updates, sympathise with elderly people stood in the rain and consider the quandry of when a Union Jack is not a Union Jack. Works in Progress I finished the weaving on the Ashford Knitter's Loom with Bute from Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Now I just need to cut and sew the pieces together. I've also finished the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. Here they are blocking. I've also been crocheting the listeners' squares together using crab stitch. Something I Really Like Bunting! Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012 Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012 Links Woolsack We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from a bunting-bedecked Cheshire Plain. In this episode I provide a few updates, sympathise with elderly people stood in the rain and consider the quandry of when a Union Jack is not a Union Jack.Works in ProgressI finished the weaving on the Ashford Knitter's Loom with Bute from Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Now I just need to cut and sew the pieces together.I've also finished the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. Here they are blocking.I've also been crocheting the listeners' squares together using crab stitch.Something I Really LikeBunting!Upcoming Events:Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012LinksWoolsackWe have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are!Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!).TTFN, Nic

Hello from a bunting-bedecked Cheshire Plain. In this episode I provide a few updates, sympathise with elderly people stood in the rain and consider the quandry of when a Union Jack is not a Union Jack. Works in Progress I finished the weaving on the Ashford Knitter's Loom with Bute from Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Now I just need to cut and sew the pieces together. I've also finished the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. Here they are blocking. I've also been crocheting the listeners' squares together using crab stitch. Something I Really Like Bunting! Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchells, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Tour de Fleece Sat June 30th - Sun July 22nd 2012 Ravelympics Fri July 27th - Sun Aug 12th 2012 Links Woolsack We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from a sunny Cheshire Plain! In this episode I reflect on my lack of productivity, review a new toy and ‘fess up on my purchases at Wonderwool Wales. Works in Progress A little bit of work on the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. I also warped up my new loom with Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Sorry for the lack of pictures. Woolsack Haul Some Polworth from EasyKnits (and some Falkland for my friend); a Manx Laughtan fleece; some Torddu from Sheepfold and some Dazzle HT from Natural Dye Studio to make a Millicent. The photo I have is rather badly lit, I'll try and sort it and get it up later. Review 12” Ashford Knitter’s Loom with carry bag Something I Really Like The Draw Something app on my phone. Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchelss, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from a sunny Cheshire Plain! In this episode I reflect on my lack of productivity, review a new toy and ‘fess up on my purchases at Wonderwool Wales. Works in Progress A little bit of work on the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. I also warped up my new loom with Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Sorry for the lack of pictures. Woolsack Haul Some Polworth from EasyKnits (and some Falkland for my friend); a Manx Laughtan fleece; some Torddu from Sheepfold and some Dazzle HT from Natural Dye Studio to make a Millicent. The photo I have is rather badly lit, I'll try and sort it and get it up later. Review 12” Ashford Knitter’s Loom with carry bag Something I Really Like The Draw Something app on my phone. Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchelss, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from a sunny Cheshire Plain! In this episode I reflect on my lack of productivity, review a new toy and ‘fess up on my purchases at Wonderwool Wales. Works in Progress A little bit of work on the Sheep squares designed by Ann Kingstone. The pattern is for a 4ply colourwork cushion knitted in the round; I used it to knit 13cm squares in aranweight yarn. I also warped up my new loom with Bute from Texere. The weft is a selection of green yarns left over from my Woolsack cushions. Sorry for the lack of pictures. Woolsack Haul Some Polworth from EasyKnits (and some Falkland for my friend); a Manx Laughtan fleece; some Torddu from Sheepfold and some Dazzle HT from Natural Dye Studio to make a Millicent. The photo I have is rather badly lit, I'll try and sort it and get it up later. Review 12” Ashford Knitter’s Loom with carry bag Something I Really Like The Draw Something app on my phone. Upcoming Events: Woolfest at Mitchelss, Cockermouth, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June 2012 Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from the Plain, where we're being bombarded with April showers! This is a short episode to sum up after the Woolsack stuffing event. I'd love to show you pictures, but Blogger AND Podbean are both playing up. You'll just have to go look on the Cheshire Guild WSD group thread instead. ;) Upcoming Events: Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic

Hello from the Plain, where we're being bombarded with April showers! This is a short episode to sum up after the Woolsack stuffing event. I'd love to show you pictures, but Blogger AND Podbean are both playing up. You'll just have to go look on the Cheshire Guild WSD group thread instead. ;) Upcoming Events: Wonderwool Wales is at the Royal Welsh Showground, Built Wells, Powys, Sat 28th and Sun 29th April. Fibre East is at Scald End Farm, Mill Lane, Thurleigh, Bedford, MK44 2DP, Sat 14th and Sun 15th July 2012 Links Woolsack Music: Rondopolska by Barry Philips, from the album Tråd, available from Magnatune. We have a listeners' map. Please go on over to pop in a pin - we're covering 4 continents now but I'd still love to see where you all are! Feel free to leave a comment here or at http://www.yarnsfromtheplain.blogspot.com/, or email me at yarnsfromtheplain AT googlemail DOT com. We have a Ravelry group here, so come on over to chat. You can find me on Ravelry as talesfromtheplain and on Twitter as talesfromplain (although Tweeting can be sporadic!). TTFN, Nic