Thursday 27 August 2015

Episode 9: There are wasps in my brain!!

Hey everyone! So sorry for the delay in Episode 9, it's been a rough few months but I'm out the other side so taking advantage of it :)

As always, thank you so much for joining me in my crafty ramblings. It's wonderful to have you spend time out of your day to listen, laugh and hopefully get inspired!

This week, I have some works in progress, finished objects, sewing and stash treats! I also show some give away prizes, which will be announced in Episode 10, the prompt for this is "What Is your Favourite Book?", there will be a thread in our Ravelry Group 'Knitting In Wonderland Podcast'.

You can find me on Ravelry and Instagram as RockabellaCrafts, where I look forward to chatting and getting to know you all!

Ravelry: RockabellaCrafts
Instagram: RockabellaCrafts

Ravelry Group: Knitting In Wonderland Podcast



Here are the show notes.......

WIPs:

Hitchhiker by Martina Behm, a paid for pattern on Ravelry. I'm using a pink/white/light grey variegated hand dyed sock yarn from The Nutty Knitter on Instagram in Strawberry Milkshake.

Pomme De Pin by Amy Christoffers, using Stylecraft 4-ply in a navy blue. It's out of hibernation and I really want to get this finished, ideally for Bristol Wool Fair! The pattern is so easy to memorise and I'm so glad I picked it up again, it's turning into one of my current favourite wips.


FOs:

SOCKS!!!! I've finally, at long last, finished my blue socks using the Hermione Everyday Sock pattern on the legs and vanilla foot. Knit using hand dyed yarn from Miju Wools in Gloucester.

Bee Hive Tea Pot Cosy, this pattern is in the Tea Cosy Pattern Book from the 20 Tings To Make series. I used tiny bee buttons to decorate but would like to get more to give it a more finished look. It was easy and fun to do!

In The Flock:

I have finished my White Rabbit Wristees by Tiny Owl Knits for the August Wristee KAL in the TOK Ravelry group! I used 100% Alpaca Artisano Yarn. Originally I just used cream and some purple acrylic but realised I had 2 skeins of Artisano in different colours so ripped it back and started again, I love the result and so glad I did!



Sewing:

I've been busy making Mug rugs and children's cooking aprons, it's so much fun! 

Adore the unicorn cross-stitch I whipped up, looking forward to trying out some more designs!

Stash Treats:

Lots of fabric from Higgs&Higgs, in a variety of patterns, shapes and sizes!

Tiny Owl Knits woodland knits pattern book - absolutely in love with this book, I can't wait to work my way through all the patterns!

Drops Fabel sock yarn which I want to use in order to try out the fish lips kiss heel.



GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

I have 2 prizes to give away for Episode 10! The first is a skein of my naturally dyed yarn which I'm using to knit my Aisling Shawl by Justyna Lorkowska. The second is some fibre from Mother Goose Online in some gorgeous colours! To be in with a chance to win, join our Ravelry group and tell us about your favourite book! It can be a knitting pattern book, reference book, fictional book, anything at all, I just want it to be a chance to give people some inspiration whether it be to find something new or escape with a good read. One post per person please, feel free to edit your post as many times as you like, I will create a chatter thread to talk about all things book related in the group too, which will be an on going thread :)

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Episode 8- Funshine!!!

Hi everybody!!

A week late than planned but Episode 8 is here! Woohoo!!

I did record last week, but was not happy with the episode so I held off and re-recorded :) And so glad I did, I have a lot more to show you this week, so hopefully there will be less rambling!

Thank yous.........

Thank you to everyone who has subscribed to the youtube channel, messaged me and been chatting too! And a huge thank you Melinda from the YarnderWoman podcast for the shout out during her episode titled All The Fun Of The Fair!!

You can view the episode here:



I am also on Social Media.....

Twitter: Rockabella_C
Instagram: rockabellacrafts
Ravelry: RockabellaCrafts


SHOW NOTES:

On The Needles:

I have mostly been working on my Campside Shawl by Alicia Plummer. I love it so much, I am using Stylecraft Life DK and it's knitting up beautifully and huge too! Can't wait to block it and take it to Rome with me, it will be perfect to wear at the airport & on the plane too.


I haven't made any progress on my Aisling Shawl or Pomme De Pin.........will they be finished in time.......perhaps not but I can always take them with me to knit on.


Off The Needles:

Nothing this week.

In The Flock:

My swap packages are ready to send this week, just need to wrap them up. If anyone would like to do a mini-skein swap with me, please get in touch, my stash is looking quite healthy right now and would love to share some with you!

No KALs that I'm taking part in right now.

Stash Treats:

Was treated to a shopping trip to The Wool Stop, where I bought my arn for my Campside Shawl and also bought some gorgeous Juniper Moon Farm yarn, 50% Wool 50% Silk, its gorgeous and so soft. The ball is generous with 730m/798yds, so can't wait to cast this on!

I also bought some lovely hadndyed yarn from The Nutty KNitter on Instagram, in her Strawberry Shake colourway, it's beautiful! She also sent a mini skein from her stash dyed by Three Violet Buttons, who also dyes fantastic colourways, both are based in the UK and I highly recommend them!

My local craft store has re-opened, and I took a trip there, it's beautiful, they have a old Singer in the window and when you walk in there is 1940s music playing, it's divine! So., I treated myself to some fat quaters for some project bags, some more circular needles, a tea cosy pattern book and a sewing pattern book, there is a teepee pattern in there which I would love to mae for my nieces and nephews to keep at their Grandparent's house for the summer, I think they would love it!

I also has some wonderful treats from Swap buddies :)

See you all again soon!
Gem
XoXo

Thursday 14 May 2015

Episode 7: Travelling and soon-to-be Giveaway!

Hi everyone!

Thank you so much for joining me for Episode 7 of the Knitting In Wonderland Podcast! If you are a returning viewer, thank you so much for coming back and if you are a new viewer, thanks so much for stopping by! It means a lot to me :) if you would like to join my ravelry group (Knitting In Wonderland Podcast), please do, it would be lovely if you could join us! Also, you can follow me on Instagram as RockabellaCrafts :)

Twitter: Rockabella_C
Instagram: rockabellacrafts
Ravelry: RockabellaCrafts
Email: rockabellacrafts@gmail.com
Website: www.rockabellacrafts.wix.com/rockabellacraftsuk

Ravelry Group link: Knitting In Wonderland Podcast


So, here are the show notes for all the wonderful patterns and yarns :)



On The Needles:


I will do a separate blog post, which will be done in a 'series' while it's being worked on. Detailing all the yarns and the pattern I've used to create it.

Thank you to Julie of the Diary Of A Yarn Snob for the wonderful swap package! The yarns have been incredible to work with and I can wait to order some myself to use on bigger projects! I've posted hers out today, so it is on its way across the pond.


Pluma Shawlette by Lisa R Myers

Free pattern on Ravelry, knit in Stylecraft 4-ply yarn and I love the fabric it has created with this pattern. Very cozy but still light enough for spring/autumn months.


Off The Needles:


This is a free pattern on ravelry.
I used Malabrigo yarn on 4mm straights.

It's simple garter stitch throughout with increases and decreases, and with a keyhole at the neck front, which was incredibly simple to do! The garter stitch has enabled it to be quite bouncy and it's so snug!

Planned Projects:

Aisling Shawl by Justyna Lorkowska

This is a paid for pattern on Ravelry.

I will be knitting this shawl as part of the Make-A-Long hosted by the Crafts From The Cwtch blog. It's a fantastic blog full of inspiration and advice on all types of crafting. I will be continuing to naturally dye my own yarn for the project and will be using the project to also explore and practice my cabling skills.

Check it out :)

Stash Treats:

Mother Goose Online and my one of my LYS

I bought some gorgeous Fibre Packs from Mother Goose, and would love to offer another pack as a giveaway prize in the very near future! It will be a ravelry and instagram giveaway with one of my handmade project bags as an additional prize! This will be for Episode 10 so keep a watch out for announcements :)

I also made my own project bag and plan to do lots more! However, I would love to hear about other handmakers as I'd love to buy from other Independent Shops! :)

That's all for this week, thank you for stopping by and joining me for a little time out of your day, it means so much, and thank you for everyone's messages or continued support too! You're all lovely!!

Happy crafting!

Gemma XoXo

Saturday 2 May 2015

Episode 6 - Energised and ready to go.......

Hello everyone! Thank you so much for stopping by and watching! It's been a tricky few weeks with A LOT going on, oh my days! But I'm back a raring to go :)

I can be found on Ravelry and Instagram as RockabellaCrafts

Or you can email me at rockabellacrafts@gmail.com



So, this week......I have been quite good in working on a solitary project, have some finished objects and lots of wonderful treats to show you! I have also been discovering other podcasts and will be doing another blog post about all the wonderful podcast - both audio and video - that I have been enjoying!

LINKS:

On the needles:

Pluma Shawl by Lisa R Myers (free pattern on ravelry) ~ I've been absolutely loving this pattern. I decided to put a lifeline in at the start of the lace pattern and so glad I did! I had to rip back and start again, but when redoing it, it turned out correctly and much better!! The pattern is well written and the lace pattern is easy to remember, each row changes slightly but are all extremely similar.


Finished objects:

Spa Day facecloth by Anne Mancine (free pattern on ravelry) - I have made one and will be making 2 more to create a gift for my friend who is turning 40 soon! The pattern is lovely and has a beautiful texture to it, very good for washing :)

Needle felting toadstools! - When popping into Mother Goose, I decided to purchase a needle felting kit and created a toadstool garland. It was incredibly easy and addictive, everything was included in the kit with full and clear instructions.


In the flock:

Winter Is Coming Shawlette by Sally Cameron a.k.a Pink Hair Girl on ravelry (paid for pattern). I'd definitely knit this again, I love all the deifferent textures to the pattern, which all work surprisingly well together.

DSPAKAL hosted by Kristen of the YarnGasm of cast and Voolenvine Yarns - I have made good progress on the Age of Brass And Steam Shawlette - but I still need lots of spinning if I'm to finish before the end of the month! I want to do at least 5 more repeats of the pattern.

YarnGasm Mini skein swap - wow, just wow!! I received the most amazing parcel from Julie who has also begun her own podcast, which I have loved the first episode of - it's called Diary Of A Yarn Snob, check it out!


Stash Treats:

I bought way too much yarn from The Wool Stop in Thornbury, Bristol. It's a wonderful shop!

I bought some ~

more hand dyed yarn by Woolie Wonders in her Purpe Rain colourway.
Artisan yarns
Stitch markers and 2 books, one was Pretty In Punk with some funky knits which will be perfect for my shop! And also, Weardowney which has a lot of information on the history of knitting and some wonderful patterns aw hitch I will definitely be knitting up!


I think that is all for this week, I hope you enjoyed the episode! Thanks once again for stopping by, I love having you all here to listen to me babble on about yarny wonderfulness!

Take care and happy knitting! 

Gemma XxX





Thursday 30 April 2015

Episode 5!

Hi everyone! Thank you all for stopping by. You can find me on Ravelry and Instagram as RockabellaCrafts, so feel free to add or follow me :)

So, without further ado, here are all the links to everything I have spoken about in Episode 5.....



On the needles:

I have finally started the 2nd sock for the Hermione's Everyday Socks, pattern by Erica Leuder - free pattern on ravelry.

The cosy memories blanket is a wonderful on going project. I am using THIS pattern for the mitred squares and joining as I go :)

Granny square shrug. - I found this idea on Pinterest and just had to try it, it's a good no brainier project for when listening to audio podcasts!


Finished Objects:

I have finished the Tempest Cardigan by Ann Weaver! A free pattern on ravelry and knitty.com. I can't wait to start on my next garment!

In the flock:

As part of the DSPAKAL, hosted by Kristen of the YarnGasm podcast and Voolenvine Yarns, I am spinning the Dinorwic colourway by hilltop cloud and knitting it up in the Age of Brass And Steam Kerchief by Orange Flower - free pattern on ravelry.

Melinda of the YarnderWoman podcast is hosting a Pop Culture KAL and I'm knitting the Winter Is Coming Shawlette by Sally Cameron a.k.a Pink Hair Girl on ravelry - paid for pattern - she also has a podcast on YouTube, check it out! ;)


Stash Treats:

I discovered a local indie dyer, WoolyWonders - she has a shop on Etsy and creates some fantastic colour ways!

Thank you all for watching, I hope to get into a better routine once things settle down, things are a bit tricky at the moment but I will be back to my organised and energised self soon!

Lots of knitty love!
Gemma XxX

Sunday 22 March 2015

Episode 4!!

Well, after a few issues recording, Episode 4 is finally done!

Thank you so so much to every who has subscribed to my YouTube channel, it's lovely to 'see' you and thank you for joining me :)

Also, thank you so much Knitting Sprite, for your lovely comment on a previous episode, that made my day! And put a smile on my face :)

Hello to blacksheepknitting on instagram, it has been fab chatting with you, love your pictures!!

The lastest episode ca be found here: http://youtu.be/ZfY2fXyGVKU

So...........


On The Needles:



Almost Finished Objects:

Finished Objects:

Spinning:


In The Flock:

Stash Treats:

  • I bought some 100% Merino from Mother Goose for a slouchy hat after loving the hatI made for Andy!
  • And also bought a spotty Project Case from Bobble in Nailsworth!
  • Ordered some Stylecraft from Wool Warehouse ready to start a memory blanket for my friend's daughter.

Thank you so much everyone, happy knitting and I hope you enjoyed this episode!!! Take care :) XxX

Episode 3

Firstly, thank you to everyone for your kind messages and for subscribing to the podcast, I'm so happy you're enjoying it! I hope you continue to enjoy it :) I have set up a Ravelry group if you wish to come and join in, it's called Knitting In Wonderland Podcast

So, without further ado, here are the show notes and links!


On The Needles (and Drop Spindle):

  • Pattern: Of The Moon by Caitlin Ffrench, a free pattern on Ravlery. I used my naturally dyed sock yarn by Spin City UK in the Rhubarb Crumble colourway!
  • Hermione Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder, using hand dyed sock yarn from LYS Miju Wools in Gloucester.
  • I have stated spinning my Dolly Mixture fibre from Spin City UK, lots of gorgeous colours and sparkle! Because we all need some sparkle in our life sometimes :) a blend of BFL, Finsheep, Merino, Soya Silk and Angelina!
Finished Objects:

  • I showed Andy's finished hat that I mentioned in the last episode, I used the Regular Guy Beanie by Chuck Wright, a free pattern on Ravelry. I used hand dyed merino yarn from Mother Goose in Nailsworth.
In The Flock:

  • I took part in the Valentines Day Card swap in the Little Bobbins Knits ravelry group and show one card and little goodies which arrived with it. I will be showing a couple more next episode :)
  • BRQ swap (Barn Raising Quilt), organised by Shannon from the Minerva Turkey podcast and Ravelry group, my package is complete and ready for posting! 
Stash Treats!!

  • Drops Fabel - Uni Colour, super wash treated sock wool. Colour - 104. 
  • Drops Circulars - 3mm / 80cm
  • Cascade Yarns, 75% super wash merino 25% nylon, in a gorgeous emerald green, gorgeous!! Colour - 5657.
  • Spin City UK fibre!!! (Of course!!) Colourway - Nebula. Absolutely stunning!! Blend is Merino, Alpaca, Angelina and Tencel :) Gorgeous!!



Sunday 8 February 2015

EPISODE 2

Episode 2

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me since my first episode! The feedback and encouragement has been so kind, I hope you enjoy episode 2!!

Find me on:

Ravelery: RockabellaCrafts
Instagram: rockabella1983gs
Twitter: Rockabella_C

Episode 2 can be found here


SHOW NOTES:

On the needles....

  • I'm still working on my Hermione's Everyday Socks, sock number one is still on the needles but I've made it to the foot! I've kept the texture to just the leg and doing the afterthought heel with simple garter stitch on on the foot. The yarn I am using is the hand dyed yarn I bought from Miju Wools in Gloucester. The blues are lovely and it's creating a pretty diagonal stripe effect.
  • I began the Lehua Scarfette for the Lehua Scarfette KAL hosted by Melinda of the Yarnderwoman Podcast and ravelry group. I'm using my left over Countess Ablaze yarn in the Canary colourway on her The English Gentleman DK Base, to match my Whitman Hat by Danielle Morgna. The Lehua Scarfette is a free pattern from the With Mel Blog, the scarfette she created was in red, inspired by the lovely Melinda a.k.a yarnderwoman!
  • On the HOOk rather than needles, is the Chiplet blanket. An order from a friend at work, I'm working it in a 2 row repeat with double crochet nad on the next row skipping a chain, double crocheting into the next stitch and then going back and double crochet into the missed chain (hope that makes sense!)
Half Finished Objects....

  • I have almost finished my Tempest Cardigan by Ann Weaver. All the pieces are finished and it's just the seaming together, edging and button band to do. I can not wait to wear it :) I used 4ply Special by Stylecraft and although it is 100% Acrylic, it is surprisingly soft and warm, I love the fabric it has  created. It has also given me a bit of confidence in garment knitting, as a result, I have lots more garments in my Ravelry library and queue now, think it's about time I came out of my comfort zone and became more adventurous!!
Finished Objects....

  • I have finished Andy's hat, woohooo! I used the Regular Guy Beanie by Chuck Wright, which is a free pattern on Ravelry. Knit up with yarn I bought from Mother Goose in Nailsworth, it is 100% Merino! Andy loves it, and it's now his go to hat when it's cold. I was not able to show it this episode, because it was quite a frosty morning, so Andy wore it to work. I will show it in the next episode though!!

In The Flock....

  • D-SPAKAL hosted by Kristin of the Yarngasm Podcast and Voolenvine Yarns. I haven't done much as far as spinning goes for the past 2 weeks, but I have spun about 43 grams, which works out as about 1.5 ounces. So, still a way to go, but I have narrowed it down to 2 patterns, either The Age of Brass and Steam by Orange Flower Yarn or Lala's Simple Shawl by Laura Linneman. They both look quite similar and I have done Lala's Simple Shawl before so I may dot his again because I did enjoy it and it knit up relatively quickly! The fibre I am using for the D-SPAKAL is from Hilltop Cloud in their Dinorwic colourway, 50% Merino, 25% Shetland, 12.5% Mulberry Silk and 12.5% Baby Alpaca.
  • Dani and Zena from Little Bobbins Knits and Little Yellow Uke, respectively, are co-hosting a Little-Along during February, check out their ravelry groups to join in! I have chosen a mug hug from one of my pattern books and also a sheep toy from one of my past magazine patterns. Very excited to get started!
  • There is also a Valentine's Card Exchange, hosted by Little Bobbins Knits (again!), I am taking part and have already begun receiving the cards. I have loved putting together people's cards, notes and putting a little extra something inside to brighten their day!
  • Shannon a.k.a Minerva Turkey from the Minerva Turkey podcast is hosting a Barn Raising Quilt Swap, I am partnered up with the lovely Jeanne a.k.a floknitta, and I can't wait to get her parcel up together and posted out! I have a few little bits already and also looking forward to starting my own scrap yarn blanket. I'm not sure whether to do the Barn Raising Squares or a Mitred Square blanket....I will have a think!


Stash Treats....

  • I popped into another LYS called Bobble in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. I picked up a 50g ball of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran!
  • Back in December, I won the Vintage Rose giveaway on Instagram, and as the prize I won a Stitchmarker Necklace, it's beautiful. I use stitchmarkers a lot, as well as make them for my Etsy shop, so this will come in very handy when I'm knitting :)


That's it for this week! Thank you all so much for joining me for Episode 2, I'm really enjoying chatting about what I'm doing and would love to hear more from you all! I'm thinking of starting a ravelry group, let me know what you think!

Take care and happy knitting!!!

Gemma XxX

Monday 26 January 2015

Episode 1: And so it begins!

Episode One: And so it begins!

Thank you for stopping by!

Here is episode 1 of the Knitting In Wonderland podcast. Of course, I was extremely nervous (and still am!) but I hope you enjoy it as much as I liked talking :)


Find me on: 
Ravelry: RockabellaCrafts
Instagram: rockabella1983gs
Twitter: Rockeballa_C

Video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdX2xHI-7Uo

SHOW NOTES: (for links, please click highlighted text)

On the needles.........

  • Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder. A free pattern on ravelry.com and very popular amongst sock knitters. Yarn used: hand dyed yarn from Miju Wools in Gloucester, UK.
  • Tempest Cardigan by Ann Weaver. A free pattern on ravelry and knitty.com My first garment for myself!! It's knitting up quick, only have the 2nd sleeve left to do :) Yarn used: 4-ply Special by Stylecraft in 'Silver'. 

Finished objects..........


In the flock.........

  • The Lehua Scrafette KAL - the Ravelry chatter thread can be found: HERE. Held by Melinda of the Yanderwoman Podcast. The free pattern, which was lovingly inspired by Melinda, can be found on the With Mel blog. Started January 10th and ends 28th February.I will be using my let over Countess Ablaze yarn so it can colour match my Whitman hat!
  • D-SPAKAL held my Kristin of the Yarngasm podcast. Spin enough yardage to knit a shawl pattern of your choice! It is running from January 1st until April, so 4 months to complete it or do as much as you can! Check out the chatter thread for great support and tips from other Ravelers taking part! I am using my fibre from Hilltop Cloud, in the Dinorwic colourway. It is 50% Merino, 25% Shetland, 12.5% Mulberry Silk and 12.5% Baby Alpaca and it is so soft! The colours are beautiful, greys, blacks and hints of peacock greens and purples through it! Stunning!!
  • Dani from the Little Bobbins Knits podcast is holding a Little-a-long with Zena from the Little Yellow Uke podcast during February. The idea is that you knit some thing little during the littlest month of the year, how sweet! Check out their Ravlery groups, Little Bobbins Knits and Little Yellow Uke

Stash Treats......

  • Countess Ablaze Fibre in the Pondscum Colourway 100% Masham. I'm not sure what I will do with it, either spin it or needle felt it into brooches, I'm not sure!! Would love some inspiration :)
  • Hilltop Cloud Fibre - gifted to me from Andy at Christmas. In the Blue Lagoon Colourway, 50% Merino, 25% Shetland, 12.5% Mulberry Silk and 12.5% Baby Alpaca. Gorgeous blues with blacks and whites going through it. It's gorgeous!
  • Spin City UK fibre in the Dolly Mixture Colourway. Absolutely love this fibre and can't wait to spin it up! BFL, Finsheep, Merino, Soya Silk and Angelina. It is so amazingly soft.....with SPARKLES!!!
  • Again, Spin City UK, but yarn this time! Organically dyed in the Rhubarb Crumble colourway! No content on the label but it is Merino sock yarn :)
  • Yarn from Voolenvine Yarns, on her Lush base, which is 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere and 10% Nylon (not 20% like I said on the podcast!) in the One Of A Kind colourway Taj Mahal. Hand Dyed in a collaboration with Ellie from FO&Dye podcast and Laura from The Dyers Ntebook (and also Gynx Yarns). Both great podcasts and dyers!! Check them out!
  • Sock yarn from my LYS Mother Goose, I got King Cole ZigZag, which I think is self-striping looking at pictures and info online! It's in the Emporer colourway and is 75% Superwash Wool and 25% Nylon, in vibrant pinks, blues, purples and greens.
  • Also, more sock yarn from Mother Goose, 2 50g balls for accented heels and toes :) First one is 4ply Truly Wool Rich in the Raspberry colourway, 75% Pure New Superwash Wool and 25% Polyamide. The second is Drops Fabel Superwash in the colour number 105, which is 75% Wool Superwash and 25% Polyamid. Both a gorgeously rich colours!

I think that is all for this episode! I really hope you enjoyed it!  The next episode will be 5th-8th February, just while I get into the routine of it all :)

Happy knitting, have fun checking all the links out and explore the great knitting community out there!

Thanks for watching!

Gemma XxX


Friday 2 January 2015

Welcome!

Hi everyone and welcome to Knitting In Wonderland.

I will soon be starting a knitting/crafting video podcast, and this is where the 'show notes' will be, they will contain all the links and info on where I bought/found yarn, patterns and accessories for my creations! I will also be linking to other independent shops and small businesses that I have used for crafting and general purchasing. I love supporting small business and this is my way of 'giving back'.

Stop by again soon for the first episode!