Well if I can ever persuade our wibbly-wobbly internet connection to upload the photo, I’ll show you the 254 red roses (yes, I counted them, which was an awful lot quicker than embroidering them was) that I made on the front of the big-house-crochet-secret-project. I’m sorry, I assume you’re sick of me being coy about what this project is, but I really do want the finished, installed thing to be a surprise, even if you’ve seen elements of it along the way.
Ah, here we are. The little hamsters in the wifi box have run their wheels fast enough to show you this picture at last. (Can you tell that I’m not technologically savvy?)
I know, the fourth window box isn’t finished, and I photographed it by yucksome artificial light because it was late, but I was so keen to show you that the front of the house is nearly done. Now I need to work more on the garden.
I feel as though I’ve been working on this project forever (‘Yeah, tell me about it’, says everyone who’s been reading this blog a-while.) I need to get it done, partly so that I can concentrate on the Cladonia shawl, and partly so that I can begin working on a new project with some yarn that’s just arrived. Have a gander at this:-
Mmmmmm….. Now, this yarn is a limited edition multipack of all the shades we shortlisted for the Stylecraft colour competition. How wonderful is that?! I’m just checking on its availability so that I can pass the information on to you, but this colourful pack landed on my doorstep a few days ago and I’m about to get started on creating something knitty with it. I’m thinking a fairisle bag…
Meanwhile, this weather! I know, it’s Britain and it’s August, so it’s only reasonable to spend one’s time sitting doggedly outside in rain-sodden flip-flops, trying to convince oneself that one’s wine isn’t being significantly diluted by the deluge from the clouds above. But really, do I have to play dodge-the-flood on my drive home from work in August? And then after chucking it down with rain for two days solid, the weather is suddenly all sweetness and light and sunshine, like a far-too-hard-work lover who’s all joy and kindness one minute, and then an emotional bundle of hard work the next, and then back to loveliness the moment you’ve finally resolved to dump them. (Yes, I once had a boyfriend like that. He is most definitely an ex.) Anyway today it was at least tolerably dull rather than actively soggy, so we ventured out for a Toddler Twinnage bike-ride amongst the fields. In the gloom.
…which brings me to a couple of final matters. It’s a time of change round these ‘ere parts. The Toddler Twinnage have been so-called on this blog for nigh-on two years, but they’re no longer toddlers. In fact, they’re so far beyond toddlerdom that they’re due to finish nursery and begin school in a few weeks’ time. So whilst I’ve hung on to their wonderfully alliterative moniker for far too long, I guess it’s time to age their online personas a little. Figuring out a new name has been difficult. And whilst I adore every hair on their heads (that’s the only time you’ll hear me being sentimental on here), I’ve decided that they can now best be described as… the Tyrannical Twinnage. Henceforth shall they be known.
As the Tyrannical Twinnage prepare for school, life around here will change in many ways. I’m thoroughly enjoying writing my occasional column for Simply Knitting magazine, but it’s time to start looking round for even more crochet/knitting writing challenges to add to this. And whilst this blog will continue unchanged, I’ve decided to supplement it with an occasional vlog broadcast on YouTube. Because I really don’t feel like there’s quite enough crazy out there on the internet, so I need to add a little more Twisted Yarn bonkersness to the web. I discussed this plan with the Stoic Spouse, and to my surprise he announced (with a fervour that was quite daunting) that he will be my director and producer. He followed this up with a lecture on what is wrong with most YouTubers, so he is clearly taking this Very Very Seriously. You have been warned.
DON’T FORGET, THERE’S STILL TIME TO ENTER THE BURROW-AND-SOAR YARN GIVEAWAY! DETAILS HERE.
‘Til next time, my fine fibrous friends.
thecontentedcrafter says
August 15, 2015 at 11:35 pmNow that I can’t wait to see! I’ll be there among the first of your viewers 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:03 pmThank you. I hope you’re not disappointed…
arlingwoman says
August 16, 2015 at 12:56 amI await the videos with genius direction!
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:03 pmYeah, genius direction but completely rubbish presentation. Apologies in advance.
arlingwoman says
August 18, 2015 at 10:52 pmAwww, come on!!! We know you’re fab.
nicolaknits says
August 16, 2015 at 1:12 amLove the yarn colours. Love the description of the British weather. Can’t wait for the vlog/podcast!
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:04 pmThank you, on all counts!
Toni says
August 16, 2015 at 1:22 amOh wow, thank you for giving us something to look forward to in the vlogging world. That’s exciting. Now, those roses … they’re rockin’ that brick wall as only roses can. Quite impressive.
Have a wonderful week!
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:04 pmThank you on all counts. (And have a splendidly good week, y’self.)
kazacrafty says
August 16, 2015 at 7:23 amWe are just approaching my little captain chaos starting school full time in September. This was our first summer holiday sans pushchair for 9 years. She’s not a little baby anymore 🙁 i don’t have to change nappies ever again 🙂
Mother Twisted says
August 16, 2015 at 9:21 amNo more nappies? Hah! Wait til you’re a Grandmother………
The Twisted Yarn says
August 16, 2015 at 10:54 amSorry Mum….. 😉
Moke says
August 17, 2015 at 6:36 pmI’ll be joining you soon Mother Twisted. Hope its like riding a bike and it all comes back to me! Moke x
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:06 pmKazacrafty, it’s hard, isn’t it?:-( May your little Captain Chaos thrive at school, and may you not shed TOO many tears. And as my mum says, there’s always the future grandchildren’s nappies to change…
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:07 pmMoke, CONGRATULATIONS! And I’m sure you’ll re-figure out how to change a nappy pretty quickly.
kate says
August 16, 2015 at 8:58 amYay! I have recently ‘found’ podcasts and am totally addicted. To the point where I rarely watch normal TV- not that there’s ever anything on anyway! I can’t wait to watch yours. 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:07 pmThank you. (I fear I won’t quite live up to TV-standard expectations, though.)
debgarretty says
August 16, 2015 at 9:15 amCan’t wait for the finished house! Looking forward to the vlog too. Just wondering where the Stylecraft short-listed colour packs are available from?
Thanks.
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:08 pmI’m trying to find out, but my contact at HQ hasn’t replied yet. Will let you know via the blog….
Corine says
August 16, 2015 at 11:10 amThe weather, the exes, sounds familiar. Same overhere. But for someone who doesn’t like roses … you did a great job! Really love it.
Corine
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:08 pmThank you. 🙂
Gallivanta says
August 16, 2015 at 11:25 amThe change of Twinnage name and the announcement of a vlog have completely (almost) distracted me from the secret project. That was a cunning ploy to keep your secret stronger and longer. 😉
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:09 pmYup, but I’m not sure how many more distractions I can deploy….
sewchet says
August 16, 2015 at 11:34 amHmm, you’ve made me think that I should maybe choose something more suitable for The Boys. The “Terrible Two” has a certain ring to it and more than a little element of truth! A vlog sounds exciting and very interesting – I will await with baited breath:)
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:12 pmYup, the ‘Terrible Two’ sounds good, unless your boys are paragons of virtue at all times….
Kathy says
August 16, 2015 at 4:07 pmI would like to get a Stylecraft pack of hte shortlisted colours too. I have looked at the normal stockists and also their site but can’t see any information. Can you say wheere you got it from please?
Thank you. Kathy
The Twisted Yarn says
August 16, 2015 at 4:10 pmThey sent it to me as a sample. I don’t think it’s generally available quite yet but I’ve emailed them to ask and will pass on the answer. 🙂
Magdalene says
August 17, 2015 at 2:16 pmOh, how I wish we could get all those colours! I’m really loving the mustard.
narf77 says
August 16, 2015 at 5:55 pmIt’s actually imps inside the computer and maybe your service provider forgot to pay them this month? They can be quite tetchy when they want to be. I love how you have a gorgeous blue front door. I once had a gorgeous blue front door. My daughters now have it (still attached to the house). My back door is now burnt orange (the paint was cheap at the hardware store). A delightful shade of mud spattered orange is just the ticket to brighten up your end of winter days. I am quite sure Mr Twisted will be happy to know that you are finished with your ex ;). You had better get the imps on side if you are going to be expecting them to funnel YouTube. Just sayin’…
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:14 pmGiggling at so many things in your reply…. especially the imps. Damn, I have to pay them? This really is where I’m going wrong…
narf77 says
August 19, 2015 at 8:27 pmYeah, most people forget to pay the imps and look what happens! I make sure to tithe regularly and leave enough in the bottom of my first cup of tea for them to take advantage of. The imps and I have a good agreement going on. If something goes wrong, they agree to work with Stevie-boy and leave me out of the equation! ;).
Woollen Wildnerness says
August 16, 2015 at 7:11 pmHaha, Tyrannical Twinnage, oh my! Cannot wait to see some of the Vlogging!
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:19 pm🙂 (They are quite tyrannical.)
Katie Writes Stuff says
August 16, 2015 at 11:53 pmWhat a thoroughly splendid amount of roses that is. I imagine you must be thoroughly pleased to be done with them all, too.
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:20 pmYup. Whatever else I do in this lifetime, I shall never embroider another rose. Ever. So there.
mindfulmagpie says
August 17, 2015 at 1:40 amYou are endlessly creative! It sounds like a nice balance, with the Tyrannos entering school, and your finding more ways to express yourself. Carry On!
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:20 pmThank you. Tyrannos – love it!
Sharon - creativityandfamily says
August 17, 2015 at 11:36 amWow, so many roses! It’s looking better every peep, roll on the finished surprise 🙂 I love the new name for the twins and I hope all goes well at school. Do they keep twins together or separate them where you are? Have a great and creative week. xx
The Twisted Yarn says
August 18, 2015 at 10:21 pmIt’s a titchy village school so there’s only one class. Phew, that means we don’t have to make a difficult decision about whether to split them up! And thank you for your lovely comments.