the twisted yarn

Knitting, crochet, running, and silliness.

  • Home
  • About
  • Tutorials/Patterns
  • Contact/Media
  • Gallery (outdoors)
  • Gallery (yarn)

Hunting Parsnips

December 28, 2019 by The Twisted Yarn 46 Comments

It’s that oddball week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve when nobody is sure what day or time it is, how many mince pies constitute an adequate breakfast, when the bins might next be collected, and whether or not the cat has been fed. We don’t even have a cat (sadly), so this problem really shouldn’t tax us as much as it does.

I was back at work yesterday. Driving to the hospital on near-empty roads, I battled anxious thoughts about whether it really was definitely, definitely Friday, and whether our non-existent cat would starve whilst I was out.

It may be bleak mid-winter, but look at all these bulbs emerging, ready to explode into colour come spring.

Meanwhile, I hope that your Christmas was peaceful, joyful, yarnful, and that it involved at least nine of your favourite types of chocolate. Here at Twisted Towers we were under the weather with lurgies, but we muddled through as best we could, and four of our closest relatives came to stay.

The Twinnage (at the ripe old age of nine) have probably reached peak Christmas-enthusiasm… at least I hope they have, because their brains might just explode if they ramp it up any more. Even though their sceptical little minds spotted the plot-holes in the concept of Father Christmas several years ago, they still love this time of year for its abundance of chocolate, family, and relaxed bedtimes.

Oh, for those long-ago days when I had time to make silly Christmas decorations.

One of the Twinnage staged his own version of a mummers play. He’d been planning it for weeks, and had roped in the Stoic Spouse to help him make a dragon’s head. Meanwhile I was tasked with crocheting some claws on the tips of his dragon paws.

Other than my crocheted claw-creation, I didn’t get a great deal of yarnery done this Christmas. In rare idle moments, I turned the heel of a sock. (Stitch-markers in the picture below were handmade in glass by my friend Selma @eclectichomelife. How beautiful and thoughtful a gift?)

I spent a chunk of Christmas morning rootling around in the back garden (dressed in my smartest clothes), hunting parsnips for Christmas lunch.

Fortunately, parsnip-hunting isn’t too dangerous, as long as you don’t let the parsnips sense that you’re scared. You have to watch the bigger ‘snips, though. I bent my spade digging this monster out of the ground a while ago:-

I didn’t even know you could bend a spade but there you are: another utterly useless fact occupying valuable space in my brain. And now it’s taking space in your brain, too, space that was probably previously occupied by something useful such as the capital of Lesotho or the name of your spouse. That’s why I refer to my husband as the Stoic Spouse – I can’t remember his real name. You know that thing where you’re introduced to someone and you immediately forget their name, and time passes on and on, beyond the point where you can reasonably ask again without looking like a total idiot? Yeah? Well twelve years of marriage is definitely past that point.

So that was our Christmas. How was yours? Fortunately the lurgy has receded enough for me to get back to running. It’s going to take a good few miles to run off those mince pies, though. Ouch.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • WhatsApp

Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: Christmas, crochet, family, garden, knitting, mummers, Parsnips, twinnage

« Florence
A Tiny Love Story »

Comments

  1. daisy says

    December 28, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    i had a gentle & peaceful christmas … high tea with my wonderful neighbors … we had espresso coffee and peach pie (mine … i converted a tomato pie recipe) and exchanged home made gifts.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 28, 2019 at 5:13 pm

      Sounds just about perfect.

      Reply
    • Claire C (weezyc71) says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      We have had a very peaceful Christmas although with an 18 and 21 yr old it’s been a bit more moody than I’d hoped for. Can’t help looking back with fondness at the days of stocking opening all in the big bed, and other joys. We’ve at least managed a few family games. I love me a parsnip in any form and it’s amusing to watch the kids bartering over who gets the biggest pile of roast parsnips…I do mine with parmesan and they’re epic even if that’s blowing my own trumpet.. wishing you a very Happy New Year when it comes x

      Reply
    • M-R says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      That is bravery in a nutshell. D

      Reply
  2. Sarah L, Hampshire, UK says

    December 28, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    I’ve bent the prongs on my digging fork and can sympathise with your bent spade ???????????? Himself indoors was very impressed/amazed/speechless when I did it because he’s never managed to bend them back again ????????????

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:17 pm

      Impressive! Hopefully he now knows never to mess with you!

      Reply
      • Sarah L, Hampshire, UK says

        December 29, 2019 at 9:44 am

        To be fair, we do have some large lumps of flint in our clay soil and trying to remove them can involve quite a bit of effort. Each time I work in the garden I assume that there can’t be any more pieces of flint (after nineteen years of being here) but there often are.

        Reply
        • The Twisted Yarn says

          December 30, 2019 at 11:34 am

          Yikes. And clay soil can be hard enough to dig on its own, even without the flint.

          Reply
  3. Kathy says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:08 pm

    ???? You have me laughing out loud (as is often the case while reading your blog posts)! Thanks for that.
    Just had to add that I love the Christmas ornament with the Santas climbing out, and “Peace” is beautiful!
    Oh, and that is one heck of a parsnip!!
    ????

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 28, 2019 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you for all of that! If I can brighten anyone’s day, then my work here is done. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  4. Claire C says

    December 28, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    We have had a very peaceful Christmas although with an 18 and 21 yr old it’s been a bit more moody than I’d hoped for. Can’t help looking back with fondness at the days of stocking opening all in the big bed, and other joys. We’ve at least managed a few family games. I love me a parsnip in any form and it’s amusing to watch the kids bartering over who gets the biggest pile of roast parsnips…I do mine with parmesan and they’re epic even if that’s blowing my own trumpet.. wishing you a very Happy New Year when it comes x

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:37 pm

      Glad it was peaceful, despite the moods. (I do realize that our days of simple childlike joy are probably numbered.) And VERY glad that you’re a fellow parsnip fan. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  5. M-R says

    December 28, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    Now THAT is a parsnip ! I hope you’re proud ?
    Lovely re-telling of what is obviously a genuine family time. Wonderful. And delightfully told.
    I am, however, slightly confused by the almost Schrodinger cat ..?

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:12 pm

      Thank you. The parsnips are a bit unpredictable. Regardless of leaf size, some are tiny and some are vast. (All are tasty.)

      The cat was pure silliness. Apologies.

      Reply
      • M-R says

        December 28, 2019 at 7:45 pm

        Not necessary, the apologies. I must really be old. Sighh ..

        Reply
  6. theknittingmagpie says

    December 28, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    Ha, as always a fab read. I’m impressed that you even got as far as a post!
    Himself has parsnip envy, however when I ‘gently’ pointed out he hadn’t planted any bloody parsnips he was a tad mollified ( they are obviously in the same parallel universe as your cat!).
    We had the family staying and as I have currently less than one fully functioning hand he was very very busy, a total star in fact. I was tasked with keeping Lily ( the new Westie) and the family occupied whilst he was shut away muttering spells over the gravy.
    Wishing you, the stoic spouse and te twinnage a wonderful 2020. X

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:32 pm

      Wishing you a much easier 2020 too, given all that you’ve endured in recent months. Parsnips are SO easy to grow, and are happy to sit in the ground until you need them. I have a garden rammed full of the things, having foolishly believed everyone who told me that they’re hard to germinate so you should plant lots. It’s a good thing they’re so yummy. I hope that Christmas with your family and Lily brought you some smiles and some moments of joy.

      Reply
      • theknittingmagpie says

        December 29, 2019 at 8:57 am

        It did. I love Parsnips so they can go in. Himself is now doing an RHS course for fun and we have the oddest things propagating!

        Reply
  7. bobkeblog says

    December 28, 2019 at 7:51 pm

    This blogpost reminds me of your goal from last year (at least I think it was last year): going for writing a book :-)! How did that go? I thought about it a few times and wondered if your sense of humour made for some publication succes ;-).

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      I can’t say anything quite yet, but unless anything unexpected comes between me and the email I’m awaiting, there’ll be some news to announce very, very soon. (Of course I’ve now jinxed it by saying that!) Thank you for your kind words.

      Reply
      • bobkeblog says

        December 28, 2019 at 8:09 pm

        Ooooh, so exciting! I really, really hope all goes well :-). And if not, I hope it was a wonderful adventure :-).

        Reply
        • The Twisted Yarn says

          December 30, 2019 at 11:35 am

          Thank you!

          Reply
  8. Ms Sue says

    December 28, 2019 at 8:08 pm

    I truly enjoy hearing about your family and all the happenings. Our Christmas was low-key this year for the kitchen was without water for a week and just got re-connected Christmas Eve. Replacing the countertops with granite and moving the sink, so lots had to come out of the cabinets and as yet hasn’t all made it back (sitting on the dining table). Thank heavens for the kitchen table. Granite backsplash coming Jan. 3rd and maybe then we can get back to normal. I have daughter and her 17 year old twins (boy/girl) living with me. They have been a big help this year.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 29, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Eek, I bet you’re looking forward to having a fully functioning kitchen again. That can’t have been easy over Christmas!

      Reply
  9. Tineke says

    December 28, 2019 at 8:39 pm

    I laughed out loud again and yes, I do have two small spades with wobbly blades and one big one broken it’s handle. I try to remember names honestly I do. But I inherited the “what’s the name again” gene in the family. When my name was called my 12 bro and sis were called first. Usually I said halfway :”the last one, that’s me”. And now I do it myself. Luckely I don’t have so many kids but still mix up the names. I swear I didn’t mean to forget my late mans name but I did. Your kids are creative. Love to see that dragon. And a knitted native set with knitted letters as background ❤❤❤❤

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 29, 2019 at 9:09 am

      12 brothers and sisters?! Wow! I think anyone in your family could be forgiven for forgetting a name or two. Wishing you a very merry Christmas.

      Reply
  10. Penny Moton says

    December 28, 2019 at 9:23 pm

    So enjoyed reading ur post, it sounds like Christmas was wonderful! Being fairly new to Houston(only my 3rd one here) I certainly Don’t miss the Illinois snow. Looking forward to 2020 & new yarn projects! Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 29, 2019 at 9:11 am

      Thank you, and happy new year to you too!

      Reply
  11. GlendaO says

    December 28, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    Here in our part of the frozen north (it’s colder than Siberia here quite often in the NORMAL wintertime) it’s actually quite beautiful this Xmas. Temps are above normal by about 5C, it’s -10C today at the moment & the sun’s headed down at 3:45pm. We’ve actually had single digit lows this Xmas. We won’t be seeing bulbs pushing their way up for at least 3 months here unless we have an unseasonably warm spell in Feb or Mar. That’s always kind of scary because we know old man winter will be back for at least a couple of visits & all those lovely budding tulips will get zapped.
    We don’t have as much snow as I like to have this time of year so as a gardener I fret about whether there’s enough snow cover to protect my perennials. We can actually grow things they can’t grow in warmer zones because we “normally” have adequate snow cover for long enough. Unfortunately with climate change everything is a bit of a crap shoot!
    The weather is about as perfect as it could be for cross country skiing BUT there isn’t enough snow for that yet most places. Snow shoeing maybe in some places but then I’d have to go out & buy some. I used to run, ~ 10 years ago. I miss it but I got tired of my athletic younger son telling me how hard it was on my joints. I’m pushing 65 now so…I may give it a go even if he doesn’t approve. -20C & +20C were my cut off temps. Didn’t run when it was under -20C or over +20C.
    Fortunately knitting is a great way to spend time in front of the fireplace throughout the winter. It’s not great for cardio health though & I need to shed some extra pounds. My feet don’t like it! I’m a retired nurse, after 42 years of pounding on concrete floors my plantar fasciitis flares up especially if I’m carrying too many extra pounds. Forgot to put my orthotics in my boots for some unscheduled pre Xmas shopping & my feet are FINALLY settling down.
    I would love to be digging parsnips in December but the ground is frozen solid here at the moment! It probably could be done with hoop green houses & straw, etc, etc but I’m not that dedicated to gardening. I have to much knitting to do.
    Even though we live on the prairies in Canada were everything is flat,(very, very flat) our youngest son (mentioned above) is an alpine climber, snow boarder/skier & MARINE diesel mechanic. He now lives & works in BC the province with all the lovely mountains you see on tourist brochures about Canada. That is something to love about Canada we have everything from marine environments to siberia’s snowy plains. We also have warmer parts where you can golf 365/6 days a year. I prefer areas with well defined seasons although we’re (my husband & I) both getting tired of days of -35C with a wind chill below -45C. You really have to be careful to enjoy going out on those days. It can be done but takes a lot of thought & effort. We’ll probably end up closer to our son in BC once my hubby retires. The elder one is making noises about moving west as well. He’s currently living in a city in Saskatchewan that is much farther north but often has warmer weather in the winter than we do. Something to do with the Canadian Shield and weather patterns.
    Anyway, I’m starting to write a book….have to go back to your post to figure out where I was going with this!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 30, 2019 at 11:40 am

      Hi Glenda, Gosh it must be beautiful where you are. I have severe snow-envy, although you might get sick of the sight of the stuff! I’m in awe of you having run in such low temperatures, too, even if you’re not doing so at the moment. (Isn’t slipping over on icy patches a worry?) And yes, climate change is turning everything upside down. I hope there’s enough snow cover to protect your perennials. Happy (almost) new year! Phil x

      Reply
  12. Alicadabra says

    December 28, 2019 at 11:28 pm

    Ooh, I’d be happy to adopt an occasional home-grown parsnip, if you’re struggling with surplus!

    On a santa-related note, the youngest child (age 10) sat me down very seriously this year and asked me to tell her straight whether or not it was me who put stuff in the stockings. It was a bit of a wrench but I’ve always done my best to be honest and open with my kids* when they ask a straight question so… 🙁

    * Except about what happened to that “lovely” piece of junk modelling they brought home from school in 2016…

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 30, 2019 at 11:41 am

      Happy to share our crop. I’ve been meaning to give some to you anyway. I also have a small gift for you…

      And YES to never directly lying to the children. Don’t want them to lose trust. You’ve done well to keep the magic going this long for L!

      Reply
  13. jackallcraft says

    December 29, 2019 at 12:22 am

    That’s a superb dragon, and a very impressive parsnip! Did the play receive a favourable review?

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 30, 2019 at 11:43 am

      The play received rave reviews, and is likely to be staged again soon. And yes, the dragon head is fabulous.

      Reply
      • jackallcraft says

        December 30, 2019 at 3:25 pm

        I’m pleased to hear it, and a revival is always a strong endorsement for a good show.

        Reply
  14. Joanne Grace Hortensius says

    December 29, 2019 at 12:36 am

    So glad to read another post!! Love them!! Best wishes for 2020!!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 30, 2019 at 11:43 am

      Thank you! And a very happy (almost) new year to you!

      Reply
  15. Heather says

    December 29, 2019 at 8:23 am

    I bet that home grown parsnip tasted wonderful – very impressed! Glad you had a lovely family Christmas and thanks for sharing some of it with your avid fan club ????

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 30, 2019 at 11:45 am

      It did taste rather good, although was regarded with deep suspicion by my children! Happy new year!

      Reply
  16. Sue Doran says

    December 29, 2019 at 10:27 am

    I snap wooden handles on my garden forks quite often, but mainly on dandelions, they’re almost parsnips ???? Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 30, 2019 at 11:46 am

      Dandelion roots are indeed a lot bigger and meaner than I would have assumed! Wonder whether they’re edible??

      Reply
  17. Kimmy says

    December 29, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    You certainly have a way with words. Every time I happen upon your blog, you make me laugh. I love the way you turn the ordinary into amusing and extraordinary. And you are so talented with needles, hooks, hands.
    Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      December 30, 2019 at 11:44 am

      Thank you for such an incredibly generous comment. If I can make a few people smile, then my work here is done. Happy new year!

      Reply
  18. Alissa Head says

    December 30, 2019 at 5:58 pm

    So true. I ate the last mince pie for breakfast yesterday!

    Reply
  19. Connie says

    December 30, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    Laughing out loud, again!
    How do you manage to inject such humour into the most simple of things?
    Please, please don’t ever stop blogging!

    Reply
  20. Going Which Way says

    January 12, 2020 at 8:19 am

    I’m glad it’s not just me that eats Christmas mince pies for breakfast!

    Reply

Please do leave a comment - I love to read them.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

British Craft Awards 2017
crochet knitted ikea poang chair cover cottage house garden
Have a seat!

Recent makes:-

This is thetwistedyarn. Be afraid. Be very afraid...

I'd be honoured if you followed this blog.

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 3,958 other subscribers.
Phil, knits+runs+cancer. 🇬🇧🇪🇺

thetwistedyarn

755 6,005

Knitting+silliness at thetwistedyarn.com.
NHS psychologist. Stranded knitting book out 2022. Stylecraft Blogstar. Runner. Garden @the.twisted.garden

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 20

Open
Hairy trouble is afoot. See thetwistedyarn.com or linky in profile for new blog post.

Hairy trouble is afoot. See thetwistedyarn.com or linky in profile for new blog post. ...

212 6

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 5

Open
My new dress design is in the latest edition of Novita magazine. OK so you'll need to speak Finnish to understand it, but six months from now I'll be allowed to publish the same pattern in English on my website. @novitaknits is awesome.

My new dress design is in the latest edition of Novita magazine. OK so you`ll need to speak Finnish to understand it, but six months from now I`ll be allowed to publish the same pattern in English on my website. @novitaknits is awesome. ...

186 15

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 5

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com,  or see linky in comments..

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see linky in comments.. ...

115 1

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 2

Open
Places you can knit: deep underground in a cave!
.
.
.
.
.
#knittinginpublic #knitinpublic #placesyoucanknit @novitaknits

Places you can knit: deep underground in a cave!
.
.
.
.
.
#knittinginpublic #knitinpublic #placesyoucanknit @novitaknits
...

109 0

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 22

Open
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: CHECK YOUR BITS AND PIECES, PEOPLE! Today was the third of my annual post-cancer mammograms. Honestly, it's uncomfortable rather than painful, and definitely worth it.
.
Also, top tip: if your hair is somewhere between chin and shoulder length, take a hair bobble to tie it back, so that it doesn't interfere with the imaging. (Longer hair isn't a problem, because it can be draped over a shoulder.) I forgot this time, and had to improvise with a surgical glove! By some miracle I remembered to remove the glove before venturing back out into the hospital.
.
.
#breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #ibeatcancer #mammogram

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: CHECK YOUR BITS AND PIECES, PEOPLE! Today was the third of my annual post-cancer mammograms. Honestly, it`s uncomfortable rather than painful, and definitely worth it.
.
Also, top tip: if your hair is somewhere between chin and shoulder length, take a hair bobble to tie it back, so that it doesn`t interfere with the imaging. (Longer hair isn`t a problem, because it can be draped over a shoulder.) I forgot this time, and had to improvise with a surgical glove! By some miracle I remembered to remove the glove before venturing back out into the hospital.
.
.
#breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #ibeatcancer #mammogram
...

396 32

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 8

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com,  or see linky in bio.

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see linky in bio. ...

179 9

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 25

Open
Another crochet-to-the-rescue post! Two days ago I had more surgery, to deal with the outcome of previous cancer-tackling surgery. They installed a clever wound-vaccuuming device which was fine but inconvenient to carry. So I crocheted a device-carrier and now, life is so much easier! Yarn by @stylecraftyarns .

Another crochet-to-the-rescue post! Two days ago I had more surgery, to deal with the outcome of previous cancer-tackling surgery. They installed a clever wound-vaccuuming device which was fine but inconvenient to carry. So I crocheted a device-carrier and now, life is so much easier! Yarn by @stylecraftyarns . ...

303 30

thetwistedyarn

View

Dec 9

Open
HOW has it taken three attempts to knit the correct number of stitches?! I'm not usually so mathematically incompetent. Grrr.

HOW has it taken three attempts to knit the correct number of stitches?! I`m not usually so mathematically incompetent. Grrr. ...

149 18

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 16

Open
It's not often that my activities here and on my @the.twisted.garden page overlap, but sometimes you just need to crochet a hammock for your squash.

It`s not often that my activities here and on my @the.twisted.garden page overlap, but sometimes you just need to crochet a hammock for your squash. ...

223 20

thetwistedyarn

View

May 22

Open
Sunday morning stitchery, fuelled by green tea. Watching insects bumbling about amongst the #nomowmay grass. Enjoying @novitaknits yarn.

Sunday morning stitchery, fuelled by green tea. Watching insects bumbling about amongst the #nomowmay grass. Enjoying @novitaknits yarn. ...

138 3

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 4

Open
Been a while since I posted some hospital knitting, but today I had a pre-op appointment for my post-cancer evening-up-the-boobs-so-I-don't-list-to-the-left-when-I-go-running surgery. @novitaknits

Been a while since I posted some hospital knitting, but today I had a pre-op appointment for my post-cancer evening-up-the-boobs-so-I-don`t-list-to-the-left-when-I-go-running surgery. @novitaknits ...

220 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 21

Open
@novitaknits have done a fabulous job of photographing my cardigan design. ❤ I HIGHLY recommend following their beautiful Insta page. Pattern out very soon. 
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #steek #steeking #howtosteek #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting

@novitaknits have done a fabulous job of photographing my cardigan design. ❤ I HIGHLY recommend following their beautiful Insta page. Pattern out very soon.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #steek #steeking #howtosteek #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting
...

285 12

thetwistedyarn

View

Sep 12

Open
There's a new blog post in town at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio. Enjoy.

There`s a new blog post in town at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio. Enjoy. ...

59 0

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 27

Open
Annnnnd breathe. Post-work knitting in the garden. Not shown because I don't have four hands: a large glass of wine and a book.
.
.
.
.
#knittingoutside #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting @stylecraftyarns #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers

Annnnnd breathe. Post-work knitting in the garden. Not shown because I don`t have four hands: a large glass of wine and a book.
.
.
.
.
#knittingoutside #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting @stylecraftyarns #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers
...

299 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 3

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (see link in bio). Includes happy times with fellow Stylecraft Blogstars.

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (see link in bio). Includes happy times with fellow Stylecraft Blogstars. ...

160 10

thetwistedyarn

View

May 11

Open
View from a sofa, as I contemplate ideas for a new blog post (that'll doubtless take weeks to be drafted and re-re-re-re-re-drafted).

View from a sofa, as I contemplate ideas for a new blog post (that`ll doubtless take weeks to be drafted and re-re-re-re-re-drafted). ...

168 18

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 24

Open
Thank goodness I'm not a perfectionist. 
.
.
.
#fairislecardigan #fairisletechniques #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairisle #fairislefriday #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting

Thank goodness I`m not a perfectionist.
.
.
.
#fairislecardigan #fairisletechniques #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairisle #fairislefriday #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting
...

200 14

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 15

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (link in bio). It was going yo be about knitting, but then I got carried away...

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (link in bio). It was going yo be about knitting, but then I got carried away... ...

219 7

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 1

Open
Knitting and walking in the sunshine. ❤ 
.
.
.
#knitspo #knitspiration #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking  #nevernotknitting @novitaknits #novitaknits #knitdesigner

Knitting and walking in the sunshine. ❤
.
.
.
#knitspo #knitspiration #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #nevernotknitting @novitaknits #novitaknits #knitdesigner
...

130 2

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 5

Open
New blog post, right here: https://thetwistedyarn.com/2022/03/05/blue-and-yellow/

New blog post, right here: https://thetwistedyarn.com/2022/03/05/blue-and-yellow/ ...

174 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 23

Open
My long-loved and dear friend @mary_megarry_number452 sent this card two years ago with many warm-hearted words inside. Little did either of us know that in addition to the knitting, the two black cats would also become a reality. Hope to see you soon, Mary. ❤ Artist is Dee Nickerson.

My long-loved and dear friend @mary_megarry_number452 sent this card two years ago with many warm-hearted words inside. Little did either of us know that in addition to the knitting, the two black cats would also become a reality. Hope to see you soon, Mary. ❤ Artist is Dee Nickerson. ...

335 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 31

Open
Crunching the numbers. Crunch, crunch, crunch...
.
.
.
.
@novitaknits #knitdesigner #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #novita #novitaknits

Crunching the numbers. Crunch, crunch, crunch...
.
.
.
.
@novitaknits #knitdesigner #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #novita #novitaknits
...

103 3

thetwistedyarn

View

May 24

Open
A yoke is taking shape. Yarn by @novitaknits .
.
.
.
#fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting #jacquardknit #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #yoke #yokejumper #yokesweater #knittingtopdown

A yoke is taking shape. Yarn by @novitaknits .
.
.
.
#fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting #jacquardknit #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #yoke #yokejumper #yokesweater #knittingtopdown
...

123 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 30

Open
Busy on the book. 
.
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #rowanfeltedtweed

Busy on the book.
.
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #rowanfeltedtweed
...

152 7

thetwistedyarn

View

Oct 31

Open
There's a new blog post in town. See link in bio or explore thetwistedyarn.com.

There`s a new blog post in town. See link in bio or explore thetwistedyarn.com. ...

157 5

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 29

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com,  or see link in bio.
.
@permaculturemagazine This post includes a heartfelt recommendation of Alan Carter's brilliant book about food forests.
.
.
.
#stylecraftyarns #stylecraft #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislekjitting #tricot #tricoteuse
#garn #strikke #virkning #yarnspo #knitspo #knitspiration #knittingpattern #howtoknit

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio.
.
@permaculturemagazine This post includes a heartfelt recommendation of Alan Carter`s brilliant book about food forests.
.
.
.
#stylecraftyarns #stylecraft #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislekjitting #tricot #tricoteuse
#garn #strikke #virkning #yarnspo #knitspo #knitspiration #knittingpattern #howtoknit
...

183 0

thetwistedyarn

View

Apr 23

Open
We popped down to the New Forest for the day. The twinnage loved it. There was, of course, some knitting. 
.
.
.
#knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #knitspo #knitspiration #novitaknits #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #Fairisle #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairislefriday #fairislecardigan #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning

We popped down to the New Forest for the day. The twinnage loved it. There was, of course, some knitting.
.
.
.
#knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #knitspo #knitspiration #novitaknits #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #Fairisle #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairislefriday #fairislecardigan #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning
...

272 4

thetwistedyarn

View

May 9

Open
My implausibly awesome friend @buttonspickles has just published this sock pattern. This a woman who seriously knows her cables and her socks, so this pattern is worth checking out. There's a link in her bio for purchase.

My implausibly awesome friend @buttonspickles has just published this sock pattern. This a woman who seriously knows her cables and her socks, so this pattern is worth checking out. There`s a link in her bio for purchase. ...

109 4

thetwistedyarn

View

May 3

Open
New blog post! See thetwistedyarn.com or link in bio. Warning: contains personal inadequacy and failure.

New blog post! See thetwistedyarn.com or link in bio. Warning: contains personal inadequacy and failure. ...

228 8

thetwistedyarn

View

Apr 30

Open
Washed ready for blocking... and mysteriously suddenly enormous. The swatch didn't behave like this!

Washed ready for blocking... and mysteriously suddenly enormous. The swatch didn`t behave like this! ...

263 25

thetwistedyarn

View

Apr 18

Open
I really should go indoors and do boring chores, but....
.
.
.
.
.
#novitaknits #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislecardigan #Fairisle #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #knitdesigner #knitspo #knitspiration #strikke #strikkedilla #virkning #garn

I really should go indoors and do boring chores, but....
.
.
.
.
.
#novitaknits #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislecardigan #Fairisle #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #knitdesigner #knitspo #knitspiration #strikke #strikkedilla #virkning #garn
...

365 18

thetwistedyarn

View

May 27

Open
Fancy a new blog post? See link in bio or visit thetwistedyarn.com. @novitaknits

Fancy a new blog post? See link in bio or visit thetwistedyarn.com. @novitaknits ...

83 1

thetwistedyarn

View

Feb 26

Open
Constellations! Plotting and planning for a new design. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#knitdesigner #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #rowanfeltedtweed #fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday

Constellations! Plotting and planning for a new design.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#knitdesigner #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #rowanfeltedtweed #fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday
...

415 11

thetwistedyarn

View

Dec 31

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com,  or see link in bio.

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio. ...

271 6

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 11

Open
Knitting in a power-cut. 
.
.
.
#garn #strikkedilla #strikke #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisledesign #fairisle #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration

Knitting in a power-cut.
.
.
.
#garn #strikkedilla #strikke #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisledesign #fairisle #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration
...

585 14

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 14

Open
Being a good girl for once and blocking this swatch.
.
Blocking mats and pins by @knitiq . Disclosure: I didn't pay for them, BUT I've had them for several years now, and I love them (in as much as you can actually love a blocking mat).
.
.
.
#strikkedilla #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strikke #strandedknitting #rowanfeltedtweed  #knittingdesigner #nevernotknitting #knittersofig #knitspiration #knitspo #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting

Being a good girl for once and blocking this swatch.
.
Blocking mats and pins by @knitiq . Disclosure: I didn`t pay for them, BUT I`ve had them for several years now, and I love them (in as much as you can actually love a blocking mat).
.
.
.
#strikkedilla #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strikke #strandedknitting #rowanfeltedtweed #knittingdesigner #nevernotknitting #knittersofig #knitspiration #knitspo #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting
...

249 10

thetwistedyarn

View

Aug 15

Open
Met up with three very dear friends today. There was yarn. And gossip. And biscuits. @alicadabara @ruth_underdown @buttonspickles

Met up with three very dear friends today. There was yarn. And gossip. And biscuits. @alicadabara @ruth_underdown @buttonspickles ...

95 2

thetwistedyarn

View

Oct 23

Open
Eight years ago today, I started thetwistedyarn.com. It was just a place to talk (and talk) about knitting. Gradually it became a place to photograph knitting and wildlife, too... and garden stuff, which led to the @the.twisted.garden page. Little did I know that my blog would lead to meeting you creative, witty, wonderful lot, plus a book deal, and some treasured real-life friends, a quarterly column in 'Simply Knitting' magazine, membership of the Stylecraft Blogstars, a TV appearance, and plenty else besides.
.
If you're thinking of starting a blog, I have one very important piece of advice: DO IT!
.
(I wheel this photo out almost every year. It's the cake that the Stoic Spouse commissioned for my first blogiversary. It was delicious as well as beautiful, but unsubtle hints have thus far failed to persuade him to bake or order any further bloggy gateaux.)
.
.
#blogiversary #knitting #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #nevernotknitting

Eight years ago today, I started thetwistedyarn.com. It was just a place to talk (and talk) about knitting. Gradually it became a place to photograph knitting and wildlife, too... and garden stuff, which led to the @the.twisted.garden page. Little did I know that my blog would lead to meeting you creative, witty, wonderful lot, plus a book deal, and some treasured real-life friends, a quarterly column in `Simply Knitting` magazine, membership of the Stylecraft Blogstars, a TV appearance, and plenty else besides.
.
If you`re thinking of starting a blog, I have one very important piece of advice: DO IT!
.
(I wheel this photo out almost every year. It`s the cake that the Stoic Spouse commissioned for my first blogiversary. It was delicious as well as beautiful, but unsubtle hints have thus far failed to persuade him to bake or order any further bloggy gateaux.)
.
.
#blogiversary #knitting #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #nevernotknitting
...

486 35

thetwistedyarn

View

Apr 5

Open
The steeks are cut and it's beginning to look a lot like a cardigan (apart from the lack of sleeves, collar, button bands, buttons, and a really thorough blocking, but what's a few details between friends?) I'm excited that the knitted reality is coming out pretty much how I hoped when I created the design. Feel free to laugh at my hubris when it all goes wrong tomorrow...
.
.
#knittersofinsta #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #knitwear #knitdesigner #novitaknits #nevernotknitting #Fairisle #fairislefriday #fairislecardigan #fairisleknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting

The steeks are cut and it`s beginning to look a lot like a cardigan (apart from the lack of sleeves, collar, button bands, buttons, and a really thorough blocking, but what`s a few details between friends?) I`m excited that the knitted reality is coming out pretty much how I hoped when I created the design. Feel free to laugh at my hubris when it all goes wrong tomorrow...
.
.
#knittersofinsta #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #knitwear #knitdesigner #novitaknits #nevernotknitting #Fairisle #fairislefriday #fairislecardigan #fairisleknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting
...

415 19

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 31

Open
Progress.
.
@novitaknits
.
.
#steek #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #Fairisle #nevernotknitting #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner

Progress.
.
@novitaknits
.
.
#steek #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #Fairisle #nevernotknitting #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner
...

395 16

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 25

Open
Spring has never been more welcome. View looking upwards as I walked home after taking the twinnage to school. For once, I wasn't even knitting as I walked.

Spring has never been more welcome. View looking upwards as I walked home after taking the twinnage to school. For once, I wasn`t even knitting as I walked. ...

261 15

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 15

Open
How on earth am I going to spend this hour whilst I wait in the car for my mum? Oh hang on, I have knitting and green tea: I'll be fine for half a day at least.

How on earth am I going to spend this hour whilst I wait in the car for my mum? Oh hang on, I have knitting and green tea: I`ll be fine for half a day at least. ...

310 18

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 7

Open
Public service broadcast by @thetwistedyarn! Steeks aren't scary.
.
.
.
#steeking #steek #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #Fairisle #fairisletechniques #fairisleknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knittingblog #knitdesigner #fairislefriday

Public service broadcast by @thetwistedyarn! Steeks aren`t scary.
.
.
.
#steeking #steek #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #Fairisle #fairisletechniques #fairisleknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knittingblog #knitdesigner #fairislefriday
...

345 31

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 15

Open
Mix of high-tech and low-tech in today's number-crunching.

Mix of high-tech and low-tech in today`s number-crunching. ...

165 10

thetwistedyarn

View

Feb 12

Open
Another day, another blog post. See linky in bio or thetwistedyarn.com.

Another day, another blog post. See linky in bio or thetwistedyarn.com. ...

89 0

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 3

Open
My lovely friend (since the age of about 4) has just turned 50. We don't usually exchange gifts but she sent me such a thoughtful present when I hit the half-century, and I wanted to do something nice for her. So I designed and made this cowl. I hope she likes it...
.
.
.
#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikke #virkning

My lovely friend (since the age of about 4) has just turned 50. We don`t usually exchange gifts but she sent me such a thoughtful present when I hit the half-century, and I wanted to do something nice for her. So I designed and made this cowl. I hope she likes it...
.
.
.
#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikke #virkning
...

362 52

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 10

Open
Haven't done a knitting-and-walking photo for a while, so here's a shot from walking the twinnage to school this morning. 
.
.
.
.
#knittingandwalking #roosimine #roosimineknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #rowanfeltedtweed #estonianknitting #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning

Haven`t done a knitting-and-walking photo for a while, so here`s a shot from walking the twinnage to school this morning.
.
.
.
.
#knittingandwalking #roosimine #roosimineknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #rowanfeltedtweed #estonianknitting #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning
...

208 3

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 11

Open
Good morning, lovely people. Isn't knitting just the BEST distraction?
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #Fairisle #knitdesigner #knitspo #stylecraftspecial #stylecraftspecialdk #knitspiration #fairislefriday #garn #strikke #virkning

Good morning, lovely people. Isn`t knitting just the BEST distraction?
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #Fairisle #knitdesigner #knitspo #stylecraftspecial #stylecraftspecialdk #knitspiration #fairislefriday #garn #strikke #virkning
...

303 9

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 9

Open
Working on the book, fuelled by green tea and optimism.

Working on the book, fuelled by green tea and optimism. ...

193 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 2

Open
New blog post alert! See link in bio. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂

New blog post alert! See link in bio. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂 ...

278 6
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Knitter Of The Year 2017

Knitter Of The Year 2017
Knit Now magazine, Knitter Of The Year 2017

As seen in:-

Read my occasional column in:-

Top 100 crochet blogs via Feedly

Top 100 knit-blogs via Feedly

Follow me via Wordpress

Follow the twisted yarn on WordPress.com

Recent Posts

  • The Four Seasons Cowl: A New Pattern
  • Nearly There
  • Weirdly Wintering In August
  • Colour Me Seasonal
  • Blogstars On The Beach: A New Pattern

RSS Follow my blog via RSS!

  • An error has occurred, which probably means the feed is down. Try again later.

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · The Twisted Yarn · Log in

 

Loading Comments...