the twisted yarn

Knitting, crochet, running, and silliness.

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

Locked Down But Not Out

April 13, 2020 by The Twisted Yarn 46 Comments

The trouble with being home so much is that I’m a sitting target for anyone who wants food. And suddenly, it seems as though everyone wants food, all the time.

Since it’s Easter, I made simnel cake. My apostles have no concept of social distancing. In other news, home–made marzipan is the BEST!

Indoors, the twinnage want a snack. The answer is mostly ‘no’ because we’re being cautious with our supplies. Also they had a stonking big lunch about three seconds ago. So I offer them a lecture about how snacks weren’t even invented when I was a lass, and they roll their eyes and ask whether dinosaurs were around in my youth. By the time I’ve finished this well-worn lecture, they’ve usually given up and wandered off. Result!

Outdoors, Robyn-the-robin pesters me for food, too. And my tiny conscience pesters me to feed the hedgehog and throw an occasional snack to the mostly-self-sufficient sticklebacks. I can’t wait until the various crops I’ve planted reach maturity, so I can just tell everyone to go and forage. Until then, there’s half a packet of chocolate bourbons in the cupboard AND IF I FIND ANY CRUMBS ON THE TABLE, THEN EVERYONE IS GOING TO GET A REALLY DISGRUNTLED LOOK. THIS TIME I MEAN IT, OK?!

In the garden, native tulips are doing their thing. I’m not sure quite what their thing is, but they’re definitely doing it.

But how are you? Not being too hard on yourself, I hope? One day, all of this will be in the past, and we’ll look back on 2020 as the year when everything stopped, and the world turned itself upside down and shook itself about a bit until all the toilet rolls fell out.

A skirt-in-progress for the book.

We’re doing fine, other than worry about loved ones (my parents will not stop going to shops, despite our offers of deliveries), and a lack of success on the homeschooling front.

The Stoic Spouse is going in to work as usual, but as of a few days ago, I’m working from home, contacting patients by phone rather than seeing people face-to-face. We’re both running a lot, keeping carefully away from other people.

Dog’s tooth violet, anemone blanda, and brunnera.

Crazy times, huh? But whilst humanity has paused, nature at this time of year has Stuff To Do. Our garden may be small, but man is it busy. So many types of bee. The bumble bees wiggle their fluffy bottoms enthusiastically as they discover each new flower. Other more serious-looking bees hover zen-like above the lawn, moving reluctantly every time some clumsy human lurches past. And there are bee-flies, aspiring hummingbirds trapped in an insect’s body:-

Bee-fly

Dress for the species you want to be, not the species you are, they seem to say, and who can argue with that? (It’s the reason I wear this unicorn horn.)

Bee-fly

And then, one of the twinnage found a bee on the ground, that was missing most of one wing. Both of my boys love wild creatures so now, it seems, we have a pet bee, whose name is apparently Smoothy.

Does anyone know what type of bee Smoothy is? We’ve set up a small tank with soil, planted with daisies and violets, and a tiny dish of sugar water. Smoothy seems fine, but the poor thing keeps trying to groom its missing wing.

We’re letting our bee (named ‘Smoothy’ by the twinnage) out for fresh air and exercise.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: thank goodness for knitting. We can survive this.

Phil x

Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: bee, bee-fly, covid-19, garden, knitting, lockdown, robin

« Keep On Yarning
Colours Behaving Badly »

Comments

  1. Victoria Margerison says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    Looks like a honey bee to me. Missing antennae also. Love your blog you make me laugh. Love your knitting too.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      April 15, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      Thank you. Ouch, I hadn’t clocked the missing antennae.

      Reply
    • Mairi Hughes says

      April 20, 2020 at 9:56 pm

      Love Reading your blog. Simmel cake made my mouth water.

      Reply
  2. Mary Kizilis says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    The feeding is relentless, isn’t it? I am ever so grateful for the Easter Bunny’s visit yesterday, as for a few days at least I don’t have to think about the answer to “What’s for pudding?”!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      April 15, 2020 at 8:15 pm

      Yup, it’s relentless, especially the NEED for chocolate.

      Reply
  3. Sara Roberts says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    It’s a honey bee, apis mellifera. There are loads of variations within that group, and they don’t all look the same! My Dad’s a beekeeper. I think you’d love doing that.

    Reply
    • M-R says

      April 13, 2020 at 8:08 pm

      Lovely idea, Sara ! – let us all pressure Phil to take up apiary ! Imagine the joy of her photos !!

      Reply
    • Lórienne G says

      April 15, 2020 at 8:14 am

      One of my friends keeps bees. She’s allergic to them, and she doesn’t like honey. She keeps them because her kids love honey. I was always amazed at her. It’s a Labour of Love for her.
      And you should totally keep bees. More honey for your toast, and loads of new photos! Win-win for you. ~Lórienne

      Reply
      • The Twisted Yarn says

        April 15, 2020 at 8:23 pm

        But, but, but, isn’t keeping bees difficult?!

        Reply
  4. captelaine says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    I’d have to draw the line at pet Bees… yikes. Hope you and all your family and pets stay well and healthy.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      April 15, 2020 at 8:37 pm

      But bees are wonderful creatures! (And I hope that you stay well, too.)

      Reply
  5. Alexandra says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    Love to see your garden and to hear your “voice”. It always cheers me up.
    Here in Vancouver we are hunkering down with adult children and grandchildren. Thankfully we have room for everyone though it is close quarters. Grandchildren seem to think I enjoy waking up earlier than I do but we do have lovely times in the garden while their parents work.
    Don’t worry about the homeschooling, they are learning constantly and the lesson plan is family skills and wellness. The garden and pond a perfect
    classroom.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      April 15, 2020 at 8:46 pm

      Thank you, I love everything about your post. I hope that all three generations are safe and well at your home.

      Reply
  6. Isabel Jordan says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    I reckon we’ll survive coronavirus ok in this household but the baking as therapy makes us likely victims of lockdown obesity. I share your love of simnel cake but we had to have carrot cake as well for the non marzipan and dried fruit eaters and there were still hot cross buns in the tin. Might some of your bees be hoverflies?

    Reply
    • Tiggy Greenwood says

      April 13, 2020 at 8:46 pm

      Poor bee, it needs is family, just like we do. Maybe even more than we do. And that’s what I’ll remember 2020 for, the missing of my family. Missing listening to my wonderful children in the warmth of real life, rather than on a screen. Missing the wriggles, squirms and shouts of their children, the demands and offerings, the sticky fingers. And hoping it all comes straight in the end.

      Reply
      • The Twisted Yarn says

        April 16, 2020 at 7:33 am

        Tiggy, I hope that soon, it will be possible for you to safely hug your family again.

        Isabel, you could be right about the hoverflies. If only they’d stay still for long enough to check!

        Reply
  7. plm27 says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:46 pm

    I love your knitting and am looking forward to seeing your book.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      April 16, 2020 at 7:34 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  8. Barbara H. says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    I eye your knitted skirt in progress and hungrily think, “Hmmm, what else is she putting in that book?”

    Reply
    • M-R says

      April 13, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      Agreed, Barbara ! 🙂

      Reply
      • The Twisted Yarn says

        April 16, 2020 at 7:35 am

        In my heart, I’d quite like it to be a whole book of skirts, but that might be a rather niche market.

        Reply
        • M-R says

          April 16, 2020 at 9:25 am

          It would certainly eliminate MOI ! – I haven’t worn a skirt for roughly .. oh, 45 years ? 😀

          Reply
  9. sarahjaneireland says

    April 13, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    I do love your blog and heartily agree with you about the knitting, which I am finding solace in, along with crochet and copious games of Scrabble. Keep sharing your joy!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      April 16, 2020 at 7:37 am

      I’m glad that you, too, are finding some comfort in craft. We’re fortunate, really, that we have these things.

      Reply
  10. M-R says

    April 13, 2020 at 8:05 pm

    We can, Phil – but you must keep finding the time to blog, or our determination might fade .. There ! – bet that’s the best example of emotional blackmail you’ve come across in the last 20 years ! 😀
    Remind me: what’s the timetable on the book ?
    Wishing Smoothy all the very best: at least s/he is in A Very Good Place. That the twinnage has such a heart is joyful indeed (but scarcely surprising).
    Robyn – well .. Robyn is so very nearly tame, the dear little creature.
    Your garden is sensational, that’s all – apologies to Cole Porter.

    Reply
  11. Mokihana says

    April 13, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Thanks so much for the glorious photos. I especially love the robins and the bees. And the flowers. Knitting and handspinning are my solaces, too.

    Reply
  12. Kathy says

    April 13, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    Thanks for writing. Your blog is always a pleasure to read!
    I also really like your garden, and your knitting looks amazing!!

    Reply
  13. Sam Lawrence says

    April 13, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    We have bee flies here too, the way they seem to hover in front of you is a tad disconcerting. I also have the worry of ageing parents, Dad has at the age of 80 decided lockdown is the month to paint the outside of the windows, upstairs! Take care and keep knitting! I can’t wait to see the book! xx

    Reply
  14. Elise says

    April 13, 2020 at 8:53 pm

    Hello! I love your blog, keep up the great work! Also, I’m not certain Smoothy is a bee. I think they are likely a fly. Still a good pet! My fellas love when the Asian ladybeetles and cucumber beetles emerge – they can have as many pets as their hearts desire.

    Reply
  15. daisy says

    April 13, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    hi, i never heard of a simnel cake before … i looked it up and found 2 recipes on bbc website… sounds really tasty.
    happy easter to you and your family and all your creatures!
    best wishes,
    daisy 🙂

    Reply
  16. Carol Erickson says

    April 13, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    Between knitting a baby sweater and sewing masks, then repeat, I’m isolating. Sunny days bring a visit or 3 to my deck, at the designated distance. The impulse to bake or paint must be suppressed, so back to knitting a baby hat with some sort of cables and/or bobbles, yet to be determined. The skirt patterns & colors are lovely.

    Reply
  17. Lorna says

    April 13, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    Your comment about all the toilet rolls falling out made me laugh. I, too, am writing a blog post mentioning loo rolls and likening our spendy frenzy to tulip mania in the 17th cantury! Keep writing, and be well (or is the bee well hehe)

    Reply
  18. Glenda says

    April 13, 2020 at 10:10 pm

    Not sure why some one commented that they draw the line a bees. They don’t sting you unless they’re threatened because they die afterwards, unlike wasps that can retract their stingers & sting repeatedly. I don’t recognize your bees, not surprising I live in Canada… I sure wish my forget-me-nots were blooming. Winter doesn’t want to go away here. It’s unusually cool here north of Winnipeg & IT’S SNOWING! I don’t usually complain about winter but I want to be in my garden!!!

    Reply
  19. Joanne says

    April 14, 2020 at 12:34 am

    Brilliant post as usual. Bee well (Haha!)!!

    Reply
  20. Lynn Butler says

    April 14, 2020 at 4:55 am

    I always enjoy reading your blog. Robyn is quite amazing. I love that she demands her meal worms. I once had a Mocking bird wait for me to toss her cut worms while I dug up weeds. Whenever I got up to put the weeds in the green waste can she would fly down and go after the bugs I exposed. She knew I would wait for her to get her fill. I think she had a nest of hungry babies to feed. She would fly off then come back for more. Such trust and each time she got braver. It was an experience that I won’t forget.

    Reply
  21. Lynne says

    April 14, 2020 at 5:32 am

    Thanks for your lovely blog, and photos, very soothing in difficult times. I am highly impressed with the skirt you’re knitting – beautiful pattern and colours. And the chair cover – that has definitely given me some ideas for one of my own (smaller!) chairs. Will that be in the book? I intend to make cushion covers first though. Have a lovely day and keep knitting and writing!

    Reply
  22. Heather says

    April 14, 2020 at 6:04 am

    Always love your blog , your style of writing is so cheery! Love that Robyn is still around! What would we do without our knitting during this strange time?

    Reply
  23. Trish says

    April 14, 2020 at 7:52 am

    Hi,
    Love your blog, and your sense of humour.
    I’m pretty sure that is a fly, one of the bee mimics. Just as good as the real thing !

    Reply
  24. Mike walker says

    April 14, 2020 at 8:19 am

    Smoothy is in fact, the long-lost and much-missed Eric, the half-a-bee. Play this to the twinnage, they’ll be singing it immediately:
    https://youtu.be/MlrsqGal64w

    Reply
  25. Claire T J says

    April 14, 2020 at 8:26 am

    I am a single mum and childminder working for keyworkers who are very much on the front line at the moment. I crochet usually but am currently venturing in to knitting a summer tunic. I felt slightly less alone reading this blog today. My two teens are constantly on the search for food so I have taken to letting them sleep for as long as possible to conserve food stocks. As for homeschooling – one has not sat GCSE’s but should pass them all thus he thinks this is one long summer holiday whilst the 13 yr old female has only just started to look as if she may do some school work. Picking my battles. Thank all that is wonderful that I can crochet, knit and drink wine!

    Reply
  26. Fi says

    April 14, 2020 at 11:02 am

    Isabel is right – Smoothy is a hoverfly. Don’t ask me what species, I find them very tricky to ID. It still has its antennae, they are quite different to a bee’s, only 3 segments, the 3rd being largest (looks circular) and a wee point (the arista). The bee fly is a fly too – a Dark-bordered Bee Fly, Bombylius major. Great blog – thanks.

    Reply
  27. Linda Lane says

    April 14, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    What a pure joy to discover your writing and knitting! Only wish I could hear you speaking in your British tongue while I listen with my native Pennsylvanian ears. The most difficult aspect of this challenging time is missing the children and grandkids, but thanks to Facetime and visits from ten feet, we consider ourselves blessed. More time to knit and play music–wish it could be achieved without a world crisis. Do pray that we exit this time with increased gratitude and more appreciative hearts.

    Reply
  28. SHEENA MAYS says

    April 14, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    Love the pictures of your garden. Our project for this year was to grow our own veg and continue the wildlife garden… who knew last Autumn, when we were looking through seed catalogues and websites, how much time we would have to spend on it.
    I have been taking my knitting bag outside and listening to the birds and getting distracted by watching bees, butterflies and frogs in the pond.
    Your blog makes me smile and keeps me inspired when overwhelm creeps close. Thank you

    Reply
  29. PA McIntosh says

    April 14, 2020 at 9:59 pm

    I agree with Lynne. I found your blog so soothing in this uncertain world.. My knitting keeps me happy and grounded but I’m not finishing one project – but having many thoughtful days.

    Reply
  30. Lucy strange says

    April 16, 2020 at 2:29 am

    Love, love, love your blog. My most favorite one and I don’t even knit! Although technically, I do know how to knit, but I can’t actually make anything. I am Spot on crochet however. You are such a talented writer and humorist and every time I see a new post in my email i cannot wait to read it. Your posts are always so charming and funny and often inspirational. Love especially the Robyn/robin posts. Keep it up! We need it nowmore than ever! Your friend fr VA, USA, Lucy

    Reply
  31. Sharron Jones says

    April 21, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Your beautiful wildlife photos and stories are thoroughly uplifting. An absolute joy. I hope you have somewhere you can go to be equally uplifted and filled with joy.
    Stay safe and know that you are brightening many days 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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...

thetwistedyarn

740 5,956

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

Phil, knits+runs+cancer. 🇬🇧🇪🇺

thetwistedyarn

View

Sep 18

Open
Half-way through the dragonfly motif on my Äkäslompolo cardigan. Speedy progress on knitting due to annoyingly slow progress on surgery recovery. Grrr....
.
.
.
.
#strikke #strikstrikstrik #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting #steek #steeking #novitaknits #novita #äkäslompolo #knitdesigner

Half-way through the dragonfly motif on my Äkäslompolo cardigan. Speedy progress on knitting due to annoyingly slow progress on surgery recovery. Grrr....
.
.
.
.
#strikke #strikstrikstrik #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting #steek #steeking #novitaknits #novita #äkäslompolo #knitdesigner
...

253 13

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. ...

221 20

thetwistedyarn

View

Sep 18

Open
A re-knit with a view in the Cotswolds. 
.
.
.
.
#nevernotknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginthepub #pubknitting #knitdesigner #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #virkning #strikkeinspo #strikke #garn

A re-knit with a view in the Cotswolds.
.
.
.
.
#nevernotknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginthepub #pubknitting #knitdesigner #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairisle #fairislefriday #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #virkning #strikkeinspo #strikke #garn
...

421 13

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 21

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 14

Open
Cutting the steek on a swatch. I promise that it's way less scary than some people think!
.
.
.
.
#steek #steeking #cuttingthesteek #fairisletechniques #fairisletips #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #rowanfeltedtweed

Cutting the steek on a swatch. I promise that it`s way less scary than some people think!
.
.
.
.
#steek #steeking #cuttingthesteek #fairisletechniques #fairisletips #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #rowanfeltedtweed
...

277 12

thetwistedyarn

View

Dec 6

Open
Want to knit a spot of Christmas cheer? New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see linky in my bio.

Want to knit a spot of Christmas cheer? New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see linky in my bio. ...

190 3

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

Jun 6

Open
There's a new-yesterday post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). But just to respond to people's comments on the post, don't worry, I'm not injured or ill! I was just commenting on the universe's general propensity to cause trouble!
.
.
#knittersofig #knittersofinstagram #knittersofinsta #knitspo #knitspiration #breaconbeacons #breaconbeaconsnationalpark #ilovewales

There`s a new-yesterday post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). But just to respond to people`s comments on the post, don`t worry, I`m not injured or ill! I was just commenting on the universe`s general propensity to cause trouble!
.
.
#knittersofig #knittersofinstagram #knittersofinsta #knitspo #knitspiration #breaconbeacons #breaconbeaconsnationalpark #ilovewales
...

127 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

Sep 15

Open
Whilst I recover from surgery, I'm knitting another Äkäslompolo cardigan (that I designed for @novitaknits yarns) because I want one to keep! Just started the armhole steeks. The thing about having a rubbish memory is that every instruction comes as a surprise, even though I wrote it. 
.
Pattern currently available in Finnish in the Novita magazine, but I'll be allowed to publish it in English in a couple of months' time. 
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislecardigan #knitdesigner #fairisle #fairislefriday #strikke #strikkedilla #virkning #garn #knitspo #knitspiration #novita #tricot #tricoter #steek #steeking #knitwear #stashknitting #handknit #handknitting #colourworkknitting #colorworkknitting #igknit #igknitters #strikstrikstrik #heirloomknits #knitting

Whilst I recover from surgery, I`m knitting another Äkäslompolo cardigan (that I designed for @novitaknits yarns) because I want one to keep! Just started the armhole steeks. The thing about having a rubbish memory is that every instruction comes as a surprise, even though I wrote it.
.
Pattern currently available in Finnish in the Novita magazine, but I`ll be allowed to publish it in English in a couple of months` time.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislecardigan #knitdesigner #fairisle #fairislefriday #strikke #strikkedilla #virkning #garn #knitspo #knitspiration #novita #tricot #tricoter #steek #steeking #knitwear #stashknitting #handknit #handknitting #colourworkknitting #colorworkknitting #igknit #igknitters #strikstrikstrik #heirloomknits #knitting
...

361 22

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

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.. ...

114 1

thetwistedyarn

View

Apr 26

Open
Decent weather for a run. Yes I do occasionally put my knitting down. The colours of this view are a statement, too.
.
.
.
#running #freedomforukraine

Decent weather for a run. Yes I do occasionally put my knitting down. The colours of this view are a statement, too.
.
.
.
#running #freedomforukraine
...

206 4

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

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

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

Aug 24

Open
Have yarn, will travel. Today I peeled the twinnage off their screen and took them to the Cotswold Falconry Centre. They LOVE birds of prey, so this was always going to be a win. Fab day had by all. 
.
.
.
.
@cotswoldfalconry #cotswoldfalconrycentre #knittinginpublic #knitinpublic #nevernotknitting #stylecrafthighlandheathers #knittingandwalking #cotswolds #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairisle

Have yarn, will travel. Today I peeled the twinnage off their screen and took them to the Cotswold Falconry Centre. They LOVE birds of prey, so this was always going to be a win. Fab day had by all.
.
.
.
.
@cotswoldfalconry #cotswoldfalconrycentre #knittinginpublic #knitinpublic #nevernotknitting #stylecrafthighlandheathers #knittingandwalking #cotswolds #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairisle
...

466 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Jun 21

Open
The twinnage still like to stretch their creativity on 'the chair'. ❤ I'm worried that this chap is repairing the chimney whilst the fire is lit and smoke is emerging!

The twinnage still like to stretch their creativity on `the chair`. ❤ I`m worried that this chap is repairing the chimney whilst the fire is lit and smoke is emerging! ...

188 17

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 14

Open
Uh-oh. #knittingwithcats @stylecraftyarns

Uh-oh. #knittingwithcats @stylecraftyarns ...

227 15

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

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 1

Open
Speed-cutting the steek to fit into 15 seconds. Didn't quite make it!
.
.
.
#steek #rowanfeltedtweed #fairisletechniques #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday

Speed-cutting the steek to fit into 15 seconds. Didn`t quite make it!
.
.
.
#steek #rowanfeltedtweed #fairisletechniques #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday
...

716 20

thetwistedyarn

View

Mar 22

Open
Knitting and walking in two colours at once. What could possibly go wrong...
.
Yarn is lovely @novitaknits
Merino 4ply.
.
.
#knittingandwalking #knitoutdoors #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #fairisle #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #knitfairisle #fairislefriday #strandedcolourwork #strandedknitting #strandedcolorwork #nevernotknitting

Knitting and walking in two colours at once. What could possibly go wrong...
.
Yarn is lovely @novitaknits
Merino 4ply.
.
.
#knittingandwalking #knitoutdoors #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knitspo #knitspiration #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #fairisle #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #knitfairisle #fairislefriday #strandedcolourwork #strandedknitting #strandedcolorwork #nevernotknitting
...

423 9

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

Jan 29

Open
There's a new post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio. Much covid, very yarn.

There`s a new post at thetwistedyarn.com, or see link in bio. Much covid, very yarn. ...

197 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Feb 25

Open
When life imitates "art". Note the little crocheted kitten beside the pond, paws stretched out, just like the real thing. I had no idea when I crocheted/knitted this chair cover that I'd one day be a kitten-slave for real. #blackcatsrule

When life imitates "art". Note the little crocheted kitten beside the pond, paws stretched out, just like the real thing. I had no idea when I crocheted/knitted this chair cover that I`d one day be a kitten-slave for real. #blackcatsrule ...

289 9

thetwistedyarn

View

Jul 18

Open
There's a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com! Link in bio. Hope you enjoy...
.
.
.
.
#knittersofinsta #nevernotknitting #knittersofinstagram #dragonflies #knitdesigner #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairisle

There`s a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com! Link in bio. Hope you enjoy...
.
.
.
.
#knittersofinsta #nevernotknitting #knittersofinstagram #dragonflies #knitdesigner #stylecrafthighlandheathers #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairisle
...

366 4

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

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

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

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 17

Open
Someone's beginning to get her red breast feathers. ❤ Unlike Robyn-the-robin and Robinson, this one isn't interested in mealworms. Instead she follows me so closely around the garden that I often nearly step on her. As I pull up weeds and move pots around, she darts in to grab caterpillars and other critters. Sometimes, one of the twinnage comes to tell me that she's waiting by the back door, so I have to go and do a bit of weeding, just to please her. So once again, I'm being bossed about by somebody three inches tall. *sigh*
.
.
.
.
#europeanrobin #robin #robinsofinstagram #gardeningfornature #gardeningforwildlife #gardenbirds #feedthebirds #inmygarden #wildlifegarden #naturegarden #UKbirds

Someone`s beginning to get her red breast feathers. ❤ Unlike Robyn-the-robin and Robinson, this one isn`t interested in mealworms. Instead she follows me so closely around the garden that I often nearly step on her. As I pull up weeds and move pots around, she darts in to grab caterpillars and other critters. Sometimes, one of the twinnage comes to tell me that she`s waiting by the back door, so I have to go and do a bit of weeding, just to please her. So once again, I`m being bossed about by somebody three inches tall. *sigh*
.
.
.
.
#europeanrobin #robin #robinsofinstagram #gardeningfornature #gardeningforwildlife #gardenbirds #feedthebirds #inmygarden #wildlifegarden #naturegarden #UKbirds
...

589 65

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 14

Open
Time to stop the colourful stuff for a while and begin crunching some serious numbers. Crunch, crunch, crunch...
Depressive Pencils = a fabulous gift from my super friend @toads_mum 
.
.
.
.
#knitdesigner #knittingschematic

Time to stop the colourful stuff for a while and begin crunching some serious numbers. Crunch, crunch, crunch...
Depressive Pencils = a fabulous gift from my super friend @toads_mum
.
.
.
.
#knitdesigner #knittingschematic
...

136 13

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 29

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

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

187 0

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

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

Dec 14

Open
There's a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). Just sayin'.

There`s a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). Just sayin`. ...

162 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
...

122 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 10

Open
Playing with Finnish-inspired motifs for a new design. 
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #garn

Playing with Finnish-inspired motifs for a new design.
.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #garn
...

154 4

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 2

Open
Knitting on the rug beside the first fire of the season.

Knitting on the rug beside the first fire of the season. ...

175 7

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 22

Open
Crunching numbers for a pattern for @stylecraftyarns . Crunch, crunch, crunch. I love-hate this stage. 
.
.
.
.
#knitdesigner #stylecraftyarns #stylecraft #nevernotknitting #knittingpatterns #knittingpattern #yarn #garn #strikke #virkning #strikkedilla #knitspo #knitspiration #winterknitting

Crunching numbers for a pattern for @stylecraftyarns . Crunch, crunch, crunch. I love-hate this stage.
.
.
.
.
#knitdesigner #stylecraftyarns #stylecraft #nevernotknitting #knittingpatterns #knittingpattern #yarn #garn #strikke #virkning #strikkedilla #knitspo #knitspiration #winterknitting
...

113 3

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

Dec 4

Open
Steek without the 'eek'!
.
.
.
.
.
#steeking #steek #cuttingthesteek #rowanfeltedtweed #garn #strikke #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisle

Steek without the `eek`!
.
.
.
.
.
#steeking #steek #cuttingthesteek #rowanfeltedtweed #garn #strikke #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisle
...

889 54

thetwistedyarn

View

Jan 11

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, yeah?

New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, yeah? ...

218 7

thetwistedyarn

View

Nov 21

Open
Reworking the 'Falling Leaves' cowl in yarn that still actually exists, and it's nearly done. Free pattern will be landing in a blog post near you within the next week or so.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #rowanfeltedtweed #strikkedilla #strikke #garn #virkning #virkningsprojekt

Reworking the `Falling Leaves` cowl in yarn that still actually exists, and it`s nearly done. Free pattern will be landing in a blog post near you within the next week or so.
.
.
.
#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #rowanfeltedtweed #strikkedilla #strikke #garn #virkning #virkningsprojekt
...

873 34

thetwistedyarn

View

Oct 14

Open
There's a brand spanking new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com. Contains both veg-growing and yarnery. Link in bio.

There`s a brand spanking new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com. Contains both veg-growing and yarnery. Link in bio. ...

206 8

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

Oct 31

Open
Corrugated rib. The trickiest bit of this technique is finding a third hand to hold the camera.
.
.
.
#corrugatedrib #corrugatedribbing #fairisle #fairislefriday #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #advancedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration

Corrugated rib. The trickiest bit of this technique is finding a third hand to hold the camera.
.
.
.
#corrugatedrib #corrugatedribbing #fairisle #fairislefriday #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #advancedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration
...

269 9

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

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
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

  • Failing In Several Directions
  • Redesigning
  • Up A Tree
  • Fifty
  • Kittens

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