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Pride Comes Before A Fall: Here’s The Pride.

June 30, 2022 by The Twisted Yarn 53 Comments

Hello, my Fine Fibrous Friends.

First, may I apologize for accidentally giving the false impression last post that I was injured or ill. The knitting-in-bed-with-a-view photo was purely to show off the self-indulgent bliss of our brief jaunt to the Brecon Beacons. And the throwaway comment about the universe’s capacity for dumping excrement on one’s world was because I’m a cynical old aardvark. At the time of typing, all was well on the distant and weird Planet Twisted, even though we’ve got the builders in and I’m way behind on food-growing activities in the garden.

It’s the time of year for beginning to enjoy abundant harvests. All of this was joyfully stir-fried and munched.

 

I’m illustrating this post mostly with garden shenanigans, because such things have occupied a sizeable chunk of my attention lately.

Unfortunately that blog post gave the universe ideas, because I developed an irritating case of covid a few days later. It was nothing too severe (thank you vaccine) other than the exhaustion that welded me to the sofa for most of a week. Seriously people, who turned gravity up? You’d think I’d have got lots of knitting done, right? Wrong. Yeah, I was that knackered. Those knitting needles are heavy.

The Potato Forest is abundant. Very abundant.

Thank goodness the covid has gone, but it seems to have stolen my physical fitness as it left, like a badly-behaved house-guest who spitefully pockets the family silver whilst they’re being evicted. The other day was my first post-viral run and… ouch. I use the word ‘run’ loosely, because I had to give up and walk anything that could loosely be described as uphill… or even not-downhill. Next time will be better. If I don’t run enough, my energy levels reduce to nearly zero and all sorts of nasty perimenopausal symptoms begin poking me rudely in the everything, so I need to run, much as I’d prefer to spend my time sprawled across a chaise longue, idly nibbling fruit. Also, I enjoy consuming all the food and wine, and I need to burn that junk off somehow.

I reached to pick a raspberry and nearly picked this magnificent beast by accident.

But if this ‘run’ wasn’t already unpleasant enough, it began hammering down with rain when I was about a mile from home. I don’t mind running in rain – it can be pleasantly refreshing – but this was the kind of downpour that makes you crave windscreen wipers for your own  eyeballs. And then I noticed a car approaching, flashing its lights aggressively. Yeah, yeah, yeah, rude driver, haven’t you ever seen a soggy middle-aged woman flobbling along in Lycra before? This is why I like running on secluded trails rather than on roads. No doubt, impertinent car-wielder, you’ll think it hilarious to speed through this puddle beside me, but what you don’t realize is that it’s impossible to get any wetter than saturated so I really don’t care. You’ll probably shout something offensive out of your car window too, but thanks to the Doppler effect I can never decipher car-yellers’ words anyway (is that just me?) so I’ll remain blissfully unaware of the specific content of your contempt. Meh. Whatever.

Many strawberries and raspberries, plus an arch full of peas.

Reader, it took an embarrassingly long time for me to realize that the driver was in fact the Stoic Spouse, and that he (and the twinnage) had come to rescue me from this deluge. They didn’t even yell obscenities – well none that I heard, anyway.

A small part of me thought, ABSOLUTELY NOT! I Shall Finish My Run Properly And Complete My Miles; I Do Not Require Rescuing. How Very Dare You Underestimate Me, Husbandface, Because I Am Tough And Resilient And Not Even Slightly Water-Soluble? But the rest of me punched that part squarely in the proverbials and squelched into the car. Thanks mate, I owe you one. Sorry I dripped all over your passenger seat.

My life may be mostly chaotic, but at least the grape vine is well disciplined.

Yes yes, I haven’t forgotten that this is a yarn-related blog. Having submitted my stranded cardigan design to Novita, I’ve now seen the photoshoot pictures, and I’m slightly-more-than-very excited to see the published result in a few weeks’ time. Sorry that I can’t show you these pictures yet, but the time will come. And in the ludicrously implausible event that you’re non-fluent in Finnish, they’ve generously said that I can publish the pattern in English on my own site three months after their version appears. Did I mention that the Novita staff are awesome folk? It’s been an absolute joy to work with this yarn company and their yarns, and I’m quietly happy with how the cardigan turned out. No, scrub that, I’m not quiet about it at all. I’m NOISILY jubilant about this pattern, and I hope you’ll like it too once it’s published.

Out and about with the twinnage.

The second design that they’ve commissioned is a stranded dress, and I’ve been busy crunching the final sets of numbers that require crunching. Crunch, crunch, crunch. It’s – dare-I-jinx-it – going well. (Oh dear, I’ve definitely jinxed it now.) My friends, there will be pictures. Soon. I’m enjoying the contrast between the two designs. The cardigan was bottom-up, multi-steeked, and complex. The dress is a yoked top-down affair, with zero steeks or seams. The combination of the two has exercised my design muscles, so even though my physical fitness is sub-par right now, my yarn-designing and pattern-grading muscles are ripped. Yikes, this level of hubristic arrogance can only be followed by truly spectacular failure, right? Oh well, my downfall will at least be good for a few anecdotes on here, I guess. I’ll try to accept my humbling with grace. And wine… mostly wine.

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Comments

  1. Patty says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:27 pm

    ❤

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 5, 2022 at 8:46 pm

      To you too. ❤

      Reply
  2. Jo says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    A wonderfully written post as always 😊 Hoping the effects if Covid are passing more each day. Your photos are amazing! Such brilliant garden produce. Lookimg forward to your new designs!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 5, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      Thank you for all of this, even though I don’t deserve such kindness.

      Reply
  3. Tineke says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    COVID, it is a draining disease. I hope you recover well of it. The car story is hilarious. So sweet they picked you up, after they completely soaked you XD I have one knitted dress, never wear it. I admire your dress and skirts soooo much. Too hot for this Nordic lady. So I admire it at distance.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 5, 2022 at 8:36 pm

      Yeah Covid is a bit lousy really. May it stay well away from your door.

      Reply
  4. Jody says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:33 pm

    Thank you! I needed this today. Sending a blast of positivity to ward off any hubristic-induced failure ions that might be heading your way … 🙂

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 5, 2022 at 8:35 pm

      Ha ha, THANK YOU. Seriously, thank you.

      Reply
    • Julie Bailey says

      July 5, 2022 at 9:36 pm

      Giggled most of the way through… as usual!
      So… after 2 years of delay we went to Alaska. The first day in Anchorage I spotted a store selling yarn from the Muskox. I did not go in… there in danger lurked… expensive danger
      The next day we stopped at a wildlife sanctuary and I got off the bus and sprinted ( I never do this) because I spotted a Muskox!! Of a bus full of people I was the only one interested in the poor beast.. they are ugly though! I doubt any one else knew it produced very expensive yarn… except aged spouse as I prattled on…

      Reply
      • The Twisted Yarn says

        July 7, 2022 at 6:35 pm

        Oh wow! Did you approach said beast with a polite enquiry about whether you might take some of its tummy-fluff? Qiviut is the best…

        Reply
  5. Mokihana says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    Beautifully written, and I enjoyed all the photos. Get well soon!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 5, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      Thank you and thank you and – most of all – thank you.

      Reply
  6. Mokihana says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    Forgot to say how much I loved the dragonfly photo!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 5, 2022 at 8:42 pm

      That deserves another, extra-large, THANK YOU!

      Reply
  7. M-R says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    Re the Dreaded Disease: because I’ve been taking vitamin D for absolutely yonks, when I caught it I wouldn’t have known were it not for the test. I am convinced that the vaccine is boosted by Vitamin D !
    Life is never dull chez vous, Phil: even your husband’s coming to get you out of the rain turns out fun. 🙂
    Tell me: in the first shot of edible yummy veg, what are those little yellow things ?
    Steeking is a very dirty word in my personal lexicon; so it’s just as well that the arthritis in my hands doesn’t let me knit any more. Crochet doesn’t have that word !
    Have you sighted Robinson the Robin of late ??

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 6:15 pm

      Oh gosh, there’s so much to respond to here. ❤ I like your vit D theory. Here in the UK we’re mostly chronically deprived of the stuff. I might look into supplements. VERY glad to hear that you didn’t suffer excessively when you caught covid. My own fears are (i) giving it to my elderly and vulnerable parents, and (ii) long covid.

      The little yellow veggie things are tiny courgettes. With emphasis on the tiny. Where is the courgette glut of which most growers complain??

      Ah, robins. (I so miss Robyn.) There is a bold robin who appears pretty reliably when I’m disturbing the soil, and who has realized that I’m not going to eat him/her. Honestly, I waste so much time (e.g if I’m turning the compost) waiting at a respectful distance whilst s/he hunts for grubs. I’d like to think that this is a descendent of Robyn.

      Reply
      • M-R says

        July 9, 2022 at 4:46 am

        And is, in all probability, Phil ! 🙂

        Reply
  8. M-R says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    Oh yes – that dragonfy shot is extra good ! – your photography is really sumptuous. XO

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 6:16 pm

      The subject matter made beauty inevitable!

      Reply
  9. Sharon says

    July 5, 2022 at 8:59 pm

    Well done you! Even with the Covid you stagger on, and contemplate refusing rescue by your menfolk. Congratulations on having the good sense to be rescued!

    BTW – how you are with running, I’m the same with knitting. Which is just as well as I HATE running, and couldn’t at present because 6mo-old replacement knee. I entirely see what ‘my’ surgeon meant when he says people say that the ‘new knee’ ain’t the same as a ‘proper knee’. It had a disconcerting tendency to ‘wobble’ on the odd occasion – usually when I’m coming downstairs kinda loaded up, or crossing a road! ‘My’ surgeon did indeed leave me with both legs the same length, though I seriously wondered at one point, just with a replacement knee that might be out to kill me on the quiet! I’m supposed to see him again in December, so we’ll see how it is by then.

    Very much looking forward to the jacket pattern. Totally the wrong shape for a knitted dress. And hoping to get our own dragonflies when we dig our own pond later this year.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      Oh yikes regarding the replacement knee! I’d naively hoped that such things would be at least as good as the original. May your balance be steady and your knee be strong.

      VERY glad to see that you’re planning a pond. May it be swiftly populated by dragonflies, damselflies, amphibians, etc. Enjoy.

      Reply
  10. Annabelle Cambier says

    July 5, 2022 at 9:04 pm

    Always so happy to see these lovely words and photos in the mailbox.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 6:40 pm

      Always so happy to see kind responses such as this. Thank you.

      Reply
  11. Glenda says

    July 5, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    I love this! I too have to walk and/or run just about everyday or I will transform into a human slug. The older you get, the more slug-like you become and the deeper the lethargy gets. And as for your tremendously green plate of garden goodies, what exactly is that tightly bound looking thingie at the bottom?

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      Yes to all of this. Sadly.

      The thing at the bottom is a kohlrabi. First time I’ve grown it and useful for bulking out a stir-fry but not life-changeingly gorgeous. It does grow fast though.

      Reply
  12. Debbi Harris says

    July 5, 2022 at 10:25 pm

    I got COVID in March. Being properly vaxxed and boosted, I was only really ill for two days. I thought, “Hey, this wasn’t so terrible,” and then the tired part began. Be gentle with yourself. I was exhausted until May but determined to still do all the things. It did not go particularly well and I probably should have just given in a bit more and known that I would feel better eventually. I have the same question about the garden as Glenda about the thingie at the bottom of your garden plate. I am pretty sure I have never grown that vegetable or, if I did, it died young and I never saw anything like that on my plate as a result! I have my fingers crossed that you will get to enjoy your spectacular sweater success with no rebound disasters. I just had a major, major crochet and knitting disaster (the yarn seller should not tell you that a yarn can be dunked for a quick wash if this will result in epic and immediate disaster to your completed sweater that three separate treatments with Carbona color run remover will not fix) so why don’t you borrow my disaster as your karma balancing project? As always, your post brightened my day. Thank you.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:07 pm

      Thank you for such a smile-inducing warm-hearted comment. Seriously, thank you. I hope that you are at least close to feeling OK again.

      The veg bottom left is a kohlrabi. Quick to grow and medium-tasty.

      Reply
  13. Bobbie Jean says

    July 5, 2022 at 10:31 pm

    Since it is sickeningly hot here (Think heat stroke.) I cannot bear to think knitting. I still wear my smart wool socks though! They keep my feet cool and dry.

    I am in love with your garden. It’s more than a minute since our back yard has produced more than the best grass in Texas (Despite triple digit temps.), amazing best-ever-flowering crepe myrtles (In a contest they’d win best in show.), the loveliest willow, pomegranate trees, new mulberry trees that have already fruited after being a year old–and a host of mystery bushes and trees. The drawer full of seeds will have to wait for spring. COVID took my green thumb two years ago and has not returned it. So your success is gardening porn to these starved eyes. Even the fig tree struggles this year after having produced nothing in at least two years. Well done, you.

    Reply
    • Heather says

      July 6, 2022 at 12:55 pm

      Bobbie Jean, I had to consut a Naturopath because no help from medical system, Zinc, Vit C, Vit D, CO Q10, and Iodine drops all to boost your immune system for covid and issues with vaccine. Do google and see what info is online. certainly helped with what coud have been either Covid or flu.

      Reply
      • The Twisted Yarn says

        July 7, 2022 at 7:10 pm

        Responding to both of you with warmth and gratitude. May prolonged covid soon be ancient history.

        Reply
  14. Teresa in Michigan US says

    July 5, 2022 at 11:16 pm

    Entertained and charmed as always. Thank you. We received our first measurable rain in a month last night. We put in an irrigation system that helps, but the eggplant was begging me for rain the other day. The tomatoes tried to fool me with their new blossoms but I knew better. The bunnies are enjoying the beans and peas, wretched critters. And Max, the 65 pound hound at the age of 4 has decided to dig in the garden. He buries his dog treats in them. It wasn’t the scourge-that-will-not-be-named that put me under, but a minor surgery. I thought it would be a quick recovery but a month later I still have twinges. I love your knitting pictures. My needles lay silent. My hands twist with arthritis and my knuckles lock up. But like your running I need my crafting. I’m looking forward to a July that doesn’t give me grief, but a happy harvest and lots of knitting. Here’s to a new month and no more pesky problems. Your posts are a highlight in my inbox!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:13 pm

      As always, thank you for the warmth in your response. May you now recover rapidly and completely from your surgery. Here indeed to a productive month for both of us.

      Reply
  15. Serendipity says

    July 6, 2022 at 12:46 am

    potato plant envy! have you ever grown sweet potatoes and are they prolific? do I see grow bags?

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:15 pm

      I’ve never grown sweet potatoes because I fear that they’d be a bit rubbish in our UK climate. Happy to be disagreed with, though!

      The spuds are in a mixture of buckets and bags. It seems to work.

      Reply
  16. Connie says

    July 6, 2022 at 1:04 am

    Phil, today is my birthday and your post was the icing on my cake!
    As always, I smiled and laughed out loud. How do you do it?
    Thank you for making my birthday extra special.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:16 pm

      HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY birthday yesterday! May the coming year bring endless good things in your direction. ❤

      Reply
  17. DeAnne says

    July 6, 2022 at 5:45 am

    “Husbandface”, is that a new insult? I love it and will have to try it out when appropriate! Thanks for another exciting read. Stay well!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:18 pm

      I dearly wish that I could take the credit for the term ‘husbandface’, but I stole it from elsewhere. Also, thank you. May you stay well too.

      Reply
  18. Trudie Compton says

    July 6, 2022 at 6:37 am

    I was going to buy myself a knitted dress for Christmas, not anymore!!! Love the pattern and do so enjoy your blogs.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:25 pm

      Aww, you’re very kind. Thank you!

      Reply
  19. Jane Sturgeon says

    July 6, 2022 at 7:37 am

    <3 for you, Phil and still you keep going, creating and entertaining us all. Thank you. Xx

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:26 pm

      ❤ to you too. As always, thank you for your kindness.

      Reply
  20. Jude O'Connor says

    July 6, 2022 at 9:36 am

    ‘Husbandface’!! That’s a keeper xx

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      July 7, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      I wish I could say that I’d invented the term, but… I stole it.

      Reply
  21. Heather says

    July 6, 2022 at 1:02 pm

    Lovely to read your musings. I am not a knitter but do enjoy your crafting and creating, views of a landscape i miss. Dragonfly, a brilliant snap. But all your photos are well composed. Enjoy the results of your garden… and is that a Kohlrabi? Hope you and others recover soon from the virus.

    Reply
  22. thefairislering says

    July 6, 2022 at 3:29 pm

    Hahaha, thanks! My husband is annoyed with me now because my giggling made it impossible to conceale that I actually wasn’t listening to him but reading your hilarious post!

    Reply
  23. ndevonemed says

    July 6, 2022 at 7:46 pm

    You’re doing well being back on the run again! It took me 8 weeks before I stopped being RIDICULOUSLY breathless on pretty minimal exertion (and I’d had 3xearly NHS worker vaccines – there’s some perks eh). I’m only really getting back up to running speed now and it was Feb when I had Covid. So be gentle on yourself, be guided by how it feels, if your heart rate / breathing is complaining then slooow down, I am convinced that your body is telling you something, don’t stress that myocardium if it’s complaining. But I hope you’ll be fine and back up to old speed in no time, you’ve had enough stuff the last couple of years! From the knitting, running, A&E doctor who loves your blog! ‘Husbandface’ bahaha got to steal that one.

    Reply
  24. Jaye Jacques says

    July 6, 2022 at 8:16 pm

    Beautiful dragonfly ,they eat all sorts of nasties .Ohoo what juicy berriesyummmm. Good to hear you and your feet are working things out

    Reply
  25. Sharon says

    July 7, 2022 at 7:48 am

    Ah yes, you _have_ to listen to him, but he’ll quite happily carry on scrolling through whatever when you’re trying to talk to him. Meanwhile he’ll be hoping he’s making the appropriate noises, so that you don’t notice he’s not actually _listening_ to you. What happened to sauce for the goose being sauce for the gander?

    And what sauce might you serve with a goose of either sex?

    Reply
  26. Liz Shinagawa says

    July 7, 2022 at 9:03 am

    Joy to read your funny posts again although sorry about the C-19 thingy. Hope you are up and about in no time. I have not blogged for a long time and it is no great loss, but, I do have a ROBIN. It appears the minute I put my head out of the door and flaps and chits until I produce food. It followed the window cleaner into the shed recently as he was sweeping the floor. (The only man I know who sweeps the floor of the shed…). It warns me when the cat is about in case I hadn’t noticed. For this I am grateful as the cat is a monsterous killer and I have to watch him ALL the time. Having the robin, although without the bonds of yours, reminds me of your blog and how marvellous it is and that birdy time was. x

    Reply
  27. tinaor says

    July 7, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    Sorry to say I laughed out loud reading you didn’t recognise the family rescue vehicle! Glad to hear you are over Covid – when I had it too I was way too exhausted to pick up knitting sticks and foggy headed so reading a pattern would have been impossible! Keep on growing the veg and growing the knitting. Great blog!

    Reply
  28. Sharon says

    July 8, 2022 at 7:27 am

    The knee is fine, for a given value of ‘fine’, which is most of the time. Wednesday I walked the half mile to the market, round the market, and part way back carrying my stick, but not actually using it. Just for the last quarter mile home, part of which is a bit uphill, but not steep.

    But yes, the ol’ balance was never that good in the first place, unless sitting – I can ride a bicycle! Think it wasn’t improved by 8 months using one of those wheeled walkers – mind you, it was SOOO NICE to have a seat always available and somewhere to put bags! So I keep doing the Pilates, and try to walk fast enough not to wobble. It’s coming.

    & the pond, definitely. Cos all we’ve had so far is midges/mosquitos in the odd container of standing water! Don’t want them in our pond. Do want frogs and toads, we have Very Large slugs!

    Reply
  29. knittinghiker says

    July 18, 2022 at 4:13 pm

    Love your post, which definitely improved my mood, and—even better—at the start of the day.
    Great photos too. I remember the frustration of being unable to muster the strength to knit during times of illness or recovery from surgeries, mental energy being nonexistent; such a waste of good knitting time. You are stalwart to get back to running. I used to be a hiker when my knees would allow it, and I remember the determination with which I hit the trail as soon as I could manage it.

    Reply

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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

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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

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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. 
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#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.
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #steek #steeking #howtosteek #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting
...

285 12

thetwistedyarn

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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

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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.
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#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.
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#knittingoutside #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisle #fairisleknitting @stylecraftyarns #stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers
...

299 13

thetwistedyarn

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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

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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

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Jun 24

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

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

200 14

thetwistedyarn

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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

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Jun 1

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

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

130 2

thetwistedyarn

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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

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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

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Jan 31

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

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

103 3

thetwistedyarn

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May 24

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

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

123 4

thetwistedyarn

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Nov 30

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

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

152 7

thetwistedyarn

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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.
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@permaculturemagazine This post includes a heartfelt recommendation of Alan Carter's brilliant book about food forests.
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#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.
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#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. 
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#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.
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#knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #knitspo #knitspiration #novitaknits #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #Fairisle #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #fairislefriday #fairislecardigan #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning
...

272 4

thetwistedyarn

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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

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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

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Apr 18

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

365 18

thetwistedyarn

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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

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Feb 26

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

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

415 11

thetwistedyarn

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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. 
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#garn #strikkedilla #strikke #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisledesign #fairisle #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration

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

585 14

thetwistedyarn

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Nov 14

Open
Being a good girl for once and blocking this swatch.
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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).
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#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).
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#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.
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If you're thinking of starting a blog, I have one very important piece of advice: DO IT!
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(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.)
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#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.)
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#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...
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#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...
.
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#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.
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@novitaknits
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#steek #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisletechniques #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #fairisledesign #Fairisle #nevernotknitting #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner

Progress.
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@novitaknits
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#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.
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#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.
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#steeking #steek #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #garn #strikkedilla #strikke #virkning #Fairisle #fairisletechniques #fairisleknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knittingblog #knitdesigner #fairislefriday
...

345 31

thetwistedyarn

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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

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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

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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...
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#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...
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#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. 
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#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.
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#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?
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#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?
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#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
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