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Bisocial

October 31, 2022 by The Twisted Yarn 37 Comments

Thank you, my Fine Fibrous Friends, for your kind words after my last post. I’m doing OK, but part of the boob surgery wound just won’t heal, which is irritating ten weeks down the line because it’s preventing me from running. Given that my physical and mental health and menopause-resilience are closely correlated with running mileage, this is a problem. I was due to run the Oxford Half Marathon on 16th October, but common sense and a medical note said DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, LOSER. Colour me gutted, because the Oxford Half is the most fun race ever.

So. My friends and I are one-by-one turning 50. And one of my lovely friends organized a long Thames walk as her celebration. Witness here one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway bridges on our route.

But you’re here for the yarn not the boobs, right? I hope? Yes?

It’s been a good year in the garden for spuds.

Yet again, the words of this post take a different path from the pictures. The pictures are mostly about food-growing, because that’s been the most obviously colourful part of my life, lately.

How awesome is this beetroot? (Chioggia.) Definitely growing this beastie again in the future.

On the plus side, I have learned a word that quite perfectly captures something I’d observed but had struggled to describe, and because it’s relevant to knitting, I wanted to discuss it here. Bisociation. I’d been thinking about creativity, whether in the form of comedy or visual media such as knitting. And I’d noticed that the best examples of such creativity often involve combining two startlingly unrelated concepts.

The grape harvest has been good. All hail the grape harvest, even though I nearly fell off a ladder picking it.

Take comedy, for example. I’ve had plenty of cause to think about the nuts and bolts of humour, since my now-80-year-old father-in-law decided to re-train as a stand-up comedian a few years ago, and we occasionally had to assist him with his coursework. I often flick through the Stoic Spouse’s copy of Private Eye, a British satirical magazine that ensures that no bad deed goes un-mocked. If you look at its content, especially the cartoons, the best of the jokes slam two unrelated concepts together. Exhibit A:-

The queen’s death plus Boris’s dishonesty – definite bisociation.

So I had this vaguely-formed theory in the wine-soaked fluff that has latterly replaced my brain. And then I began reading James Geary’s book about humour, Wit’s End, which discusses this exact phenomenon, and it has a name! Bisociation. And it’s an important aspect of all sorts of creativity. Feeling vindicated, I scurried off to wittily combine random stuff, secure in the knowledge that this would be hilarious or geniusly creative or preferably both.

Autumn cyclamen awesomeness.

Another example: many years ago on an Arvon writing course, we were given an exercise that involved writing a short piece in response to three prompt words, chosen at random from a bucket of ideas. I still remember the words that I pulled out of that bucket: regretful, carpenter, gazebo. (I guess that counts as trisociation.) You have no idea how much playful fun I had with my poor lost carpenter and his woefully remorseful travails in the gazebo. It was the startlingly unexpected combination of concepts that supercharged my imagination. There is something inspiring about examining the intermediate space between two or more unrelated phenomena. If the prompt had been merely, “Write a short piece about a carpenter,” my response would’ve probably been way too bland.

Every day or three, I forage edibles from the garden and stir-fry them for lunch. See @the.twisted.garden for details.

But let’s bring this back to the yarn. Bisociation is – now that I can put a name to it – a phenomenon that I love to use when designing knitted (or crocheted) items. I’m not saying that I do it well; I’m just saying that I do it, so please don’t assume that there’s any arrogance here. Some folk like to follow traditions – Fair Isle, the gansey, Latvian colourwork, and so on. That’s good and important because it would be a tragedy to lose such knitted heritage: I mean that from the bottom of my heart. And I’ve learned many such traditions because it’s always important to understand the rules before you break them. But. BUT. At heart, I have never been a follower. I just can’t do it. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, I can’t help taking a trope and smashing it into another trope in order to explore what happens in the space between the two. That space is endlessly fascinating, in my arrogant opinion. That’s where the magic happens.

It’s time to plant garlic, saved from last year’s harvest.

Examples? OK, here goes. But remember that I’m only claiming to do this thing, not to do it well. I wanted to recreate covid in yarn, and decided to combine it with Fair Isle.

I wanted to express my feelings about the corruption of our freshwater habitats, via the medium of stranded knitting.

You get the idea, I’m sure. And you doubtless do it far more wittily than I do. But at least we can both understand the phenomenon. Bisociation is actually rather wonderful, yes?

 

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Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: bisociation, james geary, knitting

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Comments

  1. MR says

    October 31, 2022 at 7:48 pm

    I k new we’d get there in the end .. [grin] And the journey was well worth making, Phil – especially for the vegie/fruit shots !
    But I’m sorry to learn about the non-healing wound and its trickle-down effects. How about taking collagen ?
    That IKB bridge ! – it’s a DESIGN ! What a truly extraordinary bloke he was, eh ? Are we sure ‘they’ don’t need to add some .. ahh .. stuff to the top left of your frame where the bricks now look as if they need grouting ?
    Re the real subject of your post – and of all of them – your knitting .. You are creative, certainly. But you are also a BRILLIANT knitter. The combo is irresistible.
    Love from Downunder.

    Reply
    • Victoria says

      October 31, 2022 at 7:53 pm

      If wound not healing so long after surgery there is a reason, often a suture is the focus or a little necrotic area. Hope you can see a wound care specialist (it was my specialist area many moons ago)

      Your colourwork fills me with awe!

      Reply
      • The Twisted Yarn says

        November 1, 2022 at 6:12 pm

        Thank you both. I’ve finally plucked up the courage to phone the breast nurses and they’re going to call me back tomorrow. They’re both awesome humans/professionals, but they must be sick of the sight of me by now!

        Reply
  2. Patty says

    October 31, 2022 at 7:51 pm

    You never cease to amaze me! Pack your unhealing wound with honey. ❤

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:13 pm

      Thank you. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Tineke says

    October 31, 2022 at 7:58 pm

    It is extremely funny and my kids are deeply ashamed of their mum having so much fun with it. Could be my background that is manageable with a good witz. Bisociation makes life fun. I am sorry for your wound not healing, darn, 10 weeks is about time to get healed, don’t you think? Try to intercept that memopause with natural isoflavone. Lots on line about it. I don’t mind gardenstuff mixed with crafting, both my favorite pastime. And blimey, those grapes are big!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:19 pm

      All kids are ashamed of their parents, so you may as well do something fun to earn it!
      Will look into isoflavone, thank you.

      Reply
  4. Lucy, Netley Abbey, Hampshire says

    October 31, 2022 at 8:20 pm

    Another post that’s visually gorgeous, brain tickling – to expanding and a quick whisper over the emotions. Thank you.
    So sorry your wound is not being helpful, my 2 pennyworth suggestion is Arnica. My first late husband (I feel like a character from an Agatha Christie novel, married and widowed 3 times. Think I’d better stop now 🙂 used this before and after both hip operations and was back on his new hips surprisingly quickly.
    Hope you heal soon and by the way your knitting creativity is incredible.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:22 pm

      Thank you for all of this. I didn’t know about arnica – will have a look.

      Reply
  5. Lynn Butler says

    October 31, 2022 at 9:16 pm

    You always have something insightful to say. I learned something new! Sorry you missed out on your run. Gah! It’s no fun being a responsible adult and waiting for your body to heal up.
    So inspired by your 80 year old father in law’s new occupation! How cool is that! Just thinking about it makes me grin!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:24 pm

      I know, he’s a very cool father-in-law. Covid arrived soonish after he’d finished the course so he stopped performing, but I have so much respect for him anyway.

      Reply
  6. dragontearsoflove says

    October 31, 2022 at 10:03 pm

    May you heal more quickly and get back to running soon. In the meantime, I’m loving the Bisociation… It feels as if it is supposed to be hyphenated? However, You’ve topped my favorite phrase: “In my never humble opinion,” and stated it more concisely…the question is, will I remember to use, ‘In my arrogant opinion’ in the future or will I keep using my old stand-by. Thank you for the post…and the joys of yarn bisociation.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:26 pm

      Aww, thank you!
      Either phrase expresses things perfectly IMAO, so use whichever comes to mind! Do people ever feel humble when they say ‘in my humble opinion’?

      Reply
  7. Tanya Swinfen-Wilkes says

    November 1, 2022 at 12:09 am

    So sorry to hear that your wound isn’t healing. All of the suggestions above sound useful. Love the idea of bisociation, the photos of your crops, your amazing father-in-law (what an inspiration!) and your beautiful, clever knitting. Hang on in there. 🙂

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:27 pm

      Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

      Reply
  8. Kathy says

    November 1, 2022 at 4:10 am

    I love to learn new words and their meanings. I could also relate to the word, not in relation to comedy, but more in the manner you talk about regarding your tendencies,or perhaps need, to learn skills and put them together with other skills. I do that too, though I need a Lot more practice….while you do it wonderfully!
    Heal soon!
    Thanks for your blog.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:29 pm

      Yay to a fellow bisocial person! And yes yes yes to an ever-expanding vocab. I tell my children that if you’re not learning, you’re not living. They ignore me.

      Reply
  9. Rebecca Eveland says

    November 1, 2022 at 4:38 am

    I do wish I could send my Wound Care Specialist R.N. over your way to care for you. She’s a gifted healer. Hoping that the universe synchs with your body and heals your surg wound. Your carpenter-gazebo piece must have been a hoot! Approaching my 3rd year at university, we were all required to take an English Writing examination, in which we were randomly assigned one subject upon which to write a 1,500 word essay. In a large lecture hall, we all sat there, wondering what weird subject we’d be assigned. Fail this assignment meant one would not be allowed to continue to one’s 3rd year major and minor studies. The proctor approached me, reached into a large box, pulled out a small slip of paper (my fate…) and it read “Expound on your knowledge of baseball.” Woo-Hoo! I knew baseball from A to Z! My mother took me to my first San Francisco Giants game when I was 7 and I remain a fan. Those 1,500 words flew by. And, thank you for continuing to post images of pattern creating. I’ve created 3, in crochet, due solely to you and your page here. And, off Knitting and Crochet, sewed a Galadriel costume for my 9 year old granddaughter to wear today. Her Mom created the circlet. Thank goodness for 7th Grade Home Economics (here in the US one learns sewing, cooking etc.). All of those skills came right back to me, in order to make this character come alive in long dress, with long velvet cape. It is wonderful to not only have those skills, but to be able to pass them along. Presently teaching granddaughter to crochet first, then knit a bit later.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:32 pm

      Thank you so much Rebecca! But goodness, that exam sounds like a cruel torment. Very glad you got lucky in the draw.

      Keep creating more patterns, keep flexing those creative muscles, and enjoy.

      Reply
  10. Sharon says

    November 1, 2022 at 8:19 am

    Do hope the wound heals soon.

    Lovely to hear from you again, and be educated further. One thing about the Menopause, it does end, honest, Phil. After which things are much more stable & less messy; though I suppose the Twinnage will see to that!

    As for the magnificent grapes – try growing them on shorter vines? That way you might not need a ladder. I’ve been wondering about a vine, since DH is very slowly building me a pergola. It’s to support the honeysuckle when the Verbena bonariensis it’s currently clinging to dies back (any day now). Though it might need to grow a bit more to reach the top. There’s space the other side for a vine, isn’t there? How much space does one need?

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:37 pm

      You definitely definitely need a grapevine on your pergola. It’s practically the law: all pergolas must have grapevines. I’m sure the honeysuckle will understand…

      Yeah our grapevine is growing across a pergola, too. The problem is that I am very short, and also quite rubbish with ladders. But no limbs were broken in the harvesting of the grapes, so all is well on that front.

      Thank you for the menopause reassurance because honestly it’s hit me like a train!

      Reply
  11. leelah saachi says

    November 1, 2022 at 8:56 am

    Dear Phil, my husband had the same problem with a wound on his leg, where the doctors had harvested a vein. He dutifully used the cremes they gave him, nothing helped – it looked really obnoxious – and then the old herbalist Leelah/me ironed a healthy cabbage-leaf and bandaged it to his wound.
    In three days we could see the start of a beautiful healing.
    I have used it on myself too 🙂
    I have always been deeply curious and interested in so called natural healing and herbs – have you ever read Maurice Messege? Famous herbalist of the last century.
    And hey ho, you have nothing to lose – right?
    I SO want you to be able to run your marathons!
    hugs from Norway
    Leelah Saachi

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      Wow, that’s seriously impressive! I might have to invest in a cabbage, then. (Sadly haven’t got any growing at the moment.)
      Hugs back from the UK to Norway.

      Reply
  12. leelah saachi says

    November 1, 2022 at 8:57 am

    Typo: Maurice Messegue

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:41 pm

      Will investigate. Must admit that I hadn’t heard the name.

      Reply
  13. Leanna says

    November 1, 2022 at 10:53 am

    I love the idea of pulling two divergent ideas into one! Thank you for sharing the term for that!! I recently came across the word “bricolage,” and have decided that I’ve been a bricolage doula for a good many (many, many) long years. Now, however, I know my title!

    p.s. I hope you get healed up soon, so you can be back to counting off miles!

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:44 pm

      THANK YOU for giving me a new word to learn, and I love the idea that you’re a bricolage doula – that sounds awesome.

      Reply
      • Leanna says

        November 4, 2022 at 11:01 am

        Right back at you! I had never heard of bisociation, I love words, and playing with them. Now we both have new words to play with!

        Reply
  14. Rainbow Junkie says

    November 1, 2022 at 11:25 am

    So sorry to hear about your wound being slow to heal and your missing the marathon. Life can be so unfair sometimes. But what lovely potatoes and fascinating beetroot. I like beetroot; makes me wonder if it tastes different to other ones. Interesting to learn a new word. Must think about what it means for creativity.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:46 pm

      Thank you.
      Must admit that I’ve never been a huge beetroot fan, but this one seems to taste a bit less earthy than others. Apparently there are golden beetroot too.

      Reply
  15. Teresa in Michigan says

    November 1, 2022 at 2:24 pm

    Your posts never fail to make me grin. This one is no exception but I had to read it twice. I thought everyone’s brain did two unrelated things at once! Mine finds something irreverent or irrelevant with whatever task I’m actually supposed to be doing which sends my goldfish induced brain (goldfish have an 8 or 9 second memory according to some scientists with nothing better to do or to spend research grants on) to some desert island with nothing important buried on it. In your world your garden and your yarn are always connected as they are what keeps you sane, challenged and happy.
    I’m sorry your body is not healing and you cannot run, but you can walk and slow down. Walking your usual running routes may give you the opportunity to see new things and appreciate the sights and sounds of slowing down. And take more amazing pictures. There is often an Up in our Downs if we take the time to look. Sending you hugs across the pond.

    Reply
    • The Twisted Yarn says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you for such an uplifting reply!
      Maybe everyone’s brain does this, I don’t know, but it is nice to have a word to apply to the phenomenon.

      Reply
  16. Aly says

    November 1, 2022 at 7:14 pm

    Your garden harvest is wonderful- I intended to grow all manner of edibles in mine, but it turns out that the edibles I want to grow mostly feed other animals and bugs! I’m sorry to hear the boob is being difficult to heal and hope whomever you see for it is helpful. I agree with the person who suggested walking until you’re healed enough to run- altho I understand that it’s definitely a different vibe. I got blindsided by Menopause/Perimenopause this year as well, so you have my sympathies. It’s a real party, yeah? (Hah!) Fwiw I’m doing progesterone only at the moment and that has helped tremendously with my symptoms (oh anxiety, why…) Anyway, Cheers for a new word that was not what I expected it to be and all those lovely pictures!

    Reply
  17. Carol Vile says

    November 1, 2022 at 10:58 pm

    That’s a fascinating word, and your work is pure art.

    Reply
  18. Jane Sturgeon says

    November 4, 2022 at 12:25 pm

    Phil, healing energy flowing for your wound. ❤ Sorry you can’t run, and love how you focus on growing, creating and bisocation. You are lovely. xXx

    Reply
  19. Serendipity says

    November 5, 2022 at 12:59 am

    I’m in awe of your gardening talent (the knitting bit goes without saying – love the themes!); in the US hyperbaric therapy is often prescribed for non-healing wounds; it does require a month spent lying in a chamber an hour or so a day in a quiet and comfortable albeit weird bed of sorts. My cancer is currently is remission (10 years, thankfully) but the treatment side effects cause setbacks every few years in random and bizarre places. This situation has allowed me to embrace my inner curmudgeon and enjoy the strength of my own convictions. I wish you well, your diet should go a long way towards your continued healing.

    Reply
  20. JosieHolford says

    November 8, 2022 at 1:06 am

    So much to comment on here. But let me focus on the key issue: That spud photo is stupendous! And the taste of home grown spuds matters.
    Lovely post. Thank you.

    Reply

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Re-reading this fascinating book - Interaction Of Colo(u)r by Josef Albers - whilst I write the chapter about using colour in stranded knitting for my own book. Highly recommend the Albers book if you fancy a really deep dive into how and why colours behave so differently, depending on their neighbours. 
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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

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Mar 22

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

423 9

thetwistedyarn

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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.
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#running #freedomforukraine

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

206 4

thetwistedyarn

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Jan 29

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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. ...

191 0

thetwistedyarn

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Aug 15

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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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Jan 31

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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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Apr 16

Open
Kittens sitting in the crocheted garden. By the way, someone pointed out that there's a fake account pretending to be me: it's at thetwistedyarn_  I can't view it because they've blocked me, but if any kind soul would be kind enough to report it, I'd be very grateful. Thank you, my Fine Fibrous Friends!

Kittens sitting in the crocheted garden. By the way, someone pointed out that there`s a fake account pretending to be me: it`s at thetwistedyarn_ I can`t view it because they`ve blocked me, but if any kind soul would be kind enough to report it, I`d be very grateful. Thank you, my Fine Fibrous Friends! ...

301 75

thetwistedyarn

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Apr 18

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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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Jan 11

Open
New blog post at thetwistedyarn.com, yeah?

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

217 7

thetwistedyarn

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Jan 11

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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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Jan 10

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

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

155 4

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

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Jul 30

Open
I've done walking-and-knitting plenty of times on here. Time for WALKING-AND-KITCHENER-STITCH! OK, I was only wandering round and round outdoors, not hiking up a mountain in a blizzard, but still. 
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #walkingandknitting #knittingandwalking #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #fairisle #fairisleknitting #garn #strikke #strikkedilla #strikstrikstrik #virkning #nevernotknitting #kitchenerstitch

I`ve done walking-and-knitting plenty of times on here. Time for WALKING-AND-KITCHENER-STITCH! OK, I was only wandering round and round outdoors, not hiking up a mountain in a blizzard, but still.
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #walkingandknitting #knittingandwalking #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #strandedknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #fairisle #fairisleknitting #garn #strikke #strikkedilla #strikstrikstrik #virkning #nevernotknitting #kitchenerstitch
...

144 10

thetwistedyarn

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Nov 9

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

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

193 4

thetwistedyarn

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Nov 27

Open
Fancy a new cowl to help you brave all this pesky weather? Free pattern at thetwistedyarn.com or see link in my bio. Enjoy.
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#stitchfiddle

Fancy a new cowl to help you brave all this pesky weather? Free pattern at thetwistedyarn.com or see link in my bio. Enjoy.
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#stitchfiddle
...

369 20

thetwistedyarn

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Oct 26

Open
This is going to sound like a paid advert, but I swear that it's not. I've just stumbled across a website called @YarnSub and it's awesome! You can enter the name of any yarn and it'll give you the best possible substitutions with a % match score based on gauge, texture, fibre, etc. See https://yarnsub.com and enjoy!

This is going to sound like a paid advert, but I swear that it`s not. I`ve just stumbled across a website called @YarnSub and it`s awesome! You can enter the name of any yarn and it`ll give you the best possible substitutions with a % match score based on gauge, texture, fibre, etc. See https://yarnsub.com and enjoy! ...

168 18

thetwistedyarn

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Sep 21

Open
NEW BLOG POST at thetwistedyarn.com (see link in bio) with link to a marvellous* new pattern. Enjoy. 
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* In other news, I'm very modest.
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #newknittingpatterns #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingpatternsonline

NEW BLOG POST at thetwistedyarn.com (see link in bio) with link to a marvellous* new pattern. Enjoy.
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* In other news, I`m very modest.
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#stylecraftyarns #stylecrafthighlandheathers #newknittingpatterns #knitspo #knitspiration #nevernotknitting #knittingpatternsonline
...

160 3

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

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Aug 16

Open
Strolling and knitting with one half of the twinnage, watching combine harvesters at work because my son is fascinated by farming. 
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #knitspo #knitspiration #stylecrafthighlandheathers

Strolling and knitting with one half of the twinnage, watching combine harvesters at work because my son is fascinated by farming.
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#strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #knitspo #knitspiration #stylecrafthighlandheathers
...

214 6

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

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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

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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

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Jun 15

Open
A new pattern for you! Today sees the launch of Stylecraft's Blogstars On The Beach initiative. See my blog post at thetwistedyarn.com or follow linky in profile.

A new pattern for you! Today sees the launch of Stylecraft`s Blogstars On The Beach initiative. See my blog post at thetwistedyarn.com or follow linky in profile. ...

112 3

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

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Mar 16

Open
There's a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). It's a little different from normal, as it pays tribute to my recently deceased aunt. But don't worry, normal yarny shenanigans will resume next post. 
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#copingwithgrief #grief #funeral

There`s a new blog post at thetwistedyarn.com (or see link in bio). It`s a little different from normal, as it pays tribute to my recently deceased aunt. But don`t worry, normal yarny shenanigans will resume next post.
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#copingwithgrief #grief #funeral
...

148 8

thetwistedyarn

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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 ...

291 9

thetwistedyarn

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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....
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#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....
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#strikke #strikstrikstrik #knittersofig #knitspo #knitspiration #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairislecardigan #fairisle #fairisleknitting #steek #steeking #novitaknits #novita #äkäslompolo #knitdesigner
...

254 13

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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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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Nov 23

Open
The knitting is done! Just reworking the FREE pattern using the new yarn. 
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#autumnknitting #fallknitting #knitsforautumn #autumnleaves #rowanfeltedtweed #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #virkningsprojekt #virkning #strikkedilla #strikke #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #stitchfiddle

The knitting is done! Just reworking the FREE pattern using the new yarn.
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#autumnknitting #fallknitting #knitsforautumn #autumnleaves #rowanfeltedtweed #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #virkningsprojekt #virkning #strikkedilla #strikke #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisleknitting #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #stitchfiddle
...

573 35

thetwistedyarn

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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

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Dec 6

Open
Still knitting and walking. Photobomb of twinnage feet at the top of the photo. 🙂
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#knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #nevernotknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #rowanfeltedtweed

Still knitting and walking. Photobomb of twinnage feet at the top of the photo. 🙂
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#knitinpublic #knittinginpublic #knittingandwalking #nevernotknitting #knitspo #knitspiration #rowanfeltedtweed
...

169 1

thetwistedyarn

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Dec 4

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

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

888 54

thetwistedyarn

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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

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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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Nov 25

Open
There are SO MANY swatches needing knitting for the book. I reckon I can show you this one in progress, because only the reverse will be visible in the finished shot.
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#garn #strikke #strikkedilla #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #virkningsprojekt #virkning #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knitspo #knitspiration

There are SO MANY swatches needing knitting for the book. I reckon I can show you this one in progress, because only the reverse will be visible in the finished shot.
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#garn #strikke #strikkedilla #rowanfeltedtweed #strandedcolourwork #strandedcolorwork #strandedknitting #fairisleknitting #fairislefriday #fairisle #knitdesigner #knittingdesigner #virkningsprojekt #virkning #nevernotknitting #knittingblogger #knitspo #knitspiration
...

662 15

thetwistedyarn

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Aug 25

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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

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Jan 31

Open
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