Always happy to talk knitting and crochet at thetwistedyarn@outlook.com.
Phil (the blog’s author) has appeared in the BBC TV programme ‘Make’ in 2018, and has appeared in a promotional video for KnitIQ. She is under contract to produce a book about modern stranded knitting for Dover. The Twisted Yarn was a runner-up in the 2017 British Craft Awards, won Knit Now magazine’s 2017 Knitter Of The Year, and won the 2014 Deramores Award. She was commissioned to design two pairs of knitted socks by The Little Box Of Crochet in 2021, and in 2022 she has been commissioned to design a stranded cardigan and a dress by Novita yarns. (Pictures coming soon!) The site has appeared on Apartmenttherapy.com, in Let’s Knit magazine and on the Tesco website. Phil has also written a quarterly column for Simply Knitting magazine since 2015, and has been featured in full-page interviews for Simply Knitting, and Knit Now. She has also been appointed as one of the Stylecraft Blogstars. As a knitting and crochet designer, she has been commissioned by Stylecraft. In addition to being a clinical psychologist and mum to small twins, Phil has a masters degree in creative writing, and is always interested in finding new opportunities to write humorously about knitting, crochet, and the many minor failures of life in general.
what brand dpn’s are those that you rec’d for cmas & are using in the pic of the jumper sleeve ur knitting? ty
Hi Phil,
I follow your blog, and I loooooove it!!! You are fabulous and I wish I had your talent, matter of fact, I wish you lived next door and I could run over and say omg I’m stupid…can’t figure this pattern out HELP!! Are you self taught or what….you amaze me!!! Soooo, question here….. I am making that amazing blog winning scarf you designed….LOVE IT!!! out of the Bergere de France Lima Yarn (yes all 13 colours) and it’s knitting up gorgeous but some of my lovely friends live in warmer climates (I hate them lol but it’s cooler in the winter) but was thinking…could I make this in cotton and would it stand up… or would it be too stretchy…What kind of lighter yarn would you suggest that would be washable but would hold up…they are cheap old women that wash the sh** out of things…lol lol (too funny eh).
Anyhoos thanks for taking the time to read this and your advice….I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada….home of the Calgary Stampede..if your ever passing this way…you have a place you can put your cowboy boots for a rest…your most welcome to stay!!!
Darlene Davis
Wow, thank you for such a kind-hearted comment! You are very kind. (Actually it’d probably be me knocking on your door asking for knitterly assistance!) I do think it would work in cotton for warmer climes, but definitely stick to the shorter version because the longer version is looooooong and so if it stretched and sagged, it would all get a bit silly.
Oh, and I love Canada so much! I once spent three months there, working in Toronto then heading west. A couple of people offered us (us = me plus my boyfriend at the time) their spare room but we felt far too shy to impose on them, but with hindsight I understand that the people we met were genuinely just that lovely and hospitable. Thank you for your offer!
lol lol lol ahhhhh no you wouldn’t be asking me for any help, I can guarantee that (your so cute!!). Anyhoos, thank you for replying! I was thinking also, that I would have to make the shorter version also, because it would definitely be “too warm” all that wool around your neck”. I did want your “expert” opinion before buying the yarn and starting the project and finding out it wasn’t going to work “like your skirt”…oh my!! (I felt so bad for you 🙁 when you had to start all over). Now on another subject I was born in Toronto, and unfortunately is the snobby part of Canada lol lol . Out west is where all the friendly folk are. We welcome everyone with open arms and that does not surprise me that people had offered you their spare room to stay in. Well thanks again for your wisdom, greatly appreciated. I look forward to many more of your blogs, I look so forward to them, I love how you write/speak (it’s so different than how Canadians talk) and twinnage…make me laugh, ahhhh so enjoyable. Thanks for making me 🙂
Do you have a pattern for your stained glass afghan ? I would love to buy it 🙂
It’s not one of mine, but it is available here: https://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?prod_id=21741
It’s a well-written pattern, and fun to make. Enjoy!
I wonder if you have got any tips to improve my ribbing. I could do with improving it. Thank you in anticipation. Jill
Well I can certainly try. What seems to be the problem?
It is very uneven, the knit stitches differ in size. Thank you.
Hello from across the pond (ontario, canada)
No doubt, you getting tired of “Love your chair”, just saying if you want stoic husband to sit in the chair, you must demonstrate the motion and photo it for us, clearly the twinage has no problem. Absolutely exquisite innovative skill and imagination…WELL DONE, would like to hear a few words on the things the twinnage are interested in, are they crafty like you.
An admiring, fascinated follower Canadian, so glad you post. I have recommended that folks on the Knitting Paradise, a worldwide knitting forum, an amazing, supportive network of crafters, and again, congratulation on your (all) awards! Well deserved!
Hi Wendy, and thank you for such a rich and generous comment. 🙂
The twinnage’s creativity is mostly in words, at this point. (They’re six.) They love to make up stories. This is something that I’m definitely encouraging.
I do keep meaning to do a sitting-in-the-chair photo, and I will, but as I write this, I’m sitting in the chair, in low light, wearing old and shabby clothing and with mad hair. Now is most definitely not the moment.
Also, I’m honoured that you mentioned me on Knitting Paradise. Thank you.
(PS: I adore Canada, having long ago spent 3 months staying/working/travelling there.)
Hello Again: Thanks much for your speedy response, would really like to address you properly, at least by your first name. No intrusion intended.
I look forward to seeing you in your magnificent chair, that will be passed on I’m sure for generations, but Oh Dear how can the twinnage share this treasure? Perhaps on a six month basis?
If you’ve had time to check out Knitting Paradise (OMG it’s very addictive)
I posted a “you’ve got to check this out”…you blog in general and your lovely chair specifically, it was so well received…you know all those drooling admirers, think your numbers will skyrocket, not enough can be said about how much we think of your blog. Well done. And thanks for being such a role model! Looking forward to all your future posts, it’s certainly and learning and inspirational site that I consult often. Wendy
Thank you so much (again) Wendy – you’re very, very, kind! (And you’re kinder than I deserve, but I won’t complain TOO loudly about that.)
Hello : Me again…should you visit across the pond again, do come stay with us! Wendy
Gosh, thank you!
Dear Phil, I came across a pile of magazines and found one of your articles on “can you tell that I’d be a shoe-in for this job?”. I felt that I would write the same article. Loved it.
The comment about would you want to have your wisdom teeth extracted by someone whose pride and joy stockinette scarf was actually a mess of dropped stitches and unintended yarnovers” had me in stitches:)
My daughter who is at present studying to become a dentist took a hand crocheted phone case to prove that she had dexterity got a place for the course.
Hurrah for chrochet and knitting
Jayshree
Jayshr33@gmail.com
Jayshree, thank you for such a kind and generous comment, that made me smile lots. And I LOVE that your daughter used her crochet skill as proof of her manual dexterity. (Wish I’d known that before I wrote the article!) I’m guessing that she’ll make an excellent dentist. 🙂
Hi, I was wondering if you had a tutorial on crocheting stained glass afghan patterns? I bought a pattern by Melody McDuffee, and I’m having trouble getting started. TIA
Hi Theresa,
I don’t, I’m afraid. The stained glass window afghan was from somebody else’s pattern (at Annie’s Attic). However it was the first crochet pattern I attempted (after I’d got the hang of the main stitches by crocheting back and forth and attempting granny squares), and it really was manageable. Go for it! And thank you for your interest in this site.
Much as I would like to say something witty and clever here – all I can think of after reading your latest is a sigh and… I love you.
and greetings from Portland, Oregon.
I just discovered your blog and patterns and am in love with them. I want to try to do the cowl “All That Jazz” but since I can’t find the stylecraft yarn here in the USA can you tell me about how many grams of each color is required. I will have to ship international and that can be costly and I need to watch the cost carefully. Thanking you in advance.
Hi Phil do you have a pattern for either of the skirts on your blog. Have fallen in love !
Many thanks in advance and best wishes, Marie. X
Hi Marie,
I don’t, and I’m sorry about that. BUT I am about to begin designing a skirt or two with the intention of publishing the patterns, so if you’re a patient sort, there will be something available fairly soon… (Thank you for your interest, meanwhile.)
Hi Phil
Thank you for making your cowl pattern free. I have decided to challenge myself by knitting more complex Faire Isle project. I will be ordering the Stylecraft Batik range yarn, I just need to order one ball of yarn for each color right? Thank you Phil.
Margy
Hi Margy. Thanks for your comment. Do you mean the ‘All That Jazz’ cowl? Yes, you just need one ball of each colour. I hope you have fun making it. ????
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I will be making your all that jazz cowl. I was waiting for your reply regarding the how many balls of yarn I needed for each cool before ordering. To bad they are out of the color storm. But I will wait for that color to come.
Hi Phil just wanted to say thanks for the ‘all that jazz ‘ cowl pattern. Absolutely love it .Best wishes Marie. X
Dear twisted yarn , glad to write to you , I like your pattern your yarn , we are from ” http://www.supreme beanies.com” we make knit jacquard beanies, scarves, we are looking for any chance to cooperate with you.
I have just been introduced to your site. LOVE it. Do you have a pattern or any advice for making your “stuffed”deers head? I want to make a horses head! Rachel Celia
You gave me the colour numbers of the wool you used to make your banner. I can’t find the 2826. Any suggestions of something close to that colour? I’ve spent the whole day looking with no luck. I’m also having difficulty finding my questions and your answers. I get 2014, 2016 and 2019 only to march. What am I doing wrong? Thanks L
Hi, As for the problems finding your questions and my answers, I wonder whether it’s because they’re in two different places? Some here, and some under my tutorial on how to steek. Could that be the reason?
PS I forgot to ask this. I was wondering about aran 7847 or is it too bright. I really want to get close to your banner. It’s for my granddaughter and she has beautiful red hair and would look wonderful with those colours. It doesn’t have to be the. Same brand either if you have something in mind. Thanks so much for your help. L
Hi again, Right I’ve had a good look at the current shades available. 7847 is definitely the one I would choose if I were doing it again. Yes it’s fairly bright, but I don’t think it would look too much against the background. I think it would look lovely. I hope this is helpful!
Dear thetwistedyarn.
The world needs worthy active citizens like you, who are a note of consolation and bring a sense of well-being to the blog visitors.
Congratulations on the work you have done on the blog, its very nice aesthetics, and the beauty of your soul that is reflected through it.
Listen to this song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s48ZZEXNnXY
it’s for the salvation of the people, it comes from an amazing album but it has not been released yet
if you think it’s worth it spread it
god give
to end the pandemic and Turkey to leave the holy wisdom
I always wish you and your family good health
good continuation in your very important work
Hi, today I came across stylecraft pattern Falling Leaves, in Ravelry, it says is free. After many times trying to download and could not get the chart I give up. Now I found your website and shows that you designed Falling Leaves. Could I ask if you could send me the chart?
Much appreciated.
Araciel
I have “saved’ your lovely pattern for The Cottage Bag in my Bookmarks but when I went to print it out today it was no longer there!! Is it still available? I want to crochet it for my Granddaughter for Christmas. Thanks in advance for letting me know.
Hi Bunny, eek and sorry!! I think the problem is because I changed over to a different site provider last week. Most of my patterns are also stored on my laptop but… I can’t find this one. It must be still kept somewhere – I’ll email my techy friend who helped me with the changeover. She’ll know what to do.
In the meantime, thank you for your interest in the pattern!
Phil x
Thanks for providing the Hiking Reindeer. Ordering the yarn now so I (hopefully) start soon. Will be checking out more patterns SOON.
Elaine
Hello, I am very new to colourwork and want to make the All That Jazz cowl but my yarn is 4ply. How many stitched do I need to add on to get a bigger circumference? Would it be in groups of 12 stitches? Many thanks, Audry
I just fell in love with your cowl pattern — The Hiking Raindeer! It is an exquisite pattern. Do you happen to have that pattern adapted for a beanie hat, or beret? I don’t think I have the talent to be able to adapt it myself, but would be willing to pay for an adapted pattern for a hat. –Carol
Hi Phil. I purchased the Strata pattern and printed a copy, but I cannot see it in my Ravelry library. Can you look at this for me? Thanks.
Hi Karen. Eek, I’m not sure why this has happened. If you’d be kind enough to email me at thetwistedyarn …at… outlook.com, I’ll send you the pattern directly. Sorry for the inconvenience. Px
“…the dank and soggy undertones of sludgy reality. They’re quite pretty once you get used to them.” I shall have to take your word for that. Here in northern Wisconsin, those words describe our landscape from sometime in October (when the last of the leaves fall, except for the oaks, who apparently missed the memo about dropping leaves) until whenever Mother Nature drops a beautiful white blanket over everything. Said blanket will be there until March, so one must learn to love it.. And I love that you keep spreadsheets of everything you grow. As a nerd friend once said, “There is no problem that cannot be solved with a spreadsheet.” (Can you tell I am a retired accountant?) Also, I just love your writing. “Berries are herd fruits, after all…” for example.