Episode 25: Podiversary!

Watch here!

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

What I’m wearing

Joy Snood (see below) and Crocheter sweatshirt from StitchersTees

Lesser-Spotted Garment MAL #LesserSpottedMAL

Has begun! It runs to 1 September 2020 – perfect preparation for sweater weather!

Make those garments that are constructed in ways that aren’t mainstream. Crochet, seamed, sideways construction – anything that’s interesting in the way it’s made!

There’s a chatter thread on my Ravelry group, and an FO thread will be up shortly!

Finished Objects

Alongs: #wcwbingoalong2020

1. Joy Snood (#bringthejoybackCAL)

Works in Progress

I use Knit Companion to keep track of my patterns.

Alongs: #makenine #12in12months2020 #wcwbingoalong2020

1. Just Feel Better ShawlProject bag by Hide and Hammer
2. Socks for DadProject bag by me
   • Stitch marker by The Corner of Craft
   • DPN holder by The Little Grey Girl
   • Pins from Sue Stratford
3. Tunisian mitred squares blanket (#scr1tnoasquareadaykal)
   • Stitch markers by The Corner of Craft
   • Project bag by Sew Beautiful by Nicola
4. Elara Pullover (#LesserSpottedMAL)

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

Queue

• Acre
• Cosgrove Crop

New Things

• Unravel! Bag from StitchersTees, yarn from Qing Fibre and BIPOC in Fiber pin
• February clubs from Truly Hooked, Irish Artisan Yarns and Giddy Yarns
• Stranded Dyeworks sock snake – to be paired with RiverKnits BFL 4ply
• Bird and Blend monthly club

SPOTLIGHT

• No Fear Sock class by Denise DeSantis (Earthtones Girl)

Podiversary!

Head over to the Ravelry group and answer the question!

Life update

I can’t tell you yet!!

I’m doing Blenheim Triathlon in May! If you’d like to sponsor me, in aid of Bloodwise, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophiexuanfirsttri

Episode 24: Just Feel Better

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

What I’m wearing

Stash of Shells wrap

CAL news: The Lesser-Spotted Garment MAL #LesserSpottedMAL

Starts 1 March 2020 and runs to 1 September 2020 – perfect preparation for sweater weather!

Make those garments that are constructed in ways that aren’t mainstream. Crochet, seamed, sideways construction – anything that’s interesting in the way it’s made!

There’s a chatter thread on my Ravelry group, and an FO thread will be up shortly!

Finished Objects

Alongs: #wcwbingoalong2020

1. Snagged Stitch Cowl (technically a re-finished object!)
2. Unicorn Hat

Works in Progress

I use Knit Companion to keep track of my patterns.

Alongs: #makenine #12in12months2020 #wcwbingoalong2020

1. Argo
   • Project bag by Sue
   • Badge by My Crochet Makes
2. Just Feel Better Shawl
   • Project bag by Hide and Hammer
3. Socks for Dad
   • Project bag by me
   • Stitch marker by The Corner of Craft
   • DPN holder by The Little Grey Girl
   • Pins from Sue Stratford
4. Tunisian mitred squares blanket (#scr1tnoasquareadaykal)
   • Stitch markers by The Corner of Craft
   • Project bag by Sew Beautiful by Nicola
5. Joy Snood (#bringthejoybackCAL)

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

Queue

• Gnome Is Where You Hang Your Hat #GnomeMKAL3
• Tweel Cowl
• Tregrensa Cowl
• Mitt-O-Matic
• Frosted Midnight Hat

New Things

• January clubs from Truly Hooked, Irish Artisan Yarns and Giddy Yarns

SPOTLIGHT

• Size inclusive bundles from Yelley (crochet) and Coffee with Room (knit)

Life update

I’m doing Blenheim Triathlon in May! If you’d like to sponsor me, in aid of Bloodwise, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophiexuanfirsttri

Episode 23: Happy New Year!

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

The Craft Bank Giftalong

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the gift along! There were some amazing gifts made!

I love my gift from Sharon of My Crochet Makes.

Prizes from the chatter thread:

• Three skeins of yarn from Lola of Third Vault Yarns
• A Hide and Hammer bag and a skein of Vicki Brown Designs yarn
• A Hide and Hammer bag and a skein of Chester Wool yarn
• Thimble and Thread Make Cube bag
• 2 badges and a pattern from Claudia of Crochet Luna

The winners are: Jo (Feather and Threads), Hayley (hayrie), Joyce (eternity21), Amanda (AmandaLjones), Rachel (rachel3512)

WIPRIP2019!

The WIPRIP is now over, thank you so much for taking part, the chatter thread was so much fun! We have two prizes of a skein of yarn and project bag, and a furls crochet hook!

• Winner from the Ravelry FO thread: Rica (woolroundtheworld)
• Winner from the Instagram FO hashtag: Claudia (claudiadingle)

Finished Objects

Alongs: #wiprip2019 / Before 2020 MAL (The Lonely Knitter)

1. Temperature Blanket
2. Truly Hooked Blanket Club
3. Snagged Stitch Cowl
4. WHAMKAL socks
5. Claude the Octopus

I posted a 2019 review on my IG highlights – 25km of yarn!!

Works in Progress (current)

I use Knit Companion to keep track of my patterns.

Alongs: #makenine #12in12months2020 #wcwbingoalong2020

1. Socks for Dad
   • Project bag by me, stitch marker by The Corner of Craft, DPN holder by The Little Grey Girl
2. Scarf for Chris
   • Project bag by Sew Beautiful by Nicola
3. Confetti Waves Blanket for Yannick
   • Project bags by Mrs Brown’s bags and Hide and Hammer
4. Tunisian mitred squares blanket (#scr1tnoasquareadaykal)
   • Stitch marker by The Corner of Craft, project bag from Bear in Sheep’s Clothing by The Little Grey Girl

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

New Things

• Giddy yarns 12 days of Christmas
• Presents! Yarn, needles, hook, books, bag!

SPOTLIGHT

It’s been a year – here’s a reminder to support amazing BIPOC activists and makers in the yarn world.

• BIPOC in Fiber
• BIPOC Makers

Life update

Christmas and vlogmas!

I’m doing Blenheim Triathlon in May! If you’d like to sponsor me, in aid of Bloodwise, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophiexuanfirsttri

Episode 22: Theoretical FOs

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

What I’m wearing

Sunday Shawl by Alia Bland

WIPRIP2019!

Fay of the Crochet Circle Podcast (and general awesomeness) and I are hosting a finish-along! Rip through your WIPs or rip them out before 2020! It’s a simple one – no sign ups but come to my Ravelry group to chat, and Fay’s group to post your FOs! It’s open now and finishes on 31st December. There will be prizes!

Finished Objects

Alongs: #wiprip2019 / Before 2020 MAL (The Lonely Knitter)

1. Tinsel mitts
2. Beginners Brioche Cowl
3. Granny Stars
4. Washcloths
   • Patterns used C2C moss stitch wash cloth and Gramma’s Dishcloth
5. Giftalong socks #thecraftbankgiftalong #strictlysockalong2019 (hosted by Ali of the Little Drops of Wonderful podcast.
6. ‘Some Ballet Day’ Legwarmers

Works in Progress (current)

I use Knit Companion to keep track of my patterns.

1. Temperature Blanket
   • Project bag: tote from StitchersTees
2. Truly Hooked Blanket Club
   • Project Bag from Thimble and Thread Make
   • Pattern based on Crochet Crowd instructions
3. Advent Blanket
   • Project bag and stitch marker from Vicki Brown
4. Snagged Stitch Cowl
5. WHAMKAL socks
   • DPN holder by Marie @simplysobymimi and The Little Grey Girl
   • Project bag from The Yarn Badger
   • Stitch markers from The Corner of Craft, Dye Candy, Sew Beautiful by Nicola, Knit It Hook It and KopoUK

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

New Things

• Project bags from Sew Beautiful by Nicola
• November Big Girl Pants from Jo Knit Sew
• Advents from Bird and Blend, Vicki Brown, Strawberry Fields and The Fibre Lounge
• 12 days of Christmas from Giddy Yarns

SPOTLIGHT

Size Inclusivity and Phrasing from @ktb38

Life update

Vlogmas is go!!

I’m doing Blenheim Triathlon! If you’d like to sponsor me, in aid of Bloodwise, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophiexuanfirsttri

Episode 21

 

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

WIPRIP2019!

Fay of the Crochet Circle Podcast (and general awesomeness) and I are hosting a finish-along! Rip through your WIPs or rip them out before 2020! It’s a simple one – no sign ups but come to my Ravelry group to chat, and Fay’s group to post your FOs! It’s open now and finishes on 31st December. There will be prizes!

Finished Objects

Alongs: #wiprip2019 / Before 2020 MAL

1. Siren bulky head/neck warmer
2. Chunky reversible boat hatSuper Soft Merino Hats for everyone by Purl Soho
3. Never Not Gnoming – three of them!!
   • Ornament
   • Medium 
   • Large
4. Moss Stitch in a Square Baby Blanket
5. Beloved Bonnet (blues)
6. C2C Logo Blanket
7. C2C scarf

Half Finished Objects

1. Giftalong socks (no photos on Rav until they’re sent!) #thecraftbankgiftalong #strictlysockalong2019
   • Project bag and DPN holders by The Little Grey Girl (and Bear in Sheep’s Clothing)

Works in Progress (current)

I use Knit Companion to keep track of my patterns.

1. Temperature BlanketProject bag: tote from StitchersTees
2. Truly Hooked Blanket ClubProject Bag from Thimble and Thread MakePattern based on Crochet Crowd instructions
3. Claude the OctopusProject bag from Hide and Hammer

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

Designs in Progress (!!!)

• I’ve started on a crochet cable cowl – early days but I’m hoping for New Year release

Queue

• Tinsel Mitts for Emilia (asap)
• Crochet washcloth for swap
• Pas de deux Legwarmers
• Hogwarts scarf for Chris (Christmas)
• More Gnomes (teachers and home)
• Socks for Dad (January birthday)

Carrots…

Alongs: #blamedunderknitalong #grinchalong

• Starflake Shawl (#westknitsmkal2019 #starflakemkal)
  • Yarn options on my Ravelry group – vote by pressing Love!
• September Hat in Cartref yarn

New Things

• Handspun and project bag from Sew Beautiful by Nicola
• Stitch/place markers from KoPoUK
• Jo Knit Sew pants and yarn
• #WHAMKAL yarn
• Prizes via Treasure Chest charity raffle
• The Knitting Goddess advent calendar
• Prize yarn from #monstersockkal2019

SPOTLIGHT

#sparksofjoyeveryday – run by Rachel of Pocket Giraffe Knits

Life update

Half term…

I’m doing Blenheim Triathlon! If you’d like to sponsor me, in aid of Bloodwise, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophiexuanfirsttri

Episode 20: WIPRIP

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

WIPRIP2019!

Fay of the Crochet Circle Podcast (and general awesomeness) and I are hosting a finish-along! Rip through your WIPs or rip them out before 2020! It’s a simple one – no sign ups but come to my Ravelry group to chat, and Fay’s group to post your FOs! It’s open now and finishes on 31st December. There will be prizes!

Finished Objects

1. Monster socks #monstersockkal2019 #scr1tnostripysockkal

Works in Progress (current)

Alongs: #WIPcrackaway

I use Knit Companion to keep track of my patterns.

1. Trelawney Shawl #trelawneyshawlkal #shawlalong2019 #bipocmal2019 #myrhinebipocsweater
   • Project bag from Hide and Hammer
   • Progress Keepers by The Corner of Craft
2. Taroko sweaterProject bag from Knit It Hook it Craft It
3. Sophie’s Universe
4. Giftalong socks (no photos on Rav until they’re sent!) #thecraftbankgiftalong #strictlysockalong2019
   • Project bag and DPN holders by The Little Grey Girl (and Bear in Sheep’s Clothing)

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

New Things

• Yarndale – it was fun but wet!

SPOTLIGHT

Shay of knitandcroshay! She’s got some fab patterns and has released the Studio 54 Crop.

I also feel like I need to repeat my Spotlight from last time!

Life update

Bangkok was awesome – and tiring! I’ve put a vlog up for my $5 Patrons.

I’m doing Blenheim Triathlon! If you’d like to sponsor me, in aid of Bloodwise, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophiexuanfirsttri

Episode 19: the rambling one

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

Finished Objects

Alongs: #stashdash

1. Suffrage Sockhead Hat
   • Pom by Cowling Country Crafts
2. Beloved (coral)
3. Leonilde Scarf #dontstopcal #shawlalong2019

Works in Progress (current)

Alongs: #WIPcrackaway #projectbag30daychallenge

I use Knit Companion to keep track of my patterns.

1. Monster socks #monstersockkal2019 #scr1tnostripysockkal
   • Project bag and DPN holders from The Little Grey Girl
   • Progress Keepers by The Corner of Craft
2. Trelawney Shawl #trelawneyshawlkal #shawlalong2019 #bipocmal2019 #myrhinebipocsweater
   • Project bag from Knit It Hook it Craft It
3. Truly Hooked Blanket Club
   • Project Bag from Thimble and Thread Make
   • Pattern based on Crochet Crowd instructions
4. 2019 temperature blanket
   • Project Bags from Stitchers Tees
5. Giftalong socks (no photos on Rav until they’re sent!) #thecraftbankgiftalong #strictlysockalong2019
   • Project bag by The Little Grey Girl for Bear in Sheep’s Clothing

Works in progress (in the queue)

1. Takoro Sweater

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

New Things

• Skeinhead T-shirt
• Southern Wool Show – see my vlog!

SPOTLIGHT

• Apologising – The Knitmore Girls have talked about this a lot in recent podcasts. Four steps to a good apology could be:
  1. Express remorse
  2. Accept responsibility
  3. How you will remedy the situation
  4. Ask for forgiveness (but don’t expect it)
• The Unfinished Object blog has a great post on apology and holding people to account

Life update

I had the best time at a taster morning for Gemma Pearce Fitness.

Working again for a tutoring company – off to Bangkok next week (and returning for Yarndale, I’m going to be jet-lagged)! Don’t know which projects to take…

I’m doing Blenheim Triathlon! If you’d like to sponsor me, in aid of Bloodwise, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sophiexuanfirsttri

Episode 18: Al Fresco!

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my new Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

Finished Objects

Alongs: #stashdash #theendoftheWIP

1. The Cardigan That Lived (test)
2. Refreshers toe up socks
3. Winding Rivers Hats
4. Beloved (rainbow)
5. Stash of Shells (#SOSMCAL)
6. Tunisian Adventure
7. Missed Kingfisher

Works in Progress (current)

Alongs: #WIPcrackaway

1. Suffrage Sockhead Hat
2. Taha Moana

Works in progress (in the queue)

1. Leonilde Scarf – #dontstopcal
   • S Club 7 – Bring it all back

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

New Things

• Third Vault Yarns – Tenet Terra shawl kit
  • Gamer Crafting vlog

SPOTLIGHT

• Tyne Swedish (Cleverest Stitch) – Trelawney Shawl
• Ivonne Montano Crochet

Racism and Inclusion in the Yarn Community (leaving this here for a while)

• Ravelry’s forum with a good amount of information
• Voices: thecolormustard, ocean_bythesea, tina.say.knits (highlights part 1, part 2), nadiratani, ggmadeit, jeanettesloan

Life update

HOLIDAY! We had a lovely week in France, near Poitiers. Nice to get away from the norm.

 

Episode 17: I blame GeordieKnits

Podcast admin

You can find me on Instagram as sophiexuan and aspringsnowflake, and Ravelry as sophiexuan.

There’s a Ravelry group for the podcast, and you can support the podcast by either buying me a Ko-fi or joining my new Patreon community. There’s three levels at the moment but I’m planning to add more once I start publishing my designs!

I also mod in The Craft Bank. This is a place for people who want to pay it forward and donate the cost of crochet patterns, knit patterns, destash yarn or provide yarn support.

Finished Objects

1. Tincture (shiftalongKAL)
2. The Magic Dragon
3. Call the Midwife
4. Sea Monkey Baby Hat
5. Loft DK for IAY

Works in Progress (current)

Alongs: #stashdash #theendoftheWIP #WIPcrackaway

1. The Cardigan That Lived (test)
2. Refreshers toe up socks
3. Stash of Shells (#SOSMCAL)
4. 2019 temperature blanket
5. Suffrage Sockhead Hat

Works in progress (in the queue)

Cable Brim Hat (working title) by samsqueak

Other projects can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/sophiexuan

Queue (or patterns I’m very excited about)

• Taha Moana Shawl
• Lumineux
• Tenet Terra
• Like a Cloud
• Diaphanous Raglan
• Gateau
• Beeswax hat

New Things

• Sunflower swift (the yarn cafe) and Knit Pro winder
• ChiaoGoo tunisian hooks
• Yarn book club – Half of a Yellow Sun
• Knit It Hook It yarn bowl and lavender
•  Fibre East
  • Cartref Yarn
  • Third Vault Yarns
  • Dragon Hill Studio
  • WitchCraftyLady
  • Truly Hooked
  • Bear in Sheep’s Clothing
  • Starry Eyes Ali

SPOTLIGHT

• #RhineBIPOCsweater with the Knitmore Girls and Lady Dye Yarns

Racism and Inclusion in the Yarn Community (leaving this here for a while)

• Ravelry’s forum with a good amount of information
• Voices: thecolormustard, ocean_bythesea, tina.say.knits (highlights part 1, part 2), nadiratani, ggmadeit, jeanettesloan

Life update

The biggest update: we’re not moving!! Long story but the end result was that it was a push for me to seek out therapy, of which I’ve had 5 sessions so far. It’s REALLY helping. I’m also back to the gym with an awesome new Personal Trainer – he pushes me and I’m feeling the difference. My knee isn’t helping matters but I have a goal and I’m really determined to get there.

E is on summer holidays and we’re filling our days with trips out and seeing friends (there’s also a lot of lounging about at home, don’t worry!)

Little Princess Trust: https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/

 

Episode 16: Saved by crochet

Finished Objects

1. Winterhold Shawl
   • Pattern by Hannah Siegmund of The Cozy Cottage Crochet
   • Yarn is Paintbox Wool Mix Chunky

Works in Progress

1. Finola (#wollinnMAL)
   • Pattern by Aoibhe Ni
   • Yarn is The Wool Kitchen Merino/Silk 4ply in Wild Swimming
2. Missed Kingfisher (was the Burst into Bloom shawl) (#solidarityswapmal2019)
   • Pattern by Joanne Scrace for The Crochet Project
   • Yarn is The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Squish Fingering in York, and Third Vault Yarns Librarian Sock in Macarena
3. The Cardigan That Lived (test)
   • Pattern by Verity Castledine of Truly Hooked
   • Yarn is RiverKnits BFL DK in Sommeliche Nachthimmel and Erntedank
4. Advent/Scraps Tunisian Blanket
   • Pattern is made up, each column is 16 stitches wide in tunisian simple stitch
   • Yarn is advent calendars from The Fibre Lounge and Vicki Brown Designs, plus 4ply advent swap plus Drops Fabel

New Things

• Solidarity Swap
  • The Farmer’s Daughter Fibres
• Stranded Dyeworks sale
• RiverKnits Open Day
  • Garthenor
  • Knit It Hook It Craft It (including Crochet Luna badges)
• Thimble Thread and Make Cube Project Bag

SPOTLIGHT

• Pricing and pay what you can
  • Aroha Knits
  • TrulyHooked
• The Craft Bank

Racism and Inclusion in the Yarn Community (leaving this here for a while)

• Ravelry’s forum with a good amount of information
• Voices: thecolormustard, ocean_bythesea, tina.say.knits (highlights part 1, part 2), nadiratani, ggmadeit, jeanettesloan