Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet

Episode 17: Of lace and little luxuries

In this short episode I share how making adds some little luxuries, in my wardrobe, the kitchen and the bathroom, and explore what luxury actually means to me.

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

More detailed show are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. 

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

 

Episode 16: Of novelty, curiosity and inspiration

In this episode, prompted by recent knits and sewing projects, I muse about how I balance my need for creative inspiration with a desire to avoid novelty for novelty's sake. I also talk about how one of my creative avenues has a degree of novelty hardwired into it. Finally a share an inspiring gem and talk about a forthcoming addition to the "Curiosity Cabinet".

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

More detailed show are available at Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. 

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 15: Of product, process and engineering

In this episode I share my musings on the distinction we often make between product and process knitting. And prompted by a recent sewing product, I pay homage to the engineering that goes into pattern design. I finish up by sharing some inspiring gems. Oh, and my opinionated feline makes a cameo appearance too.

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Show notes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. Since recording the podcast, there's some new information about a couple of things I talk about (including a discount code) so I would recommend checking out the show notes.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 14: Of natural shades, trousers and foraging delights

In this episode I share some thoughts and observations about natural shades of fibres, prompted by my recent participation in the KnitBritish Nature's Shade Along. I share my adventures in trousers making and invite you to join me for a tricky toile along. I also talk about the seasonal delight of foraging and finish up by sharing a couple of inspiring gems.

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Show notes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 13: In conversation with the Knitting Monk

This episode is a little different than normal as it is the first time I welcome a guest onto the podcast.

Aidan, aka the Knitting Monk on Instagram and YouTube, joins me to discuss the book "Cræft: How Traditional Crafts are About More Than Just Making" by Alexander Langlands (published under the title Cræft: An Inquiry into the Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts").

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet. These include references to other podcasters who have reviewed or shared thoughts about this book.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

 

Episode 12: Reflections on community, the wool sector, change and colour.

In this episode I reminisce about Edinburgh Yarn Festival and how the organisers have created an event that celebrates the community of knitters and crocheters as much as yarn. Rather than give an overview of my purchases, I pull together some thoughts on the breadth and diversity of the hand knitting wool sector, based on the amazing wool, processes and approaches I spotted when walking around the marketplace and talking to fellow visitors.

I also share some of the projects to come out of my recent natural dyeing sessions.

I re-draw a winner for the This Thing of Paper giveaway and answer a listener's questions on whether petitions (like one she had seen on microfiber plastic pollution) are an effective way to create change. Or whether there are better ways to press for change.

And I finish up by sharing an inspiring gem.

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 11: Of Jacob, nettle fibre and tool making

In this episode I review Blacker Yarn's forthcoming Jacob breed wool and explain why it will be on my Edinburgh Yarn Festival' shopping list.

I also share the latest instalment of my nylon-free sock experiment, which sees me knitting with Ovis Et Cetera's Igneae yarn. As this blend contains a new to me fibre, I talk about ramie's history, production and properties in detail as well as about the feel of the yarn and which stitch patterns might lend themselves well to this blend.

I also announce the winner of the Socks 2018 e-ebook giveaway.

And I finish up talking about a spot of tool making I've been doing to add a tailore's ham to my sewing kit.   

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 10: Of patterns, fitting and agency

In this episode I announce that I will be attending the Edinburgh Yarn Festival and thank the organisers for inviting me to participate as a podcaster in the Blacker Yarns' Podcast Lounge.

In the sewing segment I talk about the ups and downs of my latest sewing project (a smart shirt or blouse), including my choice of pattern, the new skills I've acquired and the fitting challenges I've faced. Despite occasional frustration and despondency, I decide to focus on the agency and body kindness that being able to make a properly fitting garment gives us and touch upon the language of fitting. I also explore a listener's questions about the relative benefits and harm of paper versus PDF sewing patterns.

In the knitting segment, I mull over how my recent sewing experience is spilling over into my knitting and making me more bold about playing around with the style and shaping in knitting patterns, almost to the point of reworking them entirely. I also announce the winner of the This Thing of Paper giveaway; review Socks 2018, a new e-publication by Making Stories focused on nylon-free, non-superwash socks; and announce a giveaway of a digital copy of Socks 2018.   

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 9: Of treats and books

In this episode I talk about the changing nature of luxuries when we choose to avoid certain products for environmental or ethical reasons, reviews Karie Westermann's recently published book called This Thing of Paper, and shares a recent paper-related workshop she atttended. This episode also includes a give-away of a copy of This Thing of Paper.

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License

Episode 8: Wardrobe engineering and Folk Fashion

In my latest episode I provide an update on my no-nylon sock experiment and talk about using knitting and sewing as tools for engineering a more natural wardrobe. I also review the book Folk Fashion, Understanding Homemade Clothes by Amy Twigger Holroyd and share some inspiring gems. 

You can find me as Mrs_M_Curiosity_Cabinet on Instagram and as Meg-aka-Mrs-M on Ravelry.

There is now also a Ravelry Group for the podcast.

Shownotes can be found at: Mrs M's Curiosity Cabinet.

Music: As I figure by Kevin MacLeod on FreeMusicArchive and licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 License