Podcasts by The Shinybees Knitting and Yarn Podcast

Ep 178 - A Cross Stitch from 2021-07-20T15:24:18

Knitting is out and cross stitch is in this week, as the temperature in the UK makes it a bit less fun to be playing with yarn. Nobody likes to knit with sausage fingers, after all. After discov...

Ep 177 - Unravel Review with Aimee of Knit.Spin.Cake. from 2021-06-16T11:00:18

Hybrid Yarn festivals continue in this episode where Jo is joined by Aimee of KnitSpinCake podcast to review her experience of attending Unravel's hybrid yarn show. Aimee took part in the social...

Ep 176 - A Hybrid Yarn Festival? from 2021-04-30T12:50:27

This week we're exploring the evolution of yarn festivals through the past year or so. Many of the festivals were forced to cancel their in person offer and have looked to alternative methods of...

Ep 175 - Liz's Lucky Scarf from 2021-04-20T15:15:19

Knitting, gin, books and a lucky scarf. This week's show is dedicated to Liz Marley aka @greensideknits, dear friend and listener of the podcast. An epic knitter and all round awesome, kind and ...

Ep 174 - Birthday Gifts For Knitters (That's Not Yarn) from 2021-03-23T17:17:44

If you have a knitter in your life, you'll appreciate this roundup of knitting gift ideas, that isn't more yarn. In this episode, we'll cover some suggestions for six alternative ideas for gifts...

Ep 173 - Baby Knits Roundup from 2021-03-02T19:23:27

Following Ep 171 about great patterns for baby knits and Ep 172 about good yarns for kids and baby knits, this week is a roundup of all the community feedback on both these subjects. I’m also as...

Ep 172 - Great Yarns For Baby and Kids Knits from 2021-02-19T19:12:41

Following on from ep 171, today we are covering some of my go-to baby and kid knitting yarns. Split into 3 sections, we'll cover 4ply, DK and patterned yarns, at a variety of price points. There...

Ep 171 - Knitting Patterns For New Babies from 2021-02-09T17:32:34

Knitting Patterns For New Babies I’m now an Auntie! And that means I actually need to produce some knitwear for the little fella. As such, it seemed a good idea to talk about good knitting patte...

Ep 170 - Knitting Trends for 2021 from 2021-02-02T13:49:37

What will be the knitting trends for hand knitters in 2021? Not that I am in any way an authority on the finer points of craft fashion and popularity, but these are my predictions for what will ...

Knitting Challenges For 2021 from 2021-01-13T17:02:42

It's a new year so naturally, there's a lot of chat around about challenges, projects and planning. Today's episode is about knitting challenges. Are you taking part in any for 2021? Don't worry...

Ep 168 - Canter from 2020-12-23T15:19:11

This episode is fairly light on the knitting chat as my creative exploits this week are mostly focused around creating a vision board for 2021. My word for the year for 2021 came courtesy of Ger...

Ep 167 - A Pod of Christmas Past from 2020-12-11T12:42:21

This week we take a trip down memory lane to 2014, and a pattern pick I originally recorded for A Playful day podcast. It's a Christmas themed one, and it - of course - contains some great comed...

Ep 166 - A Scotch Egg is Not a Substantial Knit from 2020-12-04T17:48:06

This week is a quick chat on Scotch Eggs and a surprising fact about Scotch Egg knitting and crochet patterns.

Ep 165 - Getting Rid of Moths in Knitwear from 2020-11-24T20:47:24

Moth infestation in knitwear is every knitter's worst nightmare. In this episode I cover some of the background of which kinds of moths chew knitwear in the UK and how to get rid of them. There ...

Ep 164 - Knitted Wreaths For Christmas from 2020-11-18T13:13:11

With all the joy sucked out of life at the moment, it's time to turn festive up to 11! As a massive Christmas fan, I'm always one to have the real tree picked out, chopped down and in the house ...

Ep 163 - Delicious Little Joys from 2020-11-13T11:30:24

The #DeliciousLittleJoysKAL is coming! Having not hosted a KAL for a long time, I was inspired to do one given we are now in the second, not that exciting sequel to the original lockdown part on...

Ep 162 - The Boyfriend Sweater Curse from 2020-11-03T21:32:28

You may or may not have heard before about the infamous folklore that is the Boyfriend Sweater Curse, also known as The Sweater Curse. The Love Sweater Curse occurs when a knitter undertakes to ...

Ep 161 - Colourwork Sock Inspiration from 2020-10-27T16:59:53

Socktober continues to inspire in this episode where I have a pattern pick of ten colourwork sock pattern ideas to share with you.

Ep 160 - Dorset Buttons with Tania Ashton Jones of TJ Frog from 2020-10-20T17:00

I'm joined in this episode by Tania Ashton Jones of TJ Frog to talk all about Dorset Buttons.

Tania and I met a few years ago now when she was at the start of her business journey i...

Ep 159 - Socktober, the Month of Socks from 2020-10-06T16:30:39

Socktober lends its inspiration this week, where I have a rundown of ten previous banging' Shinybees episodes that cover some great sock themed content. There are a couple of interviews, as well...

Ep 158 - You Forget What You Know from 2020-10-01T15:20:54

There are some great knitting sites available and I often forget that not everyone has discovered them yet. That was the case this week during a discussion on the Shinybees Podcast Community, wh...

Ep 157 - The RAF Comforts Committee from 2020-09-18T15:41:54

The RAF Comforts Committee was formed by the Air Council in October 1939 to determine the type and quantities of 'knitted comforts' required for the RAF as well as arrange for their collection, ...

Ep 156 - Back to School Knits from 2020-08-25T19:21:02

This week is sponsored by Back to School, specifically the absolute abomination that is school shoe shopping. Despite indeed having no school for the kids, I decided to brave Clarks and get the ...

Ep 155: Must Knit Vintage Patterns from A Stitch in Time Volume 2 by Susan Crawford and Jane Waller from 2020-08-18T12:40:20

Following an existential corona crisis a few episodes back, I've added more blonde streaks, I'm working on the Mini and I have been looking for some vintage inspired pieces to add to my wardrobe...

Ep 154 - Paint The Fence from 2020-08-07T18:53:57

This week it's about finding a mindless way to feel productive by painting the fence. There's a lot going on at Casa Shiny and my parents have been restricted again in Greater Manchester, along ...

Ep 153 - Octopodiversary - 8 Years of the Shinybees Knitting Podcast from 2020-07-24T15:36:57

Eight years of the Shinybees Knitting Podcast means today is my Octopodiversary! Not sure if that is even a real world, but I'm now going to own it on the whole internet. This show is a roundup ...

Ep 152 - Choose Your Own Adventure from 2020-07-22T20:00:57

This week there's a new home for the podcast community on the horizon, so there's a lot of chat about that - and about the general negativity of social media in general. The podcast is intended ...

Ep 151 - Going Local from 2020-07-15T11:01:18

We’re back after a regrettable rain and laptop-based accident, which caused an unplanned break in the schedule. If you decide to do yoga outside, remember to bring your computer back in when you...

Ep 150 - Gone to Rats from 2020-06-26T12:43:16

Here we are at episode 150! This week's planned content has been rejigged so it's a little later than planned. There have been some issues with accessibility on Ravelry which meant it is unwise ...

Ep 149 - Embracing Long Term WIPs for Mojo Return from 2020-06-17T19:26:35

I've dug up some long term WIPs this week and it has heartily revived my knitting mojo! I've been stuck at home for 13 weeks on my own with two children. I never thought I would have to do this ...

Ep 148 - Stash Fit from 2020-06-09T20:07:25

After the revelation of Ep 146, where I talked about seriously considering a Full and Complete destash, which may or may not have been a mid-Corona crisis, this week I review a method for creati...

Ep 147 - Knitting For Comfort from 2020-06-04T20:16:07

Some patterns to comfort or soothe might be what you need right now. This episode has five patterns with that cosy, comforting feeling for you to check out. Also there are three resources for fi...

Ep 146 - Life Audit aka What Happens When You Consider and Full and Complete Destash from 2020-05-26T18:32:47

Have you ever considered a complete destash? As in, getting rid of all your stash, totally, and starting again from scratch? Or not starting again? In this episode Jo confesses to having more th...

Ep 145 - Cats to Knit and Crochet from 2020-05-20T12:46:35

This week, we're all about the cats. Despite being a non-cat lover, it is hard to deny that there are some great patterns out there for cat themed - well - everything! Whether you are looking fo...

Ep 144 - Stay on the (Kitty) Couch from 2020-05-12T19:18:51

Hello and welcome to all new and returning listeners! I planned for today’s episode to be a short one, however, once I got into the flow of chatting, it ended up being a full lengther. There’s b...

Ep 143 - Useful Resources For Beginner Knitters from 2020-05-05T21:37:28

Staying home has encouraged a wave of new and returning knitters. After receiving many knit-related requests over the past 6 or so weeks, this episode is a compilation of my favourite ones. Find...

Ep 142: Eat, Sleep, Knit, Repeat from 2020-04-25T11:57:19

Today we’re having a bit of a catch up, with some knitty chatter along with some discussion of recent reads during lockdown. I’m also gardening quite a lot at the moment, so I talk about that. T...

Ep 141 - Methods for Repairing Hand Knit Socks from 2020-04-17T17:47:02

Today’s episode is all about repairing hand knit socks. I have a pair of socks that I have accidentally worn through the heel of, and I wanted to repair them. I’ve collated some resources and op...

Ep 140: Knit Accessories, Essentials and Variations from 2020-04-03T20:59:53

Today there is a review of Knit Accessories: Essentials and variations as well as some DK pattern ideas for sweaters and some random chat. I have found my way back to my knitting this week. This...

Ep139 - New Normal from 2020-03-30T19:03:15

Getting used to a new normal is tricky. This week has been challenging for most people and today there is a little bit of chat about that, along with a review of Wist Tha Bahn by Joy McMillan. Y...

Ep 138 - Can't Think of a Title from 2020-03-23T15:42:08

Hello and welcome to another slightly strange episode of the Shinybees podcast. This episode has not followed my usual inspiration and research process and I think at the moment, that’s ok. I ha...

Ep 137 - On the Run From the Corona from 2020-03-21T13:28:23

It's been a while since I was last behind the mic, owing to some unexpected turns of events and globetrotting. All is fine now, though, and I am back in the UK, with some podcasting equipment an...

Ep 136 - Yarn Advent Calendars aka What to Knit With A Load of Mini Skeins from 2019-12-10T07:02:39

Yarn Advent Calendars have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years as a more fibre-orientated alternative to the traditional chocolate.

Often, a kit that is specially made...

Hat In A Weekend from 2019-11-29T11:02:31

This week’s episode is inspired by a recent decision I made to try and knit a hat in a weekend. This was partly prompted by a sudden ten degree drop in temperature here (doesn’t a chill in the a...

Ep 134 - Turn the Wheel from 2019-11-15T08:18:31

After a longer than expected podbreak, Jo is back and talking about turning the wheel when life gets in the way of creativity. Sometimes you just need to get the things done and that doesn't alw...

Ep 133 - I Aten't Dead from 2019-03-05T17:00

This week it's a quick catch up after an unscheduled break in programming thanks to contracting pneumonia. First up, I mention the recent discussion around racism, inclusion and diversity in the...

Ep 132 - Stolen Stitches with Carol Feller from 2019-01-22T12:21:09

Carol Feller joins me on the show this week, sharing her journey into knitwear design. Carol Feller (StolenStiches.com) is a designer, teacher, and author living in Cork, Ireland. She has publis...

Ep 131 - How To Get The Most From A Knitting Show from 2019-01-15T08:01

Got yarn show plans for 2019? Are you a show veteran? or have you never been to a show? Somewhere in between?

In this episode I share some top tips for getting the most out of attending y...

Ep130 - Daria Rakowski of Cloud 9 Fiberworks from 2019-01-08T07:21:30

Daria Rakowski is our guest today to discuss widely varying subjects from eyelash yarn merkins(!) to an overview of the Canadian yarn industry.

Daria is the creative genius behind Cloud 9...

Ep129 - Knitting Trends for 2019 from 2018-12-28T05:48:05

What will be the five big trends for knitting in 2019?

In this episode I share what I think will be the five top trends for the hand knitting world in 2019.

Based on what has...

Ep 128 - Planning a Year of Knitting from 2018-12-18T21:47:51

It's always a popular time to plan your projects for the coming new year, but do you really need to? I won't be doing Make9in2019 next year (spoiler) bout I will be using other people's ideas fo...

Ep127 - Christmas Jumpers from 2018-12-11T18:13

Christmas Jumper Day is 14th December and in today's episode, I'm running through your different options when it comes to embracing this staple of the festive season.

Prompted by a social...

Ep 126 - A Hat For Every Eventuality from 2018-12-04T17:06:01

Everyone needs more knitted hats in their life and today I share seven pattern ideas for hats. I've been out of knitting sorts lately and attempting a new hat is just the ticket to get back into...

Ep 125 - Hawkshaw Sheep with Sue Horn from 2018-11-27T15:40:46

Sue Horn of Hawkshaw Sheep in the Scottish Borders is our guest on the show today,. She shares the ups and downs of being a shepherdess, creating your own yarns and fabrics and farm life.

Ep 124 - Yarnporium Fun from 2018-11-20T16:26:41

Yarnporium 2018 is reviewed on this episode of the podcast, where I give you a rundown of what went on at Westminster Central Hall in November. Hosted by the fabulous ladies of Yarn in the City,...

Ep 123 - Strange Brew from 2018-10-24T15:24:45

This week we review the new Tin Can Knits collection - Strange Brew. It's a knitwear collection that embraces everything colour work for the whole family. There's some knitty news and an update ...

Ep 122 - Isn't It About Time We Put a Stop to All This Nonsense? from 2018-10-15T18:30:16

Sometimes, when something really gets to you because of its inherent unfairness and solid foundations in utter bollocks, you need to speak out. This episode is one of those times. In a departure...

Ep 121 - Holiday Knitting from 2018-09-26T17:58:19

How do you decide what knitting to take with you when you travel? Do you spend more time choosing what yarn to take than which clothes to pack?

This week we tackle the thorny subjec...

Ep 120 - Rusty Ferret with Leona Jayne of Fluph from 2018-09-13T13:27:12

It's a chatty and fun episode today with the enigmatic Leona Jayne Page of Rusty Ferret/Fluph. Voted back onto the show as a guest for the second time, Leona tells us about how she moved from ya...

Ep 119 - Yarn Shops in Shanghai from 2018-08-28T04:28:30

Shanghai is the destination for this week’s podcast, when I take a trip to not one, but two yarn shops in the area to check out the local knitting scene and the yarns on offer.



Th...

Ep 118 - British Wool, Labelling and Sourcing with Joy McMillan of The Knitting Goddess from 2018-08-17T16:00:57

Joy McMillan of The Knitting Goddess joins the show today to talk about how her business has moved towards sourcing solely British and some very local yarns. Topics discussed include the differe...

Ep 117 - Far East Adventures from 2018-08-11T09:46:54

This week is a bit of a catch up as I share my Far East adventures so far. I'm in China, and I share some of the funnier/more unusual observations I've made so far being here, including crotchle...

Ep 116 - Return to Shetland with Susan Crawford from 2018-08-01T03:31:09

Susan Crawford joins me this week and we take a journey through the past three years since Ep55.

The Vintage Shetland Project was officially published in February 2018. The culminat...

Ep 115 - Phone Down, Knitting Up from 2018-07-06T13:48:35

Where do you lose knitting time and how can you go about carving out more time to do it? In this week's episode, I talk about the idea of cutting out mindless phone scrolling time to increase yo...

Ep 114 - Yarn Snob from 2018-06-23T17:58:58

Yarn Snob. For some it's worn as a badge of honour and for others, it's the worst thing in the world, but what exactly is a yarn snob?

There was (unsurprisingly) no dictionary definition ...

Ep 113 - Woollinn Dublin from 2018-06-08T21:51:56

Dublin is the destination for this week's show. It's a new format where you can join me and (lots of) friends live-is from Woollen in Dublin. The festival took place at the end of May and you ca...

Ep 112 - Knit Share Love with Clare Devine from 2018-05-18T13:01:06

Clare Devine of #KnitShareLove rejoins me on the podcast this week, as we catch up with her after quite a while since her Sock Surgery days on the show.

Clare is now in Australia, t...

Ep111 - Assmimilating New Knitters from 2018-05-11T13:23:34

How do we get the entire world knitting? It's a mission of mine and today we discuss the five pillars of knitter assimilation: marketing, self-belief, tools and materials, medium and motivation ...

Ep 110 - An Interview with Jane Murison of Yarnison from 2018-05-04T13:14:19

Jane Murison of Yarnison joins the show this week, talking about knitwear design, fish and chips and the urban landscape as an inspiration.

Jane began designing a couple of years ag...

Ep109 - Hidden Heels with Mitch of Surfing Ducks from 2018-04-27T12:17:38

Mitch of Surfing Ducks is my guest on the podcast this week, where we discuss a plethora of things that spiral slightly out of control and end somewhere around knitted, transferable 'tramp stamp...

Ep108 - Speckled Yarn - So Hot? Or So Not? from 2018-04-05T15:03:58

Speckled yarn is the marmite of the knitting world right now. Outrageously popular, thanks to patronage by the likes of Stephen West and Andrea Mowry, speckles are so hot right now. Or are they?...

EP107- Sh*t Tea and Tray Bake with Countess Ablaze from 2018-03-08T17:04:12

Where sh*t tea, tray bake and exposure collide!

Lyndsey aka Countess Ablaze joins me this week for a chat about issues facing us crafters and business owners. A recent recipient of ...

Episode 106: Colour Work Challenge from 2017-02-07T17:31:31

Who likes Angel Delight?

This week's episode is definitely on the delight end of the pudding scale as opposed to a seven tier unicorn cake and that's often a good thing. It's a low ...

Episode 105: Knitting As More Than Just Craft from 2017-01-20T11:22:33

Knitting: Is it *just* knitting? Or is it more than that?

That's what we are going to be exploring today and in future episodes is how knitting transcends just being handiwork and b...

Episode 104: Your Permission Is Not Required from 2017-01-10T15:48:48

Permission. You don't need it from anyone to enjoy your hobbies, especially and most particularly if that hobby is knitting.

This week the chat is about two notions: 1) selfish knit...

Episode 103 - Active Stash Exploration from 2017-01-04T14:00:40

The first show of 2017 brings the project of the year for podcast to you. This year, we're all about Active Stash Exploration. What's that you say? It's definitely not cold sheeping, that is for...

Episode 102 - On The Edge Of Something Magical from 2016-12-14T11:51:17

This week the show returns after a short hiatus. I'll give you a few funny tales from the past couple of months to get you in the mood for some Shiny On Form thought the episode. Pulling an octa...

Episode 101 - No Dalmatians Required from 2016-10-18T16:51:33

As Ravelry is disappointingly light on actual dalmatian patterns, I'm afraid this episode will not contain a pattern pick, but there will be a few of the usual segments you know and love. And a ...

Episode 100 - The Great Shinybees Hexipuff Amnesty from 2016-08-10T17:43:49

The tonne! A century! Episode 100 is upon us and a hearty thanks to all of you that have listened, do listen and are new to listening. Welcome one and all.

Two topics of conversatio...

Episode 99 - When Pokemon Go and Yarn Collide from 2016-07-26T10:42:34

Pokemon is the theme of this week's episode as I delve deep into the bowels of Ravelry's pattern database to bring you a pattern pick of joyous wonder. If you've been sucked into the Pokemon Go ...

Episode 98 - Knitting in the News from 2016-07-14T12:55:11

This week we're indulging in a current affairs panel TV style format... without the panel. It's just me and three recent knitting related stories that have come to my attention and some thoughts...

Episode 97 - Best UK Podcast of 2016 from 2016-06-29T20:10:04

This is the multi-award winning(!) Shinybees podcast, winner of the Best UK Podcast of 2016. 

Thanks to everyone who voted for the show. If you want to see the video of the acceptan...

Episode 96 - This Thing Of Paper - An Interview with Karie Westermann from 2016-06-14T12:00

Karie Westermann joins me this week as my interview guest to tell us all about her journey into designing knitwear. Also a teacher and writer, Danish-born Karie calls Glasgow in Scotland her hom...

Episode 95 - Orange Mocha Frappuccino with Countess Ablaze from 2016-06-07T11:41:33

Returning from a mini podcast break, this week I'm joined by none other than the fabulous Countess Ablaze, who invited me to her studio in Manchester to dye some yarn and have a bit of a chat. Listen

Episode 94: Global Hypercolour from 2016-05-17T22:44:42

Hello and welcome to a hyper colour episode of the podcast.

This episode is sponsored by the Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl, Edinburgh's official yarn crawl, which is taking place on 11th June 20...

Episode 93: Alpaca Love from 2016-05-10T11:54:25

Alpaca is under the microscope this week as a fibre focus for the next few episodes. Before we move onto that thought, I have news for you as always.

First up, the podcast is up for two N...

Episode 92: Midwinter Yarns - An Interview with Estelle Faust from 2016-05-03T17:00

This week I am joined by Estelle of Midwinter Yarns.Specialising in Scandinavian yarns, Swedish-born Estelle runsMidwinter from her home in the rural Welsh Valleys.

Aided and abetted by he...

Episode 91 - Is That It? from 2016-04-26T21:04:49

Chat abound this week! Catching up is the order of the day. LJ completed the marathon and her derriere is fine, thank you for asking.

Yarn Shop Day is on Saturday and I am looking forward...

Episode 90: Curious Handmade - An Interview With Helen Stewart from 2016-04-19T12:00

This week I am pleased to welcome the lovely Helen Stewart onto the show. Designer and voice of the award winning Curious Handmade podcast. 

Originally from Australia, Helen is quite the ...

Episode 89: Paula Abdul Would Be Proud from 2016-04-15T20:46:03

This week I bring you lots of things to be inspired by. The reference to Paula Abdul is not covered within the show but encompasses the idea of 'two steps forward/two steps back'.

First u...

Episode 88 - The Wool Kitchen - An Interview With Helen Reed from 2016-04-05T20:32:39

Helen Reed of The Wool Kitchen is my super-fun sidekick this episode. Helen is a hand dyer based in Walthamstow in East London, although originally she's a Northern bird, albeit from the wrong s...

Episode 87 - Travelknitter: An interview with Larissa from 2016-03-29T11:41:50

Larissa of Travelknitter is my guest this week on the podcast. Fans of the show will know I am a big fan of her work, in particular her sorcery ability when it comes to creating red yarns. It's ...

Episode 86 - Beaded Knitting on a Train from 2016-03-23T12:45:21

This week we have a friendly catch up post Edinburgh Yarn Festival. I reassure listeners that knitting on a train with beads is indeed a perfectly safe activity. Come and hear the rundown of Sco...

Episode 85: The Little Grey Girl - An Interview with Gemma Dudley from 2016-03-15T21:47:40

This week Gemma Dudley of The Little Grey Girl joins us ahead of her first ever show at Edinburgh Yarn Festival. Purveyor of stylish, handmade bags and notions, The Little Grey Girl is the perfe...

Episode 84: Yarns From The Plain - An Interview with Nic Rudd from 2016-03-08T12:26:12

Nic Rudd, dyer behind Yarns From the Plain and voice of the popular podcast of the same name is our guest this week on the show.

Based on the Cheshire Plain in north-west England, Nic beg...

Episode 83 - An Interview with Helen Lockhart of Ripplecrafts from 2016-03-02T11:52:13

I'm delighted this week to have Helen join us on the show to tell us about her journey into dyeing. I've admired her work for a long time (and asked her to collaborate with The Golden Skein twic...

Episode 82: Commit from 2016-02-23T18:13:59

This week has news, reviews and the potential theft of a bottle of IPA. Yes, it's still a knitting podcast, but we do enjoy a real ale on a regular basis.

First up you can now join me on ...

Episode 81: Re-rewind from 2016-02-17T18:04:27

Who knew that Craig David him-very-self would inspire an episode of a knitting podcast? Well, it's happened as this week I pay homage to his ability to not age one bit in a decade and still have...

Episode 80 - Relax from 2016-02-09T21:41:18

It's Zoolander-aplenty this episode as I come rip-roaring (sort-of) back from having the flu. Zoolander 2 is out on 12th February and Zoolander is one of my favourite films of all time. I a bit ...

Episode 79: OwlPrintPanda - An Interview with Amanda B Collins from 2016-01-26T12:28

Glasgow-based knitwear designer and purveyor of super-cute stitch markers, Amanda B Collins, is our guest on the podcast today. Amanda has been designing for a few years, producing patterns for ...

Episode 78 - What to Knit in 2016 from 2016-01-19T21:43:02

Time to own up to my knitting goals for 2016 after the chat last week about goal setting. I'm planning to knit 4 garments - Owligan by Kate Daves, Mallorn by Ann Kingstone, Lush by Tin Can Knits...

Episode 77: Knitting Goals from 2016-01-14T20:38:30

Got knitting goals for 2016? Lots of wild plans? Let me help you get super focused with my five top tips for knitty goal setting.

For not the first time on the podcast, we talk about Davi...

Episode 76: Knitting Calendar from 2016-01-05T23:19:56

Welcome to the first show of 2016! This week it's all about planning your knitting calendar when it comes to attending shows. What are the top tips for survival? I'll share mine with you today!<...

Episode 75: Joyeux Noel from 2015-12-27T21:59:22

This is a Christmas episode, the final podcast for 2015. There is some pensive reflection on the past year for the podcast and I encourage you to be appreciative of your achievements in 2015 and...

Episode 74: Knitivity from 2015-12-16T20:59:48

This week it's all a bit festive and we're discussing dogs in comedy Christmas knitwear and that infamous Christmas tradition of the nativity.

In Enablers' Corner, I encourage you to chec...

Episode 73 - The Three Little Pigs from 2015-12-08T22:23:14

This week it's a chatty catch up for the most part, with some news on renovations/maintenance issues at Casa Shiny. Roofers: know your limits!

Enablers' Corner directs you to the sale at ...

Episode 72: An Interview with Alice Elsworth of Whistlebare Yarns from 2015-11-26T11:55:52

Alice Elsworth, our guest mohair expert, returns to the podcast for an interview to talk about life as a farmer in rural Northumberland in the UK. Alice keeps a herd of mohair goats at Whistleba...

Episode 71: Lace Knits from 2015-11-17T17:06:32

This week it's all about lace and felt on the show (still with a smattering of mohair after our focus on the Diamond Fibre of late). 

Enablers' Corner welcomes the Felt-Ed Kit Club 2016. ...

Episode 70: An Interview with Boo Knits from 2015-11-12T16:38:36

This week I am delighted to welcome beaded shawl design maven and all round lovely lady Bev, aka Boo Knits to the show. Having long been a fan of Bev's aesthetic, I knitted the Shawl of Awesome ...

Episode 69: Man Socks from 2015-11-09T14:34:12

Male knitter? Want to knit socks for the man in your life? Rachel Coopey joins me this week to discuss the finer points of knitting for men, particularly in the sock department.

There's a...

Episode 68 - Socks, Yeah! An Interview with Rachel Coopey from 2015-10-27T15:47:46

Rachel Coopey is our guest of honour in this episode. Rachel is a British knitwear designer and author, with somewhat of a penchant for socks, having written three books on the subject. Also fon...

Episode 67 - Mo' Mohair from 2015-10-20T17:36:38

More mohair is the name of the game this week, where the focus of the episode is on mohair yarns that are available on the UK market mostly (and several are available in the States and elsewhere...

Episode 66 - The Diamond Fibre from 2015-10-14T14:39:48

Today we're celebrating that most maligned of fibres: mohair. It's actually rather good if you give it a chance. 

In Enablers' Corner, I bring you As Autumn Falls by Amanda B Collins, a n...

Episode 65 - National Knitting Week from 2015-10-07T14:55:21

National Knitting Week is upon us: what's on your needles? This week's episode has some podcast and knitty news to kick off proceedings, followed by a chat about Yarndale 2015 and a round up of ...

Episode 64: Socktober Happenings from 2015-09-29T19:12:19

Hello and welcome to the AWARD WINNING Shinybees podcast. That's right, we won 'Most Engaged Audience' at New Media Europe, which means you're officially an award winning audience!

This w...

Episode 63: Over the Hills, and Back to London! from 2015-09-08T14:36:37

This week is a pacey canter through the usual format. The show is co-hosted by a barrel of fermenting beer. I'm not even joking.

Enablers' Corner returns where I encourage you to check ou...

Episode 62: An Interview with Kate Atherley from 2015-09-01T15:29:37

Custom Socks a go-go as we welcome author, technical editor and pattern designer Kate Atherley to the show. If you're interested in learning how to write clear patterns that any knitter can use ...

Episode 61: Hat Architect - An Interview with Woolly Wormhead from 2015-08-25T21:43:30

Hat mania descends upon the podcast this week as I welcome hat architect Woolly Wormhead to the show. Woolly is a knitting designer who is obsessed with all things hat. Author of 8 books dedicat...

Episode 60: Forensic Psychobiology to Wool Emporium - An Interview with Leona-Jayne Kelly of Fluph from 2015-08-18T16:00:33

How do you go from psychoanalysing serial killers to wool shop maven? Leona-Jayne Kelly of Fluph in Dundee joins us this week to answer just that question. It's a little more straightforward tha...

Episode 59: Self Stripe Madness - An Interview with Michelle Berry of Berry Colourful Yarnings from 2015-08-11T17:50:10

Because you know it's all about the stripes, 'bout the stripes...

This week I am pleased to welcome Michelle Berry of Berry Colorful Yarnings onto the podcast to talk about all things sel...

Episode 58: Cast On! An Interview with Brenda Dayne from 2015-08-04T12:00

This week I’m del...

Episode 57: Make It Fit - An Interview with Amy Herzog from 2015-07-28T12:19:47

Want to make knitwear that fits the way you want it to?

Step forward Amy Herzog of Custom Fit and Fit to Flatter fame, who is our latest interview guest. Amy Herzog is a Boston-based knit...

Episode 56: Boardwalk - An Interview with Linda Lencovic of Kettle Yarn Co from 2015-07-21T12:22:44

We're welcoming Linda Lencovic of Kettle Yarn Co to the podcast to tell her story and introduce us to the Boardwalk Collection. Linda is based on the South Coast of England and specialises in gl...

Episode 55: Vintage Shetland Project - An Interview With Susan Crawford from 2015-07-14T21:09:37

Ever wondered what it's like to crowdfund a book? Susan Crawford, knitwear designer and fashion historian is my latest interview guest on the show. Purveyor of all things vintage and woolly, Sus...

Episode 54: Yarn In The City - An Interview With Alison Thistlewood and Rachel Brown from 2015-07-08T13:59:33

This week it's an interview episode and I am chatting to the vivacious duo that is Alison Thistlewood and Rachel Brown, the ladies behind Yarn In The City and the Great London Yarn Crawl. Both b...

Episode 53 - Knitting Socks For Summer from 2015-06-30T17:50:55

Summer has finally hit in Scotland and it is toasty! This week Clare is back on the Sock Surgery to talk about knitting socks in summer, follwoing on from our summer knitting yarns and pattern s...

Episode 52: How to Store Your FOs from 2015-06-24T20:10:56

We're back with a little light enabling in the form of the #Scollaykal in Enablers' Corner this week. Head on over to KnitBritish and BritYarn to find out more. In news, it's Woolfest this weeke...

Episode 51: Still Got It from 2015-06-18T09:08:19

This week there's a little news about the Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl in Edinburgh at the weekend. In Enablers' Corner, we're all about the kits, 'bout the kits, no trouble with Latvian Mitts and Yar...

Episode 50: Strictly No Baby Nudity - An Interview With Emily Wessel of Tin Can Knits and Rainbow Heirloom from 2015-06-09T20:37:55

This week we welcome the fabulous Emily Wessel of Tin Can Knits and Rainbow Heirloom yarns to the show to chat about all things yarny. Max and Bodhi's Wardrobe will be available in print copy fr...

Episode 49: Endless Winter from 2015-06-04T15:57:36

This week we hope to leave Narnia behind and experience something approaching summer after jinxing the entire season by talking about summer knitting in the past few episodes. 

News-wise,...

Episode 48: Highland Wool Festival from 2015-05-27T15:18:47

A departure from the usual podcast format this week as I do a round up of my visit to Highland Wool Festival in Dingwall on 23rd May 2015. Several different makers and producers are highlighted,...

Episode 47: Calamities and Curiosities from 2015-05-22T10:40:16

News-wise, it's all about events this week, with Highland Wool Festival taking place on 23rd May at Dingwall Mart. Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl 2015 will be happening on 13/14th June 2015 in Edinburgh...

Episode 46 - Enabling 101 from 2015-05-12T15:52:47

Welcome in to another episode. This week we have some yarn based news for you. There will be a trunk show at Fluph in Dundee on 27th May 2015 with Nic from Yarns From The Plain, from 2pm-8pm. Al...

Episode 45: Short Row Variations and Summer Knitting Patterns from 2015-05-04T22:46:19

This week we have a little yarny news, Enablers' Corner and the Sock Surgery with Clare Devine.

The Shinybees Podcast is sponsored by Blacker Yarns. Check out their new summer yarn, Lyone...

Episode 44: Summer Knitting Yarns from 2015-04-27T15:00:56

Summer is on its way. Honest! This week, we're looking at summer knitting and which yarns to go for when creating projects for the hotter weather.

News wise, I encourage you all to check ...

Episode 43 - There's a Short Row Technique For Everyone from 2015-04-19T16:15:32

Short rows are for life, not just for Christmas. We embrace the short row this episode in the Sock Surgery, where Clare Devine joins us again and we start our new sock for April.

In Enabl...

Episode 42: Lete's Knits - An Interview with Justyna Lorkowska from 2015-04-13T15:50:40

Polish deisgner Justyna Lorkowska is in the hotseat this week, chatting about her journey from private primary school teacher, through motherhood and into knitting designer. Designing under Lete...

Episode 41: Baby Bums and Self Stripe from 2015-04-07T21:08:08

We're back with some enabling, a bit ore enabling and some socks this week. Oh, and baby bums. That is sort of enabling too.

In Enablers' Corner, there is a precis of the new collection f...

Episode 40: The Prince of Brioche: An Interview With Stephen West from 2015-04-03T21:09:14

This week, I'm delighted to bring an interview with Stephen West of Westknits. I caught up with Stephen at Edinburgh Yarn Festival where he proclaimed brioche stitch to be the stitch of the year...

Episode 39 - Of Socks and Discworld: A Knitty Homage to Sir Terry Pratchett from 2015-03-31T15:39:01

When your favourite author shuffles off his mortal coil, there's little else you can do but pay homage in a knitty fashion. Following the death of Sir Terry Pratchett, this episode could certain...

Episode 38: Science by Day, Socks by Night - An Interview With Louise Tilbrook from 2015-03-23T17:46:13

If you like to knit your socks both toe up and cuff down, you're probably already familiar with British designer Louise Tilbrook. If not, listen in for her take on all things yarn and running a ...

Episode 37: Wardrobe Malfunction: What To Do When Your Knitting is Not Finished in Time from 2015-03-14T09:05:18

Edinburgh Yarn Festival is on the horizon and all of that wardrobe planning you did to make sure you were impeecable turned out in beautiful knitwear for the day should be upon you. And me. but ...

Episode 36: The One With The Circus Music and a Trip to New Lanark Mill from 2015-03-04T22:14:01

Story time this week where there is a roundup of all the happenings at PodRetreat2015, including patio chairs, statues of Elvis and fuse box infernos. If you want several good reasons why you sh...

Episode 35: Cast Offs For Socks from 2015-02-15T22:44:09

It's all about the socks this week. Clare and Kate return to discuss different methods for casting off top down socks as well as a brief overview of cast-offs for toe up socks.

In Enabler...

Episode 34: Making it as a Knitwear Designer - An interview with Kate Davies from 2015-02-11T13:40:11

Special guest Kate Davies, of Kate Davies Designs, joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her journey as a designer and writer, from her previous life as a university academic to the curre...

Episode 33: How to Fix Your Socks When They Go Wrong and Asymmetric 23cm Circulars for Socks from 2015-02-01T23:37:46

It's very socktacular this week with the return of the Sock Surgery. The show kicks off with a review of the 9.5" (9") / 23cm asymmetric circular needles from Kinki Amibari, kindly given for rev...

Episode 32: Edinburgh Yarn Festival and How to be Enabled from 2015-01-25T16:01:04

Lots of Edinburgh Yarn Festival news this week for you and there's a pair of weekend tickets up for grabs for a lucky listener. The Podcast Lounge is shaping up to be a fun area to chill out ove...

Episode 31: The Sock Surgery Casts On and How to WIP Down Your Knitting Projects from 2015-01-18T22:43:13

It's finally arrived! Casting on our wonderful socks in the Sock Surgery is upon us and this week we welcome back Clare Devine and Kate Read to discuss that most crucial of techniques: casting o...

Episode 30: Enablers' Corner and How to Build an Online Community with Sarah Chy from 2015-01-11T22:32:32

The enabling continues at pace this episode, where there is lots of #FreeYourSkeins2015 chatter, along with the introduction of the Stash Heap Challenge group. Want to join a group with lots of ...

Episode 29: Year of Enabling and How to Make Socks That Fit from 2015-01-04T20:32:45

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Episode 28: Hogmanay and a Review of Yokes by Kate Davies from 2014-12-31T15:18:01

It's the last day of 2014 and the last podcast of 2014. I simply couldn't allow you all to fall into the cold, harsh light of January without a comedy knitting and yarn podcast episode to cheer ...

Episode 27: Toe Up or Cuff Down for Knitting Socks and WTF Knits from 2014-12-18T14:27:54

It's a yarn, comedy and sock knitting palooza this episode as we review WTF Knits and welcome Clare and Kate for the Sock Surgery.

It's time for your luxury yarn fix, with the latest offe...

Episode 26 - Writing a Knitting Book by Sally Cameron from 2014-11-30T22:54:44

Ever wondered what it is like to write a knitting book whilst you homeschool your 3 children? Wonder no more, as Sally Cameron aka PinkHairGirl joins us from South Africa for an interview about ...

Episode 25: Choose Your Weapon! How to Choose Needles For Knitting Socks from 2014-11-24T15:09:21

Ever wondered how to choose needles for your first attempt at knitting socks? Want to hear some more about those other methods you might not have tried yet? Clare Devine returns to give us the l...

Episode 24: How to Choose Yarn For Socks with Clare Devine from 2014-11-09T21:31:14

Learn the basics of what to consider when choosing yarn for socks this week with my guest hosts Clare Devine and Kate Read. We chat about fit, durability and aesthetic and why considering each o...

Episode 23: Knit Your Own Hallowe'en from 2014-10-31T17:22

Hello and welcome to a special bonus Hallowe'en episode of the podcast. Take a break from the tedium of opening your front door to little kids dressed in black and high on sugar and e numbers to...

Episode 22 - Red Alert from 2014-10-25T20:39:39

Command and Conquer it ain't. Well, maybe. This week sees the latest happenings in my world, along with a quick virtual canter through this year's trip to Yarndale. In Wippin' Piccadilly, the Lu...

Episode 21 - Pontoon from 2014-09-06T18:51

This week the episode has nothing at all to do with card games and everything to do with yarn. We have a quick intro from my new house, creaks included, followed by a bit of knitting news. Then,...

Episode 20 - Pack Up Your Troubles from 2014-08-23T10:05:38

This week we finally round-up Unwind Brighton, which took place on 12-13 July 2014 in the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. There is also a run-down of the progress of the #lushpodkal Lush knitalong,...

Episode 19 - Octopussy from 2014-07-06T11:53:32

Nothing to do with James Bond and everything to do with the return of the pattern pick this week, on the theme of Octopus. Octopi?! We have a round up of the lattest knitting news and anouncemen...

Epiosde 18 - The First Step is Admitting You Have A Problem from 2014-06-22T22:35:39

The funk has been slam dunked by admitting we have a problem, Houston! This week we have a roundup of the knitting news, including a fab new yarn shop that will be...

Episode 17: Funky, Funky, Funky, Fresh! from 2014-06-08T20:20:37

Coming from Scotland in the depth of the knitting funk of 40,000 years, the crafty mojo has left the building. This episode sees the return of Wippin' Piccadilly, a short pattern pick and a new ...

Episode 16: Run, Rabbit, Run! from 2014-05-01T07:57:30

Tune in for the latest knitting news on upcoming events in Brighton and Edinburgh. There is a rundown of all the gossip from The Golden Skein and a yarn shop review of The Woolly Brew in Pittenw...

Episode 15: Swans, Clowns and Unicorns from 2014-03-02T21:18:06

This episode has more than its fair share of swans, clowns and unicorns. There is a quick catchup of news and a brief intro to my new abde in Fife. A large section is dedicated to PodRetreat and...

Episode 14 - On the Road to the North from 2014-01-27T11:38:04

This week there is a lot of news regarding various things. The Golden Skein is explained and you can find everything to do with this UK yarn club at www.thegoldenskein.com. We have a book review...

Episode 13 - The Cat in the Hat from 2013-11-24T23:11:35

This episode has, amongst other things, cats in various hats. The secret project - The Golden Skein - is revealed. There is an update and some information about podretreat and a review of a patt...

Episode 12 - Out and About at Yarndale from 2013-09-29T21:27:44

This week sees Jo joined by special guest stars Nic and Aimee from Yarns From The Plain and KnitSpinCake podcasts. A break from the usual schow format, we discuss all things Yarndale. Mistly, we...

Episode 11: All Change from 2013-09-04T19:18:23

A change of location this week, and a permanent one at that, from South Africa to the UK. There is an update of news since the last episode, along with some musings on the subject of change. I i...

Episode 10: Travelling Light from 2013-06-24T19:32:08

Travelling with knitting - how do you do yours? This week there is a lot of travel chatter along with an awful lot of news. There is a round up of the best blogs from Knitting and Crochet Blog W...

Episode 9 - The Enemy Within from 2013-04-21T21:03:08

This episode takes us on a galactic journey courtesy of a shagadelic young Shatner as he captains the Starship Enterprise though The Original Series. The news section brings us up to date with t...

Episode 8: Snake Eyes from 2013-03-28T20:26:20

Hello and welcome to Episode 8 of the Shinybees podcast: Snake Eyes. This slightly rougher around the edges podcast is brought to you again from sunny South Africa. Thanks very much for joining ...

Episode 7: Catch Up from 2013-01-20T19:51:08

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Episode 6: Modown from 2012-12-02T00:34:21

Hello and welcome to Episode 6 of the Shinybees podcast. This week, we have another pattern pick in honour of Movember. This is followed by an interview with South African indie dyer, Carlé, of ...

Episode 5 - Poppy Pickers from 2012-11-08T17:37

This week we have a return to some old favourites. First of all we have a run-down of recent happenings in Limpopo, followed by a reattack on Episode 3 - The C Word. Random musings feature the t...

Episode 4 - Close Encounters from 2012-10-07T20:03

This week we have a close encounter of the rhinoceroidal kind. There is a podcast news update and we are joined by Justus for the South Africa section to make some Malva Pudding before we wrap u...

Episode 3: The C Word from 2012-09-09T16:28:54

This week we take a trip to the Kruger National Park in search of the 'Big 5'. For those unable to spot the Big 5, we have the Shinybees Big 5 for your perusement! There is the return of the Wip...

Episode 2: Stop. Bunny Time! from 2012-08-23T19:30

This week we take a turn around Kwa-Zulu Natal and visit Durban and Swaziland. There is food in the form of the Bunny Chow, weddings in the snow and a trip to Ngwenya Glass. There is the usual o...

Episode 1: Send in the Hogs from 2012-08-06T12:58:02

This week, Jo talks about warthog watch. There is an on and off the needles section, and in the South Africa section, Jo is joined by special guest Tanya to discuss the South African social cere...

Episode 0: The Pilot from 2012-07-24T19:26:14

Hello and welcome to the pilot episode of the Shinybees podcast. British girl Jo talks about knitting, sewing and crafting from South Africa, along with a liberal helping of South African langua...