Episodes

  • Kia ora, it’s lovely to be chatting to you again! This week I’m sharing
    some new sewing and a new pattern with you. And I’m also drawing winners
    from Episode 100 - did you win???

  • This week I’m chatting about my new Nuala top sharing a great tutorial to
    join linen yarn and showing you around the gorgeous Skein Sisters shop in
    Australia.

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  • This week I’m talking about my latest design release, our new knit-along,
    my upcoming trip to Skein Sisters in Sydney and leaving you with a good
    knitting tip.

  • I released a new, improved and expanded Mindful shawl pattern last week.
    I’m loving the new bigger version in the pattern and feel so pleased that
    the writing style, charts and little techniques I’ve added make the pattern
    even better than before!

  • I'm back from Knit August Nights and I'm a little little husky! That's what happens when you talk non-stop for 5 days!

    KNIT AUGUST NIGHTS

    I had a blast. Held every year in the last weekend of the month, it's a New Zealand yarn festival not to be missed.

    I teach and also have a stand with all my samples for you to try on. 

    Next year is the 10 year anniversary! Will I see you there?

    FRUITY KNITTING PODCAST

    I was absolutely thrilled to be featured on the Fruity Knitting podcast recently! I've got a short segment in Episode 60 where I chat about 5 of my garment designs, the inspiration behind them and interesting techniques in the patterns.

    Andrea creates a very professional podcast, a proper TV show, full of fascinating interviews and snippets of their travels. I learn something every episode and I really enjoy catching up with people as passionate about their knitting as I am.

    Excitingly, I've got a special discount on all my independently published patterns just for Fruity Knitting Patrons until Midnight, Sunday 16 September, 2018. You'll have to be a Patron to get the discount.

    Fruity Knitting is an independent production. They don’t receive any money from YouTube ads or sponsors. At the moment, Andrea is working full time on the show including evenings and weekends. Andrew supports the production around his day job. It has become clear that this level of work is not sustainable, so their goal is to have the financial support for Andrew to work on the podcast as well. There are currently around 1700 patrons.

    Head over to their website to find out how to become a Patron. There are different tiers of support you can sign up to, but basically, Patrons agree to a regular monthly contribution, starting at $5 per month (which is around $2.50 per episode). There is a small processing fee, and Andrea and Andrew pay tax, but most of your money goes directly towards supporting the Fruity Knitting Podcast. You can change or stop your payments at any time.

    What will you get? Andrea and Andrew have worked out some "rewards" to show their gratitude for your support.  There are lots of behind the scenes discounts, interviews, chats and more. And, you also get to know that as a Patron you are keeping the Fruity Knitting on air, and that's great too.

    FLOOZY PARTY!

    Floozy madness has been so good! I'm loving seeing all your Floozy cardigans grow (have you joined the knit-along?!)

    Our next exciting event in the Floozy calendar is a party! Will you join Catrien and me for a fun afternoon of knitting, yummy drinks and food and prizes? And, of course, lots of Floozy fun :)

    Join us from 3 - 6 pm on Sunday 23 September, 2018 at Stitch and Bitch Lounge Cafe, 225 Parnell Road, Auckland. We've got the whole cafe to ourselves for our party and there is parking right across the road.

    It would be really helpful for our planning if you'd book a free ticket so we can make sure we've got enough chairs, staff and goodies for you all.

    Bring your current wip and your knitting buddies. Can't wait to see you!!

    Happy knitting!

     

  • Wow guys! I'm totally thrilled that you love Floozy as much as I do! It's been so exciting to share her with you and I can't wait to see your Floozy cardy's grow!!

    This week on the podcast we're lucky enough to peek behind the scenes into the studio of Catrien from Yarnfloozy; the magical Floozy yarn dyer!

    FLOOZY CARDIGAN

    You can grab the Floozy cardigan pattern here. The discount is still on, until Midnight, Friday 17 August 2018, with the code FLOOZY.

    Check out all the gorgeous kits put together by so many fabulous dyers from all over the world! Click the highlight tab "Floozy Kits" in my Instagram bio.

    I was thrilled to collaborate with Catrien for Floozy cardy and her colours and yarns are glorious. You can find more about Catrien and her Yarnfloozy yarn on her website: www.yarnfloozy.co.nz. A new pre-order goes live tonight, 8pm Friday 17 August, 2018 (NZ time)!

    STAY IN TOUCH!

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Ravelry group

    Subscribe to my mini-mag to learn a new things, find out what's happening behind the scenes and get great discounts on new patterns!

    Happy knitting!

    Lib xxx

  • This week on the podcast we are talking all things FLOOZY!!

    I'm joined by the very gorgeous Catrien from Yarnfloozy to celebrate the launch of Floozy cardigan; my design and Catrien's beautiful yarn.

    We're chatting about how Floozy came to be and what inspired the colours we came up with as well as how to choose a size, techniques that we've enjoyed and the variety of options available in the pattern.

    Catrien has created some beautiful colourways for your Floozy cardigans and you can grab a kit off her now. Just head over to www.yarnfloozy.co.nz to choose yours! What will it be? Traveller, Dreamer or Still Waters Run Deep! There's a flat rate for international postage but be quick! I think they'll fly out the door.

    The pattern is available now on Ravelry as a pre-order. Use the code FLOOZY for a 15% discount.

    As I explain in the video, this week you'll get everything you need to choose a size, yarn and start swatching. In two weeks our grand Floozy KAL begins in the Truly Myrtle Ravelry Group and the full pattern will drop and will be added to your Ravelry Library on 17 August 2018. Who's joining us?! We're going to have a ball.

    Check out the gorgeous Yarnfloozy colourways below. 

    Happy knitting!!




  • WOOL ON WHEELS!

    Get ready New Zealand! Wool on Wheels is about to hit the road for an awesome national tour!

    I sat down with Julie to chat about how Wool on Wheels has grown over the past year and hear about her plans for the rest of the year. You can find the tour schedule and more information on the Wool on Wheels website. Don't miss out!!

    DEALING WITH MOTHS

    After my workspace tour last time I had lots of messages about moths and this week I'm chatting about my many and varied ways of trying to deter them and what to do if moths strike.

    Let me know if you have any tried and true tips!!

    Happy knitting!

    Libby xxx

  • This week after a morning of sheep wrangling ... I'm showing you around my work space. I have a cosy nook in our house where I do a lot of my work and store my stash, notions and knitting books. Join me for a look around!

    Happy knitting!

    Libby xxx

  • WOOLFEAST

    I spent last weekend at Woolfeast in Christchurch. Find a show,  festival or knitting retreat near you!

    BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

    I have a bunch of books on my shelves, I'm a bit of a book fiend! Often I borrow books from the library before I buy them and I encourage you to try out what you like by borrowing from your Library.

    My top books are:

    Anything by Elizabeth Zimmerman - particularly Knitting Workshop

    Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book - I have the new edition and an older one and they're both great. Basically,  grab yourself a knitting encyclopedia! I've also got The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt which is a tomb - jam packed with information but more wordy than the Vogue books.

    Little Red in the City by Ysolda Teague. More than a pattern book, nearly half is dedicated to knitting techniques and lessons. It's a wonderful resource if you're a sweater knitter.

    Cast On, Bind Off by Cap Sease. A super handy, very clear technique book that is easy to follow and includes 211 techniques. I use this one a lot.

    Have a great couple of weeks!

    Happy knitting,

    Libby xxx

  • I'm back from Wool Gathering absolutely filled to the brim with happy vibes, positive energy and laughter. Karen has created a truly amazing retreat and if you are able to go next year, go!

    This week I've attempted to include a couple of video snippets too. They're not perfect but I hope you get a feel of Nick & Isabell from Great Ocean Road Mill and Tom from Tarndie. I was so inspired by the work that Tarndie and Great Ocean Road Mill are doing towards more sustainable farming and yarn production and I hope to be able to bring you more news of what they're up to soon.

    CATCH UP WITH ME!

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Ravelry Group

    WOOL GATHERING

    I spoke to Karen last year, she's a wonderful woman and she has created such a fantastic retreat: 

    Find out more about Wool Gathering events here.

    TARNDIE YARN

    Check out all the gorgeous yarn that Tarndie created. Their stunning Polwarth comes in fingering and DK weights and a lovely range of natural and dyed colours. Briony Singleton developed a range of colours that echo the history and beauty of Tarndie - it's hard to choose which is my favourite! I think you'll love this beautiful short video from Tarndie about their Origins yarn :)

    My new Piper cardigan uses Tarndie Origins DK

    Maycroft shawl uses both Tarndie Polwarth fingering and Origins 4ply yarn.

    Check out all about Tarndie here. You can shop online and also stay there!

    GREAT OCEAN ROAD MILL

    I am so inspired by Nick and Isabel and their work at Great Ocean Road Mill. They have a passion and determination to create beautiful, sustainable yarn that shines through in their yarn. It's truly stunning.

    I'll twist their arm to come back on the podcast for a chat. In the meantime, you can buy their beautiful yarn online here.

    EVA YARN

    Fancy trying some of the newly released Eva yarn developed by Tom, Nick & Isabel? It's gorgeous and would be beautiful for a warm wrap or cosy sweater. You can buy it online now at Great Ocean Road Mill.

    See you soon!

    Libby xxx

  • Welcome back to the episode 83 of the Truly Myrtle podcast!

    This week I'm drawing a winner for the Strickplanner giveaway and chatting about HOT weather knitting.

    Happy knitting folks!

  • Welcome back to episode 82 of the Truly Myrtle Podcast!

    SPOIL YOURSELF MAKE ALONG

    We're wrapping up our spoil yourself make along this week - there's still a couple of days to treat yourself and go in the draw for some lovely prizes. Hop over to the Ravelry group to join in!

    YSOLDA'S GORGEOUS SHOP

    I frequently buy things from this fantastic shop - it's stuffed with beautiful books, yarn and notions and postage isn't too crazy.

    GIVEAWAY!!! STRICKPLANER

    I've got one to give away (thanks to Ysolda). I'm terribly left/right dyslexic and constantly get my left and right muddled when describing the layout! Sorry!

    Check out what the planner is like here and don't forget to comment to be in the draw to win one yourself.

    Entries close 9am, Friday 8 December 2017 (NZ time). I'll draw a winner on the podcast released later that day :)

    Good luck!

    p.s. as usual, my neat theme tune is "Casting On" by Mr Roberelli

  • Welcome back to Episode 81 of the Truly Myrtle podcast!

    Thank you for all your birthday wishes last week - I had a lovely day :)

    SPOIL YOURSELF

    We're still spoiling ourselves this month. It's never to late to join in! Head over the Ravelry group and spend a little time doing something lovely for you.

    TIMELY CARDIGAN YARN

    There's a big update of Daintree yarn to make gorgeous Timely Cardigan stripes at www.skeinyarn.com today - plus Kristen is offering a Black Friday discount! Use the code BLACKFRIDAY2017 for a 15% discount.

    I'm loving how this yarn is coping with daily wear. It's a fabulous everyday, lightweight cardigan yarn.

    TESTERS WANTED!

    Drop me a line at [email protected] if you're able to test some garment patterns for bust sizes 48" upwards. I've got a couple on the go and the deadlines are early next year.

    Thank you!

    INTERVIEW WITH PIP FROM LITTLEST PIP

    Pip found knitting at a time in her life when things were hard. I think my chat with her will resonate with lots of you.

    You can find Pip on her website: www.littlestpipknits.com, On instagram: littlestpipknits and if you're interested in hiring her to do some knitting for you, drop her an email: [email protected]

    Pip mentions a few gems to help when life is overwhelming:

    Craftastherapy on Instagram

    Smiling Mind app

    Flow Magazine.

    Happy knitting!

    As usual, my fabulous theme tune is "Casting On" by Mr Roberelli :)

  • Welcome back to episode 80 of the Truly Myrtle podcast!

    SPOIL YOURSELF

    It's still not too late to join in! 

    Head over to the Truly Myrtle Ravelry group to join in our month of doing really lovely things for ourselves.

    POP UP FIBRE EVENTS IN AUCKLAND!

    Saturday 11 November 12 - 2pm. 5 traders at Auckland Horticultural Council Rooms, Western Springs.

    Saturday 18 November 9:30 - 11:30. Wool on Wheels at Auckland Normal Intermediate School.

    BEING KIND TO OURSELVES AND OTHER WOMEN IN THE WORLD

    This photo has been getting lots of attention this week. I have a long, winding chat about it and other issues that have popped up for me.

    Have a great weekend!

    Libby xxx

    p.s. as usual, my fabulous theme tune is "Casting On" by Mr Roberelli.

  • Welcome to episode 79 of the Truly Myrtle podcast!

    I've got a neat interview for you this week and LOTS of links if you fancy diving down the bra making rabbit hole!

    SPOIL YOURSELF MAKEALONG

    We're in full swing in the Ravelry group, spoiling ourselves and having a ball! It's not too late to join in, just head over and tell us how you're spoiling yourself this month.

    I've been getting back to my yoga practice and this morning just finished day 3 of 30 Days of Yoga on YouTube :)

    Some great prizes have been donated for our makealong! You'll LOVE the cute cards from Hanging Rock Roost - see all her gorgeous work at www.hangingrockroost.co.nz. Thank you Vanessa! A huge thank you also to Lynda from Elle Joan's - she's donated a $40 voucher to one lucky person.

    WOVEMBER INSTAGTAM CHALLENGE

    I'm playing the Wovember insta challenge this month and posting every day from the Wovember prompts. Fancy playing along? Search the tag #wovemberinstachallenge on Instagram to see all the entries.

    BRA MAKING WITH LYNDA FROM ELLE JOAN'S

    I had the pleasure of interviewing Lynda about bra making this month. Lynda has an Etsy shop selling all the supplies you'll need to make a bra, including kits. I've bought one!

    I found Lynda on Instagram - she make such gorgeous bras! Go follow her for bra making inspiration :)

    Lynda has given us lots of really useful links in the episode that will be really useful for your bra making adventure:

    http://makerstyle.ca/blog/five-free-undie-patterns (Links to 5 different type of undies)https://clothhabit.com (Rosy lady shorts - free, Watson bra and brief set, Harriet bra)http://emeralderin.com (YouTube - Emerald Erin Sews has a YouTube channel with tutorials and also visual explanations of the different types of fabrics/findings and where to use them.)https://www.katmakes.com (Kat as she puts it on her blog is “an American currently living her best life in NZ” and is very generous with her information and tutorials)https://www.katmakes.com/blog/2016/10/31/bra-clasp-tutorialhttps://www.katmakes.com/blog/2017/8/1/changing-a-bra-pattern-from-full-to-partial-band-a-tutorialhttps://www.katmakes.com/blog/2017/9/25/the-monthly-draft-ep-2-panty-variationshttps://braandcorsetsupplies.com/product/pb-3200-shelley-full-band-bra-pattern/ (This is a pattern good for larger cup sizes where underwires are optional)https://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/OhhhLuluSews (OhhhLuluSews - Lots of great PDF patterns - can recommend the Romy bralette pattern)http://madalynne.com/free-sewing-patterns/ (Madalynne has designed some patterns also in conjunction with Simplicity Patterns that are in my Etsy shop - a bodysuit pattern also!)

    Swimsuit patterns

    https://store.closetcasepatterns.com/products/sophie-swimsuit-patternhttps://store.closetcasepatterns.com/products/bombshell-swimsuit-pattern (Also a sewalong for this pattern on her website.)https://shop.orange-lingerie.com/ (plus Norma also has great tips on her blog too.)https://www.orange-lingerie.com/

    WOODS GIVEAWAY

    Did you win?! 

    TESTERS NEEDED!

    I'm on the hunt for garment testers in the following sizes: 30-32" and 50"-58" full bust circumference. If you're keen to test knit some garment patterns, give me a yell. I do all my testing on Slack, a free platform, and it works really well. You'll be knitting my draft patterns and checking for errors and improvements to fit so good attention to detail is essential. You don't have to be an expert knitter, but do need to be comfortable working to a deadline.

    If this sounds like you, drop me a line at [email protected]

    Thank you!!

  • Ooh la la people!! Episode 78 is a goodie! Fancy hearing about a gorgeous new book? Want to win one? Now's your chance :)

    SPOIL YOURSELF MAKEALONG

    We're gearing up for our annual Spoil Yourself Makealong in the Truly Myrtle Ravelry group. Come over for the chatter, fun and permission to do something truly lovely just for YOU!

    Don't forget, if you fancy spoiling yourself with knitting, you can grab a Truly Myrtle pattern with a discount until 31 October 2017. Use the code SPOILYOURSELF.

    Can't wait to see you there :)

    WOODS BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!

    I supported the Woods kickstarter earlier in the year and excitingly, the gorgeous WOODS book arrived in my letterbox this week! It's stunning.

    Come and hear about what's inside, what I love most and go in the draw to win a copy for yourself.

    Leave your comments below by 9am Friday 3 November 2017 and I'll draw a winner on the podcast later that day. 

    You can find links to all the patterns here, on Ravelry.

    Thank you so much Making Stories for donating a book for one lucky winner!

    Have a great weekend,

    Love Libby xxx

    p.s. as usual, my fabulous theme tune is "Casting On" by Mr Roberelli. Their albums are perfect for car rides with (or without!) kids :)