Episode 11

Episode 11 Show Notes

New beginnings in 2017

https://youtu.be/SFhJoxwrMPs

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

The Breathe Journal, a 52 Week Planner, available in UK in most large supermarkets and stationers

Ceramic Sheep, hand made in Wales by Sian Davies, sianee_2000@yahoo.co.uk

YAK Yarn And Knitting in Brighton
ChiaoGoo Tunisian Crochet Hooks
'Soak' yuzu yarn wash
'Zitouni' BFL Fingering by The Uncommon Thread
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass
'Peat' BFL Fingering by The Uncommon Thread
'Cloudy Blue' Super Chunky Crazy Sexy Wool by Wool And The Gang

Brighton Sewing Centre

Current Knitting WIP:
The 'Find Your Fade' Shawl designed by Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits (for the love)
Link to pattern via ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/find-your-fade
Yarns in order of being shown, first-last:
'Forest' by Blueberry Barn Designs, etsy hop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueberryBarnDesigns
'Attention Seeker' by Hand Dyed By Kate, website linked here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
'Sweet Treat' by Artist Palette Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistsPaletteYarns
'Mazikeen' by Third Vault Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdVaultYarns
'Peat' BFL Fingering by The Uncommon Thread, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
Stitch markers from Craft Cat Knitty Bits (please note I added the faux flowers), etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCatKnittyBits

Crochet WIP
'Hotel Of Bees' Crochet Shawl Pattern by Christia Hadderingh aka 'A Spoonful Of Yarn' pattern linked here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hotel-of-bees-shawl
Yarns purchased for this project are Dye For Wool's Merino Sport Weight in the following colour ways:
'Too Hard Butter Cookie', 'Burnt Cinnamon Roll' and 'Boiling Cacao Beans', etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/Dyeforwool

Ali of Little Drops of Wonderful podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWQfl7WmeumzOYfKZwhT0g
She is also on Instagram as @starryeyesali

Lisa of Lisa's Pine Notes, she has a blog and a podcast, as well as an Instagram account - well worth the follow!
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_AGhDDT1tEJqa6uzSaVqkQ
Instagram: @lisapinenotes

Amber from the Yarn Junkie Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/user/crochetjunkie6
She is also on Instagram @_yarnjunkie

Prosperity Is Within Us

Thursday 5th January 2017   22:35

I was one of the lucky ones that actually enjoyed school. Although I was definitely a bit 'weird' or 'quirky' something that unexpectedly helped me was the fact that I had a brother 6 years older than me who would tease me, in an endearing fashion (if you could call it that), so any mockery from piers seemed to fall like water off a duck's back. I had a large group of friends and my grades were quite good. I would never have thought to call myself confident, but to be honest, I must have been because I wasn't embarrassed to be alone either. Perhaps 'independent' better describes it. I think I get that from my Dad. He and I are both the kind to go for a solitary walk purely for the sake of enjoying it. I guess I always considered a confident person to be one who would regularly strike up a conversation with a stranger, something I wouldn't choose to do. But, now I've grown a fair bit, I've learned that I am self-assured, it's just not naturally in my character to go in search of small-talk.

I 'live' a lot in my head. I always have. It's like a torrent of thoughts/ideas, so when it comes to engaging in social interactions, I can't seem to just 'switch-off' what's going on 'up there'. Thus, it can become very tiring, if not overwhelming, if I attend say, a large social gathering. In my teens, I discovered something amazing that took away all my apprehensions of small-talk, and let my buzzing mind calm down; alcohol. And that, my friends, has been my key to initiating friendships... all the way until my son was born, 3years ago. Instincts kicked in (Mother nature is a powerful thing), I mostly cut out the booze, occasionally enjoying 1 pint of shandy on a sunny afternoon, but on 1st January 2016 I cut out alcohol completely. My life changed in ways I couldn't imagine.

Looking back, during the first 6 months of sobriety, I was avoiding pubs. Unfortunately it meant I saw friends less and less, initially. But one day in the latter half of the year, I realized I would genuinely crave a cup of tea or coffee over a beer. The truth is, I never realized I had a problem, until then; I had overcome something. This initiated me asking myself many more questions. I seeked spiritual and psychological insight.

This first alcohol-free year, I was beginning to realize where my passion lied. Working with hand-dyed yarn, unique works of art, into a design of my making, through the craft of crochet. I also discovered this online community of crafters, podcasters, tutorial creators, photo sharers, all of whom fueled the fire of my creativity.

Also during this year, my Mum was becoming tired with the running of her craft business, where I also worked. I had a decision to make. Do I follow where the money is and take on a very busy shop? It would mean  constant social interaction, a struggle for me, but at least we would be financially richer. Or do I pursue a dream? Go with what naturally flows for me and opt for riches in the form of fulfillment?

Fast forward to today, Thursday 5th January 2017 and the shop's VAT is due in 1 month's time. But, it is the last. Over the last couple of months, I have been shifting boxes of unsold stock, planning workshops which I intend to run from home, while designing crochet patterns. I have also been writing my experiences and learnings in which I shall share with you all on this blog. This is a very exciting, new chapter for me, for us all perhaps? Some strong friendships are already being made, beautiful project photos being shared and encouragement and guidance being given. I think this is a good moment to share a favourite quote of mine:

"When you get the environment right, humans will do remarkable things" - Simon Sinek

Well now, my environment is lacking a fresh cup of tea, and nothing remarkable will happen unless I get the kettle on! [pictured is the very tab from my cup of tea!]
So, until next time,

Take care,
Much love,
Lorraine
Xx

Creative Contentment - When Making Resolutions

Hello All,

At a time of fresh starts and new beginnings, I'm gathering a collection of ideas to help myself maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment, particularly with regard to crafting, but also within all other areas of my life.

Last year, I discovered this beautiful, online community of creative beings and as many of you offer so much in the way of friendship and guidance, I want to give a little something back. Since many of us share so much common ground, it occured to me that one, if not some of you may also find some reassurance and/or inspiration within these little ideas of mine. So, here I am, sharing them with you, on a path I will call 'Creative Contentment'...

Here is a little idea I had a few days ago;

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year,
With lots of love,
From me, Lorraine xXx

Episode 10

We're nearing the end of 2016... With my November and December designs up in my etsy shop, I'm now enjoying some slow-paced crochet, including my current stripy, beaded design-in-progress as well as a lovely wip by a fellow designer, inspired by bees!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMudb7CxJXM&t=46s

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

Episode 10 Show Notes

Ann's Lovely Shawl
Pattern is called 'Aranuir' by Morben Designs, link here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aranuir
FYI the designer's name is Jasmin Räsänen
Worked in a very fine natural cotton

'Festive Jester' designed by me!
Pattern link here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/festive-jester
Yarns used are 'Colour Theory' Yak Sock, by Hand Dyed by Kate, link here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Overripe Raspberry' by Dye For Wool in their Merino/Silk Base, shop link here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dyeforwool
Beads used are 'Golden' from 'Maya Honey' on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MayaHoney

Blackcurrant-style Stitch Markers in notions pouch by Debs of Crafty Cat Knitty Bits on etsy, linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCatKnittyBits

'Big Eye Needle' that I cut in half is by Trimits

Current Design-In-Progress
Yarns used:
Red: 'Overripe Raspberry' by Dye For Wool in their Merino/Silk Base, shop linked above
Brown: Dyed by myself, on a gold stellina sock base
Green: Araucania Botany Lace, colourway PT1794. You'll need to do a google search to find your local stockists
Teal: 'Dragonfly Flying Too High' by Dye For Wool in their Merino/Silk Base, shop linked above
Navy: 'Deep In The Cold Night' by Dye For Wool in their Merino/Silk Base, shop linked above
Purple: 'Blackberry' by Lanitium Ex Machina on their glitter sock base (gold stellina), shop link here: www.etsy.com/shop/lanitiumexmachina
Blackcurrant-style Stitch Markers by Debs of Crafty Cat Knitty Bits on etsy, linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCatKnittyBits
Beads used are 'Golden' from 'Maya Honey' on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MayaHoney

Crochet WIP
'Hotel Of Bees' Crochet Shawl Pattern by Christia Hadderingh aka 'A Spoonful Of Yarn' pattern linked here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hotel-of-bees-shawl
Yarns purchased for this project are Dye For Wool's Merino Sport Weight in the following colour ways:
'Too Hard Butter Cookie', 'Burnt Cinnamon Roll' and 'Boiling Cacao Beans'


Get Your Yarn Wishes Granted:
The lovely Madeleine granted my wish and sent me a skein of eco-friendly, traditional Romanian wool, by 'moeke yarns' www.moeke-yarn.com

Other Mentions:
Lisa of Lisa's Pine Notes, she has a blog and a podcast, as well as an Instagram account - well worth the follow!
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_AGhDDT1tEJqa6uzSaVqkQ
Instagram: @lisapinenotes

Amy of Stranded Dyeworks shop on etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/StrandedDyeworks
She is an indie dyer who also has a podcast: https://www.youtube.com/user/amyflorence14
Instagram: @amyflorence

Freedom In The Air

Thursday 8^th December 2016  21:30

I had an amazing day yesterday…

It was Wednesday, 7^th December 2017. It started after a night of stormy winds and heavy rain. From my apartment balcony I could see the coastline. It was clearing, so I decided that I would take my 2-year-old to the beach. I invited my Mum and after a 5 minute drive, by 10am we were beneath a beaming sun on the damp sands of Coral Bay beach. 

This all sounds beautiful enough as it is, but there was also a huge sense of ‘freedom’ in the air.

Let me take it back a bit…

I am daughter to a nature-loving Dad and a very creative Mum… a combination which I must say I am very proud to have inherited. So naturally, I grew up with a passion for all things outdoorsy, wild but also from the comfort of a very ‘arts & crafts’ home, as well as a good-time spent in my mother’s craft & embroidery shop in the beautiful county of Sussex, England.

In my late teens, my parents emigrated to retire in Cyprus, a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea. Initially I stayed in England, intending to secure a future there, however I had a bit of a realisation one day at my job at a security company. In a nutshell, money overruled the security of the public. As I walked home from work that day, I looked around me. Emotionless faces hurriedly getting from A to B. The same posh cars parked in the same reserved spots at the office building. Somehow I’d got lost; not literally, but I had a deep, plummeting feeling of ‘I don’t belong here’.

I sent this message to my Mum:

“What do I need to do in order to live in Cyprus?”

Within a few months, I was calling Cyprus my home.

That was 11 years ago.

Although my Mum hadn’t intended to work after relocating, it only seemed natural for her to reopen a shop. That shop grew from a tiny unit filled with cross-stitch kits, silks and petite glass beads, to a large double-unit with haberdashery, sewing equipment, but mostly dedicated to knitting and crochet yarn and notions. It got so busy, I was lucky enough to work there with Mum and some other lovely ladies. It was there I learned to crochet. We ran clubs, workshops and helped whoever we could, if we had a spare moment between serving people at the till. Really busy…

It sounds like I’m approaching the peak of the story doesn’t it? But the truth of it is, we had become so engrossed in supplying the demand, focusing on ‘business’, that we had lost sight of the real reason for opening the shop in the first place. As we started to become aware of this, it seemed to point towards Mum turning over a new leaf and retiring… and I had a choice to make…

*stay tuned*

Lorraine xXx

Episode 9

Today I show off my completed design, "The Undefined" as well as a design-in-progress, "Festive Jester" (watch to din out how you can receive this pattern for free!). I am also rounding up the projects I have shown since the start of these videos. Have fun watching! Xx

https://youtu.be/4qeZbbGSHjk

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesignsYou can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

'The Undefined' Design
Pattern available here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-undefined
Yarns used are 'Kelpie' and 'Burke & Hare', both 100% Merino Sock Yarn by my Mama Knits (shop owner is Sunshine) on etsy - www.etsy.com/shop/mymamaknits
Sunshine is also on Instagram: @sunshine_stewart
'Black Hole' Fingering weight Merino/Silk by Dye For Wool, link here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dyeforwool

'Festive Jester' design-in-progress
Yarns used are 'Colour Theory' Yak Sock, by Hand Dyed by Kate, link here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Overripe Raspberry' by Dye For Wool in their Merino/Silk Base
Beads used are from 'Maya Honey' on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MayaHoney

Crochet Hardware Heaven Steampunk Corset by Sarah Jane Designs, pattern on ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hardware-heaven---steampunk-corset
Yarn is DMC Petra Cotton No.3 in Shade 5646 Khaki Green

Freestyle Sweater/Hoodie Crochet WIP
Yarns used are:
'Squid On The Beach' 100% Merino DK by My Mama Knits (shop owner is Sunshine) on etsy - www.etsy.com/shop/mymamaknits
Sunshine is also on Instagram: @sunshine_stewart
Yarn used is 'Rainbow In The Puddle' 100% Merino DK by Monika from Comeragh Yarns (formerly known as 'Red Heart Knits') on etsy -
www.etsy.com/shop/ComeraghYarns
Monika is also on Instagram: @comeraghgirl
Other Yarn (in multiple colours) is James.C.Brett Pure Merino DK

Knitting WIP info:

Jaclyn Salem of the Brooklyn Knitfolk podcast, as linked below,
Hosting the #elementalong
She is @jaclynsalem on Instagram
Check out the group chat on ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/brooklyn-knitfolk
As part of this KAL I am making the:
'Authenticity Shawl' by 'Softsweater Knits' a paid pattern available on ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/authenticity
Yarn used for Authenticity shawl is Merino Twin base in fingering weight, 250g, and is the colour way 'Curry and Saffron' by Wollelfe (shop owner Katrin) on etsy - www.etsy.com/shop/wollelfe
Katrin is also on Instagram: @wollelfe.yarn

Stitch Markers are from Deb's etsy shop, 'Crafty Cat Knitty Bits', linked here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCatKnittyBits

'Hotel Of Bees' Crochet Shawl Pattern by Christia Hadderingh aka 'A Spoonful Of Yarn' pattern linked here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hotel-of-bees-shawl
Yarns purchased for this project are Dye For Wool's Merino Sport Weight in the following colour ways:
'Too Hard Butter Cookie', 'Burnt Cinnamon Roll' and 'Boiling Cacao Beans'

Book Recommendation: 'A New Earth' by Eckhart Tolle

Crochet Podcasters Mentioned:

Lisa of Lisa's Pine Notes on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_AGhDDT1tEJqa6uzSaVqkQ
Lisa is also on Instagram as @lisapinenotes

Ali of Little Drops of Wonderful podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWQfl7WmeumzOYfKZwhT0g
She is also on Instagram as @starryeyesali

Amber from the Yarn Junkie Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/user/crochetjunkie6
She is also on Instagram @_yarnjunkie

Knitting Podcasters Mentioned:

Jaclyn Salem of The Brooklyn Knitfolk Podcast:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCl_o_ptXlmrnhUR4J0f2aWQ

Lilli of Nordic Stitches Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xdmIVCC0SIW0TerwT8ckQ
She is also on Instagram @nordicstitches

Episode 8

Today I show my current Design-In-Progress, 'The Undefined', some lovely yarns and beads, plus other acquisitions including a weaving loom! I also chat about the more spiritual aspect of crochet and the design process, which includes a book recommendation. I hope you enjoy it, Xx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaJlF7lFYOY

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

'The Undefined' Design-In-Progress
Yarns used are 'Kelpie' and 'Burke & Hare', both 100% Merino Sock Yarn by my Mama Knits (shop owner is Sunshine) on etsy - www.etsy.com/shop/mymamaknits
Sunshine is also on Instagram: @sunshine_stewart
'Black Hole' Fingering weight Merino/Silk by Dye For Wool, link here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dyeforwool

Other yarns shown are:
'Colour Theory' Yak Sock, by Hand Dyed by Kate, link here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Overripe Raspberry' by Dye For Wool in their Merino/Silk Base

Beads shown are from 'Maya Honey' on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MayaHoney

'Anti-tilt' Zipper Join mentioned can be found via 2 ways;
1. By joining the Facebook Group 'Scheeples CAL - International', then searching for 'Margaret Evans tilt'. The first search result is Margaret's mini-tutorial on her 'Joining Tweak' which includes a lovely infographic.
OR
2. Clicking this link to my blog post where (with Margaret's permission) I have shared her guide: http://lorrainepughdesigns.blogspot.com.cy/2016/10/the-anti-tilt-zipper-join-by-margaret.html

'Hotel Of Bees' Crochet Shawl Pattern by Christia Hadderingh aka 'A Spoonful Of Yarn' pattern linked here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hotel-of-bees-shawl
Yarns purchased for this project are Dye For Wool's Merino Sport Weight in the following colour ways:
'Too Hard Butter Cookie', 'Burnt Cinnamon Roll' and 'Boiling Cacao Beans'

Book Recommendation: 'A New Earth' by Eckhart Tolle