115• August Wrap Up! April Cardigan | Comfort crochet | Spooky cross stitch

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

*Hello you lovely lot!! I am so happy to be sitting down at last to have a good cosy chat about knitting and crochet* 🤗 *I hope you enjoy this natter about all things knitting, crochet, cross stitch...EPP...Strictly Sock-a-long...I could go on* 😅 *Let me know what you're working on right now and what the weather's like where you are in the world (I love to know!)* *Ali xx* ✨

[@stitchesandslapdashery]

Thank you so much for the shout out for my #slapdashcolourmal2024 Everyone welcome!!

[@itscarrotsncashews3481]

Another gorgeous podcast! I can’t even think about my eldest going to secondary let alone leaving home 😭 hope you’re doing ok Ali xx thank you for the lovely mention, you made my day! It was so nice to meet you 🧡🧡

[@joaddison3715]

Love those green socks! The colour reminds me of grated courgette!

[@Woollykindknits]

I love the idea of a live chat and knit session! Autumn has arrived in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. and I am excited for my first fall here. Looking forward to Vlogtober!

[@karenannallard7278]

Nice episode Ali. Glad Lillia is enjoying her new school.

[@KnittingThrough]

I love when your videos come up in my subscription feed. :) I always love how much you share about your projects and the process. If I may be so bold to suggest for your Creepy Crunkle socks, I have a tutorial on how to bring the slipstitch pattern from the heel flap of your heel through the heel turn and underneath the heel. My socks kept wearing out and now I do it to all of them and now they last forever. I call them the Tread Heavy socks because I'm a bit hard on mine, but now they can take it. :)

[@elizabethvallely4044]

All the best to your daughter she will have a great year Ali! Hope your doing ok its awful when the nest starts to empty but we do get through it! Love the colour of your Cardigan, Congratulations to the winner. Yor blankets are lovely and your bags you have are very lovely! Thank you for Sharing Ali hugs Liz x ;PS Live Chat would. be great!!!!

[@julianedebus7990]

For your strictly sock-along cheating: gloves are called "hand shoes" in German. From there it's only a short hop to socks - don't you think? ;-) best wishes, Juliane

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

😂 oh I love this! Hand shoes!

[@klarameijer1889]

@@LittleDropsofWonderfulalso in dutch they are called hand shoes

[@Patricia-Doesberg]

@@klarameijer1889I wanted to say that too

[@sdicato]

I love your idea of a live chat. Christopher of the Flannel & Purls podcast has episodes called At the Table where he invites all to knit or craft along with him. I just finished a pair of socks but am tempted to start another now. Take care and enjoy spinning!

[@helenglover4758]

I love watching your vlogs. You have inspired me so much in the last couple of years. I am a quilter at heart but like most crafters I have branched into other crafts. I have finally started knitting my first pair of socks, from the toe up, and I am thoroughly enjoying seeing them grow. KZbin has come in very handy for learning the techniques.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you so much Helen! You are starting your first socks as I am starting my first quilting project 🤗 x

[@helenglover4758]

Be careful 😉. Quilting can be so addictive, you will find yourself drooling over fabric as well as yarn. Have fun with your first quilting project and may there be many more.

[@catallsopp]

Hi Ali, happy autumn! Another fabulous episode - I loved the catch-up! 😊 🎉

[@carolestes8373]

I love the idea of a “live”. 😁

[@janecopeland2306]

I love the idea of a "live". I will certainly attend. I got my skein of Wonderland Walk at the Southern Wool Show (but sadly didn't get a signed one!) so I will make sure to enter those for the Strictly Sock-A-Long. It was a great video -- and I managed to get 10 squares crocheted for my Battenburg Blanket while I watched. Thanks!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Aw yay Jane! Kelly made me sign some but I felt so silly 😅 10 squares - good going! x

[@beatricemarie7880]

I’m now watching this video and saw Lilia’s blanket you crocheted, finished product! It is lovely, both the blanket and border!! Lilia will treasure it for years!!

[@hoopsandcrossesuk]

Thanks for sharing your lovely finish of ‘Trust’ Ali, it’s just perfect for this time of year 😊 I love your spooky cross stitch WIP too- the aida is the same size as I include in my kits, but I know what you mean about the softer fabrics making it more tricky. I prefer firm aida too 😁

[@Geeguess]

Live chat sounds fun

[@Lilushaaakash]

Ghost poop!!!! love!

[@Sophscraftcorner]

I loved the video :) thinking of starting my own little crochet podcast next year ❤ thank you for your videos ❤

[@virgenetyrrell2434]

I always love your episodes. Your cardigan is beautiful! The yarn is perfect for it. I’ve been knitting socks like crazy, I need to submit them. I even have some cheat ideas. A live episode would be fun! I’m always so far behind, hope I don’t miss it 😊. It’s So hard to send them off to college. I sent my 3. You know they’re ready … but wait … weren’t they just 5? What happened 😮

[@paris0551]

Lovely blog, I’m busy knitting a wash cloth/dish cloth, I like to wrap small gifts in them. Thanks for sharing all that wonderful yarn. Hope you, Lilia and all your family are okay. Take care xx

[@sarahwelsh3]

You inspired me to place my first order with Green Lambkin Yarn! I’m from the US and was hesitant to purchase from overseas but I really wanted to try her yarn. I purchased a skein to make socks and her dk weight blanket mystery pack for this month. I usually do Row One minis for my mystery crochet blanket so I’m excited to try a different mystery set. Lovely projects as always!

[@kristinahill3708]

This was a joy to watch as I did my musselburgh hat decreases. Such lovely projects.

[@mylife-321-0]

Such amazing work! I enjoyed looking at all of your projects. I crossed stitched a lot in the past and now I feel the need to pick it up again. TFS!!!❤

[@lorimarchbanks]

Oh my goodness, that’s me! 😳😍. Yay! I so enjoy your podcast (long time watcher!). I’m so excited to have been chosen as a contest winner 😊.

[@marissas8112]

The Halloween cross stitch is so freaking cute! I haven't cross stitched since I was in school, but I would get back on it if I could do that one. So cute!

[@knitsiphappy]

I definitely enjoyed knitting while you chatted! I hope you all settle down into your new routine and that Lillia is loving her new adventure ❤

[@MelBassett-yb9xg]

💕 I remember sending 4 of mine off too university, and sitting on their beds in their empty rooms that first night having a good cry. But they all had a fabulous time and loved every minute of uni. That first visit home for Christmas is amazing, suddenly all grown up. I'm currently alternating beautiful lacy strictly sock💕, with boring man knitting for my husband. 4 ply V neck in black acrylic 😬 Looking forward to vlogtober xxx

[@athertonca]

Based upon the Anna Boo’s Granny Wrap that you made from Homespun House’s advent, I was inspired to make one from my 2023 Ruby and Roses advent and I love it! Also, I concur with your positive comments about Greenlambkin Yarns. I am eagerly awaiting her 2024 Halloween yarn countdown, which I know will be fabulous because I bought her 2023 Halloween and Christmas advents, which have already been knit into projects. Thanks for an entertaining video. ❤

[@WhatVictoriaRead]

This was such a fun, cosy watch and I’m glad I could help with the liveshow stuff ☺️💛

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you for your help with working it out - just got to not mess it all up now 😅

[@alliehabib1654]

Well done to all the winners! We have been going through a big upheaval here too as all my children started secondary school this September, be kind to yourself and enjoy the smaller washing pile briefly 😂

[@lottesroom]

Loved this episode, Ali! I was rolling round on my sofa laughing as you presented the Strictly Sock prices. It sounded like the background voice of The antique roadshow! I loved it SO much! 😀 Yes, yes, yes! Please do a live!

[@hettybergwerff881]

I love the show vlogs all so very much! Maybe a vlog off the yarn shops in your neighbourhood will be lovely to!

[@anneferguson-stansell6934]

Ali, I enjoyed the wrap up so much this morning! Always nice to see what you have on the go. Congratulations on getting Lillia off to university. You seem to be handling the change beautifully. Nary a tear when you talked about it. When I sent my daughter off to university in 2006, it was so difficult an adjustment for me, and she was only 20 minutes down the interstate. But I loved watching her grow up and become independent. Currently working on a quilt for the first grandchild, set to make his appearance in November. I have finished a knitted blanket and two crochet blankets for the little guy. Looking forward to Vlogtober with you on the other channel!

[@jop5547]

Great video, they can never be too long! I love the idea of a live knit-a-long, the reading ones are great fun with Victoria x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you Jo! Yes I love the reading ones, think it might help me get some crafting done too! x

[@TanyaMarie1970]

Love the fright night cross stitch !! 🎃

[@charlottehayman1549]

The uni blanket looks fab. And gosh the prizes look delightful! My first year doing the strictly sock along, so will be super lucky with any of those prizes 🧦💃

[@bjthornberry5647]

Oooh-we are having beautiful Fall weather now! Just love it! Love hanging the sheets out to dry!

[@wildcottageknitting]

Those spooky cross-stitches are so fun! I was thinking the TRUST hearts looked like skin tones as well- how lovely ❤

[@mrscraftalot]

Lovely podcast as always! I hope Lilia is settling in at university and that the rest of you are adjusting to having her away. Such a big change! Looking forward to maybe participating in the Strictly Sockalong for the first time. I’m terrible at keeping up with KALs but I have a special sock set ready to go. I love the idea of a live video. Sounds really fun! -Erika

[@heathertucker7056]

Lovely to see you! I’ve seen nothing on Instagram about the strictly sock along at all! I’ve obviously joined in on Ravelry as I do every year but Instagram is a big no from me! This year’s prizes look amazing! Glad Lilia got off ok to Uni and I bet she had the time of her life at freshens week! Mine loved Uni and it is such a great experience ( although I bet you had a good cry when she went) Her blanket will be a lovely home reminder! Take care and see you again soon xx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Oh thank you Heather! Strictly stuff is in my story highlights on insta, although I think you mean you're not on there so this won't matter 😅 🧦

[@heathertucker7056]

@@LittleDropsofWonderful yes I’m on there but I don’t like it! I can never find anything and this is a case in point 🤣🤣 xx

[@KirstyCollard]

Such a wonderful round up of goings on. Family always comes first and I'm so glad Lillia is safely delivered to her new university life with a huge hug from home blanket, loving made by mum 😍. Strictly sock knitting going on over here with the usual suspect gusset decreasing 😂, starting to become my trademark. Kx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

😅 haha! My trademark is suspect heel flaps! x

[@maureenfleming3049]

I always enjoy crafting with you. Thanks for the podcast. 💕

[@yvonnay8904]

Great to see you and hoping all the family are doing well. Enjoy all your vlogs.

[@carlagarciaknits]

I’d love to watch a live show with you! Marvelous idea!

[@mandyofmarymac]

Life happens. Welcome back. I remember shipping my eldest off to University. Luckily, for me, the University she attended was only 45 min. away. Good to see you. PS: It rained like crazy!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you so much Mandy ❤️🤗

[@EvieO1950]

Here in Arkansas it is finally not in the 90s and I’m beyond excited that fall will be here soon!!!! I’m sitting working on my stripey strictly socks as I watch your fun update. So much going on!! I like the idea of the crafting day. If it’s in November my odds are good for joining in. Blessings sweet girl!

[@denisediauto9618]

You have been in my thoughts. Major milestones of our children are also major milestones for us as parents. Many times as my boys have traveled through their lives I have thought to myself; "I'm not ready." Ready or not, life moves on. As a parent, I have found that their journey has also been a part of mine and I have learned things about myself that I had never expected. My best to Lillia and her new chapter and my best to you, Dan and Phoebe as you adjust to day to day without Lillia. ❤

[@cynthiaspear-duncan7661]

I would be proud to have a dodgy bag you made!

[@rhondablaney5833]

Please please more crochet garments I can't knit anymore everything is too heavy for my hands so would love to see more crochet on your channel.

[@elaineenstone6834]

A fun video. Thank you. 🇬🇧

[@lorrainelambert9001]

Ali I so love both of your channels and love seeing what your up to and making 😊😊

[@justclaycrochet]

Hello Ali, I'm currently working on crocheting beanies as well as stock for my online website shops. I am in Somerset and right now the weather is awful, but very Autumnal which I love.

[@marisadawndesigns5458]

Love the idea of the live! Knitting on my strictly socks as I watch!

[@pennyspearing2731]

Lovely catch up and now looking forward to Vlogtober 😊

[@Juleslovesknitting]

Another great vlog Ali. So wished strictly timing matched dancing with the stars in Australia. My hubby has had crohns for 25 years and it’s such a horrible condition x

[@pammyers1982]

Today is sunny and 73F. A lovely, comfortable day.

[@lauraanderson9910]

We missed you at Yarndale! So glad you are feeling better ❤ xxx

[@jacobashepherd3397]

Thank you for a great video , love your socks ( handwarmers) 😊

[@Millie.C]

You've inspired me to give cross stitch a try! It's been on my mind for more than a year. Now I am waiting for my first kit to arrive, a design with mushrooms. 🤩 And yes to the live, it would be so fun.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Enjoy Millie! Anything with mushrooms is a win! 🍄

[@heatherkane5913]

Aww...I hope Lilia is settling in at Uni. I just finished my Wonderland Walk project - I made a shawl.

[@trishturner]

Hi Ali! Usually hand dyed cross stitch fabric, whether it is Aida or linen, runs smaller than the stated count. I owned a brick and mortar shop prior to Covid and specialized in cross-stitch supplies and hand-dyed yarns for knitting and crochet. I always got questions on the hand dyed fabrics seeming smaller and it is due to the dye and the heat to set them. Usually, the fabric is much softer than the Aida cloth or linen that isn't hand dyed. Love to watch both your channels and thanks for all that you do! (P.S. I still owe you prizes for the Strictly Sock Along!) I adore EPP and prefer the thread basting over glue basting. I find the thread basting very relaxing. I have so many projects going...crochet blankets, knitted socks, quilts, cross-stitch, it's actually ridiculous! The weather here in Northern California is just finally feeling like fall.

[@stitchitch7010]

I'm working on a granny square lap robe. Today is a quiet weather day here in Virginia. Our electric has been restored, flood waters are receeding, but Helene was a vicious storm. We had almost ten inches of rain before the storm hit so the ground was saturated, trees snapped and uprooted in the 65mph winds. There are areas that cannot be reached yet and helicopters are dropping supplies, several people are missing. Bless our first responders and national guard who have worked nonstop trying to get everyone to safety!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Oh gosh, we have seen some of the news about Helene here - looks so scary. I hope you stay safe in Virginia. A lap blanket sounds like the perfect project to keep you calm in the storm xx

[@jillpearce5877]

Hi Ali, I love watching both of your you tube channels 😊 you have inspired me to try making some socks for the first time, could you recommend a good you tube tutorial for beginners?

[@shadowsatmidnight]

Beautiful video ♡ You have kept me company this evening, I did feel a little emotional seeing the blanket on Lillias bed though ♡ it looked beautiful! I've recently watched a few cross stitch videos on KZbin and thought how lovely those bags are! I agree cross stitch is relaxing, same with diamond painting... its basically just colouring in isn't it. It's nice to jump from something tricky to something calm. The bead ghost stitch marker is too adorable! Also the prizes for your strictly sock along are stunning. Everyone is so incredibly talented, as are you! Thank you for sharing about the recipie, I was caught off guard to hear you talking about it. I hope you are OK. I'm sure it's been an exciting but an emotinally draining time too. Can't wait to cheat with the sock along. I like to always watch the Halloween night one without fail. I enjoy the music the most with that one. I'll have to try and jump into ravelry. Hope you have a beautiful week xx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you so much Kayleigh ❤️ The recipe is beautiful and is now in my recipe folder (which needs a good sort and tidy!) Yes cross stitch reminds me of colouring in, it's just very soothing and good for the soul I think 🤗 xx

[@bjthornberry5647]

Right now I am finishing up a crocheted blanket for our sweet Westie! I think she likes it because she is already laying on it! Then I need to finish a cardigan-one sleeve left, the a caplet that I just have the bottom border to do! Then to come up with a new project! I’m from Wisconsin, USA! 🥰💕💖

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

I love that she wants to use it before it's even finished, bless! xx

[@amelia13131]

Love the idea of the productivity livestream:)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

So glad! Ooo it’ll be fun 🤩

[@kellyfazekas7831]

Cross stitch tip: invest in a Q Snap Frame to hold your cloth tighter and work with a white towel or cloth on your lap or light your cross stitch from underneath to make darker fabric easier to see the holes through.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Great tips! I shall look into the frame and will definitely try the light underneath trick 💡

[@marianfairburn8613]

Wonderful as ever. Glad the blanket was finished in time 😊

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Me too! 😅 Thanks Marian x

[@fabricsewweardipusey1933]

Hope Lilia is settling in well at uni hope you are ok too 🤗 Just started the strictly sock along for the first time 🕺🏼🎉🧦 Looking forward to see how you get on spinning and any tips I would love to have a go and try but scared I’ll end up buying all the gear and not have any time to enjoy it 😊

[@jillfoster6369]

Love the blanket and loved this jolly “ what you have been doing” vlog. 🧶🧶 at the moment I am knitting a sock. Not a Air because I don’t seem to wear matching socks - this means it doesn’t matter if I don’t knit the other one. It’s the special from Lay Family Yarns and is sparkly. Love it 🧶😁

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

I LOVE this! Just keep knitting one sock projects and mix and match!

[@sandrakitchen4185]

Ali love all blankets just makes me happy to look at them love the one on the back of your sofa. So pleased you mentioned Kayleigh I’ve recently found her channel she is very sweet and wonder why her numbers are low I’m sure your shout out will help . So kind of you🧶🧶🧶🧶🥰

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

I agree - her channel is so calming and inspiring ❤️

[@pamelageoghegan8859]

Thank you for another lovely podcast, Ali. I was inspired by your Granny Wraps so am currently doing one in 4 ply fingering yarn from Cookston Crafts and Under the Olive Tree Knits. Hope Lillia is settling in well to uni. x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Oh I bet that's a beauty! Both utterly gorgeous yarn dyers! x

[@EmmaDailly]

The blanket is absolutely beautiful 😍 I’m just learning to crochet and absolutely love your channels! Take care xx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you! 😊

[@Whaticreatednext]

Just settling down in bed after my journey back from working at Yarndale and up early in the morning as travelling to Wales for a few days rest. You NEED to visit Yarndale next year!! Hope Lillia settles into uni quickly. The blanket is beautiful.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

I am so jealous Tanya! Yes I have said to Dan that next year will be a Yarndale year! Especially as Lillia is only an hour away from there now! 🧶

[@Whaticreatednext]

@@LittleDropsofWonderful it would be fabulous to meet you

[@sandrastefanek695]

So excited to see you!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Aw thank you 😘 It was lovely to be back chatting about the good stuff 🧶

[@ericallerton809]

❤❤so noce to cat h up with you snd ur crafts ,,Ali🎉🎉 You are making such fun cross stitch,,,

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you Elaine! x

[@amnie5456]

Hello ali Thanks for a two cup coffee podcast!☕️☕️ I can’t wait for the daily visits with you in vlogtober😊 Hopefully lily is adjusting well to Uni life📖 Her blanket looks amazing and her bed cover too! Take care💐

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

☕️☕️ 🤗 Love that! Thank you xx

[@AlisonBrown-jz8fl]

Zombie snot....😂😂😂....Brilliant! Love your podcast. From one Ali to another 😊.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Ali! Yay! 👯‍♀️ 🧟‍♀️

[@TinaCasna-Clark-gg2dm]

Greetings from Las Vegas Nevada USA. New to your channel. I am enjoying it immensely.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Welcome!! 🤗

[@freubeltjehobby]

Oh thank you for the lovely vlog i have enjoyed it🙏🏻🥰 I seeing you maybe in the future in a camper on the road to all the yarn shows. 😂😂 And if you do a new channel with the name ….. around for yarnshows with ali 😃😂😂 The halloween socks in the making would i think switching for mittens because it is so beautiful so everyone could see the nice pattern and yarn. The idea of the live youtube is a good idea to do so i am in for it. I am also looking out for the vlogtober vlogs 😍 I am wishing you a nice week and i hope you can lots of crochet and knitting to.

[@TracyKNixon]

Ali, If you decide to knit those mitts and add them in as a Strictly cheat, then I should be able to add my Strictly Bear (named Shirley) into the Kal! She is knit in sock yarn and was completed during the first Strictly Show of 2024!

[@julieturney2188]

A new pattern that I know you will love is the granny stripe shawl by crochet objet.. I tested this and I saw that your friend at Ollie and Bella did too!!😊

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thanks for this! I just went and looked it up, I love it…that will definitely have to be made! 😃

[@sarahgamson8828]

Fingerless mitts would be best I think

[@djelzinga2634]

Thanks for the Video! I’m positively quivering with anticipation of Vlogtober. I’m getting my first yarn advent (s😮) this year and would welcome any suggestions as to what to do/ make with them.

[@bjthornberry5647]

Love your podcast! I WILL be back!!! 💖🥰

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Aw! Thank you ☺️

[@marshawoods2634]

Ali, if you get a minute, please share the brand of the "best" needles. I paused to look, but could not make out the brand name. x x x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Hi Marsha! They are Tulip Milleners Needles Straw #10. They are very tricky to thread 😅

[@marshawoods2634]

@@LittleDropsofWonderful Thanks! I've never done paper piecing, and Tulip is a brand I prefer for needlepoint. However, the eyes are much larger.

[@pammyers1982]

Hi Ali. I love Lilia’s blanket. What colors did you use? I know you said them when you started it, but I’ve forgotten. 😂😂😂 Too funny. You just told us the colors. Lol

[@paulafralick2905]

I think you can count your crunkled socks for strictly even if you make them into mittens, becase youbstarted them as socks, you are using sock yarn and mittens are similsr in size to socks. It would be an ingenious cheat.

[@jennydawson8712]

Thanks for another great podcast. Just letting you know that I can't seem to see your email address anywhere on the channel (probably me being dopey but thought others might be struggling to find it too) best wishes Jen

[@jillyrosex6099]

Hello darling sent you an email 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉you've made my day ❤

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Yay! Thank you! Email received and I shall reply shortly! x

[@paulafralick2905]

I always have to laugh when folks in Great Britain talk about distances. You talk about yout daughter being 4 hours away as if that is fae away. The closest town to us is 51/2 hours away. We think nothing ofdriving that.

[@highlandheffalump]

Zombie 🧟 snot 🦠😂😂😂😂

[@sljepson4082]

I think I realized this before, but with your ALICE cup... Have you ever noticed that you look like a Grown-Up Alice? Yeah... a odd comment... So here is a comment that may be considered a bit more nomal... I have yarn put aside to make my first cardigan.... but it will have to be crocheted, since it hurts to knit..... any suggestions for having a successful completion no matter what pattern I pick? [i.e. things to keep in mind or advice to do or not to do..] Thank you....