117• Knitting retreat debrief, crochet progress, LOTS of yarn (and cat interruptions)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

*Hello you lovely lot and welcome to this rather unplanned and garbled chat about crochet (lots), knitting (not so much) and yarn (SO much yarn...)! This will be the last sit down chat of the year but there's more content still to come and I will do short videos about Strictly prizes along the way too :)* *PS: Sorry about the weird cut at around 7 and half minutes in - rubbish editing!* 🫣 *Ali xx* 🪩 *The link you need for the Serious Lights offer is:* try.seriousreaders.com/pages/wonderful/ *(£100 off Serious Readers High Definition lights, free UK deliver. Offer code ALI24*

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Ali. Lovely podcast. How weird hearing my recorded voice. Didn’t realise I was included in your video😆. Can’t wait to make a start on the retreat yarns 😊

[@heathertucker7056]

Always love to see a video from you Ali. Glad you had such a good time at the retreat! It sounded so much fun. I’m sorry your socks mojo has gone away at the moment ( especially as you host the Strictly Sockalong 🤣 ) but if you ignore it will creep back soon- I’ve always found! Looking forward to Vlogmas now and it’s all racing up on us really fast! I’m glad you’ve had a go on your Nano now! I didn’t get on with mine too well so I’ve got a “ proper “ wheel now and I’m up and running ( and I love it!) XX

[@christinamarmaras8429]

Love the colour you dyed at the retreat! I have watched a few other’s vlogs that were at the same retreat as you ! So nice to see everyone’s yarn and goodies they came back with ❤

[@elizabethworthington5228]

What a lovely surprise, a fabulous chatty new vlog. Goodness it felt like a Thislizzysews special! Thank you for all the project bag love and I'm so pleased that you still love the cushion cover I gave you too 😘 x

[@Carola-By-The-Bay]

Dear Ali, The more vlogs and podcasts THE BETTER! 🙏 🇺🇸🌻🧶🥰

[@YarnStorieswithOlivia]

I’ve been a watcher for a long time and always enjoy your content and however you decide to appear on my feed, I will be there to watch and give you a thumbs up. As a cat mom, I love how you all adore Mia and this last episode had me chuckling on her insistence to be your cohost 😊

[@marissas8112]

Hey Ali! Just wanted to say I love your sit down episodes so much, but I also really enjoy your vlogs. They are so much fun, so I really do hope you get around to filming more of those next year! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for another year of joyful time spent together! ❤

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Glad you had a great time at the retreat Ali, The colour of your yarn is so pretty, All those little yarn are so pretty, Thank you for sharing Ali! Hugs Liz x

[@kittykatsknitplace69]

I have enjoyed listening and seeing all the beautiful yarns from the retreat so lovely, great catch up on all you've been doing, I would love hearing about your days everyday, no overload I assure you hugs

[@suedale1865]

Hello Ali what a lovely RELAXED vlog from you was good to hear about your Woolay retreat & see all the minis 👍 I can see from your chat a stressless vibe & your attitude to sock (less) knitting will sort itself out one way or another Enjoy what you want to do & your first love of crochet is coming to the fro & we love watching Hope Mia settled she is a treasure ❤

[@kat_livescolor]

Hey Ali, you look GREAT today! You look so full of life and joy, and I love that about you! 🌞 Congrats to all winners!! 👏🏻🥳 I'm a slow crafter too; I used to feel bad about it, but I realize that my life is diff from others, so they can speed-make all they want, I am a happy turtle 🐢 😊 I do count you blessed for being able to have a close-knit (no pun intended) group of friends 💗💗 my only best friend lives miles away and we rarely ever get to spend time together, which is hard, but we text all the time. However, having a group of close friends is so helpful and comforting and adds spice to life! It is so good to have friends like that 💕💕 Wow, sounds like you had LOADS of fun at the retreat! I agree with going deviceless on trips/retreats bc you're not constantly trying to capture everything, but you're allowing your mind to enjoy things too. Remember, your eyes are your lenses, and the brain is your camera.📸 Maybe I'll go on one in the future 🙏🏻😊 SUPER cute pillow and bag!!! Love the mushrooms and chickens! 🍄🐔 🍄 🐓🍄 Very nice yarn dye! I would love to make a Christmas and/or springtime shawl out of that 🥰 omg all those minis look beautiful! If my future partner doesn't propose to me with a bouquet of mini-skeins, it's a no..🤣 Love the muted one and the Wonderland Walk one! With the orange it's like a row of mini pumpkins in a pumpkin patch!!! 🎃 i'm all about those woodsy tones 😍 so happy u had success with that! Well the cat was definitely making her purr-escence known 🤭 sorry about that!! That lobster yarn would look nice if u did 1-2 rows with a light color in between! I think going at ur own pace is the best, so I'm all for podcasts on your schedule 🙌🏻💖 you're a rockstar Ali, love you!!

[@marionhandsley7959]

Hi Ali what a lovely podcast, I loved every minute of it. We have had cats all our married life and find that as they get older they can get very needy and sometimes don't really know what they want. I to have Wool is the answer Christmas eve box along with there advent box, I can't wait to open them. Have to say I've gone a bit advent mad this year as I have a James Makes Yarn advent box, Botanical Yarn Christmas eve box, The Fibre Fox. I can't wait to open all of them 😀😍 xxx

[@pennyspearing2731]

This was a lovely surprise and looking forward to vlogmass 😊

[@BrendieR]

I'm so glad to have met you at the Lay Family Retreat - it's a fabulous weekend isn't it? I love your cowl. I've just cast off my Pure Joy Shawl and I think I'll have to take a walk through the woods for its inaugural outing xxx

[@SewRunKnit]

Hi Ali. It’s always fun to visit with you. You kept me company today while I sewed an overdue quilt and while I shred lots of documents. Bless your heart for keeping me entertained. I’m eager to see the advent ideas you have culled. Hope the rest of your November goes well. Cheers!

[@lorrainekrahn4498]

So much about this vlog that I enjoyed; I was just listening as I knit and then ticked on the start of my (fifth) Musselburgh hat.

[@ll29123]

Missed you and Mia from the screens. Lovely to catch up with you. I absolutely love the yarn bouquet you have from the retreat! Cannot wait to see it worked up x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you! Mia obviously decided she need to get on the screen again 😄

[@pammyers1982]

Knitting my own dishcloth, revising as I go.

[@knittingfeeling8906]

Hello Ali! Thank you for all the joy and inspiration you bring to the community! ❤ You inspired me to cast on a Gingerbread Man Christmas sweater with your own Christmas jumper project last year (or was it the year before). I finished mine yesterday! Only took a year and a half😊 Happy rest of the year to you and your family! ❤ with love, Piritta from Finland

[@kathleensnow5358]

As a lifelong cat servant who has been fortunate to live with many geriatric cats, I feel qualified to share my opinion on this subject. Geriatric cats are like toddlers whose mums are preoccupied. Their meows are identical to children saying "Mum" 50 times until they get your undivided attention. 😂 Me thinks Mia needs her own crocheted blanket. 😅😅😅. Great podcast, Ali! Very much looking forward to Vlogmas.💛💛💛

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

If I crocheted her a blanket she’d sleep on a pile of dirty washing instead 😂 She is definitely in need of undivided attention, bless her xx

[@kathleensnow5358]

@LittleDropsofWonderful You're probably right about the dirty laundry. 😁. She's very lucky to have you and your house as a refuge. See you in December. 😘

[@rushatoo]

@@LittleDropsofWonderful Cats prefer to sleep where the scent of their loved ones is strongest, hence her preference for dirtly laundry and beds. They find it comforting.

[@joanneyoung5410]

Ali I really enjoyed this podcast I’ve been to all the Layfamily yarn retreats and usually make a sweater using skeins from Layfamily plus the minis. My latest one had Gayna’s Marjorie yarn on the cuffs. The retreats are just such a relaxing and unwinding time. It will be fun to see all your advents.

[@elizabethlaban1621]

Another wonderful podcast - thank you. It’s not nerding out - it is performing a valuable role in keeping our mental health in a good state 🥰 Liz x

[@Millie.C]

I think it's really admirable that you persevere with your projects no matter how long they take. I'm really looking forward to Vlogmas, though I still can't believe it's just about a half a month away! Since I just discovered your channel this year, I'm really excited to follow it in real time. In the meantime I've been watching some of your old Vlogmases and they're so much fun 💖

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you so much Millie! ❤️ I’m so excited for vlogmas! You’re right though, how is November going so fast?!

[@elaineheisler8584]

Missed seeing you and this video is great. Thank you for posting.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you so much Elaine ❤️

[@jacobashepherd3397]

Hello Ali , what a great podcast .I like all the goodies you got , can't wait for your vlogmas ❤

[@yvonnay8904]

Hello Ali,,, sooo very good to see you. Can’t wait for your vlogmas!

[@JaneWilliams-y7x]

It was lovely to meet you at the Woollay retreat. Such a lovely weekend 🧶

[@pamelageoghegan8859]

Hi Ali. Glad you enjoyed the Lay Family Yarn retreat. Thank you very much for all your podcasts. x

[@chrishutson7061]

Glad you had a lovely time at the Lay Family retreat. I think I may have said I went there about 3 years ago. My colours were based on a fuchsia flower and someone else had a similar flower but it's funny how we pick different highlights. I love the different mini skeins you brought back and look forward to seeing what you make. I want to make the cowl you are making. I was gifted a lovely pink yarn with neon slubs and think it would look great. I only bought one yarn advent and that was the Lay family one. But I did buy a sewing surprise box! Looking forward to Blogmas. I don't know how you fit it all in with your busy family life.

[@joannenardi4234]

Mia hears you talking and thinks you are talking to her! No one else is around, so it must be her you are talking to!!🤣😻

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

😁 that’s probably it! xx

[@barbaramartin6837]

It sounds like your time away at the Lay family yarn retreat was a delight. They sure packed a lot into a few days, and you came away with some lovely yarn. Glad you had such a good time.❤️😊

[@debracubitt6191]

The girly cat just wants to be with YOU Ali. Kneading, purring and a wee bit of slober ...❤😻❤ She loves her adopted family VERY MUCH 😊

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

😂 it’s true! She actually wanted Phoebe, I’m second best 😂

[@gerrybford]

Hi Ali, long time no chat. Watching this vlog, I know “not your cat” comes into your how for peace & quiet. Having had cats all my life and all with longevity, I recognised that meow straight away. She’s a darling little cat and elderly. Now cats like us get different forms of dementia and that meow is a slight distress noise, perhaps she wasn’t sure where she was upstairs. It will get worse and sadly turns in to toilet issues, so keep an eye on her. It’s sounds like you had a great time up on Lay Family yarns retreat. I hope you are all well. Gx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thanks Gerry! She was in was on the bottom step and could hear me talking so I think she was trying to work out where to come for scratches 😁 Bless her, she’s adorable xx

[@blackmorerose]

The retreat sounded like so much fun. As someone who has always had cats and is currently a servant to 3 fluff balls I’m definitely here for Mia content. She was most certainly the star of the show and totally owns you despite her not being your cat. Long may Mia’s shenanigans continue. 😻

[@highlandheffalump]

Part of my head thinks I’d love to go on a retreat like that and then the other part remembers my social anxiety and the weeks of sleepless nights I’d be having running through all my worries.

[@debracubitt6191]

I was happy to hear about your yarn retreat 😊

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you! It was a lovely weekend 🧶

[@kristinahill3708]

What a lovely catch up! Your retreat sounded absolutely wonderful. 'm so excited for your vlogmas.

[@OneStitchAfterAnother-kx1qy]

It was so lovely to watch this podcast, Ali. I was lucky enough to attend my first Lay Family yarn retreat in October. Your yarn was delicious and your enthusiasm about your weekend brought back such happy memories of mine. I was lucky enough to win 3 skeins of yarn as Nick liked my colourway which I was chuffed about. I did film and share on my channel - I was so excited, (I did ask permission) but you were so right to be mindful of other people. I will follow your example in future! Thanks so much for sharing 🤗🤓🙏

[@sandrastefanek695]

Awe you made my day!

[@janecopeland2306]

The retreat looked like it was just wonderful! I have put that on my "wish list" for some time in the coming years. I, too, went a bit crazy with the Advents. I've never bought one before so decided this was the year and I ended up with 2 yarn-y ones, a cross stitch one, a jigsaw puzzle one and, of course, a chocolate one! I'm going to make a little party out of opening them each day -- should be fun! Thanks for a lovely vlog.

[@ElizabethKendall-bu6lt]

I agree with you about Chris on strictly, he's amazing and Dianne is an amazing teacher.

[@Crafting_With_Laura_x]

Happy for the upcoming crochet advent video. I feel like I see lots of knitting patterns for advents, but not so many for crochet. I have 3 advents also this year! Super spoilt! Can’t wait. Also can’t wait for vlogmas 🥰 xx

[@AnneHarling]

Love all your content Ali, thank you. ❤❤

[@DelciaHumphries]

Lovely to see you again today Look forward to watching vogmas

[@elaineheisler8584]

Love yr dyed yarn. Beautiful.

[@elainepole-evans3439]

Lovely to catch up with you Ali, the retreat sounded wonderful. I am a slow crafter too, added some little squares to my Battenburg blanket which I started almost three years ago! Looking forward to Vlogmas😊

[@CherylBennetts-zh3in]

Cant wait till vlogmass😊

[@beeoperanto6930]

hi Ali i haven't commented before , i can knit and just learn to crochet ,but i would love to knit socks , am left handed and found it difficult with 4 needles so am going to use the american small loop, but i am terrified , i wondered if on one of your vlogs you would chat about how you started and mistakes etc, making them , i also had chickens and my friend and i chatted about your set up which she has also and i might save up and get a eglu has am busy and we live in the middle of a wood and we liked the timer concept because of the foxes which also live here, i must say i was very impressed with the lego land-rover ,we have one but its real its call landrew lol, i read the house by the cerulean sea ,i loved it thank you for your share ,i have just got book 2 , thank you for your vlogs they are lovely x

[@StitchcraftGiftsHarrogate]

Hi Ali 🙂 sorry you're still not feeling the sick knitting! I can highly recommend crochet socks - I can't knit (yet) so all my handmade socks are crocheted! My current favorite patterns are the Watson Waffle Socks (4ply) and the Spiral Socks (DK-ish) - I'll post links to both in separate comments for you. Oh, and you NEVER have to apologise for cat interruptions - we all love Mia!! ❤

[@jeansuk1]

Thoroughly enjoyed your podcast and what a wonderful time you had at the retreat and all the goodies you got yarn, knitting goodies heaven. I've never heard of that Henry chocolate bar, make sure you have it with a nice cuppa tea. Arh the way your next door neighbours cat meows to look and get comfortable I have a cat that does just the same. I'm always happy to chill out and knit while watching and listening to you Ali and having a laugh too when you said it is the 10th November I'm watching on the 17th November. I don't know where time is going. I look forward to the 1st December your great company anyway take care best wishes Jeane xx

[@ericallerton809]

❤❤❤great to watch early this morning ,,,Ali,,,l🎉🎉🎉 So so glad u enjoyed ur get away ,,,,with all ur friends,,,,loved hearing about it all,,,,, Love the yarn you dyed,,,,,🎉🎉 Sweet mia,,,,, See u in vlogmas,,,,, ELAINE 🏡💕

[@gordonbrowne8068]

Comment from Sharon. Hi, lovely to see you back. Look forward to Vlogmas!

[@sharonflowers5208]

Hi Ali we too have a gereatric cat that's not our cat x he is very needy loves a cuddle and is absolutely besotted with my 11 year old, he just loves her x he dribbles too but we love him lots x he lives 2 doors away and we all share him x enjoyed your podcast love seeing your makes, I crochet but would love to be able to make a pair of socks x can't wait for vlogmass x

[@cocoandflora6542]

Thanks for a lovely podcast…so many inspiring projects and yarns, looking forward to all your lovely advents during Vlogmas! Xx

[@MsLindaE1]

I'm knitting on my Emotional Support Chicken as I watch your podcast. I've put it off because I don't enjoy the seeming. I won't start another project until she is done and I'm wanting another pair of fingerless mitts.

[@paulareed4173]

Ohh looking forward to your crochet yarny advent video..ive also got blue fern yarns advent, so excited to open it - the dark moody theme really drew me in, and the fact shes a local Norfolk dyer! 😊 I had an old cat he was the most gentle boy and lived until he was 16 but he also had a 'needy' meow and wouldn't stop until you paid him attention. Ive now got a very loving but very naughty, sassy 4 year old cat who drives me mad 😂 shes currently asleep beside me, but 3 hours ago she was terrorising my yarn ends! 😅

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

That is so lovely 🐾 Yes Mia is about 14 or 15 I think so definitely old and I’m need of plenty of attention! I’m so excited to open the Blue Fern Yarns advent, I’m bursting! But I’m resisting😂

[@TheCatlady63]

I will check in on your vlogmas Ali but I am hoping to move next month so I will be there eventually might get to after christmas

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Exciting times! Good luck with the move 😃xx

[@TheCatlady63]

@LittleDropsofWonderful It's second time lucky so everything is crossed 🤞

[@knitsiphappy]

Well....that was a lovely visit!! I prepped for dinner, lit some candles and settled down under a blanket to hang out 🤓 Bliss ❤ Yes I will be designing a Wigget sock...you didn't drop me in it 😅 See you in Vlogmas 🎄

[@charlottehayman1549]

Another lovely podcast Ali! Mia I's so lovely and just like my little kitty cat. And I can't believe I won something!! 😮

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

🤗🤗🤗

[@jsapcakrrow]

So many beautiful yarns! Always live to see Mia in your vlogs. 🐈 I had watched Becky’s blog yesterday & was hoping you would do a Nov blog & here it is!! 🥰. Looking forward to your Vlogmas videos starting in a couple of weeks! 😁🎄🧶

[@IamCatflap]

Listening to this whilst casting on 315 stitches by I-cord. Told bf to stand in the rain and shrink a bit. 315 stitches round (if I don’t have to adapt pattern up) and 6ft6 tall. Please makes these episodes longer to help keep my sanity

[@jillfoster6369]

It seems donkeys since we saw you Ali and I was getting withdrawal symptoms - this was fabulous so thank you 🧶🧶

[@Keliheartyarn]

Haha Ali, I watched the Back to Blighty Podcast (after your vlogtober suggestion) and saw the minis and thought "I bet Ali's is the yellow one, and it was!!!! Sounds like an amazing retreat!!!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Love that! Becky is lovely 🤗

[@debracubitt6191]

I have girl and boy cats 🐈 They are all very chatty.... especially when they have something to say! My oldest tuxedo boy is 18 years young ❤

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

18! Wow! 🐾 Mia has all kinds of ways of getting our attention, my favourite it the headbutts ❤️

[@kellyfazekas7831]

I didn't enjoy the virus shawl pattern either Ali. It's just not my cuppa. As a Christmas present to your viewers, you and Dan can finish his hat!!!

[@patlidford-cizdziel3156]

I was so pleased to see your podcast when I got home from church today! I sat in bed last night feeling lost and decided it was because I suffered from "Ali withdrawal"! It seems like it has been AGES since I had seen you and in the dark of my bedroom I was sure Vlogmas might never come! LOL. I do enjoy watching your past shows, too. How long until Lillia's holiday break? How long is it? See you in Vlogmas!

[@jentextiles]

Hi Ali I also have 4 /11 current 58:41 Siamese left with me after having dozens over years. Not your cat may have dental issues as drooling, distressed calls, and attention seeking behaviour goes with the territory. Next door need to check her out? Glad you enjoyed the retreat. Jen x

[@sandrasanders1874]

❤

[@trishagoodier3943]

The Virus shawl...I'm glad it's not just me. I've started than flipping thing SOOOOOO many times and given up, it's just not funny anymore. I've looked at different tutorials but nope, I can't get the pattern in my brain. I think some mad scientist who also crochets devised the pattern as a form of torture. 😂 Right, time to try and get something to eat, feeling like I'm getting the dreaded lurgy but really need a light meal. See you in the next video, most likely on your other channel for Vlogmas. Take care and give Mia a gentle hug from me. 😊

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

😂 you’re not alone! It looks so pretty but I can’t get the hang of it. I’m so excited for vlogmas, see you there, and hope you managed to stave off that lurgy! xx

[@theresepazell7875]

Maybe somebody goofed up the pattern in making.It happens ..just a thought.​@@LittleDropsofWonderful

[@franceslloyd7673]

What is a DPN please

[@plainjane333]

DPN stands for double pointed needle. They are the straight knitting needles that have a point on each end.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thanks plainjane for the answer! ❤️

[@franceslloyd7673]

@@plainjane333 cheers