35 - Little Drops of Wonderful - Strictly Wonderful

[@lorihanson1774]

The Memory Keeper Shawl turned out gorgeous! I love the colors you used and the pattern. I must check it out on Ravelry. Thank you for sharing this.

[@lorihanson1774]

I would like to make a suggestion on the Cast On for Top Down Socks - I tried an Alternate Cabled Cast On (in which you purl and knit for your rib) and creates a really nice stretchy edge. Carmen of New Leaf podcast has a video instruction for this. Even if you just knit the first row cast on and then rib knit the rest - it makes a really nice edge. Carmen also has a cast off method for Toe Up Socks for the Rib Knit edge that is very good for even stretchy edges. Hope this helps. Much love!

[@Ellinesscrafts]

I enjoyed this episode as I do all your episodes. 😊 You have some wonderful viewers donating all those goodies. So kind.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

I have the best viewers in the world! 😘💕

[@simonebourque1061]

Ali, can I say you are such a lucky girl with all your beautiful yarn and bags, and everything crafty! Lord, it's fun to see yarn from different parts of the world for us yarn fanatics. Love from Canada

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Simone, I feel extremely lucky indeed, and so grateful :) xx

[@amandab8838]

Fab as always 🤗🌻

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Amanda :) xx

[@clairerobinson6571]

Such a happy time spent with some crochet as I watched... Loved seeing and hearing about Denmark, adore the finished shawl, and was in danger of spitting out my coffee in mirth with the randomness of the French onion soup!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

😄 I cover the serious life issues! 😂

[@runawayneedlered7518]

Loved the fun yarny bits with your sister. Stunning and sweet shawl & so special. I also loved your daughters dress.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you so much Maryann xx

[@Sara.ss1]

Packet soup 💜 that takes me right back to my childhood. Another great podcast, thanks Ali!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thanks for watching Sara! 😘 I need to track down some of that French onion packet soup 😄

[@FoxyRockyLou]

Love the shorties Ali and the yarn is so pretty! and your shawl glorious lou 😘🐺

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Lou! 😘

[@anitashort3834]

I love watching you and your sister together. So sweet and funny. Just binge watched 7 of your podcasts to catch up. X

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Oh my goodness, you deserve a medal and a large drink getting through all that waffle! :D Thank you for the lovely comment, my sister is utterly bonkers :D xx

[@anitashort3834]

@@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali I watched over two days, your waffle is great to listen to, like having a friend in the room while I was cooking, cleaning, hanging the clothes out and while I lay in bed before bedtime! Haha. I have to rewind bits if I hear the rustling or know you're showing your makes if I'm busy doing stuff. I put my wireless headphones on and it's great. Yes your sister is bonkers in the best way. X

[@janecheesehead3178]

your Memory Keeper's shawl is one of the prettiest things i've seen in a long time!!! the neutral mixed in makes the colors blend so well. love the vacation vlog too.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Jane! Lina writes such lovely patterns, it’s so snuggly! 💕😘

[@VictoriaKnits]

Awwwww.......strictly socks again! 👍🏻👍🏻. You and your sister look very happy while yarn shopping. 😄. Of course. Love your memories shawl. I still love my DPN’s.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

I feel I have a bit of practice to do with the DPNs but I do like them! Strictly season again!! The sparkliest time of the year 😁✨✨

[@CrochetLuna]

Love spending time with you this afternoon. Working on accounting and bookeeping which is no fun but tolerable with my podcasting sisters to keep me company. Have a lovely weekend.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Glad I could help get you through the number crunching Claudia 😘 Can’t be long until you’ll be packing for Yarndale! Eeeee!! xx

[@ollerupcrafts]

You are absolutely correct in your translation og sommerfuglen and fugl which means butterfly and bird. 😊

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

It's such a lovely and interesting language, I find it fascinating. I love the word for turtles - skilpadden! Brilliant. xx

[@ollerupcrafts]

Little Drops of Wonderful just like I find english interesting 😊

[@rv6847]

Such beautiful socks! And beautiful prizes for the Stricky along. Makes me wish i could knit!! Lol

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you! You can enter crochet socks too... :) xx

[@savyjett]

I knit looser on 9in circs too, but i like them so much more. So i just make sure to tighten up a bit.

[@preckles]

I loved the yarn that Phoebe was holding close to her face🦄

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

The gorgeous Hedgehog Fibres one...I think it was called "De Ja Vue"...possibly! xx

[@tgooderham]

Super episode! Was so wonderful to meet you in person at the Southern Wool Show. I have been trying to spin a little each day since our workshop. And soon it's going to be all about socks! Can't wait!!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

It was wonderful to meet you too Tamara! I have been spinning too, not sure I am improving that much though :D and it's slow going! Not long until we all go sock crazy...well, even more so than usual! :D xx

[@DixieGirl9876]

I also have a looser gauge with the 9 inch needles, but I knit with all the methods and it changes to which is my favorite. OMGoodness, that pin cushion!!! As always it's lovely to catch up with you.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

The pin cushion is gorgeous isn’t it? 🍐💕 Thank you xx

[@atrinka1]

The same happened to me with the everything afterthought socks I made! I realized that my ribbing toe up is loose than the top down! Your minis shawl is darling!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you! 😘 Glad it’s not just me, they’re in time out for now!

[@biffsugarpodcast8427]

Your Memory Keepers Shawl is beautiful and so special. I have my eye on that pattern ❤️ Loved all the Danish footage - when we went the Little Mermaid was on tour! (Very rock n roll!)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Alison! Yes Lina's patterns are absolutely lovely, and the Memory Keepers shawl is just beautiful. I have been wearing it this week ALL the time! Little Mermaid on Tour - sounds like she's Madonna :D Haha! xx

[@gailferrara1185]

I’m so happy to see you return I miss watching your podcast

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Aw thank you Gail! xx

[@peggybork5623]

Another great podcast, I enjoy watching. And what beautiful yarn you bought.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Peggy :) xx

[@eileenwhitmore2677]

A great podcast Ali. As for the beautiful project bags OMG. they are going to be some very lucky winners.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

The bags are all Wonderful- puts my dodgy bags to shame! 😁😘

[@lovetosew4878]

Fab podcast, as always, Ali :) I have already chosen my yarn for the Strictly sock-a-long! YAY, FOR STRICTLY!!! xx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Can't wait for 22nd! Thank you Caroline :) xx

[@annparsons6238]

I’m so glad I’ve found your podcast and as for a strictly KAL 😍💕it sounds amazing ! Knitting and strictly- my two favourite things !! Your shawl is beautiful and dpn’s Beware of sitting on decking as I found out on holiday last year ! Luckily I had a spare needle 😊!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

:D haha! I will watch out for decking! I can imagine that was incredibly annoying! Knitting and Strictly - so much fun! :) xx

[@TheCozyCottageCrochet]

I absolutely adore your knitted minis shawl. It looks SO cozy! The vlogs from Denmark were lovely :)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Hannah! It's already in use on the sofa, we all snuggle up in it at different times of the day, it's great to see it in use as we transition into Autumn :) xx

[@janetpingrey7155]

Great podcast. Always enjoy your chats and projects. Your shawl is lovely. As for the two places you pointed out, no one would know if you didn't point them out....only you. As my mom always said, "If they are close enough to point out mistakes, they are too close." What a wonderfully talented and generous group of ladies who have contributed all those beautiful prizes to your KAL. As for DPNs....I will never get the hang of using them, but I have fallen in love with DPN holders and found that if I point one needle one way and one the other, they are wonderful for holding my circular needles and sock projects. I did eat lunch whilst watching.....lol

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you so much Janet :) I like that quote from your mum! xx

[@AlwaysAlways2x]

You are SUNSHINE Ali! Goodness. The video from your vacation - glorious! Oh how I miss the water- oceans just call to me, soothe my soul. 💙 so happy to hear you had such a fantastic time and will be going back!! Yay!! Okay, the memory keepers shawl is AH-MAZING!! Now I know what to do with the minis from dear friends. What a fantastic idea - perfect for the winter months here in NY - cozy and lovely, like a hug from dear friends 🦋 All.the.socks!! I learned on dpns - coming back to knitting a couple years back and magic loop had my head in a spin at first. Doing two at a time ML has been fun. 1 at a time socks DPNS call my name if I’m honest - feels a bit like home to me. 9” circs and I have never gotten on - you’re right about gauge when I tried it was so off and a bit wonky if I’m honest. What gracious makers - such kindness from within this community with all those beautiful prizes. So many delight folks to enjoy in the very near future - ripples of kindness - or a Cha Cha, Tango, Samba, Swing and more making its away around the world! 😉 Oh Strictly (or DWTS here in the US) I really do need to see if my BBC player app will show your Strictly - while watching DWTS here in the States hmmmmm 🙂 I’ve chosen a yarn, a colourway that reminds me of some of my ballroom costumes from back in the day.... with a touch of sparkle (or a lot 😉) just because - well dancing!!! I’m going to try and keep up, join along ... I’ll be watching as I always do, an elder family member who lives on the other coast of the US who once used to dance ... weekly convos about that weeks performances, judges and technical aspects he sees (he makes Len look like a softie in comparison 😂) he’s not a computer or tech literate person - so what fun I have when I include clips from strictly sent to his daily coffee shop - the owner and her kids set up their iPad to show him what I send 😂 it’s our thing these past couple of years - I’ll take it for as long as it’s lasts!! ❤️ it truly is the stuff that makes my heart smile, my feet move a bit where my body can no longer - same for him. I remember when they’d clear the living room for Dance offs of the old kind -their back in the day memories. It still makes me smile when I think of it (of course they dance minus the acrobatics of today (so very old school still in their perceptions of Ballroom and it’s varieties and takes of today!!) beyond the technical (ehmmm Len) costumes are still as vibrant and colorful (tho as he puts it “we wore more clothes than they do today!” 🙂) I’ve watched and heard your enthusiasm in the past - just had to join in! What fun! However I’m rather awful at Ravelry, since my computer bit the dust - Ravelry and mobile devices don’t always play nice together 😂😂 You and your sister - a wonderful day out - what a haul and ehmmmm that’s not a stash or purchase to be embarrassed by! You can see the delight in both of your faces - THATS all that matters - you made some heartfelt memories -- count it all good! ⭐️ I love seeing her excitement the yarn knitting/making bug certainly has bit her -yes? 🙂😘 LOVE IT!!! Oh how I loved those moments child free, a drink or two at a local joint and just “aaahhhh” 🙂 so happy you had such a day! PS I still don’t buy your dodgy bag thinking - from what you’ve shown ... not dodgy at all. Especially love the upcycle of pieces of your personal history ❤️ Thank you thank you as always for simply being you - you brought loads of giggles and smiles on this end! Pssssst - you are not alone in seeing Dani & her Mom - I’m sure you were fine!! I’d have totally nerded out seeing Dani & her Mom - I’d have cried, or gone mute.... then needed to go into a closet some where to breathe into a paper bag!! 😉😂 (Hugs) Cj in NY Let me know if you find that soup! Here in the US we can hook you up! (Was 1 of the “specially ingredients in my grans meatball recipe! 😂 don’t tell!! 😉)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Haha, now I know the family recipe secret! Don't worry your secret is safe with me ;) Thank you so much CJ, I am glad you enjoy the podcast and yes, some Strictly happiness is definitely travelling all over - thanks to the amazing generous makers who have donated their time and talent to the prizes, a wonderful community :) xx

[@rebeccamiller7608]

Beautiful work ❤️

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Rebecca 😘

[@dnorris4733]

I finished my memory keeper's shawl a couple weeks ago. LOVE IT. Started knitting a second one this week .

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

It's a gorgeous pattern isn't it? I find Lina's patterns are so well written x

[@LinaKnits]

What a fun surprise to see the thumbnail for your video on my "subscribed" feed today! I love, love, love your shawl and that you used your special miniskeins for it

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Such a beautiful pattern Lina, I love your patterns. It came out so squidgy, I am not even going to pack it away, it's staying out for sofa snuggles! xx

[@diannacook6135]

Love love love the podcast, as always. Definitely joining the strictly sock along, yarn wound, needles bag and sparkly progress keeper at the ready. check out amazon for your soup, I find loads of foodie stuff.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you so much Dianna! So exciting...Strictly Season is almost upon us! I will check Amazon...I didn't even know they did food! xx

[@ytfp]

Love your hair! What a cute channel happy to have stumbled on it :) Some beautiful things and yarn!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@debrablanson1123]

Lol love your doggy bags

[@crafthousemagic]

Ali I love your blast from the past! In fact I thoroughly enjoyed your entire podcast. Putting clips of your travels in amongst the chatter was perfect. I am going to decide what socks to cast on for the strictly socks long now! X x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

I stole your material Ellie! :D Haha! Glad you enjoyed it, but REALLY glad you are joining in with the Strictly fun!! Yay! xx

[@fionam9545]

Thoroughly enjoyed your podcast, great fun having a sister to yarn shop with and have fun, don’t think my 2 brothers are up for it! Loved the whole episode, had a giggle and wow moments! Ps was that hubby surf kiting?! Copenhagen is lovely, we went when my eldest was 1.5 years old so time to go back!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Fiona! My sister was the one that got me started with crochet, it’s fun to be able to delve into knitting together ☺️ No it wasn’t hubby! He wishes! The first night we arrived it was quite windy and there were loads of kite surfers, we sat at the end of the pier to watch and the guy I filmed spotted us and gave us a bit of a private show! It was brilliant! We are definitely going back too 🇩🇰💕😘xx

[@ZebraKitten]

I don't know about packet French soup but know in the last few months you can't get tinned French onion soup either. Weird huh? The prizes for the sock along are amazing!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Really?! No tinned either? That's so odd! The mystery of French Onion Soup! The prizes are so brilliant, the makers who have donated have been so incredibly generous :) xx

[@hannievanballegooy7180]

Love your podcast.

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Hannie :) xx

[@debrablanson1123]

Beautiful shawl

[@lottesroom]

So exciting to hear you talk about Denmark. I'm a Dane, and I live in Køge, which is 40 km south of Copenhagen. The yarn you bought in Sommerfuglen is called "Whipped cream cake" in English. Very beautiful yarn. And yes - sommerfuglen means "The Butterfly". I'm going to London in July, and I'm so looking forward to it. Went there in 1980 with my school class. Is there any yarn shop I MUST visit?

[@shelleylewis8426]

You shawl is beautiful! I also like toe up best for socks. Try going down a needle on the 9" circs. My tension is also looser. Yes Strictly 👀💚

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Shelley! xx

[@lilly85612]

when you use dpns you cast on same size single needle then transfer to your dons

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Emily! Going to try that on the second sock :) xx

[@EldenwoodCraft]

Ok so observations on this episode. One of your best yet - so entertaining! I laughed out loud when talking about meeting Danni! The Strictly sock along is going to be the biggest ever and I will definitely join in. The colour of the blues in the Denmark vlog were stunning, was it really that clear and deep?

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Haha, thank you Emma! I was such a dweeb meeting Danni 😄 Yes - no editing involved in those videos! It really was that colour! Hard to believe that sea is the North Sea! 🌊

[@bighairedbookworm3578]

Glorious! Thank you for such a good episode. I've found my #strictlysocks and am going to wind the yarn up soon. I have put all the details in my latest Yarn Chat video too, if that's ok. Hope you've managed to find your French onion soup packets. I've been looking but haven't seen any yet. Much love xxx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you so much Louise! I’m halfway through your latest episode (you did make me laugh with your cinema “ooo!” 😄) Thank you so much for spreading the Strictly news!! ✨✨✨

[@margaretdombkoski4780]

Loved the podcast, especially the parts with your sister and your family's trip to Denmark. The Memory Keeper's shawl was spectacular. As I do not knit, can you possibly recommend how to replicate that in crochet? Sending you sunshine and balmy breezes from Florida:)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Hi Margaret! I am glad you enjoyed it :) That's a really good question about the crochet alternative. I have never made one but perhaps the Blurre shawl by Deanne Ramsey? It' a different shape but if you held the colours double with the neutral throughout it might create a similar effect? Shape wise maybe the Sanibel Chevron Shawl by Hannah Siegmund? It's written for DK weight, but if you held two strands of fingering weight together that might work too - and there's the Florida connection! :) xx

[@sisselstenersen8139]

You have sp many beatiful Things :-)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Sissel, I feel extremely lucky and grateful :) x

[@RosethornRee]

good morning x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Hi Ree! xx

[@debrablanson1123]

I want to learn how to knit socks so bad lol

[@celestegarcia486]

Thank you for a lovely podcast! I would like to make my own project bags. Do you have a pattern that you could recommend for a box bottom draw string bag? Thanks! Happy September!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you Celeste! I don't use a pattern as such, I just make them up, but I believe Sandra of the Cherry Heart podcast has a pattern she sells in her Etsy shop for a small drawstring bag xx

[@emmabutcher]

Ali, if you find casting on on dps a bit of a pfaff just cast on the required number of stitches on one long straight needle or even a circular needle of the same size and then transfer them to the 4 dps. That's what I do and it's so much easier. Love your memory keepers shawl. I've put that pattern in my queue. Wonderful podcast. Shame I can't join in the Strickly sock along as I live in New Zealand and it finished here in July. Perhaps another season will be announced for 2019, who knows! Maybe I could re watch the series on KZbin (basically cheating) and join in that way. What do you think?

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thanks Emma, I need to cast on the second sock so I will try that way, thanks for the tip! Using KZbin is definitely allowed! If you take a look in the Ravelry chatter thread for the sock-a-long some people have been posting their own "rules" so they can knit their socks as much as possible. Rule bending is encouraged! :) xx

[@mywoolmitten]

Oh my goodness, I've been hoarding - I mean saving! - a special skein of yarn for Strictly!!! The cheating/rule-bending possibilities are endless ;) Can hardly wait ;) We have a French Onion soup packet here in the States, but I wonder if its the same?

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Yay, so glad you are joining in Cary! I look forward to seeing lots of rule bending! :D It's so weird that packet french onion soup has just vanished...just like that! Weird.

[@mrsrabbitsmoments8854]

Hello...so if you played on Abbey Ruins you may have also gone to Picardy School? I may have passed you in the corridor 😀Xx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Haha! No....*whispers*...Erith! Eeep! Does this mean we are sworn enemies?! ;) xx

[@mrsrabbitsmoments8854]

@@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali so didn't pass in the corridor but possibly in a fight..school against school. No I would run home if the rumour went around that Erith were coming 😂

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

😂😂 we may have passed each other whilst running home! x

[@fam.langenskov1658]

Dear Ali 😊 Thanks so much for yet another great podcast, have been following along for a while ~ I love your take on making podcasts ✨💛✨ So thrilled that you guys liked Denmark so much 🇩🇰🙌🏻 I live about 40 minuts out side Copenhagen. And you'r quite right that "Sommerfuglen" is The Butterfly👍🏼 (Haven't been ~yet😉) I on the other hand have just been to the south coast of Devon and Cornwall and I would go live there if I could (maybe I actually will 😃) My 21 year old daughter has been working there for about 9 months now, so we came to visit her. And I loved it 💖 Just wanted to say Hi from Denmark 🇩🇰 Take care. Best Wishes from Line (@lines_lapperi)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Thank you! 😘 You have a beautiful country! Cornwall and Devon are gorgeous, I understand see why you might want to live there 😊💕xx

[@hazeluzzell]

Re sock cast off, maybe you were all relaxed from you holiday? 😀

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Haha, definitely not relaxed on a plane! :) xx

[@rainandwildroses]

The British Corner Shop website sell the Ainsley Harriott french onion soup 😄

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Ooooooo! I have not heard of them, I shall get myself to Google! Thank you Karen! xx

[@lilly85612]

my name is marilyn i used to live in faversham and sittingbourne so just out of interest what part of kent are you sorry i now live in the midlands and i have a brother iin maidstone

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Hi Emily! We live just south of Dartford :) xx

[@renatekuhn9810]

Hej!!**!!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

:D Hej hej!

[@debrablanson1123]

Keep them lol

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Haha, it's so hard to let go! :) xx

[@susanner-butler2604]

Ali, summerfuglen , but when you pronounce it forget the g, say summerfulen Susanne

[@LittleDropsofWonderful-Ali]

Got it! Thank you Susanne! You are my Danish consultant 😘 🇩🇰