Episode 101 - Are you inspired or influenced? I show you my 'quilt as you go' and diary tags.

[@sheryltisdale]

So happy Pete is doing well, he looks good! I am playing catch=up, started with first video, almost there!

[@penelopeschinwag]

Oh my Sheryl, thanks for joining me and sticking with it! Yes, Pete took a bashing and although not himself yet, he is back with us. xx

[@angelaholcroft4515]

It's always lovely to see you, Pene. I enjoy seeing what you've been making, and it's always inspiring. As usual, you've given us food for thought with your washing machine thoughts. Glad your friend came and helped lift your mood. I've just spent a couple of hours with 2 of my best friend's. Things always seem better after a chat and a laugh. Good to hear Pete is improving and eating you out of house and home. Have a lovely week. Take care. Xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

How lovely spending time with your special friends. There's nothing like it - no explanations necessary - a chat and a laugh. That medicine last for a good while too. I'm still feeling better from last week. Yup after a large lunch he is now making soup with a kitchen full of vegetables. He's like a toddler, activity and then he crashes out! Enjoy your week too. xx

[@sandrataylor6507]

Lovely to see you today. You have such a wonderful way of putting words together, you say everything that's going on in my head but can't explain. Thank you. So good to see Pete and know he's able to get out and about again. I loved looking at your crosstitch pieces on your stairs. It took me back to the ones I used to do and some I did for my Mum and Mother in law, which of course I now have. I need to go and revisit them.Take good care of yourselves. xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Sandra, you too have a washing machine head! So lovely to feel I'm not alone. Yes, at the time the cross stitches were just that, something I enjoyed doing and gifting or keeping but now they evoke all that goes with the time and intent. Enjoy your visit with yours! Take care and thanks for being here for so long!

[@neelieknits382]

Thank you so much for a lovely chat. You inspire me to keep on knitting for those I love.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Aw lovely, a gift to inspire and a gift you keep knitting for the ones you love. Winners all round!

[@carotrike]

Pete looks so happy with that little dog! You said about Pete needing conversation, but you do too...look how your week changed because you had visitors! We all need people don't we? Yes, inspiration...it's one of the reasons why I like knit and natter so much. I go to 2 groups regularly and yesterday I realised that there are themes running through what is knitted or crocheted. One group is inspired more by the trends, colourwork at present, the other, mostly yoke sweaters. I splashed out on a copy of the Knitter as a lovely lady who makes colourwork hats and lives in my home town, has designed a colourwork vest/pop over/ tank top and I fancy making it. It will be my first go at steeking on a garment. Thank you for another lovely video 😍

[@penelopeschinwag]

So true - especially when you are a chinwagger! Because I couldn't leave Pete and was on tenderhooks even at night I've been in for a long time now. However, I still don't want to leave him but my friend Heather is coming round today for a crafty afternoon and grandson popping by this morning. Do us both good. Your groups sound interesting. Let me know how the steeking goes. Good if you use woolly wool I think. xx

[@alexandrah535]

Those colors suit you so much! Make you look like springtime itself, all glowy and full of life 😊

[@penelopeschinwag]

Aw thanks. The blouse was purchased from TK Max about 28 years ago and I knitted the jumper years ago too. It was a bit too big and I didn't wear it much, at points nearly parting with it, but it fits me now and I like it and will wear it more often. Its a soft cotton and as you say very springlike. xx

[@kristinvoss9857]

One more comment. Pete looks very bright! The Italian meal looks delicious. And little Ozzy is a cutie and seems to love Pete. Your table topper quilt is coming along so beautifully. Bye!

[@penelopeschinwag]

Love your comments!

[@carolroy5435]

I love and appreciate you and your podcast just SO much. You're the neighbour everyone wants to have so you can have tea and knitting/sewing time together ❤x You're looking bright and very pretty today. Oh and thank you for renewing my love of hand sewing too.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Aw so pleased you are hand sewing again. Having different crafts to do is good for the hands, having a change up. little bit of knitting, sewing - great for the mind too. Thanks for being the neighbour that listens to me getting everything off my chest with a cuppa!

[@joyofthings]

This I loved, I felt you opened up like a flower.Showing your picture treasures just great.glad you got out both of you. Love ozzy.xxx🐝🐝

[@penelopeschinwag]

Aw thanks so much - I know how much you love your flowers!

[@traceybeale1761]

Hi Pene ,lovely to catch up with you this week😊 Yes we are so lucky to have u tube it opens up a whole world of possibilities and inspiration I know that I wouldn’t have tried so many new crafts if it wasn’t for you and others sharing your ideas and projects it really motivates me to give things a go. Take care ❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Bravo! Keep up the good work!!

[@marciastreeter5092]

I didn't find your post until midday today, here in Michigan, so decided to save it for company while I work on the last bit of my first successful pair of socks. Your idea for project bags is brilliant! Now I am "inspired" to do something with the remainders of my mothers linens and hankies. I made cathedral window pillows for family members, using mom's hankies, but haven't done one for myself, so now the bags will be for me. Loved seeing your stitching and hearing about the joy of seeing friends and family. Even the weather is interesting. Here in Michigan February is usually full of snow and bitter cold, but today we broke all records for warmth, with a temp of 73 degrees farenheit, which is the temp of a cozy warm home. Open windows in February! Now your winds are headed this way for tomorrow. Thanks so much for sharing all. Best wishes to Pete. He looks wonderful.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Yah, first pair of socks, congratulations. I'll let you know how the project bags go. Good idea for your mum's hankies and linens. How the weather is changeable, can't keep up with it! Take care. xx

[@lindaapplegate4559]

Such a sweet podcast, Pene. I loved seeing the pictures in the hallway, Pete’s curls, the close ups of your needlework, and the family stories- they were so sweet. And I laughed when you said “greeen”! Seeing the birds rock on the branches reminded me of swingsets. The project bag idea is inspiring! 😚Take care.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Oh yes 'green nanny'! She starts school in September and will wonder what I'm on about when I say it to her. The family all understand though! I've inspired myself with the project bags, now just to do it!! Take care. xx

[@jacquelineknox1977]

What a lovely week after you thought it was going to be 'just another'. So lovely to see Pete enjoying himself. We call it feeling 'flat' when you just feel ho hum. I feel it at the moment, just no real energy and tired. I am seeing my doctor on Monday and I have had a blood test so perhaps that will show me lacking in something. I love your table topper and will be so keen to see it all finished. Take care Penelope. xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Aw, so sorry you feel ho hum. That is when we need care from others to help us along. Hoping the blood test helps too. xx

[@alisonbarrow5711]

Such a lovely time spent Pene being “inspired”by you.The photo of you with the perm took me right back to when my mother “influenced” me to have my hair permed back in the 70’s what a mistake …coming back from the hairdressers on the bus with my anorak hood up virtually in tears😂.

[@penelopeschinwag]

What a memory Alison, The perm in the photo looks ok I think, when it had hours spent on it blowdrying. Other perms like you say ruined my hair and well frankly were awful. My first perm, done by my mum was when I was about 8 - a home perm. That was never tried again! I don't think mum dared 'influence' me again!

[@glendabathgate4036]

Lovely to see you dear pen and Pete looking well thank goodness he s on the mend xxx

[@penelopeschinwag]

As you say 'thank goodness'! xx

[@carolynlambert6989]

G’day Penne, another gentle episode, just love watching & listening while I knit away. My mate loves crosswords & puzzles, he loves dictionaries they’re so worn where he’s leafed through pages over many years. I’ve offered to get new ones…… oh NO 😅 he replies. He finds the word then reads the meaning of 3 words above & 3 below, a lifelong learner, he’ll be 80 yrs end year. I never ask him to play scrabble 🤣🤣 Thank you for showing your cross stitch oh wow just beautiful work so pretty and inspiring not influencing 😅 a gentle encouragement I’d say you are Penne. 💖🇦🇺

[@penelopeschinwag]

Pete will be 80 next January||!! It really doesn't seem possible, I expect it is the same for you. Mum and dad loved words too, always doing the Times crossword every morning. Lovely to keep you company whilst knitting.

[@belindagritter1572]

Your beautiful workmanship!! I enjoyed seeing it. We are having your weather tomorrow. Today was gorgeous, 70 degrees F. Tomorrow 60 mph winds and temperatures will feel like single digits F!!! Our 32 degrees is your 0 degrees so you can imagine how cold it’s going to be tomorrow. Also a storm with possible sleet and hail. We are staying inside tomorrow. Did all of our errands today.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Hoping you manage your storm. They do upset the equilibrium! Keep warm. xx

[@epiphany8276]

Lovely to hear you both managed to get out even in the windy weather. I went with my daughter and two grandaughters, 3 and 1 and a half years old, to Point Loma which is a peninsula, known for Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego. We walked up to the whale watching area but didn't see any whales! I watched a crow or two trying to land on a fence post. There was quite an updraft from the cliffs below us and the crow overshot the post and then letting the wind carry him backwards managed to make his landing! Clever thing, looked quite pleased with himself! Hope things keep improving and spring starts to warm up. Thanks for the chinwag. Jane xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Ah well, it was only windy for the day of filming, just a one off day. Other than that the weather here has been mild and favourable. How disappointing not to see whales. Wonderful crow watching though and lovely company by the sound of it too. xx

[@helenogorman9467]

Such a lovely video. I love the way you bring us onto your home and your life and chat so honestly and sincerely. You're great. I love your videos. Whenever I feel life is a bit flat I remind myself of how lucky I am to be even thinking that way. A priest told me once that we will never really be 100 per cent content in this world because we are spiritual beings learning to be human and not the other way around and I think he's right.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Yes, when we connect with our spiritual side it always lifts the mood. Friends and family did it for me last week as I think I needed a good chinwag! Thanks for the compliments, I'll keep going then!!

[@kristinvoss9857]

I love listening to you just talk to us. So charming. I take a lot of ideas away from your videos. I may try making the tags. Quite a commitment. You seem somewhat less tired. So glad Pete is continuing to improve. I watch Death in Paradise. I am eagerly awaiting the next episode. My favorite Inspector will always be Ben Miller, the first one. He is so wonderful in Professor T. Such a complicated character. Continued best wishes.

[@penelopeschinwag]

The tags don't feel like a commitment. I'm not very good at 'keeping things going'. I'm not a regular kind of person, I like to change things up a bit. However, I give myself 20 mins to half a hour on a Sunday. No time at all and it seems to be working. I actually enjoy it - not like having to remember things and write it down. We've been watching death in paradise from episode 1. They are calming and funny. Like you we love Ben Miller. TV watching is getting less now Pete can move about. He's in the kitchen making a soup!

[@ramyavanmaele9643]

Hi Penny love to see you again , you inspired us all please never think your are talking nonsense , your are such beautiful interesting lady I can learn from you lots ,and your are kind ,loving person your family and friends know that your are very special Love to see Peter., and that he enjoy food and enjoy the life thank you showing us your craft and photos, if you feel little bit down look Tales from cuckoo land ( Gena) maybe you know her She is such joyful podcaster thank you again have lovely day

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks, such a lovely comment. I'm pleased to say that my flat time was only a day and having company really boosted me. I think I was tired too and am feeling much better now.

[@mariettafocke9276]

Sending lots of strength and happiness. Greetings from South Africa

[@penelopeschinwag]

Ooh received, thanks so much. xx

[@linbourne8731]

It's strange how some days we can feel a bit flat but lovely when a get together and catch up with friends can make all the difference in cheering us up. Would definitely say both you and Helen inspire us rather than try to influence us. Glad to see you have found some projects to keep you going for a while 😂. Take care and see you next time 😊

[@penelopeschinwag]

Your right, they will keep me going for a while. Will show you as I power through them. Trouble is I should be getting dressed but I'm cutting out the first bits of the quilt as the fabric arrived!!

[@linbourne8731]

@@penelopeschinwag my problem is I fall in love with the fabric and am reluctant to cut it up....always keeping it for that perfect project😕

[@penelopeschinwag]

That's what happing. I have the fabric but this pattern is good - I'm starting with 13 inch squares so I still am seeing and stroking the fabric! Will show you as I go along. xx

[@catherinemortimer7956]

I’m a new viewer as of today. You are darling! Cannot wait to see your WIPS as they unfold. I’m tickled to meet you 🌸🤎

[@penelopeschinwag]

Welcome, it may help to watch my past episodes to understand what is going on in my life at the moment. They are under a playlist in order should you fancy spending more time with me. I'm tickled you're here, made my day.

[@ElsieGreaney]

Hi penny I wish I could do the things you do, you are so clever, and I love listening to you, how you come up with all your ideas is amazing I’ll never know. but keep doing it.x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Doesn't take too much - not with a washing machine head!!

[@GagaKnits]

I'm glad you've been able to get out and about and to host visitors too. You are going to be very busy with all your projects, but at least you've organised them. It was lovely to see Pete at the end of your video. He is very much part of your channel, as was your mum and look forward to the time when he's able to pop on for a chat. X

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Anita, I look forward to it too. Intend to work slowly through the projects, some bigger than others. At least all my 'stuff' is now organised and when this pile is done, nothing more in boxes - I think!

[@GagaKnits]

@@penelopeschinwag That's my plan too. To slowly work through a lot of my yarn and fabric. I'm not as organised as you, having projects ready to go. X

[@kater9115]

A lovely chinwag Pene and the trip down memory lane with your stitching and photos was wonderful! I remember my first perm which I loved until I washed it, then I cried and cried as I didn't know what to do with all my tight ringlets! I'm still clearing out my parents house after Mum died in 2022 and Dad in 2023. There's a Jersey pottery dish just like the one in your video with the wine bottle and their names. That's going to stay with me. x

[@penelopeschinwag]

I know the feeling with the perm. Looked great having it professionally done but what to do when you got home. I liked mine when it was half grown out and loose, could manage it then. Thank goodness when that wasn't fashion anymore! I felt emotional reading that you too have a Jersey pottery dish. Part of our lives that we can't let go of, and why should we! We can make room for those. Happy to share with you. xx

[@lindashields5939]

Such a wonderful episode again! You really do inspire me. I find that after watching one of your episodes I just have to sit quietly for a little while to let all the inspiration find their place in my mind. Thank you. Pete sure is looking good and well on his way to feeling himself again. That makes me very happy, indeed. Until the next time. Thank you! Salam wa sa’aadah

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thank you, I obviously give you washing machine head that needs to spin and settle! Thanks for caring so much. xx

[@patriciahackman3637]

What a lovely week you have had meeting with dear friends & loved ones. They are a tonic & lift your spirits. The quilts will be wonderful heirlooms for the family, they are very fortunate. Pete is getting his strength back which is so good to hear.

[@penelopeschinwag]

The visitors were definitely the tonic I needed and lifted my spirits. I've received the fabric for the quilts and can't wait to get going. Pete is improving every day which is wonderful. Take care. xx

[@ruth-c7u]

Thank you Pene for another lovely chat. Sorry to hear that you had felt a little flat i sometimes feel like that and think what's it all about ,and then i think of others and count my blessings. was lovely seeing your wall and the photo of Pete. I'm going to make one of those travel sewing cases today, have you seen them ? they are made from a jewellery box . I got mine from Amazon for £6.99 . There are lots of videos on KZbin. Have a lovely week and take care .Ruth xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thinking of others always helps doesn't it. And having friends and family visit was the icing on the cake. I have seen the travel cases - enjoy making yours. You can really personalise them. Enjoy your week too. xx

[@sandrachilds7229]

The constant wind affects my mood and my daughter's, so that may be why you are feeling flat. When I was taking care of my spouse during his illness I had moments of resentment. He liked to cook and the kitchen was always a mess, and I was exhausted. No sleep and the emotional and physical toll adds up. I know you know this but I just wanted to say I get it and expressing those feelings might help. Love seeing the embroidery absolutely beautiful.

[@penelopeschinwag]

How right you are and thanks for telling me you've experienced it too. Seems so wrong doesn't it when at one point all you are hoping for is have them home and then home seems invaded with walkers and disabled toilets and worry! Things easing off now and I think that makes it even worse as adrenalin must keep you going and when you relax, woomph, flat. Not moaning though - just the way of things. Visits from friends and family changed things which was brilliant. I do miss our walks too. Improving every day so all good. Thanks for understanding. xx

[@mousiemakespod]

What treat that was, Pene! You have kept me company this morning while I had breakfast followed by some quiet knitting time. It was very relaxing to listen to your chatting - and I loved seeing the wonderful pictures on your wall, too, as well as your weekly tags - such a lovely means of record keeping! Inspiration vs. influence - that was very interesting and I now love the word inspiration even more (thank you for sharing the definition!) - it’s like giving a gift without realising that you’re giving one! KZbin is such a marvellous place for encountering inspiration. It’s also worth being aware of whether we are being influenced is a way that may not be helpful to us. So thank you for raising this interesting little topic! Take care xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

I thought that too Helen, even the word inspiration made me take a deep satisfying breath. The word 'influencer' is used a lot for people nowadays and it didn't really sit well with me. That's lovely, giving a gift without realising that you're giving one! You gave that to me with Mouche - my PJ. !

[@lornaking1825]

What a joy to see uou today, lifted my spirits which was much needed,thank you. Your chat about the words and their differences was so true especially in this day and age. Lovely trip down your stairs to see the treasures you enjoy seeing. Have a lovely week xxx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Glad I lifted your spirits. Inspiring someone as Helen said is like a gift, without any strings attached - lovely as you say in this day and age.

[@mitzikolody4569]

Hi Penelope 👋 you create some lovely pieces the cross stitch pictures so beautiful you are so artistic you seem to be a natural keep making things take care both of you see you soon ❤x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much, I glad you enjoyed me sharing them with you. Enjoy your week. xx

[@helendeacon7637]

Inspiring Pene is who you are and dear Helen too💐 I think inspiration is more wonderful than influence. It is effortless, yes, while influence involves exertion as you said. I so enjoyed your wall tour and table tour and, as always, the chat😘 So good that Pete is looking better and, I know it can be frustrating, but even the mess in your kitchen probably indicates he's wanting to cook again... I hope I've remembered correctly that Pete is a chef. 🤔 The dear birds were hanging on for dear life🙂 Is the puppy a greyhound or whippet ?Thanks again. I look forward to every one of your cheerful and definitely inspirational/inspiring videos.❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Yes, Helen he is wanting to cook, which some would say is fab and it is but yes there is a but and I'm working on letting that go! Clearing up.! It feels like it did when he first retired. It's after having the house to myself for seven weeks and everything staying put. Of course I don't want that but ...I'm making myself laugh writing this. Just relax! The wind has passed through now and its chilly but brighter and calmer, thank goodness. The puppy is a whippet and very good tempered. He can't go out for 9 weeks until his jabs are done, so lively indoors! Take care. I love the word inspirational now - so generous in its outlook.

[@priscillamcgarry5200]

Hi Penny! You may be feeling a bit down in the dumps but you look terrific! So Springy. I so look forward to your visits. We’re in the process of moving to a Senior Living apt. We don’t want to but it’s time to. My husband had surgery two weeks ago and not able to be much help so I’m doing all the sorting, packing, unpacking, and settling. I have 2 wonderful daughters who help on weekends, we’re 84 & 86. I keep telling myself this will all get done and is how you eat an elephant ….one bite at a time. !😂. Thank you so much for the visit. I think tomorrow I shall wear pink!

[@penelopeschinwag]

Well to be truthful the flat day was only one day last Monday, friends and family visiting did the trick. Am thinking of you with moving and looking after your husband too, so emotional. Make sure you chew the elephant well and don't get indigestion! Go for it, pink it is!

[@kristinvoss9857]

Where did you find the information about inspiration and influence? So thought provoking!

[@penelopeschinwag]

Just googled it and up it came. As you say very thought provoking. I love the word inspire now. xx

[@sheilapercival2165]

Hi Penny, how are you keeping up? I too am making quilt as you go quilt tops. You mentioned your emotions have flat lined as I'm feeling the same. Can you video a talk about this topic, share your thoughts and give me some understanding why this is happening. Cheers from.canada

[@penelopeschinwag]

Sorry to hear you feel flat. Lovely you are sharing the quilt as you go tops too. Will mention in my next chat about feeling flat, it may help. xx