Episode 109 - A chat about a finished sweater, a beetle, my childhood and knitted animals.

Hello, my name is Pene, short for Penelope. I live in the South East corner of England, by the English Channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. I am retired now but was a counsellor for the NHS for about twenty years and loved my job. This week's Chinwag is about my crafting, I finished the Jay sweater, about a beetle, I read some more of 'my story' and take you on an evening walk. Thanks for joining me and I hope you enjoy this episode.
#crafting #knitting #lifestory #nature
00:00 Hello
01:40 Crafting table:to do and done
15:45 Diabolical Ironclad Beetle
21:00 "My Story"
31:30 An evening walk after a busy day
‪@mousiemakespod‬

[@deniseengel1451]

Thanks Pene. I loved your story and the embroidery that went with it.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Denise, more of my story next time. xx

[@nadinestapler3881]

Your podcast was just beautiful. The things you make are amazing and beautiful.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much Nadine, so pleased to share with you xx

[@jackierevill5768]

Hello Penelope, just lovely watching you, so calm, and I have some new ideas for crafting from you. I was blessed with a wonderful mum too, and although 10 years now I miss her every day. My mum was a wonderful knitter, but I sadly cannot knit, so when I see your lovely jumpers I am a little envious, I can crochet but it’s never the same in jumpers. Thank you again for a lovely channel.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Hello Jackie, I'm pleased you have some new ideas. You're right every day is a day to miss our mums. I agree crochet is never the same in jumpers, having a needle full of stitches is still scaring my daughter who can crochet but wants to knit a jumper too. Take care.

[@carolynlambert6989]

Oh Pene, another lovely, gentle, fun episode 🌷💖🌷

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks for joining me Carolyn. xx

[@MandyJudge]

I loved hearing your story, it's funny and emotional the things remember from our childhood. Take care; love to you and Pete xx. Mandy

[@penelopeschinwag]

Hi Mandy, it's amazing what sticks in our memories I agree. When as a counsellor I talked about childhood memories with clients some had vivid ones and some couldn't recall very much at all. They wanted so much to be able to remember and it is helpful to recall the funny and emotional parts of our young lives, it rounds us out I think. Thanks for the love, I will pass it on. xx

[@mitzikolody4569]

Hi Penelope an Pete enjoyed your podcast love to see all the different crafts you make I love the Jay jumper an looks very nice on you Your stories of your childhood so heartwarming ❤️ both keep well an look forward to your next podcast ❤x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks, take care. xx

[@carolschobs2621]

Good evening, great introduction with all of your knitted ‘people’ sitting around looking happy. Your completed Jay sweater is beautiful and I really like the colour way too, looks fabulous on you. Looking forward already to see you sewing more quilting projects, your videos are packed with wonderful exciting and new things to make or what you have made.. very interesting and that’s why I keep coming back 😊 the film of the the fox cubs made me smile their so cute playing in your garden. Best wishes to Pete take care of yourself 😊

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Carol, The cubs were sweet. I shall be doing the video for the quilts this week hopefully. So pleased you're still here watching. xx

[@christineroper2592]

Dear Penny I just love your videos, part of your life story this week had me in tears when we said goodbye, keep well take care and love to Pete. xXx

[@penelopeschinwag]

I was emotional too! Take care. xx

[@sandrachilds7229]

As a distant viewer and friend of your channel, I so miss the chats with your MUM. I learned so much about growing up in England and the hardships that came with war and loss. Your jumper is beautiful and the fox cubs at the end...well made a sad day for me a joyful one.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Oh I miss those chats too Sandra and am so pleased I was able to have them. I have watched episode 34 recently just to remember when mum was coming up for 96 and having a laugh with Heather and myself. A joy. I'm feel so privileged to have helped a sad day be a bit happier for you. xx

[@pamelahall282]

Hello penny, another lovely video to see and hear,thank you, I loved the pink and grey jumper,also the little foxes,I laughed out loud,when you couldn’t think of the word for earthquakes, happens to me all the time. Keep on doing what you do, and best wishes to Pete, pamela hall

[@penelopeschinwag]

Words, they hide from us don't they! The foxes are cute and never used to play when the chickens were here. I think they were scared of the electric fence. See you soon. xx

[@glendabathgate4036]

Just lovely dear Penny xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Glenda, sleep well.

[@karenk380]

I enjoy joining you at your craft table and seeing what you plan to do, and what gets done. Always fun to see the animal menagerie. And wow, you have picked a challenge for the mouse along! I look for to seeing it progress. Your jumper is pretty and fits you nicely. It was interesting how diabolical went down a rabbit hole about a beetle. We can learn so much from nature, that is for sure! I really enjoy your stories. We all have such unique memories and we are blessed to have you sharing yours on this channel. Take care. Happy crafting.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Oh, you're right about the challenge for the mouse along! I've said it now! We'll see. The jumper is lovely and I've worn it all day today as it's been misty with sea fog and I just needed that extra something. It is very light to wear. I truly am amazed that people want to hear my story but am settling into it now. I think it brings up memories of their own and that's good. Enjoy your crafting too. xx

[@meadowsweetfarmfiberartsdesign]

So lovely Interesting to know your parents were so progressive! Love the foxes frolicking Thanks for sharing ❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Those cubs are gorgeous aren't they. xx

[@LillyandTheBee]

Hi Pene, I absolutely loved hearing 'your story' so interesting. Your embroidery roll is gorgeous. I would love to make my own. Your garden is lovely🌷🌸🌼🦊A lovely episode, so relaxing to watch! ❤ xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much, I'm enjoying making my embroidery roll. Takes some thought. I love May and June and all the roses are out as well. Take care. xx

[@barbararadzeviciusbondi4150]

Love hearing your story Pene ❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Barbara, xx

[@linbourne8731]

Thanks Pene for another cheerful chat. The cerise on your jumper is such a lovely colour. I too was a great fan of the Brambly Hedge illustrations, they were so detailed and I have a card of the mice looking out of the window which I could never bear to give away. The diabolical beetle is proof that beauty is only skin deep as its practical but nothing to look at! Your mum sounds like she was a lovely lady and as you say we do take them for granted but don't realise until they are no longer around. I hope Pete feels better for a few days rest. See you next time 😊

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Lin, I watched the end of episode 34 after you wrote this comment. Mum was nearly 96 when she made the film and we had such a laugh together. Happy times. He is a great little guy that beetle, talk about tough skinned! I'm looking forward to the Brambly Hedge, hoping without the kit will be possible! See you soon. xx

[@linbourne8731]

@@penelopeschinwag I have only been following your vlogs for a short while since discovering you via recommendations from Helen of Mousiemakes so haven't watched all of your past episodes, sounds like I ought to take a look at episode 34 x

[@jenniferwatson6094]

Wow Pene I thought we had some weird insects in Australia but that beetle and caterpillar were very scary. I admire the way you simplify your family memories into a fabric or textile story. Good memories are worth recording. Great footage of those little foxes, they obviously think your garden is just perfect also.😊

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Jennifer, I agree that beetle is diabolical! There were loads of caterpillars along the sea front. They have eaten all the leaves from the bushes and now disappeared. Where to I have no idea. Cute cubs, Only seen them the once, they may be back. xx

[@lindaeccles1161]

Good to see you Pene. Love the Jay sweater, it's fits you great and the colours are spot on. Love hearing your story, and seeing the embroderies, such a great idea. My Tilley's eyes lit up when she saw all those friends on your craft table. Mmm, might have to do something about that. Lovely film at the end, especially the foxes, which I have a soft spot for as this was my maiden name. Best wishes to Pete.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Mmh, who would Tilley like as a friend? xx

[@lindaeccles1161]

I think Tilley has a soft spot for Holly, I think she certainly likes her dress too.

[@jacquelineknox1977]

Thank you Penelope for another interesting chinwag. Your parents were very progressive and so very interesting. I love hearing of your memories growing up. Then watching the fox cubs playing hide and seek was so much fun. How lovely to be able to watch them. Take care xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

It was fun watching the fox cubs, it was nearly dark when they went. Mum did say that they were vegetarians because you got more rations of cheese and eggs if you didn't have meat and my dad always had tons of cheese and eggs all his life. As soon as rationing stopped they went back to meat!

[@cocoandflora6542]

Your story and embroidery were very moving ❤. I love your finished jumper..what a lovely pink yarn xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Hi Eva, as I embroidered the square and realised that it was the dress, hand made by mum and the bow that meant so much. I really connected and agree it was moving. I'm so pleased with the Jay sweater and also the wool which I didn't think I liked, so, good all round as some stash has been used. xx

[@cocoandflora6542]

@@penelopeschinwag I love how fibres and threads connect us…especially women - who so often work with them xx

[@joyofthings]

I love your pendant.Great to hear your story from childhood.I can remember polishing with my mum the better wear man would call and give mum a sample tin of lavender polish that I used to clean the big table legs.xxx🐝🐝

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks, it was mums. Oh yes, we had the Betterware man call and mum always bought from him. Lovely memory, thanks. xx

[@marciastreeter5092]

I got my notification! 🤩 Saving this for my bedtime knitting, of course.💕

[@penelopeschinwag]

Great, did you see the quilting episode 108?

[@marciastreeter5092]

@@penelopeschinwag Yes! I would never miss an episode, but I obviously forgot to comment. I didn't save that until evening, instead watching while working on a quilt, and probably was called to dinner by Alan and forgot. It was very well done. I especially liked your mention of trusting your own eye when arranging the blocks.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Aw, so long as you saw it Marcia, I missed your voice! KZbin has unsubscribed me to a few people, or something has, so long as you have the notification all's well.

[@marciastreeter5092]

This vlog seemed especially emotional. I resonate so much with almost everything you say and just know we would be great friends who never run out of things to talk about, if I lived in your area. Then I smile, because I am sure most of your viewers feel the same. It was fun seeing the animals again. Once I feel I have accomplished good socks I may have to try one. The foxes were adorable and your gardens are gorgeous. I'm sure you don't want to read long messages, but I have to share the song I remember from my kindergarten class (age 5) It's not nearly as sweet as yours. "Stay away from the railroad tracks, it isn't the place to play, cuz trains go fast, when they go past, and you might be in the way. Toot, toot." 😧

[@penelopeschinwag]

I love reading long messages Marcia and yes we would have a great chinwag if you were here. My friend asked to see the animals again so they had to make an appearance! I love your song as much as mine, part of history now I think. I shall be singing it all day. xx

[@grace333ish]

Wow, your photography is amazing. Another of your talents! Looking forward to making my first quilt ( I’m 70 and never made one) x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Lovely Grace, a first quilt is always exciting.

[@kristinvoss9857]

What a wonderful chinwag! I can never remember all the parts but I do make notes. I am interested in words as you are and I believe diabolical is a very strong word. There are so many things happening in the USA and other parts of the world that do seem to be guided by the devil. But that was just a bit of your vlog and so much of it is just so cheery. I admit I am a bit surprised that your folks wanted to be naturists. Of course, we here in the USA are really a lot of prudes. Your new jumper is lovely. I am amazed at the speed at which you make things. As always I love seeing your garden and the views. You really do cram so many things into a short time. Your little embroidery to go with the story is sweet. What a unique idea to simply put in the things that remind you of your darling mom. The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle is fascinating! Looking forward to Pete's next tune and more about your quilting. All the best to you and yours.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Hi Kristin, I agree, a world that seems to fit with the devil's designs. Yup my dad was very much a nature boy. Once we had moved to Tottenham I don't remember going places anymore but at home dad loved nothing more than to potter in the all together. He was very mindful of me though and I don't remember being shocked by anything! We whistled when we came in so he would know we were about! I did embroider the face on my 5" square but it detracted somehow and then I realised it was all about the bow and dress so I unpicked it! All the best to you too Kristin.

[@leslieannportlock257]

Thank you Penny that was a lovely podcast. You don't half make my day, and listening to your story is amazing. Make me feel young again. Thank you dear and take care xx❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Leslie, thinking back to our young days is good I think. So pleased to make your day. xx

[@emmawalker6355]

Hi I do enjoy listening to you and Pete chatting, always cheers me up has I’m a carer for my elderly parents always gets me down worrying about them, that’s way I love nice relaxing podcast like yours. I love your pumpkin bag to I would love to have one made by you hope you don’t mind me asking, I would pay you for it x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much. I bought the bag from Stitched with Mrs. D.

[@emmawalker6355]

@@penelopeschinwag your very welcome x

[@angelaholcroft4515]

Hi Pene. Hope you're both ok. I saw your video pop up yesterday and knew it would be today before I could watch. We've been at the Buxton Wool gathering over the weekend. Today is a day of rest recuperation. I find being away from home difficult. The Bramley hedge stories and illustrations are gorgeous. I got a kit from Lucy Locket over the weekend for Martha the Mouse keeper. It's a little cotton rabbit design. Looking forward to joining Helens mal. Your story is special and a lovely way to remember your mum. Something for your daughters and grandchild to treasure. I am going back to watch the quilting video. Started to watch but didn't get to the end. Have a lovely week. Take care. X

[@penelopeschinwag]

The Buxton Wool gathering looked really lovely, a beautiful place to be but as you say it takes it out of you! Martha the mousekeeper sounds great, I will have a look. Thanks for watching!! Take care and enjoy your rest. xx ps Do you go to Ally Pally?

[@angelaholcroft4515]

@@penelopeschinwag The pavilion at Buxton is a lovely venue. There's a lot of glass windows . Lovely and bright but very hot. He's got into the September unravel at Farnham Malting. Sadly not Ali Palli.

[@penelopeschinwag]

aw, was hoping to meet you as I'm planning on going.

[@helenogorman9467]

So lovely. Wow the little fox cubs. How do you get such gt all rest videos. Well done. Thank you.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Helen, so pleased you could join me this week. The fox cubs are so cute. One seemed to hang back a bit more than the others. I hope he makes it when he grows up!

[@susanleach8639]

Hi Pene, the footage of the fox cubs was lovely. They are very cute and fun to watch, but I wasn’t quite so keen on foxes a few years ago when I lost all of my chickens to them. Your jumper has turned out very well, and really suits you. Do you find the Rowan Felted Tweed comfortable to wear? I have had some in my stash for quite a while to knit a colourwork project, but I am frightened that it will be scratchy. I am looking forward to the Brambly Hedge embroidery if you are able to find the time, and I am thinking of joining Helen’s “mouse along” time permitting. x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Hi Susan, Oh yes, foxes. I too lost some chickens to the fox and it is so upsetting. The electric fence worked well for a number of years after that. Now there are no chickens I think the cubs are coming in as they probably were scared of the fence. I'm wearing the Rowan Tweed today as it's chilly here due to a sea mist and it's not scratchy. I think it will wash to be even better. It is warm and light. True it's scratchier than cashmere but to me it's not uncomfortable. We'll see with the embroidery - time!

[@mousiemakespod]

That was such a lovely end to my day, Pene - thank you! What an incredible beetle! I loved the goings-on with all the knitted friends on your craft table. Your jumper has turned out beautifully. Thank you for mentioning my mousealong makealong and I’m really hoping that you will find time to fit in a Brambly Hedge embroidery - I just love the illustration that you’ve chosen! But there’s no pressure - as you said, if it happens, it happens - crafting is not enjoyable if we feel under too much pressure! Oh, and what marvellous fox cub activity you captured! Thank you for all that you shared. x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Helen, I'm looking forward to doing the embroidery but must make the film for the quilting first! The fox cubs were so gorgeous. Enjoy your trip away. xx

[@bertieandpoppet-8837]

It’s always a joy to spend time with you Pene, and those sweet little cubs at the end were the icing on the cake. 😊 Gill

[@penelopeschinwag]

Weren't they gorgeous