Hello friends, welcome to episode fifteen of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been knitting and sewing  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I share in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Branches and Buds Pullover by Carrie Bostick Hoge knit using Quince and Co. Chickadee in Audouin and Kittywake

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Cozy Autumn Socks by This Handmade Life knit using The Wool Barn Smooth Sock in Burnt Caramel

Rift by Jacqueline Cieslak knit using The Fibre Co.Luma in Sherry

WHAT I'VE BEEN SEWING

Adelia Dress (Top) Hack by The Hemming in floral viscose fabric from Minerva Crafts with buttons from John Lewis

Hudson Pant by True Bias in jersey fabric from Ray Stitch

SEWING PLANS

Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio

Hemlock Tee by Grainline Studio

Avery Leggings by Helens Closet

MENTIONS

Julia Smith Ceramics

Alex Collins X WMFC Sweater Sacks

How to Hand Wind a Ball of Yarn - Video Tutorial

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

Emma of Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. recently commissioned me to make a sweater size knitting project bag featuring the wreath design I created for her last year.

Find the Sweater Sacks in the Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. shop now.

Emma chose one of my repeat patterns for the front of the bag and I screen printed the WMFC design on the back of each knitting project bag. To create the motif I pieced together several of my hand drawn botanical elements and played around with the composition in Illustrator to create an autumnal wreath that would compliment Emma’s Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. branding beautifully.

The sweater size project bags are also perfect for blanket knitting as they will fit enough yarn inside to complete a large project. Each organic cotton bag is lined and has a drawstring closure.

They were sewn with love and shipped to Emma of Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. in Ireland with care. To get one of these limited edition Sweater Sacks you’ll find them in the Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. shop now.

Have you ever wondered how to wind a ball of yarn neatly by hand?

I often receive comments from people who notice my neatly wound little yarn cakes when I share my knitting on Instagram or YouTube. It’s something I enjoy at the start of the project as I find it helps me get to know the yarn before casting on.

In this three minute video tutorial I show you how to wind a centre pull ball from a skein of yarn, by hand, and without a ball winder.

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Hello friends, welcome to episode fourteen of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been knitting and sewing  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I share in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Adelia Dress (Top) Hack by The Hemming in floral viscose fabric from Minerva Crafts

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Pebble Beach Shawl by Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade knit using The Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. BFL/Masham 4ply

Feathering the Nest Socks by Danielle Jorge knit using The Wool Barn Twist Sock in Nougat

Feathering the Nest Socks by Danielle Jorge knit using The Wool Barn Smooth Sock in Burnt Caramel

Rift by Jacqueline Cieslak knit using The Fibre Co.Luma in Sherry

SEWING PLANS

Berlin Jacket by Tessuti using Boiled Wool from Active Fabrics

The navy Berlin Jacket I sewed can be viewed here.

Adelia Dress (Top) Hack by The Hemming in floral viscose fabric from Minerva Crafts

Nikko Top by True Bias using Jersey from Misan Textiles 52 Berwick Street

MENTIONS

Julia Smith Ceramics

Lucinda Sweater

Donna Sweater

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

In Episode 13, over on my knitting and sewing Youtube channel, I showed a simple, modern, baby quilt I had been making as a gift for a friends new baby.

As so many of you were interested in the quilt I thought I’d share a baby quilt how-to and walk you through the steps I followed to make mine.

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Quilt making supplies

Main Fabric 1.5 meters (59”) - Serendipity by Minky Kim for Riley Blake Fabrics

Backing Fabric 1.5 meters (59”) - Catnip by Gingiber for Moda

Binding Fabric 0.5 meters (19.5”) cut into 2.5” strips - Basic Spot New Cheeky Pink by Henley Studios for Makower

Batting - Quilters Dream Cotton Crib 152cm x 117cm (60” x 40”)

Cotton thread for quilting

Contrast thread for basting

Walking foot

Pins

Hand sewing needle

Quilting Ruler 24” x 6”

Rotary Cutter

Pencil

Click to Shop Notions Pouches & Needle Books

Skills you will use for quilting

Sew in a straight line 

Bind your quilt using the mitred corner method

Whip stitch 

Steps for making a simple quilt

1. Pre wash and iron all your fabrics.

2. Lay your backing fabric wrong side up making sure to smooth out any wrinkles

3. Place your batting on top of your backing fabric

4. Lay your main fabric right side up on top of your batting making sure to smooth out any wrinkles

5. Starting from the centre of your quilt, hand sew through all three layers using your contrasting thread. These stitches will hold the quilt together as you machine quilt the fabric. They’ll be taken out at the end so use long stitches and don’t worry about making them neat. 

6. Using a quilting ruler and something to mark your fabric that will wash out, draw a line along the selvedge. Using this first straight edge as a guide, use your quilting ruler to draw a straight line at the top and bottom of the quilt and then finally the opposide side of the quilt. This rectangle marks the edge of your quilt and will neaten the edges when you cut along these lines after quilting.

7. Starting in the bottom right corner and using your quilting ruler, mark an 8” line at a 45° angle between the two perpendicular lines. 

8. Using this line as a guide continue to mark out your quilting lines 4” apart until you reach the top left corner of your quilt. 

9. Now starting from the bottom left, mark your quilting lines every 4” until you reach the top right corner of your quilt. You should now have 4” squares neatly marked our all over your quilt.

10. Attach your walking foot and set the stitch length at 2.5-3.

11. Machine quilt over your markings starting with one of the lines that run through the centre of the quilt and work your way out.

12.  Cut along the outside edges of your quilt that we marked in step 6.

13. Join your 2.5” binding strips by putting them right sides together at a 90° angle. (It will look like an L shape) Sew together with a diagonal line using the 45°angle guide on your quilting ruler if you want to mark your stitch line. When you press your seam open you should have a straight length of binding. 

14. Continue joining your binding strips until you have enough to go all the way around your quilt plus 10” of extra length.

15. Press the length of your binding in half with wrong sides together.

16. Line up the raw edge of your binding with the raw edge of your quilt top and start sewing with a ¼” seam about 6” from the end of your binding. Don’t start too close to the corners.

17. When you get to the first corner stop sewing ¼” from the edge and back stitch.

18. To create a mitred corner flip the binding straight up at a 90° angle and use your finger to press the diagonal crease line you should see at a 45° angle. Carefully fold the strip back down so the raw edge is lined up with the next side of your quilt. About ¼” from the edge you should feel the diagonal line under the binding strip you just lined up with the raw edge. You want your needle to be as close to this fold without sewing into it. Sew with a ¼” seam allowance and repeat for each corner.

19. When you are about 10” from where you started sewing your binding you want to join your strips while you still have some slack. Use your finger to press in a crease where the strips will meet if you were to sew them down. Carefully line these crease lines, up right sides together, and stitch on the crease. Your binding should lay flat against the quilt now and you can trim the excess so there is just a ¼” seam. 

20. Sew the binding to the quilt with a ¼” seam allowance.

21. Press the binding up and away from the quilt, then fold the binding to the back side of the quilt and pin in place. 

22. Use an invisible whip stitch to sew the binding in place on the back side of the quilt being careful not to let your stitches show on the front of the quilt - just catch the backing fabric and binding in your stitches.

23. When you reach a corner fold it neatly and carry your invisible stitch up the corner and down the other side on the front of the quilt so you don’t have a little pocket on either side of the quilt. 

24. Admire your beautiful quilt...you’ve finished!

Don’t forget to tag @alexcollinsdesigns when you share your quilt project on Instagram. I love to see your fabric choices, progress and finished quilt!

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Notions Pouch & Needle Book Set

Sold as a set, you get 1 Notions Sack and 1 Needle Book - This bundle saves you 10% off the equivalent items bought at full price, hurrah!

Use this little drawstring bag and needle book to safely store your pins and needles and keep your sewing notions organised.

• 100% GOTs Certified Organic Cotton

• 100% Bioland Certified Organic Pure Wool Felt

Each piece has been screen printed using non-toxic solvent-free black ink and hand stamped with my logo.

They are lovingly made in the UK and shipped worldwide.

£36.00

Add To Cart

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Hello friends, welcome to episode thirteen of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been knitting and sewing  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I share in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Truss Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle for Brookly Tweed knit using The Fibre Co. Canopy Worsted in Lemur with TGB3825 buttons from Textile Garden

Ogden Cami by True Bias using Crepe fabric from Sew Over It

WHAT I'VE BEEN SEWING

Baby Quilt using Serendipity by Minky Kim for Riley Blake Fabrics, Catnip by Gingiber for Moda, Basic Spot New Cheeky Pink by Henley Studios for Makower from Fabric HQ and Quilters Dream Natural Request - Cot Size from Village Haberdashery

UPDATE: You can now find my Sew a Simple Baby Quilt How-To here on the blog.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Feathering the Nest Socks by Danielle Jorge knit using The Wool Barn Twist Sock in Nougat

Tegna by Caitlin Hunter knit using The Fibre Co. Canopy Fingering in Sarsparilla

WHAT I'VE BEEN CROCHETING

Wool And The Gang Million Reasons Bag Kit in Cinammon Dust

MENTIONS

Little Wren Pottery

Potter and Bloom

Clare Mountain-Manipon aka Sister Mountain

Suzy Quilts Binding Tutorial

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

Alex Collins wearing the Brooklyn Tweed Truss cardigan in The Fibre Co. Canopy Worsted

I really like the fit of the Truss cardigan by Melissa Wehrle for Brooklyn Tweed. I’m wearing mine with 6” of positive ease and turned back cuffs which makes it a really cosy cardigan for lounging.

I was pleased that I got gauge with The Fibre Co. Canopy worsted as the 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Rayon from Bamboo blend gives the cardigan a really luxurious feel.

It has a similar look to the Truss cardigan knitted by Clare Manipon-Mountain which inspired me to cast on the pattern. She used Berroco Ultra Alpaca which might be a good alternative to consider as the yarn I used has been discontinued.

Modifications

I followed the pattern as written except for the sleeves. I joined the shoulders and then picked up stitches around the armholes so I could knit them from the top down. I used the same stitch counts given in the sleeve instructions just in reverse doing SSK and K2tog decreases instead of increases

Truss Cardigan

Pattern: Truss by Melissa Wehrle for Brooklyn Tweed

Yarn: The Fibre Co. Canopy Worsted in Lemur (discontinued)

Needles: HiyaHiya Interchangables. A - 4.5mm, B - 4mm, C - 3.5mm

Buttons: TGB3825 buttons from Textile Garden

Project Bag: Alex Collins Sweater Sack

As seen on my knitting and sewing YouTube channel - Episode 13

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Hello friends, welcome to episode twelve of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been knitting and sewing  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I share in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Adelia Dress by The Hemming (Top Hack) using Floral Viscose from Minerva Crafts and buttons from John Lewis

WHAT I'VE BEEN SEWING

Bellbird Shorts by Common Stitch using John Kaldor Linen/Cotton Blend from Minerva Crafts

See my Bellbird Shorts and project notes here

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Pebble Beach Shawl by Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade knit using The Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. BFL/Masham 4ply

Truss Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle for Brookly Tweed knit using The Fibre Co. Canopy Worsted in Lemur

Vanilla Socks knit using Stranded Dyeworks Merino Nylon in Industrial Kingfisher

MENTIONS

Wool And The Gang Million Reasons Bag Kit

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

Common Stitch Bellbird Shorts and Grainline Studio Hemlock Tee

The relaxed fit Bellbird Shorts sewing pattern by Common Stitch features slash pockets and an elasticated waist making these a great beginner sewing project. I made mine using a Linen and Cotton blend John Kaldor fabric from Minerva Crafts which although I worried would be a little sheer is perfectly fine worn with nude underwear.

Bell Bird Shorts Modifications

I typically wear high waisted jeans in a 26”/28” so I started by cutting the size Small shorts pattern. I’m 5ft and the length is just what I wanted so I didn’t make any adjustments to the length. After tweaking my toile by removing 5/8” from the side seams and scooping out a 1/4” from the front crotch seam I actually ended up with an Xtra Small pattern so I’d recommend sizing down when you make your muslin or toile in this pattern. The XS shorts still have a loose and relaxed fit on me without being too baggy which I love.

Grainline Studio Hemlock Tee

The Hemlock Tee I’m wearing with my Bellbird shorts is a free t-shirt sewing pattern from Grainline Studios. I hemmed the armholes instead of adding the sleeves and made this version cropped by shortening the pattern by 9”. The fabric is a lightweight jersey fabric with lots of drape from Fabric HQ.

If you have any questions you’re welcome to email me at alex@alexcollinsdesigns.com

Hello friends, welcome to episode eleven of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been knitting and sewing  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I share in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Myosotis Dress by Deer and Doe using Linen Blend from Minerva Crafts and buttons from John Lewis. The fabric dye I used was Dylon All-In-1 Fabric Dye Pod in Plum Red

You can find my notes on the modifications I made to my Myosotis Dress here.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli knit using The Fibre Co. Luma in Blanca

Pebble Beach Shawl by Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade knit using The Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. BFL/Masham 4ply

Truss Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle for Brookly Tweed knit using The Fibre Co. Canopy Worsted in Lemur

Vanilla Socks knit using Stranded Dyeworks Merino Nylon in Industrial Kingfisher

MENTIONS

Barton Croft Speckled Cup

Woolly Mammoth Bag Collaboration

Stranded Dyeworks Youtube Channel

Ogden Cami

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x 

This Myosotis Dress by Deer and Doe is sewn using a Linen and Viscose blend dress fabric from Minerva Crafts. The 1” buttons were purchased at John Lewis and I dyed the fabric using Dylon All-In-1 Fabric Dye Pod in Plum Red.

I’ve adapted the Mysotis Dress by Deer & Doe by lengthening the skirt to midi length and adding patch pockets and buttons through the skirt.

Myosotis Dress Hack Modifications

• Shortened the sleeves

• Lengthened the skirt

• I didn’t cut the front skirt pattern on the fold I cut two separate front pieces

• I extended the facings so they reach from the collar to the bottom of the skirt and interfaced.

• When gathering the skirt pieces I started the gathers aprox 1” from the centre front so there are no gathers on the new button band.

• Cut two 8 3/4” by 7 1/4” rectangles for pockets. Fold and press the top over by 1/4’ and again by 1”. Top stitch 7/8” from the fold. I top stitched my pockets in place after sewing the dress together so I could check the placement - as a guide mine are 7” from the centre of the buttons and the bottom of the pocket is roughly where my fingertips reach.

• I placed 11 buttons and spaced them about 2 1/2” apart leaving 10” open at the bottom of the skirt. - I’m 5ft so you will want to add more buttons if you are much taller ;)

• I can get the dress on and off without undoing the buttons so I omitted button holes and sewed the buttons through all layers of fabric

If you have any questions you’re welcome to email me at alex@alexcollinsdesigns.com

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Hello friends, welcome to episode ten of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been knitting and sewing  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I share in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Myosotis Dress by Deer and Doe using Floral Viscos Challis from Minerva Crafts

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Treysta by Jennifer Steingass for Laine Magazine knit using Léttlopi Icelandic wool by Ístex in Celery Green Heather, Black Heather, Ash Heather and Bottle Green Heather from Meadow Yarn. Kehley inspired my colour choices with her version pictured here.

Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli knit using The Fibre Co. Luma in Blanca

WHAT I'VE BEEN SEWING

Myosotis Dress by Deer and Doe using Linen Blend from Minerva Crafts and buttons from John Lewis. The fabric dye I used was Dylon All-In-1 Fabric Dye Pod in Plum Red.

MENTIONS

Ruth Werwai’s Tegna

Truss Cardigan

Spring/Summer Moodboard

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

Alex Collins wearing Treysta by Jennifer Steingass for Laine Magazine

Knitting the colour work sweater pattern, Treysta by Jennifer Steingass for Laine Magazine, was my first time working with Léttlopi Icelandic wool by Ístex.

It’s an extremely cosy, robust, wool that feels like it will keep me warm and dry whatever the weather. I’m not extremely sensitive to woolly, rustic wools and don’t find the Ístex Léttlopi uncomfortable to knit or wear with a t-shirt underneath.

I knit the Treysta pattern using Ístex Léttlopi in Bottle Green Heather (MC), Ash Heather (CC1), Celery Green Heather (CC2) and Black Heather (CC3) from Meadow Yarn. My colour choices were inspired by the colour palette Kehley used here.

Treysta Sweater Pattern Modifications

As the Treysta is a slim fitting sweater I decided to knit the pattern without the waist or hip shaping. I just knit straight until the body measured 17.5” from the shoulder. I also decided not to do the colour work on the hem so I finished the body by knitting just 2.5” of 2x2 ribbing and Jenny’s Surprising Stretchy Bind Off.

I also omitted the colour work on the cuffs so all the focus was on the colour work yoke. After knitting the decreases and knitting 2 rounds even I went straight into the 2x2 ribbing. As with the hem, I used Jenny’s Surprising Stretchy Bind Off to finish.

Choosing the Right Knitting Needles

I initially started knitting Treysta using set of circular needles with a fairly sharp tip which was easily splitting the yarn and made the experience quite unpleasant. I felt like I was fighting with the yarn until I decided to switch to a set of Addi needles with less pointy tips. It was a game changer and the Ístex Léttlopi became much easier to work with. I would definitely recommend using needles with a slightly round tip that will not split the yarn so easily.

Treysta

Pattern: Treysta by Jennifer Steingass for Laine Magazine (3)

Yarn: Ístex Léttlopi

Needles: 4mm (US 6) Addi Circulars

Project Bag: Alex Collins Sweater Sack

As seen on my knitting and sewing YouTube channel - Episode 10, 9, and 2

Hello friends, welcome to episode nine of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been knitting and sewing  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I share in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Lark Tee by Grainline Stuido sewn using an Organic Interlock Stripe Knit fabric from The Village Haberdashery, London.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Treysta by Jennifer Steingass for Laine Magazine knit using Léttlopi Icelandic wool by Ístex in Celery Green Heather, Black Heather, Ash Heather and Bottle Green Heather from Meadow Yarn. Kehley inspired my colour choices with her version pictured here.

Truss Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle for Brooklyn Tweed knit using The Fibre Co. Canopy Worsted.

WHAT I'VE BEEN SEWING

Myosotis Dress by Deer and Doe using Floral Viscos Challis from Minerva Crafts

Indian Summer Quilt by Suzy Quilts using Bella Solids from Fabric HQ

MENTIONS

Clare of Sister Mountain

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

Hello friends, welcome to episode eight of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been working on  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I shared in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Dove Cottage by Emma Wright for The Fibre Co. knit in The Fibre Co. Lore in the Earthy colour way.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Marlon Hat by Sari Nordlund knit in The Yarn Collective Hudson Worsted in Amorino.

Truss Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle for Brooklyn Tweed knit using The Fibre Co. Canopy Worsted.

Milky Chai Sock by Daniel Jorge of Little Bobbins Knits knit using The Wool Barn Smooth Sock in the Flutter colourway.

WHAT I'VE BEEN SEWING

Ogden Cami by True Bias using Black Crepe fabric from Sew Over It, 319 Essex Road, London, N1 2BD.

MENTIONS

Sari Nordlund’s YouTube channel

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

This summer I’ll be returning to Hill View Farm for the 2019 Creativity Festival. It will be my third year attending the festival but this time I’ll be teaching too!

Natasha has invited me to teach my Block Printing workshop at the farm and I couldn’t be more excited to work with another group of makers to print their own drawstring project bag.

If you’d like to join me for a weekend of creativity & relaxation 2nd-4th August 2019 you can book tickets now.

The £250* ticket price includes:

Shared accommodation in a bell tent (including bedding & blankets)

Welcome Afternoon Tea (Fri)

Breakfast (Sat/Sun)

Lunch (Sat)

Dinner (Fri/Sat)

Tea, Coffee and Biscuits (mid morning & mid afternoon throughout the festival)

*This price does NOT include workshops which will be available to book at a later date. Workshops will run for 3 hours and will range in  price between £50 to £65 per workshop.

Confirmed tutors - (more to be announced in 2019!)

Amanda Banham                    

Anne Farmer

Julie Reilly                                

Kate Harvey                            

Lucy Rowan

Alex Collins

Aoibhe Ní

Nicky Winterton

Ready to join me? Book your tickets here.

Natasha who runs the festival on her family farm is an excellent host. I can assure you food will be abundant and delicious. The glamping experience is fun and really quite comfortable! Every year I have left the retreat feeling utterly relaxed. There really is nothing quite like spending a weekend in the sun or round the camp fire with nothing to do but make. Over the past couple of years I have tried my hand at Jewellery Making, Macrame, Needle Punching, Pottery & Indigo Dyeing.

Book before 31st Dec 2018 to save £50 and get the early bird ticket price!

Want a peak at what it’s like at the festival?

Watch my Creativity Festival 2018 video here

Watch my Creativity Festival 2017 video here

Hello friends, welcome to episode seven of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been working on  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I shared in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Branches and Buds Pullover by Carrie Bostick Hoge knit in Quince & Co. Chickadee in the Kittywake & Audouin colour ways.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Tree House Mitts by Melody Hoffman knit in De Rerum Natura Ulysses in the Genet colour way.

Cyril Socks by Daniel Jorge of Little Bobbins Knits knit using The Wool Barn Twist Sock.

Dunaway Scarf by Julie Hoover for Brooklyn Tweed knit using The Fibre Co. Cumbria Fingering in Appleby Castle

WHAT I'VE BEEN SEWING

Lark Tee/Nikko Top hack. Grey Ribbed Fabric from Minerva Crafts & Dark Green Knit Fabric from Misan Textiles - 52 Berwick St. London

MENTIONS

Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. x Alex Collins Sock Sacks

Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. Natural Sock Colour OOAK #8

My A/W 18/9 Capsule Wardrobe Moodpboard (see below) - The images are all from my Style & Beauty board over on Pinterest. Find me pinning there as @acollinsdesigns

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

New stock will be added Sunday 2nd Dec 2018 8pm GMT

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

Several months ago Emma of Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. approached me about collaborating on a project bag for her one year anniversary update and today is the day they go on sale!

Find the Sock Sacks in the Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. shop now.

As this was a a little side project we worked on together they have been several months in the making so it’s wonderful to know they will now be finding their way to knitters all over the world.

I had an idea to illustrate an autumnal wreath that I thought would compliment Emma’s branding so I pieced together several botanical elements I’d drawn and played around with the composition in Illustrator. I sent three or four variations to Emma and this was the design we decided to go ahead and print.

To celebrate one year of Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. Emma is releasing a brand new naturally dyed, nylon free, non-superwash sock yarn which has been sourced and spun in the UK so it seemed fitting to add the design to my Alex Collins Sock Sacks. Perfect for sock knitting on the go these travel size project bags are printed with my custom Woolly Mammoth design using non toxic ink and will comfortably fit a caked up skein of fingering weight yarn, your sock project and a folded paper pattern.

The sock sacks which are lined and have a drawstring closure were sewn with love and shipped to Emma of Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. in Ireland with care. To get one of these limited edition sock sacks you’ll find them in the Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. shop now.

Hello friends, welcome to episode six of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been working on  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I shared in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Sibella Cardigan by Carrie Bostick Hoge knit in Quince & Co. Finch in the Storm colour way.

Ogden Cami by True Bias using Leah Duncan fabric from M is for Make.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Tree House Mitts by Melody Hoffman knit in De Rerum Natura Ulysses in the Genet colour way.

Cyril Socks by Daniel Jorge of Little Bobbins Knits knit using The Wool Barn Twist Sock.

Lil Shepherd by Julie Partie knit using Erika Knight Chunky in the Ecru colour way.

WHAT I'VE BEEN MAKING

Miss Dandelion Doe by Alica Paulson using wool felt from The Wool Felt Company. Dress made using Moda Fabrics and shawl knitted using The Fibre Co. Canopy Fingering.

Candle using supplies from Candle Shack

MENTIONS

Milky Chai Socks by Danielle Jorge of Little Bobbin Knits

Brindle and Twig baby sewing patterns

Liv Cardigan by Carrie Bostick Hoge

The Fibre Co. Lore

Deep Moss Pot by Kari-Helene Rane - Yoke Sweater

Dove Cottage by Emma Wright - Funnel Neck Sweater

Thread Snips

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

New stock will be added Saturday 20th 2018 8pm BST

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x

Hello friends, welcome to episode five of my knitting and sewing podcast! Join me as I chat about the projects I've been working on  this month. If you're interested to learn more about any of the pieces I shared in this episode you can find all the details below.

If you'd like to get the show notes straight to your inbox each time I post a new video to my YouTube channel you can join my show notes mailing list.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Gwyneth Cardigan by Cecily Glowick Macdonald knit in Quince & Co. Finch in the Slate colour way.

Short sleeve scoop neck Lark Tee by Grainline Studio using the fabric I bought at Ray Stitch.

WHAT I'VE BEEN KNITTING

Pebble Beach Shawl by Curious Handmade knit in Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. BFL/Masham Blend

3x1 Rib Socks knit using Gregoria Fibres

Cyril Socks by Daniel Jorge of Little Bobbins Knits knit using The Wool Barn Twist Sock

WHAT I'VE BEEN MAKING

Macrame Wall Hanging with Samantha Birch of Pretty Little Knots Co.

Needle Punch Mat with Lucy of Peas and Needles

Bracelet with Kate of Grace and Flora

MENTIONS

Hillview Farm Creativity Festival

On the Make Podcast - An interview with me (Ep.4)

Block Printing Workshop with me - 15th Sept 2018

Fibre East

Gem of The Little Grey Girl

Emma of Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co.

SHOP UPDATE

As you saw me mention in this podcast episode I sell project bags and knitting accessories for makers. See what's available in the shop today or email me to request a custom order.

New stock will be added Sunday 26th August 2018 8pm BST

Thanks again for watching. Until next time, Alex x