Well I don't know about you but I've never been one much for journaling, reviewing, resolutions, reflecting. Part of this has been because I don't know WHAT to write about, part of it is due to believing that my handwriting was destroyed due to rapid note taking (I'm looking at you, university). Feeling the feels doesn't come naturally to me, and heavens forbid that I should share or express those emotions. However something is, not compelling me, but insisting that I review this past year before moving into a new one.
This time last year I wrote briefly that I've felt a change in the air for some time. Many of the events leading to these feelings were personal and tumultuous and really didn't feel like the sort of things that I could share in my business, but seeing as it has affected my dyeing and also my willingness to show up both in business and personal life, maybe I should have. I tried to work around the edges, but somehow it always felt like excuses to just stay put, to not change anything, to stay with what was safe and familiar and known.
No more! Changes need to be made and I'm the only one who can do this. Nothing changes if nothing changes. So without further ado, here is my first attempt at pushing at the boundaries of comfort, at qualifying the unknown, at working out what needs changing and how. This is my 2023 in Review.
Highlights
Lowlights
I'd like to reflect on and expand my last point a little more: the breaking of my collarbone. The dominant side, of course. On the upside, this happened after all my markets were done for the year, and the day after I'd finished my AEC work. On the downside, it has upended all of my end of year plans and completely destroyed any opportunities for work or income in the short term. It meant that I got to spend seven weeks having my Dad live with me, as he helped out as best he could around my house and chauffeured me to and from appointments and supermarket shopping. It has given me determination to work hard to heal, to overcome many fears (and some still to come), to welcome my scar into my life (her name is Scarlett, of course!). I believe that things happen for a reason, and I believe that my injury was meant for me to pause, to appreciate what I do have, and work out what I need and what no longer serves me. This is a work in progress, and I'm curious to see what next year's review might bring. My poor Urchin in the photo above reflects my 2023 pretty well: it started off gloriously; had to be frogged and re-knit amid doubt of whether I'd done the right thing; then just as I thought I was back on track a dropped stitch caused me to pause yet again.
2024, a new year. A chance to make changes, to experiment with what I know so far, to grow and change, both personally and in the business. I think that making resolutions is incorrect: the root word is resolve, suggesting that there is a problem that needs solving. I like to concentrate on some synonyms of resolved: decisive, determined, confident; these feel more aligned with where I am headed now. To this end, I have decided to participate in a Word of the Year challenge. My first step in a new direction 😊
What about you? Do you review the year just gone, and do you use this to make plans moving ahead? Do you have any resolutions, anything that you want to change or investigate or explore? What this year has given you pause, challenged you to rethink what you know, or shown you opportunities that you hadn't considered before?
]]>With only a week to go until the start of Ambah O'Brien's Supernova MKAL I thought it would be fun to listen to space-related music whilst knitting. If you've been following me for a while you know that I love a good playlist, and Spotify makes putting one together and sharing it a breeze. Here I have selected music related to supernovas, space, stars and other celestial bodies 🎵🤩💖
Without further ado, I present the Supernova MKAL playlist - over 5 hours of supernova spacey fun! 👏🚀🥰
]]>During 2022 I put together this playlist, and I thought you might like to hear it too. It is a collection of songs that tries to express my feelings about the changes to come, the meaning and feelings of change in general, and a little about where I am heading in my life and business.
I hope that you enjoy this playlist too!
]]>
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
The Girls Just Wanna' Have Fun - fuchsia with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
I think that this colour, name, song and video clip epitomizes what I was trying to achieve with this year's Holiday Yarn Kit. As our final song for the 2021 "Scream You T!ts Off" collection, I give you Cyndi Lauper's 1983 version of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" 🎊
Alternative Song of the Day
And just for the record, here's the original 1979 version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Robert Hazard - a very different feel.
Colour Progression
Here is the entire collection for your viewing pleasure - I hope that you love this kit. Let me know in the comments below which one is your favourite colour, or what you'd love to see Sweater Quantities of.
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Not Your Cornish Pasties - magenta with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Another one for the Sweater Quantity club!
Song of the Day
There are no songs involving Cornish Pasties. None! So I went looking for anything to do with fast food, and ended up with this 1995 pop hit. The Whitlams score a second run in our playlist with "I Make Hamburgers".
Alternative Song of the Day
OK, some of you know the parody of the AC/DC song about sausage rolls, so here's an acoustic version to satisfy your hunger! 😋
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Eccentrica Gallumbits - crimson with undertones of pink, purple, and orange
One for all the Douglas Adams fans!
Song of the Day
What better song to represent Eccentrica Gallumbits in all her glory than New Wave band Duran Duran's 1997 single "Electric Barbarella"
Warning: this video is not really suitable for kiddies - contains scantily clad women and sexual innuendo.
Trivia fact: Duran Duran were named after the scientist Dr. Durand Durand from the 1968 movie "Barbarella"
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Norks From Ork - orange red with undertones of pink, purple, and orange
Song of the Day
Ok, so I really wanted to include something from the late 70s sitcom Mork & Mindy (remember them?), but I couldn't find anything that fits our bright and fun theme for the playlist. On expanding my search I remembered this song from indie/folk rock singer Newton Faulkner - "UFO"
(Oh, and watch out for the *insert anatomical part* probe in this song 🙉)
Alternative Song of the Day
Here I can include something from Mork & Mindy. The Barron Knights put together this humorous mix of sound clips and pop rock beat - I hope it makes you smile! 😄
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Queen Rubberteaty - orange with undertones of pink, purple, and orange
Song of the Day
This song was a no-brainer - "Walk Like An Egyptian" by The Bangles. All girl band, pop rock, mid-80s... what's not to love?!
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Nice Melons - golden orange with undertones of pink, purple, and orange
Song of the Day
Today's song was a little tricky until I thought outside the square. No songs about melons needed when you have alternative rock - here's Blind Melon's "No Rain"
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Boobytrap - yellow with undertones of pink, purple, and orange
Song of the Day
Today we have some punk rock from 1989: presenting The Dickies with "Boobytrap". A fun song about a vampire named Estelle and her wiles - this is one of my favourite earworms from this playlist. Oh Snap! 🧛♀️
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
High Beaming - light yellow with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
We're travelling back to 1976 (almost as old as I am 😅) for today's song - "Blinded By The Light" as covered by Manfred Mann. Originally this song was written and performed by Bruce Springsteen.
Alternative Song of the Day
Here's the original performed by Bruce Springsteen. Quite a different feel.
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Bustin' Out - light green with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
Rapping our way back to 2010, here's "Bust A Move" by Yound MC. Apparently "to bust a move" is slang for departing, or dancing. So let's move to the groove as you enjoy today's song! 🕺💖
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Bosom Buddies - green with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
A fun version of the song "Bosom Buddies" by Tituss Burgess & Randy Rainbow, complete with a little good natured tit-for-tat.
(Did you see that? A triple breasted pun! 🤣)
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Juggernauts - teal with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Another one that I want a whole sweater quantity of! 🤩
Song of the Day
Whilst not the original version, I always think of this remastered version of "Gigantic" by Pixies. This the first single released in 1988, from their first album Surfer Rosa, and one of my earworm favourites!
(Sorry about the booby shot 😅)
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Lovely Jubblies - blue-green with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
This choice was super easy - one happy song about Lovely Jubbly! 😄
A song designed for kids about God's creations, I defy you to NOT tap your toes whilst listening to this; I've even found another puppet version to entertain you visually.
PS: what sound does a snail make?
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Lake Tittycaca - blue with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
The halfway point, and this was hands-down THE hardest colourway to match to a song. Searches only led to old recordings of panpipes or dodgy music with somewhat suspect lyrics 😅
Once again, Dear Husband to the rescue! 😘
Towards the end of the movie "From Dusk Till Dawn", the characters end up at a biker and trucker bar called the Titty Twister. Just before the climax of the movie we see Salma Heyak as Santanico Pandemonium, a dancer writhing to the music "After Dark" by Tito & Tarantula. With this choice we get two tits for the price of one! 😆
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Breast Friends Forever - navy blue with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
An oldie but such a goodie: "You're My Best Friend" by Queen. Say no more 😊
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Thanks For The Mammeries - violet-blue with undertones of pink, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
Slowing the pace a little but keeping the beat light, "Memories" by Maroon 5 is perhaps the anthem for the last couple of years. For me, this song and it's lyrics has profound meaning, and helps me process the roller coaster of life I've been on since November 2019. I hope that you enjoy the lighter and deeper meanings within this song.
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Purple Nurple - deep purple with undertones of pink, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
When it comes to a purple song that is full of fun, there is only one that comes to mind: "Start Wearing Purple" by Gogol Bordello. The original and official punk rock video can be found here, but I decided to share this version instead: exact same music, starring The Count from Sesame Street. What's not to love! 🧛♂️💖
Alternative Song of the Day - sort of
As an added bonus, I present not a song or video, but a poem, entitiled "Warning" by Jenny Joseph. You had better watch out, as I will by an old woman that wears purple; what about you? 💜😁
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Hooternanny - purple with undertones of pink, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
Nice and easy, this one - "Hootenanny" by the Glencoves. Have yo'self a good ol' toe-tapping, boot-strapping time now, y'hear?! 😁
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Lift & Separate - dusky purple with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
Time to slow things down a little. I find this song a softly joyous one, and it always reminds me of the movie "The Dish". I hope that you find "Wings Of An Eagle" by Russell Morris uplifting 🦅💖
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Udder Nonsense - pale mauve with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
There are lots of songs that have lyrics that just don't make any sense, but many of the tunes are not as catchy as this one. I present you with "The Ketchup Song" by Las Ketchup. The beauty of this earworm with the basic dance moves is that the words are basically nonsense in both English AND Spanish!
Alternative Song of the Day
There are many other songs of a similar era, but I choose "Who Put The Bomp?" by Barry Mann as my alternative Song of the Day. I hope that you enjoy this one, from the bottom of my boogity boogity boogity shoo 💖😄
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Much Ado About Knockers - variegated pink, purple, orange, yellow and white
This is the colourway that started it all in July 2018.
Song of the Day
This was one of the tough ones to match up with an appropriate song - most songs from Shakespearean plays aren't quite bright enough for this playlist. However, my husband and our love of musicals to the rescue!
Here is the actual clip from the movie "Kiss Me Kate!" from 1953, exhorting us all to "Brush Up Your Shakespeare".
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Sweater Puppies - pale grey with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
I want a sweater quantity of this colourway, because Sweater AND Puppies! 🐶
Song of the Day
Apparently there are at least 15 songs that have something to do with sweaters. This song "Red Sweater!" by new wave/rock/punk/ska/synth pop group The Aquabats fits our cheerful playlist with tons of fun to spare! 🐱🏍🎸🎵
Alternative Song of the Day (Not)
This one is not an alternative song for Day 5, just another bit of fun from The Aquabats. It might even sound a bit familiar to anyone who has watched the National Lampoon Vacation series of movies
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Lovely Pair Of Coconuts - light grey with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
I could have chosen the more obvious song (see below), but I decided to go with the calypso fun of Harry Belafonte's "Coconut Woman". Enjoy, with a coconut rum cocktail in hand 🍹
Alternative Song of the Day
For your entertainment, here's a whole bunch of coconuts: big ones, small ones, some as big as your head... 🥥🥥😄
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Over The Shoulder Boulder Holder - medium grey with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
There is only one song that fits today's colourway - "Otto Titsling", performed by The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler from the movie "Beaches".
Boo to that French patent thief: I wanna titsling! 😂
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
Colourway name
Filthy Pillows - charcoal grey with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
Every time I thought about the name Filthy Pillows, I thought of one of my favourite sleepy Sunday type songs - "Breathing You In" by The Whitlams. The only reference that ties this song to today's colourway is a line that goes "And I'm an inside-outted pillow".
A mellow, laid-back kind of song that sticks in your head, and reminds you of the important little things in life like relaxing with your loved ones and taking life easy 😊
Colour Progression
You have been warned!
]]>If you don't wish to know about today's colourway from the 2021 Scream Your T!ts Off Holiday Yarn Kit, then look away now.
You have been warned!
Colourway name
Big Bazookas - black with undertones of pink, purple, orange and yellow
Song of the Day
This is not the song I originally wanted to open my Playlist with (see below) but Spotify didn't have what I was looking for. No other acceptable songs featured Bazookas so I have to expand my range of reference. As soon as I struck George Ezra's "Shotgun" I knew that I was onto a winner - a bright catchy tune, fun lyrics, and approachable to all ages. I now think this song is a perfect choice.
Alternate Song of the Day
This is the song I originally wanted on my Playlist but Spotify didn't have this particular version. The other versions just didn't fit the "bright, playful and fun" theme; they lacked that certain something that an opening track needs. The song seems to be both an advertisement for Bazooka Bubblegum, as well as an addictive campfire song. I must admit that the dance moves draw attention to the "Bazookas" of some of the audience - perhaps very fitting for our Scream Your T!ts Off theme 😅
Enjoy this bit of fun!
]]>Whilst I was creating the 2021 Holiday Yarn Kit an idea occurred to me: what if I could combine my love of a good pun with my love of music? As I named each colourway I had various songs running through my head, so I decided to put together a playlist on Spotify for you all to enjoy!
Twenty five songs for 25 colourways, each song inspired by a colourway’s name. Some were easy, some were really tough. As with the yarn, the overriding theme is bright, playful and no smut (although there may be a few anatomical parts mentioned 😉). Can you guess the name of all 25 colourways from the songs?
In case you don’t have a Spotify account (there is a free version available), I will be adding each song to my daily reveal on this blog, presented as a Youtube video. Occasionally there may be an alternative song available due to Spotify not having the song or version available that I wanted to include.
I hope you love this playlist as much as I loved putting it together for you! 🎵🎧🎉
]]>
The instigator of this movement was the artist formerly known as Lindsey aka Countess Ablaze. She has honorably retired now from the yarn dyeing business, but has left a mark on the fibre world that, for me at the very least, still makes ripples across the Big Pond. All original blog posts, photos etc have now been lost to the internets, but I will try to collate here as much information as I can.
Jo from the UK (Raveler JoHarvey) writes a brief summary about the double whammy of gender discrimination and plagiarism that led to the formation of the TOC. Ravelry link here.
Here are a few blog posts from participants at the time of the TOC, describing in their words the TOC, and some of their thoughts and feelings regarding this movement. Unfortunately I never recorded much at the time, but that may well be the subject of another blog post.
- Sam Draws Things (artist)
- Hummingbird Yarns (indie yarn dyer)
- Dragon Hoard Yarn Co (indie yarn dyer)
And for a more scholarly article, please see this Article by Lynne F. Baxter. In particular, I recommend Section 7 - The Countess Ablaze, and Section 8 - Transgressions, for the full story. Oh, and scroll through for all of the pretty pictures too!
One of the few things that I did record was the TOC Story in a 5 minute music video parody (on my IGTV channel). I hope that you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed making it!
“Tits Outitty” (with sincere apologies to David Bowie and all of his fans... I am not a singer!😅)
🎊💖🎊
This is the story of the #titsoutcollective in one song. The whole 5 minute video will go up on my IGTV channel shortly... I hope...
🎊💖🎊
This was done in an uncut take, using a cobbled together studio. It was cold, I was nervous and tired after working on this all day. I’ll pop the video up on my IGTV shortly... please bear with me... 🎊💖🎊
When the muse strikes, she will not rest until her work is done. I hope that you all get a giggle out of me making a tit out of myself! 😅💕
]]>