Podcast, review, Wool Work

episode 129 – Spring, Smocks, Sewing, Popcorn & Crocodiles!

(Photo taken in 2019 – PreCovid!)

Hello and welcome, its’s March and it is spring…ish!

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Also available on Spotify, iTunes and wherever you find your podcasts!

| Making!

I finished the Crofter’s Smock by Gudrun Johnson! More details will soon be added to the My Makes section of the website. This was a really fantastic make. I thoroughly recommend it!  You can find the pattern on Gudrun’s payhip . The yarn is from Bluebell Yarns and is jacob!

I have also been sewing and I have really been enjoying the slow process of breaking up the tasks of tracing, cutting and sewing over a period of time.  I have recently been introduced to Muna and Broad (https://www.munaandbroad.com) who are Leila and Jess. They are Australian designers who are creating beautiful patterns which start at 40″ chest, and 41.5″ hip going up to 64″ bust/71.5″ hip. They are really interested in creating designs in patterns which are not found for fat bodies and I am crushing hard on their Belmore Jacket!

Has this just become a sewing podcast?

| Email Subscriptions

I recently realised that when we changed the website behind the scenes from KB to WoolWork, something very important did not get transferred across. If you used to subscribe to new posts direct to your inbox, you will no longer be getting notifications. It was a fatal flaw on our part but also it wasn’t explained well to us either. To transfer the email addresses of all the people who subscribed to posts from the old website, we would have needed to contact you to let you know that was happening, cos GDPR. So I would have done that, but didn’t know. So your data hasn’t moved anywhere without you knowing, it has been deleted. If you look at your blog subscriptions it may still say you subscribe to KB but that site no longer exists. It is an ex-parrot. If you would like to recieve these posts to your inbox again you will need to resubscribe and I am sorry to make you do that. You can find the box to subscribe in the right side bar at woolwork.net

| Popcorn & Crocodiles – Adventures in Yarn

My original Adventures in Yarn notebook

You may remember that two years ago I reviewed the new yarn notebook and organiser by Popcorn and Crocodiles. Well, last year P&C’s Emily Owen rebooted the original Adventures in Yarn spiral bound notebook into an organiser format. Very kindly this year, she got in touch to ask if I would be interested in having a look for review.

I use my original AIY spiralbound book for my Wool Exploration notes. It is a fantastic, sturdy, hardback book, with loads of space for writing and storing things, but also handy stuff like a needle gauge, a colour wheel, space for inventory of yarn and other things, I did think “how can this be improved upon?” Well, let me say, I ate my words!

Let me describe it for you now, for anyone for whom AIY is new.  There are two designs to choose from; a turquoise, cloth hand-bound version, with a stunning silver design on it, it looks rather like feathers. It is handbound by a small bookbinder company in Nottinghamshire and really feels special. This version beautiful binder is just over 17cm x 22 cm, and the spine is 5cm, so you are going to pack a whole inside this baby.

The second design of the binder features the same design as the original spiral bound book; it is grey with a yellow/ochre design reminiscent of folded legal paper. I have always loved this design, Its measurements are 19cm x 22 and the spine is 3.5cm – both hold a5 sheets. Now lets talk about what is inside!

a beautiful hardback notebook organiser lays on a table. The book is coloured grey and mustard, with a folded paper design on the cover.

Image: Popcorn & Crocodiles

  • a title page, for your to add whatever you like. I personally washi-tape a business card in there, so if I am separated from it, some kind person can reunite me with it – that’s the hope!
  • Four coloured sections of paper, each containing five pages of lined, squared, dots and plain paper, plus a coordinating page for attaching your yarn samples. And you actually choose your own colours for the paper section, so you can have four different or more of the same! Awesome addition to this new binder. I can’t remember what the gsm of the paper is, but its got to be over 100 – silky beautiful pages.
  • There is a month per page diary/organiser;
  • you get sturdy section dividers and in the binder with the OG design the dividers have TABS, which is something I really wanted to see!
  • There are 6 plastic pockets, BUT if you are trying to cut down on plastic, you can let Emily know and she will substitute these with some extra pages, which is a very thoughtful suggestion. I like the plastic pockets, but only because I will re-use and re-use carefully
  • Two of my favourite items from the original book are the colour wheel and the needle gauge, because honestly – where do all my needle gauges go?
  • There is loads of note space for writing and there is also a yarn inventory section; a section for goals and achievements AND sheets of labels which you can cut out and attach to handspun yarn, or to keep with our swatches, wool explorers!

I love the original notebook, but this binder will keep you going for absolutely years, because it is a binder, you can take out pages when you need to replace them and ADD to it too. Emily’s shop at PopcornandCrocodiles.co.uk can provide more paper sections, extra organiser sections, and you can also buy washi tapes, pencils, beautiful rubber bands to keep your book closed.  The Adventures in Yarn binder is just a beaut and I am so taken with it. I think I said last time that Adventures in Yarn is a great paper and ink space that you will love filling with your knitting thoughts, perhaps for your design work, your wool adventuring and your good intention. With the binder option now, it really will be an item that will last with you. In fact, emily, maybe you need to start stocking treasury tags and lovely wee acid free archiving envelopes for when you need to take the contents out and replace them! That is only a half joke, by the way, I love thinking about archiving my notes!

The Turquoise, cloth covered, hand-bound A5 binder with all the contents costs £35. The hardback grellow binder with all its great stuff is £21. Packs of refill paper are £2. If there is a special person in your life, this would make a smashing gift, in fact there are also beautiful gift boxes available too and you can find this, and great items in the shop at popcornandcrocodiles.co.uk – I forgot to add that Emily also gives a percentage of all sales to charity, which is awesome!

I saw from Emily’s instagram that more colours are in the plan for the hand-bound binder, what fun to choose such lovely shades!

Absolutely wonderful person that she is, Emily has given a copy of the binder to giveaway! You can win the Turquoise, handbound, cloth-covered binder, with all the stuff mentioned above and a pencil and elastic band. Would you like to win one?

A beautiful blue cloth bound organiser with silver design lays on a table next to a skein of yarn and a crochet hook

Image: Popcorn and Crocodiles (other items not included in the giveaway)

Ok, so you know I don’t like giveaways where you have to tag lots of people on social media – I feel it is so spammy, But I do think we need to share the love so here’s what I’d like you to do. I’d like you to follow Popcorn and Crocodiles on Instagram, if you are on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/popcornandcrocodiles/

OR  if you’re not on instagram, why not share a link to the Popcorn and Crocodiles website on your own platform of social media – we need to boost our great small businesses like this, and it takes so little time to share a link , but it means a whole lot.

Once you have done either of those things (or, y’know maybe even both!), please post a comment here to tell me. I  will leave this open until 31st of March 2021 and then I will pick a winner.  This giveaway is open to you, wherever you live in the world, BUT with the whole postal fiasco right now and the customs charges on post to other parts of the world, you may have to pick up a customs fee at your end. That is your fee to cover if you win, ok? (There is a swear at this bit, as I think custom fees are pretty crap!)

| Goodbye and thanks

Thanks for listening. I wish you spring and any small peeps of spring that are showing, if the weather is still dull where you are (as it is in Edinburgh today!

I am keeping my social media private for now, but if you do follow me on Insta please be patient and I will eventually add you. I am super wary of people who haven’t posted a thing and don’t have any profile photo or bio info, so if you don’t have any of those things, I may not add you. That is just my right. Social media is hard waters to traverse at the moment and I need to keep some of it locked down!

UPDATE – Winner Drawn – 20 April 2021

I realised to my horror that I hadn’t drawn the winner for the Popcorn and Crocodiles binder! I used the rather fun Wheel of Names to pick a winner from all those who commented and congratulations Sarah Bowen!

| Important Information:

Music: Doctor Talos Opens The Door by Doctor Turtle and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license. Images are copyright to those attributed in the caption or in the accompanying information, otherwise they are mine. The Popcorn & Crocodiles binders  Adventures in Yarn were given to me for free in exchange for a frank review and for the purpose of giveaway,  I will always offer my honest opinion whether given items or buying items for a review. Terms of the giveaway are as stated above. 

45 Comments

  1. Lynda Thompson says

    Hello! I’d love to win the turquoise binder, thanks for the opportunity. I’m sure I already follow Emily on Instagram but I’ll hope over and double check, and follow her if I don’t.

  2. Linda Impastato says

    Thank you for a lovely podcast today. I would love to win the turquoise binder. .it appeals to my obsessive side. I do follow you and now also follow popcorn and crocodiles.

    • Hello, I would love a chance to win this beautiful binder in one of my favourite colours! Stationary is another obsession that feels my soul, as does all things fibre. Thank you so much for the chance, heading to Emily’s Instagram to drool for a bit!
      Thank you for the lovely podcast!

  3. Helen Leonard Perchard says

    Oh thank you for the introduction to an amazing creator, will love following Popcorn and Crocodiles on Instagram.
    Fantastic giveaway.

  4. Lovely to hear the podcast and the signs of spring ad glad you got your jag! Mine is next week.

    You’ve reminded me I need a new adventures in yarn book as mine is full!!!! I already follow Emily but I’ve done a post about it on the Machine Knitting Network with some pictures of my bursting at the seams book and a link.

    The notebook is the main reference I have for project planing and patterns. It’s very precious to me – stuff Rav I love my paper. Xxx

  5. Claire Harrison says

    Just followed Popcorn and Crocodile on instagram! The gift sets are amazing, I think I’ve figured out what to get my mam for her birthday….

  6. Niel Wark says

    Thank you Louise for the great review of the Popcorn and Crocodiles Adventures in Yarn. I was motivated to go and buy one immediately only to learn that they have sold out. So I have followed them on Instagram and am posting here in the hope that I will win one. 🤞

  7. Miranda Clarke says

    I would love to win the beautiful binder,and begin my own adventures in yarn.

  8. Leah says

    Thanks for this fantastic giveaway! I follow Popcorn and Crocodiles 😁

  9. Vicki Kay says

    Thanks for the introduction to Popcorn and Crocodiles, gladly followed on Instagram. Lovely gifts for yarny friends (and probably myself!)

  10. Laura says

    Thanks for your lovely podcast! I’d love to win the binder. I started following Popcorn and Crocodiles in IG, of course 😊

  11. Joanne Evans says

    My first listen to your podcast and I loved it 😃. Have followed Popcorn and Crocodiles on Instagram & would love to win. During the pandemic I’ve revisited making clothes & am teaching myself to knit & crochet. I’m hoping I can keep my creativity going on the other side of this madness

  12. Helen Fraser says

    How did i not know about Popcorn and Crocodiles before? What wonderful products! 😍. If i’m not lucky enough to win this giveaway, it’s going on my birthday wishlist! 😍😍

    Oops! Forgot to say I’m now following on Instagram

  13. Joanne Glenn says

    Hello, I’ve just followed Popcorn and Crocodiles so I can look at the binders when I need to drop hints about birthday presents. Thanks for the podcast Louise, it’s always appreciated.

  14. Isabel (@acraftyscientist) says

    Really enjoyed the podcast. Have followed Popcorn and Crocodiles so I can be in the running for the giveaway, but their books are so lovely might get one if I don’t win 🙂

  15. Sara (@steepsandstitches) says

    I have found and followed @popcornandcrocodiles. How had I not known about Adventures in Yarn before?!? Thank you for showcasing this great product and company.

  16. Sarah Bowen says

    Always a sucker for beautiful stationary! And I don’t think I’ve won anything since the Scollay-along so very happy to give this a go. Followed on Instagram as instructed.

    Thank you to Emily for offering up one of these beautiful binders! And to you Louise for telling us about it!

  17. Ellen says

    Lovely to hear your voice again 🥰 Super generous giveaway, thank you and p&c! IG followed and shared on fb too 😁

  18. Ingrid Taylor says

    The stars have aligned, notebooks and knitting! Thank you for introducing us to Popcorn and Crocodiles and for another lovely listening experience.

  19. Aimee Croke says

    I’ve been looking for somewhere to record to knitting and spinning projects and this looks perfect! I’ve followed Popcorn and Crocodiles page and have had a nosy on her shop for what I’ll be buying myself for my birthday next month 😆

  20. Oh this would be great to own. I would use it to document and keep notes on all my knitting as well. Thank you. I do have to add thank you for podcasting, I always enjoy listening and I have learned so much about yarn from you.

    • Maria Teresa Morales Huerta says

      I follow Popcorn and Crocodiles on Instagram, her products are amazing! I would like to win one!!!

  21. Jane Simmonds says

    Lovely to listen to this episode- lots of inspiration. I’d love to win the turquoise binder and am enjoying following Popcorn and Crocodiles.

  22. Rebecca Halpin says

    I have just found your podcast and I want to say thank you soooooo much. I was out taking a lunchtime walk & you kept me company the whole way around. I love how you speak so openly about mental health topics – and how you speak so passionately about knitting, fibres and also branched off into sewing (love a tangent)!

    I have never heard of popcorn and crocodiles – and after taking a look at their Instagram, I have followed – and also deep dived into their history – another great recommendation for my knitting feed! I love all crafts, and the tactile nature of fibre and journaling the journey seem so perfect to go hand in hand. I have never logged my knits before and you have inspired me to start, so thank you (I am definitely purchasing a binder – unless I win this competition of course 😉)

    Also, thank you for the outro song, that really lifted my spirits and now I feel like snuggling down under a blanket & sticking a black & white movie/musical on the telly (with knitting in hand of course!). Unfortunately, it’s back to an afternoon in front of my computer – finishing off the 9-5!

  23. Cheryl Vowcicefski says

    Lovely podcast as always Louise and thank you for a fun giveaway !
    I’m now following Popcorn and Crocodiles. I love stationary and I’m much in need of of
    a knitting notebook to try to organize me.

  24. Susan Hobkirk says

    Hi Louise, you have such lovely generous friends! I already follow Emily and I’ll give her a shout out on FB and keep my fingers crossed. Just so happens turquoise is one of my favourite colours!

  25. Anna Sharp says

    I would have wanted to follow Popcorn and crocodiles even without a giveaway! Thank you for introducing me to Emily’s lovely business. I’ll enjoy seeing what she’s up to (and making the odd purchase!)

  26. Lianneke says

    Just found your podcast, which I really enjoyed! Have also started following Popcorn and crocodiles on Instagram, looks like exactly the type of account I follow. The binders look great, posting makes online is one thing, but having the possibility to keep swatches etc in one place sounds lovely.

  27. Catherine Rowan Jones says

    Just listening now – you’re keeping me company during tricky sock heels!

    I’m using Insta for my woolly craft as I too have issues with Ravelry accessibility. Have added Popcorn & Crocodiles – please include me in the binder prize draw.

  28. Jane Gibson says

    Thank you for sending us to look at Popcorn and Crocodiles’ account. Love a new account to follow!
    The Gudrun Johnston smock looks great and set to become a classic. Jx

  29. Jane Brindley says

    Thanks really enjoyed listening. Followed on Instagram.

  30. Oh my word, that crofters smock 😍Emily has a lovely IG account and I would love to win a binder if I were lucky enough to be drawn.

    I’m with you on jackets too, no great ones for larger boobs that I’ve found. I could make one of these in some lovely organic fabric or it would be a great project for using up bits of fabric in stash.

    This was a lovely episode, thank you.

    Kate x

  31. Sadie says

    Those organisers are stunning! I have followed her on Instagram and would love to win one.

  32. Emily’s binders look really beautiful, I would love to win one. I have followed Popcorn and Crocodiles on Instagram and also sent an Instagram follow request to Wool Work. Thankyou for your peaceful and inspiring podcast, and photos if Edinburgh which I miss.

  33. Dana Houston says

    Loving Emily’s work at P&C. I am looking forward to seeing what the green and orange products will be. My current AIY notebook sees more action as I move away from Rav

  34. Melanie Roberts says

    I followed Popcorn and Crocodiles on Instagram. My goodness, I want that organizer! If I don’t win it, I’m getting it for myself for Mother’s Day. ❤️

  35. Rebecca Anderson says

    I would love to win the turquoise binder! I already follow Emily so I’ll hop over and give her an extra share.

  36. Lesley says

    What a great prompt to follow a (now) local to me maker! I’m now happily following both Woolwork and Popcorn and Crocodiles – thank you for expanding my horizons.

  37. Tina Dawson says

    Absolutely gorgeous organisers! I already follow Popcorn & Crocodiles and have been lusting after one of the binders for a while. It is also lovely to discover Woolwork and find new podcasts to enjoy. Will share to my stories now too. Good luck everyone 😊 xoxox

  38. Amy D says

    Oh! I’ve been looking for an organizer for awhile now and this looks perfect! I would love to win the binder. Popcorn & Crocodiles followed!

  39. Karen says

    Gorgeous binder in a beautiful colour! I didn’t know the maker before so happy to now follow on Instagram 🙂 and to win one would be even more of a bonus!

  40. Helen Gaughan says

    Delighted to be following Emily’s account. Books are so beautiful.

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