Curious Handmade with Helen Stewart
148 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 332 ratingsA podcast devoted to knitting, craft and creativity. Helen from Curious Handmade talks about what is on the needles, the latest knitting patterns, yarns and inspiration. She chats with designers, makers and knitting friends.
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Episodes
Episode 358: A slow new year, and what's next
February 18, 2022 06:30 - 27 minutes - 51.2 MBAfter a long break, the podcast returns with a big chatty update about where I've been, what I've been up to, and what's coming next. Things will be looking a little different for Curious Handmade in 2022, but that's a good thing! I also have a big batch of giveaway and knitalong knitters to announce! So grab your knitting and let's catch up.
Episode 357: Knitalongs, Knitvent and some treats
December 03, 2021 15:07 - 18 minutes - 34 MBI’ve got lots of Knitalong news, some Shawl Society yarn restocks from favourite indies, and of course, I also released the very last pattern of this year’s Knitvent, The Ever After Shawl, so I’m sharing a bit about my design process for that one, too. Finally, I have some Christmas treats for you, including an exclusive discount code from another favourite yarnie and another from me
Episode 356: The Montage Hat & my secret quilt project
November 26, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 34.7 MBI’ve been keeping a pretty massive project under wraps all year, but I can finally share! This week on the podcast I’m chatting about an ambitious quilt-design project I’ve been working on in the background for months. And there’s a new Knitvent pattern to discuss, of course: the very fun and quick Montage Hat. Finally, I’m still pondering what to make with one of my Advent yarn sets and am looking for suggestions! So if you’re in the mood for some crafty chat, settle in with your current pr...
Episode 355: Meet Cute Mitts and Socks
November 19, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 33.1 MBWe’re all about homemade gifts right now at Curious Handmade HQ! We’ve got lots of chat on this week’s podcast about just why it’s so special to give and receive things made by hand. I’ve just finished a few myself, which I’ll share with you, and we also have not one but two brand new Knitvent 2021 patterns to discuss. So grab your project bag and let’s have a little visit.
Episode 354: The Rose Cottage Cowl
November 12, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 31.3 MBThis week, I’m talking a bit about my design inspiration for this latest, very cosy Knitvent pattern (hint, it has to do with a favourite film) as well as mini review of my 2021 Happiness Project and what’s left to be done (I promise I’ll update you properly in the new year). I also have some thoughts on two ways I try to protect my creativity: decluttering and saying ‘no’, both when you want to and when you just need to. So if you’re casting on the Rose Cottage Cowl today, or just want...
Episode 353: The Skyline Wrap and an elegant glide
November 05, 2021 07:30 - 16 minutes - 30 MBAfter all the teasing and guessing, the first design of Knitvent 2021 has been revealed! The Skyline Wrap is a holiday rom-com inspired pattern designed to use up scraps or a yarn advent calendar. Today on the podcast I’m talking a bit about the pattern as well as my plans for the last bit of the year, heading into the holidays: where I’ve gotten to with my Happiness Project and how I’d like to finish out 2021. I also have many giveaway winners to announce! So settle in and get cosy, and let...
Episode 352: Halloween, holiday moods and holiday movies
October 29, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 32.9 MBWe’re gearing up for Halloween this week at Curious Handmade HQ, with costume prep in high gear (including something for our pup Sindy to wear!) This week on the podcast I’m reflecting on how close we’re getting to the end of the year, and how to make the most of it. With the first Knitvent 2021 pattern release coming up fast, I’m sharing more about the inspiration for the collection (holiday films) and planning out what I’d like to watch myself and with the girls. It’s time to grab your gif...
Episode 351: Blossom Time and Knitvent Time
October 15, 2021 08:00 - 22 minutes - 40.7 MBI’m just back from a lovely knitting retreat in the rainforest and am full of stories to share. On this episode, I’m also introducing the brand new shawl pattern I designed for the retreat, Blossom Time. And we have some fun holiday chat, with Halloween costume plans and the big Knitvent theme reveal to discuss! So pull up your cosiest chair, pick up your knitting, and let’s visit.
Episode 350: Off on retreat (and the Hinterlands Shawl)
October 08, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 28.4 MBIn-person knitting events are rare and precious these days (and we never know if they’re actually going to happen until the last minute!) so I’m savouring the run-up to the retreat I’m hoping to attend! I’ve also just released the final design from this year’s Shawl Society, and I think you’re really going to love it. I have some KAL winners to announce, and I’m looking forward to the launch of Knitvent 2021. So come join me for a knit and a chat on this week’s episode!
Episode 349: A big pattern sale and happiness habits
October 01, 2021 18:30 - 17 minutes - 31.7 MBJoin me for a quick catch up over coffee this week as I talk about what’s going on in the world of Curious Handmade. We have a big BOGO sale this weekend to kick off the start of the Knitvent 2021 launch, I've just come back from a big photo shoot, and I’m trying to end the year strong with some habits that I know make life better. So fill your mug and knit a few rows along with me!
Episode 348: Finding calm in chaos, and planning a photo shoot
September 24, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 42.8 MBHow do you find the time and mental space for creativity when life feels chaotic? Today on the podcast I’m talking a little about how I’ve been managing the messiness of everyday life and the concept of “life admin.” I also have some exciting things on the horizon: a big photoshoot, yarn hints for the final design of the Shawl Society season, and of course, Knitvent, which is inching nearer every day.
Episode 347: The Veranda Shade Shawl
September 10, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 32.3 MBOur newest secret design from The Shawl Society 5 has been revealed, and this week on the podcast I’m talking about the new pattern and the gorgeous yarn we chose for the sample. I’ve also got some quilt content: what I’m working on and whether I want to bring quilt patterns into the Curious Handmade world or whether it’s better to keep quilting as a beloved hobby instead of making it another job. I also have some giveaway winners to announce!
Episode 346: Sunshine, shawls, and a creative surge
August 20, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 30.5 MBThings are feeling quite summery on this side of the world! On this week’s podcast I’m enjoying that sunshiny feeling and talking about some knitting patterns that work for warmer weather and transitional seasons. My little staycation has already paid me back in a renewed sense of creativity and enthusiasm, so join me for a cheerful chat about knitting, sewing, and the crafts we love best.
Episode 345: A Sewcation and the Lavender Fields Shawl
August 13, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 37.9 MBI’m back from a lovely local holiday, all recharged and full of inspiration. I have some really exciting projects to share with you, and lots of winners to announce from recent knitalongs. And last but not least, I have all the details about our brand new shawl pattern from The Shawl Society 5: our Lavender Fields Shawl. It’s going to be lovely to catch up with you after being away, so fill your mug and settle in for some crafty chat.
Episode 344: Family fun and sewing plans
July 30, 2021 08:00 - 23 minutes - 42.3 MBThis week’s episode is a chilled out chat about crafty stuff and family life! After last week’s review of my 2021 Happiness Project, I’ve gotten a fresh burst of energy and excitement about the many creative projects I have on my plate. Today I’m talking about how I’m finding balance in a busy season, the fun things the girls are up to, and some sewing I’m hoping to work on in the next couple of weeks.
Episode 343: How is the Happiness Project going?
July 23, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 71.2 MBWith more year behind us than there is ahead of us, I’m doing an in-depth review of my Happiness Project goals. How my personal creative projects are coming along, what I’ve been working on, and what I might let go this year. Pour yourself something lovely to sip and sit down with your favourite project: this week’s podcast episode is long and chatty!
Episode 342: The Wild Bees Wrap
July 16, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 39.4 MBThis week I’m introducing my newest shawl design, The Wild Bees Wrap, from The Shawl Society 5. I have the house to myself for once, so join me for a relaxed, chatty catch-up about what I’ve been working on recently. I’ve also got an update on my Word of The Year and a review of the year in general so far: it’s been a big one for getting things done!
Episode 341: The Scribbly Gum Socks
July 09, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 30.6 MBThe podcast returns with a brand new sock pattern...the last secret of The Handmade Sock Society has now been revealed! Today I’m chatting about the yarn that inspired this sock design, and my new(ish) adventures over on YouTube. We also have some KAL winners, the results of our little June charity pattern drive, and some updates on my own WIPs. If you’d like some crafty company as your work on your latest creative project, come join me!
Episode 340: Heading into school holidays with a cardigan and some quilting...
June 25, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 31.6 MBI’m so excited to have a finished project to share on the podcast today. Every time I complete a piece of personal knitting amid all the design and sample work, it feels like a milestone. So today I’m chatting about my brand new Píosa Cardigan, and already thinking about casting on another. We also have a healthy helping of quilting updates, as I find my voice and my feet in another craft. So pick up some knitting or stitching and settle in for a fun, crafty catch up with me
Episode 339: The Silver River Shawl
June 18, 2021 08:22 - 18 minutes - 34 MBFrom a humble skein of yarn to the far reaches of the galaxy...Today on the Curious Handmade Podcast, I have a brand new shawl design from The Handmade Shawl Society, which was inspired by the Milky Way. It might be a lofty aspiration for a little knitting pattern, but why not dream big? We’ve also got a friendly chat about what I’ve been up to: is my houseplant stash about to overtake my yarn stash?
Episode 338: Sweater weather down under
June 11, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 32.3 MBToday on the Curious Handmade podcast, as the Western Hemisphere heads towards the summer solstice, I’m savoring every scrap of winter we’ll get in Queensland. The chilly weather has finally arrived here, which is very good news for my knitting mojo. I’m working on my Píosa Cardigan and my project for the Knit 20 for 2021 Toy KAL. I also have some sock yarn notes for ongoing Sock KALs. So pull up a cosy chair and let’s chat about what’s on the needles this week.
Episode 337: The Lavender Fields Socks
June 04, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 44.9 MBThis week on the podcast we have lots of wonderful news. Our latest design from The Handmade Sock Society 4 came out this week, so I have a few stories from the design process to share. I’m also doing a very special giveaway for my birthday month (a free pattern for everyone!) Finally, I’ve got updates on my Hexie A Day in May challenge and my other personal projects. So settle in for a fun crafty chat, and let’s catch up.
Episode 336: The Curling Mist Shawl and so much KAL news!
May 28, 2021 08:00 - 26 minutes - 49 MBI’m back from my sick days with a friendly catch up chat. I’m making some progress on my personal projects, and I have lots and lots of KAL news, including winners from recent giveaways, a knit along by one of my favourite yarn companies and a brand new Curious Handmade knitalong that’s a little different from anything we’ve done before. I’ve also got a more in-depth introduction to our very first shawl of The Shawl Society 5.
Episode 335: Sleep, systems, shawls and sleeves
May 14, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 34.8 MBWe think of creativity as this wild, unbridled thing that thrives on spontaneity and novelty. That can be true, but sometimes, staying creative (and productive!) means we need to build structures and systems. Today on the podcast, I’m chatting a little bit about what that looks like for me right now. I’ve also got updates on some projects I’ve got going on, and the next big thing on the way for the Curious Crew.
Episode 334: Heaps of hexies and the Spinifex Socks
May 07, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 38.8 MBHave you ever been daunted by the scale of a creative project? You’re not alone! I just saw the big numbers sitting between me and a completed quilt of hexie flowers...so today on the podcast I’m talking about that project: how it’s going and how far there is to go. I’m also chatting about the newest adventures of the Curious Crew, including the brand new Spinifex Socks from The Handmade Sock Society 4, and the launch of The Shawl Society 5.
Episode 333: Creativity and connection
April 30, 2021 08:04 - 18 minutes - 33.8 MBToday on the podcast I’ve got a mini review of the year so far, in terms of creativity, productivity, and my word for the year. I’m also sharing some personal project plans and the new season of The Shawl Society, which is coming up next month. (And it just occurred to me that next month starts...tomorrow!) So join me this week for a big cheerful chat about music, quilting, embroidery, knitting, and yarn: so many of the things we creative crafty folk like best.
Episode 332: Back from a break...and a design marathon
April 23, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 35.5 MBOn today’s podcast episode, I’m chatting about what I’ve been up to in the break: probably the most intense design and knitting sprint I’ve ever done! And stories from an all-hands-on-deck photoshoot that was a lot of fun. Just a little content warning for this episode, in case you’re feeling tender: in this week’s podcast I’m also remembering my very dear friend and mentor Paula Emons-Fuessle, who passed away at the end of March. It is a huge loss to the knitting community, but I have a ...
Episode 331: “Make a Living Living” — inspiration, dreams and plans
March 26, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 36.2 MBHave you ever daydreamed about making a career out of your creative projects? Today on the podcast I have a bit of an unexpected book review; as I’ve been planning for the future of Curious Handmade, I read something very inspiring, and I wanted to share that with you. I’ve also got a brand new finished object to share and some crafty and gardeny news. So grab your current WIP and settle in to join me for an uplifting, cheerful episode.
Episode 330: Spring Growth and the Cutest Spring Projects
March 19, 2021 09:00 - 18 minutes - 34.5 MBIt might be almost Autumn here in Australia, but it’s so warm that we’re starting seeds and propagating like the gardeners in the Northern Hemisphere, so I’ve let myself be swept away by the spring mood. On today’s podcast I have an outrageously cute selection of spring and Easter themed dream projects to share with you. I might not be able to resist a few new cast-ons myself.
Episode 329: So many shawls (and more on the way!)
March 12, 2021 09:00 - 23 minutes - 42.3 MBWe’ve been pretty focused on knitting socks around here, and there’s plenty more to come, but on today’s podcast episode, I’m returning to my first love, shawls. I have two recently finished projects to share, plus a new cast on. In the background, plans are afoot for a whole new season of The Shawl Society. So, if you love hand-knit shawls, or just cosy chats about our favourite pastime, pull up a comfy chair and join me.
Episode 328: The Picnic Blanket Socks
March 05, 2021 09:00 - 13 minutes - 24.3 MBIt’s a very picnicky episode of the Curious Handmade Podcast today! We have a brand new sock design to celebrate, as the second pattern of The Handmade Sock Society was released yesterday. The Picnic Blanket socks are inspired by childhood memories, but they also inspired me to go for a little handmade picnic adventure myself. So I have those stories to share, along with my current creative projects. So pour yourself some fresh lemonade (or fresh coffee!) and join me for a crafty catch up.
Episode 327: Planting ideas for the future.
February 26, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 31.2 MBToday on the Curious Handmade podcast, I’m talking about growth of all kinds. Join me as I introduce my beloved little plant family, get back to a long-neglected but wonderful embroidery project, and take my first tentative into an exciting new branch of design work that’s always scared me just a little. But isn’t that what growth usually feels like? It’s a short, sweet, and lighthearted episode this time, so grab your favourite project and let’s knit a few rows together (or maybe do a small...
Episode 326: Knitting, love, and loss.
February 19, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 39.8 MBToday’s podcast episode is a little out of the ordinary. We will be talking about crafting and creativity and Happiness Projects, but also about grief and loss. I’ll be sharing some thoughts and feelings I’ve had lately about loss in the knitting community and in my own life. I just wanted to give you a little content warning that I'll be talking about some tougher things, in case you're just not feeling up for that topic today. If you’re not, make sure to be gentle and take care of yours...
Episode 325: Sewing the Sudley Dress and Settling into the Year
February 12, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 30.8 MBToday’s podcast episode is short but sweet, so grab your favourite work in progress and join me for a few rows of knitting and a friendly catch up. I’ve just finished a project I’m really excited about: sewing a brand new dress! And as we start to settle into the rhythm of the year, I’m focusing on being gentle with myself as I continue my happiness projects and explore new ways to connect with my community.
Episode 324: The Curling Mist Socks
February 05, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 30.2 MBAs we find our feet in this new month of February, I’m settling into my new word for the year, connection. On today’s episode, I’m chatting about some of the ways it’s starting to appear more in my life, including my craft projects. I’m also introducing the very first pattern of The Handmade Sock Society 4: the Curling Mist Socks, and we have lots to discuss. It’s been a great start to the season with so many amazing knitters (and brave beginners) joining in.
Episode 323: The Happiness Project: 2020 review and new plans
January 29, 2021 14:30 - 37 minutes - 68 MBAs we settle into the swing of the New Year, I’m still taking stock and making plans. On this week’s episode, I have a fun review of how I did on my list of Happiness Projects last year. It wasn’t a normal year for anyone, but I think the results still add up to some significant happiness! I’m also chatting about what I’ve put on the list for 2021, and how that’s shifted. And of course, as the first pattern of The Handmade Sock Society comes closer, we're chatting a bit about that too.
CH 322: The Handmade Sock Society 4 and my word for 2021
January 22, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 54.3 MBIt’s a very exciting week for the Curious Crew! Our newest mystery collection, The Handmade Sock Society 4, is available for presale from today. On this special and rather personal episode I’m going a little deep. Of course, we have some chatting about the theme for the collection and how the KALs will work. But I’m also looking back at my happiness project and word of the year went last year, and the surprising ways it has changed my life. And I’ll reveal my new word for 2021.
CH 321 Knit20for2021, WIPs and Trying New Things
January 15, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutes - 65.7 MBWelcome Back to the Curious Handmade Podcast! Our first episode of the year is a big chatty catch-up after our holiday break. How did I do on my own Knit 20 for 2020 project? What WIPs did I finish and what new things did I try? I’ve also got KAL winners to announce and we’re kicking off a new Knit 20 for 2021 project, too! So grab your knitting and a snack and come join me for some happy, crafty company.
CH 320: The Last Show of 2020!
December 11, 2020 12:23 - 27 minutes - 50.2 MBOne more episode before I disappear into the holidays for a few festive weeks and Australia's summer school break! Today I'm chatting about the projects I have on the go and the ones I'd really like to finish by the end of the year, as well as my recent deep dive into the merry world of Vlogmas and YouTube videos!
CH 319: The Comfort and Joy of Planning
December 04, 2020 09:28 - 27 minutes - 51.2 MBAs the end of such a strange year rushes towards us, I'm slowing down a little bit to think about what's left to do and what's still to come. There are knitting, quilting and creative projects to finish, new collections design, and fresh journals, planners, and calendars to consider. So come join me for a chat and let's dream about finishing this year strong and starting the next one full of inspiration.
CH 318: The Hearten Mitts and a Flash Sale
November 23, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 34.4 MBToday's podcast episode is a cosy chat about the very last Knitvent pattern of 2020, the Hearten Mitts. And as this crazy year winds down, I'm pondering the beginnings of plans for 2021. We also have a little holiday surprise: I'm releasing the Knitvent 2020 collection as single patterns a bit early this year, and having a flash sale on ALL my single patterns on Ravelry.
CH 317: The Hearten Mitts and a Flash Sale
November 23, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 34.4 MBToday's podcast episode is a cosy chat about the very last Knitvent pattern of 2020, the Hearten Mitts. And as this crazy year winds down, I'm pondering the beginnings of plans for 2021. We also have a little holiday surprise: I'm releasing the Knitvent 2020 collection as single patterns a bit early this year, and having a flash sale on ALL my single patterns on Ravelry.
CH 317 The Cheering Socks and gifts for yourself
November 19, 2020 14:52 - 17 minutes - 31.4 MBToday I'm talking about our latest Knitvent 2020 pattern, the Cheering Socks, and the lovely yarn I chose for the sample. I've been doing some of early Christmas shopping too, including some gifts for myself. A little bit of indulgence seems called for these days, and I've been finding comfort and joy in little treats from some special handmade suppliers.
CH 316: The Tidings Shawl
November 14, 2020 13:15 - 33 minutes - 61.1 MBAfter an intense week, I'm back to talk about the second pattern of Knitvent 2020: the Tidings Shawl, including some tips and ideas for yarn substitutions, if you'd like to knit this pattern in a different wool weight. I have a lot of giveaway winners to announce, as well as some personal thoughts about some of the big happenings in the world right now.
The Hearten Cowl and Free patterns
November 06, 2020 09:34 - 20 minutes - 36.8 MBThe very first pattern of Knitvent 2020 has been revealed and I’m excited to tell you all about it! On today’s podcast we have an introduction to the Hearten Cowl, an explanation of what’s been going on with the podcast feed (it should be fixed!) and a lot of cosy chat about my own ongoing projects and some free patterns and workshops I’ve created for the Curious Crew.
CH 314: A giveaway, our first “hot” holiday season, and a new website
October 23, 2020 13:47 - 15 minutes - 28.9 MBShow Sponsors Alongside an eclectic yarn range, which includes Hazel Knits, Icelandic Lopi & CoopKnits, we stock a carefully chosen selection of needles and notions. We’ve also recently launched ‘hand dyed by meadowyarn’, our very own in-house, hand-dyed yarn range. Working in our tiny dye studio, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, we are able to indulge our love of colour, producing complex tonal, kettle-dyed shades across a range of weights and bases. With regular updates our collections...
CH 313: Knitvent 2020 is here!
October 16, 2020 12:49 - 25 minutes - 47.3 MBShow Sponsors Alongside an eclectic yarn range, which includes Hazel Knits, Icelandic Lopi & CoopKnits, we stock a carefully chosen selection of needles and notions. We’ve also recently launched ‘hand dyed by meadowyarn’, our very own in-house, hand-dyed yarn range. Working in our tiny dye studio, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, we are able to indulge our love of colour, producing complex tonal, kettle-dyed shades across a range of weights and bases. With regular updates our collections...
CH 312: A Rainforest Knitting Retreat and Reading List
October 09, 2020 00:00 - 25 minutes - 46.6 MBShow Sponsors Alongside an eclectic yarn range, which includes Hazel Knits, Icelandic Lopi & CoopKnits, we stock a carefully chosen selection of needles and notions. We’ve also recently launched ‘hand dyed by meadowyarn’, our very own in-house, hand-dyed yarn range. Working in our tiny dye studio, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, we are able to indulge our love of colour, producing complex tonal, kettle-dyed shades across a range of weights and bases. With regular updates our collectio...
CH 311: A little bit of Rewilding
October 02, 2020 00:00 - 16 minutes - 30.1 MBShow Sponsors Alongside an eclectic yarn range, which includes Hazel Knits, Icelandic Lopi & CoopKnits, we stock a carefully chosen selection of needles and notions. We’ve also recently launched ‘hand dyed by meadowyarn’, our very own in-house, hand-dyed yarn range. Working in our tiny dye studio, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, we are able to indulge our love of colour, producing complex tonal, kettle-dyed shades across a range of weights and bases. With regular updates our collectio...
CH 310: Puppy mischief, Yarn Advent Calendars and #knit20for2020
September 25, 2020 00:00 - 14 minutes - 27.3 MBShow Sponsors Alongside an eclectic yarn range, which includes Hazel Knits, Icelandic Lopi & CoopKnits, we stock a carefully chosen selection of needles and notions. We’ve also recently launched ‘hand dyed by meadowyarn’, our very own in-house, hand-dyed yarn range. Working in our tiny dye studio, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, we are able to indulge our love of colour, producing complex tonal, kettle-dyed shades across a range of weights and bases. With regular updates our collectio...