Hey there everyone! And wow, what an exciting week it’s been… Yesterday morning, bright and early, we arrived at the door of Virgin Media TV studios to appear on their breakfast show, Ireland AM! They wanted someone to talk about how knitting has really taken off again during the Covid-19 lockdowns… And you know, I do love to chat about all things knitting!
Plus, as we are all aware, the Beasties are incorrigible attention hounds.
So, soon after arrival, they fitted me up with a microphone. Then I helped to set up a table display of tasty yarn and surprisingly well-behaved Beasties.
Roslyn from the Ireland AM crew had the presence of mind to take a few photos of the setup, thankfully… I completely forgot! She also took this picture, which some of you might have already seen on social media.
Then, what seemed like microseconds later, we were live! My Dad very kindly photographed the TV at home while the segment was on and sent me these stills… Here I am, teaching the hosts Karen and Tommy how to knit!
They both picked it up incredibly quickly, I was super impressed!
I also brought along a few samples of easy projects that I recommend for beginners, like these little fingerless mitts.
(These are very easy, by the way… And so much quicker than knitting a scarf!)
Here we are finishing up. I was so proud of my new pupils… And of the Beasties. Honestly, I’ve never seen them so quiet.
The knitting revival – you heard it here first, folks!
If you’d like to see the complete piece, it’s currently up on the Virgin Media Player, here:
https://www.virginmediatelevision.ie/player/show/809/185364/0/
You can access the show from this link for the next 29 days. Some friends of mine in Europe have already watched it without a hitch, but if it’s not available in your country, please let me know! I might be able to send it to you a different way.
Also…
Commissions are officially open again as of today! So if you’ve an idea for a little woolly monster of your own, now is the time to get in touch!
We’ll be back next week with the second part of Explorer Beastie’s countryside adventure – sorry for bumping you this week, E.B.!
Squeeee!!!! You’re famous! What a great interview. Although, it was a bit mean of them to stick your in the windiest seat so your hair kept blowing into your face. Wait, maybe it wasn’t the wind…Finn was asking how to aim an electric fan before he disappeared.
Dangit! I knew I saw a flash of purple in my peripheral vision as I sat down 😂 I think I did ok though, given that I was basically talking through a mouthful of hair for half the segment! Were you really able to watch it from the US? That’s pretty handy, some people closer to home were having trouble getting it to work 🤔 But cheers for tuning in, Tammie, much appreciated!
Yep, it played straight away from the link. I also liked how you had to force the interviewers back around to the questions they asked, but then got too distracted with their knitting 🤣🤣 Good job at keeping them in line! And good job all around.
Thanks, Tammie! You know, lots of people have been commenting on how absorbed the presenters got in their knitting – maybe everyone will be more inclined to believe me now when I say how addictive it is 😂 Cheers for tuning in – did Finn make it home ok? 😉
Nice one! The knitting revolution is starting and you’re at the front leading. I’ll make sure I watch the clip 🙂
Thanks, Simon! Hope it works… I’ve had one UK-based Beastie buddy report that she had trouble with it 🤔 Let me know if it doesn’t play and I’ll see if I can get it to you another way! Maybe I can convince you to start knitting in your free time…
Ooh there’s a challenge!
Ahhhh you will! Go on go on go on go on go on go… 😁
You really want me to… Don’t you? 😂
Oh wow how exciting!! I hope you and the beasties loved it. I’ve been contemplating taking up knitting for ages but never taken the plunge.
Yes, we had a great time! As for starting knitting… You totally should! One thing I wanted to say in the segment (but didn’t get around to 😆) is how accessible knitting is. You should be able to fully equip yourself for less than a tenner, then YouTube is packed with videos that will teach you the basics! Good luck, and feel free to hit me with any questions too 😊
The less than a tenner part definitely appeals to me! Haha thanks, will do.
Yessssss, another convert! 😉 Enjoy!
Brilliant interview! The “link” worked for me and it was seven minutes of pure knitting fun. Your Beastie companions were very well behaved and didn’t interrupt once! Loved the monster sized needles…that’s a fantastic teaching aid you’ve got there.
Heehee! Thanks for watching, Queen Bee! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And no-one was more surprised than me when the Beasties were so quiet. People are never going to believe me now when I talk about how full of mischief they are…
You stole the show!
Thanks, Mariss… I’m glad you were able to see it! Yes, it was nice to be the centre of attention for once 😉 Cheers!
How fantastic! Knitting has definitely taken off during the pandemic – for once I feel like the thing I have enjoyed for years is actually trendy! Well done you!
Heehee! Yes, aren’t we lucky to be ahead of the curve on this one? I like to think that knitting has always been cool – just some people took a little longer to catch on 😉 Cheers for popping in!
Oh so true – been the coolest for years!
Bravo, Helen! Wonderful interview — you’re a great teacher, and the points remind me of all the benefits of knitting (great fingerless mitts). 🙂 And glad to see the Beasties so well-behaved for their on-screen appearance, hihi. So, how did the Beasties feel after their big television debut?
Heehee! Thanks for watching, Shirley… Maybe there might be some fingerless mitts in your future too? Or maybe not, since summer is now here 😂 The Beasties are most gratified that you appreciated their good behaviour on the day – I have to admit, I’m still reeling from seeing them THAT quiet. Fortunately the fame doesn’t seem to have gone to their heads… YET. 😉
😂😂 Aw. So proud of them!
Finally, I can say I have a claim to fame and know of someone off the telly! 🙂 JonBeastie and JanBeastie are very excited to see you on the telly-box via the Tube of You!
Heeheehee! Thanks Jon (and Beasties)! I hope your little monsters have taken a lead from the Beasties I brought with me that day and been exceptionally well-behaved ever since! Cheers for stopping in 😁
This is too awesome and you looked lovely! You are amazing and glad you are getting recognition and press (but you are going to be soooooooooo busy now!!) 🙂
Awww, thank you Tierney! I’m happy you were able to see it! And it’s always good to be busy, isn’t it? 😁 Thanks for stopping by!