TOFT - Ep. 97 - Fruity Knitting Podcast
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- Опубліковано 23 бер 2020
- Kerry Lord is the founder of TOFT, with headquarters in Warwickshire in the UK. Kerry was initially given the challenge of finding a market for the fleeces from the family's alpaca farm. The company is still based on the alpaca farm, but now focuses on designs and kits for crochet toys, including dogs, bird, farm and jungle animals. TOFT also produces simple but stylish designs for hats, scarves and other accessories, particularly targeted to younger and less-experienced knitters. Kerry's books of designs have been translated into 22 languages, and her kits are sold in department stores across the world. Only in her mid-thirties, Kerry is full of energy and enthusiasm for her crafts and her business, as we hear in our two-part interview.
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#knitting #crochet #podcast #toys
Love Kerry Lord' s work! Thanks for showcasing her.
It has been lovely reading the comments below. They are so uplifting and just make me think of all the people whose lives you are improving just by making your podcast! 😍 ☺ 🥰
How much fun making all the toys and inspiring Kerry, who motivates so many people to try knitting or chrocheting. ❤
I have been enjoying your podcasts during the quarantine. I'm catching up on all the past ones that I have missed! Thank you for all the entertaining and informative interviews, etc. I saw something that Andrew might like today on Kate Davies blog. Her husband Tom wrote an article about shadows and light using folded paper shapes that reminded me of the folded paper design that Andrew used to explain an engineering marvel in a past episode. Just thought he might want to check it out. Hope you and your family are safe and healthy!
Wow!! This was such an incredible episode, Andrea and Andrew. I Managed to secure a place in a wshop she was giving. I had wanted to meet her for s long time. She’s a natural teacher and is thorough, passionate, professional and so knowledgeable. She just has the right amount of everything and is perfect for this business. Did I mention how warm and supportive she is, even while teaching a double crochet - a stitch she’s done thousands, probably millions of times. And you feel an integral part of her world when she’s with you. She’s a rare bird ( oh, BIRD!! Hehehehe! ) thank you soooooo much for inviting Kerry on for our viewing pleasure. I feel now like I did after meeting her And seeing for real - buzzing with inspiration. Lu Xx
Your sweater is so striking and beautiful on you and on the screen Andrea! I remember when you were going to use the green contrast yarn with the variegated yarn but changed your mind. You really made the right choice and are so good at color combinations! Every episode is so instructional, inspiring and entertaining. You and Andrew have brought the wider world into our homes.
That was so interesting, Kerry is a force! Such a great, energetic businesswoman 👍
Best podcast ever! I love not only your content but your positivity is so uplifting! Thank you
My favorite part of your podcast is you, Andrea and Andrew! The interviews are great too but I wish you spent more time talking about your knitting projects, etc. That is the best part.😍
Noted, Gina! We were particularly rushed this episode because we had so much to cover with Kerry, but we will try to make sure that we include enough of us doing our knitting. Thanks for watching.
I really like the Andrea and Andrew bits too! I especially liked this episode because of their comforting atmosphere on the fruity knitting sofa and that they were probably on lockdown too! :)
Kerry is a dynamo! Love her! So happy to hear her story and see her success!
YES you are a vision, time for coffee get my little tired quarantined body tucked in my pillows, grab my dog and cuddle and watch you two !!! BREATH!!!
Yay new episode, a beacon of light in all this uncertainty!
Such great advice from Kerry as a business woman :D I just loved this episode - the music, the highlights, alpaca coffee and sheepdog running spiritedly alongside... I couldn’t help but smile.
Late to get back to you - but wasn't the dog amazing? A real farm dog. Keep smiling!!!
Andrea, you grabbed my heart with your comment. We really do live lives filled with unthinkable miracles.
I LOVED the alpacas and all that you brought us through the interview! Also, the Marie Wallin sweater under construction is really lovely. What a joy it will be to wear. Andrew, you give everyone such motivation to learn and increase skills. Thank you to both of you. Stay well.
My daughter is an art student at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago and as part of a fiber class has made quite a few of the Toft animals....what fun!
What an episode! Just what I needed this week. Thank you. The colors on you hike were stunning and inspirational for a good knit.
Lovely to hear a local accent 😍 knitting is going on in the Midlands too!! ☺ I once went on a TOFT knitting and alpaca afternoon with afternoon tea with my sister and it was a really lovely sunny, fun day!
Such a wonderful episode. I left me feeling uplifted, introspective and grateful. Thank you!
Good to hear! Thanks for watching.
I have to say what a remarkable young lady, she's wise beyond her years, and I've been crocheting for 4yrs,and I've not been adventurous. I need to buy the Toft book, our granddaughter would love it. Thankyou for a wonderful episode, especially now we're in effectively a lock down, it's raised my spirits a little. Amanda 😊 💞
Totally agree! Amazing and very interesting to listening to her.
It is so great to see inspiring (local to me) people on an international platform like this ☺ 🥰 kerry does such great crochet tutorials and I think it could get addictive to make all of the menagerie! 😂
Thank you so much for this podcast. I learned a lot of it about the alpaca fleece. I'm spinning it right now. It is different from other fleece. Looking forward to the next podcast.
Another great episode, I loved the interview with Kerry of Toft and the scenery of Snowdonia stunning as always!
Hi Sue. I think Snowdonia was really putting it on that day! Thanks for watching. A + A.
Wonderful fiber arts lesson! Adorable animals, too. Really enjoyed this presentation. Thanks for sharing!🌸
I find the muted result in your scarf, Andrew, is LOVELY...perhaps you should raffle it off to viewers as a fundraiser, LOL
Now that is an idea!
What an interesting interview. Kerry is an inspiration!
Oh my, Kerry is amazing, loved loved loved everything about this one. So inspirational and tons of ideas.
Thanks for introducing me to Toft! I have ordered Kerry's book and cant wait to make crochet animals for my nieces and nephews
That scarf 🧣 is amazing the subtle colours are beautiful stunning 🤩 hope you kept it .
Hi Andrea and Andrew, Your podcasts have been such a joy and a respite in this time of Covid19 and the ceaseless reporting. I enjoy watching when I’m dining. There is much to learn, good for the mind and nourishing for the soul. I know I have much more to learn even though I’ve been knitting for many years. I love to peruse the books in my library, which is growing. I am a stash person and methodically go through the colors and play with ideas, also a challenge to put things together when the occasion calls for it. Today I joined a test knit group and have had such fun deciding just which way I want to go. I’ve been telling everyone I know about your podcasts, even non knitters as I think they would enjoy the travel info. Looking forward to the next exciting adventure with you!
Loved this episode. So enjoyed the TOFT interview that I went online and bought her menagerie book!
Me too 😂
A truly wonderful episode thank you. Kerry's animals really put a smile on one's face. Now I must try making some for "Patch" who look after abused children here in The Western Cape (South Africa) A fun change from comfort dolls!
And the Welsh scenery is so calming Some very profound Proverbs there too! And yes, we have so much to be thankful for...the tiny things we take for granted.
So again thank you and God Bless you.
What a brilliant creative business woman Kerry is! Knowing that you need a team supporting you is so important as is knowing when to say yes or no. That's a skill we all need in our lives. I love those animals and am going to checkout her dolls as well. Thank you for the lovely hike. The setting seemed almost eerie but so lovely, especially that fog/mist/cloud moving in at the end. I hope you both got to a warm, dry place soon after! Thank you for keeping our spirits up in this trying time. HUgs
We love going for our walks in all weather, but you are right, we do also enjoy coming back to our comforts. There is a cafe in Betws-y-Coed, the town where we stay, which has a wood fire and good scones and tea (or coffee). And they welcome dogs. So we often go back there to regain our strength after being out in the elements. (Again, so much to be grateful for.) Thanks for your company, Brenda.
@@FruityKnitting And I thank you too for your company. HUgs
Oh I do love this! Thank you both. It is a very welcome distraction. I love that Andrew is crocheting too, well done! 😄
This lady has been blessed by the Lord for all her tears shed along her Journey and it's been long, Jesus loves her God bless her ,Andrea you will also be blessed for sharing your blessings do you undetstand?There is nothing better than sharing so thanks for that beautiful interview,i learned something new about our birds of christmas it is lovely ,i love amigurumis ,God bless you both
Fantastic episode; loved Kerry and the alpacas!
The colours in your Wales films !!! Just stunning. I want to knit those colours!
I just love both those sweaters/jumpers. I think they are two of my favorites of your collections.
Andrew! That scarf is beautiful! That yarn is very pretty and perfect for those who like pastels.
Thanks for this wonderful episode and the interview with the founder of Toft was so informative and exciting. Her creativity and ability to generate ideas and new things is admirable and has contributed to her business’ success. I have one of her kits sitting in my stash that I need to get out and make now that I have “met” her this way. I am also interested in getting her Corgi kit as we have two Corgis ourselves and love the breed so much! I am looking forward to using the discount she offered for my order. Hoping all is well with you as we sit in our homes, working and knitting away the hours. As a teacher, this forced absence from my students, the main reason for my work, has been particularly challenging, so moments of joy such as your podcast are so welcome. Be well!
Hi Nicole, glad you enjoyed the interview with Kerry. We look forward to seeing your corgi.
That was a great podcast and a wonderful interview of TOFT. Thank you. 😊
Another fantastic podcast. Each segment is pure bliss and how you make them fit so seamlessly makes for a wonderful viewing experience Thank you so much! A grateful patron! ;0)
Thanks Peggy
I used to love to crochet little animals! I've been thinking about buying one of her books now I really want to get one! That walk was absolutely beautiful! Thank you!
Thanks, Renee. And yes, might be time for some more little animals in your life!!
I really look forward to a new episode of FK. Love it.
What an excellent episode. So interesting and Kerry was such an inspiration. I will definitely try one of her designs in spite of my amateur crocheting abilities. Keep up your fabulous work. I look forward to my alternate Tuesday’s!
Excellent show! Thank you so much!😊
TY well done . those alpacas look so funny . Definatly lifted my spirits
Wow, your footage in Wales is stunning! Thank you.
Rewatching this because I just, finally, bought a toft creature kit to make! 😍
Lovely alpaca fleece. Technically, not guard hairs, but primaries, at least what she was looking at with the looks of those secondaries. There are guard hairs, but one needs microscope to tell. I de-prime in order to make a yarn my husband can wear on his head. Use tweezers and it is quite Zen. The itch factor comes from micron difference of only 4 between secondary and primary. Most people not bothered but a few are. She definitely has some very beautiful Huacayas. Thank you Andrea and Andrew!
Ahhh! Just knitting and watching that foggy scene in the countryside took me away! And Andrew knitting through it. You two are artist of the highest order. It really calmed me. Thank you!
Thanks, Debra. It was such a stunning area, and in its way a very beautiful day.
Wow, that was great! I have bought a couple of hat kits from Toft, online, as I’m in the Los Angeles area. I really enjoyed the interview and all of the information, and am extremely impressed with Kerry and her road to success. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. I’ll now check my email for my Patreon discount, and go shopping again!
I have been taking my time watching my line-up of knitting vlogs. This one was lovely! Thank you. Your sore throat was a little worrying Andrea, hoping it was just from your yodelling practice.
I wonder how Andrew’s Powderpuff will look after blocking. I reminded folks on Ravelry that Nancy’s sample is very low contrast and reads more pink than pink and gray. I think the scarf/cowl looks fine from a distance. Fantastic episode!
Wonderful episode!
This is a class act. Cheers!
I think the scarf is beautiful! Looks like it’s subtle enough to be really versatile in a wardrobe. Still quite the accomplishment!
Hi Rebecca. It definitely was an accomplishment - the kidsilk haze is very fine, so it took a lot of stitches. I have to say the tuck stitch technique is very relaxing in itself. If you're looking for a project to while away the time, then it would be a good fit!
Wonderful show!
The info about alpacas was very interesting. Andrew, have you thought about making yourself a sweater? Maybe Flax by tin cat knits or something with texture. Your progress has been fun to watch. You look much more relaxed while knitting.
That is a pretty design for the sweater she is making
Andrew I really like the colors in your scarf. The knitting was well done.
Thanks, Sue!
I think the scarf/cowl is still very beautiful. It just wasn’t what you were expecting. Maybe if you put it in time out for a few months, you may like it more when you take it out of hiding. :)
Thank you Andrea and Andrew for another enjoyable and informative podcast. My husband and I have just returned to Canada after having our holiday to New Zealand and Australia interrupted by the pandemic happening around the world. We are isolating in our cabin with our cat and dog to entertain us while i knit. I shared your video of Wales with him while we ate lunch today. A number of years ago I discovered your podcast and started watching it. One day as i watched it my husband said you must become a patron. He said even i am listening to it as I work and I am learning so many things. I had him sign me up, he is so much better on the computer than me, and we look forward to your podcasts every month. He now impresses my girlfriend with his understanding of knitting terms. He is a retired CPA and specialized in small business. I’m sure he enjoyed your interview with Kerry Lord as much as I did. We visited a sheep farm in New Zealand and I was able to buy some possum and merino yarn. I was looking forward to buying more yarn in Australia. However, I know we will make it there one day. Stay safe and carry on with your fantastic podcasts.
Thanks, Joan. Very sorry that your holiday got interrupted - having to come back from so far away! We do hope you make it back sometime. We're always happy to hear when the husbands are happy to sit down and watch - it is one of our goals. And thank you for your support. A + A.
What a wonderful episode again. I did so enjoy the footage of rainy Wales and the beautiful sayings you chose to accompany it - so beautifully put together. I wanted to see if I could purchase the knitting book by Marie Wallin that you showed us, because there are so many patterns in there that really tempt me. But Amazon state that it is unavailable. Is it quite an old publication? Kerry is a fabulous lady and talks with such enthusiasm about the alpacas and her business. Just wonderful. Thank you!
Great episode
My understanding of twisted stitches is knitting or purling through the back loop. The result is twisted stitches. I believe the stitches you refer to in the Skye project are 1x1 cable stitches.
Great episode!
Thanks, Amy.
Hi there, i am a proffesional dollmaker and would recomment to use coated electric wire. Firts cut of the piece you need somewhat longer and turn a little loop at one end to make it safe and not pooking out. It would be easiest to put that wire all the way in the body whilst crocheting at stuffing every couple of rows. I like to stuff with natural fiber so i use wool bats from Wollknol that is a company in Germany. They are really very cute ❤️
Thanks for those tips!
Totally fab episode guys, I found it really interesting. Andrew your finished scarf is beautiful, just because it wasn't quite what you expected doesn't detract from that. Andrea I love the crocheted birds you made, they are really cute. I hope you are both safe and well in this very strange and stressful situation, I hope that Maddie is also safe and well and that she's still enjoying uni. Is she having to study in her digs at present? Our kids are both studying at home, our youngest is in her first year of GCSE's and Eldest is in her first year of A-levels. I am so thankful for my crafts during this time especially. ❤️💕
Hi Meg, Madeleine is still in Ulm. Her exams have been cancelled and so has her work. She is still staying in her student house and taking it week by week. Best wishes to your family as well.
I think the cowl is beautiful and it looks so soft and squishy.
Thanks, Marie. It is definitely squishy, and maybe it will stay just as it is.
Kerry Lord, what an inspiring young woman. Throughout the interview I kept thinking have you Andrea thought of taking your incredible knitting skills into some revenue producing venture?
When I was bringing up my children on a rural property we always said, we were cash poor and land rich and never lost sight of the fact we were living in a scenic paradise. It enriches your soul though conditions may be harsh. What a wonderful scenery on your virtual hiking trip. Jenny(NZ)
I couldn't help watching Andrew crocheting, Andrew, I want to suggest you try a couple of different grips with your crochet hook. Your current grip is a knife grip. Try holding it like a pencil and also like a spoon to see if either works better for you.
Another great show, thanks! Very inspiring interview with Kerry, being a dog person I instantly wanted to start crocheting a dog!
Also, I think you both are a bit harsh in judging Andrews shawl, I thought it was beautiful with the discreet color pops! :)
Hi Bodil. You should try a dog. I'm very reluctant to give up our birds - they're becoming part of the family. With the scarf, I think it is partly that we imagine that it could be a lot nicer with just a slight change in the colors. Maybe we're being too harsh. You would be amazed how much we talk about color here...
Inspiring wow
I met her and bought her book and a cat kit about 6 years ago, and not made 1 single one from it!, I also bought a cat kit to make, which I have no idea where its gone! I've been crocheting for about 25 years but can't follow patterns! I've made clothing especially hats straight from my head without any patterns, and can repeat making roght down to the same stitches, increasingand decreasing! Same with my knitting, I'm doing Fair Isle but but can't follow a pattern! I can follow a chart to do Fair Isle but not crocheting. I always end up with too many stitches, especially when I've done something flat like a blanket, and can't stand something been made that's not symmetrical, so I end up frogging it and doing something from my own head, which is not written down! I've just finished a crocheted poncho with an added knitted roll neck, I added a knitted roll neck because I've been knitting for a month. I've made beanie hats, berrets, scarves, cowl necks, baubles Fair Isle blanket, Fair Isle mittens, socks, Fair Isle hats, and working on a Fair Isle jumpers, all without following a pattern. I'm annoyed that I can't follow patterns, I even went to a paying crochet group, and was there for over a year but they didn't help with teaching pattern following, they printed out stuff that had charts which I can do, it's ones without charts I can't do. The way they are written out having put one instruction, then another on the same line, which is hard to mark off where you are, and unless I can finish that piece off without being distracted, even looking up, or to have a drink, it all goes to pot and lost on the instructions where I am. BTW, I'm autistic! I learnt to the clarinet in a week! Playing a tune called strangers on the shore after 2 days, by the end of the week I was playing 25 tunes. I can play, drums, bagpipes, trumpet, bugle, ,Bell lyre, plus many other instruments. One year I was at a Knit and Stitch show and a stall was selling Ocarina's, by the end of the day, my mum said let's go back to the stall and show him, I started playing some tunes on it. This is why I can crochet and knit without patterns, but I want to learn to understand patterns! I'm annoyed I can't.😢
I vote for keeping the birds. You might have grandchildren some day who will need soft toys.
That is a very valid point - the grandkids. We are planning to have a lot, so we will need a few toys.
@@FruityKnitting Does Madeline agree with your plans? 😀
Lovely scarf. How about doing some duplicate stitch on the scarf with a contrasting color/s. Andrea you have lots of charts from all your gorgeous sweaters and the duplicate stitch would add that zing to the scarf.
It would be wonderful to crochet story characters!
That's true!
❤️❤️
Met at NEC several times
Beautiful as always you two! Question about the blouse Andrea was wearing in her interview with Toft - Can you tell me if you made it or bought it and who is the maker/fabric brand? I am slightly bird obsessed and it caught my eye immediately :)
It is a great shirt . Andrew bought it for my lat birthday. It's a Scottish company. www.gibsonandbirkbeck.co.uk/
a piece of watertube ( is this a word? I mean Wasserschlauch) for the neck holds it up niv´cely and makes it still a toy suitable for children
That sounds like a good idea. Danke, Vera!
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Don't over dye it!
I think it is so lovely and classic and subtilely feminine. Not your usual style perhaps, but I think over dyeing will only make it muddier.
I think the colors of the scarf are lovely! Don’t dye it! 🙈
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That’s discrimination mid twenties I know many older people who are older
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Thanks, Dave!!