iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Been busy on a test knit for @tetisknitgarden.bsky.social . I think she's a beauty; giving baubles, berries and candle vibes in these natural shades of wool. Dare I say something different for the Festive Season? Pattern is called Suhotrav and she was a joy to knit #knitsky #knitting #testknit

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Test knit for @tetisknitgarden.bsky.social . Pretty, quick & very satisfying #floksshawl. Made in pure British wool with plant dyed yarn from the a range you can find at #fabricationcrafts.bsky.social , Feasegate, York in woad blue, madder red, foraged yellows, logwood purple and green 😊 #knitting

The Floks shawl in yellow draped over the back of a grey chair that is also draped with another shawl.

The Floks shawl tied around the shoulders of a mannequin.

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

For #wipwednesday I thought I'd show you how my #yellowjersey project is going. It's an aran weight shawl that I came up with after dyeing the wool with blackberry leaves. I thought go for pretty but rustic with a crunchy hardwearing sort of wool and leaf/blackberry stitches. 🚲💛

I hope to release the pattern for this yellow shawl later on in September/October. The other items on the table are wet felted objects that I made and a quote from Wendell Berry ' What I stand for, is what I stand on'

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

The #tourdefrance is an epic cycling race/cultural event/ soap opera that runs for three weeks in July from this Saturday. The race leader wears the maillot jaune/yellow jersey. Jersey = knitted fabric. So how about knitting something yellow as your own challenge? #yellowjersey #knitting

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

For my #knitting #WiPs this week I'm sharing socks under construction. Hopefully they will become pairs but ... 😄. I'm using wool I dyed with plants from a rare-breed sheep called Lonk, which is said to be hard-wearing, so I thought I'd test it out. (details in Alt text) #permaculture #plantdye

Peach sock is Wusai dyed with madder. Pattern link is https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wusai-socks
Yellow is Loretta dyed with dock leaves. Pattern link is https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/loretta-6

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

It's weird how a random thing can guide you back to your roots. So thank you for the theme of light and dark for #showmeyourknits. It has been a gentle reminder of how much I love microscopic drawings and turning them into knitting designs. This is the Dotty Pine wrap (link in alt text) #knitting

Dotty Pine Wrap. Pattern can be found here https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dotty-pine-wrap
Image of the cross-section of a pine stem as etched by Nehemiah Grew

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Welt felting is a magical process where natural fibres move in a dance with your hands helped by water and a drop of soap. Always unique, often complex and subtle. 10/10 recommend as your new adventure 😊. Find these pieces @fabricationcrafts.bsky.social , in York from Sunday. #york #handmade #wool

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Ready for Worldwide Knit in Public Day? I'm off to Feasegate, York where @fabricationcrafts.bsky.social are hosting an event. I'll be bringing these plant-dyed lovelies for sale plus free shawl pattern. Hope to see you there for some yarny fun 😁 #knitting #yorkshire #handmade #wool #naturaldye

Selection of wool dyed with plant extracts

Purple shawl knitting and the knitting pattern and some purple wool in a brown paper bag

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

If you're in York it would be lovely to see you at @fabricationcrafts.bsky.social in either Stonegate or our new shop in Feasegate (near Superdrug). This social enterprise supports and promotes work of over 60 local artists and makers including me and my felts😊 #visityork #handmade #wool #felting

A wet felted mushroom, small cross body bag and leaf shaped bowl

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Light 4ply, 3.5mm needle, pretty silhouette with lots of different stitch detail. Thank you Yun Jeong of Yunique knits for creating the Edelweiss Blouse 😍(Rav link in Alt text). I'm using two shades of undyed Yorkshire wool and some that I dyed with madder #wipwednesday #knitting #permaculture

The yoke of the edelweiss blouse https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/edelweiss-blouse in natural beige and cream with madder orange

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

For #lightitupMAL 7x100g balls of recycled wool has turned into Dark Moss by @tetisknitgarden.bsky.social 💚 , two sets of Drops pattern Blaze kids hat & cowl, a cable swatch/cowl & a couple of rounds on the oddses crocheted blanket. No waste. Knitting is brilliant #knitting #permaculture

A pink version of Dark Moss by Teti Lutsak

A selection of knitted and crocheted items made from recycled wool

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

In York this month they are celebrating the odd pairing of Roman history and magic. Well mushrooms can be magical and were used by Agrippina to poison Emperor Claudius, so there's my link 😄 Find these fellas in Fabrication, Stonegate along with loads of other fun goodies #yorkshire #handmade #fungi

Two hand felted mushrooms made from British wool

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Happy Weekend Knitting! I'm hoping to be able to spend a good chunk of time on this tomorrow as we're forecast much needed rain. BTW Happy 100th Birthday the UK National Treasure that Sir David Attenborough #LightitupMAL #knitting #lifeonearth

pink knitting in progress on a bed of gravel with a clematis flower

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

She's growing fast! Cables are very addictive imo. Think I'm going to need a companion project 😄. I've a new grand nephew due to arrive in July, so baby something? Suggestions welcome #WIPS #knitting #LightitupMAL

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

This month I will be changing the habit of my adult life and knitting in pink😄. My pattern is Dark Moss by Teti Lutsak (Rav link in Alt text). I'm trying a recycled yarn - New Life Wool by Hjertgarn. Really looking forward to seeing everyone's project progress #LightitupMAL #knitting #recycled

Close up of the first 10cm of Dark moss by Teti Lutsak in pink yarn called New Life wool by Hjertegarn.
Patter link https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dark-moss-pullover

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

To knitters out there who are sickened by the AI-ification of our beloved, historical and culturally-significant craft, maybe have a read of this by renowned knitting designer and historian Kate Davies concerning 'Knitting bullshit' #permaculture #knitting katedaviesdesigns.com/2026/04/29/k...

katedaviesdesigns.com

Unraveling AI's 'Knitting Bullshit'

'Unraveling AI's 'Knitting Bullshit'

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

I fear that the left of politics is dominated by those who don't engage with the average right wing supporter. 'What's wrong with them? Why can't they see they are voting against their own interests?' they say. Not this man though #greenparty #ukpolitics #reformuk www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFaT...

youtube.com

I Told My RESTORE BRITAIN Voting Aunt the Reality of their Policies

YouTube video by Van Man Talks

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

This week I started with dyeing fleece golden yellow with buddleia prunings and ended here. So many wise people say that your most satisfying work happens when you step off the conveyor of making for sale and simply enjoy the dialogue of the process. IMO they're right 😊 #thisisme #wool #naturaldye

close up of two woollen pods showing the effect of muslin and flax on the felt

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Seed pods carry hope and potential. Plus they come in beautiful forms, so I thought I'd try to capture some of that magic. They will be in Fabrication, 32 Stonegate, York from Sunday if you'd like to see them in person along with work of many Yorkshire artists #yorkshire #crafts #textileart #wool

felted pea pod with three multicoloured peas

close up image of orange felted peas in a grey pod

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Hello knitters. If you are like me there is something very satisfying about a 'no waste' project. so my next adventure for #scrapalong2026 will be a 'Scarfy thing' courtesy of Beata Jezek of Hedgehog fibres #knitting #slowfashion www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...

ravelry.com

Scarfy Thing pattern by Beata Jezek

This is not a knitting pattern, more a recipe for a creative endeavour. A collection of tips. It’s not difficult to knit, but it does require a bit of skill.

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

#scrapalong2026! Now you're talking. As you can see, I have a lot of scraps. These are just the 4ply/fingering weight 😄. I'm starting the year by using them double with some aran weight. The pattern is La Rentree by Sonder Yarns (free on Rav). I've gone for a 3:1 stripy idea 🤞 #showmeyourknits

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Hello fellow knitters 😊. If you wanted the opposite to the usual incessant loud squawking of knitting YouTube presenters can I recommend trying this - quietly beautiful #knitting #knittinginnature #mindfulknitting #knittingismytherapy www.youtube.com/watch?v=nceb...

youtube.com

The return of winter & little knitting stories

YouTube video by wideeyedtree

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Big birthday coming up. Getting reflective and planting seeds. If you are a STEM person with an artistic itch, can I invite you to scratch it? Wet Felting with sheep's wool trying to mimic the growth of fungal mycelia using organic forms – why not?😄 #artinstem #thirdage #fungi #fibreart

White wool felted pod with dried allium head

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Here are the results of some of my latest conversations with wool concerning the topic of lichens. If you want to see them in real life along with the work of many other Yorkshire makers, then pop along to @Fabrication Crafts , Stonegate, York and support our local artists #york #madeinyorkshire

wet felted green pod, embellished with lichen forms

wet felted green vase, embellished with lichen forms

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Melt the ICE is still #1 on Rav 😍! 'All proceeds from the sale of this pattern go to the immigrant aid agencies who will distribute the funds to those impacted by the actions of ICE.' Wear one wherever you live and join the global discussion? #knitting #craftivism www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...

ravelry.com

Melt the ICE Hat pattern by YarnCultMN

In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal...

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Reposted by Abi Collins

Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

UK PM Keir Starmer reacts to Cadet Bone Spurs claiming that allied troops stayed back behind the front lines in Afghanistan to avoid combat: “457 of our armed services lost their lives, many more were injured. So I consider Trump’s remarks to be insulting and apalling.”

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Love to Kalaallit Nunaat by the Greenland designer Lisa Solrun Christiansen. Turning the Greenland flag into hearts - genius -and it's free on Ravelry! Time to purchase some red and white DK 🥰🧶🕊️ #knitting #knitforpeace www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...

ravelry.com

Love to Kalaallit Nunaat pattern by Lisa Solrun Christiansen

Love to Kalaallit Nunaat - halsrøret strikkes rundt på rundpind, som et langt rør, til den anbefalede længde. Halsrøret strikkes dobbeltrådet med 1 tråd i Alpaca Silk og 1 tråd i Mohair Silk.

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

#1 on Ravelry - Nisse cap - used by the Norwegians in WW2 as an anti Na$1 protest. I was reminded of 'England expects – knit your bit,' supporting the fight against that predatory authoritarian regime. Came across this inspiration 🕊️💪🧶 #knitting #craftivism #nato www.vam.ac.uk/articles/194...

vam.ac.uk

1940s knitting patterns · V&A

Hand-knitting was at a peak in Britain in the 1940s. Download free 1940s knitting patterns from the V&A's archives.

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Hello #knitters! I was watching a YuTu vid on knitting trends. Wearing your national/community patterns in protest against far right wing parties/predatory regimes was offered as a possibility. What would you choose? I'm from the UK and went for the Gansey. #knitting www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...

ravelry.com

The Big Easy Gansey pattern by Beth Brown-Reinsel

Revised and updated! (Yarn used: Quince & Co Osprey)

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

I truly believe that while it's important to retain hope and positivity, all of us who have our eyes wide open benefit from a good old rant, just to get the blood pumping and our energy high #knitforpeace #labourparty #craftivism www.youtube.com/watch?v=296-...

youtube.com

Trump vs The World

YouTube video by Jonathan Pie

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Don't know about you but I'm fed up with the grey, cold and dismal, so I thought I'd share a bit of warm and hopeful yellow. Inspired by sweetcorn, it's called Zea. I've just put the pattern on Ravelry as a freebie. Enjoy 😊🌼#knitting #yellow #plantdye www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...

yellow garter stitch shawl called Zea. Knitting pattern available from https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zea-shawl

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

A well- thought out and respectful summary for this reflective season imo.So if you could spare 11 minutes .... Happy New Year 💚 #knitting #crochet #makeyourown #permaculture www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAnP...

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Knitting vs Capitalism: Why Making Things Is Radical

YouTube video by Melanie | Braid & Tinker

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Started a new venture with Fabrication in York and got a message from a staff member telling me that my 'booby- bottomed ear trumpet things' were selling well 😂 #felting #fiberart #textileart #lichen #makingmakesmehappy

Five felted pods with trumpet-like extensions in various colours

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

World Soil Day 5th Dec, "Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities." Under asphalt, buildings & streets lies soil that, if permeable and vegetated, helps absorb rainwater, regulate temperature, store carbon, and improve air quality.💚 Find out more www.un.org/en/observanc... #soil #climate #food #permaculture

un.org

World Soil Day | United Nations

World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources.

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Any Yorkshire crafters/artists want to join an established Social Enterprise supporting all kinds of folk; selling their work, providing workspace and learning skills? I've just joined Fabrication Crafts in York (shop in Leeds too)and found it a very positive experience. #craft #art #yorkshire

Lots of different hand crafted items in a shop window. Fabrication Crafts, Stonegate York

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Craftivism takes discipline and time and this is my start as recommended by Sarah P. Corbett. Take a positive inspirational phrase and embroider it. The process concentrates your thoughts on strategy and action. 'What I stand for, is what I stand on' - Wendell Berry. #craftivism #soil #permaculture

What I stand for is what I stand on - Wendell Berry. Embroidered onto cream ribbon which is attached to a wet felted foot shape, sitting on another piece of felt depicting bird footprints

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Fellow festive knitters who love using up their stash - how about this idea? Urban Beat by Drops is knitted on 7mm so you can use 1 strand super bulky, 2 of aran, 3 of DK or 4 of fingering 4ply. The hat is one size by very stretchy and adaptable 💚🧶😊 #knitting #knitsky #slowfashion #permaculture

Four super chunky knitted hats on a knitted grey cushion. Pattern is Urban Beat by Drops

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

If you're in York pressie hunting can I suggest Fabrication on Stonegate. Full of local makers and artists selling individual, good quality stuff. And yes, I have just landed a small area selling my wet felted pieces, all made in Yorkshire wool 😊💚🧶

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Autumn starts with apples for me. So here is my own creation the Apple Branch scarf. The motifs come from an historic anatomical drawing of an apple branch as seen under an early microscope by Nehemiah Grew and the pink from madder dye. Pattern link in alt text. #showmeyourknits #knitting

Apple Branch tubular scarf. Knitted mainly in stranded colourwork. Available at https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/apple-branch-scarf

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

I was trying to do a deep and meaningful artistic felting piece thinking about knitting with wool being decomposed back into the ground and this was the result - my spooky little owl stone 😄. I do love him 🦉 #makeyourselfhappy #fibercraft #wool

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Thank you Jamie Raskin and a beautifully considered commentary on the clip. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK6L...

youtube.com

Nigel Farage DESTROYED By US Congressman On Free Speech

YouTube video by Maximilien Robespierre

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

I didn't realise how much faith I had lost in the 'Labour' party until I listened to this. Someone brave enough to be a compassionate human being in national politics 👋 #greenparty @teamlabouruk.bsky.social

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

In a world dominated by those whose life seems driven by a lack of respect for any other life on Earth, these two remain an utter inspiration for those of us who see the importance of Earth care, people care and fair shares #permaculture #nature #lifeonearth

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

For #showmeyourknits sweater theme. This was my second bias brain bender from Japanese Knitting by Michiyo. Once you get into the rhythm it's pretty satisfying. #knitsky #handmade

A sweater in blue with brown stripes from Japanese Knitting by Michiyo. This is knitted on the bias from a chart.

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

The baby these were made for is now 36 years old 😄. They are by Phildar, the French yarn company whose fashion forward patterns were my mainstay from teens to motherhood. They produce exquisite baby patterns, so when I had mine of course I had to make a few 😊 #showmeyourknits #knitting

Knitted baby wear by Phildar from patterns produced in the late 1980s. A romper suit with stranded knitting yoke and a sweater in graphic intarsia blocks and a shoulder button fastening

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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

I am still using my bargain, beautiful cashmere tweed. Only 30g left so 2 colours for Annika mitts, I named them after my favourite detective, the unique Annika Strandhed who works in cold northern places, so long cuffs and finger ribbing with stranded colourwork seems right #knitting #wipwednesday

Naburn mitts in purple and one Annika mitt under construction, both designed by abiknitsflora on Ravelry. The background is a blanket knitted in natural shades

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