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Abi Collins

@abiknitsflora.bsky.social
233 followers 109 following 209 posts

Making things by blending plant anatomy with wool whilst trying to cultivate an allotment

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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
That's a lot of challenge you've given yourself for a first garment, so huge congratulations 💪. Welcome to the club 😊
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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
yellow wool dyed with blackberry leaves
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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
I agree 100% on the Cubics. After a million years of knitting my poor hands are beginning to show wear and tear, but the increased area of the flat surface has really helped 😊
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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 · 24/06/2026
I truly do 😍
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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 extractsPurple 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 LutsakA 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
As a 'dyed in the wool' Tolkien fan, this has to be investigated! Thank you Samantha
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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 · 05/05/2026
😄
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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
three wet felted woollen podsclose 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 peasclose 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 formswet felted green vase, embellished with lichen forms
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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
What a complete bellend. Man U supporters what do you think? #taxtherich #manchesterunitedfc www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
PM tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying UK 'colonised by immigrants'
Sir Keir Starmer said comments by the businessman and Manchester United co-owner were
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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Gotta love David Mitchell #greenparty #permaculture #labour #taxtherich www.youtube.com/shorts/esJIX...
youtube.com
David Mitchell calls out tax avoidance by the super-rich 👏 #ukpolitics #uknews #davos
YouTube video by Share The Wealth
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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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Abi Collins @abiknitsflora.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
I always pay a visit to the Drops yarn website www.garnstudio.com You can pick your yarn weight and your language. Fingering is Group A and all the patterns are free. Happy hunting 🧶😊
garnstudio.com
DROPS Design - Knitting patterns, crochet patterns & high quality yarns
Here you'll find more than 160.000 free knitting patterns and crochet patterns with tutorial videos, as well as beautiful yarns at unbeatable prices!
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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 · 21/01/2026
Absolutely stunning 😍
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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
Needs must 😂
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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...
youtube.com
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 · 21/11/2025
I mean, just look at this cool little chap (and 25% off the pattern. Thank you Sarah ) Happy Weekend knitting!🧶🎄🎁 #knitting #strandedknitting #whimsy #weekendknits www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...
ravelry.com
Gnoel Gnome pattern by Sarah Schira
Save 25% on this pattern when you use the coupon code giftalong2025 in your Ravelry cart from Thursday, November 20 at 5 pm (US-EST) through Wednesday, November 26 at 11:59 pm (US-EST). Then come join...
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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
Thank you. In my head plant cells as seen under the microscope and stranded colourwork just seem to be a really good pairing 😄
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