Leona Jayne Page of Fluph Wool Shop and Rusty Ferret Dyer

Ep 120 – Rusty Ferret with Leona Jayne of Fluph

September 13, 2018 Shinybees 0 Comments

Leona Jayne Page, Rusty Ferret Dyer and owner of Fluph in Dundee

It’s a chatty and fun episode today with the enigmatic Leona Jayne Page of Rusty Ferret/Fluph. Voted back onto the show as a guest for the second time, Leona tells us about how she moved from yarn shop owner into hand dyer. You can hear the first appearance by Leona on the show in this episode, where she talks about moving from forensic psychobiology to yarn.

Rusty Ferret

Who is Rusty Ferret?

Rusty Ferret was, when we last met Leona, in the closet as a ‘local dyer’. Well, the worst kept secret in knitting was uncovered. Leona was revealed as the dyer behind Rusty Ferret. Rusty is a steampunk gentleman and Leona is kind of his handler. Inspiration for her colour ways is found everywhere. Leona has a particular love for the saturated and neon colours.

Much excitement ensued at the news of subscription boxes and new yarn lines. Polwarth is championed as one of the yarn bases Leona stocks. She described in detail how she came to decide to use this particular fibre, and its benefits for both dyeing and creating garments.

Image Copyright Leona Jayne Page.

Since the last episode, Leona married her now husband Mark. Never one to be shy and retiring, here she is rocking the sequins on the big day.

Leona does Wedding Chic. Image Copyright Leona Jayne Page.

DPNs vs Magic Loop, Commercial Yarns vs Hand Dyed Yarns

We cover a number of other topics in this episode. Commercial yarns sparked some debate, as whilst they are affordable and uniform, I consider them to be a little bit boring. DPNs vs magic loop for knitting in the round had leona and I on opposing sides of the fence. I like DPNs! The economics of Primark clothing was another topic covered. Ever fancied getting into Art School? Leona has the scoop on that, too. Apparently it’s all about being able to do ‘mark making’, and doesn’t require the ability to actually draw.

Fluph Rusty Ferret Minis

You can find everything about Leona at http://www.fluph.co.uk

Music for this episode is used with kind permission of Adam and the Walter Boys, with ‘I Need a Drink’, available via iTunes.

Episode 97: Best UK Podcast of 2016

July 5, 2016 Jo Milmine 1 Comment

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Intro

So here we are at the start of our fortnightly releases – missed me?? I can’t believe how close we are to the big 1-0-0 now. Given how busy I am of late my creative juices are flowing a little slower so if you have any ideas/requests about how we should celebrate this in true Shiny style please do email and let me know. Today we have some knitting chat, a good old The Golden Skein quarterly round up and some light enabling.

Episode 95: Orange Mocha Frappucino with Countess Ablaze

June 7, 2016 Jo Milmine 3 Comments

Intro

Hola everyone, I am back from my ‘holiday’. Don’t let the flippant Spanish there throw you off, I’ve not been anywhere and haven’t even had time to knit! In fact I’m still knitting the lace panel for #RewindKAL. Been very busy with other things and Casa Shiny is like a madhouse as usual and that’s taking up much of my headspace. A couple of important points to note before we get down to the good stuff (and it really is good today):

Episode 94: Global Hypercolour

May 19, 2016 Jo Milmine 2 Comments

Image Details: ‘Fluorescent Ort Loom (Weaving Detail)’ by Nic McPhee, via Flickr.

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Episode 91: Is that it?

May 8, 2016 Jo Milmine 0 Comments

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Intro

I’ve had lots of happy messages this week, which is nice. First off, LJ is alive, arse and all, and managed to run the whole ruddy thing. Amongst my other lovely messages was one that particularly made me smile. It was from Lisa and made me realise that we need to relax and enjoy life. Let’s not take ourselves, or others, too seriously. Live like Westy. If you’re not sure what I mean, do as Lisa did and watch the below video. You will laugh, feel better and return to your knitting and correct your mistakes. Or watch Westy videos all night. Either way, you’re winning.

Episode 89: Paula Abdul Would Be Proud

April 18, 2016 Shinybees 0 Comments

Image Details: Los Angeles by Wilson Loo Kok Lee, via Flickr.

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Intro

This wee’s episode is a little later than planned but here nonetheless. Paula Abdul discussed the concept of two steps forward and two back. If you’ve not heard ‘Opposites Attract’ for a while, I bring it to you for your listening delight.

Episode 88: The Wool Kitchen – An Interview with Helen Reed

April 6, 2016 Shinybees 2 Comments

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A short intro this week as the old croaky voice is threatening a return. This week I am thrilled to bring you the other half of my Best in Show EYF winning double act – Helen from The Wool Kitchen. She is from the wrong side of the Pennines but a good Northener nonetheless and is responsible for my breaking of the ‘no 4 ply purchasing’ self inflicted rule for EYF. Her love of colour gets me every time…

Interview

Helen follows the classic pattern of a knitter – her mum taught her all she knows! She was a knitter, mainly of scarves, until her first pregnancy, when she started to knit clothes for the impending arrival. It was during this time that she realised she could read patterns and immediately have the 3D image of what it could be. Her love of bright colours and her interest in how a piece of string can be manipulated into different patterns and paired with other colours is what fuelled her desire to dye. She is a self confessed geek.

Episode 87: Travelknitter- An Interview with Larissa

March 30, 2016 Shinybees 1 Comment

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Intro

I hope we are all enjoying the change in weather…she says whilst looking at today’s snow. Before we get going I will take the opportunity to let you all know that you can still join the #RewindKAL. There is no pressure, you can join in with whatever you choose and just take your time, Lord knows that I am. I am also excited to say that I am on the wonderful Yarn in The City podcast this week with Rachel and Allison. I like a little mini enabling, so if you haven’t heard them before but you like this show I’m sure you’ll appreciate them too. You may remember an interview they did on the show in July last year.

Episode 86: Knitting on a Train

March 25, 2016 Shinybees 2 Comments

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Intro

There can be no escaping EYF chat this week, though there is no rubbing noses in it, I promise. Key points include attending the pub with some podcast Patrons – the benefits are endless folks, get involved. A big thank you to everyone who brought cards and gifts for me, it really blew me away. Special mention to Jenny, Kate and Hannah – a bee cake – Perfect! Still, it’s not a watch… I also thoroughly enjoyed hosting my session on Friday and will be doing a repeat on Thursday at 8. It is my first official webinar and if you’d like to be involved please sign up to the mailing list so I can send you the replay. There will be workshop notes available too. It is entitled ‘How to create a Content Calendar for your Blog or Podcast (and still have time to knit)’.

Episode 84: Yarns From The Plain – An Interview with Nic Rudd

March 9, 2016 Shinybees 2 Comments

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Intro

This week we’re joined by the wonderful Nic Rudd of Yarns From The Plain, purveyor of lovely British hand dyed yarns and voice of the Yarns From The Plain podcast.