It's been quite a long time since I've had time to tune into FK. Between moving across the country, travels for the holidays and recovering from a really bad respiratory infection (not Covid thank goodness!) I just haven't had time. Till tonight. And this was the episode I landed on. Honestly, it is absolutely perfect! I fell in love with your family and your show a number of years ago and now you've done it again Andrea! This was just SO charming and sweet: meeting your lovely sister and seeing her beautiful family as well as your beautiful homeland and your joy at being there with them, and then Robyn Alexander whose enthusiasm, sheer talent and stunning creations took my breath away, and finally all those darling toys. Alan Dart himself is absolutely charming, and you can see that inner child that loves to play and create just shining through. Thank you for a wonderful episode. I've been grinning my head off for the last 90 minutes and now have at least 20 new "someday" projects on my list. I see sweet dreams ahead of me tonight as I retire. Blessings to you all; you're in my thoughts and prayers very very often as you carry on for now without dear Andrew. We miss him as well and are SO grateful to still have you, Madeline and this very special broadcast to brighten our days.
Just lovely that you could get back to Oz to catch up with family. I love that Fruity Knitting continues to develop and I feel privileged to be a patron.
How wonderful to meet Alan Dart. I’ve knit several of this toys (including modifying a Hawaiian Hamster to make her into a Belly Dancer) and they are brilliant. It’s also lovely to learn that he is married to Malcolm Bird! Malcolm is one of my favourite illustrators, I loved his characters Madge and Beryl in the JACKIE magazine ❤❤🏴🥃🥃 enchanting interview Andrea
I really enjoyed this podcast where we've met your sister, she's so lovely, and your adorable nieces! You have a beautiful family Andrea. I can only imagine how long that flight must have been for you sitting there without your knitting. Alan Dart's creations are beautiful and meticulously whimsical. Each of the figures he showed us are book-worthy, could each have their own story written around them. So charming!
I love this episode! I am a big fan of Alan Dart and so enjoyed seeing his segment. Your sister and nieces are so talented and beautiful! I love the little ones off on an adventure and knitting. I know you are enjoying the twins and spending time with your family. Thank you for sharing with your viewers! ❤
What a lovely episode! I'm so happy for you, Andrea, that you can spend time with your family in Australia. Fiona, your blue garment is so gorgeous! The stiches look so even and perfect!
I'm so happy you are 'home' and with your beautiful sister Fiona. Goodness you are a good looking bunch. Seriously though, I can see how happy you are to be with family and that warms my heart. Your sister by the way, at times, looks like Madeline although Madeline does have a lot of Andrew's overall features. Have fun in Australia.
Absolutely refreshing . I am so glad you have returned home for a visit as your sister and children are so delightful. Thank you for the Alan Dart interview also. What a delightful man!
Absolutely amazing! My goodness Andrea, you look so happy and well-rested. It's amazing how healing it is to be with family. Your sister Fiona, is lovely and such a joy! You are a champion Fiona (and a real stickler, as Andrea mentioned). 😉 I'm sure you'll succeed with all future knitting projects. Your children are absolutely adorable! Two knitalongs to look forward to. Stay well and take care everyone! ♥
Have been watching Fruity Knitting during the lockdown and when I had Covid. As an Australian living in London, I too have not been home for many years. The Australian beach and bush photography made me feel very home sick. Enjoy you time with your family time.
I am besotted with Alan Dart and his knitted toys. What a truly delightful man, with a whimsical heart and fantastic knitting skills. And your sister Fiona! You two are so sweet together. I see she’s a beauty just like you, Andrea, and a natural in front of the camera, again, just like you. It was a real pleasure to see her on the show with you. Thank you for another unforgettable episode.
Knitting language, proper lighting are real basics. I never work with dark yarn in the winter if at all possible! Wow, look at those sewing skills and Simba's lovely vest. Very inspiring to me as a gramma. That's a valid but oh so frustrating excuse. I can't imagine being denied my knitting for 3 days. Movies and reading just don't do the job. Robyn's attitude is so sensible and joyful..take time and keep playing! Here's my Alan Dart toy story: Years ago, my step-mother (who is my age, grin) was remarrying after my father's death. I was stumped for a gift for a couple in their mid-60s blending two complete households. I found a pattern from Simply Knitting for a wedding cake with a bride and groom topper. I matched the wedding colours to the cake and the couple. It was a totally unique wedding gift that made everyone laugh. Thank you so much Alan for all the joy of that creation. And for all the great tips about making your toys. Andrea, this one is another 5 star episode for me. Thanks so much. Enjoy your time in Australia. HUgs
Oh my goodness I have loved this episode. What beautiful girlies in the family - the little ones and you older girlies. It was brilliant seeing the amazing area where your sister lives and so close to the beach - wow. The little ones are poppets and adorable. The makers were just perfect. So much talent and so great you can share with us. Wish I had known you were in the area when you were interviewing Alan Dart as I now live near him. You could have co e for a cuppa. What a super chappie he is. This has been the best so thank you very much. I am sure there has been lots of catch ups with your beautiful sister, lots of memories and lots of tears but it will be so good for you. Take care till next time. 🧶🧶
So wonderful to see you home in Australia surrounded by your sister and her dear family. You all are such a pretty and talented bunch! Alan Dart was even more delightful than I imagined him being. So thrilled you had him on. You continue to amaze me with all these excellent episodes. Enjoy your stay and your stitches!
I think I smiled through this whole episode! You can tell crafting runs in the family! You have a beautiful family and I would watch out for Simba (hope I spelled it right) because she did an amazing job. Fiona is a natural! You two work so well together!
Loved this show with your sister. She indeed has “stick to it” for her projects. The sweater is fantastic and the vest will be. You both are fun to watch together! The nieces were charming as usual and thanks for the travel pictures of their part of Australia. So beautiful and dramatic. The interview with Alan Dart was great fun and the Maker special stunning. Thanks, as usual for a very special time, sharing your inspirational world.
Thank you so much for the interview with Alan Dart. I have been a fan of his for at least 20 years and it was wonderful to see him and learn more about him. ❤
Andrea, you always manage to bring out the very best in your guests. And just LOVED meeting your sister and her little brood. Utterly enchanting. Andrew would be so proud. ❤️❤️
I absolutely loved this episode! Zimba and her sister are so cute! And the twins are adorable! Zimba does such an excellent job on her knitting. Her sweater is lovely. The sweaters you made for the twins are lovely. Love seeing your part of the world in Australia. Thanks for sharing! I totally agree with Fiona. Knitting patterns are like a foreign language at first. Your sweater was absolutely beautiful.
So enjoyed this episode! Your sister Fiona is a natural when it comes to being in front of a camera - you both look so beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful time and thank you for another wonderful episode!
Such a sweet episode! Thank you! It always feels like a special holiday when an episode is released! Enjoy your time in Australia, Andrea, and thank you for bringing Fiona on the show.
What a wonderful episode filled with once again the most amazing talent! It was great to see both of your sisters and the photos of your “Momma”! So much talent in one family! It would appear that Australia is good for your spirit and healing. Thank you for a most enjoyable episode! Love seeing Fiona’s little ones; more great talent in the making! 💕
What a truly lovely episode. Lovely to see you back with your sister and her family. What a lovely gentle and talented man Alan Dart is. I’ve got my eyes on that natural nativity set - stunning! Thanks so much x
OMG, that was so wonderful and really made my Sunday! You look a lot like your sister. You have the same eyes. I noticed, that your sister kept touching your right leg. A gesture you used to do yourself a lot with Andrew. Family habits. :-) I love the scene when the girls walk on the path with their knitted bags and the classical piano tunes as background music. It reminded me of silent movies ala Charly Chaplin or Buster Keaton. Very nice. I so enjoyed Robin and her work. Her art is right up my alley and of course the epic Alan Dart: Genius, fun and unique. All in all, this must be one of my all time favourite episodes so far. You are doing a great job Andrea and I love your podcasts very much. Huggs and blessings from Rose-Cottage, Schurwald Forest, Germany.
What a fantastic episode! Your sister Fiona is lovely and talented, it runs in the family. And what a stunning place she lives in, Wow! Seeing the brioche top Fiona is working on makes me want to make something in Brioche again. Simba's project turned out beautifully and looks terrific on her. What a treat to see Robyn's unique textile art. And the Alan Dart, just amazing. I have knit several toys (none of Alan's designs...yet). I am in awe of those who take a medium like yarn and sculpt it with such creativity. Glad to see you're home, hope it does your heart and soul good.
So lovely to see you home in Australia with your sister and her gorgeous girls. Plus what incredibly talented people presenting their spectacular craft.
What a beautiful episode! Great to meet Fiona, she’s a natural and you’re so lovely together 💖 Alan Dart is such a joy! Wonderful to see your nieces too, well done Simba on your awesome vest 👏 Thank you for brightening my Sunday, Andrea. Enjoy your time in Australia! x
Wonderful episode, Andrea. It was a pleasure to meet your sister, Fiona; to share time with your guests, who were inspirational; and to listen to your interviews, which -- as always -- were incisive. Not to mention, it was so pleasurable to experience a bit of Australia. Bravo. Love to you, your Australian family, and to Madelaine, who must be missing you.
It’s beautiful to know you’re here in 🇦🇺, and Byron Bay into the bargain! Please keep Fiona in your program. Seriously, she’s fun and very cool. You’re both a lovely example of Australian charm and warmth! So proud of your work and class!
What a beautiful episode. You and Fiona work together so well!! and your nieces are gorgeous 🤩 I was blown away by Robyn and wanted to ask her so many questions. She's obviously an instinctive and talented artist. I really enjoyed listening to her take on her work. Wonderful. Alan Dart was so charming too with his tales of his beautiful toys. Thank you, I've really enjoyed my afternoon with you 😊
Love, love, LOVE this episode! Well, I love them all and now to see you in Australia with your sister and family is totally wonderful. Fiona reminded me so much of Madeleine when she was showing off her gorgeous vest and this is so special. Love the fly-over of Byron Bay! Thank you Andrea for such an amazing podcast! ❤💕❤💕❤💕
Love it that you are visiting family in Australia. Darling children time and the sweater is beautiful on your sister. She did a great, great job. Loved the video, you sister is beautiful like you and Madeleine. Love,hugs, prayers to you and yours always.
It gladdens my heart to know that you’ve gone home and spent some time with your family, they are lovely! Thank you so much Andrea for sharing. I loved Alan Dart and his magical toys! I’m off to find a Kim Hargreaves pattern to try to knit with Fiona ❣️
Thank you so much for this wonderful episode. I love the way Simba and her sister can freely take off and explore, and knit away. I am glad you left your house and all the memories.
I am so glad to see you in the video with your lovely sister, I was waiting for this. Because it is your family what you need right now and your fantastic home country. What a wonderful time this is for you full of love from your loved ones. I am just staring watching but comment now already because I am so glad for you that you are there! Love to see your nieces💜💜💜❤️
Andrea, what a delight to see you in Australia with family, your sister, nieces and twin nephews. I imagine this to be a time of great joy. And the content was so enchanting, with Alan Dart and his amazingly detailed toy creations, your nieces enjoying a day together at the sea, Robyn sharing her craft. Thank you so much for transferring all this joy to us!
A wonderful episode. How lovely to meet your family and to see the sunshine and the surrounding area. The girls are gorgeous. It was interesting to see Robyn's work and the marvellous array of Alan Darts toys. Have fun in Australia. 🇬🇧
Absolutely lovely episode, two sisters together, so enjoyed it. Thank you again, worth every penny on patreon. Do support fruity knitting to keep up the quality of such lovely videos.
Loved this episode, meeting your sister and nieces was delightful. Fantastic interview with Alan Dart, what a lovely man and his toys are brilliant, will definitely try one of his beautiful patterns. Thank you for fruity knitting, I look forward to every episode.
I am so happy you are with family in Australia, Andrea! I am happy for you and for them. Being on different Continents has been part of my life for decades too ..... in fact my brother has been living in Australia for 25 years and I have never been there yet:( I was about to visit for a month when the airlines cancelled the whole trip due to the pandemic. Savour every moment there with your loved ones. I am so grateful for Fruity Knitting and am a patreon supporter. It is a treasure box of content and I look forward to every episode. Take care xx
Really loved this episode -- always do, but appreciated being transported to Byron Bay and meeting Fiona and her sweet daughters. Alan Dart and his amazing softies were such fun too and very inspirational. Just lovely, thank you.
Andrea, this episode is fabulous. I couldn't help notice something about Fiona.... When you and Andrew did the podcasts together I always thought how endearing you were to him when you would leaned in or reached over when you spoke to him. I always thought this was the sweetest gesture. Fiona does the same to you (and you to her). It is really lovely…. thank you both for today’s episode. It’s so nice to hear from someone at the beginning of their (addiction)/journey into knitting.
Andrea, thank you so much for this lovely episode👏👏. It was lovely to meet your sister, Fiona, and to see her children… especially her oldest daughters. The interview with Alan Dart was wonderful… he is a gem❤️
Same thing struck me ...... Fiona was looking up at Andrea and she had just the same expression as Madeleine. Stunning women all and what about Simba - what a talented and amazing darling!!!!!
Lovely episode. It was great to meet your sister and see the beautiful countryside. The toys are just so adorable and Alan Dart seems like such a nice person.
Those children are a real hit! Their obliviousness of their audience is precious but you can tell they have lovely personalities. Wouldn’t one of those toys be a great silent reward for Simba’s 5 mins on camera! His work is stunning - the character’s faces are exquisite! Fiona’s commitment to the pattern awed me, and answers my problems staying on track. How high can you keep raising the bar?!? This episode beats everything Andrea!!! I go back to the other episodes regularly, and Kaffe’s 2 episode’s were over-the-top amazing but I’ll be coming back to this one frequently!
Thank you for sharing your lovely family. ♥️ All the segments were lovely. I could spend a day with Alan and listen to him describe his toys and his process. 🧸
A lovely episode in every way. So happy that you get time with family and met the twins. I love the lace and silk ribbons and I recently got into making toys. None as elaborate Alan Dart’s. I will have to try one of his. They make you smile as you work. It satisfies me to see each part completed. 💕🌸
What a wonderful episode. I’m so happy to see you back in Australia, and I’ve also been a huge fan of Alan Dart for decades (giving away my age much😆). Episode was a sheer joy to watch.
So enjoyable to watch. So lovely to spend time with your beautiful sister. Simba is a mini me of Fiona! Beautiful to see the new babies wearing your knitted vests. You are very blessed. Thank you for sharing your family and the luscious scenery!
I am so glad that you are able to have this time with Fiona and her babies, big and small. Sisters can be different and she is a character for sure 😁 Her witty contributions make me laugh and I love her accent plus her diction. Her voice reminds me of Ashley Judd. Simba is such a good ‘big sister’ and I can see her going straight to designing as she grows up. The subtropics of Byron Bay is so pristine so I hope they protect the ecosystem before it’s too late. It is so green and lovely. Robyn did remind me of Kaffe with her command of colours and textures. I can’t wrap my head around it. Alan Dart’s tiny characters are so precious and fun that I would be tempted if I had a penchant for making toys. I hope you had a lovely time with your sister and family ❤️
Wonderful Episode. Great that your sister could join you! My son lives near Bondi Beach in NSW. (we live in Chicago) He loves Byron and they travel there as often as they can.
What a treat to see Alan Dart talking about his work! Thanks! By the way I personally would never make one of his designs for a child. They take a LONG time to make well and are what I consider to be shelf figures not cuddly things.
I was grinning from ear to ear all thru the Alan Dart Interview! Also enjoyed all the other parts of this of the episode. Great to meet more of your family and see where they live.
What a wonderful episode I live in the US But I’m from Australia so loved seeing the bush and the beach. Fiona and her family are really lovely. It’s great to see you with them
Fab you made it here Andrea and so delightful to see you with your lovely sister and her delightful children. Byron is certainly a wonderful place to be and refreshing for the soul ! I just wish I had some of the amazing crafting skills of those personable children whose techniques look already 'impeccable' !! Hope you continue to have a great time enjoying your 'home' in OZ.
Fiona I do the same thing, a beginners thing I feel! Beautiful sweater! Lovely girls and twins wow. Those pansy green purses and picture are so very elegant. Beautiful aerial views. Aloe is good for hair too. Oh wow! Mr. Dart what a jewel! Thanks so much!
It was so nice to see your sister, Fiona, and her beautiful children. I always enjoy your wonderful episodes. I am now a huge fan of knit toy designer, Alan Dart. Thank you featuring his awesome work. 😊
What a wonderful episode, I loved seeing your beautiful nieces and sister, the gorgeous scenery, WOW and then Alan's knitting is so inspiring. Wants me want to knit all those cute characters!
Fruity Knitting never ceases to amaze and inspire me! What a great épisode ! Every time I feel uninspired by my craft, your podcast just gets me so motivated again!
What a lovely and nice episode! Interesting and amazing artists. The two little sisters walking hand in hand. They are adorable! You look very happy to stay in Australia!
Lovely to meet your sister and the children! The children learning to knit and sew is wonderful! Too bad Fiona isn’t near you, she would make another great host with you and Madeline. Thank you for another great podcast! Hope you are doing well❤️
I didn't expect to love this episode so much but it is delightful! Both Robyn and Alan have such amazing work, I'm so glad you've been able to visit your sister as well 💗
Oh, my. Reading those pattern directions took me back. I remember the early days (before RUclips) of wanting to learn to knit so badly, and directions like that would leave me in tears. I'm surprised -- and so glad! -- that I persevered. What a lovely co-host. Fiona is a natural. I'm so glad you got to go home. It's balm to the heart and soul. We never really leave home fully behind. It's like the child in us wakes up for a while.
Nothing is better then being able to spend time with family and it's always a challenge when they live far away. LOVED 🥰 the segment with Alan Dart and all his dolls. I have never made a doll, but certainly will after seeing how beautiful his creations are. I have looked into others who make dolls, he is by far the best I have seen. 🧸 Love your podcast. Greetings from Norway.
My heart melts seeing your beautiful family 🇦🇺😘🧶 I am from northern nsw too and love this part of the world. It is a place of beauty and healing. So wonderful that you have made your way home to Australia. Thanks for sharing.
Great episode, thank you. It was good to meet Fiona and to see how all your nieces are doing. The toys at the end were so cute and I loved all the little stories about them xx
Every episode gets better and better. I don’t know how you manage it. Lovely to see your sister and nieces as well as the beautiful part of Australia they live in. And I enjoyed the interview with Alan Dart to top it all off! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This was a joy to watch. Especially of Alan Dart which for me brought back good memories of buying magazines for toy patterns such as May 2008 and July 2008 where I collected the Tooth Fairy and a collection of Circus mice that I still have.
Fabulous episode!! Something for everyone. Andrea you look as relaxed and happy as we’ve seen you in a long time!! Sisters are great for the soul💕. Enjoy your time together. I’m now a fan girl of Fiona too!!
Loved this episode. What an amazingly talented family. That blue Rowan cardigan is gorgeous. I recognised the little bags from a previous episode. They look well loved.
Every minute was fabulous. I could see your deep happiness being with your lovely sister and her family. And I can tell your jam is chatting with someone like Alan who is SO attuned to detail, just like you. So fun. I'm a beginning embroiderer, and that segment was totally inspiring. Thank you for all you do.
Oh my goodness, I had to pause the episode to say how much I love watching you and your delightful sister!! She’s beautiful, just like you and you are both such a pleasure to watch and listen to.
It's been quite a long time since I've had time to tune into FK. Between moving across the country, travels for the holidays and recovering from a really bad respiratory infection (not Covid thank goodness!) I just haven't had time. Till tonight. And this was the episode I landed on. Honestly, it is absolutely perfect! I fell in love with your family and your show a number of years ago and now you've done it again Andrea! This was just SO charming and sweet: meeting your lovely sister and seeing her beautiful family as well as your beautiful homeland and your joy at being there with them, and then Robyn Alexander whose enthusiasm, sheer talent and stunning creations took my breath away, and finally all those darling toys. Alan Dart himself is absolutely charming, and you can see that inner child that loves to play and create just shining through. Thank you for a wonderful episode. I've been grinning my head off for the last 90 minutes and now have at least 20 new "someday" projects on my list. I see sweet dreams ahead of me tonight as I retire. Blessings to you all; you're in my thoughts and prayers very very often as you carry on for now without dear Andrew. We miss him as well and are SO grateful to still have you, Madeline and this very special broadcast to brighten our days.
What a beautiful childhood Simba and Leah are enjoying….Warms my heart. And your darling twins 💓💓
Just lovely that you could get back to Oz to catch up with family. I love that Fruity Knitting continues to develop and I feel privileged to be a patron.
How wonderful to meet Alan Dart. I’ve knit several of this toys (including modifying a Hawaiian Hamster to make her into a Belly Dancer) and they are brilliant. It’s also lovely to learn that he is married to Malcolm Bird! Malcolm is one of my favourite illustrators, I loved his characters Madge and Beryl in the JACKIE magazine ❤❤🏴🥃🥃 enchanting interview Andrea
I really enjoyed this podcast where we've met your sister, she's so lovely, and your adorable nieces! You have a beautiful family Andrea. I can only imagine how long that flight must have been for you sitting there without your knitting. Alan Dart's creations are beautiful and meticulously whimsical. Each of the figures he showed us are book-worthy, could each have their own story written around them. So charming!
I love this episode! I am a big fan of Alan Dart and so enjoyed seeing his segment.
Your sister and nieces are so talented and beautiful! I love the little ones off on an adventure and knitting. I know you are enjoying the twins and spending time with your family.
Thank you for sharing with your viewers! ❤
What a lovely episode! I'm so happy for you, Andrea, that you can spend time with your family in Australia. Fiona, your blue garment is so gorgeous! The stiches look so even and perfect!
I'm so happy you are 'home' and with your beautiful sister Fiona. Goodness you are a good looking bunch. Seriously though, I can see how happy you are to be with family and that warms my heart. Your sister by the way, at times, looks like Madeline although Madeline does have a lot of Andrew's overall features. Have fun in Australia.
I see Madeleine in Fiona too!! Beautiful.
Absolutely refreshing . I am so glad you have returned home for a visit as your sister and children are so delightful. Thank you for the Alan Dart interview also. What a delightful man!
Absolutely amazing! My goodness Andrea, you look so happy and well-rested. It's amazing how healing it is to be with family. Your sister Fiona, is lovely and such a joy! You are a champion Fiona (and a real stickler, as Andrea mentioned). 😉 I'm sure you'll succeed with all future knitting projects. Your children are absolutely adorable!
Two knitalongs to look forward to. Stay well and take care everyone! ♥
Have been watching Fruity Knitting during the lockdown and when I had Covid. As an Australian living in London, I too have not been home for many years. The Australian beach and bush photography made me feel very home sick. Enjoy you time with your family time.
Best extreme knitting segment ever! Please tell Simba her vest is stunning.
I am besotted with Alan Dart and his knitted toys. What a truly delightful man, with a whimsical heart and fantastic knitting skills. And your sister Fiona! You two are so sweet together. I see she’s a beauty just like you, Andrea, and a natural in front of the camera, again, just like you. It was a real pleasure to see her on the show with you. Thank you for another unforgettable episode.
Watching the 2 kids brought me so much joy! Bless them! Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your family with all of us Andrea 😊❤️
Knitting language, proper lighting are real basics. I never work with dark yarn in the winter if at all possible! Wow, look at those sewing skills and Simba's lovely vest. Very inspiring to me as a gramma. That's a valid but oh so frustrating excuse. I can't imagine being denied my knitting for 3 days. Movies and reading just don't do the job. Robyn's attitude is so sensible and joyful..take time and keep playing!
Here's my Alan Dart toy story: Years ago, my step-mother (who is my age, grin) was remarrying after my father's death. I was stumped for a gift for a couple in their mid-60s blending two complete households. I found a pattern from Simply Knitting for a wedding cake with a bride and groom topper. I matched the wedding colours to the cake and the couple. It was a totally unique wedding gift that made everyone laugh. Thank you so much Alan for all the joy of that creation. And for all the great tips about making your toys.
Andrea, this one is another 5 star episode for me. Thanks so much. Enjoy your time in Australia. HUgs
Alan Dart is amazing. Thank you for bringing this interview to us!
Oh my goodness I have loved this episode. What beautiful girlies in the family - the little ones and you older girlies. It was brilliant seeing the amazing area where your sister lives and so close to the beach - wow. The little ones are poppets and adorable. The makers were just perfect. So much talent and so great you can share with us. Wish I had known you were in the area when you were interviewing Alan Dart as I now live near him. You could have co e for a cuppa. What a super chappie he is. This has been the best so thank you very much. I am sure there has been lots of catch ups with your beautiful sister, lots of memories and lots of tears but it will be so good for you. Take care till next time. 🧶🧶
So wonderful to see you home in Australia surrounded by your sister and her dear family. You all are such a pretty and talented bunch! Alan Dart was even more delightful than I imagined him being. So thrilled you had him on. You continue to amaze me with all these excellent episodes. Enjoy your stay and your stitches!
I think I smiled through this whole episode! You can tell crafting runs in the family! You have a beautiful family and I would watch out for Simba (hope I spelled it right) because she did an amazing job. Fiona is a natural! You two work so well together!
Loved this show with your sister. She indeed has “stick to it” for her projects. The sweater is fantastic and the vest will be. You both are fun to watch together! The nieces were charming as usual and thanks for the travel pictures of their part of Australia. So beautiful and dramatic. The interview with Alan Dart was great fun and the Maker special stunning. Thanks, as usual for a very special time, sharing your inspirational world.
Thank you so much for the interview with Alan Dart. I have been a fan of his for at least 20 years and it was wonderful to see him and learn more about him. ❤
Andrea, you always manage to bring out the very best in your guests. And just LOVED meeting your sister and her little brood. Utterly enchanting. Andrew would be so proud. ❤️❤️
I absolutely loved this episode! Zimba and her sister are so cute! And the twins are adorable! Zimba does such an excellent job on her knitting. Her sweater is lovely. The sweaters you made for the twins are lovely.
Love seeing your part of the world in Australia. Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree with Fiona. Knitting patterns are like a foreign language at first. Your sweater was absolutely beautiful.
So enjoyed this episode! Your sister Fiona is a natural when it comes to being in front of a camera - you both look so beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful time and thank you for another wonderful episode!
Such a sweet episode! Thank you! It always feels like a special holiday when an episode is released! Enjoy your time in Australia, Andrea, and thank you for bringing Fiona on the show.
What a wonderful episode filled with once again the most amazing talent! It was great to see both of your sisters and the photos of your “Momma”! So much talent in one family! It would appear that Australia is good for your spirit and healing. Thank you for a most enjoyable episode! Love seeing Fiona’s little ones; more great talent in the making! 💕
What a truly lovely episode. Lovely to see you back with your sister and her family. What a lovely gentle and talented man Alan Dart is. I’ve got my eyes on that natural nativity set - stunning!
Thanks so much x
Andrea, it makes me so glad to see you so happy. Have a great time with you sister and family in Australia. 🙂
OMG, that was so wonderful and really made my Sunday!
You look a lot like your sister. You have the same eyes.
I noticed, that your sister kept touching your right leg. A gesture you used to do yourself a lot with Andrew. Family habits. :-)
I love the scene when the girls walk on the path with their knitted bags and the classical piano tunes as background music. It reminded me of silent movies ala Charly Chaplin or Buster Keaton. Very nice.
I so enjoyed Robin and her work. Her art is right up my alley and of course the epic Alan Dart: Genius, fun and unique.
All in all, this must be one of my all time favourite episodes so far. You are doing a great job Andrea and I love your podcasts very much.
Huggs and blessings from Rose-Cottage, Schurwald Forest, Germany.
What a fantastic episode! Your sister Fiona is lovely and talented, it runs in the family. And what a stunning place she lives in, Wow! Seeing the brioche top Fiona is working on makes me want to make something in Brioche again. Simba's project turned out beautifully and looks terrific on her. What a treat to see Robyn's unique textile art. And the Alan Dart, just amazing. I have knit several toys (none of Alan's designs...yet). I am in awe of those who take a medium like yarn and sculpt it with such creativity. Glad to see you're home, hope it does your heart and soul good.
So lovely to see you home in Australia with your sister and her gorgeous girls. Plus what incredibly talented people presenting their spectacular craft.
What a beautiful episode! Great to meet Fiona, she’s a natural and you’re so lovely together 💖 Alan Dart is such a joy! Wonderful to see your nieces too, well done Simba on your awesome vest 👏 Thank you for brightening my Sunday, Andrea. Enjoy your time in Australia! x
Wonderful episode, Andrea. It was a pleasure to meet your sister, Fiona; to share time with your guests, who were inspirational; and to listen to your interviews, which -- as always -- were incisive. Not to mention, it was so pleasurable to experience a bit of Australia. Bravo. Love to you, your Australian family, and to Madelaine, who must be missing you.
You look so colorful and relaxed. I am so glad you went home....good for you!!
It’s beautiful to know you’re here in 🇦🇺, and Byron Bay into the bargain! Please keep Fiona in your program. Seriously, she’s fun and very cool. You’re both a lovely example of Australian charm and warmth! So proud of your work and class!
What a beautiful episode. You and Fiona work together so well!! and your nieces are gorgeous 🤩 I was blown away by Robyn and wanted to ask her so many questions. She's obviously an instinctive and talented artist. I really enjoyed listening to her take on her work. Wonderful. Alan Dart was so charming too with his tales of his beautiful toys. Thank you, I've really enjoyed my afternoon with you 😊
Love, love, LOVE this episode! Well, I love them all and now to see you in Australia with your sister and family is totally wonderful. Fiona reminded me so much of Madeleine when she was showing off her gorgeous vest and this is so special. Love the fly-over of Byron Bay! Thank you Andrea for such an amazing podcast! ❤💕❤💕❤💕
Love it that you are visiting family in Australia. Darling children time and the sweater is beautiful on your sister. She did a great, great job. Loved the video, you sister is beautiful like you and Madeleine. Love,hugs, prayers to you and yours always.
It gladdens my heart to know that you’ve gone home and spent some time with your family, they are lovely! Thank you so much Andrea for sharing. I loved Alan Dart and his magical toys! I’m off to find a Kim Hargreaves pattern to try to knit with Fiona ❣️
Aren’t sisters the best? And to see the little girls accomplishing their work…too cute! This episode was a real gift ..thank you!
Thank you so much for this wonderful episode. I love the way Simba and her sister can freely take off and explore, and knit away. I am glad you left your house and all the memories.
I am so glad to see you in the video with your lovely sister, I was waiting for this. Because it is your family what you need right now and your fantastic home country. What a wonderful time this is for you full of love from your loved ones. I am just staring watching but comment now already because I am so glad for you that you are there! Love to see your nieces💜💜💜❤️
Robins style is very free form, I love it 😍
Andrea, what a delight to see you in Australia with family, your sister, nieces and twin nephews. I imagine this to be a time of great joy. And the content was so enchanting, with Alan Dart and his amazingly detailed toy creations, your nieces enjoying a day together at the sea, Robyn sharing her craft. Thank you so much for transferring all this joy to us!
A wonderful episode. How lovely to meet your family and to see the sunshine and the surrounding area. The girls are gorgeous. It was interesting to see Robyn's work and the marvellous array of Alan Darts toys. Have fun in Australia. 🇬🇧
One of your FINEST episodes! I just loved every minute!!
Absolutely lovely episode, two sisters together, so enjoyed it. Thank you again, worth every penny on patreon. Do support fruity knitting to keep up the quality of such lovely videos.
Loved this episode, meeting your sister and nieces was delightful.
Fantastic interview with Alan Dart, what a lovely man and his toys are brilliant, will definitely try one of his beautiful patterns. Thank you for fruity knitting, I look forward to every episode.
I am so happy you are with family in Australia, Andrea! I am happy for you and for them. Being on different Continents has been part of my life for decades too ..... in fact my brother has been living in Australia for 25 years and I have never been there yet:( I was about to visit for a month when the airlines cancelled the whole trip due to the pandemic. Savour every moment there with your loved ones. I am so grateful for Fruity Knitting and am a patreon supporter. It is a treasure box of content and I look forward to every episode. Take care xx
Really loved this episode -- always do, but appreciated being transported to Byron Bay and meeting Fiona and her sweet daughters. Alan Dart and his amazing softies were such fun too and very inspirational. Just lovely, thank you.
How fabulous you are back in Oz...welcome home!! Enjoy every moment. :)
Lovely episode, every single time.
Andrea, this episode is fabulous. I couldn't help notice something about Fiona.... When you and Andrew did the podcasts together I always thought how endearing you were to him when you would leaned in or reached over when you spoke to him. I always thought this was the sweetest gesture. Fiona does the same to you (and you to her). It is really lovely…. thank you both for today’s episode. It’s so nice to hear from someone at the beginning of their (addiction)/journey into knitting.
Alan's enthusiasm and the absolutely loving details with which he knits his characters are so inspiring. 😃
I think this was my favorite episode ever! Your sister’s knitting “notes” - hilarious! Thank you for such an interesting episode.
Andrea, thank you so much for this lovely episode👏👏. It was lovely to meet your sister, Fiona, and to see her children… especially her oldest daughters. The interview with Alan Dart was wonderful… he is a gem❤️
Andrea you have excelled again. Wonderful to see my country & your lovely family. God bless you all.
This is the BEST episode ever!,,,,
Fiona is like Madeleine and they are both beautiful and tall.
Fiona has fab style .
Same thing struck me ...... Fiona was looking up at Andrea and she had just the same expression as Madeleine. Stunning women all and what about Simba - what a talented and amazing darling!!!!!
@@nystrompalannetmaria594 exactly I saw the same look .
Lovely episode. It was great to meet your sister and see the beautiful countryside. The toys are just so adorable and Alan Dart seems like such a nice person.
Those children are a real hit! Their obliviousness of their audience is precious but you can tell they have lovely personalities. Wouldn’t one of those toys be a great silent reward for Simba’s 5 mins on camera! His work is stunning - the character’s faces are exquisite! Fiona’s commitment to the pattern awed me, and answers my problems staying on track. How high can you keep raising the bar?!? This episode beats everything Andrea!!! I go back to the other episodes regularly, and Kaffe’s 2 episode’s were over-the-top amazing but I’ll be coming back to this one frequently!
Thank you for sharing your lovely family. ♥️
All the segments were lovely. I could spend a day with Alan and listen to him describe his toys and his process. 🧸
A lovely episode in every way. So happy that you get time with family and met the twins. I love the lace and silk ribbons and I recently got into making toys. None as elaborate Alan Dart’s. I will have to try one of his. They make you smile as you work. It satisfies me to see each part completed. 💕🌸
Great to see you smiling with family and home! Both interviews were amazing.
This runs in the family. Both of you are so talented! Fiona is very good also. Andrea is so nice to see you happy!!!!!
What a wonderful episode. I’m so happy to see you back in Australia, and I’ve also been a huge fan of Alan Dart for decades (giving away my age much😆). Episode was a sheer joy to watch.
Thank you for this interview with Alan Dart, such a talented man and seems so lovely as well.
So enjoyable to watch. So lovely to spend time with your beautiful sister. Simba is a mini me of Fiona! Beautiful to see the new babies wearing your knitted vests. You are very blessed. Thank you for sharing your family and the luscious scenery!
I am so glad that you are able to have this time with Fiona and her babies, big and small. Sisters can be different and she is a character for sure 😁 Her witty contributions make me laugh and I love her accent plus her diction. Her voice reminds me of Ashley Judd. Simba is such a good ‘big sister’ and I can see her going straight to designing as she grows up. The subtropics of Byron Bay is so pristine so I hope they protect the ecosystem before it’s too late. It is so green and lovely. Robyn did remind me of Kaffe with her command of colours and textures. I can’t wrap my head around it. Alan Dart’s tiny characters are so precious and fun that I would be tempted if I had a penchant for making toys. I hope you had a lovely time with your sister and family ❤️
Wonderful Episode. Great that your sister could join you! My son lives near Bondi Beach in NSW. (we live in Chicago) He loves Byron and they travel there as often as they can.
What a treat to see Alan Dart talking about his work! Thanks!
By the way I personally would never make one of his designs for a child. They take a LONG time to make well and are what I consider to be shelf figures not cuddly things.
I was grinning from ear to ear all thru the Alan Dart Interview! Also enjoyed all the other parts of this of the episode. Great to meet more of your family and see where they live.
What a wonderful episode I live in the US But I’m from Australia so loved seeing the bush and the beach. Fiona and her family are really lovely. It’s great to see you with them
I loved this episode so much. Thank you, Andrea and Fiona!
Fab you made it here Andrea and so delightful to see you with your lovely sister and her delightful children. Byron is certainly a wonderful place to be and refreshing for the soul ! I just wish I had some of the amazing crafting skills of those personable children whose techniques look already 'impeccable' !! Hope you continue to have a great time enjoying your 'home' in OZ.
Fiona I do the same thing, a beginners thing I feel! Beautiful sweater! Lovely girls and twins wow. Those pansy green purses and picture are so very elegant. Beautiful aerial views. Aloe is good for hair too. Oh wow! Mr. Dart what a jewel! Thanks so much!
So wonderful to see you smiling again.and another wonderful episode!!!
It was so nice to see your sister, Fiona, and her beautiful children. I always enjoy your wonderful episodes. I am now a huge fan of knit toy designer, Alan Dart. Thank you featuring his awesome work. 😊
What a wonderful episode, I loved seeing your beautiful nieces and sister, the gorgeous scenery, WOW and then Alan's knitting is so inspiring. Wants me want to knit all those cute characters!
Fruity Knitting never ceases to amaze and inspire me! What a great épisode ! Every time I feel uninspired by my craft, your podcast just gets me so motivated again!
Your family is every but as adorable as we expected. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!
What a lovely and nice episode! Interesting and amazing artists. The two little sisters walking hand in hand. They are adorable! You look very happy to stay in Australia!
Lovely to meet your sister and the children! The children learning to knit and sew is wonderful! Too bad Fiona isn’t near you, she would make another great host with you and Madeline. Thank you for another great podcast! Hope you are doing well❤️
Thanks for crossing the boundary into embroidery! She is amazing!!
I didn't expect to love this episode so much but it is delightful! Both Robyn and Alan have such amazing work, I'm so glad you've been able to visit your sister as well 💗
Oh, my. Reading those pattern directions took me back. I remember the early days (before RUclips) of wanting to learn to knit so badly, and directions like that would leave me in tears. I'm surprised -- and so glad! -- that I persevered. What a lovely co-host. Fiona is a natural. I'm so glad you got to go home. It's balm to the heart and soul. We never really leave home fully behind. It's like the child in us wakes up for a while.
Nothing is better then being able to spend time with family and it's always a challenge when they live far away. LOVED 🥰 the segment with Alan Dart and all his dolls. I have never made a doll, but certainly will after seeing how beautiful his creations are. I have looked into others who make dolls, he is by far the best I have seen. 🧸 Love your podcast. Greetings from Norway.
My heart melts seeing your beautiful family 🇦🇺😘🧶 I am from northern nsw too and love this part of the world. It is a place of beauty and healing. So wonderful that you have made your way home to Australia. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for bringing us Alan Dart. Such exquisite and inspiring work. Victoria in Kansas City, USA
What a wonderful episode from beginning to end. Thank you so much Andrea. I love your little nieces, your lovely sister and dear Alan Dart.
Very special to be with family. Thank you for sharing! I have never wanted to knit characters however Alan’s work is stunning!!
I get the obsession with dark yarns, they’re my favorite! And Fiona did such a great job!
Loved everything in this episode . The toy man is amazing!
Great episode, thank you. It was good to meet Fiona and to see how all your nieces are doing. The toys at the end were so cute and I loved all the little stories about them xx
Every episode gets better and better. I don’t know how you manage it. Lovely to see your sister and nieces as well as the beautiful part of Australia they live in. And I enjoyed the interview with Alan Dart to top it all off! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This was a joy to watch. Especially of Alan Dart which for me brought back good memories of buying magazines for toy patterns such as May 2008 and July 2008 where I collected the Tooth Fairy and a collection of Circus mice that I still have.
Fabulous episode!! Something for everyone. Andrea you look as relaxed and happy as we’ve seen you in a long time!! Sisters are great for the soul💕. Enjoy your time together. I’m now a fan girl of Fiona too!!
Loved this episode. What an amazingly talented family. That blue Rowan cardigan is gorgeous. I recognised the little bags from a previous episode. They look well loved.
A beautiful show...taking us/me "back to the future" truly these lovely arts need to begin when we are young..a delightful episode..
Every minute was fabulous. I could see your deep happiness being with your lovely sister and her family. And I can tell your jam is chatting with someone like Alan who is SO attuned to detail, just like you. So fun. I'm a beginning embroiderer, and that segment was totally inspiring. Thank you for all you do.
Oh my goodness, I had to pause the episode to say how much I love watching you and your delightful sister!! She’s beautiful, just like you and you are both such a pleasure to watch and listen to.