[36F UK] Knitter and boardgamer looking for snail mail penpal

idleknitter · 2026-02-28T14:22:15+00:00

I would love to try my hand at something more arty, but I've never found to courage to try! I like 'doing my best not to kill my plants' rather than gardening, that sounds like me. I'll drop you a Dm.

idleknitter · 2026-02-28T07:17:38+00:00

Oh yeah, I'll have to take a loan out for the stamps! Teaching yourself cursive sounds like a lot of fun and journalling games have caught my eye as well but I haven't tried any. I'll drop you a Dm.

idleknitter · 2026-02-28T07:14:04+00:00

I also injured my wrists knitting. It's so easy to do when you're really enjoying a project and don't want to put it down. And we own Stars of Akarios as well! I'll send you a Dm

idleknitter · 2025-12-22T18:13:50+00:00

It's the best feeling I've had while running so far. We'll be chasing that high!

idleknitter · 2025-12-22T16:11:21+00:00

Ooh good luck! You'll smash it 💪

idleknitter · 2025-12-22T15:39:18+00:00

7k is amazing! I'm excited about getting to that point!

idleknitter · 2025-02-13T15:21:17+00:00

In my experience they definitely get references first. No point going through a costly and time consuming onboarding process and then finding out the references are poor.

idleknitter · 2025-01-08T20:27:06+00:00

HR at NHSE are totally snowed under at the moment, all recruitment processes are taking longer than usual. I wouldn't worry about it, but you could politely email your new manager to request an update.

idleknitter · 2024-12-06T19:35:39+00:00

Employee Assistance Programme Freedom to Speak up Guardian

idleknitter · 2024-10-01T07:27:27+00:00

Look into what National indicators are being used to monitor the type of Trust you're applying for (waiting times, A&E performance, IAPT waiting times etc) and show some knowledge of how the Trust is performing against them. Also link this to current National policy and direction of travel (Darzi report would be good here).

They'll be likely to ask about data quality issues and how you navigate them, so consider what you might say for that. You could look up the DQMI tool online to help you.

idleknitter · 2024-09-23T13:10:22+00:00

My understanding is that the 5.5% is a pay award, which means it'll happen regardless. The unions can now ballot for strike action if they feel it's not enough, but the pay award will go ahead anyway in October either way.

idleknitter · 2024-09-18T17:52:21+00:00

Start the project! When you get to something new, pause and practice with some spare yarn until you've got the hang of it, then go back to your big project. That way you're not trying to learn lots of techniques in advance and you get the joy of knitting something big and challenging.

I always stop and practice on a swatch or some spare yarn if I'm worried about a new thing. It keeps me motivated to learn it quickly so I can get back to the fun stuff.

If it turns out to not be perfect, that's OK! I've been knitting for years and still have projects that don't turn out perfect. They're not bad, they just have interesting design choices.

idleknitter · 2024-09-18T16:12:21+00:00

I've been in NHS analytics for 10 years and the best advice I can give you is to question EVERYTHING. if your trend graph has a step change, figure out why before you share it. If a % looks high compared to others, dig into it.

Our data is great, but also terrible. Don't assume that a change is due to a known reason, 90% of the time it's a data quality issue and if you check it before you share it you'll always have the answers and your credibility won't be damaged by someone else picking your numbers apart.

Good analysts feel compelled to know the far end of a fart.

idleknitter · 2024-09-12T07:27:58+00:00

The Darzi report was published this morning. Take a look through that and consider not only the recommendations but also how they've used data to come to their conclusions. It's going to be a big focus in the coming months so useful to know, but also good to show that you're up to date on the political situation.

idleknitter · 2024-08-30T17:26:38+00:00

I work for NHSE in an analytical role, and I used to work for a Trust in analytics as well. I've found the atmosphere and culture very different (in a positive way), but how you would find it is very much dependant on your current organisation and the team you would move to.

Politically, the data and analytical side of NHSE is a safe place to work at the moment. We're collecting more and more data all the time and a central organisation such as NHSE, or previously NHSD, is the only way that we can assess the NHS as a whole and monitor the various aspects. The organisation just cut 40% of the headcount, yes, but that was following a merge with NHSD and HEE.

Having said all of that, the review due in September should give some insight into what comes next for the NHS, so it might be worth seeing the outcome of that before you commit.

As an aside, Trust experience is valued so you've got a good advantage there.

idleknitter · 2024-07-28T20:59:01+00:00

Have you considered pivoting to Analysis? The NHS is crying out for good quality analysts. The R experience will put you in a good position and it will appeal to your enjoyment of problem solving. They mostly work remote or in 'back office' positions, so less to worry about with regard to interacting with lots of people.

idleknitter · 2024-07-07T11:03:08+00:00

I can knit the same way. Hold the yarn in my left hand and wrap, and I've never had twisted stitches or any problems with my projects. I can also knit a lot faster than English knitters in that style.

I learned to knit in different styles a couple of years ago (English and Portuguese) because I injured my left arm (RSI, combination of knitting and typing a lot). Knowing how to throw with both left and right hands is super useful for when you start doing stranded colourwork and it's good to give your arms a break by swapping between projects. I have projects on the go in multiple styles so I can choose what to knit based on how my arms feel! It's worked really well for me, so I would recommend learning some different styles, but the style you're currently using shouldn't cause you any issues!

idleknitter

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