Friday, October 16, 2009

Friday: Rhinebeck Field Updates

So, yesterday was all about getting where we're going. My day started at 3:10 AM, when the airport shuttle came to collect me. By 4:45, I was through the line at security (where I got frisked *very* enthusiastically), by 7:30 I was in the Las Vegas Airport (where I *didn't* win a million dollars), and met Meghan in Chicago.

When we landed in White Plains, it was SNOWING. For the first time EVER, I got snow in my hair. It was really cold, but also awesome. We picked up the rental car, hooked up Garmina, and headed to the hotel.

This morning, we slept in a bit and headed for Stew Leonard's. When our listeners told us about Stew Leonards, we were a little skeptical. As you walk in the door, they're making hot cider donuts:

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And it only gets better from there. (We went back with Jackie in the evening. That's how great this place is.) There are animatronics ALL over the store, and some of them are interactive:

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(That's Meghan and Clover, the rope in the foreground makes Clover say "Moo". Jackie thought that Clover would punch her in the face if she pulled the rope.)

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(The chicken sings "Old MacDonald")

So, while Meghan was videotaping the young man making the donuts (and I was taking pictures), I was accosted by Stew Leonard's security, who informed me that I shouldn't really be taking pictures. Evidently, I look like a hoodlum. Who knew?

So, before Jackie arrived, Meghan and I decided to venture out to a yarn store in Scarsdale (Sticks & Strings), where the gal working there recommended lunch at Chat. At Chat, we had the world's best waitress, who serves tap water with flair:

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And our view from our table:

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When we got back to the car, we had left Garmina on (accidentally), and the battery was low. We headed towards the airport to collect Jackie, and on the way there, Garmina betrayed us in the worst way, and just. Turned. Off.

Luckily, Meghan and I were armed with iPhones, and we found our way to the airport, identified Jackie by her brilliant smile, and headed back to the hotel. When we arrived, we stuffed goodie bags and headed out to dinner, with Garmina and her car charger.

We had dinner at Rosy Tomorrow's with Jeannie, and were served the world's largest dessert sampler, along with some wicked awesome wings.

Tomorrow's plan includes coffee and cider donuts in the morning, our 12-1 meet and greet in the Carolina Homespun booth, and some serious Rhinebeck-y goodness.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Driving Miss Gigi - Episode 73 - The Knitmore Girls

bonfire

Listen here:
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This week's episode has been sponsored by:
abstract fiber
This week: Did you know Abstract Fiber has a Ravelry group? Aaabsolutely Abstract is the place to go to meet our staff and see what other Ravelers are doing with their Abstract Fiber. We’d love to meet you online and see pictures of your projects. Aaabsolutely Abstract is also a great place to ask questions, find out where we’ll be next, and keep up with what’s new. If you’re looking for Abstract Fiber at a yarn shop near you, AbstractFiber.com also lists all the stores carrying our products. Online shoppers at AbstractFiber.com receive free shipping for orders over $100 in the US and Canada.

purl logo
This week: October is our birthday month at Purlescence Yarns, and to celebrate we're offering a birthday special on all our in stock Louet spinning wheels. This special is available in store or by phone order. Call or come in today for a substantial discount on the Louet Victoria or Louet Julia. Mention the Knitmore Girls and get a special bonus gift with your wheel purchase. This offer is valid through October 31, 2009 and applies only to stock on hand. Happy spinning!



On the Needles: (00:26)

Gigi and Jasmin attend the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat! (Big thanks to Straphanging for absolutely everything!) The vendors include Redfish Dyeworks, Jamie’s Metalworks from Lancaster, Freckle Face Fibers, True Love Fibers.

Jasmin is working on her Henley Perfected. Gigi has finished her Par Five socks. Jasmin cast on a Whisper Cardigan out of navy blue Grignasco cashmere. Boo picks the "Tweedy Pie" sweater (in Damask Rose, Malabrigo). Gigi is still working on her Origami Wrap sweater. Gigi has cast on the Ellina shawl (out of the Dream in Color Baby, Purple Rain).

SOCK KNIT(more)-A-LONG! Cast on 11/2/2009. Gigi will be knitting Mesmer out of Abstract Fiber Supersock (in Bonfire), Jasmin is knitting Uptown Girl out of Lisa Souza BFL Sock (in Fuschia).

Events: (28:39)

- Rhinebeck! (NY Sheep and Wool): 10/17-18. Meet and greet will be at the Carolina Homespun booth from 12-1 on Saturday.
- Gigi does her 1 minute health update.

Mother Knows Best: (30:26)

We discuss rotating holiday knitting to avoid boredom and pressure.

Straw Into Gold: (34:00)

Jasmin is spinning Abstract Fiber Superwash Merino (in Chartreuse). Jasmin encourages you to eat your dessert first, and talks about fiber directionality.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Fashion forward (and backward!) - Episode 72 - The Knitmore Girls

tempting top

Listen here:
icon
This week's episode has been sponsored by:

abstract fiberThis week: Did you know Abstract Fiber has a Ravelry group? Aaabsolutely Abstract is the place to go to meet our staff and see what other Ravelers are doing with their Abstract Fiber. We’d love to meet you online and see pictures of your projects. Aaabsolutely Abstract is also a great place to ask questions, find out where we’ll be next, and keep up with what’s new. If you’re looking for Abstract Fiber at a yarn shop near you, AbstractFiber.com also lists all the stores carrying our products. Online shoppers at AbstractFiber.com receive free shipping for orders over $100 in the US and Canada.

purl logo
This week: Things are crazy here at Purlescence Yarns. Zauberball Crazy, that is. We're pleased to announce the arrival of Zitron's latest sock yarn. The wool/nylon blend comes in a 100g, 420 meter ball. Check out Zauberball and our other Zitron sock yarns, on our shelves now!

On the needles: (00:31)

Jasmin has finished her Ariann! Gigi has finished her blue-brown vanilla socks (with the channel island cast-on), and cast off her On the Vine scarf (knit out of Buffalo Gals yarn). Jasmin digs the Henley Perfected out of her "knitting hope chest" knit out of the Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. Jasmin bought the yarn on her honeymoon at Acorn Street Yarns. She was inspired by jench1n's Henley Perfected.

Gigi is working on her Par Five socks (out of the Franklin's Panopticon colorway from Lorna's Laces). Gigi is also working on her Origami Wrap cardigan out of Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light. Jasmin got her anniversary gift in the mail today, from Jennie the Potter.
Events: (15:38)

- Gigi's does a one-minute health update.
- Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool) 10/17-18. Meet and greet will be Saturday afternoon in the Carolina Homespun booth. (Time TBD.)
Contest: (20:14)

We announce the winners of our "help us pick a contest" contest.
Mother Knows Best (26:18)

Gigi explains how to stabilized buttonbands using grosgrain ribbon.

When Knitting Attacks: (35:27)

Gigi's sewing machine fights the power.

Review: (36:11)

This week we review Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns.

Straw into Gold: (53:20)

Jasmin is spinning Duchess (from Jean Near), and tells the story of a lost and found orifice hook from Celtic Swan Forge.