Virtual Gifts - Episode 81 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: It's that time of year again, and inventory is just around the corner for us. If you buy it, we don't have to count it! All yarns and knitting bags will be 30% off through December 31 (excluding yarns by Blue Moon Fiber Arts and Abstract Fiber). Selected yarns, bags, and books will be featured at 50% off. And don't forget that our dye kits continue at 60% off through the end of this month!

On the Needles: (00:31)

Jasmin has finished the body of the Boo Sweater. Gigi talks a bit about the lining technique, and highly recommends taking Jean Frost's lining class (if you can). She also recommends lining woolens with China silk, which can be bought at Thai Silks in Los Altos. (This is by The Cravery and Uncommon Threads, which we talk about.) Jasmin picked up the new book by Jared Flood, "Made in Brooklyn", and absolutely loves it. Jasmin has cast on a pair of socks out of her "Hey Jude" handspun (dyed by Crown Mountain Farms). She compares them to the "She's like a rainbow" socks.

Gigi has put one row on her Ellina shawl. Gigi thinks she has hit Shawl Saturation. Jasmin 2010 is about finishing; Gigi 2010 is about streamlining. Jasmin hits the inventory reduction sale at Purlescence and picked up a bunch of different colors of the Filatura di Crosa Superior for cowls.

Gigi has decided to knit the Color Your Own sweater from Philosopher's Wool for her Ravelympics project. You can find Team Knitmore here, and Team Sasquatch here.

Mother Knows Best: (20:02)

Gigi talks about practice making better, and how sometimes repetition is the only way to master a technique.

Contest: (26:08)

We have extended the deadline on the Do Some Good contest to 1/9/2010. Prizes include Tess Yarns Microfiber Ribbon, and a yarn bowl. We'll announce the winner in Episode 83.

When Knitting Attacks! (27:08)

Gigi has made Sam a crazy long watch cap.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (30:40)

We have an epic taffy pull failure with the Knitmore nieces. We also discuss the giving of "virtual gifts", and favorite gifts we gave and received.

Straw into gold: (37:50)

Jasmin talks about weight versus yardage in spinning. Her guideline is to take the weight of equitable commercial yarn, and then add some if you're spinning for a sweater.

'Twas the week before Christmas - Episode 80 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Happy Holidays from Purlescence Yarns! Our shelves are stocked with great gifts to give and to get. Whether it's a wheel or a loom or a last minute hat to knit for someone on your list, we have what you need to make your days merry and bright. And be sure to check out the new fibers and sock yarns from Abstract Fiber, now in stock!

Podcast promos included in this week's episode:

Family Knits
Fiber Beat
Knaked Knits
Knitting Rose

On the Needles: (00:30)

Gigi continues to work on her Dishcloth Baby Blanket and Sam's second watch cap. Jasmin continues to work on her second Suzie Q sock and the Tweedy Pie Coat for Boo. Jasmin has been hit by the Inspiration Mac Truck. First, the new Knitty and then, Julia Mueller's patterns! Jasmin especially liked the Bitterroot Shawl by Rosemary Hill (which she'll be knitting with the dark blue alpaca/silk from Abstract Fiber) and the Quadrat Sweater by Beautia Dew.

We had a great time at the holiday sing-along at Purlescence. Gigi won a mock croc knitting bag, Andrew won a bump of Abstract Fiber Superwash Merino in "Vineyard". Gigi is surprised with a Knitmore Girls mug! (You can find the "bucket sized one" here.)

Contest: (17:40)

Participate in our "Do Some Good" contest! The contest closes on January 6th.

Mother Knows Best: (19:11)

This week, we talk about New Year's resolutions, Jasmin 2010, and the upcoming Ravelympics. You can find Team Knitmore here, and if you love knitting podcasts but don't want to limit yourself to one show, you can find Team Sasquatch here.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (28:59)

We talk about prioritizing holiday knitting.

When Knitting Attacks! (36:46)

Gigi attacks Jasmin's knitting. Gigi runs out of yarn.

Straw into Gold: (44:41)

Jasmin talks about plying the Abstract Fiber Alpaca/Silk and the Vermillion II from A Verb For Keeping Warm and the Woolee Winder. She also talks about the fleece to sweater creative process. Jasmin's Rhinebeck fleeces have arrived!

The Emperor's New Silk - Episode 79 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Want to be part of a great adventure in 2010? Become a member of Crown Mountain Farms fiber or yarn clubs. The clubs have free shipping worldwide. The "Fiber Of The Month" club and the "Knitting For Fun" club both offer different colorways you can play with and you may choose different yarns or fibers. Discounts of 5% or 10% are available on purchases during 2010 on our website depending on the duration of your subscription. If you love sock hop yarn and were used to buy it through our website this option will no longer be available. We created the "Sock Hop Yarn" club and only members of this club will be able to purchase the sock hop yarn in 2010. Go to our homepage, click on the CLUBS button and take the journey from there.

Happy Holidays from Purlescence Yarns! Have you been extra good this year? Whether its knitting, spinning, or weaving, make sure you mark them down on your wish list and let your loved ones know that we’re here to help. Sock yarn and notions make great stocking stuffers, and every spinner can always use extra bobbins! We have a great selection of books, ranging from patterns to techniques to new skills, so if you want it, there’s a good chance we’ve got it. If you can’t think if what you want, we also offer gift certificates- the perfect one-size-fits-all gift. Wishing you a warm and fiber-filled holiday season from Purlescence yarns.

On the needles: (00:31)

Gigi is continuing to work on the dishcloth baby blanket. Jasmin is working on the Tweedy Pie coat for Boo. Gigi is working on a stocking cap for Sam to match the alien scarf she knit a few years ago. Jasmin has finished her first Suzie Q sock. You can see the sock template here.

Mother Knows Best: (12:13)

Customizing knits, part 3: Converting sweaters and steeking. We talk about the folks from Philosopher's Wool, and the Color Your Own sweater.

When Knitting Attacks! (21:54)

Jasmin invents the wrong way of executing attached iCord. We discuss the merits of blanket stitch.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (28:20)

This week we encourage full family participation during holiday prep. This includes decoration, cooking, and gift wrapping.

Straw into Gold: (36:20)

Jasmin talks about the Emperor's New Silk, and the merits of filling bobbins the same way every time.

Make it yours - Episode 78 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Want to be part of a great adventure in 2010? Become a member of Crown Mountain Farms fiber or yarn clubs. The clubs have free shipping worldwide. The "Fiber Of The Month" club and the "Knitting For Fun" club both offer different colorways you can play with and you may choose different yarns or fibers. Discounts of 5% or 10% are available on purchases during 2010 on our website depending on the duration of your subscription. If you love sock hop yarn and were used to buy it through our website this option will no longer be available. We created the "Sock Hop Yarn" club and only members of this club will be able to purchase the sock hop yarn in 2010. Go to our homepage, click on the CLUBS button and take the journey from there.

Happy Holidays from Purlescence Yarns! Have you been extra good this year? Whether its knitting, spinning, or weaving, make sure you mark them down on your wish list and let your loved ones know that we’re here to help. Sock yarn and notions make great stocking stuffers, and every spinner can always use extra bobbins! We have a great selection of books, ranging from patterns to techniques to new skills, so if you want it, there’s a good chance we’ve got it. If you can’t think if what you want, we also offer gift certificates- the perfect one-size-fits-all gift. Wishing you a warm and fiber-filled holiday season from Purlescence yarns.

On the needles:

Jasmin has finished her Aqualung socks. Gigi is still working on her Ellina shawl out of the Dream in Color Baby (color: Purple Rain). Jasmin is making good progress on her Suzie Q handspun socks. Gigi is still working on her dishcloth baby blanket out of Cascade 220 superwash handpaint. Jasmin is working on the Tweedy Pie Jacket for Boo, with some changes to the pattern.

Contest: (18:37)

Join our "Do Some Good" contest! We'll be announcing the prizes in episode 79.

Mother Knows Best: (20:17)

Customizing Knits, part 2. Using ratios and proportions to substitute different weights of yarns in simple knits.

When Knitting Attacks: (23:29)

Gigi's Ellina Shawl has developed some extra stitches. Jasmin has had an equipment malfunction, but is saved by her stash.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (27:52)

We recommend having a wish list at your LYS. Also, if you will be out shopping this season, make sure you have knitting for lines.

Straw Into Gold: (31:11)

We discuss selecting fiber/yarn clubs.

Stash Saturation - Episode 77 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Want to be part of a great adventure in 2010? Become a member of Crown Mountain Farms fiber or yarn clubs. Registration is now in it's second week. The clubs have free shipping worldwide. The "Fiber Of The Month" club and the "Knitting For Fun" club both offer different
colorways you can play with and you may choose different yarns or fibers. Discounts of 5% or 10% are available on purchases during 2010 on our website depending on the duration of your membership.
If you love sock hop yarn and were used to buy it through our website this option will no longer be available. We created the "Sock Hop Yarn" club and only members of this club will be able to purchase the sock hop yarn in 2010. One good reason to join the "Sock Hop Yarn" club! Click the logo above to go to our homepage, click on the CLUBS button, and begin your journey there.

Happy holidays from Purlescence Yarns! We're in full-blown holiday mode, knitting and weaving gifts for our loved ones. Are you set with yours? Our new favorite yarn is Cascade's 128 Superwash, a chunky Merino that knits up into beautiful gifts in no time at all. We've got a gorgeous color selection in the shop with more set to arrive this week!

On the Needles: (00:31)

Jasmin has finished the Albatross socks for Andrew, and cast on socks out of her Aqualung handspun and her Suzie Q handspun (both out of the Crown Mountain Farms superwash merino). Gigi is working on a dishcloth baby blanket. They discuss the Pajama Jammie Jam, and enabling.

We discuss the Ravelympics, Team Knitmore and Team Sasquatch.

Contest! (17:01)

We talk about our Do Some Good contest (running through 1/6/2010), and some of our favorites from last year.

Mother Knows Best: ( 19:03)

This week, we discuss the first part of modifying patterns to suit your personal style, specifically, adding elements.

When Knitting Attacks! (26:30)

Gigi suffers from not practicing what she preaches! She has neglected to label her lace projects.

Straw into Gold: (28:11)

We discuss troubleshooting wheels.