Director's Cut- Janel Laidman

Listen here:


This Director's Cut has been sponsored by:

Unwind, Southern California's destination LYS, is excited to announce its  "pop-up store" at Stitches West!  Unwind features a beautifully curated selection of yarn and projects, certain to make every knitter gleeful.  For an exclusive selection of Sweet Georgia Yarns, True Love Fibers and Frog Tree Sport Alpaca, along with patterns from your favorite indie designers, visit Unwind in booths 1245 and 1247.

You can find Janel's blog here, and you can also find Janel on Ravelry.

Things that we mention:

The Eclectic Sole
The Enchanted Sole
Rustling Leaf Press
Spindlicity
Prey, by Michael Crichton (I enjoyed the audiobook, read by Robert Sean Leonard)

Feel the cashmere - Episode 136- The Knitmore Girls

(This is my Sweater Swap 2010 trade with Meghan)

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .


Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs.
Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/





Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.



Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the Needles: (00:37)

Gigi talks about her birthday celebration, including Jasmin's blog post. We were joined by loads of friends, including Alison Hyde, author of "Wrapped in Comfort" who brought her incredible chocolate torte. We mention Sweet Pea's (in Los Gatos) for crepes.

Gigi feels behind on her one sock per week goal. Jasmin has finally cast on her Mariah cardigan, out of the Jade Sapphire 6ply cashmere in "Bougainvillea" during the Social Pressure Experiment. We mention A Very Knit Shop in Los Gatos.

Gigi talks about knitting the Olive Heather Skirt from Knitting 24/7 and the decorative and interesting decreases. Jasmin has cast on her Elemental Pullover (also from Knitting 24/7) out of Grignasco cashmere in navy blue (color 829, lot 28261), which she is a ball or two short on. Help a knitter out?

Jasmin has started reading Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann. We mention the Knitting Pipeline podcast with Paula, and the Elizabeth Zimmermann read-a-long thread in the Knitting Pipeline group. Here is the link to the EZ Read-a-long thread in our Ravelry group.

TV Knit sightings! Lily Chin on Top Chef ("We're gonna need a bigger boat")! Also, Patrick Jane (The Mentalist, episode "Bloodhounds" season 3, episode 12) can recognize a knitter by their finished objects.

We mention the Warm Hats Not Hot Heads project.


Events: (24:00)
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special.
- April 6-9: Camp KIP!

Mother knows best: (28:15)

We answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about Fair Isle, floats, and steeking. We mention the Philosopher's Wool book (Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified) and their video. We also mention their Color Your Own sweater, which is their intro to Fair Isle sweater.

When Knitting Attacks: (33:33)

Gigi's seemingly simple socks attack. Jasmin gets swept up in the cashmere and mistwists some cables on her Mariah.

Review: (36:34)

In honor of Rachel (from the KnitCents podcast) and her new niece, this week we review Babies & Toddlers- a Knitter's dozen. There is a fantastic range of techniques and interesting and fun patterns for kids. We like it; check it out! Some of our favorites:

Mrs. Beetle
Mr. Bumble
Children at Play
Mexicali Baby Olé
4-Tam Pram Set

Straw into Gold: (45:05)

Jasmin hasn't spun this week. So, we answer questions!

Question 1: What do I sit on when I spin?
Digested answer: I either sit on a chair (from our kitchen) or a drum throne.

Question 2: How do I divide up a 4oz bump for a 3-ply yarn?
Digested answer: 38 gram segments, which the plastic Schacht bobbins can comfortably hold.

Snake eyes - Episode 135 - The Knitmore Girls

(This is Jasmin's haul from Stonemountain & Daughter.)

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Give the gift of Abstract Fiber this season! Let your favorite fiber enthusiast choose their own colors by giving an Abstract Fiber gift certificate. You can find gift certificates in our tools and accessories section. They can even be emailed for quick delivery. Happy New Year from Abstract Fiber!




Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.



Knitcircus Magazine offers free articles, videos, recipes and patterns inspiration for every season and every family member! Check out our affordable Pattern Collection downloads for three rings of knitting and crochet fun. Please join us for the first Knitcircus Spring Knitting Retreat Saturday, April 16th!


Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the Needles: (00:37)

Gigi has started the skirt from Knitting 24/7 by Veronik Avery. Jasmin has finished her Pogona, but ran short on yardage. Gigi has finished the hood on her Cassidy cardigan. Jasmin is working on Andrew's "Cake" socks again (yarn by Creatively Dyed, base is J'ouvert).

Gigi plans to knit one sock per week in 2011. Jasmin is going to cast on the Mariah sweater out of her hot pink cashmere. Gigi has felted her felted Christmas ornaments. Gigi talks about having knit some of Nicky Epstein's felted bags.

Links for the Berkeley adventure:

Zachary's pizza
Baubles and Beads
- Gigi bought beads for Ophidian, by Sivia Harding
- Electric Bead reamer
- Bead spinner
- Knit Girllls Bead spinner video
Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics
A Verb for Keeping Warm

Events: (20:26)

- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special.
- April 6-9: Camp KIP!

Mother knows best: (21:56)

We answer a question from the What do you want to hear about thread. We talk about holding two strands of yarn together at a time.

When Knitting Attacks! (25:53)

Gigi forgets the Twisted German cast-on. She also ends up with odd gauge on a pair of vanilla socks, and goofs up her Cozy Cables socks (from Sock Club).

Review: (32:21)

This week, we review Knit. Sock. Love. by Cookie A. We LOVE it!

Things mentioned:

BFF socks
Hedera
Monkey
Theolonius
Wedge socks

Miriam Felton's Persephone scarf
Anna Zilboorg's Socks for Sandals and Clogs

Straw into Gold: (42:45)

Jasmin has plied the woolen half of the Purple Rain superwash merino (from Crown Mountain Farms) on the Hansen MiniSpinner. Jasmin set the last of the Crimson Shadows from Three Bags full for Gigi.

Cross-pollinate - Episode 134 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Give the gift of Abstract Fiber this season! Let your favorite fiber enthusiast choose their own colors by giving an Abstract Fiber gift certificate. You can find gift certificates in our tools and accessories section. They can even be emailed for quick delivery. Happy New Year from Abstract Fiber!




Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.



Knitcircus Magazine offers free articles, videos, recipes and patterns inspiration for every season and every family member! Check out our affordable Pattern Collection downloads for three rings of knitting and crochet fun. Please join us for the first Knitcircus Spring Knitting Retreat Saturday, April 16th!


Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the Needles: (00:37)

Gigi has finished her Pogona, and is working on a vanilla sock. We discuss 50% vs 60% heels. Jasmin has been working on her Pogona, and has cast on a vanilla sock in Purple Dot by Claudia's Handpaints. Gigi is working on the hood of her Cassidy.

We discuss our TNNA adventure. Hits include:

Unwind anniversary party
The Coffee Cup Cafe
Mood Fabrics
Yarn Thing Podcast
Getting Loopy Podcast (CAUTION: noisy link)

You can see our TNNA videos on YouTube here.

Contest! (23:21)

We announce the winners of our Do Some Good contest!

Events: (26:11)
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA. Meet and greets will be posted next week. Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special.
- April 6-9: Camp KIP!

Mother Knows Best: (29:48)

Cross-pollination! Try something new.
When Knitting Attacks:

Gigi runs short on yarn for her Pogona. Jasmin messes up the gauge on her socks.

Review: (40:56)

This week we review Twist and Knit by Miriam Felton. We LOVE it!

Straw into Gold: (48:58)

Jasmin spins some cashmere, some Crown Mountain Farms superwash merino (Purple Rain) on the Hansen MiniSpinner, and raves about the Schacht Sidekick.

Video here:

Gremlin - Episode 133 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Give the gift of Abstract Fiber this season! Let your favorite fiber enthusiast choose their own colors by giving an Abstract Fiber gift certificate. You can find gift certificates in our tools and accessories section. They can even be emailed for quick delivery. Happy New Year from Abstract Fiber!




Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.



The holidays aren't over yet, and the Purlescence Purl Girls still have holiday goodies for late gifts. We are pleased to announce the arrival of three new fiber lines: Frabjous Fibers, Ashland Bay Fibers, and Crown Mountain Fibers. We've also got looms and spinning wheels in stock to help keep your warm this winter. Happy winter knitting!

**Shownotes will be posted by 1/5. Sorry for the delay.