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.