Stitchmaaaaarkers! - Episode 232 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode is sponsored by:

She travels….extensively. At times by wheels, sometimes by wing, other times by wave. She  travels while she sits and knits, creativity driving. Creativity inspired by mountain travel, memories, textures and color, small towns, 5th Avenues and spring flowers. She travels…..light. Light as the wind. With her backpack  she is prepared to hike mountain passes, climb the north face, and forge those rivers.  Next week, she will grab her Zucca on wheels and brave airport security flying to the next big city. One thing remains constant. She always travels with a Lo-Lo Body Bar. She knows while hiking, she won’t be bugged, and while in the city, dry skin doesn’t have a chance.

Purlescence Yarns is so pleased to support Halos of Hope, a wonderful organization that we have decided to throw a huge event to inspire you all to create hats for Halos of Hope. Join us Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 for a 24 hour long Halos of Hope-athon. From noon Saturday to noon Sunday, we will be open for mad hatting! We'll have contests and tons of prizes, and plenty of yarn on hand so we can send a record number of hats to Halos. Our particular focus for this event is Halos' Camp Happy Times Project . We'll be knitting kids' hats in star themes (think stars, moons, constellations, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more!) for kids 5-22 battling cancer. Call (408) 735-9276 to RSVP! 

Fiber Festival season is almost here!  The Black Sheep Gathering (June 21-23)  in Eugene, OR attracts spinners and knitters from all over the region for a weekend of fibery fun.  Fleece auctions, spinning classes, herding demonstrations, and shopping with friends; what could be better?  Visit the Stash pop-up shop in Booth #12 to see a small sampling of our extensive stash of hand-dyed + locally sourced yarn.  While you're at it, consider making a pilgrimage to Stash in Corvallis, just 45 minutes north of Eugene. Catch a peek of what we're planning on our website at www.stashlocal.com.

On The Needles:(0:32)

Gigi finished the second of her Rosa Rubiginosa socks. Jasmin is working on her Eadon sleeves
The Celaeno shawl Gigi knitted for Dr Gemma has been blocked, and photographed.

Jasmin is working on her Boneyard shawl. Gigi is working on the Dianthus Superbus in Wildfoote.
Gigi is also working on the Chrysanthemum sock.

We discuss the season finale of Project Runway. Gigi is asking about elegant, mature clothes being designed for the mature demographic. Jasmin mentions shopping at New York and Company.
Let us know what you think about Off-the-Rack vs Runway

Mother Knows Best:(18:53)

We are answering a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread on the forum, "How do you get better results sewing?" We mentioned our favorite place to get our scissors sharpened.


When Knitting Attacks:(29:24)

The Rosa Rubiginosa Sock attacked, because Gigi didn't pay attention to the pattern.
Jasmin was working on her Eadon, and has a hard time seeing her stitches in the black yarn.

The Color Affection was so much autopilot, that Gigi knitted straight past the short row point,
Gigi blocked a swatch of her Bamboo yarn, and was not happy with the result. So she frogged the  CeCe .

The stockinette part of the swatch looked lovely, so Gigi will look at garments from The Knit Stitch and The Purl Stitch, by Sally Melville.

Purloined:(35:56)

This week we are purloining "A Life Strategy", from Dr. Gemma's Cogknitive podcast

Review:(38:18

This week we are reviewing
Handmade in the UK, by  Emily Wessel of Tincanknits

Straw Into Gold:(47:28)

Jasmin is spinning 2 oz CVM on her Matchless. She also got some Merino Border leicester Cross that is sparkling clean, from Elizabeth Hubbard. She plied the last of Gigi's SPAKAL yarn.

We had a wonderful time at the Wool and Wine event at the Retzlaff Winery. We met old and new listeners, and collected preemie hats and gave out Knitmore Girls Bags.
We mention the amazing Sultana.

Cabley and Ribbish - Episode 231 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This episode is sponsored by:

Do you know about  Lo-Lo EO's?  EO's (essential oils) are natural compounds derived from plants, that have powerful biochemical compositions which often stimulate our brain, affecting mood and well being.  Like you and me,  Lo-Lo EO’s are a wondrous mixture of individual qualities, some very bold and assertive, others showing a softer, gentler face.  By applying specific EO’s or blends, you choose  the way want your mood affected.  When EO’s are combined with Bar-Maids soothing combination of  natural oils and butters, you have an amazing Lo-Lo experience. EO’s are powerful, and respecting them is appropriate. With that in  mind, do you want to relax, rejuvenate, or recharge? It's all up to you. Lo-Lo EO’s are available in the Body Bar, To-Go Bar, O’ for Feet Sake, and Lip Balm, and Cuticle Intensive.

Love self-striping yarns but not quite sure how to use them? Join the Knitcircus Yarns Gradient Yarn Club and let hand-dyer and designer Jaala Spiro guide you! Three packages of exclusive self-striping colorways with patterns written just for them, plus information and lists of favorite patterns for using gradient yarns. The cherry on top? Treats from other indy knitting businesses with every package. Check out the Knitcircus Yarns store for handpainted and kettle-dyed yarns, too!

Purlescence Yarns is so pleased to support Halos of Hope, a wonderful organization that we have decided to throw a huge event to inspire you all to create hats for Halos of Hope. Join us Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 for a 24 hour long Halos of Hope-athon. From noon Saturday to noon Sunday, we will be open for mad hatting! We'll have contests and tons of prizes, and plenty of yarn on hand so we can send a record number of hats to Halos. Our particular focus for this event is Halos' Camp Happy Times Project . We'll be knitting kids' hats in star themes (think stars, moons, constellations, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more!) for kids 5-22 battling cancer.
Call (408) 735-9276 to RSVP!

At Stash, knitting isn't just a hobby.  It's a lifestyle.  We believe happiness can be found in a skein of yarn and that the thrill of fantasizing about a project is just as exciting as actually making it.  We knit.  We play.  We inspire.  Join the fun and indulge in your knitting fantasies at www.stashlocal.com.

On The Needles:(0:30)

Gigi has started the first contrast color of her Color Affection, and loves it. Jasmin has the same kit and is thinking of knitting the Derecho out of it, and knitting a Color Affection out of Tess Yarns.

Jasmin  is making progress on her Boneyard shawl out of yarn from Abstract Fiber. Gigi is knitting along on the CeCe cardigan, but thinks she needs to block her swatch before she knits any more.

Jasmin worked on her Skinny Bugga Houdini socks, and is very happy to work on the red lace Chiao Goo needles. Gigi turned the heel on her second Rosa Rubiginosa Sock.

We mention more space on Flickr. Jasmin has finished the body of her Eadon. Gigi has finished her vanilla-fied version of the Firestarter socks

Events:(15:44)

We will be attending Wine and Wool, at the Retzlaff Winery, on Saturday, May 25th, in Livermore. This falls on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Bring:
- Sunscreen
- $5/person
- Checks, cash, credit cards
- A dish for the potluck
- Chairs
- Spinning!
- a preemie hat and trade it for an awesome Knitmore Girls project bag.


Mother Knows Best:(16:26)

We answered a question from the What Do You Want To Hear About?" thread on our forum: How do you pick a chair for spinning? Jasmin mentions Guitar Center

Purloined:(23:28)

This week we are purloining "Squeal like a Piggy!" from the Wolfe Farms video cast hosted by James and Dawn.

Gigi is excited about her upcoming quilting class, and Jasmin is looking forward to attending "Wool and Wine" at the Retzlaff Winery, and meeting up with friends

Review:(28:47)

This week we review Coopknits Socks by Rachel Coopey

Straw Into Gold:(35:15)

Jasmin answers a question from the "What Do You Want To Hear About?" thread about removing vegetable matter from roving and yarn.

She mentions Shari of Morro Fleece Works

Where there is wool - Episode 230 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

She travels….extensively. At times by wheels, sometimes by wing, other times by wave. She  travels while she sits and knits, creativity driving. Creativity inspired by mountain travel, memories, textures and color, small towns, 5th Avenues and spring flowers. She travels…..light. Light as the wind. With her backpack  she is prepared to hike mountain passes, climb the north face, and forge those rivers.  Next week, she will grab her Zucca on wheels and brave airport security flying to the next big city. One thing remains constant. She always travels with a Lo-Lo Body Bar. She knows while hiking, she won’t be bugged, and while in the city, dry skin doesn’t have a chance. 

We are so pleased to support Halos of Hope, a wonderful organization that we have decided to throw a huge event to inspire you all to create hats for Halos of Hope. Join us Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 for a 24 hour long Halos of Hope-athon. From noon Saturday to noon Sunday, we will be open for mad hatting! We'll have contests and tons of prizes, and plenty of yarn on hand so we can send a record number of hats to Halos. Our particular focus for this event is Halos' Camp Happy Times Project . We'll be knitting kids' hats in star themes (think stars, moons, constellations, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more!) for kids 5-22 battling cancer. Call (408) 735-9276 to RSVP! 

Fiber Festival season is almost here!  The Black Sheep Gathering June 21-23 in Eugene, OR attracts spinners and knitters from all over the region for a weekend of fibery fun.  Fleece auctions, spinning classes, herding demonstrations, and shopping with friends; what could be better?  Visit the Stash pop-up shop in Booth #12 to see a small sampling of our extensive stash of hand-dyed + locally sourced yarn.  While you're at it, consider making a pilgrimage to Stash in Corvallis, just 45 minutes north of Eugene. Catch a peek of what we're planning on our website at www.stashlocal.com.

On The Needles:(0:33)
Gigi finished knitting the Celaeno shawl she is knitting out of Lisa Souza Baby Alpaca/silk Petite yarn for Dr. Gemma. Gigi has also finished the Gingko Cresent Shawl, and the first Rosa Rubiginosa socks from The Knitters' Curiosity Cabinet.

Jasmin has been making good progress on her Boneyard Shawl, out of Abstract Fiber
"Colorwork". Gigi cast on a vanilla variation of the Firestarter sock out of Opal, in the Vincent van Gogh colors.

Jasmin is working on her Eadon, and really enjoying the ribbing, and knitting with her handspun.
Gigi cast on another vanilla toe-up sock out of Opal Flower Power.

Jasmin cast on a Houdini sock out of some new Skinny Bugga. Gigi cast on her Color Affection Shawl, by Veera Valimaki out of Miss Babs "Yummy", Superwash Sock.

Jasmin needs to sew on the ribbon and buttons on her Antler cardigan. Also, she wants to sew on the fruit buttons of the Hungry Caterpillar cardigan.

Gigi dug her CeCe cardigan out of her WIP bin  and decided to work on it some more. We mention a recent episode of Fiber Hooligan.

Events:(15:18)
We will be attending Wine and Wool, at the Retzlaff Winery, on Saturday, May 25th, in Livermore. This falls on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Bring:
- Sunscreen
- $5/person
- Checks, cash, credit cards
- A dish for the potluck
- Chairs
- Spinning!
- a preemie hat and trade it for an awesome Knitmore Girls project bag.


Mother Knows Best:(16:11)

We are answering a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread in the Knitmore Girls forum, about how to store knitwear.

Jasmin talks the Elfa System from The Container Store
Jasmin references Judith MacKenzie McCuin

When Knitting Attacks:(23:07)

Gigi had no notes on her CeCe. Frogged, and cast on again on bamboo needles for better traction with splitty yarn. Jasmin was working on her Eadon and totally missed the cable turns.

Gigi cast on the Dianthus Superbus out of the KCC, a heavily cabled pattern, and it was way too tight. Do over.

Gigi was working on the heel of her firestarter sock, and there was something wrong, and she didn't like it. Knitting more did not improve the problem. Frogged, redone, and Gigi plans to use Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off.

Purloined:(28:19)

This week we are purloining "Processes" from the videocast "Fiberista Files" hosted by Heather, and we talk about out recording process.

Review:(33:46)

This week we are reviewing the The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet, Volume II
 by Hunter Hammersen. Gigi thinks she needs to order more sock needles.

Straw Into Gold:( 40:48)

This week Jasmin finished spining some CVM, and set up her Hansen Mini spinner so it would be ready to go during nap time. She is spinning fleece she bough at Black Sheep Gathering a few years ago, processed by Shari, from Morro Fleece Works  for the retreating cardigan.

Genevieve's best time for spinning is right after her nap.

Jasmin references the Spin Doctor podcast, Knitting Utopias, and  Jillian Moreno

Vool and Vine - Episode 229 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This episode is sponsored by:

Do you know about  Lo-Lo EO's?  EO's (essential oils) are natural compounds derived from plants, that have powerful biochemical compositions which often stimulate our brain, affecting mood and well being.  Like you and me,  Lo-Lo EO’s are a wondrous mixture of individual qualities, some very bold and assertive, others showing a softer, gentler face.  By applying specific EO’s or blends, you choose  the way want your mood affected.  When EO’s are combined with Bar-Maids soothing combination of  natural oils and butters, you have an amazing Lo-Lo experience. EO’s are powerful, and respecting them is appropriate. With that in  mind, do you want to relax, rejuvenate, or recharge? It's all up to you. Lo-Lo EO’s are available in the Body Bar, To-Go Bar, O’ for Feet Sake, and Lip Balm, and Cuticle Intensive.

Purlescence Yarns is the Bay Area's destination yarn shop. From the best in spinning and weaving equipment to luxurious yarns and fibers, we have what you need to make your fibery dreams a reality. We're always happy to provide mail order service for Knitmore Girls listeners. Call us today, it'll be on its way!

At Stash, knitting isn't just a hobby.  It's a lifestyle.  We believe happiness can be found in a skein of yarn and that the thrill of fantasizing about a project is just as exciting as actually making it.  We knit.  We play.  We inspire.  Join the fun and indulge in your knitting fantasies at www.stashlocal.com.

On The Needles:(0:32)

This week, Gigi is working on Vanilla Socks for Grandpa Knitmore, and a vanilla-fied version of the Firestarter Socks in the Opal Vincent Van Gogh colorways. Jasmin is working on the Eadon and making progress.

Gigi is getting close to binding off at the Ginko Crescent shawl. She has gotten to the bind-off on the Celeano that she is knitting out of Lisa Sousa yarn. Jasmin finished the button side of the Antler cardigan out of Greenland.

Gigi has now cast on all the socks out of the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet. Jasmin cast on the Fiery Bolero by Debbie Bliss out of Panda cotton to go with her summer dresses. And she is working on her Boneyard shawl. She is looking for the next baby sweater to knit for Genevieve, and is looking for suggestions.

Events:(12:06)

We will be attending Wine and Wool, at the Retzlaff Winery, on Saturday, May 25th, in Livermore. This falls on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Bring:
- Sunscreen
- $5/person
- Checks, cash, credit cards
- A dish for the potluck
- Chairs
- Spinning!
- a preemie hat and trade it for an awesome Knitmore Girls project bag.


Mother Knows Best:(13:15)

We answered a question from the "What do you want to hear about" thread from the forum, about how to lengthen a sweater.

Purloined:(17:40)

This week we kidnap the gerbils, from Melanie and Deborah from the Savvy Girls Podcast.

Review:(19:22)

This week we are reviewing Dishcloth Diva, by Deb Buckingham
Jasmin references Niebling

And Sew On:(25:24)

Gigi has been sewing some ridiculous boxer shorts from a panel print. 

A Slow Hiss - Episode 228 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This episode is sponsored by:

Mother’s Day is right around the corner.  And in celebration, Bar-Maids is doing something really special this year:
- Beginning April 26 – May 6, receive a 15% discount on all items.
-If purchasing a Body-Bar for Mother’s Day, choose the special Mother’s Day quote.
-All Mother’s Day gifts will be gift wrapped and will include a personalized gift card.
- Travel Pack’s, Almost Everything and Everything Please will also include a silver scissor charm and a wonderful sample of soap made with organic ingredients.
To receive the 15% discount at check out use code MDKMG13. The code is good April 29 – May 6th.

Purlescence Yarns is the Bay Area's destination yarn shop. From the best in spinning and weaving equipment to luxurious yarns and fibers, we have what you need to make your fibery dreams a reality. We're always happy to provide mail order service for Knitmore Girls listeners. Call us today, it'll be on its way!

Spring allergies have you sneezing, watering, coughing and feeling grumpy? Cheer up with a little help from Stash!  Our yarns have all the beautiful, nature-inspired colors of spring flowers-- without the pollen.  We're especially loving minty green, petal pink, and pollen yellow this season.  Have you joined our spring CKAL yet? Not to worry--there's still time to play.  Visit our Ravelry group for all the details.  Just click the Ravelry button on our website at www.stashlocal.com

On The Needles:(0:29)

Gigi is working on a lot of socks. She has turned the heel of the Rosa Rubiginosa socks. We think the tradition of inscribing books needs to be expanded to writing on the label of gifted yarn. We mention Dr Gemma and The Spin Doctor.

Jasmin has almost gotten to the armholes of the Eadon sweater. We go on and on about how much we like the Ribbi Cardi. Gigi is working on the Pinus Silvestry, and has gotten to  the heel. She has started the Narcissus sock out of Abstract Fiber.

She is also working on a pair of Firestarter socks and has gotten to the heel turn. Jasmin is working on the Antler cardigan. Gigi decided to also have a pair of vanilla socks to balance all the complicated socks.

Jasmin has started the second color on her Boneyard shawl. Gigi is back on track with the Celaeno shawl.

Events:(20:48)

We will be attending Wine and Wool, at the Retzlaff Winery, on Saturday, May 25th, in Livermore. This falls on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

We talked about the Head to Toe Project, and  we are asking out listeners to bring Preemie hats, and promised to trade them for project bags. We mention the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

Mother Knows Best:(24:58)

We answered a question from the "What do you want to hear about" thread from the forum, about how to find knitting groups and knitting retreats.

Jasmin mentions the Knitting Pipeline Retreat, and Sivia Harding's Retreat as well as Cheryl Oberle's.

Purloined:(31:36)

This week we are purloining "Off-roading" from the Commuter Knitter podcast, hosted by Jen. We talk about the Daffodil girls clothing line at Gymboree.

Jasmin mentions udontcallmeles from the Knitgirllls podcast and Meliabella from the His and Hers podcast, who are doing counted cross stitch.

Review:(37:50)

This week we review Socks a la Carte Colorwork, by Jonelle Raffino and Katherine Cade

We mention Namaste handbags, and Signature Sock Blockers

And Sew On:(46:04)

Gigi is working on the binding of a quilt. The Thread Heaven thread conditioner helped tremendously.