Eccentric and Charming - Episode 254 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Do you have a favorite fall scent? We know that Bar-Maids customers do. Nine years as a top seller, Betty Boo, is a mix of bitter orange and orchid. Sounds a bit floral – right? But Betty is NOT floral…she’s actually quite spicy.  Little Pumpkin has very devoted fans with its fresh from the oven top notes of buttery pumpkin not to be outdone by those middle notes of clove and allspice.  Hot Toddy, introduced last year, was such a hit that he’s back. Hot buttered rum – oh yum!  Queen’s Bun’s, a custom scent made exclusively for Jimmy Bean’s Wools last year can only be described as  cinnamon buns fresh from the oven and delicious enough for royalty.  If your local store doesn’t have these in stock, ask them to special order them for you. Otherwise, order on line at www.bar-maids.com  

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!

On The Needles:(0:32)

Gigi finished her Jack o'Lantern sock from Marigoldjen.etsy.com in the Jack colorway, and she cast on her Witchy Woman socks from Lollipop Yarns. Jasmin has knitted another feather for the  Leftie in the #Behmalong. Gigi is lamenting that it takes her much longer now to knit a feather on her Leftie.

Jasmin is trying to finish the Very Hungry Caterpillar sweater she has knitted for Genevieve. She mentions our couture button tutorial. She mentions Lori, from Deerfield Creations, who made lovely caterpillar buttons just for her.

 Jasmin talks about the labels she is sewing into the garments. She knitted the Cascade cardigan out of Cascade Greenland.

Gigi has been knitting two pairs of mojo socks, one out of Patons Kroy and one out of Fortissima. Jasmin has cast on the Little Oak cardigan, from Coastal Kids by Alana Dakos, out of Bugga from Cephalopod yarns, in the Nebraska Conehead colorway. Jasmin wants to knit the Gnarled Oak cardigan for herself. We mention the Button Emporium.

Gigi has been making Something Fishy socks, and created a Frankenfisk sock. Jasmin raves about the movie Frankenfish.

Gigi also worked on her Crocus Vernus sock, from the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet. Jasmin mentions Judith  MacKenzie McCuin.

Our word for the Behmalong is Wichteln. Weihnachten = Christmas. Check out and add pictures to the #Behmalong, #operationsockdrawer and on Everlapse.  We are embedding them on the show notes every week.

Also Halos of Hope-athon #podcasterthrowdown.


#PodcasterThrowdown: Hats for Halos of Hope,  Halos of Hope Guidelines.

We got supplemental guidelines from a former Chemo patient:
- Yarn should not be scratchy, check for softness against your wrist or your neck
- Hat should be long enough to cover the ears, go over the forehead, and the back of the head.
- Lighter weight hats are more useful and comfortable than bulky ones.
- Slouchy hats need to have enough of a band to keep the hat from slipping of the head.

Our prizes for the  Throwdown are:

Sivia Harding's Sister Joan Shawl, knit by Gigi

Jasmin's handspun:

• In the Air Tonight, superwash, 328yds, Crown Mountain Farms
• Violet Cherry, Pidgeonroof Studios, 402 Superwash BFL (187) 374 yds
• Atlantis 402 Superwash Merino, Crown Mountain Farms, 500 yds

From FabFunkyFibres: a skein of 15 color rainbow merino/cashmere/nylon

You can follow this on twitter and instagram using #podcasterthrowdown
We asked what our listeners think would be a good bonus if we win, and you can add your suggestion here.

Contest:(23:10)

The  Famous Last Words Contest will wrap up by Thanksgiving, and we announce prizes:

LoLo Bar Trio

Erin Lane small drawstring bag

Tess Yarns Kitten

Namaste Circular needle case

In Stitches:(23:58)

Gigi has been wearing wool socks, and bed socks out of Fancy Image Yarn.
Jasmin also has been wearing clear Converse  from Journeys with her 15 color rainbow socks by FabFunkyFibres, and rainbow-ish socks out of Trekking.
We mention Commuter Knitter and Down Cellar Studio.

Jasmin wore her Tangled Yoke cardigan, out of Interweave Magazine, out of hand spun yarn. She mentioned Meghan from the Stitch It podcast. Also, she wore her Juno Regina Shawl out of Handmaiden Seasilk, a Miriam Felton Knitty.com design.

 Genevieve wore her Yoked cardigan, a Hannah Fettig design, out of Cascade Greenland, and her Very Hungry Caterpillar cardigan.

Purloined:(29:11)

This week we purloin from Benjamin Levisay from the Fiber Hooligan podcast.
We mention Grimm, Rizzoli and Isles, Borgias, Once Upon A Time, Game of Thrones, North and South(British), Buffy, Mad Men, and Hairspray.

Review:(34:40)

This week we are reviewing the Morehouse Merino Critter Collection, Volumes I-IV. [Kindle versionavailable here. You can print off of it, sort of.]

Morehouse Merino homepage . We mention Lisa Souza and Abstract Fiber.

Straw Into Gold:(48:38)

Gigi has been spinning much better now with the new Woolee Winder, and she is loving the 50/50 silk merino from Red Fish Dyeworks, that she is spinning on her Julia wheel.

And Sew On:(50:10)

We have been working on Genevieve's Halloween costume.
Jasmin mentions the Geeky Girls knit Videocast, hosted by CC and Damaris.

Don't Know Much About Botany - Episode 253 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Lo-Lo Baby, available in Soft Vanilla, Lavender Dreams, and Plain and Simple has been a big hit among OBGYN staff, new moms, daycare personnel, and men over 60. A swipe on the diaper area, a bit for massage, or something to help with cradle cap we understand but why are men buying this?  So we asked…we had to. And they told us. They are buying Lo-Lo Baby and using it for itch, heat, and chafing in their southern hemisphere. We pressed on with our somewhat awkward questions and we found out that while they loved Lo-Lo Baby, they wanted two things to be different, the label and a cooling element. Along came Southern Comfort.  Don’t let the moustache on the label lead you think it’s only for men.  Women are buying it as well.  And yes, we asked.  And we were told they're using it for the same reasons, through they used different words like, friction and rash. Southern Comfort is ideal for those that bike (pedal or motor), those that wear skirts and no pantyhose, and those that could just use some comfort in their Southern Hemisphere. Southern Comfort is for external use only. To buy local, visit www.bar-maids.com or purchase on-line.

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 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! 

On The Needles:(0:31)

Gigi finished a Spice Man sock out of Lion Brand Sock-Ease, and cast on the second one. Jasmin is pleased with her progress on the Hitchhiker that she is knitting out of  from Abstract Fiber Supersock in the colorway Be Mine for the #behmalong

Gigi is ready to bind off the Brickless. Jasmin is knitting her  Leftie from a Miss Babs kit. She also is thinking of doing the Miss Winkle, and Gigi wants to knit the Hitchhiker Gauntlets.

Gigi's Lutefisk socks have fins, and the Something Fishy socks have both one fin each. Jasmin is having fun knitting the Spectre-Self Striping from The Cyborg's Craft Room on etsy, #etsyincident2013, in a Houdini pattern #operationsockdrawer.

Gigi started her second Jack o'Lantern sock from Marigoldjen.etsy.com in the Jack colorway

For the Podcaster Throwdown, we mention Abby, of the KnitKnit Cafe, the Knotty Girls, and Ready Set Knit.

#PodcasterThrowdown: Hats for Halos of Hope,  Halos of Hope Guidelines.

We got supplemental guidelines from a former Chemo patient:
- Yarn should not be scratchy, check for softness against your wrist or your neck
- Hat should be long enough to cover the ears, go over the forehead, and the back of the head.
- Lighter weight hats are more useful and comfortable than bulky ones.
- Slouchy hats need to have enough of a band to keep the hat from slipping of the head.

Our prizes for the  Throwdown are:

Sivia Harding's Sister Joan Shawl, knit by Gigi

Jasmin's handspun:

• In the Air Tonight, superwash, 328yds, Crown Mountain Farms
• Violet Cherry, Pidgeonroof Studios, 402 Superwash BFL (187) 374 yds
• Atlantis 402 Superwash Merino, Crown Mountain Farms, 500 yds

From FabFunkyFibres: a skein of 15 color rainbow merino/cashmere/nylon

You can follow this on twitter and instagram using #podcasterthrowdown
We asked what our listeners think would be good prizes if we win, and we added a thread in the Knitmore Girls Forum.

You can read Jen's story here. [CAUTION: NOISY SITE.]

We attended the Pacific International Quilt Fest at the Santa Clara Convention Center, and talk about some highlights.

Contest:(26:45)

Gigi is happy about her new Woolee Winder.
The  Famous Last Words Contest will wrap up by Thanksgiving, and we announce prizes:

LoLo Bar Trio

Erin Lane small drawstring bag

Tess Yarns Kitten

Namaste Circular needle case

Mother Knows Best:(29:59)

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine. We talk about preventing injury by being aware of ergonomics.

When Knitting Attacks:(35:07)

Gigi was attacked by the Crocus Vernus socks from The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet.

Purloined:(36:19)

This week we purloin "Endorsements" from the Savvy Girls, Melanie and  Deborah

We endorse Rhubarb, Fennel, America's Test Kitchen CookBook, rocking on the front porch, port with chocolate, and seasonal socks.

German word of the week: Kunstbanausen (but we are not endorsing them)

Review:(44:17)

This week we are reviewing
 The The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits, and The Unofficial Downton Abbey Knits

Jasmin mentions Coggie from the High Fiber Diet, and Galina Khmeleva, who wrote the Orenburg Shawl series.

Straw Into Gold:(54:59)

Jasmin is spinning punis from Gourmet Stash.

Mojo Tsunami - Episode 252 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode is sponsored by:

Do you have a favorite fall scent? We know that Bar-Maids customers do. Nine years as a top seller, Betty Boo, is a mix of bitter orange and orchid. Sounds a bit floral – right? But Betty is NOT floral…she’s actually quite spicy.  Little Pumpkin has very devoted fans with its fresh from the oven top notes of buttery pumpkin not to be outdone by those middle notes of clove and allspice.  Hot Toddy, introduced last year, was such a hit that he’s back. Hot buttered rum – oh yum!  Queen’s Bun’s, a custom scent made exclusively for Jimmy Bean’s Wools last year can only be described as  cinnamon buns fresh from the oven and delicious enough for royalty.  If your local store doesn’t have these in stock, ask them to special order them for you. Otherwise, order on line at www.bar-maids.com   

Are you always on the lookout for new fiber blends and interesting fiber preps? Well search no more! Gourmet Stash is an online fiber arts shop specializing in punis, puni-style rolags, kits, tutorials and mini batts! We have a love of color and luxury fibers that we blend to make each spinning experience truly decadent. Stop by our shop and see what new fiber delicacies are being created every week at www.gourmetstash.com. 

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!

On The Needles:(0:32)

Gigi is making progress  on her Lutefisk socks. Googly eyes were found at Hancock's among the buttons. The  Something Fishy socks are also almost done.

Jasmin's Brickless is a block away from being done. Yarn by Sheepcity, but Lisa Souza has a similar colorway. Jasmin started on her Hitchhiker. Gigi is knitting her Brickless out of Tess Yarns, probably colorway Mutant.

The knitting group was working on their Brickless's, and we all loved Laura's out of Madeline Tosh yarn.

Gigi is working on her Leftie from a Miss Babs kit, and the rows are getting longer and longer. Jasmin is knitting her Hitchhiker out of Abstract Fiber Supersock in the colorway: Be Mine.

Add your photos to the #behmalong Everlapse clip:

We mention Operation Sockdrawer and the Everlapse clips. Add yours!

 Gigi is knitting two pairs of Mojo socks. We like the Baroque crochet cotton for doing a provisional cast-on and as waste yarn for afterthought heels. We mention Kroy sock yarn and Fortissima Socka.

Jasmin is working on Halloween socks out of Cyborgs Craft Room in Spectre Stripe, knitted  in a Houdini Pattern. Gigi is working on her Jack o'Lantern sock from Marigoldjen.etsy.com in the Jack colorway in honor of Socktober.

Jasmin is bemoaning the fact that she can not participate in Spinzilla on Team Knit Girllls. Gigi is working on the Crocus Vernus socks again, from The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet, and getting close to the toe.

Jasmin knitted a row on her Chelsea shawl out of a Verb for Keeping Warm: Metamorphosis. Gigi turned the heel on her Spice Man Socks out of Sock-Ease by Lionbrand. Jasmin mentions Fun Fur.

Our German word for today is Wickelknäul. Gigi mentions the German podcast Stadt, Land, Wolle, hosted by Manu and Elli. We like the idea of the Wickelknäul as a Christmas gift. Jasmin mentions Lollipop Yarns.

We attended the Tin Can Knits trunk show at Purlescence and met the charming Emily Wessel. We loved the Lush cardigan even more on her person, and adore the pop blanket.

Events:(27:00)

We will be attending Pacific International Quilt Fest at the Santa Clara Convention Center Oct. 17-20.

Contest:(27:54)

The  Famous Last Words Contest will wrap up by Thanksgiving, and we announce prizes:

LoLo Bar Trio

Erin Lane small drawstring bag

Tess Yarns Kitten

Namaste Circular needle case

Mother Knows Best:(28:30)

This week we are answering a question from the "What do you want to hear about?"  thread.
The question is about making time and having a budget for knitting.  We mention Patton's Kroy.
Jasmin mentions her social pressure experiment and the Mariah sweater. Gigi mentions Fly Lady.

When Knitting Attacks:(45:39)

Gigi's Mojo socks attacked her.

Purloined:(44:35)

This week we purloin "Busting Knitting Myths" from The Knitting Pipeline, hosted by Paula. The discussion is about how to get a loose cast-on. We mention Lucy Neatby and the Channel Island cast on.

Review:(47:27)

This week we review
Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys, and Spud and Chloe at the Farm, by Susan B. Anderson

Jasmin mentions the Susan B. Anderson's sock drawer and the Phoebe's Sweater

Straw Into Gold:(55:41)

Gigi installed her Woolee Winder on her spinning wheel. Magically, her spinning improved with the new tool. We mention Mendenhall merino.

Lutefisk - Episode 251 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Lo-Lo Baby, available in Soft Vanilla, Lavender Dreams, and Plain and Simple has been a big hit among OBGYN staff, new moms, daycare personnel, and men over 60. A swipe on the diaper area, a bit for massage, or something to help with cradle cap we understand but why are men buying this?  So we asked…we had to. And they told us. They are buying Lo-Lo Baby and using it for itch, heat, and chafing in their southern hemisphere. We pressed on with our somewhat awkward questions and we found out that while they loved Lo-Lo Baby, they wanted two things to be different, the label and a cooling element. Along came Southern Comfort.  Don’t let the moustache on the label lead you think it’s only for men.  Women are buying it as well.  And yes, we had to ask.  And we were told they are using it for all the same reasons through they used different words like, friction and rash. Southern Comfort is ideal for those that bike (pedal or motor), those that wear skirts and no pantyhose, and those that could just use some comfort in their Southern Hemisphere. Southern Comfort is for external use only. To buy local, visit www.bar-maids.com or purchase on-line.

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!

On The Needles:(0:44)

This week Jasmin is making progress on her Brickless, and chomping on the bit to start Hitchhiker out of Be Mine by Abstract Fiber. Gigi finished her Hitchhiker and is thinking of  maybe knitting the Hitchhiker Gauntlets. She is enjoying working on her Leftie.

Last week's knitting group included some members who FaceTime-d in. She is advocating virtual knitting groups. She finished her 15 color rainbow socks from FabFunkyFibres, and her Houdini socks out of Kroy towards #operationsockdrawer and she is recommending the Everlapse app.

Gigi is working on her Jackolantern socks out of "Jack" by marigoldjen from the #Etsyincident2013. We got some Cascade Heritage 150 for heels and toes. She mentions the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet. Jasmin cast on a sock out of Spectre-Self Striping from The Cyborg's Craft Room on etsy.

Gigi is knitting 2 pairs of Mojo socks, on is out of Fortissima Socka, and the other one is out of Kroy.
Gigi is also working on the  Something Fishy socks.

Today's German words is Zauberball.

Jasmin is also working on her Sgt. Pepper socks and is sewing the grosgrain ribbon on the Antler cardigan, and referenced the grosgrain ribbon tutorial.

#PodcasterThrowdown: Hats for Halos of Hope,  Halos of Hope Guidelines.

We got supplemental guidelines from a former Chemo patient:
- Yarn should not be scratchy, check for softness against your wrist or your neck
- Hat should be long enough to cover the ears, go over the forehead, and the back of the head.
- Lighter weight hats are more useful and comfortable than bulky ones.
- Slouchy hats need to have enough of a band to keep the hat from slipping of the head.

Our prizes for the  Throwdown are:

Sivia Harding's Sister Joan Shawl, knit by Gigi

Jasmin's handspun:

• In the Air Tonight, superwash, 328yds, Crown Mountain Farms
• Violet Cherry, Pidgeonroof Studios, 402 Superwash BFL (187) 374 yds
• Atlantis 402 Superwash Merino, Crown Mountain Farms, 500 yds

You can follow this on twitter and instagram using #podcasterthrowdown
We asked what our listeners think would be good prizes if we win, and we added a thread in the Knitmore Girls Forum.

Events:(23:31)

We will be attending Pacific International Quilt Fest at the Santa Clara Convention Center Oct. 17-20.

Emily Wessel will be presenting a Tin Can Knits trunk show at Purlescence Yarns, Thursday, October 10th, from 6:30 to 8:30.

Contest:(24:06)

The  Famous Last Words Contest will wrap up by Thanksgiving, and we announce prizes:

LoLo Bar Trio

Erin Lane small drawstring bag

Tess Yarns Kitten

Namaste Circular needle case

Mother Knows Best:(25:58)

Today we talk about what to do with old retractable measuring tapes that have lost their spring.

When Knitting Attacks:(28:42)

Gigi made a mistake on her Brickless, but likes the look and is going to continue, using the former mistake as a new design element.

Clothes On Shows:(30:35)

Gigi noticed a cabled, knitted fez on an episode of Voyager.

Review:(32:45)

This week we review Free-Spirit Shawls, by Lisa Shroyer

Straw Into Gold:(44:12)

Gigi is spinning  Mendenhall merino on her Jenkins Turkish Delight drop spindle. She mentions the new Woolee Winder.

Lack of Impulse Control - Episode 250 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Do you have a favorite fall scent? We know that Bar-Maids customers do. Nine years as a top seller, Betty Boo, is a mix of bitter orange and orchid. Sounds a bit floral – right? But Betty is NOT floral…she’s actually quite spicy.  Little Pumpkin has very devoted fans with its fresh from the oven top notes of buttery pumpkin not to be outdone by those middle notes of clove and allspice.  Hot Toddy, introduced last year, was such a hit that he’s back. Hot buttered rum – oh yum!  Queen’s Bun’s, a custom scent made exclusively for Jimmy Bean’s Wools last year can only be described as  cinnamon buns fresh from the oven and delicious enough for royalty.  If your local store doesn’t have these in stock, ask them to special order them for you. Otherwise, order on line at www.bar-maids.com  

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! 

On The Needles:(0:30)

Gigi has finished  knitting the Hitchhiker for the #behmalong. Jasmin also finds Martina Behms patterns highly addictive. She has been working almost exclusively on her Brickless.

Jasmin's Leftie kit from Miss Babs came in the mail, and she is thrilled.  Gigi has also been working on her Leftie and always wants to do "one more row!". Gigi is also working on the Brickless.

Gigi is also working on two pairs of Mojo socks, and at the Purlescense yarn swap, she picked up yarn to finish some UFO Something Fishy socks. Finding sew-on googlie eyes proved a problem.

Jasmin also scored a Jacob fleece at the yarn swap, and will send it to Sherri from Morro Fleece Works to process.

Jasmin also started Everlapse clips for #operationsockdrawer. Add your clips to the mix!

Jasmin thinks we should knit a Hitch hat for the Behmalong. For the Halos of Hope Jasmin mentions Everlapse, so everyone on Team Knitmore can see pictures of finished projects.

Podcaster Throwdown: Hats for Halos of Hope,  Halos of Hope Guidelines.

We got supplemental guidelines from a former Chemo patient:
- Yarn should not be scratchy, check for softness against your wrist or your neck
- Hat should be long enough to cover the ears, go over the forehead, and the back of the head.
- Lighter weight hats are more useful and comfortable than bulky ones.
- Slouchy hats need to have enough of a band to keep the hat from slipping of the head.

Our prizes for the  Throwdown are:

Sivia Harding's Sister Joan Shawl, knit by Gigi

Jasmin's handspun:

• In the Air Tonight, superwash, 328yds, Crown Mountain Farms
• Violet Cherry, Pidgeonroof Studios, 402 Superwash BFL (187) 374 yds
• Atlantis 402 Superwash Merino, Crown Mountain Farms, 500 yds

You can follow this on twitter and instagram using #podcasterthrowdown

Events:(14:32)

We will be attending Pacific International Quilt Fest at the Santa Clara Convention Center Oct. 17-20.

Emily Wessel will be presenting a Tin Can Knits trunk show at Purlescence Yarns, Thursday, October 10th, from 6:30 to 8:30.

Contest:(33:48)

The  Famous Last Words Contest will wrap up by Thanksgiving, and we announce prizes:

LoLo Bar Trio

Erin Lane small drawstring bag

Tess Yarns Kitten

Namaste Circular needle case

Mother Knows Best:(17:07)

This week we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread, about starting to knit socks. We mention Myra Woods, (now Myra Garcia) of Fancy Image Yarns, Regia 6ply, and Opal 6ply. Jasmin talks about the Learn to Knit Socks Leisure Arts booklet she learned sock knitting out of. Jasmin mentions the Skacel boots.

Tickled Pink:(23:24)

Jasmin talks about Downcast and The Fat Squirrel Speaks, The Knit Girllls, TapGurl on the Go.

Gigi is tickled about the changing fall foliage, Socktober and #OperationSockdrawer.

Purloined:(26:15)

This week we are purloining The Personal Sweater Story from the Never Not Knitting Podcast hosted by Alana Dakos. Gigi talks about the bed jacket she knitted from a Brigitte pattern.
Jasmin mentions Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel.

Review:(32:28)

This week we are reviewing
150 Scandinavian Motifs, by Mary Jane Mucklestone

Jasmin mentions Paula, from The Knitting Pipeline, and her GORGEOUS sweater.

Straw Into Gold:(40:09):

Gigi has been spinning some Mendenhall merino on her Turkish drop spindle. Also, Gigi's spinning was enabled by the acquisition of a Woolee Winder.