Soooooo Smart - Episode 283 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's got a new luxe club! May through August, we'll send you one or two skeins of luxury yarns. Sock to lace weights, some in new colors, and some new yarns. Don't you deserve a special treat every month?

Declaring the next best lip balm flavor is not something that Bar-Maids takes lightly.  For Bar-Maids fans that want to participate in product development – now is your chance. Cast your vote for the next best lip balm and you could win a $50.00 gift certificate good for any Bar-Maids product.  At the very least, you will win a coupon good for 1 free lip balm. Voting officially begins May 21, 2014 and ends, May 27th. New flavor and winner will be announced, May 28th.  A link to vote will be available May 21st via:
Stay Connected: https://www.facebook.com/LoLo.By.BarMaids
We Pin Here: http://www.pinterest.com/barmaids
OH Snap! http://instagram.com/loloatbarmaids
Let's Be Tweethearts: https://twitter.com/Bar_Maids
www.bar-maids.com

Visit the new Nimblestix marketplace. Buy and sell fleece, dyed fiber, yarn and accessories, as well as your patterns. No listing fees and we have the lowest rates around.   Shoppers will love that their purchases go straight into their Nimblestix stash! Vendors, get special deals on site advertising if you open your shop soon!
Nimblestix- from fleece to finished object. Be Nimbler!

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:(0:36)

Gigi is knitting two pairs of Regia Fluormania socks in different colorways.  Jasmin is working on the Blueflame socks. #operationsockdrawer

Gigi has finished the knitting of the Dr Watson sweater out of Cascade Ecological Wool.  Jasmin is working on the Velvet hoodie, out of Abstract Fiber Calder in the "orchid" colorway.

We mention greentriangle girl from The A Playful Day podcast.
 
Gigi finished tubesocks for Genevieve. Jasmin is working on the  Matchmaker #behmalong.

Gigi is knitting on the body of the Water's Edge for the #matchymatchyKAL out of Abstract Fiber's Rothko. She really likes Try-it-on Tubing.

Jasmin is working on the Chocolate Rainbow socks by FabFunkyFibres. We mention Sivia Harding.

Gigi is working on the Loasa Lateritia socks from the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet.

We talk about Stash Dash, which is a finish-along hosted by the Knit Girllls.

Loose Ends:(13:47)

We are still doing the Knitmore-Along labels printed and provided by Sterling Name Tapes: Information for getting labels:

- Donate $1.50 for postage and envelope through Paypal button (in sidebar)
- PM Jasmin (cuteknitter) via Ravelry, and let her know how many sweater and shawl labels you want, and put "labels" in the subject line
- Include your Paypal email address in your PM
- International: PM Jasmin on Ravelry for cost of shipping

Put a picture of your sewn in labels in the "labels" thread.

We like to congratulate Shilo from the Spin Control podcast on getting her Master's Degree and being back to podcasting.

Events:(18:16)

-June 7th, Fleeces, Food and Fun, at the Retzlaff Winery.
-June 14th- June 22nd: International Knit In Public Day Week
-July 5th-27th: Tour de Fleece
- September 1st, Monterey Wool Auction 

We mention Morro Fleece Works. We promised a Summer of Lace and Beads thread in the Knitmore Girls forum.

Contest:(23:47)

#OperationSockdrawer Contest.

Simply Socks Yarn has graciously donated a prize.
Make sure to hashtag your photos as #operationsockdrawer on instagram, make sure your ravelry name is on your instagram profile.

Mother Knows Best:(25:38)

This week we answer questions out of the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about  perhaps spinning singles or a two ply for the SPAKAL.
We also answer a second question about what to do with bits of fiber that haven't gotten spun into the yarn.

When Knitting Attacks:(35:42)

Gigi tried knitting a knot into her sock, and it came undone. Jasmin started a project for which she didn't have enough yarn.

Gigi couldn't find a pattern at home, because she hadn't bought it yet.

Jasmin decided to improve on the designer's technique for the Velvet hoodie, and hates her improvements.

Gigi couldn't find the rest of the yarn for the Threads and Loops socks, because she had knitted it up already.

Purloined:(42:18)

This week we are purloining the Slick Trick segment from The Twin Set Design podcast, hosted by Jan and Ellen.

We talk about proportions and mention Rick Mondragon.

Jasmin likes Old Navy clothing. We mention Damaris from the Geeky Girls Knit podcast.

We have boot envy, inspired by Rachael Herron and Romi Hill. Gigi mentions the Hoax Fashion Formula.

Review:(55:35)

This week we review Knitting Reimagined by Nicky Epstein.

Gigi really likes the buttons Nicky Epstein has designed for JHB buttons.

Tour de Fleece Training:(1:03:45)

Week 3 of  Tour de Fleece training: take 25g and spin a sample to test both your fiber, and your wheel.

Check into the Team Sasquatch Group

And Sew On:(1:05:54)

Gigi did some 1/8" topstitching on the summer dress that Jasmin is sewing for Genevieve. Jasmin is
hand hemming the dress.

Tangleus Maximus - Episode 282 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Declaring the next best lip balm flavor is not something that Bar-Maids takes lightly.  For Bar-Maids fans that want to participate in product development – now is your chance. Cast your vote for the next best lip balm and you could win a $50.00 gift certificate good for any Bar-Maids product.  At the very least, you will win a coupon good for 1 free lip balm. Voting officially begins May 21, 2014 and ends, May 27th. New flavor and winner will be announced, May 28th.  A link to vote will be available May 21st via:
Stay Connected: https://www.facebook.com/LoLo.By.BarMaids
We Pin Here: http://www.pinterest.com/barmaids
OH Snap! http://instagram.com/loloatbarmaids
Let's Be Tweethearts: https://twitter.com/Bar_Maids

Visit the new Nimblestix marketplace. Buy and sell fleece, dyed fiber, yarn and accessories, as well as your patterns. No listing fees and we have the lowest rates around.   Shoppers will love that their purchases go straight into their Nimblestix stash! Vendors, get special deals on site advertising if you open your shop soon!
Nimblestix- from fleece to finished object. Be Nimbler!

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!

Operation Sock Drawer is proudly sponsored by Simply Socks Yarn Company.  Does your sock drawer need filling? Let us help!  With nine years experience helping sock knitters, we’ll help you find what you need.  This week we are featuring our exclusive Poste Yarn Striping Sock.  Come check us out at simplysockyarn.com . 

On The Needles:(0:36)

Gigi finished two  Fluoromania socks in different colorways. Jasmin mentions Wonderpus, the star of the octopus exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Jasmin is working on the Blueflame socks. #operationsockdrawer

Gigi is working on the Loasa Lateritia from the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet.

Jasmin talks about Martina Behm patterns, progress she has made on the Matchmaker #behmalong. She is knitting it out of Mighty Sock from Abstract Fiber, and Ellen's Half Pint Farm merino tencel. She mentions Martina's new pattern, Endless Rainbow.

Gigi is working on the sleeves of the  Dr Watson sweater out of Cascade Ecological Wool.

Gigi is back to working on the Water's Edge for the #matchymatchyKAL out of Abstract Fiber's Rothko.

Jasmin blocked the Ophidian shawl, which she knitted last year out of Abstract Fiber, in the Temptation base.

She likes the photography segment from Boston Jen's Down Cellar Studio's podcast, episode 45. She mentions the Tangaroo hoodie, The Knit Girllls, and their Stash Dash come up in conversation.

Jasmin asks, "How many -Alongs are too many?"

We mention our  SPAKAL 2014, the Never Ending Behmalong, the Matchy-matchy KAL, and we are planning to have a Summer of Lace and Beads-Along. 

Loose Ends:(15:56)

The Outlander read-along is ongoing, Jasmin mentions C.C., from the Geeky Girls Knit vidcast.

Jasmin mentions labels for Knitmore-Alongs from Sterling Name Tapes: Information for getting labels:

- Donate $1.50 for postage and envelope through Paypal button (in sidebar)
- PM Jasmin (cuteknitter) via Ravelry, and let her know how many sweater and shawl labels you want, and put "labels" in the subject line
- Include your Paypal email address in your PM
- International: PM Jasmin on Ravelry for cost of shipping

Put a picture of your sewn in labels in the "labels" thread.
 
Events:(19:46)

-June 7th, Fleeces, Food and Fun, at the Retzlaff Winery.
-June 14th- June 22nd: International Knit In Public Day Week
-July 5- July 27 Tour de Fleece
- September 1st, Monterey Wool Auction 

Contest:(22:41)

#OperationSockdrawer Contest. Simply Socks Yarn has graciously donated a prize.
Make sure to hashtag your photos as #operationsockdrawer on instagram, make sure your ravelry name is on your instagram profile.

Mother Knows Best:(24:49)

This week we answer a question out of the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about blocking and lining an afghan.

Jasmin references Mary Scott Huff's The New Stranded Colorwork and Philosophers Wool fair isle technique (Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified). Gigi references Jean Frost's Couture technique, and Galina Khmeleva.

We like the dressing wires by Handworks for blocking.

When Knitting Attacks:(35:42)

The sleeves of the Dr Watson Sweater ganged up on Gigi.

Purloined:(37:52)

This week we are purloining the Out and About segment from the Down Cellar Studio podcast hosted by the charming Boston Jen.

The two of us, accompanied by the Joy of Cooking Fairy, had a lovely visit with the amazing Sivia Harding. We enjoyed the culinary stylings of The Actual Cafe, James and the Giant Cupcake.

We learned a lot at the tour of the Indigo pot at A Verb For Keeping Warm, heard about the dying installation at the Museum.

And we convinced Sivia Harding to participate in The Summer of Lace and Beads, we admired her newest design, the Rainshadow, and she gifted Gigi her Galathea.

Review:(44:07)

This week we are reviewing Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters[AMAZON][Interweave eBook] by Ann Budd.

Jasmin also recommendsThe Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns, and mentions Sock Knitting Master Class, whish we haven't reviewed yet, all by Ann Budd.

Jasmin also mentions Knits Men Want which the guys reviewed in Episode 106, The Boys are Back!


Tour de Fleece Training:(54:50)

Gigi is going to spin a fleece she bought last year at the Monterey Wool Auction, which was processed at Morro Fleece Works.

Jasmin is using fiber from the Ashland Bay Company that she purchased from Carolina Homespun.

Week 2 of Tour de Fleece training: Weigh out your fiber into 25 g nests.
If you are preparing your own fiber: wash your fleece and start processing.

Big skeins - Episode 281- The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's got a new luxe club! May through August, we'll send you one or two skeins of luxury yarns. Sock to lace weights, some in new colors, and some new yarns. Don't you deserve a special treat every month?  

Are you a Smasher or a Popper?People tell us the most Jaw-dropping amazing personal things, and really helpful things - about all the time. After many years of listening we can share that unofficially/officially, our customers fall into two categories. DIY Smashers and Poppers. Huh?  Well, as you know, Lo-Lo Bars and To-Go Bars come in little round delicious smelling solid disks that pop out of the can. If you pop the bar out of the can, you’re a popper. But, if when the bar arrives, you dive right into smashing that bar into the can - well, you’re a DIY Smasher. Either way works because all that really matters is that it works for you. There is one side note. If you have ever left your bar in a very warm place and found that the disk is more of a suave, you are a smasher by default. The product is still good to use. Smash or Pop away - we want you to have it your way!  So, are you a Smasher or a Popper?

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! 

Known for its sophisticated yet easy-to-use interfaces, Squarespace’s do-it-yourself tools allow creative professionals, businesses, bloggers, and web developers to quickly and easily create and maintain professional looking, high-quality websites. When you decide to sign up for Squarespace, make sure to use the offer code KNITMORE to get 10% off your first purchase and show your support for our podcast!

On The Needles:(0:35)

Jasmin talks about Martina Behm patterns. She mentions the Knit Girllls podcast. She touches on the Social Pressure Experiment.

Genevieve picked buttons for her Colorblock pullover by Karen Borrel out of  Malabrigo Rios. Jasmin likes the sheep with the dangly feet.

Jasmin mentions her OXO Sweater Dryer.

Gigi finished Fluoromania socks for herself and tube socks for Genevieve.

Jasmin cast on the Matchmaker #behmalong. She is knitting it out of Mighty Sock from Abstract Fiber, and Ellen's Half Pint Farm merino tencel. She reminds Gigi of her Aeolian Shawl.

Gigi is working on the Loasa Lateritia from the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet. Jasmin is also working on her Blueflame socks. #operationsockdrawer

Gigi is working on the sleeves of the  Dr Watson sweater out of Cascade Ecological Wool. Jasmin cast on the Velvet Hoodie out of Calder by Abstract Fiber in the Orchid Colorway.

Gigi is working on Loops and Threads tube socks for Genevieve. She is complaining about her glut of Fluoromania vanilla socks.

Jasmin touches on the Sprig sweater, the Barberry sweater, and Gigi is still pouting about her Water's Edge. #matchymatchykal

Events:(16:45)

- June 7th, Fleeces, Food and Fun, at the Retzlaff Winery.
- June 14th- June 22nd: International Knit In Public Day Week
-July 5- July 27 Tour de Fleece
- September 1st, Monterey Wool Auction 

Jasmin mentions our Directors Cut on how to pick a fleece. 
We mention the Geeky Girls videocast.

Contest:(19:30)

#OperationSockdrawer Contest. Simply Socks Yarn has graciously donated a prize.
Make sure to hashtag your photos as #operationsockdrawer on instagram, make sure your ravelry name is on your instagram profile.

Mother Knows Best:(22:04)
  
This week we answer a question out of the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about The Woolee Winder.

We mention the Julia and the Schacht Matchless.

When Knitting Attacks:(28:08)

Gigi knitting pattern decided to hide from her.

Jasmin wants to knit the Colonel Henley for Andrew. There was a definite lack of yardage in the intended yarn. The sweater wants to be knitted out of Tess Yarns Superwash merino in the CobbleStone colorway.

Purloined:(38:10)

This week we are purloining The Ever Expanding Skill Set from the Yarns at Yin Hoo podcast, hosted by Sarapomegranate.

Jasmin references Jillian Moreno and Ysolda Teague. She mentions the Knit Girllls.

What are YOU doing to increase your skill set?

Review:(42:23)

This week we are reviewing Animal Hats by Vanessa Mooncie and Knitted Animal Hats by Fiona Goble.

Straw Into Gold:(54:59)

Gigi has been plying carbonized cotton, and is spinning some superwash merino for sock yarn.

Tour de Fleece Training:(56:00)

Week One of Tour de Fleece Training: Pick the project and join the Team Sasquatch board. Podcasters: pm Jasmin if you'd like to be a captain for Team Sasquatch. 

And Sew On:(57:39)

Gigi bought an awl at the hardware store and used it as a tailors awl to set in the sleeve on the Nemesis dress.

We mention looking at the Threads Magazine website for a tutorial.

Colonel... Sanders? - Episode 280 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

Bar-Maids is a small-batch Washington skincare company that creates eco-luscious moisturizers. Based on family recipes handed down to Kismet Andrews, founder of Bar-Maids by her grandmother, the locally-sourced and skin-loving ingredients, moisturize and hydrate leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. Easy to apply, small enough to pack, Bar-Maids travels worldwide. Whether your skin is thick or thin, treat it well. Do as Grandma says, "Get your Lo-Lo on!"

Visit the new Nimblestix marketplace. Buy and sell fleece, dyed fiber, yarn and accessories, as well as your patterns. No listing fees and we have the lowest rates around.   Shoppers will love that their purchases go straight into their Nimblestix stash! Vendors, get special deals on site advertising if you open your shop soon!
Nimblestix- from fleece to finished object. Be Nimbler!

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!

Operation Sock Drawer is proudly sponsored by Simply Socks Yarn Company.  Does your sock drawer need filling? Let us help!  With nine years experience helping sock knitters, we’ll help you find what you need.  This week we are featuring our exclusive Poste Yarn Striping Sock.  Come check us out at simplysockyarn.com . 

On The Needles:(0:35)

Gigi is knitting vanilla socks out of Fluoromania, in three different colorways. Jasmin wants to work
on everything and mentions the Breezy cardigan, Sprig Sweater, (mislabeled Sprout sweater by Jasmin) out of Botanical Knits 2, she wants to finish her hand spun sweaters, she mentions the Colonel Henley sweater, and the Calligraphy cardigan.

Jasmin finished the  Hitchhiker by Martina Behm #behmalong, out of Supersock by Abstract Fiber.
She planning to start the Matchmaker, and the Tubularity.   

Jasmin talks about the upcoming review of swifts and winders.

Gigi is working on the sleeves of the  Dr Watson sweater out of Cascade Ecological Wool.

Jasmin mentions Andrew's baseball sweater. She is assembling the pouch of the  Colorblock pullover by Karen Borrel out of  Malabrigo Rios. She is also working on her Blueflame socks.

Gigi talks about a shade of crazy. And she is working on a sock from the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet.

Jasmin mentions Knitmore-Along labels from Sterling Name Tapes:

Information for getting labels:

- Donate $1.50 for postage and envelope through Paypal button (in sidebar)
- PM Jasmin (cuteknitter) via Ravelry, and let her know how many sweater and shawl labels you want, and put "labels" in the subject line
- Include your Paypal email address in your PM
- International: PM Jasmin on Ravelry for cost of shipping

Events:(20:17)

- June 7th, Fleeces, Food and Fun, at the Retzlaff Winery.

- June 14th- June 22nd: International Knit In Public Day Week

- September 1st, Monterey Wool Auction 

Jasmin mentions our Directors Cut on how to pick a fleece.

Contest:(23:02)

We announce a new contest: #operationsockdrawer on Instagram, idea purloined from the Geeky Girls Knit podcast, and the first prize is a skein of Poste sock yarn from Simply Socks Yarn Company (linked above in the photo).

Mother Knows Best:(28:29)

This week we answer a question out of the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about plying. We mention Spin U.

We mention Judith McKenzie McCuins The Gentle Art of Plying.

When Knitting Attacks:(38:48)

Gigi mentions her Water's Edge cardigan.

Purloined:(40:06)

This week we are purloining the discussion about playing Yarn Chicken from the A Playful Day podcast, hosted by greentrianglegirl

Review:(43:38)

This week we review From Mama with Love, by Connie Chang Chinchio, Tanis Gray, Margaux Hufnagel, Melissa LaBarre + Kate Gagnon Osborn.

We mention the Knit Girllls.

Straw Into Gold:(52:52)

 Jasmin has been spinning Merino Border Leicester Cross on her Hansen Minispinner.

Tour de Fleece training will start next week, which is our "official" kickoff for  SPAKAL 2014.

(Podcasters: of you would like to be a Team Sasquatch Captain, pm Jasmin to be added to the captain's roster.)

Gigi has been spinning and plying carbonized cotton from Purlescence.