Tentacles - Episode 303 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode is sponsored by:

What makes Abstract Fiber's sock yarns stand out from the rest?  Our brilliant colors don't bleed. Our skeins rarely have knots. Our yarns are beautifully constructed to minimize splitting and show off stitch patterns. Our colors are designed to minimize pooling and striping. Check out Abstract Fiber's outstanding sock yarns at AbstractFiber.com

When you own a business you find yourself up at ungodly hours formulating your next step, and juggling between adored and effective products, and creating new interest. So I found myself face-to-face with facts, the nitty-gritty numbers and the [dirty] details. Numbers don't lie - right?  As difficult as it is, we are discontinuing scents and products that just don't make cents. But we are absolutely thrilled and excited about offering new scents and products that you have been asking for. We are actively creating some major spark in our studio. (This calls for super strong shades!) Before these sparks start flying, check out the nitty-gritty and dirty details of our current scents at the new Bar-Maids Blog.

Infinite Twist produces unique and luxurious hand-spun yarns that are crafted in a socially responsible way. Spun from hand-painted roving and hand-blended batts, our hand-spun yarns are a tactile delight for knitters. We also offer project kits that take the guess-work out of yarn and color selection, and hand-dyed mill-spun yarns in striking semi-solid colors. Find out more by visiting infinitetwist.com, or find us on Ravelry and Instagram as infinite twist. Sign up for our newsletter for a free knitting pattern every month, and don’t forget to use offer code “knitmore”!

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:(0:33)

Gigi finished the animal print tube socks. Jasmin has finished the Hocus Pocus socks by Mint Rain and Kaitie's Creations. We mention the Citric Acid soak. The Outlander colorway socks from Voolenvine came out of the wash without losing color.

Gigi has been knitting Halloween socks out of MarigoldJen yarn in the Purple Finch colorway. Gigi mentions Cat Bordhi's Houdini socks.  Jasmin mentions Sock Architecture.

 She also mentions the Knitmore Girls Instagram account and the Knitmore Girls Pinterest boards.
 
Gigi has swatched for her next cowl, the Wild Iris, from the Book of Cowls, by Sivia Harding, out of Himalayan Trails, by Bijou Basin Ranch.

Jasmin is working on the #countdowntooutlander, #Kiltmenow, she has started on socks out of Je Suis Prest, by Gingertwist Studio in Edinburgh , which she is carrying in her Caithness Craft Collective tartan bag.

Gigi was knitting the Mystik Spiral socks out of Opal Van Gogh, and she ripped back the striping part, because it didn't show.

Jasmin is working on Howloween socks SPELLING? BY Lollipop Yarn in the Beefcake base.
Also, she is working on an Olivia hat for Genevieve's Halloween costume.

Loose Ends:(16:54)

Jasmin has pushed live our interview with the amazing Judy Becker. 

We talk about how the issues with the fading of the yarns from Biscotte & Cie continued.
Jasmin found a source for Citric Acid.


 Events:(25:55)

- October 16-19 Pacific International Quilt Fest, at the Santa Clara Convention Center
- Purlescence Yarn Swap October 25
 - Pajamma Jammie Jam, date TBA.

Contest:(27:37)

Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfulness.

Prize for Operation Sockdrawer generously provided by

Next prize is a skein of  Mint Rain is Berry Sunday with matching  berry colored yarn for heels and toes, generously provided by Kaitie's Creations.

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We are co-hosting the Countdown to Outlander Knitalong on instagram,  #countdowntooutlander, #kiltmenowKAL. This has to be creatively related to the Outlander series.  Getting help from pocket Jamie is encouraged.

This is an instagram contest, so please make sure to use the appropriate hashtags.

This is being co-hosted by Maria from Subway Knits, CC from Geeky Girls Knit, and Kristin from YarnGasm.

New Prizes!
From Gourmet Stash:  two braids of fiber and two skeins of yarn in the time traveler colorway, and in the waterweed colorway . 

Mother Knows Best:(30:40)

This week's advice is: Caveat Emptor- Buyer Beware!

We have always been satisfied with yarns we bought from Lisa Souza, Abstract Fiber, Tess Yarns, Fab Funky Fibres and Invictus Yarns. If you are not sure about the colorfastness of your yarn, do the citric acid treatment.

Jasmin mentions Rockin' Green detergent.

Purloined:(36:08)

This week we are purloining from Die Urbane Spinnstube, hosted by Diestelfliege, and the way they do yarn swaps.

Jasmin mentioned the White Lies bed jacket.

Review:(45:59)

This week we review
The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook, by Deb Robson and Carol Ekarius
Jasmin mentions the kindle edition version of this book, the The Knitter's Book of Wool, and the
The Spinner's Book of Fleece by Beth Smith

She calls these three books the Trifecta of spinning books that should be on the Christmas list of spinners.

Also, she mentions In Sheep's Clothing.


Straw Into Gold:(54:21)

Gigi got Rumpelstilzkined: she set up her wheel, but couldn't find her fiber anywhere.
Jasmin mentions Spinzilla, Leslie from Knit Girllls and Kate from Gourmet Stash.

And Sew On:(56:44)

Jasmin is sewing up a giant pile of Halloween project bags, with Gigi doing the cutting and pressing.
Jasmin is very satisfied with the Miracle Ironing Board Cover.
 
Gigi finally sewed the zipper into the Nemesis dress. The zipper did not go in without a fight, but Gigi won in round two, with help of her quilting Stiletto.