Black Sheep Gathering recap! - Episode 107 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online at AbstractFiber.com.


Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

Show notes will be posted by July 1st.

On the Needles:

Thanks again to the boys for stunt hosting in episode 106. Jasmin mentions the list that co-worker Adam made for Eugene. Things on the list:

- McMenamins
- The Beanery (Allan Bros)
- Poppi's Anatolia

Other good stuff:

- AroundMe app
- Euphoria chocolate
- The Knit Shop, where we met Eugene Beugler
- Off the Waffle
- Marché
- Meeting Rachel from the KnitCents podcast, and Erin from The Anatomy of Knitting podcast

The boys are back! - Episode 106 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract FiberFact #1: Who wants their knitting happiness interrupted by a knot in their yarn? We at Abstract Fiber believe our skeins should not have knots! We maintain a zero knot policy when winding our yarns. If the yarn breaks, we set it aside and start another skein. Our Macho Socks and triple skeins give you larger skeins, and still, no knots. At Abstract Fiber we provide you with the highest quality product, and that means no knots! Remember, at AbstractFiber.com we offer free shipping in the US and Canada for all orders over $100.


Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

On the needles: (1:01)

This week, Gregory and Andrew take over the show. Andrew is still a monogamous knitter and is working on the Not Your Standard Issue sweatshirt in Manos for Jasmin. Andrew talks about winning some roving for the oldest WIP at a yarn shop. Gregory is working on another cardigan in blue and green Divé. Gregory is working on the New York Niece knee socks.

Husband knows best: (6:18)

Andrew brags about hand-knit socks. The guys discuss the fashion of wearing socks with sandals. The guys like Teva sandals. Andrew mentions Chaco sandals.

When knitting attacks! (15:32)

Gregory talks about fixing a cable. Andrew neglects to knit the cap on a sleeve.

Reviews: (19:16)
Andrew and Gregory review "Guy Knits" by XRX books. Andrew likes the Perfectly Plain Vest. They agree that the production is good, and it's worth a flip through. They discuss balancing plain knitting with more interesting knitting.

They also review Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein, and both guys LOVE it! Andrew makes note of the cable knit mug from Starbucks. Andrew loves the Raglan Sleeved Henley, and wants it made out of handspun. Andrew tells a story about a fateful sweater fitting. The guys also mention the Warm and Ready set as well.

Tour de Fleece training: (31:49)

Traditional cyclists
Week 5: Clean your wheel. Go out on a nice day!

Hand cyclists
Week 5: Read through the directions, highlight your size, and make sure you're in the Team Sasquatch Ravelry group!

Straw into Gold: (36:32)

Gregory talks about learning the park and draft method of spinning.

BeaDazzled - Episode 105 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online at AbstractFiber.com.


Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

On the needles (00:36)

Gigi is excited about knitting with beads! Jasmin has finished knitting her Knitmore Girls Citron! Jasmin is planning her next Citron, maybe out of some stashed Ceallach Dyes laceweight merino (colorway "night lace gradiations"). Jasmin is working S-L-O-W-L-Y on her Brandywine Shawl for the KAL. Gigi is working on a pair of Houdini socks from Personal Footprints for Insoucient Sock Knitters (out of Abstract Fiber Supersock in "Be Mine"). We'll be doing a 7 Small Shawls KAL, starting soon.

Gigi has some success with her Frost Flowers Stole. Jasmin gets out of heel flap purgatory on her Supernatural socks. Gigi talks about doing a beaded bindoff (we mistakenly thank Maniago, really, we meant DebbieScally). We talk about WWKIP day at Santana Row. Jasmin mentions Maido, and Japanese WASHI paper masking tape.

Events: (19:21)

- 6/18-20: Black Sheep Gathering. Eugene, OR. Meet and greet TBA (on our Ravelry board, and our Twitter, @knitmoregirls)
- 7/3 : Start of the Tour de Fleece! We'll be doing a mass-start starting at 8:30 AM PST in the Team Sasquatch group chat.
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction

Contest: (24:27)

The Head to Toe design contest is launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

When knitting attacks! (27:27)

Jasmin declares the bind-off for the Citron to be the Longest. Bindoff. EVER. Jasmin mentions the MimKnits technique for applying beads. Gigi's Cozy Cables socks turn out a bit small.

We play the Knaked Knits promo!

Review: (33:03)

This week, we review the Knitting Essentials 2 DVD by Lucy Neatby. We LOVE it! We mention the DVD subscription service.

Tour de Fleece Training: (45:46)

Handcyclists:
Week 4: Hunt for errata.

Traditional Cyclists:
Week 4: Check the condition of your tools (bobbins, driveband, oil, timer).

Straw into Gold: (49:10)

Jasmin mentions spinning Targhee. She is plying the Bubblegum singles and is getting "clown noses" everywhere.

Wine and wool - Episode 104- The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online at AbstractFiber.com.


Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

On the needles: (00:38)

Gigi is working on her Frost Flowers Stole. Jasmin has worked a little on her Brandywine (knit out of Abstract Fiber Hepburn) a little bit, but mostly on her Citron (knit out of Abstract Fiber's Supersock in the Knitmore colorway). Gigi is knitting a plain cowl (inspired by the Stacked Eyelet Cowl) out of her Abstract Fiber Knitmore Supersock.

Gigi finished her Brandywine shawl and she *loved* the purled i-cord bind-off. Jasmin mentions Rosemary's e-book(7 Small Shawls to Knit), and the new design ("Merope".) Gigi has started a pair of Cozy Cables socks (from Sock Club) out of the Tanis Fiber Arts sock yarn. Jasmin mentions "Supernatural", and has cast on a pair of socks out of Damselfly Yarns' "Demon Cloud" sock yarn (inspired by the Supernatural), using the Knitmore Vanilla sock pattern with the Cynthia variations.

Gigi needs to buy beads to finish her Citron, Jasmin needs to have the sleeves put on her Tempest sweater. Jasmin mentions a few podcasts, including Knit Cents, Here's to Ewe, Belle of the Ball, and Cast On. (Welcome back, Brenda!)

We do the winery recap. Jasmin mentions Janet Heppler (of Nebo Rock Textiles). Gigi mentions Brenda Patipa, then we set up our Fantasy Knitting Project Runway designers. (The list is Brenda Patipa, Maggie Jackson, Fiona Ellis, Norah Gaughan, Jean Frost, and one more.)

Events: (27:58)

- 6/5: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- 6/12: WWKIP day . We'll be at Santana Row, in the center section across from Sunglasses on the Row and Cohiba.
- 6/18-20: Black Sheep Gathering. Eugene, OR.
- 7/3 : Start of the Tour de Fleece! We'll be doing a mass-start starting at 8:30 AM PST in the Team Sasquatch group chat.
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction

Contest! (29:49)

The Head to Toe design contest is launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Mother knows best: (32:11)

We discuss yardage. Gigi mentions mini skeins from Wüllenstudio.

When Knitting Attacks! (39:25)

Gigi's Cozy Cables socks attack.

Review: (42:04)

We review the Summer 2010 issue of Verena Knitting. We enjoyed Galina's articles and shawl design, and not much else. Jasmin was caught by the Sybil top, and the Betty top. Jasmin mentions the interview we did with Galina.

Tour de Fleece Training: (47:03)

Handcyclists:
Week 3: Wind your yarn.

Traditional cyclists:
Week 3: If you're wheel-spinning, spin 1 oz to test your wheel and fiber. (If you're prepping fiber, keep prepping!)

Straw into Gold: (50:48)

Jasmin is spinning (It's so easy being) Green merino/silk from Abstract Fiber, and a Coopworth batt from Susan's Kitchen. Jasmin talks about Coopworth. Jasmin mentions In Sheep's Clothing and the Knitter's Book of Wool as great references.