Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Kindness of Knitters - Episode 140 - The Knitmore Girls

IMG_0514


Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:
abstractbanner-1
Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!!  We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

crownmountainlogo
Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs.
Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/



etcbanner

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.


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Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!


On the Needles: (00:36)

Gigi is knitting Cookie A's BFF socks for the Spin Control KAL. Jasmin is working on her Elemental Pullover (from Knitting 24/7). Gigi has finished her Cassidy! Jasmin's Cece is finished! Jasmin is making some great progress on her Mariah cardigan. Jasmin has finished one sock for Andrew out of the Creatively Dyed J'ouvert ("Cake").

Andrew socks: 

Cast on 64 sts, knit in 2x2 rib for 6", work heel sts in st st, continue ribbing instep sts for 1". Work a heel flap for 2 1/2". Do standard instep decreases until you have decreased down to 64 sts. Work the foot until it measures 2" short of the foot. Work toe decreases every other round until there are 32 total sts. Work toe decreases every round until there are 8 total sts. Graft.

Jasmin learns the knitted graft from Knitting Daily. Jasmin mentions Horst Schultz.

Stitches West recap: (15:02)

We do a quick recap of the adventures from the weekend. Things we mention:

KCL Woods
Pho Minh
Sweet Pea's

Events: (27:42)

- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (28:36)

Two tips this week:

1) Be wary of limited time offers.

2) Always choose fun. Resting is overrated.

Review: (34:32)

This week, we review Rachael Herron's "How to Knit a Heart Back Home". We really enjoyed it, despite parts that Jasmin found a little hard to read. Give it a try!

Straw into Gold: (42:58)

This week, we talk about spinning silk.

Monday, February 14, 2011

It's a small whorl - Episode 139 - The Knitmore Girls

DSC_0035


Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:
abstractbanner-1
Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

crownmountainlogo
Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs. Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/



etcbanner
Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100 AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.


Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!




On the needles: (00:38)

Gigi has been finishing! Gigi finished a pair of vintage Opal vanilla socks, and her Ophidian. Jasmin's Cece cardigan is finished! Gigi's Cassidy is a few finishing details away from being finished. Gigi mentions the BioBands, to alleviate motion sickness. Gigi will be doing the Knitting Daily Tulip Buttonhole.

Jasmin mentions "noodling". Jasmin has joined the sleeves on her Mariah cardigan. Gigi has started Cookie A's BFF socks out of an Abstract Fiber "Oops" colorway as part of the Spin Control Flashback contest. Jasmin is working on her Elemental Pullover (from Knitting 24/7) and scores the SAME DYELOT with the two Ravelry Rescue balls. Gigi is working on Odelia, and got to try on some of the new CocoKnits designs at A Verb for Keeping Warm.

Jasmin is weaving a rainbow wrap out of Kauni in a twill. Jasmin got to play with a Cricket loom and LOVES it! We talk about the genius of direct warping. Jasmin is weaving a scarf for Andrew out of Claudia Hand Painted Yarn Navy Olive and Gold.

Jasmin mentions the Brass Needles podcast, as well as the Halcyon Yarn catalog, and leaving Andrew a subtle hint. We give an update on the Knitmore Intern!

Events: (25:28)
- February 15th: Purlescence Yarns XRX event!
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth (Booths 740, 742, 839, 841)
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth (Booth 939)
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special. (Thanks for the logo, Rosemary!)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (30:34)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about joining yarn in lace projects. We talk about the Russian Join, spit splicing, and tying knots. (We mention the interview with Galina.)

When Knitting Attacks: (37:22)

The sleeves (and enthusiasm) attack Jasmin's Mariah.

Review: (39:36)

This week, we review the Sock Techniques 2 DVD by Lucy Neatby.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (48:28)

Jasmin talks about Valentine's Day gifts.

Straw into Gold: (53:08)

A little more progress on the Andrew 10-year sweater. Jasmin answers a spinning question fro the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about the appropriate whorl for your desired yarn.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Director's Cut - Ysolda Teague

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Listen here:


This Director's Cut episode has been brought to you exclusively by:

UnwindPinkCircleSmall
Unwind, Southern California's destination LYS, is excited to announce its "pop-up store" at Stitches West! Unwind features a beautifully curated selection of yarn and projects, certain to make every knitter gleeful. For an exclusive selection of Sweet Georgia Yarns, True Love Fibers and Frog Tree Sport Alpaca, along with patterns from your favorite indie designers, visit Unwind in booths 1245 and 1247.

You can find Ysolda's blog here, her schedule here, and on Ravelry as Ysolda.

Things we talk about during this episode:

Whimsical little knits 1 & 2
Little Red in the City
Electric ball winder
Little Shop of Horrors
Asunden circular baskets (from Ikea)
Boardwalk Empire
Carnivale

Monday, February 7, 2011

Pod people - Episode 138 - The Knitmore Girls

purple rain- woolen

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

abstractbanner-1
Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com

knitcircus_zps61570f31

Knitcircus Magazine offers free articles, videos, recipes and patterns inspiration for every season and every family member! Check out our affordable Pattern Collection downloads for three rings of knitting and crochet fun. Please join us for the first Knitcircus Spring Knitting Retreat Saturday, April 16th!

etcbanner

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.


Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!



On the needles: (00:39)

Gigi has cast on a whole slew of vanilla socks. Jasmin mentions Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles by Cat Bordhi. Jasmin has cast on a pair of vanilla socks out of the Fancy Image Sock yarn, from their yarn of the month club from June 2006. Gigi is working on the Ophidian shawl by Sivia Harding. Jasmin cast on a Flagstone scarf by Stephen West out of Reynold's Dover. Jasmin has started the second sleeve on her Mariah, and makes a reference to the Pod People. (The correct reference would be "The Invaders".) You can find the highlighters here. Jasmin's Elemental Pullover is SAVED! Miss Kalendar (from the Brass Needles podcast) gets Jasmin to start weaving. Jasmin is using Kauni to weave with.

Events: (17:28)
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth (Booths 740, 742, 839, 841)
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth (Booth 939)
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special. (Thanks for the logo, Rosemary!)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)


Mother Knows Best: (19:00)

Gigi answers a question from the "What do you want to hear about" thread about lining knit skirts.

When Knitting Attacks: (27:58)

Gigi's Ophidian is attacked by the cardinal rule of knitting.

Review: (33:56)

This week, we review Phoebe's Sweater and Freddie's Blanket by Joanna Johnson, illustrated by Eric Johnson. They are fantastic kids' books that include great knitting patterns. We LOVE these books!

Straw into Gold: (41:55)

Jasmin is really enjoying spinning the Romney/Rambouillet for Andrew's sweater, and has managed to spin 10 out of the 21 ounces for the body of the sweater. Jasmin talks about bobbin winders, the eBay one from Hollyhockhillfarm, the Swedish bobbin winders, and the Schacht electric winder.


Saturday, February 5, 2011

Director's Cut - Miriam Felton

junoregina1
Listen here:



This Director's Cut has been sponsored by:

UnwindPinkCircleSmall
Unwind, Southern California's destination LYS, is excited to announce its "pop-up store" at Stitches West! Unwind features a beautifully curated selection of yarn and projects, certain to make every knitter gleeful. For an exclusive selection of Sweet Georgia Yarns, True Love Fibers and Frog Tree Sport Alpaca, along with patterns from your favorite indie designers, visit Unwind in booths 1245 and 1247.

You can find Miriam's blog here, her teaching schedule here, and on Ravelry as MimKnits.

Things mentioned in the episode:

Flutter scarf
Seraphim
Hidecote Garden
Boudica sock
Repair hook
Goodale sweater by Cecily MacDonald
Berroco Ultra alpaca fine
Plivver
Ladyhawke
Ashford Traveller
Schacht Matchless
Twist and Knit

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Gregarious Sheep - Episode 137 - The Knitmore Girls

coils 2

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:
abstractbanner-1
Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

crownmountainlogo
Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs.
Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/



etcbanner

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.


Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!


On the needles: (00:39)

Gigi is in love with tweed! Gigi scored some Jo Sharp felted tweed DK at the yarn swap. We talk about the yarn swap, and Gigi's failed Swan Purse. Gigi has cast on the Odelia sweater (by CocoKnits). Jasmin has been working on her Mariah cardigan. Gigi is working on the Ophidian shawlette by Sivia Harding, out of Temptation.

Call and leave us a message on our Google voice number! (Please don't post the number outside of Ravelry.) We LOVE the Chiao-goo lace needles (which you can get from Bobbin's Nest Studio). Jasmin has cast on a Baby Surprise Jacket, and mentions being on the latest episode of Brass Needles (where we discuss Mega Piranha). Jasmin has finished "Knitting Without Tears".

Gigi has been reading "How to Knit a Heart Back Home", and they both re-read "How to Knit a Love Song."

Events: (23:39)
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth (Booths 740, 742, 839, 841)
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth (Booth 939)
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special. (Thanks for the logo, Rosemary!)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)



Mother Knows Best: (26:16)

We talk about knitting a miniature version first.

When Knitting Attacks: (30:40)

Gigi's slipped first stitch attacks her Odelia. Jasmin has decided to undo her Elemental Pullover. Gigi is attacked by yarn that is too busy for the Cookie A BFF socks. Jasmin tries to outsmart Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (35:47)

Gifts that show a knitter that you care. The list:

- Umbrella swift, ball winder, Elizabeth Zimmerman or Lucy Neatby DVDs
- Bobbins for spinning wheel, or electric bobbin winder and plastic storage bobbins
- A Cricket loom
- Stash storage, a gift certificate for winding yarn
- 150 issues of Threads magazines on DVD
- A Namaste knitting bag

Review: (40:33)

This week, we review The Big Book of Knitted Monsters by Rebecca Danger. WE LOVE IT!!!

Straw into Gold: (46:02)

This week, Jasmin reviews the Hansen MiniSpinner. It's versatile, small, and light. It can spin *literally* anything. It's not a silent wheel, but it's not loud either. Jasmin really liked it, and will buy one if she decides to spin more bulky or novelty yarns. Jasmin mentions Jacey Boggs' Sit and Spin DVD.

Jasmin has started spinning for Andrew's 10-year sweater. The pattern is the Baseball Jersey from "Knits Men Want". Jasmin is spinning the body of the sweater out of a Romney/Rambouillet cross (from Harold Goodnow, which she bought at Rhinebeck 2009), and it is amazing to spin.