Thursday, February 28, 2013

Take back your purls - Episode 219 - The Knitmore Girls

Yoked cardigan by @hannahfettig: body, done.
Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
OMG! Have you seen the Twisted Lights from Bar-Maids? Let me shed some light on this ( pun intended). Twisted Lights are the most incredible beeswax candle with a very long burn time. For example, the smaller of the Twisted Lights available, burns for approximately 20 hours!  But here is what sets these apart from other candles, Twisted Lights look exactly like balls of yarn. I actually thought it was a ball of yarn only to then think that they actually dipped a ball of yarn in some wax, it looks that real! Like your yarn in different colors? Twisted Lights come in just as many amazing colors and 100% local  beeswax. Bar-Maids does not use any additives or hardeners in their candles, nor do they coat their mold with a toxic mold release or spray. Just a hypoallergenic candle that is easy on the respiratory system and will not make you sneeze. The only wax that is proven to be nontoxic is 100% beeswax. Get your Twisted Light at Stitches West 2013 or at www.bar-maids.com beginning March 1st.

badge325x110_zps987a48f7
Introducing Nimblestix!
We have something for all lovers of fiber, whether you knit, crochet, spin, or just love to pet pretty yarn.  Spinners get special pampering with features that no other online community has.  Stash your fiber, even that raw fleece!  Create a spinning project and add the finished yarn to your yarn stash. Then search for the perfect pattern to showcase your work. 
Watch what your friends are stashing, queueing and creating in your real-time stream.  In fact, you can even cross post to Facebook.
Come join our virtual fiber festival at www.nimblestix.com.  Use the invitation code "Knitmore" and have at it!

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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)

Jasmin made some progress on her Breezy cardigan. Gigi worked on one of her socks from The Knitters Curiosity Cabinet, and also on a Vanilla sock out of Opal for Dad Knitmore.

Jasmin bound of the body of the Yoked cardigan for Genevieve. She is now working on the button band, and is thinking of knitting a coordinating cardigan for herself.

We reminisce about the fun we had at Stitches. We spent time with Sasha, The Spin Doctor. We mention Specialties Sandwiches. We took a class with Lily Chin, Short Rows for Bust Darts, and highly recommend it.

We mention Psycho Donuts and the class we took with Spinning for Lace Knitting, with Galina.

Events:(14:57)

On May 25th we will be attending spinning at the Retzlaff Winery

In Stitches:(15:15)

Gigi wore her Cassidy, her Katarina, her Carli and her Best Friend Jacket. Genevieve and Jasmin wore their matching Mondo Cable cardis, and their matching Yoked cardigans. Genevieve wore her Monster pants.

Mother Knows Best:(17:01)

This week we are doing our Best of Stitches:
Gigi attended the fashion show.
- Maggiknits designs were outstanding. Purlescence had entered garments woven on a loom.
- Anzula Yarns- floral colors.
- Cephalopodyarns  (Jasmin wants to knit the Little Oak cardigan out of their yarn)
- Miss Babs- Color Affection kits.
- Twisted Light candles from the Barmaids
- Pawley Studios Yarn Bowls and mugs
Erin Lane Bags
- Elizabeth Doherty
- Carolina Homespun.
- Namaste.
- Cocoknits

- Constellations shawl (Celestarium)

When Knitting Attacks:(30:51)

This week we are attacked by our budgets, and Gigi lost track, and bought more than she originally had planned.

Straw Into Gold:(36:06)

Jasmin plied two skeins of Gigi's SPAKAL sweater. We talk about the class we took from Galina, who wrote the Orenburg Lace books. Amazing class! Also, Jasmin mentions the interview we did with her a few years ago.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

First Ounce is Free - Episode 218 - The Knitmore Girls

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Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
OMG! Have you seen the Twisted Lights from Bar-Maids? Let me shed some light on this ( pun intended). Twisted Lights are the most incredible beeswax candle with a very long burn time. For example, the smaller of the Twisted Lights available, burns for approximately 20 hours!  But here is what sets these apart from other candles, Twisted Lights look exactly like balls of yarn. I actually thought it was a ball of yarn only to then think that they actually dipped a ball of yarn in some wax, it looks that real! Like your yarn in different colors? Twisted Lights come in just as many amazing colors and 100% local  beeswax. Bar-Maids does not use any additives or hardeners in their candles, nor do they coat their mold with a toxic mold release or spray. Just a hypoallergenic candle that is easy on the respiratory system and will not make you sneeze. The only wax that is proven to be nontoxic is 100% beeswax. Get your Twisted Light at Stitches West 2013 or at www.bar-maids.com beginning March 1st.

knitcircus_zps61570f31
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!

badge325x110_zps987a48f7
Introducing Nimblestix!
We have something for all lovers of fiber, whether you knit, crochet, spin, or just love to pet pretty yarn.  Spinners get special pampering with features that no other online community has.  Stash your fiber, even that raw fleece!  Create a spinning project and add the finished yarn to your yarn stash. Then search for the perfect pattern to showcase your work. Watch what your friends are stashing, queueing and creating in your real-time stream.  In fact, you can even cross post to Facebook.
Come join our virtual fiber festival at www.nimblestix.com.  Use the invitation code "Knitmore" and have at it!

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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:(0:35)

Gigi finished her Monkey Socks. Jasmin has been working on the Yoked Cardigan by Hannah Fettig for Genevieve. Gigi has a severe case of startosis and has cast on a number of socks from The Knitters Curiosity Cabinet. And a pair of Vanilla Socks.

She is knitting the Pinus Silvestris out of Koigu. She has also cast on the Crocus vernus, the Chrysanthemum frutensces, the Rubus subesrectus, the Rosa rubiginosa, and alsot he Polypodium vulgare.

Jasmin is busy blocking the Playful Stripes Cardigan and the Cascade Cardigan. Also, she is excited about starting knitting the SPAKAL sweater.

In Stitches:(12:21)

Gigi has been wearing her Cassidy. She had pulled her Citron to wear to a memorial service. Jasmin wore her Loop Looped Cowl.

Events:(13:55)

We will be attending:
- February 21-24, 2013: Stitches West
Say hello if you see us!
Check our tips for attending Stitches

 Mother Knows Best:(16:29)

This week we answer a  question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread:
How do you determine whether to pre-string beads, or to use a crochet hook to pick up beads?
We mention Oral B Superfloss

When Knitting Attacks:(24:09)

Gigi was working on the Celaeno for Dr. Gemma, and came up with an uneven count. And she started the Chrysanthemum socks and messed up the provisional cast on. Twice.

Purloined:(28:15)

We are purloining actual podcasters. We are hoping to host some awesome podcasters: Sasha Torres, of the Spin Doctor Podcast, Abby from the Knit Knit Cafe, Dr Gemma from Cogknitive, and Melanie of the Savvy Girls. We also hope to spend time with the Knit Lit Chicks!

Review:(31:09)

This week we are reviewing Textured Stitches, by Connie Chang Chinchio

Straw Into Gold:(44:09)

Jasmin is working on a lovely espresso colored fleece by Elizabeth Hubbard on the Hansen minispinner

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Surgical - Episode 217 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled 

Listen here:



This week's episode is sponsored by:
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
OMG! Have you seen the Twisted Lights from Bar-Maids? Let me shed some light on this ( pun intended). Twisted Lights are the most incredible beeswax candle with a very long burn time. For example, the smaller of the Twisted Lights available, burns for approximately 20 hours!  But here is what sets these apart from other candles, Twisted Lights look exactly like balls of yarn. I actually thought it was a ball of yarn only to then think that they actually dipped a ball of yarn in some wax, it looks that real! Like your yarn in different colors? Twisted Lights come in just as many amazing colors and 100% local  beeswax. Bar-Maids does not use any additives or hardeners in their candles, nor do they coat their mold with a toxic mold release or spray. Just a hypoallergenic candle that is easy on the respiratory system and will not make you sneeze. The only wax that is proven to be nontoxic is 100% beeswax. Get your Twisted Light at Stitches West 2013 or at www.bar-maids.com beginning March 1st.
badge325x110_zps987a48f7
Introducing Nimblestix! We have something for all lovers of fiber, whether you knit, crochet, spin, or just love to pet pretty yarn.  Spinners get special pampering with features that no other online community has.  Stash your fiber, even that raw fleece!  Create a spinning project and add the finished yarn to your yarn stash. Then search for the perfect pattern to showcase your work. Watch what your friends are stashing, queueing and creating in your real-time stream.  In fact, you can even cross post to Facebook. Come join our virtual fiber festival at www.nimblestix.com.  Use the invitation code "Knitmore" and have at it!

Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
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 grafted the top of her Magic Carpet Socks, and is much happier with the new result. Jasmin has sock ennui.

Gigi's Act of Knitting for Dr Gemma is the Celaeno by Romi Hill in Liza Sousa's Squash Blossom colorway. We mention the Ophidian by Sivia Harding. We mention yarn by Red Fish, and the Dryad Shawl.

Jasmin finished the knitting on her Cascade Cardigan, and is thrilled with the Greenland Yarn by Cascade. She pulled the next sweater kit for Genevieve out of purple Greenland. She is knitting the Yoked Cardigan by Hanna Fettig, and she is past the armholes already.

Gigi is finishing socks for Genevieve, and is planning to knit her way through all the socks from The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet.

In Stitches:(14:58)

Gigi is wearing her Katarina, a pair of Jaywaker Socks, and has purloined Jasmin's Sothia, in addition to her usual vanilla socks, wrist warmers, and cowl.

Jasmin wore the Magnum Cowl that Gigi knit, and Gigi wore Jasmin's Looped Cowl. And the girls have been snuggling under the Love Blanket.

Events:(16:57)

We will be attending:
- February 21-24, 2013: Stitches West
Say hello if you see us!

Mother Knows Best:(17:57)

We answer a question about how to organize Ravelry queues. We started a thread in our forum about organizing Ravelry Queues and favoriting.

When Knitting Attacks:(23:01)

Gigi overdid the gusset decreases on her Monkey Socks and got creative with pulling back stitches

Purloined:(27:06)

This week we purloin the "In my Glass" segment from the Knit Wits Podcast, hosted by Rick and Carin. We talk about Witches' Brew Beer

Review:(30:09)

This week we are part of the Botanical Knits blog tour

Straw Into Gold:(39:29)

Jasmin has been busy plying the last of her SPAKAL yarn and it is gorgeous. Also, she has started plying Gigi's SPAKAL yarn, and Gigi is thrilled.

We are encouraging suggestions for the 2013 SPAKAL in the forum.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Fishing Lesson - Episode 216 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled
Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e

Headed to Stitches West? Then stop by the Bar Maids  booth (1037) to find out what the buzz is all about. Buzz words...Salty or Sweet, Light my Fire, Have it your Way, and Lo-Lo EO. Oh yea..we are busy preparing for the Stitch Marker swap. Not going to Stitches West? Get your goodies online at bar-maids.com
dfw

Does your New Year's resolution involve taking fiber related classes or attending a fiber festival? If so, DFW Fiber Fest has a wonderful line up of Nationally and Locally recognized teachers in knitting, spinning, crochet, and other fiber arts.  Come take a class with Gwen Bortner, Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby of Shibaguyz Designz, Beth Smith from the Spinning Loft and lots of other wonderful instructors with classes for all levels of experience.  Franklin Habit is our featured Friday night speaker and tickets for that event will go on sale in March.  DFW Fiber Fest is held April 5-7, 2013 in Grapevine, TX.  Sign up soon for best class selection!
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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)

This week Gigi has finished the Second Magic Carpet Sock, and is redoing the cuff of the first one. Jasmin is working on the sleeves of the Cascade Sweater. Jasmin mentions Downton Abbey and is thrilled with the Greenland Yarn.

Gigi ran out of yarn for her Katje. She also contracted a case of raging startosis and wants to knit her way through the sock patterns from The Knitters Curiosity Cabinet.

Jasmin mentions Meliabella's sweater from Tin Can Knits. Her finishing is so lovely that Jasmin got inspired to start a thread on the board to show off finishing work inspired by our button band tutorial.

Act Of Knitting:(8:54)

Gigi has finally started a beaded shawl for Dr Gemma. She picked the Celaeno by Romi Hill, and got the beads from Sew Beadazzled  in Willow Glen.

In Stitches:(10:31)

This week Gigi wore her Mondo Cable Pulli, her Carli, and a pre-ravelry Dolman sleeve sweater made from boucle yarn from Tess Yarns. She also wore her Coriolis socks, as well as some vanilla socks. Jasmin wore handknit socks.

Sam has been wearing his Daybreak, a knitted hat and Mom's wristers. Jasmin mentions taking a class with Cat Bordhi

Genevieve has been snuggling under the Love Blanket from our listeners, but she hasn't worn her Monsterpants this week.

Jasmin mentions the sweaters that are almost finished: the Tiny Tea Leaves, the Playful Stripes and the Cascade Sweater. Gigi wants to knit the Tulip Buttonhole for the the Victorian Girl's Coat.

Mother Knows Best:(16:54)

We answered a question out of the "What do you want to hear about thread?", about where to start knitting socks.

We mention Fancy Image Yarn. Jasmin mentioned a booklet by the American School of Needlecraft, Learn to Knit Socks. We mention Lucy Neatby's videos and classes, and Craftsy.

Purloined:(22:48)

This week we purloined "Tangents" from the Stockinette Zombies video cast hosted by Amy and Megan. We go off on our own tangent and talk about the clothes on Downton AbbyBurda Style is publishing patterns from the 1920s.

We mention Abby from the Knit Knit Cafe. Also we mention that the Mad Men style clothing from 1957 (Vintage Vogue) can be found in the pattern catalog now.

Review:(27:47)

This week we review Knitting by Nature, by Sheryl Thies. We mention the Knitters Curiosity Cabinet.

Straw Into Gold:(35:29)

Gigi trying to spin fine, and was not happy with her spinning. Jasmin suggested switching from the Crown Mountain Farms, Hamburg colorway, to her red Ashland Bay and practice on that. Jasmin is almost done plying her SPAKAL yarn.