Podcast appearances and mentions of brenda castiel

Ep 118 recorded  6/29/23 I can knit!  I can even Purl! FOs Pride Shawl I finished it about 20 minutes ago.  Pattern is Willowbrook by Brenda Castiel.   WIPs Hitchhiker #8? 9? In Lion Briand Shawl in a Ball (discontinued).  This is a simple garter stitch shawl by Martina Behm. Snowflake Sweater Scarf designed by Knitatude using Big Twist Heather in Grey bought at Joann's On the Run I'm very excited that my wrist is healing nicely and I'll be back in ballet class next week! I've Got Sunshine Date night in Boston!  

Ep 110 recorded 5/18/22 Segments this week include: Wips, Knitting Fail, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website.   WIPs As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  48-st socks for J, working toe-up, on foot of 2nd sock.  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway.  Bamboo cotton, PBT blend 52-st sock for E in red sock yarn, turned the heel .  Allegro by Wisdom Yarns, distributed by Universal Yarns.  May be discontinued.  More on this in Knitting Fail Started Mermaid Skirt by Concept Creative, a Ukranian designers. Juliana top by Linda's Craftique, for once worked in the called-for yarn – Neve  by Juniper Moon Farms.   Knitting Fail Use the right needles. Spinning I'm spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.   Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Virtual and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches at Home June 11/12 & 18/19, Expo at Home July 8-10.  Coming up in person, Stitches So Cal in Pasadena, California November 10-13. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Kids and Pets

Ep 109 recorded 5/11/22 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Lots of knitting this week, as COVID invaded our house.   FOs – FO 2 weeks in a row, weird! 48-st socks for J.   First sock done.  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway. WIPs As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.  I'm in Clue 3!  This shawl is sooooo much fun to knit.  Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.   48-st socks for J, finished toe of 2nd sock.  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway. 52-st sock for E in red sock yarn.  Allegro by Wisdom Yarns, correction: distributed by Universal Yarns, not made by Universal Yarns.  May be discontinued. Swatching for 2 new projects, Green Crochet Dress by Krinichka and Mermaid Skirt by Concept Creative, both are Ukranian designers. Juliana top by Linda's Craftique, for once worked in the called-for yarn – Neve  by Juniper Moon Farms.  This pattern is bottom-up.  I finished the ribbing and am starting up the body. Spinning I'm spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Fiber is 90's School Supplies cotton from Hipstrings. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches Expo at Home May 13-15, Stitches at Home June 11/12 & 18/19, Expo at Home 8-10.  Coming up in person, Stitchs So Cal in Pasadena, California November 10-13. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Libraries are great, and library apps are keeping me sane

Ep 108 recorded 5/4/22 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. FOs Recalibrate by Shana Lines is done! My second Lotus Mandala Vest is done!   I'm finished spinning some plain cotton to finish the As You Wish shawl. WIPs As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  48-st socks for J in  Bamboo Pop Sock in Sunset Colorway. Papillon/Butterfly Shawl (Ravelry) – I'm on section 22 of 31 in the shawl.  I'm getting close!!! Swatching for 2 new projects, Green Crochet Dress by Krinichka and Mermaid Skirt by Concept Creative, both are Ukranian designers. Spinning I'm spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.   Fiber is 90's School Supplies cotton from Hipstrings. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches Expo at Home May 13-15, Stitches at Home June 11/12 & 18/19, Expo at Home 8-10.  Coming up in person, Stitchs So Cal in Pasadena, California November 10-13. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine I had my mother's day gift last weekend, and it was a day off.  In short, I did all the stuff that I love to do that my family does not enjoy.  And it was glorious!  

Recorded Monday, May 2, 2022 Book talk starts at 31:25 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL has ended.  Be sure to listen until the end to find out the prize winners!  Our three very generous prize donors for the KAL are: Brenda Castiel, from her Ravelry store and Etsy shop martaschmarta - her Pride and Toebeans pattern Susan Cochran, from her stash   And now, it's almost time for our annual Mother Bear KAL!  Come join us by knitting or crocheting Mother Bears.  Our KAL runs from June 1 to September 1, 2022.  But...if you have knit or crocheted any bears in 2022, please plan on posting pictures of them in our FO thread.  The FO and chatter threads will be up after June 1st.   Here is the Mother Bear Project website, where you can find out all about the charity, buy a pattern and overload on the picture gallery cuteness!   12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here! The 2KLC 2022 Swap is almost over!   Important dates:   May 1: final check in.  May 15th: Mail By Date   KNITTING Barb has finished: 1.   That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer 2.  A project for her swap partner 3.  May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon's Eye colorway   Tracie has Finished 1.  Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma's Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls 2.  Mother Bears 270 & 271 Barb continues working on: 1. Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway 2.  That's My Jam shawl by Steve Fegert using a kit she bought from Leading Men Fiber Arts 3.  Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli, using Malabrigo Rios in the 880 Hojas colorway   Barb has cast on: 1.  forager lite by Isabel Kraemer, using Inner Yarn Zen Superwash Fingering in the Lupine colorway   Barb has frogged: Brookdale Vest by Elizabeth Smith, using Berroco Ultra Wool  in the purple colorway   Tracie continues working on: 1.  Socks to match my Swallowtail pullover in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock - using hem/cuff chart from Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman 2.  Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted  in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  Blind Faith by Joe McGinniss - 5 stars 2.  The Surrogate by Toni Halleen - 4 stars   Tracie has read: 1.  Dying for Daddy: The True Story of a Family's Worst Nightmare by Carlton Smith - 4 stars 2.  The Wonder Test by Michelle Richmond - 4 stars   Websites mentioned: Heads or Tails (book that Barb talked about) https://us.whogivesacrap.org https://www.tru.earth/? https://www.grove.co/g/how-grove-works/ https://viori.com            

Ep 107 recorded 4/6/22 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. FOs Last night I finished the Earthrise shawl and got that to my tech editor today.   WIPs My second Lotus Mandala Vest is growing!   As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.   Spinning I've spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  I'm also spinning some plain cotton once or twice a week, because I don't have enough handspun to finish the As You Wish shawl. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Live in Seattle April 8-10, Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home April 2 & 3; 9 & 10, 2022 CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 – I will be attending!  At least for the morning.  I plan to get there when it opens at 9 and stay until around lunchtime, give or take.  A trip to this festival and to Webs is my Mother's Day gift from my family. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com  

Ep 106 recorded 3/23/22 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craft A Long, FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Be A Helper Craftalong has ended.  Prizes! FOs Lots of crochet cleansing pads.  Not using a pattern, made up my own. WIPs Earthrise, I've started the last skein of yarn. My second Lotus Mandala Vest is growing!  Most of it uses sparkly leftovers of Lion Brand Shawl in A Ball in the Prism colorway from the Priestess Coat I crocheted last year.  I finished all those scraps and started a full skein of Shawl In A Ball in the colorway Healing Teal As You Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.  I'm nearing the end of Clue 1!  This shawl is sooooo much fun to knit. Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  This is an L-shaped shawl and I've reached the corner of the L which is worked like an applied-edging. Spinning I've spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Cranky knees mean slow going, but I'm putting in about 15 minutes a day in 5-min segments.  I'm also spinning some plain cotton once or twice a week, because I don't have enough handspun to finish the As You Wish shawl. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Live in Seattle April 8-10, Virtual May 12-15 and June 9-12.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home April 2 & 3; 9 & 10, 2022 CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 – I will be attending!   NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Warmth!

 Ep 105 recorded 3/9/22   Be A Helper Craftalong - ends March 15! One change this year – due to ongoing accessibility issues on Ravelry, I'll hold this event both on and off Ravelry.  Last year we just used a  Google Form and that was hard for some folks, so this year there will be a chat thread and an FO thread on Rav, and for non-Rav users I'll have a google form where you can link to your IG/FB/Twitter post showing your FO Ravelry Link - click here to visit Ravelry. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08z2uqelVGeUBkm0fofQGveThChBBZzaMvNsRdlPlMzhbgA/viewform?usp=sf_link FOs Lots of crochet cleansing pads.  Not using a pattern, made up my own. A crochet bag to hold dirty cleansing pads in my bathroom – also just made up a pattern. WIPs Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  I'm using 6 colors, strawberry, orange, lemon, pistachio, blueberry and lavender.  This has been my stress knitting since Russia invaded Ukraine so I've gotten a LOT on this done. The right side is growing steadily. Earthrise, a new pattern of mine inspired by the famous Nasa photo when the astronauts first circled behind the moon and came around back towards earth and photographed the earth rising over the surface of the moon.  It's an awe-inspiring photo.   I'm working on the sample, it's a simple circular shawl, a great first circular shawl.  There's a little very easy lace but nothing complicated.  If you can YO and K2tog you can knit this easily.  I'm using silk and silkblend yarn that is so soft on my fingers but still affordable.  This pattern seems rather appropriate to be knitting right now My second Lotus Mandala using sparkly leftovers from the Priestess Coat I crocheted last year.  At the moment I plan to use all scraps of Lion Brand Shawl In A Ball.  I'm nearly to the armholes. As you Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.  I'm nearly halfway through Clue 1. Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings.  This is an L-shaped shawl and I've reached the corner of the L which is worked like an applied-edging. Spinning I've spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Cranky knees mean slow going, but I'm putting in about 15 minutes a day in 5-min segments.  I'm also spinning some plain cotton once or twice a week, because I don't have enough handspun to finish the As You Wish shawl. Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Mar 17-20.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home April 2 & 3; 9 & 10, 2022 CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 – I will be attending!  At least for the morning.  I plan to get there when it opens at 9 and stay until around lunchtime, give or take.  A trip to this festival and to Webs is my Mother's Day gift from my family. NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 – I probably won't make it. If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Took J to Ukranian support rally

Ep 104 recorded 3/2/22 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craft A Long, FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine.  A note on showlinks – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such and all links for yarn are directly to the dyer's website. Be A Helper Craftalong 2 weeks to go – please note Ukrainian charities do not need goods or handmade items from the USA.  It takes too much effort and cost to ship them to Ukraine.  If you can, please donate instead to vetted charities.  There are several with boots on the ground such as World Central Kitchen, Save the Children, Doctors Without B orders, Ukrainian Red Cross, Nova Ukraine. 6th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn't have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per submission Donating blood counts too! Contest ends when I wake up March 15 and close the form/thread. Wips are always welcome Partial FOs count, for example if you make a blanket strip and your local yarn shop sews them together to make full blankets, count your blanket strip. One change this year – due to ongoing accessibility issues on Ravelry, I'll hold this event both on and off Ravelry.  Last year we just used a  Google Form and that was hard for some folks, so this year there will be a chat thread and an FO thread on Rav, and for non-Rav users I'll have a google form where you can link to your IG/FB/Twitter post showing your FO. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf08z2uqelVGeUBkm0fofQGveThChBBZzaMvNsRdlPlMzhbgA/viewform?usp=sf_link FOs Knights Who Say Knit by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits – finished, finished, finished.  I brought it to my stitching night and wove in most of the ends, finishing the next day.  Bloxking could be a problem with one yarn that ran when blocking.  Color catcher? Lotus Mandala Vest by Morale Fiber, crochet vest.  A round vest with armholes.  I'm using scraps of Lion Brand Truboo, Berroco Modern Cotton and the discontinued Kertzer Down To Earth Cotton WIPs Recalibrate Top by Shana Lines using Nomad Yarn's hand dyed cotton/rayon Gelato yarn.  This has been my stress knitting since Russia invaded Ukraine so I've gotten a LOT on this done. Finished left side and joined with “sleeve”, started right side – more in Knitting Fail.  Earthrise, a new pattern of mine inspired by the famous Nasa photo when the astronauts first circled behind the moon and came around back towards earth and photographed the earth rising over the surface of the moon.  It's an awe-inspiring photo.    I started a second Lotus Mandala during the Knitathon in sparkly leftovers from the Priestess Coat I crocheted last year.   Papillon/Butterfly shawl by MarinJa Knits, I finished section 19 As you Wish MKAL by Mary Annarella of Lyrical Knits.  This is a Princess Bride themed mystery knitalong that will eventually result in a rectangular shawl.   Winona by Brenda Castiel in handspun from Hipstrings I've started spinning handspun yarn for the winner of my drawing for the Knitathon.  Cranky knees mean slow going, but I'm putting in about 15 minutes a day in 5-min segments. Knitting Fail Recalibrate top – issues!  Issues with me, not the pattern.  Out and About Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Mar 17-20.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Sheepy Spring AL, visit their FB page for more details. Stitches at Home Stitches West in person Mar 3-6 2022. CT Sheep and Wool April 30, 2022 NH Sheep and Wool May 14 & 15, 2022 If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine There's no I've got Sunshine this week, just a plea to please help your fellow humans.

In Episode 109, Greg and Pam discuss tires, vacations, and puzzles. Special thanks to CashmanCreates Cashman for the intro! SURVEY Before we released episode 100, we asked our listeners to help us by completing a survey. we wanted to share the results of that survey with you, it can be found here On that note, we have a new survey for you! It is really brief, we are evaluating whether or not to begin a Facebook group. Please help us by taking a minute or two to complete it. SPONSORS We are Knitcrate Ambassadors! Are you the kind of knitter who would enjoy receiving a surprise package of yarn in the mail every month? Then you need to sign up for a Knitcrate subscription. Every month, you will receive a selection of curated yarn, a pattern specifically paired to use with the yarn, and a treat. Use code KD20 at checkout for 20% off your first package when you sign up for a subscription. NOTES Dear Listeners We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages or on our website here. Note on Ravelry Links Note that many of the links in our show notes refer to pages on Ravelry.com. If visiting Ravelry causes you harm, please be cautious clicking links. If you are interested in a link that is inaccessible to you, you can email info at unravelingpodcast dot com and Greg and/or Pam will happily send you the information. Yarn In the News In this episode we discussed an article from the Guardian about the new generation of male knitters. Pam mentioned the documentary The Mask You Live In. Greg's Projects Greg is working on his Christmas socks with yarn from KnittyAndColor. In order to avoid second-sock-syndrome, he knits the second sock first and he's done with that, now! So just one more sock to go. Greg is working on Frog and Toad by Kristina Ingrid McGowan. His wife's birthday has come and gone, so he can work on it without being secretive now. Greg is working on this year's Romi's 2021 Spring Mystery Shawl KAL. He is using yarn from A Verb For Keeping Warm. Greg bought a few grab-bags of yarn from The WoolyThistle. He plans to use it for the Fisherman's Kep hat (once he finishes Frog and Toad). Pam's Projects Pam finished the Namaste Yoga Socks by Brenda Castiel. She used Ice Yarns Print Sock. Pam worked on her goals blanket using the Cosy Stripe Blanket by Attic24. She started with a Double Crochet Foundation (actual term) and used this tutorial. She is using Stylecraft Special DK. Pam did some major ripping and starting over on Ella's Felted Christmas Stocking. She is using Knitpicks Wool of the Andes Bulky. Pam forgot to tell you last time that she made 2 hats on a knitting loom. She used some mystery bulky acrylic. This is the tutorial she used. Pam is swatching for a top – enabled by the Disorganized Sweater KAL. It is the Cesaria Top by Irina Anikeeva. She is using Elsebeth Levold Hempathy. Pam is working on a crocheted Corner to Corner Dishcloth. She is using the tutorial from Lauri Bolland. Book Club We are in between books right now and are taking a brief “summer break”. When we start up again, our book club book will be The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes. Current/Upcoming Unraveling Events Some of our community members started a disorganized KAL for making sweaters/tops/vests… any kind of torso garment. There is some great discussion in the Ravelry thread! We gave away a prize to people commenting in the thread…. Miscellaneous Greg went to Atlanta to see a Braves game. Greg went to a Tedeschi Trucks Band concert and met a fellow knitter. The Carolina FiberFest is looking for Crochet Instructors and Designers. Pam mentioned the Magic Puzzle Company. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Cooperative Press, Amazon, or Knitcrate and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own. Find us all over the Internet Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Twitter: @UnravelingPod Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry  and @pammaher on Instagram

In Episode 108, Greg and Pam discuss Atlanta, Asheville, and a disorganized KAL. Special thanks to avery-maher Avery for the intro! SPONSORS We are Knitcrate Ambassadors! Are you the kind of knitter who would enjoy receiving a surprise package of yarn in the mail every month? Then you need to sign up for a Knitcrate subscription. Every month, you will receive a selection of curated yarn, a pattern specifically paired to use with the yarn, and a treat. Use code KD20 at checkout for 20% off your first package when you sign up for a subscription. NOTES Dear Listeners We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages or on our website here. Note on Ravelry Links Note that many of the links in our show notes refer to pages on Ravelry.com. If visiting Ravelry causes you harm, please be cautious clicking links. If you are interested in a link that is inaccessible to you, you can email info at unravelingpodcast dot com and Greg and/or Pam will happily send you the information. Yarn In the News Alice malicejp shared an article with us from The Verge about the issues of inclusive sizing in knitting patterns. Greg's Projects Greg is working on his Christmas socks with yarn from KnittyAndColor. In order to avoid second-sock-syndrome, he knits the second sock first and he's done with that, now! So just one more sock to go. Greg is (not) working on Frog and Toad by Kristina Ingrid McGowan. His wife's birthday has come and gone, so he can work on it without being secretive now. This year's Romi's 2021 Spring Mystery Shawl KAL started and Greg recovered from the carnage caused when he destroyed some yarn by crushing beads. He is using yarn from A Verb For Keeping Warm. Pam's Projects Pam is working on the Namaste Yoga Socks by Brenda Castiel. She is using Ice Yarns Print Sock. She worked on her Spinning for Socks Socks. She is basically using the Vanilla Latte Socks pattern by Virginia Rose-Jeanes. Pam worked on her goals blanket using the Cosy Stripe Blanket by Attic24. She started with a Double Crochet Foundation (actual term) and used this tutorial. She is using Stylecraft Special DK. Pam's cousin Lisa is making the Granny Stripe Blanket from Attic24. She is using KnitPicks Mighty Stitch. Book Club We are in between books right now and are taking a brief “summer break”. When we start up again, our book club book will be The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes. Current/Upcoming Unraveling Events Some of our community members started a disorganized KAL for making sweaters/tops/vests… any kind of torso garment. There is some great discussion in the thread! Miscellaneous We mentioned the Black Mountain Yarn Shop in Black Mountain, NC. We mentioned the Chocolate Fetish and French Broad Chocolate in Asheville, NC. Greg enjoyed having a CityPass when he was in Atlanta. Greg's family enjoyed milkshakes from The Yard. We mentioned the duet Curt Smith and his daughter, Diva, performed of “Mad World.” Pam is reading the book The Knitting Circle. She is watching Anne with an “E”. Greg is continuing to enjoy The Expanse series of books. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Cooperative Press, Amazon, or Knitcrate and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own. Find us all over the Internet Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Twitter: @UnravelingPod Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry  and @pammaher on Instagram

In Episode 106, Greg and Pam discuss buzzwords, beads, and beanies. Special thanks to FrettyBetty Mandi for the intro! SPONSORS We are excited to be sponsored by Plum Deluxe Online Tea Shop! Plum Deluxe takes the highest quality ingredients and creates in-house blends that are unique and delicious. Our teas give you the best reasons to slow down, to do whatever it is you're going to do, whether that's reading your favorite book, writing a piece of prose, a goofy happy dance in the kitchen with your favorite cuppa, or simply staring out of a window. Teas that are punctuated by flavor, aroma, and taste help with whatever moments are ahead of you and make them feel better than they ever did before you poured the tea. We also mentioned their amazing Facebook group for customers! Pam mentioned the blue Butterfly Pea Flower tea that changes colors. Here is a cool video. We are Knitcrate Ambassadors! Are you the kind of knitter who would enjoy receiving a surprise package of yarn in the mail every month? Then you need to sign up for a Knitcrate subscription. Every month, you will receive a selection of curated yarn, a pattern specifically paired to use with the yarn, and a treat. Use code KD20 at checkout for 20% off your first package when you sign up for a subscription. NOTES Dear Listeners We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages. Note on Ravelry Links Note that many of the links in our show notes refer to pages on Ravelry.com. If visiting Ravelry causes you harm, please be cautious clicking links. If you are interested in a link that is inaccessible to you, you can email info at unravelingpodcast dot com and Greg and/or Pam will happily send you the information. Yarn In the News Pam's Aunt Ellen shared an article from the Boston Globe, How to knit your way to a peaceful state of mind. The article interviewed author Ann Hood and we mentioned two of her books. The Knitting Circleand Comfort: A Journey Through Grief. Greg's Projects Greg is working on his Christmas socks with yarn from KnittyAndColor. In order to avoid second-sock-syndrome, he knits the second sock first and he's done with that, now! So just one more sock to go. Greg is (not) working on Frog and Toad by Kristina Ingrid McGowan. His wife's birthday has come and gone, so he can work on it without being secretive now. This year's Romi's 2021 Spring Mystery Shawl KAL started and Greg recovered from the carnage caused when he destroyed some yarn by crushing beads. He is using yarn from A Verb For Keeping Warm. Pam's Projects Pam keeps mentioning jogless stripes. Here is a tutorial. Pam finished and cast on another Streamline Beanie by Marianne Mueller. She is using KnitPicks Mighty Stitch. Pam cast on the Namaste Yoga Socks by Brenda Castiel. She is using Ice Yarns Print Sock. Pam's Chilkat Cowl by Romi Hill is resting while she ponders the best way forward. She is using Artyarns Merino Cloud Gradients. She worked on her Spinning for Socks Socks. She is basically using the Vanilla Latte Socks pattern by Virginia Rose-Jeanes. Pam worked on her goals blanket using the Cosy Stripe Blanket by Attic24. She started with a Double Crochet Foundation (actual term) and used this tutorial. She is using Stylecraft Special DK. Pam's daughter crocheted a quick top from a Tiktok tutorial. If anyone is interested, reach out to Pam and she will get links for you! Knitting Rules! Be sure to get your copy of Knitting Rules! The Yarn Harlot Unravels the Mysteries of Swatching, Stashing, Ribbing & Rolling to Free Your Inner Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and follow along with our discussion.Next episode we will cover the first half of chapter 8, all about sweaters! Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has a Patreon account for $6 a month and it looks like she is offering great content. Current/Upcoming Unraveling Events We announced our next book club book: The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes. Miscellaneous Greg went to baseball games for both the Winston-Salem Dash and the Greensboro Grasshoppers. (The home team lost both games.) Greg mentioned his Crackerjack Scarf. We mentioned the gasoline pipeline disruption that affected parts of the East Coast of the US. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Cooperative Press, Amazon, or Knitcrate and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own. Find us all over the Internet Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Twitter: @UnravelingPod Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry  and @pammaher on Instagram

Knitting and fitness in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 91 recorded 2/5/21 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craftalaong, FOs, Wips, Stash, Spinning, Out and About Virtually, On the Run, and a new segment,  I’ve Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such. Be A Helper Craft-a-long Short reminder on the rules Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity.• One FO submission of the Google Form https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6• Donating blood counts too • Wips are welcome Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 Prizes: 3 prizes 1 skein of Cascade Yarns Anchor Bay, that’s a wool-cotton blned that’s on the border between DK and worsted, in color #28, a sage green color. 1 skein of The Fiber Co’s Arranmore Donegal Heritage.  It’s a merino-cashmere-silk blend that is so soft and squishy.  This is an Aran/bulky weight yarn in the Orla colorway, a burnt-siera/dark orange I am donating a pattern of your choice from my self-published patterns.  I can gift this to you via Ravelry or email the PDF directly. FOs Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.   Knitting done.  Need to weave in ends WIPs Galliatt (Ravelry) by JimiKnits – I’m seaming the shoulders, then I just have to knit the turtleneck collar and the side edging.  Nearly done! Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – pattern by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton.  Fiber from HipStrings.  I used 2 braids, pulled apart the colors, spun them in rainbow order then chain-plied it to maintain the rainbow.  I am nearing the end of orange – there’s a lot of orange. Slice of Summer – my New Year’s cast on using BaH yarns shawl ball.  I’m probably 2/3 through the pink. Ozone crochet top – restarted it now that my crochet skills are better; already through the band of hexies that go around your ribcage.  Using Scheepjes Coton 8 Pull  Me Over sweater – This was my Christmas Day cast on, though I haven’t picked it up at all since then!  Pattern by Andrea Black, using leftover Universal Yarns cotton that are leftovers from knitting my husband a sweater many, many years ago.  Spinning Buchanan gradient spin – started the 5th and last color of the gradient.  This gradient spin goes from malachite green to a beautiful true blue.  I can’t wait to knit with it! Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Feb 11-14, Mar18-21.  Stitches At Home this weekend, Feb 5-7 GGKCS podcast is running their annual winter craftaong starting now through the end of Feb 2021, more details on their Facebook page. Spa 2021 is virtual, sign up for their mailing list for further details. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com On the Run Up until now, we’ve had an abnormally warm winter, but as of 2 weeks ago it’s now just plain cold.  No more walking outside for me until it warms up and the ice t.  I’ve Got Sunshine This is a new segment I’m adding, a short segment, but I want to end the podcast on an uplifting note.  After living through a global pandemic for nearly a year, I find that any good news gets lost in all the bad news and I want to change that.  I may share personal stories, or something I’ve found from halfway around the planet, we’ll see how this plays out.  This week I’m starting with a new shoe designed by Nike to be completely hands free.  I’m not talking a sandal, I mean a sneaker-type shoe.  “Called the Flyease Go, it is the first totally hands-free shoe, enveloping and releasing your feet solely through natural motion—a bit like Tony Stark putting on his Iron Man suit. The revolutionary shoe is perfect, says a top Nike designer, for pregnant women in their third trimester, arthritis patients, or those who have lost some or all of the use of their arms—such as stroke victims or injured military veterans.” You get in and out of the shoe by using the “kickstand tab” at the back of the shoe which opens the hinge mid-foot and allows you to slip the shoe off.  Picture what you do when you take a shoe off without untying it – only these shoes are designed to release the foot easily when you do that.  This is awesome!  For anyone with hand or arm injuries, this could be a game changer.  During my first pregnancy I pulled a muscle in my lower abdomen and could barely lift my legs to walk let a lone put shoes on in October – a shoe like this, well, I probably would have given a kidney for it easily lol

Knitting and fitness in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 90 recorded 1/22/21 Segments this week include: Be A Helper Craftalaong, FOs, Wips, Stash, Spinning, Out and About Virtually, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  So it’s been a month since I last recorded and what a month it’s been.  2021 definitely told 2020, “hey hold my beer”.  With all the craziness happening the last few weeks here in the US and the terror attacks on the Capitol Building I had thought of skipping the Be A Helper Craft-a-long this year because my anxiety levels were hovering around vibrating-chihuahua-on-espresso for a while there, but after some reflection I think that we need it now more than ever. Welcome to our 5th annual craftalong! Inspired by the famous Mr Rogers quote that in times of trouble you should look for the helpers, I'm encouraging folks to BE the helpers.Be A Helper Craftalong5th Be A Helper Craft-a-long has begun! We keep the rules simple.• Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity.• One FO submission of the Google Form https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6• Donating blood counts too • Google Form closes when I wake up April 15th.• Wips are welcome One change this year - due to the ongoing accessibility issues at Ravelry, finished objects can be submitted via a Google Form.  I have pages set up to share your beautiful work on Ravelry, but if you want to win a prize, please submit the Google Form. I will link to the Google Form repeatedly over the net few months here in the shownotes, on Ravelry, on IG, on FB and anywhere else I can think to post so you'll be able to find the link when you're ready to submit. Link to submit your Finished Object/blood donation: https://forms.gle/QdJuQUSr8uM7GoiF6 FOs Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) – this is a pattern by Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studios in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m doing a few rows each week The Opposite of Strict (Ravelry) hat by That Metzbower Girl Designs and it’s a ponytail hat designed to use scraps.  I used up the leftovers from the two RBG Dissent Cowls I made earlier this fall. Princess Blanket by Carol Hladik – wearable crochet blanket.   WIPs Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.   Knitting done.  Need to weave in ends Galliatt (Ravelry) by JimiKnits – pattern also available on LoveCrafts, using discontinued Longmeadow by Webs.  I finished the front and am about 7” in to the back Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – pattern by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton.  Fiber from HipStrings.  I used 2 braids, pulled apart the colors, spun them in rainbow order then chainplied it to maintain the rainbow.  I am nearing the end of orange – there’s a lot of orange. Pull Me Over sweater – This was my Christmas Day cast on, though I haven’t picked it up at all since then!  Pattern by Andrea Black, using leftover Universal Yarns cotton that are leftovers from knitting my husband a sweater many, many years ago.  Slice of Summer (Ravelry) – my New Year’s caston using BaH yarns shawl ball Ozone crochet top (Ravelry) – restarted it now that my crochet skills are better; already half way through the band of hexies that go around your ribcage Stash My family got me a subscription to Hipstrings Cotton Club!  I am so happy to be a member again, I looooove her colorways.  I got 2 2-oz braids (technically it was the December shipment) that are beautiful blends of purple, blue, brown, mauve and brown called Moody and On the Horizon.  I’m thinking of pulling these 2 apart and making a chain ply, but not sure. For Christmas I got 3 colors of Nomad Yarn’s hand-dyed Gelato series.  This time I got the green, blue and purple to go with the pink, orange and yellow that I bought during a virtual fiber event last summer.  Now I have a whole gorgeous rainbow and I need to decide what to do with it! Spinning Buchanan Fiber gradient spin – the 4th color is done and plied I’ve been spinning 10 min a day Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live @ Home Feb 11-14, Mar18-21.  I got tickets for my birthday am taking classes with Bristol Ivy and Alisdair Post-Quinn and I’m very excited. Stitches At Home Feb 5-7 GGKCS podcast is running their annual winter craftaong starting now through the end of Feb 2021, more details on their Facebook page. Spa 2021 is virtual, sign up for their mailing list for further details. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run We took our annual New Year’s Day hike.  It’s normally a big group event in our town – groups of 30-ish people led by a guide on trails in our town.  Of course it was a bit different this year.  We hiked by ourselves on a new-to-us trail behind our local agricultural high school.  Lovely trail plus the kids loved seeing the cows and horses.  Other people on the trail but everyone maintained a safe distance and wore masks. Belly dancing - great for bad knees and so much fun!  

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 85 recorded 10/23/20 Segments this week include: Be a Helper Craft-a-long prep, Wips, Spinning, Stash, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  Be a Helper Craftalong For those of you who are new to the podcast, every winter I run the Be A Helper Craftalong, inspired by famous quote from Mister Rogers, that in times of troubles to look for the helpers.  This charity-focused craftalong urges people to BE the helper.  The rules are very simple: Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One entry per FO Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. Wips are welcome First up I’d like to talk to you all quickly about the schedule for this year’s craftalong.   Secondly, I will have to adjust how I run the event and track FOs since Ravelry is not safe for everyone to use.   WIPs Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – finished the Death Star and all of Chart 2!  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, out of big box store cotton yarn from Michaels.  It’s still my car knitting and knitting a row or 2 most days. Ankle socks (Ravelry) – Still on the 2nd sock getting closer to the heel.  I’m in physical therapy and have been working on it a little before each appointment. Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m on the 2nd set of eyelet rows, almost to the 2nd set of textured stitches. Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton. I spun this yarn with fiber from fiber from Hipstrings with this shawl in mind last June during Pride month. I’ve finished the pinks and am on the red in the rainbow handspun. Dissent Cowl 2 (Ravelry) – this is a Christmas gift for a very knitworthy friend.  I’m using some ancient stash and I’ve finished the first dots section and have reached the color band. Spinning Still no success at a distaff, but I have spun a little more of the Tussah Silk from Pinestar Studios in Maine Out and About Virtual Rhinebeck – this past weekend.  Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live eve nts will be Nov 12-15, Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. Stitches Expo at Home – Nov 6-8 If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Had an MRI, fun times.   Stress fracture is healing though the knee itself is still swollen and sore.  No walking for quite a while yet.  But once I’m back on my feet I will continue the 100 Mile challenge I was part of.

Ep 84 Knitting and injuries in 30 minutes or less because even in a pandemic we’re all still busy Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Stash, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  FO Dissent Cowl (Ravelry) – my homage to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, pattern by Carissa Browning and together we’ve raised over 30,000 through this pattern for the ACLU.  Nice work knitters!  I’m using ancient stash yarn.  Over halfway through the necklace portion Thing 2 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry)  - I assembled it yesterday while my kids were at school.  I modeled it and posted some silly photos on FB/Insta because how often do you get to wear a dragon blanket, complete with spines?!?  Thing 2 is going to LOVE it WIPs Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – started the Millennium Flacon and the Death Star, then it’ll be the Dark Side and some weird alien writing, then the Dark Side is the last third.  I’m trying to work 5 rows a day so it’ll be done in time for Christmas.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, out of big box store cotton yarn from Michaels.  It’s still my car knitting and knitting a row or 2 most days. Ankle socks (Ravelry) – Still on the 2nd sock.  It lives in my purse so I’ve worked on this a few times waiting in lines. Pigskin Party Castons: Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I;ve started section 3. Willowbrook Shawl (Ravelry) – by Brenda Castiel in my own handspun cotton. I spun this yarn with fiber from fiber from Hipstrings with this shawl in mind last June during Pride month.  Spinning New Akerworks lightweight drop spindle – started spinning silk singles again.  Won’t be wheel-spinning again for a while, I have a leg injury and am currently awaiting an MRI next week.  This is my first spindle from Akerworks.  I love their wheel bobbins soooo much, and I had a feeling I’d like their spindles and so far I really do. Out and About Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Stitches @ Home – put on by the folks XRX the folks who to Stitches East/West/South etc.  Continuing Oct 10 and 11. Virtual Rhinebeck – Oct 15-18  I’ve signed up for 2 classes on crochet to improve my skills and learn how to read a pattern better because the charts are definitely harder to read than knitting charts. Indie Untangled Everywhere – the popular Rhinebeck-adjacent event for independent dyers is also going digital this year, more than 40 vendors plus access to zoom calls with designers. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live eve nts will be Nov 12-15, Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run I need an MRI.  Damn.

 Baby countdown on!You can also listen directly at: https://archive.org/details/skeinenable-ep-108(pattern links are direct links to Ravelry)What I've Finished:Jill finished up the Fingering Entrechat Bonnet by Lisa Chemery in Spun Right Round SW Sock in Combat Boots and Baby doll Dresses.  She used the same yarn to make Christine's Stay On Baby Booties by Christina Bourquin.  She wrapped up the Baby Yoda for Babies by Arianna Soloway out of Berroco Vintage doubled in taupe, and Craftsmart Value in Sage also doubled for the hood.  Her Rav page here.  And finally!  Jill finished the Fox Paws by Xandy Peters in Knit Picks Palette, in Seafaring, Edamame, Huckleberry Heather, Silver and Clarity.  She also did the embroidery on the Baby Kaftan by Debbie Bliss.  The baby sweater was knit in Rowan Cotton Glace, colorway 9C4, and the embroidery was done in some scraps of Knit Picks Shine and other cotton yarns.  Her Rav page here.  Jill sewed up a few Half Contour Burp Cloths out of terry cloth and flannel using the tutorial from Mary Martha Mama.  She also made some nursing pads out of grey flannel using some variation of the tutorial at The DIY Mommy.  My Current Fix:The only things that Jill is working on is a pair of Genevieve's Tube Socks by Jasmin Canty out of MadTosh Sock in the Holi Festival colorway and a baby mobile out of Arne & Carlos Embroidered Birds in Knit Picks Palette.What I'm Jonesing For:Jill is wanting to cast on a sweater, and is looking at Misurina by Caitlin Hunter and Posy by Marzena Kolaczek.  She likes the Rosebud baby bodysuit by pawlymade/Novita Knits.  She likes a number of baby patterns by Rille Rundt, including Blomsterbleie.  She needs to make some Baby Mitts by Susan B. Anderson. (Thanks for the suggestion Krista!)  She would love to knit some preemie hats before going to the hospital and was looking at the Elvish teeny tiny hat by Alexandra Davidoff.Uppers, Downers and Miscellaneous Links:French Macaroon baby sweater knit by Brenda CastielLove Note by Tin Can Knits from Mork Made Fiber CoElfbaby hat by RobynnWeldon knit by Twisted Stitches Podcast13 Reasons Why, Season 4The Old Guard (2020)Project Power (2020)Toy Story 4 (2019)Unorthodox1BR (2019)Love on the SpectrumDanger 5Like a Mother by Angela Garbes

Episode 29 November 29 2019 On the Needles 2:13 Dissent Cardigan by Andrea Rangel, Magpie Fibers Domestic Worsted in Velvet Underground, Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Verba Volant -- knitting done! Steeking done! Buttons on!  First Impressions shawl by Brenda Castiel. Serendipidye kings mountain sock in Camille-- DONE! Castiel by Woolly Wormhead in Yarn is my favorite by Lemonade-- DONE! Compassionknit Wee envelope by Ysolda Teague, lion brand mani-pedi in the boot colorway.  -- DONE! Rye light by tincanknits, the yarns of rhichard devrieze peppino (fingering)  in peppermint barque Elton cardigan by Joji Locatelli, waverly neighborhood fiber co rustic fingering & loft (mohair & silk lace) Zemy advent scarf in sock madness group On the Easel 15:13 Chapbook, in the production stage Gouachevember with @heyhooraydesign, @patricia.nordeen, & @nullsie 2020 project launch!  Stay tuned! On the Table 26:14 Brussels sprouts salad smitten kitchen Crushed sour cream potatoes NYT Crustless pumpkin pie NYT Thanksgiving cranberries and wowie cake chocolate chip cookies with almond flour--fail or no? deviled egg snafu Haricots vert with dill instead of almonds Broccoli, spinach, goat cheese, & pine-nut phyllo pies  (the broccoli is my own addition). DIY Vanilla extract—I’ve read that the beans must be completely submerged in the vodka to avoid mold growth.  Chemistry in progress; stay tuned! On the Nightstand 40:43 City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (audio) Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin The Dutch House by Ann Packer Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon Under the Tree 57:52 Yarn club: Gauge dyeworks Katrinkles stuff-- buttons, bracelets, ornaments, stitch markers Namaste bags Pom pom Quarterly Laine Leather brush rolls, pencil cases, and this superb thing for fountain pens. Sketchbooks! I keep these mini ones in my purse. I use these Hahnemuhle ones for travel. And I love the cover of these Japanese ones called Standard Issue. Enamel pins for ________ aficionados. Here’s one awesome etsy shop.   Williams sonoma star wars collection-- instapot, han solo roaster, Porg pie bird, toasters https://www.eater.com/cookbooks/2019/11/11/20949230/best-cookbooks-for-beginner-cooks-gift-ideas-useful-practical POPCORN!  My favorite silicon microwave popper is on sale right now! (not an ad nor affiliate; I just like it). Le Creuset.  I’m partial to Marine blue… Book club from local store https://thenovelneighbor.com/product/book-subscription/ Books about books: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1719?rto=x_gr_e_nl_general&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=nov202019&utm_content=bookendgiftguid&ref_=pe_3097180_443703020 Podcast subscription/patreon Marriage-saving book light Handmade book marks (listen for description) Minibook necklace and these sweet ones with a charm!

Episode 28 November 14, 2019 On the Needles 0:49 Dissent Cardigan by Andrea Rangel, Magpie Fibers Domestic Worsted in Velvet Underground, Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Verba Volant -- knitting done! Steeking done! First Impressions shawl by Brenda Castiel. Serendipidye kings mountain sock in Camille Rye light by tincanknits, the yarns of rhichard devrieze peppino (fingering)  in peppermint barque Wound yarn for Elton Cardigan by joji locatelli.  Neighborhood fiber co in waverly All the holiday knitting On the Easel 11:10 Chapbook, in the figuring-things-out stage Gouachevember with @heyhooraydesign, @patricia.nordeen, & @nullsie Field trip to Berkeley to Stonemountain & Daughter On the Table 19:59 Fondue disasters Vinegar chicken Board meeting burrito (aka The Chimichanga) Potato pancakes  Coffee cake for gouachevember!! Recipe from King Arthur Flour  Chicken & Dumplings (too dense) White bean & Chicken Chili with lentils  (linked recipe is similar; I didn’t have corn, and added lentils). Spaghetti Carbonara with truffle sauce! Morning Glory Oatmeal from Meghan Gordon’s Whole Grain Mornings POPCORN!  My favorite silicon microwave popper is on sale right now! (not an ad nor affiliate; I just like it). On the Nightstand 36:32 Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse Maybe in another life by Taylor Jenkins Reid The calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Braxton  (audio) City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty Secrets of the Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore Washington Black by Esi Edugyan The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes The Dublin Murders

Episode 27 October 30, 2019 On the Needles 2:53 Choose your own path cowl by Cori Eichelberger, The Mouse House Fiber Co Storr in Cay, Lagoon and Moxie -- DONE!!   Dissent Cardigan by Andrea Rangel, Magpie Fibers Domestic Worsted in Velvet Underground, Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Verba Volant -- knitting done!   First Impressions shawl by Brenda Castiel. Serendipidye kings mountain sock in Camille   Rye light by tincanknits, the yarns of rhichard devrieze peppino (fingering)  in peppermint barque On the Easel 12:11 Chapbook, in the early writing & illustrating stages Gouachevember with @heyhooraydesign, @patricia.nordeen, & @nullsie On the Table 21:09 Quick & familiar Faux cubanos from The Dinner Plan by Kathy Brennan & Jane Campion Meatball marsala from Smitten Kitchen Every Day chicken/couscous/broccoli   Family: New Vegetarian Comfort Food to Nourish Every Day by Hetty McKinnon Waldorf-esque Kale salad with roasted grapes, burrata and candied pecans Roast Potatoes & lentils, capers & lemon-parsley pistou Sweet & sour cauliflower   Chocolate Snacking Loaf from Everyday is Saturday by Sarah Copeland   Hunt & Gather   Chocolate Mousse Pie with nut crust Sweet Potato and Avocado bites Iced pumpkin Cookies (don’t skimp on icing, says my 15 yr old) Alison Roman Vinegar Chicken in NYT On the Nightstand 44:27 Watermark by Vanitha Sankaran Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Recursion by Blake Crouch Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse Parasite by Mira Grant (Seanan McGuire) These Granite Islands by Sarah Stonich Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz The World that We Knew by Alice Hoffman

Episode 26 October 17, 2019 On the Needles 1:23 Umbilical cord hat/ simple baby cap 1, yarn love amy march dark kale and desert vista dyeworks dk ketchikan -- DONE!! And DONE!   Simple Baby Cap by Susan B. Anderson, desert vista dyeworks dk mint cocoa quilt (red, mint green, tan, cocoa)-- DONE! And DONE!   Dissent Cardigan by Andrea Rangel, Magpie Fibers Domestic Worsted in Velvet Underground, Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Verba Volant   Rye light by tincanknits, the yarns of rhichard devrieze peppino (fingering)  in peppermint barque   First Impressions shawl by Brenda Castiel. Serendipidye kings mountain sock in Camille   On the Road:  Lambtown Kira k designs Fibershed Wool & Fine Fiber Symposium   Gemma Tank Pattern by Made by Rae   On the Easel 21:55 Chapbook, in the early writing & illustrating stages Painting African butterflies On the Table 24:05 Jamie Oliver 5 ingredients: harissa squash salad (avocado, greens, cheese), garlic sprouts (pomegranate, cottage cheese), ginger beef Polenta baked beans- The Wimpy Vegetarian/ Naturally Ella Chicken Marsala with gnocchi from skinnytaste Gluten-free pumpkin snickerdoodles (I used Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 GF Baking Flour) Salted Peanut Butter cookies from Smitten Kitchen (best if slightly under-baked) Alison Roman chicken in NYT, and if you’re a NYT subscriber, sign up for Sam Sifton’s newsletter at the bottom of the main Cooking page! On the Nightstand 34:46 Tidelands byPhillippa Gregory Rotherweird by Andrew Caldecott Lethal White by Robert Galbraith Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole Department of Speculation by Erika Swyer Watermark by Vanitha Sankaran A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee Maggie Brown & Others by Peter Orner   On Reflection 49:19 Fav knitting  25 projects, 5 sweaters, 7 hats, 2 pairs socks, 5 shawls, 4 cowls, 2 baby sweaters Alaska cowls Monica’s Skull & Bones sweater, especially those CUFFS. (feb 8, 2019) In progress Dissent Cardigan Fav easel Chapbook 2018 Underwear 100 Chromatics, 100-Day project, especially the purple & orange series Episode 17 art-Jeju tangerines. Fav food Smitten Kitchen Every Day Turkey chimichangas Herbed Quinoa Salad from episode 8 Mini key lime pies from episode 19 Ricciarelli cookies from episode 21 Fav book The River by Peter Heller Cormoran Strike Series by Robert Galbraith Podcasts: What Should I Read Next?,  Harry Potter & the sacred text, Hot & Bothered The Overstory by Richard Powers (episode 10) Dear Mrs. Bird (audio version) by AJ Pearce (episode 9)

Episode 25 October 3, 2019 On the Needles 1:23 Hometown Comfort MKAL by Michelle Stead, Destination Yarn Passport -- DONE!   Dandelion cowl by Monica Farragher, dandelion yarns in cranberry juice-- DONE!   Choose Your Own Path Cowl by Cori Eichlberger   Basic baby hat by Susan B. Anderson, desert vista dyeworks dk mint cocoa quilt (red, mint green, tan, cocoa)   First Impressions shawl by Brenda Castiel. Serendipidye kings mountain sock in Camille   Porthole Cowl by Knitting Expat Designs, Three Irish Girls Yarn: Adorn Sock in Maple Vanilla mini set (2009), Westerly Sea Sock in Ocean Gradient (merino/sea cell- natural seaweed fiber, 2010)   Dissent Cardigan by Andrea Rangel, Magpie Fibers Domestic Worsted in Velvet Underground, Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Verba Volant On the Easel 17:25 Chapbook, in the early writing & illustrating stages On the Table 23:10   Salted Peanut Butter Cookies from Smitten Kitchen   5 Ingredients by Jamie Oliver-- creamy mustard chicken, cherry chard rice, chicken pot pie   White Bean + Chicken Chili from Delish Cornbread Muffins from The Bread Bible Smashed & roasted creamer potatoes Slow-cooker Beef Tacos from Skinnytaste Lentil Stew from Skinnytaste (I used black lentils, but I recommend red or green.  And I swapped kale for spinach). Green Foods Ceremonial Matcha   On the Nightstand 38:13 The Group by Mary McCarthy Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Tidelands byPhillippa Gregory The Night Child by Anna Quinn The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston The Sunlit Night by Rebecca Dinerstein  

Episode 24 Sept 25, 2019 On the Needles 1:49 Hermione’s Everyday socks by Erica Lueder, White Birch Fiber Arts 80/20 sock in Nasty Woman-- DONE!   Hometown Comfort MKAL by Michelle Stead, Destination Yarn Passport   First Impressions shawl by Brenda Castiel. Serendipidye kings mountain sock in Camille   Pigskin Party, downcellar studio podcast   Porthole Cowl by Knitting Expat Designs, Three Irish Girls Yarn: Adorn Sock in Maple Vanilla mini set (2009), Westerly Sea Sock in Ocean Gradient (merino/sea cell- natural seaweed fiber, 2010)   Dissent Cardigan by Andrea Rangel, Magpie Fibers Domestic Worsted in Velvet Underground, Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Verba Volant   On the Easel 11:54 Ultimate Autumn Prompts Chapbook, in the early stages Inktober—official site & prompts.   Attempting to design & print my own silkscreened apparel labels…stay tuned.   On the Table 18:38   Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Enchiladas with mole from scratch. Latin Yellow Rice from Skinnytaste SF/Marin Food Bank, and our host restaurant this year: Rooh On the Nightstand 28:28 Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang Summer Country by Lauren Willig The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith The Group by Mary McCarthy Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert The Suspect by Fiona Barton This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger   SF Public Library Big Book Sale Locals, keep an eye out for next year’s date!   On the Road 45:54   2 yarn stores Retrosaria Rosa Pomar Lopo xavier   Bertrand Books-- oldest bookstore in the world   Livraria Lello   Porto tonic Ginjinha   Pasteis de nata confeitaria nacional Fábrica da Nata Pasteis de Belem Manteigaria Zarzuela (gf) Com Cuore (gf)   Sr Fado dinner

  Recorded February 7, 2019 Book Talk starts at 35:45 Our 2019 Colorwork KAL has begun and will continue until May 15, 2019.  Come join the conversation on the Chatter Thread, and post your finished objects on the FOs thread. We are giving away a copy of BostonJen’s new shawl pattern, Go with the Flow - comment on the thread to be entered to win.  The contest will end March 15. We talked a little bit about inclusiveness in the Fiber Community.  Me and White Supremacy workbook by Laaya Saad  If you’d like to follow Paula Emmons-Fuessle’s updates about her battle with ovarian cancer and leave her a message,  you can do so here. We will be at Stitches West - February 21-24, Santa Clara Convention Center.  If you see us around the marketplace or bar area, come say hi!  Or come to the meet-up at Hyatt Bar Saturday afternoon. KNITTING Tracie has finished 1 Knitted Knocker, plus retro-fitted all my 2019 knockers so far with Cascade Ultra Pima rainbow yarn on the backs First Impressions Shawl by Brenda Castiel in Greenwood Fiberworks Simply Sock in the Arizona colorway   Barb has finished: Mother Bear #153 & 154 Winter Dreamer hat by whiletheyplay designs, using MistiAlpace Chunky in the Pewter colorway Hazelnut Socks by Helen Stewart, using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Freud’s Dream color way - 1st pair for the #fifthannualdesertvistadyeworksmonthlysockclub.   Tracie cast on: Jewel Box Cowl in Stunning String Studios Stunning Superwash in Jewel Box minis colorway   Tracie is working on: Sand Layers by Lisa Hannes in January Yarns Staple Sock in Lucky and Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in Acapandemonium Zephyr cardigan #2 by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Elemental Effects Cormo Sport in the Cypress colorway Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns Vanilla Socks in Urth Uneek Sock, color #54 Mermaid Dolls by Lorraine Pistorio using Berroco Elements in 4973 Bismuth, and other yarns   Barb is working on: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Twist Sock in the Grey Heather color way Fox Paws by Xandy Peters, using a Craftsy Fox Paws Kit (utilizing Clouborn Highland Sport)  in the Winter Sky color combination.   Shetland Peerie Mittens MKAL by Kathy Lewiniski, using Knit Picks Palette in the Pimento, Blush, Grey and White colorways   Cast-on Helix Hat #8 by Jessica Rose Vanilla Socks using DVD Viso in Rainbow Pantsuit.     BOOKS Tracie has finished:  Pretend I'm Dead by Jen Beagin - this one was okay Friends Like These by Sarah Alderson - juicy little thriller! The Stranger in Our Home by Sophie Draper - thumbs down Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty - excellent!  Tracie and Barb will discuss this book on the next episode   Barb has finished: The House of Unexpected Sisters (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agancy #18) by Alexander McCall Smith - Barb recommends A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley - Barb highly recommends   Tracie is reading:  The Dark Heart: A True Story of Greed, Murder, and an Unlikely Investigator by Joakim Palmkvist Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins   Barb is currently reading: Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris Nine Perfect Lives by Liane Moriarty

Recorded on January 24, 2019 Winners for our Sweater KAL are announced at the end of the podcast, after ThumbsUp/ThumbsDown.  The winner of Helen Stewart's book, The Shawl Society, Season 1 is announced also. Our 2019 Colorwork KAL will start on February 1, 2019, and will go until May 15, 2019.  Come join the Chatter Thread and make your plans... KNITTING Barb’s FOs 1.  Mother Bear #152 2.  Suburban Wrap by Joji Locatelli, using Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock and Hu made Made Twist 3.  Big Sister cardigan by Hinterm Stein, using Cascade Pacific in the Dark Blue colorway 4.  Whinstone Hat #3 by Chrissy Graham, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest Floor color way.   Tracie’s FOs 1.  Pinch Hat by Cecily Glowik-MacDonald in arkaik fibers swanky aran in Jealous Sea - she didn't like the finished product, so she ribbed it out and made a Pussyhat! 2.  Pony Tail Hat by Knikki Knits, using purple spirit Yarn 3.  Rib-a-Roni hat by Jane Tanner using spirit yarn in gold and purple 4.  Simonside Hat by Katya Frankle, using Big twist Yarns Premium Hombres 5.  Golden Gate Bridge Hat by Sophie Kurnik in blue and yellow for Will's friend   Barb is working on: 1.  Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Twist Sock in the Grey Heather color way 2.  Hazelnut Socks by Helen Stewart, using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Freud’s Dream color way - 1st pair for the #fifthannualdesertvistadyeworksmonthlysockclub.   Barb has cast on: 1.  Fox Paws by Xandy Peters, using a Craftsy Fox Paws Kit (utilizing Clouborn Highland Sport)  in the Winter Sky color combination.   2.  Shetland Peerie Mittens MKAL by Kathy Lewiniski, using Knit Picks Palette in the Pimento, Blush, Grey and White colorways 3.  Winter Dreamer Hat by Whiletheyplay Designs, using Misti Alpaca Chunky in the Pewter colorway   Tracie is working on: 1.  Sand Layers by Lisa Hannes in January Yarns Staple Sock in Lucky and Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in Acapandemonium 2.  Zephyr cardigan #2 by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Elemental Effects Cormo Sport in the Cypress colorway 3. Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns 4.  Vanilla Socks in Urth Uneek Sock, color #54 Tracie has cast on: 1.  First Impressions Shawl by Brenda Castiel in Greenwood Fiberworks Simply Sock in the Arizona colorway 2.  Mermaid Dolls by Lorraine Pistorio using Berroco Elements in 4973 Bismuth, and other yarns She hasn't touched: 1.  Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig, using Fiberspates Scrumptious 4-ply Sport in the Amethyst colorway   BOOKS Barb has finished: 1.  Into the Abyss:  How a Deadly Plane Crash Changed the Lives of a Pilot, a Politician, a Criminal and a Cop by Carol Shaben - Barb gives it a Thumbs Up! 2.  Under Cover of the Night by Diane Fanning - Thumbs sideways 3.  Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen = Thumbs Up!     Tracie has finished: 1.  Blind Faith by Joe McGuinness - Thumbs Up! 2.  The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld - Thumbs up 3.  The Last Days of August by Jon Ronson - Thumbs Up 4.  Blood and Money: The Classic True Story of Murder, Passion and Power by Thomas Thompson   Barb is currently reading: 1.  The House of Unexpected Sisters (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agancy #18) by Alexander McCall Smith 1.  A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley   Tracie is reading: 1.  Pretend I'm Dead by Jen Beagin

FIFO winners are announced! What I've Finished:Jill finished her Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith in Manos del Uruguay and assorted yarns.  It turned out pretty huge.  She's wearing it as a slouchy hat with a faux fur pompom by ffabuknits.  Her Rav page here.  She also finished a Little Dude baby sweater by Andrea Rangel in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes superwash in Noble Heather, Briar Heather and Bittersweet Heather.  Her Rav page here. Then her first Indie Giftalong project was the Zippertooth Mitts by Clare Lockwood in Brown Sheep Nature Spun Fingering in Turquoise Wonder, Salmon and Goldenrod and Knit Picks Palette in Mist.  Her Rav page here.My Current Fix:Jill did a little bit of spinning on the Stick and Stone Fiber Arts naturally dyed brown wool.  She started the Vanilla is the New Black (Sport/DK) in Gnarledpaw Super Sport in Electric Melon.  She also started the Mount Pleasant cropped pullover by Megan Nodecker in Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in Azaleas.What I'm Jonesing For:Jill is into the Knit, Around cowl by Claire Slade and the Adventurer Cowl by Ambah O'Brien.  Another advent project she likes is the Vega Wrap by Shara Made.  She bought the Bramble Birds hat pattern by Sara Huntington Burch.  She likes a couple shawls, the Dreaming of Spring Shawl by Leela Frankcombe and the Port Hope Shawl by Brenda Castiel.  Jill is tempted by the new scrap yarn sock blanket, Northeasterly by Melissa Alexander Loomis (host of the Dungeons & Dropped Stitches podcast).  Jill's favorite crochet pattern this time is the Mascot Sweater by Natalia Kononova.  Her favorite novelty pattern is the Festive Hoodie Mug Cozies by Loraine Birchall. FIFO Winners!:MaryBeth1199RamonaFirehorseGreen HooksfchickesalazaA big thank you to Diane (dptemple) and Brenda Castiel for donating prizes!Re-ups:Uneek FingeringMalabrigo WashtedUppers, Downers and Miscellaneous Links:Four and Twenty Blackbirds Cookbook - Salty Honey and Buttered Rum Cream Pie.Creed II (2018)The Haunting of Hill HouseManiac

Episode 53 – 11/29/18 – Indie Gift-a-long Wips FOs, Wips – lots, Knitting Fail, Spinning, Knitting Talk, Wearables, On the Run, Out and About   FOs Mom’s Christmas socks – both are done; Plymouth Yarn Diversity in Deep Sea Thing 2’s Christmas socks – both are done; Plymouth Yarn Diversity in Pizazz Wips Icon Dress by Kari-Helene Rane in some very old stash that I want to get rid of. New hat for Thing 2 (not xmas gift) – in Valley Yarn’s Southwick that he chose while we were on holiday in Bermuda.  Find Your Fade shawl.  I’m on section 3, the 2nd garter section and still in color #1, the raspberry-dyed handspun cotton that I’ve mentioned in past episodes Changing Staircases shawl in 50/50 cotton/bamboo blend from Great Adirondack Yarn in the Hydrangea colorway blue, turquoise and purple 1 handspun kippah, yarn from Hipstrings Cotton Club in some beautiful handspun yarn made with fiber dyed in Pittsburgh.  Pattern is To Life by Sarah Jordan (all proceeds to Tree of Life Synagogue). Spinning I finished spinning the Midseason Replacement and Recurrent Theme, both 2oz cotton sliver from Hipstrings.  Roughly 400 yards total together and they’ll be paired beautifully in a shawl, I expect. Started spinning new fiber Knitting Talk I was able to take some time to get back into design work this week and it felt sooooo good.  Garment design is my favorite, and I am working on 2 new patterns.  But I’m also trying to branch out and design some accessories that I want to wear.  This is all long term, likely coming in 2019 or beyond, but I am really excited by the what’s coming on the horizon! Down Cellar Studio Pigskin Party Knitmore’s Grinchalong Indie Designer Gift-a-long sale ends Nov 29 at 11:59opm Eastern Be A Helper 3 will run from December 3 to February 15th Wearables Oh so many! Pattern Stalking Harry Potter and the Strange Persistent Font by Mary Annarella Don’t Panic by Nim Teasdale (nimble knits) Willowbrook Shawl by Brenda Castiel – use my handspun Heroes of Yarnia RPG scarf with draogns and castles that my son would adore, could be done in double knitting or stranded colorwork On the Run Until yesterday I hadn’t done a blasted thing since I last recorded.  I lost my fitbit about a month ago and I’ve been a lazy bum ever since. Out and About December 1st - Norwood Adult Day Health Center, a community VNA December 8th, 31st Framingham Auxilliary Police Fair, my 4th or 5th time there

  Thanks to Brenda Castiel for sending me a copy of her new pattern, The Plum Sorbet Shawl.  Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits Country Garden Top   Knits in Rehearsal Panther's Socks Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder   Shusui Shrug by Susanne Sommer Check out this Craftsy Class if you want to learn Brioche.   Loving the Yarn for this project:   Yarn Geek Fibers Rocketeer in Grace Hopper Computer Scientist     Stitch Markers from Such Gwenderful Stuff   Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Dirty Truce Auditioning Knits I started out being inspired at my favorite LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop.  The main color inspiration was from Woolen Boon in the Greenleaf Hut color way. I picked out some Madeline Tosh to compliment that skein. Tosh Merino Light in Grasshopper and Turquoise color ways.   Looking for a 3 color shawl and I'm considering:    Versus by Hillary Smith Callis Stay Soft Shawl by Veera Valimaki    I'm currently obsessed with looking through my stash for yarn for:  What the Fade?! Mystery KAL by Andrea Mowry    Here is what I am considering for my What the Fade?!     Knitting Podcast Spotlight This episode I tell you about the Fruity Knitting Podcast on Youtube.  Knitting News, Notes and Events Special thanks to the Intermission Prize Sponsor for the month of July, Zombody Knits. Listen up to see if you were the lucky listener!    For the last month of the PalKal the Intermission Prize Sponsor is The Worsted Purl. Thanks to Tricia for sponsoring. Check out these adorable stitch marker prizes.      Get your Finished Objects posted by September 1st (or as long as the thread is open). Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.   I am excited that I have finalized my plans for SAFF , the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair in Flectcher, NC. It is happening October 27-29, 2017 and I'll be there on Saturday and Sunday. I'll be staying in Black Mountain, NC and visiting my favorite LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop, where there will be a Magpie Fibers pop-up shop and a Signature Needles trunk show.  Non-Knitting Segments   One-Pot Wonders Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas from Skinny Taste.      Love it or Leave it Love: I forgot to mention that I got my iPad back after losing it on a flight!  Leave: I have to go back to work tomorrow!    Other News and Notes Running Updates I had a rough run on Saturday and injured my hip a little bit, hoping that it will right itself after some days off, rest and ice.    Next race is the Greek Festival 5k on August 26. Unfortunately, I have to do 22 miles that day.    Reading Updates   I finished reading:       I finished listening to:   For you, the listeners of Actually Knitting, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.You can try the book I linked above or any audiobook of your choice for free!    To download your free audiobook today go to audibletrial.com/actuallyknitting.    Lately I've been listening to:              

Knitting Segments Show Ready Knits        Sockhead Hat by Kelly McClure    Chiagoo 16 inch Circulars   I mentioned that this project would be great for watching The Americans, since it has a lot of subtitles.    Knits in Rehearsal    V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli     Knitting News, Notes and Events    We wrapped up the  Point/Counterpoint Volume 2 giveaway. Thanks to Kino Knits and Prairie Girls Design for the giveaway. Listen up to see if you were a lucky winner!      March Mowry Madness!  We were able to announce three winners of an Andrea Mowry pattern. If you entered, be sure to listen for your name!   The Knit A Long officially runs March 15th-April 30th, but it's going to be very informal. Knit patterns by Andrea Mowry, the famous designer behind the Find Your Fade Shawl. Wips are welcome and you don't have to finish your project to enter. No prizes yet, but I'll let you know if something is donated!       New Year, New Ewe! We wrapped up the New Year, New Ewe Kal on March 10th and winners are announced on this episode.     Prizes for New Year, New Ewe: Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon   3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel         The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.   Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.   Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 24-25, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.   Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017   We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting@gmail.com or contact me on Ravelry.   Knitting Talk Back: Knitting as Activism The recent Pussy Hat Project got me thinking about knitting activism and the history of it. I found several good resources for your entertainment and education.    Thread for Thought: How Fashion Intersects Politics, Economics, Gender, Race and Popular Culture.    Definition of Craftivism   Jen's a Little Loopy    Knitting Nanas   Knitting Sweaters for Elephants   I also mentioned this book about Knitted Taxidermy.  The original Yarn Bombing   Non-Knitting Segments   Meatless Monday This is a two-fer as it's a Meatless Monday and One Pot Wonder recipe: Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet from Ambitious Kitchen.    Love it or Leave it Love: Golden Girls Collectibles ReAction Figures Action Figures from Funko  Coloring Book    Leave: Analysis Paralysis when it comes to my hair   Theatrical Updates I have seen three shows recently:    The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime    The Bodyguard, the Musical   All Shook Up   Other News and Notes Running Updates I finished 1/2 marathon number 4 on March 4, 2017 Have 2 short races coming up on March 18th and March 25th, 2017   Books Finished listening to The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty which I liked a lot.   Currently Reading American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping and Trial of Patty Hearst.

Show Ready Knits Vintage Prim by Andrea Mowry So many flubs on this project!   Here is the tutorial I used to practice Brioche. It's a good tutorial, but I went into a lot of detail about the Craftsy Class I recently purchased called Explorations in Brioche, taught by Nancy Marchant.   Knits in Rehearsal New Cast on: V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli I used this great tutorial for German Short Rows.    I also mentioned this interview with Joji Locatelli on the Sweet Georgia Show.  Panther's Socks    Sockhead Hat by Kelly McClure    Knitting News, Notes and Events    New Year, New Ewe! Are you ready to try something new with your knitting? A new technique or type of product? Perhaps a designer you have never tried? A new type of yarn? Check out the episode for more information about this Knit A Long for 2017. Officially it will run January 1 through March 10, 2017. Check out the chatter thread in the Ravelry Group. Rules will be listed in the Ravelry group as well.     Prizes for New Year, New Ewe: Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon   3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel   I learned the German Twisted Cast-on for my New Year New Ewe project!   March Mowry Madness!  This will be a short, mostly informal Knit A Long where we knit patterns by Andrea Mowry, the famous designer behind the Find Your Fade Kal. Andrea has generously donated 3 patterns that I will give away for the KAL. To enter, go to the Ravelry group for the Actually Knitting podcast and tell me which pattern(s) you'd like to make for the KAL. I will draw winners to announce on the March 15th episode of the podcast. Enter by March 10th to win your choice of an Andrea Mowry pattern.   March Mowry Madness will officially start March 15th, though WIPS will be allowed, and it will run through April 30th, 2017. Check out the Ravelry group for more information. This will be a chatter based KAL and I'll give away some prizes if any are donated!   We still have an ongoing giveaway for Point/Counterpoint Volume 2, by Kino Knits and Prairie Girls Designs. The thread will stay open until March 10th so hurry over to Ravelry for your chance to win.   The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.   Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.   Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 25-26, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.   Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017   We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting@gmail.com or contact me on Ravelry.   Auditioning Knits I muse today about which Andrea Mowry pattern I should cast on for the #MarchMowryMadness Kal that starts officially on March 15, 2017.   I'd love to Find My Fade, but I don't think that will happen right now.   I talked about Goldfinch, a gorgeous shawl, as well as Broken Thyme which is a pretty cowl.   I also talked about two tops, the Kingston Tunic and Mae. Right now I'm leaning towards Mae.   Non-Knitting Segments  What a Crock Crock Pot Balsamic Pork Roast   Love it or Leave it Love: Z: The Beginning of Everything on Amazon Prime   Leave:  Nothing to report!  Other News and Notes   Running Things have been going along much more smoothly now that I am healthy and running on a regular basis. I am running a local 1/2 marathon on March 4, 2017.   Books I finished reading: It's Not Me, It's You by Mhairi MacFarlane I also finished a book I didn't like so much, This episode is brought to you by Audible! Use this link to get a free 30 day trial from Audible.com. I'm currently listening to The Hypnotist's Love Story, by Liane Moriarty and I can highly recommend the audio version of any of her books!                     

Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits Kit Kat Hat Number 6 by Andre Sue Knits    Knits in Rehearsal Vintage Prim by Andrea Mowry So many flubs on this project!   Here is the tutorial I used to practice Brioche. It's a good tutorial, but I went into a lot of detail about the Craftsy Class I recently purchased called Explorations in Brioche, taught by Nancy Marchant.     Panther's Socks    Knitting News, Notes and Events    New Year, New Ewe! Are you ready to try something new with your knitting? A new technique or type of product? Perhaps a designer you have never tried? A new type of yarn? Check out the episode for more information about this Knit A Long for 2017. Officially it will run January 1 through March 10, 2017. Check out the chatter thread in the Ravelry Group. Rules will be listed in the Ravelry group as well.     Prizes for New Year, New Ewe: Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon   3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel   I learned the German Twisted Cast-on for my New Year New Ewe project!   March Mowry Madness!  This will be a short, mostly informal Knit A Long where we knit patterns by Andrea Mowry, the famous designer behind the Find Your Fade Kal. Andrea has generously donated 3 patterns that I will give away for the KAL. To enter, go to the Ravelry group for the Actually Knitting podcast and tell me which pattern(s) you'd like to make for the KAL. I will draw winners to announce on the March 15th episode of the podcast. Enter by March 10th to win your choice of an Andrea Mowry pattern.   March Mowry Madness will officially start March 15th, though WIPS will be allowed, and it will run through April 30th, 2017. Check out the Ravelry group for more information.   The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.   Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 25-26, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.   Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017   We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting.blogspot.com The Reviews are In!  I reviewed 2 collections on this episode! Listen to hear my thoughts on the Point/Counterpoint Volume 2, by Kino Knits and Prairie Girls Designs.   Would you like to win your own copy of this 4 pattern collection? Go to the Ravelry Group and enter to win by telling me which pattern you like the best in the collection!   The other collection I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of is Heart on my Sleeve by Tin Can Knits. This is a great collection that supports a great charity, the Against Malaria Foundation. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this collection will go to the foundation.     Non-Knitting Segments Meatless Monday Roasted Butternut Squash with Couscous and Vegetables   Love it or Leave it Love: Pride and Prejudice Coloring Book Leave: Nada, life is really good these days!  Other News and Notes  I am officially back to running! Yay!    Books Finished:  The Marriage Game by Allison Weir   Born a Crime by Trevor Noah       Currently Reading:      It's Not Me, It's You by Mhairi MacFarlane    

    Knitting Segments     Show-Ready Knits  Kit Kat Hats 3, 4 and 5       Knits in Rehearsal Knitting on Kit Kat Hat Number 6   Vintage Prim by Andrea Mowry Would you be interested in doing a KAL in March called Mowry Madness? Let me know!     Panther's Hermione's Everyday Socks         Auditioning Knits Girl from the Grocery Store by Joji Locatelli   I mentioned the Grocery Girls Podcast as being the design inspiration for this pattern.   Versus by Hillary Smith Callis I originally saw kits for this on Kitterly.   Kline Shawl by Jennifer Dassau I saw this pattern featured on the Interweave Knits   Briochealicious by Andrea Mowry       Knitting News, Notes and Events This episode marks 3 years that I have been podcasting! Thanks for being a part of my community!       I'm so excited about our knit a long, New Year, New Ewe!       Are you ready to try something new with your knitting? A new technique or type of product? Perhaps a designer you have never tried? A new type of yarn? Check out the episode for more information about this Knit A Long for 2017. Officially it will run January 1 through March 10, 2017. Check out the chatter thread in the Ravelry Group. Rules will be listed in the Ravelry group as well.     Prizes for New Year, New Ewe: Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon   3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel   I learned the German Twisted Cast-on for my New Year New Ewe project!   Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 25-26, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.   Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017 Non-Knitting Segments One Pot Wonders Healthy Thai Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles           Love it or Leave it Love: Tombow Brush Pens Lettering Practice Worksheets from The Postman's Knock   Leave: Being sick the entire month of January!!   Other News and Notes   No running updates to share, trying to keep up my healthy living!      Books   I finished reading:       I am currently reading:

Thanks for supporting the podcast through the Amazon links!    Knitting Segments Show Ready Knits Los Monos Locos by Jennifer O'Sullivan   Kit Kat Hat by Andre Sue Knits I am knitting this as a part of the Pussy Hat Project, here is the link to the official pattern, that's knit flat.   Women's March on Washington, DC.   Women's March on Charlotte, NC.       Knits in Rehearsal   Panther's Socks/Hermione's Everyday Socks        Kit Kat Hat by Andre Sue Knits       Major Flub: Mrs. Jeckyl and Mrs. Hyde by La Maison Rililie         Knitting News, Notes and Events Several winners were announced on episode 64 for several contests. If you entered any of those giveaways or Knit a Longs, please listen to Episode 64 to see if you won. Winners need to get in touch with me by January 15, 2017.   Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017   I'm so excited about our next knit a long, New Year, New Ewe!       Are you ready to try something new with your knitting? A new technique or type of product? Perhaps a designer you have never tried? A new type of yarn? Check out the episode for more information about this Knit A Long for 2017. Officially it will run January 1 through March 10, 2017. Check out the chatter thread in the Ravelry Group. Rules will be listed in the Ravelry group as well.   I am going to cast on the Vintage Prim by Andrea Mowry. Andrea Mowry is the designer behind the Find Your Fade Shawl.   Here is the tutorial I used to practice Brioche. It's a good tutorial, but I went into a lot of detail about the Craftsy Class I recently purchased called Explorations in Brioche, taught by Nancy Marchant.   Prizes for New Year, New Ewe: Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon   3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel         Knitting Talk Back: Stitch Gauge vs Row Gauge, which is more important?  I recently knit a swatch that perfectly matches the stitch gauge of the project I want to knit, but the row gauge is significantly different, so I decided to make a little    Tin Can Knits: Row Gauge or Round Gauge, When does it Matter?    Glenna Knits: When Row Gauge Matters   Non-Knitting Segments What a Crock Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans    Love it or Leave it Love: I recently ordered these stencils on Amazon and I love them!    I've been using them in my hand-written show notes and in my planner.    Leave: Bronchitis! Go Away!     Other News and Notes This episode I shared a little bit about my healthy living tips and tricks. I would love to hear yours!   I mentioned a few recipes that I make ahead that help me eat healthy in the mornings:   Cauliflower Hashbrown Egg Cups   Outstanding Overnight Oatmeal   Running Updates I ran my first race of the season on Saturday January 14, 2017. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon on March 4, 2017, so I'm looking forward to running with my friends.   Books   Finished reading: The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout   Currently Reading: The Girl Before by Rena Olsen (listening on Audible)   Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult   Other News and Notes  I mentioned the Women's March that I will be attending. 

Book Talk begins at 26.53 Recorded on September 9, 2016 It's the 5-year Podiversary for the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast!  Thank you all for making this journey a fun one. Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL is finished.  Be sure and listen to the podcast to find out what you won.  If you put a bear in the Mother Bear FO thread and didn't hear your name called, please let us know! Our contest to win a copy of the latest Stranded Magazine will continue until October 1st. Next up is our Fall Sweater 2016 KAL/CAL.  You have between October 1st and January 31st to complete an adult-sized sweater.  While you may not want to make the sweater picutred here (!), there are lots of other patterns to choose from.  Take a look at our Bundles Page to see Beginner Sweaters, Adventurous Beginners to Advanced Sweaters and Crochet Sweaters. WIPs count too!  And as with all of our KALs, you may double-dip into other contests with the same project. EVENTS Tracie will be at Lambtown - October 1 & 2 at the Dixon May Fair Grounds in Dixon, CA (9-6 on Saturday, 9-4 on Sunday) Barb will be at the Cogknitive Fiber Retreat - Saturday October 8, 2016 at the LaQuinta in Tehachapi, CA Barb has about 35 knitting books for sale here! KNITTING Barb has finished: * Molto Bella Shawl by Brenda Castiel, using her NoCKRs yarn from this year – Duren Dyeworks Luscious Fingering (silk/merino blend) in the Quietude and Forest Floor colorways. * She has also finished Mother Bears 97, 98 & 99 Tracie has finished: *her Mr. Cowl by Dani Sunshine.  She used Lion Brand Kion's Pride Woolspun * Suture Hat by Alex Tinsley, using Plymouth Encorein Charcoal * Quick and Easy Slouchy Hat by Jessica Gutoski in Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick - Charcoal * I Was a Teenage Mutant Hat in Lion Brand Wool-ease in Green Barb is working on:  * Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke using 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK * Whippet Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Lindy Chain *Zigzagular Socks #2 by Susie White, using Fishknits Opulence MCN in the Shades of TPK colorway Barb has cast-on: * The Be Kind hat using Vanna's Choice in a gray color * The Directional Colors scarf, using Lion Brand Amazing Tracie is working on: * Allegra tank top by Svetlana Volkova in Euro Baby Kid Cotton * Meris by Elizabeth Doherty in Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in the Carmen colorway * Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas in Malabrigo Sock in Aguas colorway *Summer Fringe Shawlette by Sarah Keller in Chevel Blanc Official Comete in the Cendre colorway She has cast-on: * The Hermione Hearts Ron hat by Christy Aylesworth in Zara Merino Extra Fine in Creme BOOKS Barb has finished: *  The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell - excellent book! *  Nature Girl by Carl Hiasson - recommended *  Joyland by Stephen King - recommended *  Look Again by Lisa Scottoline Tracie has finished: * North Korea Undercover: Inside the World's Most Secret State by John Sweeney  - she recommends it * Judgment Ridge: The True Story Behind the Dartmouth Murders by Dick Lehr * The Unraveling of Mercy Lewis by Keija Parssinen *  The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout Barb is currently reading: * The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie * Follow You Home by Mark Edwards Tracie is currently reading: *  There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me by Brooke Shields *  Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion and Murder by Ann Rule Tracie recommends Schofferhofer Grapefruit Mother Bear KAL prizes and winners: 1.  donated by LGordon555, an e-copy of the Heads or Tails by Leslie Gordon - emrubin 2.  donated by LGordon555 - any Ravelry pattern - moxymomma 3.  1 skein of yarn donated by the Happy Buffalo etsy shop - istop2knit 4.  1 skein of yarn donated by the Happy Buffalo easy shop - mimifan 5.  donated by Sandra Maz - a tote bag - nursecatknit 6.  donated by PrairiePiper - 3 copies of her Crooked Ewe pattern - punkconformity,  domicroche, and Dagger51 7.  2 skeins of yarn donated by Knitty Kitty Bags etsy shop - Sockmonkey628 and miek 8.  donated by Joanna Johnson - Green Gables Knits - jollypondknitter 9.  1 Fix-a-Stitch kit - 1hundredprojects 10.  donated by SSKnits - the Knit Figures app - meadowlarkknit 11.  donated by SSKnits - a pattern from her Ravelry store - Sutton36 12.  donated by knrisluvswool - a copy of her In Transit hat and cowl pattern - jcampo 13.  donated by Sweetart 77 - a project bag from her makethisfromthat etsy store - Brooksnana 14.  donated by Goodstuff - 3 patterns from her Ravelry store - pjpurls, smithMKS, janeos2000 15.  donated by Goodstuff - a project bag from her etsy story - DCAlaneKnits 16.  donated by k8erpillar - 5 sets of bear stitch markers from her etsy shop - Obenya, GailBN, maddiesmom, seestephyknit and jchant 17.  $20 gift certificate donated by Leading Men Fiber Arts  - MariKnits 18.  Halcyon37 donated a Ravelry pattern of the winner's choice -TiaandCat 19.  donated by Jamies900 - 3 gifts of 2skeins of yarn each - Jasdel, rozstitches,  and stella650 20.  donated by Jamies900 - a yarn valet - cobbieknits 21.  donated by Invictus Yarns - 2 skeins of her Captain SW Sweet Clementine - kannasoup and notprunes 22.  donated by Invictus Yarns - 1 skein of MCN Content -  humbledaisy 23.  a copy of Henry's Hat by Joanna Johnson - KnitAdmin 24.  donated by tmkr - a skein of her handspun - MimaB 25.  donated by dptemple - a Ravelry pattern of the winner's choice, up to $10 - Corrinesknits 26.  donated by BostonJen - a copy of the Riley Rose Shawl - Halcyon37 27.  donated by DCAlaneKnits - handmade project bag with DPN holder and stitch markers - WiscKnitter 28.  donated by RedsKnits - teddy bear project bag - KrissyVB 29.  donated by an anonymous donor - a skein of Wollmeise - purlpumpkin 30.  a NoCKRs 2016 wine glass sippy cup - cmillerwise 31.  a NoCKRs 2016 tote bag - farmwife99 32.  2 Knit Lit Chicks project bag, made by Tracie - Belle717 33.  donated by Poppy - single skeins of yarn - pennyforyourthoughts, K8erpillar, straightfork, MEKW and cwyneken        

Book Talk starts at 42:05 Recorded on August 24, 2016 Just a few more days to participate in our Mother Bear KAL/CAL!  You have until August 31st to post a picture of any bear you have knit or crocheted in 2016 in our FO thread.  Lots of prizes, but your best reward is knowing you have given a child comfort. Many thanks to our latest donor: Kathleen (SweeTart77) has donated a project bag from her shop MakeThisFromThat. Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself! Knit Companion for Android is at last a thing!   EVENTS Tracie will be at Lambtown - October 1 & 2 at the Dixon May Fair Grounds in Dixon, CA (9-6 on Saturday, 9-4 on Sunday) Tracie and Barb will be at the Cogknitive Fiber Retreat - Saturday October 8, 2016 at the LaQuinta in Tehachapi, CA   KNITTING Barb’s FOs Mother Bear #93, 94, 95, 96 Added Elegance socks by Mary Lukas, using Unwind Yarn Twinkle Sock in the Faded Graffiti colorway PastelMix Shortie Socks using Cascade Heritage in the PastelMix colorway   Tracie’s FOs Mother Bears 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 & 100! Just Autumn Cowl by Janina Böttger in Becoming Art Agave fingering in the Nebula colorway Simple Striped Baby Hat by Sascha van Wagtendonk in Frog Tree Pediboo Sock in Tan and Red Heart Baby TLC Multis in Chocolate Mint   Barb has cast on: Zigzagular Socks #2 by Susie White, using Fishknits Opulence MCN in the Shades of TPK colorway   And she is working on: Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke using 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK Molto Bella Shawl by Brenda Castiel, using my NoCKRs yarn from this year – Duren Dyeworks Luscious Fingering (silk/merino blend) in the Quietude and Forest Floor colorways. Whippet Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Lindy Chain Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi in a green/blue/purple colorway   Tracie has cast on: Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas in Malabrigo Sock in Aguas colorway Summer Fringe Shawlette by Sarah Keller in Chevel Blanc Official Comete in the Cendre colorway   And she is working on: Allegra tank top by Svetlana Volkova in Euro Baby Kid Cotton Meris by Elizabeth Doherty in Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in the Carmen colorway   REVIEW - Stranded Magazine, Mild Weather 2016 To win a copy of this e-magazine, leave a comment here.   BOOKS Tracie has finished: Vertical by Rex Pickett Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty Harry Potter & the Cursed Child by by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany Woman with A Secret (UK title: The Telling Error) by Sophie Hannah   Barb has finished: Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland Before the Fall by Noah Hawley By Their Father's Hand: The True Story of the Wesson Family Massacre by Monte Francis   Tracie is reading Judgment Ridge: The True Story Behind the Dartmouth Murders by Dick Lehr North Korea Undercover: Inside the World's Most Secret State by John Sweeney   Barb is reading: Nature Girl by Carl Hiasson Joyland by Stephen King   Stranger Things on Netflix    

Book Talk Begins at 30:15 Recorded on August 5, 2016 Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL is ongoing!  You have until August 31st to post a picture of any bear you have knit or crocheted in 2016 in our FO thread.  Lots of prizes, but your best reward is knowing you have given a child comfort. Thank you to new prize donors:  DCAlaneKnits, redsknits, BostonJen, tmkr, and dptemple. Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself!  Soon we will start a chatter thread, and create a Ravelry Bundle of patters. Knit Companion for Android is coming soon!  Please go to Knit Companion for Android thread to find out all about it - and to join in the fun with weekly puzzles/games.  Anyone can play - both IOS and Android users.   EVENTS: Lambtown at the Dixon Fairgrounds, Dixon, CA is October 1 & 2, 2017.  Tracie will be attending. Cogknitive Fiber Retreat in Tehachapi, CA on OctoberOctober 8th.  Both Barb and Tracie will be attending. KNITTING Tracie has finished: * Mother Bears #88 - 94 * Rodeo Drive Poncho by Staci Perry, using Fonty BB Merino in Brun Scooby Doo.   Barb has finished: * Her Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas, using Unwind Yarn Company Twinkle Sock in the Graffiti colorway *Christmas Vanilla socks using Wisdom Yarn Saki Bamboo Multis in the Crayon Box colorway * Declan Hat by Samantha Kirby using Vanna's Choice in the Colonial Blue colorway *Hurricane Hat by Andrea Guldin in Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Solids, Heathers and Twists   Tracie is currently knitting: *Meris cardigan by Elizabeth Doherty, using Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock  *Just Autumn Cowl by Janina Bottger in Becoming Art Fingering * Allegra Cami by Svetlana Volkova, using Euro Baby Cotton  Barb is currently knitting: * Crackerjack Cowl by Stacey Simpson Duke, using 4 colors of Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash * Molto Bella Shawl by Brenda Castiel, using NoCKRs yarn - Duren Dyeworks Luscious Fingering  * Whippet by Ankestrick, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Blush colorway * Wingspan by Mayan Tri'Coterie Designs, using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi   READING Tracie has finished: *  Give a Boy a Gun: The True Story of Law and Disorder in the American West by Jack Olsen *  You Must Remember This Podcast by Karina Spencer - Charles Manson's Hollywood.  12 episodes, starting with episode 37. Barb has finished: *  Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell.  *  Wilde Lake by Laura Lippman *  Something Missing by Matthew DicksBear in the Back Seat I: *  Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Carolyn Jourdon & Kim DeLozer *   Missoula: Rape and Justice in a College Town by Jon Krakauer Tracie is currently reading: * The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust by Edith Hahn Beer & Susan Dworkin * Vertical: The Follow-Up to Sideways by Rex Pickett Barb is currently reading: * Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland * Before the Fall by Noah Hawley  

Book talk starts at 36:55 Recorded July 18, 2016 Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL has started!    The Mother Bear FO thread is open and awaiting your FO pictures.  Please post a separate picture for each bear.  Let's see if we can beat last year's total of 313 bears!   We can always use more prizes!  If you have anything you want to donate, please contact us at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com.   Many thanks to Halcyon37 – Ravelry pattern of the winner’s choice From Jamies900 (Jaime) – 4 yarn gifts and a yarn bowl K8erpillar – set of bear stitch markers Sue of Invictus Yarns - 3 skeins - 2 worsted and 1 sock Stephanie of The Happy Buffalo for donating 2 skeins of her sport weight yarn   Start thinking about sweaters!  Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself!   Knitting Barb’s FOs Mother Bear #83, 84, 85 & 86 In Transit Hat by Krisluvswool using Cascade Heritage in the PastelMix colorway   Tracie’s FOs 4 Kitty Capes! Hermione Loves Ron beanie by Christy Aylsworth (cable and lace beanie) in Mirasol Yarn Nuna   Mother Bears 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 & 87   Barb’s WIPS  Summer of ’16 tee by Nidhi Kansel using Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Skinny Cotton has been frogged - did not work out! Added Elegance socks by Mary Lukas, using Unwind Yarn Twinkle Sock Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke using 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK Christmas Vanilla socks using Wisdom Yarn Saki Bamboo Multis    Barbs Cast-Ons Molto Bella Shawl by Brenda Castiel, using NoCKRs yarn - Duren Dyeworks Luscious Fingering  Hurricane Hat by Andrea Guldin in Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Solids, Heathers and Twists   Tracie’s WIPs Just Autumn Cowl by Janina Bottger in Becoming Art Fingering Rodeo Drive Poncho by Stacy Perry in Fonty BB Merino Meris cardigan by Elizabeth Doherty, using Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock    Barb’s Finished Books:  Wish You Well by David Baldacci The Drowning Game by L.S. Hawker Sphere by Michael Crichton Never Coming Back by Tim Weaver   Tracie’s Finished Books Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (author) and Maira Kalman (illustrator) The Girls by Emma Cline The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen   Barb’s Current Books Wilde Lake by Laura Lippman Something Missing by Matthew Dicks   Tracie’s Current Books Give a Boy a Gun: The True Story of Law and Disorder in the American West by Jack Olsen The Nazi Officer’s Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust by Edith Hahn Beer   Barb’s Thumbs Up - Loopy Ewe and their Loopy Rewards program!   Tracie’s Thumbs Up - Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick

Knitting Segments   Knits in Rehearsal Hermione's Every Day Socks by Erica Lueder I'm knitting these out of my first ever skein of Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts.   Memories Blanket by Georgie Nicolson   Stash Dash Plans Stash Dash is a Summer KAL hosted by the Knit Girllls video podcast!  Pure Joy by Joji Locatelli I bought the Argentine yarn from Pura Hilados and I can't wait to get this!   Worsted Boxy   Hermione's Everyday socks (linked above)   Rainbow Vanilla Socks   Astonish Top   Endpaper Mitts    Effortless Cardigan   Ice Shanty by Amy Miller      Knitting News, Notes and Events World Wide Knit in Public Day is June 18th, 2016     Hamilton Contest I forgot to draw a winner on Episode 51, so listen up to see if you are the lucky winner! Thanks to Thuy from the Twisted Stitches Podcast for donating this prize!      Broadway Kal This Kal ended on April 30th and prizes were drawn. If you haven't listened to Episode 51 please check it out to see if you were a winner!   PalKal 2016 This is the biggest and best event of the year for Actually Knitting listeners!   What is the PalKal?   The PalKal will run June 15- September 15 2016   The basic idea is to support a podcaster you listen to or watch by knitting one of their patterns and/or using their yarns for your project. You can also use a project bag by a podcaster! The design, yarn/fiber and/or project bag must be from a knitting/crochet/fiber podcaster. (Not all 3, just one of those to qualify). Spinning also counts, just make sure it’s a finished product. Use the chatter thread for discussion. Make suggestions. There are TONS of podcasts out there and almost no one knows about all of them, so if you know of a podcaster designer/yarnie/bag maker, feel free to share with us! You are encouraged to take advantage of the coupon codes offered by our sponsors, but you are not limited to those podcasters for the KAL. Sponsors and coupon codes can be found on the show notes and in the specially labeled threads in the Actually Knitting group on Ravelry.  Enter as many projects as you like. Each project gets a separate post in the non-chatter thread. A note about project bags: a project bag may only be entered into the contest one time for an entry. (You can’t just keep using a podcaster project bag over and over and entering the contest that way). You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie! Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner! Use the tag #palkal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.  Wips count! Just finish them between June 15 and September 15, doesn’t matter when they were started.     Featured Performer Sponsors are coming in everyday and so far there are coupon codes available from the following sponsors:    Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting   Brenda Castiel    Daniela from Caffeinated Knitting   Knitting Daddy Greg from Unraveling with Greg and Joey   Mary from Kino Knits   Sarah Shoo from Cultivate and Create   Susie from The Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast   The coupon code for all vendors is PalKal2016 to keep things simpler this year! Thanks so much to all of the sponsors!   There will be a special Actually Knitting PalKal mini skein kit available from One Twisted Tree on May 17th, 2016, at 7am CST.          Knitting Talkback: Yarn and Knit Wear Storage This episode I answered a question from the What Would You Like to Hear about thread in the Ravelry group.   I referenced this blog post about yarn-eating insects and also this information about using cedar to keep the bugs away.   I like to store my shawls and other knitted items in hanging soft shelves like these from Amazon.   Non-Knitting Segments One Pot Wonders Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken  (not a true one-pot recipe but really delicious)   Love it or Leave it Love: Josh is cooking more now that we have a pressure cooker   Leave: My public library often has the first book in a series but none of the others!    Other News and Notes   Actually Reading I finished reading The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith   I'm still reading The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey   Actually Running No big updates to report. 

Book Talk Begins at 57:30 Recorded on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Our Sweater KAL is ongoing!  You have until January 15, 2016 to complete an adult sweater and be eligible a great prize package that will include: A 2015 NoCKRs retreat bag A package of Yarn Cozies A sweater’s quantity of yarn (thank you to SandyKnitsSocks!) And more! Tracie and Barb will be at Stitches West  - February 18-21, 2016 in Santa Clara, California.  Come join us in the bar on Saturday afternoon for our meet-up with the Yarniacs and lots of other fun people! Tracie and Barb will also be at 2 NoCKRs - the 2016 Northern California Knitting Retreat - registration is full. KNITTING Barb has finished: *  Baa-ble Hat #1 and #2 (pictured here), using Plymouth Yarns Galway Worsted in various colors. *  Zigzagular Socks by Susie White, using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Zombody Loves the 2 Knit Lit Chicks colorway. *  Rachel's Rollers (Rose City Rollers socks) by Susie White, using GnomeAcres Fancy Gnome in the Aurora Gnomealis color way Tracie has finished: * Tri-Peak hat by Woolly Wormed, using Classic Elite Yarns Waterlily in the 1938 colorway. *  Two Little Hats - no patterns and she has no idea what the yarns are. *  Perpendicular Cowl by Brenda Castiel using Cascade Elysian in the 08 colorway and Jojoland Splatter Dash in the 002 colorway. *  Saddleback Cardigan by Jennifer Hagen in Valley Yarns Goshen Barb is working on: *  The Grandpa Cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Cascade Yarns Cash Vero DK in a royal blue colorway (this yarn is discontinued). *  Etched Rio Wrap by Sarah Smuland, usingCascade 220 Sport in the Charcoal Gray colorway. Tracie is working on: * The Starshower cowl by Hilary Smith Callis, using La Bien Aimee MCN Light in the Jon Snow colorway. *  The Meditate cowl by Elizabeth Doherty, using Redfish Dyeworks Silk Sock. *  Leap! fingerless gloves by Brooke Ramos in Fishknits Boot Strap in the Fat Tuesday colorway. *  The Longstreet shawl by Nancy Totten using Abstract Fibers Temptation in The Gorge colorway. BOOKS   Barb has finished: *  Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology, and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill - Barb recommends this book! *  Forsaken by Andrew Van Wey - Barb was very "meh" about this one.   Tracie has finished: *  Ferris Beach by Jill McCorkle - Tracie highly recommends this book! *  The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine by Alexander McCall Smith - recommended.   Barb is currently reading: *  The Far End of Happy by Kathryn Craft *  The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore   Barb Did Not Finish:  *  The Alphabet of Birds by S.J. Naude.  She just couldn't do it.   Tracie is currently reading:  *  The Family by Marissa Kennerson *  Double Life: The Shaterring Affair between Chief Judge Sol Wachtler and Socialite Joy Silverman by Linda Wolfe *  The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson Tracie's Thumbs Up was Carrie Fisher - check her out in this great interview! Carrie's dog now has his own Instagram account!  He's @garyfisher - the Chicks are following him now - you should too!      

Our Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until Jan 16.  Post your FO in the FOs thread to be entered to win one of 4 fabulous prize packages that will contain: A 2015 NoCKRs retreat bag A package of Yarn Cozies A sweater’s quantity of yarn (thank you to SandyKnitsSocks!) And more! New podcast – Unraveling with Greg (KnittingDaddy) and Joey (JoeyGibson) Barb also recommends Two Ewes Fiber Adventures with Kelly and Marsha, and Teaching Your Brain to Knit with Margaret and Catherine. Tracie and Barb will be at Stitches West  - February 18-21, 2016 in Santa Clara, California.  Come join us in the bar on Saturday afternoon for our meet-up with the Yarniacs and lots of other fun people! Tracie and Barb will also be at 2 NoCKRs - the 2016 Northern California Knitting Retreat - registration is full. Barb has been busy!  She has finished: Over & Over Cowl & Infinity Loop by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas, using Duren Dyeworks Tappee Hattee by Allison Britt, using Dizzy Blond Studios Superwash DK in the Camilla colorway (free) Maize Mitts #2 by Tin Can Knits, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Showcase Worsted in the Love Potion #9 colorway (free) Barley Hat #2 by Tin Can Knits using Leading men Fiber arts Showcase Worsted in the Love Potion #9 colorway (free) Minecraft Creeper Beanie by Tracy McDowell using a bright green color of Vanna’s Choice and Plymouth Encore Black. Tracie finished: Fair Winds Beanie by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas in Alpenglow Yarn Skinny Singular Corrie in Mermaid Tail Barb cast on: Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner using GnomeAcres Fancy Gnome in the Aurora Gnomealis colorway. Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith, using 4 colors of Plymouth Galway Worsted. And she continues to work on Zigzagular Socks by  Susie White, using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Zombody Loves the 2 Knit Lit Chicks colorway (free) Etched Rio Wrap by Sarah Smuland, using Cascade 220 Sport in a dark gray colorway ($9) Tracie cast on: Tri-Peak by Woolly Wormed in Classic Elite Yarns Waterlily And is working on: Perpendicular Cowl by Brenda Castiel, using Cascade Elysian in the 08 colorway and Jojoland Splatter Dash in the 002 colorway. Longstreet by Nancy Totten (Front Range Bags), using Abstract Fiber Temptations in The Gorge colorway Saddleback Cardigan by Jennifer Hagan, using Valley Yarns Goshen. Leap! fingerless gloves by Brooke Ramos (free pattern) in FishKnits Boot Strap in Fat Tuesday Colorway Barb finished: Stranded by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts Working Stiff: Two years, 262 Bodies and the Making of a Medical Examiner by Judy Melinik & TJ Mitchell Tracie finished: Endangered Species by Nevada Barr Bad Blood by John Sanford Almost the Perfect Murder: The Killing of Elaine O'Hara, the Extraordinary Garda Investigation and the Trial That Stunned the Nation: The Only Complete Inside Account by Paul Williams The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum Barb is reading: Beyond Belief:  My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill The Alphabet of Birds by S. J. Naude Forsaken by Andrew Van Wey Tracie is reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo The Woman Who Walked in the Sunshine by Alexander McCall Smith The Family by Marissa Kennerson  

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Mean Girls’ Yarn Club, Episode 6: And So It Begins! There are a few spots still available. The More The Scarier! Visit the website for all the gory details. http://meangirlsyarnclub.blogspot.com Catching Up: (0:38) Laura has been catching up with summer television. She's really enjoying Continuum, Suits, The Last Ship, and is going to start watching Turn. She's finished dying yarn for Yarnosphere and CogKNITive and is excited to have 3 new colorways for Lambie Toes and 1 new colorway for Dizzy Blonde sock. She's happy she just paid off her car as well. She had a bit of an accident with bacon grease, which is unfortunate. She also has a bit of hand pain right now. Jen opened her show and is thrilled with how it's going, especially since it's inspired by true stories from people who live in the community. She shares this video about a sewing circle and the power of crafting to create a community, which is one of the stories that inspired her show. She's taking a Shakespeare class, which is really exciting. She's been watching Gotham and she sees potential, even if the show isn't great yet. She's been doing some cross-stitch with a kit from Watty's Wall Stuff. And she's learning some new music for a Bob Dylan/Dylan Thomas tribute, which is also a fundraiser for Interval House. In the Knitting Bag: (15:23) Laura has been working on her Yggdrasil Afghan by Lisa Jacobs out of reclaimed Berroco Vintage Chunky in Mocha. She's done with the center panel. She's doing another hat for Halos of Hope. She wants to do some lace but she's not sure what. Jen started her Chickadee Cardigan by Ysolda Teague again. She's much happier with the colorwork this time around. She's making it out of Quince and Co. Chickadee. She's done with the yoke and working on the first sleeve.  She's been working on her Heirloom Layette Set by Kerin Dimeler-Laurence out of Cascade Heritage in Snow. She's done with the lace section, so now she just has the garter stitch and then the knitted on border. And she's been working on her Ohana mitts (her own design). Finished Objects: (20:22) Laura finished her Knitted Scale Mail Gloves by CraftyMutt for her step-granddaughter. They were knit out of Knitpicks Brava Worsted in dark pink with rainbow scales from The Ringlord.com. And she finished a hat for Halos of Hope out of Knitpicks Brava in Camel Heather and Vanna's Choice Lavender. Jen hasn't really finished anything. She needs to block things. Lots of things! We mention Craftsy, specifically their Intarsia Class by Sally Melville. Devil's Tower: (24:24) Laura has been UFO free, because she cleaned out all of her UFOs and frogged them. Jen pulled out her Leah’s Lovely Cardigan from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts (made of of Malabrigo sock in Eggplant) and finished the knitting. She still has to weave in ends, block it, and do all the finishing work so she's not counting it as done. Frog Pond: (27:15) Laura hasn't been knitting much so she has nothing to report and she's more used to the Yggdrasil pattern, so she's able to fix her mistakes quickly. When Jen picked up her Leah's Lovely, she had put the stitches on waste yarn because she needed the needles for something else. Since the pattern has you hold the yoke stitches on waste yarn and pick them up for the neckband. So she picked it up, assuming she was done with the yoke and started the button bands. The she realized that she hadn't actually completed the yoke (it was maybe an inch short) and done the last decrease row. She didn't want to rip out the button bands so she did the last decrease row and tried it on and it fits, so she left it. But she probably should have marked where she was in the pattern. Jen also had a bit of trouble with her Chickadee, mostly because she can't count when she's sick. On Deck: (29:50) Laura wants to make to make Dreambird by Nadita Swings out of Knitpicks Chroma in Jam Jar and Gloss in black, Ink by Hanna Maciejewska out of Dizzy Blonde Studios Superwash Sock in Applegate, Motoring Madness mittens by Audrey Nicklin for her husband, and the Effortless Cardigan by Hannah Fettig out of Dizzy Blonde DK.  She also wants to makeDeath Star by Patricia Castillo, the Crochet Fan Shawl by Valerie Martin, and Art Déco by Nadita Swings. Jen has the same baby stuff on her list (Dump Truck Cardigan, the Porcupine Blanket from 60 Quick Baby Knits out of Cascade 220 Superwash, another Playful Stripes Cardigan, the Baby Yours Sweater, and more sweaters for herself. We mention the Knitmore Girls and their Fit, Flatter, and Feel Wonderful KAL, Susan B. Anderson's Project Sweater Chest, and Marly Bird's Curvy Knits Craftsy Class. Knit Culture: (35:58) We interview designer Brenda Castiel. We talk about her history as a knitter and a designer. We talk about her newest shawl, the Winona Shawl. She also has a great blog, Knits and Travel, where she documents her knitting and travel life. We give a recap of Knit Dizzney, which was awesome and we had a blast. Thank you to everyone who came; we loved seeing you all. And thank you to our awesome sponsors. Pam Haschke of Halos of Hope and Erika Hernandez of Cooperative Press provided the prizes. Mad Color Fiber Arts, Skeindalous Yarns, and Dizzy Blonde Studios provided the mini-skeins and coupon codes. One Geek To Craft Them All provided the stitch markers. Cheryl Joy Kong of Thirty One Gifts provided the pen and mini-catalog. And Alamitos Bay Yarn Company provided the skeins of sparkly yarn. So thank you to all of them! We mention our September Stashdown Challenge which is Pirates vs. Ninjas. And our October challenge, which is Fall Festivals (Halloween, Samhain, Harvest, whatever you celebrate). Geek Culture: (59:26) We mention the Stash2Go app, another app that works with Ravelry (like Yarma and Wooly). We also point out the Firefly fan film "The Verse." Events: (1:01:57) We will be at Yarnosphere on October 4th and 5th at the Expo Arts Center in Bixby Knolls in Long Beach. Dizzy Blonde will be a vendor and Jen will just be there for fun. And Jen and Laura will both be at the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat on October 11 in the La Quinta Inn in Tehachapi. Dizzy Blonde Studios will be vending. That same weekend (October 11) is the Vista Fiber Arts Fiesta in Downtown San Diego. We aren’t going, but it sounds great. WeFF will be November 2nd, 2014 in Torrance. Dizzy Blonde Studios will be vending.  It’s a lot of fun, with great demonstrations, raffles, and lots of cool vendors. Our next milestone prize will be at 1000 members, so join the Ravelry Group. And don’t forget to post your finished September projects in the thread! Keep stashing down!

Don't forget the March stashdown theme is "Madness." Post your finished objects in the thread for a chance to win a copy of Sock Yarn Shawls by Jen Lucas (Thank you to Dorothy for donating it to the podcast!) Also thank you Brenda T. for your donation to the podcast. The April Stashdown theme will be April Showers. Catching Up: (2:33) Jen is doing a show at the Found Theatre. It's parody show that spoofs telethons and medical marijuana. She also saw The Umbrellas of Cherbourg which she loved for the story, the fashion, and the knitwear. She's also taking an acting class at South Coast Repertory. She and Ron have finished watching Star Trek: Voyager and now they have started classic Star Trek. She also watched Pacific Rim and she really enjoyed it. It's not high art, but it's really good silly fun. Laura has been working on her new website and it almost ready! She is working with Furry Logic. She finally saw Catching Fire and The Dark World. She finished Broadchurch. Her granddaughter had her first birthday and Laura made cupcakes. She and Tony are considering adopting another dog. And now that she is no longer doing Nerd Wars, she is hoping to work more on designs. In the Knitting Bag: (23:41) Jen has been doing a lot of knitting. She has been working on her Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah Fettig out of Fibre Company Organik in Highlands. It's from the book Coastal Knits. She just started a Leah’s Lovely Cardigan out of Malabrigo Sock in Eggplant. She is working on a 2x2 rib scarf for Interval House out of Patons Wool Classic in the colorway Kimono. She's swatching for Chickadee by Ysolda's book Little Red in the City in Quince and Company Chickadee in Slate, Egret, Lichen, and Rosa Rugosa. She is also working on her Watership Down KAL in Unique Sheep Selene in the colorway Nature Walk. Laura has been making a lot of blanket squares for a Firefly afghan out of various scrap yarns. She's also working on a Nigh Side Hat by Preita Salyer for her brother in Broncos colors of Knitpicks Brava (blue, orange, and white). And she is working on a Leftie by Martina Behm, out of a Miss Babs kit in slate and reds. Finished Objects: (30:50) Laura has finished three blanket squares: the Teddy Bear Wash Cloth by Elaine Fitzpatrick in Berroco Comfort DK in brown, the Steggie Wash Baby Bib by Elaine Fitzpatrick (modified to be a square) out of Berroco Comfort DK in brown, and a feather and fan square out of Dizzy Blonde Dirty Blonde miniskeins in Meg and Pussyfootin'. Devil's Tower: (32:48) Jen is kind of annoyed with vanilla socks right now, so she's not working on them. And she's not weaving in the ends of her Mustachioed blanket. Laura may have Jen test knit some non-vanilla socks. Laura's Leftie may go in...it's hovering around. We mention the Knitmore Girls. Frog Pond: (35:06) We both are lucky and have no sad knitting stories. On Deck: (35:28) Jen wants to make a Leftie of her own and will pull stash out to make it. She also wants to make a Hitchhiker and Brickless. She might use some of the Sunnydale Yarn Club yarn for one and some Abstract Fiber for the other. She also wants to make a pair of Water for the Elephants socks by Rose Hiver in some Knitpicks Stroll in a bare (natural) and Summer Blooms (pink). She also wants to make a Lauriel Cardigan by Ysolda out of Wollmeise DK in Pesto. Laura wants to make a Leaf on the Wind "Wash" Cloth by Becka in Berroco Comfort DK in Celery. She also wants to do a Hand to Hold Dishcloth by Rachel van Schie in Dizzy Blond Studios Dirty Blonde DK in Jessica. And she wants to make a pair of mitts of her own design (it will be released as a free pattern eventually) out of a mystery alpaca yarn, for her husband. Jen talks about Edie Eckman’s Where Do They Get Those Numbers? class. Knit Culture: (44:43) We review Hank and Gracie Save the Day from Cooperative Press by Stacy Klaus, illustrated by Molly Wade. It retails for $9.95 for PDF only and $15.95 for print and PDF. We think it's great for kids, so if you have little ones in your life, we recommend it. We do the prizes for Team Knitmore for the Podcaster Throwdown. Winners for the Most Actual Hats: 1st Place: Karen E (she wins a custom dyed skein of Dizzy Blonde yarn) 2nd Place: Cozycouch (she wins a gift certificate to Cards by Erika donated by EricaR) 3rd Place: Seajaneknit (she wins a bag sewn by Jonilvsneddy) Winners for Virtual Hat Donations: Deborah C. and Stacy M. tied for the most virtual hats. They each win a kit with a skein of Imperial Yarn and pattern for Fingerless mitts. Thank you to Imperial Yarn for the generous donation. Random Drawings: punkconformity, steamlolita, Cozycouch, preylek, fraksmom, Kwerkykwilter, Kathleen M, Lifewithmonkey each win a needle case donated by Knit Totes. pbaxter wins a tote bag donated by Knit Totes. Thank you to Knit Totes. Seajaneknit wins a sampler set of needles donated by Knitters Pride. Mimisneedlebasket wins a Knitters Pride Karbonz Size 1 40" Circular Needle. KimHammons wins a Knitters Pride Karbonz Size 3 24" Circular Needle. eatwildsalmon wins a set of Knitters Pride Karbonz DPNS in Size 2. Thank you to Knitter's Pride. Preylek wins a bag sewn by JoniLvsNeddy. Thank you Joni! dpeach, Lifewithmonkey, and allison1031 each win one of Brenda Castiel's patterns of their choice. Thank you Brenda for the donation. Karen E. wins Dizzy Blonde Gift Certificate, donated by Erica R. Carolyn wins three skeins of Green Mountain Spinnery yarn. Thank you Green Mountain Spinnery for the donation! Diane P. wins a kit donated by Bijou Basin Ranch with yarn and one of Marly Bird's hat patterns. Thank you to Bijou Basin Ranch. And Kathy R. wins three skeins of Manos Serena donated by Fairmount Fibers. Thank you to Fairmount Fibers! And thank you to EVERYONE who donated hats (both real and virtual). Geek Culture: (59:28) We talk about geeky etsy stores! Jen loves the microbe cross stitch from Watty's Wall Stuff. Laura loves Self Expression shop, which sells geeky keychains. We also love Black Market Buttons and Catlore Designs for fandom buttons. And we love TheSistersBrimm shop for cosplay/vintage/steampunk hats. We also mention Giant Microbes and Nova Albion. We also talk about GeekGirls.com for some really good computer tutorials. Events: (1:06:00) The Los Angeles Yarn Crawl is April 3rd-6th. Laura is having a meet and greet on Friday, April 4th (this is a correction from last show) from 6:30 to 0:30 at Alamitos Bay Yarn Company. She is having a second meet and greet (also at Alamitos Bay Yarn Company) on Saturday, April 5th from 12pm to 3pm. The Yarnover Truck will be at Alamitos Bay at the same time on Saturday. Laura will have a custom colorway at Alamitos Bay Yarn Company. Jen is not crawling (she is out of town at Craftcation). We will be doing something for WWKIP, so watch this space for details. The date of our event will most likely be on one of the weekends (not on a weekday). Jen will most likely be at the Retzlaff Winery Fleeces, Food, and Fun event on June 7th. Our next milestone prize will be at 1000 members, so join the Ravelry Group.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Dizzy Blonde Studios. For beautifully hand-dyed yarns and inspired knit design, please visit DizzyBlondeStudios.etsy.com Throwdown Update: (1:10) Check out Episode 8.5 for Throwdown information. Thank you to El Segundo Slipt Stitchers for the hats donated! Check out the Podcaster Throwdown group in ravelry. Check out the Halos of Hope website and Ben's interview with Pam Haschke on Fiber Hooligans. The November incentive hat is A Chill in Wonderland by Izzy Schutz. Post completed hats in the the thread to get your hat. New prizes added are: 1. Brenda Castiel is donating some patterns 2. Linelle Kennedy of KnitTotes has donated some circular needle cases and a tote bag 3. Heather of Mad Color has donated a skein of yarn. Catching Up: (9:05) Laura loved the CogKnitive Fibre Retreat and is taking care of the admin for the post-marketplace and dying a lot to prepare for WeFF. Her voice is back. The remodel is making her crazy, but it's almost done and to channel that, she is planning a trip. Jen has been spinning! She's working on Knitpicks fiber. She really enjoys it. She saw the film Gravity, which had a lot of space geekery and the film Enough Said, which had knitting in it! In The Knitting Bag: (18:30) Laura has been working on a new sock pattern to be knit in Lambie Toes in the color No Touching Guns. She's test knitting the A Chill in Wonderland hat in Knitpicks Brava Worsted. And she is working on the third version of her Companion beaded choker in Hempathy. Jen is still working on her 30 Day Sweater in the Dizzy Blonde Superwash DK in the colorway Anna. She's also working on Ron's sock, which are the Bed Sock in Lemon Pattern with Fancy Knit Stripe from Knitting Vintage Socks out of Koigu. She's working on another Gerri Hat for the Throwdown out of the Peter Pan Wendy Yarn in pink. She is also making a Minion Hat for Halloween out of Plymouth Encore. We confirm that 30 is no longer even close to middle aged and that middle aged is a silly concept. Finished Objects: (26:07) Laura has finished her Udones out of Knitpicks Palette in clover. She also finshed her Broncos Gridiron Scarf (Lattice Wingspan) out of Mean Girls Yarn Club Hoar's Yer Buddy. She needs to block it, but she has no room. Jen never finishes anything. She has tons of projects on hold for the 30 day sweater, including her Rocky Coast Cardigan, her Sunshine Socks, her secret Christmas project, and her shawl design for Knit Dizzney. Devil's Tower: (32:19) Laura is putting her Sassy-tis (Clapotis) in the Devil's Tower until November, so it can be a flexible schedule for Nerd Wars. Same with her Tree of Life Fingerless Mitts. Jen has everything in Devil's Tower. Frog Pond: (34:58) Jen thought she lost her knitting, but she really just misplaced it. On Deck: (35:59) Laura will do some more hats, both for the throwdown and her family, possibly the Sous Chef hat. Jen will be working on throwdown hats, a shawl for Melissa, a sweater for her nephew, the Knit Dizzney shawl, and her own sweater design. Knit Culture: (38:10) We review Fiber Factor Challenge 5. Geek Culture: (55:51) We talk about awesome geeky knitting and crochet including: 1. Baby's First DNA Model by Kimberley Chapman 2. An article about Mathematical Knitting from American Scientist. 3. This very detailed knit skeleton by Ben Cuevas 4. Emily Stoneking's dissection models 5. Golden Spiral by Woolly Thoughts which uses the Fibonacci Sequence 6. Hyperbolic Hexagon Socks by H. Lurie 7. Illusion Tessellation by Deborah Tomasello (and she has socks as wells). We also mention the What Would Madame Defarge Knit? books and the Jane Austen Knits. Events: (1:03:25) We are having a Knitalong in October! The Socktober Knitalong! Knit something (anything (hats)) out of sock yarn (fingering weight or any yarn that would make good socks) or knit socks out of any weight yarn between October 1st and October 31st. Post finished projects there for a chance to win a prize. Please do a separate entry for each project. Hiya Hiya has provided some prizes and Joni has given a project bag as a prize. We will be at the Southern California Handweaver’s Guild Annual Weaving and Fiber Festival (WEFF) at the Torrance Convention Center on Sunday November, 3rd. Parking is free, entry is seven dollars. Laura will be vending. You can drop off Halos Hats at her booth. We may be doing some knitalong action with Yarn on Tap there for the Throwdown; we will keep you posted. Come say hi. We are working on some knitalong events for the Throwdown. We will keep you updated. It will involve Sharknado and cake. There will be a Dizzy Blonde trunk show at Colors 91711 in Claremont on November 23 from 2-6pm. There will be Lambie Toes for sale. New milestone drawing at 500 members, so join our Ravelry group!

Organizing your queue, Charr and Bronwyn visit This show by sponsored by my Longaberger Home Business and Quince & Co. Wool 3 has just been released with gorgeous new designs! Show notes at www.knittingpipeline.com  A special welcome to new listeners from A Playful Day Podcast.  Thank you Green Triangle Girl for the interview and for sending new listeners my way. Charr and Bronwyn are joining me today in The Blethering Room.  We had some faulty brain synapses and we are blaming that on our Post Camp KIP Let Down.  Also I had the mic too close to the computer so there is some background noise today that I normally don’t have.  Grosbeaks are back and also the White Throated Sparrow! Franklin the Wild Turkey is pecking on the windows. Camp KIP organized by Jackie of the Positively Overcommitted Podcast Good Reader $4.99 app Thank you, Dorothy, for the tutorial! Brenda Castiel aka Goodstuff gave a talk on designing. Paula’s projects at Camp: Breezy by Hannah Fettig Quince & Co Tern Boothbay Blue. KnitBot Essentials by Hannah Fettig  (We are giving away a copy of the book signed by Hannah Fettig and Pam Allen…details coming soon!) Skyp Ribbed Socks by Adrienne Ku McHenry Hat by Susan B Anderson Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2011 and $5.50 individual pattern.  KathieR very nicely told me that the patterns are separate $5.50 each or the e-mag is $7.49 from Interweave. Paula inspired by Effortless Cardigan knitted by Astrid Purls (link to Angela’s project page); Wingspan by maylin Tri'Coterie Designs; Beaded Pi Shawl by Karen Woolen Warrior and Mary/KnitAdmin’s Pi Shawl; Liesl by Ysolda Teague.  I’ve knitted two of these but I liked Allison’s version in longer length with long sleeves; Koigu Beaded Beret by Church Mouse Yarns and Teas knitted and worn by Angela of Fleur de Fiber.  Great way to use left-over sock yarn is it calls for 175 yds; Haruni by Emily Ross  Bronwyn’s Projects at Camp: In Pursuit of an Illusion by Woolly Thoughts; Gratitude Shawl by me.  KAL with The Fat Squirrel Speaks Podcast Bronwyn’s Camp Inspiration: Glenda Wrapped in Stars by Mary aka KnitAdmin; Royale by Glenna C. worn by Gretchen aka maplemom  Charr’s Projects at Camp: Piper’s Journey by Paula Emons-Fuessle; Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku Charr’s door prize fiber was from The Thylacine and the spindle is unmarked (no wonder she couldn’t remember the name!) so we assume it is from them also. Charr's inspiration: Sock Yarn Blanket by Shelley Kang, Capitol Knits by Tanis Gray We talk about organizing your queue on Ravelry.  Thank you, Thumperina/Tracy!