Podcasts about eucalan

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about creating a best-selling art and illustration company with my guest, Mary Engelbreit. Over 40 years ago, Mary Engelbreit launched her own company with a strong desire for creative freedom and a line of 12 greeting cards. The head of a highly successful business bearing her name, Mary is one of the country's premier designers and artists. She is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style and design sensibility, modestly referred to as “eclectic traditional”. Mary's signature art, imbued with spirited wit and warmth, appears on thousands of products, including greeting cards, books (design, gift, children's, cooking, home, and art), calendars, stationery, fabric, crafts, kitchen accessories, dinnerware, and other home décor items. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Eucalan. “Looking for the best way to care for your handmade and delicate items? Eucalan Delicate Wash is a no-rinse, eco-friendly laundry solution designed for knitwear, quilts, embellished garments, and more. With five gentle scents and a formula that extends the life of your fabrics, Eucalan is a must-have for knitters and crafters alike. Learn more at Eucalan.com +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today. .

Spring is coming soon, which is the perfect time of year to think about getting your sweaters ready for the end of sweater weather. To dive into sweater care and maintenance, Lee and Stacey are joined by producer Andi and coworkers Jen and Regan to discuss how we care for garments.    Plus, Lee and Stacey chat about their current knitting projects and the movies they watched while working on them.   00:03 Welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast! 00:18 Lee and Stacey share what they're been up to. 15:10 Andi, Jen, and Regan join Lee and Stacey for a discussion on sweater care! 18:55 The group discusses their normal sweater wash routine and pet hair management (or lack of it). 31:00 How does everyone block their older knits after washing? 35:50 The next topic is end-of-season sweater storage! 39:27 Maintenance routines get discussed 48:46 What does everyone do with their handknits that are at the ends of their life, despite good maintenance? 54:45 Our final question is what are the essential tools for sweater care for new sweater knitters? 60:11 Credits   Hawthorne DK yarn https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/hawthorne-dk/c/5420481?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Deep Winter Hat pattern https://www.woolandpine.com/product-page/deep-winter-hat Lee's movie theater sweater project (ravelry link) https://www.ravelry.com/projects/leethal/tensho-pullover-artist Lee's Letterboxd https://letterboxd.com/LeeDoesStuff/ Lee's movie theater tee project (ravelry project) https://www.ravelry.com/projects/leethal/movie-theater-stripey-summer-tee Samia yarn https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/samia/c/5420462?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Lee's improvised orange cabled cardigan project (ravelry link) https://www.ravelry.com/projects/leethal/orange-bulky-cabled-cardigan Waterville Cardigan pattern https://www.knitpicks.com/waterville-cardigan/p/54229D?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Homestead Cables collection https://www.knitpicks.com/sale/homestead-cables/c/30218501?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Swish Bulky yarn https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/swish-bulky/c/5420176?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Lee's Soup Swap with recipe https://leedoesstuff.com/2024/03/03/sooooup-swap-pumpkin-black-bean-beer-cheese-soup-recipe-four-more-soup-recipes/ Stacey's oldest sweater (ravelry link) https://ravel.me/BabblingStacey/cph Lee's UK/Ireland trip sweater https://blog.knitpicks.com/travel-knitting-my-uk-ireland-trip-sweater/?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Jen's Foxtrot Cardigan (ravelry link) https://www.ravelry.com/projects/jenjenn/foxtrot-cardigan Wool washes https://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/wool-wash/c/300532?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Wash basins https://www.knitpicks.com/search?q=wash+basin?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Struckets https://www.knitpicks.com/search?q=strucket?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Gleener Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush https://www.knitpicks.com/gleener-fabric-shaver-lint-brush/p/85076?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Lint Shaver https://www.knitpicks.com/lint-shaver/p/80635?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 March is for Mending 2023 podcast episode https://blog.knitpicks.com/episode-360-march-is-for-mending/?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Eucalan wool wash https://www.knitpicks.com/eucalan-woolwash-16-9-oz/g/Eucalan?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Soak wool wash https://www.knitpicks.com/soak-wash/g/SoakWash?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Minisoak packets https://www.knitpicks.com/soak-wash-minisoak-travel-pack-assorted/p/82279?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Kookaburra wool wash https://www.knitpicks.com/kookaburra-delicate-wool-wash/g/KookaburraDelicate?&utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=episode379 Regan's knits on instagram https://www.instagram.com/fiberregan/

De breivriendinnen zitten gezellig samen bij een kopje thee te keuvelen, terwijl buiten de winter woedt. Loes ontsnapte aan bevriezingsverschijnselen omdat ze met de blote handen haar autootje sneeuwvrij had moeten maken. Jackie koestert haar #Woodwardiasweater die haar lekker warm houdt. En ondertussen staat er van alles op de naalden. Loes breit verder aan de #luluslipover en is niet helemaal tevreden over de boordjes aan de armsgaten. Het is niet haar gewoonte maar Loes heeft een tweede project opgezet ! Ze koos voor de #sophiesscarf. Jackie breide een #sundaykjole voor haar kleindochtertje. Wat een tof patroon dat heel geschikt is voor beginnende breisters. Het resultaat is een stoer jurkje gebreid in sokkengaren van Life in the Long grass. Jackie was zo enthousiast over het patroon dat ze het prompt een tweede maal opgezet heeft, deze keer maakt ze er een sweater van. En ze kocht ook garen voor een muts. Het wordt een patroon van Novita dat via @julija_breit onder haar aandacht kwam met de leuke naam I'm so mohair, #imsomohair. En wisten jullie dat je Alpacawol beter niet met Eucalan wast? Hou je steken goed op een rij en veel luisterplezier!

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comShow Notes:As we head into colder months, we're spending more time inside and our homes are closed up tighter. It's important to consider ways to improve your indoor air quality to lower your exposure to toxins, reduce the risk of mold, and expensive repairs from ice damage. We talk about all this in this episode!Host Bio & LinksEmma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast NetworkThe EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnershipsAudio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comShow Notes:Gas stoves might be great for cooking on, but are they healthy or green? We dive into some research done on the impact of gas stoves on indoor air quality, and Emma talks about the move to electrify our buildings and why it's something to think about.Host Bio & LinksEmma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast NetworkThe EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnershipsAudio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comShow Notes:With 11 episodes under our belt, we thought it was a good time to recap some of the key lessons learned from our incredible guests to help you take action on a range of healthy green home strategies. Listen as Emma reflects on the conversations she's had over the past 9 months and shares her insights into how you can create a healthy, green home, with less overwhelm.Host Bio & LinksEmma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast NetworkThe EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnershipsAudio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comIntro:Michael Rubino is an air quality expert and wellness advocate, helping to bridge the gap between our homes and their direct impact on health. He is the founder and CEO of HomeCleanse (formerly known as All American Restoration), a company dedicated to addressing the worldwide health epidemic caused by poor indoor air quality. Michael is also the founder of Change the Air Foundation, a nonprofit committed to empowering the world to achieve better health by establishing safer and healthier indoor environments.List of Topics Covered:What is the problem with mould?What are some of the biggest culprits of moldy homes that you've seen?What should we do if we suspect or know we have a mold issue in our homes? And what should we not do?What are common pitfalls in the remediation industry to watch out for?Links:homecleanse.comthemoldmedic.comFacebook:@themoldmedic@homecleansecoInstagram@themoldmedic@homecleanseHost Bio & LinksEmma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast NetworkThe EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnershipsAudio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comIntro:Tim Swackahmmer is the Founder and CEO of Mold Medics and Mold Medics Franchising. Mold Medics is dedicated to helping people improve the environmental quality of their homes through Mold Remediation, Air Duct Cleaning, Radon Mitigation, and other environmental services.This episode is focused on radon in your home and what it is.We chat about: how to know if your home has a radon issuewhat to do if tests show high levels of RadonWhat costs are involved in remediation How often one should test for RadonLinks:www.moldmedics.comhttp://moldmedicsfranchising.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-swackhammer-15869861https://www.linkedin.com/company/mold-medicswww.facebook.com/MoldMedicsPGH/Host Bio & LinksEmma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast NetworkThe EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnershipsAudio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comIntro:Bettina Hoar is the founder of Sage Living Toronto, a sustainable building consulting firm specialising in health and well-being in the sustainably built environment. This episode is fantastically rich with insights and information! We talk about how to choose a team, costing, energy efficiency considerations and so much more.Links:https://www.sagelivingtoronto.com/https://www.instagram.com/sagelivingto/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/SageLivingTOHost Bio & Links:Emma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast Network:The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comIntro:Alexandra is a globally recognized change agent in non-toxic fashion and a leading voice in the international dialogue to turn fashion lovers into conscious consumers through education and action. To help shed light on the hidden epidemic of harmful chemicals in the clothing people wear and serve as a trusted source of content that would help close the transparency gap that exists between consumers and fashion and apparel brands, Alexandra founded Fashion FWD in 2018 and is a frequent speaker on sustainable fashion topics.Alexandra previously served on the U.S. sustainability team, Sancroft, Chaired by the UK's former Secretary of State for the Environment and Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Lord Deben. When not sharing ideas to move fashion forward in the boardrooms of leading brands around the world, Alexandra can be found educating students through the global business of fashion.List of Topics Covered:Toxins in clothesMobilizing change in the manufacturing of clothesGreenwashing claimsHow consumers can drive changeLinks:www.fashionfwd.orgInstagram: https://instragram.com/fashion_fwd Host Bio & Links:Emma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast Network:The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comIntro:Learning about and acting on toxins, environmental degradation, and other hard topics requires the capacity to do so without letting it drag you down. It can be easy to sink into fear and despair, feeling like it's too big to handle. We are needed. And we can make a difference. So we need the capacity to tackle hard things. I was lucky enough to start to build this capacity with support from Lindsay Coulter when I worked with her in the David Suzuki Foundation's Queen of GreenTM Coaching Program. I invited her to chat with me to help you build capacity too. Lindsay Coulter is a dedicated mother of two, naturalist, community catalyst, soul activist, mentor, writer and horse lover in Victoria, B.C. She seeks to inspire others to claim sane leadership and find better ways to be in this world together. She believes in creating good human society wherever we are, whenever we can with the people and resources available to us now. Her expertise is as a green living expert for more than a decade, as former David Suzuki's Queen of GreenTM, a leader, mentor, facilitator, community catalyst, compassion cultivator, soul activist and courageous conversation starter. List of Topics Covered:What it means to take sane actionSimple ways to build community and why this is essentialHow we can reconnect to nature in an increasingly disconnected worldEco-grief and building the capacity to copeHow to show up on social media Having conversations with people who aren't on boardHope and fear in chaotic timesLinks:You can find Lindsay here:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaneAction On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saneaction The forest and nature school, EPIC: https://epiclearningcentre.org/ Other links mentioned:Margaret Wheatley "Beyond hope and fear": https://www.margaretwheatley.com/articles/BeyondHopeandFear.pdf Nature & Children: https://childnature.ca/taking-care-of-the-heart-through-nature-play-and-connection-in-chaotic-times/About the EcoParent Podcast Network:The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network.This episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comAbout the Episode:Linda Alexanian, Founder of Organic Weave, is the third generation of her family in the rug business.Her commitment to end child labor in India's carpet industry dates back to 1990, when no agencies existed to monitor child labor. A founding member of Rug Mark (now GoodWeave), Linda has worked tirelessly with industry, government and NGO's to eliminate child labor in India.Linda established Organic Weave to give sustainable income to women artisans in India.In this episode we cover: 1. What you should know about the rug industry.2. How household textiles are regulated.3. How organic rugs differ from conventional rugs, and what various certifications are out there.4. What should consumers look for and what should they avoid when selecting a rug for their home.5. What greenwashing trends are commonLinks Mentioned:https://global-standard.org/https://organicweaveshop.com/Follow Organic Weave on Instagram: https://instagram.com/organicweave Host Bio & LinksEmma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast NetworkThe EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnershipsAudio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsThis episode is generously sponsored by Eucalan: https://www.eucalan.comAbout the Episode:EMFs - electromagnetic fields - and EMR - electromagnetic radiation - are topics that can be hard to dissect. There's a lot of conflicting information out there, and knowing how embedded wireless technology is with our society it can be hard to even want to go there. But I don't shy away from a challenge. In this episode I'm talking with Ashley Spanovich, founder of Awakening Spaces, about how she incorporates health into her design practice and specifically her studies to be an electromagnetic radiation specialist.We discuss:What are EMFs and EMRWhat we know about the health effects and what are the unknownsWhat can homeowners do to reduce their exposure Guest Bio & Links:Awakening Spaces is a full service interior design and consulting firm that support health conscious individuals and those who have been impacted by mold, chemicals, and EMFs create safe nurturing spaces.IG: @awakeningspaceshttps://www.awakeningspaces.com Headshot photograph by: Halle Madeleine (freeenergycollective.com)Host Bio & Links:Emma Rohmann is an environmental engineer and mom of 2 who brings over 15 years of experience as an accredited green building consultant. She has been helping families reduce toxins in their homes for over 5 years through her business, Green at Home.IG: @emma_greenathomehttps://greenathome.ca About the EcoParent Podcast Network:The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family's health, the planet and to our children's future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids' nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life! www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsPartnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by Carlay Ream-Neal. This episode was edited by Emily Groleau.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode was generously sponsored by Eucalan. www.eucalan.com Show Notes:In this episode, Emma chats with Stephanie Seferian, author of the book Sustainable Minimalism, about practical ways to reduce clutter and maintain a minimalist lifestyle - even as a busy parent. We cover:1. What sustainable minimalism means2. The benefits of having a more minimalist lifestyle3. How busy families can make the time to reduce clutter for a fresh start4. Tips for maintaining a clutter-free home 5. Biggest mistakes people make and how to avoid themLinks to Learn More:https://www.mamaminimalist.comwww.instagram.com/mommyminimalisthttps://amzn.to/3fT4OorPartnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by the incredible Kattie Laur.This pilot episode was made possible with support from Ontario Creates.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode was generously sponsored by Eucalan. www.eucalan.com Show Notes:Emma sat down with Johnny Pujol, a water expert experienced in contaminant research, testing and treatment. He has developed several new water treatment technologies for arsenic, fluoride and heavy metal remediation as well as advised on UV LED technology for pathogen and pharmaceutical inactivation. John has a Masters in Engineering from UC Berkeley and Bachelors in Economics from Boston University.We discuss:Why you should test your water.What kinds of contaminants are in our drinking water.What contaminants should be tested for at a minimum, for urban and well water suppliesRegulatory vs health-focused detection limits and maximum concentrationsThe worst advice you've heard someone get about filtering their waterAdvice for someone looking to filter their waterJohnny's company SimpleLab (formerly SimpleWater, Inc.) is an award-winning science and health services company founded at the University of California in Berkeley with the mission of improving your drinking water and long term health. Tap Score is a service for easy home water testing and reporting, created by SimpleLab.Links for More Info:http://www.mytapscore.com/Partnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by the incredible Kattie Laur.This pilot episode was made possible with support from Ontario Creates.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcastsThis episode was generously sponsored by Eucalan. www.eucalan.com Show Notes:Candice Batista is an award winning Environmental Journalist and one of Canada's leading eco advocates. Her career spans national and international media outlets, where she has used her background in environmental studies and media & communications to produce and report on various environmental and climate issues for primarily television and digital audiences including Huffington Post, The Globe & Mail, The Weather Network, CityTV, Rogers Television, The Pet Network, iChannel, and CTV, where she is currently the National Eco Expert for the stations number 1 daytime talk show, The Marilyn Denis Show. Candice is also the editor-in-chief of theecohub.com, Canada's #1 resource for sustainable living.In this episode she chats with Emma about:Myths she wants to bust about going low wasteHer take on the zero waste movementBenefits of making low-waste swapsWhere to start a low-waste journeyTop tips for making low waste a sustainable habitLinks:https://www.instagram.com/candicebatista/ https://theecohub.ca Partnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by the incredible Kattie Laur.This pilot episode was made possible with support from Ontario Creates.

Healthy Green Homes is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts This episode was generously sponsored by Eucalan. www.eucalan.com Show Notes:This is a guest that needs little introduction for many of you. Meghan Telpner is a Toronto-based author, speaker, nutritionist, and founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. She is also passionate about healthy living, and has first-hand experience renovating with healthy home goals in mind. Emma sat down with her to find out what she learned. We discuss:What got Meghan interested in toxins in the beginning and what her journey was like.What did this journey look like for you?What her green reno journey taught her. Recommendations for others embarking on green renos.Meghan's favourite healthy home hack. Meghan has written two bestselling books: UnDiet: Eat Your Way to Vibrant Health and The UnDiet Cookbook. Meghan's success in cultivating a global community of UnDiet enthusiasts and Culinary Nutrition Experts has garnered her a feature in Forbes, and ranked her as one of the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada.Links Mentioned:https://www.meghantelpner.com/https://www.instagram.com/meghantelpner/https://www.facebook.com/meghantelpnerPartnerships:Audio magic on this episode was performed by the incredible Kattie Laur.This pilot episode was made possible with support from Ontario Creates.

Our Summer Spin In is underway and in this episode we answer listener questions on washing a fleece and drafting techniques. Show notes with full transcript, photos, and links can be found in the podcast section of our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Subscribe on Android or Subscribe on Google Podcasts Marsha's Projects Walk Along Tee by Ankestrick (Ravelry link) It has been slow going but the sleeves are done and I've started the bottom ribbing! Halfway on the foot on the second sock of a pair of socks for myself using Drops Fabel Print that I bought in San Luis Obispo.   My Barber Pole spinning project has hit a road bump. All the green and brown has been plied into a three-ply. I decided to spin a bobbin of just dark brown in Navajo (or chain) ply. This was not successful because I'm an uneven spinner and this technique emphasizes the variation. Back to the drawing board. Kelly's Projects  Faye's Flower Blanket, a crochet project, is mostly sewn together. The triangles and corners need to be put on. I am using single crochet to attach them all. The pattern is Persian Tile Blanket (Ravelry link) by Jane Crowfoot. I am using Knit Picks Brava worsted. Finished one charity hat. It's a beanie style with a small 1” ribbing and the rest is just stockinette with two fingering yarns held together.  Dishcloths! I've made about 7 dishcloths out of some cotton spirit yarn that Marsha and I dyed about 4 years ago and never did anything with.  Spinning Questions We Answered:  Drafting Techniques: What are the different drafting techniques and what are some tips? How are you drafting? What hand is where? Short, medium, long… Forward, backward…   Drafting techniques: what have you used and what is your favourite? What is the preparation? Commercial preparation: top vs roving vs sliver vs batts Abby Franquemont's take on it How to get started with long draw? Here is a good article: Seven Drafting Techniques How do you wash a fleece? Here is a good article: Washing Grease Fleece and for further information you can listen to our episode on washing a fleece and read the show notes for lots of links! Washing: Episode 27B Fiber Myth Busting Bonus Episode. Resources:  The Intentional Spinner: A holistic approach to making yarn. Judith MacKenzie McCuin. 2009. The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning: Being a compendium of information, advice, and opinions on the noble art and craft. Alden Amos. 2001. More cool info! A Spinner's Study Ravelry group. This month's breeds (June 2021) are Finn and Teeswater. The spinning challenge for the month is “Spinning and Plying the Other Way.” From SalPal, Sarah: The Three Waters Farm Ravelry group maintains a bundle and thread of patterns that are good for handspun. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#pattern-topic=257… Momdiggity--Jo Ann suggests that any pattern calling for Spin Cycle yarn would be a good pattern for handspun.  Spring Summer 2021 Knitty-Spin column by Jilian Moreno: Planning for a Project-The Beginning Drafting from Worsted to Woolen, Craftsy class be Jacey Boggs Faulkner. Summer  Spin In Memorial Day - Labor Day May 31st - September 6th  Transcript of Show Marsha 0:03 Hi, this is Marsha and this is Kelly. We are the Two Ewes of Two Ewes Fiber Adventures. Thanks for stopping by. Kelly 0:10 You'll hear about knitting, spinning, dyeing, crocheting, and just about anything else we can think of as a way to play with string. Marsha 0:17 We blog and post show notes at Two Ewes Fiber Adventure dot com. Kelly 0:22 And we invite you to join our Two Ewes Fiber Adventures group on Ravelry. I'm 1hundredprojects, Marsha 0:29 and I am betterinmotion. Kelly 0:31 We are both on Instagram and Ravelry. And we look forward to meeting you there. Both 0:36 Enjoy the episode. Marsha 0:43 Good morning, Kelly. Kelly 0:44 Hi, Marsha. People will notice that we are not together. We're coming at you from separate microphones in separate states. Marsha 0:58 And yes, I think we have thought it would happen. But well, we should explain why we thought it was going to happen. Maybe people don't know that we were together over the Memorial Day weekend. That you and Robert drove up from California Kelly 1:12 It was a very exciting trip, for lots of reasons. Marsha 1:17 And well, so we should say that you brought the two dogs. You brought Bailey, who travels pretty well. She's gone camping with you hasn't she? Kelly 1:26 she's gone... Well, not too much because of the pandemic. Marsha 1:32 Okay, Kelly 1:32 So she's gone on two camping trips. The first one was right before the pandemic started. And she was... she was just learning. You know, we had not had her all that long. And so she got a lot of walks. And she was-- we were really worried about, you know, leaving her in the crate when we had to leave the trailer and stuff like that, because she went crazy and broke crate doors and stuff. And then the last time we went camping was in November of 2020. So she's only been twice but she's pretty good. Yeah. I mean, at least she's, she's more experienced at living with us. Yeah. then then then Beary. Kelly 1:40 And then I'm sure this is Beary's first camping trip. Kelly 2:23 I would guess, yeah. Marsha 2:25 And he did great. They will both dogs did great Kelly 2:29 Well Beary came to us not even really knowing how to get into the car, and not liking getting into the car and he has a ramp that we use to get him in. And at the SPCA they were really, you know, really careful to tell us you, you can't push him up the ramp, and you have to lure him with food and toys and you know, get that cheese in the can and you can spray it on the ramp, get him up there. And anyway, we didn't do that. But we did use a lot of liver and we taught him to get up into the truck, which is much higher than a regular car, with the ramp. So we were practicing. We were practicing on the ramp for a couple of weeks before we left. Marsha 3:14 It's steep! That ramp is pretty steep The truck is really tall and the ramp is not that long, either. It's what, six feet maybe Kelly 3:23 Maybe Yeah, Marsha 3:24 unfolded. So it ends up being kind of a steep ramp. And I was watching and he does sort of have to get a running start. Kelly 3:31 Yes. {laughing] Marsha 3:32 And then don't stop. You don't want him to stop on that ramp. Kelly 3:36 He'll just start sliding back down. But, and when we're first practicing, he would get tired. Like he would go up it a couple times. You know, I could only do it, I can only practice with him a few times because maybe like by the fourth time it was too much work. Now he's in much better shape now. Marsha 3:56 Well, so we have to talk a little bit about well, there's so many things. I know that, but you guys, you basically arrived on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, which I don't know what the date is that like the 29th I think or something like that. Kelly 4:10 Something like that. Marsha 4:10 I don't remember, anyway. And you left Tuesday morning. So Memorial Day was Monday and you left Tuesday morning. And while you were here I think Saturday we just sat on the deck the whole day, didn't we? Kelly 4:25 Yeah. Marsha 4:26 And we took the... we took our dogs for walks through the neighborhood and then just sat on the deck and everything. And then both Sunday and Monday we took them to the dog park at Magnuson Park which is on... people who are not in Seattle that's on Lake Washington. It's a former, I believe, Navy base that's been converted to quite a nice park with all sorts of different activities there. Anyway, one part of it is a dog park where you can take your dogs off leash and you were, I think, a little worried about Beary at first, but you let him off and he did fine. Kelly 5:05 Yeah, I wasn't sure. You know, we only had him a month. He doesn't really have much in the way of training. And you know, he recognizes his name, I think. And then he doesn't have a reliable, you know, come when called. But it was such a long walk from the parking lot to the dog park that he wasn't he wasn't fast enough to get away from me. If he wasn't coming. If he wasn't coming, I could have run over and gotten him and brought him back to where he needed to be so that... Marsha 5:43 Well, yeah, because I be parked at the southern end which then you have a long walk to the dog par. There's a parking lot that you just walk a few feet to the dog park but of course, I made them go on the long one, but it was better. It was funny though watching him because, and we've talked about this Kelly... I should also say too, that the three dogs Bailey and Beary and Enzo all got along pretty well. They--when you guys first arrived, we just took them for a walk. And Enzo was. really curious as to what who these dogs were and what was going on, but we didn't have any problems at all with them Marsha 6:19 No, they were fine. A little grumbling and raised lip Marsha 6:22 yeah, Kelly 6:23 And hey, this is my space. But it wasn't bad. It was it was relatively easy. Also just so everyone knows, they were also very highly managed. Marsha 6:35 Yes, Yes, they were. Well, they were. Kelly 6:39 It felt easy, because we were doing a lot of work to make it that way. Marsha 6:42 Yes. Well, they were on leash a lot all three dogs were on leash. And I think Enza was on a leash the night you arrived. Yeah, Friday night and then a good part of Saturday. Yeah. And then I finally let him off leash it because he was pretty good. I mean, he was pretty good about leaving them alone once they all kind of lost interest in each other. Kelly 6:48 Yeah, Marsha 7:04 But your your dogs were on a leash a lot and then oh, at dinnertime you would put them, you know, put them in the truck. So...Yes, there was a lot of managing going on. Kelly 7:15 Yes, in their giant four wheel drive silver crate. [laughing] Marsha 7:20 Yeah. Just a side note about that truck. I've never seen such a big truck! I mean that it's...I hope Robert doesn't listen to this. Kelly 7:32 It's Ridiculous! Marsha 7:33 I'm sure it's lovely. But it's it's so big. And the... And I know Kelly, you're, you're shorter than I am. Right. And I'm not a giant but I'm also not really short either. I'm just average height. But I swear the hood of the truck is over my head or level with my head it'ss so tall. Kelly 7:35 That's ridiculous. And the key fob weighs about 17 pounds. Marsha 8:05 Because if you drive a big truck, you have to have a key fob with some heft to it. Kelly 8:10 Yeah, it's a it's a manly truck in the most ridiculous way. But I have to say it. It got us up there and got us back. Marsha 8:23 And filled with furniture Kelly 8:25 filled with furniture, filled with dogs. Yeah, it's gonna pull a bigger trailer because that's another part of the reason we went up there was to take a look at a trailer that we bought that we're having worked on. That will replace the little trailer. It'll be a little bit bigger. And so this truck will pull that bigger trailer. So you know, I can't laugh about it too much. But Marsha 8:49 yes, stop your complaining! It's funny, because I did think that your old truck was big. It seems small compared to this one. Kelly 9:01 Yeah, yeah. If they were sitting next to each other, it would look puny. Mm hmm. Yeah. Marsha 9:08 Anyway, but uh, yeah. So that so part of the trip was to go look at the trailer, which is in Bend Oregon, right. So you looked at that, and then you came up. And then the other part of the trip, besides seeing me and Ben and my brother in the dog thing was to pick up furniture. Kelly 9:28 That you and Mark had been very graciously storing for us throughout the pandemic. Yeah. Marsha 9:37 And I think the mirror was actually Kelly 9:39 a year before the pandemic. Marsha 9:42 I think it's more than that. Kelly 9:42 No, I mean, it was a year before the pandemic started. Marsha 9:45 Oh, yeah, I think we've had it two plus years. Yeah. Kelly 9:48 Cuz we were supposed to come pick it up. We were planning to come pick it up last year, but the pandemic happened so it had already been in your house, a year when we were, when the pandemic. At least a year when the pandemic started. So yeah, Marsha 10:04 you posted on Instagram about getting... like... something like getting your crap out of our house. And I didn't say this, but what I wanted to say is it didn't really make a dent. [laughing] Anyway, but it's very nice you have the mirror and then a secretary that my brother had found and Robert's using that, and he's very excited about it. He's been posting pictures of it on Instagram Kelly 10:33 Yeah, he's very excited. So yeah, he likes it. Marsha 10:38 And it's old. Kelly 10:39 And it's fancy, because Robert is fancy. [laughing] Marsha 10:44 So my brother says it's from 1790 to 1810. Something around that. Kelly 10:49 Kind of cool. I wish it could talk. Marsha 10:51 I know. But you know what I was thinking. It's a perfect place for you to write with your fountain pens. You need to use your antique fountain pens. Kelly 10:59 Oh, yeah. Well, I don't know that he's gonna let me near it. [laughing] Marsha 11:08 Well, it's very nice. Anyway, but the so the dogs were great. I was laughing though. When we were walking through the dog park, that Enzo and Bailey, were darting all around sniffing and you know how they run ahead and then they run behind you and they run ahead. And Beary reminds me of a container ship, you know that it takes three miles to stop. He doesn't... he just walks in a line. He doesn't veer off to the right or left like he, if he sniffs anything, he sniffs it because he is crossed his path, or his path has crossed it. Not that he's... you know, where the other dogs, ooh they smell something and they start off in another direction? He doesn't do that. Kelly 11:50 He conserves his energy. Marsha 11:52 He conserves his energy. And didn't we notice we think that he... we were laughing we thought he had a little bit of a waist. Yes. Kelly 12:05 Because I can almost feel a rib. Marsha 12:12 He is a very sweet dog. Kelly 12:14 He's very good. Yeah, I was very, very pleased with how well he did and when we... we camped in a tent. And it turned out to be a six person tent, which was perfect because there's me and there's Robert and there's Bailey and then there's Bearry who's like three people, so we fit perfectly. But when we blew up the air mattress inside of the tent and, you know, made the bed and he comes in and he immediately lays down on the air mattress like "Well, good god. Finally you got me the right size of dog pillow." He was just so funny. He cracks me up. He's a very, very goofy dog. And he just, he's a lot of fun. So he had a great time. Bailey worries a lot. But I think she had a good time too. And I had a great time. And we didn't have time to record. Marsha 13:14 We didn't have time to record. We didn't even really knit very much. Kelly 13:18 Not very. You were able to do some on your on your sweater. But yeah, I did a couple dishcloths. Marsha 13:23 A little bit and we were mostly just managing dogs, getting furniture, you know, walking dogs. Cooking, talking. Whatever. And the weather was gorgeous. Kelly 13:41 I was surprised for that time of year. I was kind of surprised. And I felt really lucky that the weather was so good. Marsha 13:47 So we spent pretty much three full days on the deck. Kelly 13:49 Yeah, it was nice. It's very nice. Well, let's talk about what you were working on on the deck. Marsha? Marsha 13:56 Oh, yes. What was I working on? Oh, my projects. Oh, so my... Well, my sweater. And we had a some conversations about my sweater too. So the Walk Along tee by Anka Stricke. I have to tell you where I am now. I think actually, I can't remember, Kelly. I was working on the sleeves when you were here, wasn't I? Yes, it was my second sleeve. Anyway, I finished both sleeves. Kelly 14:21 Yeah. Marsha 14:22 And I was listening to our last episode. And I was talking about making them not three quarter length, but just to hit just above the elbow. We had that whole conversation about what's the right length. Anyway, and I ended up making them so they hit sort of, you know, halfway between the arm pit and the elbow. So they're not...they're not capped, So they're not capped sleeves, but they're not...They're definitely not three quarter and they're definitely not down to the elbow. Kelly 14:53 Yeah, they're like a regular sleeve, I think they're like a regular short sleeve. Yeah, that's like a regular --like a women's t shirt short sleeve? Marsha 15:02 Yeah, yeah. Yeah. And, and I'm gonna have plenty of yarn. I was worried about yarn. And we've had a lot of conversations about that. I'm fine. And I... Kelly 15:12 The dreaded yarn chicken is not on the table! Marsha 15:13 Yeah, yes. And I did. So the last episode, I think I was talking about how I had put the body on waste yarn and was gonna do the sleeves, and then go back to the body. So now I have gone back to the body. And when you were here, we I tried it on. You said I should make it an inch longer before I start the ribbing, which I've done. And now I've done... I've done two rows of the ribbing, and I have to do a total of five. And then I'll bind off. Now what I had talked about doing is putting... On the sleeves, you do the five rows of ribbing, and then you do reverse stockinette to make sort of this in the contrast in color. And we had a conversation about that we decided that it's probably best not to do that. So I'm not going to put that contrasting border on I'm just going to do the ribbing and bind off and call it good. So I'm getting close to being done. Kelly 16:09 Yay. Marsha 16:10 Finally, yeah. Kelly 16:13 I need to weave in the ends on that tee that I made. Because I think there is some time I could actually still wear it with the weather we've been having. I could actually. I don't have anywhere to wear it to but but I probably could with the weather I probably could still wear it. And same with you. Right? When you finish it. You'll still you'll still have plenty of weather you could still wear a wool tea. Yeah. Marsha 16:41 On Instagram, Kelly, I posted a picture of you sitting on the deck and you have your bare feet but you have a flannel on. Somebody, I remember somebody made a comment about your bare feet and the flannel. And it's like, yes, it's Seattle, you wear flannel in the summer. Maybe you don't have it on all day. But you probably have it on in the morning. And in the evening. Yeah. So I can wear too. I can definitely wear this, I can wear this during part of the summer, because it is not exactly hot here all the time. So anyway, but yeah. And then I'm still, you know, endlessly working on the pair of socks that I've been working on for months and months. There's really nothing to report. I'm still on the foot. I do, you know, three or four rows every so often when I pick it up. Yeah. And then I would continue to work on my spinning project. But I think, Kelly, why don't you talk about your projects, and then we'll talk about my spinning because we're gonna talk a little bit about spinning. Kelly 17:41 Okay, yeah. Marsha 17:43 Does that make sense? Kelly 17:44 That does make sense. So I have some exciting news and then some really boring. Okay. So the most exciting thing is that since the last episode, I've actually put together the entire... all of the octagons and squares of the blanket that I'm making for my grandniece. I'm calling it Faye's flower blanket. It's a crochet project. I've been talking about it for a while. It's made of Knitpicks Brava sport. No, Knitpicks Brava worsted weight, is the yarn. So it's the Persian Tile Blanket by Jane Crowfoot. And I really love it, it looks great. It's all put together with you know, single crochet, I didn't sew it together, I single crocheted it together. And I was able to with the yarn, because you know, I talked about how much yarn was leftover. I was able with the yarn I had leftover to always be crocheting it together with a color that was on the edge of either the octagon or the square that I was putting together so that that was nice. I didn't have to... I didn't end up having to mix colors at all with the with yarn that I was, you know, that I was putting it together with and I just now have the triangles that go on the sides. It's the triangles have to go on it and then four corners. And then I'll be done. Marsha 19:23 All right!. Kelly 19:24 Yeah, but I think she's gonna really like it. Because it's so colorful and it's turned, it's turned out really nice. And I might, I keep thinking maybe I'll make another one of these. I still do... once everything is put together. I still do need to do the edging as Marsha and I talked about Yeah. So it's not you know, it's not like it's gonna be done tomorrow Marsha 19:29 And have you thought more about how you'll do th edging? Kelly 19:50 I am probably just going to do the edging as the pattern calls for just four rows of it and that's not... nothing, nothing special. The real action is in all the flowers. So I think the border will just be kind of plain. Marsha 20:08 Yeah, it would distract. Kelly 20:10 I may, depending on how much yarn I have left, I may have to do like, not the same color all the way around the whole blanket. You know, for each round, I may not be able to use the same color. But I don't think that will be a problem. I think it will, it will go just fine. There won't even be noticeable with as much riot of color is going on in that. So that's really exciting. It went together a lot faster than I expected it to. And then I finished a charity hat, this little beanie with this... Usually I make you know enough ribbing that if you wanted to, you could fold it up when I make a hat. But this time I thought No, I'm just going to make it one inch or one and a half inch. I don't remember something like that. A ribbing and then the rest of it is just a little beanie. Not slouchy or anything like that. And it's made of, it's actually not... I don't think it's very pretty. I just made it with all the scraps I had left of sock yarn. And the colors. only marginally go together. So I'm not sure it's the best looking thing. But I said that to Robert and he said, Oh, I think it looks nice. So I guess you know, to my eye the colors don't go together but, but they do kind of. I started with the yellow and purple that I had used in one hat and then from that I went to just a purple and then I did purple and blue and I added in a pink stripe. And anyway, by the time you get from the bottom to the top, it's changed from this purple and gold. You know, purple and gold purple and yellow, to like a bright blue and greeny blue color. So, kind of a gradient but not really. It's a hat. It'll be warm. It's okay. Marsha 22:19 It will fit someone's head. Kelly 22:20 Yeah, it's not ugly. It's just not.... it's just not the prettiest thing I've ever made. So yeah, and then dish cloths. I've been making dish cloths. That was my travel project. I did work on the hat while we traveled but mostly I worked on dish cloths. I worked on dish cloths a little bit on your deck. So I've made about seven dish cloths out of I think it's well,... It turned out to be four skeins of yarn... so I guess, no three skeins it's three skeins of yarn that we had dyed. Some cotton yarn, 100 gram skeins that we had dyed. I think it was originally on cones. Marsha 23:12 Were they cones or ball? Well you know those balls that are wrapped around cardboard centers you know Kelly 23:18 Yes, it's nice cotton. Yeah, I don't know. It's thicker than crochet cotton. Marsha 23:23 Mm hmm. Kelly 23:25 So yeah, I don't remember what it came on but it came from the... it came from a weaving stash so Marsha 23:35 Isn't it the stuff I brought down that I got at the goodwill? Kelly 23:38 Oh, yes. Yes, it was you who'd gotten it. That's right. Yeah. Marsha 23:43 I went there...that was the days when... in those days when I used to go to the Goodwill. I don't go there anymore except to drop stuff off. Kelly 23:54 She's leaving the yarn for the rest of you who are in the Seattle area! [laughing] Marsha 23:57 Yeah, really go to the Goodwill and find treasures. Kelly 24:01 So yeah, we got dyes for cotton yarns, and we had dyed all of these. This was maybe four years ago, maybe five years ago. It was very early in the podcast that we dyed this and then we just never did anything. We were going to do something with it. And we were going to have it as a show topic, dyeing cotton, and we never did that. But anyway, it's making nice dish cloths. I guess. I haven't used one yet. Marsha 24:32 But well, and I haven't either because I would go out in the kitchen and there would be a dishcloth sitting by the sink. And then I go out to the kitchen a couple days later. Well, I was back and forth in between two days by go a couple days later I go out there and there was another dish plot that you had made. I've not used them. I promise I'm going to use them because I am under strict orders to use them But yeah, Kelly 24:58 I just threw one away. The last one that was in my drawer, I just threw away with a hole in it. So actually, I've put it in the compost with a hole in it. So I need to, I need to get the ends woven in and get a couple of these in my, in my drawer. So yeah, it's my standard dish cloth pattern it's, I think it's called the triple L tweed stitch. And it's, I just, I borrowed it from a pattern that was on Purl Soho. And I really like it. So I use it to make dish cloths all the time. And that's it. That's the sum total of my knitting and crocheting. So crocheting the blanket together, knit one hat, knit seven dish cloths. In what, three weeks? Because we were late, this episode is late. That's a lot of time for very little amount of production. Marsha 25:55 Yeah, yeah. Well, we got the rest of the summer. Kelly 26:01 Yep. Yeah, true. Marsha 26:03 So I have not gotten very much done either. But because I've been very busy with projects around here. But anyway, um, so let's just talk a little bit about--we had some topics. Well, let's talk about our spinning projects now together. And then we can talk because we had some questions from listeners. So spinning projects, let's talk about that. I, as everyone knows, I've been working on a green and dark brown, three ply. And the last time we talked, I think, I don't remember now where I was, but I have finished plying all of the green. And so all I have left is the brown. And this is a Merino. And what I decided to do is just to spin one bobbin of the dark brown, and I want a three ply. So I decided to do a Navajo ply. And the the upside of a Navajo ply is you just need one, bobbin, and you don't need to spin three bobbins of yarn. And which I learned too is that the whatever was on the bobbin, that singles on the bobbin ends up on... all of that yarn ends up on another bobbin Do you know what I'm saying? It's if you have three bobbins you can't fill a bobbin with three bobbins. Kelly 27:25 Right, right, right. Marsha 27:27 But the Navajo ply, you just know that it's all going to fit on that bobbin. And the downside of a Navajo ply, is, if you are spinning like me a bit unevenly, is you don't have two other plies that might fill in if it's if you're in a thin section, it won't be paired with a thick section necessarily. So because you're you're doing... the Navajo ply is basically like a crochet chain stitch. Kelly 27:59 In fact, it's also called the chain ply. Yeah. Marsha 28:02 Okay. So, which is great if you're doing like... if you want to, you want to keep the color order in your roving, keep that color order in your final yarn is great. But you then have it spinning in order. So if you have a thick section, it's all going to be thick. And if you have a thin section, it's gonna be thin. Because you don't have your two other bobbins of yarn that are randomly being placed together. And so three singles are...at some point, it's all going to be... the chance of having three thick pieces and three thin pieces ply together are greatly reduced, right. So I spun an entire bobbin and plied it. And it's it's nice yarn, but it's not going to... it doesn't match with the three ply that I did with the two colors. So that's going to become something else. And I have more roving, which I'm going to just spin three bobbins and ply it the way I did the other. Kelly 29:14 Do the traditional three ply. Marsha 29:15 Yeah, yeah, Kelly 29:16 yeah, in the same way that it keeps... in the same way that using that chain ply technique keeps all the colors together, right? It preserves your color order. It also preserves your thickness. So the thin parts stay really thin and the thick parts get really thick. And yeah. Marsha 29:37 And what I would say is I don't, I'm not such a.... I'm not such a perfectionist that I think that that yarn is now bad yarn, right, though. It's not bad yarn, because I think it looks good. It's just that it doesn't match the yarn that I have, which is a problem if you're going to use use it together in a project. Kelly 29:58 Yeah, I mean, it's not even really that thick and thin. It's just that it's, it's different when you put it next to the other yarn that you've made. it is very different. Marsha 30:09 Yeah, yeah. Yeah. So yeah, that is that is true that is not, you know, when you're seeing the yarn thick and thin, it's not like night and day. It's not really dramatically different. But it's different enough that I don't want to use them together with, you know, in a project. Kelly 30:28 Yeah, and I have a feeling that even if your yarn was totally consistent, that just the texture or the feel of the, of that chain ply technique is different than a traditional, a traditional three ply. I mean, if you're making socks, and you know, you've done a traditional three ply, and then you have one bobbi left and you just chain ply it and use that. You know, in case you have yarn chicken issues, you're not going to notice, Marsha 30:59 okay, maybe I'm not thinking of this the right way. But if you have three bobbins, you're pulling the single off the same direction, right? So the way you spun it is all coming off the same direction. But with a chain ply, because you're making a loop is one half of the loop going back the other direction. It's the opposite direction. So it's like, like... I always when I spin a single the, the bobbin is turning... I say it's turning to the right. Yes, it's turning to the right. So is that an S? Kelly 31:41 You spin z and ply s. Marsha 31:44 Okay, so but with the chain stitch ply or Navajo ply isn't one of the singles is going to be z or S or what? I'm now... I'm getting confused, but they're not going to be all... you said. What did you say that you spin singles Z and ply S? So if you are ... if you have three bobbins, you would be plying all of this three z singles. s ply, right. But with the Navajo ply, the at least one of them is going to be s and the two zs. Is that? Kelly 32:32 I think if you turn it upside down, you know, if you turn it back the other way, it's still it's still spun the same direction. Marsha 32:40 Oh, it is. Kelly 32:40 Yeah, but but you're right, there's something about making that loop. There's something about making that loop that makes it a slightly different texture, I think it feels different. Or maybe it's the twist, the amount of twist you put in. That might be part of it too. Because it's easier to get too much twist or to get more twist when you're trying to manipulate that, you know, making the crochet chain loop. Marsha 33:08 And it could be me just being tense. Well, yeah, I mean, when was the last time I did this type of plying it was years ago. And so I thought, Oh, it's gonna be exactly the same. Well, it's not going to be, it's never gonna be exactly the same, because it's a completely different vibe. It's a different technique. Kelly 33:31 Yeah, it's a different technique. Marsha 33:32 So it was it was an idea I had, but it was not... Yeah, it didn't work. And Kelly 33:38 and yeah, and it's like you said it's not bad yarn. It's just not the same as it's not the same as the other ones. And when you do it more... When you use the same technique, you'll get something that's closer. Marsha 33:39 Yeah, yeah. So that's where I am, back to that. But anyway, Kelly 33:58 All right. Well, I am I just finished spinning. I had about I had about 20 grams of Santa Cruz Island fleece left, had 20 grams unspun. And then I had tiny little, maybe like one gram amounts on two different bobbins. And so I thought, Oh, I know I need to get this off my bobbins and I don't want to throw it away because that was a really nice fleece. So since I had some ready to spin, I just spun all that up onto those two bobbins plus another bobbin. Split it up to make it even as I could. And then I three plyed it. So I have a traditional three ply of the Santa Cruz Island, which is the same fleece that I used when I made I made the sock yarn that I put in the fair years ago. And I had this... I think it was 2018 when I did it, and so I had this leftover from then so it's been sitting on my bobbins since then. So I wanted to clear them off for the summer spin in. But while I was spinning, I was thinking about how different this spinning that I was doing was from what you were doing. And then also thinking about the questions, some of the questions that we gotten in the thread about drafting techniques and fiber preparation. And so let's just talk a little bit about drafting. So how do you draft Marsha, when you're spinning this yarn that you're spinning right now, how are you drafting? How do you hold your hands? And what do you do? Marsha 35:40 Well, it's sort of depends upon the hour and the day of the week, because I have to admit, I'm not consistent, I keep changing a little bit I normally do. Yeah, I keep changing a little bit. And I don't know, it's not even about whether that's right or wrong. That's just how I am because we're human, and we need to move our bodies and sometimes my hands get tired, so I have to change a little bit. And, and sometimes, depending, like when I first start a bobbin, I am a little, it's a little it's different than when I'm just getting into the rhythm. So I typically I hold the fiber in my left hand. And I always think of what you said, you know, you have to put, like you're holding a baby bird, or a butterfly or something in your hands and not like, grasp it really, really tight. I always sort of pre draft my fiber, let me just say that what I'm spending is, most of what I've been spinning recently is just roving that I've purchased. Which is different than something that you've carded yourself, it's a little bit, you know... Kelly 36:43 You have a lot more choices. I'm that's what I think about a commercial roving, I think you have a lot more choices in how you can draft and what kind of techniques you can use. Marsha 36:53 Also, I'd say to just about I keep sort of changing throughout the spin, especially when I've done the combo spins, because if you're using different fibers, like sometimes I have, you know, Merino in there and targhee and corriedale, and then silk thrown in there. So that, and sometimes the mohair too. So that changes, you're going to have to change how you draft depending on what fiber you're actually spinning. Kelly 37:19 Right, right. Marsha 37:20 But typically, like just now what I was just doing, you know, 100% Merino, I hold the fiber in my left hand. I've pre drafted it. So it's fluffy and kind of light and open. And then I try not to do that, that...what do you call it? Pinch an inch or whatever? Kelly 37:37 Inchworm. Marsha 37:40 And that's where you know, you hold the where the twist is going in. Just before that twist, you hold it with your thumb and forefinger and pull out the yarn, I find that I get more cramps in my hand. That's how I started spinning, because I felt like I had more control. But now that I've gotten more comfortable, I find that I get more cramps in my thumb, if I hold it that way. So what I do is I, a lot of times, I don't even use my right hand, I don't, like I'm just holding it in my left hand. And then every so often, if it starts getting a little thick, then maybe this is why I have thick and thin bits too. And if it starts getting a little thick, then I just take my right hand and pinch. So it doesn't... it stops putting that twist into the thing and maybe unroll it a little bit and pull it out. You know, but I did sort of, and sometimes I get a long, I get a long piece with a twist in it that's maybe 12 inches long. And then I just sort of pinch both ends and sort of pull it apart a little bit to get it to the thickness I want. Does that make sense? Kelly 38:38 Yeah, Yeah. Marsha 38:40 You know, I don't know what you call that. Kelly 38:41 Well, there's a lot of different names for the different techniques and it sounds like what you're doing is... Marsha 38:47 I'm doing chaos. Chaos, the technique! Kelly 38:51 No, I mean, I think you're doing a lot of the things that happen in a long draw. Right, because you're using only one hand and then your other hand is helping when you need to, to kind of pull it out a little bit more and make it a little bit thinner. Are you pulling back with your left hand very much or mostly just holding it straight? Marsha 39:09 Yes, I'm pulling back. Kelly 39:11 Spinning is such a, I mean, it's such an old form of creation, that I think every person who who's ever spun has spun slightly differently. And you know, there's categories of techniques, but within that there really is a lot of variation. So, but like that inchworm technique is called a short forward draw, because you're taking out a little bit and you're pulling it a short ways. You're drafting it a very short ways and then you're letting the twist into a very short little segment. So short forward draw because you're pulling forward. I typically don't pull forward with my right hand most of my spinning is happening with my left hand, that's where I hold the fiber, too. And so I usually do backward draw, maybe not short, backward draw, but maybe a longer backward draw using my right hand... I probably use my right hand more than you do. If I were spinning like a commercial roving, not trying to spin long draw, I probably use my right hand, it sounds like I use my right hand a little bit more than, than you do. But mostly I, I, you know, pull backwards with my left hand. And my right hand is helping things along, as opposed to actually doing the work of the spinning. But it's interesting. So the commercial preparation that you have, you know, the commercial roving or commercial top allows you to do a lot of different things with it. Right, you can do all those. What I was spinning the Santa Cruz Island, I was spinning punis, which are like a roll of fiber off the drum carder... or the not the drum carder, the hand cards. And really, because the fiber is so short, they're really tiny, thin, you know. The reason I'm calling them punis and not rolags, it's just the size of them. You normally when you roll it off of the hand cards, you have this like sausage shaped thing of fiber, it's called a rolag, the ones that they make with cotton, are much smaller, you know, and thinner diameter, and they call them punis. Marsha 41:32 Okay, Kelly 41:33 And because cotton doesn't stick to itself, they kind of roll them, we kind of you know, smash them a little bit to make them stick to each other better and not come apart. But with wool, you don't need to do that. And especially with this Santa Cruz Island, you don't need to do this because it is so crimpy that it's it really sticks to itself. So with these tight little...and the tightness of the of the roll that comes off of the handcard wasn't because I made it to be super tight. It's because of the crimp of the fiber. And what that fiber just wanted to do, it's not going to make a loose kind of loose sausage shape. It just had to come off in this little tiny, narrow diameter roll. Anyway, it's so clingy to itself, that really the only way that I could spin it was with either short forward or short backward draw, which is not my favorite. But it's a nice fiber. And I really enjoyed spinning it because it's an unusual breed. And it's one of the endangered breeds. So I'm happy to spin it the way it wants to be spun. But this is a good example of a fleece is going to tell you how it wants to be spun. Because I couldn't do... I could not do a long draw with it, that fiber just clings to itself way too much. Yeah, I couldn't do my normal kind of relaxed, backward draw spinning because the fiber just clings to itself so much. Sometimes you can use whatever you want. And sometimes you have to go with the with what the fiber is telling you to do right. Yeah. Marsha 41:51 I don't know that you have to start and go oh, and think to yourself, oh, this is the technique. This is the typical, or this is the technique that I need to use, or the draw that I need to use. You just organically do it because you have no choice. But to just to do it because of the fiber will tell you. Kelly 43:37 Yeah, that's right, I didn't sit down and say this is what I'm going to do to spin this fiber, it just, that's what I had to do to make to make it, you know, to make it work. And because the fiber is so short and so crimpy, in my carding I've created, I've created neps, you know, little tangled balls of fiber. And so I'm also I was also constantly picking off as I was going along, constantly picking off those little neps where I could, to make the yarn a little bit smoother. And I was only doing that because that's what I did for the skein that I entered into the fair because I wanted, I was hoping I would get a ribbon for it. And I did. So I was being really careful when I spun that. So I was trying to at least marginally make it match that yarn that I spun, because I want to make a pair of socks. And so this will give me a little bit more flexibility, you know, when I'm knitting it, into how long to make the top part of the socks because I'll have a little extra about 20 more, it turned out to be about 20 more grams. You know, by the time I had a little bit of waste at the end and everything. I got about 20 more grams of yarn out of it. So that was kind of nice, but I thought it was a good contrast between a carded preparation on my part and a commercially combed, or you know, mill carded preparation on your end. And then the two different techniques that we're using. Interesting, though, we both-- and maybe because you talked to me when you got your spinning wheel, but it's interesting that we both hold the fiber in our same hand. All the fiber with our left and a lot of people who are right handed do it the other way. Marsha 45:27 Hmm. It's interesting. Maybe it's because I, the first time I spun I spun on your wheel. And you showed me how to spin and you probably said, put it, put it in your left hand and I follow orders, you know, Kelly 45:38 yeah, I probably, I probably did! I switch sometimes and spin the other hand again, if I'm spinning for a long time, and I think oh, my hands getting a little tired. But that's...my typical is to put the fiber in my left hand. Marsha 45:51 I did some research. And I did find an article and this was on spinning daily.com. There's an article by Janine. I don't know how to pronounce this. It looks like back ridges, ba k r i g e s. And it's seven drafting techniques. And she has the names of the seven and descriptions and photographs. So I'll put a link to that because that was actually pretty interesting. Kelly 46:18 There's another really good resource for people, Oh, I thought I linked it and I didn't, I'll have to grab the link for you to put in the show notes. There's a craftsy class that I took from JC Boggs Faulkner, called Drafting: From Worsted to Woolen. And it was really good. I enjoyed that class. And she had swatches made out of all the different drafting styles. And some of them, I thought, Wow, you can really tell the difference between those. And some of them, I thought, okay, there's barely a difference. And so it's not going to matter in to my, for my purposes. It wouldn't matter whether I used one drafting, you know, one of the two drafting techniques or the other. And so, you know, it's like, Okay, well, I could just choose whichever one I liked, the better, whichever one I like better, because it looks like you get the same thing when you knit it up. So that was an interesting course, too, that I'll make sure is linked in the in the show notes in case someone wants to take that Craftsy class. It's still available. I checked it this morning. Marsha 47:21 Any more to add to about drafting. Kelly 47:24 I have a link in the show notes about the different names of the different preparations and you know, what is top versus what is roving versus what is sliver versus a batt of fiber. And so I have a link from Abby Franquemont's website that that I thought was a good kind of a primer on, you know, what are the... what do the different terms? What do the different terms mean? Marsha 47:49 We do have a question about how to get started with long draw from howmanystitches Liz, who's in Scotland. Did you want to touch on that? Kelly 47:57 Sure. I just want to thank prairie poet and supercut. For the other questions about what kind of drafting techniques we use and what our favorite drafting techniques are. We kind of got into earlier long draw is, you kind of just have to have a, well have a carded preparation, first of all, would be my suggestion, have a carded preparation of fiber, and then just be willing to make a lot of mistakes and have the yarn break, and then you just start again. Because you, you have to try not to touch it with your right hand and let the fiber come out of your left hand. Marsha 48:41 I think what we said is, you know, not only do you pretend you have a baby bird in your left hand, but you have a glass of wine in your hand. So you can't touch your left hand. Kelly 48:51 Yeah, yeah. And, and it works. I mean, and it's gonna be lumpy when you first start and you have to be, you have to be prepared to have lumpy yarn when you first start because you're--you have to just get the feel of it. And you have to be prepared to have it sometimes stretched out too fine and break. You know, slip apart, drift apart. It doesn't really break, but like you know, drift apart. And then you have to start again and pull out your end and start again. But you eventually do get the feel of it. And, and it is pretty amazing that it works. And you can also there's like a something called a double draw where you where you draw it back. And you let some twist get into it. And then once the twist is in it, you can you can pull it even pinch it off, you know, don't let any more fiber come out of your hand and pull it back even more and get it to be finer and like the lumps come out. Any lumps, you can get those lumps to come out by pulling a little bit more. It takes, it just takes experience and willingness to be wrong. Marsha 49:57 Yeah, Kelly 49:59 Again, that's my opinion and my experience. If you get frustrated by having it drift apart, or frustrated that you can't make consistent yarn, then it's just going to be an unpleasant learning experience. But if you just know that you're going to make lumpy yarn and get better the more you do it, then it will be... it will be a great experience. It's a fun way to spin I think. And it's pretty fast. Marsha 50:26 Yeah, Kelly 50:27 If you've ever used a supported spindle, that's another way that you could kind of get started. Not a drop spindle where you're using both your hands, but a supported spindle where one of your hands is having to spin the spindle and the other hand is drafting. That gives you a good... I think gives you a good feel of what that is like. So yeah, let us know, if you want more information, we can do a little bit more research. Marsha 50:53 I have a question. Just as we're talking about this, what is the best drafting technique to use when you have those long wools, you know, like a Lincoln? Kelly 51:02 Typically, people say, you know, with a long wool, you can comb it and keep all the fibers in order, you know, all parallel and spin worsted. So a worsted spinning would be where you don't let the twist get into your fiber hand, you keep all the twists in front of your, for us, it will be our right hand, keep all the twist in front of our right hand. And then be able to draft the fiber in your left hand. So you could do a short forward or, or short backward or you know, kind of go back farther because it's a long fiber, so you keep your hands further apart. Right here, your inchworm would not be an inchworm it might be like a, I don't know, a five inch worm. Because you want it you know, you need to keep your hands further apart. So you're not pulling on the same piece of hair. Marsha 52:02 Right. Okay, Kelly 52:03 I don't typically do a worsted technique, even with long wool. I'm... my tendency, when I'm just spinning for like, relaxing pleasure, I let the twist back into my into my left hand. I'm not, I'm not real good about keeping that twist out of my fiber hand, you get a little hairier yarn that way, you know more halo, less smooth. But that doesn't bother me. But if I wanted a really smooth long wool I would make sure I didn't let the twist get back into my back into my fiber hand. Okay, I wanted to just give a couple of other resources that I think are really good for people who are just beginning. Or if you have some resources, but you haven't really built a spinning library or ,you know, done more than just looking up a few things in Ravelry groups. There's one book that I have, called The Intentional Spinner: A Holistic Approach to Making Yarn. And that's Judith Mackenzie McCuin. And it's a 2009 book, I would really highly recommend it. And then the other one I have is the Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning. And I love this title: "Being a Compendium of Information, Advice and Opinions on the Noble Art and Craft." And this is by Alden Amos and it was in 2001. And he has since passed away but he was a very opinionated guy. Lots of spinning knowledge from you know, hand spinning to machine spinning. And so there's a lot of historical knowledge in that book and a lot of other things. So those two books I think are really a lot of information in them. And then I also wanted to mention the Spinner's Study Ravelry group. This month they're spinning, they pick a couple of different types of fleece each month and this month they're spinning Finn and Teeswater. And the spinning challenge for the month is called spinning and plying the other way. So we were talking about spinning z and plying s. So I think what they're doing is doing the opposite of that and looking at what that what that does to the yarn. I also wanted to mention that we've been talking about knitting with your handspun and Salpal had mentioned to me, sent me a message, to say that the Three Waters Farm Ravelry group has a bundle and a thread of patterns that are good for handspun. Marsha 54:38 Okay, Kelly 54:39 And so we'll link to that in the show notes. And then Joanne, momdiggity, she suggested any pattern calling for Spincycle yarn would be a good pattern for handspun. Marsha 54:50 That's true. Kelly 54:51 And then the other thing that I found is this month just by coincidence, the Spring/Summer 2021 Knitty Spin column in Knitty magazine. It's written, it's a column by jillian Moreno, is "Planning for Your Project, the Beginning." So she's talking about how do you, you know, if you're going to knit something, and you're going to spin for that particular project, what kind of things do you have to think about? And so all of those resources will be in the show notes. And then we had Marsha one more question, and that was about how to wash a fleece. Marsha 55:27 Mm hmm. Kelly 55:28 I'm haven't washed a fleece in a while. Marsha 55:30 I know I haven't either, Kelly 55:31 But superkip that's Natalie. She asks, How do you wash a fleece? This is what she says. "For the washing bit. I usually do a cold soak or two and then wash my fleece with really hot water. And in the second hot water wash, I add dishwashing soap. It works to get it clean. But I do have a lot of lanolin left in my fleeces" and then she says, "I was recently advised to use colder water or wash with soda. However, the soda felted my fleece, I might have used too much soda. And the colder water seems counterintuitive. Although I have not tried it." This was a couple of weeks ago. But I hope that we can give some advice to Natalie on this. Marsha 56:16 Well, first I think we have to discern, differentiate what the soda is. Explain that when it says soda it's not baking soda she's talking about it's soda ash right or, or washing soda, which is different. And I I had to look this up. So it's... baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. And soda ash or washing soda is sodium carbonate. And it sounds like from what I'm reading, it's a bit more caustic. And can be an irritant to your eyes, nose, throat. And looking at Wikipedia it's used as a sweetener in soft drinks. Think about that. Kelly 57:03 That sounds odd. Marsha 57:04 I know. And I also didn't realize what it is and that it is used a lot because it changes the pH. So it's used also for dyeing non protein fibers. like cotton or Kelly 57:25 Yeah, we used it when we dyed this yarn that I'm knitting right now the dish cloths, Marsha 57:31 right. So it changes the pH, I guess and so then the the dye can attach to the fibers is my understanding. So I don't and I was trying to get what does it actually do? How does it separate the lanolin from the wool? Kelly 57:51 But I know it's a washing aid. I mean, just in general, you can buy washing soda and you put it in for especially if you have hard water it it makes your laundry detergent work better. So from that standpoint, I guess. I guess that might be why she was advised to use it. I don't ever use that on wool. Yeah. I it it's wool likes an acid Ph. And it's too basic. And so I I know people do use it, but you are limited to how long you should keep the wool in contact with it. Marsha 58:32 Yeah, the article I was reading it says not to use more or leave it to soak any longer than 20 minutes and I wonder she doesn't say how long she left it. But she she says here she thinks she may have used too much. But I wonder if maybe it was in there too long. Kelly 58:48 Yeah. Either one of those things could have done damage--could damage your wool. Make it really harsh. And kind of I want to say crispy or crinkly. Marsha 59:01 So it was the the washing soda or soda ash. Was that something that was probably developed before we had detergents. Kelly 59:09 I would say yes to that, Yeah. Marsha 59:11 Because when I see people use different things like a lot of times they're using that wool wash you can get anywhere with Eucalyptus in it. Kelly 59:21 Eucalan. There's also another one. There's a scour there's a Unicorn Scour. That's actually not for washing garments but for washing fleeces. Marsha 59:33 But I just I use what you taught me to use, which is I use Dawn and I don't know.... I know SuperKip is in Europe. So I don't know if Dawn is available. I think she's in Holland I believe. I don't Kelly 59:47 Dish detergent. I think a dish detergent is-- for me that that works really well. And if you use that I would use dishwashing soap in both of those washes. Mm hmm and And make sure the water is really hot and that it doesn't cool off, you know before you drain the water, because the lanolin can reattach to the fleece. It's basically you know, it's like it's like grease. And so if you think about your dishes, even if you put detergent in dishwater if you then go to bed and leave them in the dishwater overnight and it cools, that grease will be redeposited on your dishes. I prefer to use dishwashing detergent and really hot water. And we do have an episode where we talk about washing fleece it's Episode 27B, Fiber Mythbusting Bonus Episode, where we talk about washing, washing fleeces and there's some links in that show, 27B. In that show's show notes there are also some links to some resources about detergents and how detergents work. And Marsha 1:01:02 Well, I was going to say we didn't even talk, we're just talking about washing it with detergents and hot water. We didn't even talk about the washing with the fermentation process. That's another whole episode about that. But that's where you basically, you let it just kind of for lack of a better word ferment in it. The suint, which is the sweat from the sheep. Kelly 1:01:24 Right. Marsha 1:01:25 And I've never I've never tried that you've tried it Kelly 1:01:28 Oh, I didn't do it the true way. But I did let it sit in water and get very smelly for about a month before I washed it. I ended up going ahead and using soap to wash it too. But I did have to use less. And it washed up faster. Yeah, but but I don't know that I actually got fermentation happening. Hmm. It just was very smelly. Marsha 1:01:54 Yeah. So, but I have a question about that--when, after you took the wool out the fiber out and washed it It didn't smell, right? It's just while sitting the it's the water that it's sitting in that's so bad. Kelly 1:02:08 Right. Yes. Okay, one thing that that that I think sometimes people don't do when they wash wooll is one, use enough water and the other, use enough soap or detergent. And it depends on the fleece too, you know. Is it a super super greasy fleece or is it a not so greasy fleece? Different breeds have different amounts of lanolin. But anyway, yeah, good. Great question. Lots of opinions about that question. If you go out and look. Look around for you know, advice about how to wash a fleece. The Alden Amos book talks a lot about using soda to wash fleeces and soap instead of detergent, which I think if you're using soap, maybe the the washing soda helps not create the scum that soap and hard water would create. Lots of methods have been used over the years. And maybe the washing soda is an older method too like you said. Before detergents were widely available when people did use soap more. Marsha 1:03:22 Yeah. So anything else we need to say about it? Kelly 1:03:27 I don't think so. I think that's it. Marsha 1:03:30 We'll talk more about spinning over the summer during the summer spin in. And if people have questions they want us to answer or try to answer. Just put them in the in the forum, the discussion thread. Kelly 1:03:45 Yeah, or email us.Two Ewes at Two Ewes Fiber Adventures dot com. Marsha 1:03:51 And since we are talking about the summer spin in we should just remind people that it started Memorial Day, which was May 31. And it ends September 6. We will talk more about washing fleece because I I have--someone gave me a alpaca fleece. And we've been talking about sheep's wool. But now it'd be interesting to talk about how you wash alpaca, but that'll be another time. I have questions about that. I have questions for you about that. So Kelly 1:04:20 I don't think I've ever washed alpaca. Oh, well, maybe you'll have questions for someone else. Marsha 1:04:27 Or maybe I'll just have to answer the questions and answer my own questions. Right. Well, the last thing I was going to just say is that we had such a great time on our visit and it didn't really hit me until after. Well, when you walked up on the front porch. It kind of hit me as like this is the first time we've seen each other since February 2020. It was last time you saw us when we went to Stitches. Kelly 1:04:53 Mm hmm. Marsha 1:04:54 And it was kind of like and then when you left I felt like wow, we just saw each other It's been so long since Kelly 1:05:02 Yeah, face to face. Marsha 1:05:05 It was really kind of remarkable. And I we have to thank science right? Kelly 1:05:09 Oh, yeah. Marsha 1:05:10 Yeah that we were able to...you were able to drive up here and visit. So thank you to scientists. Kelly 1:05:18 Yes. Thank you for that vaccine! Marsha 1:05:20 Alright with that, I guess we should say goodbye. All right. We'll see you in two weeks. Kelly 1:05:25 All right. Bye. Kelly 1:05:26 Thank you so much for listening. To subscribe to the podcast visit Two Ewes Fiber Adventures dot com. Marsha 1:05:33 Join us on our adventures on Ravelry and Instagram. I am betterinmotion and Kelly is Kelly 1:05:39 1hundredprojects. Until next time, were the Two Ewes, doing our part for world fleece. Transcribed by https://otter.ai  

Correction: we mention in this episode that Eucalan needs to be rinsed out. It doesn't - we were both misremembering. Sorry about that! Today we talk about blocking your finished objects: what it is, how to do it, and how not to mess it up. Then get some suggestions for what to knit after your first sweater project. Mentioned in this week's episode * Blocking Supplies at Scratch (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/collections/blocking-supplies) * Tin Can Knits How to Block a Handknit Sweater (https://blog.tincanknits.com/2015/10/15/how-to-block-a-hand-knit-sweater/) * Gleener (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/products/gleener-ultimate-fuzz-remover-fabric-shaver?_pos=1&_sid=ee735ebab&_ss=r) Sweater Care Tool * Darning & Mending Loom Kit (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/products/darning-mending-loom-kit?_pos=1&_sid=04c86446e&_ss=r) by Katrinkles * Nunavut Qiviut (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/collections/nunavut-qiviut) * Travel Steamer (https://www.amazon.com/Hilife-Steamer-Handheld-Clothing-Capacity/dp/B07HF3X6Y4/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=travel+steamer&qid=1606152940&sr=8-3) (link goes to Amazon) * Cocoknits Sweater Care Kit (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/collections/cocoknits/products/sweater-care-kit) On our needles this week * Jessica: Holiday Charm Set (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tomas-pullover), designed by Joji Locatelli, knit in Hudson & West Forge (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/collections/forge) * Karen: Cinnabar (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cinnabar-6) shawl, designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Dyed in the Wool (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/collections/dyed-in-the-wool) and Versus (https://www.scratchsupplyco.com/collections/versus) Patterns mentioned in the Dear Scratch portion (all links go to Ravelry) * Wave of Change Jacket (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wave-of-change-jacket) by Denise Bayron * Fonda (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fonda) by Caitlin Hunter * Strange Brew (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/strange-brew) by Tin Can Knits Submit a question to our next Dear Scratch installment by emailing us at dearscratch@scratchsupplyco.com Brought to you by Scratch Supply Co (scratchsupplyco.com).

Current Productions (3:03) Still working on the Neon Socks in Regia Fluoromania “Neon Ocean Color” Frogged the Cookie A Slide Socks in to repurpose the yarn for a pair of Secret Socks using a basic vanilla sock pattern with the Black Cat Fibers Nomad Sock in “The Texas Incident” Finished swatching and cast on for the Quadrat Pullover from Knitty 2009 in Mountain Colors Twizzle in “Rich Purple” after pre-washing the yarn using Eucalan and citric acid. Picked up and made some progress on the Three by Two hat in MJ Yarns Silken DK in “Ether” Finished the Payne Pullover by Helena Bristow in Mountain Colors Twizzle in “Headwaters” with a slight modification to the sleeve pattern to make it a ¾ sleeve sweater. Washed the yarn for the Boxy Chevron in The Lemonade Shop Yarns House Sock in “Ice Cream Truck” and “Gasoline”  Events (24:55) List from Knitty.com of cancelled events Bay Area Fiber Fair: July 17 - October 15 South Bay Musical Theatre eStudio: Website and Facebook Group  SBMT Reader's Theatre production of Almost Maine by John Cariani on September 4th Reservation Form Hey, Look Me Over (27:45) The Knitting Man(ual) by Kristin Spurkland Little Known Facts (41:05) How to safely put down your project so you can pick it up again with less mistakes. Mention of KnitCompanion

Works in progress Jenny Zigzagular Socks by Susie White Fangtastic by Wendy Gaal Weezie Get Together Wrap by Joji Locatelli Cait Fire Swamp by Claire Ellen Baby Dinosaurs by Beverley Arnold Test Knit Hat for Rosa Cefalu Plotting & Scheming Jenny Cabled chunky headband Advent Scarf 2018 by Tricia Weatherston (aka zemy of Sock Madness fame) Windfall by Melissa Kemmerer, apparently Menagerie sweaters Cait Giant man feet socks Ta da!! Jenny Favorite Socks by Kristin Lehrer aka Voolenvine Loch by tincanknits (finished finished finished) (Mentioned Jasmin and Gigi of the Knitmore Girls, Eucalan, Soak) Cait Vanilla is the New Black by Vanessa Fletcher in Wisdom Yarns Saki Bamboo Multis Curious by Lisa K. Ross in Hedgehog Fibres Twist Sock Lil Toppers by DMC Revenge of the Knits Jenny Stabby stab Cait Bronchitis Oooh, Shiny! Jenny Luella Dress by Suzie Sparkles Edie the Penguin Chick by Kate E. Hancock Kobi the Penguin by Ilaria Caliri (aka airali) Winter Morning by Kalurah Hudson Advent MKALs! Button button who has the button? I do!! Cait Sportweight sock yarns, like Orbit from String Theory Colorworks (Mentioned Boo Knits, Cloud 9, Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes, Knit Picks Felici Sport) Fluff n Stuff Cait Finished my Spin the Bin Jenny :-( (Mentioned the Electric Eel Wheel Mini, Electric Eel Wheel Mini 2 Kickstarter) In the Deep End Advent calendars Perfect Stitch Fiber Co Little Fish Stitches Lattes and Llamas ADVENTurer Scarf & Wrap by Ambah O'Brien Jimmy Beans Wool Namaste Oh Snap Bag Smart Stix A Homespun House Events/News none at the moment... we'll get back to you on that!

  This episode is sponsored by Queen City Yarn and Never Not Knitting Knitting Segments   Show Ready Knits Moderne Log Cabin Baby Blanket Special thanks to Love Knitting for sending me the Paintbox Yarns to try out!   French Macaroon    Baby Washcloths   Moon Cactus Knits in Rehearsal Camp Wilkerson   Paulina Dress    This episode is brought to you by Queen City Yarn.       Queen City Yarn is the result of a collaboration between friends Christen and Janis, brought together in the Queen City of Charlotte by their love for knitting and yarn. They've nurtured their passion for putting color to skein and now they want to share that passion with you! Their products start with one of six great yarn bases, each named for a neighborhood in the Queen City that reflects their personality.  The colors they apply are inspired by the beautiful things they see around them as well as breathtaking places they have visited.  While each color they produce can stand on its own, they pay special attention to creating a series of complementary colors. They strive to make it easy to pick one or more great colors for your next project.   Queen City Yarn is providing a 35$ gift certificate to one lucky PalKal participant and use the PalKal2018 coupon code for 10% off your order in their Etsy Shop.  Knitting News, Notes and Events I attended Zombie Knitpocalypse last month.    PalKal 2018 Basic Rules   Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15 One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry. No yardage requirement. Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster. You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc. Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry. When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting. Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter. Check out all of the information and links to our sponsors in the Ravelry group!    Be sure to listen to see if you are the lucky winner of a 5 pack of Eucalan! This was an intermission giveaway, which means all you have to do to be eligible is chat in chatter thread on Ravelry!     For all PalKal related discounts, the code is the same: Palkal2018      Top Billing Sponsors:     Janis Ficker, Carolina Fiber Girls CC and Dami Almon/JavaPurl Designs, Geeky Girls Suzanne, Two Tangled Skeins Knitting Daddy Greg, Unraveling Podcast Sarah Schira, Imagined Landscapes Jennifer Lassonde, Down Cellar Studio Monique Leonard/Windswept Designs, Knitting on the Run Vivian and Alysin/Pearl and Plum, Keep Calm and Carry Yarn Kristi, In a Sknit Podcast Cameo Sponsors Susie White/Prairie Girls Designs/Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Melinda, Yarnderwoman Podcast   Producing Sponsors:  Bijou Basin Ranch  Queen City Yarn  Never Not Knitting  Daizie Knits  Love Knitting This episode of Actually Knitting is also brought to you by Never Not Knitting.  Never Not Knitting is a small knitting boutique owned by designer Alana Dakos featuring a curated collection of specialty yarns, patterns, notions and gifts. This little shop supports the work of independent artisans and makers from all over the world. You may find handmade treasures in the store that you will never see anywhere else! Keep track of the newest product releases on instagram by following Nevernotknitting! Use coupon code "PALKAL2018" to save 20% off your next order in the online shop at nevernotknitting.com   Never Not Knitting is also giving away a Sheep Knit Kit at the end of the Pal Kal.      The Reviews are In This episode I got to review the Little Bee Lotion Bar from Love and Leche.  Check this out: Love and Leche is offering a coupon code just for Actually Knitting listeners. Use the code ActuallyKnitting for 1 free Little Bee Lotion Bar with a 25$ purchase. Yay!   They have also set up a giveaway for my listeners. Go to this link and enter your email address for a chance to win a Little Bee Lotion Bar Giftbag!   Work + Shelter website.    Knitting Podcast Spotlight Lolodidit Video Podcast on Youtube     Non-Knitting Segments Instant Success Mexican Inspired Healthy Crack Chicken from Tidbits    Love it or Leave it Love: Bright Star the Musical    Leave: No comment! Life is good!   Other News and Notes I decided to start Weight Watchers again and I'm finding a lot easier to follow now that they have a protein focus.    I'm still running but I am on the struggle bus!   Still doing boot camp workouts.    Books You Think it, I'll Say it by Curtis Sittenfeld The French Girl by Lexie Elliot        

Work in progress Jenny Ginny's Cardigan by Mari Chiba from the unofficial harry potter knits special issue of interweave  How Cold Is It mittens by Drunk Girl Designs in Malabrigo Arroyo, Cascade Heritage Sock, and Wampa Stomp Skywalker Weezie Portwenn socks by Becky Greene Cait Polly by Louise Crowther in cheap acrylic Plotting & Scheming Cait My Knitted Doll by Louise Crowther (from the Interweave Press Hurt Book sale) Weezie Pansexual pride flag socks Ta da!! Cait Porcelain Hat by Raina K in Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe & sparkly handspun Weezie vanilla socks for Aunt Carol Revenge of the Knits / 99 Problems and a Stitch Ain't One Jenny mitten cuffs Weezie Ripped out one entire sock (vanilla for guild) Ripped out a sock through the heel turn (Portwenn socks) Cait Caron simply soft and caron one pound are not the same weights Oooh, Shiny! Weezie Knitted Wit sock yarn Jenny natural/eco friendly dyeing (Mentioned Caitlin Ffrench, Wool2Dye4, Knit Picks) Imaginary Internet Points Weezie I can graduate Ilvermorny! (Mentioned HPKCHC) Fluff n Stuff Cait finished 1st round of plying on cormo Jenny tour de fleece prep (Mentioned Spin the Bin, #spin15aday) In the Deep End Fleece washing and prep! Skirting Preserving lock structure Lock washing vs whole fleece washing Special soaps? (Unicorn Power Scour, Kookaburra, Eucalan, Soak) Do not felt!! Yarn Harlot wisdom on washing article Joy of Handspinning article Blue Mountain Handcrafts video Events/News Tour de Fleece starts Sat July 7 & runs through Sun July 29 Wool Festival, Falmouth, KY, October 5-7 Southern Indiana Fiber Festival, Corydon, IN, October 20 & 21

Hi, everyone! Welcome to Episode 71 of Twisted Stitches, a podcast for the twisted knitter. Thank you for your patience during our long absence. This week, we are back, with some fun segments including WIP It, FO Show, a review of Eucalan wool wash, and what we are reading and watching. The Blueberry does join us in the middle of the episode so you might hear a bit of toddler noise. She's quite mobile now and gets into more trouble than she used to. We tried to keep the noise to a minimum though and hopefully it isn't too bothersome.  Thanks for listening! Show notes: http://twistedstitchespodcast.blogspot.com

Knitting Segments   This episode is brought to you by The Sock Ruler and Eucalan.  Show Ready Knits Solaris by Melanie Berg with my Pal Kal Mini Kit from One Twisted Tree.     Knits in Rehearsal       Zigzagular Socks by Susie White Triple Threat PalKal Project here with 3 podcasts represented: Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast  Twist Fiber Studio and the Twisted Stitcher Podcast The Fat Squirrel Speaks   The Bag was a gift from Sarah Shoo of the Cultivate and Create podcast.     Vanilla Socks with Scrumptious Purl Self-Striping Yarn.   Not-so-baby Blanket in progress. It's a labor of love!   Ice Shanty by Amy Miller    Astonish Top by Katy Banks.    This episode of Actually Knitting is brought to you by The Sock Ruler.  "The Sock Ruler is an innovative measuring tool for sock knitters. Whether the sock is knit toe up or cuff down the ruler works equally well.  It is constructed of a heavy duty, yet flexible plastic and measures from the inside of the sock, allowing the sock to lie flat and ensure accurate measurements." Visit our website, www.sockruler.com, for more information and don’t forget to use coupon code “palkal2016” for 25% off of a regular sock ruler from now until September 15th. Knitting News, Notes and Events PalKal2016 is Underway!    Rules:  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 or stitch marker 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 are listed in the appropriate threads and will be listed on the podcast as well. Please post finished objects in the non-chatter thread and include a link to the podcaster you are supporting. Enter as many projects as you like! There is no minimum yardage requirement or limit to the projects you can enter. If you use more than one podcaster product/design/bag/etc on one project, you may create multiple entries for that project. For example: Knit the Zigzagular Socks by prairiegirlsusie using yarn by Oh! Loops and use a project bag by thefatsquirrel, you can enter that project into the FO thread 3 separate times, just link to each podcaster seperately in each post. 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). The same applies for stitch markers. Wips count! Just finish them between June 15 and September 15, 2016. You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie! Please support as many different podcasts as you can! Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner! Use the tag PALKAL2016 here on Ravelry and #palkal2016 on Instagram. Feel free to double, triple, quadruple dip! Today I will highlight our Cameo Sponsors who are donating prizes for the KAL. For more information, check out the threads on Ravelry in the Actually Knitting Podcast Group.    Jenn Sheelan Designs and Podcast     Lilliput Yarn     One Twisted Tree/Prairie Girl Danie of the Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast      The Relentless Knitting Podcast     The Twisted Stitches Podcast     Unwind Yarn Company/Dana from the Just One More Row Podcast     I am also highlighting the prizes being offered by these Top Billing Sponsors. These sponsors have donated prizes as well as coupon codes. More information about all of this can be found in the threads on the Ravelry group, but today we will focus on the prizes.    Ancient Threads Farm Etsy Shop and Website/Podcast        A skein of yarn, winner's choice.      Ann of the Carolina Fiber Girls         Copy of the Fletcher's Falling Leaves Sock Pattern       Brenda Castiel Designs        3 Patterns of winners' choice Daniela Richardson from A Coffee Fueled Life         5 Patterns from her Ravelry Store.      Janis Ficker of the Carolina Fiber Girls           Copy of her 10 Day Sweater Pattern     C.C. Almon from the Geeky Girls Knit Podcast         Copy of her ebook, Coffee with C.C.      Jennifer Lassonde of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast         Copy of one of her patterns from her Ravelry Store   Knitting Daddy Greg of the Unraveling Podcast          2 copies of his Scrappy Sock Yarn Preemie Hat   Mary of the Kino Knits Podcast          Copy of her Adrenaline Junkie Sock Pattern    Kristine Beeson of the Yarnings Podcast          Winner's Choice of pattern from her Ravelry Store     Paula of the Knitting Pipeline Podcast          5 patterns from her Ravelry store and one winner will receive a shawl quantity of yarn from Quince           and Co.    Sarah Shoo of Cultivate and Create Podcast          3 patterns from her Ravelry Shop   Susie White of the Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast          Copy of one of her patterns from her Ravelry Shop   Ashley of Twist Fiber Studio and the Twisted Stitcher Podcast           Project bag of winner's choice from her Etsy Shop   Zombody Knits             A project bag from her Etsy Shop   Julia from the Whole Lotta Craft Podcast            Pattern from her Ravelry Shop for one lucky winner!       Angela from the Revelations of a Delusional Knitter Podcast             Winner's choice of a pattern from her Ravelry Store!   Steph from the Happy Buffalo Boutique           A skein of yarn, winner’s choice   Amy from the Stockinette Zombies Podcast           Winner’s choice of pattern from her Ravelry Store, some yarn from her own stash and a project bag     from the SilverShedUSA!   Anne from Wooly Wonka Fiber           As a prize, Anne is offering one lucky listener $30.00 in patterns from her Designer Store on    Ravelry. The winner will be able to pick any combination of individual patterns that suits!   Claire from New Hampshire Knits            2 balls of West Yorkshire Spinners yarn from their Country Bird collection in the Bullfinch and                             Cayenne Pepper color ways (so a patterned ball with a contrasting solid for heels etc).    Jan Hamby of the Twinset Designs Podcast           A Noste-Demi and Noste-Mini        Please check out the threads on Ravelry for photos and more information and remember that all of the Top Billing Sponsors have provided coupon codes as well, which you can also find in the Ravelry group.   Rhinebeck is October 15th and 16th, 2016. Let me know if you plan on attending!   Virtual Knit Night?  If you would like to do a virtual knit night via Google Hangouts?      This Episode of Actually Knitting is brought to you by Eucalan. For over 25 years Eucalan’s simple soak and spin delicate wash has been the preferred choice for your handmade creations. This extraordinary non-toxic solution is formulated without petro chemicals, bleach or optical brighteners making it safe and gentle for everything from baby’s knits and toys to quilts, and even lingerie! Infused with pure beneficial essential oils of either eucalyptus, lavender, grapefruit, jasmine or an unscented version, there’s an option for everyone. Eucalan is like a beauty treatment for natural fabrics and an aromatherapy treat for the user!     Non-Knitting Segments   Love it or Leave it!  Love it: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on Netflix   Leave it: Sizing Discrepancies in women's clothing.      Other News and Notes Running Updates   I ran my longest distance ever this week! 14 hot, hilly, humid miles!    Book Updates   Finished reading:    The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff   The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn   The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson   The Dinner by Herman Koch   Started Listening to:    Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson   Started Reading:    In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware   Other Updates My adventures in babysitting went really well! I didn't permanently damage my friend's kids and I also didn't wake them up even though I went in their rooms a million times to make sure they were still breathing.    I'm heading on vacation this week to Jackson Hole, Wyoming!   

Gestrickt: Tuch "Nambu", Raupenmützen, 2 Dreieckstücher nach eigenem Entwurf, Schal "Charisma", Fäustlinge, Tuch "Ho´okipa", "Starflower Mittens", Stinos Dreiklang; Neu: "Memory Blanket", Jacke "Night in Sydney", Stinos Duett/Gehäkelt: Mütze/Gesponnen: Farbverlauf im langen Auszug/Gefärbt und Kardiert: Wolle für Märkte, Frühlingsfaserswap, Regenbogen, Blending Board/Genäht: Geschenksäckchen/Gekauft: Videos über´s Spinnen und Färben, Eucalan und ChiaoGoo-Nadeln, Rosy Green Wool, Ply-Magazine, Bücher, Wollmeise/Aus der Küche: Mirabellenmarmelade, Entsafter

This week's episode is plagued by sound issues (construction next door, and laptop fan going crazy). Apologies. Will continue to improve audio quality. The episode has a lot of segments, so let's get on with it! Off The Needles   Caravan Scarf by Anne Hanson from her Bare Naked Knitspot club (February 2013). Used SOAK wool wash. What do you use for your knitted items? I've been wanting to try Eucalan since MamaOKnits interviewed Eucalan owner. Might knit Arden with the remaining yarn. Regina hat by Carina Spencer. Gifted to a friend's daughter. On The Needles Caravan Scarf Nespelem by Norah Gaughan. Still working on collars. Low Tide Cardigan by Tin Can Knits. Knitalong with Kim of Craft Stash. Yarn: Louet Merlin sport, US 3 (3.25 mm). First time knitting with linen! Hopefully my mods will work. Mentioned Laura of The Knit Girllls podcast's advice about shaping. Hankering to CO for a plain vanilla pattern. Recalculating Route

Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Chapter 7. NOTE: If the CraftLit iTunes feed ever goes down, head over to the . Not pretty, but always functional! * * * Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!Don't forget to visit for some awesome needles from an awesome company, and Daniel Klein's site for a little . * * * episode to enjoy, (and ), Diane's , and (You can hear the first chapter for free over at Julie's site!) If you're looking for the interview wtih Jennifer Edgar at Eucalan, please skip to the 19 minute mark. And here are some useful Eucalan links for you: and their page as well as a ! Wrapture can be purchased online via and and And don't forget YOU CAN WIN a 100ml bottle of Wrapture by putting a comment in the shownotes! Tell us how you've used a Eucalan product and I'll randomly pick a winner on the first December episode! Lever Knitting videos (if you're intersted) can be found , , and (if you search I'm sure there are others too. Please share!). Here's a picture of the November Incentive (donate during November 2012 and be put into a drawing for the book—donations can be one-time or a subscription). a link to OUR NEW * * * A new and improved Subscriber interface is coming this month. I think we'll all be happier. More on that once the files are uploaded and available. * * * Don't forget to sign up for the new CraftLit mailing list over in the sidebar. It gives me the change to get announcements out to you (like what to do if the feed breaks). * * * Defarge Two— —this time in color!—is in pre-orders! * * * rocks Jane Eyre for us!   grab the code   278's book talk begins at 12 min or so.

Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Chapter 6. NOTE: If the CraftLit iTunes feed ever goes down, head over to the . Not pretty, but always functional! * * * Sandy support for Annabel and her sons. Here they are:> Contact me at Heather at CraftLit dot comand I'll tell you where to send donations. * * * episode to enjoy, (and ), Diane's , and (You can hear the first chapter for free over at Julie's  site!) If you're looking for the interview wtih Jennifer Edgar at Eucalan, please skip to the 19 minute mark. And here are some useful Eucalan links for you: and their page as well as a ! Wrapture can be purchased online via and and And don't forget YOU CAN WIN a 100ml bottle of Wrapture by putting a comment in the shownotes! Tell us how you've used a Eucalan product and I'll randomly pick a winner on the first December episode! Lever Knitting videos (if you're interested) can be found , , and (if you search I'm sure there are others too. Please share!). Here's a picture of the November Incentive (donate during November 2012 and be put into a drawing for the book—donations can be one-time or a subscription). a link to OUR NEW * * * A new and improved Subscriber interface is coming this month. I think we'll all be happier. More on that once the files are uploaded and available. * * * Don't forget to sign up for the new CraftLit mailing list over in the sidebar. It gives me the change to get announcements out to you (like what to do if the feed breaks). * * * Defarge Two— —this time in color!—is in pre-orders! * * * rocks Jane Eyre for us!   grab the code   276's book talk begins at 30 min or so. Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to WIN a 100ml bottle of Wrapture! Tell us how you've used a Eucalan product and I'll randomly pick a winner on the first December episode!

For those of you who are into getting ready for gift giving later in the year here are a few suggestions. Also, we show you exactly how nerdy we are. Bonk! Remember you can get a hold of us if you have any questions or feedback via cloudychancefiber@gmail.com . Note: I will post the list of gift objects with links shortly in a separate blog post (Natalie). Show Notes: How Natalie used a spreadsheet to mock up a colorwork pattern* Mochimochi Land Floppy Bunny Toy - designed and crocheted by Natalie Stitch Diva Hairpin Lace & Knitted Earrings Knitty Knitted Earrings Bijouterie  Coralie (though these require Habu Stainless Steel... if you can't find this you can use Lion Brand's Stainless Steel). Owls Sweater Knitter's Almanac (Elizabeth Zimmerman) - with December Raglan & February Baby Sweater No Idle Hands For washing - Soak Eucalan One additional idea - save travel bottles of shampoo or sample bottles. When the shampoo is gone fill with Eucalan or another good wool wash or rinse and give along with your lovingly handcrafted gift. Sackboy from Little Big Planet - the most fabulous creative game in the world (this pattern is from the very talented Alan Dart - love his toys!) Source 1 for pattern Source 2 for pattern Otaku = A nerdy fan/collector   Music Featured: I Still Feel the Same About You - Ella Fitzgerald Brise Napolitaine - French Accordion De Pronto no Estás Tú (by Pacotiempo)   * I created graph paper in excel by sizing the rows and colums until I got a graph paper grid. If you don't have access to MS Office products then you can easily create one using the spreadsheet feature in Google Docs. Rachel and I actually use Google Docs to collaborate on developing the ideas and outlines for this podcast.

This week's episode has been sponsored by: This week: A wide selection of wheels from Louet, Schacht and Ashford for in-store pickup or shipment.. Worldwide shipping is available. Mention that you’re a listener and they’ll include Knitmore Girls swag with your order. All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting! Use subscription code: KNITMG Events: (00:30)We will be at the Sock Summit! August 6-9th, Oregon Convention Center. Portland, Oregon.On the Needles: (2:16)Gigi thanks Dr. Gemma (and the Fiber Collective) for their hospitality during WWKIP day. Gigi replies to Episode 57 ("Now with more Sparkle").Gigi has unearthed a pair of unfinished vanilla socks. She has used a channel island cast-on. Gigi applies a sewing solution to knit picot edging. (She recommends going down one needle size, do the picot row, and then go up to the needle size that you're planning to knit the sock on.) She is knitting it out of the Fancy Image Yarns in the "Giants" colorway.Jasmin has only been working on her Katarina sweater. She knit the sweater on US size 6 (4mm) needles (in the Tess Yarns Silk and Merino), and is knitting the collar on US size 3 (3.25mm) needles, and is excited about photographing it finished with the Designs by Romi closures.Gigi laments having no "grab and go" knitting. She talks about some new sock yarn (Berroco Sox Metallic) in a denim colorway, with some sparkle. She plans on knitting a pair of sparkly Mesmers.Jasmin has finished a few pairs of socks, and has picked up some new sock yarn. She has picked up some Dream in Color Starry (in Grey Tabby) and Dream in Color Smooshy in Happy Forest. She also picked up some Claudia's Handpaint Silk for some lace knitting.Gigi is knitting some of the Abstract Fiber Supersock (in Lady Macbeth), which she is planning on finishing soon. Gigi is knitting on her second Coriolis (in mystery Trekking), and has ripped back a sweater and is repurposing the yarn into a baby blanket.Mother Knows Best: (24:26)We discuss reviving knitting mojo.Step 1: Stash dive.Step 2: Check your Ravelry queue.Step 3: In Ravelry, go into your "Friends" page, and select the "Friends Activity" tab.Step 4: Profit.Gigi recommends working in a different medium to kick-start knitting mojo. Jasmin also recommends finishing off UFOs. Or, bake cookies!When Knitting Attacks: (29:12)Gigi continues to try and work her way through the "Little Box of Socks". She chose a yarn that was too busy for the lace pattern, so the socks have been "auf'd". Gigi's pair of Scandanavian socks (from the LBoS) needed ripping out, because the colorwork was too tight.Straw into Gold: (32:02)This week Jasmin has been dyeing! She likes the Jacquard dyes and the Gaywool dyes. Jasmin mentions some safety things (ie, don't dye in your cooking pots, keep your dye pots separate from your cooking pots). Jasmin's order for dyeing: water, dye, a drop of Dawn to break the surface tension, stir, vinegar, add wool.Jasmin has finished washing ALL of the fleece for the Lace Gauntlet Throwdown. She has borrowed a pair of the Forsyth Wool combs and a pair of Louet Mini combs and has found the weight of the larger combs to be a slight hindrance. (Check out the sockpr0n blog for tutorials on combing.) Jasmin has ordered a pair of the Forsyth mini wool combs along with the clamp.Bring it On: (43:48) Sandi and Nathania, from Purlescence Yarns, talk about trends they saw at TNNA. Fair isle is the new black! There are loads of new books with modern approaches to classic techniques (like Twined Knitting, by Laura Farson). There have been technological advances to reflect this, like  the Denise interchangeable crochet set which lends itself to techniques like Tunisian Crochet (and a companion book Tunisian Crochet by Sharon Silverman). Some new books reflecting the fair isle revival include Knits from the North Sea and Norwegian Handknits. Not to be left out is Clara Parkes' Knitters book of Wool. The Knit Kit is now coming in black with white accents. Would you like to see it in a stainless steel? Let us know.

This week's episode has been sponsored by: This week: Nathania & Sandi are at TNNA, selecting the finest yarns, patterns, and tools. Tune in next week, when they’ll be joining the Knitmore Girls to discuss beautiful yarns, trends for fall, and what great new products to look for on our shelves. Bring a little bit of our LYS to your home by following us on Twitter @purlescence and searching for Purlescence Yarns on Facebook! All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting! Use subscription code: KNITMG Events: (00:30) We will be in attendance at the Sock Summit (August 6-9), and will be doing a meet-and-greet with goodie bags! Stay tuned for details. On the Needles: (2:25) Chloe is working on a crocheted starfish blanket (out of Little Lovely Bulky Malabrigo) and a Windfall blanket. Jasmin has finished her Monkeys! She knit them out of the Burgundy color of the Regia Silk. Chloe talks about having finished one Pomatomus and one Baudelaire equaling one pair of Cookie A socks. Jasmin finished her former "show notes" socks, out of Lisa Souza's "Serrano" superwash merino (in Mahogony). She ran short, so one toe is her "warm gold" in superwash merino. Chloe is knitting a Dr. Who scarf. Jasmin's Katarina cardigan is nearly finished. She is knitting it out of the Tess Yarns Silk and Merino. Chloe discusses her method for setting in sleeves. If you're doing either the Katarina Knit-a-long or the Carli Knit-a-long, Julie Weisenberger has offered technical support along with purchase of her patterns. Chloe mentions the ScrunchableSunshine on a Cloudy Day socks, with modifications. cowl. Jasmin continues to work on her Mother Knows Best: (21:45) This week, we discuss answering Muggle questions while knitting in public. We also discuss "Crochate" and "crochenvy". They ask you, "What are the questions you get while knitting in public? How do you answer them?" When Knitting Attacks: (32:46) Jasmin has ripped out her Sunshine socks again for optimal fit. Shoot Jasmin an email (knitmoregirls@yahoo.com) for chart adjustments. (Jasmin also talks about the Dream in Color Starry, which is new at Purlescence.) Jasmin will also be ripping back her Cabletinis, since they are enormous. After discussion about the source of Jasmin's toe-up sock ennui, Chloe suggests a heel swatch. Straw into Gold: (42:53) Jasmin answers Meghan's call out for the Lace Gauntlet Throwdown. Jasmin has been washing her fleeces in lock formation, using tulle. You can see pictures of the fleeces here. Chloe has spun some Alpaca/Merino/Silk from Abstract Fiber in the Autumn colorway, which she Navajo-plied and knit a hat out of. Chloe spins on a Kromski Sonata.

This week's episode has been sponsored by: This week: Purlescence Yarns carries many of the yarns used in Cookie A’s “Sock Innovation” including Louet Gems, Mountain Colors Barefoot, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Colinette Jitterbug, and Dream in Color Smooshy. Worldwide shipping is available. All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting! Use subscription code: KNITMG Events: (00:27) Saturday, June 13th- World Wide Knit in Public Day. Jasmin will be knitting at Santana Row with Miss Kalendar (from Brass Needles) and Tika (from Gives Good Knit). Gigi will be knitting with the Fiber Collective in Los Angeles. On the Needles: (02:06) Gigi and Jasmin had a GREAT time at the Retzlaff Winery spinning event! (Jasmin talks about the Pygora/Wool lace yarn from Hollyhock Hollow farm.) Jasmin has been on a finishing kick! She has finished her Houdini Socks. (You can find the cutting tutorial here.) Gigi has finished her first sock out of the Abstract Fiber Supersock in Lady Macbeth. Gigi talks about a Lucy Neatby bind-off technique. Jasmin has picked up her Mesmer socks again (you can find the Mesmer pattern here), and is in LOVE! She's knitting it in a burnt orange colorway of the Colinette Jitterbug. Gigi finished her first Coriolis sock in a new pair. She has found herself immersed in using Cat Bordhi and Lucy Neatby techniques! Jasmin is returning to her Monkey socks. Gigi and Jasmin discuss the 52 pair plunge. Jasmin recommends modifying these types of KALs with more reasonable expectations. Jasmin tells a stash enhancement story, where she wheels and deals for some hot pink Koigu. She's looking for sweater suggestions for it. Mother Knows Best: (21:25) We discuss Netiquette and Ravelry. When Knitting Attacks: (25:32) Gigi is on her third try on her Coriolis. Jasmin has been Mesmerized, and has been having issues reading directions. Gigi's Upstream socks are having issues, and she desperately needs a bout of startitis. Jasmin talks about picking up a fleece for Meghan (from Stitch-it!), and misreading her text. Straw into Gold: (33:26) Jasmin bought a little Pygora (from Hollyhock Hollow Farms), and will talk about spinning it in a future podcast. Jasmin talks about overdyeing naturally colored fiber. Jasmin talks about getting outstanding customer service from Schacht, and the "silencing a noisy bobbin" trick with White Lithium Grease. Meghan, Erin, and Jasmin split two fleeces from Janet Heppler. Frank was a dark, 10 1/2 lb merino/corriedale mix. Luther is a white, 12 lb merino corriedale blend with super long staple length. Meghan's grey cormo fleece came from Sue Reuser, as did a white cormo fleece that Erin and Jasmin are splitting. Meghan has thrown down the gauntlet- if Jasmin hand-processes 4 lbs of fleece, Meghan will knit a lace shawl on smallish needles (US 5-6). Jasmin mentions Aija's tutorials on processing fleeces in locks.

This week's episode has been sponsored by:This week: Purlescence Yarns carries many of the yarns used in Cookie A’s “Sock Innovation” including Louet Gems, Mountain Colors Barefoot, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Colinette Jitterbug, and Dream in Color Smooshy. Worldwide shipping is available.All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting!Use subscription code: KNITMGEvents: (00:28)6/6/2009 - Spinning at the Retzlaff winery. (Take at least $5 in cash, folding chairs, sunscreen, a dish to share, cash/checks/credit cards.)6/13/2009- World Wide Knit in Public Day. Jasmin will be at Santana Row (in San Jose), Gigi will be with the Fiber Collective in Los Angeles.8/6-9/2009 - The Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon.On the Needles: (4:38)Gigi is working on the Riverbed sock (from Cat Bordhi's New Pathways in Knitting) in Abstract Fiber's Supersock (colorway: Lady Macbeth).Jasmin is participating in the Brass Needles' Cabletini sock KAL. Jasmin is using Dream in Color Smooshy (in Midnight Derby) from her (someday) Tulip Baby Sweater kit.Jasmin finished her Wool Peddler's Shawl. She put some Swarovski crystals in the edge to add a little glitter and weight to the shawl.Jasmin is knitting a pair of Sunshine Socks (from Cookie A's Sock Innovation) out of Dream in Color Smooshy (in Into the Mystic). Jasmin has stated that the Sunshine socks will be the next Monkey. (Jasmin compares following a designer the way she follows authors. She talks about Vicki Lewis Thomspon's "Nerd" series.)Gretchdragon was kind enough to give Jasmin a Mandala Lace shawl.Mother Knows Best: (19:06)Using your knitting to network and job-hunt. Jasmin talks about the Silicon Valley "Side door".Gigi and Jasmin discuss some minor points of knitting/ networking / job hunting etiquette.When Knitting Attacks: (30:36)Gigi's sad, misshapen Coriolis socks got frogged. A knitting needle was collateral damage. Jasmin talks about her Cabletini socks. She compares the beginning of the sock to the witches' feet (in the film, The Witches). They have been ripped out and re-started.Jasmin talks about her Sunshine socks, and the changes she's made.Bring it On: (43:36)We discuss how to avoid knitting mistakes, and solve others.1- Read all of the directions before you start knitting. Twice. (Jasmin is often defeated by "At the same time", "at each end".)2- Swatch. Wash it. 3- Don't rip prematurely. - When knitting lace, use lifelines.- Make a photocopy of your pattern (for your personal use). Make notes in the margin. Keep it with your project. - Keep all of the yarn for your project together.- Jasmin mounts her charts on cardstock (Pound o' Paper)

This week's episode has been sponsored by: New this week: rosy pinks, deep, dark reds, hot tropicals, deep green, a brown, and a foggy grey. For spinners: a blend of yak and merino, and soon will have pure silk for summer spinning. As always, Abstract Fiber offers free domestic shipping on orders over $100. This week: A beautiful selection of hand-dyed silk lace yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts and Claudia Hand Painted Yarns, as well as wool, alpaca, and cashmere lace blends for summer lace shawl knitting. All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting! Use subscription code: KNITMG Congrats on graduating, Tika!!! On the Needles: (1:33) Gigi has finished knitting Carli. She'll be photographing them with the pins from Romi. Summer means lace knitting for Jasmin. She is working on her Wool Peddler's Shawl. Jasmin admits objecting to the seemingly exponential growth of triangular shawls. Gigi's Marta is nearing completion, as are her Par 5 socks in Malabrigo Sock. Jasmin is still working on her Aran Pocket Shawl. Gigi is working on the Riverbed sock out of the Abstract Fiber SuperSock in "Macbeth". Jasmin is working on a sock out of the Abstract Fiber Supersock in "Newport". Gigi is going on a blocking binge! She's blocking her Chic Pulli in Cascade Venezia. Jasmin is planning on pulling two UFO triangular lace shawls (the Icarus and the Adamas Shawls). Jasmin and Gigi agree that the Waterfall shell (from the Spring issue of Verena Knitting) would be fantastic for the Tess Microfiber Ribbon. Jasmin also thinks the Aleita Shell (from Interweave Knits, Spring 2008) would be a great use of the Tess Ribbon. Jasmin is also excited about the Sandrine sweater. Bring it On! (18:12) Jasmin is on an organization binge. She is using the comforter bags (seen on the sockpr0n blog) to separate fleeces, and yarns by dyer. Mother Knows Best: (23:05) Gigi talks about blocking using cardboard cutting boards in conjunction with Knitter's Blocks. Events: (27:17) - Saturday, June 6th: Spinning at the Retzlaff winery. There's a $5 entry fee, and a potluck lunch. - Saturday, June 13th: WorldWide Knit in Public day. Jasmin will be at Santana Row (between Cohiba and Sunglasses on the Row), Gigi will be in Los Angeles. - August 6-9: Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon. We will be staying at the Mariott Courtyard in Portland. We'll be doing a meet-and-greet with goodie bags! Straw into Gold: (31:03) The last of Jasmin's fleeces from Booneville arrived, processed and beautiful from Shari at Morro Fleece Works. Jasmin talks about Duchess, a 1/2 blood, blue/gray fleece from Jean Near. Jasmin plied the cashmere/silk from Abstract Fiber this week, and discovered some issues with her WooLee Winder. Jasmin needs help- she needs the directions on how to disassemble/reassemble hers.

This week's episode has been sponsored by: New this week: Elemental Effects and Judith MacKenzie McCuin offer a 100% American-grown Shetland fingering weight. Also from Elemental Effects, 2 ounce bumps of glorious Romney wool roving. All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting! Use subscription code: KNITMG Events: (00:35) 6/6/2009 - Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery 6/13/2009- WorldWide Knit in Public Day (Jasmin will be at Santana Row, look for the pink hair. Gigi will be knitting in Los Angeles, details will be posted later.) On the Needles: (5:47) Gigi is working on her Carli again! Jasmin's Katarina is languishing a bit. Jasmin is on a shawl kick. She is working on her Aran Pocket Shawl as well as the Wool Peddler's Shawl. Gigi is blocking her way through a mountain of UFOs. Carli got blocked, Marta got blocked, Katarina has been blocked. Gigi has turned the heel on her Par 5 socks. Mother Knows Best: (15:33) Gigi and Jasmin discuss the virtues of stashing, and how a healthy stash can make your knitting recession-proof. When Knitting Attacks: (22:17) Jasmin is having trust issues with the chart on the Wool Peddler's shawl. Gigi sews her sweater together more creatively than normal. Review: (25:42) This week, Gigi and Jasmin review "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs. They liked it fine, but have some small criticisms. Bring it On! (33:27) Podcasts we like! BarkNKnit - knitting and dog training. CogKNITive - knitting, spinning, and Cognitive Behavioral strategies! Stitch-It! - spinning, knitting, "My faaaaaaavorite thing". Knaked Knits Knitting Rose Cast-On - Brenda is a real mensch. She's thoughtful, articulate, supportive, and has a voice like butter! CraftLit- classic novels and lit chat. Gives Good Knit - books, knitting, spinning, and Tika. Brass Needles - knitting, fashion, and science fiction. High Fiber Diet Sticks and String - nice voice, great essays. Fadenfreude - a German knitting podcast. Changeling's Knit and Stitch Faery Knitting Knitlark Lane The Manic Purl KnitTherapy She-Knits Y-Knit Sweaters for Dragons Spinning (51:02) Jasmin has been spinning some mango-colored 80 Merino/20 silk from Redfish Dyeworks.

This week's episode has been sponsored by:Orders over $100 receive free shipping!New this week: Knitting bags by Lexie Barnes, Della Q, Lantern Moon, Amy Butler, and the new Zuca bag- a knitting bag on wheels. Will ship anywhere in the world!All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting!Use subscription code: KNITMGThe Knitmore Girls remind you to call your mother!On the Needles: (1:50)Jasmin and Andrew took Gigi to see the new Star Trek movie at the IMAX theater. They talk about the sheep on Vulcan and knits in the movie.Gigi works on the Katarina sweater. They discuss the Knit(more)-a-long. Jasmin talks about her Aran Pocket Wrap (from Folk Shawls), which she is knitting out of sport weight Jade Sapphire cashmere.Jasmin is seeking inspiration in weird ways. She has finished her first sock out of the Abstract Fiber supersock in "Newport". Jasmin wanted to knit lace, and cast on the Theatrical Lace shawl Shawls and Scarves) in Malabrigo Lace. Jasmin decided to finish a pair of Gentleman's Fancy Socks for Andrew (from Knitting Vintage Socks), but some insulation got into the knitting bag, so Jasmin is looking for solutions on how to get insulation out of knitting.Mother Knows Best: (21:15)Gigi discusses blocking. Jasmin mentions Yarn Dogs' event to support their Avon Walk for Breast Cancer team, Knitters for Knockers.When Knitting Attacks: (30:03)Jasmin talks about losing the second sock (in this pair, made of Tess Yarns' Peruvian Sock) while out watching Wolverine.Gigi's sleeves for her Katarina are too big. She is on a knitting-three-sleeves binge. Jasmin laments a troubled Monkey Sock.Jasmin talks about over-dyeing "ugly" colors. Jasmin overdyed the Jade Sapphire "BlueBlood" (which is red) with navy blue Jacquard acid dye. It is a lovely shade of eggplant now.Straw into Gold: (43:28)Jasmin talks about her Tallulah swatch for Mariah; the 5-ply yields 4.5 sts/inch on a US 6/4mm needle.Jasmin also mentions some dandruff-y cashmere that she finished. (Description of woolen spinning can be found in this episode of Stitch it!) It is going to grow up to be lace, and is being spun on the Schacht-Reeves.Jasmin bought some qiviut fiber in Alaska last year, and is a little intimidated by it. So, she is practicing on Bison roving. (You can order the bison roving from Purlescence Yarns.)Jasmin is spinning Lina, who is a chocolate brown hogget merino fleece (from Janet Heppler, bought at the Retzlaff Winery spinning day last year). Jasmin determines, after ordering some of the comforter bags (that Aija talks about on the sockpr0n blog), that she has a lot of fleeces.

This week's episode is sponsored by: This week: Be sure to check out our shop looms: the Ashford Knitter's Loom, the Schacht Cricket, and Wolf Pup looms, all in stock and ready to go home with you today. We happily ship anywhere in the world! All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting! Use subscription code: KNITMG This week, in lieu of our normal segments, we chat with Cheryl Oberle. But, we do announce the winners of our "name the listener questions segment" contest. Cheryl's books The Sarah Blanche shawl Cheryl, on Ravelry Cheryl's knit-a-ways Cheryl's swatching technique: The 30 stitch gauge swatch Cast on at least 30 stitches. Measure the entire width of the 30 sts. If you change one needle size, the width will change exactly 1/2".

This episode has been sponsored by:New this week: Lantern Moon bags and baskets to our array of knitting accessories. $2 of the purchase for the Tote for the Cure basket goes to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Visit our blog to see that and other wonderful styles from Lantern Moon.All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting!Use subscription code: KNITMGThis week, we're joined by Tika (host of Gives Good Knit) and Andrew.The More You Know (00:35)We will be announcing the winners of the "name the listener suggestions segment" contest in Episode 51.Go and listen to Knaked Knits!On the Needles (2:05)Jasmin goes on a finishing binge! This week she has finished the Geoff Scarf (from the Jade Sapphire Scarves for Him kit), and her Abby. She also reunites with her Ice Queen.Gigi has stalled out on her Carli- it needs to be blocked. Gigi is working on her Marta, knit out of the Wild Plum 3 colorway in the Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted. Look for Julie's Bias bind-off tutorial here.Jasmin talks about her podcast sock, knit out of Abstract Fiber's sock yarn (in Newport). Gigi discusses "binge knitting", and Jasmin decides that she wants to knit her way through "Sock Innovation" (find the errata here, thanks Betty!). You can find the Cookie A group here.Tika is knitting a pair of Shark's socks for her younger charge, and talks about having "car knitting" - a pair of socks for impromptu knitting. Tika is also knitting a scarf from Victorian Lace Today along with an old friend.Gigi makes pom-poms for this scarf.Mother Knows Best (21:17)Tika and Jasmin discuss Mother's Day. Tika and her brother are pooling their resources to buy their mom a ballwinder and swift for Mother's Day. They discuss the Knitpicks ballwinder and the cost difference between those and the Royal ballwinders.Tika suggests taking nice photos, printing them out, and framing them nicely.When Knitting Attacks (30:04)Jasmin can't follow a pattern. After a year of the Ice Queen sitting aside, she realizes that she needs to read the pattern. Gigi can't count.Tika's Seamless Yoke Sweater has a decrease issue.Review: (34:53)Andrew joins in to discuss the Knit Kit (CAUTION: noisy link), pros and cons. We compare it to the Clover Knit Mate Knitting Accessory Kit. You can find the Stitchminder iPod/iPhone app here.Straw Into Gold: (50:07)Jasmin talks about "swatching" her handspun for Mariah. She talks about how she plies her yarn. (Here's a piece by Judith on how to ply, and you should get Teach Yourself Visually Spinning.)

This week's episode has been sponsored by:This week: Call Purlescence Yarns today to place your order for Addi Click Interchangeable needles. Also new this week: Amy Butler's knitting bags. Crafted of heavyweight home dec fabric, they feature lots of pockets and slots for your knitting tools.All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting!Use subscription code: KNITMGOn the Needles: (2:13)Thanks for all of your feedback about the Galina interview!Gigi has finished the first stage of her Carli. She has shortened the sleeves by an inch to compenstate for being petite. Jasmin has completed knitting the body, the first sleeve, and is nearly finished with the second sleeve of her Katarina.Gigi and Jasmin received a special package (from Rosemary Hill) of closures for the Knit(more)-A-Long. Here's what they look like:You can purchase them here.Jasmin used the crocheted provisional cast-on that she learned in Lucy Neatby's class (or at Tika's knee) when she cast on the sleeves. She notices that the sleeves will need to be blocked a little more agressively. Jasmin and Steamy will work on this.Gigi and Jasmin talk about the Knit(more)-a-long being at your own pace. Jasmin has cast on her Carli in Malabrigo "Little Lovely".Jasmin bought one of the Jade Sapphire "Cashmere Scarf For Him" kits (in "Five O'Clock Shadow") from Bobbin's Nest. She talks about purchasing habits that have changed because of the Social Pressure Experiment. Jasmin talks about using the ChiaoGoo needles.Gigi has completed the second ball of her Buffalo Gals yarn for the On the Vine scarf. Gigi talks about the intelligent, couture quality of the Marta sweater. (You can find the KnitScience episode that deals with couture here.) Gigi talks about a yarn acquisition that isn't red (Jo Sharp Aran Tweed in a plummy color).Mother Knows Best: (34:03)Gigi recommends alternating skeins of handpainted yarns to avoid color shock. Jasmin agrees that this is also a good idea for evening out handspun yarns. Jasmin talks about her handspun Ribbi Cardi, and how one sleeve has significantly more rows than the other because of the variation in handspun thickness.When Knitting Attacks: (38:59)Gigi miscounts on her Marta. Jasmin discovers a "bad bobbin", and it takes discussion to discover that it's not her, it's the bobbin.Review: (44:29)This week, Andrew joins us to review Cookie A's Sock Innovation. We give it six inspired thumbs up. Jasmin talks about Cookie's more acheivable socks (the Monkey socks, Hedera). Jasmin talks about using Dream in Color Smooshy, Regia Silk, or Tanis Fiber Arts sock yarn for these socks. Jasmin thinks this may be her "Little Box of Socks".Straw Into Gold: (54:41)Jasmin talks about spinning the Abstract Fiber 50% cashmere/50% silk roving (in Hydrangea). Jasmin talks about spinning both cashmere and silk at higher speeds to get it finer and tighter.For a really excellent definition of "woolen" spinning, go give this episode of Stitch-It a listen.To practice spinning cashmere, use cotton roving. Jasmin encourages you to spin your good stuff and not "save" it.Jasmin is nearly done spinning Tallulah.

This week's episode has been sponsored by: Inspired to knit lace? Purlescence Yarns offers a variety of gorgeous laceweight yarns including variegated silks from Blue Moon Fiber Arts and Claudia Handpainted Yarns to alpaca from Cascade and Alpaca with a Twist. You're sure to find the perfect thing to knit any lace your heart desires. We happily ship anywhere in the world. All new subscribers receive a free gift from Eucalan as our way of saying thanks for supporting Verena Knitting! Use subscription code: KNITMG This week, in lieu of our regular segments, we have an interview with Galina Khmeleva of Skaska Designs Limited. In this episode, Galina discusses knitting in communist Russia, and how she ended up as an accomplished author, instructor, and historian of the Orenburg lace tradition. Her books: Gossamer Webs: The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls The Gossamer Webs Design Collection: Three Orenburg Shawls to Knit Her workshop schedule and calendar of events can be found here. Galina's preferred fibers for lace knitting: 1- Quiviut 2- Cashmere (longer staple) 3- Cashmere and silk. Silk helps the knitting retain it's memory. 4- Pygora