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This week, I recorded from the balcony of a room at the lodge at Lake Lanier, Georgia. The birds were chirping and the air conditioner was noisy. Hopefully, you can hear me well enough! I finished the Indigo Frost poncho and a pair of vanilla socks in DK weight yarn. I've almost finished a Norwegian Fir baby cardigan in O-Wash Worsted. There's also a giveaway in which I ask for travel advice and tips. Your expertise is welcome!
Join the Knitting Pipeline Bookshelf KAL! #bookshelfkal. I share Knitting Pipeline Maine Retreat Highlights and a finished Indigo Frost by Isabelle Kraemer in Quince & Co Lark. I announce the winners of the September Gab and Giveaway. Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy/Bluprint Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you! Show notes are found at www.knittingpipeline.com. Haste ye back!
A little knitting and a lot of planning for upcoming events on today's show. Plus a couple of knitting tips, the perfect spirit buttons, and some bee talk. To see these show notes with photos, go to our website. Marsha's Projects Marsha started her second combo spin sweater so she'd have something going when the Opteka is finished. She is quite close to finishing Opteka. Kelly's Projects Kelly continues to work on the Indigo Frost poncho. Another careless moment led to a mistake. Instead of ripping back 8 rows of over 300 stitches, she attempted to rip out and re-knit only the section of 66 stitches that contained the mistake. It worked really well and the poncho is back on track. Since the poncho had a mistake that needed to be repaired in a quiet time period, Kelly pulled the linen Summer Fjord top back out and put about an inch on it. It has a few inches to go before the bottom ribbing and will be finished in time for warmer weather. Kelly also found the perfect buttons for her Curious Cardigan. They are buttons from Marsha's mother's button tin and they'll be perfect! Bee Update Kelly and Marsha talk about the bees. Kelly did some honey harvesting since the bees aren't going to need their honey for the quickly retreating California winter. Kelly also suggested that people who want to plant for the bees consider trees, or at least shrubs for their concentrated volume of nectar or pollen. Xerces society has plant lists for different areas of the country if you are interested.
Knitting and spinning are so therapeutic for the difficult times in life. They also bring joy and a community that enhances the good times. Join the Ewes in this episode that includes a little of each. Plus, they talk about the Two Ewes Shop and some of their learning experiences with this labor of love connecting local shepherds, mills, and small-batch yarns to knitters and crocheters. If you read these show notes on your podcast app and want to see pictures, go to our complete show notes here. Kelly has two finished projects. She finished the Aztec Cupcake socks made with beautiful Duren Dyeworks yarn using the Slip and Swirl Socks pattern by Kristi of the In a Sknit podcast. The pattern and yarn are a perfect pairing and created this great design. She also finished the black Molly hat for her sister using spirit yarn from Marsha's stash. That leaves her with only one active knitting project, the Indigo Frost poncho. Marsha is also down to one active project. She's almost finished with her Opteka sweater. This is a pattern by Isabell Kraemer and it has an interesting hem detail that was fun to knit. The odd line in the photo is the demarcation between the part that was washed and blocked and the new knitting that has been done since then. Marsha washed and blocked the partially completed sweater to double check that she was getting the same gauge as her washed swatch. Both Marsha and Kelly are thinking about next projects. Kelly is swatching with some deep stash to see if it will work for the Knit it Down sweater. Marsha is thinking about either Vintersol or Snowflower for her next sweater knit. The Ewes are excited about some upcoming events. They will both be at Stitches West, Feb 22-25. Kelly is taking an Argyle class and they will both be spending plenty of time in the market. They will be attending the meet-up in the lobby of the Hyatt (conference center hotel) on Saturday starting at about 2 pm. Marsha is visiting Scotland for the Edinburgh Yarn Festival March 15-17, plus some "fringe events" on Sunday, March 18. There is a podcaster lounge and she'll spend some time there as well as with the enticing vendor exhibits. In April Marsha will return to California for the annual Northern California Knitting Retreat, hosted by the two podcasts the Yarniacs and The 2 Knit Lit Chicks.
The Two Ewes are both in Seattle! Assembling spinning wheels, meeting listeners, weaving, knitting, and comparing notes on sweaters are just some of the activities from their fun week. Project Updates Marsha is knitting a new project since the last episode. The pattern is Opteka by Isabell Kraemer and the yarn is Imperial Yarn Tracie Too. This is Marsha's second long-sleeved pullover. She is wearing her Combo Spin sweater so much she decided to make another sweater with similar characteristics. Marsha has also finished a project already this year. In fact, it was finished in two days! Her first weaving project was a huge success. There will be more information about this in the next Winter Weave Along episode. Kelly is almost exclusively working on the Indigo Frost by Isabell Kraemer. The Ewes are definitely enjoying her patterns these days! Kelly's version is a vivid spring green cormo yarn from Sincere Sheep in the Virid colorway. The color work portion is being done with handspun left over from her Funky Grandpa cardigan. This will guarantee that she will stand out in a crowd! She also has weaving as her first finished project of 2018. The woven pouch is finished, sporting one of her favorite buttons from the button stash. The directions for the woven pouch can be found in the first Winter Weave Along lesson. Fiber Adventures Marsha's new/old Ashford Traditional got a good spin at the Spin-In. Many interesting wheels were there, including an interesting Dutch Moswalt wheel and an antique Norwegian Wheel with matching spinning chair that was for sale. The Ewes also made fiber purchases from a variety of fun vendors. Huckleberry Knits, Fleebers Farm, Sauked In Farm, and Homestead Hobbyist all got added to the stash. Fiber in the Wild Kelly was delighted to find that a new mill with spinning capability has opened in California. Valley Oak Wool and Fiber Mill in Yolo County is now the only mill in the state that spins yarn. This article details the story of the mill's owner and its recent opening. Stay tuned for more about this exciting development! Marsha shares a video in which Fairy Little knits a sweater in one day using time lapse video. Amazing!
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Jedi the Giraffe, Bubble socks, No Purl Monkey socks, vanilla toe-up socks, and CBD Neckcessory. FOs include the not really Extempore shawl, Indigo Frost poncho, Flutterby socks and one monkey sock. Featured Baubles and Bling include Fibernymph Dyeworks and Knitpicks yarn. We drew a winner of the Knit Your Skirt contest and announce a new pattern designed by Carolyn Noyes with three chances to win! Shout Outs:The KAL/CAL is based on YELLOW! Do any project with at least 50% yellow yarn. We will draw a winner next week.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Jedi the Curious Giraffe by Heidi Bears in Anne Geddes baby yarnBubble Socks (Wendy's own design) in Knitpicks Felici in the Bubble colorwaySheila is working on:Generic Toe-Up socks in Fishknits self-striping yarn in the Fuji Fight Like A Girl colorway, which Sheila has renamed "Running on Recycled Parts" because green is for organ donation.No Purl Monkey Socks by Cookie A, modified by Craftypancakes in BMFA Jingle Bell Rock colorway.CBD Fudge Neckcessory by Deborah Tomasello in her CBD yarn.Rate Your Date:Wendy finished:Indigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway.Extempore Shawl by Briony Singleton (heavily modified) in Freia Handpaints.Sheila finished:Flutterby socks in the BMFA Seascape colorway for a friend.One No Purl Monkey sockWhirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Wendy plans to knit a sweater in a few months, and will probably start some socks.Sheila plans to finish what she has on the needles.Baubles & Bling:Wendy purchased:Fibernymph Dyeworks Bedazzled Sock in Mixed Up KittyKnitpicks Felici in Bubble, Dark Side and Sprinkle.Sheila received:bracelet from Crystal Butterfly Company in exchange for socks she knit.Wendy and Sheila received Sock Rulers from Lise at Webs!Gossip & Innuendo:We drew a winner of the Knit My Skirt contest.We announced a new contest to win the Ellsworth Tee pattern by Carolyn Noyes! To win, just tell us which colors you would knit it in. We will draw one winner a week from the contest thread for three weeks!Fiber EventsFiber Revival Aug 13, Spencer Peirce Little Farm, Newbury, MAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include the Indigo Frost poncho, Jedi the Giraffe, a granny square pot holder, toe-up striped socks and Flutterby socks Sheila is finishing for a friend. No FOs this week, but Sheila finished one sock. Baubles and Bling include a Sucre Sucre progress marker and Dyeabolical Targhee sock in the Mint to Be watercolor striping colorway. Don't forget to play in our Knit My Skirt contest!! Winner will be drawn next week. Shout Outs:The New KAL/CAL is based on YELLOW! Do any project with at least 50% yellow yarn.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Jedi the Curious Giraffe by Heidi Bears in Anne Geddes baby yarnIndigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway.Sheila is working on:Generic Toe-Up socks in Fishknits self-striping yarn in the Fuji Fight Like A Girl colorway, which Sheila has renamed "Running on Recycled Parts" because green is for organ donation.Granny square cotton dish clothRate Your Date:Sheila finished one toe-up striped sock and reknit a BMFA Flutterby sock in the Seascape colorway for a friend.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Wendy plans to knit a sweater in a few months, and will probably start some socks.Sheila plans to finish what she has on the needles.Baubles & Bling:Wendy purchased:Sucre Sucre Miniatures Hostess cupcake progress markerWendy won:Dyeabolical Yarns Targhee sock in the Mint to Be watercolor stripes colorwayGossip & Innuendo: Fiber EventsFiber Revival Aug 13, Spencer Peirce Little Farm, Newbury, MAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Jedi the Giraffe, Indigo Frost poncho, Ex Tempore shawl, vanilla ankle socks and vanilla toe-up socks. No dates to rate, but Wendy finished a lot of little African Flower motifs for the giraffe. We announce the winner of the May BMFA KAL/CAL and we review the new XRX book Knit My Skirt. Shout Outs:The New KAL/CAL is based on YELLOW! Do any project with at least 50% yellow yarn.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Jedi the Curious Giraffe by Heidi Bears in Anne Geddes baby yarnIndigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway.Ex tempore shawl by Briony SingletonSheila is working on:Generic cuff down shorty sock in cotton yarnGeneric To-Upsocks in Fishknits self-striping yarn in the Fuji Fight Like A Girl colorway, which Sheila has renamed "Running on Recycled Parts" because green is for organ donation.Rate Your Date:None this week, although Wendy finished a ton of African Violet motifs for her Giraffe.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Wendy plans to knit a sweater in a few months, and will probably start some socks.Sheila plans to finish what she has on the needles.Baubles & Bling:Nothing this week.Gossip & Innuendo:BOOK REVIEW:We reviewed a new XRX book, Knit My Skirt by Candace Eisner Strick. It is available on the XRX website and also on Amazon!We both really liked this book. The concept is simple: this book teaches you how to make a custom-fitting skirt and how to add an undergarment to give it structure. The patterns are sorted by construction: bottom up, top down and side to side. There really is something for everyone in the variety of designs. We didn't like some styles and we loved others. There are definitely some skirts that need a slender figure, but there were also plenty that would work on larger sizes. The fact that you customize your skirt makes it way more likely the end product will be flattering!This book is well written and includes a lot of great extras. There is a history of the skirt that we both really enjoyed reading. The photography is great and each pattern shows a lot of views of the skirt so you can see the garment as a whole but also see close-ups of important features. We love a book with plenty of good photos! It includes the usual features like a stitch guide and instructions, and the e-book also has hyperlinks to the patterns from the index, which is a another feature we both love. There's even a clever section explaining why you NEED a knit skirt, and providing a counterargument to all the reasons you don't think you want one. If you are interested in knitting a different kind of garment and learning how to make it your exact size, this is a great book for you. It is probably best suited to intermediate knitters and above, but an enthusiastic beginner could definitely tackle some of the patterns.Fiber EventsFiber Revival Aug 13, Spencer Peirce Little Farm, Newbury, MAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Ex Tempore shawl, Indigo Frost poncho, Jedi the Giraffe, Cuff down shorty socks, Toe Up generic socks and CBD Fudge Neckcessory. FOs include toe-up Patons Kroy socks. No knitting related Baubles and Bling this year. We will be reviewing a new book from XRX called "Knit My Skirt" next week, so stay tuned! Shout Outs:The New KAL/CAL is based on YELLOW! Do any project with at least 50% yellow yarn.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Jedi the Curious Giraffe by Heidi Bears in Anne Geddes baby yarnIndigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway.Ex tempore shawl by Briony SingletonSheila is working on:Generic cuff down shorty sock in cotton yarnCBD Fudge Neckcessory by Deborah Tomasello in CBD Metallic Spice from her new yarn line.Generic To-Upsocks in Fishknits self-striping yarn in the Fuji Fight Like A Girl colorway, which Sheila has renamed "Running on Recycled Parts" because green is for organ donation.Rate Your Date:Sheila finished:Generic Patons Kroy socks.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Wendy plans to knit a sweater in a few months, and will probably start some socks.Sheila plans to knit a sockhead beanie.Baubles & Bling:Nothing this week.Gossip & Innuendo:We will be reviewing a new XRX book, Knit My Skirt by Candace Eisner Strick next week. We will also have a contest to win this book, so stay tuned!Fiber EventsMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week we review Stephannie Tallent's new Craftsy class! WIPs include Jedi the Giraffe, Indigo Frost, Ex tempore shawl and vanilla socks. FOs include Atomic Blender socks and one vanilla sock. Featured Baubles and Bling is a bag from Tricia Paul Designs. Shout Outs:The New KAL/CAL is based on YELLOW! Do any project with at least 50% yellow yarn.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn.This week, we review Stephannie Tallent's new Craftsy class! See below for a summary review.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Jedi the Curious Giraffe by Heidi Bears in Anne Geddes baby yarnIndigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway.Ex tempore shawl by Briony SingletonSheila is working on:Generic cuff down sockRate Your Date:Sheila finished:Atomic Blender socks. Design will be out this week.Sheila also finished a generic cuff down sock.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:If the crocheted toy goes well, Wendy my try another of these patterns.Sheila has chosen her next skin of BMFA and will knit socks.Baubles & Bling:Sheila purchased:bag from Tricia Paul DesignsGossip & Innuendo:REVIEW:Wendy watched the new Craftsy course by Stephannie Tallent: Custom Colorworks Techniques: Mitts. This is a great course if you want to take your knitting from following patterns as written (and always being a little disappointed by the outcome) to customizing everything about a project. Not only will this teach you how to customize an existing mitt pattern, but it will give you the skills to design your own pattern and to begin to learn how to customize everything that you knit.The class is packed with extras that can really help up your knitting game. For those who dread chart reading, there is a nice section on how to read charts to give you a leg up. There is also a great section on the color wheel and how to select colors that go well together. I think this is a key skill that everyone could use. You will also learn how to use knitter's graph paper (and where to source it), how to do the necessary math calculations for the project, and how to get inspired to create your own pattern motifs. As with all Craftsy classes, you will get downloadable class materials that you can refer to again and again while doing future projects. And Stephanie is there to answer any questions that you post on the class as you go along.I would not recommend this class for beginning knitters unless you are very adventurous. You will at least need to know stockinette, garter, knitting in the round, stranded colorwork, increases/decreases and chart reading (although you can learn about charts in the handy tutorial). At the end of this class you will have a perfectly fitting pair of mitts in colors you love with the design of your choice! And this could be the beginning of you modifying patterns to suit what YOU want instead of settling for what the designer likes. Two thumbs up!Fiber EventsMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Atomic Blender socks, Ex Tempore shawl, and Indigo Frost poncho. FOs include Opal yarn socks in the Harry Potter colorway, 1 Atomic Blender sock and one felt slipper. Featured Baubles and Bling include a birthday bag of recovery goodies for Wendy from Sheila, Hamamelis Shawl pattern by Kristin Kapur, Fireflies Rising Shawl pattern and Summertide Shawl pattern by Helen Stewart. We also got donations this week! Thank you! Shout Outs:Mar/Apr KAL/CAL prizes are drawn this week! We will post the new KAL/CAL next week.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn. Because she was unable to record today, she will draw a winner in the next episode.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Indigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway.Rate Your Date:Wendy finished:Atomic Blender socks in Dyeabolical Yarn Targhee sock in the Atomic Blender colorway. Pattern will be available soon.This Way That Way socks by Mina Philipp in Knitpicks Felici in the Teacup colorway.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Wendy plans to knit the Extempore shawl by Briony Singleton in Freia Handpaints Metropolis gradient. She also plans to knit the Pebble Beach shawl by Helen Stewart. These will both be great recovery shawls.Baubles & Bling:Wendy purchased:The Lemonade Shop Yarns fingering weight in the Disco Hippo colorwayGossip & Innuendo:Wendy drew the KAL/CAL winners this week. She will post a 50% off code in the group for those who wish to purchase Stephannie Tallent's Craftsy class. Her review of the class will be in the next episode.Fiber EventsMaryland Sheep and Wool May 7-8, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MDNew Hampshire Sheep and Wool May 14-15, Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NHRhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival May 16, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol, RIWebs Annual Tent Sale May 14-15, Webs, Northampton, MAMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIP is the Indigo Frost poncho. FOs include Atomic Blender and This Way That Way socks. Featured Baubles and Bling is yarn from The Lemonade Shop. Wendy draws winners of the bi-monthly KAL and announces a code to get Stephannie Tallent's Craftsy class for 50% off! Wendy will review that class in the next episode. Shout Outs:Mar/Apr KAL/CAL prizes are drawn this week! We will post the new KAL/CAL next week.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn. Because she was unable to record today, she will draw a winner in the next episode.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Indigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway.Rate Your Date:Wendy finished:Atomic Blender socks in Dyeabolical Yarn Targhee sock in the Atomic Blender colorway. Pattern will be available soon.This Way That Way socks by Mina Philipp in Knitpicks Felici in the Teacup colorway.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Wendy plans to knit the Extempore shawl by Briony Singleton in Freia Handpaints Metropolis gradient. She also plans to knit the Pebble Beach shawl by Helen Stewart. These will both be great recovery shawls.Baubles & Bling:Wendy purchased:The Lemonade Shop Yarns fingering weight in the Disco Hippo colorwayGossip & Innuendo:Wendy drew the KAL/CAL winners this week. She will post a 50% off code in the group for those who wish to purchase Stephannie Tallent's Craftsy class. Her review of the class will be in the next episode.Fiber EventsMaryland Sheep and Wool May 7-8, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MDNew Hampshire Sheep and Wool May 14-15, Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NHRhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival May 16, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol, RIWebs Annual Tent Sale May 14-15, Webs, Northampton, MAMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Indigo Frost poncho, Atomic Blender socks, and Be My Valentine socks (without the cable). FOs include BMFA mill ends vanilla toe up sock. Baubles and Bling include Fibernymph Bounce sock in the Oops Blue and Gray colorway, and a review of Deborah Tomasello's new customizable yarn line (you won't want to miss this). Shout Outs:Mar/Apr KAL/CAL will be to knit with variegated yarn! Trying digging something out from deep stash! We will draw two winners during the first episode in May.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn. We will draw the next winner in May.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Indigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway with scraps for the color work.Atomic Blender socks in Dyeabolical Yarn Targhee sock in the Atomic Blender colorway. Pattern will be available when the sample socks are knit.Sheila is working on:Be My Valentine Socks by the Cozy Knitter in unlabeled cotton sock yarn. She will not be using the cable pattern, just the gusset and heel combo.Rate Your Date:Sheila finished:Vanilla toe-up socks in BMFA mill end (heavy weight)Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Sheila will knit something (possibly the Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku with her BMFA yarn of the month, a mill end in purple and blue.Wendy needs to finish her current WIPsBaubles & Bling:Sheila purchased:Fibernymph Dyeworks Bounce sock in the Oops Blue and Gray color way.REVIEW:We received a sample of Colorworks by Debi Yarns, where you can customize the yarn by picking strands of different colors and/or fiber composition to make a 2, 3 or more ply yarn. The sample we were sent was a cotton and tencel skein that had a lovely color, drape and shine. Sheila will be knitting a project with the yarn, since Wendy has sensory issues with cotton based yarns. At first we thought the yarn was a laceweight until we unwound the skein a bit and understood the unique concept. Debi takes strands of different yarns and winds them together. It's like knitting with two strands held together, except she does the work for you and winds them up together in any combination you like! And you can pick from many colors and bases to get the perfect customized yarn for your project. She has price information and more on her website, which we linked above. You can also join her Ravelry group HERE.Gossip & Innuendo:Fiber EventsConnecticut Sheep and Wool Apr 30, Tolland Agricultural Center, Vernon/Rockville, CTGore Place Sheep Shearing Festival Apr 30, Gore Place, Waltham MAMaryland Sheep and Wool May 7-8, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MDNew Hampshire Sheep and Wool May 14-15, Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NHRhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival May 16, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol, RIWebs Annual Tent Sale May 14-15, Webs, Northampton, MAMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include the Atomic Blender sock, Indigo Frost poncho and a vanilla toe up sock. FOs include the Super Stretchy Baby Hat and Crafty Toes baby socks. No featured Baubles and Bling this week, but we have a long talk about medically-assisted weight loss and Wendy makes an announcement. We draw winners of the Masterpiece Knits pdf and the monthly BMFA KAL/CAL. Shout Outs:Mar/Apr KAL/CAL will be to knit with variegated yarn! Trying digging something out from deep stash! We will draw two winners during the first episode in May.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn. We will draw the next winner in May. We drew March's winner in this episode.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Indigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway with scraps for the color work.Atomic Blender socks in Dyeabolical Yarn Targhee sock in the Atomic Blender colorway. Pattern will be available when the sample socks are knit.Sheila is working on:Vanilla toe-up socks in BMFA mill end (heavy weight)Rate Your Date:Sheila finished:Super Stretchy Baby Hat by Julia Tarsha in Plymouth Happy Feet (red colorway).Cozy Little Toes by Judy Kaethler in Plymouth Happy FeetWhirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Sheila will knit something with self-striping yarnWendy needs to finish her current WIPsBaubles & Bling:NoneGossip & Innuendo:We drew a winner of Masterpiece Knits from Dragonfly Yarns. We also drew a winner of the March edition of the BMFA KAL/CAL/SAL!!Fiber EventsConnecticut Sheep and Wool Apr 30, Tolland Agricultural Center, Vernon/Rockville, CTGore Place Sheep Shearing Festival Apr 30, Gore Place, Waltham MAMaryland Sheep and Wool May 7-8, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MDNew Hampshire Sheep and Wool May 14-15, Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NHRhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival May 16, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol, RIWebs Annual Tent Sale May 14-15, Webs, Northampton, MAMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Indigo Frost poncho and Super Stretchy Baby Hat. FOs include a pair of cuff down vanilla socks and Wendy FINALLY finished her Jeck socks. Featured Baubles and Bling include notions from Stitched by Jessalu and a gradient set from Wonderland Yarns. We give lots of random technology advice in this episode. Shout Outs:Mar/Apr KAL/CAL will be to knit with variegated yarn! Trying digging something out from deep stash! We will draw two winners during the first episode in May.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn. We will draw a new winner during the first episode in April.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Cache Cache Cowl by Kiki Kawaii in Into the Whirled Manchester sock cashmere/merino/nylon yarn, Double Rainbow colorwayIndigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway with scraps for the color work.Sheila is working on:Super Stretchy Baby Hat by Julia Tarsha in Plymouth Happy Feet (red colorway).Rate Your Date:Wendy finished:Jeck Sock by Regina Satta in Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base, Lucky Cat colorway.Sheila finished:Vanilla cuff down socks in Opal cotton.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Sheila will knit hats and socks.Wendy plans to design a new sock.Baubles & Bling:Wendy purchased:Wonderland Yarns Cheshire Cat fingering weight in the Dormouse gradient.Stitched By Jessalu notions pouchesGossip & Innuendo:We are giving away a copy of Masterpiece Knits from Dragonfly Yarns in episode 246. Just tell us which pattern you would knit in the contest thread on Ravelry before our next episode!Fiber EventsConnecticut Sheep and Wool Apr 30, Tolland Agricultural Center, Vernon/Rockville, CTGore Place Sheep Shearing Festival Apr 30, Gore Place, Waltham MAMaryland Sheep and Wool May 7-8, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MDNew Hampshire Sheep and Wool May 14-15, Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NHRhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival May 16, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol, RIWebs Annual Tent Sale May 14-15, Webs, Northampton, MAMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Jeck Socks, Cache Cache cowl, Indigo Frost poncho and generic cuff-down socks. FOs include one vanilla sock. We review Dragonfly Fibers Masterpiece Knits this week! Don't forget to play along in the Ravelry group for a chance to win a copy. Shout Outs:Mar/Apr KAL/CAL will be to knit with variegated yarn! Trying digging something out from deep stash! We will draw two winners during the first episode in May.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn. We will draw a new winner during the first episode in April.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Jeck Sock by Regina Satta in Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base, Lucky Cat colorway.Cache Cache Cowl by Kiki Kawaii in Into the Whirled Manchester sock cashmere/merino/nylon yarn, Double Rainbow colorwayIndigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway with scraps for the color work.Sheila is working on:Generic Cuff-Down sock in Opal Cotton.Rate Your Date:Sheila finished:One cuff down sock.Whirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Sheila needs to finish some projects and will knit more socks, possibly Rose City Rollers and a pair for herself from her BMFA heavyweight mill end.Wendy plans to design a new sock when she finishes the ones on her needles.Baubles & Bling:Nothing this weekGossip & Innuendo:BOOK REVIEW:This week we are reviewing Masterpiece Knits from Dragonfly Fibers. You can purchase a pdf copy of this book on Ravelry for $18 or a hard copy plus a code for the pdf version on the Dragonfly Fibers website.The book is unusual in that it is centered around Dragonfly Fibers colorways based on fine art. We both thought all of the featured colorways were beautiful. The book has 15 patterns that would be suitable for almost any level of knitter. There are simple projects for beginners as well as more complex projects for knitters with more experience. Basically, something for everyone!We had a little trouble with the format at first as it came up on our devices with two pages at a time, which made it difficult to follow. Wendy discovered by accident that if she sized the page up to fit only one page on the screen, it shifted to a one page at a time format, which made it much easier to read. The patterns range from simple hats to sweaters, and include techniques like intarsia, cabling and textured stitches. We really liked a lot of the patterns, most of which would work great with semi-solid and more variegated yarns. The sweater patterns do come in some larger sizes for knitters who need them. This book is definitely worth a look, especially if you love Dragonfly Fibers or fine art. It is definitely a collection that will have you knitting more than one pattern.We will be giving away a copy of this book in episode 246. Just tell us which pattern you would knit in the contest thread on Ravelry!Fiber EventsConnecticut Sheep and Wool Apr 30, Tolland Agricultural Center, Vernon/Rockville, CTGore Place Sheep Shearing Festival Apr 30, Gore Place, Waltham MAMaryland Sheep and Wool May 7-8, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MDNew Hampshire Sheep and Wool May 14-15, Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NHRhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival May 16, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol, RIWebs Annual Tent Sale May 14-15, Webs, Northampton, MAMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA
SHOW NOTESThis week's WIPs include Jeck Socks, Cache Cache cowl, Indigo Frost poncho and generic cuff-down socks. FOs include Sheila's Lined Beanie. Featured Baubles and Bling are Dyeabolical Yarn self-striping sock yarn. Shout Outs:Mar/Apr KAL/CAL will be to knit with variegated yarn! Trying digging something out from deep stash! We will draw two winners during the first episode in May.Sheila is also hosting a Blue Moon Fiber Arts KAL/CAL that will continue throughout the year and includes any projects made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn. We will draw a new winner during the first episode in April.On The Dance Card:Wendy is working on:Jeck Sock by Regina Satta in Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce base, Lucky Cat colorway.Cache Cache Cowl by Kiki Kawaii in Into the Whirled Manchester sock cashmere/merino/nylon yarn, Double Rainbow colorwayIndigo Frost Poncho by Isabell Kraemer in Dream in Color Classy in the In Vino Veritas colorway with scraps for the color work.Sheila is working on:Generic Cuff-Down sock in Opal Cotton.Rate Your Date:Wendy finished:One Jack sock (finally)Sheila finished:Lined Beanie by Heather Kinne in Malabrigo sock in the Indecita colorwayWhirlwind Romance:NothingFuture Dates:Sheila needs to finish some projects and will knit more socks.Wendy plans to design a new sock when she finishes the ones on her needles.Baubles & Bling:Dyeabolical Yarns self-striping Targhee sock in the Katatomic colorway.Gossip & Innuendo:For those of you who love Stitched by Jessalu Bags, she will have a trunk show at Circle of Stitches, 66 Wharf Street, Salem MA on March 19 during the Knit North Yarn Crawl!We drew a winner of the BMFA KAL/CAL and two winners of the WIP KAL/CAL.Fiber EventsKnit North Yarn Crawl Mar 17-20, various North Shore locations, MAConnecticut Sheep and Wool Apr 30, Tolland Agricultural Center, Vernon/Rockville, CTGore Place Sheep Shearing Festival Apr 30, Gore Place, Waltham MAMaryland Sheep and Wool May 7-8, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MDNew Hampshire Sheep and Wool May 14-15, Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NHRhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival May 16, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol, RIWebs Annual Tent Sale May 14-15, Webs, Northampton, MAMassachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair May 28-29, Cummington Fairgrounds, Cummington, MAMaine Fiber Frolic Jun 6-7, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, MEFiber Revival TBAFinger Lakes Fiber Festival Sep 17-18, Hemlock Fairgrounds, Hemlock MESouthern Adirondack Fiber Festival Sep 24-25, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NYVermont Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 1-2, Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VTNew York Sheep and Wool Oct 15-16, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NYFiber Festival of New England Nov 5-6, Eastern States Exhibition, Springfield, MA