Podcasts about knit lit chicks

The Two Ewes were together as we attended the Northern California Knitting Retreat. Hear about the fun we had and our adventures in the “destash” room. Plus, the winners of our Stitches West contest are announced. Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Subscribe on Android or Subscribe on Google Podcasts NoCKRs We had a lovely time at the Northern Californian Knitters Retreat held at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California. We caught up with old friends and met ten new attendees. Thank you to the Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks for hosting. We have two new knitters! Two high school students attending a confirmation preparation workshop were intrigued with what we were doing. Several knitters taught them the basics and they were off! Next year's dates April 25-28, 2024. More information can be found in the NoCKRs Ravelry Group. Marsha's Projects Noromania: I ordered more yarn and now have a total of 40 skeins of Noro Kureyon (Aran weight) to make a blanket for Mark. I've knit 40 inches and used 22 balls. This is a fun project. Anzula Socks: Using two shades of Anzula Dreamy (blue) and Squishy (coral) that I bought at Stitches 2022. Finished the first sock. Flowers from My Garden: Starting a spinning project with fiber I bought at Stitches this month. I have spun two bobbins of each colorway and am working on a third. Ames Beanie: Cast on using Little Skein in the Big Woods worsted in colorway Hyde Park. Knitting it cable hat as part of the 2 Knit Lit Chicks cable along that ends May 15. I was making good progress when I discovered about ten rows back that I missed a cable cross. Kelly's Projects Started the Summer Fjord tee using Quince and Co. Sparrow linen yarn. Continued on the socks for Robert out of Purls Before Wine (From Purl 2 Walla Walla). Colorway is called Glamping so I had to buy it! Finished: Crackle lesson from Jane Stafford Guild. 7 yard warp instead of 10. Made the outer stripes wider because of the way I fold towels on the towel rod in our kitchen. Using the two cones of 8/2 cotton that I bought at stitches from Meridian Specialty Yarns Stitches West Winners: Winners of our Stitches West contest are announced. Listen to find out who won! Patreon Winners will be announced in our next episode.

Episode 107 – Knitting Rules! Chapter 8, Part 2 In Episode 107, Greg and Pam dive into the second part of Chapter 8 and discuss sweaters. Follow along as we discuss Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. SPONSORS We are Knitcrate Ambassadors! Are you the kind of knitter who would enjoy receiving a surprise package of yarn in the mail every month? Then you need to sign up for a Knitcrate subscription. Every month, you will receive a selection of curated yarn, a pattern specifically paired to use with the yarn, and a treat. Use code KD20 at checkout for 20% off your first package when you sign up for a subscription. Knitting Rules Be sure to get your copy of Knitting Rules! The Yarn Harlot Unravels the Mysteries of Swatching, Stashing, Ribbing & Rolling to Free Your Inner Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and follow along with our discussion. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has a Patreon account for $6 a month and it looks like she is offering great content. Miscellaneous We mentioned the Baby Surprise Jacket and the Percentage System by Elizabeth Zimmermann. We mentioned the 2 Knit Lit Chicks podcast. Remember that our next Book Club selection is The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Cooperative Press, Amazon, or Knitcrate and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own, and we're never compensated to endorse any particular product or service. Find us all over the Internet Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Twitter: @UnravelingPod Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry  and @pammaher on Instagram

Jenny welcomes a new guest - Tina - and we chat about reading more books from our own shelves and great books we've read recently. Jenny also asks about Tina's knitting, a new hobby she enjoys alongside reading.Download or listen via this link: Reading Envy 206: Black Sheep Subscribe to the podcast via this link: FeedburnerOr subscribe via Apple Podcasts by clicking: SubscribeOr listen through TuneIn Or listen on Google Play Or listen via StitcherOr listen through Spotify New! Listen through Google Podcasts Books discussed:The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto UrreaSilences So Deep by John Luther AdamsA River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa, translated by Risa KobayashiBeowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dahvana HeadleyTwo Wings to Fly Away by Penny MickelburyThe Shadow King by Maaza MengisteOther mentions:#audioknittingRizzoli & Isles novels by Tess GerritsenI Contain Multitudes by Ed YongThe Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee2 Knit Lit Chicks (podcast)RavelryRBG dissent sweater and Empower cowl#yarnbombingInto the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto UrreaThe Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto UrreaThe Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto UrreaQueen of America by Luis Alberto UrreaPBS Reads July 2019Urrea Facebook pageThe Writer's Library edited by Nancy Pearl and Jeff SchwagerPachinko by Min Jin LeeConvenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, translated by Ginny Tapley TakemoriMimi Patterson books by Penny MickelburySmart Podcast, Trashy Books - Beverly Jenkins, episode 421Burnt Sugar by Avni DoshiBeneath the Lion's Gaze by Maaza MengisteLost Children Archive by Valeria LuiselliTell Me How it Ends: An Essay in 40 Questions by Valeria LuiselliNew York Society Library - Maaza MengisteCelestial Bodies by Jokha AlharthiMagic Lessons by Alice HoffmanRelated episodes:Episode 088 - Author Head Space with Sara MooreEpisode 133 - To Understand the World with Lauren WeinholdEpisode 160 - Reading Plays with Elizabeth Episode 161 - Women in Translation Month Recommendations with LaurenEpisode 183 - Birthing Rabbits with JessicaEpisode 189 - Surreal Superpowers with TimEpisode 203 - Backlist with Marion Stalk us online: Tina at GoodreadsTina is @godmotherx5 on Instagram and LitsyJenny at GoodreadsJenny on TwitterJenny is @readingenvy on Instagram and Litsy All links to books are through Bookshop.org, where I am an affiliate. I wanted more money to go to the actual publishers and authors.

In Episode 88, Greg and Pam discuss figs, family, and floor stands. They also explored identifying mystery yarns. Special thanks to TopHat Heather for this episode's intro! Heather hosts the JABAK Podcast. SPONSORS We are Knitcrate Ambassadors! Are you the kind of knitter who would enjoy receiving a surprise package of yarn in the mail every month? Then you need to sign up for a Knitcrate subscription. Every month, you will receive a selection of curated yarn, a pattern specifically paired to use with the yarn, and a treat. Use code KD20 at checkout for 20% off your first package when you sign up for a subscription. NOTES Dear Listeners We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages. Note on Ravelry Links Note that many of the links in our show notes refer to pages on Ravelry.com. If visiting Ravelry causes you harm, please be cautious clicking links. If you are interested in a link that is inaccessible to you, you can email info at unravelingpodcast dot com and Greg and/or Pam will happily send you the information. Greg's Projects Greg blocked The Peacock's Tale by Nim Teasdale. He used Wolle's Yarn Creations Cotton 100 gr in the Growth 2 colorway. He absolutely loves the shawl. Check out his project page. Greg finished some basic socks for himself. He used Sea Star Handpaints Bare Foot in the Sweater Weather colorway and was sloppy about weaving in the ends. Check out his project page. Greg started some more basic socks for himself. This time using Sea Star Handpaints Burried Treasure (a DK-weight yarn) in the Cape Hatteras & Brick-ish kit. He loves knitting big fluffy socks. Check out his project page. Pam's Projects Pam finished her Weekender sweater by Andrea Mowrey. She used yarn from Heelside Farms that is worsted 80% Cormo/20% Bamboo. Pam started the Super Soft Merino Snowflake Scarf by Purl Soho. It is for the Foster Care to Success Red Scarf Project. She is using Allegria Grande by Manos del Uruguay. Pam worked on Scott's Socks – toe-up, stockinette, FLKH using Patons Kroy Sock Fx. Pam started spinning the 2nd singles of her Cheviot sock spinning project. The fiber is lovely from Sadie Spins Yarn! Pam discovered that her Archer sweater by Elizabeth Doherty has a hold in it! It was knit with Malabrigo Finito. Granted, she left it on the floor of her closet but her goal is to repair it in September. Knitting Rules This episode we traveled back to Chapter 2 to the yarn identification section of the book Knitting Rules! The Yarn Harlot Unravels the Mysteries of Swatching, Stashing, Ribbing & Rolling to Free Your Inner Knitter. What happened when we tried to identify 12 mystery yarns? Current/Upcoming Unraveling Events The #KnittingMagicKAL is in full swing. Knit anything from the Knitting Magic book and join the fun! We will be giving away more chatter prizes next month, so be sure to go make some comments in the Ravelry thread in order to have a chance. Miscellaneous Greg got a mug from Creative With Clay Charan Sachar. If you're not already following his Instagram account, you are totally missing out. We mentioned the 2 Knit Lit Chicks podcast. We especially enjoy their “thumbs up, thumbs down” segment. Pam has sweaters on the brain and mentioned Knitting Pure & Simplepatterns by Diane Soucy. Pam also mentioned that she buys a lot of her Kindle books when they are on sale, which she finds out about from the Modern Mrs. Darcy newsletter. Greg is continuing to enjoy the baseball knit-a-long in the Sunsoaked Yarns Ravelry group. He's also attending virtual knit groups with them from time to time. Greg is also attending virtual knit groups with TwinSet Designs Affiliate Link Disclosures This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Cooperative Press, Amazon, or Knitcrate and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own, and we're never compensated to endorse any particular product or service. Find us all over the Internet Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Twitter: @UnravelingPod Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry  and @pammaher on Instagram

The second in the Iceland Fiber Adventures series! Marsha and Kim finished their trip and some projects and then head for home.  Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of  our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com.  Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Kim (KMDesigns) and I had great plans to record every 2-3 days but time, and the need to sleep, meant that we ended up recording Dispatch #2 on the night before we headed home. Therefore, we only discussed what we did that was fiber related but below are links to everything we did. Fiber Things: Uppspinni Mini Mill Haafell Goat and Sheep Farm Ullaverkstaedi Wool Shop Hespa Iceland Colors Reykjavík: Einar Jonsson Museum Culture House National Museum of Reykjavík Outside Reykjavík: Thingvellir National Park Fridhamer Tomato Greenhouses for tour, lunch and Icelandic horses. Gulfoss Waterfall Geysir Farm House and Ice Cream Lava Tunnel Geothermal Plant Selfoss Falls Black Beach The Settlement Museum Glacier Lagoon Diamond Beach Djupivogur Fishing Village Janine Bajus, Pattern Designer,  designed two patterns for us to knit, the Convivencia Cowl and Snowflower Hat. These patterns were free to us but I don’t see them on Janine’s page so you will need to contact her for the designs. Events Winter Weave Along--Started October 15 in the Two Ewes Ravelry Group. This weave along goes until the end of March so you still have plenty of time for weaving projects.  Stitches West is February 20-23 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. There is a podcaster meetup hosted by Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks on Saturday the 22nd in the lobby bar area of the Hyatt (connected to the Convention Center). 

A dispatch from Iceland with Marsha and her travel buddy KimFull notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of  our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com.  Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Their hotel was right near the large Church in Rekjavik-Hallgrimskirkja Church. Rekjavik Food Adventures! Marsha and Kim recommend a food tour as a great way to orient yourself to the city and find out about restaurants you can go back to during your stay in Rekjavik. They visited a famouse Hot Dog stand in Rekjavik, had a fantastic Artic Char at Messin, ate Icelandic rye bread, Lava cake, ice cream, and frozen carmel corn.  They bought yarn at a few places including the Handknitting Association of Iceland and FK Supermarket in Iceland. All grocery stores should stock yarn! Wouldn’t that be great?  They went to more yarn stores, including Handprjon Yarn Shop, Litla Yarn Shop, and Alafoss Yarn Shop.  One of the yarns they saw was a Polish hand-dyed yarn called Martin’s Lab Yarn. The tour was originally planned with Cat Bordhi leading it but the tour leader was changed to Janine Bajus, Pattern Designer.  She designed some patterns that the group can knit along the way. They visited Blue Lagoon Iceland and tried a few facial masks.  The group spent a day at Salt Eldhus taking cooking classes while the wind howled outside. The view was beautiful and they were able to see the windstorm while they cooked lunch.  Events Winter Weave Along--Started October 15 in the Two Ewes Ravelry Group. This weave along goes until the end of March so you have plenty of time for weaving projects.  Stitches West is February 20-23 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. There is a podcaster meetup hosted by Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks on Saturday the 22nd in the lobby bar area of the Hyatt (connected to the Convention Center). 

Knitting, crochet and weaving are all in full swing! Also a frenzy of casting on for a trip to Iceland. Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of  our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Kelly’s Projects I’m close to finishing the crocheted sweater! It’s the Habitat Cardigan, crochet cardigan by Jess Coppom. I’m making it with the Lion Brand Heartland that is called for in the pattern. The sleeves are on the hook right now and it should be done by the end of the weekend. I’m still hooking along on the Dew Drop Shawl crochet shawl by Silke Terhorst.  My project is using a gradient handspun that I made from a Loop Bump in teal, purple, and gray. Once the sweater is finished I’ll work on this more and get it finished.  Stashbuster Weaving. Warp problems are fixed! Crowd-sourcing works!  Several listeners helped with this problem. The bottom line is that when warping multiple threads at the same time I need to make sure they don’t twist as I put them on the warping board. Winding onto a warping reel rather than a warping board can somewhat alleviate this problem, it seems. That would explain why the warping process in the video didn’t talk about this potential problem. I could also use a warping paddle as another potential solution. Or I could go back to warping with one or two threads at a time instead of 4.  I finished my Christmas cast-on of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. It was from a fun kit that my mom found at her Joann store. The pattern is by Ann Franklin.  Never Have I Ever Socks--Fix or Nix project: I have resurrected and fixed these instead of nixed. I am knitting them in tandem on dpns and making them longs socks using a larger stitch count to fit on my calves. So far I am really enjoying them. The double sock blank gradient from Invictus Yarns was too beautiful to nix and destash. Marsha’s Projects I finished Shared Rib by Anne Hanson as a cowl and love it! The yarn,  Old Maiden Aunt fingering in the colorway Crimson Lips, is wonderfully soft.  I finished the first sock of my John O Groats Socks and have knit about 2” on the second sock. I’m using Yarns From the Plains fingering weight in the colorway Cumbrian View. I bought the yarn from the dyer at the Caithness Craft Retreat in May. The pattern I’m using is the sock recipe from Nancy Lindberg, NL7 Knit to Fit Socks. I’m getting ready for my Iceland trip from January 17 to February 3. I’m still mulling over what clothes to bring, but I have my projects ready to go! I’ll be bringing a sweater called Seven Sisters by Sarah Pope using Dovestone Baa Ram Ewe from my stash. Pattern starts with a tubular cast on and is straight stockinette until I stop, knit the sleeves and join them to body and begin the yoke pattern. Should be good airplane and talking knitting. Also bringing a shawl, Dusk Into Twilight, by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. I’m using our Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Replenish Rambouillet in fingering weight. It's a  three color shawl and I'll use Falling Leaves (multi), Bourbon and Suede (Rust), and Aquamarine (aqua). I think the pattern will also be good for knitting and talking. Because I was in the mood to cast on a sweater and use my stash, I cast on a second sweater called Isle au Haut Pullover by Beatrice Perron Dahlen. The stash yarn I’m using is Columbia from Imperial Yarns. It will be an unusual project for me: an aran weight pullover with a high collar.  Daphne’s Skull designed by Ellen Sibelius of Wooly Wonders hasn’t been worked on at all since we last recorded. I thought I would set a goal to finish it by Stitches West the end of February. But that’s unrealistic since I will be in Iceland. I will be lucky to get it done in time for the NoCKRs retreat. If I do, I can bring it to Kelly’s and use her washer to felt it.  Giveaway Winners! Fix It or Nix It Winner won a pattern of her choice up to $12.00 Quarterly Patreon Drawing winner won yarn from Quintessential Knits: Intrepid Otter northwest dyer, Superwash merino sock yarn. Green with navy speckles. Colorway “12” referring to the Seattle Seahawks football team.  Thank you to patrons who supported us in 2019. Thanks also to the newest patrons Nathalie and Martha. To support us on Patreon go to patreon.com/twoewes. There are threads in the Ravelry discussion board if you have questions that you would like us to answer. Also, we are soliciting ideas for the kind of contests and “Alongs” that you would like to see in 2020. Events Winter Weave Along--Started October 15 in the Two Ewes Ravelry Group. This weave along goes until the end of March so you have plenty of time for weaving projects.  Iceland January 17-February 3 Marsha and her friend Kim will be travelling to Iceland with Janine Bajus, who will be replacing Cat Bordhi as our guide and teacher on this trip.   Stitches West is February 20-23 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. There is a podcaster meetup hosted by Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks on Saturday the 22nd in the lobby bar area of the Hyatt (connected to the Convention Center). 

Episode 71 – Be A Helper Craftalong – we’ll go over the (simple) rules and some ideas for what you can make.   Be A Helper Craftalong 4th Be A Helper Craftalong has begun! We keep the rules simple. Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity. One FO per photo in the FO thread Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that. FO Thread closes when I wake up April 1st. Wips are welcome Prizes 1 skein of Sock Yarn from A Great Yarn in Chatham, MA dyed exclusively for them by Hauteknits in the Finest Hours colorway, 75% merino, 25% nylon 1 25g skein of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock plus a mini skein of handspun Spun to order handspun, by me. I have 2 or 3 colorways that I’ll let the winner choose for me to spin up. Need some ideas? Check out these charities: Preemie Hats – check with your local hospital for yarn requirements. These need to be washed in an industrial strength washing machine so there may be limits, many only accept acrylic/nylon. If your local hospital isn’t accepting hats, Dana from the Unwind Yarn Company collects them from her retreat attendees in the fall and I’ll be happy to collect them and mail them to her with my own in September. Greg, aka Knitting Daddy of the Unraveling podcast also has accepted mailed hats in the past for his local hospital. Knitted Knockers– these are prostheses for breast cancer survivors who have not had or cannot have reconstructive surgery. Knockers must be made with plant based yarn – wool is too scratchy on scar tissue – and a list of acceptable yarns is linked in the shownotes available via PDF and there are top down and bottom-up patterns on their website. Mother Bears– I learned of this charity from the 2 Knit Lit Chicks who run a Mother Bear KAL every year. These bears provide comfort to children who are victim of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. Mother Bear will snail mail you the knitting or crochet pattern for a small fee. All they ask is that you return the finished bear with $3 to cover the shipping to Africa. KnitAid– has USA and UK branches. UK is currently collecting hats, mittens, blankets and water bottle covers.  All items must be knit in dark-colored yarn because the recipients will not be able to wash them easily. CompassionKnit- Bay Area, CA charity that gives handknit items to foster kids, most of whom have very few belongings of their own. A gift knit especially for them, something a stranger took hours and hours to make just for them, is something they cherish. Animal Rescue Craft Guild – knit, crochet or sew Joey pouches, bat wraps, nests, possum pouches, etc for animal survivors of the devastating wildfires in Australia. Before crafting, check the announcements on the FB page (linked in the show notes) as the graphic is updated with what they do and do not need.  They work closely with carers and animal rescue groups and update the graphic regularly.  Please be aware they currently have plenty of koala mittens but are in need of a lot of other help. A Great Yarn in Chatham, MA runs an annual blanket project for the homeless population on Cape Cod. Use any washable worsted-weight yarn to make a panel 1-foot [30cm] by 6 feet [1.8 m] and drop it off or mail it to the shop, mailing address in show notes.  Their goal this year is 250 blankets.  A Great Yarn 894 Main Street Chatham, MA 02633 A local homeless shelter or domestic violence shelter. Please check with them before assuming they take items, but many are happy to accept gifts of socks, hats, scarves and mittens especially in the winter. Do you have a charity craft idea that you think others would like to hear about? Let me know and I’ll talk about it on a future episode. Out and About Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days – Jan 26 & Mar 1 VKL NYC Jan 16-20 Stitches United - March 26-29, 2020 Knitting Weekend and Fiber Marketplace at Slater Mill -  Jan 11 & 12 Boston Farm & fiber Fest – Feb 9

Part two of the Mega Episode! Marsha's projects, an upcoming trip, and hopes for the New Year. If you haven't heard episode 126, please go back to get all the fun! Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of  our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. When last we heard from the Northwest heroine she had a dilemma. To rip back and use the correct needle size or keep going and bind off, leaving a mistake that probably no one would notice. What did she do? Read on and find out! Marsha’s Projects Almost done with Shared Rib by Anne Hanson as a cowl.  Old Maiden Aunt fingering in the colorway Crimson Lips. I finished the six rows of ribbing and was about to bind off when I realized the ribbing was suppose to be worked with the smaller needles. Ripped back and knitted ribbing again. Daphne’s Skull designed by Ellen Sibelius of Wooly Wonders is not quite finished.I haven’t picked it up since we last recorded. I’ve set a goal to finish it by Stitches West the end of February because KnittyBarb wants me to bring it to the show. I’m about to start the toe decreases of the first sock of my John O Groats Socks using Yarns From the Plains fingering weight in the colorway Cumbrian View. I bought the yarn from the dyer at the Caithness Craft Retreat in May. The pattern I’m using is the sock recipe from Nancy Lindberg, NL7 Knit to Fit Socks. Thinking about casting on a sweater either using New Lanark DK or Dovestone Baa Ram Ewe. Need a project for my trip to Iceland in January. Fix it or Nix It   Ended the first of January. Neither Marsha nor Kelly got their button bands reinforced, but there were a few fixes for each and Kelly nixed a few pairs of half-finished socks.  Events Winter Weave Along--Started October 15 in the Two Ewes Ravelry Group. This weave along goes until the end of March so you have plenty of time for weaving projects.  Stitches West is February 20-23 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. There is a podcaster meetup hosted by Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks on Saturday the 22nd in the lobby bar area of the Hyatt (connected to the Convention Center).  Fiber Goals--do you have them? Kelly is interested in the tension between goals, challenges and to-do lists, and the idea that fiber crafts are a hobby that we do for fun. Do you have more fun when you have goals and challenges or when you have wide open choices?  We can discuss this on the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Group on Ravelry. Come join the conversation! Marsha’s Hopes for 2020 Health (weight, walking, core, knees, vitamins, attitude) In this part of the conversation we talked a little about developing habits and the book The Power of Habit Fun (fibery stuff, travel, cooking, agility) Fiber (colorwork class, Mark’s afghan, spinning, more projects for others) Here Kelly said that she is looking for balance in her hobbies so that she is able to do all of them. Decreased governmental chaos Marsha's distress and anxiety over the state of the country transcends political "sides"  and led Kelly to add the following resource. Bryan Stevenson on Hope To hear an excellent discussion on hop by Bryan Stevenson, jump to about 55:30 in this episode of the  Stay Tuned podcast.  Bryan Stevenson is a death penalty attorney who founded the Equal Justice Initiative. He is the author of the book Just Mercy (also being made into a movie). Kelly highly recommends listening to this short discussion on hope. 

Crochet projects on the hooks and knitting projects on the needles! We’re finally back but not with full technology just yet. Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com.  Join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Kelly’s Projects I finished two gnomes for my mom using the Oh Gnome You Didn’t pattern by Sarah Schira.  I added beards to the gnomes instead of using a scarf. They are really cute with their hands in their pockets and tassels on their hats! I started a new crocheted sweater! It’s the Habitat Cardigan crochet cardigan by Jess Coppom. It’s big and cozy and I’m making it with the Lion Brand Heartland that is called for in the pattern. I’ve also started a crochet shawl. It’s called the Dew Drop Shawl crochet shawl by Silke Terhorst.  My project is using a gradient handspun that I made from a Loop Bump in teal, purple, and gray.  The Sonny Bono Jacket is once again on hold and in need of another skein of yarn. One sleeve is done,(twice because the first one was way too wide), but I don’t think I have enough yarn for the second sleeve and the collar.  I’ve also been doing some Stashbuster Weaving. These are dishtowels with yellow/gold/orange/brown tones in the warp, using cream/yellow cotton weft. Marsha’s Projects I’m working on Shared Rib by Anne Hanson as a cowl.  Old Maiden Aunt fingering in the colorway Crimson Lips. About halfway done. Daphne’s Skull designed by Ellen Sibelius of Wooly Wonders is not quite finished. I finished the teeth on the bottom jaw. Need to knit 16 teeth for the upper jaw. Slow going. Using 000 needles. Meanwhile, I started a new project! John O Groats Socks are a pair of socks using Yarns From the Plains fingering weight in the colorway Cumbrian View. I bought the yarn from the dyer at the Caithness Craft Retreat in May. The pattern I’m using is the sock recipe from Nancy Lindberg, NL7 Knit to Fit Socks. Mash It Up is the newest pattern on my needles. Started a hat for Ben’s girlfriend using this free pattern by Babs Ausherman that uses sock yarn scraps. Great stash buster pattern. 2019 in Review We took a look at our Ravelry project pages using the advanced search button and then filtering by Year Finished.  It’s a fun way to look at the data in your projects.  Kelly’s Year in Review--Finished in 2019 5 pair of socks (4 shorties, 1 regular, all for me) 9 charity hats from spirit yarn 2 sweaters 1 shawl, a pair of cowls, a shawlette 2 Gnomes, 1 bee, 1 tarantula,10 bears, 1 sugar skull 3 (K)Not Along projects--quilt top and 2 punch needle projects No finished weaving, finished crochet projects are Bee, Tarantula, and most of the bears. Almost zero spinning! That’s what happens when you break your foot, I guess! Marsha’s Year in Review--Finished in 2019 4 Sweaters 2 Tees (So that's really 6 sweaters!!!!!) 4 hats 3 pair of socks Events Winter Weave Along--Started October 15 in the Two Ewes Ravelry Group. This weave along goes until the end of March so you have plenty of time for weaving projects.  Fix it or Nix It--Starts November 1st and goes through January 1. Join the planning on the Ravelry group discussion board. St. Distaff Day 2020 is Saturday, January 4th at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington. It is put on by a Chapter of the Northwest Regional Spinners Association.  Stitches West is February 20-23 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. There is a podcaster meetup hosted by Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks on Saturday the 22nd in the lobby bar area of the Hyatt (connected to the Convention Center). 

Episode 17 June 12, 2019 Welcome 2 Knit Lit Chicks listeners!   On the Needles 4:02 Little Bird by Veera Välimäki, Isager Spinni (lace wool) in 101 Deep Teal- DONE! Sunnyside by Tanis Lavallee, SpaceCadet Celeste fingering in Sweet Decay (2010) Gauge Dyeworks The Yarn Harlot On the Easel 12:51 #100DayProject.  I’m still doing #100Chromatics Thinking about tattoos & tea towels. And collections of tea kettles, typewriters, & winged things. On the Table 17:13 Rhubarb and Chard Gratin from Rhubarb by Sheri Castle Indonesian slaw from Salad for Dinner by Jeanne Kelley (this link isn’t exactly it, but based on it) Boy #1 cooking from Jamie’s Food Revolution by Jamie Oliver: Cracking Good Burgers Baked Camembert pasta My kid’s favorite dry rub for his rib obsession Red Raspberry Pie from Silver Palette Cookbook Apple & Peach Pies from Fanny Farmer Cookbook Blackberry Galette (turned Tart) Cheesecake from Smitten Kitchen Sour Cream Coffee Cake from How to Bake Everything  by Mark Bittman Broccoli, Asparagus &  Cheddar Frittata from Epicurious On the Nightstand 33:09 Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi Island of the Sea Women by Lisa See The River by Peter Heller Orphan of Salt Winds by Elizabeth Brooks New Suns: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color, ed by Nisi Shawl Anna of Kleves, the Princess in the Portrait by Alison Weir Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch Universal Yums BINGO! 55:26  Share your progress!  

Episode 11 March 21, 2019 Happy Spring!   On the Needles 1:12 Skull & Bones pullover from Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel YOTH yarns Father (worsted) in Oyster (MC) and Thyme (CC) 2 Knit Lit Chicks colorwork KAL DONE!   Socks: Regia design line by Arne and Carlos   My Leftie: Miss Babs Yummy fingering in slate & reds (baby yarn in aubergine, lady bug, mahogany, ruby spinel and tulipa) Imagined Landscapes Imagikniting KAL   Loop London Dandelion Yarns Isager Spinni Interpretations, Little Bird On the Easel 8:16 Oil painting class with Erika Lee Sears on Creative Bug Color by Betty Edwards #100DayProject with Lindsay Jean Thompson. starts April 2nd! On the Table 16:21 Meatball marsala: multiple mushroom mishaps   Pi day: Banana Butterscotch Cream Pie Butterscotch pudding: I think this is the recipe I used but they all look fairly similar 2019 prep goal: Smitten Kitchen Everyday: Tofu & broccoli: nextover broccoli for broccoli fritters Rotisserie chicken: potato/asparagus/chicken salad from Cook90 and chicken pho from A Bird in the Hand   Shortbread that I rolled too thinly. We all decorated them with green sprinkles before baking Warm Grain Salad with Miso Butter from Simply Vegetarian.  MISO BUTTER!! Roasted asparagus WIN. I just seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, & olive oil Chicken Chili from Taste of Home   On the Nightstand 35:15  The Lost Man by Jane Harper Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America's Most Powerful Mobster by Stephen L. Carter Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

Episode 10!! March 7, 2019 Women’s History month! National Pie Week! World Book Day! On the Needles 2:09 Skull & Bones pullover from Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel YOTH yarns Father (worsted) in Oyster (MC) and Thyme (CC) 2 Knit Lit Chicks colorwork KAL Socks: Regia design line by Arne and Carlos My Leftie: Miss Babs Yummy fingering in slate & reds (baby yarn in aubergine, lady bug, mahogany, ruby spinel and tulipa) Imagined Landscapes Imagikniting KAL   Stitches! Spincycle Yarns Clio by Elizabeth Doherty Sincere Sheep Destination Yarns Invictus Yarns Sock blank example Door prize! Yarn Matrix Canon Hand Dyes On the Easel 16:55 Instruments Oil painting class with Erika Lee Sears on Creative Bug #100DayProject with Lindsay Jean Thompson. starts April 2nd!   On the Table 24:37 Ground meat fest Beef Wellington from Jamie’s Food Revolution by Jamie Oliver Sausage Lasagna from the Slow Cooker Revolution Tacos Meatball marsala from Smitten Kitchen Every Day Merguez burgers from Twenty-Dollar, Twenty-Minute Meals Beef and cabbage skillet from Real Simple Hot honey chicken (half baked harvest), chicken noodle soup, chicken parm from Sheet Pan Suppers Two cakes! Genius Asparagus pasta from simply vegetarian cooking No-bell-pepper crab cakes from Pinchandswirl.com Stonemill Matcha—check out their beautiful aesthetic.   Chicken, broccoli, & rice casserole—one pot dinner for the WIN. (I recommend fresh tomatoes over canned). On the Nightstand 37:34 Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson The Lost Man by Jane Harper Home Fire, by Kamila Shamsie The Overstory, by Richard Powers A Woman is No Man, by Etaf Rum The Likeness, by Tana French Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson Women's Prize for Fiction  

February 21, 2019   Stitches West On the Needles 2:20 Skull & Bones pullover from Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel YOTH yarns Father (worsted) in Oyster (MC) and Thyme (CC) 2 Knit Lit Chicks colorwork KAL   Socks: Regia design line by Arne and Carlos   My Leftie: Miss Babs Yummy fingering in slate & reds (baby yarn in aubergine, lady bug, mahogany, ruby spinel and tulipa) Imagined Landscapes Imagikniting KAL On the Easel 9:35 Oil painting resources Encyclopedia of Oil Techniques by Jeremy Galton Portrait Painting Atelier by Suzanne Brooker #100DayProject with Lindsay Jean Thompson (Elle Luna is helping too). starts April 2nd! Monet: the Late Years at the De Young Museum On the Table 20:00 Smitten Kitchen Chicken Marsala Meatballs Blueberry Breakfast Bars from Whole-Grain Mornings by Megan Gordon Smitten Kitchen Mushroom shepherds pie-- cook it in the skillet! Simply Vegetarian Cookbook by Susan Pridmore review Wimpyvegetarian.com Protein guide Spanish Paella Cheesy Broccoli quinoa bake (or Cauliflower) Lentil potato salad Genius Asparagus Pasta with absorption method Cilantro-lime cauliflower rice Want to make Zucchini Fritters! On the Nightstand 33:55 Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera, translated by Lisa Dillman At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce Golden Child by Claire Adam Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman RBG a life by Jane Sherron de Hart You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver   https://www.cityarts.net/event/marlon-james/ this may be available on the City Arts podcast at itunes, spotify, google play, etc… eventually

Episode 8 Thursday February 7, 2019 On the Needles 1:39 Jimmy beans wool knitting craftvent calendar FINISHED! Skull & Bones pullover from Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel YOTH yarns Father (worsted) in Oyster (MC) and Thyme (CC) 2 Knit Lit Chicks colorwork KAL Socks: Regia design line by Arne and Carlos My Leftie: Miss Babs Yummy fingering in slate & reds (baby yarn in aubergine, lady bug, mahogany, ruby spinel and tulipa) Imagined Landscapes Imagikniting KAL Mondo Cable Cardigan or my “7/8ths sweater” by Chic Knits On the Easel 11:53 it’s #shirtmonth on Instagram hosted by Indie Sew Williamsburg oil paints Oil painting, with help from Skillshare The Vein of Gold by Julia Cameron On the Table 19:45 Meal assembly sweet potatoes falafel plus lamb meatballs from High Flavor, Low Labor by J. M. Hirsch Meat & gluten week Cook90 by David Tamarkin & editors of Epicurious Pan seared steak with cilantro salsa verde and crispy broccoli Steak and soba salad 3pm energy bites Spaghetti with white beans, harissa & dill Grain bowl with spiced squash, mushrooms, and curried yogurt Grain bowl with rotisserie chicken, spiced chickpeas, and avocado-- kasha!   Due West Herbed Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas from Cookie and Kate Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Pretzels from Half-Baked Harvest On the Nightstand 38:38 Once upon a River by Diane Setterland Reservoir Tapes by Jon McGregor Lost Queen by Signe Pike Hild by Nicola Griffith Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb Exit West by Mohsin Hamid Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead On Beauty by Zadie Smith In my heart 57:09 Stitches West Blocking Craftivism: Neighborhood Fiber Company MATCHA: Tea & Tea Latte, Pretzels, Chocolate YOGA:https://yogawithadriene.com/ OR https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene BOOKS: San Francisco Public Library Eat Your Books Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Ringing in the New Year with lace knitting, a vegetable terrine, lots of project planning, and a geographic survey of our listeners. Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com.  Join the community on Ravelry  or email us with your thoughts. twoewes@twoewesfiberadventures.com is our email address.  We’d love to hear from you! Project Updates Marsha continues to work on Slack Tide by Poststitch and is making steady progress. The yarn is Concentric by Hikoo, which is singles that are not pied. It’s very “splitty” and difficult to knit with especially on knit two together, but it’s beautiful fabric. Marsha is waiting for a day to herself to work uninterrupted on Rabbit by Claire Garland.  Marsha is also knitting Cloud Cover by Heidi Kirrmaier. It has an unusual construction. Knit yoke, then sleeves, then body, then collar. Marsha has finished first sleeve and started second. She’s still planning for SnowFlower by Heidi Kirrmaier  The natural yarn arrived and she’s been thinking about colors. The “snowflower” will be the natural color but the CC can be anything! Marsha has carded a bunch of Wensleydale x Corriedale x Merino cross and has been spinning it. This fleece is a gorgeous dark espresso color! Kelly joined in the Mystery Knit Along with Cozy Up Knits.  She’ll be using the Two Ewes Replenish Rambouillet for a 3 color shawl in 5 weeks. She is also participating in the 2019 Herbert Niebling KAL and the Yarniacs Self Indulgent Knit Along with some Niebling lace patterns.  Her Glocklein is finished and she is planning for two more of these fun lace patterns. 2018 Statistics of Interest Kelly: 31 projects including 8 pair of socks (4 argyles, 3 slipper socks) and 3 weaving projects Marsha: 13 projects including 5 sweaters and 3 pair of socks. Most popular podcast episodes of 2018: Fiber Adventures in Scotland Ep 86: Events, Knitting Tips, and Bee Talk Ep 92: Sweaters and Blankets in Summer Ep 89: Spirit Dress Forms and Uncanny Coincidences Bonus! Argyle Socks and Edinburgh Sights Ep 85: A Two-Ply of Joy and Sorrow Ep 91: Project, Color, and Design Ideas from Listeners Ep 90: Naughty Knits and Combo Spinning Ep 93: Gathering Together   Most popular episodes from previous years Ep 83: One Ewe's Year in Rev-EWE (12/31/17) Ep 20 a: Textiles on My Travels seriesPart 1 Part 2 Part 3 Ep 1: Who Are Ewe and What Are Ewe Doing Here? (2014)   Geographic location of listeners--top ten countries United States Canada United Kingdom Australia Sweden Denmark Netherlands Germany New Zealand Other interesting and surprising locations! The Two Ewes have listeners in places around the world, including the Isle of Man, Uzbekistan, Latvia, Peru, Jamaica, South Africa, and Singapore. Events: Author Stephany Wilkes has a book event at Books Inc. in Berkeley, California on January 8, 2019 at 7 pm.  In February she will be speaking at the Treadles to Threads guild meeting February 27 in Contra Costa. Stitches West! Thursday, February 21 through Sunday, February 24. Marsha and Kelly will be attending the meet-up hosted by Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks on Saturday afternoon in the lobby bar area. Madrona Fiber Arts Thursday, February 14 through Sunday, February 17 in Tacoma Washington. Marsha will be there with Kim aka KMDesigns.

Episode 40 – Knitting and Running in 30 min or less – 6/12/18 Segments this week include Thank Yous, Wips, FOs, Spinning, and On The Run Thank you SOOOO much for your patience with our wonky recording schedule the past few weeks.  Our house has been wiped out by a virus or two.  We are down to 1 toddler with conjunctivitis and that is an improvement!  Those of you who have ever tried to wrestle medicine into a toddler’s eye truly understand what I mean when I say this is an improvement! Lol Also, I want to say a HUGE thanks to Tracie and Barb for mentioning my show on their podcast, 2 Knit Lit Chicks.  I’ve been a listener for years and being an introvert I’m a lurker on their boards on Ravelry.  I love, love, love, books so I always look forward to hearing what they are reading.  If you love reading and knitting, please go subscribe right now.  Also, thank you to Tracie and Barb for enabling my love of True Crime.  My husband doesn’t get it but you lovely ladies do.  Although after all I’ve read I’m seriously debating some karate or defense lessons! FOs Thanks to my long recording delay I have 3! The Addition By Subtraction Mystery Knit A Long, I am done!  I used Ito Yarn’s Washi in the Crocus colorway, a pale purple.  This is a Japanese style paper yarn, laceweight, and I held it double.  The dark is Ito Yarn’s Kinu, a laceweight silk in the Grey colorway and I held it double.  And the pink was Ito Yarn’s Kinu in the Plum colorway (I don’t know why it was named plum – are plums in Japan pink?  The ones we grew as kids were a deep purple)  The zany color is a fingering weight cotton,  Your Crazy is Showing from Birdie’s Knits.  Total Stash Dash so far is 3137m (more on the rest later) I finished the first sock of my 52-st vanilla sock!  I used the Fish Lips Kiss Heel and so far it seems to be the best fitting sock I’ve knit. I can’t wait till the 2nd is done and I can wear these around a bit and make sure they fit! I finished spinning 4oz of EZ Spin cotton   I ended up with 518 yards of fingering weight so with the “orifice” rule that gives me 1423.2 m for Stash Dash.    Wips Lots of wips despite the sickness Here be Dragons! The Green Dragons Sweater is back  - I pulled out the Dancing Dragons Coat by Heike Campbell  which I haven’t worked on since my finger injury derailed me for over a month.  Knit in Be Sweet’s Bamboo Changing Staircases shawl by Jenga Knits.  This is a shawl inspired by the Harry Potter books, the way the staircases are constantly changing and I’m working on it in Mousou a 100% bamboo yarn from The FiberLady.  I’m about 75% done so I’m hoping to finish soon.   Blue Dahlia pattern by Brenda York.  Garter stitch to stockinette colorwork.  Juniper Moon Farms Neve in Lagoon colorway from my LYS that closed. 52 st sock – 2nd sock I’m working on the foot Spinning Lots of spinning!  I finally figured out my wheel, yay!!!  I also started spinning 2oz of one of my Cotton Club Shipments from Hipstrings.  I think this one is named Dewdrops – can’t find the card.  Jill used melting snow to make this colorway unique and it really is.  White blues and purples with drops of green-ish yellow in spurts throughout.  I’m halfway through and I will be making a 2-ply yarn out os this.  Next up I’ll be trying a 3-ply yarn to see what my knitting preference is before embarking on spinning for a garment. Running Running has pretty much disappeared the last 10 days.  We all got sick.  Will I do the Chatham Harbor Run in 2 weeks or not?

Episode39 – 5/25/18 – Knitting and Running in 30 minutes or less Today’s segments include Be A Helper Craft-a-long, including Prizes and some Charity Ideas, Wips, Spinning, Running and today’s Knitting Talk will answer the question – “Why did you start a podcast?” Be A Helper Summer 2018 As I mentioned last week, the Be A Helper KAL is back for the summer.  We went over most of the details but I’ll go over a few updates quickly today and a few addendums (thanks to those who reached out with some questions!) Last episode I said that this was a KAL for anything you knit, crochet, weave or spin but someone pointed out that during the last KAL I said any craft. I’m going to go with what we used previously – ANY thing you make for ANY charity will count.  I’m still running the craft-a-long on Ravelry, but you do not need to link to a project page.  Just post a photo of your finished item in the thread on Ravelry and tell us who you are donating it to!  Donating blood still counts, too. Another listener point out that it’s a pain trying to get all the photos up in time for Stash Dash and ending things the same night could be an issue for some, and I whole heartedly agree. So I’m giving you an extra week.  We start on May 25th and will end August 31st.  You have all summer to finish your charity work.  Please post 1 picture per finished object in the thread. Wips are allowed! Double or triple dip in any KAL you want, I totally encourage this! Prizes – So far we have three prizes , one skein of FishKnits Yarn in the At Sixes and Sevens colorway, a self-striping Merino-nylon sock yarn, one skein on non-wool yarn of my choosing though I’d love to hear any input for you folks – anything you’ve been tempted to knit with? And lastly a huge thanks to Tiffany from The Project Bag who is offering a free project bag and matching notions pouch and she will ship it anywhere in the world!  Tiffany sent over an example photo and I’m posting it in the Ravelry group.  The prize won’t be the exact fabric pattern shown, but the bags will coordinate and her photo will give you an idea of her gorgeous handiwork.   Charity Ideas If you don’t have a charity you currently craft for, I’m going to talk about a few here that may be of interest to you: Preemie Hats – check with your local hospital for yarn requirements. These need to be washed in an industrial strength washing machine so there may be limits.  If your local hospital isn’t accepting hats, Dana from the Unwind Yarn Company is collecting them from her retreat attendees this fall and may be willing to accept a few more via mail if you contact her.  Greg, aka Knitting Daddy of the Unraveling podcast also has accepted mailed hats in the past for his local hospital. Knitted Knockers – these are prostheses for breast cancer survivors who have not or cannot have reconstructive surgery. Knockers must be made with plant based yarn – wool is too scratchy on scar tissue – and a list of acceptable yarns is linked in the who notes along with the free patterns. Mother Bears – I learned of this charity from the 2 Knit Lit Chicks and they are currently running their Mother Bear KAL. These bears provide comfort to children who are victim of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Afrca.  Mother Bear will snail mail you the knitting or crochet pattern for a small fee.  All they ask is that you return the finished bear with $3 to cover the shipping to Africa.  KnitAid – has USA and UK Neither is currently collecting, but you could knit scarves or hats or baby clothes for next winter.  All items must be knit in dark-colored yarn because the recipients will not be able to wash them easily. Do you have a charity craft idea that you think others would like to hear about?  Let me know and I’ll talk about it on a future episode.  Send me a PM on Ravelry, I’m WindsweptMonique, or email me at windsweptMonique@gmail.com WIPS I’ve put a couple of rows onto my Changing Staircases shawl by Jenga Knits.  This is a shawl inspired by the Harry Potter books, the way the staircases are constantly changing and I’m working on it in Mousou a 100% bamboo yarn from The FiberLady. I turned the heel on my 52-stitch sock, which is using the Fish Lips Kiss heel and Cobasi by Hikoo, which is a bamboo, cotton, silk and nylon blend.  Those of you who’ve used that pattern will understand why I can be so precise about the 1/3! The Addition By Subtraction Mystery Knit A Long, I am 1/3 of the way through Clue #2.  I am working on this in 4 colors of 3 different yarns.  For the light color I’m using Ito Yarn’s Washi in the Crocus colorway, a pale purple.  This is a Japanese style paper yarn, laceweight, and I‘m holding it double.  The dark is Ito Yarn’s Kinu, a laceweight silk in the Grey colorway and I’m holding it double.  The zany is  Your Crazy is Showing from Birdie’s Knits and it is a crazy combination of every color you can imagine but it looks beautiful.  Lastly I’m using another Kinu, the Plum colorway which is actually a dark pastel pink, not purple as the name might imply.  There is a slipped stitch section which caused me a little bit of a headache given that silk and paper yarns have absolutely no stretch to them, but I’ve learned how to knit that section more loosely than normal and it’s actually working out nicely. Spinning Still practicing on my wheel.  Don’t quite have the hang of it yet.  Tried spinning the bamboo sample I got from The Fiber Lady at stitches United and boy was that easier!  I now understand why long staple fibers are much preferred!  But I am going to keep trying.  My problem seems to be getting that first bit twisted and onto the bobbin.  Once I have it I can sustain it for a little while, but getting started is not my forte!   Knitting Talk I was recently asked, why did I start a podcast?  As I’ve now passed my 1st podaversary, I decided to tackle that question here. First off, I LOVE podcasts.  I started listening back in 2005 and currently on my phone I am subscribed to 109 podcasts, 12 of which are for my kids.  Some are weekly, some put out 15-20 a year and some are like Serial and every now and then you get 10 in a row.  So it’s not quite as insane as it sounds.  No, I do not keep up do date with all of them – I am still far behind after going to FL for 10 days in February but I’m slowly catching up while driving, cooking, cleaning, etc.  I also listen at 1.5x which makes a 60 minute podcast take only about 40 minutes so that helps. Back to this particular podcast – I had been considering starting a podcast for about 2-3 years and kept putting it off because of family, kids, lack of time, etc.  I was super stressed and a bit down in the dumps and I finally decided to take on a project just for me.  I’d just gotten in to SSK a few weeks before and then listening to the Just One More Row podcast, Dana was talking about exactly that, getting lost in motherhood and the doldrums of thousands of thankless tasks and how taking time for herself and doing projects just for herself was really helping.  That was the lightbulb moment I needed and I decided to just go out and do it.  I bought a microphone, downloaded Audacity and released the first episode on March 14th, 2017.  The sound quality was horrible, and I was so incredibly nervous, but I did it.  And I’m so glad I did!  Now more than a year on, I have met so many wonderful people because of this podcast.  It’s been a joy.  Running How long should your shoes last?  “Experts” say 300-500 miles, depending on how much wear and tear they get.  But if you see any damage, change shoes right away!  Also, if you see uneven wear on the bottom of your shoe, (e.g., more wear on the inside edge than the outside edge, or vice versa) then be SURE to go to a running store (and bring your current shoes!).  They can help you find the right type of shoe to stop that and help prevent injuries down the road.  

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.

Recorded on January 20, 2018 Book Talk starts at 35:50 Our Fall Sweater KAL is almost over - January 31st!  To enter to win a prize, complete an adult sweater with sleeves - start a new one or continue with one less than 50% done, and post in the FOs thread.  Winners will be announced on Episode 152.   New Giveaway!  Win a 2 Knit Lit Chicks hooded sweatshirt, size L (unisex size, but it is a slim fit).  Leave a comment on the Ravelry group thread telling us about the best sweatshirt you’ve ever had.  This giveaway will close on January 31st also, and the winner will be announced on Episode 152.     Get ready for our next KAL – the Never-Have-I-Ever Sock-along which will run February 14 through May 15.  Make socks like you’ve never made before - try a new heel, using a pattern if you usually stick with vanilla, knit from a sock blank for the first time, do color work - or maybe try socks for the very first time!  Please go to the Never-Have-I-Ever Sock-along Chatter thread to join the fun.     Tracie and Barb will be at: Sacramento Knitting Guild - February 1, 2018 Stitches West - Feb 25-28, 2018   Knitting   Tracie has finished:  4 more pussycats, using the KitKat Hat by AndreSue Most of the hats in this picture were knitted by Tracie!           Barb has finished:  Mother Bear #126 Beagle pullover by Norah Gaughan, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest Floor colorway Barb's husband Mark (and Tracie's Dad!) modeling his new sweater! Marklee by Elizabeth Doherty, using Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Pure 100% Merino Superwash in the Magnolia Medium colorway   Stashbusting Helix Hat #6 DK by Jessica Rose Pussyhat for Barb, using Zombie Yarns Shell Shock   Tracie is working on: 5th Fiddly Bits cowl by Jane Pihota from fingering weight magic cake Redford pullover by Julie Hoover, using Lisa Souza Hardtwist Merino in the Monteverde colorway Levitate  Poncho by Yvonne Poon, using Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend in the Kohl and Zebra color ways Vanilla Socks in Fishknits Boot Strap Self-striping in the NorCal Vernal Pools colorway   Barb is currently working on: Tale as Old as Time Cowl by Anne Vally, using Must Stash Yarns & Fiber Perfect Self-Striping Sock in the Beauty and the Beast colorways Free Your Fade by Andrea Mowry, using Zen Yarn Garden Superfine Fingering in the Magical Dyepot D3, D5 and D6 color ways.  And many thanks to Zen Yarn Garden for gifting the yarn to Barb for review! Brooklin Vest by Elizabeth Smith, using Berroco Vintage Chunky in the Smoke colorway Pioneer Braid Scarf by Catherine Ryan, using Caron Cake in the Blueberry Kiwi colorway     Books   Tracie has finished reading: The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond Lit by Mary Karr     Barb has finished: Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica       Tracie is reading: The House of Unexpected Sisters (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #18) by Alexander McCall Smith The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce   And Barb is reading: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng X by Sue Grafton   In Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down, Tracie discussed KB Shimmer nail polish            

Recorded on January 7, 2018 Book Talk starts at 21:18 Our Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing October 1-January 31!  To enter to win a prize, complete an adult sweater with sleeves - start a new one or continue with one less than 50% done, and post in the FOs thread. New Giveaway!  Win a 2 Knit Lit Chicks hooded sweatshirt, size L.  Leave a comment on the Ravelry group thread telling us about the best sweatshirt you’ve ever had. Get ready for our next KAL – the Never-Have-I-Ever Sock-along which will run February 14 through May 15.  Make socks like you’ve never made before - try a new heel, using a pattern if you usually stick with vanilla, knit from a sock blank for the first time, do color work - or maybe try socks for the very first time!  Stay tuned at our Ravelry group for more details.   Tracie and Barb will be at: Sacramento Knitting Guild - February 1, 2018 Stitches West - Feb 25-28, 2018   Knitting Tracie has finished: Rachel by Jose Paquin in Alexandra’s Crafts Timberline Ice in the Ruby colorway  Peer Pressure shawlette by Celia McAdam Cahill in Miss Babs Hot Shot in Hot to Trot colorway KitKat Hat by Andre Sue   Barb has finished:  Mother Bear #125   Tracie is working on: KitKat Hat by Andre Sue - making as many of these as I can before January 20 5th Fiddly Bits cowl by Jane Pihota from fingering weight magic cake Redford pullover by Julie Hoover, using Lisa Souza Hardtwist Merino in the Monteverde colorway   Barb is currently working on: Tale as Old as Time Cowl by Anne Vally, using Must Stash Yarns & Fiber Perfect Self-Striping Sock in the Beauty and the Beast colorways Beagle by Norah Gaughan, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest Floor colorway Marklee by Elizabeth Doherty, using Wollmeise Pure in the Magnolia Medium colorway Free Your Fade by Andrea Mowry, using Zen Yarn Garden Superfine Fingering in the Magical Dyepot D3, D5 and D6 color ways.  And many thanks to Zen Yarn Garden for gifting the yarn to Barb for review! And she has cast on: Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose - Barb’s 6th in dk   Books Tracie finished reading A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon Catch Me by Lisa Gardner The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love by Jill Connor Browne   Barb has finished: Murder in Room 305 by Gary King Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough   Tracie is reading: The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond Lit by Mary Karr   And Barb is reading: Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica  

Kelly looks back over the year 2017 and shares her best projects, the most popular podcast episodes, and interesting facts about the listener base. Marsha has a bad cold with a cough, not a good mix with podcasting. The shop is back open after a short break for the Christmas holiday. Upcoming Events January 6, 2018:  The St. Distaff Day Spin-In at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, from 10 am until 4 pm. January 7, 2018: Seattle Crafternoon starting at 1 pm. Contact us on Ravelry or email us here for location information. February 22-25: Stitches West in Santa Clara.  On Saturday afternoon the Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks meet-up will be in the hotel lobby of the conference hotel. March 15-18: Edinburgh Yarn Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Marsha will be attending and is hoping to meet some of our UK listeners! Kelly's project year ended up with 23 finished projects and 5 of them are adult sweaters!  A 6th should be finished by the time we ring in the new year.  The Handspun Cowichan was finished in time for the camping trip and it was so nice and warm--the perfect camp sweater. This was  The Orca Run by Beth Brown-Reinsel. Kelly's camping trip knitting was the blue crochet cardigan that she stalled out on some time ago.  The pattern is The Curious Case of the Crazy-Stitch Cardigan by Michele DuNaier .  She made great progress and hopes to have a finished sweater by New Year's Day. Other camping knitting included a charity hat out of some alpaca spirit yarn.  It will be really warm.  Happy New Year everyone!

Recorded on December 23, 2017 Book Talk starts at 31:15 Our Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing October 1-January 31!  To enter to win a prize, complete an adult sweater with sleeves - start a new one or continue with one less than 50% done, and post in the FOs thread. Listen until the end of the podcast to find out who won the gorgeous skein of Duren Dyeworks Barbie Time! Frog Peak Creations - offering 25% off all merchandise until January 7th with the code HOHOHO2017.  Get yours now! We have 2 Knit Lit Chicks merchandise!  Please go here to see all the choices available.   EVENTS: Sacramento Knitting Guild, February 1, 2018 - Barb and Tracie will be the featured speakers. Stitches West 2018 - February 25-28, 2018   KNITTING Barb has finished: Mother Bear #124 Another Whinstone hat by Chrissy Graham, using Berroco Vintage in the Dungaree colorway The Medaki Cardigan by Kristen Johnstone, using Duren Dyeworks Joy DK in the Royalty colorway Voyager MKAL by Rachel Roden, using Lorna’s Laces Shepard Sock in the Voyager colorway, and Lorna’s Laces Mini-Skein Voyager Quintet   Thunderstorm Toque by AbbyeKnits using Duren Dyeworks Joy DK in the Royalty color way Will's Christmas Socks, a vanilla sock with a Fish Lips Kiss Heel, using Patons Kroy Sock FX in the Clover colorway   Tracie has finished: Maize Mitts in Hufflepuff colors by Tin Can Knits Hive Hat by Tanya Patterson   Barb is currently working on: Tale as Old as Time Cowl by Anne Vally, using Must Stash Yarns & Fiber Perfect Self-Striping Sock in the Beauty and the Beast colorways Beagle by Norah Gaughan, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest Floor colorway Marklee by Elizabeth Doherty, using Wollmeise Pure in the Magnolia Medium colorway Barb has cast-on: Free Your Fade by Andrea Mowry, using Zen Yarn Garden Superfine Fingering in the Magical Dyepot D3, D5 and D6 color ways.  And many thanks to Zen Yarn Garden for gifting the yarn to Barb for review! Tracie is working on: Rachel by Jose Paquin in Alexandra’s Crafts Timberline Ice in the Ruby colorway Her 5th Fiddly Bits cowl by Jana Pihota Redford pullover by Julie Hoover, using Lisa Souza Hardtwist Merino in the Monteverde colorway Peer Pressure shawlette by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Miss Babs Hot Shot in the Hot to Trot color way   BOOKS Tracie has finished: Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Crowing Up Cult by Jayant Tamm - Tracie liked it a lot The Good Neighbor by A.J. Banner - meh! Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Ann Quindlen - Tracie recommends it!   Barb has finished: When the Air Hits Your Brain: Tales from Neurosurgery by Frank Vertosick - Barb loved it The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness by Paula Poundstone - thumbs up! Don't Look Back by Greg Hurwitz - good, don't read it at night by yourself!   Barb and Tracie both reviewed: The Child by Fiona Barton - thumbs up from both Chicks!   Tracie is reading: A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon   Barb is reading: Murder in Room 305  by Gary King Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix   Other podcasts mentioned: Heaven's Gate audio podcast Skein Enable audio podcast

Recorded on December 6, 2017 Our Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing October 1-January 31!  To enter to win a prize, complete an adult sweater with sleeves - start a new one or continue with one less than 50% done, and post in the FOs thread. Giveaway Time!   Enter to win a skein of Duren Dyeworks Self-Control Fingering (100% BFL SW) in the Barbie Time colorway by leaving a comment here.  The thread will close December 15. Thank you to Diane of Dinaripper Creations for sending Pussyhat project bags to Barb and Tracie!   Check out her shop for cute project bags, handknit items and other good things   We have 2 Knit Lit Chicks merchandise!  Please go here to see all the choices available!   EVENTS: Sacramento Knitting Guild, February 1, 2018 - Barb and Tracie will be the featured speakers. Stitches West 2018 - February 25-28, 2018 KNITTING Barb has finished: Added Elegance Socks for Ann, using Knit Picks Felici in the Nassau colorway Mother Bear #123 Whinstone hat by Chrissy Graham, using Berroco Vintage in the Dungaree colorwa Tracie has finished the Top This Puppy Hat, using a DMC Creative World Top This Kit Barb is currently working on: Will's Christmas Socks, a vanilla sock with a Fish Lips Kiss Heel, using Patons Kroy Sock FX in the Clover colorway The Medaki Cardigan by Kristen Johnstone, using Duren Dyeworks Joy DK in the Royalty colorway Barb didn't work on, but hopes to get back to: Tale as Old as Time Cowl by Anne Vally, using Must Stash Yarns & Fiber Perfect Self-Striping Sock in the Beauty and the Beast colorways Beagle by Norah Gaughan, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest Floor colorway Marklee by Elizabeth Doherty, using Wollmeise Pure in the Magnolia Medium colorway Voyager MKAL by Rachel Roden, using Lorna’s Laces Shepard Sock in the Voyager colorway, and Lorna’s Laces Mini-Skein Voyager Quintet     Tracie is working on: Rachel by Jose Paquin in Alexandra’s Crafts Timberline Ice in the Ruby colorway Her 5th Fiddly Bits cowl by Jana Pihota She didn't work on but hopes to get back to: Redford pullover by Julie Hoover, using Lisa Souza Hardtwist Merino in the Monteverde colorway Peer Pressure shawlette by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Miss Babs Hot Shot in the Hot to Trot color way BOOKS Tracie has finished: Serpentine: The True Story of a Serial Killer's Reign of Terror from Europe to South Asia by Thomas Thompson And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini The Cows by Dawn O'Porter The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher Barb has finished: How My Book Club Got Arrested by Leslie O’Kane River Road by Carol Goodman Tracie is reading: Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Crowing Up Cult by Jayant Tamm Both Barb and Tracie are reading The Child by Fiona Barton and will discuss it together in Episode 150. Barb is reading: When the Air Hits Your Brain: Tales from Neurosurgery by Frank Vertosick Other podcasts mentioned: Done Disappeared Young Charlie

A fabulous yarny time at the retreat and then a trip to a fiber mill and more time playing with newly milled yarn and dye pots. The Two Ewes are on a Spring Break adventure! Kelly's Projects Kelly is making great progress on the Edie tee-shirt that she is making with Linen Concerto yarn she bought at Stitches West. She is also moving along on the Havannah tee that she is making with Dragon Fly Fibers Rustic Silk Dance yarn. Marsha's Projects Marsha brought a shawl and her Edie tee as retreat and vacation knitting. The shawl is Among the Shadows by Kelene Kinnersly. She is using a very recent purchase of Feederbrook Farm yarn that she got during her post Stitches trip to SF. Advent "ewes" First there was the wonderful weekend at NoCKRs, the Northern California Knitters Retreat, held by the Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks podcasts.  Held at the St. Francis Retreat Center, it was a relaxing and fun time catching up with friends and meeting new friends.  Lots of knitting and food and drink and laughing! Then we visited Ranch of the Oaks to pick up Kelly's yarn order. On the way we had to stop at Yarns at the Adobe, the yarn shop across from the mission in San Luis Obispo. Finally, we spent the last few days of the visit dyeing the yarn that had just been milled. So much fun!  

Book Talk Begins at 34:20 Recorded on March 15, 2017   We are hosting a Colorwork KAL starting on March 1, and ending on May 1, 2017.    Chat it up and make plans in our Colorwork KAL Chatter Thread.    Browse our Colorwork Bundle for inspiration.    Knit anything with colorwork - that means intarsia, stranded colorwork, stripes, brioch, double knitting, or slipped stitches.  We encourage you to challenge yourself.    Pick a project larger than a mug cozy and you're good to go!   Be sure and listen until the end of the podcast for the winners of the Namaste Bag Giveaway, and to hear the latest news for the NoCKRs Retreat.   2 Knit Lit Chicks 2017 SWAP!  Yes, we are doing it again.  And once again, our leader is the indomitable SandraMaz.  Do you want to join us?  If so, please read all about it and follow the instructions  to enter here.  The deadline to enter the swap is March 20, 2017, so hop to it!!   We would love it if you would join our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Ravelry Group.  We have a lot of fun over there!!     KNITTING  Barb has finished:   * Her Levitate Poncho by Yvonne Poon, using Noro Kureopatora in the 2015 colorway  *  Endless Spring Cardigan by Anna Rauf using GnomeAcres Sparkle Gnome in the Wuv Twue Wuv colorway *  Knotted Rib hat by Cheryl Beckerich, using Vanna's Choice in the Cranberry colorway * Her My Garter Slipped! Scarf by Bereni New, using Premier Yarns Sweet Roll in the Raspberry Swirl colorway *  Vanilla is the New Black Socks by Anneh Fletcher, using Leading Men Fiber Arts ShowStopper in the 911 Butterfly colorway *  Brain Hat for Science by Kristen McDonnell, using Lion Brand Heartland in colorway 103 *  3 Knitted Knockers Ponchos" in the wild at" Stitches West!  Left to right - JChant, 1HundredProjects,  xchorse,  BetterinMotion, Barb, and Thumperina!   Tracie has finished:   *  School's Out child's cardigan by Katya Frankel in Shaggy Bear Farms merino with Superwash and Tussah Silk   *  Kallisti Cowl by Hillary Smith Callis in Caron Cake int the Blueberry Kiwi colorway *  2 PussyHats - 1 in Plymouth Toybox Collection Rainbow, and 1 in stripes of many different pink yarns Barb is working on:   *  Beagle pullover sweater by Norah Gaughan, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest Floor colorway *   Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi in a green/blue/purple colorway   *  Vanilla Socks, using Knit Picks Felici in the Baker Street colorway *  My Rainbow Heart mitts by Stephanie Lotven, using Valley Yarns Huntington as the base color and fingering scraps from stash. * Smorgasbord Cowl by Cindy Garland, using a kit bought at the Stunning String Studio booth at Stitches West   Barb has frogged the Sabine Cardigan by Coco Knits, using Indigodragonfly Merino Single Lace in the 20,000 Lawyers Under the Sea.  She just wasn't feeling it.   Tracie is working on:   *  Fiddly Bits cowl by Jana Pihota, using leftovers from stash! *  Coloring cardigan by Katrin Schneider, using  Anzula Nebula in the Lottie colorway *  All That Jazz cowl by TheTwistedYarn Blog, using Greenwood Fibers Star Dust mini-skeins, scraps, bits & leftovers * Mini-Landing Cardi by Vera Sanon, using FishKnits Panache in the 42 Degrees Opposite the Sun colorway   BOOKS   Barb has finished:   * The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride by by Daniel James Brown * Commonwealth by Ann Patchett * Runaway by Alice Munroe * The Last One: A Novel by Alexandra Oliva      Tracie has finished:   * "I'll Get You" Drugs, Lies & the Terrorizing of a PTA Mom by Sam Rule and Kelli Peters *  The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood *  The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty *  Wilde Lake by Laura Lipman * Silent Witness: The Karla Brown Murder Case by Don W. Weber and Charles Bosworth * The Hundred Year House by Rebecca Makkai * Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr Barb is currently reading:   *  Some Luck (Last Hundred Year: A Family Saga #1) by Jane Smiley * The Last September by Nina de Garment Tracie is currently reading:   * No One Needs to Know by Kevin O'Brien * Evidence of Love by John Bloom & Jim Atkinson   Tracie talked about the HBO series, Big Little Lies   Barb talked about the new podcast The 45th, available on iTunes now

A completed poncho, a train adventure, a handspun sweater, and an amazing beekeeping experience are on this week's show.  Marsha's Projects Marsha finished her Rodeo Drive Poncho.  Marsha is really happy with this pattern by Staci Perry.  She has also worked on her Good Vibes shawl. Even the Pismo Beach socks (yarn from the yarn crawl in our very first podcast) got a little knitting during her adventurous train trip! Kelly's Projects Kelly has finished 4 more Pussy Hats.  She also finally got on the ball and knitted the button band the on Funky Grandpa Cardigan.  This is a pattern by La Maison Rililie.  The button band has an i-cord bind off and Kelly isn't sure whether it will lay flat or not.  If, after blocking, it still isn't laying flat, she will need to experiment with needles that are either larger or smaller.  She isn't sure which direction will solve the issue. Kelly has also been working on her poncho and is past the halfway point!  She is using Andrea Mowry's Om Shawl pattern. "Advent-ewes" Marsha had quite the train adventure trying to get to Spokane to visit friends.  Hours of delay had her almost hysterical!  On the positive side, it gave her plenty of time to finish her Rodeo Drive Poncho.   She had planned to visit a couple of Spokane yarn shops.  One was closed while she was there.  Another that she saw from the train, The Knitting Factory, turned out to be a music concert venue and nightclub.  The third was a charm, Sew E-Z Too is a knitting and quilting shop and she was able to visit.  Upcoming Events Marsha and Kelly will be at Stitches West on February 25-26.  Come say hi to us if you see us.  Also, we will be attending the meet-up organized by the Yarniacs and 2 Knit Lit Chicks.  The meet-up is in the lobby bar area of the Hyatt (host hotel) and will start at around 1 pm.  We can't wait!!! Bees Kelly had a great bee adventure last weekend. A small beehive was found in a drainage pipe where her husband works.  The area is slated for some construction and the hive had to be removed so Kelly went in on Saturday to remove it and bring it home to her yard.  The experience was AMAZING!  She was able to cut down the combs and wedge them between rubber bands in frames that then went into her bee box.  Overnight almost all the bees went into the box (because the queen and all their brood was in there).  Next morning she closed them in and took them home. Such an interesting process!  So far they seem to be doing very well.  They are a small hive, but busy bringing in pollen.  What would you like to hear us talk about? Many of our listeners have commented on the topic of compost and would like to know more. So next episode we will discuss composting and maybe a little gardening along with the knitting.  What else would you like to hear more about?  Leave a comment in the shownotes, email us at twoewesdyeing@gmail.com, or come talk to us in the Two EwesRavelry Group. Meanwhile, here is a funny video about urban farmers like Marsha and me.

We review our 2016 achievements and have a Fibershed segment where our minds are blown by discovering that compost can help mitigate climate change.  Marsha is almost finished with her #PussyHatProject hat for the Women's March that will be held in Seattle.  Other than that, she has been working exclusively on her Great Poncho Adventure project.  She is making the Rodeo Drive poncho from Berocco Ultra Alpaca yarn.  It is getting close to finished! Kelly's Great Poncho Adventure is moving along after a mistake in the colorwork meant she had to rip back about 4 inches of work.  It was painful, but worth the effort.  She has adapted the Om Shawl to three colors and is working this out of three different gray yarns from Neighborhood Fiber Co. Kelly has also been spinning.  She finished plying two skeins of the endless 3-ply CVM.  When combined with the bulky CVM singles she has spun, there is a total of 2.5 lbs (of the 6 lbs) that has been spun from this fiber.  She also spun and plied some longwool fiber from deep in the stash (circa 2002?).  She finished 6 #PussyHatProject hats and sent them (along with 4 more of her Aunt's hats) to Washington DC for the Women's March on Washington.  There are 3 more to finish for the San Francisco march that she will be attending.  Kelly was excited to share some work being done by Jeff Creque, the Marin Carbon Project and the Carbon Cycle Institute.  She describes research done by Ryals, et al. in a paper entitled, "Impacts of organic matter amendments on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in grassland soils."  If you would like to hear more about Carbon Farming and other ideas presented at the Fibershed Wool Symposium, the videos are available on the Fibershed site.  If you are interested in purchasing the Climate Beneficial Cloth or making a donation for application of a cubic yard of compost, click here for more information. Marsha and Kelly will be at Stitches West on February 25 and 26.  We will attend the meet-up organized by the Yarniacs and the 2 Knit Lit Chicks starting at about 1 pm on Saturday in the bar of the host hotel.  We hope to see you there! If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends on Ravelry, facebook, Instagram, or elsewhere!    

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

Spinning, dyeing moth-proof yarn, crocheting bears, and knitting handspun singles are adventures in this episode.  Kelly gives an extensive review of knitting with handspun singles so that spinners will know how to use their yarn without always plying it.  Marsha has been researching the meaning of the old-fashioned "moth-proofing" that was done to her spirit yarn.  We hope that both topics are interesting and helpful to you! For show notes with pictures, see http://twoewesfiber.com Marsha's projects Marsha has not done too much knitting recently but she has made some progress on the Havasu Falls Shawl by Allison LoCicero and completed spinning 10 ounces of golden Shetland roving that she got at the Black Sheep Gathering.  She has also been doing a little more over-dyeing in preparation for the the afghan project she is making with spirit yarn.  Detailed information about the preparations for this project (including the math that we discussed in the previous episode) is in the Project Page for Frank's Spirit Yarn Afghan.  One of the colors came out lime green, as planned.  The other skein was meant to be coral but turned out gold.  The yarn was labeled as "moth-proofed" and Marsha has done some research about what that means.  The process includes treating the wool with a pesticide called Mitin ff, and may be the reason that the dye didn't adhere properly.    Kelly's Projects Kelly has started back up on the second of the Civil War Socks for Robert.  She has put a few more sections on the NoCKRs shawl, too, but it is now time to figure out how much yarn she will need to do the final repeats.  She has modified the New Beginnings pattern by Boo Knits in order to use two colors and wants to use all 800 yards, if possible.  Kelly has also continued in her addiction to crocheting bears for the Mother Bear Project!  She now has 13 bears to enter into the Knit/Crochet Along that the 2 Knit Lit Chicks are hosting on their Ravelry group.  To see pictures of the bears with the children in African countries take a look at the Mother Bear gallery! Swatch-a-Palooza Kelly has been doing a study of knitting with handspun singles.  She used a variety of handspun yarns and swatched them with a variety of needle sizes, documenting the process along the way.  She has posted her article, complete with pictures, here on the Two Ewes blog dated July 31, 2016. Fiber in the Wild Marsha's ears perked up when she heard NPR commentators say that Hillary Clinton should "stick to her knitting" as a strategy for her acceptance speech.  The Two Ewes weren't sure what that meant and speculated that it must be an old saying.  After recording, they found this link that helps to explain the meaning!

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

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

Knitting Segments Thanks for the new iTunes reviews and for the lovely mentions on The 2 Knit Lit Chicks podcast, The Knotty Girls Knit Cast and The Knitmore Girls.    Show Ready Knits Mug Cozy Pattern: The Mug Sleeve by Brook Croley Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted Needles: Size 6 Knitter's Pride Karbonz   Listen up to hear my review of the Karbonz Interchangeable Needles!   Vanilla Socks I am one row away from the bind-off, so I'm saving this for #stashdash2015 as well.   Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Saki Bamboo in the Garnet Ridge colorway Needles: US 1.5 Addi Lace fixed circular needles   I mentioned my LYS, Yarn House, which you should definitely check out if you are in the area.    I also talked about a way to organize your projects on Ravelry.       Knits in Rehearsal Viajante by Martina Behm   No real updates here. I hope to finish this by the time I take my trip with my best friend this summer. It would be a great amount of yardage for #stashdash2015.   Yarn: Miss Babs Kilimanjaro in the Believable color way Needles: US Size 3 and US Size 4 Signature Convertibles     Tre o Molti by Anthony Casalena Yarn: Madeline Tosh Tosh Merino Light in Flashdance (purple), Antique Lace (cream) and Vanilla Bean (variegated with creams, purples, browns) Needles: US 7/4.5 mm   I am really loving this project and I'll be using it for the Around Your Neck Kal that is happening with Dianne of the Suburban Stitcher Video Podcast and Stacy of Must Stash Yarns and Podcast.     Vanilla Socks I started a new pair of self-striping socks while I was camping last weekend. Yarn: Berry Colorful Yarnings Saturated Sock in the Shades of Grey colorway Needles: Size 1 Addi Turbo circular needles   Make it Work by Allie Coffey Yarn: Bijou Basin Ranch Lhasa Wilderness from the Outlandish Collection in the Culloden colorway. (I'll review this yarn in depth on episode 34). Needles: Knitter's Pride Nova Platina in size 4 and 6 (I'll also be reviewing these needles in episode 34)   Long Tail Cast On   Here's the document I found to help estimate the inches of yarn needed to do a Long Tail Cast On.        Knitting News, Notes and Events   The Fix-A-Stitch contest ended on May31. Listen up to see if you are the lucky winner!   The Gleener giveaway is going through May 15th, see the Ravelry group for details.    All the Kals I'm doing this summer:    There are so many awesome KALS happening now or starting very soon. If you like knitting along with others you are sure to find something you'd like to participate in. Double, triple or quadruple dipping is encouraged by the Actually Knitting Podcast.    Stash Dash is a KAL sponsored by the Knit Girllls. Be sure to check them out for more information. I think I will enter the 5k option this year. I talk about my current wips and where I stand for yardage if I finish them all!   Around Your Neck is a KAL sponsored by Dianne of Suburban Stitcher Stacy of Must Stash Yarns and Podcast .    Cardi, Tank or Tee is being sponsored by the 2 Knit Lit Chicks. I am working on my Astonish Top for this KAL.   The Great Outdoors KAL is sponsored by Emily of the Knitting Butterflies podcast. She wants you to be inspired to knit in or for the great outdoors this summer.   PALKAL 2015 PalKal is happening starting June 1st! I answer a few questions I've been asked on the boards, but feel free to ask anything that you think of. The most important update is that I've decided that you can use Wips for the PALKAL. Please use #palkal2015 on Instagram. I can't wait to see what you decide to do!   This is the biggest KAL of the year for Actually Knitting!  The Podcast Along Knit Along will start officially on June 1st, but let’s start our plotting and planning now! Here are the rules: Cast on: June 1 Bind off: September 1 The basic idea is to support a podcaster you listen to or watch by knitting one of their patterns and/or using their yarns for your project. You can also use a project bag by a podcaster! The design, yarn/fiber and/or project bag must be from a knitting/crochet/fiber podcaster. (Not all 3, just one of those to qualify) 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 will be announced in an upcoming episode. 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. Each project gets a separate post in the non-chatter thread. A note about project bags: a project bag may only be entered into the contest one time for an entry. (You can’t just keep using a podcaster project bag over and over and entering the contest that way). You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie! Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner! Use the tag PALKAL2015 on Ravelry and #palkal2015 on Instagram In addition, I've decided that you can use WIPS for this KAL. Yay!    We have some great sponsors and wonderful prizes that I can’t wait to share with you all! Let’s make some plans for summer knitting!    The coupon codes will be listed on the podcast and are available here as well:   Dianne from Suburban Stitcher, use code PALKAL2015 for 10% off of any order May 25th through July 31st   Jennifer from the Down Cellar Studio Podcast, use code PALKAL15 for 30% off through June 15th   Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting, use PALKAL for 25% off of any PDF pattern (not books)   Megan from Stockinette Zombies, use ActuallyKnittingPalKal for 30% off through the end of July   Anne from the Carolina Fiber Girls, use PALKAL50 for 50% off any of her patterns   Elizabeth Green Musselman from Dark Matter Knits, use the code PalKal15 for 20% off of any of her self-published patterns, through September 1st.   Allie Coffey from Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 50% off of her patterns.   Daniela from Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast, use the code ACTUALLYCAFFEINATED for 50% off her patterns through September 1.  Angela from the Revelations of a Delusional Knitter Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 25% off of her patterns.   New this Episode:  Christina from A Knitter's Life Video Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 1$ off of her patterns, through September 1.   Today for the first time I mention the prizes! So far we have 15 prizes for some lucky listeners. Thanks so much to the sponsors below for their donations!   Suburban Stitcher/Dianne  1 sock size draw string bag of winner's choice from her Etsy Shop.    Danie from The Prarie Girls Knit and Spin podcast and One Twisted Tree 1 skein of her Prime Sock Yarn in the Hinky Punk colorway   Mel from With Mel Video Podcast 3 patterns from her Ravelry Store   Stacie/Must Stash Yarns and Video Podcast 1 skein of her Extended Play Version of Darkside of the Moon   Emily/Fibretown 1 skein of yarn    Megan Williams/Stockinette Zombies Sock Pattern kit that includes yarn, pattern and a bag   Anne/Carolina Fiber Girls 1 sock pattern   Estela/One More Row Please (blog/designer) 2 patterns from her Ravelry Store   Laura/Gynx Yarns 1 skein of   Brenda Castiel/designer 3 patterns from her Ravelry store     Other Events: World Wide Knit in Public Day is June 13, 2015. If you are local or Semi-local, please join us at Heist Brewery in Noda, Charlotte, NC. Details can be found on the Ravelry board or on the brand new Actually Knitting Podcast Facebook page! We will be joined by the Carolina Fiber Girls, Ann and Janis, and tons of lovely knitters!   Mini-Skein Swap Group   Stitches Midwest: I'll be at this event August 6-9, 2015 and I cannot wait! If you are going be sure to let me know!   Knitting TalkBack: Caring for your Knits Listen up as I share some listener comments about how they care for their knits.    I also review Allure Fiber Wash by Bijou Basin Ranch.      Non-Knitting Segments   Love it or Leave it   Love it: Meditation App called Breathe I mentioned learning a little bit about meditation from the Teaching Your Brain to Knit Podcast.    Leave it: Fear of sunburn is now dominating my life!    Other News and Notes I am still reading The Martian by Andy Weir   I mentioned some new to me podcasts, including Stitched in Sweden with Maria and New Hampshire Knits with Claire.    I also mentioned reading The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and Top Secret 21 by Janet Evanovich. (Oops, I accidentally called this book Takedown 21!)    I officially start my 1/2 Marathon training on June 6th!    Thank you so much for listening! 

Thanks so much for the itunes reviews and also to all the new listeners, returning listeners, Instagram followers and group members on Ravelry!   Knitting Segments Show Ready Knits Diamond Mosaic Washcloth by Valerie Beard Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream Solids in Red Needles: Knit Picks Caspian Straight Needles in Size 4 US/3.5 mm This washcloth knitted up super quick and has a lovely diamond pattern that  I might borrow for a future project   This went into my gift for my mom for Mothers Day and I have to say, it was a pretty impressive looking gift!        Knits In Rehearsal    Viajante by Martina Behm   No real updates here. I hope to finish this by the time I take my trip with my best friend this summer. It would be a great amount of yardage for #stashdash2015.   Yarn: Miss Babs Kilimanjaro in the Believable color way Needles: US Size 3 and US Size 4 Signature Convertibles        Vanilla Socks I am one row away from the bind-off, so I'm saving this for #stashdash2015 as well.   Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Saki Bamboo in the Garnet Ridge colorway Needles: US 1.5 Addi Lace fixed circular needles       These two projects are in hibernation for the time being...     Mama Vertebrae by Kelly Brooker Haven't worked on this project in a while. It's just too hot to knit a cardigan!   Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Chispas Colorway Needles: Size 6 Signature Convertibles   Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer Again, just not really in the mood for this right now with the hot weather. Yarn: Jones Street DK by The Copper Corgi Needles: Signature Convertibles Size   I've worked quite a bit on....   Astonish Top by Katy Banks I decided to stop and measure myself before continuing on, and it looks like I need to rip back a few rows and add about 1/2 an inch to the body before I knit the second section.   Yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain in Sagebrush and Honey Needles: Size 2 Addi Lace Turbos   Newly in Rehearsal... Tre o Molti by Anthony Casalena I am really enjoying this pattern! It's very addictive, as everything is in small sections. When you finish one, you really want to start the next one! Yarn: Madeline Tosh Tosh Merino Light in Flashdance (purple), Antique Lace (cream) and Vanilla Bean (variegated with creams, purples, browns)   Needles: US 7/4.5 mm   I am really loving this project and I'll be using it for the Around Your Neck Kal that is happening with Dianne of the Suburban Stitcher Video Podcast.    I did finish some blanket squares..but the blanket is a long way from being finished.    Auditioning Knits Make it Work by Allie Coffey Allie is the co-host of the Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast I'll likely cast this on soon, as it's going to be my first project for the #PALKAL2015. I have some lovely Bijou Basin Ranch yarn from their Outlandish Collection that I'll be using, and I'll be doing a yarn review on Episode 33.    Whiz Bang Socks by Sarah from In a Sknit     Knitting News, Notes and Events Prizes were shipped last week, hopefully everyone has received their packages!    Speaking of prizes... The Date Night contest is officially closed. The winner was announced, so listen up to see if you are the lucky one!    We still have the ongoing Fix-A-Stitch contest. Listen to episode 31 for details on how to win this amazing tool! The contest will run until May 31.    So. Many. KALS....   There are so many awesome KALS happening now or starting very soon. If you like knitting along with others you are sure to find something you'd like to participate in. Double, triple or quadruple dipping is encouraged by the Actually Knitting Podcast.    Stash Dash is a KAL sponsored by the Knit Girllls. Be sure to check them out for more information. I think I will enter the 5k option this year. I talk about my current wips and where I stand for yardage if I finish them all!   Around Your Neck is a KAL sponsored by Dianne of Suburban Stitcher. Her blog is linked above. Wips count!   Cardi, Tank or Tee is being sponsored by the 2 Knit Lit Chicks. I am working on my Astonish Top for this KAL.   The Great Outdoors KAL is sponsored by Emily of the Knitting Butterflies podcast. She wants you to be inspired to knit in or for the great outdoors this summer.   PALKAL 2015 PalKal is happening starting June 1st! I answer a few questions I've been asked on the boards, but feel free to ask anything that you think of. The most important update is that I've decided that you can use Wips for the PALKAL. Please use #palkal2015 on Instagram. I can't wait to see what you decide to do!   This is the biggest KAL of the year for Actually Knitting!  The Podcast Along Knit Along will start officially on June 1st, but let’s start our plotting and planning now! Here are the rules: Cast on: June 1 Bind off: September 1 The basic idea is to support a podcaster you listen to or watch by knitting one of their patterns and/or using their yarns for your project. You can also use a project bag by a podcaster! The design, yarn/fiber and/or project bag must be from a knitting/crochet/fiber podcaster. (Not all 3, just one of those to qualify) 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 will be announced in an upcoming episode. 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. Each project gets a separate post in the non-chatter thread. A note about project bags: a project bag may only be entered into the contest one time for an entry. (You can’t just keep using a podcaster project bag over and over and entering the contest that way). You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie! Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner! Use the tag PALKAL2015 on Ravelry and #palkal2015 on Instagram In addition, I've decided that you can use WIPS for this KAL. Yay!    We have some great sponsors and wonderful prizes that I can’t wait to share with you all! Let’s make some plans for summer knitting!    The coupon codes will be listed on the podcast and are available here as well:   Dianne from Suburban Stitcher, use code PALKAL2015 for 10% off of any order May 25th through July 31st   Jennifer from the Down Cellar Studio Podcast, use code PALKAL15 for 30% off through June 15th   Emily from Fibretown, use PALKAL25 for 25% off through May 31st   Laura from The Knit Girllls, SSKROCKS for 34% off through May 31st Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting, use PALKAL for 25% off of any PDF pattern (not books)   Megan from Stockinette Zombies, use ActuallyKnittingPalKal for 30% off through the end of July   Anne from the Carolina Fiber Girls, use PALKAL50 for 50% off any of her patterns   Elizabeth Green Musselman from Dark Matter Knits, use the code PalKal15 for 20% off of any of her self-published patterns, through September 1st.   New this episode:  Allie Coffey from Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 50% off of her patterns.    Daniela from Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast, use the code ACTUALLYCAFFEINATED for 50% off her patterns through September 1.    Angela from the Revelations of a Delusional Knitter Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 25% off of her patterns.    I already mentioned by plan to knit the Make it Work Hat (linked above), and the Whiz Bang Socks (also linked above), and then I mention that I also want to make the Swirl-E Socks by Susie White of the Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast. I also mentioned making Los Monos Locos by Jennifer O'Sullivan.    Other Events: World Wide Knit in Public Day is June 13, 2015. If you are local or Semi-local, please join us at Heist Brewery in Noda, Charlotte, NC. Details can be found on the Ravelry board or on the brand new Actually Knitting Podcast Facebook page! We will be joined by the Carolina Fiber Girls, Ann and Janis, and tons of lovely knitters!   Stitches Midwest: I'll be at this event August 6-9, 2015 and I cannot wait! If you are going be sure to let me know!   Knitting Girls Weekend in Asheville I visited the Dressing Downton exhibit at the Biltmore House and really enjoyed it.    I also fell (hard) off of the #stashdownthrowdown wagon at the Black Mountain Yarn Shop. I bought some Shibui Knits Staccato, and some souvenir yarn by Fable Fibers.    I also visited Friends and Fiberworks in Candler, NC. I fell down again (not as hard) and bought some Lydia Yarns Gradient Sock.    I am trying not to feel guilty about buying  The Reviews are In This episode I review Renewe Dryer Balls by Mountain Meadow Wool. While these aren't really a product specific to knitting, they are made from wool and I really enjoyed using them.    Knitting Talk Back: Caring for your Knits This episode I start a series of talkbacks about taking care of your knitted items. If you have any ideas, feel free to share them with the group. Today I talk about a product I really love, The Gleener. Listen to details about how to win one of these awesome tools for yourself! This contest will run from May 22 to June 15.    Intermission Ask Me Anything   In this episode I answer a question about my theatre life!    Non-Knitting Segments What a Crock!  I went old school in this episode and made a dish I found from Betty Crocker. Betty Crocker Slow Cooker Chicken with Tomatoes and Artichokes.      Love it or Leave it Love it:  Garfunkel and Oates on Netflix!    Leave it:  Stress due to final exams coming up! I think I can I think I can I think I can!    Other News and Notes: No running news to update.    I finished reading The Girl on the Train, and I liked it, but wasn't as impressed by it as I hoped I would be.    I started reading The Martian by Andy Weir and I'm really enjoying it so far. 

2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast with Barb and Tracie Listen Live for chance to win great prizes! Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid.Find our more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on facebook Sponsored by: Knitter's MagazineCraftsyIndian Lake ArtisansDecade by Drew EmborskyBijou Basin RanchKnitCrateKristin Omdahl Bamboo So FineBuffalo Wool Co.Green Mountain Spinnery

Today’s episode is sponsored by the New and Improved Dizzy Blonde Studios. New and Improved because we now have our own website. Visit our new home at DizzyBlondeStudios.com Catching Up: (0:55) Jen went up to visit family and go to the Retzlaff Winery Fleeces, Food, and Fun event. She met Brother 2's fiancée and found out the baby they are expecting is a girl. She also saw her nephew and the rest of the family. Her parents and Ron went to winery and they did a tasting and loved the port. She saw Jasmin and Gigi of the Knitmore Girls Podcast, Dr. Gemma of CogKnitive Podcast, Tracy from 2 Knit Lit Chicks, and lots of people she'd previously met at Stitches that it was nice to see again. Jen and her mom both won stuff in the raffle (Jen won a kit to make Romi's Fiori Di Sole shawl and her mom won a nice bag). If you're driving up or down 99, Jen recommends Bravo Cheese Factory as a rest stop. She's also started running again, using the Zombies Run App, playing a little more guitar, and loving Fargo and the Cosmos reboot (but not quite as much as the Carl Sagan version. Laura is trying to get over bronchitis again. She's also dyeing for Mean Girls Yarn Club and her custom colors for Alamitos Bay Yarn Company and Colors 91711 and the Sunnydale Yarn Club. She is starting to plan for Knit Dizzney. She's been watching a lot of Elementary, Orphan Black, Buffy (planning for the yarn club), and she's all caught up on Downton Abbey. She's also planning some low key Father's Day stuff. If you'd like to be a Knit Dizzney sponsor contact us. In the Knitting Bag: (15:12) Jen is working on her Lauriel Cardigan (by Ysolda Teague from Little Red in the City) out of Wollmeise DK in Pesto for Camp Loopy. She is working on the sleeves (before the body is done, taking a page from Jasmin). She loves the construction with the top down set-in sleeve. She is slowly working on her  Sunshine Sock by Cookie A in Dream in Color Smooshy in Butterpeeps.  She has done the first yoke decrease for her Leah’s Lovely Cardigan from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts out of Malabrigo sock in Eggplant.  And she started a new project, the Water for the Elephants socks by Rose Hiver in some Knitpicks Stroll in a bare (natural) and Summer Blooms (pink). Laura is working (crocheting) on her Down the Garden Path Shawl by Michele DuNaeir in Lambie Toes in Special Hell.  She is working on her Yggdrasil Afghan by Lisa Jacobs out of reclaimed Berroco Vintage Chunky in Chocolate. The small diameter circular cast on is difficult and did it a whole bunch on times.  And she started mitts for her husband out of brown alpaca. She's adding the design element from the Motoring Madness mittens by Audrey Nicklin from Lit Knits to her own mittens pattern. We mention the Belly Button Cast on. Finished Objects: (23:20) Jen hasn't finished anything. Laura finished her Leftie by Martina Behm out of a Miss Babs Yummy kit in slate and reds. We mentioned Slipped Stitch Studios and . Devil's Tower: (24:42) We are both short on UFO activity. Frog Pond: (24:51) Jen didn't have any frogging this week, but she hindered her own progress on her Sunshine Socks by first losing her book with the pattern in it. Ron found it for her, but then she forgot to bring the first sock when she was traveling, so she couldn't work on it anyway, because she compares to the first sock. On Deck: (27:49) Jen has a whole list: the Ginny’s Cardigan by Mari Chiba from the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits out of Wollmeise Pure in Chim Chim Chimney (for Camp Loopy), the Citron Grande out of Desert Vista Dyeworks Voir in Cherry Icee, she wants to restart her Chickadee, the Dump Truck Cardigan for her nephew, the Playful Stripes Cardigan by Alana Dakos for the new baby out of Cascade 220 Superwash Sport out of teals and pinks and greys, and a layette for the new baby niece out of Cascade Heritage. She also wants to make booties and more sweaters. She is happy to have a girl to knit for so she can make all manner of baby patterns. Laura is going to make the Knitted Scale Mail Gloves by CraftyMutt, the Dreambird by Nadita Swings out of either Dizzy Blonde yarn, and the Effortless Cardigan by Hannah Fettig out of Dizzy Blonde DK. Knit Culture: (36:01) We review Dishcloth Diva Knits On! by Deb Buckingham (courtesy of Cooperative Press). It retails for $9.95 PDF, $15.95 for Print and PDF. It's a lovely book, we love the tutorial, but we think it's a little more for a beginner and great for teaching, but an advanced knitter may not get as much out of it. We think it's an excellent gift for a beginner or for using as group projects. We remind you that the stashdown is still going on. Post your finished projects in the June thread and you can win two patterns--the beautiful InfiniTAM donated by the amazing Deborah Tomasello and the Tan House Brook Shawl donated by BostonJen of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast (which you should all listen to, because it's awesome. We also talk about our favorite knitting resources. For crochet, Laura recommends Stitch Diva Studios (text and pictures), The Crochet Crowd (video), and HappyBerry Crochet (video). For knitting, she likes Knit Purl Hunter (video), Knit Witch (video), and KnittingHelp.com. Jen doesn't learn well with videos, she prefers picture and text. She likes the Techknitting Blog, Ysolda's Technique Thursday blog posts, Techniques with Theresa from Knitty.com, and the Tin Can Knits blog. She also recommends some books: Finishing School: A Master Class for Knitters by Deborah Newton (finishing techniques), Little Red in the City by Ysolda Teague and Knit to Flatter by Amy Herzog (both deal with sweater fit), and Knitting for Dummies (beginners). Jen also mentions The Principles of Knitting, if you want to be super pedagogical. Geek Culture: (46:50) We talk Downton Abbey! Jen highly recommends you look at Tom and Lorenzo's posts about their visit to a Downton Abbey costume exhibit (with closeups of actual costumes from the show). Post 1, Part 2, and Part 3 are here. We talk costuming in general. We also do some spoilery talk. If you want to avoid them skip ahead to the Events timecode (1:06:35) Events: (1:06:35) We are doing an event for World Wide Knit In Public Day.  We are partnering with Colors 91711 (address 248 Harvard Avenue, Claremont CA 91711). On Sunday June 22, we will be at the park across Harvard Ave having a knitting picnic from 11am to 2pm. Bring a chair, some shade, some snacks to share, water, sunscreen, your knitting. Colors opens at 12 noon for your shopping pleasure. We are both going to the CogKNITive retreat run by Dr. Gemma of the CogKNITive Podcast on July 25. KnitDizzney will be Sunday, September 7, 2014.  Save the date.  There will be exclusive colorways and T-shirts for purchase and we will have a meetup at the picnic spiral. Our next milestone prize will be at 1000 members, so join the Ravelry Group. And don’t forget to post your finished May projects in the thread!  Keep stashing down!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Dizzy Blonde Studios. For beautifully hand-dyed yarns and inspired knit design, please visit DizzyBlondeStudios.etsy.com Throwdown Update (1:28) Check out Episode 8.5 for Throwdown information. Knit Knit Cafe has joined the fray! If you donate a hat for Team Knotty in October, you’ll receive the Full Tilt Hat pattern. Post in the thread to get your pattern. Also, join the Podcaster Throwdown Ravelry Group. CozyCouch is awesome and has knitted 11 hats! In addition to the lovely prizes from last week, JoniLvsNeddy has donated some really cute project bags for prizes. Don’t forget to ship your hats to Purlescence Yarns, tagged for Team Knotty. Shipping information is here. Purlescence Address: Purlescence Yarns your name & the name of your team 564 South Murphy Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Catching Up (4:52) Jen sang at two charity gigs and she enjoyed it. She's started a new book about the Rocky Flats nuclear plant called Full Body Burden. She and Ron have been watching cheesy horror films, because it's October, including Carnival of Souls. She took a drop spindling class at CogKnitive, and she loved it. Laura has returned from New Mexico, visiting her stepdaughter. She saw her stepdaughter in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She also started watching Doctor Who and Downton Abbey. The registration for the Sunnydale Yarn club are closed and the names have been drawn. Her dad is doing much better; thanks to all of you for your concern. And her remodel is almost done! Melissa had to explain to her coworkers what a fiber retreat was. Also, they think yarn crawls involve a lot more booze than they do. Jen references this experiment. In the Knitting Bag (12:22) Jen has been working on her Bed Socks in Lemon Pattern with Fancy Knit Stripe from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush for Ron and the Socktober KAL/CAL out of Koigu in a very multi-colored colorway. Jen mentions Foxy Knits. She's also working on her 30 Day Sweater out of Dizzy Blonde Superwash DK in the color Anna. She spent a lot of time working on cable charting. She also worked on her Rocky Coast Cardigan out of Fibre Company Organik in Highlands. Laura has been working on her second pair of Tree of Life Fingerless Gloves by Jenny Williams out of Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in the Thistle Colorway. She’s also still working on her Udones (Roman socks0 in Knitpicks Palette in the color Clover. We talk a bit about Naalbinding and the History Channel show Vikings. Laura has also been working on her Sassitis (Clapotis) and her Gridiron Scarf (Lattice Wingspan), which are both very close to done. Melissa knit a huge Mountain Ash Shawl and it killed her will to knit shawls, so she is working on Leah's Lovely Cardigan (her first sweater) from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts out of Malabrigo Sock in Archangel. She is also working on a lot of hats for Hatoween (with some help from Jen). Finished Objects Big Damn Heroes Two Butterfly Hats Laura finished one pair of Tree of Life Mittens in the Forest Heather color of Knitpicks Wool of the Andes, two Olivia's Butterfly Hats for Halos of Hope out of Knitpicks Brava, and she finished her Mother Bears (faces and all). But really, Barbara from 2 Knit Lit Chicks did the faces. Melissa has finished several Hatoween hats. On Deck: Laura is going to be test knitting a hat pattern for Steamlolita. She will be reworking a sock pattern to be rewritten for Lambie Toes Yarn for Socktober. We mention Four Weddings. Jen will be jumping into crochet, making a Basic Stitches Crochet Hat for the Throwdown. Also other throwdown hats. She will be making a little sweater for her nephew's first birthday out of Delicious Yarn from Stitch Cafe. Melissa will be making Throwdown hats with her leftover Hatoween yarn. She will also be making a very colorful striped cardigan. Knit Culture (30:10) We answer a question from MillieHanS. Any tricks, tips for knitting with two yarns - not necessarily together. Say one is a wool that can be blocked as for a lace edge but the ‘body’ of a rectangular shawl isn’t as stretchy. I can’t figure out a good way to determine repeats so they are the same width even tho I swatch. Swatch. A lot. Wash and block the swatches. Swatch them together. Or find two yarns that are more similar if you can, because that might be more easy. Also consider if you're picking up stitches, changing yarns, knitting on a border--they will all change how it behaves. A lifeline might be your best friend. Also don't be afraid to re-do things. Jen and Melissa bought some great yarn at CogKnitive retreat including Forbidden Woolery, Knitted Wit yarn, bags from RKs Mom and Slipped Stitch Studios. Melissa bought a lot of Dizzy Blonde Yarn. And a lot of her yarn was pink. Jen and Melissa both bought some Indigo Dragonfly yarn and they love her color names. There were some great metal shawl pins. Jen got some great Bee Mice Elf fiber for spinning and wants to get some Red Fish Dye Works fiber when she's a better spinner. Jamie of the Awesome Metalwork Pins in the Cogknitive Marketplace. We also mention Dye for Yarns and Ladybug Fiber. Geek Culture (46:26) We geek out over Doctor Who and Torchwood. Upcoming Events: (52:49) We are having a Knitalong in October! The Socktober Knitalong! Knit something (anything (hats)) out of sock yarn (fingering weight or any yarn that would make good socks) or knit socks out of any weight yarn between October 1st and October 31st. Post finished projects there for a chance to win a prize. Please do a separate entry for each project. Hiya Hiya has provided some prizes and Joni has given a project bag as a prize. We will be at the Southern California Handweaver’s Guild Annual Weaving and Fiber Festival (WEFF) at the Torrance Convention Center on Sunday November, 3rd. Parking is free, entry is seven dollars. Laura will be vending. You can drop off Halos Hats at her booth. We may be doing some knitalong action with Yarn on Tap there for the Throwdown; we will keep you posted. Come say hi. We are working on some knitalong events for the Throwdown. We will keep you updated. New milestone drawing at 500 members, so join our Ravelry group!

Welcome (0:25) Hello and welcome to the show notes for Episode 7 of the Shinybees podcast: Catch up. This is the first episode since the Podcaster hangout with Martine from iMake, Amanda from Craftlife and Laura from Apocalyptic Diner. The audio for the show is Episode 50 of the iMake Podcast or you can watch the video here. There is some lamenting on pregnancy old wives tales and inappropriate belly touching. Thongman is going to be making a guest appearance on the podcast, and I am taking questions for him via email, Twitter or Ravelry. I am enjoying the Africa series on BBC1 at the moment. I was the proud winner of a £5 voucher for the fabulous Flamboyance Yarns. Check out my favourite colour way: Box of Crayons. In the shout out, I mentioned the ‘White and Colourful' projects by Suuf. Go and check them out! Hi to Barb and Tracie from the 2 Knit Lit Chicks podcast, who kindly played my promo in Ep 35. They have been on my list to download for ages and are a great listen. Wippin' Piccadilly (14:48) Only one finished object, miraculously – Adam's Hat. This is a hat for the new Shiny baby, which I finally guilt tripped myself into making. The pattern and yarn are both by Nurturing Fibres. The Stripe Study by Veera Valimaki has been frogged and will remain in exile for now. Damask is back from hibernation so I can try my new Chiaogoo Red Lace needles. Owls by Kate Davis is still ongoing but has not received any attention as I won't fit into it for some time yet! The Mielie socks made a special guest appearance on the Podcaster Hangout, one is complete and the other is in the middle of having the heel turned. Finally for the knitting, I cast on a cardigan for the baby, just an ordinaryKing Cole pattern. Sewing wise, I mentioned the fabric I used for the apron in the Caithness Craft Collective apron swap. I also have made a raft of baby aprons for The Beast from cotton, using a pattern I designed myself. At sewing class, I have been working on a hooded top, as well as some pajamas and a dressing gown for HBM. South Africa (29:40) We travel to Robben Island World Heritage Site to learn about political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. Wrap-up (36:05) Thanks very much for joining me again. If you would like to get in touch, I am Shinybees on Ravelry and Twitter, you can leave a comment here on the blog or email me at shinybeesinfo@gmail.com.