Podcast appearances and mentions of laura nelkin

Listening to her college-aged daughter making calls for AmeriCorps in 2020, Laura Nelkin was surprised at how many people in her community faced food insecurity and hunger every day. A problem that had seemed far away suddenly felt much closer to home, and Laura wanted to find a way to help. She had a feeling that other knitters would want to help, too, so she dreamed up a group effort: the Knit for Food Knit-a-Thon (http://www.knitforfood.com/). In its first 4 years, the effort has raised over $1.25 million for Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, and World Central Kitchen. 2025 is poised to be the largest event yet, with more teams and knitters joining the effort every day. How does it work? Until Saturday, April 5, 2025, crafters register to participate, either as members of a team or solo. Participants reach out to friends, loved ones, colleagues, and other contacts to make a financial pledge to support the effort. Then from 10 am to 10 pm Eastern Time on April 5, participants pick up your craft of choice and knit (or crochet or stitch or whatever you like). Some teams and local craft groups organize public meetups for support. Anyone raising at least $100 receives a link to online events including stretching and knitting ergonomics, live music, games, and presentations from the four benefiting charities. At the end of the day, you've enjoyed 12 hours on your favorite craft, strengthened the fellowship of crafters, and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars that directly feed hungry people. Laura (and her saucy alter ego, Lola) develop dozens of innovative ideas every year, from original designs to bead-knitting techniques to a brilliant method for swatching to knit in the round while knitting flat. She documents her ideas and experiments on her YouTube channel, offers kits and mystery knit-alongs, and invites knitters to join her in real life on knitting-related tours and cruises each year. The Knit for Food Knit-a-Thon brings that spirit of fun and inventiveness to a much-needed cause, building the spirit of community with every stitch and donation. Links Knit for Food sign-up page (https://givebutter.com/knitforfood25) Knit for Food FAQ (http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/page/knitathon/knitathon25.htm) Check out a list of ideas for charities (https://nelkindesigns.blogspot.com/2021/03/10-ideas-for-charity-knitting.html) for handknitters. Laura Nelkin's website (http://www.nelkindesigns.com/) Laura's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/lauranelkin) Nelkin Designs Ravelry group (https://www.ravelry.com/groups/nelkin-designs) Nelkin Designs on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NelkinDesigns/) This episode is brought to you by: Treenway Silks is where weavers, spinners, knitters and stitchers find the silk they love. Select from the largest variety of silk spinning fibers, silk yarn, and silk threads & ribbons at TreenwaySilks.com (https://www.treenwaysilks.com/). You'll discover a rainbow of colors, thoughtfully hand-dyed in Colorado. Love natural? Treenway's array of wild silks provide choices beyond white. If you love silk, you'll love Treenway Silks, where superior quality and customer service are guaranteed. KnitPicks.com has been serving the knitting community for over 20 years and believes knitting is for everyone, which is why they work hard to make knitting accessible, affordable, and approachable. Knit Picks responsibly sources its fiber to create an extensive selection of affordable yarns like High Desert from Shaniko Wool Company in Oregon. Are you looking for an ethical, eco-friendly yarn to try? Look no further than Knit Picks' Eco yarn line. Need needles? Knit Picks makes a selection for knitters right at their Vancouver, Washington headquarters. KnitPicks.com (https://www.knitpicks.com/)—a place for every knitter.

Episode 158 February 13,  2025 On the Needles 1:56 ALL KNITTING LINKS GO TO RAVELRY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.  Please visit our Instagram page @craftcookreadrepeat for non-Rav photos and info   Hoodola by Laura Nelkin, Lady Dye Yarns DK in Notorious, Yarn Love Amy March DK in Beneath the Waves– DONE!!   Succulents 2025 Blanket CAL by Mallory Krall, Hue Loco DK in Echevaria– DONE!!   January Colorwork Cuff Club by Summer Lee, Lemonade Shop Simple Sock in Dunks– DONE!! February Colorwork Cuff Club by Summer Lee, Fibernymph Dyeworks Bounce in Love Bug and others– DONE!!   Baby hat, doodle knit directory by Jamie Lomax, Lemonade Shop simple sock in Dunks   Llama llama duck by Adrienne Fong, C W D: Handcrafted Products for the Mind, Body & Soul BFL Alpaca Nylon Sock in Sutro Baths   Filoli Cowl by Ksenia Naidyon, AVFKW Floating in Current and Marine Layer (70% Alpaca, 20% Silk, 10% Cashmere goat), AVFKW Wild Bloom in Quartz and Rain Cloud (41% Alpaca, 35% Silk, 13% Merino, 10% Yak)     Cortney's knitting: Pressed Flower Pullover by Amy Christoffers in Neighborhood Fiber Studio DK Ramblewood and Suri Loft Mondawmin (which is burgundy and hot pink).  (Wintery Knitting!)   On the Easel 18:18 Secret 100 Day Project, flip through coming soon Finished one Winter sketchbook, a Pith sketchbook. “Blue Series” drawings Florals, plus a field trip to the new SF Flower Market On the Table 22:57 First recipe test for America's Test kitchen!   Sesame-feta meatballs with burst tomatoes Shallot, egg, bread,FETA BRINE, cumin, lamb Meatballs, shallot, cherry tomato, feta cubes   chicken thighs + fries - by Julia Turshen Yogurt marinade chicken thighs yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, garlic, za'atar ½ for marinade, ½ for drizzle   Real Texas Nachos Recipe   Valentine Care Packages “Winter” tacos with shrimp and slaw from A Dish for All Seasons Bionaturae Sourdough Fusilli On the Nightstand 37:31 We are now a Bookshop.org affiliate!  You can visit our shop to find books we've talked about or click on the links below.  The books are supplied by local independent bookstores and a percentage goes to us at no cost to you! Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (audio). Sword Crossed by Freya Marke A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid  The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey  Onyx storm by Rebecca Yarros Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis  How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis The Pairing by Casey McQuiston  Flower Philosophy by Anna Potter A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny

Episode 157 January 30, 2025 On the Needles 1:37 ALL KNITTING LINKS GO TO RAVELRY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.  Please visit our Instagram page @craftcookreadrepeat for non-Rav photos and info     January Colorwork Cuff Club by Summer Lee, Lemonade Shop Simple Sock in Dunks Flax Worsted Sweater by Tin Can Knits, Neighborhood Fiber Co DK in 1600 Pennsylvania Ave (oct 2020, reusing yarn)-- DONE!!   Succulents 2025 Blanket CAL by Mallory Krall, Hue Loco DK in Echevaria   Hoodola by Laura Nelkin, Lady Dye Yarns DK in Notorious, Yarn Love Amy March DK in Beneath the Waves   Cortney's needles: sewing-related content On the Easel 13:24   Secret 100 Day Project Special pet portrait   Mary Cassatt exhibit at the Legion of Honor Museum On the Table 17:22 Hoisin Beef/Mushroom Stew by Julia Turshen   Sweet and Savory Rice Noodles with Roasted Mushrooms from SF Chronicle   BBQ Carrots and Beans from Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry Turnip Chard Soup from Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry   NYT Chicken and artichoke Stew Winter Pilau from East by Meera Sodha (winter veg cooking) On the Nightstand 27:57 We are now a Bookshop.org affiliate!  You can visit our shop to find books we've talked about or click on the links below.  The books are supplied by local independent bookstores and a percentage goes to us at no cost to you!   Arca by G.R. Macallister  All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie (audio, Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #2) The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett The Rivals by Jane Pek (Claudia Lin #2) Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (audio) Door to Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, trans by Melody Shaw   All the Devils are Here by Louise Penny The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia

In Episode 193, Greg and Pam discuss grand openings, holidays, and the cat hobo network. Many thanks to Glen, owner of Raleigh LYS Oak City Fibers, for the episode introduction! You can also find Oak City Fibers on Instagram and Facebook. We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages or on our website here. Check out our group on Facebook! We would love to have you join us there. Our Community Zoom call (open to all listeners!) will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 12pm Eastern time. A Zoom link will be shared closer to the date. GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of the book Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates! Enter to win using our Google Form. SUPPORT THE SHOW KnitPicks & Crochet.com We are KnitPicks and Crochet.com (owned by KnitPicks) Affiliates! This means if you are going to shop at KnitPicks or Crochet.com, and start by clicking their names, the Unraveling Podcast will get a small commission at no extra cost to you! It's an easy way to support the podcast passively. (Note: links to specific yarns or products will appear like https://shrsl.com/3xzh0. These are correct and are custom links to track our account. They are safe!) Patreon You can financially support Unraveling…a knitting podcast on Patreon! Monthly membership levels are available at Swatch ($1), Shawl ($3), and Sweater ($6) and come with rewards like early access to book club episodes, access to a quarterly Zoom call, discounts on all Knitting Daddy patterns, and holiday cards. Everything available via Patreon is extra, the show remains unchanged and free. Financial support through Patreon helps us cover expenses like web hosting, prize shipping, and equipment upgrades. NOTES Greg's Projects Greg started and finished another instance of the Magic Handwarmers by Danielle Thuen. He used yarn from Polymorph Dyeworks. Check out his project page. Greg finished the Dragon Potholder by Lisa Hannan Fox. He is using the leftover yarn from the Knitcircus hat. Check out his project page. Greg finished a scrubbie that he doesn't have a pattern for and isn't going to look up because the experience was so disappointing. Greg started a Yarn Cozy Lite (Knit) by Knitty Natty. He finished it a few minutes after the episode was recorded. Check out his project page. Pam's Project Pam was working on weaving a bookmark with a mini loom from Cottontail Farms. The looms are on her new website. Pam finished a test knit for Andrew of Briar Patch Fibre Co. She is using Berocco Ultra Wool. The pattern has been released and is the Diamond Weave Beanie. Pam finished a Donsy of Gnomes using the Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun by Sara Schira. She made the Gnaomi version using sock yarn scraps. Pam frogged The Sweetheart Hat by ReLo Designs (the pattern is great, Pam's colorwork tension is not) and instead made the Brioche Topper by Laura Nelkin using Berroco Vintage Chunky. Pam mentioned FrettyBetty's version. Pam has been making hats with her Sentro 48 peg circular knitting machine to make charity hats. She has been using video tutorials from Yarn Stash with Marching North. Pam worked on the Terrazzo Afghan by Tinna Thórudóttir. She is using using KnitPicks Chroma Worsted and Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted. Tinna has good tutorials on her YouTube channel. Pam worked on Blackjack by Romi Hill. She is using Windy Valley Muskox 100% Quiviut. Pam cast on and finished Maeve Mouse from MamaMadeMinis. She used Bernat Blanket and made a Granny Square Baby Blanket by Daisy Cottage Designs with what was left. Pam also mentioned the water balloons she has made with Bernat Blanket. Pam worked on the Love Note sweater by Tin Can Knits. She is using yarn from Iria Yarn Co. (not currently dyeing) and The Fibre Studio at Yarns to Dye For. Book Club We announced the next book club book! We will be reading The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History by Kassia St. Clair. Share how you are will enjoy the book on social media with #UnravelingBookClub. Miscellaneous Pam previously mentioned that she was spinning fiber from Touch of Fiber. She is dyeing again! You can find Touch of Fiber on Facebook or the dyed fiber at Oak City Fibers. Find her website here. Pam shared that Crown Royal will send military care packages. You can send one here. Pam mentioned her cousin Lisa's Storybook Farm. Pam and Greg talked about Amy + Jacky Pressure Cook Recipes. Pam mentioned the Firecracker Pecans and Greg makes the chili. Pam mentioned her new Lumos Light, the website Just the Recipe and the app Paprika. Greg is hosting a Preemie Hat Collection in the Itty Bitty Knits Ravelry group. The Ol' North State Knitting Guild is meeting again. The Knotty Sheep and Oak City Fibers are two new yarn stores open in the Raleigh area. Greg talked about the Dungeon Scarf of the Skeleton King pattern by Rik Schell from Purl's Yarn Emporium. Be sure to enter your Fairs and Festivals entry in the Fairs and Festivals KAL! Greg is a Snack Shack Sponsor in the Down Cellar Studio Pigskin Party '23. Greg can also be found talking about knitting and playing Dungeons & Dragons at Crits and Knits. Affiliate Link Disclousure We are a KnitPicks Affiliate! This means that if you click on a KnitPicks link or Crochet.com, or the banner ad and make a purchase, we will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Amazon and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own. Find us all over the Internet Patreon: Unraveling…a knitting podcast Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast 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

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 250 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbin On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsor: The Yarn Sellar and be sure to check out their annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, 10-3 pm  at the Union Bluff in York Beach,Maine.   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Hattie's Ice Cream Pattern: Ice Cream Cone by Shannon Holding. Free Crochet Pattern available on the LoopholeFox website & on Ravelry Hook: C (2.75) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in Cotton Candy (pink), Blush (pink), White. Loops & Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe (cone) 2 scoops of ice cream (instructions include option for 3 scoops). 1st scoop is pink, 2nd scoop is white. Pink and purple sprinkles Ravelry Project Page   Hattie's Cupcake Pattern: Cupcake by Stitch11. Free crochet pattern available on this website & on Ravelry. Hook: C (2.75) Yarn: Knit Picks Brava in White. Loops & Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe (cake), Big Twist Twinkle in Gray (wrapper) Silver sparkle yarn for cupcake wrapper, taupe for cupcake, white frosting with pink and purple sprinkles to match ice cream. Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300 Twin sized blanket is 60x80 inches. 17x22 hexis- 374. Over 160 full hexagons done now. I washed all of my finished hexis (that already had ends woven in), in the washing machine on delicate inside a lingerie bag. The lingerie bag is important because with small pieces, you can lose pieces into your machine and cause problems. Results: 5 of them came apart at the join on the final round. No bleeding or fading. No shrinking. I'm glad I did this so I could get the bad ones out of the mix before I seam them. Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop.   Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green. Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. Progress: Sock #1 is beyond the heel.   Own Two Feet Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray Progress: Just finished the heel of the second sock.   Benjamin's Christmas Stocking Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I've also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: finished green panel. Almost done w/ the red.   Grammy's 2nd Jean Marie Shawl Pattern: Jean Marie by Jennifer Lassonde ($6 knitting pattern available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts). Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn: Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash in Black, Light Gray and White (2 skeins each) Ravelry Project Page Just finished Section 2 of 3.   Brainstorming   I charted out elongated shawl design idea which feels really good.   From the Armchair   Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Modern Loss: Candid Conversations about Grief. Beginners Welcome. by Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Part of your World by Abby Jimenez. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Crafty Adventures I finished my January-June Covid Photo Book/Scrapbook that I made in Shutterfly and ordered it! I started working on second half of the year. I have notes about each day of the year that I'm mostly copying/pasting into Shutterfly and adding photos from Google Photos which makes it easier. So grateful I journaled during 2020 as it will likely end up being one of the wildest year of our lives.   Knitting in Passing Riley texted me that she's ready for her next knitting project. We purchased some Goosey Fibers yarn at Yarn's End during the Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul so she can knit the Riley Rose Cowl, which, yes, is named after her. You can find my pattern on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.   In My Travels Mom, Millie & I went to Russell's Garden Center for Farm Fiber Days Event. Blue Heron Farm set-up table for people to learn Needle Felting. Millie made a butterfly and then a bunny. We purchased a needle felting kit from them. Later Mom found cookie cutters. Millie got lots of snuggle time with 2 French Angora Rabbits that she wants to convince her dad to adopt. Thank you, Jessica. I purchased two batts of Shetland from Wild Air Farm in Bolton, MA. I also chose 3 minis from Sassy Black Yarns. Millie chose a skein of Making Tracks from Junction Fiber Mill Our marled variegated 2 ply yarn. Hand-dyed in small limited-edition batches. Made with 100% American wool.   KAL News I emailed all Grand Prize Winners and the sponsors who donated their prizes. Check your email if you haven't already. Splash Pad preliminary prep underway   Events Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2023 Event: a Fundraiser for Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels organized by Laura Nelkin is happening on March 26, 2023 Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: April 29, 2023 at the North Haven Fairgrounds. Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Mom & I are planning to attend Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds   On a Happy Note Getting more minis from Nicole in the mail! Met up with my friend Gary from college for coffee while he was in Boston. Hattie's first ever birthday sleepover for her 5th Birthday. I picked her up and then we picked up Millie, at Hattie's request. We had a low key night at home, and went to the Children's Museum the next morning. Hattie was overtired, so we drove her home and then Millie and I met up with my parents to head back into Boston for Riley's dance competition. Mom, Dad, Jeff, Millie, Garret and I all went to an early dinner between her performances. Monday night at a local Irish pub listening to live music for Megg's birthday. Last Saturday, Megg dropped off Oisín to work with Dan, and we all had breakfast before Megg and I went off for a hike. We got back to the car just as the rain started. Millie's Bucket List with a Twist item was to ride horses with Grammy in the snow. It nearly snowed on Saturday May 11, but it was too warm. Thankfully, the rain stopped while we were inside the barn at Nancy & Roger's house, meeting the animals. Our friend Terri is friends with Nancy and Roger who kindly and enthusiastically agreed to help make Millie check off her bucket list item. We met all of the animals, most of whom were rescued. They have a very silly goat, some miniature horses (Goliath, Delilah & Princess Buttercup), 2 Gypsy Vanners (Zoe & her mother Dulcie) and another large horse, Scooter. Mom and I each rode Zoe and Millie rode Dulcie. Garret's 13th birthday sleepover. We went to Altitude to jump on the trampolines, to Panera for dinner and then he taught me how to edit videos using the CapCut app.   Quote of the Week   In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense.   –DALAI LAMA   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 249 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes and photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: The Yarn Sellar The Yarn Sellar is hosting the annual Fiber Marketplace Saturday April 1 2023, from 10-3 pm at the Union Bluff in York Beach Maine. Local vendors will be selling hand dyed yarns, roving, buttons, bags, and  notions. $5 gets you in the door, a 15% off coupon to The Yarn Sellar and a chance to win prizes. Grab your fiber friends and make it a fun filled weekend! Make room reservation by calling 207-363-1333 and visit www.Yarnsellar.com for details. Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Cloudy Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Yarn Cafe Creations Biscotti Yarn (85% SW Merino/15% Nylon 4 ply) in the Thestrals Colorway (gray with blips of rainbow colors Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Cast on 60 stitches and worked 1/1 rib for 14 rounds. Knit about 2 inches and then reduced to 56 stitches (decreases like a toe- done at the beginning and end of each half of the sock). The leg is 10.25 inches before the heel flap. My friend Jen from JLsCreativeShop on Etsy sent me new, laser cut bamboo stitch markers that I started using with this project! They each have a knitting related thing on them. Lightweight, easy to take on and off. $14.99 for set of 5. Get 10% off her shop with code BOSTONJEN. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Hook: F (3.75 mm) Yarn: Mini skeins from 2022 agirlandherwool Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Cheer Swap minis + other scraps/swap yarn Ravelry Project Page I've been closing the end of each hexagon with this join- link to Instagram post 4 rounds per hexagon. 142 hexagons done as of now. 5 half hexagons. 3 pointy ones. 3.75 inches each. Likely need over 300 Twin sized blanket is 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374. Natalie, Knitty Natty, shared on Instagram that she had an issue with centers of her granny squares opening up in the wash. I've had issues with this too. My plan for this blanket is to wash all of the hexagons first before seaming together to try to weed out anything that's not secure. I've also thought of a new idea for knotting mine closed because I'm holding yarn double. I'll share a video for that soon! Ninja Turtle Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Qing Fibre Dashing Fingering Yarn in the Ninja Turtle Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. About the yarn: it is the brightest, most neon yellow/green. Progress: I'm maybe an inch past the first cuff. Own Two Feet Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist Tiny Stripe in the Own Two Feet Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 56 stitches. Cuff Down. About the yarn: 2 round stripes of plum, lavender, brown and gray Progress: I've turned the first heel. Benjamin's Christmas Stocking Pattern: Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Family Circle Magazine. Available in this web archive link. I've also saved it to my podcast Gmail Google Drive in case it disappears! web.archive.org-Christmas Stockings to Knit and Crochet from Our Archives.pdf Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page From the Armchair Movies A Man Called Otto (2022) Till (2022) The Fabelmans (2022) Books The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Betrayal of Anne Frank; A Cold Case Investigation by Rosemary Sullivan. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases. Knitting in Passing Riley finished the Reinpack Bag (free Ravelry Download she was knitting for my Mom, her grandmother. We bought yarn at Staci's Stitches. The yarn is a super bulky t-shirt yarn from Hoooked Zpaghetti. She did most of the bag in a white with black polka dots and then black towards the bottom. The black yarn was definitely thinner, which wasn't ideal but as long as Mom doesn't use it to store small buttons or screws, it should be just fine. I gave Riley a very brief kitchener stitch overview and she flew through the rest of it to close up this bag. I'm so proud of her. In My Travels I visited with Laura in Orleans over the last two weekends. We went to a movie theater to see A Man Called Otto. We browsed Provincetown, which is a bit sleepy in the offseason. We had fun browsing a few shops. We did a taste test of 3 peanut butter cups. Of the three milk chocolate peanut butter cups, Hilliard's Candy was our favorite followed by The Providence Fudge Factory and then Hot Chocolate Sparrow.  I taught Laura how to make homemade stovetop popcorn and that nearly turned into a disaster when we thought we ruined the bottom of a Les Creuset but were able to clean/remove the stain with vinegar and baking soda. We also visited the Antique Center & Cape Abilities Thrift Store in Yarmouth, MA. I made a quick trip to Adventures in Knitting in Harwich on Saturday. I bought 2 skeins of yarn and a set of Addi sock needles. Gusto Wool, Carmen in color 1402 Edelweiss Fibres Standard Sock in the Hillside Heather colorway (UK company) KAL News Pigskin Party'22: The Official Hashtag is #DCSPigskinParty22 Pigskin Landing Page on the Down Cellar Studio Website. Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Link to the Official Rules Player Registration- Google Form Check out our amazing Sponsors! Click here for the Google doc with their websites and Instagram profiles. Check out the list of available Coupons from our amazing sponsors- Ravelry Link. Google Doc. Check out the Pigskin Exclusive Items in this Ravelry Thread Important Updates in this Episode Tune in to hear if you're one of our 10 Grand Prize Winners Pigskin '22 Wrap-up & Highlights. 1030 on Roster this Season 189 people earned 1-25 entries 45 people earned 26-50 entries 17 people got between 51-100 entries 7 of you earned more than 100 entries or more entries towards grand prizes. 4,143 entries for Finished Projects 693 entries for non-project points 2,578 posts on Instagram using #DCSPigskinParty22 Special Challenges & Bonuses Talkgate Talk Fistbumps and Fives Creepy WIP challenge Night Bright challenge Gratitude WIP Bonus Spread the Warmth challenge Plus 4 Interceptions! Our Teams were Part of 3 Conferences this year- Alpaca Conference (Commissioner: Alicia) & Llama Conference (Commissioner: Emily) & Sheep Conference(Commissioner: Heather) Llama Conference won for the 2nd year in a row with over 211k points Sheep took second this year with over 188k points Alpaca Conference had a strong showing with over 161k points Highest scoring Team was also in the Llama conference- Team 10 Wildcard WIPers with 67,452 points 2nd Place goes to: Team 7- Garter Guards- 62,789 points In 3rd Place from the Sheep Conference is: Team 12 Sprinting Steekers- 58,213 Top Players Julia Wagner, Team 11: 22,514 points KathyG, Team 12: 19, 868 points EyeNowHour, Team 3: 19,732 points Kathleen_Ducharme, Team 7: 19,094 Events Sunday March 5 from 10:30a-3:00p Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA Check out this year's vendors on this page. Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2023 Event: a Fundraiser for Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels organized by Laura Nelkin is happening on March 26, 2023 Saturday April 1 from 10a-3p: The Yarn Seller's 10th Annual Fiber Marketplace in York, Maine. Click here for details. Saturday April 22 from 10a-5p Gore Place Annual Sheepshearing Festival in Waltham, MA. Click here for details. Connecticut Sheep & Wool: April 29, 2023 at the North Haven Fairgrounds Maryland Sheep & Wool: May 6 & 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Contest, News & Notes If you check out JLsCreativeShop on Etsy & would like to purchase laser cut bamboo stitch markers or other items- you can use coupon code BOSTONJEN for 10% off. The progress keeper I shared is a set of 5 for $14.99. Conshy Connects Resale Therapy Live Sale on Thursday 3/2 at 7p Eastern on Facebook. Proceeds to benefit the FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada. Check out this YouTube Video where Mom & I talk more about this event and the Blind Center. Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear my answers to these questions Aggie asked: “How are you doing?” Cher asked: “Project progress please” Brittany asked: “When you went to overseas I saw you had a tiny bag attached to your cross body bag for your knitting.” Purse is the Liberty Sling Bag from Anthropologie Smaller bag that I attached with a carabiner was a ball holder from Pearl & Plum Etsy Shop. I believe it was a prototype, drawstring bag. Very lightweight. Not sure if they were ever sold. Frances asked: “all about those hexies” On a Happy Note Mom's friend Vikki came for a visit. Dan and I met Mom, Trish and Vikki for dinner and then they came back to our house for a drink. I shared about Mom's Bucket List with a Twist. Riley's item was a massive girls party/sleepover. She had an ice cream bar and a popcorn bar, lots of food and other desserts. We played silly games and had a blast! Dan & I bought a new washer and dryer to replace our broken one; Dan was so excited to try it out he did a ton of laundry including our sheets, which is my least favorite thing to do! Mom successfully completed her last 3-day set of chemotherapy! Her record for keeping nausea and vomiting at bay stands! We are very excited about that. I got to visit with my cousins Susan and Joanie who drove Mom in on the second and third days because my dad had vertigo. 90 minute massage, which was even better in the midst of a very busy work week. My time with Laura down in Orleans. Lots of talking, movies, & shopping. Quote of the Week Any self-prompt that reminds you to focus on flow not ebb, contributes to your greater sense of abundance. – Sarah Breathnach Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link Music -“Soft Orange Glow” by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.

While I have been updating Ravelry periodically, none of the links will direct you to the site in case it is not accessible for you. Feel free to look up my projects under ndjen04 You've Arrived At Your Destination Basic Children's Poncho for A Shaina Bilow Legacy Fiber Artz Drive Basic Children's Poncho for Z Bella Filato Studio Carlos's The World's Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits Musselburgh in Knit Picks Felici Road Trips Vogue Knitting Live in NYC - February 9-12 Knit-for-Food Knit-a-thon - March 26th Laura Nelkin's interview with Fiber Chats Trip Planner Jelly Roll Blanket by Kay Jones Your Mileage May Vary Getting Purly With It with Nancy Ricci Why I Knit with Dr. Mia Hobbs Knitting PT Hey Brown Berry Creative Seed Patreon Podcast feed of back episodes The Black Sheep Knitter Stitches and Starlight Come Find Me on the Interwebs Instagram – ndjen04 Making – ndjen04 Stitcher Radio – Commuter Knitter Podcast Twitter – @CommuterKnitter Facebook – Commuter Knitter Email – commuterknitter@gmail.com Show notes – http://commuterknitter.com  

Very special episode with an interview with Laura Nelkin. Laura’s website: www.NelkinDesigns.com Retreat website: www.KnitWitattheShores.com Giveaway page: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/maine-yarn-podcast/topics/4240604

Brainy Thing:   16:14       Behind the Redwood Curtain:   24:21   What We're Learning from our Knitting:  Margaret finished her first poncho -- well, actually a shoulder cosy:  Wave Shoulder Cozy by Eline Oftedal https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wave-shoulder-cosy with beads and starring Dragonfly Fibers yarns from Laura Nelkin's Ducenti Shawl kit.   She also played around with raffia yarn from Churchmouse yarns and teas making their pattern for stars. Catherine finished her second Socky Slouchy Hat of late  in fingering weight yarn:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/socky-slouchy-hat. by Lauren Sanchez: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lauren-sanchez.   She's frustrated finding a scrubbie pattern she likes and continues working on her gnome.   Brainy Thing: Margaret continues to report on resilience, this time sharing information from Rick Hanson, a psychologist, neuroscientists, and Buddhist. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_hardwire_resilience_into_your_brain https://www.rickhanson.net/teaching/wednesday-meditations-with-dr-rick-hanson/ https://www.rickhanson.net/ https://www.rickhanson.net/being-well-podcast/   Behind the Redwood Curtain: There's a little section of roadway on Highway 101 about 60 miles north of Arcata that is prone to rock slides. Catherine reports on Last Chance Grade: https://lastchancegrade.com/#:~:text=The%20Last%20Chance%20Grade%20Project,miles%20south%20of%20Crescent%20City.  

Brainy thing: 19:33    Behind the Redwood Curtain (and beyond):  34:15   What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Catherine finished hosting 2020 Potholder exchange which she said was successful.   She has been doing some dyeing with procion dyes which she says was  fun but messy and recommends kool aid dyes (acid)  for beginners.   Her current project that she’s making for the Dishcloth Exchange is Log Cabin Dishcloth by Mary Anne Dinsmore  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/log-cabin-dishcloth.   She also working on the Bright Sunny Day Mystery Knit Along by Sivia Harding Using Canon Hand Dyes by the Other Amy Lee but going slower than the clues are coming out.  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bright-sunny-day Margaret finished the third Potholder for the exchange using Chicken Potholder  by Erangi Udeshika https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chicken-potholder-6 .  She also finished two projects in Laura Nelkins Kit Knit along.  First was a very pleasurable two color Stranded hat call Proto Lola https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/proto-lola  in green and white, Berroco Catena and Istez Lettlopi.   She’s was challenged by the combination of yarn (JaggerSpun Zephyr wool/silk laceweight yarn and small sharp needles.   The pattern is Cassio Collar  and the beads and findings are lovely.   In fact the whole thing is lovely now that it’s done.   I have an extra kit that I’m happy to send to a listener who is the first one on this thread (Episode 117) on our Ravelry Group  Teaching Your Brain to Knit.     Brainy Thing: Catherine discusses the difference between Empathy, Compassion and Pity and the role genetics and the brain plays on compassion. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/study-finds-that-genes-play-a-role-in-empathy  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201310/the-neuroscience-empathy#:~:text=This%20specific%20part%20of%20your,the%20the%20right%20supramarginal%20gyrus.&text=This%20area%20of%20the%20brain,responsible%20for%20empathy%20and%20compassion.She also shares some compassion quizzes and recommends George Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks01/0100171h.html  and Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin.    Max Planck https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Planck      https://mpfi.org/ Greater Good quiz  https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/empathy   Behind the Redwood Curtain The local Natural Fiber Fair is going virtual this year http://www.naturalfiberfair.com/  so all can attend free this year.   Watch out for other local fiber events that may be going online.  Stitches has had virtual events https://stitches.events/  and Vogue Knitting will be putting on Virtual Knitting Live by Vogue Knitting on September 10-13 and October 8 through 11 https://www.vogueknittinglive.com/portal   Marketplace:   https://www.handspunhope.org/events?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwf3OmdbV6wIVxcDACh0OzQ0cEAAYASAAEgI2p_D_BwE.     Welcome to Teaching Your Brain to Knit, episode 117 where we explore the genetic and brain links to Compassion, report on Catherine’s progress on Potholders and Sivia Harding’s Mystery Knit along and Margaret’s completion of two of Laura Nelkin’s kits.  We share that our local Natural Fiber Fair is going virtual and encourage everyone to check out their own local fiber events as well as national fiber shows that are happening online.    

Brainy:  15:22                      Behind the Redwood Curtain:  29:45   What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Catherine has found the same peace with English Paper Quilting that she gets with knitting but she’s not abandoning knitting and has plans for new projects.   Margaret revisited the   Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh, making one for her. Ravelry   https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jewish-hearts-for-pittsburgh hearts https://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/love-hearts/ 6 pointed stars https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beginners-flower--6-point-star https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/suzies-6-point-star-embellishment She also discovers an interesting book on an historical look at using crafts for dissent. Crafting Dissent by Hinda Mandell   https://www.amazon.com/Crafting-Dissent-Handicraft-Revolution-Association/dp/1538118394/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=crafting+dissent&qid=1575327532&s=books&sr=1-1 And of course, she found another  Laura Nelkin pattern to knit up — a felted hot pad: Another Contexta  by Laura Nelkin https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/another-contexta using Germantown wool   Brainy Thing: On her way to check out Theta Waves Catherine discovers binaural beats that in one study successfully relieved pre-surgery anxiety.  There are also wild claims about this phenomenon but research is showing that some of those claims may be proven out.   https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2044.2005.04287.x Also, she offers a tip on a show that illustrates the amazing-ness of the human brain: NOVA   4619  Looks Who’s Driving  https://video.aptv.org/video/nova-4619-grmkax/ http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20190920pbs30/   Behind the Redwood Curtain: Margaret reports on a must-see North Coast phenomen — Fern Canyon.   https://www.visitredwoods.com/listing/fern-canyon-in-prairie-creek-redwoods-sp/464/     Today, in Episode 109 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit, we touch on English Paper Quilting, we follow up on Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh, and look at another Laura Nelkin kit — a felted hot pad called Another Contexta.    Although there are some wild claims for binaural beats, some studies are showing useful applications.  We talk about them.   And then we report on the famous, magical Fern Canyon in Behind the Redwood Curtain.     Thank you for listening to our podcast.   You can find the show notes on ravelry and inside some podcast apps.   You can find us on Facebook and rarely instagram.   We hope you subscribe and continue to listen to us.  

Brainy:    13:05           Behind the Redwood Curtain 27:30  What We’re Learning from our Knitting:   It’s socks, socks, socks in our knitting this episode.  Catherine shares the sad tale of her puppy getting to a washcloths she had finished for her Washcloth exchange.   Now she gets to keep the slightly chewed Vortex 5 by Rebecca Hudson  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vortex-5-dishcloth but needs to make another one.  She decided on the perfect traveling project:  Baby socks.   Some patterns she likes are  ribbed far away baby socks   originally from Afghan for afghans made in worsted weight https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribbed-far-away-baby-socks.  She also like another free baby socks pattern:  jelly bean baby sock spud and chloe  Susan B Anderson  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-bean-baby-socks   Margaret also is working on socks — this time the nugget peds by Laura Nelkin  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#sort=best&inline=&query=Nugget%20peds.  She also offers some of her favorite sock tips:   kate Atherly heel trick  http://kateatherley.blogspot.com/2014/04/more-questions-on-sock-fit.html lucy neatby heel The slippurl and alternative heel stitch  https://www.lucyneatby.com/extras/newsletters/SY19.html   Finchley graft video by Roxanne Richardson:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3sD_RU720c  (watch out! The opening ad is loud)   Lorilee Beltman how to  remember the kitchner stitch:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkW3kP7RZdk    Brainy Thing:   Analysis Paralysis  overanalysis squelches creativity 1959 Barry Swartz  The paradox of choice The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin Podcast recommended:   Happier (also by Gretchen Rubin)   Ambition and balance  blog by Doist Links:       https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/don-t-overthink-it-less-is-more-when-it-comes-to-creativity/   http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/bschwar1/maximizing.pdf   https://gretchenrubin.com/2011/12/dont-fall-into-decision-quicksand/   https://doist.com/blog/category/productivity/   Behind the Redwood Curtain:  Fancy Website:  Visit Humboldt https://www.visithumboldt.com/ More basic website:  Humboldt california redwood coast https://www.visitredwoods.com/   Today on Episode 107 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit we discuss a beaded cuff sock, Nugget Peds by laura Nelkin plus a few sock tips and tricks to spice it up;   We find baby socks the perfect travel knitting and offer some patterns.  Analysis Paralysis is a real thing and we not share the brain science behind it but offer some tips to kicking it; and we present an overview of tourism on the Northcoast from attractions to wholistic groceries.     Today we have another give away — this time a book from my library — a gently owned book named “Slow Knitting a journey from sheep to skein to stitch”   by Hannah Thiessen.  It chronicles her journey from the “getting it done quickly” attitude with her knitting to slowing down and deep her understanding of all the processes of her practice.  The book is a mixture of patterns, essays from a variety of professionals in the industry and beautiful photographs.  Companies include Green Mountain Spinner and O-Wool.  The patterns include lots of sweaters but also shawls and cowls and hats and mittens.  Hannah divides her book with the themes of “source carefully”  produce thoughtfully   think environmenta  lly experiment fearlessly and explore Openly.  This is a book you slow down with and come back too.       

Brainy thing:  18:37       Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:19 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting Margaret finished a pair of summer socks:  Top down, 1x1 twist rib cuff, afterthought heel with gusset,  (check out Ariana Hipsagh    gussets in afterthought heel  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUyJM2FBH_o Reena Meijer Dress  Knit better Socks blog  http://knitbettersocks.blogspot.com/) The yarn is  Canon Hand Dyed 80 Merino, 10 Cashmere and 10 nylon.by The Amy Lee Show and the colorway is “I will believe that there are unicorns” a part of her January Shakespeare Club and a quote from the Tempest.   She learned a lot from making the first step from Laura Nelkin’s Ducenti Shawl https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ducenti-mkal— a beaded i-cord. Made from in two different but closely coordinated colors, the two skeins of yarn came in Laura Nelkin’s Ducenti Shawl kit,  originally a mystery kit.They are a wonderfully soft single ply Dragonfly Fibers, Pixie yarn in 100 % merino in a mossy green and a variegated dark putty, with hints of a brassy brown and green. But she’s not making the the full shawl as designed by Laura.    She’s using it as the bottom of Eline Oftedal’s Waves Shoulder Cosy https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wave-shoulder-cosy   Catherine shares a free app from Home Depot for matching up colors.   She finds the matches are a tad on the dark side but still thinks it’s a nifty tool.   She found some yarn she’s long been looking for from  Lion Brand gradient stripe in pink for a dog sweater for a dog who looks fierce but isn’t.   She is working on her Dishcloth exchange using cotton she had on hand plus a  ball of lily’s sugar and cream  in white, lime, teal green, and  lavendar.  The pattern is  Vortex 5  by Rebecca Hudson  (Meditative is her Rav name.)      Brainy Thing Margaret reports on recent research on the Placebo effect  — Among the findings are that it works even if people know they are taking a placebo, it works in animals, and it changes an enzyme in the  brain. https://connect.uclahealth.org/2019/03/14/placebo-effect-sugar-pills-as-medicine/   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513296/ https://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2019/03/the-mysterious-and-maddening-placebo-effect-what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-it/ http://programinplacebostudies.org/   Arcata Fairy Festival A new kid-friendly event in Arcata is the Fairy Festival, celebrating its second year and planning for the next. https://www.arcatamainstreet.com/fairy-festival   Give Away Another fun giveaway.  Be the first to request it on the Ravelry thread.     In this episode of Teaching Your Brain to Knit we discuss summer socks, beaded i-cord, the dishcloth exchange anda pink striped yarn for a dog.   We share the latest on the Placebo Effect and report on a new area event, The Arcata Fairy Festival.    

Meet Laura Nelkin, a prolific knitwear designer with a passion for sharing creativity {and spreadsheets!}. She shares how she's built a thriving business around her love of knitting, what keeps her grounded and how's she found a work life balance on her own terms.  Links: Laura Nelkin: nelkindesigns.com Instagram: @lauranelkin Marisa: creativethursday.com

She’s Crafty Amy is currently working on: • Mean Girls Socks in “On Wednesdays…” colorway on the sparkly sock from Desert Vista Dyeworks • ALL-Ways Cowl By Laura Nelkin Aquifer Scarf Kit from Laura Nelkin’s M Club kit • La Dame Blanche by Barbara Bensen (in our yarn too!) • Spinning a sweater’s worth of […]

What We’re Learning From Our Knitting   Margaret isn’t ready for the challenges of The Forzo Cuff by Laura Nelkin  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forzo-cuff.  She will give away her slightly used kit to someone who is.   Just post on the Ravelry thread — first come, first served.   It is knitted lace.  Find the difference between that and lace knitting:    http://theknittingbuzz.typepad.com/the-knitting-buzz/2011/03/knitted-lace-vs-lace-knitting.html.  I   Catherine  continues her long trek with  Absolutely Essential Scarf by Bunny Muff   http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/absolutely-essential;  now becoming bored with a stitch that was frustrating her awhile ago.  She is also starting socks for a local charity campaign organized by The North Coast Knittery using Kramer Yarn https://northcoastknittery.com/.     Brainy Thing From the book How Learning Works  by Susan Ambrose et al. comes an outline of  William G. Perry’s theory of stages of Intellectual Development later modified by Marcia Baxter-Magolda.     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_G._Perry    His ideas don’t judge what you believe but how those beliefs are formed and held.   Behind the Redwood Curtain Rock slides are a fact of life in this area, particularly during a very rainy season.   Margaret talks about recent slides.    Knitting Tip:   Cokleymonster on our Ravelry Thread reminds us to  keep notes on our knitting as we go along.    Links: Facebook:  Also, join our Facebook Group  https://www.facebook.com/Teachingyourbraintoknitpodcast/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Ravelry Group  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/teaching-your-brain-to-knit website https://teachingyourbraintoknit.com/ for show notes, photos of our knitting and crochet projects, Behind the Redwood Curtain places and things and anything else we decide to post.   This episode of Teaching Your Brain to Knit outlines Levels of Intellectual Development   How Intellectually developed are your ideas?   In this episode of Teaching your Brain to Knit we outline William Perry’s theories.  We also share how Margaret faces a wall of learning challenges with the Forzo Cuff;  how Catherine finds Persistence on the Absolutely Essential Scarf;  how to deal with rockslides in the Redwood area and a tip about remembering details of your Knitting.       

Brainy Thing:   13:02    Behind the Redwood Curtain:   What We’re Learning From Our Knitting: Catherine returns to an old favorite, The Age of Brass and Steam by Orange Flower http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchief Margaret tries a new tool, Embellish-Knit https://www.amazon.com/Caron-20293-Embellish-Knit-Machine-Kit/dp/B003W0AUQ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483493507&sr=8-1&keywords=embellish-knit+machine+kit which makes a wicked-fast i-chord to create some Wreath Ornaments by Lorna Miser.  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wreath-ornaments-3  and the Fino necklace by Laura Nelkin.    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fino   Brainy Thing:  Gut Instinct and the Brain Scientists are showing a direct link between the human gut and the brain which accounts for those “gut feelings we get.  Switzerland science researchers at ETH in Zurik,  Urs Meyer  German and his team at the  Swiss Federal insititude of technology,  research gut brain afferance   https://www.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2014/05/how-the-gul-feeling-shapes-fear.html   Behind the Redwood Curtain:  Sequoia Park Zoo A small but sweet zoo in Sequoia Park in Eureka concentrates on education and species preservation.   Knitting Tip:  Prevent Repetitive Stress Syndrome Keeping your hands in a C shape with your palms facing upward helps to prevent repetitive stress syndrome   Learn-along Our all-new Learn Something New Incentive with randomly selected prizes.   See thread on the Teaching Your Brain to Knit Ravelry page.   One prize will be a skein of 650 yards of Kristin Omdahl’s  B so Fine yarn  (in bamboo)   by Kristin Omdahl Yarns.   Other prizes to be announced.     Links: Facebook:  Also, join our Facebook Group  https://www.facebook.com/Teachingyourbraintoknitpodcast/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Ravelry Group  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/teaching-your-brain-to-knit website https://teachingyourbraintoknit.com/ for show notes, photos of our knitting and crochet projects, Behind the Redwood Curtain places and things and anything else we decide to post.   Is there anything to  “gut feelings” that people are always talking about, We return to an old favorite   Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief, using a new tool dramatically speeds up making i-chord, Spot lighting Eureka’s small but educational zoo, a way to prevent repetitive stress syndrome, and the beginning of a new Learn-along  

Sponsor:  Fancy Tiger Crafts is a special yarn, fabric and notions shop based out of Denver Colorado. This inspired place is owned and operated by self proclaimed fiber nerds, Jaime Jennings and Amber Corcoran…two women who’s hope and journey have allowed them to share their knowledge, adventures and passion in fiber, and this is reflected in their beautiful shop as well as their endeavors in creating their own farm yarn Heirloom. Fancy Tiger Crafts is one of my favorite places to shop online for fabric, patterns and yarn, and I recently attended one of their craft nights and it’s even better in person. I’ve just began cutting out the Fen pattern and excited about their #fancykal that just started which you can find more info about on their blog. And make sure to mark your calendars for January 21st, where Fancy Tiger is hosting Superstar Knit Night with guests Laura Nelkin, Romi Hill, Miriam Felton, Jill Draper, Anne Weil and Lorilee Beltman. Grab your project and come hang out with knit with all these amazing fiber folk. Make sure to visit Fancy Tiger Crafts in person and online at fancytigercrafts.com and on Instagram @fancytigercrafts. Fiber folk: You know I love yarn with […]

Brainy Thing:   15:47           Behind the Redwood Curtain:  25:35Welcome to Episode:  How the Distributive Practice Effect or Spacing Effect can help you learn skills in the fiber Arts.What we’re learning from our Knitting Catherine got a lot of satisfaction by completing Laura Nelkin’s Butin Collar.  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/butin-collarMargaret created felted bangles from Mags Kandis’ Bevy of Bangles pattern, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bevy-of-banglesfrom the book Gifted, Lovely little things to knit and crochet http://www.amazon.com/Gifted-Lovely-Little-Things-Crochet-ebook/dp/B00DH40MIG/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1by Mags Kandis or get them for free from the Interweave website.  Brainy Thing:  The Distributive Practice EffectCatherine talks about the Distributive Practice Effect, first described by Herman Ebbinghaus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Ebbinghaus.    In psychology,it is talked about as the Spacing Effect. http://www.aft.org/periodical/american-educator/summer-2002/ask-cognitive-scientist.   Essentially, practicing something a little bit every day is more effective in learning than practicing for a long time for one day a week.  Behind the Redwood Curtain:   Ferndale, CA, the Victorian VillageCatherine introduces us to Ferndale, CA which has a large number of well preserved Victorian buildings.   It is very well decorated around Christmas time.Knitting Tip:Margaret shares a tip from No Sheep for You by Amy Singer:   When knitting socks in Cotton or a yarn with little memory, use ribbing to help the sock  

Laura Nelkin is possibly best known for designs that incorporate beads into her knitted jewelry and shawl patterns. She believes that knitting crosses boundaries and brings people together. Laura tries really hard to say no to what does not excite her, and yes as often as she can to things that set her on fire! To read the show notes: www.powerpurlspodcast.com/011-laura-nelkin/ To subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-purls-podcast/id1043956186

Brainy Thing:  17:17   Behind the Redwood Curtain:  27:10 Margaret took a course in Multi-Directional Knitting from JC Briar and has made wristlets to reinforce that learning.   She also made the Mudra Cuff by Laura Nelkin. Catherine is blocking her second Fantasy Red Cardi by Katherine Foster.   She can't travel with her other projects. Catherine describes the iconic (and contemporary)  Humboldt Honey who still walk the streets of Arcata, California.   Margaret offers a knitting tip that by making small projects ( like a wrister, coffee cozy, or coaster) after learning a new technique, you can improve your muscle memory and anchor the learning. 

Episode 22:  The Kinesthetic Learning Mode in Knitting and Crochet   Brainy Thing starts:  22:17   Behind the Redwood Curtain starts:  30:45   What we're learning from our knitting.    With her Fantasy Red Cardi by Katherine Foster (see prior posts) behind her and her Among the Wildflowers by Sasha Ball Rives on hold, Catherine turns to two bits of production knitting.  She is working on Failyn Fox Cowl by Heidi May in Lion Brand Thick and Quck for a friend's child and the Chain Mail Hood and Cowl offered by the Utah Shakespeare Festival (Chain Mail Techniques).  With a re-envisioned yarn choice (Patons Metallic in Pewter), Catherine is making this  for a local production of Plays in the Park for the play The Unprincess.   Margaret talks about Laura Nelkin's Beaded Waves Cuff and why Margaret sometimes like buying a kit instead of gatherine various elements of a project herself.   Brainy Thing:   Kinesthetic Learning   The last element of the VAK (Visual Auditory Kinesthetic) learning style discussion (but not the end of the topic itself), Margaret shares general and personal experiences of learners who take in information kinesthetically.   Behind the Redwood Curtain   Catherine talks about the Natural Fiber Fair which is held in Arcata, CA.   Knitting Tip   Margaret shares that designers (Laura Nelkin, for example) and yarn companies often have wonderful tutorials on their sites.          

In this episode, Felicia chats with New York-based knitwear designer, Laura Nelkin about how she got started knitting, designing, and now teaching on Craftsy.com. Laura talks about her first book, "Knockout Knits" as well as what she's designing next. 

Hi, Knitters,I'm back with a new podcast episode and giveaway today. There is so much to share with you but be sure to look at the end of the post for photos of today's giveaway opportunities, you won't want to miss it. Instructions to enter your name in the hat to win are at the end of the post as well. Click here to see the video on my YouTube Channel!Click here to see the video on iTunes!Let's dive right in. Here are some links for what I talk about knitting-wise:Ambrosia CardiganQuince & Co. PuffinWooly Moss Roots togglesSolja lace and colorwork pullover sweaterSSK Retreat in NashvilleSpin Off MagazineItty-Bitty Knits group on RavelryThe IBK Retreat after class at the University ClubI forgot to mention that at the retreat 34 hats were collected for donation to Halos of Hope! Thanks to Pat, plynn on Ravelry, for collecting and delivering the hats for the group. There is a thread in the Itty-Bitty Knits group for a monthly charity hosted by a member. There are always lots of charity knitting opportunities going on in the group if you are interested.Thank you to everyone for coming to Madison for our retreat!Here are the links for the lovely sponsors and donations for the gift bags and door prizes! You are all the best and I appreciate your generosity to no end. Everyone was thrilled and you all helped to make the retreat so special and memorable.Please click away and visit these talented designers, dyers, artists, shop owners! Please pass on my regards if you purchase anything.Little SkeinQuaere FibersRed Hot ArtSunshine Yarns Yarn on the House YOTH YarnsSignature Needles Aaron Makes Stuff Laura Nelkin Knit Spin Farm Leading Men Fiber Arts Knittingfever.com Gnome Acres Maddermade Cooperative PressBrooklyn Tweed Kreinik O-Wool Lollipop Yarns Lemonade Shop TufftWoolensWEBS Friends in Fiber Turtle Purl Yarns Caterpillargreen Yarns Knit Picks Girl Cave Bags Infinite Twist Simply Sock YarnAlana Dakos - Never Not Knitting Coco Knits Knit Circus Tangerine DesignSheppard Handmade Akerworks Duck Duck Wool Jimmy Beans Wool Into the Whirled Must Stash YarnsHighland Handmades Kookaburra Love Sock Wool Galesart Bling Your StringDyeabolical Leslie WindGleener PeepalooFieldsMiss Babs Sun Valley Fibers Rebecca Ringquist– Dropcloth SamplersThe University Club where we had class and lunch together.Door prize mania!Cute name tag buttons for everyone made by Kriste.My trunk show of toys.The workshop was for the Mary, Millie & Morgan dolls. Many of the students ordered doll kits from Quince & Co. for class.  Everyone settling in for class.Kriste describing and handing out door prizes!Madison Memories exclusive yarn from Quaere Fibre.The group at the Farmers Market on the square.Here is the Quaere Fibre Madison Memories 9 stripe sock I started with the coordinating heel.Click here for the IBK Retreat Pre-order for the custom project bag on Little Skein! It looks like Anne is on vacation for a few days but I know she is taking pre-orders on the project bags so send her a message if you are interested.Giveaway Prize #1 ~ My door prize package includes:Sample from Tuft Woolens wool soapKookaburra Wool Wash1 skein of Lollipop Yarn Rainbow Striping Sock Yarn1 Spool of Kreinik tinsel threadGiveaway Prize #2 includes:Mini skeins of all sortsDiscount codesTuft Woolens SoapDyeabolical Row Counter RingDropcloth Sampler from Rebecca RingquistNeedle Gauge Kookaburra Wool WashExclusive Project Bag from Little SkeinQuaere Fibre exclusive Madison Memories 9 stripe sock yarn skein!!!TO ENTER:Please leave one comment on this blog post to enter to win one of the giveaway prizes. 2 winners will be selected, one for each package. You must leave your contact information Ravelry name or email address in your comment. Please only click on Publish one time! There is a delay before you will see your comment appear on the blog. I will be back in a few days to select 2 random winners! This is going to be a big one so good luck to everyone. Thanks for joining me and love to you all!xo ~ susan

Welcome to Episode 13 of Twisted Stitches, a knitting and spinning podcast for the twisted knitter. This week we discuss the new yarn store Make One Yarn Company, Thuy completes the Double Deco Shawl, there is a review and giveaway for Knockout Knits by Laura Nelkin, and more! Thanks for joining us. We hope you enjoy the show! Shownotes: http://twistedstitchespodcast.blogspot.com

Aloha! Today on episode 10 we spend time with designer, teacher and all around gem: Laura Nelkin! We gain a better understanding of what went in to creating this book, some pointers for teaching classes and ideas for satisfying knits to give to others! This episode aired on 26 Jan and contest mentioned closes 2 February 2015

Brainy stuff starts at 28.25 and Behind the Redwood Curtain begins at 44:50.   Catherine talks about finishing her PANEM Katniss Cowl Wrap by Dahlia in Bloom and the Two-toned Tawashi by Maryann Walsh.  Margaret talked about knitted and crocheted jewelry:  Ribband by Laura Nelkin, Crocheted Wrap Around Bracelet by Yuli Nilssen, Kaitlyn Necklace Rose by Javori Designs, and the Gatsby Necklace by Shaina Bilow. Catherine lays the foundation for understanding brain chemicals that make us happy and how knitting influences that.  She talks about Dr. Barry Jacoibs, EMDR, Betsman Corkhill and Stitchline. In Behind the Redwood Curtain, Margaret talks about the Mad River (the California one.) And in the knitting tip, Margaret talks about flipping a blocking board upright to save space.

Many of you have a favorite designer, someone you've followed for years. You knit many of their designs, and marvel at how they constantly come up with ideas you can't wait to get on your needles. We asked you to name your "Designer Crush", and you responded! In this episode, we interview Knitwear Designers Jane Richmond, Carol Feller, and Laura Nelkin about their process and inspiration. We also ask them questions straight from their fans!

Show notes and everything QuiltMoxie at www.QuiltMoxie.com/shownotes Topics include: 1. Gallery - Bouquet of Flowers 2. Lace n Beads 3. Contest - FREE Craftsy Class 4. KAL Easy Breezy Brioche  Olive Poirier, classroom tester for the Cathedral Window Moxie Tool, shows off her whimsical quilt in the Gallery. Ariana completes the Craftsy Lace classes by Laura Nelkin and Rosemary Hill and shows her wonderful beaded shawls.  Priscella a collector porcelain doll wears the beaded doll shawl.  Find out what ceiling tile wires have to do with blocking lace. Get ready for the Easy Breezy Brioche KAL (knit a long) which is slated to run throughout the summer.     Join our mailing list ( at http://eepurl.com/zJ9lH  ) to get your next and every episode with Show Notes delivered directly to your email as soon as the episode is available.  It's a simple one-time drop of your email address into the form and check "receive podcast by email".   We respect your email privacy.

Knitting Expert Laura Nelkin talks to Marly today about the Magnify Mystery KAL.  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 ArtisansFiesta YarnsDecade by Drew EmborskyLove of KnittingLove of CrochetBijou Basin RanchKnitCrateBuffalo Wool Co.