Podcasts about lion brand

We're so pleased to bring you this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. This is a recording of the State of the Industry panel discussion which took place live on stage on May 7 at h+h americas 2025 in Chicago. With over 800 people in the audience, our panelists dove into the biggest issues and ideas the crafts industry is wrestling with right now. It was an exciting conversation among four industry professionals each of whom has a unique vantage point and perspective. Our panelists included Jakob Lang of Lang Yarns, Anna Maria Parry, Adam Blumenthal of Lion Brand, and Lucy McDermott from Stash Charlotte.  We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation and we invite you to join us at h+h americas 2026 which will be held May 6-8 in Chicago. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 280 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 Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins     Silver Spoon Socks Yarn: A Whimsical Wood Yarn Company Pixie Toes Socks in the Silver Spoon Up My A$$ colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: peaches and pinks with gray/taupe. At my gauge it is striping (~2 rounds per color). I purchased this yarn at Yarncentric event in Maryland. Started in May 2023. Finished on June 28, 2024 Total for Stash Dash: 262 meters   Baby James' Cozy Clusters Blanket Pattern: Cozy Clusters Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits (free & paid options available on the LeeLeeKnits website) Yarn: Caron Cinnamon Swirl Cakes in the Slush Colorway (purchased 3). 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in Colorway 01110 [Navy] for the border Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Bobble Border instructions from this blog Finished size- 30.5 inches wide by 38.8 inches tall (not including the bobbles) Finished on July 2 Total for Stash Dash: 1,010 meters (833 meters Caron Cakes [2.25 skeins] - 178 meters Loops & Threads- less than 1 skein)   Trish's New Orleans Socks Yarn- Cat Tails Yarn in the Chartreux Base (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Silver Stellina) in the Christmas Bonfires Colorway (part of the Down in New Orleans Collection) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Trish purchased in New Orleans in 2024 (exclusive colorway for the Quarter Stitch). $34. Finished on July 3 Total for Stash Dash: 259 meters   American Ewe Turn a Square Hat Yarn: American Ewe Worsted Tweed in the Terrace Mountain Colorway Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood ($5 pattern available on Ravelry & Brooklyn Tweed website) Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: 3 ply Merino/Rambouillet Shaniko Wool (89%) with 6% acrylic and 5% rayon flecks. The colorway is a natural with brownish tweedy bits. I purchased the yarn for $15 at Adventures in Knitting in Harwich, MA on the way to visit friends who were staying in Wellfleet. They had a cool display of "used needles" for $4 each. I bought bamboo US. Modifications: I use worsted weight yarn and knit the smallest size, omitting the increases after the ribbing. I knit 6 inches before the crown decreases. Total for Stash Dash: 99.8 meters (109.2 yards), 51 grams   Portland Socks Yarn: Urth Yarns Uneek Fingering in Colorway 3024 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: self striping yarn- cornflower blue, dusty orange, yellowy green, peach, magenta and purple. I purchased the yarn at Knit Wit Yarn Shop in Portland, Maine. You can purchase the same yarn online from them. I held a strand of navy blue nylon thread along with yarn for the heel flap and gusset to give more strength to the heel. I used the Lemonwood Mini Minder (also purchased at Knit Wit) and knit the vast majority of this pair of socks in 2 days walking around Portland, visiting breweries and hanging out with friends. You can see a video I made of this project on Instagram. Total for Stash Dash: 254.7 meters   Welcome to Litchfield Spinning Project Fiber: I purchased two 4oz braid of fiber from Into the Whirled in the Welcome to Litchfield colorway (1 braid Texel & 1 braid BFL Tussah Silk) along with 1 gray  (The Traveler on Cheviot base) braid to ply them together. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page I didn't fully spin the gray Traveler colorway braid. Finished Project- 3 braids of 3 ply yarn: 184g= 252.2 meters (275.9 yards) ~Aran weight Total for Stash Dash= 252.2 meters x 4= 1,008.8 meters   Book Holder Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Roving Stripes in Daisy & 1 other mystery colorway (lost the ball band), Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky (mustard) & Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Ravelry Project Page Hook: 9.0 mm (M/N) I took inspiration from this pattern on Ravelry. (Boho Book Nook crochet pattern- but I was using MUCH chunkier yarn and I didn't want to use the same textured stitches) I chained 21 sts and worked with 20 hdcs across each row- working in the third loop after the first row. I wasn't going to have enough of the Lion Brand Roving to make the whole thing, so I held the Wool of the Andes double for the part that would be covered. I worked a single crochet around the edges, and then sewed the front to back in just 1 spot on either side. I used a chain for the loop to tack it up on the wall. Total for Stash Dash: 128.1 meters   Declan's Adrift Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes in the Adrift colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- short stripes (about 3 rounds each) with 3 shades of blue- navy, denim and cornflower plus orange and brown. Total for Stash Dash: 278.2 meters   Deschain Pattern Deschain by Leila Raven Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) Yarn. Rowan Creative Linen. Colorway 00624-   Gray. Worsted weight 50% Linen / Flax, 50% Cotton. 200 meters / 100 grams. Bought 4 skeins. Used a little more than 2 Size: Smallest (54 1/4 in bust) Calls for 16-22" positive ease. I should have around 19" Ravelry Project Page Originally finished July 10, 2021. I ripped out in 2024 because the back was far too short. I ripped out the sleeves (tossed) and unseamed the back and front. The instructions call for the back to be 12 inches but the front falls about 17 inches from collarbone to the bottom hem. I knit about 14 inches on the back and then worked a few sets of German Short Rows before the bottom hem instructions. I tried a few options for sleeves and then decided I"d just sew up the ends in a way to tuck/hem the ends under and I love that. In the end I made the body longer and the sleeves shorter Total for Stash Dash: 424.0 meters (463.7 yards), 212 grams   First Point of Libra Cowl Pattern: First Point of Libra Cowl by Laura Aylor Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) Yarn: Barnyard Knits, Fuse Fiber Studio, One Twisted Tree (shop formerly own Prairie Girl Danie) + other leftover sock yarn Ravelry Project Page Yarn purchased at Vogue Knitting Live January 2020 with Lauren. Planned to make a 2 color shawl. Cast on My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg and never got more than a couple inches in. Here's the Ravelry Project Page for the shawl that's now frogged. I started in October 2022. My November 2022 notes say- I'm losing mojo on this and I don't think it has to do w/ the pattern or my yarn. I like it... but its not getting finished before my trip to the UK so I will need to find other wooly accessories to bring with me. I picked up again July 2024 and it flew off the needles! Modifications: In Section 4, I skipped adding color 4 & 5 (1-3 only). Skipped Section 5. Finished size: 21 inches around. 15 inches tall. Total for Stash Dash: 406 meters   Vera'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! Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Red, Everglade Heather and White Hook: F (3.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Total for Stash Dash: 456.5 meters   8,353 meters for Stash Dash Over 4,500 meters added since the last episode!   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Wool Ease Hexagon Blanket Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & YouTube Tutorial Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. Centers in colorways- Fern, Coney Island, Seaglass, Slate. Borders- Wheat & Oatmeal Hook: 10mm (N/P) Notes: started in April 2022. I never talked about it on the podcast.  Inspired by an instagram post from Lion Brand. This WIP has been taking up a ton of space in my craft room ever since. When the pump in my dehumidifer went and we had to move some things to get at it, I decided I had to get this WIP done. 2 rounds of color- 1 round of wheat or oatmeal 18 were done. 30 finished now   Berry Bliss Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock (75% SW Merino/25% Nylon) in the Berry Bliss Colorway (May 2024 Yarnable Box) & Legacy Fiber Artz Glitzy Toes (pink mini from 2023 Advent Calendar) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn- lemon yellow, sherbet orange and pink. I worked the first heel in a pink sparkle yarn from Legacy Fiber Artz because I have some spiral striping going on and didn't want to disrupt it. Progress: I've finished the heel on the first sock.   Rafa's Hat Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Cielo y Tierra colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Pattern: Rafa's Hat by Joji Locatelli (free knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Ravelry Project Page: About the yarn: blues/tans that is almost striping at my gauge. The hat is a 1x1 rib that has a cool purl ridge detail. Progress: I've worked two repeats of the pattern   Cold Goat Farm Spinning Fiber: Cold Goat Farm Batt- I believe its Merino/Mohair but there are no details on the business card in my bag. I think I purchased it at Rhinebeck 2023. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page   Brainstorming Connections socks! Have you heard about them? You take your Daily NY Times Game- Connections Results and put them into colorwork socks. Suzanne told me about them- and recently saw and loved Wendy's! Here's a link to Wendy's Connection Socks Ravelry Project Page.   From the Armchair Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. I'll Just Be Five More Minutes (and other tales from my ADHD brain) by Emily Farris. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Feed by M.T. Anderson. Bookshop Affiliate Link (not available). Amazon Affiliate Link. Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur. 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 found a small hole in my Mabel Style cross body sling bag and decided to use embroidery floss for a better hold and to add a bit of visible mending color. I received great customer service when I reached out to them! I'm in the midst of a massive studio clean out. It started w/ issues with my dehumidifier and it's really spiraled from there. I'm excited to see how it all comes back together.   Knitting in Passing   Aila FaceTimed me from a friend's house after buying a crochet dinosaur kit at the dollar store. The next day after pool day and dinner we practiced chain and single crochet.   In My Travels Dan and I spent a long weekend in Portland, Maine to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. I was able to go up a night early to attend the knit night at Rising Tide Brewery. I loved meeting Heather from Rising Tide and Jenn & her husband Chuck from Knit Wit. Friday morning, I visited Knit Wit Yarn Shop's new location and then walked around. Dan, Dana and Sheri arrived and we met at Duck Fat for lunch before showing them around to some of our favorite breweries. Saturday we visited local shops and more breweries before going to see comedian Kathleen Madigan. Sunday, I did some shopping while Dan watched soccer then we enjoyed some drinks together and ended up back at Rising Tide where there was a 6p Burlesque show so Dan got us tickets. Really fun end to an awesome weekend.   KAL News Pigskin Party '24 will kick off in the fall (specific date TBD). We're looking for Sponsors for this season. Interested or know someone who is? Sign up for my email newsletter and click the box saying you're potentially interested in sponsoring events and you'll get first dibs on spots. And/or email me for details!   Other current & upcoming events: Summer Bingo with Monica & Cortney of the Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast Colors of Fall with the Yarniacs Podcast Group. June 20- September 22 Summer Spin In with the Two Ewes Fiber Adventures Podcast Group- May 27 - September 2 Summer Sock Camp with the Crazy Sock Lady The Knit Girllls are hosting their annual Stash Dash Event from May 24-August 31,2024. Here's a chatter thread for stash dash 2024! Stash Dash will run from May 24th-the end of August. Craft all the things and see how your FO pile grows! This is a competition only against yourself. Discord link: knit girllls discord Jasmin (of the Knitmore Girls Podcast) & I are competing again this year. Check out my Stash Dash Spreadsheet here     Events Flock Fiber Festival- August 9-11 in Seattle, WA FIber Revival: August 10 in Newbury, MA Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival; September 21 & 22, 2024 in Greenwich, NY (GREEN-Witch) Vermont Sheep & Wool: October 1 & 2, 2024 in Tunnebridge, VT NY Sheep & Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck): October 19 & 20, 2024 in Rhinebeck, NY Sierra Nevada Yarn Crawl, (CA and NV) - Sept 12-15, 2024 Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul (MA) September 14-17, 2024 Lambtown, Dixon, CA - Oct 5-6, 2024 For more West Coast (US) event- check out the Seattle Knitters Guild Site.   Know of an event I should spread the word about? Let me know!   Life in Focus   Tune in for a health Update on BostonJensMom   On a Happy Note Dan and I took vacation the first week of July. Monday after Portland we just chilled. Tuesday I took Mom for whole brain radiation, then to visit my grandmother (her mother) and out for lunch. Wednesday/Thursday we visited friends renting a house in Wellfleet (Cape Cod) and Thursday/Friday we visited friends in Falmouth. Friday morning we picked up Riley from Camp and brought her to our house before she and I headed to Hornstra to get ice cream for lunch (because that's what vacation is for!) and over to my parents to the pool for the day. Monday 7/8- I met up with my friend Megg to do a 5+ mile beach walk before she headed out to Ireland for the month. Wed 7/10  Mom and I stayed in Boston to save her the back & forth daily for treatment. We met her friend Jacky for lunch. I went back to work in the afternoon. After work, we cooled off in the hotel pool and then had dinner, played Uno and bar trivia at The Hill. We stunk but it was fun! Sunday July 14th pool day at my parents. Jenna, Dave, Gabriella and Zach came over. Within a few hours they were both jumping off the diving board! July 17-18th Mom and I stayed in Boston again after her Radiation treatment. We hit the pool and fared slightly better at trivia but it was hard to be out as long. Mom's energy was much lower, she was coughing more and couldn't speak above a whisper. July 21st we had a pool day at my parents. Jeff, Millie and Garret, Jenna, and the 2 kiddos, Kris, Will, Aila and Matt. We celebrated Will's 17th birthday. Mom's hair had started falling out and the blank spots at the back of her head looked like a butterfly! Mom told us to go find some Sharpies and color it in! It was a hard day for her and by extension us, but this added a bit of fun and whimsy to it! Millie even attached little plastic gems to parts of the butterfly. After the "temporary tattooing" we shaved off the rest of her hair to help w/ the shedding. July 23rd- Mom's last day of Whole Brain Radiation! Coming home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Dan. Getting 2 massages this month after missing my scheduled on in June for our Portland trip! I always feel like I need it but I've been going up on weights at the gym and my upper body was screaming!   Quote of the Week “I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.” -Emily Dickinson   ------ 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 FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada 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.  

Hello, Knitting Mamas!

Little Cabin Knits. Episode 72: All The Finished Things Hosted by Emily Andersmillknits on IG and Ravelry Shownotes can be found at betweenknitsandpurls.com Episode segments: Intro Admin Around the Fire On the couch On the shelf Contemplation Corner On The Shelf 1. Baby Shower Blanket by Micheal Sellick used Lion Brand pound of love in white 2. Wee Appleton by Taiga Hilliard used Loops and Threads Capri Cotton in Pastel Pink and Rose 3. Starship Enterprise Amigurumi by Catherine McMillan using Craft Smart in grey and blue and Red Heart in cherry Red 4. Tia by This Bird. Knits used Hazel Knits in the Spooky colorway 5. Scalloped Round Doily by Kristen Stoltzfus 6. 2 crocheted headbands of my design (pattern to come) used 24 grams of scrap yarn for each 7. Scrappy Bias Shawl by Emily Clawson (Saltcityknits) On the Couch 1. Battenberg Blanket by Sandra Paul (crocheted another 10 white squares) 2. Scrappy Bias Shawl by Emily Clawson (Saltcityknits) number 2! 3. Lace and Fad Boxy by Joji Locatelli #podcast #knittingpodcast #crochetpodcast #creativepodcast #lottlecabinknits #crochet #knitting #knit #creativity #audiopodcast #alaskalife #alaskapodcast #alaska #mentalhealth #selfcare#takingcareofself #newmom #momlife #stayathomemom #momofatoddler

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 258 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Summer Rainbow Socks   Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 253.8 meters for Stash Dash Hattie's Water Bottle Holder   Pattern: Freedom Water Bottle Holder by Wendy Serrao (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry & on Wendy's website) Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up Hook: G (4.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the project: Hattie (age 5) saw a water bottle holder at the local refill store and asked for one. Her Mom, Megg texted asking if I could please make one for Hattie. The pattern is designed for an adult/larger sized water bottle so I knew I wanted to make mine smaller than called for in the pattern. I started in blue and increased up to about 38 sts around. Instead of double crochets, I worked half double crochets instead. 6 rows hdc, followed by 3 rows of (ch1, dc around) in purple. Then I repeated that in pink. I had planned to do the strap half pink and half purple, but when I had Hattie try it on, it was too long (even though I had been accounting for a serious amount of stretch). She said it needed attention regardless because there wasn't any blue in the strap. Noted. Thankfully, I'd anticipated my picky client and brought all three colors with me to the pool. I ripped back, adjusted the length, added some blue to the second half of the strap and voila! 80.2 meters for Stash Dash Seeing Spirals Washcloth   Pattern: Seeing Spirals Washcloth by Lindsey Dale (free crochet pattern available on Ravelry or on Lindsey's website) Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up Hook: G (4.25 mm) Ravelry Project Page 14 meters for Stash Dash Musselburgh Hat   Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website) Yarn: YarnBaker Fingering in the Blazer Colorway & On The Round Nimble Sock (unsure of colorway) Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat Ravelry Project Page Size: Adult Medium About the project: Half light blue, half darker denim blue, about 8.5 inches tall. You can still fold up the brim if you really want to. 384.7 meters for Stash Dash Chevron Scrap Blanket   Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on https://youtu.be/mQPVlaRE4Gw Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. I used mattress stitch to seam  all 6 strips together. I used white to do a dc border round, then a hdc round. From there I did a crochet pom pom border using 2 puff stitches that you fold over to make bobbles. I first used this border on a Cozy Clusters Blanket last summer (Ravelry project page here). I learned about this edge technique on this website. 3,024 meters for Stash Dash On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mini Skein Hexagon Blanket   Pattern: Basic Crochet Hexagon Pattern & Tips from Make Do and Crew Website & https://youtu.be/X4hgFCAKHkg?list=PLsrz34yAA5TqZ9zDYjyLp4A1tx_2x0Ub6 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 60×80 inches. 17×22 hexis- 374. Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. The trick is to know how to pull both loops to tighten the loop. Progress: I started seaming! 3 Christmas Stockings   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: I have 3 of the 4 front/back panels I need for the frist 2 done. The forth is onto the leg. I am going to crochet up 2 more and then iron them, and start seaming them. LFA Helical Socks   Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Portal Colorway + 50g skein in a mystery colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorways: both have a pink base. The mystery skein leans more to blues and purples. Portal has some brighter sky blues and bits of green and maroon. Together they just look like one beautiful colorway.  Progress: a few inches from the heel on the first sock Zebra Stripes Socks   Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Zebra Stripes Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway- approximately 3 round stripes of black and cream Progress: Finished first sock. Turned the heel on the second sock. Woolens and Nosh Socks   Yarn: Woolens & Nosh Targee Socks- 2022 Advent Calendar Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page 1 stripe a day. So manageable– then I got to Vegas and realized I was using US 2 instead of US 1.5. Thought the gauge looked strange. Ripped back to cuff. I got off track after that. 20g mini in dark purple; used for cuff and will use for the heel. Progress: I finished the first sock (did not use the mini for the toe). Cast on the second sock, using the mini for the cuff. From the Armchair Watching: Shrinking (on Apple TV+)I finished reading: Beach Read 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.   In My Travels While in Phoenix with Mom, she, Merry & I took a day trip tour to Sedona through Detours. Nicki was our guide. First stop: Montezuma Castle. where the Sinagua people built dwellings into the side of the rock face. It was a 20 room, multi-story structure access via sets of wooden ladders. Bell Rock trailhead/ vista.  Chapel of the Holy Cross – beautiful setting with nearly 360 views of the red rocks all around, beautiful face of windows on one end with a large statue of Jesus over the altar. Uptown Sedona. Lunch. Coffee. Shopping. Ice cream! KAL News Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023   Sign up using this Google Form. To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here. Splash Pad '23 Sponsors  with all the links you need to their websites & social media. Many of our Sponsors are offering coupon codes. Find them here- Google Doc or Ravelry Thread. Tune in to hear if you are one of our Participation Winners Events Stash Dash, hosted by Leslie & Laura of the Knit Girllls Video Podcast starts May 26th and runs through August 31, 2023. Check out details in the knit girllls discord My total as of this episode: 5,630 meters You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet. Legacy Fiber Artz Knit Your Stash MAL- check out the details on the Treehouse Fiber Arts website Runs May 29- September 4, 2023 #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal and #flashyourstash Crafty Bingo- Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast May 26-September 4, 2023 Grab the Bingo card over on their Instagram feed The Grocery Girls are hosting Hot Granny Square Summer MAL. Check out details in their Ravelry Group & in Episode 183 on their YouTube Channel. Summer Sock Camp hosted in the Crazy Sock Lady Ravelry Group 5/26- 8/31/2023 Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206) Life in Focus I shared in the last episode that my mother-in-law, Marilyn, passed away shortly before I left for Phoenix. When I returned home, we finished the of the plans and held her funeral mass that Thursday morning. Dan's younger sister Kathy (and her husband Tony) came in from Florida and stayed with us as did my friend Laura (from NYC). We all met up for dinner on Wednesday night with Dan & Matt's aunt who came in from Maine and 2 of her daughters and their families. The services and lunch afterwards were beautiful. Readings and music were all specially chosen and read/performed by people she loved. Its was a beautiful send off. We had a small gathering after at my friend Megg's house. She, Laura and I walked down to the beach just before sunset. On a Happy Note While Laura was in town we went for a late lunch with Kris and Megg at the Salt Society and then Laura, Kris and I got ice cream at Hornstra and Laura and I went on to see No Hard Feelings at the movies. Saturday July 8th we had a big pool party for our friend Trish's birthday. Fun day with all the kiddos before they head off to their various camps. On Sunday, Dan's friends came for a visit and brought us a delicious homemade strawberry rhubarb pie. Monday night we did a double date night with Megg and Tom to The Snug, an Irish pub, for live music to catch up before they head to Ireland for summer visits. Thursday I celebrated 20 years at Mass General with the annual Ether Day Dinner (normally held in October but ours was postponed) where they celebrate staff with milestones in 5 year increments from 20-60 years of service. Cocktail hour with live music followed by a delicious dinner for over 600 people! It was made especially fun because my dear friend Waveney and her husband Atticus were there- and Dan ran into a friend from work whose wife was also celebrating 20 years. On October 16, 1846, the first successful public demonstration of the use of ether for surgical anesthesia was performed, making pain-free surgery possible. Friday pool night. Meagan and Gayle, up from NH, brought resin/acrylic crafts and the fam decorated cutting boards and trays. I missed it but Dan and the others who learned are going to teach me. Quote of the Week We can take a wonderful vacation in spirit, even though we are obliged to stay at home, if we will only drop our burdens from our minds for a while. –Laura Ingalls Wilder 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 257 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins From the Armchair Some Years Later In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Bella Fio, Woolen Women Thanks to Mom for joining me for part of this episode! Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Cushion Bags Pattern: none Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up & Other Dish Cloth Cotton Hook: F (3.75 mm) I made 2 cushion covers for Mom because the bags for her inflatable seat cushions were too small to easily fit back into. Ravelry Project Page- Cushion 1: green and aqua Ravelry Project Page- Cushion 2 : black and aqua 155 meters for Stash Dash (in the 2 projects) 2021 Scrappy Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams ($5 Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: sock yarn minis and scraps Ravelry Project Page (started in April 2021. Picked back up in September 2022) In this project, I used Helical knitting using Video Tutorial from Knitty Natty & Cate's Clasp Weft join- check out my YouTube Tutorial  by clicking here. 228 meters for Stash Dash In a Fog Mittens Pattern: In a Fog by Allison O'Mahony ($5.50 US knitting pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) & US 6 (4.0mm) Yarn: MC: Spun Right Round (multi color) CC: Fibre Seed Costa Laurel worsted yarn in Colorway CL014 (gray) Size: Medium (3 sizes available) Ravelry Project Page 161 meters for Stash Dash Curiouser & Curiouser Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn:  Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Curiouser & Curiouser Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page These count for the #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal Will weigh these socks when I get home from Phoenix On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Summer Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: Almost to the heel of sock #2 Zebra Stripes Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Patons Kroy in the Zebra Stripes Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: Progress: Finished most of the first sock Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. Progress: 5 strips finished. 1 more started. Once finished, I need to seam them together & debating a border. From the Armchair Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz. 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. Some Years Later Cozy Classic Raglan Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in color 547 Sunny Knitting Size Medium.  Finished in May 2020 I never loved the way it fits me. Riley recently wore it during sleepover, so I let her take it home. She sent me a fit check wearing it with white jean cut offs, a slick hairdo and some poppin lips! Looking gorgeous. Makes me even happier than the meters that helped me kick Jasmin's butt in 2020! In My Travels Mom and I are recording from Phoenix, Arizona at the List Perfectly Camp Listing Party Event. Mom & I gave a presentation on the Fearless Living Fund where we've already raised over $1600!  You can donate to the Fearless Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada on Venmo. KAL News Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023 Sign up using this Google Form. To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here. Click here for the full list of Sponsors with all the links you need to their websites & social media. Many of our Sponsors are offering coupon codes. Find them here- Google Doc or Ravelry Thread. Events Stash Dash, hosted by Leslie & Laura of the Knit Girllls Video Podcast starts May 26th and runs through August 31, 2023. Check out details in the knit girllls discord My total as of this episode: 1,619 meters (plus socks I haven't been able to weigh) You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet. Legacy Fiber Artz Knit Your Stash MAL- check out the details on the Treehouse Fiber Arts website Runs May 29- September 4, 2023 #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal and #flashyourstash Crafty Bingo- Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast May 26-September 4, 2023 Grab the Bingo card over on their Instagram feed The Grocery Girls are hosting Hot Granny Square Summer MAL. Check out details in their Ravelry Group & in Episode 183 on their YouTube Channel. Summer Sock Camp hosted in the Crazy Sock Lady Ravelry Group 5/26- 8/31/2023 Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th at the Windsor Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206) Life in Focus It's been a tough couple weeks with Mom having a bad reaction to her normal infusion, then Dan's mother, Marilyn passed away on June 25th. On a Happy Note Our nephew Oisin turned 15 and we enjoyed his taco truck birthday party. That same weekend, we had 3 kiddos in a dance recital, and our niece Aila was in Beauty & the Beast as Maurice that night. Mom, Riley, Millie and I grabbed dinner (and for the adults a cold beer) in between! We enjoyed Father's Day with my dad and gave him custom corn hole boards and bags! Mom, Riley and I got VIP tickets to Kane Brown at Fenway Park. We wore matching tees Mom bought for us. Not one but 2 bucks in our driveway at the same time. Stayed long enough for me to bring Dan back. Fireflies are out! I got to show our friend Liz when she came for dinner. I got to go into the ORs for the first time, after working at MGH for nearly 21 years. Quote of the Week One's life begins on so many occasions, constructing itself out of accident derived from coincidence compounded by character.–DONALD HALL —— 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 255 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes with photos check out my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Carmen Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: Half of the skein is navy blue the other half is a neon rainbow. At my gauge it is microstriping!   Scrappy Helical Socks Yarn: various fingering scraps Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page I am using Cate's Clasp Weft Join when joining a new yarn. Using this method, I only have 4 ends to weave in even though I am changing yarns often.   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. Learned double magic circle from this YouTube video. Progress Update: 225 hexagons done on 5/22/23 (74 unwashed + 151 washed)- goal is 374   Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. Progress: 3 strips finished. 1 more started.   Summer Scrappy Helical Socks #2 Yarn: various fingering scraps Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Ravelry Project Page I am using Cate's Clasp Weft Join when joining a new yarn. Using this method, I only have 4 ends to weave in even though I am changing yarns often. Progress: Sock 1 is close to the heel. Sock 2 has a cuff.   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 Laura chose this yarn when we were shopping at Loop London in the Fall of 2022. Progress: almost to the toe on the second sock   Summer Rainbow Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn:  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso base in the Summer Rainbow Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 1st cuff down + a few inches into the leg   Curiouser & Curiouser Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn:  Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Curiouser & Curiouser Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I purchased this as a Micro Sock set; 50g of main color + a 20g mini. I also had another LFA mini that I liked with it, so I have green and purple to choose from. Progress: ready to start heel on first sock   Purple Spring Spin Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the Fluffypuf braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink I purchased 4 oz of 100% Rambouillet from Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks at CT Sheep & Wool. I will plan to do a 3 ply Update this episode: I broke my new driveband! Will replace w/ kitchen cotton yarn for now   Brainstorming With the announcement of the Legacy Fiber Artz MAL, I decided to wind up all of my LFA minis on the sparkle base to knit some scrappy, helical, clasp-weft sparkle socks!   From the Armchair   The Cartographers by Peng Shepard. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson. 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.   In My Travels Friday night we had dinner at Water Street in Wiscasset, Maine Maine Botanical Gardens. The girls and I especially loved the 5 giant troll sculptures We loved the flowers and other exhibits too. One especially neat thing was The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses which made me think of Gretchin Rubin & her new Life in Five Senses book which I reviewed in Episode 254 Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.   KAL News   Splash Pad Party 23: May 26-July 31, 2023 Sign up using this Google Form. To confirm you're signed up, check the Stats/Registration Spreadsheet here. Click here for the full list of Sponsors with all the links you need to their websites & social media. Many of our Sponsors are offering coupon codes. Find them here- Google Doc or Ravelry Thread.   Events Stash Dash, hosted by Leslie & Laura of the Knit Girllls Video Podcast starts May 26th and runs through August 31, 2023. Check out details in the knit girllls discord Jasmin (aka cuteknitter) & I will be doing our annual, mostly-friendly challenge. 2 pairs of socks so far= 548 meters You can check out my Stash Dash 2023 Progress on this Google Sheet. Legacy Fiber Artz Knit Your Stash MAL- check out the details on the Treehouse Fiber Arts website Runs May 29- September 4, 2023 #legacyfiberartzknityourstashMal and #flashyourstash Crafty Bingo- Craft Cook Read Repeat Podcast May 26-September 4, 2023 Grab the Bingo card over on their Instagram feed The Grocery Girls are hosting Hot Granny Square Summer MAL. Check out details in their Ravelry Group & in Episode 183 on their YouTube Channel. Summer Sock Camp hosted in the Crazy Sock Lady Ravelry Group 5/26- 8/31/2023 Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th at the Windsor Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206)   Contest, News & Notes   Check out my latest shawl design- Mas Vida! Find all of the details on my website. Mas Vida is available on Ravelry & LoveCrafts for $7. Use code mas for 30% off on Ravelry through 6/2.   On a Happy Note Mother's Day celebrations seeing Millie in Matilda followed by dinner at a local brewery Flowers from Chris & Margarita Vikki & Katy visited from Las Vegas. I picked them up at the airport and then we met Mom, Dad, Trish and Liz for dinner. Dan & I celebrated our 19th Anniversary at a local brewery after work. Thank you Steph for the beautiful AdoreKnit Splash Pad '23 Exclusive Bag & Stitch Markers Getting video messages from Riley about her crochet project! Riley joined one of our Patrons-only Zooms during the Splash Pad Party and that was a lot of fun! Memorial Day weekend visits to my parents'.  Mom shared a cool tip on how to clean jewelry which I'll share on Instagram. Sunday after the pool, the 4 of us headed to Matt & Kris' to celebrate Matt's birthday and Carly's birthday. I gifted her the Carmen socks I'd just finished! She's a skiier so I'm hoping she enjoys them. On Monday, a bunch of my cousins and their kids came! We got a fun photo of 9 kiddos together on my parents' swing! The kids swam and ate ice cream. I played bocce with Garret.   Quote of the Week   In the beginning I was so young and such a stranger to myself I hardly existed. I had to go out into the world and see it and hear it and react to it, before I knew at all who I was, what I was, what I wanted to be.   –Mary Oliver   ------   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.  

Another wonderful In The Doll World show with my guest Aniqua Wilkerson, Fiber Doll Artist and Owner of My Kinda Thing.   (Pt.1)     www.inthedollworld.com What a great and purposeful doll journey Anqiua's shares with us, the educator is definitely in the house. As the third child of seven children, creativity was always encouraged in her house growing up and Aniqua always had dolls to play with, from the time she can remember, but did not have her first black doll until she was eight years old.In the conversation she shares that when she did get the black doll, she literally could not put it down, carrying it everywhere, protecting her doll but on some level, she believe she was protecting and caring for herself as well. She is a self-taught crochet artist. She became interested in crochet at around 19 years old, when her cousin found some old fiber arts books and has spent most of her adult career as a teacher, using art to be a more effective educator.   She loved teaching but was a little disheartened with the education system and wanted to so something else with art and so as she listened to her nieces and their friends talk about how they felt about themselves, and not always in a positive light, she wanted to embark on something that would help them to see how truly beautiful they were. We also get to talk about another proud moment in her life and how this excellent opportunity of working with Lion Brand and introducing Skien Tones came about. Aniqua uses crochet as a tool to teach and promote self-esteem in girls, particularly girls of color and help to impart a sense of pride in the lives of young girls and women through art and dolls.Don't forget to check in next week for Part 2 of this great conversation and Aniqua's amazing doll journey. To find more of Aniqua's creations, please visit http://www.mykindathing.com/ or visit her on Instagram @my_kinda_thingThank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 252 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website.   This week's segments included: On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Winter Mint Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Winter Mint Colorway (Yarnable December 2022) You can see more of the December 2022 Winter Mint themed packaged in my Vlogmas 2022: Day 2 video Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the colorway: mint green with specks of gray and blue Progress: Leg of the 1st sock is complete Solstice Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- Finished 1st sock. Cast on second. 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 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: Sock #1 done. 2nd one on the leg Carmen Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Gusto Wool Carmen Sock Weight Yarn (80/20 Merino/Nylon) in Colorway 1402 Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page About the yarn: Half of the skein is navy blue the other half is a neon rainbow. At my gauge it is microstriping. Purple Spring Spin Fiber: Fluffypuf #130 Hand Dyed Roving Batt Purple/Pink. 1.4 ounces. 50% BFL, 40% merino, 10% Tussah Silk. Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the braid: contains purple (various shades), yellow, orange, gray, blue, pink Ordered 4 ounces of a purple fiber that I plan to split in half and ply with this for a 3-ply. Children of Time Spinning Fiber: Into the Whirled Cheviot (4 oz) in the Children of Time colorway Twist direction: singles = Z plied = S This means when I'm spinning, my wheel is spinning clockwise and when plying my wheel is moving counter-clockwise. Ravelry Project Page About the Fiber: purple, plum, tans, browns and blues Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. Progress: 2 strips finished. 2 more started. I am going to run out of Knit Picks Brava White yarn. I did finish a top down elongated triangular shawl that was a design idea. I think I like it, but waiting for it to come off the blocking mats for final decisions. Brainstorming I'm debating what to make for my nephew Zachary's 1st birthday in May. This is a strong contender: Baby Snuggler by Cheryl of Crochet 365 Knit Too. Crochet pattern available for $4.49 on Ravelry or free on the Crochet 365 Knit Too Website or ad-free from Cheryl's website here. From the Armchair I talked in the last episode about  Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link.Thanks to Sarah, PAKnitWit who mentioned that some of the book tour might have been recorded. I found this video on YouTube. Foster by Claire Keegan. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Normal People by Sally Rooney. 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. Some Years Later Riley wore her Everyday Cables Cardigan to Easter this year. I knit this very bulky sweater for her for Christmas 2021 (From Dec 10-24th!). You can check out my Ravelry Project Page here. Knitting in Passing Eme sleepover We played Cube Escape Collection. We played The Mill which is like an electronic version of an escape game where you have to go around the room to find clues and figure out how to solve a puzzle. Grandmother knit her own hair (which we had to spin on a castle style spinning wheel) to make a pot holder so we could get hot duck out of oven. We messaged with Z, Emelyn's former roommate, and sending videos to try to help with their ssk issues. I had so much fun teaching Eme to crochet. I bought them some hooks and yarn to keep going. KAL News Splash Pad Party starts on Friday May 26th. Save the date for our virtual kick off events on Friday & Saturday May 26-27th. More details to come. Call for Sponsors went out. You can find information on my website. Events 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 NH Sheep & Wool: May 13 & 14 in Deerfield, NH Massachusetts Sheep & Wool: May 27 & 28th at the Cummington Fairgrounds Maine Fiber Frolic: June 3-4th from 9-10a at the Windsor Fairgrounds Vermont Sheep & Wool: Sept 30 & Oct 1 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds Check out some West Coast (US) Events on the Seattle Knitters Guild site (thanks Kristen- kips206) Life in Focus While it's been difficult, I'm really enjoying taking small group workout classes at a new to me gym nearby. On a Happy Note Hiking with Megg and alone. Seeing The Secret Garden musical at The Company Theatre. Eme & Kris' birthday dinner. Watching Love is Blind on Netflix and talking about it with Laura. It's such a fun way to connect w/ a friend. Easter at my parents' house. Warmer, longer days. My houseplants. I've recently divided up some more of my plants. Getting ready to fertilize them. They are bringing me so much joy, and having kept them alive (many for well over a year now), I'm getting confidence to try a few new plants. Maybe soon! Quote of the Week“ The events of your past are fixed. The meaning of your past is not. The influence of every experience in your life is determined by the meaning you assign to it. Assign a more useful meaning to your past and it becomes easier to take a more useful action in the present.” -James Clear- —-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.

Stories from David & Adam Blumenthal covering 144 years and five generations of an iconic yarn brand in the creative industry. From how it got its name to what keeps it strong and growing.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Lion Brand has been around for 144 years Lion Brand was the sole supplier of yarn to Target for many years up until Target discontinued the category Lion Brand has been on the web longer than Google The key to keeping the business within the family and successful is that no family member is forced to be a part of the company. Every member of the Blumenthal family that has worked for Lion Brand did it because they wanted to Lion Brand is fueled by a passion for the business and a willingness to change and adapt Hiring people that have an interest in yarn and appreciate that Lion Brand is a family business has been the key to integrating non-family member employees into the company Lion Brand has been able to build a strong connection with its customer base and is very proud to continue to do that Partnering with Vanna White and others has been a huge boost for the visibility of the brand SUGGESTED ACTIONS: Think long term Hire people that are a fit for your culture Stay passionate about your vision and adapt along the way as needed Find interesting ways to increase visibility of your brand!    

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 247 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For Full Show Notes including photos please click here to visit my website.   This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles   Cascade Heritage Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints in Colorway 111 Aqua Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Contrast heel- mini skein in a beautiful solid teal. I did a little colorwork on the foot that I'll share more later.   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 4 rounds per hexagon 51+ hexagons done now. All ends woven in!   Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria's Blue Crayon (free crochet pattern) available on Ravelry & the Maria's Blue Crayon Website. This pattern presumes you already know the c2c crochet technique. Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted in White & Tranquil (light green), Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Pink and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Big! in colorway Soft Lilac Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page (I crocheted one of these in summer 2020- click here for that Ravelry Project Page) For help learning the Corner to Corner Crochet method you could check out this free Ravelry Download from Lauri Bolland or this video tutorial from Lion Brand on YouTube. 1st Strip is finished progress. 11 squares wide. Each section is 11 squares tall. Green, white, pink, white, purple, white. Some of this is spirit yarn from my friend Kim's SIL's stash that I received after she passed away (purple). I'm not sure where the pink yarn came from, but it might have been my Nana's stash. It feels great to put it to good use.     Musselburgh Hat Pattern: Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague ($7.77 US/ 6 GBP knitting pattern available on Ravelry or on Ysolda's website) Yarn: fingering weight yarn from stash in a denim blue (can't find the ballband) Needles: US 2 (2.75) circular- 32 in (magic loop for beginning & end of project & US 2 (also called US 2.5) 3.0 mm 16-inch circular for the body of the hat Ravelry Project Page Size: Adult Medium I found that I liked working this hat in the round. Purchased Addi Rocket Lace Turbo 16 inch needles in US 2 (but it turns out its technically a US 2.5 or a 3.0 mm needle- not a 2.75 mm needle like I use for the cast on). The difference isn't all that noticeable but it was a little frustrating.  Progress check- I have finished the increases and have knit about 4 inches. Plan: Switch colors half way through. I have a lighter blue skein from On the Round that I purchased at Wicked Good Yarns in Rockland, MA that I want to use to make it a reversible hat.     Solstice Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry ) Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Solstice colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- turned heel on first sock. Cast on the second sock.   Brainstorming   My Grandmother called to ask me to knit her another Jean Marie Shawl (named for her). You can find this knitting pattern for $6 on Ravelry & LoveCrafts.   Here's the story: My grandmother called me in mid-January 2023 saying she needed to place an order. I thought she wanted something from Amazon. She told me very time she wears her Jean Marie Shawl to dinner at her residence she gets tons of compliments. All of her friends love it. Its the right size and it just stays in place perfectly. I published this pattern in 2018 to suit the request that she have a slightly bigger shawl that would stay in place. Half hexagon shape is perfect for this. It is knit in 3 sections, originally done in sport/dk natural yarns from Ross Farm in browns/tans. For this one, she wants white/black to wear with different outfits.     From the Armchair Books Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover. Bookshop Affiliate Link. Amazon Affiliate Link. Movies Everything Everywhere All at Once Women Talking Armageddon Time     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.   Some Years Later   Wearing lately: Felicity Hat: Aran weight slouchy hat knit in Duck Duck Wool. Ravelry Project Page. Sagamore Flyover Slouch Hat: chunky weight hat. Ravelry Project Page. Yarn: Sugarbush Dawson in Colorway- Wild Willow, a great mustard color. 50/50 llama/wool blend   Knitting in Passing   Sunday night hang. Taught megg single and hdc. Knit a little with Hattie while Dan untangled Hattie's yarn again. Untangled same ball in Ireland. She'd been using it to create a laser course.   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 January Self Care Interception: hosted by Fitness by Mara. Get your Bingo Card PDF Here or the JPG here. Find all of the details in this Google Doc or in this Ravelry Thread. Spread the Warmth Challenge; runs through the end of the Pigskin Party. Get details in this Google doc or this Ravelry Thread. Pigskin Ends on Monday February 13, 2023. Get those projects entered. Don't wait until the last day to get everything entered on the Google Form!   Events   Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram hosted by CreativeCeci   Contest, News & Notes My college roommate and friend Jen opened an Etsy Shop called JLSCreative Shop. Check it out Mom & I recorded an update video that went up on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel in the Just Breathe Playlist. You can find that video here. Right now, scans show things are going well and the combination of chemo and gene therapy is keeping the cancer at bay.   Life in Focus   23 for 2023 List Read 23 books Try at least one pair of fake eyelashes Print and hang at least 1 of our new family photos Kayak in one new place Hike in one new place See 4 plays/musicals Give blood at least 3 times Knit myself a pair of mittens Knit/crochet at least one project with handspun Watch 3 movies in one day - done! See a movie in the theater Go to a museum Finish 1 punch needle project Ski at least 1 day (ideally 2-4) Try at least 1 new gym/in person fitness option Make at least 1 new financial investment Purge at least 23 items from the house. Ideally 46. Publish 1 knitting pattern Send 5 cards to friends/family just because Go Camping Participate in the Fiberuary Challenge on Instagram Take a class (in person or virtual) Create a new music playlist   Word of the Year- FLOW flow to proceed smoothly and readily to issue or move in a stream To exist in abundance the continuous movement of a liquid in one direction to hang loose and billowing To move or proceed with a given movement or momentum To pass or move by a supply of something that continues without stopping a way of talking or thinking in an easy natural way, without any pauses or difficulties a  smooth uninterrupted movement or progress Smoothness or fluidity in one's movement A strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound   Things I'm thinking about: I want to be able to go with the Flow no matter what this year brings. I want to remember my dear Aunt Florence and remind myself what she would do. She was smart, caring, generous and strong. Her presence will be a good guide when things get tough. I want to find projects, especially creatively that I can keep up the flow with... that I can get into a flow state with. To zen/bliss out and enjoy. I want to keep my body strong and stretched so that I can move fluidly through the year without things getting in the way of my body's flow.   On a Happy Note Playing the sock game during our visit to the Rowan's. UK/European game. Fun for all ages. Surprise package from Nicole with mini skeins. Snow! Not a lot for as late into the season as we are, but I enjoy it. Visit from family friends who came down from NH. We played games at my parents' house! January Zoom with my Patrons! I had a blast catching up with you. 3 movies in 1 day- checked off my 23 for 23 list. Homemade popcorn. Lots of knitting and crochet time. Fixed dropped sts in Megg's socks. Drag show and dinner with Megg and Kris.   Quote of the Week   Everything and everyone at their own pace. Flow with not against yourself. -Akiroq Brost   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.  

Creating a more colorful, connected, comforting and caring world with yarn. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lion Brand has an amazing Purpose Statement with four key words Colorful Lion Brand produces high-quality, uniquely colored yarn that stands above the competition Connected Lion Brand stays connected to the craft and the community that the craft creates Comforting Knitting gives people comfort and stress relief Lion Brand employees feel comfortable and supported working for the company Caring Lion Brand puts lots of care behind every decision they make, products they produce, and associates and customers they have Lion Brand's Schitt's Creek yarn line was an idea a Lion Brand employee came up with after watching the show and it's been a success David Blumenthal's key message is for people to treat people with kindness and respect, no matter their occupation or position Adam Blumenthal's key message is for people to continue to learn from past mistakes and failures to create futures successes ___ Skein Tones (lionbrand.com), a modern neutral palette aiming to complement a wide spectrum of skin tones. ___

A comment on the Tonight Show leads to a 30-year partnership with Vanna White. The mindset of giving back and making a difference has led to #HATNOTHATE, donations to charities like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a wider spectrum of skin tones (Skein Tones), and sustainability. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lion Brand has stayed in the family because family members like Adam have wanted to come back and work for the family business Lion Brand Yarn was selected as the outstanding family business in New Jersey Vanna White was a customer of Lion Brand's and talked about knitting on Johnny Carson. Lion Brand then partnered with her, as she was very passionate about knitting and yarn The Lion Brand Yarn & Vanna White partnership has lasted 30 years and is still going, which has led to over $2 million being donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital The Hat Not Hate program has distributed over 92,000 hats to help fight against bullying - www.hatnothate.org Lion Brand has started a program called Skein Tones, where more colors of yarn are created to better represent the skin tones of people of color Lion Brand is working to make the manufacturing and disposable process of yarn as sustainable as possible ___ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org), leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. HatNotHate.org, #HATNOTHATE was launched in 2018 as an anti-bullying campaign founded by Shira Blumenthal. We encourage people to make, wear, and post handmade blue hats, adding #HATNOTHATE when sharing on social platforms. Hats are distributed to schools nationwide, educating students about the message of kindness. Check out the Blue Lemonade podcast. Skein Tones (lionbrand.com), a modern neutral palette aiming to complement a wide spectrum of skin tones. Sustainable Stitching Yarns (lionbrand.com), includes renewable and recycled fibers ___

Stories covering 144 years and five generations of an iconic yarn brand in the creative industry. From how it got its name to what keeps it strong and growing.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Lion Brand has been around for 144 years Lion Brand was the sole supplier of yarn to Target for many years up until Target discontinued the category Lion Brand has been on the web longer than Google The key to keeping the business within the family and successful is that no family member is forced to be a part of the company. Every member of the Blumenthal family that has worked for Lion Brand did it because they wanted to Lion Brand is fueled by a passion for the business and a willingness to change and adapt Hiring people that have an interest in yarn and appreciate that Lion Brand is a family business has been the key to integrating non-family member employees into the company Lion Brand has been able to build a strong connection with its customer base and is very proud to continue to do that Partnering with Vanna White and others has been a huge boost for the visibility of the brand SUGGESTED ACTIONS: Think long term Hire people that are a fit for your culture Stay passionate about your vision and adapt along the way as needed Find interesting ways to increase visibility of your brand!    

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 228 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes including photos check out my website by clicking here. This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing In my Travels Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Megg's 40th Birthday Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn in Raspberry Cream Colorway (from my Yarnable February 2022 Subscription Box). Check out my YouTube Unboxing Video here.  Unicorn for Millie's 10th Birthday Pattern: Unicorn Amigurumi by Amy Faulkner 4.90 Euros. About $5.50 crochet pattern (US & UK terms) Available on Etsy. Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (white). Knit Picks Brava Worsted Minis (tail & mane) My Ravelry Project Page Bunny fix Ravelry Project Page Pattern: Best Bunny by Tamie Oldridge. Free crochet pattern from Lion Brand. Available as a PDF directly- click here. Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Berrocco Vintage in purple. Repaired with Knit Picks Brava Worsted  Knit in October 2016 Milly Doll Makeover Pattern: Mary, Millie & Morgan by Susan B. Anderson My Ravelry Project Page Knit in 2015.  7 years later she's getting a makeover.  Garret's Nana Blanket My Ravelry Project Page Hook: I (5.5. mm) Yarn: likely Red Heart Super Saver Fixing Garret's Nana blanket. I shared more on a blog post on my Down Cellar Studio Patreon! I used the Crumpled Griddle stitch, which I believe is what my Nana used, to redo the side panel that I ripped back. On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Blue Kamakaze Socks Yarn: ThreadHeadKnits Co. Plump Sock (100% Superwash Merino 4 ply- 438 yards/100g) in the Blue Kamakaze Colorway.  Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams $5 on Ravelry.  Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) My Ravelry Project Page Dance Shoe Legwarmers Pattern: Dance Shoe Legwarmers by Sherry Katherine Vernon (free knitting pattern) Yarn: Charming Ewe Suki Sock in the Mystic Topaz  Colorway Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) & US 2 (2.75 mm) My Ravelry Project Page If you'd like a good afterthought heel pattern, consider Susan B. Anderson's Smooth Operator Heel pattern (Ravelry Link) For a video tutorial, check out this video from the EarthtonesGirl YouTube Channel Pumpkin Patch Socks Pattern: TBD Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pumpkin Patch colorway  Ravelry Project Page Kim'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! You can find that PDF here.  Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, Hunter Green and White Hook: G (4.00 mm) My Ravelry Project Page 2022 Fun with Fiber Kingdom Fleece & Fiber Works 100% Tunis Pete's Fleece (light blues, dark blues and whites) Check them out on Facebook Check out my Ravelry Project Page Mom's tried on Jessica's Shift Cowl- pattern: The Shift by Andrea Mowry available for $7 on Ravelry. I might turn some handspun into this project. Brainstorming Inspired by PliedYarnCo's Instagram post- this Log Cabin Pillow. Check out this free pattern “Little Log Cabins Recipe” on their website. From the Armchair Love is Blind Season 1 on Netflix Some Years Later Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow. $9 US Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry or directly from their website. Knit in March/April 2018 My Ravelry Project Page Can't really wear it with a coat but I do wear it several times a season in fall/winter/early spring. Add some fun jewelry, leggings, heels. great for a date night. Great for chilly winter day when you just want to be wrapped up in many layers! Caesious by Hunter Hammersen Curls: Versatile, Wearable Wraps to Knit at Any Gauge- book details on the Pantsville Press website. Knit Feb-April 2015 My project notes do not say, but think I used close to/all of fingering weight skein and yet it wasn't big enough to wrap around my neck and stay put. In the end, I frogged it to use the yarn for something else. Knitting in Passing Stephanie @farmsteadknits on Instagram sent mom a very special car package including a pair of handknit socks & a shawl. Shawl pattern: Around Every Corner by Stephanie Lotven (tellybeanknits). Check out Stephanie's Ravelry Project Page for full details. Yarn: Sea Panda Yarn- click here for their website. Looks like their Blue Lagoon Mini Set. In My Travels Russell's Garden Center- March 2022 Farm Fiber Days Event Purchases- Fibery Jewels Teal Speckle Sock Yarn 4 oz of Falkland Fiber Jewels Spots Friends in Fiber on Etsy 2 skeins of Lillian from Dirty Water Dyeworks- in Mediterranean and Sea Breeze Subito Farms yarn for Millie- pink yarn gradient set- 35 yards each pf the pinks and 90 yards natural- 100% cormo raised in Montana, dyed in MA A Hundred Ravens for Millie- Vanir 100% merino DK in the Fantasia Colorway Lunch across the street at The Local afterwards   Visited The Goodwill Bins location in Hudson, NH. Life in Focus Checked off another item on my 22 for 2022 list- check out new trail. I've also done yoga several times in March- towards my goal of doing yoga every month.  On a Happy Note Garret had a scare with appendicitis but didn't need emergency surgery! Booked basics of our trip to Ireland, Scotland and Barcelona. Millie's Birthday Weekend Dinner in an igloo with a tiki theme Decorated for Easter  Quote of the Week People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply: by the lives they lead. –James Baldwin 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 223 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. For full show notes and photos check out my website. www.downcellarstudio.com/223  This week's segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Some Years Later Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mermaid Tail Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Mermaid Tail colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) My Ravelry Project Page Crochet Squirrel Pattern: Crochet Squirrel by Junuen Lisunia (free crochet pattern on Ravelry) Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic from stash in light brown and dark brown Ravelry Project Page Among Us- Blue Pattern- Among Us Amigurumi by Tiffany Horton- free crochet pattern available on her website or $2.50 Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Ravelry Page shows Among Us Characters alive and dead (dead is when they have a bone exposed) and with a crown. But the “without a bone” and “crown” instructions are not actually included in the PDF. See below for option that has the bone. Among Us- Yellow with Bone Pattern- Among Us Amigurumi Dead Version by Tiffany Horton- available free on her website Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn from Stash- in Yellow Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page Camp Out Fingerless Mitts Pattern: Camp Out Fingerless Mitts by tante ehm- Free Knitting Pattern available on Ravelry. Yarn: Fully Spun Sock Yarn in the Blue Hole Colorway (blue) with a strand of fingering weight Corriedale handspun yarn. Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Mom's Christmas Headband Pattern: 108-18 Knitted Hair Band by DROPS Design. Free Pattern available from DROPS website & on Ravelry.  Yarn: Fully Spun Sock Yarn in the Blue Hole Colorway (blue) with a strand of fingering weight Corriedale handspun yarn. Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Riley's Christmas Cardigan Pattern: Everyday Cardigan in Merino No. 5 by Loopy Mango Needles: US 15 (10 mm) Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green (sage color) My Ravelry Project Page Pattern calls for Seed Stitch but I'm just using the basic instructions and using cables and ribbing for the body/sleeves.  For the front bands I did HDC through back/front loop. Pink Moon Sweater Pattern: Pink Moon by This.Bird.Knits. $8 US Pattern available on Ravelry and on the This.Bird.Knits Site. Needles: US 5 & 7 (3.75 & 4.5 mm) Yarn: Sweitzer Fiber Mill unknown (gray)- Rhinebeck 2019 Lisa Daschinger Wools (mustard)- Farm Fiber Day's Russell's Market January 2020 mur yarn merino cashmere fingering (pink)- Barcelona 2019 Rowan Alpaca Classic (pink) Staci's Stitches- LYS Marroon- Handspun Ravelry Project Page Brainstorming I purchased, for the first time, the complete set of Knit Picks Felici. 10 colorways. 1 50g ball each (I subsequently ordered another set). Considering purchasing from Knit Picks? Consider using my Knit Picks Affiliate Link Designs- when I have a bit more mental bandwidth… We found my grandmothers rugmaking supplies at Mom's house. Need to do some googling!  Spinning. From the Armchair 2021 Knitting in Review 90 finished knit/crochet projects 2 cardigans 5 tops 19 toys 5 shawls 24 pairs of socks 4 headbands 1 pair of mitts 1 knitted tree decoration 1 Christmas stocking 12 hats 7 blankets 2 jar cozies 7 garlands Spinning- 4 projects, 11 skeins, 1,686 yards of Yarn (8 spinning projects in 2020 but they were smaller) Crochet- 38 projects. Knitting 52 projects Click here for a link to my 2021 Ravelry Projects Tab. Some Years Later In July, I gifted my niece Gabriella a teddy bear crochet with Bernat Velvet yarn. She bumped her lip on the way over for a Christmas visit and grabbed her bear for comfort so they brought it with them. Lots of ends sticking out. I took a cable needle and shoved them back in and she looked pretty great after that! Gabriella's Velvet Bear Pattern: Velvet Valentine Crochet Bear by Sarah Zimmerman- available on Yarnspirations website. Yarn: Bernat Velvet in the  Misty Gray Colorway Hook: G (4.0 mm) My Ravelry Project Page Crafty Adventures Making banana ice cream with Garret. We use this recipe. Making Pizzelles- tasted delicious but looked kind of crumby but confectionary sugar hides many sins.  Knitting in Passing During a recent sleepover, Millie wanted help with a knitting project and per usual she claimed she didn't remember how to knit, but when she sat down and started, she picked right up where she left off. We have learned though that she does not enjoy bamboo needles so I need to work on getting her a short circular, metal needle replacement for the cowl she's working on. Riley's current project is a cowl from Lion Brand in a fun color changing yarn. It turned out a bit too big and so instead, she wants to make it into a top for Millie. She's learned to make i-cord to use for straps and we'll sew those on when she's done. KAL News Pigskin Party '21: Official Hashtag: #DCSPigskinParty21 Important Links: Official Rules (Google Doc) Register to Play! (Google Form) Points Tally Form (Google Form) Sponsor List (Google Doc) Questions: Ask in the Ravelry Thread or email Jen (downcellarstudio @ gmail.com) Prizes- see details in this Ravelry Thread Coupon Codes: find details in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Pro Shop Sponsor Exclusive Items: find details as they're posted in this Ravelry Thread or on my website (coming soon) Use the Points Tally form for official entry but celebrate with everyone in the End Zone Dance Ravelry Thread and using #DCSPigskinEndZoneDance Check out your standings (and others') on the Players Stats Sheet (Google Sheet) Fumble your entry on the Points Tally form? Use this Support Form (Google Form) Pre-Game Chatter on Ravelry can be found in this Thread. Monthly Scavenger Hunt (December clues have been posted): Figure out these fun clues and earn points each month. Check out this Ravelry Thread or this Google Doc. December Interception: hosted by Knitty Natty. Find details in this Ravelry thread or in this Google Doc. Cast on 12/1/21 or later. Deadline to post 12/31/21. Check out Natalie's patterns for ideas- Ravelry Link. Life in Focus Starting my annual Year in Review process. I shared about this last year on my YouTube Channel. Check out that video here Tune in to hear how I did with my 21 for 2021 list. Hear more about these lists on the Happier Podcast w/ Gretchen Rubin I also reviewed my Word of the Year and primary goals for 2021. Ask Me Anything Shana “Savers, duh!”- Check out the Christmas Thrifting Video on my YouTube Channel. Marilynknits- “Could you talk about you learned to crochet? I think you probably already shared but I forget. Maybe you could also share a source for your favorite crochet tutorials. I am learning how to crochet!” Crochet School Videos on the Crafty Minx Website knit_read_sleep: “How the cling wrap game works. That looked so fun”- tune in to hear my description & check out our video of the Cling Wrap Game Video on the Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel. francesgiff-knitting plans for 2022 Handspun garment A new hat for me. Spinning I want to make more garlands for my house. Christmas themed one would be fun.  Genna-with-a-gee: “What are you best methods for having a successful year? Keeping low stress?” Build habits that get you headed where you want to go. Figure out not just what you're aiming for but concrete steps of when, where, how you'll do things to move in that direction. Be grateful. Look for the good things happening around you and you'll find those. Remember that life isn't all good. It's a mix. We're supposed to be sad, angry, overwhelmed. Personally I don't find it useful to try to find a way out of that. Experience it. Lean in, and then…when it feels like it could pass, move on. Try to move back towards more positive emotions.  On a Happy Note Thank you for all of your kind notes, comments, cards etc after we announced last episode that Mom is battling lung cancer. We truly appreciate it. After a grueling experience with the special pharmacy, Mom has finally started her gene therapy treatment.  Visiting with Maria who was visiting from Barcelona. Check out the Day 17 Vlogmas Video  to see the treats my friend Marta and her sons sent over for Dan and me. Thrifting with Mom & the kids followed by a 4 kid sleepover.Check out the Day 18 & 19 Vlogmas Video for more. Patrons, check out your Patreon feed for an even longer video with lots more highlights and funny moments from the kids. In addition to fun pancakes- we also scored a sea themed waffle maker at Savers so we made Dolphin, Seahorse and Crab waffles! Babysitting my niece Gabriella. Singing Christmas Carols by the fire even if it was freezing outside!  A quieter Christmas Eve than we planned that turned into a lovely night. Christmas Day with our families. So much fun and laughter. Check out Vlogmas videos for more.   Continued adventures with Helen- the mannequin head- we discussed on the last episode. Millie and Dan got into hijinks on Christmas! Quote of the Week “Satisfaction is always available. It is just not always looked for. If, when you enter any experience, you enter with curiosity, respect and interest you will emerge enriched and with awareness you have been enriched. Awareness of enrichment is what satisfaction is.”  -Ann Hastings 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 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.

Recorded Wednesday October 27, 2021 Book talk starts at 27:12 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has begun!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. Check out our Bundles for more inspiration.   New giveaway - Tracie's handspun! I have 3 skeins of 4 oz each to give away: Shaggy Bear Farms Merino/Tussah Silk Greenwood Fiberworks 100% Merino Superfine - Arizona Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Dyed Roving Merino Superwash/Stellina - Puget Sound Please leave a comment in the contest thread to be entered to win.  Thread will close December 1, 2021.   KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bear #248   Tracie finished All Work, Gnome Play MKAL by Sarah Schira in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh, Plucky Knitter Sophisticate, and Wool Addicts Love by Lang Yarns Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose Kaiya Mei hat #3 by Jamie Hoffman in Manos del Uruguay Maxima in Speeding Ticket and Universal Uptown Worsted in grey Never Not Gnoming #23 by Sarah Schira in yarns by Leading Men Fiber Arts 3rd Darling Darby for Ruby in Red Heart With Love Metallic in Red Bunny Blanket Buddy #3 by Lion Brand in Rowan Calmer Sea Monkey Baby Hat by Kelly McClure in Rowan Calmer   Barb continues to work on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer's Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway And has cast on: Mother Bear #249   Tracie cast on: Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose Rikke Hat by Sarah Young in Lazer Sheep Farms DK Superwash in Brave Sheep   And continues to work on: Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in th Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway Punchline by Hanna Maciejewska in Forbidden Fibers Co. Pride LF in Black Emerald   BOOKS Barb read The Last Man on the Mountain: The Death of an American Adventurer on K2 by Jennifer Jordan - 4 stars Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff - 4 stars   Tracie read Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders by J.B. King - 2.5 stars Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Andrea Montell - 5 stars Behind the Horror: True Stories that Inspired Horror Movies by Lee Mellor - 4 stars Barb recommends the Murdaugh Murders Podcast

Knitting and fun in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 94 recorded 9/17/21 Segments this week include: Deep Thoughts, FOs, Wips, Out and About, and I've Got Sunshine Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry in the show notes are clearly labelled as such.  All yarn links are directly to the manufacturer or dyer's website. FOs I honestly don't remember all the stuff I've finished in 6 months, so I'm just going to highlight a few things. Slice of Summer - Ravelry – my New Year's caston using BaH yarns watermelon shawl ball (wool bases available as of today – cotton/bamboo currently out of stock).   I finished 2 new design samples, can't talk much about them yet, but I am very excited at what is coming. Crocheted water balloons  WIPs Priestess Coat – by Morale Fiber in Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball.  I'm using the Feng Shui colorway, a grey-to white gradient. Another design sample is in progress, a tank top made with HiKoo Popcycle!  It's a 50/50 bamboo/polyester blend and every skein uses 2 recycled plastic bottles and you know me, I love recycled and reclaimed fibers.  New socks! These are for a dear friend for Christmas who loves handknits. It's in a new-to-me sock yarn Bamboo Pop Sock in the Sunset colorway.   Diamond Painting If you've never done diamond painting before, think of it like paint by number or cross stitch, only faster and sparklier.  You get a canvas with a chart on it, covered in a tacky glue-like substance with a protective plastic cover and packages of multi-faceted resin pieces, either square or round, and they're called either drills or diamonds.  Peel back the protective cover and use the included diamond pen to place the colored on the matching spot on the chart.  Some drills are pearlescent and really sparkle, some are glow-in-the-dark, it's lots of fun. I'm currently about 60% through one called Bubble Bubble Chocolate Trouble. This is based on a painting by Randal Spangler and made by Diamond Art Club.  This painting is so cute, it's two little green dragons wearing witches hats and stirring a giant cauldron full of hot chocolate, with a haunted house in the background and packages of cocoa and marshamallows on the side.  Stash Just this week I bought 3 skeins of Go For Faux Thick and Quick from Lion Brand.  This fake-fur yarn will be the cuff and hood edging for my Priestess Coat mentioned earlier. Shameless Self Promotion In a week I'll be launching a new pattern, a shawl named Line Where The Sky Meets the Sea launching on Friday, September 24 and it will be available on Ravelry, LoveCrafts and Payhip and to my loyal listeners, listen to the podcast for the coupon code. Out and About Virtually NY Sheep and Wool currently still happening in Rhinebeck, NY Oct 16 & 17.   Vogue Knitting Live Vogue Knitting Live @ Home this weekend Oct 7-10.  GGKCS podcast is having their annual Autumnal AL, visit their FB page for more details. Down Cellar Studio's Pigskin party is up and running.  You can participate on Instagram or on Ravelry and I'm linking to Boston Jen's website  Stitches Expo at home Oct 8-10 If you have any events you'd like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com I've Got Sunshine Both my kids are at the same school this year, first time ever, and this summer my kindergartener learned to buckle his seatbelt by himself!  

Rich Ezra shares how Schitt's Creek inspired a new product line that has hit an emotional chord with fans of the show, plus how competing against mega brands inspired Lion Brand to find unique and innovative ways to carve out a niche. KEY TAKEAWAYS When competing against mega brands with huge advertising dollars you have to find unique and innovative ways to carve out your niche. You have to focus on the fundamentals of connecting with the consumer. Chief Marketing Officer = Chief Customer Officer — to understand what the consumer wants. The job of Marketing is to put a strategy together to drive sell-thru on the shelf. The customer will decide in 3 seconds if they're going to stop and pick up the product to engage. Lion Brand's goal is to give back to help repair the world Hat Not Hate started by Shira Blumenthal to bring attention to the problem of bullying Mental Health America to help support mental health through crafting Skein Tones: yarn for all skin colors to make dolls with a heart of inclusivity Schitt's Creek yarn product line — started as an idea that has hit an emotional chord with fans of the show. Emerging trends Edutainment through virtual classes - people want to learn in a fun way through a combination of education and entertainment SUGGESTED ACTIONS Life lesson — the more calm you are in a situation, the more impact your words have.   Life lesson — don't be afraid to be vulnerable and admit when you are wrong. Career advice for someone younger — take time to say “thank you” and be appreciative, and take time to enjoy your successes. ______________________

In this episode, Anne has an interview with Shira Blumenthal of #HatNotHate and Lion Brand Yarn, as well as information on the upcoming festival, our next knit along, and a few other loose ends as we reach the end of season 4! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Helen Robertson’s website for Mindful Maakin classes and more. Shetland Arts occasionally sponsors Mindful Maakin Classes as well. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to stay up-to-date on what they are offering. Westfjords Wanderer, by Stephen West. (Ravelry link) Old Shale vs. Feather and Fan The Online International Fiber Festival is coming up again on May 1 – 8, 2021. Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond, by Irene Waggener. Join my mailing list to learn about the special live event with Irene coming up on May 8! Visit LionBrand.com and have a look at their natural fiber yarns! Learn more about #HatNotHate, including where to send your finished hats! Find the Shi Show on Facebook! Follow Shira and Hat Not Hate on Instagram! Upcoming Knit Along Our next knit along will run May 8 – May 31. Beginning with the online event on May 8 to end the Online International Fiber Festival, we will knit blue hats together to donate to #HatNotHate. Please visit their website for the requirements for the hats they accept. (International listeners, it’s up to you if you’d like to knit for #HatNotHate or a local charity.) Keep me posted about how many hats you’ve knit one of the following ways: 1. Post photos to Instagram using the #HatNotHate and #ithoughtiknewhow hashtags. 2. Post photos to the I Thought I Knew How groups on Facebook or MeWe. 3. Send me an email with a photo of your completed hats to anne @ familypodcasts.com or anne @ ithoughtiknewhow.com. Each hat you complete and show me using one of the options above by May 31 will be one entry toward one of our prizes: 1. One participant based in the US will win $50 worth of Lion Brand natural fiber yarns shipped directly to their address. 2. One participant based outside of the US will win a pdf copy of Top 24 Morehouse Tops to Cover Young and Old.   Winners will be informed on June 1, 2021 and will have 7 days to send their mailing address for prize 1 or email address for prize 2. For updates and reminders while the show is on hiatus, visit my website to get on the mailing list!   Music “How It’s Done,” by Nicholas Rowe. Sponsors Keep Morehouse Farm in mind when you are on the look out for luxurious merino yarns, beautiful patterns, and the supplies you need to knit them. If you’re looking for an online community free of the stresses and distraction of social media, hop in to the Morehouse Merino Flock for supportive, instructive knit alongs! Knit New Haven is happy to help you choose the yarn for your next project! Visit their online store, or hop into their Instagram feed to see what’s currently in stock, then give them a call at 203-777-5648 to order! Adagio Teas isn’t just for the cold weather months. As we head into spring, have a look at their iced tea offerings, including herbal blends! Use the link here or visit the Be A Booster page to find the links to all our affiliates. Visiting them through our links means any purchase you make will help support the show at no additional charge to you.

In Episode 100, Greg and Pam discuss celebrations, change, and catching up. Special thanks to twinsetjan Jan and twinsetellen Ellen for the intro! Thank you to everyone who participated in our survey! 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. Yarn in the News We shared an article from The New Yorker about How Politics Tested Ravelry and the Crafting Community. Related, Ravelry has introduced Dark Mode. Greg's Projects Greg continues to work on the Rio Calina Cowl by Cat Bordhi. He is using Knitologie Silken Worstedyarn in the Verdant colorway. Greg is working on his Christmas socks with yarn from KnittyAndColor. Greg is working on Frog and Toad by Kristina Ingrid McGowan. His wife's birthday has come and gone, so he can work on it without being secretive now. Greg has bought yarn for this year's Romi's 2021 Spring Mystery Shawl KAL and is looking forward to that, it starts in the next few weeks. Pam's Projects Pam finished and gifted the Flohmarkt Shawl by Mary-Ann Lammers. She used Passion Knits Yarnin a BFL nylon base. Pam worked on her Spinning for Socks Socks. She is basically using the Vanilla Latte Socks pattern by Virginia Rose-Jeanes. She finished the Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts using leftover sock yarn. There is a website with additional information also. Pam did a little spinning on the BFL/Border Leicester fiber she has been working on. Pam started crochet motif Paws for another Christmas stocking. She used the pattern Supercute and Easy Paw by MaryJ Handmade. She used KnitPicks Palette held double. Pam is test knitting some gloves for a friend. She is using Bijou Basin Ranch Tibetan Dream (now closed). Pam is getting ready to cast on her goals blanket using the Cosy Stripe Blanket by Attic24. She swatched, measured, did math and knows how many stitches to start with. She is using Stylecraft Special DK. Knitting Rules Nextup is chapter 7, stay tuned! Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has a Patreon account for $6 a month and it looks like she is offering great content. Current/Upcoming Unraveling Events We gave away a prize for the February chatter on Ravelry, and 4 prizes for survey participation! Miscellaneous We talked about Paula Emons-Fuessle, host of the Knitting Pipeline podcast. Paula passed away this week and Pam and Greg both share fond memories about her. Pam mentioned the website JourneyNorth.org and their Hummingbird migration maps. We also mentioned our episode that includes our talk Unraveling Elizabeth Zimmermann. You can find that in Episode 73. Greg has been (or will be) a guest on a few podcasts: The NomaDad Podcast, Dads With Daughters, and Lion Brand's The Shi Show. Greg made a Taco Pie in his InstantPot. It was a big hit. 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

Betsy Wurzel's Guest today is Shira Blumenthal and Shira will discuss how throughout the month of January, Lion Brand Ambassador and #HatNotHate Founder Shira Blumenthal will highlight on her daily web series, The Shi Show, the mental health benefits of knitting, crocheting, and crafting. How messaging this will reflect Lion Brand's ongoing commitment to creating a more colorful, connected, comforting, and giving world. This is just a glimpse of what the interview is about. We all can make a difference and this interview is just an example of what we all can do as a society. It is really that easy. For further information on this interview and contact information:: http://bit.ly/35qvDez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Betsy Wurzel's Guest today is Shira Blumenthal and Shira will discuss how throughout the month of January, Lion Brand Ambassador and #HatNotHate Founder Shira Blumenthal will highlight on her daily web series, The Shi Show, the mental health benefits of knitting, crocheting, and crafting. How messaging this will reflect Lion Brand's ongoing commitment to creating a more colorful, connected, comforting, and giving world.  This is just a glimpse of what the interview is about.  We all can make a difference and this interview is just an example of what we all can do as a society.  It is really that easy.For further information on this interview and contact information:: http://bit.ly/35qvDez

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 89 recorded 12/3/20 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Out and About Virtually, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  FOs I ended up with lots of FOs this week because I finished my Christmas gift knitting!   The Acadian Shawl (Ravelry), a Christmas gift for my mom in the approximate colors of the Acadian Flag (nous sommes fiere d’etre Acadienne!)  I’m using the Goldberry crochet pattern and working it in blue, white and red with accents of yellow.  I’ve put a photo of the Acadian flag in the shownotes so you can see it. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – One section left, plan to finish later today.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray.  Pattern is a series of free charts by Jessica Goddard. Thing 1 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – all the pieces are finished, I just need to assemble it.   WIPs Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) – this is a pattern by Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studios in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m doing a few rows each week Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.  I used a bunch of scraps in pink, white and yellow for the star pattern at the top, now I’m on to the body and I’ve using a variegated yarn, Cayenne by Feza Yarns, in cool-toned peach-pink-green variegated colorway. Started a new winter tunic for myself, Galliatt (Ravelry) by JimiKnits – pattern also available on LoveCrafts Started a new hat as part of the Fasten Off YAL (more on that a little later), the hat is The Opposite of Strict (Ravelry) by That Metzbower Girl Designs and it’s a ponytail hat designed to use scraps.  I’m using up the leftovers from the two RBG Dissent Cowls I made earlier this fall. Out and About Virtually Lots of fiber events happening online this winter The first-ever Fasten Off YAL is going on right now.  It’s an inclusive yarn-a-long for anyone to join.  It is NOT being run on Ravelry so it’s safe to join for those of you having issues with the new site.  There’s a website, a Facebook group, a Discord server to chat on and you can post on IG with the hashtag #fastenoffyal  More than 90 knit and crochet designers from around the globe are participating.  All the included designs are 25% off through 12/5 using code FO2020 and the crafalong portion runs through 12/31/20.  Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live @ Home events will be Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I will be attending the January VKL Stitches At Home December 5,6,12,13. GGKCS podcast is running their annual winter craftaong starting now through the end of Feb 2021, more details on their Facebook page. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run I was doing really well then I tweaked my knee again last Saturday.  Meh.  Lots of icing and ibuprofen and I’m staying off it as much as possible.  It’s starting to be less cranky.  

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 88 recorded 11/20/20 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  WIPs The Acadian Shawl (Ravelry), a Christmas gift for my mom in the approximate colors of the Acadian Flag (nous sommes fiere d’etre Acadienne!)  I’m using the Goldberry crochet pattern and working it in blue, white and red with accents of yellow.  I’ve put a photo of the Acadian flag in the shownotes so you can see it. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – One section left, plan to finish later today.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray.  Pattern is a series of free charts by Jessica Goddard. Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m doing a few rows each week Thing 1 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – all the pieces are finished, I just need to assemble it. Ankle socks (Ravelry) – just about to the heel turn.  Knitting in CoBaSi by Hikoo. New WIP, Wenlock (Ravelery) from Tin Can Knits.  I used a bunch of scraps in pink, white and yellow for the star pattern at the top, now I’m on to the body and I’ve using a variegated yarn, Cayenne by Feza Yarns, in cool-toned peach-pink-green variegated colorway. Spinning Continuing on the last color of my gradient spin so I can count it towards the Pigskin party.  I’m spinning 5 minutes a day, or every other day.  Slow and steady getting back to using the injured leg.   Out and About Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live events will be Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. Stitches At Home December 5,6,12,13. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Still not running, but I am biking regularly! 

Knitting and Running in 30 min or less.  Shownotes can be found at windsweptknits.com.  You can find me on IG and Ravelry as WindsweptMonique and on Facebook and Twitter as WindsweptKnits. Ep 87 recorded 11/13/20 Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Spinning, Out and About, On the Run Note on Ravelry – all links to Ravelry are clearly labelled as such – if a link does not say Ravelry, it does not go to Ravelry.  Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  Lots of stress knitting the last week, so I have MULTIPLE FOs! FOs Dumpster Fire ornament 1 (Ravelry) & ornament 2 (Ravelry) both made in CoBaSi by Hikoo, a blend of cotton, silk, bamboo and nylon.  It’s arguably my favorite fingering weight yarn – makes great socks and tank tops.  Pattern by Mary Hull of Kino Knits. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, out of big box store cotton yarn from Michaels.  It’s done and blocked and I accidentally left it out after photographing it and Thing 2 told me how much he LOVED the yarn lol.  Good kid, it’s for you! Dissent Cowl 2 (Ravelry) – this is a Christmas gift for a very knitworthy friend.  I’m using some ancient stash and I’ve about halfway through the necklace portion of the cowl. WIPs New WIP, what I am calling the Acadian Shawl (Ravelry), a Christmas gift for my mom in the approximate colors of the Acadian Flag (nous sommes fiere d’etre Acadienne!)  I’m using the Goldberry crochet pattern and working it in blue, white and red with accents of yellow.  I’ve put a photo of the Acadian flag in the shownotes so you can see it. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – more than halfway through the last chart!  I’m about 7/8 of the way through.  Still loving the new hexagonal needles from Indian Lake Artisans.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn in white and dark gray.  Pattern is a series of free charts by Jessica Goddard. Tan House Brook Shawl (Ravelry) -  in the Sekhment base, an alpaca/silk/linen yarn from A Hundred Ravens in the Nevertheless She Persisted colorway that I bought during the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I’m on the 2nd set of eyelet rows, almost to the 2nd set of textured stitches. Thing 1 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – the second Christmas Snap The Dragon Blanket, this one from my older son.  Using deep stash acrylic. Knitting Fail I still have a hard time reading crochet.  Spinning Still no success at a distaff, but I have spun a little more of the Tussah Silk from Pinestar Studios in Maine on my Akerworks drop spindle. Started the last color of my gradient spin so I can count it towards the Pigskin party Out and About Lots of fiber events happening online this fall Pigskin Party now through the Superbowl Ravelry Group  I’m sponsoring for the 3rd year and also participating. Vogue Knitting Live Upcoming Vogue Knitting Live events will be Nov 12-15, Dec 10-13, and Jan 14-17.  I almost always attend Vogue Live NYC every January, it’s usually a birthday present from my family as it’s often right around my birthday weekend.  This year it’s the weekend after so I’ll probably attend the January event. Stitches At Home December 5,6,12,13. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Still not running, but I’m biking! 

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

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

Watch the Livestream every weekday at 12pm EST on the Lion Brand Facebook Page!

I'm back!!!  I have a new laptop so now I can record!!! Ep 82 Knitting and running in 30 minutes or less Segments this week include: FOs, Wips, Out and About, On the Run Shownotes originally written in early August when my laptop died!  I just got a new laptop and so the podcast is back!  Not sure if it will be weekly or bi-weekly, it depends on my kid’s school schedules.  They are both hybrid at the moment but if things go sideways that could change at a moment’s notice.  I live outside Boston and after getting hit hard at first we’ve kept our numbers down.  Most people are behaving sensibly, wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart and trying hard to prevent the spread of COVID.   Note on Ravelry – all rav project links in the show notes are labelled.   Links to yarn are directly to manufacturer’s pages and should be safe for those still having rav accessibility issues.  Now that I have a laptop I can start getting my patterns on PayHip – they are already available on LoveCrafts so there is already a Ravelry alternative. FO empower People (Ravelry) cowl/handband – I knit my purple cowl/handband to encourage folks to vote.  I used a discontinued bamboo yarn that was dyed in South Africa by women paid a fair wage. Goldberry (Ravelry)  - first crochet shawl is complete!  I’m about to start a 2nd lol  both will/are crocheted in Feza Baby Handdyed WIPs Laceweight Boxy (Ravelry) – I split for the shoulders!  So excited.  Haven’t worked on it in at least a month so it won’t be ready to wear this fall, but it will be for Spring.  Using handdyed lace-weight bamboo yarn from Spinnaway Farms that I bought at Rhinebeck years ago. Papillon (Ravelry) – About 1/3 way through 2nd section.  Using Berroco Medina that I bought at The Yarn Patch in Crossville, TN last year and a gold Tencel yarn from Artisinal Yarns that I bought at Rhinebeck 2 years ago. Triyang (Ravelry) – an old WIP that I started as SSK in 2017, I tend to keep this pattern for travelling and since we have 2 small kids we don’t travel much anymore.  Now with COVID19 we’re not traveling at all, so I’m pulling this project back into rotation because I really enjoy this pattern.  I’m knitting it up in Araucania Yumbrel, a discontinued lace-weight cotton variegated yarn.  When done it’ll have around 2000 yards, probably won’t finish until next year. Star Wars scarf (Ravelry) for Thing 1 – Just finished the Light Side, which is /3 of the shawl.  Center section has Millenium Flacon and Death Star, then it’ll be the Dark Side.  I’ve switched to new hexagonal needles I ordered from Indian Lake Artisans and I find it much easier on my hands so I can knit more rows on it.  For some reason with double knitting, my left had has a death grip on the needles, but the wooden hex needles hold the slippery bamboo better.  I’m using Truboo by Lion Brand, a 100% bamboo yarn. Thing 2 hitchiker (Ravelry) – a DK hitchhiker scarf for Thing 2, since I;m knitting a scarf for Thing 1.  It’s in a variegated yarn from a big box store in purple, yellow, green and tan.  This is now my car knitting.  It’s getting a little love daily at school drop off and pick up, because of course my kid’s schedules are different. Thing 2 Dragon Blanket (Ravelry) – almost done with this crochet blanket in purple (his favorite color) and green.  I literally just need to assemble it.  It’s for Thing 2 for Christmas, it’s a blanket with a hood, spines and claws that you can wear.  Yes I’ll be making one in red for Thing 1 too.  These blankets are/will be in deep acrylic stash, some much older than my kids! Ankle socks (Ravelry) – I’m now on the 2nd sock.  It’s living in my purse but since we rarely leave the house it doesn’t see a lot of love.  Socks knit in CoBaSi by Hikoo, a wool-free sock yarn made of cotton, bamboo, silk and nylon, in a variegated turquoise and blue colorway.  I started these on the cruise back before the pandemic started because this yarn reminded me of beautiful Caribbean waters. Out and About Pigskin Party 6:05 Saturday – Down Cellar Studio website, Ravelry Group FiberWorld back in August, so much fun! Tour de Fleece just ended,  2 Sat, Aug 29, 2020 – Sun, Sep 20, 2020 Vogue Knitting Live, Oct 8-11 – I think this is the 3rd online vogue live?  I have not attended personally but know several who have and loved it.  I might get tickets to this one as obviously January in NYC is not going to happen. If you have any events you’d like me to share please email me windsweptmonique@gmail.com   On the Run Well, I’ve definitely put on the COVID 19 so I’m trying to get back in shape

Show Notes:Intro - On the Needles - Dami - ~hat on the needles soon C.C. -~Surprise Socks for Lou on US1.5 (2.5mm), Pandia's Jewels Hand Dyed Yarn Super Sparkle in the Electric Pink colourwayProject bag from Nerd Bird Makery & Stitch Marker from Tilting PlanetFinished Projects - Dami - ~more babyccino socks! on US 4 (3.5mm), Bernat Softee Baby in Prince Pebbles colourwayC.C. -~2020 Preemie Hat #36 on US6 (4mm), Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in the Caution colourway & Bernat Softee Baby in the Mint colourway~I'll have two coffees and two cherry danishes to go please Cowl on US2 (2.75mm), Pandia’s Jewels Floofy in the Miss Woodhouse, Please Advise colourwayFlosstube - Begins at timestamp 11:07Dami - ~Rose bookmarkProject bag by Fat Cat CreatesNeedle Minder from SewHappyMailBristolSnipattie from cattycrosstitchesC.C. - ~Baa Baa Black Sheep by The Prairie SchoolerProject bag from Tilting Planet~Cats and Mandalas - February by Kitty and Me DesignsProject bag from Stitch ToolboxSnipattie from cattycrosstitchesNeedle Minder from Gecko Rouge~Edinburgh Castle by Terra Luna StitcheryNeedle Minder from TopKnotStitcherProject Bag from KnitRunDigGrime Guard from Crab Shack StitcherySnipattie from cattycrosstitchesUsing Pattern Keeper software on Kindle Fire 724,900 / 265,824 sts complete9.367% complete4 / 60 pages completeYummies (our current favourite things) - ~Gilmore Girls face masks from 3TurtleMoon on Etsy~2021 Happy Planner Cat Lady Planner~Just CrossStitch Christmas Ornaments 2020~Crafty Photo A Day Challenge - #GGKCraftyPAD - details for September hereWhat We're Watching, Reading, + Listening To - Please be aware that we do discuss recent tv show episodes that have aired in the last week or so. This is your spoiler warning!Episode 412 Bookshop List~So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Dami is reading~The Glass Scientists (webcomic) by Sabrina Cotungo - Dami is readingJuly / August / September 2020 RAL - 15 minutes of reading daily challenge* 88-92 of 92 days - 1 or more giveaways for eBook, everyone gets $1.20 off any single pattern coupon code & 88+ days RAL virtual badge * 61-87 of 92 days - 1 or more giveaways for single pattern, everyone gets 61+ days RAL virtual badge* #GGKRAL202020 RAL Yearlong Challenge~July / August / September* 92 days - 10 entries* 88-91 days - 8 entries* 61-87 days - 5 entries~October / November / December* 92 days - 10 entries* 88-91 days - 8 entries* 61-87 days - 5 entries~Read All 366 days - 10 bonus entries~Complete the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2020 Reading Challenge - 12 bonus entries [all or none] (we'll open a thread for you to post this in December 2020)~3 grand prize winners drawn from all the entries~After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity by David P. Gushee - C.C. is reading~They Called Us Enemy by George Takei - C.C. finished reading~Seven Transforming Gifts of Menopause: An Unexpected Spiritual Journey by Cheryl Bridges Johns - C.C. is reading~Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) - C.C. is rereading with Harry Potter & the Sacred Text podcast & Swish and Flick: An All Potter Podcast~Home Before Dark by Riley Sager - C.C. finished reading~Lucy Kincaid Series by Allison Brennan - C.C. finished reading Book 9~Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - C.C. finished reading~Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley - C.C. is reading~Movies - Serenity~Little Voice - finished watching Season 1~Firefly - finished rewatching series~Psych - rewatching Season 5~My Favourite Murder podcast~David Tennant Does a Podcast With… podcast~Unlocking Us With Brené Brown~Evolving Faith podcast~Cabin Pressure~Random Spotify PlaylistsSeptember / October / November Artistic Autumnal AL -*Runs from 1-September through 30-November*Details - any project you knit/crochet/weave/spin/stitch/sew that you can convince us relates to autumn*No WIPS - Your project must be begun no earlier than 1-September and finished no later than 30-November*Each project that you knit/crochet/weave/spin must be at least 20yds/18.3m that you finish and post in the Facebook Group FO Thread counts as 1 entry into the giveaways. If your project is not at least 20yds/18.3m, you need to group it in a single post with other projects that together total at least 20yds/18.3m. For stitching/sewing projects, we’ll leave it to your best judgment. If you wanted our official ruling, PM email us at ggkcspodcast@gmail.com*Feel free to poly-dip in other ALs as long as it fits in with other rules*Please complete our Google form in order to help us make sure you are receiving a prize that you'll actually enjoy using.*Prizes: If you’d like to donate one, email us at ggkcspodcast@gmail.comStitch Marker Sets made & donated by Julia of Pandia's Jewels - 1 Labyrinth & 1 Frankenstein - 2 winners will each win a random setOrange Camper bag by ArtByAna from RhondaJust CrossStitch Volume 37, No. 5 - October 2019Hilde’s Brew pattern by Michelle of Bendy Stitchy DesignsZipper Pouch & mini-skeins from Hillary*Must be a member of the our Facebook group ~ GGKCS Podcast / FlossTube to participate*Social Media Hashtag: #GGKCSAutumn20*Thread will be locked the morning of 1-December and winner(s) drawn on the next podcast following that*For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, ALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 30 days from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact us to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!*There is a Chatter Thread in our Facebook group so we can encourage each other along the way.Ask the Geeks - Emily asks:What is a good age to teach a kid to knit? What age did you both start knitting? My daughter is almost 7 and has asked to learn but I don’t want to teach her too young so she gets frustrated by it. She does loom knitting now. Any advice on how to teach her would be appreciated!We mention the Lion Brand 7 Inch, Size 10 Knitting Needles for Kids8th Podiversary Giveaways -Winners announced:Knitologie by KnitCrate Sheen - 1 skein of TitmouseUru.Yarn by KnitCrate Cotton Basic - 1 skein of PavementGary Patterson Cat Cross Stitch Kit from Lori (Lavisa)All of JavaPurl Designs single paid for patterns as PDFs emailed to youFor any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, ALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 30 days from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact us to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!Misc. - ~Changes to the podcast/FlossTube in the weeks ahead~Support the Podcast, Become A PatronEach week, we create a list on Bookshop of all the books we talk about in that week's episode. Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. If you purchase a book from our list, we earn a commission & local, independent bookstores also earn money from your purchase.~Want another way to help support our podcast? Throughout our website, links to books, tv shows, movies, etc. are Amazon Affiliate Links. We receive a portion of what you spend when you click through our website to shop on Amazon. What we receive helps us with the costs associated with producing this podcast as well as with prizes & shipping for giveaways. Thanks in advance for your support!If you are in the UK, please click this link, Amazon.co.uk, or the banner below to shop:If you are in Canada, please click this link, Amazon.ca or the banner below to shop:~For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, ALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 30 days from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact us to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!Find Us Online -C.C. -~ on Instagram as CC_JavaPurlDami - ~ on Instagram as damisdoodlesPink Purl - ~on Instagram as pinkiepurlJavaPurl Designs~ JavaPurl Designs websiteGGKCS -~ our Facebook group ~ GGKCS Podcast / FlossTube~ our Facebook page~ email us: ggkcspodcast@gmail.com~ on Apple Podcasts~ on YouTube~ Support the Podcast, Become a PatronUntil next time,

Watch the livestream every weekday at 12pm EST on Lion Brand's Facebook page!

Watch the livestream every weekday at 12pm EST on Lion Brand's Facebook page!

Watch the livestreams on Lion Brand's Facebook page weekdays at 12pm EST!

See the full livestream on Lion Brand's Facebook page.

See the full livestream on Lion Brand's Facebook page.

On this episode of The LoveCrafts Show we invited Shira Blumenthal from Lion Brand to chat with us! From the secret recipe to creating a stunning colour of the year, to standing up to bullying with the Hat not Hate campaign founded by Shira, Merion and Jamie dig deep into the behind the scenes of this iconic yarn brand.Tips, tricks, advice and a fair amount of silliness, this is The LoveCrafts Show!Don’t forget to send us lots of lovely messages, responses and questions to show@lovecrafts.com or you can send us a voice message!You can find the show notes with lots of links to all the lovely things we've been talking about here.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!Share this with a friend that might find it inspiring!

As June 16th comes closer, I am looking for help. My work partner offered some advice. I vocalize it in 2 ways. I discuss how I'm tagging myself better (post recordings). Plus building my theme song. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Shira Blumenthal is the Brand Ambassador for Lion Brand Yarns, and a fifth generation member of the brand-founding family. Shira travels the country to spread her anti-bullying campaign, #HatNotHate, and stars in the YouTube series Tea with Shira.

Our lovely sponsor this week: Care/Of For 25% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter code VERYPINK. Casey’s interview is with Shira Blumenthal from Hat not Hate. You can find more information and a bunch of free knitting and crochet hat patterns on the Lion Brand website. Things we talk about in this episode: Learn to Knit Socks Toe-Up Socks Using German Short Rows Bulky Sleep Socks A good sock pattern after you’ve knit a pair or two - Toe Up Gusset Socks

This week's episode is sponsored by:             No matter what you need, the barmaids have you covered from head to toe. Face pudding to keep you smiling, Lolo lips keep them kissable, probiotic deodorant for keeping you fresh as a rose, oh for feet’s sake to keep your feet soft and sandal ready, and the Lolo body bar for everything in between. You can find all this - and more! at bar-maids.com   Dragonfly Fibers creates hand-dyed, artisan yarns and fibers in vivid and sophisticated colorways. We can be found in select local yarn shops and at fiber festivals such as Rhinebeck, Maryland Sheep and Wool, Vogue Knitting Live, STITCHES and SAFF. We also have a bi-monthly yarn club called Club Dragonfly. You can join on a pro-rated basis and receive three more shipments, with or without bonus swag. If you’re local to the Washington, DC area, please join us for our super-fun open house at our studio on Saturday, June 22nd from 12-4. We’re located at 4104 Howard Avenue in Kensington, Maryland. We have plenty of surprises in store! Chicagoland folks can find us at STITCHES Midwest in booths 304/306/308 from August 1st-4th in Schaumburg, Illinois. All of our products are available on our website, www.dragonflyfibers.com. Come see why we say that Dragonfly Fibers are the colors of happiness.     Every hobby needs organization, every project needs a place.  Erin.Lane bags helps you turn your fiber pasttime into neat and organized endeavor.  Our project bags, totes, and needle and notions organizers are everything you need to keep your fiber arts from fraying.   We all have it, we all snicker about it. Fun Fur. Whether it’s eyelash, boucle, or just generally furry, it’s hard to find projects for novelty yarn. With a sweet face, spiraling horns, and delightfully rotund body, Friendsheep by Cate Carter-Evans lets you transform your novelty and textured yarns into sweet, fleecy little friends. Pattern available on Ravelry; more info at infinitetwist.com     Books plus knitting plus happy memories. That’s Little Skein in the Big Wool. We make kits, yarn and project bags that bring your favorite stories to life. Find *your* favorite story at littleskein.com       On the Needles:(0:33) We are drooling over ice cream. The Perfect Scoop. Jasmin is making some progress on her Viajante. Gigi is working on the green part of the Welcome blanket in Berroco Comfort. 45  green squares are done so far, have yarn for one more, 48 purple squares. Jasmin’s Dissent Cardigan is separated for the armholes!   She remains  enthusiastic about Knitcompanion Gigi is working on  the Joker and the Thief shawl by Melanie Berg. Yarn from Stitches 2018   Jasmin has separated the sleeves on her #chooseyourownadventureKAL Sprig in Squashblossom yellow and is zooming down the body. Gigi suggests buttons by Sheila Ernst Jasmin mentions the pleased expression on @antigonaNYC on Instagram in her Tundra Pullover. She also loves A Verb For Keeping Warm Jasmin is making progress on the front on her  Myrna top by Joan Michael-McGowan out of Tess Yarns microfiber ribbon. Gigi is knitting the Long Pure Garter Stitch Mitts, by Cat Bordhi, in Forbidden Fiber Co, Merino Nylon Stellina in Coal Train Gigi is back working on the Rocky Coast cardigan. Jasmin mentions Sally Fox Gigi is knitting more socks out of Patons Kroy, both need to be kitchenered and afterthought heeled. Events: (23:46): - #ChooseYourOwnAdventureKAL is BACK ON! - Stash Dash :May 24 till August 24 - May  31 till end of August: Two Ewes Knot along Not knitting, crochet, spinning or weaving -Tour de Fleece: July 6-28,   Mother Knows Best:(25:44) This week we discuss Franklin Habit’s  from the Lion Brand blog piece about the things we leave behind. Jasmin mentions custom label logo design by Julie.   When Knitting Attacks:(41:11) Gigi is working on Cat Bordhi wristers.  Edges are not crisp, but loose and flaring.  Frogged. Will slip 1st stitch.  Yarn lost color all over my hands.     Review:(44:07) The Art of Circular Yokes, by Kerry Bogert   Tour de Fleece Training:(1:02:46) Week 3:  take 25g and spin a sample to test both your fiber, and your wheel.   Join Team Sasquatch if you haven't done so already. Also, be mindful of your body. Ergonomics. Make sure you are Knitting Comfortably   And Sew On:(1:04:03) Sewing machine is back. Jasmin really likes Ray’s sewing in SJ.   Aki's Bakery is now closed. No link.

Guests: Amanda Hickman: @amandabee | GitHub Amberley Romo: @amberleyjohanna | GitHub | Blog In this episode, Amanda Hickman and Amberley Romo talk about how they paired up to get the safety pin, spool of thread, and the knitting yarn and needles emojis approved by the Unicode Committee so that now they are available for use worldwide. They also talk about how their two path crossed, how you can pitch and get involved in making your own emojis, and detail their quest to get a regular sewing needle approved as well. Resources: Unicode Technical Committee Draft Emoji Candidates The Unicode Consortium Members Sewing-Emoji Repo Proposal for Sewing NEEDLE AND THREAD Emoji This show was produced by Mandy Moore, aka @therubyrep of DevReps, LLC. Transcript: ROBERT: Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 112 of The Frontside Podcast. I'm Robert DeLuca, a software developer here at the Frontside and I'll be your episode host. With me as co-host is Charles Lowell. Hey, Charles. CHARLES: Hello, Robert. Good morning. ROBERT: Good morning. This is an exciting podcast. Today, we're going to be discussing writing a proposal to the Unicode Committee, getting it accepted and rejected. This is basically making emojis which I think is really awesome. We have two guests today who have an amazing story, Amanda Hickman and Amberley Romo. Thank you both for joining us. You two have an amazing story that I would really love to dive into and we're going to do that today. It's about basically creating your own emoji and getting that accepted so everybody can use that and I think that's super, super cool, something that I've always kind of wanted to do as a joke and it seems like that's kind of where your stories began, so you two want to jump in and start telling? I think Amanda has a great beginning to this. AMANDA: Sure. I mean, hi and thanks for having me. I don't know where to begin and really for me, this starts with learning to sew my own clothes which is an incredibly exasperating and frustrating process that involves a lot of ripping stitches back out and starting over and Instagram was a really big part of me finding patterns and finding other people who are sewing their own clothes and learning from the process. I wanted to be able to post stuff on Instagram and it started to drive me absolutely crazy, that there's emojis for wrenches and nuts and hammers and there are no textile emoji. The best I could find was scissors which is great because cutting patterns is a place where I spend a lot of time procrastinating but that was it. I knew a woman, Jennifer 8 Lee or Jenny who had led a campaign to get the dumpling emoji into the Unicode character set. I knew she'd succeeded in that but I didn't really know much more about how that had worked. I started thinking I'm going write a sewing emoji. I can do this. I can lead this campaign. I started researching it and actually reached out to Jenny and I discovered that she has created an entire organization called... What was that called? She's created an entire organization called Emojination, where she supports people who want to develop emoji proposals. CHARLES: Before you actually found the support system, you actually made the decision that you were going to do this and you found it. You know, from my perspective, I kind of see emoji is this thing that is static, it's there, it's something that we use but the idea that I, as an individual, could actually contribute to that. I probably, having come to that fork in the road would have said, "Nah, it's just it is what it is and I can't change it." What was the process in your mind to actually say, "You know what? I'm actually going to see if I can have some effect over this process?" AMANDA: It definitely started with a lot of anger and being just consistently frustrated but I knew that someone else had already done this. It was sort of on my radar that it was actually possible to change the emoji character set. I think that if I didn't know Jenny's story and it turned out I didn't know Jenny story at all but I thought I knew Jenny story but if I didn't know that basic thing that that somebody I knew who was a mere mortal like me had gone to the Emoji Subcommittee of the Unicode Consortium and petition them to add a dumpling emoji, I am sure that I wouldn't bother. But I knew from talking to her that there was basically a process and that there were a format that they want proposal in and it's possible to write them a proposal. I knew that much just because I knew Jenny. I think at that point, when I started thinking about this, the Emoji 9 -- I should be more of an expert on that actually, on emoji releases but a new release of emoji had come out. There were a bunch of things in that release and it got a little bit of traction on Twitter. I knew that the Unicode Consortium had just announced a whole new slate of emoji, so I also was generally aware that there was some kind of process by which emoji were getting released and expanded and updated. ROBERT: That's interesting. Do you know when that started? Because it seems like Apple started to add more emojis around like iOS 7 or something but it was pretty static for a while right? Or am I wrong? AMANDA: I actually am tempted to look this up but the other piece that is not irrelevant here is that at the time, I was working at a news organization called BuzzFeed that you may have heard of -- ROBERT: Maybe, I don't know. It sounds kind of familiar. AMANDA: I do feel like people kind of know who they are. I was surrounded by emoji all the time: in BuzzFeed, in internet native of the highest order and we had to use emoji all the time and I had to figure out how to get emoji into blog post which I didn't really know how to do before that. I can put them on my phone but that was it. I was immersed in emoji already. I knew that there was a project called Emojipedia, that was a whole kind of encyclopedia of emoji. One of my colleagues at BuzzFeed, a woman named Nicole Nguyen had written a really great article about the variation in the dance emoji. If you look at the dance emoji, one of the icons that some devices use is this kind of woman with her skirt flipping out behind her that looks like she's probably dancing a tango and then one of the icons that other character sets use and other devices use is a sort of round, yellow lumping figure with a rose in its mouth that you sort of want to hug but it's definitely not to impress you with its tango skill. She had written this whole article about how funny it was that you might send someone this very cute dumpling man with [inaudible] and what they would see was sexy tango woman. I think there was some discussion, it was around that time also that Apple replaced the gun emoji with a water gun. There was some discussion of the direction that the various emoji's face. One of the things that I learned around that time was that every device manufacturer produces their own character set that's native to their devices and they look very different. That means that there's a really big difference between putting a kind of like frustrated face with a gun pointing at it, which I don't really think of it as very funny but that sort of like, "I'm going to shoot myself" is very different from pointing the gun the other way which is very much like, "I'm shooting someone else," so these distinctions, what it means that the gun emoji can point two different ways when it gets used was also a conversation that was happening. None of that answers your question, though which is when did the kind of rapid expanse of emoji start to happen. ROBERT: I feel like the story is setting in the place there, though because it seems like there's a little bit of tension there that we're all kind of diverging here a little bit and it's sort of driving back towards maybe standardization. AMANDA: There's actually, as far as I know, no real move toward standardization but the Unicode Consortium has this committee that actually has representatives from definitely Apple and Microsoft and Google and I forget who else on the consortium. Jenny 8 Lee is now on the consortium and she's on the Emoji Subcommittee but they actually do get together and debate the merits of adding additional emoji, whether they're going to be representative. One of the criteria is longevity and I tend to think of this as the pager problem. There is indeed a pager emoji and I think that the Unicode Consortium wants to avoid approving a pager emoji because that was definitely a short-lived device. CHARLES: Right. I'm surprised that it actually made it. Emoji must be older than most people realize. AMANDA: My understanding is that very early Japanese computers had lots emoji. There's a lot of different Japanese holidays that are represented in emoji, a lot of Japanese food as well are represented in emoji, so if you look through the foods, there's a handful of things that haven't added recently but a lot of the original emoji definitely covered Japanese cuisine very well. ROBERT: I definitely remember when I got my first iPhone that could install iPhone OS 2, you would install an app from the App Store that then would allow you to go toggle on the emoji keyboard but you had to install an app to do it and that's kind of where the revolution started, for me at least. I remember everybody starting to sending these things around. AMANDA: But if you look at Emojipedia, which has a nice kind of rundown of historical versions of the Unicodes, back in 1999, they added what I think of as the interrobang, which is the exclamation/question mark together and a couple of different Syriac crosses. Over the years, the committee has added a whole series of wording icons and flags that all make sense but then, it is around, I would say 2014, 2015 that you start to get the zipper mouth and rolling your eyes and nerd face and all of the things that are used in conversation now -- the unicorn face. ROBERT: My regular emojis. AMANDA: Exactly. CHARLES: It certainly seems like the push to put more textile emoji ought to clear the hurdle for longevity, seeing there's kind of like, what? Several millennia of history there? And just kind of how tightly woven -- pun intended -- those things are into the human experience, right? AMANDA: Definitely. Although technically, there's still no weaving emojis. CHARLES: There's no loom? AMANDA: There's no loom and I think that a loom would be pretty hard to represent in a little 8-bit graphic but -- CHARLES: What are the constraints around? Because ultimately, we've already kind of touched on that the emoji themselves, their abstract representations and there are a couple of examples like the dancing one where the representation can vary quite widely. How do they put constraints around the representation versus the abstract concept? AMANDA: You don't have to provide a graphic but it definitely kind of smooths the path if you do and it has to be something that's representable in that little bitty square that you get. It has to be something representable in a letter-size square. If it's not something that you can clearly see at that size, it's not going to be approved. If it's not something you can clearly illustrate at that size in a way that's clearly distinct from any other emoji and also that's clearly distinct from anything else of that image could be, it's not going to be approved. Being able to actually represented in that little bitty size and I don't know... One of sort of sad fact of having ultimately worked with Emojination on the approval process is that we were assigned an illustrator and she did some illustrations for us and I never had to look at what the constraints were for the illustration because it wasn't my problem. ROBERT: Sometimes, that's really nice. AMANDA: Yes, it's very nice. I ended up doing a lot of research. What made me really sad and I don't want to jump too far ahead but one of things that made me really sad is we proposed the slate and the one thing that didn't get approved was the sewing needle and it also didn't get rejected, so it's in the sort of strange nether space. That's kind of stuck in purgatory right now. I did all this research and learned that the oldest known sewing needle is a Neanderthal needle so it predates Homo sapiens and it's 50,000 years old. CHARLES: Yeah. Not having a sewing needle just seem absurd. AMANDA: Yeah. We have been sewing with needles since before we were actually human being. ROBERT: That's a strong case. AMANDA: Yes, that's what I thought. If I sort go back to my narrative arc, I wanted to do a sewing needle and started researching it a little bit -- CHARLES: Sorry to keep you interrupting but that's literally the one that started this whole journey. AMANDA: Yes, I wanted a sewing needle and I really wanted a sewing needle. I did a little research and then I reach out to Jenny and to ask her if she had any advice. She said, "You should join my Slack," and I was like, "Oh, okay. That's the kind of advice." She and I talked about it and she said that she thought that it made more sense to propose a kind of bundle of textile emoji and I decided to do that. She and I talked it through and I think the original was probably something closer to knitting than yarn but we said knitting, a safety pin, thread and needle were the ones that kind of made the most sense. I set about writing these four proposals and one of the things that they asked for was frequently requested. One other thing that I will say about the proposal format is that they have this outline structure that is grammatically very wonky. They ask you to assert the images distinctiveness and they also ask you to demonstrate that it is frequently requested. I found a couple of really interesting resources. One, Emojipedia which is this sort of encyclopedia of emoji images and history maintains a list of the top emoji requests. I actually don't know how they generate that list or who's requesting that and where but I think it's things that they get emailed about and things people request in other contexts and sewing and knitting, I've done on that list and I started compiling it in 2016. ROBERT: To be a part of the proposal process, to show that it is requested, without that resource, you just start scouring Facebook and Twitter and history and shouting to people like, "I really want this emoji. Why it didn't exist?" That seems pretty hard. AMANDA: Actually our proposals all have Twitter screen shots of people grousing about the absence of knitting emoji and yarn emoji and sewing emoji. I know that Emojipedia, they do a bunch of research so they go out and look at based what people are grousing about on Twitter. They look at places where people are publicly saying like, "It's crazy that there's no X emoji," and that's part of their process for deciding what kinds of emojis people are asking for. Their research was one resource but we took screenshots of people saying that they needed a safety pin emoji and that was part of making the case. One of the things that I found as I was doing that research was that, I guess at this point it was almost two years ago, when the character set that included the dumpling emoji came out, there was a bunch of grousing from people saying, "Why is there not a yarn emoji?" There was a writing campaign that I think Lion Brand had adopted. Lion Brand yarn had put in this tweet saying like, "Everyone should complain. We needed a yarn emoji," but it doesn't matter how much you yell on Twitter. If you don't actually write a proposal, you're not going to get anywhere. I had been told that the Emoji Subcommittee, they're really disinclined to accept proposals that had a corporate sponsor, so they weren't going to create a yarn emoji because Lion Brand yarns wanted them to create a yarn emoji. ROBERT: Right, so it was like counter-peer proposal. AMANDA: Right. But as I was digging around the other thing I found was this woman in... I actually don't know if you're in Dallas or Austin but I found Amberley, who also put a post on Twitter and had started a petition, asking people to sign her petition for a yarn emoji proposal or a knitting emoji. I don't remember if it was a yarn emoji or a knitting emoji but I found her petition and reached out to her to ask if she was interested in co-authoring the proposal with me because she had clearly done the work. She actually had figured out how the system worked at that point. I think she knew who she was petitioning, at least. I reached out to Amberley and we worked together to refine our proposal and figure out what exactly we wanted to request. I think there were a bunch of things that were on the original list like knitting needles, yarn and needles. I think crocheting would have been on the original list. We were sort of trying to figure out what was the right set of requests that actually made sense. ROBERT: So then, this is where Amberley stories comes in and it is interesting too because she has entirely different angle for this. Maybe not entirely different but different than outright. This kind of ties back to the word software podcast mostly. It kind of ties back to the software aspect, right? AMBERLEY: Yeah. I think, really they're kind of separate stories on parallel tracks. My motivation was also two-fold like Amanda's was, where I started knitting in 2013 and I had a really good group of nerd friends with a little yarn shop up in DC, like a stitch and ditch group -- ROBERT: I love it. AMBERLEY: It was a constant sort of like, where's the insert emoji here, like where's the yarn emoji? Where's the knitting emoji? And we would sort of sarcastically use the spaghetti emoji because it was the most visually similar but that was something that was in the back of my mind but it teaches you a lot about yourself too because I was like, "Oh, this is like fiber art, not really an emoji. It's kind of technical, like on a tech space," and I didn't really connect that it was relevant or that I might have any power to change it. It just didn't occur to me at the time. ROBERT: Interesting. I feel like a lot of people are in that similar situation or maybe not situation, even though you can make change on this. AMBERLEY: Right, so my brain didn't even make it like, "Why isn't this a thing? let me look at how to make the thing." When that happened for me, Amanda mentioned using emoji and everything in the BuzzFeed space. I love how you explained BuzzFeed a while ago, it's my favorite description of BuzzFeed I ever heard. Something similar that happened for me was I was a software developer and in 2016, the Yarn package manager was released and that kind of turned something on in my head. That was like I'm seeing all these software engineers now be like, "Where's the yarn emoji?" and I'm like, "Welcome to the club." ROBERT: "Do you want to join our Slack? We can complain together." AMBERLEY: Right. It has been like a pretty decent amount of time, I'm semi-seriously ranting and complaining to my coworkers who were primarily male software engineers. I remember I went to [inaudible] in the Frost Bank Tower after work and was just like, "I'm going to figure out how this happens," and I spent a couple hours at the coffee shop. I found the Unicode site and I found their proposal process and their structure for the proposal and everything and I just started doing the research and drafting up a proposal specifically for yarn. Maybe it was a bit naive of me but to me it was like, "Okay, here's the process. I follow the process. Cool." I mean, you have to make a case and it has to be compelling and has to be well-written and it has to be supported and all that and that to me it was like, "Okay, there's a process. At the same time, I did read about the dumpling emoji but I didn't connect it to Emojination and they had started the Kickstarter. We should talk about this later but I think the sort of idea the issue of representation on the committee and who gets to define language is really interesting but I saw that they had done the Kickstarter and there was a campaign aspect to it, so I ended up just building up this simple site so that if anyone Google, they would find yarn emoji. It's still up at YarnEmoji.com and that was how Amanda found me. I got this random email, I sort of like had this burst of energy and I did all the research and I wrote the draft, sort of piecemeal, filling out the different sections of the way they have it outlined on the Unicode site and then I feel like a month or two went by and I had kind of not looked at it for a bit and then, I get this random email from this website that I almost forgot about. It was like, "Hey, I'm working on this series of proposals. If you're working on knitting or yarn or whatever, maybe we could work together," and I was like, "Well, that's sweet." Then she opened up this whole world to me. There's this whole Emojination organization, sort of 100% devoted to democratizing the process of language formation through creating emojis and so then, I got really into that. My primary motivator was yarn. CHARLES: So what's the status of the yarn spool, those emoji right now? AMBERLEY: The yarn, the spool of thread and the safety pin, they're all approved emoji for the 2018 released. Amanda and I are actually at the end. Amanda, a couple of months ago when I saw someone used the spool thread emoji for a Twitter thread -- you know how people will be like all caps thread and have a thread of tweets -- I saw someone do that just out of the blue. I was like, "Oh, my God. Is it out?" and the thing about these individual vendors, it sort of gets released piecemeal, so at the time Twitter have I think released their versions of this series of new emoji but others hadn't. CHARLES: How does that work? Because you think the Twitter would be kind of device depending on what browser you're using, like if you're on a Windows or a Mac or a Linux Box, right? ROBERT: -- Emoji set, right? I know Facebook does this too. AMBERLEY: I'm painfully aware that Facebook does it because I can't use the crossed finger emoji on Facebook because it actually gives me nightmares. ROBERT: I have to go look at this now. AMBERLEY: Because it's so creepy-looking. CHARLES: Okay. Also like Slack, for example is another. It's like a software-provided emoji set. AMANDA: Right. AMBERLEY: I'm not totally sure that Slack actually adheres to the standard Unicode set. I think it's kind of its own thing but I might be wrong about that. AMANDA: Sorry, Slack definitely supports the full Unicode set. They also have a bunch of emoji that they've added that aren't part of the set. AMBERLEY: Slack emojis? AMANDA: Yes. CHARLES: Yeah and then every Slack also has its kind of local Slack emoji. AMBERLEY: Right. CHARLES: But how does that work with --? ROBERT: Okay, this crossed-finger Facebook emoji is... yes, I agree with you, Amberley. AMBERLEY: Thank you. I had yet to find someone who disagrees with me about that. AMANDA: I have never seen it before and I'm now like, "What is going on?" CHARLES: Yeah, so how does it work if a vendor like Twitter is using a different emoji set? How does that work with cut and paste, like if I want to copy the content of one tweet into something else? Are they using an image there? AMANDA: They're using an image. I think it's doesn't happen as much anymore but for a long time, I would often get texts from people and the text message would have that little box with a little code point in it and you were like -- AMBERLEY: More like an alien thing? AMANDA: Yeah. Definitely, if you don't have the emoji character set that includes the glyph that you're looking at, you're going to get that little box that has a description of the code point and I think what's happening is that Twitter is using JavaScript or generally programming. There were air quotes but you can't see. Twitter is using their software to sub in their emoji glyph whenever someone enters that code point. Even if you don't have the most up to date Unicode on your computer, you can still see those in Twitter. If I copy and paste it into a text editor on my computer, what I'm going to see is my little box that says '01F9F5' in it but if I get it into Twitter, it shows up. I can see them on Twitter but I can't see them anywhere else. AMBERLEY: Damn, you really have the code point memorized? AMANDA: No, I -- CHARLES: Oh, man. I was really hoping -- AMBERLEY: Oh, man. ROBERT: You live and breathe it. AMANDA: No, I'm not that compulsive. AMBERLEY: We definitely have our emojis on our Twitter bios, though. AMANDA: Absolutely. ROBERT: If you see Amanda's bio, it's pretty great. AMANDA: They started showing up on Twitter and I think that somebody in Emojination probably told me they were out and that was when I first started using them. Amberley might have actually seen it. It sounds like you just saw it in the wild, which is kind of amazing. AMBERLEY: I saw it in the wild with this tweet thread and yeah, it's just [inaudible]. I was like, "Amanda, is it out?" CHARLES: Yeah, I feel like I saw that same usage too, although I obviously did not connect any dots. AMANDA: This last week, October 2nd -- I'm also looking things up. I'm just going to come to the fact that I am on a computer looking things up so I can fact check myself -- after they actually released their emoji glyph set, so by now any updated iOS device should have the full 2018 emoji, which in addition to a kind of amazing chunky yarn and safety pin, there's also a bunch of stuff. There's a broom and a laundry basket. There's a bunch of really basic, kind of household stuff that certainly belongs in the character set alongside wrenches and hammers. AMBERLEY: I think one of the big ones too for this year was the hijab? AMANDA: No, the hijab actually came out with a dumpling. Hijab has been available -- AMBERLEY: It's been up, okay. ROBERT: So did it come with iOS 12 or 12.1? I don't know for sure. I just know -- AMANDA: I'm looking at it and it's 12.1. I really feel that I should be ashamed that I have used the internet and search for this. AMBERLEY: I would say, I have no idea what their release numbers are. AMANDA: [inaudible] as it appeared for the first time in iOS for 2018 with today's release of the iOS 12.1, Beta 2 for developers. ROBERT: That is amazing. Do you get some kind of satisfaction -- like you have to, right? -- from people using the emoji and it's starting to make its way out there? AMANDA: So much. Oh, my God, yeah. AMBERLEY: I didn't really expect it, like saying that random tweet using this spool of thread for a tweet thread. I just thought and I just got so psyched. For me, I'm a knitter. I have knitter friends and it started with yarn and then really, Amanda and through Amanda, Jenny really sort of broadened my idea of what it all really meant. To think someone using it in the wild for a totally different application than I had ever thought of was like, "That's legit." AMANDA: I definitely have a sewing emoji search in my tweet deck and sometimes, when I'm feeling I need a little self-validation, I'll go look over there and find people who are saying things like, "Why is there no sewing emoji?" and I'll just reply with all the sewing emoji, like it is part of my work in this life to make sure that not only do they exist but people know about them. ROBERT: That is awesome. I would do the same thing, though to be honest. You'll be proud of that. AMANDA: Totally. ROBERT: Were there any hitches in the proposal process? I know we're kind of alluded to it but the thing that you started off one thing, Amanda didn't make it. Right? AMANDA: I know. ROBERT: So how did that process happen from you two meet each other and then going through the actual committee and the review process and then being accepted. What would that mean? AMANDA: The process is actually incredibly opaque. We wrote this whole proposal, a bunch of people edited it, which is one of the other nice things about collaborating with Emojination. There was a bunch of people who are just really excited about emoji and the kind of language making that Amberley was talking about. There's a whole bunch of people who just jumped in and gave us copy edits and feedback, which was super helpful and then, there was a deadline and we submitted it to the committee and it actually shows up in the Unicode register which is also a very official kind of document register. I was a little excited about that too but then they have their meeting. They first have a meeting and there's like a rough pass and the Emoji Subcommittee makes formal recommendations to the Unicode Consortium and then the consortium votes to accept or reject the Emoji Subcommittee's recommendations. It's a very long process but unless you're going and checking the document file and meeting minutes from the Unicode Consortium meetings, you'll never going to know that it happen. AMBERLEY: -- You know someone connected through there because one of the things in our first pass, it wasn't that it was rejected. It was that we needed to modify something. We do have art for knitting needles with yarn because at one point, I think we weren't totally sure that a ball of yarn would be visually distinct enough in this emoji size to look like yarn and so, we had put it with sort of knit piece on knitting needles. AMANDA: Oh, that's right. There was a tease of a little bit of knitted fabric. AMBERLEY: Right and I think that, probably through Jenny or the people actually in the room, the feedback I remember is that there is a crocheter in the room who was like, "Yeah, why isn't there a yarn emoji but knitting needle?" so there was a little bit of like that was how I think we ended up from knitting needles with a fiber piece to ball of yarn, maybe. AMANDA: I think that sounds right. I'm actually sure of that. It's just all coincide with my recollection. There were some things that they had questions about and that happened really fast because I feel like we had a couple of days and they have stuck to our guns and said, "No, we're only interested in knitted bit of fabric." Also, we worked with an illustrator and went back and forth with her because the initial piece that she had illustrated, I feel like the knitting needles were crossing in a way. That was not how knitting works and so, there was a little bit of back and forth around that as well. But then once they decided that the they like the thread, yarn and safety pin, we're going to move to the next stage. I actually had to go back and look at the minutes to find out that the two reasons that they didn't move the sewing needle on to the next stage is when they thought it was adequately represented by the thread, which I wholeheartedly disagree with and they thought it wasn't visually distinctive. That's so much harder because a sewing needle, which is really just a very fine piece of metal with an eye at the end, you get down to a really small size and it is maybe a little hard to know what you're looking at. But I think there's such a big difference between the static object which is the spool or the thread which represents a lot of things and is important and the needle, which is the active tool that you use to do the making, to do the mending, to do the cobbling. CHARLES: Yeah. I'm surprised that it almost isn't reversed when certainly in my mind, which I think is more culturally important in terms of the number of places which it appears, it's definitely the needle as being kind of... Yeah. AMANDA: Yeah and I think that the thread and yarn, they're important and I think that the decision to have a ball of yarn rather than a bit of knitting makes sense because there's a lot of things that you can use a ball of yarn that aren't just knitting and they think that -- AMBERLEY: And it's the first step too that doesn't exclude anyone in the fiber art community. AMANDA: But there's so many things like in sutures and closing wounds, you're not using a little spool of cotton thread for that or polyester thread and stuff like embroidery and beadwork, you might be using thread or fiber of some sort that started on a spool but you might not. Embroidery floss was not sold in a spool and there's all these places where we use needles and all kinds of different size and you don't always use thread. Sometimes, you're using yarn. Sometimes, you're using leather cord. Sometimes, you're using new bits of, I would say Yucca. You're using plant fibers to do baskets and in all of these different practices, that process of hooking it through the eye and sewing it is how it's actually made. It still sort of mystifies me why they haven't accepted it but they also didn't reject it, which is really interesting. I don't know how many other emoji are sort of sitting in this weird nether space because sometimes they just reject them outright. I think there was a proposal for a coin that they just said no. ROBERT: They were a like, "A coin?" That would be [inaudible]. AMANDA: Oh, God. ROBERT: They have to add one for every -- AMANDA: [inaudible]. CHARLES: Literally, the pager of 2017. AMANDA: Exactly. CHARLES: So what recourse is now available to you all and to us, by extension, to get the sewing needle? AMANDA: I'm actually working on a revised proposal and I've been trying to figure out what are all the arguments that I'm missing for why sewing and the needle are not adequately represented by the thread and yarn. A bunch of things that a friend of my named, Mari who's half-Japanese, half-American but lives in Guatemala and does all this kind of arts in textile work, pointed out that there's a whole holiday in Japan devoted to bringing your broken needles and thanking them for their service. I thought that was really cool. I've been trying to formulate what are all of the arguments for the necessity of both a needle and a spool. If anybody has interesting ways to phrase that, I would love for arguments. CHARLES: Yeah but it's hard to imagine the arguments is just anything being more compelling than the arguments the you just laid out that you named about seven context: shoemaking, medicine, different fibers where the needle operates completely and totally independent of the thread. It's looming so large in kind of our collective conscious like holidays, being dedicated to them, except I think the Cro-Magnon pager, which is made out of stone, I believe, the being the artifact that pre-dates... AMANDA: There's the idiom landscape as well. Things like finding a needle in a haystack, that has a very specific meaning -- ROBERT: And for puns. I've been resisting saying a pun this whole time. AMANDA: Oh, share your pun with us. AMBERLEY: Yeah, you have to say it. ROBERT: Well, you could say that trying to get this through the committee is like threading a needle. Butchered but -- AMANDA: There's a biblical quote about getting into heaven -- a camel through the eye of a needle. I forget actually how it... CHARLES: To thread a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. AMANDA: Exactly and there's this sort of do-re-mi, saw, a needle pulling thread. There are all these places where it's about the needle and somebody had -- CHARLES: It's primarily ancient. AMANDA: I know. CHARLES: It is the prime actor. Maybe, this is a good segue into kind of talking about the makeup of the committee and the decision making process and these kind of what seem like very clear arguments might not be received as such. AMANDA: I certainly don't want to say anything bad about anybody on the committee. CHARLES: No, no, I don't think that there's anything bad. I think that being receptive to things which are familiar to us versus with things that aren't is a very natural human thing and it can be interesting to see that at work and at play. AMANDA: The Unicode Consortium is also evaluating all of these requests for whole language glyphs sets. Lots of languages and lots of character sets that are kind of obvious, like there has to be a sort of like character set like there has to be an Arabic character set but there are a lot of languages that have been left out of that because they're very small minority languages or they are historical languages, where the actual writing is no longer written the same way but there's historical reasons to be able to represent those characters. One of the reasons why the Emoji Subcommittee cares about what gets into the formal character set is that everybody has to accommodate it and there's already been, I think some grousing. People start to moan and groan about how there's too many emoji, then it's too hard to find things. CHARLES: And there's no take backs. AMANDA: There's no take backs. You can't undo it. The committee is made up of representatives from a lot of tech companies primarily, although there's a couple of other kind of odd additional folks on there. I do try to find the committee list and I can find it right now. AMBERLEY: I have it from Emojination. I don't know if it's up to date but Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, Google, Facebook, Shopify and Netflix. The other voting members -- ROBERT: Shopify? AMBERLEY: Yeah, right? The others being the German software company, SAP and the Chinese telecom company, Huawei and the Government of Oman. AMANDA: Yeah, the Government of Oman is a fascinating one. I don't think they're the ones that are biting us on this. Especially for those tech companies, every time the emoji character set adds 10 or 12 emoji, they don't have to accommodate it on their devices. They have to put illustrators on it, they have to deal with everyone saying that the crossed fingers emoji in Facebook looks like I-don't-even-know-what. AMBERLEY: Hey, Amanda. AMANDA: It's all your fault. There's a whole process and there's non-trivial work associated with every single new emoji, so wanting to put the brakes on a little bit and be intentional about where and when they apply that work, it doesn't seem crazy to me. I just want them to approve the thing that I want. AMBERLEY: I like the way that Emojination captures it. I looked at their website earlier and actually, they take it down but their goal quote "Emojination wants to make emoji approval an inclusive representative process." There has to be a process. There's overhead involved but looking at the makeup of the decision makers are not a trivial question. CHARLES: Right. This is a great example like [inaudible] metaphor but these little artifacts, these emojis are literally being woven to the fabric of a global culture and certainly, everybody uses them and they become part of the collective subconscious. It does seem like very important to be democratic in some way. It sounds like there is a process but making sure that everyone has a stake. AMBERLEY: Yeah. ROBERT: What was the reason that they gave for not accepting the needle and thread? Was it like a soft no? You said it's like just hanging out, not really rejected but not accepted. We're going to drop a link in the show notes for the proposal and your GitHub and everything. I'm looking at the PDF that was put together and it seems like it was all a package deal like we talked about. How do they just draw or they just take like a lawyer would, just like draw or cross it out like, "Well, no but we'll take the other ones." AMANDA: Yes, basically. What they did is they need to discuss and I don't know how long they've been meeting but they need to discuss all of the proposals that have been supplied by a particular deadline and -- ROBERT: That sounds painful. AMANDA: Yeah, I mean, it's -- ROBERT: Just imagine the power of thinking about emojis. AMANDA: One of the things that they rejected, I think because there's the smiling poo face. Somebody wanted a frowning poo face and they rejected that. There's a bunch of things that actually do get rejected. I don't know if they've been really care about a smiling poo face versus a frowning poo face. ROBERT: What about an angry one? AMANDA: We got all the feelings of poo. ROBERT: We got important work to do here. AMANDA: But they go through when they're trying to figure out. I think to some degree, you want to get them when they're not tired but I think the status that it's listed right now is committee pushback, so they've set it aside until we have some concerns. We're not going to reject it outright but we're not really sure why this isn't adequately represented. Then their most recent meeting, they just kind of passed on reconsidering it, which is fine because I think I was traveling and my proposal is not done. I really want to make sure that I have consolidated every imaginable argument in one place so -- ROBERT: And make it strong as possible. AMANDA: Yeah. If people want to help the other thing that would be amazing is any and all idioms that you can think of, especially ones that are not in English or European languages, idioms in Central European languages, idioms in Asian languages that refer to needles, either translations of the kind of classic, 'finding a needle in a haystack,' but also any idioms that are kind of unusual and specific to a culture outside of what I have experience with would be amazing for making the case, so this is an international need. ROBERT: Do they need any specific or actionable feedback or do they just say, "We're going to push back on this. We're just not quite sure?" AMANDA: The two things that we're in the minutes -- there are minutes and they publish the minutes to Unicode.org -- were it was not visually distinct, which is not totally crazy. We actually worked with an illustrator to get a different image. The first image was almost at 90 degrees. It was kind of straight up and down and it is a little hard to see and the second is -- ROBERT: Especially, because it's thin. AMANDA: The second image is actually a kind of stylized needle because it's fairly a little fatter and the eye is bigger but it's much more distinctively a needle. I'm hoping that that will also convince them but you have to be able to tell at a very small size that it's a needle. The other thing that they said was that sewing was already represented by the thread, that we didn't need thread and needle but it was literally one line in the minutes that referenced that and then it sort of like, "Did you have somebody in the room or not?" and so, if there is somebody on the committee who is willing to tell you really what their concerns were, then you have some sense of what they're looking for and why they're pushing back. When you can very much see in the earliest emoji character sets that I have a hammer and I have a wrench and I use them but there's these very conventionally male tools. We have all of the kind of office supplies but all of homemaking and housekeeping and textile production, none of them were there until very, very recently. I think it does reflect the gender of the people who've been making these tools, that sewing and knitting weren't important enough as human practices to be included in this glyph set. AMBERLEY: I guess, that's non-trivial to mention because that wasn't an argument that I made in my original yarn draft and Amanda and Jenny sort of pushing to open it up to this whole slate of craft emoji. I didn't realize until they brought that up. I took a stroll through pretty much the whole slate of emoji and you can count on almost one hand the number that represented the creative endeavors or sort of more traditionally known as creative things like camera or painting palette and stuff like that. It was extremely limited. AMANDA: I think they have stuff like that. I think there's a few different variations on the camera and then there's painting palette and that's it. AMBERLEY: Oh, there's the theater mask. AMANDA: Oh, that's right. There is the theater, the happy and sad -- AMBERLEY: And I don't know it exactly and I haven't read the minutes like Amanda has but I think and I hope that that was a particularly compelling piece of that argument. AMANDA: I think they definitely heard it. AMBERLEY: Yeah. CHARLES: Opening it up then, what else is coming in the way of craft? It sounds like this is historical but these pieces are being filled in not only with the work that you all are doing but by other emoji which you're appearing. AMANDA: Yes. CHARLES: And are you in contact with other people who are kind of associated with maybe craft and textiles and other kind of what you're labeling historically creative spaces? AMANDA: I don't think there are anymore with a possible exception. Someone's working on a vinyl record proposal which I think is great. CHARLES: Yeah, that's awesome. ROBERT: Antiquated, though. AMANDA: Maybe not, I don't know. AMBERLEY: Take a stroll through the Emojination Slack and people discussed that. AMANDA: Yeah. If you click at Emojination.org, the whole Airtable database is on there. There's not a lot of other creative ones. A friend of mine got really bent out of shape about the lack of alliums and wrote a whole slate proposal for leeks and scallions and garlic and onions. ROBERT: Oh, there is a garlic one, right? AMANDA: No. I mean, there is -- AMBERLEY: Actually, I'm looking at the Unicode page for current emoji candidates. They first get listed as... I forget the exact order. They become draft candidates and then provisional candidates or vice versa but I don't see any pending further creative ones but garlic and onion are on there. AMANDA: Yes. ROBERT: That makes my Italian a little happy. AMANDA: I think there's some prosthesis, the mechanical leg and the mechanical arm, a guide dog -- AMBERLEY: Ear with hearing aid, service dog. AMANDA: Yeah, there's a good chunk of interesting things that have been left out. I guess they've been approved by the subcommittee but are still waiting on final approval by the Unicode Consortium. ROBERT: Okay. What are the next steps that we can do to help push the thread and needle proposal through it. You mentioned a couple things like coming up with idioms that are in different languages and whatnot but how can we contact you and push this effort and help? AMANDA: That's such a good question. I don't even know. I mean, I am Amanda@velociraptor.info and you're totally welcome to email me if you want to help with this and I will -- ROBERT: That's a great domain, by the way. AMANDA: Unfortunately, there's no information about velociraptors anywhere on that site. ROBERT: That's the way it should be. AMANDA: But also, if you're excited about working on emoji proposals, Emojination is an incredibly great resource and folks there, including me actually will help you identify things that are on other people's wish lists that you could work on if you just want to work on something and we'll help you refine your proposal if you know what you want and we'll help you figure out whether it's worth putting the time in or not and how to make it compelling. You can definitely check out Emojination.org. I think there's a path to get on to the Slack from there. AMBERLEY: Oh, yeah. The Slack and the Airtable. AMANDA: Yeah. ROBERT: It sounds like there's a whole community that was born out of this, where everybody is trying to help each other and collaborate and get their shared ideas across. AMANDA: Definitely and there's a woman, Melissa Thermidor who is fantastic, who actually is a social media coordinator. It's her actual title but she works for the National Health Service in the UK and was tasked with getting a whole series of health-related emoji passed. There's a bunch of things that she's -- AMBERLEY: Is she's the one doing blood. AMANDA: She's doing blood. AMBERLEY: That's a good one. AMANDA: Because there's a lot of really important health reasons why you need to be able to talk about blood and getting blood and blood borne illnesses and -- AMBERLEY: That one was listed on the emoji candidate page or blood donation medicine administration. AMANDA: Yeah. ROBERT: That's really interesting, so she works for the government, right? and that was part of her job to do that? AMANDA: Yes. ROBERT: That's awesome, actually. I love that. AMANDA: Yeah, I think the drop of blood, the bandage and the stethoscope are the three that are in the current iteration, which is interesting because the existing medical emoji were the pill and that gruesome syringe with a little drops of fluid flying off of it, which do not do a lot to encourage people to go to the doctor. ROBERT: No, not at all. AMANDA: So a few more, we're welcoming medical emoji. ROBERT: You have a GitHub. Is that where you're still doing for the follow up and the prep work for the sewing emoji? AMANDA: Yeah, that's probably the best place. I do have a Google Docs somewhere but that's probably a better place to connect even than my ridiculous Velociraptor email. The GitHub -- ROBERT: But it's still awesome. AMANDA: It is awesome. I won't lie. I'm very proud of it. I am AmandaBee -- like the Bumble Bee -- on GitHub and the sewing emoji, the original proposals are there and I will make sure that there is information about how to plug into the revised needle proposal there as well. You guys are a tech podcast, so if people want to just submit suggestions as issues on that repository, that's awesome. We'll totally take suggestions that way. ROBERT: That would be pretty rad. Well, I appreciate you two being on the podcast. I love hearing your stories and how it ended up converging in parallel tracks but it end up achieving the same goal. Still unfinished, right? Let's see if we can help push this over the finish line and get it done because I would really like to see a needle. I could definitely use that in many of my conversations already now, making all kinds of puns. Thank you, Amanda for coming on and sharing your story. AMANDA: Thanks for having me. ROBERT: And thank you, Amberley for also coming on and sharing your story. This was super awesome. AMBERLEY: Yeah and thank you for connecting us to finally have a voice conversation. AMANDA: I know. It's great to actually talk to you, Amberley. CHARLES: Oh, wow, this is the first time that you actually talked in audio? AMANDA & AMBERLEY: Yeah. ROBERT: We're making things happen here. The next thing we have to do is get this proposal through and accepted. AMANDA: Yes. CHARLES: You've converted two new faithful sewing and needle partisans here and I'm in. AMANDA: Awesome. ROBERT: I know you've already gotten, what? Three through accepted? AMANDA: Yeah. ROBERT: We talked about that, it's got to be really awesome. I think I want to try and jump in and get that same satisfaction because a lot of people use emojis. AMANDA: Exactly. CHARLES: It definitely makes me think like you look at every single emoji and there's definitely a story. Especially for the ones that have been added more recently, there's a lot of work that goes into every single pixel. That represents a lot of human time, which I'm sure you all know, so thank you. AMANDA: Thanks for having us on. AMBERLEY: Yeah, thank you guys. ROBERT: Cool. That is the podcast. We are Frontside. We build UI that you can stick your future on. I really love this podcast because it wasn't necessarily technical but had a lot of interesting conversation about how to work with a proposal and probably make a bigger impact than any of us with software, just because the sheer reach that emojis have are insane and the fact that you can influence this process is new to me and really cool, so I hope a lot of other people learn from that too. If you have any feedback that you would like to give us on the podcast, we're always open to receive feedback. We have our doors and ears open, so if you like to send an email at Contact@Frontside.io or shoot us a tweet or DM us at @TheFrontside on Twitter. We'd love to hear it. Thank you, Mandy for producing the podcast. She always does an amazing job with it. You can follow her on Twitter at @TheRubyRep. Thanks and have a good one.

Holden has revealed its latest concept car, the Time Attack Racer online. Damn, it looks good. It's a slightly different concept to the ones we're used to from the Lion Brand, but there's still a fascinating story behind the Time Attack Concept Racer's conception, design and creation. Mike Stevens and Scott Collie talk to Richard Ferlazzo, Holden Design director, and Ewan Kingsbury, lead creative designer.

London Kaye has produced some amazing artworks with her crochet, both out in the wild and at industry events like the Craft and Hobby Association and Vogue Knitting Live. Join us to hear London speak about her art, and her new yarn line in collaboration with Lion Brand

In episode 104, Kestrel welcomes Margaux Rousseau, the Cofounder of WOOLN, to the show. A company that brings together talented New York grandmothers and curious shoppers, WOOLN has a supply chain of senior knitters in New York, who lovingly hand-knit each piece in their collection. "We have this community of older ladies who sometimes are a bit lonely, they usually stay home, and with WOOLN, they get together, they are part of a project, they have this feeling of belonging. You know, they are all very talented - what they do with their fingers is incredible."  -Margaux Rousseau, Cofounder of WOOLN In this episode, Margaux shares more of her story and what led her to have such a kindred alignment with knitting. When it comes to relaxation, she says, "it's even better than yoga for me."  Kestrel also asks Margaux about WOOLN's unique supply chain, from the animal welfare of the alpaca yarn from Peru, to "the grandmas" who knit their designs in New York City. For Margaux, it's all about looking at everyone involved in the process - from the production side to the conscious shoppers on the other side. The below thoughts, ideas + organizations were brought up in this chat: Lion Brand, biggest yarn company in the world, Margaux worked for them in the past AmyAnn Caldwell of The Good Trade (listen to our Conscious Chatter episode with her here) Recommended link from the intro: GlobeIn's Nasty Woman Box launching on International Women's Day: March 8th, 2018

What I am wearing    Pucker by Norah Gaughan   Projects in this episode   Curvy Girl Cable Cardigan by Bobbie Fitzgerald for Lion Brand   Yarn is Lion Brand Heartland - Royal Isle Tweed   All for One Comfort Blanket by Yarnspirations    Yarn is odds and ends of Bernat Pop!   Socks with Patons Kroy    Colors are Route 66 and Rainbow Stripes

Ilana Rabinowitz, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Lion Brand Yarn Company, joins the Content Pros Podcast to discuss how Lion Brand works with influencers to create and promote new products and engage with customers.   Special thanks to our sponsors: Vidyard Uberflip Convince & Convert: Four Ways to Fix Your Broken Content Marketing   In This Episode How to create opportunities for your customers to engage and advocate for your company How direct communication with your customers can help grow your business Why free content can be incredibly valuable How to reach out to influencers and even allow them to influence your business How to build and manage an effective influencer program   Resources Ilana Rabinowitz on Twitter - @Ilana221 The Four Ways to Fix Your Broken Content Marketing - bit.ly/brokencontent Visit ContentProsPodcast.com for more insights from your favorite content marketers.

      Knitting Segments   Knits in Rehearsal Mae Pullover by Andrea Mowry for #marchmowrymadness   V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli   Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure     I mentioned how I've been using a tracker in my knitting notebook to keep up with notes and how often I work on long term projects. Here are some links for more information about Bullet Journal Trackers.          35 Things to Track    Bullet Journal Trackers       Knitting News, Notes and Events #MarchMowryMadness will run through April 30, 2017. There is a chatter thread open and lively on Ravelry.   The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.   Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.   June 10, 2017 is World Wide Knit in Public Day.   Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017   We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting@gmail.com or contact me on Ravelry. Knitting Talk Back  Knitting Aches and Pains? I definitely have some from time to time. Check out these articles and blog posts for more information.   8 Warning Signs Your Knitting Could Give you RSI from the Knitting Loop   4 Ways to Avoid RSI when Knitting from The Knitting Loop   Repetitive Strain and Knitting from The Spruce.com   29 Tips for Avoiding Knitting Pain from All Free Knitting   Hand Exercises for Knitters and Crocheters from Craftsy   Therapeutic Gloves from Lion Brand      Non-Knitting Segments    Meatless Monday Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Quinoa Bowls Love it or Leave it Love: Ikea Skubb Boxes for Drawers    Leave: Packing Anxiety!   Let's Go on a Trip Packing List to Download Other News and Notes   Running Updates No news is good news! Ran a 4 mile race earlier in March.    Books          Finished Reading:       Finished Listening:  Currently Listening:   Currently Reading   

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 100 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles From the Armchair In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you this episode's sponsors Pearl & Plum, Fair Winds Farm and Plum Deluxe   Off the Needles   2016 Patriots Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Yarn: Knitters Brewing Company Sockaholic II in NE Patriots Tailgate Party Colorway Hoppy’s Friend Pattern: Best Bunny by Lion Brand (free) Hook: C Yarn: Berroco Vintage (worsted) in a light purple This purple bunny was requested by my niece Millie because Hoppy needs a friend!   Christmas Socks OMG Heel Sock Pattern US 1.5 Needles Yarn: Lilliput Yarns- Bumpus Hounds Colorway   On the Needles   Christmas Shortie Socks   OMG Heel Sock Pattern US 1.5 Needles Yarn: Be Ewe Fibers (Etsy shop) Little Shop of Horrors Mini Skein Set Hot Air Balloon Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) (Need to do this when more than 450 yards in 100 gram skein) Yarn: Andre Sue Knits (Etsy)   Rhinebeck 2016 Socks Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) (Need to do this when more than 450 yards in 100 gram skein) Yarn: Andre Sue Knits (Etsy) Sock Blank- Rhinebeck   Halloween Socks 2016 Pattern: Smooth Operator Socks by Susan B Anderson Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Regia Arnie & Carlos line Color #02459   Sunwalker Shawl Pattern: Sunwalker by Melanie Berg Yarn: Sun Valley Fibers MCS (Merino Cashmere Silk) Fingering in Kensington Colorway Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) Planning to make it smaller than originally called for. Notes from this Ravelry Project Page as my guide. Almost to lace part now!   Shawl Design in progress     Bruins Sockhead Hat Pattern: Socked Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure (free) Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) Yarn: Knitters Brewing Company Sockaholic Fingering weigh yarn in Bruins Tailgate Party Colorway From the Armchair Tune in to hear my review of Katya Frankel's new collection Grey Matters. It retails for approx $7.49 US. Check out my favorite patterns- the Twegen hat and mitts Come over to the Ravelry Group to enter to win a copy. In My Travels  Tune in to hear about my 2016 Rhinebeck Experience!       Podcasters Mentioned: Emily: Knitting Butterflies Michelle: Actually Knitting Kristi: In a Sknit Danie: Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Debby Reece & Amy Meeks: Periscoping Sisters Amy Beth: The Fat Squirrel Speaks Ellen & Jan: Twinset Designs Jen: Commuter Knitter Megan: Stockinette Zombies Amber: Yarn Hoarder Andi: Andre Sue Knits Sue & Chelsea: Legacy Knitz Melissa: Spicy Homemaker Shops Mentioned: Spun Right Round One Geek to Craft them All Dragonfly Fibers Ross Farm. Check out their Magical Fiber Fantasy Retreat January 25-29, 2017 at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort in FL O-Wool  June Pryce Fiber Arts Windswept Designs Angora Online KAL News  12 Months to Christmas KAL 12 Months to Christmas FO Thread 12 Months to Christmas Chat Thread 12 Months to Christmas KAL Prizes!   Amplitude Shawl pattern by Greg Cohoon Skein of Worsted weight yarn from Tink Yarn in Lady Luck colorway Project bag from Freckled Whimsey- navy with hearts. Good sock size. Removeable wristlet strap. Ripple Ribbed Socks pattern by Susie White   The Big, Bad, Berg-a-long October 1st-November 15, 2016. Knit any pattern by Melanie Berg (No WIPs allowed) 7 Podcasts Participating- each will offer prizes, you are welcome to enter in each group’s thread. Knitting Butterflies, Actually Knitting, Prairie Girls Knit & Spin, In a Sknit & Commuter Knitter Podcast, Knitmore Girls We are so lucky to have the designer Melanie Berg offering our listeners a 10% discount on her patterns (self-published) starting September 15th, 2016 and ending November 2, 2016. Use the code BigBadBergAlong at checkout on Ravelry. We are also working with 3 Indie Dyers for this KAL.Sun Valley Fibers, Lollipop Yarns & One Twisted Tree: beautiful yarns and kits. Check them out.  Post your FO photo and details in the Big Bad Berg Along FO Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group   Prizes: $30 Gift Certificate to Sun Valley Fibers 600 yard, 5 color tweedy gradient kit from Quaere Fibre Skein of yarn (winner chooses base & color way) from Octopus Yarns   Pigskin Party Our 3rd annual make-along hosted in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group that runs during the NFL football season September 8- February 6th (Monday after Superbowl- you can knit and post photos on that last day) The more projects you finish, the more touchdowns and field goals you’ll score and the more points you earn. You can also increase your score by using products from our awesome sponsors or meeting other challenges and by recruiting new team members. The more points you have, the more entries you get for the prize drawings. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation  on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light if you’re not a hardcore player.  You can participate in as much or as little as you like. In short- it’s 5 months of fun, chatter, some good healthy banter and of course PRIZES!   Pigskin Party ’16 Wondering what this crazy KAL is? Check out this page which gives you the best overview with all necessary links. Check out the Rules but if you still have questions, come over to the Questions thread and ask. We’re happy to help. Put your Name on the Roster then claim your spot in the End Zone Dance Thread Continue to update this with all of the points you earn during the KAL Check out our amazing sponsors. Find the coupons here. Some of our Pro Shop Level Sponsors will be creating exclusive items for Pigskin Party participants. They may come out at different times and will likely be limited in quantities, so keep your eyes on this Exclusive Items thread in the group for all the latest news Scope out the prizes! Don’t forget to use #DCSPigskinParty2016 on Instagram so we check out what you’re doing and you can be eligible for participation prizes. Want to make sure you know the latest news about the Interceptions, swaps and other fun challenges throughout the Pigskin Party? Stay tuned to the Sidelines Games thread in the Ravelry Group. Thank you to our Pro Shop Sponsors! Berry Colorful Yarnings Bijou Basin Ranch Daizie Knits Fair Winds Farm Fiber Nymph Dye Works Knit Life Designs Knitcircus Yarns Knits4Comfort Knitters Brewing Company Knitty Kitty Bags Lilliput Yarn Media Peruana Designs One Geek To Craft Them All Pearl and Plum Plum Deluxe Tea Prairie Bag Works Sun Valley Fibers Sunsoaked Yarns The Yarn Sellar Yarn Geek Fibers Key Details Mentioned in this Episode   Sidelines Thread: Interceptions: Big Bad Berg-a-long will run as an Interception. Oct 1-Nov 15 Plum Deluxe Interception- 60 minute slow down. Runs until October 31 Berry Colorful Yarnings- Self-Striping Interception- November 1- November 30 Need ideas: check out this Bundle: http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/self-striping-not-socks Chat Thread FO Thread Events Vogue Knitting Live- NYC  January 13-15, 2017   Contest News & Notes I announced the winner of Kate Oates' new book Grown   Life in Focus  In this episode I share more about my journey this year to health and weight loss- specifically about freeing up time and building habits. Check out the Daily Time Log from Gretchen Rubin if you want a physical way to track your time. Ask me Anything I answered a question from Cynalune-about knitting strategies during weight loss and a question from craftyhobbit about managing fibromalygia. On a Happy Note Spending in person time with my dear friends. Fall weather and foliage! My cousin Jenny's wedding! I placed a Plum Deluxe tea order. My favorites: Mindful Morning black tea, Coconut Macaron, Reading Nook Tea Blend + one new one - Spicy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Herbal Tea   Halloween is coming! We kicked off with an event at my Nana's assisted living facility! Quote of the Week “Just because your mind tells you that something is awful or evil or unplanned or otherwise negative doesn’t mean you have to agree. Just because other people say that something is hopeless or crazy or broken to pieces doesn’t mean it is. We decide what story to tell ourselves.” ― Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage  ------------------------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram & Periscope: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Recorded September 26, 2016 Book Talk starts at 30:01 Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself - be sure to check out the Bundles of pattern suggestions! Win a copy of the Amplitude pattern by Greg Cohoon – will end on Halloween.  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’s FOs Mother Bear #100  Be Kind Hat by Melissa Simpson, using Vannas Choice Directional Scarf by Lion Brand, using Lion Brand Amazing. Mata Shawl by Chrissy Graham, using Gnomeacres Scruffy Gnome DK The Bankhead Hat by Susie Gourlay, usling Plymouth  yarn Coffee Beenz Zigzagular Socks #2 by Susie White, using Fishknits Opulence MCN   Tracie’s FOs Meris by Elizabeth Doherty in Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock  Rainbow Sprinkles by Kristy Harrison Mr. Cowl by Dani Sunshine in Lion Brand Lion’s Pride Woolspun   Barb has cast on Intergalactic Shawl by Jen Hiebert – using Knit Picks Stroll Fingering Another Bankhead Hat using Lion Brand Amazing   Barb continues to work on Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke in Plymouth Merino Select DK Whippet Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Lindy Chain Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi   Tracie has cast on Skykomish by Lee Meredith in Ella Rae Silkience Rainbow Sprinkles by Kristy Harrison   Tracie continues to work on Allegra tank top by Svetlana Volkova in Euro Baby Kid Cotton Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas in Malabrigo Sock Summer Fringe Shawlette by Sarah Keller in Chevel Blanc Official Comete   Barb’s Finished Books Follow You Home by Mark Edwards The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter Heads or Tails by Leslie A. Gordon    Tracie’s Finished Books 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 If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch The Hunt Club Bret Lot The Good Goodbye by Carla Buckley    Barb’s Current Books My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout The Girls by Emma Cline   Tracie’s Current Books Savage Son by Corey Mitchell The End of Everything by Megan Abbott   Barb likes the good customer service from Crate & Barrel  Tracie recommends Vanishing Edge Panties from Soma

Episode 21 - #1 Punchcard & Rectangles Please join in the Ravelry group for this podcast. Events Stitches Midwest is August 4-7 in Schaumberg, IL. The Michigan Machine Knitting Guild also has a group on Ravelry. Our next meeting is August 15. Michigan Fiber Festival is August 17-21 at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. Check out www.michiganfiberfestival.info for classes and vendors. Check out Episode 12 to hear about the CSM retreat on Lake Michigan. InterKnit Machine Knitting Guild fall seminar in Glen Elyn, IL October 8 - 9 featuring Tom the Machine Knitting Guy. Mary Ann Oger is teaching in Dallas at the DFW Machine Knitters Guild October 15-16. Acquisitions Newton’s yarn is available here and at many, many knitting events like Stitches. I bought Gene B and Madison Ave and Dazzle 2. Hand Knitting Felted Clogs Duffers French Press Felted Slippers Patton’s Classic Wool Worsted yarn Lion Brand says their wool is Aran weight but I think it’s quite thin.  Machine Knitting Fray Check Vine Insertion stitch pattern Bathroom curtain Resources Sally’s link to her craftsy.com class called Stash Busting Secrets for Sweater Knitting and More. Or contact Sally via Ravelry at Sallyknits for a half price code. The class is an updated Craftsy version of her Styles book which was all about using up your yarn stash. Knitwords magazine is no longer being published but you can sometimes get them on amazon.com. Vegemetarianism Make Basil, Cucumber, and Tomato sandwiches this summer. Don’t make the millet recipe from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen.  

Show Notes:News and Notes -Amy is the guest in honor of Valentine's Day and her birthday.Ravelry group reached its membership goal.  Random drawing for cable needle holder and stitch markers, plus a special treat for our 100th member - marylove. Members come from 30 states and 7 different countries.Bought the Color shift gradient in the Berry colorway at Leslie of TheKnitGirllls recommendation. Love it!Finished Objects - Waves Socks - with afterthought heel for Amy's birthday.Wisteria Shawl Collar Pullover, pattern by Lion Brand yarn, knit out of an unknown yarn in a rainbowish colorway, using size 8 circular needles. (Sorry, Lion Brand, I did not use the recommended yarn. I might use Lion Brand Amazing for a future version of this sweater.)Works in Progress -Hogwarts ExpressStraun Take 2 for my brother out of Cascade Eco Alpaca, on my new KnitPicks interchangeable needles.Hermione's Quidditch socks on hold until I get a few other things off the needles. Will try to get them done for Studentknits Statistics KAL.Mittens for Me MKAL with the KnitGirlllsLala love you Cowl for the Knitabulls Feb KAL out of Malabrigo Rios in the Cumparista colorway on US 8 Hiya Hiya sharps 16" cable.No spinning this week.Fitness - Biggest Loser Contest: not going well. Not well organized.Completed 3 workouts this week including yoga2 lbs weight lossExercise Accountability thread on Ravelry.

Show Notes:News and Notes -Ravelry group approaching a membership goal. When we reach my goal of 100 members, we will have a prize give away to a randomly selected member of the group. Not sure yet what the prize might be.Shout out to Virge!Finished Objects - Slanted Vineyard socks, the Slant pattern by Hunter Hammersen, knit in CloudLover Yarn in the Haunted Vineyard colorway, for the KnitGirllls SAL/KAL, that ends in February.Works in Progress -Wisteria Shawl Collar Pullover, pattern by Lion Brand yarn, knit out of an unknown yarn in a rainbowish colorway, using size 8 circular needles. (Sorry, Lion Brand, I did not use the recommended yarn. I might use Lion Brand Amazing for a future version of this sweater.)Hogwarts ExpressWaves SocksHermione's Quidditch socks on hold until I get a few other things off the needles. Will try to get them done for Studentknits Statistics KAL.New/Upcoming:Straun Take 2 for my brother out of Cascade Eco AlpacaSpiderman Hat for the baby nephewMittens for Me KAL with the KnitGirlllsBaby Projects for 3 friends/coworkersSpinning - Actually seeing improvement. Using Wysteria Fiber, corriedale, in the Blue-Green colorway.Bought gorgeous fiber from Dana (craftygirl83) at Unwind Yarn Company in Abalone and Luckiest.Fitness - Biggest Loser Contest: Weigh-in on Tuesday - 195 lbs (13.9285 stone for those "across the pond"). Gave us a food/exercise journal and a water bottle. Took a before picture. First workout???? Not sure what happened. Did yoga again on Tuesday - TOUGH!Nutrition -Still fighting with sugar intake. Feel like I am having sugar withdrawal symptoms.Need to eat more veggies and less "bad" carbsGreat suggestion from droppingneedles on Ravelry of drinking glass of hot tea before bed for those night time cravings.

Show Notes:Finished Objects -Starving Froggy, the Starving Artist hat pattern by Laura Linneman, knit out of Kraemar Eleanor yarn hand-dyed by Amy, using size 11 bamboo dpns.Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth, I knit several out of various cottons I had in the stash. Some were  of the unknown variety.Works in Progress -Coal Straun, the Straun hat pattern by Ysolda Teague, knit out of Wool of the Andes in the Coal colorway, magic looped using size 5 Knit Picks circulars.Slanted Vineyard socks, the Slant pattern by Hunter Hammersen, knit in CloudLover Yarn in the Haunted Vineyard colorway, for the KnitGirllls SAL/KAL, that ends in February.Hermione's Quidditch socks, the Hermione's Everyday sock pattern by Erica Lueder, in the Kraemer Jeannie yarn that I hand-dyed at my local LYS.Wisteria Shawl Collar Pullover, pattern by Lion Brand yarn, knit out of an unknown yarn in a rainbowish colorway, using size 8 circular needles. (Sorry, Lion Brand, I did not use the recommended yarn. I might use Lion Brand Amazing for a future version of this sweater.)Fitness -           I am going to begin a journey to fitness. It will include learning how to eat better, and regular exercise through the Biggest Loser contest at the school where I teach. As well as yoga with some friends. I will keep you updated on my weekly progress in some shape or form. Not sure about details yet, but they are forth coming.

Show Notes: Finished Objects - (For details about each project, click on the link to read details on Ravelry.)Coal Straun, the Straun hat pattern by Ysolda Teague, knit out of Wool of the Andes in the Coal colorway, magic looped using size 5 Knit Picks circulars.Works in Progress -Slanted Vineyard socks, the Slant pattern by Hunter Hammersen, knit in CloudLover Yarn in the Haunted Vineyard colorway, for the KnitGirllls SAL/KAL, that ends in February.Hermione's Quidditch socks, the Hermione's Everyday sock pattern by Erica Lueder, in the Kraemer Jeannie yarn that I hand-dyed at my local LYS.Wisteria Shawl Collar Pullover, pattern by Lion Brand yarn, knit out of an unknown yarn in a rainbowish colorway, using size 8 circular needles. (Sorry, Lion Brand, I did not use the recommended yarn. I might use Lion Brand Amazing for a future version of this sweater.)Upcoming Projects - Hogwarts ExpressSpinning - Took my first spinning lesson at my LYS. Laura Linneman was my instructor. Great experience. Horrible yarn!Knit-A-Longs - Check out the various charity KAL's.Currently doing TheKnitGirllls SAL/KALWill be doing Studentknits Stats KAL and TKG square swapExercise - 2 yoga classes - highly recommendNutrition - No suger in my coffee all week. Yay!Goal: No sugar in my tea next week.News and Notes - Biggest Loser starts next week, so I will record on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. Sorry! :(Check out the Girlfriends Knitting Ravelry Group.Now on iTunes if you want to subscribe.BIG THANK YOU for all the support the knitting and podcast community gave me this week with my new podcast.

Show Notes:News and Notes - Thanks again to Darren and Aimee for the great time last week. Knitting in Circles podcast Y'all Twins? by Katherine and Margaret King - growing up twins in 1950's Oxford, MS. Finished Objects -Hogwarts Express - a Susan Ashcroft pattern in No Two Snowflakes yarn Wisteria Shawl Collar Pullover - a Lion Brand free pattern in Sensations Rainbow acrylic Straun Take 2 - a Ysolda Teague pattern in Eco Alpaca yarn Spiderman Hat - improvised pattern in 4x4 rib. Red (Berroco vintage), black (Wool of the Andes in coal), and white (Plymouth Yarn merino) stripes. VEI eyeball - surprise for John for his new clinic Works In Progress -Amy's purple zebra socks - plain stockinette sock with afterthought heel in Paton's sock yarn. Hermione's Everyday Socks - in my hand-dyed yarn. Corrine - in Berroco Boboli in color 5312. Baby Sweater Dress - in Bernat Lemon Pie No Spinning this week.Fitness -On Spring Break, and I have been taking that a little too literally in terms of exercising! Decided I need to simply reduce my gluten intake instead of omit it. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies this week, and loving each mouthful! Finally not craving sugar in my coffee! 

After remembering to turn the mic on, the second intro of episode 41 cast on without any other problems.  I share a few of my shopping encounters before launching into my impromptu wine sleeve pattern using some leftovers by Lion Brand and Red Heart.  While attempting to stay focused on the knitting, I share a […]

Shoutouts, thank yous, and love to Dawn and James of Wolfe Farms for mentioning us and to Heather Ordover of Craftlit for playing our promo! Catching Up (1:20) Laura and her husband celebrated their twelfth wedding anniversary. She has also been having woes surrounding cable and internet service. She’s channeled her woes into her dying for a new LYS that will be carrying her yarn and for the Mean Girls Yarn Club and for her Lambie Toes yarn. Speaking of which, the Mean Girls Yarn Club will be hosting a Wank-A-Long (Knit-a-long, Crochet-a-long, or a Weave-a-long), running from July 1 to August 31. There will be prizes. Here is a Ravelry thread for more information. JoniLvs Neddy has won our milestone prize (for hitting 100 members in our Ravelry Group). Jen saw Monsters University, which has a surprising amount of knitwear in it. She saw some great theatre at the Young Playwrights Festival, produced by the Blank Theatre, which has Noah Wyle (a.k.a. President Doctor Carter) as artistic producer. Jen has been cooking and has some recipes on her blog. Laura and Jen also attended a fantastic knitting party. Laura did the party favors (which were yarn), and experimented with dying different bases. In the Knitting Bag (13:10) Laura is working on her Mother Bear inspired by Wash from Firefly for Nerd Wars. Next up is a Kaylee inspired one, but she’s waiting for yarn. Jen is still working on her Madroña Shawl out of Prism Delicato. Tempest Cardigan, started after July 1st (These show notes weren’t even done until July 2nd) She is starting (at midnight July 1) her Tempest Cardigan for Camp Loopy. The yarn for that is Dream in Color Smooshy in the colors Charged Cherry (maroon/red) and Rosalita (pink). She’s also working on Vanilla Socks in Opal Sock Yarn in the colorway Flamingo (pinks, whites, and maroon). They also mention the colorways of Opal inspired by van Gogh. We mention the Great American Afghan, Great North American Afghan, and Great American Aran Afghan books Finished Objects (19:27) Lacy cap. Laura finished her Lacy Cap by Carissa Browning in Rowan Cashsoft 4-ply. Fit for a big damn hero. Hold me close, oh tiny lantern Is that James Baxter? (Gratuitous Adventure Time reference) She also finished a Jayne Hat, a Mini Chinese Lantern by Carolyn Lightowler, and a horse blanket square adapted from Amy Lynn Mitchell’s Giddyup pattern. It took all the pins to block this! But it’s worth it to get this! Jen finished her Tiong Bahru by Asa Tricosa for Camp Loopy. The yarn is Fleece Artist Saldanha Two in the Vermillion colorway. Blocking was painful, but worth it. Devil’s Tower (22:54) Laura has set aside her Sassy-tis (Clapotis) to work on Nerd Wars projects. Jen is putting the Madroña on hold to knit her Tempest. On Deck (24:13) Laura will be knitting the Tennessee Twister Cowl by Daniela Richardson for the Mean Girls Yarn Club WAL. She will be using the color way “Hoar’s Yer” Buddy, inspired by Syndrome from The Incredibles. Its for her Sister-in-law, who is a Denver Broncos fan. Jen will also be doing the WAL, but she has yet to pick a yarn or a pattern. There will be a project for Camp Loopy month 3, but she’s not sure what the challenge will be. She will also be doing the Unique Sheep Watership Down Mystery Knitalong. Her yarn is their Selene Superwash Lace in the Nature Walk gradience colorway. We talk about reading Stephen King books as children. Knit Culture (28:45) Laura and Jen discuss the ergonomics of knitting and crocheting and point out some Wrist Exercises for Knitters and Crocheters that are really good. Stretching lets you keep knitting until you’re old. Use the commercial breaks in television as stretch breaks from knitting. Or set a timer. Laura and Jen both fell down and bought too much sale yarn. Jen bought a lot of Lopi Wool (enough to make two Icelandic sweaters–the Iðunn and the Top Down Icelandic Sweater Craftsy Class Sweater, both by Ragga Eiríksdóttir). Laura bought 20 skeins of brown chunky Cascade yarn to remake the Browncoat (that she may no longer be making), some Brown Sheep yarn in the Jayne Hat colors, and some pink Lion Brand. Laura also fell down at Knitpicks, where she got yarn to make her Mother Bears. Jen recommends combining online orders with a friend to get to the free shipping dollar amounts when ordering online. Geek Culture (36:20) We answer a question from tygherknits about our gaming habits. Tygherknits asks: Do either of you play video games? Tabletop games? Maybe even D&D? Laura used to play table top games (including D&D). She doesn’t play anymore, because most of her gamer friends have moved away. But those multi-sided dice are really useful for knitting. Jen does not play tabletop RPGs, but she does play video games. She doesn’t like MMORPGs. She loves games like Skyrim, Final Fantasy, and Bioshock. She also likes a lot of DS Games. She struggles with time to play. Laura points out Catlore’s awesome etsy shop with geeky fandom buttons. Events (46:08) We will both be at Stitch N’ Pitch on July 26th at Dodger Stadium. Come say hi and get swag! KnitDizzney will be Sunday, September 8th, 2013 at Disneyland. More details to come, but we’d love to spend a day at the Disneyland park with you! We will have t-shirts for preorder and possibly a custom yarn color! Mean Girls Yarn Club signups will open in August.

Producer and co-host of the Lion Brand YarnCraft podcast Zontee Hou joins me to talk about the ins and outs of podcasting - and why YOU should go start your own!

My attempt at a stainless steel spider web. Knit with beads and Habu Stainless Steel* Just a note dear listener... This is Natalie. Thank you for bearing with my learning curve. I've been experimenting with changing the format and delivery of the podcast. As ever I and we appreciate any feedback you have to give. :) email: cloudychancefiber@gmail.com   De Show Notes: Aran Sweater Design - Janet Szabo Traditional Aran Kntting - by Shelagh (pronounced Shee- Lah) Hollingworth Harmony 220 Aran Stitch Patterns (sorry it was not the Harmony Guide to Knitting Cables) ... blame my weary head. Link to my blog post on the old grey sweater that like at the bottom of my "Bin of Shame/UFO's." Poorly drawn schematic of a Saddle Shoulder Sweater... note the saddles form the shoulders     Crochet Book Review - Crochet So Fine - Krisitn Omdahl   Music/Sound Featured: Six Lessons from Madam La Zonga - Jimmy Dorsey Bei Mir Bist Du Schon - Benny Goodman/Martha Tilton (1937 version) A Noisless Patient Spider  by Emily Dickinson (reading by Peter Yearsley) Remember Melody  - Torley ( from Solo 7) Spiderman - The Astroglides (from the Surf Guitar Compilation) Housekeeping: A few days left to enter the contest to win Yarnia or handspun yarn in Episode 8 I'm natknit and Rachel is RachelP on Ravelry I'm on Twitter - My handle is nlkilkenny * There is another version of Stainless Steel yarn out by Lion Brand

In this latest episode of our video podcast, we go on a knitting adventure in NYC to visit the Lion Brand Studios and the Knit1Magazine premiere. Join us as we walk through the new Lion Brand store in NYC with Patty, Liz and Zontee.

Patty Lyons is the manager of Lion Brand Studio - a beautiful full service yarn store in Manhattan featuring the full complement of Lion Brand yarns.

Welcome to all my listeners! I am so glad you could make it!This podcast is one of a series of four that will be covering news stories and information on how crocheters like us, men and women, can make a difference. I hope you all enjoy what I am presenting to you, and I am so very happy you are here. News As you have heard (or will hear) in the News section of my podcast, I covered a lot of stories including Warm Up America! and Blankets for Canada, Martha Stewart and Lion Brand Yarn's Charity Connection. Below you will find the links for more information:To send your completed squares and/or afghans, please send to: Warm Up America! ......... Blankets For Canada2500 Lowell Rd. ............... Suite 217Gastonia, NC .................. 214 - 905 - 1st Ave South28054 ......................... Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4M7 MediaSyndicate: 'Coming Home' Poncho reportMichael's craft store Fayetteville Online Martha Stewart Save Martha! News story covering Freedom of Martha Stewart Lion Brand Yarn's 'Coming Home' poncho pattern direct link MediaSyndicate: Charity Connection by Lion Brand Direct link to Lion Brand's Chrity Connection Free Items of the Week Want to help out Warm Up America!, Blankets for Canada or another charity that needs baby blankets, lap-ghans and adult afghans? Or perhaps you are looking to make that special gift for this Christmas/Chanukah/Yule? Please enjoy the links I have provided below.Also, please email me at CrochetForMen@GMail.com with pictures of your finished projects! I will post them here for all to see, just include your first name, last initial, what book or website you used for the pattern(s) and finally your location. That's it!I look forward to your submissions! Now, here are the links to the free patterns! Basic (and a few intermediate) Afghan Squares from Warm Up America! Beautiful and fun designs from Crochet-N-More! Chez Crochet's Celtic Triangle and Square Chez Crochet's Mile-a-Minute: Stacked Hearts, Victorian Fans & Frames w/ Open Fans Chez Crochet's Mile-a-Minute: Single Shell & V's and Christmas Trees Hurricane Katrina: YOU CAN HELP! If you cannot listen to the podcast, please do stop and have a moment of silence for the families that are hurting and are in need of help due to Hurricane Katrina. Many have died in this hurricane, and being that Peter Franzi, owner of the Men Who Crochet yahoo group, cannot reach his family in Mississippi, we were unable to procure an interview at this time. Please keep Peter and all of those who have been affected by this travesty.If you would like to help, click on one of the pictures below and show your support! Thanks!.................. Book Review As promised, below is the direct link to Vanna's Favorite Gift Afghans. Please enjoy this book as I have!Thank you again for listening, and have a great evening! May God Bless you all, and remember - Just because it says it has no dye lot, doesn't mean the colors will match! Good night!~Jude Thaddaeus~