The Knitmore Girls Podcast

Fashionable Forty - Episode 175- The Knitmore Girls

2011-12-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This episode has been sponsored by:

Nobody has perfect feet. Nobody. We put so much pressure on them with all our walking, shopping, working out, etc., not to mention expecting them to wear horrible footwear that looks great but could be more, um, ergonomic? Sandals in the summer, wool socks in the winter – those dogs of ours are under assault all year, and we have to care for them. They are family, after all! Oh For Feet Sake by Bar Maids can turn your little piggies from a source of shame to a claim to fame in two weeks or less. Those tootsies deserve better. Let Bar Maids give them some love, boys and girls! Infused with Tea Tree oil and natural moisturizers, it’s healing and protection that your feet can feel. If your trotters are REALLY feeling the strain, go to www.Bar-Maids.com for the simple Bar Maids Tootsie Rx recipe. Show those babies some love and attention, because, let’s be honest, you’re never gonna stop walking all over your feet.

Here at Lisa Souza,there is an exciting and arty new garment in our pattern line-up. She has been dreamed up by The Queenie Sisters and her name is Eternity. This is a fabulous kimono style jacket that is made with two colors of our Polwarth/silk and is challenging enough for what the girls call an Enthusiastic Intermediate Knitter. The best part about Eternity, other than the fact that she is so very artsy is that she fits a very wide range of body types and is great for the full figure gal. Our sample has been made with Violet and South Pacific but I would be ever so glad to help your color vision at www.lisaknit.com

Purlescence Yarns is the Bay Area's destination yarn shop. From the best in spinning and weaving equipment to luxurious yarns and fibers, we have what you need to make your fibery dreams a reality. We're always happy to provide mail order service for Knitmore Girls listeners. Call us today, it'll be on its way!

On the Needles:(00:37)

Gigi is finishing the Katriel. Jasmin started and finished the porcupine hat from Wee Wooly Toppers. Gigi has finished the Pieman neckwarmer and a matching hat with a variation on the Kaanteinen pattern, and a hat with the same pattern for Mr. Knitmore. Gigi is still working on the sleeves of her Odelia cardigan. Jasmin is working on the Breezy Cardigan on her new Signature needles. Jasmin reknitted the buttonband of her garter yoke baby cardigan. Gigi is also knitting more preemie hats.

Keep tuned into the podcast feed and the ravelry board for updates during our hiatus.

Events:(21:10)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
    -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
    -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(22:31)

We picked winners for out annual Do Some Good Contest.

The prizes were:

- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron (signed!).

Mother Knows Best:(26:05)

We answer a question from a listener about the provisional cast on. We referenced Lucy Neatby and her book Cool Socks Warm Feet. Also: Judy Becker's magic cast on.

When Knitting Attacks:(33:41)

Jasmin had a misplaced worm (quill?) on her porcupine hat.

Review:(35:13)

We review Hattitude: Knits for Every Mood, by Cathy Carron. Favorites include:

- Determined Hat
- Cautious Hood
- Aloof Beret

And Sew On:(44:25)

Gigi has pieced the backing for Sharkbean's quilt, using the golden rule for rectangles, and is thinking about doing some Trapunto for the Dr Seuss characters.

Knit or cut bait - Episode 174 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-12-19T18:23:00.001-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Breaking news! You can be even more kissable than you are right now… Lo-Lo Lips by Bar Maids, the makers of the exquisite Lo-Lo Bar, is one of the best lip balms available. Some lip balms can cause your skin to dry out if you stop using them, or if you lose them (and let’s face it, we ALL lose them), and you can end up chapped and raw. This product doesn’t force you to reapply in order to maintain the healthy balanced level of moisture ideal for your beautiful lips. 8 tasty flavors, no parabens, no fillers, no dyes – just a natural lip moisturizer that has everything your lips want and nothing they don’t. You don’t have to use a product that your lips get hooked on. There is another option. The truth is, your LIPS may not get addicted, but I dare anyone to try it and not feel like an addict! Kiss me, Lo-Lo, I’m in LOVE!

On the Needles:(00:39)

Gigi has put a few more rows on her Origami sweater. Jasmin worked on her Breezy Cardigan. Gigi finished a Rocky Coast sleeve. Andrews sweater is not growing much. Jasmin tried the Yarn Harlot's Irish Cottage style knitting on the Snug cardigan. Gigi also worked on the sleeves of the Odelia cardigan. Jasmin has been weaving a scarf out of Jade Sapphire 2 ply cashmere on her Cricket Loom. Gigi is going to bind off the Pieman neck warmer. She also finished hemming all of the receiving blankets for Sharkbean, but she couldn't use a hemming foot for that.

Events:(15:22)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
    -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
    -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

We mentioned Alison Hyde, author of Wrapped in Comfort.

Contest:(16:56)

Do some good. Get your entries in by December 25th.

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron (signed!).

Mother Knows Best:(21:26)

We discussed repairing handknit socks. Jasmin mentioned the eggepinne she purchased for darning socks.

When Knitting Attacks:(30:03)

Jasmin was attacked by the yarn for her Snug sweater.

Holidays with the Knitmores:(34:07)

We had some good ideas for spreading the holiday spirit. Say something nice, recognize good customer service, and stretch your vocabulary when you're telling people to have a nice day.

Review:(39:51)

We review 60 More Quick Knits; 20 Hats, 20 Scarves, 20 Mittens in Cascade 220 Sport. We also mention 60 Quick Knits, and 60 Quick Baby Knits.

Straw Into Gold:(48:22)

Jasmin hasn't figured out how work the miniSpinner around her belly.
Jasmin got a box full of clean fleece from Sherri from Morro Fleece Works, which includes some alpaca.

Gemütlich - Episode 173 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-12-12T17:59:00.001-08:00

Listen here:

This episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber would like to invite you to join our first yarn club! We are excited to offer a 6 issue yarn club we’re calling One Skein/Two Skein. Every other month we’ll send you a new exclusive yarn color and pattern. We’ll do some solid colors, some colorways and will introduce some new luxurious yarns too. Each pattern will have flexibility for expansion, for example companion pieces, or multiple size and style options. You’ll have the option to buy extra skeins just when you want them. Spinners, we’ll have a fiber option for you too! We’re working with some of our favorite designers, starting out in February with a beautiful shawl by Sivia Harding. Check out all the details at AbstractFiber.com

So, we’ve talked about the amazing Lo-Lo Bar by Bar Maids before, and I’m sure you’ve all tried, and ADORE, it, but did you know that they also make an intensive moisturizer for your (FACE)? Face Pudding by Bar Maids is as deliciously decadent as its name suggests. There’s one for every skin type, and it’s such a simple way to give your skin the moisture it craves all year long. We all try to ensure that we’re as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside, so why not use a natural, safe product that provides the kind of results you’d expect from the makers of the Lo-Lo Bar? Give it a try! Your beautiful face will thank you. I mean, it’s like they say, the proof is in the pudding!

Lisa Souza has a brand new lace yarn for your pleasure. Grace is a beautiful combination of 80% merino with 20% silk for just the right amount of sheen and handle. We have been putting the yarn through its paces and love the results, as will you. Grace is put up in 4 ounce/744 yard skeins and comes in at $24, which is a great price point, making for some serious stash enhancement for you or the other lace lovers in your circle. Now, which color to choose? Come by the website at www.lisaknit.com and just try to decide.

On The Needles:(00:40)

Gigi is working on the Sothia. Jasmin is knitting on Andrew's sweater. Gigi is also working on the Katriel. Jasmin is also working on the Breezy cardigan out of her handspun. Gigi has also dug up her Origami sweater.

Events:(13:28)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
    -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
    -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(14:34)

Do some good. Get your entries in by December 25th.

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron (signed!).

When Knitting Attacks:(20:25)

Gigi is attacked by her Sothia, while watching Lucy Neatby Intarsia 1 DVD

Review:(23:53)

We review My Grandmother's Knitting, by Larissa Brown

Totally Warped:(31:11)

Jasmin is working on her Cricket loom. She just got a Flip loom and wants to do a double weave on it. Gigi reminisces about her Kinderwebstuhl from Germany.

Holidays With the Knitmores:(36:49)

Turn off the tv, check out Pandora for interesting music, check out some CDs from the library. Gigi explains "Gemütlich". Also, the singing gerbils are mentioned.

Straw Into Gold:(39:51)

Gigi spun three bobbins of Blue Faced Leicester.

And Sew On:(44:48)

Gigi finished a receiving blanket out of Dr Seuss fabric, and talked about stay stitching. Jasmin's quillow is mentioned

Lady Hulk - Episode 172- The Knitmore Girls

2011-12-06T18:29:00.001-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Here at Abstract Fiber we've got some fabulous new colors including Summit, Lagoon, SOAR, The Gorge. The next best thing to being at SOAR is our SOAR colorway, the color of Autumn leaves. Available now at abstractfiber.com .

Meet Lo-Lo by Bar-Maids, "The Hottest Natural Moisturizers in the Fiber World". Bar-Maids handcrafts head-to-toe moisturizers for people who wish to proactively protect, defend, and restore their skin to baby bottom soft. Bar-Maids uses only the finest local ingredients available creating non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaky combinations that penetrate multiple layers of the skin working to soften and nourish. Once applied, the moisturizer remains where you put it and is not washed down the drain. With over 38 scents (that smell wonderful), and 8 lip balm flavors that taste yummy, it's hard to choose just one. Find out how you can keep your hands moisturized and beautiful while knitting up a storm at www.bar-maids.com Fair shipping practices, cruelty free, and fast turn around times are just icing on the cake.

Here at Lisa Souza,there is an exciting and arty new garment in our pattern line-up. She has been dreamed up by The Queenie Sisters and her name is Eternity. This is a fabulous kimono style jacket that is made with two colors of our Polwarth/silk and is challenging enough for what the girls call an Enthusiastic Intermediate Knitter. The best part about Eternity, other than the fact that she is so very artsy is that she fits a very wide range of body types and is great for the full figure gal. Our sample has been made with Violet and South Pacific but I would be ever so glad to help your color vision at www.lisaknit.com

On The Needles:(00:35)

Gigi finished projects for a friend. Jasmin is bored with knitting sleeves. She is working on the Breezy cardigan by Hannah Fettig. We mention Project Accessory; Gigi prefers Project Runway.

Jasmin mentions handles from a Noni bag and having a pile of sweaters that are waiting to be finished: the Blue Streak cardigan, and the baby version of the blue streak cardigan, the garter stitch wrap sweater, and garter stitch baby kimono that Isabelle from the Fluffy Fiber podcast is also knitting, and the mini Mondo Cable cardi.

Jasmin mentions a couple of useful Interweave apps that will give you yardage estimates for garments in different sizes and yarn thicknesses (Knit Handy and Crochet Handy).

Events: (16:30)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
    -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
    -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(17:43)

Do some good. Get your entries in by December 25th.

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron.

When Knitting Attacks:(20:46)

Gigi has problems with her Sothia and her Katriel. Also, the sleeves on her Rocky Coast cardigan. Jasmin was working on her Breezy Cardigan, and managed to have two Knit Picks cables come apart on her.

Review:(27:19)

We review Playful Little Knits by Rachel Manring, and we are utterly charmed.

Holidays with the Knitmores:(34:47)

Remember the spirit of the holiday season. Stop. Breathe. Enjoy. Simplify. What do you do to simplify the holiday season?

Flaunt it - Episode 171 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-11-28T17:15:00.001-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Meet Lo-Lo by Bar-Maids, "The Hottest Natural Moisturizers in the Fiber World". Bar-Maids handcrafts head-to-toe moisturizers for people who wish to proactively protect, defend, and restore their skin to baby bottom soft. Bar-Maids uses only the finest local ingredients available creating non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaky combinations that penetrate multiple layers of the skin working to soften and nourish. Once applied, the moisturizer remains where you put it and is not washed down the drain. With over 38 scents (that smell wonderful), and 8 lip balm flavors that taste yummy, it's hard to choose just one. Find out how you can keep your hands moisturized and beautiful while knitting up a storm at www.bar-maids.com Fair shipping practices, cruelty free, and fast turn around times are just icing on the cake.

On the Needles: (00:37)

Jasmin is now working on the sleeves of the Andrew Sweater from Knits Men Want. She has now buttons for the Garter Stitch Baby Kimono. She has also just cast on the Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig that she is knitting out of her hand spun.

Gigi is also working on sleeves, these belonging to the Rocky Coast Cardigan. She is also knitting on the Sothia shawl.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at The Plumed Horse in Saratoga. We went to the Pajama Jammie Jam at Purlescence on Black Friday. Congratulations to Gregory, who just got married! Jasmin mentions Juanita, who sang some amazing jazz.

Events:(12:01)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
    -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
    -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(13:31)

Do some good. Get your entries in by December 25th.

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron.

Mother Knows Best:(16:18)

We answered a question about storing and organizing yarn, fiber and WIPs.
We mention Dry Cleaner Bags, canvas bags from ecobags, rice baskets from Lantern Moon and baskets from Cost Plus Imports.

When Knitting Attacks:(23:15)

Gigi is having issues with her Katriel. Jasmin bought yarn, but doesn't know for which Hannah Fettig patterns.

Review:(26:10)

We review Knit Noro: Accessories: 30 Colorful Little Knits.

Straw Into Gold:(29:51)

Jasmin dug in her fiber closet and found some oatmeal CVM, that she bought from Patti Sexton. She is enjoying the fiber tremendously and is spinning it on the miniSpinner. Gigi picked up some bobbins for her Julia , but didn't do any spinning.

And Sew On:(32:20)

Gigi sewed two nightgowns for herself, and from the fabric that was left over, she sewed a large baby sack gown and a onesie for SharkBean, and a sack gown in a preemie size.

Cold for California- Episode 170 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-11-21T16:34:00.001-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Have you picked up your copy of Lisa Souza and Vicki Stiefel's book, "10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters"? It is a great read with stories, profiles of interesting fiber folk that you may or may not already know as well as 28 great patterns of all shapes and sizes for both knitting and crochet. If you're a seasoned spinner or a newbie, there is a chapter on this fiber art that includes patterns to show off your own handspun yarn. The book is available at all of the usual sources but if you purchase one through Lisa Souza's website, she will sign and personalize it just for you OR for the people on your holiday gift list. Find it a www.lisaknit.com.

Purlescence Yarns is the Bay Area's destination yarn shop. From the best in spinning and weaving equipment to luxurious yarns and fibers, we have what you need to make your fibery dreams a reality. We're always happy to provide mail order service for Knitmore Girls listeners. Call us today, it'll be on its way!

On the Needles:(00:37)

Jasmin's Mondo Cable Cardi and Ribbi Cardi are getting a lot of wear, now that it is getting cooler. Jasmin is making great progress on the Andrew Sweater. She has gotten to the heel flaps of the socks from Little Red Bicycle. She is also knitting on socks for Andrew out of Sanguine Gryphon's Skinny Bugga in Owl Moth.

Gigi is finding the rhythm of her Rocky Coast Cardigan. The Pieman neckwarmer is at the point of bind off. The Purple Poppies Cardigan will need a refresher on technique, so we will watch Lucy Neatby's Intarsia Untangled 1. Which will also come in handy for knitting the Porcupine Blanket.

Events:(19:50)

11/25/2011: Pajama Jammie Jam at Purlesence on Black Friday.
02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
    -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
    -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(22:38)

Do some good. Get your entries in by December 25th.

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron.

Mother Knows Best:(27:02)

We answered a question about lining hats. Cashmere, silk, possum yarn and Lion Brand Microspun were mentioned.

When Knitting Attacks:(35:05)

Gigi is working on the Katriel, and it attacked her. Again.

Review:(37:28)

This week we review Knitted Dinosaurs, by Tina Barret. Best use of Fun Fur. We also mentioned Rebecca Danger's book of Big Book of Knitted Monsters.

And Sew On:(44:07)

Gigi has blocked out time to sew, and sewn up a number of baby sack gowns. (Sorry, no link for the pattern, it is 30 years old). At the quilt store we were waylaid by some Dr Seuss fabric.

Knitting up a tsunami - Episode 169 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-11-14T18:24:00.001-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On The Needles:(00:37)

Gigi is working on a neck warmer using the Pieman pattern out of Cascade 220 Superwash. She is working on the Katriel and making very slow progress. Also: Vanilla socks out of Meilenweit Fantasy.

Jasmin finished Logan's Sweater using the grosgrain ribbon tutorial. She is making good progress on Andrew's sweater. She has borrowed a minispinner, and also got some Try on Tubing that she likes a lot. Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting, who co-authored Coastal Knits, gave birth to a baby boy. You can congratulate her here.

Events:(14:13)

We are planning to attend Stitches West 2/23-26 in February.
-No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
-We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
-Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(16:07)

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches

Mother Knows Best:( 22:09)

We answered the question: How do you change patterns from a flat knitted piece to something that can be knitted in the round? We mentioned knitter's graph paper.

When Knitting Attacks:(26:30)

Gigi couldn't get the right gauge to knit the Kaanteinen, and is worried about getting math-sprain.

Review:(29:10)

This week we review 60 Quick Baby Knits. The porcupine blanket triggered a reference to Jasmin's Blog, where she wrote about the Opossum that came into the house a while ago.

And Sew On:(35:43)

Gigi was having a hard time starting to sew. She finally got started and sewed a Onesie, that still needs to have snaps attached. We mentioned a grommet attaching device.

Straw Into Gold:(39:45)

Jasmin has spun some extra yarn for Andrew's sweater and is thinking to make a smaller version for Sharkbean using the Elizabeth Zimmerman percentage method.
Gigi is spinning merino processed by Morro Fleece Works, and getting good pointers from Jasmin. Jasmin mentioned Judith MacKenzie's comprehensive spinning class.
Jasmin answered a listener question about how deal with joining plies when spinning.

Brain trust - Episode 168 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-11-07T18:51:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles:(0:45)

Gigi has started on the sleeves of her Odelia cardigan. She is working on the braid of the Kleio by Romi Hill, which is reminiscent of the technique that the Philosopher's Wool people taught us.

Also working on the Sothia shawl, which has slowed down. Her swatch for her Rocky Coast Cardigan has benefited from a soak and dry and tumble in the dryer. Also swatched for: The Shawl Collared Cowl, and a shawl out of Lana Grossa Luxe.

Jasmin has been working on the Garter Stitch Baby Kimono. She is working on socks in Little Red Bicycle's Walk of Shame.

We went to the Interweave Knitting Lab in San Mateo, and talked to Annelena who sent a cardigan for Sharkbean, Galina and George from Skaska.com, Carrie from Alpenglow Yarn, and Carrie from Irishgirlie Knits, and the amazing Lily Chin. Jasmin fell in love with the Jaimie Cross Cable Shawl out of quiviut.

Events:(19:48)

We are planning to attend Stitches West 2/23-2/26. Premie hat donation stations will be at the booths of some of our friends. Locations to be announced.

Contest:(22:04)

Do Some Good contest. Do something good, in your immediate community, or go global, and anything in between. Post entries in our ravelry group "Do Some Good" tread.

Mother Knows Best:(25:32)

It never hurts to ask. Hansen Crafts does not have minispinners for rent.

When Knitting Attacks:(28:48)

Knitting garter stitch is too hard for Gigi, she made mistakes on her Katriel.

Jasmin had issues finishing the Baby Logan sweater, while watching the grosgrain ribbon tutorial. She is not satisfied with the result she got.

Review:(33:05)

This week, we review Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 6 : Edgings.

And Sew On: (37:16)

Gigi has finished joining the quilt top for Sharkbean. It still needs borders. Jasmin has a play date to go and sew pj pants.

Straw Into Gold:(39:54)

Gigi loves spinning on the Julia wheel. Her merino yarn is spinning up smoothly. Jasmin is almost done with spinning the yarn for Andrew's sweater, and is planning to get it knit in the 54 days left in this year. She is borrowing a minispinner from one of our listeners. Jasmin got a new pillow to sit on while she spins.

Running downhill - Episode 167 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-10-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles:( 0:32)

We will be taking an indefinite break starting on January 1st. We will leave you with a list of podcasts to listen to.

Gigi is working on the Katriel in Cascade Venezia Sport, by Robin Ulrich, the designer of the Sothia. She has also started the Kleio, by Romi Hill. Her Rocky Coast Cardigan has been swatched out of Cascade Ecological Wool. She is also working on the Katje, a hooded, top down cardigan, by Coco Knits and is worried about running out of the Venezia Bulky. The Odelia, by Cocoknits, out of Silk and Wool, by Tess Yarns, is coming along nicely,

Jasmin is working on her Daybreak. She is also working on her Rocky Coast Cardigan.
She asked for creative input from voolenvine who suggested a garter stitch baby kimono, in a lovely red Skinny Bugga from The Sanguine Gryphon. Her mini blue streak cardigan is almost done.

Mother Knows Best: ( 25:31)

We answered a questions about:
- Blocking or weaving ends first, where to switch from one balls of yarn
- We NEVER use glue for knitting or sewing.
- Fraycheck for microfiber ribbon is a good idea though.
- How to sew in ends. Joining pieces.

We referenced Lucy Neatby, Kaffe Fassett, and mentioned Paula from the Knitting Pipeline Podcast.

When Knitting Attacks: (36:56)

Gigi needs to make notes of what project she is ordering yarn for, especially when it is a whole bag of Chunky Baby Alpaca. Jasmin's stash is refusing to give up its secrets. She is sure she has a bag of navy blue Malabrigo, as well as some gray Ceallach yarn which is also evading capture in her stash.

Review: (44:16)

This week we review Knit Local by Tanis Gray.

Straw Into Gold:( 51:57)

Jasmin thinks that having a minispinner would be handy. She is spinning up the last bit of the fiber for the 10 year sweater. She mentions a conflict over knitted items on True Blood. She needs to take more breaks while she is spinning.

She answered a question about spinning airy worsted weight yarn, and discussed Cascade 220 vs the heavier Miro by Abstract fiber. She mentioned the Butter by Nadia dresses, which are heavy and feel expensive. We also mention Haagen Dazs Ice cream. Which relates to swatching and drape of knitted fabric.

We mention Jasmin's Fulling Yak video.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood - Episode 166 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-10-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: ( 0:33)

We had lots of fun with Abby from the Knit Knit Cafe podcast. We went to Bobbin's Nest, Abby got a Schacht Sidekick, and we caught a show at Rooster T. Feathers. Gigi was smitten by Cascade Venizia Sport in Burnt Pumpkin and Espresso and is ready to start the Katriel by Robin Ulrich.

Gigi is working on the Celaeno shawl by Romi Hill, with matte beads. She has also started the Kleio, from The 7 Muses, by Romi Hill, out of Jitterbug. She picked some Cascade Eco for her Rocky Coast Cardigan from Coastal Knits. Knit along!

Jasmin is working on the Daybreak out of Froebe Fiber in Midory Sour and Hurricane. She finished her Rainbow (Vanilla) socks. She over-dyed some poison green Malabrigo and started her Rocky Coast cardigan

Mother Knows Best: (16:56)

We answered a question about overdyeing yarn and talked about dyeing safely and and overview of how to do it, and how she over dyed her Malabrigo, and she mentioned learning about art theory in Art Vista.

When Knitting Attacks: (29:16)

Gigi is attacked by her Odelia.

Jasmin found herself attacked by lack of knitting while we were waiting at the comedy club. She also was attacked by her Rocky Coast cardigan.

Review: (34:01)

Signature Scarves: Dazzling Designs to Knit, by Nicky Epstein.

Gigi is very excited about the exuberant scarves, which remind her of the fun clothing from the 70s and 80s. There are a lot of interesting techniques, some felting and lot of embellishing. Funny, whimsical very artsy pieces.

Jasmin found the scarves to artsy, and suggested different techniques for a similar effect, and prefers more elegant scarves. Both of us like the scarf tying tutorials and the different fringe options. Thai Silk was mentioned for buying silk.

Straw into Gold: ( 44:08)

Gigi seems to have adopted a Louet Julia that needed a new home and is having a great time spinning on it.

Jasmin finished the last of her Crown Mountain Material Girl and finished her spinning for Andrew's sweater. We also worked on some Merino that was processed by Sherri from Morro Fleece Works.

Jazz hands - Episode 165 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-10-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles: (0:33)

Gigi is working on yet another preemie hat, she has finished the knitting part of the Petra, but it still needs to be finished and photographed. And she managed a few more rows on the Sothia.

Jasmin is working on her mini garter stitch cardigan for baby Sharkbean. She is also working on a miniature version of the Mondo Cable Cardi out of Miro, by Abstract Fiber. She has blocked the cardigan for Baby Logan, and is planning to do the grosgrain ribbon herself. Also, the baby Wrap Cardigan needs I-cord and two seams sewn.

Last Thursday, Gigi went to Pacific International Quilt Fest, enjoyed looking at the quilts, but did not find any treasures she had to have. We also attended the wedding of Ms. Kalendar of the Brass Needles podcast and it was a splendid affair. Congratulate her here on her forum.

Mother Knows Best: ( 11:06)

We answered the question "Where do you find inspiration?" Some sources include:

blogstalking
Voolenvine's project page
One on one enabling from friends (Gnat from the BarkNKnit Podcast).

Pinterest was discussed, Gigi heard about it from greentrianglegirl, host of the A Playful Day podcast. Gigi also gets inspired by tv and movies, quilt stores. She was lamenting the missed opportunity to visit Brightex Farbics and Jasmin consoled her with the promise of a trip to Hart's Fabric in Santa Cruz.

When Knitting Attacks: (18:46)

Jasmin was nearly attacked by her knitting near 11pm, but had the sense to put down her knitting and carefully back away from it, and so foiled the attack that would have been imminent.

Review: ( 22:38)

Coastal Knits by Alana Dacos and Hanna Fettig. You can find the information on the blog tour here. We had an e-copy to review.

The visual presentation is amazing, Jasmin wants to knit just about everything in the book and wanted to go rummage through her stash on the spot to pull yarn for all the projects she wants to start from this book. Great range of sizes. One of the sweaters reminded her of the Lucy sweater from Rachel Herron's How to Knit a Heart back Home. Go run out and buy the book right now.

Straw into Gold: (34:51)

Jasmin is still working on spinning yarn for Andrew's sweater, and while it was fun to spin she is ready to start knitting. Jasmin answered the question,"What do you do to become a better spinner?"

Without a paddle - Episode 164 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-10-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Here at Abstract Fiber we‚Äôre busy getting ready for SOAR. We‚Äôve got some fabulous new colors including Summit, Lagoon, SOAR, The Gorge. The next best thing to being at SOAR is our SOAR colorway, the color of Autumn leaves. Available now at abstractfiber.com .

Meet Lo-Lo by Bar-Maids, "The Hottest Natural Moisturizers in the Fiber World‚Äù. Bar-Maids handcrafts head-to-toe moisturizers for people who wish to proactively protect, defend, and restore their skin to baby bottom soft. Bar-Maids uses only the finest local ingredients available creating non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaky combinations that penetrate multiple layers of the skin working to soften and nourish. Once applied, the moisturizer remains where you put it and is not washed down the drain. With over 38 scents (that smell wonderful), and 8 lip balm flavors that taste yummy, it's hard to choose just one. Find out how you can keep your hands moisturized and beautiful while knitting up a storm at www.bar-maids.com Fair shipping practices, cruelty free, and fast turn around times are just icing on the cake.

Here at Lisa Souza,there is an exciting and arty new garment in our pattern line-up. She has been dreamed up by The Queenie Sisters and her name is Eternity. This is a fabulous kimono style jacket that is made with two colors of our Polwarth/silk and is challenging enough for what the girls call an Enthusiastic Intermediate Knitter. The best part about Eternity, other than the fact that she is so very artsy is that she fits a very wide range of body types and is great for the full figure gal. Our sample has been made with Violet and South Pacific but I would be ever so glad to help your color vision at www.lisaknit.com

Three Fates Yarns is getting ready for the fall with new bold, semi-solid colorways. Perfect for all of your fingering weight projects, eponymous sock is a two-ply, high twist superwash merino. Also, check out the new Selene Sock, the ultimate luxury sock yarn. You'll adore using this stunning combination of Blue Faced Leicester, Silk and Cashmere! Three Fates Yarns can be found at threefatesknitting.etsy.com.

On the Needles: (:33)

Jasmin is working on the Baby Wrap sweater, and only has the attached I cord edging to do to finish it. Natalie, from the Bark n' Knit podcast sent Jasmin a link for a Garter Yoke baby cardigan that she has started out of leftover handspun. She is also working on a Vanilla sock.

Gigi is working on the Petra by Coco Knits out of Dream in Color Groovy in the Purple Rain Colorway. With the help of her friend Janice, she finished weaving in ends on about 20 preemie hats. We also discuss the optimal way to deal with grosgrain ribbon and button holes. She is also working on the Sothia, but it has slowed down.

Mother Knows Best: (22:35)

Jasmin's laptop had issues, her hard drive was disintegrating, and she could not back it up. So back up your computer regularly. We mentioned Chic Knits download policy. She also had to look through her downloads from Interweave Knits Magazine .

Macservice fixed the laptop.

When Knitting attacks: (29:07)

Gigi had a lot of knitting attacks. The swatch for her Odelia lied and the garment turned out way to big. She started knitting on her Celeano, without her beads and did the wrong increases, and then tried knitting without needles. She also knit away on her Heathered Skirt from Veronique Avery's Knitting 24-7, without reading about the decreases. Redo. It needs to be lined eventually and that will necessitate a trip to Thai Silk, because wool is most compatible for laundering when paired with silk.

Jasmin spent a lot of time knitting while her computer was chewing information. Her laptop is one of her important knitting tools.

Review: (40:59)

Successful Lace Knitting by Donna Druchunas. We didn't care for it.

Straw into Gold: (48:24)

Gigi is not spinning smoothly and is a bit frustrated. Her yarn comes out over energized, she gets nervous and treadles faster, which makes for even more over spun yarn. Jasmin's suggestion is to treadle every night without fiber. We review the cormo top from Crown Mountain Farms. The fiber was nice, extremely clean. Jasmin compares this cormo to the cormo roving from Sue Reuser, which is nice enough, but pricey for the quality.

Freaky Friday- Episode 163 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-10-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Here at Abstract Fiber we’re busy getting ready for SOAR. We’ve got some fabulous new colors including Summit, Lagoon, SOAR, The Gorge. The next best thing to being at SOAR is our SOAR colorway, the color of Autumn leaves. Available now at abstractfiber.com .

Meet Lo-Lo by Bar-Maids, "The Hottest Natural Moisturizers in the Fiber World”. Bar-Maids handcrafts head-to-toe moisturizers for people who wish to proactively protect, defend, and restore their skin to baby bottom soft. Bar-Maids uses only the finest local ingredients available creating non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaky combinations that penetrate multiple layers of the skin working to soften and nourish. Once applied, the moisturizer remains where you put it and is not washed down the drain. With over 38 scents (that smell wonderful), and 8 lip balm flavors that taste yummy, it's hard to choose just one. Find out how you can keep your hands moisturized and beautiful while knitting up a storm at www.bar-maids.com Fair shipping practices, cruelty free, and fast turn around times are just icing on the cake.

Have you been to the Forbidden City, Amazonia, Monte Verde or perhaps Sedona? Whether you have visited or long to go, you can knit with the colorways inspired by the great journeys that we call our Travelogue Series. Frothy Niagara or mysterious Styx will be perfect in the projects that call for something just a little MORE than a semi-solid. Try them in Polwarth/silk, cashmere or good old Blue Faced Leicester. Lisa Souza Knitwear & Dyeworks; find us at www.lisaknit.com.

Purlescence Yarns is the Bay Area's destination yarn shop. From the best in spinning and weaving equipment to luxurious yarns and fibers, we have what you need to make your fibery dreams a reality. We're always happy to provide mail order service for Knitmore Girls listeners. Call us today, it'll be on its way!

On the needles:(00:35)

This week, Jasmin has started the Baby Wrap Sweater, a Church Mouse Design, out of Froebe Fibers, one of her treasures from Camp KIP, in Dandelion Wine and Blue Hawaiian. She is also working on the Polo Match cowl from Cowlgirls Knits in Punta Yarns. She also has unearthed her Cassidy out of the UFO bin and is making good progress.

This week, Gigi has finished knitting the Ophidian, and is working on the Sothia, but all the garter stitch is getting to her. She has started the Odelia by Cocoknits out of Tess Yarns Cultured Silk and Merino yarn in a dark gray. Has also started the Celeano by Romi Hill out of Cascade Heritage Silk in a cheerful apple green, and is using Superfloss to string the beads for this project. Also, Gigi is sewing on the gros grain ribbon for Jasmin's Garter Yoke cardigan.

Mother Knows best:( 17:07)

Care and storage of handknits: Wear something under your hand knits, so skin oils do not get onto the garment. Air out items between wearings. For between season storage make sure sweaters are washed, body oils attrack insects.

Gigi puts her hand knits in the washer on the hand wash cycle and uses a ph balanced shampoo. Jasmin doesn't trust her washing machine with her hand knits and instead washes them by hand with Soak. Then she puts them out on the patio onto Sweater Dryer racks. Once the items are bone dry, she tosses them into the dryer for no more than ten minutes to firm up the knits.

For storage we quoted Paula, from Knitting Pipeline who hands her little shawlettes on hangers. This works only for small items, because bigger knits tend to get stretched at the shoulders and get hanger bumps. Jasmin's knits live in drawers. Knits should not be kept in plastic bags, they need to be able to breathe.

For long term storage and moth prevention, we use cloves. The smell of cloves does not tend to bother people, whereas lavender sometimes bothers others.

When Knitting Attacks: (29:46)

Jasmin started the Baby Wrap Sweater twice. She had started it out of some pinkish yarn and some pink and white and purple yarn, and even sitting in time out didn't make it more contrasting.

Review: (35:50)
Wishes and Stitches by Rachel Herron, available 10/11/2011
The story is set in Cypress Hollow, like her previous books. This book also had a knitting pattern, this time designed by Romi Hill. It is a lace shawl. We like the book a lot and think that Rachel should write more books, fast, because we really like reading her stories.

Straw Into Gold: (44:32)
Gigi has started spinning again. She is working on a braid of Corriedale. Jasmin is spinning some more for Andrew's sweater. Jasmin answers the question: How to spin for a sweater without getting bored. So she spins 1 oz at a time onto plastic bobbins. She suggest to use a bobbin winder, either as a personal purchase or as an item for your local guild to purchase. Living locally? Rent time on the bobbin winder at Purlescence.

UFO diving - Episode 162 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-09-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Here at Abstract Fiber we’re busy getting ready for OFFF and SOAR. We’ve got some fabulous new colors including Summit, Lagoon, SOAR, The Gorge. The next best thing to being at SOAR is our SOAR colorway, the color of Autumn leaves. Available now at abstractfiber.com .

Purlescence Yarns is the Bay Area's destination yarn shop. From the best in spinning and weaving equipment to luxurious yarns and fibers, we have what you need to make your fibery dreams a reality. We're always happy to provide mail order service for Knitmore Girls listeners. Call us today, it'll be on its way!

Meet Lo-Lo by Bar-Maids, "The Hottest Natural Moisturizers in the Fiber World”. Bar-Maids handcrafts head-to-toe moisturizers for people who wish to proactively protect, defend, and restore their skin to baby bottom soft. Bar-Maids uses only the finest local ingredients available creating non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaky combinations that penetrate multiple layers of the skin working to soften and nourish. Once applied, the moisturizer remains where you put it and is not washed down the drain. With over 38 scents (that smell wonderful), and 8 lip balm flavors that taste yummy, it's hard to choose just one. Find out how you can keep your hands moisturized and beautiful while knitting up a storm at www.bar-maids.com Fair shipping practices, cruelty free, and fast turn around times are just icing on the cake.

On the Needles: (00:30)

Jasmin is working on projects out of her UFO bin. She is making tracks on the Garter Yolk Cardigan. It needs buttons and button bands, and she will pick up some grosgrain ribbon for finishing it. Also, the baby sweater for Logan needs ribbon. She worked on her Sothia with a number of different needles. She used some from Jenkins, that have nice points, she then moved to CocoBolo needles from Asciano, and then moved to Chia-goo needles, and finished up with Addi Turbos.

She has also dredged up her Cassidy out of her UFO bin, that she is knitting out of Miro in the colorway Rosewood from Abstract Fiber, while she was watching Alien Resurrection. Also, she is occasionally working on the Prairie Blanket by Oat Couture. And she is also occasionally working on the Vanilla sock out of Trekking in her purse.

Gigi is working on her second Ophidian out of green Heritage, and is not liking her needles as much as the Chia-goo needles. She is also working on the garter stitch section of the Sothia, and there are a lot of stitches. She is knitting it out of Abstract Fiber's Mighty Socks in Silver and Little Black Dress.
She is also very excited about the prospect of downloading patterns from the Burda website.

Gigi and Jasmin attended the stash swap at Purlescence, and Jasmin came back with a good haul.

Mother Knows Best : ( 25:31)

We answered a question as to where to get advice and where to order from. Jasmin has ordered from Eat, Sleep, Knit, also Webs and Abstract Fiber, as well as Purlescence with good results. She is not fond of Patternworks. Here we shop at Purlescence, Bobbin's Nest and Yarn Dogs.

As to getting help and advice for knitting problems, and building a knitting group, Jasmin would make friends with people at the yarn store and build a knitting group that way. She suggested finding people by sitting at a coffee shop and knitting there and waiting for knitters to approach. Panera Restaurants seem to be very knitter friendly. Meetup.com seems to be a good place to find knitters. Also: find the local knitters through ravelry groups, and making yourself approachable in a public place.

Gigi suggested taking knitting to the kids' school functions and catching other knitters there. Check the bulletin board at your local knit store.
We also mentioned the Monkey Business Episode.

Review: (37:33)

This week, we review the Stitch Light by Buffy Ann Designs.

Jasmin got dirty looks using it at a bar at Stitches. We were using them watching The Good Guys in the backyard and using the lights. Gigi couldn't get it to work hanging it from her neck. Then she strapped it on her head and nearly blinded Jasmin when she turned to her. It has a very strong light. Jasmin dangled it from her neck, and the lens got really hot.

Andrew bought a head lamp from REI that works much better. We didn't find it comfortable, and we couldn't make it work for us. We do not recommend it.

Straw into Gold: (43:25)

Jasmin ran 9 ounces short on the yarn she is spinning for Andrew's sweater, because she didn't do the math right. So she has to spin more.

We also took advantage of the nice weather and cleaned two spinning wheels, Jasmin's Schacht Reeves and a friends Schacht Matchless. They used Murphy's Oil Soap to clean the wheels and after drying the wheels polished them with Wood Beams. After letting the wheels sit in the sun for a while and cure, the wheels got wiped off and buffed and now they both look glorious.

See one, do one, teach one - Episode 161- The Knitmore Girls

2011-09-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles:(00:31)

Jasmin is working on the KAANTINEN Reverible Rib Cap, re-engineered to fit a baby.
She finished the interminable ruffle on her Sothia. Jasmin has finished the knitting the Baby Blueberry Cardigan out of Claudia Handpaint and Cascade 220 sport. Only the handsewing remains. The Oat Couture Prairie Blanket is coming along nicely. The Garter Yoke cardigan out of Jasmin's hand spun ( Susan's Spinning Bunny is BFL color blue jeans, and Lorna's laces, Merino, color jeans) is progressing nicely.

Gigi has finished Romi Hill's Taygete. The knitting is finished but it hasn't been documented. We learned a new acronym: POIDH Picture or it didn't happen.
She is also working on her second Ophidian by Sivia Harding and complaining because the needles she is using aren't as sharp as the Chia-goo needles she used on her last project. She is also working on the Sothia, out of Abstract Fiber in Mighty Sock. And a non-descript vanilla sock.

Mother Knows Best: (17:41)

The question we answered from the thread is :How to improve and add to skills as a knitter. Pick whatever skill interests you most and go for it. The See One, Do One, Teach One technique was discussed and recommended. We mentioned the Market Squares Bag from Knitter's Magazine.

And Sew On: (25:52)

Gigi is sewing a quilt our of Dr Seuss fabric from Beverly's with the Contra Dance pattern from Quilt Woman.com Designs. She is using a seasonal table cloth with a flannel lining as a design wall.

Review: ( 33:53)

Entrelac: The Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting by Rosemary Drysdale. We liked the swatches and the photography. We would have liked more photos of the garments. (We really like the Lady Eleanor, and Entrelac Baby Blanket from Knitter's magazine better.) Jasmin liked the poncho and Gigi liked the wrap with angora. We liked the swatches, the garments not so much.

Straw into Gold:(46:44)

Jasmin has been plying her singles for the Ten Year Sweater. She uses her Woolly Winder exclusively for plying because it packs the yarn tightly. She also uses the Fricky Skein winder, because it measures yardage. When she is done skeining her yarn, she ordered cards from Vista Print to label her handspun.

Hypotenuse - Episode 160 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-09-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles:(0:36)

We are recommending the Knitajourney podcast, especially the latest "Knitajourney Girls" podcast. We also played the promos for the 2Knitlit Chicks, and Geek Girl Crafts

Jasmin is working on the Baby Blueberry Cardigan out of Claudia Handpaint and Cascade 220 sport. She is also working on Sothia's never ending ruffle. She also referred to the

David after dentist video. And she is almost half done with the Oat Couture Prairie Blanket.

Gigi is working on Romi Hill's Taygete, putting on the edging, a pair of Vanilla socks with an afterthought heel, a premie hat out of leftover sock yarn, her second Ophidian by Sivia Harding, in Cascade Heritage.

Mother Knows Best: (12:07)

Answering how to fit knitware into daily wardrobe. More solid colors are easier to match. Knitwear is supposed to be the show piece, so the wardrobe needs to be edited to show off the knitting.

When Knitting Attacks: (22:10)

Gigi forgets to read her instructions and had to pull out most of the stitches she had picked up for the edging. Also, she managed to spill beads for the Ophidian all over the couch.

Review: ( 24:57)

A Life in Stitches by Rachel Herron. Not a romance novel but about the love of yarn, and knitting and people. Jasmin has been reading her blog, for years. Some parts are sad.

We liked it.

And Sew On: (32:04)

Jasmin is working on a tablecloth and napkins out of linen from Mood. She is working on straightening the edges and hemming. Her 1975 Singer Touch and Sew is disagreable, and challenging. Gigi confessed that she is running a halfway house for wayward sewing machines. Fabric needs to be cut on the straight of grain so garments hang straight. To compensate for shrinkage and straightening loss, one needs to purchase a bit more fabric. They are thinking about doing pulled thread hems for the napkins by hand.

Straw Into Gold: (44:35)

Jasmin is working on plying yarn for Andrew's 10 year sweater. Gigi will be spinning soon on a borrowed spinning wheel.

We're back! - Episode 159 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-09-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

One Minute Update:

Jasmin is pregnant and expecting a little girl. More baby talk will be posted on her blog "Better than Yarn". We will be talking a baby break of undetermined length when the baby is born.

On the Needles: ( 0:29)

Gigi has finished another Citron out of sparkly Huckleberry with a beaded bind-off.

Jasmin finished a UFO: the Oat Couture Prairie Blanket. She is also working on a Sothia Shawl out or her own left over handspun, but the ruffle feels like it will never end. She also is working on a pair of vanilla socks out of Trekking. Also, she finished a Zoom baby sweater out of Tess Yarns Superwash Merino.

Gigi finished one Daybreak out of Conjoined Creation Flatfeet with navy blue contrast in Cascade Heritage, and another one out of Claudia's Handpaints in the San Jose Sharks colorway with some black Cascade 220 Sport for contrast.

Also , we mentioned Project Runway. One of the Designers wore a scarf that looked like the Morehouse Mouse scarf.   He said he designed it himself. We are impressed by Anya.

Mother Knows Best: ( 22:48)

We talked about buying yarn for the stash. Gigi has been trying to organize her knitting, sewing and quilting stash. And she has reached SABLE. Advice : buy enough to finish a project, and maybe some extra balls as to not run short. Beware of trendy yarns: eylash, bulky, fun fur.

We discussed the Bobbin's Nest stash sale.

When Knitting Attacks: ( 36:18)

Gigi has been working on the Taygete by Romi Hill, and has problems reading lace. Lots of stitch markers and using the charts instead of the written directions help.

Jasmin had an amazingly pretty day and was buying a bunch of circular needles, and somehow managed to put back the needles she had picked and instead take the needles she didn't need to the cash register.

Review : (42:06)

Knitting Beyond the Edge, by Nicki Epstein.
Wonderful finishes and flourishes for plain knitting.   We liked it a lot, and enthusiastically recommend it.

Straw into Gold: (46:08)

Tour de Fleece: Epic Fail for Gigi. Jasmin failed Team Sasquatch, and didn't realize her goal of spinning a Goodale's (sweaters) worth of yarn, but her woolen spinning improved. Now she is working on plying the yarn she spun for knitting Andrew's sweater, the Baseball Sweater from Knits Men Want.

She is enjoying spinning Crown Mountain Farms Superwash Merino in "Material Girl" on her new travel wheel, the Sidekick, the new folding wheel by Schacht. Andrew was impressed and Jasmin really likes it.

Jasmin attended the Monterey Wool Auction. She dropped off some fleeces with Sherri for Morro Fleece Works, and learned about alpaca fleeces.
Miss Kalendar scored four fleeces, Jasmin came home without any, she liked some but they were bid up higher than she was willing to pay for. This year the highest fleece was bid up to over $40 per pound.

Black Sheep 2011 Recap - Episode 158 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-06-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

At Purlescence Yarns we're head over heels for weaving. From rigid heddle looms like Jasmin's favorite Schacht Cricket to table and floor looms for weaving beautiful textures, Purlescence Yarns is your resource for the best in weaving equipment and supplies. Call today to order your loom!

Discover jacket mastery: see how easy it is to get the fit, confirm it as you knit, and know that every jacket will fit on Opening Day with Jean Frost. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the Midwest. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES Midwest is open to the general public August 25th-28th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Events/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

Black Sheep Gathering recap:

We announced the winners of the Three Bites Contest.

Part 2 of our recommended list of podcasts:

Fluffy Fiber Podcast
Happy Crafter 207
Knitting Psychos
Manic Purl
Miss Elle Knits
Outlier
Sassy Pants Knitter
Savvy Girls Podcast
Spin Control
Spindoctor
Spinning Jenny
Stash and Burn
Sticks and String
Stitch It
Stringchronicity
Subway Knits
Weave Cast
Well Knitted Life
Yarngasm
Yarnings
Yarnspinners Tales

Wednesday: (00:29)
Drive to Oregon with Laura, The Joy of Cooking Fairy.
Dinner at Marche.

Thursday: (12:35)

Breakfast at Off the Waffle, who offer regular, vegan, and gluten free waffle options. Browsing at Tsunami Books. Home away from home at the Courtesy Inn. We played "How many podcasters can you stuff into a little hotel room?". Dinner at Poppi's Anatolia, who had an amazing, allergen coded menu.

Friday: (18:51)

Breakfast at Off the Waffle. We attended the annual fleece judging, sadly not done by Judith MacKenzie McCuin this year. The judge was very charming, but he was more concerned with not hurting anyone's feeling than with an objective verdict. So he said everything was nice, even tender fleeces, that were not nice, and really not suitable for handspinning. And not worth $20/lb. Jasmin talked about what a good judging should look like.

Meet and Greet at the Abstract Fiber Booth was a lot of fun, and we got to meet a lot of old and new listeners. Lunch at the fairgrounds. We ran into Sasha and Mr. Spin Doctor.
Second Meet and Greet at the Barmaids Booth. Afterwards, Jasmin sat and spun, I was misbehaving while Jasmin was not keeping a close eye on me.

Dinner at the Pizza Research Institute was lovely, interesting and had unexpected ingredients. The fancy jalapeno poppers were very tasty. And the two piece band was totally unexpected, and surprisingly good.

Saturday: (37:24)

Breakfast at Off the Waffle. Hanging out with sheep and goats at the fairgrounds. Visiting with George from Skaska Designs, and Klaus from Crown Mountain Farms, who had a ton of new, delicious colors. We stood in line to secure our spot for the fleece viewing and buying, which gets rather competitive. Jasmin and company scored a number of outstanding fleeces. While in line we met the awesome Sultana, who spins sweater quantities of yarn on her drop spindle.

Lunch at the fairgrounds. The ravelry meet up was very short, they gave away prizes for the bingo, but there was not a whole lot of meeting. Dinner at Marche. Food was outstanding, as was the company.

Sunday

Breakfast at Studio One Cafe. Lots of interesting movie memorabilia and satisfying food. Last minute yarn purchases from Huckleberry's. Laura and I picked sparkly yarn, Jasmin bought yarn because of the cool, Battle Star Galactica name. And she the bought the uncented Plain Jane LoLo Bar, so she won't smell delicious in yoga class.

We picked up some frozen waffles from Off the Waffle to take home and have later.

We think that the Black Sheep Gathering has wonderful stuff, interesting critters, and Eugene has the most amazing food.

Knitmore Girls Podcast reached a million downloads. Yeay!

Tour de Fleece training:

Find your spinning support group.

Thanks for listening! Leave glowing reviews for the podcasts you like. See you in September!

A foot long - Episode 157 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-06-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

We're seeing the occasional ray of sun at the Abstract Fiber studio in Portland The weather is finally warming and lace knitting season has arrived! We love using MightySock for lace. 50% Tencel makes it drape beautifully, and gives it sheen. MightySock comes in any of our solids or colorways to suit your project. Give MightySock a try in your next lace project. You're gonna love it! Check AbstractFiber.com for a list of retailers or shop online anytime

At Purlescence Yarns we're head over heels for weaving. From rigid heddle looms like Jasmin's favorite Schacht Cricket to table and floor looms for weaving beautiful textures, Purlescence Yarns is your resource for the best in weaving equipment and supplies. Call today to order your loom!

Discover jacket mastery: see how easy it is to get the fit, confirm it as you knit, and know that every jacket will fit on Opening Day with Jean Frost. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the Midwest. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES Midwest is open to the general public August 25th-28th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Events/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the needles: (00:35)

Gigi has nearly completed the Hobbit Socks for Mr. Knitmore. Jasmin continues to work on the Unloved Andrew socks. Jasmin is stalled on Hugo for no good reason. Gigi is working on vanilla socks and preemie hats. Jasmin mentions an episode of In Plain Sight ("Something Amish") and asks why did/do you join a knitting group?

Gigi does some mending, and works on a "glued" quilt with Janice. We do a short recap of the Retzlaff winery event.

We will be going on hiatus, starting after our 6/27 episode and we'll be back on 9/5.

Events: (23:25)

- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.
   Meet and Greets:
          - Friday, June 24, 12-1 Abstract Fiber booth (just us)
          - Friday, June 24, 3-4, Bar Maids booth (podcaster meetup EXTRAVAGANZA!)

Contest: (25:36)

The Three Bites contest continues! Try something new, anything, and tell us about it! The contest closes Monday 6/27/2011. Fabulous prizes include:

- A 1-year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- A drop spindle kit from Schacht Spindle Co.
- A Pagewood Farm Tinkerbell Needle Felted Silk Scarf Kit

Mother Knows Best: (30:14)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about organizing patterns from magazines.

When Knitting Attacks: (37:48)

Gigi's Petra attacks.

Review: (39:50)

This week we review "Seamless (or Nearly Seamless) Knits" by Andra Knight-Bowman. It has a good range of sizes. Unfortunately, most of the garments are drop shoulders, which is not a flattering style on most people. Photos are blurry, and garments are styled in a strange way. We suggest giving this book a "pass".

Tour de Fleece Training: (48:41)

Week 5: Clean your wheel.

Details on how Jasmin washes her Matchless:

- Use a soft side of a kitchen sponge, using a solution of water and Murphy's Oil Soap
- Dry
- Apply Wood Beams, allow to sit for an hour or so
- Buff off Wood Beams. Enjoy!

Straw into Gold: (50:22)

Jasmin plied the Cold As Ice. Jasmin has pulled out a gunmetal grey Shetland fleece (named "Moses") for her Tour de Fleece project, which is spinning enough for a long-sleeved Goodale cardigan using an attenuated long draw. Three alpaca fleeces have also found there way to Jasmin.

Rumors - Episode 156 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-06-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: (00:35)

Gigi celebrates Sewing Machine Day, and does so by mending. Jasmin has been slowly making progress on Hugo the Couch Potato Monster. Jasmin is making slow progress on the Unloved Andrew socks. Jasmin mentions that Rosemary Hill will be doing another subscriber-based eBook. We mention the Brandywine Shawl.

We will be going on hiatus, starting after our 6/27 episode and we'll be back on 9/5.

Other podcasts that we listen to and recommend:

- CogKnitive
- Craftlit
- Creativemother (in German)
- Fiber Beat
- iMake
- Knit Knit Cafe
- Knit Sibs
- Knitabulls
- KnitCents
- Knitting Pipeline
- Sticks and String
- Well Knitted Life
- Brass Needles
- Anatomy of Knitting
- APlayfulDay
- At the Kitchen Table
- Ba Ba Blacksheep
- BarkNKnit
- Belle of the Ball
- Cast On
- Craft Patience
- Electric Sheep
- KIPing it Real
- The Knit Wits
- KnitaJourney
- Knit Knacks

Events: (15:53)

- June 18th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.
   Meet and Greets:
          - Friday, June 24, 12-1 Abstract Fiber booth (just us)
          - Friday, June 24, 3-4, Bar Maids booth (podcaster meetup EXTRAVAGANZA!)

Contest: (19:56)

We announce the Three Bites contest! Try something new, anything, and tell us about it! The contest closes Monday 6/27/2011. Fabulous prizes include:

- A 1-year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- A drop spindle kit from Schacht Spindle Co.
- A Pagewood Farm Tinkerbell Needle Felted Silk Scarf Kit

Mother Knows Best: (25:02)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about how to select classes to take at a knitting event.

When Knitting Attacks: (34:12)

Gigi solos this segment, with her recalcitrant Daybreak. Gigi can't see the lace on her Taygete. Gigi's Katje is too small and gets ripped back to the yoke.

Review: (40:22)

This week, we review Vintage Modern Knits by Courtney Kelley and Kate Gagnon Osborn. It is a book full of lovely, classic garments, and a good range of different techniques. Give it a flip through, we declare it "not exciting, but not terrible".

Tour de Fleece training: (46:54)

Week 4: Check your equipment. Bobbins, driveband, oil, and a timer.

Straw into Gold: (49:32)

Jasmin is finishing some Crown Mountain Superwash merino in "Cold As Ice" to be a 3-ply sock yarn. Jasmin answers a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about letting singles and plied yarn rest for 24 hours.

Marshmallow menace - Episode 155 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-06-07T22:58:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: (00:35)

Gigi has a vanilla sock on the needles. Jasmin has cast on a Hugo monster from the Rebecca Danger book "Big Book of Knitted Monsters". Gigi is on the second lace chart for the Taygete. Jasmin found the second Unloved Andrew sock, hidden in a Knit Purl Sew What triangle bag, obscured by preserved lemons.

Jasmin mentions the Smitten Kitchen marshmallow recipe.

We will be going on hiatus, starting after our 6/27 episode and we'll be back on 9/5.

Events: (13:58)

- June 11th: WWKIP Day. We'll be at Santana Row, in the center section between Cohiba and Sunglass Hut.
- June 18th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (17:51)

We announce the Three Bites contest! Try something new, anything, and tell us about it! The contest closes Monday 6/27/2011. Fabulous prizes include:

- A 1-year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- A drop spindle kit from Schacht Spindle Co.
- A Pagewood Farm Tinkerbell Needle Felted Silk Scarf Kit

Some favorite submissions for this week include Maria (venusfueri, from the Subway Knits Podcast) moving to the front of the room in yoga. Greentriangleknitter (from the APlayfulDay Podcast) goes back to dance after an injury.

Mother Knows Best: (23:32)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about measuring gauge swatches. Jasmin references the Marta cardigan.

Our suggestions:

- Knit the swatch larger than called for. Larger sample sizes are always better.
- Look at how the garment is photographed.
- Compare your swatch to the dimensions of the garment.
- Wash your swatch

When Knitting Attacks: (30:38)

Gigi is attacked multiple times by her Daybreak shawl.

Review: (35:37)

This week, we review Cowl Girls by Cathy Carron. The cowls make Gigi nostalgic for Boston. Gigi thinks that these are "showstopper" cowls, and that most of them are appropriate for a younger, more stylish demographic. (You can see the project pages for the cowls here.)

Tour de Fleece training: (44:43)

Yikes! We're already on week three of training, so we need to do three weeks in one. You can handle it, you're all amazing. You can find the Team Sasquatch group here.

Week 1: Pick your project/goal
Week 2: Weigh out your fiber OR wash as much fleece as you need for your project (plus a little for buffer) and start processing. Make a processing plan.
Week 3: Spin a sample (I suggest 1 oz) to test your wheel and fiber.

Shefood on the half shell - Episode 154- The Knitmore Girls

2011-05-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles: (00:34)

Gigi has been working exclusively on her Taygete. Jasmin picked up the polo match cowl, out of the Punta Mericash. from the Cowl Girls book, and she is slowly working on her Garter Yoke Cardigan out of her handspun from Tour de Fleece 2011. Gigi is knitting her Daybreak out of Cascade Heritage 150 and a Conjoined Creations Flat Feet in Rainbow. Jasmin mentions Kristi's beautiful blanket with the mitered squares.

Events: (8:05)

- June 4th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 11th: WWKIP Day. Location TBD.
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (10:47)

We announce the Three Bites contest! Try something new, anything, and tell us about it! The contest closes Monday 6/27/2011. Gigi shares a three bites story about seafood.

Mother Knows Best: (16:09)

We take a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about hair in knitting. We mention Alison Hyde (author of Wrapped in Comfort) incorporating her husband's hair into a sweater for him, maybe.

When Knitting Attacks: (21:52)

Gigi goofs up garter stitch on her Taygete, Jasmin has misplaced the second Unloved Andrew sock.

Review: (25:10)

Terrific Toe-Up Socks by Janet Rehfeldt. We don't care for it, and would recommend Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy Johnson or Toe-Up! by Chrissy Gardiner as a better value.

Straw into Gold: (31:10)

Jasmin has finished spinning the singles for Andrew's 10 year sweater. She is now working on some Crown Mountain Superwash merino in "Cold As Ice" to recalibrate her mojo. Jasmin gets her white plastic storage bobbins at Purlescence and at Carolina Homespun. Jasmin mentions the Ba Ba Blacksheep podcast.

Jasmin is selling the extra weight from the fleece from Duchess (which she spun into her Seneca sweater) for $40/lb, plus shipping. Jasmin answers a question about how to keep colors in handpainted fiber from getting muddy and dull.

Treat yourself - Episode 153 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-05-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: (00:35)

Jasmin is working on the Unloved Andrew socks out of the Sanguine Gryphone Skinny Bugga. Jasmin has pulled her Garter Yoke Cardigan out of her UFO/PhD pile. Jasmin has also been working on her Aran Pocket Shawl. We make a family visit to Purlescence, and talk about attending the Maker Faire. We met Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude, and the nice folks from BurdaStyle. Jasmin asks if the listeners would be interested in a Sew-A-Long.

Events: (16:24)

- June 4th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 11th: WWKIP Day. Location TBD.
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (19:25)

We announce the Three Bites contest! Try something new, anything, and tell us about it! The contest closes Monday 6/27/2011. Jasmin tells a story about creme brûlée.

Mother Knows Best: (27:06)

We answer a question from our "What do you want to hear about?" thread regarding hot weather and socks.

When Knitting Attacks: (31:02)

Gigi has been systematically attacked by all of her knitting. Gigi overthinks her Taygete, knits the foot of a pair of Hobbit Socks too long, her Katje pinches, and the buttonhole thread gets all ratsnesty.

Review: (36:40)

This week we review Knitting Plus by Lisa Shroyer. We both like it, mostly, but think it's purchased best with Big Girl Knits.

Knitting Genealogy - Episode 152 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-05-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles: (:31)
Gigi has finished knitting the Elektra shawl. Greg has decided to frog the sleeves on his Changes in Latitude sweater. Jasmin is working on an old project, the Aran Pocket Shawl from Cheryl Oberle's Folk Shawls. Gigi is working on another pair of Hobbit Socks for Mr. Knitmore.

Greg is working on another pair of socks for the New York niece. Gigi is working on her Origami Sweater. Jasmin is working on the Unloved Andrew socks. Jasmin mentions the Harmony Sweepstakes festival. Gigi is working on the Katje sweater out of bulky Venezia. Jasmin is knitting the Polo Match cowl out of the Punta Mericash Solid. Greg talks about his travels abroad.

Events: (24:29)

- June 4th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 11th: WWKIP Day. Location TBD.- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Mother Knows Best: (26:27)

This week, we talk about using stitch markers in lace knitting.

...And Sew On: (33:15)

We talk about the yarn crawl, and ending up at Hart's Fabric in Santa Cruz. We mention the Seabright Brewery. We mention needing a better word than "seamstress" or "sewer" and encouraging Jacquie to do a sewing podcast.

Review: (44:27)

This week, we review Sweet Baby Crochet by Sandy Scoville and Denise Black. It's ok, but if you want a book of really cute crocheted baby stuff, Jasmin recommends taking a look at Candy Tots by Candi Jensen.

Very hungry caterpillar- Episode 151- The Knitmore Girls

2011-05-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: (00:31)

Gigi does an impression of the Very Hungry Caterpillar. She's working on a pair of Hobbit Socks for Mr. Knitmore, and isn't thrilled with the yarn. Jasmin is working on the Unloved Andrew socks, and wants to knit the Earl Grey socks for him next. Gigi's Elektra shawl issues have been resolved.

Jasmin has made some progress on her Cassidy cardigan. Gigi is working on her Cece cardigan. Jasmin is diving into her UFO box for inspiration, and wants to finish the cashmere wrap she started a while ago. Jasmin states that she has really gotten her money's worth out of her copy of Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle. Gigi has started on a Katje and a Petra.

Jasmin mentions an art exhibition she attended, Pretty Little Masks, and WindSync.

Events: (15:35)

- June 4th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 11th: WWKIP Day. Location TBD.- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (17:33)

We announce the Mom'N'Me contest winners. Gigi shares a story about Mother's Day. You can see the Then and Now photos here.

Mother Knows Best: (23:58)

We answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about" thread: how to place buttons on an attached buttonband. Jasmin suggests doing an Elizabeth Zimmermann afterthought buttonhole. Or place the top button where you want it (try it on with the try on cord), measure the distance between the top button and the apex of your bust, figure out rows per inch, place buttons on a measuring tape that is the total length of the sweater.

Gigi suggests folding a piece of paper instead of doing all of Jasmin's crazy math. Another idea: do the buttonband later.

Review: (32:08)

We review Little Crochet by Linda Permann. We suggest you give it a peek.

Straw into Gold: (41:41)

Jasmin quickly realizes that she is 7 months to finish spinning and knitting Andrew's 10 year sweater.

Pbbbbbbbt- Episode 150 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-05-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Stash for a cause- Japan Earthquake Relief! Purchase any of the Abstract Fiber yarn or fiber in solid red at shows or at AbstractFiber.com through the month of April and we will donate 50% of the purchase price to the Red Cross for Japanese earthquake relief.

At Purlescence Yarns we're head over heels for weaving. From rigid heddle looms like Jasmin's favorite Schacht Cricket to table and floor looms for weaving beautiful textures, Purlescence Yarns is your resource for the best in weaving equipment and supplies. Call today to order your loom!

Discover jacket mastery: see how easy it is to get the fit, confirm it as you knit, and know that every jacket will fit on Opening Day with Jean Frost. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the Midwest. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES Midwest is open to the general public August 25th-28th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Events/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the needles: (00:33)

Gigi has a bout of startitis. She has started a Katje out of the Venezia Bulky. Gigi is working on the Cozy Cable Socks in Tanis fiber arts sock yarn. We rename UFO's "PHD"s, for Projects Half Done. Jasmin has worked on one sock for Andrew.

Events: (9:58)

- June 4th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (11:17)The Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Gigi tells a sad and earless story.

Prizes include:
- A copy of Westknits Book One and Two (SIGNED!)
- A Schacht Hi-Lo drop spindle kit
- How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron (SIGNED!)
- A Leslie Wind cable needle necklace
- A kit from Bar Maids- Shower scrub and a Lo-Lo Bar in "Vanilla Cake" and a jar of Face Pudding

Mother Knows Best: (21:20)

We talk about substituting yarns in patterns.

When Knitting Attacks: (29:13)

Gigi's Elektra attacks her.

Review: (33:01)

This week we review Ami Ami Dogs by Mitsuki Hoshi. It's fun if you're a dog and crochet enthusiast. Give it a look through.

Monkey Business - Episode 149 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-04-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: (00:34)

Gigi has finished a pile of socks. Jasmin is working on a pair of Andrew socks out of the Sanguine Gryphon's Skinny Bugga. Gigi is working on the Elektra from the 7 Small Shawls eBook. Jasmin is making great progress on her Cassidy, Gigi has started her Cece.

Gigi mentions getting a button from Sheila Ernst. Jasmin and Miss Kalendar are working on the Daybreak KAL, you can read Miss Kalendar's blog post here. Jasmin falls out of love with her Mariah.

Events: (15:45)

- June 4th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (19:14)The Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Jasmin shares a story about learning to knit socks.

Prizes include:
- A copy of Westknits Book One and Two (SIGNED!)
- A Schacht Hi-Lo drop spindle kit
- How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron (SIGNED!)
- A Leslie Wind cable needle necklace
- A kit from Bar Maids- Shower scrub and a Lo-Lo Bar in "Vanilla Cake" and a jar of Face Pudding

Mother Knows Best: (23:03)

This week, Gigi talks about learning from young monkeys. Speaking of young monkeys, Boo shares her insights on knitting.

When Knitting Attacks: (37:44)

Gigi's sewing machine refuses to cooperate with making 2" buttonholes on a deadline.

Review: (40:45)

This week we review Great North American Afghan and Great American Kid's Afghan. We really like the Great North American Afghan, and the The Great American Kid's Afghan is just "okay". Jasmin also mentions Paula's Norwegian sweater.

Recovered treasures- Episode 148 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-04-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: (00:36)

Jasmin mentions knitting in an unusual place. We mention the Knitting on the Fly videocast. We mention the Daybreak KAL; Gigi needs to find a contrasting yarn, Jasmin is knitting hers out of Froebe Fibers Midori and Hurricane. Gigi is working on the second Hobbit sock for Mr. Knitmore. Jasmin is making stellar progress on her Cassidy cardigan, with some minor modifications. Jasmin mentions needing to finish installing the zipper on her Mariah hoodie.

Events: (22:03)

Mad props to Jennifer at Cedar Creek.
- June 4th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (29:41)

The Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Gigi shares a story about counted cross stitching with an aunt.

Prizes include:
- A copy of Westknits Book One and Two (SIGNED!)
- A Schacht Hi-Lo drop spindle kit
- How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron (SIGNED!)
- A Leslie Wind cable needle necklace
- A kit from Bar Maids- Shower scrub and a Lo-Lo Bar in "Vanilla Cake" and a jar of Face Pudding

Mother knows best: (39:47)

We talk about switching out your winter and summer wardrobes.

When Knitting Attacks: (39:47)

Gigi is attacked by a sewing machine. Jasmin is attacked by new recording equipment and her Daybreak.

Review: (42:28)

This week, we review a selection of the Namaste bags. Bags reviewed:

- Monroe: A big, professional-looking bag. We've seen it 20+ lbs full of stuff, and it wears well.
- Hermosa: A Big Bag. Jasmin used it for work for 2 years.
- Zuma: The bowling bag! Stylish and deceptively roomy.
- Malibu: Not available anymore. A fantastic big bag that has worn well over three years of use.
- Bitty Bag: Conservative on the outside, fun lining on the inside! A small purse, perfect for those who don't travel with their whole lives in their bags.
- Hip Holster: fantasic for carrying the essentials, but no knitting.
- Urban Messenger bag: Not the best design for a laptop and knitting bag, in our opinion. Magnetic closure doesn't keep it closed, padded laptop sleeve doesn't come out. Not a good purchase, in our opinion, for the price.

Too much fun- Episode 147- The Knitmore Girls

2011-04-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Stash for a cause- Japan Earthquake Relief! Purchase any of the Abstract Fiber yarn or fiber in solid red at shows or at AbstractFiber.com through the month of April and we will donate 50% of the purchase price to the Red Cross for Japanese earthquake relief.

At Purlescence Yarns we're head over heels for weaving. From rigid heddle looms like Jasmin's favorite Schacht Cricket to table and floor looms for weaving beautiful textures, Purlescence Yarns is your resource for the best in weaving equipment and supplies. Call today to order your loom!

Explore the New World of Knitting on Opening Day with Anna Zilboorg. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the South. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES South is open to the general public April 15th-17th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Events/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the needles: (00:32)

Adventures in St. Louis! Things mentioned:

- Charlie Gitto's
- Bailey's Chocolate Bar
- KCL Drop spindles
- Schacht drop spindle
- White Castle (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle)
- Cathedral Basilica
- Knitorious
- Ted Drewes
- Cedar Creek Conference Center
- Gooey Butter Cake
- Daybreak KAL
- BlueMoonArtistry's Daybreak

Jasmin delivered Meghan's sweater. You can find the On the Road thread here, and the YouTube channel here. Gigi makes reference to the marshmallow incident.

Events: (31:41)

- WRONG DATE BEFORE. DATE TBD. Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (33:01)

The Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Jasmin tells a story about cooking together.

Prizes include:
- A copy of Westknits Book One and Two (SIGNED!)
- A Schacht Hi-Lo drop spindle kit
- How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron (SIGNED!)
- A Leslie Wind cable needle necklace
- A kit from Bar Maids- Shower scrub and a Lo-Lo Bar in "Vanilla Cake" and a jar of Face Pudding

Mother knows best: (38:33)

We discuss travel essentials. The list:

- Biobands
- Crystallized ginger
- Neck pillow
- Blanket
- luggage scale
- Prunes. You know why.
- headphones

When Knitting Attacks: (46:23)

Gigi is attacked by her Elektra shawl.

Review: (48:22)

This week, we review Dolce Handknits by Kim Dolce. We don't care for it.

Hope chest - Episode 146 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-04-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Shownotes will be posted after Camp KIP.

Doot doot dooooo - Episode 145 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-03-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

Come celebrate the 6th Annual DFW Fiber Fest April 8-10, 2011. We are moving to a new, larger venue at the Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, and are excited to offer you our biggest vendor hall yet! We also have a Friday Night Event withDoor Prizes galore and Mary Beth Temple as our featured speaker as well as classes in knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving and dyeing. In addition to Mary Beth, our featured classroom teachers for 2011 are Anne Hanson and Robyn Chachula. Class descriptions and the schedule are available at dfwfiberfest.org. Classes are filling up, so register online today!

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

Explore the New World of Knitting on Opening Day with Anna Zilboorg. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the South. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES South is open to the general public April 15th-17th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.comEvents/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the needles: (00:37)

Jasmin has finished the knitting on Meghan's Twist cardigan. We mention cverity's machine-sewn buttonhole. Gigi is bored with vanilla socks, which she bound off three of last week. Gigi has decided to cast on another of Rosemary Hill's shawls (Elektra).

Awesome finds this week- Eunny Jang's zipper tutorial video, and Caro Sheridan's zipper tutorial blog post. Gigi is making progress on her Olive Heather Skirt from Knitting 24/7.

We have a Facebook page!

Events: (13:20)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 5th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (17:33)
We announce the Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Jasmin tells a story about Elphie "helping" with her knitting.

Prizes include:
- A copy of Westknits Book One and Two (SIGNED!)
- A Schacht Hi-Lo drop spindle kit
- How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron (SIGNED!)
- A Leslie Wind cable needle necklace
- A kit from Bar Maids- Shower scrub and a Lo-Lo Bar in "Vanilla Cake" and a jar of Face Pudding

Mother Knows Best: (27:44)

This week, Gigi talks about "old school" social networking.

Review: (34:52)

This week, we review "A Knitting Wrapsody" by Kristin Omdahl. We don't care for it.

... And sew on: (43:49)

Gigi talks about creative use of small spaces and small spurts of time.

Straw into Gold: (48:38)

The body of Andrew's sweater has been spun. Jasmin has started spinning the singles for the sleeves out of a Merino/Border Leicester cross from Hubbard Ranch. Laura joins us to tell the loom story.

We reference "Little Britain" and the Dennis Waterman sketch:

Hailing - Episode 144 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-03-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

Explore the New World of Knitting on Opening Day with Anna Zilboorg. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the South. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES South is open to the general public April 15th-17th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.comEvents/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the Needles: (00:35)

Gigi has got a pile of Vanilla socks on the needles. Jasmin is finishing the hood on her Mariah cardigan. Gigi has knit the first ball of yarn for her Petra cardigan. Jasmin is SO close to finishing Meghan's Twist cardigan. Gigi has finished the last bit of her Cassidy, and mentions her favorite silk pins. Jasmin worked on her bulky teal Looped Loop cowl at "Paul". (Jasmin recommends the movie.) Jasmin is working on the second "Cake" sock for Andrew.

Jasmin mentions the raffle tickets for Sue (you can read about it here, and enter to win here), and the Japan Tsunami relief pattern thread here.

Events: (19:36)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 5th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (21:03)
We announce the Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Gigi tells an "I was the worst Mom ever" crafting story.

Mother Knows Best: (26:50)

We encourage you to use social media for answers and advice. We mention following us on Twitter, and Google Reader for reading blogs.

When Knitting Attacks: (35:39)

Jasmin can't get the buttonholes right on Meghan's Twist cardigan. Jasmin tries the Tulip buttonhole from Knitting Daily.

Review: (42:55)

This week, we review the Never Not Knitting pattern collection by Alana Dakos. We LOVE her patterns!

Patterns we mention:
Shawl Collared Cowl
Cedar Leaf Shawlette
Molly
Haltermelon
Cloudy Day Beret
Autumn Vines Beret
Watermelon cardigan
Very Cherry dress
Spring Garden Tee- adult and kid

Straw into Gold: (55:03)

Jasmin has finished spinning the singles for the body of Andrew's sweater, and will start spinning the singles for the sleeves. Jasmin makes an on-air request to help you destash your floor loom.

The rainbow tweed wrap is finished; it was a first project. Jasmin has started a 3x4 gingham for Andrew on the Cricket. One unnamed Red co-host has told Jasmin to hurry up and finish the scarf on the Cricket so that she can weave herself a scarf out of Artfibers Kyoto on it.

Three bites - Episode 143 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-03-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles: (00:40)

Gigi is knitting on a pair of vanilla socks with an afterthought heel. Jasmin is working on the hood of her Mariah Cardigan. Gigi has cast on a Petra cardigan out of Dream in Color Groovy Meghan's Twist cardigan. We have drinks with a listener, and Jasmin wears her Cece for the first time. Gigi has swatched for her Cece out of SWTC Bamboo on a set of the KnitPicks Zephyr needles.

Katrina the Intern was at a robotics competition this last weekend! She is on the Janksters, through First Robotics. Come out and support Katrina!

(color: Purple Rain). Chloe set in the sleeves on Events: (9:44)

- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 5th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (12:35)

We announce the Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Jasmin tells a story about the Knitmore Dad, hats, and scarves.

Mother Knows Best: (20:25)

Gigi explains the "three bites" rule.

When knitting attacks: (24:55)

The hood of Jasmin's Mariah cardigan attacks Jasmin. Count frequently.

Review: (27:05)

This week, we review Knitting in the Details by Louisa Harding. We think it's a nice book, but that too much attention is paid to rehashes of basic patterns and not enough attention paid to embellishment techniques.

... And sew on: (35:49)

Gigi opens up the new segment by sharing her background. Gigi mentions learning to sew from Burda magazine. We talk about edging linen, pre-washing.

Straw into Gold: (46:55)

Jasmin is almost finished spinning the singles for the body of Andrew's sweater. Jasmin recommends the SpinDoctor Podcast and the Wool Breeds challenge. Jasmin recommends a Cricket loom for your "three bites" of weaving. We also LOVE WeaveCast with Syne Mitchell. Jasmin mentions that she's looking for a Schacht Mighty Wolf loom.

Ausgeleiert - Episode 142 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-03-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles: (00:36)

Thanks to Laura for stunt-hosting in Gigi's absence. You can find Laura's blog here.

Gigi has been working on vanilla socks. Jasmin is working on the hood of her Mariah cardigan. Jasmin is going to set in the sleeves and finish Meghan's Sweater Swap 2010 sweater before she starts something new. Gigi has hit her January sock goal, she has also finished her BFF socks. Gigi gave Miss Kalendar (from the Brass Needles podcast) the January socks.

Jasmin's Elemental Pullover is making good progress. Jasmin mentions the blog post about LittleJ's Harry Potter scarf. Gigi was going to re-enforce the buttonhole side of her buttonband, but ran out of steam.

Events: (20:13)

- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering

Mother Knows Best: (25:03)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about repairing lace - and if there is a way to fix it without frogging back to the lifeline.

When Knitting Attacks: (32:04)

Jasmin talks about losing faith in charts.

Review: (35:44)

We review Around the World in Knitted Socks by Stephanie Van Der Linden. Great variety of techniques, interesting snippets, lovely photos. Not a must-buy, but definitely give it a look through.

We also mention Fancy Feet by Anna Zilboorg.

Straw into Gold: (46:15)

Jasmin is 4 oz away from finishing the spinning on the body of Andrew's sweater. The fleece for the sleeves is currently missing in action. We talk about joining/re-joining singles when plying.

Cardboard cutout - Episode 141 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-03-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

March Madness at Crown Mountain Farms - celebrating the end of Winter - the beginning of Spring. FREE SHIPPING worldwide in March - Fiber specials are Wensleydale Top hand dyed or natural, and Yak Top. Mark your calendar: On March 29th we will have an introductory sale for sock hop yarn - one day only!!! Enjoy the madness.

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

Shownotes will be posted by 3/7. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The Kindness of Knitters - Episode 140 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-02-24T22:25:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs.
Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the Needles: (00:36)

Gigi is knitting Cookie A's BFF socks for the Spin Control KAL. Jasmin is working on her Elemental Pullover (from Knitting 24/7). Gigi has finished her Cassidy! Jasmin's Cece is finished! Jasmin is making some great progress on her Mariah cardigan. Jasmin has finished one sock for Andrew out of the Creatively Dyed J'ouvert ("Cake").

Andrew socks:

Cast on 64 sts, knit in 2x2 rib for 6", work heel sts in st st, continue ribbing instep sts for 1". Work a heel flap for 2 1/2". Do standard instep decreases until you have decreased down to 64 sts. Work the foot until it measures 2" short of the foot. Work toe decreases every other round until there are 32 total sts. Work toe decreases every round until there are 8 total sts. Graft.

Jasmin learns the knitted graft from Knitting Daily. Jasmin mentions Horst Schultz.

Stitches West recap: (15:02)

We do a quick recap of the adventures from the weekend. Things we mention:

KCL Woods
Pho Minh
Sweet Pea's

Events: (27:42)

- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (28:36)

Two tips this week:

1) Be wary of limited time offers.

2) Always choose fun. Resting is overrated.

Review: (34:32)

This week, we review Rachael Herron's "How to Knit a Heart Back Home". We really enjoyed it, despite parts that Jasmin found a little hard to read. Give it a try!

Straw into Gold: (42:58)

This week, we talk about spinning silk.

It's a small whorl - Episode 139 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-02-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs. Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100 AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the needles: (00:38)

Gigi has been finishing! Gigi finished a pair of vintage Opal vanilla socks, and her Ophidian. Jasmin's Cece cardigan is finished! Gigi's Cassidy is a few finishing details away from being finished. Gigi mentions the BioBands, to alleviate motion sickness. Gigi will be doing the Knitting Daily Tulip Buttonhole.

Jasmin mentions "noodling". Jasmin has joined the sleeves on her Mariah cardigan. Gigi has started Cookie A's BFF socks out of an Abstract Fiber "Oops" colorway as part of the Spin Control Flashback contest. Jasmin is working on her Elemental Pullover (from Knitting 24/7) and scores the SAME DYELOT with the two Ravelry Rescue balls. Gigi is working on Odelia, and got to try on some of the new CocoKnits designs at A Verb for Keeping Warm.

Jasmin is weaving a rainbow wrap out of Kauni in a twill. Jasmin got to play with a Cricket loom and LOVES it! We talk about the genius of direct warping. Jasmin is weaving a scarf for Andrew out of Claudia Hand Painted Yarn Navy Olive and Gold.

Jasmin mentions the Brass Needles podcast, as well as the Halcyon Yarn catalog, and leaving Andrew a subtle hint. We give an update on the Knitmore Intern!

Events: (25:28)
- February 15th: Purlescence Yarns XRX event!
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth (Booths 740, 742, 839, 841)
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth (Booth 939)
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special. (Thanks for the logo, Rosemary!)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (30:34)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about joining yarn in lace projects. We talk about the Russian Join, spit splicing, and tying knots. (We mention the interview with Galina.)

When Knitting Attacks: (37:22)

The sleeves (and enthusiasm) attack Jasmin's Mariah.

Review: (39:36)

This week, we review the Sock Techniques 2 DVD by Lucy Neatby.
Holidays with the Knitmores: (48:28)

Jasmin talks about Valentine's Day gifts.

Straw into Gold: (53:08)

A little more progress on the Andrew 10-year sweater. Jasmin answers a spinning question fro the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about the appropriate whorl for your desired yarn.

Director's Cut - Ysolda Teague

2011-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This Director's Cut episode has been brought to you exclusively by:

Unwind, Southern California's destination LYS, is excited to announce its "pop-up store" at Stitches West! Unwind features a beautifully curated selection of yarn and projects, certain to make every knitter gleeful. For an exclusive selection of Sweet Georgia Yarns, True Love Fibers and Frog Tree Sport Alpaca, along with patterns from your favorite indie designers, visit Unwind in booths 1245 and 1247.

You can find Ysolda's blog here, her schedule here, and on Ravelry as Ysolda.

Things we talk about during this episode:

Whimsical little knits 1 & 2
Little Red in the City
Electric ball winder
Little Shop of Horrors
Asunden circular baskets (from Ikea)
Boardwalk Empire
Carnivale

Pod people - Episode 138 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-02-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com

Knitcircus Magazine offers free articles, videos, recipes and patterns inspiration for every season and every family member! Check out our affordable Pattern Collection downloads for three rings of knitting and crochet fun. Please join us for the first Knitcircus Spring Knitting Retreat Saturday, April 16th!

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the needles: (00:39)

Gigi has cast on a whole slew of vanilla socks. Jasmin mentions Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles by Cat Bordhi. Jasmin has cast on a pair of vanilla socks out of the Fancy Image Sock yarn, from their yarn of the month club from June 2006. Gigi is working on the Ophidian shawl by Sivia Harding. Jasmin cast on a Flagstone scarf by Stephen West out of Reynold's Dover. Jasmin has started the second sleeve on her Mariah, and makes a reference to the Pod People. (The correct reference would be "The Invaders".) You can find the highlighters here. Jasmin's Elemental Pullover is SAVED! Miss Kalendar (from the Brass Needles podcast) gets Jasmin to start weaving. Jasmin is using Kauni to weave with.

Events: (17:28)
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth (Booths 740, 742, 839, 841)
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth (Booth 939)
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special. (Thanks for the logo, Rosemary!)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (19:00)

Gigi answers a question from the "What do you want to hear about" thread about lining knit skirts.

When Knitting Attacks: (27:58)

Gigi's Ophidian is attacked by the cardinal rule of knitting.

Review: (33:56)

This week, we review Phoebe's Sweater and Freddie's Blanket by Joanna Johnson, illustrated by Eric Johnson. They are fantastic kids' books that include great knitting patterns. We LOVE these books!

Straw into Gold: (41:55)

Jasmin is really enjoying spinning the Romney/Rambouillet for Andrew's sweater, and has managed to spin 10 out of the 21 ounces for the body of the sweater. Jasmin talks about bobbin winders, the eBay one from Hollyhockhillfarm, the Swedish bobbin winders, and the Schacht electric winder.

Director's Cut - Miriam Felton

2011-02-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This Director's Cut has been sponsored by:

You can find Miriam's blog here, her teaching schedule here, and on Ravelry as MimKnits.

Things mentioned in the episode:

Flutter scarf
Seraphim
Hidecote Garden
Boudica sock
Repair hook
Goodale sweater by Cecily MacDonald
Berroco Ultra alpaca fine
Plivver
Ladyhawke
Ashford Traveller
Schacht Matchless
Twist and Knit

Gregarious Sheep - Episode 137 - The Knitmore Girls

2011-02-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs.
Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the needles: (00:39)

Gigi is in love with tweed! Gigi scored some Jo Sharp felted tweed DK at the yarn swap. We talk about the yarn swap, and Gigi's failed Swan Purse. Gigi has cast on the Odelia sweater (by CocoKnits). Jasmin has been working on her Mariah cardigan. Gigi is working on the Ophidian shawlette by Sivia Harding, out of Temptation.

Call and leave us a message on our Google voice number! (Please don't post the number outside of Ravelry.) We LOVE the Chiao-goo lace needles (which you can get from Bobbin's Nest Studio). Jasmin has cast on a Baby Surprise Jacket, and mentions being on the latest episode of Brass Needles (where we discuss Mega Piranha). Jasmin has finished "Knitting Without Tears".

Gigi has been reading "How to Knit a Heart Back Home", and they both re-read "How to Knit a Love Song."

Events: (23:39)
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth (Booths 740, 742, 839, 841)
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth (Booth 939)
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special. (Thanks for the logo, Rosemary!)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (26:16)

We talk about knitting a miniature version first.

When Knitting Attacks: (30:40)

Gigi's slipped first stitch attacks her Odelia. Jasmin has decided to undo her Elemental Pullover. Gigi is attacked by yarn that is too busy for the Cookie A BFF socks. Jasmin tries to outsmart Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (35:47)

Gifts that show a knitter that you care. The list:

- Umbrella swift, ball winder, Elizabeth Zimmerman or Lucy Neatby DVDs
- Bobbins for spinning wheel, or electric bobbin winder and plastic storage bobbins
- A Cricket loom
- Stash storage, a gift certificate for winding yarn
- 150 issues of Threads magazines on DVD
- A Namaste knitting bag

Review: (40:33)

This week, we review The Big Book of Knitted Monsters by Rebecca Danger. WE LOVE IT!!!

Straw into Gold: (46:02)

This week, Jasmin reviews the Hansen MiniSpinner. It's versatile, small, and light. It can spin *literally* anything. It's not a silent wheel, but it's not loud either. Jasmin really liked it, and will buy one if she decides to spin more bulky or novelty yarns. Jasmin mentions Jacey Boggs' Sit and Spin DVD.

Jasmin has started spinning for Andrew's 10-year sweater. The pattern is the Baseball Jersey from "Knits Men Want". Jasmin is spinning the body of the sweater out of a Romney/Rambouillet cross (from Harold Goodnow, which she bought at Rhinebeck 2009), and it is amazing to spin.

Director's Cut- Janel Laidman

2011-01-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Listen here:

This Director's Cut has been sponsored by:

You can find Janel's blog here, and you can also find Janel on Ravelry.

Things that we mention:

The Eclectic Sole
The Enchanted Sole
Rustling Leaf Press
Spindlicity
Prey, by Michael Crichton (I enjoyed the audiobook, read by Robert Sean Leonard)

Feel the cashmere - Episode 136- The Knitmore Girls

2011-01-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

(This is my Sweater Swap 2010 trade with Meghan)

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs.
Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/

Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the Needles: (00:37)

Gigi talks about her birthday celebration, including Jasmin's blog post. We were joined by loads of friends, including Alison Hyde, author of "Wrapped in Comfort" who brought her incredible chocolate torte. We mention Sweet Pea's (in Los Gatos) for crepes.

Gigi feels behind on her one sock per week goal. Jasmin has finally cast on her Mariah cardigan, out of the Jade Sapphire 6ply cashmere in "Bougainvillea" during the Social Pressure Experiment. We mention A Very Knit Shop in Los Gatos.

Gigi talks about knitting the Olive Heather Skirt from Knitting 24/7 and the decorative and interesting decreases. Jasmin has cast on her Elemental Pullover (also from Knitting 24/7) out of Grignasco cashmere in navy blue (color 829, lot 28261), which she is a ball or two short on. Help a knitter out?

Jasmin has started reading Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann. We mention the Knitting Pipeline podcast with Paula, and the Elizabeth Zimmermann read-a-long thread in the Knitting Pipeline group. Here is the link to the EZ Read-a-long thread in our Ravelry group.

TV Knit sightings! Lily Chin on Top Chef ("We're gonna need a bigger boat")! Also, Patrick Jane (The Mentalist, episode "Bloodhounds" season 3, episode 12) can recognize a knitter by their finished objects.

We mention the Warm Hats Not Hot Heads project.

Events: (24:00)
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special.
- April 6-9: Camp KIP!

Mother knows best: (28:15)

We answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about Fair Isle, floats, and steeking. We mention the Philosopher's Wool book (Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified) and their video. We also mention their Color Your Own sweater, which is their intro to Fair Isle sweater.

When Knitting Attacks: (33:33)

Gigi's seemingly simple socks attack. Jasmin gets swept up in the cashmere and mistwists some cables on her Mariah.

Review: (36:34)

In honor of Rachel (from the KnitCents podcast) and her new niece, this week we review Babies & Toddlers- a Knitter's dozen. There is a fantastic range of techniques and interesting and fun patterns for kids. We like it; check it out! Some of our favorites:

Mrs. Beetle
Mr. Bumble
Children at Play
Mexicali Baby Olé
4-Tam Pram Set

Straw into Gold: (45:05)

Jasmin hasn't spun this week. So, we answer questions!

Question 1: What do I sit on when I spin?
Digested answer: I either sit on a chair (from our kitchen) or a drum throne.

Question 2: How do I divide up a 4oz bump for a 3-ply yarn?
Digested answer: 38 gram segments, which the plastic Schacht bobbins can comfortably hold.