Sunday, May 30, 2010

A taste for the sparkles- Episode 103 - The Knitmore Girls

citron


Listen here:
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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

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What could be better than Knitmore yarn? If you’re a spinner, it might be Knitmore fiber! Choose from any of our white fiber bases and order up this rockin’ color for pure spinning pleasure. We are updating our website so more yarns and fibers are available in a whole lot more colors. Keep checking AbstractFiber.com as we are making frequent updates. As always, shipping is free for orders over $100 at AbstractFiber.com

purllogolarge
Join us in welcoming Sandi Rosner, Friday (July 2, 2010 7:00 - 8:00pm) one of the great minds behind Think Outside the Sox, as she shares the inspiration for the contest, the selection process of the winning socks, and more! Sandi will be available to sign books after the talk.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.



On the needles: (00:35)

Gigi and Jasmin work on their Brandywine shawls for the Brandywine KAL. Gigi's is knit in of Freckle Face Fibers "Kimono" in "Newt", Jasmin's is knit in Abstract Fiber "Hepburn" in "Mousse". We mention maniago's Brandywine, and the beaded Citron. Jasmin's Citron saves the day.

Events: (16:34)

- 6/5: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- 6/12: WWKIP day . We'll be at Santana Row, in the center section across from Sunglasses on the Row and Cohiba.
- 6/18-20: Black Sheep Gathering. Eugene, OR.

Mother knows best: (18:34)

We discuss matching the materials to the recipient of knits.

When knitting attacks: (30:41)

Gigi declares redoing the first chart of the Brandywine to be a swatch. Gigi's Frost Flowers (take 3) has hit a snag. Jasmin goofs up the first chart of the Brandywine. We're stumped for our next garment KAL.

Tour de Fleece Training: (41:05)

Riders:
Week 2: Processing. Wash your fleece (but only as much as you plan to spin, plus a buffer. If you're going to be dealing with processed stuff, weigh out your fiber.
Hand-cyclists:
Week 2: Gather your materials. (Gigi has decided to knit the Aeolian shawl out of a silver skein of Abstract Fiber Hepburn.)


Straw into gold: (49:14)

Jasmin is spinning her baby cormo on her Schacht-Reeves saxony wheel. It's fast! Jasmin can't get enough of spinning sparkly stuff, and she is completely enchanted with the Susan's Kitchen batts. Jasmin talks about different ways to spin batts.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

It's like a tango - Episode 102 - The Knitmore Girls

aqualung

Listen here:
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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

abstractbanner
What could be better than Knitmore yarn? If you’re a spinner, it might be Knitmore fiber! Choose from any of our white fiber bases and order up this rockin’ color for pure spinning pleasure. We are updating our website so more yarns and fibers are available in a whole lot more colors. Keep checking AbstractFiber.com as we are making frequent updates. As always, shipping is free for orders over $100 at AbstractFiber.com

purllogolarge
The Purlescence Purl Girls are adding a touch of luxury to our summer knitting with Mericash from Punta Yarns. This merino cashmere blend is a lovely sportweight single, spun in Uruguay. We have lovely shades in solids and hand paints. We're dreaming about yummy soft sweaters and shawls. This week we'll be casting on Citron from Knitty.com in a lovely charcoal gray.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.


On the needles: (00:34)

Jasmin has unearthed her Brandywine Shawl from the UFO bin, made out of Abstract Fiber Hepburn in "Mousse". KAL, anyone? Jasmin also mentions the shawl pins by Rosemary Hill. Gigi has finished the Wrap Front Cardigan. Jasmin is finishing the collar of her Carli.

Gigi has finished the second
vanilla sock, knit out of Tess Yarns sock yarn. Gigi is excited about the Head to Toe Project. Jasmin is making great progress on her Citron, knit out of the Knitmore colorway in the Abstract Fiber Supersock. Gigi is working on Take 3 of her Frost Flowers stole (by Charlene Schurch), made out of the Shibui Silk Cloud, and have a great experience with WEBS.

We mention Brenda Patipa's Tribute sock pattern, Audrey's Frost Flowers & Leaves shawl (by Eugen Beugler) from A Gathering of Lace.

Mother knows best: (21:01)

This week we discuss knitwear requests, and pricing. Jasmin mention's Tanya's steampunk mini top hats.

Events: (32:14)

- 6/5: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery
- 6/12: WWKIP day . We'll be at Santana Row, in the center section across from Sunglasses on the Row and Cohiba.
- 6/18-20: Black Sheep Gathering. Eugene, OR.

When knitting attacks! (36:24)

Gigi's Citron is a liiiiittle short on yardage (Wüllenstudio). Jasmin's memory attacks her Brandywine Shawl.

Tour de Fleece Training: (44:57)

Week 1: Pick your project.

You can find Team Sasquatch here!

Straw into gold: (48:39)

Jasmin talks about spinning with flash/Angelina.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

On FIRE! - Episode 101 - The Knitmore Girls

polwarth

Listen here:
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This week's episode has been sponsored by:


abstractbanner
The Knitmore color has arrived! We are delighted to introduce an exclusive yarn celebrating our friends Jasmin and Gigi, the Knitmore Girls. This great color also supports a great cause. For every skein ordered, Abstract Fiber will donate $2 to the American Heart Association. Knitmore yarn is available exclusively at AbstractFiber.com.

purllogolarge
The Purlescence Purl Girls are adding a touch of luxury to our summer knitting with Mericash from Punta Yarns. This merino cashmere blend is a lovely sportweight single, spun in Uruguay. We have lovely shades in solids and hand paints. We're dreaming about yummy soft sweaters and shawls. This week we'll be casting on Citron from Knitty.com in a lovely charcoal gray.



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.



On the needles: (00:32)

Gigi is knitting a Citron out of Wüllenstudio (Sister's Golden Hair). Jasmin is knitting her Citron out of the Knitmore Color from Abstract Fiber. Gigi has finished the ties on the Wrap Front Cardigan. Gigi has finished the edging on her Eliina Shawl, with a small modification. Jasmin is plugging away on her Tempest cardigan. (It makes her want to sing Gershwin or re-enact the scene from 500 Days of Summer.) Gigi has finished her first vanilla sock out of the Tess Yarns sock yarn. Gigi has knit a baby hat out of the leftovers of the Serendiptious Ewe Chance sock yarn. Gigi mentions the Head to Toe project. (Pattern pending.)

Mother knows best: (25:25)

Try something new! You might like it. Jasmin mentions the Stitch It! Podcast, and Artisan Bread in Five Minutes Per Day.

Events: (33:45)

- Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery: 6/5

Review: (36:07)

This week, we review 
Think Outside the Sox! We mention:

Socks, Socks, Socks
Socks for Sandals & Clogs

We give the book two thumbs up each, and a gold star from Gigi.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

For the hundredth time! - Episode 100 - The Knitmore Girls

knitmore-abstract

Listen here:
icon

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

abstractbanner
The Knitmore color has arrived! We are delighted to introduce an exclusive yarn celebrating our friends Jasmin and Gigi, the Knitmore Girls. This great color also supports a great cause. For every skein ordered, Abstract Fiber will donate $2 to the American Heart Association. Knitmore yarn is available exclusively at AbstractFiber.com.

purllogolarge
Purlescence Yarns wishes the Knitmore Girls a very happy 100th episode! To celebrate, we're offering Knitmore Girls listeners 10% off mail order purchases of $50 or more through May 15. Certain exclusions apply. Call or email info@purlescenceyarns.com for details. Also, check out Hildy , Sandi's latest design. Knit in a fingering weight sock yarn at 5.5 stitches per inch, it has beautiful drape. A perfect addition to your wardrobe. Through the month of May, proceeds from the purchase of Hildy will go to the American Red Cross for aid to the victims of Tennessee's floods. Download your copy on Ravelry today!



Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.


On the needles: (00:38)

Jasmin's Tempest is plugging right along. Gigi has unearthed and is working on the ties for the V-neck wrap cardigan (by Knitting Pure and Simple). Jasmin is working on the collar for her Carli cardigan. Gigi has unearthed her Katarina and is using Jean Frost's slip stitch technique for piecing it together. Jasmin is working on a Knitmore Vanilla sock out of Abstract Fiber Matisse in "Deep Lake". Gigi is working on a vanilla sock out of Tess Yarns sock yarn.

Jasmin mentions the Knitmore Girls Podcast App, the grosgrain ribbon tutorial, the couture button tutorial . While we podcast, Gigi binds off the second Gull Wing Sock (make from the Serendipitious Ewe's Chance Sock) using the sewn bind-off.

Jasmin announces her 100th project- a Citron out of the new Abstract Fiber colorway- KNITMORE! (Photo above.)

Mother Knows Best: (16:47)

We discuss the sequence of knitting sweater parts.

Contest! (24:32)

We announce the winners of our Project Runway inspired contest.

When Knitting Attacks: (29:10)

Gigi has issues with her Frost Flowers Stole (take 2). She suspects it is the lack of stretch in the silk. She may try it again in the Shibui Silk Cloud.

Straw into Gold: (34:24)

Jasmin talks about selecting spinning projects, matching mood to the project. She also mentions plying the Crown Mountain Farms Wensleydale and the Crown Mountain Farms Aqualung.

Greatest hits: (39:29)

We list some milestones and give thanks.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

MDS&W recap - Episode 99 - The Knitmore Girls

tired llama

Listen here:
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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

abstractbanner
Have you tried Tencel? Abstract Fiber has merino/ Tencel blend yarn and fibers. With warm weather coming, Tencel blends are just right. They're cooler than pure wool and have a smooth sleek surface. MightySock makes a great warp yarn for lightweight woven scarves perfect for spring days and cool summer evenings. The drape of Tencel shows lace off beautifully. Check AbstractFiber.com to puchase merino/tencel blends online or for a list of stores near you.

purllogolarge
Happy May from the Purlescence Purl Girls! Around here we knit sweaters all year round, but we know that some of your knitting habits may change in the warmer months. We're delighted to bring you summery knits, too! Check out Chic Knits' Ribby Shell, ChicKami, & and Nicole patterns, all quick knits just perfect for summer wear. We've got lots of yarns to choose from, too, like Tahki Stacy Charles new Cotton Classic Lite and Cascade Yarns' Ultra Pima. Knit your way to a spectacular summer!




Think Outside the SOX , the latest from XRX Books, features over 60 winning designs from the Knitter’s Magazine contest. This ultimate sock book highlights many design processes, innovative constructions and updates on traditional techniques and just plain beautiful socks. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks. There’s no better time to be a sock knitter! You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/SOX/ or call 800-232-5648.

Show notes will be posted by 5/8.