Thursday, June 25, 2015

Black Sheep 2015 Recap - Episode 339 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled

Listen here:
This weeks episode is sponsored by:
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
Bar-Maids doesn’t create average moisturizer, it's an eco-luscious moisturizer to fit your lifestyle. Bar-Maids offers a wide variety of scents so you can find one just right for you, and if scent isn't your thing then Buck Naked is your go to. If your skin needs a lot of love and moisture then the Body Bar is your product. If you need ecolucious love and moisture on the go or to tuck in small spaces, there is nothing better to pop into your favorite knitting bag than a Lo-Lo To-Go. If you are constantly on your trotters, or like to show off your piggies, O'For Feets Sake is going to make those puppies feel brand new. So brand new you'll be running a marathon in no time. Feed your delicate facial skin with the enriched Face Pudding, pun intended. Use daily for hydration, or nightly for skin you've only dreamed of. If you appreciate products handcrafted with precision and love from a stellar little company, then visit www.Bar-Maids.com for a full list of products and customer reviews.
erinLane_logo_512px_zpsc0dd1208
Every hobby needs organization, every project needs a place.  Erin.Lane bags helps you turn your fiber pasttime into neat and organized endeavor.  Our project bags, totes, and needle and notions organizers are everything you need to keep your fiber arts from fraying. 
InfiniteTwistSoftGold_zps2937a47a
Infinite Twist produces unique and luxurious hand-spun yarns that are crafted in a socially responsible way. Spun from hand-painted roving and hand-blended batts, our hand-spun yarns are a tactile delight for knitters. We also offer project kits that take the guess-work out of yarn and color selection, and hand-dyed mill-spun yarns in striking semi-solid colors. Find out more by visiting infinitetwist.com, or find us on Ravelry and Instagram as infinitetwist. Sign up for our newsletter for a free knitting pattern every month, and don’t forget to use offer code “knitmore”!
Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
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:(0:32)

Jasmin has a FO: she totally finished her  Kapuzin sweater,  out of Lisa Souza yarn in color that works for Genevieve and Beanzilla as well, in Hardtwist, in the St Louis Blues colorway. Grosgrain ribbon, buttons, ends woven in, size and name label sewn in. #stashdash2015

Gigi finished her Gansey socks and two preemie hats.

Jasmin is making good progress on the Three Color Cashmere cowl by Joji Locatelli out of Pepperberry Knits cashmere.

Gigi has worked a bit on the Fractal Danger shawl by Martina Behm,  #behmalong out of Abstract Fiber  Supersock + in the Danger colorway, which was part of the House Special by the Barmaids.

Jasmin has started on the Spectral Cowl out of a Cephalopod Yarns gradient kit. Gigi is working on the Viajante, in Kilimanjaro yarn from Miss Babs.

Jasmin is swatching for a new Playful Stripes Cardigan by Alana Dako for Genevieve, out of Regia 6 ply. Jasmin mentions her Ariann.

There will be an eight week hiatus when Beanzilla arrives, Jasmin is hoping to air our interviews from Stitches West 2015 while we are not recording.
 

Events:(14:38)

We were very  impressed by Mark Eidman, the judge at Blacksheep Gathering. We loved the food at Dar Essalam, Off the Waffle, Papa's Soul Food and Marchė.

We were charmed by the accommodations at the Timbers motel.

Gigi spun on her Jenkins spindle, Jasmin spun on her  Hansen's Mini Spinner and the RAVPower® Xtreme Battery. We bumped into Shilo from Spin Control !

We enjoyed the company of Carin of the Knit Wits, AmyDe, Sonia Ruyts and Liz from Stash, and the lovely Sivia Harding

- May 22 to August 14: Stash Dash  (invented by the Knit Girllls)
- July 4-26: Tour de Fleece
- July 21 to Sept 21: Summer of Lace and Beads

Contest:(39:20)

We have a winner this week! Photoknitgal won a skein of  Invictus Yarn in the Torrent colorway
Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to the ravelry forum, or to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfulness.

Mother Knows Best:(40:37)

This week we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread in the forum
about oiling a spinning wheel. We like the blue Scott Shop Towels.

Schacht instructions on oiling wheels

Purloined:(44:29)

This week we purloin High Note  from Paula from Knitting Pipeline and On A Happy Note from Boston Jen of Down Cellar Studio.

Kudos to AVIS car rental!
 

Review:(47:12)

This week we review
Sew Many Dresses, Sew Little Time: by Tanya Whelan

 Straw Into Gold:(54:03)

Tour de Fleece Training, Week 5, clean your wheel. We use Murphy's Oil Soap, Woodbeams, and diaper rags from Tiny Tots

Congratulations to  Janet Heppler for winning Best in Show at the Black Sheep Gathering.

Gigi spun on her Jenkins Turkish Delight and admired his new style of spindle made out of horn.

And Sew On:(59:08)

Jasmin is enjoying handsewing and has been finishing the  Kapuzin, using our grosgrain ribbon tutorial and the couture button tutorial.

She has bought backing buttons from the same dry cleaning catalog where we get out dry cleaner bags for storing fleece and yarn and fabric.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Kale - Episode 338 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
Bar-Maids doesn’t create average moisturizer, it's an eco-luscious moisturizer to fit your lifestyle. Bar-Maids offers a wide variety of scents so you can find one just right for you, and if scent isn't your thing then Buck Naked is your go to. If your skin needs a lot of love and moisture then the Body Bar is your product. If you need ecolucious love and moisture on the go or to tuck in small spaces, there is nothing better to pop into your favorite knitting bag than a Lo-Lo To-Go. If you are constantly on your trotters, or like to show off your piggies, O'For Feets Sake is going to make those puppies feel brand new. So brand new you'll be running a marathon in no time. Feed your delicate facial skin with the enriched Face Pudding, pun intended. Use daily for hydration, or nightly for skin you've only dreamed of. If you appreciate products handcrafted with precision and love from a stellar little company, then visit www.Bar-Maids.com for a full list of products and customer reviews.
erinLane_logo_512px_zpsc0dd1208
Every hobby needs organization, every project needs a place.  Erin.Lane bags helps you turn your fiber pasttime into neat and organized endeavor.  Our project bags, totes, and needle and notions organizers are everything you need to keep your fiber arts from fraying. 
InfiniteTwistSoftGold_zps2937a47a
Infinite Twist produces unique and luxurious hand-spun yarns that are crafted in a socially responsible way. Spun from hand-painted roving and hand-blended batts, our hand-spun yarns are a tactile delight for knitters. We also offer project kits that take the guess-work out of yarn and color selection, and hand-dyed mill-spun yarns in striking semi-solid colors. Find out more by visiting infinitetwist.com, or find us on Ravelry and Instagram as infinitetwist. Sign up for our newsletter for a free knitting pattern every month, and don’t forget to use offer code “knitmore”!
Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
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:(0:36)

Gigi has found the rhythm of her Viajante, in Kilimanjaro yarn from Miss Babs . Jasmin is making amazing progress on her Rainbow Dots cowl out of Canon Hand Dyes mini skeins .

Jasmin mentions watching the Lucy Neatby DVDs in preparation of the Infinite Twist Octopus kit that we want to knit. She recommends the jogless join on the Techknitter blog. She mentions her Jane Austen cowl.

Gigi is working on a pair of socks out of Two Sisters Yarn, in the Outlander colorway. She is using the tubular cast on out of Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks, Warm Feet. (This technique is also available on her app.)

Gigi finished a pair of tube socks out of Opal van Gogh for Genevieve.

Jasmin is also working on another cowl, the Three Color Cashmere cowl by Joji Locatelli out of Pepperberry Knits cashmere.

Gigi is working on the Fractal Danger shawl by Martina Behm,  #behmalong out of Abstract Fiber  Supersock + in the Danger colorway, which was part of the House Special by the Barmaids.

 She is also knitting another pair of Gansey socks, out of Invictus Yarns, in the Beyond Grey Flannel Colorway on size 1 Karbonz needles. We are currently working with these needles for a future review.

 Loose Ends:(21:00)

We mourn the passing of Lisa Grossman, the Tsock Tsarina. The knitting community has suffered a great loss.

Events:(21:43)

We attended the yarn swap at Purlescence, and Gigi came home with lots of sock yarn bits for preeemie hats. And Jasmin is thrilled with the effects of the Gleener.

 - 06/19-21/2015: Black Sheep Gathering 2015, in Eugene, Oregon [You can find the recap episode with all of the restaurants listed here]

We mention meet-ups organized by Sasha Torres from Sheepspot, and Shilo of Spincontrol, for aficionados of Jenkins drop spindles.  We were listening to Fluffy Fibers podcast and theYarns from the Yinhoo podcast during KIP day.

- May 22 to August 14: Stash Dash  invented by the Knit Girllls
- July 4-26: Tour de Fleece
- July 21 to Sept 21: Summer of Lace and Beads

Contest:(31:52)

This weeks  prize is a skein of Invictus Yarns in the Unafraid colorway, in the Torrent base. 75% superwash merino, 20% nylon and 5% stellina.

Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to the ravelry forum, or to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfullness.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mother Knows Best:(34:13)

This week we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread in the forum
about pattern ideas for gradient yarn. 

Miss Babs's kits are amazing, as are Martina Behm's kits. Also, a lot of Stephen West's patterns will work spectacularly for gradient yarns. Moebius cowl, and Jasmin mentions Amy Detjen's sweater out of Knitcircus, and the Hiro cardigan.

We are wondering if there is a filter for gradients in ravelry.

The Philosopher's Fair Isle  is an option for gradients, as is using Kauni, like Stephanie Pearl McPhee's project. Or the Lane Splitter skirt.

The other question we try to answer is what to do if you get gauge but hate the fabric.
Custom Fit software by Amy Herzog. We don't know if you can import patterns into this software.

Jasmin's Cocoknits Katarina is mentioned.

Natalie, of Mastering the Knits is mentioned

When Knitting Attacks:(43:36)

Gigi was attacked by a variation of the provisional crocheted cast-on. She got the wrong amount of stitches on the Fractal Danger Shawl.

Review:(45:30)

This week we review Vivacious Kids by Fyberspates Yarn

 Straw Into Gold:(53:49)

Week 3 and Week 4 of Tour de Fleece training.

Jasmin is trying Corriedale from a new to her breeder.  She mentions Amy King's article about how to reduce pilling.

She will take her Hansen Mini-Spinner with her and is excited about the RAVPower® Xtreme Battery

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Stash Talk - Episode 337 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
Bar-Maids doesn’t create average moisturizer, it's an eco-luscious moisturizer to fit your lifestyle. Bar-Maids offers a wide variety of scents so you can find one just right for you, and if scent isn't your thing then Buck Naked is your go to. If your skin needs a lot of love and moisture then the Body Bar is your product. If you need ecolucious love and moisture on the go or to tuck in small spaces, there is nothing better to pop into your favorite knitting bag than a Lo-Lo To-Go. If you are constantly on your trotters, or like to show off your piggies, O'For Feets Sake is going to make those puppies feel brand new. So brand new you'll be running a marathon in no time. Feed your delicate facial skin with the enriched Face Pudding, pun intended. Use daily for hydration, or nightly for skin you've only dreamed of. If you appreciate products handcrafted with precision and love from a stellar little company, then visit www.Bar-Maids.com for a full list of products and customer reviews.
erinLane_logo_512px_zpsc0dd1208
Every hobby needs organization, every project needs a place.  Erin.Lane bags helps you turn your fiber pasttime into neat and organized endeavor.  Our project bags, totes, and needle and notions organizers are everything you need to keep your fiber arts from fraying. 
InfiniteTwistSoftGold_zps2937a47a
Infinite Twist produces unique and luxurious hand-spun yarns that are crafted in a socially responsible way. Spun from hand-painted roving and hand-blended batts, our hand-spun yarns are a tactile delight for knitters. We also offer project kits that take the guess-work out of yarn and color selection, and hand-dyed mill-spun yarns in striking semi-solid colors. Find out more by visiting infinitetwist.com, or find us on Ravelry and Instagram as infinitetwist. Sign up for our newsletter for a free knitting pattern every month, and don’t forget to use offer code “knitmore”!
Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
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:(0:32)

Gigi is seaming her Mishke for #Stashdash and anticipating all the yardage that it will add.

Jasmin has finished the dot part of her Rainbow Dots cowl out of Canon Hand Dyes mini skeins  and is now making tracks on the stripes.

Gigi is excited about her Selvedges cardigan out of an old Knit Wear Magazine # 1, out of an alpaca yarn with a large gauge.

Jasmin has just started on her Three Color Cashmere Cowl, by Joji Locatelli out of Pepperberry Knits.

Gigi has cast on the Fractal Danger shawl by Martina Behm,  #behmalong out of Abstract Fiber Supersock + in the Danger colorway, which was part of the House Special by the Barmaids.
She mentions that she  has pulled yarn to knit a pair of socks with Lucy Neatby's rolled hem technique. [Retraction, this is not a rolled hem, it is a tubular hem, from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks Warm Feet]

Jasmin is working on her Viajante and mentions the Fleegle beading tool. #matchymatchyKAL

Gigi has also been knitting on her Viajante, in Kilimanjaro yarn from Miss Babs 
 
Events:(14:19)

We attended   Fleeces, Food and Fun at the Retzlaff Winery and we had lots of fun

Dr Gemma already has done a recap on her podcast.
We mention the amazing Sultana, who spinns for the sweaters she knits.

 - 06/19-21/2015: Black Sheep Gathering 2015, in Eugene, Oregon [You can find the recap episode with all of the restaurants listed here]
- May 22 to August 14: Stash Dash  invented by the Knit Girllls
- July 4-26: Tour de Fleece
- July 21 to Sept 21: Summer of Lace and Beads
 
Contest:(25:59)

Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to the ravelry forum, or to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfulness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The contest has wrapped up. The winners all submitted entries that were original and delightful

We are co-hosting the Countdown to Outlander Knitalong on instagram,  #countdowntooutlander, #kiltmenowKAL. This has to be creatively related to the Outlander series.  Getting help from pocket Jamie is encouraged.

This is an instagram contest, so please make sure to use the appropriate hashtags.

This is being co-hosted by Maria from Subway Knits, CC from Geeky Girls Knit, and Kristin from YarnGasm.

Prizes for this contest are:
two braids of fiber and two skeins of yarn from Gourmet Stash in the colorways "Time Traveler" and "Waterweed".

 A skein of yarn from Katie's Creations (Mint Rain), Scottish Highland colorway in the Tough Sock base, in a very springy Highland green color.

A skein of the"Je suis prest" colorway, from Gingertwist Studio in Edinburgh, and the new shawl book by Claire Devine "Head to Toe", generously provided by The Wool Boutique

A Highland Thistle bag, by Little Skein in the Big Wool.

Newest Prize: a project bag from the Caithness Craft Collective out of an authentic weathered Fraser tartan.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Outlander Season 1, Volume 1 is now available on Amazon


Mother Knows Best:(32:05)

This week we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread in the forum
about increases in patterns. Jasmin suggests the Knit Evenly App.

When Knitting Attacks:(35:50)

Gigi had fun with her Viajante and managed to think she had mistaken it for the Tubularity. Attack ensued.

Purloined:(38:47)

 This week we are purloining "Tooltime" from the Yarnraising podcast, hosted by Malia

We love the Gleener The Ultimate Fuzz Remover Kit

Review:(44:23)

This week we are reviewing

Westknits Spring Shawl KAL 2015 Collection by Stephen West

Jasmin mentioned our interview with him at Stitches West 2015.

We mention other Stephen West designs that we have knitted Daybreak, Pogona, Boneyard

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Deckchairs on the Titanic - Episode 336 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled

Listen here:
This weeks episode is sponsored by:


EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
Bar-Maids doesn’t create average moisturizer, it's an eco-luscious moisturizer to fit your lifestyle. Bar-Maids offers a wide variety of scents so you can find one just right for you, and if scent isn't your thing then Buck Naked is your go to. If your skin needs a lot of love and moisture then the Body Bar is your product. If you need ecolucious love and moisture on the go or to tuck in small spaces, there is nothing better to pop into your favorite knitting bag than a Lo-Lo To-Go. If you are constantly on your trotters, or like to show off your piggies, O'For Feets Sake is going to make those puppies feel brand new. So brand new you'll be running a marathon in no time. Feed your delicate facial skin with the enriched Face Pudding, pun intended. Use daily for hydration, or nightly for skin you've only dreamed of. If you appreciate products handcrafted with precision and love from a stellar little company, then visit www.Bar-Maids.com for a full list of products and customer reviews.
erinLane_logo_512px_zpsc0dd1208
Every hobby needs organization, every project needs a place.  Erin.Lane bags helps you turn your fiber pasttime into neat and organized endeavor.  Our project bags, totes, and needle and notions organizers are everything you need to keep your fiber arts from fraying. 
InfiniteTwistSoftGold_zps2937a47a
Infinite Twist produces unique and luxurious hand-spun yarns that are crafted in a socially responsible way. Spun from hand-painted roving and hand-blended batts, our hand-spun yarns are a tactile delight for knitters. We also offer project kits that take the guess-work out of yarn and color selection, and hand-dyed mill-spun yarns in striking semi-solid colors. Find out more by visiting infinitetwist.com, or find us on Ravelry and Instagram as infinitetwist. Sign up for our newsletter for a free knitting pattern every month, and don’t forget to use offer code “knitmore”!
Page-01_zpsdwbinjs4
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:(0:33)

 Gigi has some finished objects: she has finished the van Gogh vanilla socks, and started tube socks out of what is left over for Genevieve.

Jasmin has lengthened the sleeves of Genevieve's  Very Hungry Caterpillar cardigan #stashdash. According to Lala from the Knit Girllls it counts for Stash Dash.

There is some heckling of  Commuter Jen.

Jasmin is planning to lengthen her SPAKAL sweater : The Eadon cardigan by Susanna IC, and add a zipper to it, which doesn't count for Stash Dash.

Gigi has finished the knitting on the Gansey socks.  The yarn bleeds and needs to be set with citric acid.

We mention Rachel Herron's blog  who is purging her posessions. We talk about stash.

Jasmin is still knitting on her  Rainbow Dots cowl out of Canon Hand Dyes mini skeins, and is enjoying it tremendously.

Gigi has knitted up more preemie hats and is thinking of crocheting flowers on top of some of them.

Jasmin has been working on her  Viajante, in Kilimanjaro yarn from Miss Babs, in the Metro colorway. And she is excited about putting beads on it. Also, she mentions Miss Babs' very inspiring newsletter.

Gigi is seaming up the  Mishke.  #stashdash.

Events:(18:10)

- 6/6/2015:  Fleeces, Food and Fun at the Retzlaff Winery (Bring a hat, get a mug)
- 06/19-21/2015: Black Sheep Gathering 2015, in Eugene, Oregon
- May 22 to August 14: Stash Dash
- July 4-26: Tour de Fleece
-July 21 to Sept 21: Summer of Lace and Beads



Contest:(20:48)

Our winner this week is HappySpiderKnits , who has a podcast. She won a skein of Rhubarb by Abstract Fiber  in Super Sock Plus. And Jasmin promised to link to a recipe for Dutch Baby pancakes.

Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to the ravelry forum, or to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfulness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are co-hosting the Countdown to Outlander Knitalong on instagram,  #countdowntooutlander, #kiltmenowKAL. This has to be creatively related to the Outlander series.  Getting help from pocket Jamie is encouraged.

This is an instagram contest, so please make sure to use the appropriate hashtags.

This is being co-hosted by Maria from Subway Knits, CC from Geeky Girls Knit, and Kristin from YarnGasm.

Prizes for this contest are:
two braids of fiber and two skeins of yarn from Gourmet Stash in the colorways "Time Traveler" and "Waterweed".

 A skein of yarn from Katie's Creations (Mint Rain), Scottish Highland colorway in the Tough Sock base, in a very springy Highland green color.

A skein of the"Je suis prest" colorway, from Gingertwist Studio in Edinburgh, and the new shawl book by Claire Devine "Head to Toe"

A Highland Thistle bag, by Little Skein in the Big Wool.

Newest Prize: a project bag from the Caithness Craft Collective out of an authentic weathered Fraser tartan.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Outlander Season 1, Volume 1 is now available on Amazon

Mother Knows Best:(24:20)

This week we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread in the forum
about thoughtful reviews for Etsy and Indie dyers

When Knitting Attacks:(36:10)

Gigi had put too many stitches on the waste yarn for her Gansey socks and now has to graft the hole that is left from the heel.

Review:(38:13)

This week we review Boho Crochet

Straw Into Gold:(45:53)

Genevieve decided to spin and had a mini lesson on pinching and pulling fiber.
 
Tour de Fleece, week two of preparation. Jasmin mentions the 6 inch Schacht bobbins

And Sew On:(51:24)

Jasmin has been sewing zippers.  Barberry Cardigan (for Genevieve) out of Abstract Fiber Calder (in the "Saffron" colorway). #matchymatchyKAL #projectsweaterchest.

She has gotten labels from ShuShuStyle and Sterling name tapes.

She also sewed a zipper into her Citrus Mondo cable cardi out of Cascade Quatro, and the other Mondo  is made out of Abstract Fiber Miro.