Chaotic - Episode 118 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:



This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber has a back to school special! Our Jasmine makes the very clever and pretty Flatbox Knitting bags to help pay for her college expenses. It’s time to buy books, so she’s offering a limited time special 10% discount on her bags when you buy them from AbstractFiber.com Check out AbstractFiber.com for a store near you or shop online and receive free shipping on orders over $100.


Everything's coming up Cassidy at Purlescence Yarns! Join us for our fabulous fall Cassidy Knit-Along, featuring Chic Knit's wonderful cabled cardigan pattern. We're loving this piece knit in Manos Rittenhouse Merino 5-Ply, Cascade Venezia & Eco Wool, Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted & Shepherd Worsted, to name but a few. Mention the Knitmore Girls when you place your order for 10% off your yarn purchase for the KAL through the end of September. And don't forget, Amy Singer is coming November 2 to teach her Non-Wool Socks Class. Seats in this class are limited, so sign up early!



Take your knitting skills to new levels with instruction from the country’s top knit designers at STITCHES ETC on November 1 and 2. Work one-on-one with Isager, Mondragon, Bortner, Duvekot, Slicer-Smith, Brown-Reinsel, and Bush. Learn to build on classic designs, master one-yarn intarsia, and enter the world of entrelac…plus much, much more! This 2-day experience begins immediately following STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo at the Marriott Hartford Downtown and Connecticut Convention Center. STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo is October 28 through 31. Easy registration for STITCHES ETC and STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo classes are available online at knittinguniverse.com.

On the needles: (00:31)

Gigi has been working on Vanilla socks and vanilla preemie hats. Jasmin has been working on the Twist Cardigan for Meghan. Jasmin is going to get buttons for it at the Button Emporium in Portland, OR. Gigi has done the finishing on Jasmin's Tempestuous cardigan. We discuss backing buttons from Cleaner's Supply (the box, and the package of one size). Jasmin mentions her Supernatural socks.

Jasmin mentions the Oregon Flock and Fiber thread. Gigi mentions "On the Road with Austin & Santino" and "Project Runway".

Events: (16:26)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. We'll be staying at the Days Inn and Suites Wilsonville.
- MEET AND GREET! We'll be doing our meet and greet on Saturday September 25th, from 11:30-12:30 in the Abstract Fiber booth, then we'll be joining Rachel (from KnitCents) and Erin (from The Anatomy of Knitting) in the BarMaids booth from 12:30-1. You can RSVP here.
APP EXTRA: Stitches East market coupon.

When Knitting Attacks: (18:15)

Gigi's Maia shawl is troubled.

Review: (21:31)

This week we review Knit One Below by Elise Duvekot. We like the fashion drawings and the use of the new techniques. We're a little lukewarm on the patterns, but we really liked:

Parisienne
Yin Yang Cardigan
Gossamer Square

Straw into Gold: (40:38)

Jasmin has finished the singles out of the Three Bags Full ("Crimson Shadows") fiber for Gigi's Sunrise Circle Cardigan.

The Golden Fleece - Episode 117 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber has a back to school special! Our Jasmine makes the very clever and pretty Flatbox Knitting bags to help pay for her college expenses. It’s time to buy books, so she’s offering a limited time special 10% discount on her bags when you buy them from AbstractFiber.com Check out AbstractFiber.com for a store near you or shop online and receive free shipping on orders over $100.


Everything's coming up Cassidy at Purlescence Yarns! Join us for our fabulous fall Cassidy Knit-Along, featuring Chic Knit's wonderful cabled cardigan pattern. We're loving this piece knit in Manos Rittenhouse Merino 5-Ply, Cascade Venezia & Eco Wool, Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted & Shepherd Worsted, to name but a few. Mention the Knitmore Girls when you place your order for 10% off your yarn purchase for the KAL through the end of September. And don't forget, Amy Singer is coming November 2 to teach her Non-Wool Socks Class. Seats in this class are limited, so sign up early!



Take your knitting skills to new levels with instruction from the country’s top knit designers at STITCHES ETC on November 1 and 2. Work one-on-one with Isager, Mondragon, Bortner, Duvekot, Slicer-Smith, Brown-Reinsel, and Bush. Learn to build on classic designs, master one-yarn intarsia, and enter the world of entrelac…plus much, much more! This 2-day experience begins immediately following STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo at the Marriott Hartford Downtown and Connecticut Convention Center. STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo is October 28 through 31. Easy registration for STITCHES ETC and STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo classes are available online at knittinguniverse.com.

On the Needles: (00:35)

Gigi has been working on Vanilla preemie hats and vanilla socks. Gigi mentions Cat Bordhi's Houdini socks, and performing reconstructive sock surgery. Gigi wove in ends for Finishing Friday. Jasmin is working on a Twist Cardigan for Meghan from the Stitch It! podcast (for Sweater Swap 2010). Jasmin's poison green Twist Cardigan is mentioned. Jasmin has started the sleeves on her Cabled Yoke Tunic. We talk about the Monterey Wool Auction. Breeds that we mentions: Rambouillet, Cormo, CVM. We mention Shari, from Morro Fleece Works.

Contest: (25:45)

We announce the winners of our Head to Toe Contest! You can see the winning submissions here. Thanks to the folks to sent us prizes:

Bags by Loumms
XRX/Knitter's Magazine
Abstract Fiber
Chrissy Gardener
Martingale Publishing
Janel Laidman
Knitfitknitting.com
Flatbox Bag
Winter Mountain Fibers
Vegan Craftastic

Events: (33:00)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. We'll be staying at the Days Inn and Suites Wilsonville.
- MEET AND GREET! We'll be doing our meet and greet on Saturday September 25th, from 11:30-12:30 in the Abstract Fiber booth, then we'll be joining Rachel (from KnitCents) in the BarMaids booth from 12:30-1.
APP EXTRA: Stitches East market coupon.

When Knitting Attacks: (34:29)

Gigi has been attacked by her Aeolian shawl. Gigi mentions Oral B Superfloss.

Ask an Intern: (36:08)

Katrina is hooked on afterthought heels.

Review: (39:16)

Entreé to Entrelac by Gwen Bortner. We mention other patterns, not in the book: the Market Squares bag, a lace entrelac blanket, Windfall blanket.

Straw into Gold: (47:05)

This week, Jasmin worked on Gigi's Three Bags Full Crimson Shadows yarn. Jasmin is finishing spinning her "It's not easy being green" merino/silk from Abstract Fiber for the Maia shawl. Abbyknitz, from the Knit Knit Cafe podcast, asked about spinning silk. Jasmin mentions the Crown Mountain Farms Exotic Fibers club.

High butter content- Episode 116- The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber has a back to school special! Our Jasmine makes the very clever and pretty Flatbox Knitting bags to help pay for her college expenses. It’s time to buy books, so she’s offering a limited time special 10% discount on her bags when you buy them from AbstractFiber.com Check out AbstractFiber.com for a store near you or shop online and receive free shipping on orders over $100.


Everything's coming up Cassidy at Purlescence Yarns! Join us for our fabulous fall Cassidy Knit-Along, featuring Chic Knit's wonderful cabled cardigan pattern. We're loving this piece knit in Manos Rittenhouse Merino 5-Ply, Cascade Venezia & Eco Wool, Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted & Shepherd Worsted, to name but a few. Mention the Knitmore Girls when you place your order for 10% off your yarn purchase for the KAL through the end of September. And don't forget, Amy Singer is coming November 2 to teach her Non-Wool Socks Class. Seats in this class are limited, so sign up early!



Take your knitting skills to new levels with instruction from the country’s top knit designers at STITCHES ETC on November 1 and 2. Work one-on-one with Isager, Mondragon, Bortner, Duvekot, Slicer-Smith, Brown-Reinsel, and Bush. Learn to build on classic designs, master one-yarn intarsia, and enter the world of entrelac…plus much, much more! This 2-day experience begins immediately following STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo at the Marriott Hartford Downtown and Connecticut Convention Center. STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo is October 28 through 31. Easy registration for STITCHES ETC and STITCHES EAST Knitting Expo classes are available online at knittinguniverse.com.

On the needles: (00:32)

Jasmin has been working on Meghan's Twist cardigan (for Sweater Swap 2010). Gigi is hooked on knitting preemie caps! Jasmin is working on her Demon Cloud Supernatural inspired socks. We list a bunch of podcasts, including:

Crafternoon Tea with GrannyG
Crooked Row
KnitaJourney Podcast
Knitting Pipeline
Well-knitted life
Podictionary Podcast

Jasmin also announces that we'll be starting our next KAL (tentatively) around October 1st.

Contest: (12:18)

The Head to Toe design contest has closed. Details can be found in the contest thread. The winners will be announced in episode 117. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.
• Bags by Loumms - three ADORABLE bags!
• Barbara Walker bookplate

Events: (15:51)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. We'll be staying at the Days Inn and Suites Wilsonville.
- MEET AND GREET! We'll be doing our meet and greet on Saturday September 25th, from 11:30-12:30 in the Abstract Fiber booth, then we'll be joining Rachel (from KnitCents) in the BarMaids booth from 12:30-1.

APP EXTRA: Stitches East market coupon.

Mother Knows Best: (21:03)

We talk about picking alternate yarns for patterns. We mention the Craft Yarn Council's method of classifying yarn weight.

Ask an intern: (29:27)

Gigi enables Katrina into knitting socks with afterthought heels. Katrina's footlets suffered from user error.

Review: (40:14)

This week we review Knitting Under the Influence by Claire Lezebnik. We didn't care for it.

Straw into Gold: (43:18)

Jasmin recommends "In Sheep's Clothing" and "The Knitter's Book of Wool". Jasmin talks about Merino and Masham wool, courtesy of Crown Mountain Farms and their fiber of the month club.

Knitting rhymes - Episode 115 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

What could be better than knitting a pair of Knitmore Vanilla Socks? Knitting socks with Cashmere! Introducing Temptation, a new yarn from Abstract Fiber. 10% Cashmere, 80% SuperWash Merino, 10% nylon. We love this blend, but ours is a little thinner than some, just perfect for socks. Heavenly soft, but with nylon for durability, we think this is the ultimate sock yarn. Only $30 for 100g of luxury for your feet. Temptation is also perfect for anything right next to your skin, cowls, scarves, gloves.


Everything's coming up Cassidy at Purlescence Yarns! Join us for our fabulous fall Cassidy Knit-Along, featuring Chic Knit's wonderful cabled cardigan pattern. We're loving this piece knit in Manos Rittenhouse Merino 5-Ply, Cascade Venezia & Eco Wool, Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted & Shepherd Worsted, to name but a few. Mention the Knitmore Girls when you place your order for 10% off your yarn purchase for the KAL through the end of September. And don't forget, Amy Singer is coming November 2 to teach her Non-Wool Socks Class. Seats in this class are limited, so sign up early!



Entrée to Entrelac by Gwen Bortner is designed as a series of skills and concepts, each building on the last. The progression builds an understanding of the basics, stretches the possibilities with slightly more advanced techniques, then opens the door on creative combinations with other knitting disciplines. Gwen’s teaching experience allows her to translate in-depth knowledge into concise instructions; clear, step-by-step illustrations and a user-friendly layout for an especially effective learning interface. This is a reference book for knitters not only interested in learning about entrelac, but in learning more about knitting.
The book presents practice pieces as well as projects — from scarves and bags and afghans to mittens, slipper socks, and hats to garments for the entire family — all worked in a wide range of yarns. Entrée to Entrelac makes knitting entrelac a dream!

On the Needles: (00:33)

Gigi has cast on the Merope shawl out of Dream in Color Baby (color "Purple Rain"). Jasmin's Cabled Raglan Tunic is up to the armholes. Gigi is working on assorted vanilla socks with afterthought heels. Jasmin is working on her Garter Yoke Cardigan, made from her Blue Streak handspun, which she's wearing in the Off the Needles calendar.

Gigi has finished finishing a striped sweater for a friend. Jasmin mention the Scunci steamer. Jasmin has been carrying around Meghan's Twist cardigan (Sweater Swap 2010). Jasmin is working on her Supernatural socks! She declares her love for the Knitpicks nickel (fixed) circular needles for sock knitting.

Contest: (17:42)

The Head to Toe design contest has been launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 9/3/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.
• Bags by Loumms - three ADORABLE bags!

Events: (19:11)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. We'll be staying at the Days Inn and Suites Wilsonville.

Mother Knows Best: (19:58)

This week, we talk about how to schedule in and motivate yourself when the number of works in progress gets overwhelming.

Ask an Intern: (27:47)

Katrina is back! She has taught someone to knit, and shares a couple of knitting rhymes. She is knitting the Sadie cardigan. She has a knitting attack, with a pair of footlets.

Review: (39:00)

This week, we review Swing, Swagger, Drape by Jane Slicer-Smith.

Straw into Gold: (48:40)

Jasmin has gone back to the Three Bags Full (in Crimson Shadows) that she's spinning for Gigi to knit a Sunrise Circle cardigan. Jasmin has finished plying the baby cormo for her Baby Cables and Big Ones Too sweater. Jasmin mentions that the Crown Mountain Farms Exotic Fiber Club has opened.

Watch your swatch! - Episode 114- The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Check it out: Abstract Fiber’s new website is up and running! All our colors are listed in every yarn and fiber. We have a new logo, new photos, and a fresh look. Take a look at our list of stores, or our gallery of a few favorite projects. To celebrate our fabulous new site, we also have a Grand Opening special. Find the coupon code hidden on one of our new pages and get 10% off your entire order. Visit us at AbstractFiber.com!


Amy Singer of Knitty.com is coming to Purlescence the first week of November! Join our mailing list to get details on her visit, her Easy Non-Wool Socks class, and new products including a new release of our in-house hand-painted sock yarn: Purl Up & Dye.



STITCHES ETC is Monday and Tuesday August 23-24, 2010 immediately following STITCHES Midwest, join Alexis, Benjamin, Elise, Myra, Kimberly, or Rick for an in-depth workshop. This special 2-day experience gives you a unique chance to focus and develop your knitting or professional skills. Remember, STITCHES Midwest is August 20-22, 2010.

On the needles: (00:32)

Gigi is working on a pair of vanilla socks with an afterthought heel. Jasmin has set in the sleeves on her Tempest cardigan because she'll be wearing in the Off the Needles calendar. Gigi is finishing her Katarina cardigan. Jasmin's cabled raglan tunic is making excellent progress. Gigi is knitting the Heart to Heart beaded scarf by Sivia Harding out of Abstract Fiber Matisse. Jasmin mentions the "Cloudy with a Chance of Fiber" podcast.

Gigi suggests that we start the 7 Small Shawls KAL; Jasmin is spinning some [Kermit] green merino/silk from Abstract Fiber to make the Maia out of.
App extra! Download the STITCHES Midwest show book here.

Contest: (21:09)

The Head to Toe design contest has been launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Events: (22:51)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. We'll be staying at the Days Inn and Suites Wilsonville.

Mother Knows Best: (26:06)

This week we talk about swatching. Jasmin mentions the watermelon gazpacho that she swatched, and swatching for the Baby Cables and Big Ones too sweater.


When Knitting Attacks: (34:47)

Gigi's crocheted slip stitch seams go awry. The Tempest's buttonband attacks Jasmin.

Review: (43:22)

This week we do a two-fer! We review The Eclectic Sole and The Enchanted Sole by Janel Laidman.

Pretty, pretty - Episode 113 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Check it out: Abstract Fiber’s new website is up and running! All our colors are listed in every yarn and fiber. We have a new logo, new photos, and a fresh look. Take a look at our list of stores, or our gallery of a few favorite projects. To celebrate our fabulous new site, we also have a Grand Opening special. Find the coupon code hidden on one of our new pages and get 10% off your entire order. Visit us at AbstractFiber.com!


Amy Singer of Knitty.com is coming to Purlescence the first week of November! Join our mailing list to get details on her visit, her Easy Non-Wool Socks class, and new products including a new release of our in-house hand-painted sock yarn: Purl Up & Dye.



STITCHES ETC is Monday and Tuesday August 23-24, 2010 immediately following STITCHES Midwest, join Alexis, Benjamin, Elise, Myra, Kimberly, or Rick for an in-depth workshop. This special 2-day experience gives you a unique chance to focus and develop your knitting or professional skills. Remember, STITCHES Midwest is August 20-22, 2010.

On the Needles: (00:33)

Jasmin misquotes Elizabeth Zimmermann. (The actual quote is "Knit on with confidence and hope, through all crises.") Gigi is finishing her Katarina cardigan. Jasmin is working on a black cashmere Citron, and mentions the Knit Knit Cafe podcast. Jasmin is working on her Cabled Raglan Tunic (by Cheryl Oberle); she has added shaping. Jasmin is working on a pair of Serpentine Mitts. Jasmin has picked a sweater (with Natalie, from the BarkNKnit podcast's help) for her paper bag brown Cormo: the Baby Cables and Big Ones Too sweater by Suvi Simola. Jasmin is also making good progress on her Blue Streak Garter Yoke cardigan.

Contest: (12:34)

The Head to Toe design contest has been launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Events: (14:46)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival

Mother Knows Best: (17:42)

This week, we discuss slip stitch seams. Jasmin needs to put her Tempest sweater together.

When Knitting Attacks: (26:38)

Jasmin discovers that she likes knitting. Gigi's Aeolian needs beads.

Review: ( 31:15)

We review "Mostly Mittens" by Charlene Schurch. You can hear a short biography on the Fiber Beat podcast. We declare it a solid book.

Stretch your knitting - Episode 112 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber is counting down to our new website. We’re expecting to be live at the beginning of August. A bright, new look, a new logo, a newsletter, and monthly specials. These specials will be very limited, so keep an eye out at the beginning of each month for knotty skeins, limited production fibers and yarns, and whatever other goodies we can find. We’ll have some new products too. Stay tuned to AbstractFiber.com


Amy Singer of Knitty.com is coming to Purlescence the first week of November! Join our mailing list to get details on her visit, her Easy Non-Wool Socks class, and new products including a new release of our in-house hand-painted sock yarn: Purl Up & Dye.



STITCHES ETC is Monday and Tuesday August 23-24, 2010 immediately following STITCHES Midwest, join Alexis, Benjamin, Elise, Myra, Kimberly, or Rick for an in-depth workshop. This special 2-day experience gives you a unique chance to focus and develop your knitting or professional skills. Remember, STITCHES Midwest is August 20-22, 2010.

On the Needles: (00:35)

Gigi dug her Katarina cardigan out of the UFO bin. She is knitting it out of Tipperary Tweed. Jasmin is knitting a Garter Yoke Cardigan out of her Tour de Fleece "Blue Streak" yarn, and is using Celestial's project modifications (on her blog page). Gigi has finished her Frost Flowers shawl! Gigi has grafted the toes on her Tiger socks. Gigi has cast on a pair of Cozy Cables Socks, from Sock Club.

Contest: (15:24)

The Head to Toe design contest has been launched. Details can be found in the contest thread. The contest ends 8/31/2010. Prizes include:

• 1 Year Subscription to Knitter’s Magazine
• Think Outside the Sox
• A skein of Knitmore Sock yarn
• Little Box of Socks, with signed bookplate from Charlene Schurch.
• Toe Up! by Chrissy Gardener, with signed bookplate.

Events: (18:29)
- 9/6: Monterey Wool Auction (Here's the link to the Director's Cut episode about selecting fleeces.)
- 9/24-26: Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival

Mother Knows Best: (22:46)

We talk about stretching your knitting time. Jasmin mentions cubicle yoga.

When Knitting Attacks: (28:24)

Gigi runs out of beads on her Aeolian. Jasmin is not her best at 11:30PM.

Review: (34:56)

This week we review The Knitgrrl Guide To Professional Knitwear Design by Shannon Okey. This book is a textbook on how to get started with a Knitwear Design business, and it's a great place to start.Straw into Gold (50:36)

Jasmin is spinning the baby cormo fleece that she split with Meghan (and we briefly mention the faux pas).