Own it and be proud - Episode 37 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode is sponsored by:

On the Needles: (00:30)

Check our Ravelry group for the "Knit a Square for Alison" project. Jasmin has knit two squares, which are blocking on Knitter's Blocks.

Gigi declares that she is tired of knitting vanilla socks, and has decided to knit vanilla sweaters instead. Gigi is itching to knit some patterned socks. "Vanilla socks are SO last year."

Jasmin is still working on her Lisa Souza Mahogany socks and her Bird of Paradise socks (these are on the go knitting). Her Santa Fe wrap is so close to being done, she can taste it. Jasmin decides that the Noro Kureyon Sock should be fine as a garment, but isn't so sure about how durable it will be for socks. Jasmin is looking forward to wearing it at Stitches West.

Jasmin has knit one Jacoby mitt this week. Gigi has finished the Neckdown Wrap Cardigan, and has decided to buy more of the lovely brown Venezia.

Gigi has put another repeat on the On the Vine scarf. Gigi has decided to knit in the afternoon when her biorythyms are low. Gigi is working on the Perfect Tee, and a watch cap in Cascade 220 superwash. Jasmin waxes poetic about Cascade 220.

Jasmin talks about "relative knitting" and "yarnlemia".

Mother Knows Best: (23:00)

Gigi has finished the Neckdown Wrap Cardigan, and has been hunting for the right closure. They will be digging in Jasmin's button box.

When Knitting Attacks: (28:00)

Jasmin followed Tika's and Candy's lead and decided to knit a pair of Jacoby mitts. She pulled out some Jade Sapphire 2-ply cashmere out of her stash, and cast on. Sadly, Jasmin's brain wasn't engaged, and she knit 4" of the Jacoby before she decided they were too big. While she was ripping, she discovered that the Jade Sapphire 2-ply cashmere is fragile. Jasmin has reworked the numbers and is making good progress on them now.

Gigi is frustrated. She has been working on the "Perfect Tee" (Ann Norling pattern #67) sweater. Gigi got a copy of the revised version, which was supposed to have the corrections. Gigi has discovered that it is wrong, again. Jasmin has called Ann Norling to get corrections, left a message, and hasn't gotten a call back.

If you have bought the Perfect Tee Pattern, Jasmin recommends calling the LYS you purchased it at and request that they call Ann Norling and let her know that the pattern has some issues.
Events:

Meet and greet with the Knitmore Girls at Stitches West in the Purlescence booth from 2-4pm, Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Picture This - Episode 36 - The Knitmore Girls

(Photo courtesy of Tika and her low-light lens.)

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles:

Gigi has finished the second bright blue Regia Saturn sock, she's turned the heel on her first Franklin's Panopticon sock. She is working on a vanilla red and black (Regia) sock. Gigi has also started the Scandanavian sock (out of the Little Box of Socks) in a tan/cream Regia with black Regia as the contrast color. (Tika is using the same MC Regia to make Relatively Normal socks.)

We also discuss our preemie hat knit-a-long. A pattern from Chloe Sparkle is pending.

Jasmin continues to work on her Santa Fe Wrap, which is about 3/4 done. Jasmin has finished the first Bird of Paradise (color) sock in Lisa Souza's Sock! while playing a board game with Tika, ManCandy, and Andrew.

Gigi is working on some socks out of Jasmin's Brown Eyed Girl handspun. Gigi will be doing a Lucy Neatby garter stitch short row heel on this toe-up sock. Tika suggests using a kitchen scale
to weigh yarn.

Gigi has tripped a little on her resolution to weave in her ends. Gigi has gotten a birthday gift - a cone of Artfibers Kyoto in color #20 (Gigi's perfect red). (Jasmin meant for it to me a cone of Tsuki, but got a little distracted in the process.) Gigi is looking for ideas on what to knit with her birthday Kyoto.

Jasmin is five seconds away from finishing sock #1 in the Lisa Souza Mahogany. Jasmin is almost done with the first Leyburn sock in the Lisa Souza Hardtwist (in Blackpurple).

Countingsheep on Ravelry is doing a "Wrap Alison in Comfort" blanket. If you're interested in participating, please do so before January 31st.

Jasmin got a new camera! We talk about photography and knitting. Some of our knitting photography idols include Jared Flood and Franklin Habit. Check out Flickr.com for ideas on how to punch up your knitting pictures (search "knitting" in the "search" box). You can sort by "relevant" or "interesting".

Mother Knows Best:

Gigi has been working on the Knitting Pure and Simple Neckdown Wrap Cardigan. Gigi isn't a fan of the i-cord finish, so she is going to use a silk ribbon for the closure.

We talk about planning for Stitches West, specifically making a wish list.

Start by going through your stash. Evaluate what you have, what you want, what you don't want, and the colors that your stash is flush with. (Knitter's Review had a great article about "slow stashing".) It's also a good time to organize your Ravlery queue. Last year, Jasmin's list included Colrain lace (from Webs), fiber from Lisa Souza Dyeworks, and glass needles from Michael and Sheila Ernst.

Jasmin talks about the peril of putting down yarn you might want around rabid knitters at Stitches. Jasmin recommends buying handpainted yarns in person
Events:

Meet and greet with the Knitmore Girls at Stitches West in the Purlescence booth from 2-4pm, Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Details:


The "Style a Knit to Suit you" workshop will be hosted Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at Purlescence. The fee is $60.

Do you look through knitting magazines and wish that the finished pattern size was larger (or smaller), or that one had a different neckline, or was shorter, that you could use a different yarn? If you attend this workshop all those problems will disappear. Sharon will help you through the process of overcoming those things that have always prevented you from knitting the patterns you love. You will look at shape that suits you and come up with a standard measurement guide especially for you. You'll learn the use of gauge and stitches, shaping and necklines that will make that perfect sweater for you. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a knitting legend.

The shop will remain open until 5 pm on January 25 for meet and greet and book signing with Sharon. Call Purlescence at (408) 735-9276 to register.

Intention and action - Episode 35 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles:

Gigi has finished her second pink Regia Jet socks, and is working on her second Claudia's Handpainted Argyle sock. Gigi has tripped a little on her resolution to weave in ends immediately. Jasmin's "sock bag" includes a little vinyl zippy bag with a pair of snips, chibis, a tape measure and a few stitch markers.

Gigi continues to work on her "On the Vine" scarf by Brenda Patipa.

Jasmin is no longer hoarding her "special" yarn. Jasmin has cast on a sock in the Lisa Souza Sock! in "Bird of Paradise" (vanilla pattern).

Jasmin has an allergy to "viral knitting", but has cast on a pair of Leyburn socks in Lisa Souza Hardtwist (color "Blackpurple"). Jasmin is knitting hers top-down rather than toe-up.

Jasmin is still working on the Santa Fe Wrap, which she is enjoying thoroughly. Jasmin also has a FO- a pair of Dashing mitts in Jade Sapphire 4-ply cashmere for a Very Sick Friend- Alison Jeppson Hyde (author of Wrapped in Comfort). Please think good thoughts for her recovery. 

Jasmin is knitting a pair of socks in Lisa Souza's "Serrano" (color "Mahogany") in an Andrew Vanilla sock.

Jasmin needs help finding an appropriate pattern for her Mini Maiden (pictured above). Gigi would like a suggestion as to what to knit with the Red Kauni. Gigi is planning on knitting some "stashbuster socks".

Jasmin attended the Yarn Swap at Purlescence today, and brought home stuff for friends in absentia.

Mother Knows Best:

We discuss "Time Warp" knitting. Items discussed are the Juno Regina, the Einstein jacket, the dishcloth baby blanket. Jasmin talks about the Pythagorean Theorem. (You can find the Sisyphus myth here.) Jasmin talks about "time warp" spinning with spinning silk.

When Knitting Attacks:

Communication is key when subcontracting sock knitting.

Events:

Meet and greet with the Knitmore Girls at Stitches West in the Purlescence booth from 2-4pm, Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Details:

The "Style a Knit to Suit You" workshop with Sharon Brandt will be hosted Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at Purlescence. The fee is $60.

Do you look through knitting magazines and wish that the finished pattern size was larger (or smaller), or that one had a different neckline, or was shorter, that you could use a different yarn? If you attend this workshop all those problems will disappear. Sharon will help you through the process of overcoming those things that have always prevented you from knitting the patterns you love. You will look at shape that suits you and come up with a standard measurement guide especially for you. You'll learn the use of gauge and stitches, shaping and necklines that will make that perfect sweater for you. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a knitting legend.

The shop will remain open until 5 pm on January 25 for meet and greet and book signing with Sharon. Call Purlescence at (408) 735-9276 to register.

It's all interchangeable! - Episode 34 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

We would like to thank Chloe Sparkle and Tika for appearing on the podcast this week.

Contest:

We announce the winners of our "Do Some Good" contest!

On the needles:

Gigi has finished her second red Saturn Regia sock (Jasmin helped with the blue Saturn pair). Gigi has finished the second sleeve on the neckdown wrap cardigan. She has finished the first sock (Color: Argyle Socks, Pattern: vanilla) in the Claudia's Handpaints fingering weight. JasminGigi have updated their Ravelry project pages.

Gigi finished her second Honeycomb sock, and has finished a pink Jet Regia sock, a blue Jet Regia sock, and the first blue Saturn Regia sock.

Jasmin, Tika and Chloe have been having loads of knitting adventures this week. Jasmin and Chloe found some Japanese stitch dictionaries. (Links to some of them: 1, 2, 3.) Tika and Jasmin went to Bobbin's Nest on Tuesday and did a little stash acquistion. (They both bought some HazelKnits sock yarn to try, and Tika bought some Pagewood Farms sock yarn.)

Chloe and Jasmin went hunting for dress forms at the Mervyn's closing sale- which they are using as photo props for their knitting. The whole group attended the Commuknity closing sale on Friday and Sunday.

Jasmin has worked on her Mesmer socks, her DayGlo socks, and a pair of Secret Socks. (Secret socks are being submitted to Knitty, and if they're rejected, they'll be a giveaway on the podcast.) The creative muse is contagious!

Chloe is on a blanket kick! She's knitting some really awesome blankets (including the "Super Sized Entrelac" blanket and a chevron blanket). Tika is working on a pair of Jacoby mitts out of Claudia's handpaints fingering weight (color: Pistachio).

Jasmin finished spinning the black and gold silk/merino batt from Crystal Creek Fibers for Gigi. Jasmin is casting on a pair of socks in Lisa Souza's Hardtwist Petitie (in Blackpurple).

Review:

We review four different types of interchangeable circular needles:

Addi Clicks

Denise Interchangeable Needle Set

Boye Needlemaster 200

Knitpicks Nickel and Harmony: (Here is the article from Knitter's Review.)

Mother Knows Best:

We discuss New Year's resolutions. Gigi resolves to weave in ends immediately, always have an UFO in her knitting bag, sew more, "snail" less, and learn more applications on her iPhone.

Jasmin discusses "Jasmin 2008" and delves into the basics of "Jasmin 2009". This year, Jasmin resolves to experiment more and live more in the moment. (This is the link to the awesome a capella thing, here's a link to the UC Berkeley Men's Octet videos.)

Tika has also resolved to experiment more. (Tika 2009.) Chloe has resolved to knit more out of other people's stashes. Chloe has also resolved to get out and design in public.

When Knitting Attacks:

Gigi has found that doing toe decreases while socializing is not optimal. Jasmin has a fiber related injury.

Another one bites the dust - Episode 33 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode is sponsored by:

We would like to thank Gregory for substituting for Jasmin this week, who has lost her voice.

On the needles:

Gregory is working on a baby blanket (the baby was born three weeks ago). It is corner-to-corner, and has a few cables on it out of Baby Genius superwash wool.

Gigi is working on the second red Regia Saturn sock. She is close to finishing the second sleeve tonight.

Jasmin has cast on the Melon Lace shawl out of Victorian Lace Today out of the Tess' Yarns Superwash Merino Lace in "Mimosa Yellow". She has finished the spinning on the black and gold batt, and should be plying it tonight. With any luck, Gigi will be able to cast it on this week.

Congrats to gnat (of the BarkNKnit podcast) on her recent nuptuals!

They discuss the closure of Commuknity, which is the fifth LYS in our area to close this year. They discuss some of the ongoings in the related thread on Ravelry.

Contest!

The last day to participate in our "Do some good" contest is January 1st. Prizes include three signed copies of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's "Free Range Knitter" and two skeins of Malabrigo sock yarn. For ideas on how you can do some good, you can take a peek on our Ravelry board. (Or you can help Stephanie meet her goal of raising one million dollars for Doctor's Without Borders!)

Mother Knows Best:

Gigi and Greg discuss various blocking techniques. This includes, specifically, Galina Khmeleva's technique that is used on Orenburg Lace Shawls.

When Knitting Attacks:

Gigi runs into a forgetful snag during Saturday Social Knitting.

Holidays with the Knitmores:

We talk about the best gifts that we gave for Christmas. Gigi suggests taking notes now as to who appreciated which gifts to put in with your holiday acoutrements (a holiday knitting time capsule, if you will), so you will remember next Christmas.

Gigi talks about giving her Wise Woman's Shawl by Bollweaver Yarns to Colleen's mom.

Have a merry Knitmore Christmas! - Episode 32 - The Knitmore Girls

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This episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles:

Gigi is working on her second Honeycomb sock. She is also working on a pair of vanilla socks in the "Argyle Socks" colorway, which she bought at the Pajamma Jammie Jam sale at Purlescence.

Jasmin laments not finishing anything, and is getting ready to finish stuff. Jasmin continues to plug along on her Santa Fe Wrap.

The Knitmore Girls discuss re-purposing non-knitting items as tools.

Jasmin is still working on her pink Yucatan Orchid Socks.

Jasmin made AMAZING muffins (they had coffee, kahlua, and chocolate). You can find the recipe here. If you make them as muffins instead of as a cake, bake them for 20 mins at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and garnish them with a chocolate-dipped espresso bean.

Jasmin is nearly done spinning the black and gold batt from Crystal Creek Fibers. Her birthday gift (half of the dozen new colors of roving from Crown Mountain Farms- the other half are being given on Christmas).

Gigi is working on the Regia Jet Set socks, in a vanilla sock. She is also on the first sleeve of the neckdown wrap cardigan in Cascade Venezia.

Jasmin bought a cloche from the Mad Hattress in Los Gatos. She admits that she has never deliberately knit an item for the sole purpose of felting, but is now inspired to knit and felt a cloche. (Probably this cloche.)

Gigi is working on her Crystal Cove Pullover out of the Araucania. Gigi is also working on the On the Vine pattern out of the Buffalo Gals yarn.

Mother Knows Best:

Gigi is working on two skills: knitting without looking and knitting faster.

When Knitting Attacks:

Gigi decided to fuss with the On the Vine pattern - the first time she knit it. Jasmin points out that the unique constructions that are Brenda Patipa's stylistic trademark make it a little challenging to change her patterns- especially on the first go.

Jasmin talks about her knitting related injury from working on the Henry scarf.

Holidays with the Knitmores:

Jasmin and Gigi get into the holiday spirit! They attended the Sing-along night at Purlescence and had a BLAST!

Jasmin talks about her "holiday mix". This includes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Carols for a Cure, and the Brian Setzer Holiday CD.

Please continue to participate in our "Do some good" contest- which ends January 1st. (Winners will be announced in Episode 34.)

One holiday request: please write us a review on iTunes! (You can get there by clicking into the iTunes Store, search "knitmore girls" and click "write a review".)

Unearthing UFOs - Episode 31 - The Knitmore Girls

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This episode has been sponsored by:

On the needles:

Jasmin and Gigi have pulled some UFOs out of the closet! Jasmin picked up her Lady Eleanor again. Gigi knit one in 2006 out of SWTC's Karaoke, which she bought at Carolina Homespun. This is the project that got Gigi and Jasmin knitting backwards (the preferred method for knitting entrelac). Gigi is planning on knitting some entrelac socks out of Jasmin's handspun (the Freestone Firecracker). Jasmin's Lady Eleanor is knit out of the Paton's Soy Wool Stripes.

Jasmin thinks that that WEBS still has the Noro Silk Chunky on sale. (Wrong, but it's still a good value.) This would make a FABULOUS Lady Eleanor.

Jasmin was listening to Episode 20 of the Manic Purl podcast, and recommends it. It's about why we shop.

Jasmin has finished the body of her Pride sweater. The pattern has some math problems, but it's basic.

Gigi has unearthed her Neckdown Wrap Cardigan, which she is finishing for Jasmin.

Jasmin found the Crystal Creek Batt that she was spinning for Gigi (the black and gold), so she's working on that.

Gigi is working on a pair of Regia Galaxy socks, she's working on the Honeycomb socks from the Little Box of Socks (out of Black Wildfoote and Day-Glo Opal). Gigi has completed the Sharks watch cap for Sam.

Jasmin is working on her Yucatan Orchid socks. Woo!

Contest!

The "Do some good" contest. Give what you can to who you can. The deadline for this contest is January 1st. Please let us know what you've done- either in our Ravelry group, or send us and e-mail. Prizes include three signed copies of Free Range Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and two skeins of Malabrigo sock yarn.

Mother Knows Best:

Our friend Teresa used to choose each project based on learning a new skill with each one. Gigi has decided to "do better". Gigi is practicing knitting without looking. Jasmin talks about some ways to start knitting in the dark.

When Knitting Attacks:

Jasmin apologizes for any misconceptions about the issue with the Knitpicks cable. They have phenomenal customer service. If you have experienced a problem with your Knitpicks needles, you can find their contact information here.

Gigi accidentally bought duplicate sock yarn at the Pajamma Jammie Jam. (Jasmin blames this on the early hour and 35% discount.)

Jasmin was on the hunt for needles. Apparently, the whole world is knitting with US size 3 and 4 Addi lace needles in the 60" length. (Jasmin needed these sizes/lengths to complete her Pride sweater, knitting two sleeves in the round at once using the Magic Loop technique.) Jasmin got excellent customer service at Commuknity!

Gigi has a "when spending attacks", where she bought Jasmin all of the new colors of the Crown Mountain Superwash roving for her birthday/Christmas gifts.

Holidays with the Knitmores:

Jasmin and Gigi have been reading Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's and Franklin Habit's blogs, and have noticed that they're stressing over holiday knitting. Deny that urge to knit a last-minute holiday gift.

(Check out the DROPS advents calendar!)