Back in the saddle - Episode 71 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Did you know Abstract Fiber has a Ravelry group? Aaabsolutely Abstract is the place to go to meet our staff and see what other Ravelers are doing with their Abstract Fiber. We’d love to meet you online and see pictures of your projects. Aaabsolutely Abstract is also a great place to ask questions, find out where we’ll be next, and keep up with what’s new. If you’re looking for Abstract Fiber at a yarn shop near you, AbstractFiber.com also lists all the stores carrying our products. Online shoppers at AbstractFiber.com receive free shipping for orders over $100 in the US and Canada.


This week: Things are crazy here at Purlescence Yarns. Zauberball Crazy, that is. We're pleased to announce the arrival of Zitron's latest sock yarn. The wool/nylon blend comes in a 100g, 420 meter ball. Check out Zauberball and our other Zitron sock yarns, on our shelves now!

On the Needles: (00:44)

Gigi has an Almost - UFO, her Swallowtail Shawl! Jasmin is making steady progress on her Ariann (knit out of the Dream in Color Classy, in their "Butter Peeps" colorway ). Gigi continues to work on the Frog Tree Origami Wrap Pullover. Jasmin has finished her first Albatross sock (made of her handspun from Crown Mountain Fibers).

Gigi is working on the second Par Five sock, out of the Lorna's Laces "Franklin's Panopticon" colorway. Jasmin's Tangled Yoke Cardigan is waiting for the ribbon to be sewn on the buttonband. Jasmin finished her Tempting II top! Gigi is working on a vanilla sock out of Regia with a channel island cast-on.

Jasmin, Gigi, and Miss Kalendar (host of Brass Needles) went to the Spindles & Flyers Stash sale. Jasmin picked up a little table loom for $20!

Events: (13:30)

- Rhinebeck! (NY Sheep & Wool) October 17-18. Meetup will be at the Carolina Homespun booth on Saturday afternoon. Time TBD.

Mother Knows Best: (15:17)

Topic- Labeling your knits. Use grograin ribbon and a fabric pen for personalized labels- or use scrapbooking ribbon! We also talk about holiday knits, and can't remember which podcast had the great idea of making a list, but thinks it was either KIPing it Real or Here's to Ewe. Jasmin offers up her sock label template. (Send us an email at knitmoregirls@yahoo.com , and we'll send it to you!)

When Knitting Attacks: (21:44)

Jasmin joins her sleeves together. Gigi aspires to knit the Curved Lace Shawl, but is foiled by a tiny chart. Jasmin's Tempting II is a little more revealing than she would have liked. Jasmin's Whisper is ill-fated from the start.

Review: (31:22)

This week, we review the Signature Needle Arts needles. We suggest them as a "gift for the knitter who has everything".

Straw into Gold: (41:24)

Jasmin spins the Three Bags Full (in Crimson Shadows) for Gigi mindfully. Jasmin has been on a spinning finishing kick. Jasmin is repurposing business cards.

UFO-palooza! - Episode 70 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Abstract FiberFact #2: Abstract Fiber yarns are dyed to minimize pooling and striping. While it’s impossible to prevent these effects entirely, we make every effort to create an overall textured effect and avoid pooling. This means Abstract Fiber yarns are suitable for showing off complicated patterns, like textures, lace, cables. The colors in the yarns are also perfect for colorwork using a more solid background color and just one of our handpainted colors to create a very dramatic design. Join our group on Ravelry, Aaabsolutely Abstract, for a list of shops who carry our yarns. Orders over $100 from our website ship for free in the US and Canada.


This week: At Purlescence Yarns we are diehard cross-crafters. When we're not knitting, we're spinning, quilting, stitching, or weaving. We have been very pleased to include looms and weaving supplies amongst our offerings at the shop. This week we warped up our Schacht Wolf Pup 4 harness floor loom. It's a beauty! It's easy to operate and folds up for portability. It's all function in beautiful form. We're taking orders for the holidays now!

On the Needles: (00:30)

Gigi has finished her black Regia Saturn socks, and the crocheted edging. Jasmin has found better buttons for her Tangled Yoke Cardigan. Gigi has finished the front of her Origami Wrap Pullover. Jasmin talks about unearthing a 10-year-old UFO that has one seam left to do.

Gigi unearthed another marinating UFO, the Par Five socks (in Franklin's Panopticon). Jasmin is working on her Ariann, knit out of Dream in Color Classy (color: Butter Peeps). She is also finishing up her Tempting II, knit out of Tess Yarns Microfiber ribbon (bright orange). Jasmin shares her "button sweater" story. (The sweater was the Baby Albert, by Sally Melville.)

Jasmin is thinking about knitting "Boo" the Tweedy Pie Jacket (from Monkeysuits).

Events: (21:59)

9/19, 11 am - 3 pm: Spin in Public Day at Courthouse Square on Broadway in downtown Redwood City.

9/27, 11 AM: Shuttles, Spindles, and Flyers guild sale.

10/17-18: New York Sheep & Wool Festival (Rhinebeck). Meet'n'greet TBD.

Mother Knows Best: (24:11)

Gigi discusses buttonbands! Jasmin mentions the pink Pep sweater.

Contest: (30:10)

We're having a contest for contest ideas! Contest will be closed 9/30. (Also, if you haven't already, put yourself on our listener map!)

When Knitting Attacks: (32:29)

Jasmin's Ariann, when she pulled it out of storage, was knit the wrong size. Gigi's Swallowtail Shawl (errata here) was ripped and re-knit. Gigi doesn't recommend using quilting thread for lifelines, and finds the math for the shawl vexing. Jasmin's Drops Yoke Cardigan turns out wrong. Jasmin might run out of yarn for her Tempting II.

Straw into Gold: (42:07)

Jasmin finished spinning the "Hey Jude" from Crown Mountain Farms. (Jasmin recommends listening to this episode of "Stitch it!" to hear about worsted vs woolen plying.) Jasmin talks about a more holistic approach to spinning for projects.

We found a more commercially available 45 degree angle kate, by Louet.

Jasmin learns, the hard way, that recon work for holiday gifts is a challenge with Gigi. (We're both going to knit the Sunrise Circle Jacket out of handspun.)

Oh what a Tangled Yoke we knit - Episode 69 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Abstract FiberFact #1: Who wants their knitting happiness interrupted by a knot in their yarn? We at Abstract Fiber believe our skeins should not have knots! We maintain a zero knot policy when winding our yarns. If the yarn breaks, we set it aside and start another skein. Our Macho Socks and triple skeins give you larger skeins, and still, no knots. At Abstract Fiber we provide you with the highest quality product, and that means no knots! Remember, at AbstractFiber.com we offer free shipping in the US and Canada for all orders over $100.


This week: Autumn is in the air. Here at Purlescence Yarns we're turning our thoughts toward holiday projects. We'll be knitting, spinning, and weaving most of our gifts this year. Now's the time to make that list of gifts for your friends and family. Let us help you with tons of ideas for great gifts. We'll be tweeting about them in the coming weeks. Follow us @Purlescence on Twitter!

Events: (00:31)

- New York Sheep and Wool Festival (Rhinebeck): Oct 17-18. Meetup TBD.

On the Needles: (2:41)

Jasmin's Tangled Yoke Cardigan is nearly finished. Gigi is working on her Origami Wrap Pullover. Jasmin talks about buttonbands, and picking up three stitches for every four rows when picking up stitches for a buttonband. Gigi is working on a few pairs of vanilla socks, out of Regia Galaxy. Jasmin is knitting a pair of socks for Andrew out of her Crown Mountain "Albatross" handspun.

Gigi is working on a crocheted edging for pillowcases. Jasmin talks about the yarn swap at Purlescence, where she came away with a skein of sock yarn, and a sweater's worth of Brown Sheep NatureSpun (in Cranberry Fog).

Contest: (25:44)

Post your contest ideas in our Ravelry group!

Mother Knows Best: (28:08)

We discuss "breakout projects". Jasmin's favorite "learning" baby sweater is the cardigan from Debbie Bliss's "Quick Baby Knits". We also recommend the Print of the Wave Stole (errata for the edging here), the Twist Cardigan, and the Lady Eleanor Stole.

When Knitting Attacks: (35:54)

Gigi has been foiled by not being able to find the issue of Interweave Knits with the Frost Flowers Stole (by Charlene Schurch). Jasmin's enthusiasm causes trouble, again, with her Tangled Yoke Cardigan. Gigi's Swallowtail Shawl hits some snags. We talk about lifelines. Gigi's Scandanavian Socks continue to be troubled.

Straw into Gold: (51:15)

Jasmin spins a little more of Duchess (to become the Carnaby Street Pullover). She has also been spinning some of the Crown Mountain Superwash in "Hey Jude". Jasmin experiments with dyeing pindrafted roving in the coil.

Now with more historical trivia! - Episode 68 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Abstract Fiber is pleased to announce Macho Socks! Now available on our website AbstractFiber.com , customers can order any color sock yarn they like in a 150g skein. 50% more yarn means Macho Socks provide enough yarn for most men’s socks, and costs less than buying a whole extra skein. Sasquatch may still need two... We’ve also added an option to order triple skeins for those larger shawl or sweater projects. No knots mean fewer ends to work in and more continuous knitting pleasure. As always, free shipping on orders over $100 in the US and Canada at AbstractFiber.com


This week: This week we've been inspired by Fair Isle at Purlescence Yarns. Nathania cast on her Vancouver 2010 Olympic sweater, designed by Dale of Norway. The fall books from Dale feature beautifully simple, classic Scandinavian designs for the whole family. Sandi cast on the Kindle scarf from Fiona Ellis' Inspired Fair Isle book in Frog Tree Alpaca Sport. Fair Isle's everywhere this fall. How will it inspire you?


This week: Verenaknitting.com has had a makeover--come see our chic new look, take our navigation out for a spin or page through our gorgeous Summer issue. We hope you'll introduce yourself in our forums and find out more about what's going on at Verena by reading our blog, Knittitude. We still have those hard to find European yarns in our yarn shop and new, every day we offer a pattern from our collection for free download! As a special offer to celebrate our new site all new subscribers get a bonus issue, that's 5 issues for the price of 4. Plus subscribers get 10 bonus patterns per issue and access to exclusive features. Come see for yourself at www.verenaknitting.com.
Use subscription code: KNITMG

Events: (00:34)

- Gigi will NOT be attending PIQF.
- We will be attending The NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (Rhinebeck) on Octover 17-18. We will be joined by Meghan, from the Stitch-It! Podcast.

On the Needles: (6:39)

Gigi is working on a sock out of the Ceallach Dyes Superboo. We discuss the 52-pair plunge and Nakniswemodo. Jasmin has been hit by inspiration freight train, and has been PLOWING through her tangled yoke cardigan. Jasmin has also cast on a "Rick" sock from Sock Innovations
out of the A Verb For Keeping Warm 70% Superwash Merino/30% silk in "Indigo Blue Sky". Jasmin has cast on 48 sts on size 2 needles.

Jasmin finds inspiration on the Ravelry Radar. She is in love with reanbean's "Drops yoke sweater". Gigi is in love with the Dayflower sweater from Knotions. Jasmin and Gigi want to knit the Sunrise Circle cardigan- both out of Jasmin's handspun. (Jasmin's is Crosspatch Creations "Rhiannon's Fire", Gigi's is out of the Three Bags Full "Crimson Shadows". )

Our map got wiped! Would you be kind enough to re-add yourself?

Mother Knows Best: (24:02)

We talk about finding time to knit. Jasmin recommends always have knitting in your bag, in the event of needing Tech Support, a horrific traffic backup, or the random surprise spare time. Gigi wants a foot-driven mouse so she can surf Ravelry and knit simultaneously.

Gigi spreads the gospel of having routines. Jasmin talks about her "do it now" principle.

Contest! (37:14)

We're doing a contest, to find contests! Join in our Ravelry group thread and make your suggestions!

When Knitting Attacks: (38:37)

Gigi does battle with her sewing machine and angles. Jasmin makes an increasing error on her Tangled Yoke Cardigan.

Review: (43:26)

This week we review the Ceallach Dyes Superboo (65% Superwash Merino/ 35% Bamboo). We talk about our bias against bamboo. Jasmin compares it to the Pagewood Farms Yukon. We like the colors, we like the quality, we like the yardage. What we don't like is the bamboo. (If you like knitting with bamboo, you'll like this yarn.)

A solid foundation - Episode 67 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: New colors! Joseph’s Coat is named for a rose that has a whole bouquet of colors on one plant, Bonfire fiber glows so brightly, we sold right out of the first batch (don’t worry, we have more!). Pheasant’s warm brown sprinkled with colors is proving rather irresistible. If you’re looking for Abstract Fiber at a yarn shop near you, AbstractFiber.com also lists all the stores carrying our products. Online shoppers at AbstractFiber.com receive free shipping for orders over $100 in the US and Canada.


This week: The holidays are right around the corner. Here at Purlescence Yarns we're thinking ahead and planning our gift giving now. This week we're pleased to host a trunk show of knitted Fair Isle Christmas stockings from Judy's Colors. Judy's designs range from traditional Nordic motifs to modern plays on color and geometrics. Each kit features Rauma Finull Strikkegarn from Norway and color charts. We have several kits in stock and we'll happily special order any of them. Betcha can't knit just one!


This week: Verenaknitting.com has had a makeover--come see our chic new look, take our navigation out for a spin or page through our gorgeous Summer issue. We hope you'll introduce yourself in our forums and find out more about what's going on at Verena by reading our blog, Knittitude. We still have those hard to find European yarns in our yarn shop and new, every day we offer a pattern from our collection for free download! As a special offer to celebrate our new site all new subscribers get a bonus issue, that's 5 issues for the price of 4. Plus subscribers get 10 bonus patterns per issue and access to exclusive features. Come see for yourself at www.verenaknitting.com.
Use subscription code: KNITMG

On the needles: (00:31)

Gigi finished a sock out of the Periwinkle Sheep's Watercolors II in "Steph's Crapshoot". Both Gigi and Jasmin worked on socks made out of the Sanguine Gryphon's "Skinny Bugga" in a deep teal (photo above). Jasmin has cast on a Tangled Yoke Cardigan, out of her Tallulah handspun.

Gigi is working on her Origami Pullover (out of a Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light). Jasmin is working on a Cellach Dyes Superboo sock. Jasmin cast on a sock out of her Albatross handspun (for Andrew), which looks like the Zauberwolle. Jasmin mentions that the Black and Tan sock yarn is still available at Webs.

Jasmin's friend Joey got married this week! During the 1000 miles of driving that she did this week, she listened to podcasts! Some new and notable podcasts:

Here's to Ewe
Electric Sheep
KIPing it Real
Brass Needles

Mother Knows Best: (15:03)

Project Runway is BACK! If Jasmin ran runway shows, foundation garments would be required. We also discuss sketching and measuring. (Jasmin wrote about Project Runway for work, and also had an essay in Cast On!)

When Knitting Attacks! (23:05)

Gigi's Houndstooth bag goes awry. Jasmin's ballwinder has betrayed her. Jasmin makes a miscalculation before plying Tallulah. Jasmin snaps, and buys the Interweave CDs.

Gigi enjoys her Scandanavian sock (from the Little Box of Socks) entirely too much.

Reviews: (31:12)

This week, we review the Sanguine Gryphon's Skinny Bugga as well as "A Midsummer Night's Dream", as performed by Shakespeare Santa Cruz.

Straw into Gold: (43:06)

We talk about the Monterey wool auction. Jasmin talks about the importance of breeder credibility, and will describe the fleeces once they're back from Morro Fleece Works.

Jasmin is spinning the most beautiful fleece (Duchess) from Jean Near.

Sock Summit Recap - Episode 66 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:



This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Come on over to AbstractFiber.com and check out all the new colors! Manzanita evokes the foggy Oregon Coast, while Laurelhurst reminds us of tree-lined streets and parks. Portland is such a favorite, it’s named after our home town! If you’re looking for Abstract Fiber at a yarn shop near you, AbstractFiber.com also lists all the stores carrying our products. Online shoppers at AbstractFiber.com receive free shipping for orders over $100 in the US and Canada.


This week: The Dale of Norway line, featuring gorgeous fair isle sweaters for the whole family. Nathania's especially enamored of the 2010 Winter Olympics Sweater, from the Dale design team. If you like colorwork, you'll love Laura Farson's new book, Twined Knitting. This Swedish technique produces a warm and cushy texture, perfect for winter wear. We were so pleased to meet Laura at Sock Summit and she signed all the books for us! Call today to order your autographed copy. As always, check the blog for updates as things arrive and follow us on Twitter: @purlescence.


This week: Verenaknitting.com has had a makeover--come see our chic new look, take our navigation out for a spin or page through our gorgeous Summer issue. We hope you'll introduce yourself in our forums and find out more about what's going on at Verena by reading our blog, Knittitude. We still have those hard to find European yarns in our yarn shop and new, every day we offer a pattern from our collection for free download! As a special offer to celebrate our new site all new subscribers get a bonus issue, that's 5 issues for the price of 4. Plus subscribers get 10 bonus patterns per issue and access to exclusive features. Come see for yourself at www.verenaknitting.com.
Use subscription code: KNITMG

On the Needles: (00:29)

Thanks again to Andrew and Gregory for guest-hosting for us in Episode 65!

(Scroll down on the show notes to see the Daily Sock Summit Field Updates.) Gigi and Jasmin talk about their favorite points of Portland and the Sock Summit. When we went to scope out the convention center on Wednesday, we got to meet Judy Becker! Friday, we did five interviews, then had dinner with a bunch of knitting (and weaving!) notables.

Saturday's meet-and-greet was super fun! (You can find Jasmin's Flickr stream here.) Afterwards, they had dinner with Gail and Susan from Abstract Fiber, and Abby and Ben!

Jasmin spreads rumors about future Sock Summits. (All unsubstantiated information, please take it with a grain of salt.)

People we met:

Sherrill, from the Belle of the Ball podcast
Deb Accuardi, from the At the Kitchen Table podcast
Lise, from the Knitting Rose podcast
Heather, from CraftLit

Jasmin talks about the kindness of knitters. (Especially in the Sanguine Gryphon booth.) Jasmin mentions being surprised at how popular their Bugga sock yarn is.

We express our love for Charlene Schurch and Sivia Harding, both of whom Jasmin wanted to put in her pocket and bring home with her. We gush about the Luminary Panel.

There was some knitting. Gigi worked on a vanilla sock out of Meilenweit Jacquard. Jasmin finished the second Black and Tan sock for Andrew.

Mother Knows Best: (26:17)

We encourage you to introduce yourself to everyone at these types of events.

When Knitting Attacks: (31:34)

We discuss Great Moments in Knitmore Social Gaffe history.

Review: (35:42)

This week, we review the Watercolors II sock yarn (color, "Steph's 'crapshoot'") from the Periwinkle Sheep. We both liked the grippiness of the yarn, the colors, and the nice hand the yarn has.

Sock Summit Field Update – Sunday

Brought to you in conjunction with Knotions- Knit smarter!

Greetings, readers! Today was the last day of the Sock Summit, and wow, did we have an amazing day! We had one last interview, and it was a biggie.

That’s right. Barbara G. Walker, in all her amazingness. She is so gracious, kind, funny and a real inspiration. There aren’t enough nice words to describe her, and being in her company was just incredible. (We’re still a little shocked that it really happened.) We can’t wait to share the audio, and the experience with all of our listeners! (Seriously, I’m getting a rush just thinking about it!)

Barbara marked the last interview of the Sock Summit, and after we dropped off our sound equipment, we ran into none other than Casey, or as I refer to him, Mr. Ravelry.

After that, there were a few small things we wanted to pick up from the market, and while we were in the WEBS booth, we ran into a couple of listeners. They asked if we would be in attendance at the Luminary Panel, and I admitted that I was keeping my ears open for anyone who was planning on selling their seats- because I was under the impression that it had sold out long ago, and we had just missed the boat.

It appears that I was misinformed. Our helpful listeners told us that they had heard that there were still tickets for sale, and I made a beeline to get ours. We got in! Mom and I sat down with Lisa and Maribel (who were two of the three women who helped us SO much this last week), and Abbyknitz showed us her Mesmers!

The Luminary Panel was A-MA-ZING. It was an all-star lineup, and not only are all of these women brilliant and creative- they’re all really, really funny. (I saw a cameraman in the room, and I have the distinct feeling that it might be made available at some point. I will follow up with the right people and talk about it on the podcast when I have more details.) We were all moved by the stories they told and the responses that came from the panel, and we were so glad that we were there to listen.

I may have mentioned on the podcast that our family has a strong tradition of oral history, so we tend to love hearing and telling stories. This was really no exception, and we found ourselves caught up in the history and discussion. It was an amazing event, and I think, a great way of celebrating the memory of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s birthday.

Afterwards, we decided to end our experience with a trip to the legendary Voodoo Donuts.

He’s even more delicious than he looks. (Mom got a cinnamon cruller, but it didn’t last long enough for a picture.)

We wanted to take a moment to thank everyone – ChloeSparkle, Lisa, and Maribel were the best friends anyone could ask for. They helped haul equipment, they made wine runs, they valiantly stuffed goodie bags, and anything that needed doing was done cheerfully. We are so grateful (and so lucky) to have such awesome friends. Thanks to Jody (and Knotions) for having the AWESOME idea of doing Sock Summit Field Updates so that we could share our experience with all of the folks who couldn’t make it.

Most importantly, thanks to all of you, the readers. We hoped you enjoyed the Field Updates, and we hope to do them again for the next event we attend.