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).

Triumph, Tragedy, and the Tour - Episode 111 - 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.



Knitter’s Magazine brings you the very best in the Knitting Universe. Each issue offers something for every knitter—easy step-by-step instructions, how-to techniques, informative articles, and the best designs from the most talented designers. We’re Knitter’s, it shows. You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Knitters/ or call 800-232-5648

On the needles (00:38):

Gigi is still working on her Tiger Striped socks. Jasmin and Gigi disagree about pooling, striping, and general tigery-ness. Gigi talks about afterthought heels versus pre-planned heels. Jasmin mentions Andrew noticing the "When Knitting Attacks" music on an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 2, "Bad Eggs").

Jasmin works on her Apricot Socks while attending Love's Labor's Lost at Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Jasmin is still working on her Cabled Raglan Tunic. After recording episode 111, Jasmin plans to cast on her Garter Yoke cardigan.


Contest: (9:12)

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: (10:59)
- 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

Ask an Intern: (11:51)

This week, Katrina spun, blocked, and knit. She spun some merino/silk from Abstract fiber (color "Poppies"). She is still enjoying spinning the Shetland batts from Sporfarm. She mentions the Brandywine shawl, the Citron Shawl, and the Elliina shawl. She has some finished wristers! She is also knitting the Lacy Beanie hat (from 101 Designer One Skein Wonders) with her Tour de Fleece yarn.

Mother Knows Best: (23:07)

This week, we talk about plying the odds and ends.

When Knitting Attacks: (28:30)

Gigi trips over unsightly nupps in her Aeolian shawl.

Tour de Fleece wrap up: (32:41)

Jasmin triumphs, Gigi doesn't place, but perseveres.

Review: (41:00)

This week we review the Sock Knitting Kit from Krafti-Kit. Overall impressions: good value, good yarn, good pattern- but the production quality of the pattern should have been better.

When in doubt, overdo - Episode 110- The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber is building a pretty new website! In preparation, we’ve been taking tons of new photographs of yarn and fiber. You can see the pictures by searching Flickr for Abstract Fiber, or by following the link from AbstractFiber.com. We’ll be adding more photos, and keeping them on Flickr so you can browse anytime. Most of our yarn colors are available on all yarn bases, so if you see a color you like, you can have it in the yarn you want. As always, shipping in the US is free for orders over $100 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.



Knitter’s Magazine brings you the very best in the Knitting Universe. Each issue offers something for every knitter—easy step-by-step instructions, how-to techniques, informative articles, and the best designs from the most talented designers. We’re Knitter’s, it shows. You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Knitters/ or call 800-232-5648

On the needles: (00:31)

Gigi is working on a pair of tiger striped socks from "Campus Knits". Jasmin is working on the Twist Cardigan for Meghan (from the Stitch It! podcast) as part of Sweater Swap 2010. Jasmin is also working on the Cabled Raglan Tunic and learned to cable without a needle when she misplaced her Wanda tool. Jasmin talks about knitting with apricot colored Dream in Color Smooshy.

Contest: (4:07)

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: (5:38)
- 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

Ask an intern: (6:21)

Katrina has completed her Tour de Fleece spinning, which was blue cormo that she bought at the Retzlaff Winery spinning day. She spins on a Kromski Sonata and talks about "re-booting" her wheel. Katrina also worked on the Crown Mountain Farms Targhee, which she Navajo-plied. She also tried her hand at the Crown Mountain Farms Lincoln.

She started spinning the black and blue Shetland batts from Sporfarm. She has also learned both the provisional cast-on, and the modified continental bind-off from the Lucy Neatby DVDs. Katrina also learned to wet block the Brandywine and the Citron shawls.

Tour de Fleece update: (19:28)

Gigi has finished all of the repeats from the first chart. One of our listeners alerted her to dental floss ("with a fuzzy middle"), which seems to be the secret to speedy beaded knitting. Gigi found the information in the @Romi's Studio group; Jasmin found it on Rosemary's blog. (Hooray for Oral B Superfloss!) Jasmin declares ennui.

Review: (29:33)

This week we review Sock Club by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrot; we love it!

Where do the lonely mittens go? - Episode 109 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Introducing Abstract Fiber Alto: 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicester in a 3-ply DK weight yarn. Shiny, very soft, just the right amount of twist. You should see how this yarn takes color! There is something magical about the way the colors smudge together and create new shades in between. Add the sheen, and it’s almost too pretty to sell. Perfect for sweaters, scarves, wrist warmers, just about anything. 4.5 ounces of Alto is nearly 400 yards and only $20. We think you’ll love Alto as much as we do. Find Alto online 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.



Knitter’s Magazine brings you the very best in the Knitting Universe. Each issue offers something for every knitter—easy step-by-step instructions, how-to techniques, informative articles, and the best designs from the most talented designers. We’re Knitter’s, it shows.
You can find us on the web at http://KnittingUniverse.com/Knitters/ or call 800-232-5648

On the needles: (00:37)

Gigi is one seam away from completing her Frost Flowers Stole. Jasmin is working on the Cabled Raglan Tunic by Cheryl Oberle, with the shaping from the Twist cardigan (by Bonne Marie Burns) overlaid onto it. We talk about the Vanilla Sweater thread in our Ravelry group, and some of our favorite vanilla sweaters include the Incredible Custom-Fit, Neckdown Raglan. We discuss tunics and body shapes. Gigi's Aeolian has made some progress. We mention Rosemary Hill's bead tutorial.

Gigi is knitting a baby hat using the Gull Wing pattern from Chrissy Gardener's Toe-Up! book. Jasmin talks about the Great Sweater Swap of 2010. Jasmin is knitting the Twist Cardigan out of Cascade 220 in color 9411 for Meghan.

Contest: (22:55)

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: (23:29)
- 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: (24:06)

We discuss whipping cables into shape, and learning techniques. We suggest the Lucy Neatby Knitting Gems 3 DVD for cable-specific help.

When Knitting Attacks: (27:38)

Gigi's Frost Flowers Stole hit a snag. Jasmin goes on the hunt for her Leslie Wind cable needle, and it turns up with a project that she really should finish.

Tour de Fleece Update: (31:28)

Gigi has done 6 repeats of the first chart on her Aeolian shawl. Handcyclists, please post to the Team Sasquatch board. Jasmin has spun 10 of the 24 ounces so far, but has suffered some minor equipment failure. Jasmin replaces Miss Kalendar's driveband.

Review (34:46)

This week, we review Magnificent Mittens by Anna Zilboorg. We LOVE this book! (We also mention Knitting for Anarchists.)

Straw into Gold: (42:14)

Jasmin talks about spinning Lincoln. She doesn't like it.