Monday, December 26, 2011

Fashionable Forty - Episode 175 - The Knitmore Girls

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 Listen here:


This episode has been sponsored by:
abstractbanner-1
Abstract Fiber would like to invite you to join our first yarn club!  We are excited to offer a 6 issue yarn club we’re calling One Skein/Two Skein.  Every other month we’ll send you a new exclusive yarn color and pattern.  We’ll do some solid colors, some colorways and will introduce some new luxurious yarns too. Each pattern will have flexibility for expansion, for example companion pieces, or multiple size and style options.  You’ll have the option to buy extra skeins just when you want them.  Spinners, we’ll have a fiber option for you too!  We’re working with some of our favorite designers, starting out in February with a beautiful shawl by Sivia Harding.  Check out all the details at AbstractFiber.com

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Nobody has perfect feet. Nobody. We put so much pressure on them with all our walking, shopping, working out, etc., not to mention expecting them to wear horrible footwear that looks great but could be more, um, ergonomic? Sandals in the summer, wool socks in the winter – those dogs of ours are under assault all year, and we have to care for them. They are family, after all! Oh For Feet Sake by Bar Maids can turn your little piggies from a source of shame to a claim to fame in two weeks or less. Those tootsies deserve better. Let Bar Maids give them some love, boys and girls! Infused with Tea Tree oil and natural moisturizers, it’s healing and protection that your feet can feel. If your trotters are REALLY feeling the strain, go to www.Bar-Maids.com for the simple Bar Maids Tootsie Rx recipe. Show those babies some love and attention, because, let’s be honest, you’re never gonna stop walking all over your feet.

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Here at Lisa Souza,there is an exciting and arty new garment in our pattern line-up. She has been dreamed up by The Queenie Sisters and her name is Eternity. This is a fabulous kimono style jacket that is made with two colors of our Polwarth/silk and is challenging enough for what the girls call an Enthusiastic Intermediate Knitter. The best part about Eternity, other than the fact that she is so very artsy is that she fits a very wide range of body types and is great for the full figure gal. Our sample has been made with Violet and South Pacific but I would be ever so glad to help your color vision at www.lisaknit.com 

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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:(00:37)

Gigi is finishing the Katriel. Jasmin started and finished the porcupine hat from Wee Wooly Toppers.  Gigi has finished the Pieman neckwarmer and a matching hat with a variation on the Kaanteinen  pattern, and a hat with the same pattern for Mr. Knitmore. Gigi is still working on the sleeves of her Odelia cardigan.  Jasmin is working on the Breezy Cardigan on her new Signature needles.  Jasmin reknitted the buttonband of her garter yoke baby cardigan.  Gigi is also knitting more preemie hats.

Keep tuned into the podcast feed and the ravelry board for updates during our hiatus.

Events:(21:10)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
     -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
     -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners
 
Contest:(22:31)

We picked winners for out annual  Do Some Good Contest.

The prizes were:

- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron (signed!).
 
Mother Knows Best:(26:05)

We answer a question from a listener about the provisional cast on.  We referenced Lucy Neatby and her book Cool Socks Warm Feet. Also: Judy Becker's magic cast on.

When Knitting Attacks:(33:41)

Jasmin had a misplaced worm (quill?) on her porcupine hat.

Review:(35:13)

We review Hattitude: Knits for Every Mood,  by Cathy Carron. Favorites include:

- Determined Hat
- Cautious Hood
- Aloof Beret

And Sew On:(44:25)

Gigi has pieced the backing for Sharkbean's quilt, using the golden rule for rectangles, and is thinking about doing some Trapunto for the Dr Seuss characters.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Knit or cut bait - Episode 174 - The Knitmore Girls

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Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:
abstractbanner-1
Abstract Fiber would like to invite you to join our first yarn club!  We are excited to offer a 6 issue yarn club we’re calling One Skein/Two Skein.  Every other month we’ll send you a new exclusive yarn color and pattern.  We’ll do some solid colors, some colorways and will introduce some new luxurious yarns too. Each pattern will have flexibility for expansion, for example companion pieces, or multiple size and style options.  You’ll have the option to buy extra skeins just when you want them.  Spinners, we’ll have a fiber option for you too!  We’re working with some of our favorite designers, starting out in February with a beautiful shawl by Sivia Harding.  Check out all the details at AbstractFiber.com

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Breaking news! You can be even more kissable than you are right now… Lo-Lo Lips by Bar Maids, the makers of the exquisite Lo-Lo Bar, is one of the best lip balms available. Some lip balms can cause your skin to dry out if you stop using them, or if you lose them (and let’s face it, we ALL lose them), and you can end up chapped and raw. This product doesn’t force you to reapply in order to maintain the healthy balanced level of moisture ideal for your beautiful lips. 8 tasty flavors, no parabens, no fillers, no dyes – just a natural lip moisturizer that has everything your lips want and nothing they don’t.  You don’t have to use a product that your lips get hooked on. There is another option. The truth is, your LIPS may not get addicted, but I dare anyone to try it and not feel like an addict! Kiss me, Lo-Lo, I’m in LOVE!

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Have you picked up your copy of Lisa Souza and Vicki Stiefel's book, "10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters"? It is a great read with stories, profiles of interesting fiber folk that you may or may not already know as well as 28 great patterns of all shapes and sizes for both knitting and crochet. If you're a seasoned spinner or a newbie, there is a chapter on this fiber art that includes patterns to show off your own handspun yarn. The book is available at all of the usual sources but if you purchase one through Lisa Souza's website, she will sign and personalize it just for you OR for the people on your holiday gift list. Find it a www.lisaknit.com. 
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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:(00:39)

Gigi has put a few more rows on her Origami sweater.  Jasmin worked on her Breezy Cardigan. Gigi finished a Rocky Coast sleeve. Andrews sweater is not growing much. Jasmin tried the Yarn Harlot's Irish Cottage style knitting on the Snug cardigan.  Gigi also worked on the sleeves of the Odelia cardigan.  Jasmin has been weaving a scarf out of Jade Sapphire 2 ply cashmere on her Cricket Loom.  Gigi is going to bind off the Pieman neck warmer. She also finished hemming all of the receiving blankets for Sharkbean, but she couldn't use a hemming foot for that.

Events:(15:22)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
     -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
     -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

We mentioned Alison Hyde, author of Wrapped in Comfort.

Contest:(16:56)

Do some good.  Get your entries in by December 25th.  

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron (signed!).


Mother Knows Best:(21:26)

We discussed repairing handknit socks. Jasmin mentioned the eggepinne she purchased for darning socks.


When Knitting Attacks:(30:03)

Jasmin was attacked by the yarn for her Snug sweater.

Holidays with the Knitmores:(34:07)

We had some good ideas for spreading the holiday spirit. Say something nice, recognize good customer service, and stretch your vocabulary when you're telling people to have a nice day.

Review:(39:51)

We review 60 More Quick Knits; 20 Hats, 20 Scarves, 20 Mittens in Cascade 220 Sport. We also mention60 Quick Knits, and 60 Quick Baby Knits.

Straw Into Gold:(48:22)

Jasmin hasn't figured out how work the miniSpinner around her belly.
Jasmin got a box full of clean fleece from Sherri from Morro Fleece Works, which includes some alpaca.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Gemütlich - Episode 173 - The Knitmore Girls


Listen here:



This episode has been sponsored by:
abstractbanner-1
Abstract Fiber would like to invite you to join our first yarn club!  We are excited to offer a 6 issue yarn club we’re calling One Skein/Two Skein.  Every other month we’ll send you a new exclusive yarn color and pattern.  We’ll do some solid colors, some colorways and will introduce some new luxurious yarns too. Each pattern will have flexibility for expansion, for example companion pieces, or multiple size and style options.  You’ll have the option to buy extra skeins just when you want them.  Spinners, we’ll have a fiber option for you too!  We’re working with some of our favorite designers, starting out in February with a beautiful shawl by Sivia Harding.  Check out all the details at AbstractFiber.com

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So, we’ve talked about the amazing Lo-Lo Bar by Bar Maids before, and I’m sure you’ve all tried, and ADORE, it, but did you know that they also make an intensive moisturizer for your (FACE)? Face Pudding by Bar Maids is as deliciously decadent as its name suggests. There’s one for every skin type, and it’s such a simple way to give your skin the moisture it craves all year long. We all try to ensure that we’re as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside, so why not use a natural, safe product that provides the kind of results you’d expect from the makers of the Lo-Lo Bar? Give it a try! Your beautiful face will thank you.  I mean, it’s like they say, the proof is in the pudding!
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Lisa Souza has a brand new lace yarn for your pleasure. Grace is a beautiful combination of 80% merino with 20% silk for just the right amount of sheen and handle. We have been putting the yarn through its paces and love the results, as will you. Grace is put up in 4 ounce/744 yard skeins and comes in at $24, which is a great price point, making for some serious stash enhancement for you or the other lace lovers in your circle. Now, which color to choose? Come by the website at www.lisaknit.com and just try to decide.
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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:(00:40)

Gigi is working on the Sothia.  Jasmin is knitting on Andrew's sweater.  Gigi is also working on the Katriel.  Jasmin is also working on the Breezy cardigan out of her handspun.  Gigi has also dug up her Origami sweater.

Events:(13:28)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
     -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
     -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(14:34)

Do some good.  Get your entries in by December 25th.  

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron (signed!).

When Knitting Attacks:(20:25)

Gigi is attacked by her Sothia, while watching Lucy Neatby Intarsia 1 DVD

Review:(23:53) 

We review My Grandmother's Knitting, by Larissa Brown

Totally Warped:(31:11)

Jasmin is working on her Cricket loom.  She just got a Flip loom and wants to do a double weave on it.  Gigi reminisces about her Kinderwebstuhl from Germany.

Holidays With the Knitmores:(36:49)

Turn off the tv, check out Pandora for interesting music, check out some CDs from the library.  Gigi explains "Gemütlich".  Also, the singing gerbils are mentioned.

Straw Into Gold:(39:51)

Gigi spun three bobbins of  Blue Faced Leicester.

And Sew On:(44:48)

Gigi finished a receiving blanket out of Dr Seuss fabric, and talked about stay stitching.  Jasmin's quillow is mentioned

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Lady Hulk - Episode 172 - The Knitmore Girls

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Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

abstractbanner-1
Here at Abstract Fiber we've got some fabulous new colors including Summit, Lagoon, SOAR, The Gorge.  The next best thing to being at SOAR is our SOAR colorway, the color of Autumn leaves. Available now at abstractfiber.com .

EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
Meet Lo-Lo by Bar-Maids, "The Hottest Natural Moisturizers in the Fiber World". Bar-Maids handcrafts head-to-toe moisturizers for people who wish to proactively protect, defend, and restore their skin to baby bottom soft. Bar-Maids uses only the finest local ingredients available creating non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaky combinations that penetrate multiple layers of the skin working to soften and nourish.  Once applied, the moisturizer remains where you put it and is not washed down the drain.  With over 38 scents (that smell wonderful), and 8 lip balm flavors that taste yummy, it's hard to choose just one.  Find out how you can keep your hands moisturized and beautiful while knitting up a storm at www.bar-maids.com  Fair shipping practices, cruelty free, and fast turn around times are just icing on the cake.

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Here at Lisa Souza,there is an exciting and arty new garment in our pattern line-up. She has been dreamed up by The Queenie Sisters and her name is Eternity. This is a fabulous kimono style jacket that is made with two colors of our Polwarth/silk and is challenging enough for what the girls call an Enthusiastic Intermediate Knitter. The best part about Eternity, other than the fact that she is so very artsy is that she fits a very wide range of body types and is great for the full figure gal. Our sample has been made with Violet and South Pacific but I would be ever so glad to help your color vision at www.lisaknit.com 

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:(00:35)

Gigi finished projects for a friend. Jasmin is bored with knitting sleeves.  She is working on the Breezy cardigan by Hannah Fettig. We mention Project Accessory; Gigi prefers Project Runway.

Jasmin mentions handles from a Noni bag and having a pile of sweaters that are waiting to be finished:  the Blue Streak cardigan, and the baby version of the blue streak cardigan, the garter stitch wrap sweater, and garter stitch baby kimono that Isabelle from the Fluffy Fiber podcast is also knitting, and the mini Mondo Cable cardi.

Jasmin mentions a couple of useful Interweave apps that will give you yardage estimates for garments in different sizes and yarn thicknesses (Knit Handy and Crochet Handy).

Events: (16:30)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
     -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
     -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners

Contest:(17:43)

Do some good.  Get your entries in by December 25th.  

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song, and A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron.

When Knitting Attacks:(20:46)

Gigi has problems with her Sothia and her Katriel.  Also, the sleeves on her Rocky Coast cardigan. Jasmin was working on her Breezy Cardigan, and managed to have two Knit Picks cables come apart on her.

Review:(27:19)

We review My Grandmother's Knitting by Rachel Manring, and we are utterly charmed.

Holidays with the Knitmores:(34:47)

Remember the spirit of the holiday season. Stop. Breathe. Enjoy.  Simplify. What do you do to simplify the holiday season?




Monday, November 28, 2011

Flaunt it - Episode 171 - The Knitmore Girls

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Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

abstractbanner-1
Here at Abstract Fiber we've got some fabulous new colors including Summit, Lagoon, SOAR, The Gorge.  The next best thing to being at SOAR is our SOAR colorway, the color of Autumn leaves. Available now at abstractfiber.com .

EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
Meet Lo-Lo by Bar-Maids, "The Hottest Natural Moisturizers in the Fiber World". Bar-Maids handcrafts head-to-toe moisturizers for people who wish to proactively protect, defend, and restore their skin to baby bottom soft. Bar-Maids uses only the finest local ingredients available creating non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaky combinations that penetrate multiple layers of the skin working to soften and nourish.  Once applied, the moisturizer remains where you put it and is not washed down the drain.  With over 38 scents (that smell wonderful), and 8 lip balm flavors that taste yummy, it's hard to choose just one.  Find out how you can keep your hands moisturized and beautiful while knitting up a storm at www.bar-maids.com  Fair shipping practices, cruelty free, and fast turn around times are just icing on the cake.

Page-01_zpsgpgjdu9d
Have you picked up your copy of Lisa Souza and Vicki Stiefel's book, "10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters"? It is a great read with stories, profiles of interesting fiber folk that you may or may not already know as well as 28 great patterns of all shapes and sizes for both knitting and crochet. If you're a seasoned spinner or a newbie, there is a chapter on this fiber art that includes patterns to show off your own handspun yarn. The book is available at all of the usual sources but if you purchase one through Lisa Souza's website, she will sign and personalize it just for you OR for the people on your holiday gift list. Find it a www.lisaknit.com.
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: (00:37)

Jasmin is now working on the sleeves of the Andrew Sweater from Knits Men Want. She has now buttons for the Garter Stitch Baby Kimono.  She has also just cast on the Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig that she is knitting out of her hand spun. 

Gigi is also working on sleeves, these belonging to the Rocky Coast Cardigan.  She is also knitting on the Sothia shawl.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at The Plumed Horse in Saratoga. We went to the Pajama Jammie Jam at Purlescence on Black Friday. Congratulations to Gregory, who just got married! Jasmin mentions Juanita, who sang some amazing jazz.

Events:(12:01)

02/23-26/2012: Stitches West 2012.
     -No official Meet-and-Greet, but do come and say hi!
     -We will have Preemie hat collection points (to be announced)
     -Still looking for a signal for shy listeners


Contest:(13:31)

Do some good.  Get your entries in by December 25th.  

We have launched our annual Do Some Good Contest, and we picked some amazing prizes:
- a set of three Lolo Bars: CC clove, Little Pumpkin, and Figgy
- a signed copy of Coastal Knits
- one year subscription to Knitter's Magazine
- a set of Knitter's Blocks
- as of this week: one copy of How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and Wishes and Stitches, and How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron.

Mother Knows Best:(16:18)

We answered a question about storing and organizing yarn, fiber and WIPs.
We mention Dry Cleaner Bags, canvas bags from ecobags, rice baskets from Lantern Moon and baskets from Cost Plus Imports.

When Knitting Attacks:(23:15)

Gigi is having issues with her Katriel.  Jasmin bought yarn, but doesn't know for which Hannah Fettig patterns.

Review:(26:10)

We review Knit Noro: Accessories: 30 Colorful Little Knits.


Straw Into Gold:(29:51)

Jasmin dug in her fiber closet and found some oatmeal CVM, that she bought from Patti Sexton. She is enjoying the fiber tremendously and  is spinning it on the miniSpinner.  Gigi picked up some bobbins for her Julia , but didn't do any spinning.

And Sew On:(32:20)

Gigi sewed two nightgowns for herself, and from the fabric that was left over, she sewed a large baby sack gown and a onesie for SharkBean, and a sack gown in a preemie size.