Sunday, October 26, 2014

Director's Cut - Anna Zilboorg - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled



Listen here:


This director's cut episode is brought to you without commercial interruption by XRX books: Now your socks can be a magnificent as your mittens! In this expanded edition of the original “Magnificent Mittens” that includes Anna’s toe-up, free-sole sock designs.  With stranded patterning on the top of the foot and plain sole, it is elastic, easily reinforced, and easily repaired. No longer are color-patterned socks too much work for too little wear.



Magnificent Mittens & Socks
45 Fine & Fanciful Hats to Knit
Fancy Feet (reprint: Simply Socks)
Knitting for Anarchists
Barbara Walker
Betsy Harrell's book
Half-stranded socks (found in Sock Knitting Master Class)

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

More yarn in the bag - Episode 304 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled

Listen here:

This week's episode is sponsored by:

abstractbanner-1
What makes Abstract Fiber's sock yarns stand out from the rest?  Our brilliant colors don't bleed. Our skeins rarely have knots. Our yarns are beautifully constructed to minimize splitting and show off stitch patterns. Our colors are designed to minimize pooling and striping. Check out Abstract Fiber's outstanding sock yarns at AbstractFiber.com
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
When you own a business you find yourself up at ungodly hours formulating your next step, and juggling between adored and effective products, and creating new interest. So I found myself face-to-face with facts, the nitty-gritty numbers and the [dirty] details. Numbers don't lie - right?  As difficult as it is, we are discontinuing scents and products that just don't make cents. But we are absolutely thrilled and excited about offering new scents and products that you have been asking for. We are actively creating some major spark in our studio. (This calls for super strong shades!) Before these sparks start flying, check out the nitty-gritty and dirty details of our current scents at the new Bar-Maids Blog.
InfiniteTwistSoftGold_zps2937a47a
Infinite Twist produces unique and luxurious hand-spun yarns that are crafted in a socially responsible way. Spun from hand-painted roving and hand-blended batts, our hand-spun yarns are a tactile delight for knitters. We also offer project kits that take the guess-work out of yarn and color selection, and hand-dyed mill-spun yarns in striking semi-solid colors. Find out more by visiting infinitetwist.com, or find us on Ravelry and Instagram as infinite twist. Sign up for our newsletter for a free knitting pattern every month, and don’t forget to use offer code “knitmore”!
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:(0:32)

Jasmin has been doing the Citric Acid soak, and is pleased with the Hocus Pocus socks by Mint Rain /Kaitie's Creations, and also likes how color fast it is.  She mentions Rockin' Green Detergent. Jasmin is working on her Happy Howloween socks out of  Lollipop Yarn in their Beefcake base.

Gigi has finished a pair of socks from MarigoldJen in the Purple Finch colorway.

Jasmin is working on Genevieve's Olivia hat for her Halloween costume. She also worked on her SPAKAL cardigan. Jasmin mentions her Mondo Cable cardi. She refers to The Spinner's Book of Fleece by Beth Smith. She also wore the Breezy cardigan by Hannah Fettig from Knitbot.

Gigi cast on Halloween socks out of Ladybug Fiber company in the "Butternut" colorway.
She has been washing her swatch for the Wild Iris cowl from the Book of Cowls by Sivia Harding. She is knitting it out of Bijou Basin Ranch's Himalayan Trail in the color Sassenach.

Jasmin is raving about the colors of her newest sock out of Stingy Jack by Invictus Yarns.

Jasmin excitedly announces that the Stashbot App is available .

Loose Ends:(22:20)

We are still doing the Knitmore-A-long labels printed and provided by Sterling Name Tapes: Information for getting labels:

- Donate $1.50 for postage and envelope through Paypal button (in sidebar)
- PM Jasmin (cuteknitter) via Ravelry, and let her know how many sweater and shawl labels you want, and put "labels" in the subject line
- Include your Paypal email address in your PM
- International: PM Jasmin on Ravelry for cost of shipping

Put a picture of your sewn in labels in the "labels" thread

Events:(24:22)

 -Stash Swap at Purlescence, Oct 25th, noonish  until closing.
  -Pajamma Jammie Jam, date TBA.

Gigi and Jasmin went to Pacific International Quilt Fest, and had a wonderful time. Gigi mentions the Miracle Ironing Board Cover. We met a quilting podcaster: Annie Smith: Quilting Stash. Jasmin picked up parts for her Featherweight, and Gigi purchased an OLFA rotary cutter and OLFA pinking blade.

Contest:(34:34)

We are co-hosting the Countdown to Outlander Knitalong on instagram,  #kiltmenowKAL. This has to be creatively related to the Outlander series.  Getting help from pocket Jamie is encouraged.

This is an instagram contest, so please make sure to use the appropriate hashtags.

This is being co-hosted by Maria from Subway Knits, CC from Geeky Girls Knit, and Kristin from YarnGasm.

New Prizes!
From Gourmet Stash:  two braids of fiber and two skeins of yarn in the time traveler colorway, and in the waterweed colorway . 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfulness.

This weeks winner is Jananavwho won a skein of  Mint Rain in Berry Sundae with matching  berry colored yarn for heels and toes, generously provided by Kaitie's Creations.

The next prize for #OperationSockdrawer has been generously provided by Lollipop Yarns: a ball of in Kodachrome in the Beefcake base.

Mother Knows Best:(38:43)

This week Gigi talks some more about having an effective closet. Jasmin mentions the Butter By Nadia Dresses

Purloined:(42:28)

This week we purloin (again?) Adventskalenderwickelknäul from Stadt, Land, Wolle, hosted by Manu and Elli

Jasmin decided to put a poll in the ravelry group in this week's episode thread.

Review:(46:59)

 This week we review The Knowledgeable Knitter, by Margaret Radcliffe

And Sew On :(54:50)

Gigi shortened jeans for Grandpa Knitmore. She is thinking about  buying a Humpjumper.
And she did a lot of handsewing on the Nemesis Dress for Melanie of the SavvyGirls Podcast.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Tentacles - Episode 303 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled
Listen here:
This week's episode is sponsored by:

abstractbanner-1
What makes Abstract Fiber's sock yarns stand out from the rest?  Our brilliant colors don't bleed. Our skeins rarely have knots. Our yarns are beautifully constructed to minimize splitting and show off stitch patterns. Our colors are designed to minimize pooling and striping. Check out Abstract Fiber's outstanding sock yarns at AbstractFiber.com
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
When you own a business you find yourself up at ungodly hours formulating your next step, and juggling between adored and effective products, and creating new interest. So I found myself face-to-face with facts, the nitty-gritty numbers and the [dirty] details. Numbers don't lie - right?  As difficult as it is, we are discontinuing scents and products that just don't make cents. But we are absolutely thrilled and excited about offering new scents and products that you have been asking for. We are actively creating some major spark in our studio. (This calls for super strong shades!) Before these sparks start flying, check out the nitty-gritty and dirty details of our current scents at the new Bar-Maids Blog.
InfiniteTwistSoftGold_zps2937a47a
Infinite Twist produces unique and luxurious hand-spun yarns that are crafted in a socially responsible way. Spun from hand-painted roving and hand-blended batts, our hand-spun yarns are a tactile delight for knitters. We also offer project kits that take the guess-work out of yarn and color selection, and hand-dyed mill-spun yarns in striking semi-solid colors. Find out more by visiting infinitetwist.com, or find us on Ravelry and Instagram as infinite twist. Sign up for our newsletter for a free knitting pattern every month, and don’t forget to use offer code “knitmore”!
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:(0:33)

Gigi finished the animal print tube socks. Jasmin has finished the Hocus Pocus socks by Mint Rain and Kaitie's Creations. We mention the Citric Acid soak. The Outlander colorway socks from Voolenvine came out of the wash without losing color.

Gigi has been knitting Halloween socks out of MarigoldJen yarn in the Purple Finch colorway. Gigi mentions Cat Bordhi's Houdini socks.  Jasmin mentions Sock Architecture.

 She also mentions the Knitmore Girls Instagram account and the Knitmore Girls Pinterest boards.
 
Gigi has swatched for her next cowl, the Wild Iris, from the Book of Cowls, by Sivia Harding, out of Himalayan Trails, by Bijou Basin Ranch.

Jasmin is working on the #countdowntooutlander, #Kiltmenow, she has started on socks out of Je Suis Prest, by Gingertwist Studio in Edinburgh , which she is carrying in her Caithness Craft Collective tartan bag.

Gigi was knitting the Mystik Spiral socks out of Opal Van Gogh, and she ripped back the striping part, because it didn't show.

Jasmin is working on Howloween socks SPELLING? BY Lollipop Yarn in the Beefcake base.
Also, she is working on an Olivia hat for Genevieve's Halloween costume.

Loose Ends:(16:54)

Jasmin has pushed live our interview with the amazing Judy Becker

We talk about how the issues with the fading of the yarns from Biscotte & Cie continued.
Jasmin found a source for Citric Acid.


 Events:(25:55)

- October 16-19 Pacific International Quilt Fest, at the Santa Clara Convention Center
- Purlescence Yarn Swap October 25
 - Pajamma Jammie Jam, date TBA.

Contest:(27:37)

Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfulness.

Prize for Operation Sockdrawer generously provided by

Next prize is a skein of  Mint Rain is Berry Sunday with matching  berry colored yarn for heels and toes, generously provided by Kaitie's Creations.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


We are co-hosting the Countdown to Outlander Knitalong on instagram,  #countdowntooutlander, #kiltmenowKAL. This has to be creatively related to the Outlander series.  Getting help from pocket Jamie is encouraged.

This is an instagram contest, so please make sure to use the appropriate hashtags.

This is being co-hosted by Maria from Subway Knits, CC from Geeky Girls Knit, and Kristin from YarnGasm.

New Prizes!
From Gourmet Stash:  two braids of fiber and two skeins of yarn in the time traveler colorway, and in the waterweed colorway . 

Mother Knows Best:(30:40)

This week's advice is: Caveat Emptor- Buyer Beware!

We have always been satisfied with yarns we bought from Lisa Souza, Abstract Fiber, Tess Yarns, Fab Funky Fibres and Invictus Yarns. If you are not sure about the colorfastness of your yarn, do the citric acid treatment.

Jasmin mentions Rockin' Green detergent.

Purloined:(36:08)

This week we are purloining from Die Urbane Spinnstube, hosted by Diestelfliege, and the way they do yarn swaps.

Jasmin mentioned the White Lies bed jacket.

Review:(45:59)

This week we review
The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook, by Deb Robson and Carol Ekarius
Jasmin mentions the kindle edition version of this book, the The Knitter's Book of Wool, and the
The Spinner's Book of Fleece by Beth Smith

She calls these three books the Trifecta of spinning books that should be on the Christmas list of spinners.

Also, she mentions In Sheep's Clothing.


Straw Into Gold:(54:21)

Gigi got Rumpelstilzkined: she set up her wheel, but couldn't find her fiber anywhere.
Jasmin mentions Spinzilla, Leslie from Knit Girllls and Kate from Gourmet Stash.

And Sew On:(56:44)

Jasmin is sewing up a giant pile of Halloween project bags, with Gigi doing the cutting and pressing.
Jasmin is very satisfied with the Miracle Ironing Board Cover.
 
Gigi finally sewed the zipper into the Nemesis dress. The zipper did not go in without a fight, but Gigi won in round two, with help of her quilting Stiletto.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Director's Cut - Judy Becker - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled

Listen here:


 abstractbanner-1
This director's cut is brought to you without commercial interruption by Abstract Fiber, the best place to buy the most beautiful yarn and fibers ever.


Judy's Magic Cast on
Judy's book: Beyond Toes: Knitting Adventures With Judy's Magic Cast-On
Wanda (crochet hook on one side, needle on the other)
Nostepinne
Koigu
Lorna's Laces
Cherry Tree Hill
StitchJones
Mac and Cheese recipe
Candied Sweet Potato recipe

You can find Judy on Ravelry here and on Twitter here.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Yarned and Delirious - Episode 302 - The Knitmore Girls

Untitled
Listen here:


This week's episode is sponsored by:
EcolusciousSkinCare_zps0936c17e
When you own a business you find yourself up at ungodly hours formulating your next step, and juggling between adored and effective products, and creating new interest. So I found myself face-to-face with facts, the nitty-gritty numbers and the [dirty] details. Numbers don't lie - right?  As difficult as it is, we are discontinuing scents and products that just don't make cents. But we are absolutely thrilled and excited about offering new scents and products that you have been asking for. We are actively creating some major spark in our studio. (This calls for super strong shades!) Before these sparks start flying, check out the nitty-gritty and dirty details of our current scents at the new Bar-Maids Blog.
NAMASTE INC
If you haven't seen the new Megan Pouchlet by Namaste you'll want to!  This handy morsel of goodness is larger than a Jemma Pouch and smaller than a Devin Wristlet, so the size is really ideal.  It's got a wristlet strap and is perfect for storing keys, credit cards, notions, or other small items.  When you wanna grab and go, grab for your Megan Pouchlet.  Get yours at www.namasteinc.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! 
SSYClogo_zpsc21c0eed
Operation Sock Drawer is proudly sponsored by Simply Socks Yarn Company.  Does your sock drawer need filling? Let us help!  With nine years experience helping sock knitters, we’ll help you find what you need.  This week we are featuring the new Opal Sweet and Spicy 2 collection, as well as restocks of all the colors of the Hundertwasser collection.  Come check us out at simplysockyarn.com . 

On The Needles:(0:35)

Jasmin finished a pair of socks in the Outlander colorway from Voolenvine, in the Lush base. Gigi has finished the sleeves for the the Water's Edge  #matchymatchyKAL. Genevieve's Mini Water's Edge. #matchymatchyKal, just needs a buttonloop.

Jasmin is working on the #countdowntooutlander, #Kiltmenow, she has started on socks out of Je Suis Prest, by Gingertwist Studio in Edinburgh , which she is carrying in her Caithness Craft Collective tartan bag.

Gigi is working on her Mystik Spiral socks. Jasmin is working on Hocus Pocus socks by Mint Rain
Gigi is knitting a pair of tube socks for Genevieve out of left over animal print yarn by Schöller Wolle.

Jasmin cast on a hat out of Cascade Longwood.

Loose Ends:(12:03)

We are still doing the Knitmore-A-long labels printed and provided by Sterling Name Tapes: Information for getting labels:

- Donate $1.50 for postage and envelope through Paypal button (in sidebar)
- PM Jasmin (cuteknitter) via Ravelry, and let her know how many sweater and shawl labels you want, and put "labels" in the subject line
- Include your Paypal email address in your PM
- International: PM Jasmin on Ravelry for cost of shipping

Put a picture of your sewn in labels in the "labels" thread
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jasmin talks about a pair of Biscotte & Cie socks that bled and faded in the washing machine. (Picture above)

She was very pleased about the prompt response from Louise at Biscotte & Cie. Kate from Gourmet Stash came up with a DIY solution to fix dye on yarn. You can read about this on Jasmin's blog here.

 Events:(22:24)

- October 16-19 Pacific International Quilt Fest, at the Santa Clara Convention Center
 - Pajamma Jammie Jam, date TBA.

Contest:(23:57)

We are co-hosting the Countdown to Outlander Knitalong on instagram,  #countdowntooutlander, #kiltmenowKAL. This has to be creatively related to the Outlander series.  Getting help from pocket Jamie is encouraged.

This is an instagram contest, so please make sure to use the appropriate hashtags.

This is being co-hosted by Maria from Subway Knits, CC from Geeky Girls Knit, and Kristin from YarnGasm.

New Prizes!
From Gourmet Stash: two braids of fiber and two skeins of yarn in the time traveler colorway.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameters for participating in the #operationsockdrawer contest:

Participants: post a picture to instagram with the #operationsockdrawer, have your ravelry name on your instagram profile. Feel free to double dip your projects.

Projects will be judged on originality and general delightfulness.

Winner of a copy of Big Foot Knits (provided by Cooperative Press) is arthjarna!

Next prize is a skein of  Mint Rain is Berry Sunday with matching  berry colored yarn for heels and toes.

Mother Knows Best:(30:29)

This week Gigi talks some more about having an effective closet.

When Knitting Attacks:(32:06)

Gigi was attacked by her Linaria Bipartita out of Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet in more than one way, and will have to frog it. She will frog the Opal Van Gogh socks, it does not show the Mystik Spiral socks pattern. She also knitted the sleeve for the Water's Edge too long and had to rip it back.

Review:(35:19)

This week we review the The Spinner's Book of Fleece, by Beth Smith

We also mention our interview with Beth Smith that you should listen to here.

We think that this is a great start: "I began spinning because...."

We mention Sasha Torres of SheepSpot.

 And Sew On:(43:50)

Jasmin has been sewing project bags, inspired by the quality of the Erin Lane bags. We have been using this tutorial, with some small changes. It seems somebody small helped with the sewing machine settings.

Gigi has not worked on the Nemesis dress. She picked up a Buttonhole Foot for her Janome, so maybe Genevieve's summer dress will be finished soonest, winter is coming.

Sunday, October 5, 2014