Do the Twist! - Episode 40 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week, we are joined by Tika (host of Gives Good Knit) and Andrew.

Events: (00:58)

Stitches West meetup- Saturday, February 28th from 2-4 PM in the Purlescence Yarns booth. If you haven't bought your market passes yet, go to the Knitting Universe Website, and the online promo code (for $2 off admission) is: MPCW. Come meet us and get some sweet swag!

On the Needles: (2:51)

Gigi finished her second blue Regia Saturn sock. She has also found another two balls of duplicate Regia in her stash. She has finished her pair of vanilla Brown Eyed Girl handspun socks. She has finished a dark red stocking cap (out of Cascade 220 Superwash).

Jasmin has started weaving in her own ends, inspired by Tika duplicate stitching in her ends. Jasmin, after a lack of knitting mojo on Monday, started her Twist in Apple Green Malabrigo worsted on Tuesday. By Sunday, the body was done and blocked. Jasmin is obsessed with this sweater. Also, the entire sweater will be knit in 4 skeins.

Jasmin talks about her WIP storage/"organization"/green room system.

Jasmin's changes to Twist:

- The pattern is written to knit the body in 3 pieces, Jasmin knit it in one piece.
- The pattern is written to knit the sleeves flat; Jasmin knit them in the round.
- The pattern calls for US 6/7 needles; Jasmin is knitting them on US 5/6.

Jasmin waxes poetic about Twist, and wanders around hollering "My kingdom for a bag of Cadmium!" (Malabrigo)

Tika's Coraline gloves make Lime and Violet's Daily Chum AND Neil Gaiman's blog!

Jasmin talks about Valentine's Day. Andrew bought her a pair of yarn ball earrings and a matching pendant from Rosemary Hill. He also found the perfect buttons for Jasmin's Twist cardigan.

Gigi talks about the Mini Mochi sock, and noticed that knitting it center-pull untwists the yarn.

Mother Knows Best: (26:45)

Stitches West tips, part III, courtesy of Andrew.

Andrew's theory of yarn quality: when buying a yarn for the first time, buy one skein (or one project's worth) in order to determine knots per skein, colorfastness, washability, etc. He also talks about the importance of swatching right away.

(If you hate swatching, knit an Elizabeth Zimmermann Swatch Cap!) Also, swatches can be saved for future blanket projects. Alternatively, you could use them as decor in a curio coffee table.

When Knitting Attacks: (39:11)

Tika and Bree are doing a virtual KAL. Tika forgot to mark where on the chart she was, rips out, and starts over.

Jasmin attempts to be smarter than the Twist pattern. She discovers that she CAN follow directions! Tika suggests using a highlighter to highlight the "AT THE SAME TIME" in the patterns.

Reviews: (48:08)

SWTC Tofutsies sock yarn. Jasmin doesn't like it because she finds it splitty, Tika does like it, but isn't sure yet if she would purchase more.

Caramel, Mochi, and FO's! - Episode 39 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Events: (00:37)

Stitches West meet and greet! Come see us at the Purlescence booth, Saturday, February 28th from 2-4 PM. And, swag!

On the Needles: (3:10)

Gigi is making good progress on her On the Vine scarf. Jasmin is trying to do 2 rows every night on her Ene's Scarf.

Jasmin has finished her Bird of Paradise socks. She has also finished her black cashmere Jacoby mitts. She's thinking about knitting some argyle wristers.

Gigi is nearly done with the Bulky Boot Socks, and has been making steady progress on her Scandinavian socks. She is also nearly done with the Rowan Ribbon Twist sweater.

Jasmin is making steady progress on her Modern Quilt Wrap. Jasmin has been spinning! She has finished spinning the singles of the Black Magic Woman, and it is resting on the bobbins waiting to be plied.

Jasmin and Gigi wax poetic about knitting with the Wild Plum colorway of the Lamb's Pride Worsted. Jasmin wants to knit a Twist cardigan out of it.

Chloe went to Unwind in Burbank and picked up Jasmin's PERFECT color of green (Apple Green) in Malabrigo.

Mother Knows Best: (16:19)

Jasmin and Gigi offer suggestions on how to manage your budget at Stitches.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (22:58)

Gift ideas for your beloved knitter:

- A ball winder and an umbrella swift. (Jasmin LOVES her Bluster Bay swift.)
- Flaxseed/aromatherapy heat/cold packs.
- Shoes to wear handknit socks with.

Gift ideas for your beloved non-knitter:

- Think about what they like to do. Upgrade it. (Example, if they like to drive, get their car detailed.)
- If they're a fan of the remote control, get an all-in-one remote (we like that one).
- A backrest for reading/watching TV in bed. (Jasmin likes this one.)

When Knitting Attacks! (32:26)

Sock gnomes have made off with Gigi's sock yarn. Jasmin loses a filling to caramel, and is considering knitting some cashmere Jacoby mitts for her dentist, who came in on a Sunday to fix her tooth.

Reviews: (38:39)

Jasmin and Gigi review Crystal Palace Mini Mochi (we're using color 101), and Hiya Hiya bamboo circular needles. We compare Mini Mochi to Noro Kureyon Sock, and copare the Hiya Hiya bamboo circs to Crystal Palace bamboo circs, KA bamboo circs, and Clover bamboo circs.

(If you can't get this yarn or these needles at your local yarn store, please call Purlescence, let them know you're a listener, and order it there.)

Warming up for Stitches! - Episode 38 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

On the Needles: (00:32)

Gigi has a bunch of vanilla socks on the needles. Gigi wasn't happy with her progress on her "On the Vine" scarf, so she has been sitting and doing a repeat every day after lunch, which is working well for her.

Jasmin has started Ene's Scarf (which she isn't sure of the pronunciation of) from Scarf Style out of Artyarns Cashmere 1. (This was part of her half-off cashmere haul.) She has knit the first eight rows so far. This project has taught her that the rubber Bryson Stitch markers and the Addi lace needles do not mix.

Gigi is still working with the Brown Eyed Girl handspun socks. They're not dyeing this color anymore, but if you call Klaus (at Crown Mountain Farms) and ask him for a color that is close, he'll help you out. (Tell him we sent you!)

Jasmin has finished spinning 1 oz of Merry Meadows cormo and silk (in spring green). She has spun it very fine, so she's working on Black Magic Woman from Crown Mountain Farms.

Gigi has started the Bulky Boot Socks from the Little Box of Socks. Gigi has also started the Scandanavian Sock pattern (also from the LBoS). They discuss the two-handed fair isle technique that Ann and Eugene Bourgeois (of Philosopher's Wool) teach.

Jasmin has finished knitting the Santa Fe Wrap. Gigi unearthed an UFO made of Rowan Ribbon Twist (in black/pink), which is now becoming a sweater for Jasmin.

While listening to Cast-On, Jasmin was inspired to knit a Modern Quilt Wrap in Noro Kureyon Sock. (Jasmin is knitting hers in color S188.) Jasmin is knitting hers on size 4 US/3.5mm needles. Jasmin is knitting it at a tighter gauge and will block it to size for aesthetic reasons. (Jasmin downloaded it from knittingdaily.com .)

Mother Knows Best: (26:55)

Stitches West tips!

1- Determine your budget.
2- Stick to your budget.

Strategies: (A note to Dr. Gemma from CogKNITive- our strategies are less helpful than yours for real life.)
- Make your wishlist. (Jasmin's includes one of Lisa Souza's batts, some wensleydale, and some polwarth. The polwarth is Meghan's, of Stitch-it fame, fault.)
- Gigi will be buying some sock yarn.
- Jasmin encourages you to take your list on a post-it.
- Go through your stash so you don't replicate colors that you have a lot of in your stash.
- Always buy more yarn, rather than less.

Tips for shopping the market:
- Gigi walks through the market the first time with the vendor catalog. If she sees something she likes, she makes a note. She does zero purchasing on the first round. (Jasmin is the same, but will purchase if she comes across something on her wishlist.)
- On Gigi's second walkthrough, she eliminates items that she's not in love with.
- On Gigi's third walkthrough, she starts making purchases. If it was meant to be, it will still be there.
- First time attendees: Go with someone who has gone before.
- Eat a good breakfast.
- Wear good shoes.
- Pack a healthy lunch and bring a bottle of water. (Jasmin recommends getting a BPA-free Nalgene bottle and clipping it to your bag with a carabiner.)
- Make sure to sit. And socialize!
- Shop from vendors who are out of your normal area.
- Don't buy yarns that you have access to at your LYS. Hold off on those purchases until the month AFTER Stitches.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (43:28)

Valentine's Day gift suggestions for knitters/spinners:

- A Netflix subscription and/or a Roku box
- A bouquet of handpainted sock yarns.
- Beautiful knitting/spinning tools
- Unusual/beautiful drop spindles. (Jasmin is especially fond of the Golding drop spindles.)
- Fiber!
- A class
- A gift certificate for time to knit, uninterrupted.
- Really good quality chocolate.
- A lovely mug, and possibly a mug warmer.
- A trip to an out-of-town fiber festival.

When Knitting Attacks! (49:01)

Gigi installs an enclosed zipper BEAUTIFULLY. And backwards.

The Crown Mountain Superwash Merino (in Black Magic Woman) is so lovely, even Hana (the Akita puppy) wanted some.

(Public Service Announcement: Do not leave fiber or yarn out where your pets can get to it. Ingested yarn or roving can cause obstructions which can be fatal to your pet.)

Events: (51:47)

Go give Tika's podcast, Gives Good Knit, a listen!

Come meet us at Stitches West on Saturday, February 28th from 2-4PM in the Purlescence booth!

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.)

Listen here:


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.