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This week's episode has been sponsored by:
Check out our weaving supplies!
Administrative stuff: (00:39)
Stitch It! has moved. Subscribe to the new feed in iTunes by clicking here.
Cognitive's new feed page.
BarknKnit's new feed page.
(When you re-subscribe to these, please give them a new iTunes review.)
On the Needles: (3:58)
Gigi finished a pair of vanilla ribbed socks in the Kaffe Fasset Regia, a pair of vanilla Claudia's Handpaints Argyle. Gigi has also finished the first skein of yarn for her On the Vine scarf.
Jasmin finished her pair of Ellen's Half-Pint Farm socks (out of the Merino/Tencel sock yarn) in the greens. Jasmin is "chain-knitting" her socks. She cast on the Creatively Dyed Calypso (80% Superwash Merino/20% Nylon) in the Jamaica colorway. The color reminds Jasmin of Lisa Souza's South Pacific colorway.
Gigi is working on a former UFO - she is working on her white Einstein jacket again.
Jasmin and Gigi discuss knitting with neutrals for "lasting" garments. (You can see the "Mimosa yellow" shawl here.) They discuss balancing fashion and timeliness with how long it will take to finish the project. Jasmin talks about Tim Gunn's 10 essential items list and how to encorporate that into your knitting.
Jasmin and Gigi will be swatching this week! Gigi will be swatching some of the Tess Yarns' Silk and Merino (in charcoal grey) for a Cocoknits design. Jasmin has some of the same yarn, but in a pale blue from a few years ago. Jasmin is using it for the Cire-Perdue from the third Norah Gaughan book.
Gigi brought over a children's loom so that Jasmin can determine whether or not she really, really wants to weave.
CONTEST!
Go into our Ravelry group and suggest show topics in the "What do you want to hear about?" thread.
Mother Knows Best: (26:04)
Gigi and Jasmin discuss matching yarns and patterns. Vanilla socks are a great way of testing new techniques (like the channel island cast-on). We also encourage you to treat your swatches the way you would treat the garment.
When Knitting Attacks! (33:26)
Gigi has been too efficient with her knitting, and ran out of on-the-go vanilla socks. Cat Bordhi is a genius, and Jasmin is not, and proves it while working on a pair of Coriolis socks. (The test drive pair is in Myra Hansen's Fancy Image Yarns sock yarn.) Jasmin notices the correlation between knitting attacks and the hours in which they happen. Also, her complete inability to do math into the late hours of the evening.
Straw into Gold: (40:50)
Jasmin is spinning 70% Alpaca/30% Silk roving from Abstract Fibers in a deep, rich blue/black colorway. Jasmin talks about showing surface area and shine while spinning, spinning posture, and is honest about how she feels about spinning cotton. Jasmin recommends taking a beginning spinning class from Sandi Luck (at Purlescence) if you're in the Bay Area, and any spinning class from Judith MacKenzie McCuin.
(Next week, Jasmin will talk about cleaning spinning wheels.)
Jasmin talks about spinning merino/silk batts from Crystal Creek Fibers for Gigi (pictured above). Jasmin talks about using a Fricke skeinwinder with a yardage counter. Jasmin also had spun up some of the Fat Cat Knits 50% SW Merino/50% tencel roving in Spring Bulbs. Jasmin also talks about winding up the Black Magic Woman that she had spun up and was still resting on the bobbins.
On the Needles:
Gigi is working on (mostly) vanilla socks this weeks. She has finished her Bulky Boot Socks, and has started a vanilla sweater, but ripped it out in favor of a new pattern.
Events:
Jasmin and Gigi discuss Stitches West. Jasmin and Gigi took the same classes - mostly. Colleen and Jasmin took Ergonomcis of knitting with Carson Demers, where they learned some stretches, life strategies for balancing knitting with physical health. Jasmin recommends standing up during commercial breaks.
On the way to class, Jasmin was accosted by Cat Bordhi! Jasmin and Gigi, at Cat's recommendation, are going to try and get to Sock Summit. Thursday evening, Jasmin and Gigi went to the market preview.
Using her wish list, Jasmin bought some batts (in Purr-ple and Tropical Fruit) and Wensleydale from Lisa Souza. Jasmin thinks it is going to grow up to be a Ribbi Pulli. Jasmin also got some Superwash merino in "Graphite".
Jasmin got some interesting fibers from Tactile (babydoll, carbonized bamboo) and A Verb for Keeping Warm (targhee). Jasmin also ran into WonderMike, of YKnit notoriety. Jasmin bought a kit from Sheldrige Farms (the Inverted V top).
Jasmin fell in love with Abstract Fibers. Jasmin bought a set of lace circular needles from Asciano Fibers, made of Cocobolo.
Gigi fell in love with the Cocoknits patterns. Gigi found some Berroco Ultra Alpaca in a beautiful peacock blue and some red Kauni at WEBS.
Friday:
Jasmin and Gigi took Lucy Neatby's "Cool Socks - A" class all day. They learned the channel island cast-on, as well as loads of other nifty tips and tricks. (We will be reviewing her fantastic DVDs on the podcast, courtesy of Lucy Neatby and Sheldrige Farms.)
Saturday:
Jasmin and Gigi met Dr. Gemma of CogKNITive! Jasmin and Gigi had the meet and greet. Jasmin and Andrew went by the Redfish Dyeworks booth, where she got some mango colored 80% merino/ 20% tussah silk roving and Andrew picked out some 50/50 Silk Merino (project TBD). Jasmin picked up some replacement roving in Freestone Firecracker from the Royal Hare.
After the market, Jasmin, Gigi, and Rosemary (from Designs by Romi) went to the party at Bobbin's Nest, which was lovely. Afterwards, we took a brief detour to get some AMAZING frozen yogurt, then went to the show-and-tell at Purlescence.
Sunday:
Jasmin and Gigi took the "Design Your Own Sock Architecture" class with Cat Bordhi, who we chatted with in September. Combined with the Lucy Neatby class, our minds were blown.
Jasmin went to the show floor to pick up some Oak Grove yarn (to darn a pair socks) for Andrew. Jasmin went to talk to Cheryl Oberle, and while Andrew was waiting in line to pay, he picked up two skeins in "Stones". Jasmin also picked up some of the Creatively Dyed sock yarn to test drive, NOT in pinks and purples, selected by Andrew.
Gigi bought some Silk/Merino from Tess Yarns in a beautiful charcoal grey, which will become a Cocoknits sweater. (Sweater TBD.)
At the show, Jasmin and Gigi got audio with Lucy Neatby, Galina Khmeleva, Cheryl Oberle, and Lily Chin.
Administrative stuff:
Jasmin and Gigi are trying to get to Sock Summit, and they need your help. A donation of $5 or more gets you a logo magnet, and for a donation of $10 or more, we'll send you a logo pin (and a magnet).
We will be adding a new segment called "Straw into Gold" about spinning! Until then, Meghan from Stitch-It has an AWESOME, regular spinning segment.
We need ideas for contests! Send them our way.
Listen here:
This week's episode is sponsored by:
Events: (00:33)
Stitches West meetup! We'll be in the Purlescence booths (640 & 740) on Saturday, February 28th from 2-4 PM. The goodie bags are awesome. We will be holding back 1 goodie bag (out of 100) and doing a contest for those who couldn't make it to the meetup.
We will be including a pin in the goodie bag. Going forward, a donation of $10 or more will get you some of our permission slips/business cards AND a Knitmore Girls logo pin.
On the Needles: (7:56)
Gigi has (sort of) finished an UFO. The Ribbon Twist sweater needs seaming and blocking, but the knitting is done. Jasmin finished her Twist! In a couple of episodes, we'll post a video in the show notes on how to attach buttons using Gigi's couture technique. Jasmin used the Malabrigo sock yarn (in "Lettuce") to set in the sleeves, since it is a stronger yarn.
Jasmin pulled an 8-year-old UFO out of her stash. She is working on finishing the ex-boyfriend sweater. She will be reworking the cowl from a "cheater" cowl to a true, short-rowed cowl collar. Jasmin will be blocking her Santa Fe Wrap, which she will be wearing to Stitches.
Gigi continues to work on her Bulky boot socks and her Scandanavian pattern socks (from the ubiquitous Little Box of Socks
), and finds Fair Isle addictive.
Jasmin and Gigi talk about Ravelry, queues, and tagging. We also talk about using leftover sock yarn to knit the Fish hats from Knitty. Jasmin and Gigi talk about their favorite handpainters (Tess Yarns, Lisa Souza Dyeworks, Ellen's Half-Pint Farm), and style aesthetics versus knitting aesthetics.
Jasmin talks about purging old knit socks; Gigi talks about storage for knit socks. Jasmin has cast on a pair of Ellen's Half-Pint farm 50% Superwash Merino/50% Tencel socks in greens. Gigi continues to work on her On the Vine scarf.
Mother Knows Best: (34:37)
Stitches West tips, Part IV:
- Don't shop flustered. If you start to feel flustered or panicked, go to the bathroom, wash your hands, have a snack, then revisit. (Jasmin is packing energy gels/blocks.)
- Review your purchases. If you go for more than one day, spread out your purchases and take a good look. Make sure you've got the right quantities, everything from your wishlist, etc.
When Knitting Attacks! (44:11)
Jasmin can't count to 3. Gigi was assaulted by patterns at the fabric store.
Listen here:
This week's episode has been sponsored by:
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.
Listen here:
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.)
Listen here:
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!
Listen here:
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.
