Doot doot dooooo - Episode 145 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .


Come celebrate the 6th Annual DFW Fiber Fest April 8-10, 2011. We are moving to a new, larger venue at the Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, and are excited to offer you our biggest vendor hall yet! We also have a Friday Night Event withDoor Prizes galore and Mary Beth Temple as our featured speaker as well as classes in knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving and dyeing. In addition to Mary Beth, our featured classroom teachers for 2011 are Anne Hanson and Robyn Chachula. Class descriptions and the schedule are available at dfwfiberfest.org. Classes are filling up, so register online today!


Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!




Explore the New World of Knitting on Opening Day with Anna Zilboorg. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the South. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES South is open to the general public April 15th-17th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.comEvents/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the needles: (00:37)

Jasmin has finished the knitting on Meghan's Twist cardigan. We mention cverity's machine-sewn buttonhole. Gigi is bored with vanilla socks, which she bound off three of last week. Gigi has decided to cast on another of Rosemary Hill's shawls (Elektra).

Awesome finds this week- Eunny Jang's zipper tutorial video, and Caro Sheridan's zipper tutorial blog post. Gigi is making progress on her Olive Heather Skirt from Knitting 24/7.

We have a Facebook page!

Events: (13:20)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 5th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (17:33)
We announce the Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Jasmin tells a story about Elphie "helping" with her knitting.

Prizes include:
- A copy of Westknits Book One and Two (SIGNED!)
- A Schacht Hi-Lo drop spindle kit
- How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron (SIGNED!)
- A Leslie Wind cable needle necklace
- A kit from Bar Maids- Shower scrub and a Lo-Lo Bar in "Vanilla Cake" and a jar of Face Pudding

Mother Knows Best: (27:44)

This week, Gigi talks about "old school" social networking.

Review: (34:52)

This week, we review "A Knitting Wrapsody" by Kristin Omdahl. We don't care for it.

... And sew on: (43:49)

Gigi talks about creative use of small spaces and small spurts of time.

Straw into Gold: (48:38)

The body of Andrew's sweater has been spun. Jasmin has started spinning the singles for the sleeves out of a Merino/Border Leicester cross from Hubbard Ranch. Laura joins us to tell the loom story.

We reference "Little Britain" and the Dennis Waterman sketch:

Hailing - Episode 144 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .

Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

Explore the New World of Knitting on Opening Day with Anna Zilboorg. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the South. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES South is open to the general public April 15th-17th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.comEvents/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the Needles: (00:35)

Gigi has got a pile of Vanilla socks on the needles. Jasmin is finishing the hood on her Mariah cardigan. Gigi has knit the first ball of yarn for her Petra cardigan. Jasmin is SO close to finishing Meghan's Twist cardigan. Gigi has finished the last bit of her Cassidy, and mentions her favorite silk pins. Jasmin worked on her bulky teal Looped Loop cowl at "Paul". (Jasmin recommends the movie.) Jasmin is working on the second "Cake" sock for Andrew.

Jasmin mentions the raffle tickets for Sue (you can read about it here, and enter to win here), and the Japan Tsunami relief pattern thread here.

Events: (19:36)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 5th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (21:03)
We announce the Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Gigi tells an "I was the worst Mom ever" crafting story.

Mother Knows Best: (26:50)

We encourage you to use social media for answers and advice. We mention following us on Twitter, and Google Reader for reading blogs.

When Knitting Attacks: (35:39)

Jasmin can't get the buttonholes right on Meghan's Twist cardigan. Jasmin tries the Tulip buttonhole from Knitting Daily.

Review: (42:55)

This week, we review the Never Not Knitting pattern collection by Alana Dakos. We LOVE her patterns!

Patterns we mention:
Shawl Collared Cowl
Cedar Leaf Shawlette
Molly
Haltermelon
Cloudy Day Beret
Autumn Vines Beret
Watermelon cardigan
Very Cherry dress
Spring Garden Tee- adult and kid

Straw into Gold: (55:03)



Jasmin has finished spinning the singles for the body of Andrew's sweater, and will start spinning the singles for the sleeves. Jasmin makes an on-air request to help you destash your floor loom.

The rainbow tweed wrap is finished; it was a first project. Jasmin has started a 3x4 gingham for Andrew on the Cricket. One unnamed Red co-host has told Jasmin to hurry up and finish the scarf on the Cricket so that she can weave herself a scarf out of Artfibers Kyoto on it.

Three bites - Episode 143 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .


Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!


Explore the New World of Knitting on Opening Day with Anna Zilboorg. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the South. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES South is open to the general public April 15th-17th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.comEvents/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the needles: (00:40)

Gigi is knitting on a pair of vanilla socks with an afterthought heel. Jasmin is working on the hood of her Mariah Cardigan. Gigi has cast on a Petra cardigan out of Dream in Color GroovyMeghan's Twist cardigan. We have drinks with a listener, and Jasmin wears her Cece for the first time. Gigi has swatched for her Cece out of SWTC Bamboo on a set of the KnitPicks Zephyr needles.

Katrina the Intern was at a robotics competition this last weekend! She is on the Janksters, through First Robotics. Come out and support Katrina! (color: Purple Rain). Chloe set in the sleeves on 

Events: (9:44)- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 5th: Spinning at the Retzlaff Winery- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering. We're staying at the Courtesy Inn in Eugene, OR.

Contest: (12:35)

We announce the Mom 'N' Me contest! We want your stories about crafting with friends/family. Please have your entries in by 5/8/2011. Jasmin tells a story about the Knitmore Dad, hats, and scarves.

Mother Knows Best: (20:25)

Gigi explains the "three bites" rule.

When knitting attacks: (24:55)

The hood of Jasmin's Mariah cardigan attacks Jasmin. Count frequently.

Review: (27:05)

This week, we review Knitting in the Details by Louisa Harding. We think it's a nice book, but that too much attention is paid to rehashes of basic patterns and not enough attention paid to embellishment techniques.

... And sew on: (35:49)

Gigi opens up the new segment by sharing her background. Gigi mentions learning to sew from Burda magazine. We talk about edging linen, pre-washing.

Straw into Gold: (46:55)

Jasmin is almost finished spinning the singles for the body of Andrew's sweater. Jasmin recommends the SpinDoctor Podcast and the Wool Breeds challenge. Jasmin recommends a Cricket loom for your "three bites" of weaving. We also LOVE WeaveCast with Syne Mitchell. Jasmin mentions that she's looking for a Schacht Mighty Wolf loom.

Ausgeleiert - Episode 142 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .


Come celebrate the 6th Annual DFW Fiber Fest April 8-10, 2011. We are moving to a new, larger venue at the Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, and are excited to offer you our biggest vendor hall yet! We also have a Friday Night Event withDoor Prizes galore and Mary Beth Temple as our featured speaker as well as classes in knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving and dyeing. In addition to Mary Beth, our featured classroom teachers for 2011 are Anne Hanson and Robyn Chachula. Class descriptions and the schedule are available at dfwfiberfest.org. Classes are filling up, so register online today!


Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!






Explore the New World of Knitting on Opening Day with Anna Zilboorg. Take classes from the most talented designers in the Knitting Universe. Shop-till-you-drop in the largest fiber market in the South. See the hottest new knit designs at the Fashion Show or take to the runway yourself -- showing off your knits during the Student Banquet. If you love knitting, YOU CAN'T MISS THIS! Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Events for all the details. If it has to do with knitting, you will find it here. STITCHES South is open to the general public April 15th-17th. For more information please join us online at http://KnittingUniverse.comEvents/ or call 1-800-237-7099.

On the Needles: (00:36)

Thanks to Laura for stunt-hosting in Gigi's absence. You can find Laura's blog here.

Gigi has been working on vanilla socks. Jasmin is working on the hood of her Mariah cardigan. Jasmin is going to set in the sleeves and finish Meghan's Sweater Swap 2010 sweater before she starts something new. Gigi has hit her January sock goal, she has also finished her BFF socks. Gigi gave Miss Kalendar (from the Brass Needles podcast) the January socks.

Jasmin's Elemental Pullover is making good progress. Jasmin mentions the blog post about LittleJ's Harry Potter scarf. Gigi was going to re-enforce the buttonhole side of her buttonband, but ran out of steam.

Events: (20:13)

- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)
- June 24-26: Black Sheep Gathering

Mother Knows Best: (25:03)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about repairing lace - and if there is a way to fix it without frogging back to the lifeline.

When Knitting Attacks: (32:04)

Jasmin talks about losing faith in charts.

Review: (35:44)

We review Around the World in Knitted Socks by Stephanie Van Der Linden. Great variety of techniques, interesting snippets, lovely photos. Not a must-buy, but definitely give it a look through.

We also mention Fancy Feet by Anna Zilboorg.

Straw into Gold: (46:15)

Jasmin is 4 oz away from finishing the spinning on the body of Andrew's sweater. The fleece for the sleeves is currently missing in action. We talk about joining/re-joining singles when plying.

Cardboard cutout - Episode 141 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .


March Madness at Crown Mountain Farms - celebrating the end of Winter - the beginning of Spring. FREE SHIPPING worldwide in March - Fiber specials are Wensleydale Top hand dyed or natural, and Yak Top. Mark your calendar: On March 29th we will have an introductory sale for sock hop yarn - one day only!!! Enjoy the madness.


Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.


Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

Shownotes will be posted by 3/7. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The Kindness of Knitters - Episode 140 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!!  We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .


Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs.
Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/





Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100
AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.



Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the Needles: (00:36)

Gigi is knitting Cookie A's BFF socks for the Spin Control KAL. Jasmin is working on her Elemental Pullover (from Knitting 24/7). Gigi has finished her Cassidy! Jasmin's Cece is finished! Jasmin is making some great progress on her Mariah cardigan. Jasmin has finished one sock for Andrew out of the Creatively Dyed J'ouvert ("Cake").

Andrew socks: 

Cast on 64 sts, knit in 2x2 rib for 6", work heel sts in st st, continue ribbing instep sts for 1". Work a heel flap for 2 1/2". Do standard instep decreases until you have decreased down to 64 sts. Work the foot until it measures 2" short of the foot. Work toe decreases every other round until there are 32 total sts. Work toe decreases every round until there are 8 total sts. Graft.

Jasmin learns the knitted graft from Knitting Daily. Jasmin mentions Horst Schultz.

Stitches West recap: (15:02)

We do a quick recap of the adventures from the weekend. Things we mention:

KCL Woods
Pho Minh
Sweet Pea's

Events: (27:42)

- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (28:36)

Two tips this week:

1) Be wary of limited time offers.

2) Always choose fun. Resting is overrated.

Review: (34:32)

This week, we review Rachael Herron's "How to Knit a Heart Back Home". We really enjoyed it, despite parts that Jasmin found a little hard to read. Give it a try!

Straw into Gold: (42:58)

This week, we talk about spinning silk.

It's a small whorl - Episode 139 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

Abstract Fiber's crew just got a chance to try Schacht’s new travel wheel, the Sidekick. What a fabulous wheel!! We were impressed enough to become dealers. The Sidekick will start shipping in May and you'll get four bumps of our FABULOUS fiber free when you order your Sidekick from us. Reserve yours now at AbstractFiber.com .


Come and join us in a magnificent fiber and yarn club experience. Registration is open for the following clubs: The Sock Hop Yarn Club offers hand dyed and hand spun superwash merino yarn with patterns from Lisa Ellis Designs. Then there is the Fiber Of The Month Club with many fibers grown and processed here in the US, the Mystery Fiber Club which we also call the GAME - if you find it on our club webpages you will know why - and the Exotic Fiber Club Part 2. Start the club journey by visiting this link: http://crownmountainfarms.com/clubs/




Knitter’s Magazine is celebrating a milestone of 100 issues by going digital! Download a FREE copy of K100 -- with more than 50 beautiful patterns -- Go to KnittingUniverse.com/Zinio for your FREE digital copy of K100 AND for details on how you can receive future issues of Knitter’s in print or digital formats.



Spin! Spin! Spin! The Purlescence Purl Girls are pleased to announce presales on Schacht's newest wheel, the Sidekick, the first folding travel spinning wheel from Schacht. We're expecting our first shipment of Sidekicks in early May. Call us today to reserve one for your very own with a modest deposit. We're also thrilled to announce that beautiful wheels are on their way from Kromski. We expect our first shipment from them in the next couple of weeks. As always, we have loads of wheels and looms in stock!

On the needles: (00:38)

Gigi has been finishing! Gigi finished a pair of vintage Opal vanilla socks, and her Ophidian. Jasmin's Cece cardigan is finished! Gigi's Cassidy is a few finishing details away from being finished. Gigi mentions the BioBands, to alleviate motion sickness. Gigi will be doing the Knitting Daily Tulip Buttonhole.

Jasmin mentions "noodling". Jasmin has joined the sleeves on her Mariah cardigan. Gigi has started Cookie A's BFF socks out of an Abstract Fiber "Oops" colorway as part of the Spin Control Flashback contest. Jasmin is working on her Elemental Pullover (from Knitting 24/7) and scores the SAME DYELOT with the two Ravelry Rescue balls. Gigi is working on Odelia, and got to try on some of the new CocoKnits designs at A Verb for Keeping Warm.

Jasmin is weaving a rainbow wrap out of Kauni in a twill. Jasmin got to play with a Cricket loom and LOVES it! We talk about the genius of direct warping. Jasmin is weaving a scarf for Andrew out of Claudia Hand Painted Yarn Navy Olive and Gold.

Jasmin mentions the Brass Needles podcast, as well as the Halcyon Yarn catalog, and leaving Andrew a subtle hint. We give an update on the Knitmore Intern!

Events: (25:28)
- February 15th: Purlescence Yarns XRX event!
- February 17-20: Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA.
- Meet and greets:
- Friday, 12-1 pm: Purlescence Yarns booth (Booths 740, 742, 839, 841)
- Saturday, 12-1 pm: Abstract Fiber booth (Booth 939)
Bring a preemie cap to donate, get something special. (Thanks for the logo, Rosemary!)
- April 6-9: Camp KIP! (Check the site for the updates.)

Mother Knows Best: (30:34)

This week, we answer a question from the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about joining yarn in lace projects. We talk about the Russian Join, spit splicing, and tying knots. (We mention the interview with Galina.)

When Knitting Attacks: (37:22)

The sleeves (and enthusiasm) attack Jasmin's Mariah.

Review: (39:36)

This week, we review the Sock Techniques 2 DVD by Lucy Neatby.

Holidays with the Knitmores: (48:28)

Jasmin talks about Valentine's Day gifts.

Straw into Gold: (53:08)

A little more progress on the Andrew 10-year sweater. Jasmin answers a spinning question fro the "What do you want to hear about?" thread about the appropriate whorl for your desired yarn.