Saturday, November 1, 2014

Knit Knitmore Cafe - Episode 305 - 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
The newest innovation from the Namaste sisters is the Poppins bag.  This bag opens wide and is surprisingly spacious despite it's compact appearance.  Super cute design with magnetic top closures to allow you to knit out of your closed bag (and separate fibers if you wish) with no worries of snagging your precious fibers.  2 external zipper pockets and plenty more inside, including internal tool storage slots- this bag is awesome.  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
SSYC just received our largest Madelinetosh shipment ever. Tosh DK, Pashmina, Tosh sock and Merino Light. IF you want sweater quantities, now’s the time!


On The Needles:(0:35)

This week Abby, from the Knit Knit Cafe is our guest on the podcast!

Gigi has finished her Butternut Squash Halloween socks from Ladybug Fiber company.

Jasmin has finished Genevieve's Olivia hat out of Cascade Longwood.

Gigi cast on tube socks for Genevieve out of Neon Now. Jasmin is working on the Happy Howloween socks out of  Lollipop Yarn in their Beefcake base. Gigi is working on 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.#kiltmenowKAL.

Gigi  has also cast on a pair of Halloween socks out of Poste Yarns in the Elm Street Colorway.

Abbi is working on her Hitchhiker our of handspun yarn.

Jasmin is working on Halloween socks, in the Stingy Jack yarn by Invictus Yarns. and she is also working on a pair of socks from Cyborgs's Craftroom in the colorway Specter, with black Cascade Heritage 150, for heels and toes.

We mentions Romi Hill's design for boot toppers in her Oddments Knitdown. [As of this date, Romi Hills boot toppers haven't been published.]

Abbi is knitting a Lintilla out of Sheepspot Sustainable Merino Fingering Weight. Jasmin mentions Sasha Torres' posting cool articles on the Sheepspot Facebook page. We mentions Martina Behm's site.

Jasmin mentions  Twist and Knit by Miriam Felton

Abbi is knitting the Grace socks by Sivia Harding, out of Black Trillium in the Good Egg colorway. She is using the Knit Companion App. Jasmin declare that she will use the Knit Companion App to Knit her Celestarium shawl.

Loose Ends:(18:33)

We aired the Anna Zilborg interview, part of the Dreadfully Delayed Interview Series.
We don't endorse Biscotte & Cie's Knitmore colorway.  We are talking to Westminster Fibers (US distributors of Regia) about the bleeding issue of the Fluormania.

Events:(26:38)

We are planning to attend the Pajamma Jammie Jam at Purlescence Yarns,
and Stitches West in February!

Contest:(28:22)

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.

Next week's prize is a skein of Lollipop Yarn in the Kodachrome colorway.

Mother Knows Best:(31:38)

Gigi has more suggestions for an effective closet. Jasmin and Abbi gush about the Container Store.
Jasmin mentions her closet blog post.

When Knitting Attacks:(38:42)

Gigi was knitting her Van Gogh socks and didn't enjoy it toe-up, and she frogged and started cuff down.

 Abbi had made a pair of Uptown Girl socks, and they have no nylon and they have grown holes in the heels. The new sock yarn from Dream in Color is called "Everlasting sock".

We would like about heels and durability.

We mention Wooly Nylon.

There is an article in Twist Collective about darning socks.

Gigi thought she could do a moebius cast on for a cowl on one long needle. She was wrong.

While sewing, she accidentally basted Sam Knitmore's jeans to Grandpa Knitmore's inseam lenght.

Review:(49:11)

This week we review Weave•Knit•Wear by Judith Shangold.

Jasmin mentions the Schacht Cricket, and the Flip Loom.
We have suggestions for the next book in this series, that we think Judith Shangold should write.

Straw Into Gold:(1:01:54)

Gigi has been spinning! She found that she needs to have a routine for spinning, and it seems to be working. She has been spinning her SPAKAL with a long draw, and has gotten enough practice so she is actually starting to like the result of her spinning.

Jasmin has been spinning tribbles from Gourmet Stash in the Weathered Tartan colorway( inspired by the Outlander colorway). She finds spinning very soothing.

Abbi has a spinning question. She enjoys spinning on her Turkish Spindle, but would like to spin for projects, and she is wondering how to make spindle spinning into real spinning for projects.

We mention the amazing Sultana, who spins four or five sweaters worth of yarn on spindles.
Jasmin mentions the Ol' Lars spindle (425-255-3073), that has great spin. It is not the Trindle. Jasmin mentions the curio table from IKEA [Jasmin's isn't available, but this one is close.]

Jasmin mentions Battlings from Hobbledehoy.

And Sew On:(1:10:04)

Gigi hemmed the Nemesis Dress for Melanie of the SavvyGirls Podcast. All that remains is the hook and Eye closure and some pressing.

Jasmin got the case for her Featherweight. Abby says dryer sheets help with musty smell.

Abby went to Portland Sewing and bought a hipcurve, a french curve and a notcher. She also bought a kosher Tailor's Ham.

We mention the The Knowledgeable Knitter. Jasmin mentions Citric Acid, and the four step press by the Pressinatrix. Abby mentions a trick to make seam allowance not show up on the garment. Jasmin notes that craft paper is available at a low price at U-Line.
Gigi mentions pressing over a Sleeve Board.

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.