Episode 189: I'm Number Two

Quick episode this week. WIPs include a pair of Wassup Rufus socks in Kool-Aid dyed yarn and a pair of Rye socks in Patons wool. FO of the week is a pair of Lollipop Yarn socks in What a Maroon self-striping with a picot edge. Featured baubles and bling include several patterns we received (all of which look awesome). We draw winners from the membership list for sock yarn and a book and announce that we are giving away two more prizes the week after Christmas!!! We will not record next week due to the holiday.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We will be skipping the December KAL and starting with new themed KALs in January 2015.  Instead we are doing a month of Holiday Giving, and kicking it off by drawing the winners of two new pattern giveaways!  Don't forget to donate to Hope for Kids - if your donation was received by 12/19 you will be entered in a drawing for a Stitched by Jessalu limited edition Webs bag.  Also, if you gift a copy of the Sudice pattern by MK Nance between now and 1/6/15, she will gift a copy to you as a thanks!

We drew winners of the book Wrap Style and a skein of yarn.  When we return the week after Christmas, we will draw winners for a Ploverbird Bag and a skein of yarn!

We are not recording the week of Christmas.  Have a great holiday!

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Wassup Rufus Socks in Knitpicks Bare that was dyed with Kool-Ade in 2008 and sat in a partially knitted sock for 6 years until I frogged and reclaimed it this week.  I modified the pattern to be toe up, with the design only on the front and stockinette on the back.

Sheila is working on:

Rye socks by Tin Can Knits in Patons wool

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Plain Vanilla socks in Lollipop Yarns What a Maroon! colorway.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Sheila plans to make gloves and worsted weight hats out of scrap yarn.

Wendy has no plans other than to try and frog or finish her other outstanding WIPs.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy received:

Jaali pattern by Kitman Figueroa

Sheila received:

Tubularity by Martina Behm

Gradient Wrap Cowl by Elizabeth Smith

Gossip & Innuendo:

Announcements:

We drew the winners of the WrapStyle book and the blue sock yarn!  Send Sheila your snail mail to receive your prizes.

If you send a donation of hats, scarves and/or mittens that is received by December 19th, you will be eligible for a chance to win a Stitched by Jessalu Webs Anniversary bag!  You can send them to the following address:

Webs Warehouse 
ATTN: Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway 
Easthampton, MA 01027

Your donations will be given by Lise to the Hope for Kids charity in western Mass.  This program was started by a former police officer and his family, and they offer assistance to families in need at homeless shelters.

Episode 188: Totally Exhausted

This week's WIPs include vanilla socks and Rye socks. FOs include the Oxford Hooded Cowl, Kid at Any Age hat and Spring Cable socks. Featured Baubles and Bling include a personalized Christmas ornament and Lollipop yarn in the What a Maroon colorway. We draw winners of the Diamond Cut mitt patterns and the Scrappy Christmas Baubles ornament pattern.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We will be skipping the December KAL and starting with new themed KALs in January 2015.  Instead we are doing a month of Holiday Giving, and kicking it off by drawing the winners of two new pattern giveaways!  Don't forget to donate to Hope for Kids to enter in a drawing for a Stitched by Jessalu limited edition Webs bag.  Also, if you gift a copy of the Sudice pattern by MK Nance between now and 1/6/15, she will gift a copy to you as a thanks!

We will be giving away the book Wrap Style and a skein of yarn to two lucky Rav group members next week during the Month of Holiday Giving.  We will draw names from the member list and announce them in Episode 188!

Big thanks to Jane for the donation!  We will use it for postage!

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

a vanilla sock in Lollipop Yarn self-striping in the What a Maroon colorway

Sheila is working on:

Rye socks by Tin Can Knits in Patons wool

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Oxford Hooded Cable in Lakes Yarn & Fiber Hayden DK in three colorways.

Spring Cable Socks in Play At Life Fiber Arts Socki Maki in the Loud & Proud colorway

Kid At Any Age by Jennette Cross in Cascade Handpaints from deep stash

Sheila finished:

One of her Rye Socks by Tin Can Knits

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Sheila plans to make gloves and worsted weight hats out of scrap yarn.

Wendy has no plans.

Baubles & Bling:

Lollipop Yarn (details in On the Dancecard, above)

Personalized ornament from Personalization Mall 

Gossip & Innuendo:

Announcements:

We drew a winner of the Scrappy Christmas Baubles (by Rachel Kluesner) PDF contest!  We also drew 5 winners of the Diamond Cut Fingerless Mitts (by Kelene Kinnersley) PDF contest!

If you send a donation of hats, scarves and/or mittens that is received by December 19th, you will be eligible for a chance to win a Stitched by Jessalu Webs Anniversary bag!  You can send them to the following address:

Webs Warehouse 
ATTN: Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway 
Easthampton, MA 01027

Your donations will be given by Lise to the Hope for Kids charity in western Mass.  This program was started by a former police officer and his family, and they offer assistance to families in need at homeless shelters.

Episode 187: Run Away!

We begin the Month of Holiday Giving! This week, we have two pattern contests for a potential 6 winners! WIPs include an improvised baby hat, Rye Socks, Spring Cable Socks and the Oxford Hooded Cowl. FOs include Wollmeise Spring Cable socks and a Christmas ornament. Featured baubles and bling this week is a huge box of Cascade Fixation that was gifted to Sheila. We draw a lucky winner of the November KAL at the end.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We will be skipping the December KAL and starting with new themed KALs in January 2015.  Instead we are doing a month of Holiday Giving, and kicking it off with two new pattern giveaways!

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Oxford Hooded Cable in Lakes Yarn & Fiber Hayden DK in three colorways.

Spring Cable Socks in Play At Life Fiber Arts Socki Maki in the Loud & Proud colorway

Sheila is working on:

Rye socks by Tin Can Knits in Patons wool

an improvised baby cap in Cascade Fixation

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Scrappy Christmas Bauble by Rachel Kluesner in various sock weight yarns from Joann Fabric (I threw away the labels).

Sheila finished:

Spring Cable Socks in Wollmeise 80/20 in the Spina di Pesci colorway

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Sheila plans to make gloves and worsted weight hats out of scrap yarn.

Wendy plans to knit a Kid at Any Age hat.

Baubles & Bling:

Sheila received a large box of Cascade Fixation from a family friend

Gossip & Innuendo:

Announcements:

We drew a winner of the November KAL!

We introduced two new contests:

Scrappy Christmas Baubles (by Rachel Kluesner) PDF contest:  Tell us what you would write on an ornament designed with this pattern!  We will draw a winner next week on Episode 188.

Diamond Cut Fingerless Mitts (by Kelene Kinnersley) PDF contest:  One of each of the patterns featured in this collection will be given away.  Tell us which Diamond Cut is your favorite and/or which Dyeabolical Highlighter color you would use to make yours.

Also, if you want to donate some hats and scarves during the holiday season, you can send them to the following address:

Webs Warehouse 
ATTN: Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway 
Easthampton, MA 01027

Your donations will be given by Lise to the Hope for Kids charity in western Mass.  This program was started by a former police officer and his family, and they offer assistance to families in need at homeless shelters.

UPDATE:  If you send a donation received by December 19th, you will be eligible for a chance to win a Stitched by Jessalu Webs Anniversary bag!

Episode 186: Mom, Your Sweater's On Backwards

This week my cohost is Thing2! WIPs include the Oxford Hooded Cowl and the Spring Cable socks knit from a frogged 2 year old project. My PHD is one sock. Featured baubles and bling are the new Knitter's Pride Platina cables and Della Q interchangeable needle pouch that I purchased from Hub Mills. We draw the winners of the Lake Effect and Lake Avenue patterns at the end of the show.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a November Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  A winner will be drawn at the end of November.  Please note that we will be skipping the December KAL and starting with new themed KALs in January 2015.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Oxford Hooded Cable in Lakes Yarn & Fiber Hayden DK in three colorways.

Spring Cable Socks in Play At Life Fiber Arts Socki Maki in the Loud & Proud colorway

Sheila is working on:

Spring Cable Socks in Wollmeise 80/20 in the Spina di Pesci colorway

An improvised felted purse in scrap worsted weight (which she had to restart because some of the yarn was superwash).

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

One sock.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Lily wants to knit a monster and Wendy will be working on her beaded shawl and perhaps make a hat for Lily.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased:

Knitter's Pride Nova Platina cables in 40" and 32".

Della Q interchangeable needle case in the Kensington pattern

Gossip & Innuendo:

Announcements:

We drew a winner of the PDF copy of Lake Effect and a winner of the PDF copy of Lake Avenue by KaRi Wymer.

Also, if you want to donate some hats and scarves during the holiday season, you can send them to the following address:

Webs Warehouse 
ATTN: Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway 
Easthampton, MA 01027

Your donations will be given by Lise to the Hope for Kids charity in western Mass.  This program was started by a former police officer and his family, and they offer assistance to families in need at homeless shelters.

Episode 185: Level Three Friend

Hurray!  We have an actual title this week!  WIPs shown include Spring Cables socks and Oxford Hooded Cowl.  FOs include the Rebecca Danger Bookend Monsters, Saltonstall Striped socks and various crocheted snowflake ornaments.  Featured Baubles and Bling:  a new bag from Knittingsmybag, of course!  We draw a winner of the Cooperative Press PDF Book A Head for Trouble and the end of the show.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a November Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  A winner will be drawn at the end of November.  Please note that we will be skipping the December KAL and starting with new themed KALs in January 2015.

We are hosting a contest to win the Lake Avenue Cowl or the Lake Effect Wrap patterns by KaRi Wymer (aka CoggieTM from The High Fiber Diet).  A winner will be drawn in Episode 186.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Oxford Hooded Cable in Lakes Yarn & Fiber Hayden DK in three colorways.

Sheila is working on:

Spring Cable Socks in Wollmeise 80/20 in the Spina di Pesci colorway

An improvised felted purse in scrap worsted weight (which she had to restart because some of the yarn was superwash).

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Snowflakes by Sally V. George.  The patterns includes 10 free snowflake patterns grouped together.  Crocheted in mercerized cotton on a US 6/1.80 mm crochet hook.  Wendy crocheted Snowflakes 1-8.

Saltonstall Striped Socks improvised by me in Cherry Tree Hill Fingerpaints Superwash Silk Fingering in the Mountain Moss colorway.  I used the stitch count and stripe spacing in Pin Striped Socks by Julia Swart, but the sock pattern has been very heavily modified (changed to toe-up, used a short-row heel, changed the slip stitch method and design).  My mods are detailed on the project page.  Also, this yarn was sold to me by DBNY at the Fiber Festival of New England as "self-striping" but it's just variegated.

Sheila finished:

Monster Bookends by Rebecca Danger in scrap worsted weight.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Wendy plans to knit the Spring Cable sock, but toe-up.  Sheila plans to possibly finish the ancient sweater project and will eventually knit a sock in Blue Moon.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased:

Knittingsmybag medium bag in a folk art woodland animals print.

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

We are also holding a contest for two pattern by KaRi Wymer (links above in Shout-Outs).  We will draw 2 winners (one for each pattern) in Episode 186.

Announcements:

We drew a winner of the PDF copy of A Head for Trouble by Julie Turjomen, published by Cooperative Press.


Also, if you want to donate some hats and scarves during the holiday season, you can send them to the following address:

Webs Warehouse 
ATTN: Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway 
Easthampton, MA 01027

Your donations will be given by Lise to the Hope for Kids charity in western Mass.  This program was started by a former police officer and his family, and they offer assistance to families in need at homeless shelters.

Episode 184: A Big Goose Egg

This week it's one Big Goose Egg:  I forgot the title again and Sheila has a big goose egg on her forehead.  WIPs include the Sheila's Bookend Monsters and the felted purse that will not felt, and Wendy's broken stripe socks and crocheted snowflakes.  FOs include the Duotone Cowl, more snowflakes, 1 broken stripe sock and another pair of Seeta mitts.  Baubles and Bling include self-striping sock yarn from Tumbleweed Yarns.  We draw a winner for the Aila Grace PDF pattern, announce a new contest featuring two new designs from KaRi Wymer.  We also update what's happening with the shawls from our summer charity contest!

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a November Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  A winner will be drawn at the end of November.  Please note that we will be skipping the December KAL and starting with new themed KALs in January 2015.

We are hosting a contest to win the Lake Avenue Cowl or the Lake Effect Wrap patterns by KaRi Wymer (aka CoggieTM from The High Fiber Diet.  A winner will be drawn in Episode 186.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Snowflakes by Sally V. George.  The patterns iincludes10 free snowflake patterns grouped together.  Crocheted in mercerized cotton on a US 6/1.80 mm crochet hook.

Saltonstall Striped Socks improvised by me in Cherry Tree Hill Fingerpaints Superwash Silk Fingering in the Mountain Moss colorway.  I used the stitch count and stripe spacing in Pin Striped Socks by Julia Swart, but the sock pattern has been very heavily modified (changed to toe-up, used a short-row heel, changed the slip stitch method and design).  My mods are detailed on the project page.  Also, this yarn was sold to me by DBNY at the Fiber Festival of New England as "self-striping" but it's just variegated.

Sheila is working on:

Monster Bookends by Rebecca Danger in scrap worsted weight.

An improvised felted purse in scrap worsted weight (which she had to restart because some of the yarn was superwash).

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

One Saltonstall Striped sock.

Snowflakes by Sally V. George (Snowflakes 1-4).

Seeta Fingerless Gloves by Maria Sheherazade in String Theory Yarn Caper sock in the Bye Bye Blues colorway (from a Loopy Ewe Sock Club consolation kit).

Sheila finished:

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using sKNITches Syncopation self-striping sock yarn in the Zoot Suit colorway.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Wendy needs to finish up some WIPs.  Sheila plans to knit the Spring Cable sock in Wollmeise yarn.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased:

Tumbleweed Yarn self-striping yarn in the Sugar Skulls colorway.

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

You can win a PDF copy of A Head for Trouble by Julie Turjomen, published by Cooperative Press by posting in our contest thread in our Rav group!  Just tell us which hat you'd choose and why.  A winner will be drawn in Episode 185 (next week).

We are also holding a contest for two pattern by KaRi Wymer (links above in Shout-Outs).  Just tell us in the contest thread what color yarn you would use for these fabulous patterns.  2 winners will be drawn (one for each pattern) in Episode 186.

Announcements:

A winner was drawn for the Aila Grace pattern!

Also, we talked about where all the charity shawls went from this summer's contest!  And if you want to donate some hats and scarves during the holiday season, you can send them to the following address:

Webs Warehouse 
ATTN: Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway 
Easthampton, MA 01027

Your donations will be given by Lise to the Hope for Kids charity in western Mass.  This program was started by a former police officer and his family, and they offer assistance to families in need at homeless shelters.

Ep 183: His Beard Looks Like a Bush

This week's WIPs include Bookend Monsters, a felted purse and crocheted snowflake ornaments.  FOs include Christmas-themed socks, Seeta fingerless mitts, sport-weight socks, a cotton baby blanket, a faux Duotone cowl and a Korknisse ornament.  Lots of finishing going on!  Baubles and Bling include more striped sock yarn, a Stitched by Jessalu bag, sock yarn minis and a Going Gnome felted gnome.  We draw two prizes for the stash busting KAL and announce the winner of the Twist Fiber Studio drawing.  We also review a new Cooperative Press Book "A Head for Trouble" by Julie Turjomen.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a November Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  A winner will be drawn at the end of November.  Please note that we will be skipping the December KAL and starting with new themed KALs in January 2015.

We are hosting a contest to win the Aila Grace shawl pattern by Jennifer Lasonde.  A winner will be drawn next week.

We drew prizes for the Twist Fiber Studio contest and for the September/October stashbusting KAL this week.  Winners are announced at the end of the show!

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Snowflake 4 by Sally V. George.  The pattern is one of 10 free snowflake patterns grouped together.  Crocheted in mercerized cotton on a US 6/1.80 mm crochet hook.

Sheila is working on:

Monster Bookends by Rebecca Danger in scrap worsted weight.

An improvised felted purse in scrap worsted weight.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Snowflake 1, Snowflake 2, and Snowflake 3 by Sally V. George.

Seeta Fingerless Gloves by Maria Sheherazade in Tempted Yarns Luxe Grrl base in the After Glow colorway.

Groovy Socks by Caroline Hegwer in Mint Rain tough sock in the Holly Jolly colorway.

Sheila finished:

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using sKNITches Syncopation self-striping sock yarn in the Zoot Suit colorway.

Toe-Up socks in sport weight Desert Vista Dyeworks yarn in the Dias de los Muertos colorway.

Lion Brand Diagonal Comfort Blanket in Kitchen cotton dyed with RIT dye.

Korknisse by Manne in scrap yarn.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Wendy plans to knit another pair of self-striping socks with a simple slipped stitch pattern.  Sheila plans to knit socks and possibly a winter hat from scrap yarn.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased:

Mad Color Fiber Arts self-striping sock in the Sweet Tarts colorway

Cherry Tree Hill Self-Striping yarn in the Mountain Moss colorway

Stitched by Jessalu bag in a modern folk-style fox print

Play At Life mini-skeins in various Supernatural themed colorways

Wendy received:

Going Gnome fall colors gnome from Mom

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

BOOK REVIEW:

This week we review A Head for Trouble by Julie Turjomen, published by Cooperative Press.  This latest collect by Julie Turjomen features hats and matching accessories inspired by female detectives of the 20s and 30s.  The designs are true to their vintage inspiration, and Turjomen includes a resource list to help knitters source buttons and other findings for their own designs.  The book does a great job explaining the various hat styles and how to measure your head to get the correct "vintage-fee" fit.  This books would be an excellent resource for knitting Christmas gifts when you would like to give more than just a hat, and a coordinating scarf, mitts or purse would fit the bill.

You can win a copy of this pdf book by posting in our contest thread in our Rav group!  Just tell us which hat you'd choose and why.  A winner will be drawn in Episode 185.

Announcements:

Winners were drawn for three contests (see Shout Outs).  Thanks for participating in our group!

Episode 182: Lucky Cat

This week's WIPs include sport weight Dias De los Muertos socks, the faux Duotone cowl and Seeta fingerless mitts. FOs include fingering weight Dias de los Muertos socks and the Chevron afghan. Lots of self-striping baubles and bling with some handmade socks by Wendy's mom. We introduced a new pattern by BostonJen of the Down Cellar Podcast. We have several drawings coming up next week so stay tuned!

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a September/October combined Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  Two winners will be drawn at the end of October.

We are hosting a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Eskew of Twist Fiber Studio who is currently running a kickstarter for her business.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Seeta Fingerless Gloves by Maria Sheherazade in Tempted Yarns Luxe Grrl base in the After Glow colorway.

Sheila is working on:

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using Sknitches self-striping sock yarn.

Toe-Up socks in sport weight Desert Vista Dyeworks yarn in the Dias de los Muertos colorway.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Spicy Chevron Blanket by Patons (free on Rav), heavily modified, in Loops and Thread Impeccable (Michael's Store Brand yarn).

Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes in Desert Vista Dyeworks in the Dias de los Muertos colorway

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Both of us need to finish WIPs.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased:

Vesper Sock Yarn in Electric Revolution

Fibernymph Dyeworks in Lucky Cat

Wendy received:

Handknit socks and a cowl from Mom

Sheila received:

Handknit socks from Wendy's Mom

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

NEW CONTEST:

Want to win a free copy of Aila Grace by Jennifer Lasonde?  Check out the contest thread in our group and tell us what yarn you would use for this project.  Drawing for the prize in episode 184.

We are running a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Askew, who is running the Twist Fiber Studio Kickstarter.  Ashley is a college student enrolled in a small business course, where she has gotten expert advice and support to start her own fiber and bag business.  To enter her contest, check out her kickstarter information and then post in the contest thread in our group telling us which colorway/bag set you love the most!  At the end of October, we will draw one winner who will get to choose either a hand-dyed skein of yarn or a 4oz braid of fiber!  Pictures of the prize choices and more details are in the contest thread!  Drawing will be next week.

Note:  You are not required to fund the kickstarter in order to enter the contest.

Announcements:

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 181: She's A Sock Machine

This week we are back from our annual Rhinebeck trip and we agree this one might be the best trip ever! WIPs include the fake Duotone cowl , a sport weight and fingering weight sock, and the never-ending chevron blanket. FOs include the cotton baby blanket and two pairs of socks amazingly knit by Wendy. Baubles and bling include lots of purchases and other things we brought back from Rhinebeck - too many too list!!

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a September/October combined Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  Two winners will be drawn at the end of October.

We are hosting a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Eskew of Twist Fiber Studio who is currently running a kickstarter for her business.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Spicy Chevron Blanket by Patons (free on Rav), heavily modified, in Loops and Thread Impeccable (Michael's Store Brand yarn).

Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes in Desert Vista Dyeworks in the Dias de los Muertos colorway

Sheila is working on:

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using Sknitches self-striping sock yarn.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Mystik Spiral Socks in Fibernymph Dyeworks Bedazzled sock in the Soft Kitty Self-Striping colorway.

Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku in the White Birch Fiber Arts "Fade to Black" colorway.

Sheila finished:

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week, but Wendy is looking forward to the Topsfield Fair spinning competition.

Future Dates:

Both of us need to finish WIPs.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased:

Fiber Optic Yarns gradient braid in Blackbird

Frabjous Fibers braid (can't remember the color way)

Loop Bullseye Batt in muted rainbow and black.

Soak Wash in the Lacey scent

Wendy won:

Lakes Yarn and Fiber in three shades of DK, and two shades and bases of fingering

Wendy received:

Tempted Yarns Luxe Grrl base

Fleur de Fiber Yarn in a merino/seacell base

Enchanted Knoll Farms batt from the Happy Hooves club

Sheila purchased

Blue Moon Fiber Arts in two different bases and colorways

Sheila received:

Tempted Yarns (can't remember the base)

Something from the swap (can't remember that either).

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

We are running a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Askew, who is running the Twist Fiber Studio Kickstarter.  Ashley is a college student enrolled in a small business course, where she has gotten expert advice and support to start her own fiber and bag business.  To enter her contest, check out her kickstarter information and then post in the contest thread in our group telling us which colorway/bag set you love the most!  At the end of October, we will draw one winner who will get to choose either a hand-dyed skein of yarn or a 4oz braid of fiber!  Pictures of the prize choices and more details are in the contest thread!  Check it out.

Note:  You are not required to fund the kickstarter in order to enter the contest.

Announcements:

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 180: Live From Boston

This week, WIPs include the never-ending cotton baby blanket, the faux duotone cowl, the Spicy Chevron blanket, and Mystik Spiral socks. No FOs this week, but Wendy has a PHD sock! Baubles and bling include a Halloween bag from Bird Leg Bags and a skein of Halloween themed Socks That Rock, Christmas self-striping sock yarn from Mint Rain on etsy, Wendy's last installment of the Hello Yarn Fiber Club and the most awesome necklace ever.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a September/October combined Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  Two winners will be drawn at the end of October.

We are hosting a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Eskew of Twist Fiber Studio who is currently running a kickstarter for her business.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Spicy Chevron Blanket by Patons (free on Rav), heavily modified, in Loops and Thread Impeccable (Michael's Store Brand yarn).

Mystik Spiral Socks in Fibernymph Dyeworks Bedazzled sock in the Soft Kitty Self-Striping colorway.

Sheila is working on:

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using Sknitches self-striping sock yarn.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished one sock.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week, but Wendy is looking forward to the Topsfield Fair spinning competition.

Future Dates:

Sheila has no future dates until she finishes her current projects.  Wendy needs to make socks to replenish her sock store after the Great Moth Wars of 2014.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased

Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn self-striping sock yarn in the Holly Jolly colorwy

Hello Yarn Fiber Club September 2014 club offering on Polwarth Silk

Sheila purchased

A kit from Simply Sock Yarn including a Halloween-themed bag from Bird Leg Bags and BMFA Socks That Rock lightweight in the Pumpkin Chunkin' colorway.

Wendy received:

A necklace from viewer Bindeej that says "Stay Gold, Ponyboy"

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

We are running a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Askew, who is running the Twist Fiber Studio Kickstarter.  Ashley is a college student enrolled in a small business course, where she has gotten expert advice and support to start her own fiber and bag business.  To enter her contest, check out her kickstarter information and then post in the contest thread in our group telling us which colorway/bag set you love the most!  At the end of October, we will draw one winner who will get to choose either a hand-dyed skein of yarn or a 4oz braid of fiber!  Pictures of the prize choices and more details are in the contest thread!  Check it out.

Note:  You are not required to fund the kickstarter in order to enter the contest.

Announcements:

Knittingsmybag Rhinebeck Contest! 25 lucky people can win a $5 coupon for the Knittingsmybag Store if you see her at Rhinebeck and show her your Knittingsmybag bag.  She will probably be with us, so don't miss out!!

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 179: Afraid Not to Be Your Friend

This week's WIPs include Wendy's Mystik Spiral Sock and Chevron blanket, and Sheila's cotton baby blanket and faux Duotone Cowl. No FOs this week. Baubles and Bling featured this week is the Desert Vista Dyeworks sock yarn in Dias de los Muertos self-striping. We draw two prizes for the Sock Architecture PDF and the KaRi Wymer pattern Mixing the Grape and the Grain. We also announce an exciting month-long contest sponsored by Twist Fiber Studio, which is holding a kickstarter campaign! Check out all the details on the show and in the contest thread.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a September/October combined Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  Two winners will be drawn at the end of October.

We are hosting a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Eskew of Twist Fiber Studio who is currently running a kickstarter for her business.  See Gossip and Innuendo, our contest thread on Rav and her kickstarter page for more info!

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Spicy Chevron Blanket by Patons (free on Rav), heavily modified, in Loops and Thread Impeccable (Michael's Store Brand yarn).

Mystik Spiral Socks in Fibernymph Dyeworks Bedazzled sock in the Soft Kitty Self-Striping colorway.

Sheila is working on:

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using Sknitches self-striping sock yarn.

Rate Your Date:

Nothing this week.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week, but Wendy is looking forward to the Topsfield Fair spinning competition.

Future Dates:

Sheila plans to make fingerless mitts from some Woolen Rabbit yarn in her stash.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased

Desert Vista Dyeworks self-striping sock in the Dias de los Muertos colorway.
Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

This week, we drew a winner of the Mixing the Grape and the Grain by KaRi Waymer (Coggie of the High Fiber Diet audio podcast.

We also drew the winner of a PDF copy of the book Sock Architecture by Laura Neel, published by Cooperative Press.

NEW THIS WEEK:

We are running a month-long contest sponsored by Ashley Askew, who is running the Twist Fiber Studio Kickstarter.  Ashley is a college student enrolled in a small business course, where she has gotten expert advice and support to start her own fiber and bag business.  To enter her contest, check out her kickstarter information and then post in the contest thread in our group telling us which colorway/bag set you love the most!  At the end of October, we will draw one winner who will get to choose either a hand-dyed skein of yarn or a 4oz braid of fiber!  Pictures of the prize choices and more details are in the contest thread!  Check it out.

Note:  You are not required to fund the kickstarter in order to enter the contest.

Announcements:

Knittingsmybag Rhinebeck Contest! 25 lucky people can win a $5 coupon for the Knittingsmybag Store if you see her at Rhinebeck and show her your Knittingsmybag bag.  She will probably be with us, so don't miss out!!

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY 9/27-9/28/14.  We do not plan on attending, but Stitched by Jessalu will be selling bags there!  Get 'em while they're hot!

VT Sheep and Wool at Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT 10/4-10/5/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 178: The Poking Finger

This week's WIPs include Sheila's Faux Duotone Cowl and cotton comfort baby blanket, and Wendy's Chevron blanket. FO is the second Fish Hat (Dead or Alive). 

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a September/October combined Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  Two winners will be drawn at the end of October.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Spicy Chevron Blanket by Patons (free on Rav), heavily modified, in Loops and Thread Impeccable (Michael's Store Brand yarn).

Sheila is working on:

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using Sknitches self-striping sock yarn.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts (free on Rav) in Araucania Nature Wool and Cascade 220.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Sheila plans to make fingerless mitts from some Woolen Rabbit yarn in her stash.  Wendy might cast on a plain, toe-up sock in self-striping yarn.

Baubles & Bling:

Nothing this week.  We did order more buttons for festivals, though!

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

This week, we introduced Mixing the Grape and the Grain by KaRi Waymer (Coggie of the High Fiber Diet audio podcast.  This unique shawl design incorporates a crocheted edging with a knit shawl body!  If you want to win a copy of this pattern, enter the contest thread in our group and tell us what yarn you would knit and crochet this in!

We are also giving away a PDF copy of the book Sock Architecture by Laura Neel, published by Cooperative Press.  If you want to win a copy, post in the contest thread in our group!

Winners for both contests will be drawn next week.

Announcements:

Knittingsmybag Rhinebeck Contest! 25 lucky people can win a $5 coupon for the Knittingsmybag Store if you see her at Rhinebeck and show her your Knittingsmybag bag.  She will probably be with us, so don't miss out!!

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY 9/27-9/28/14.  We do not plan on attending, but Stitched by Jessalu will be selling bags there!  Get 'em while they're hot!

VT Sheep and Wool at Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT 10/4-10/5/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 177: Talk Like A Pirate Birthday

It's Sheila's Birthday! WIPs this week include Sheila's fake Duotone Cowl and cotton baby blanket, and Wendy's fish hat and Striped Chevron blanket. No FOs, but Sheila shows off her baubles and bling including some yarn from Desert Vista Dyeworks and her presents from Wendy. We review Sock Architecture from Cooperative Press and introduce the latest pattern by KaRi Wymer of the High Fiber Diet Podcast.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a September/October combined Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  Two winners will be drawn at the end of October.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts (free on Rav) in Araucania Nature Wool and Cascade 220.

Spicy Chevron Blanket by Patons (free on Rav), heavily modified, in Loops and Thread Impeccable (Michael's Store Brand yarn).

Sheila is working on:

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using Sknitches self-striping sock yarn.

Rate Your Date:

Nothing this week

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Sheila plans to make fingerless mitts from some Woolen Rabbit yarn in her stash.  Wendy has no plans.

Baubles & Bling:

Sheila purchased:

Desert Vista Dyeworks sport weight yarn in the Dia de los Muertos colorway.  She will use the yarn for a special RB KAL with her housemates.

Sheila received:

Paul the Mushroom Boy (crocheted by Wendy) and a phlebotomy-themed necklace from BagEnd Treasures on Etsy.

Gossip & Innuendo:

Book Review:

This week we reviewed Sock Architecture by Laura Neel, published by Cooperative Press.  This book is an amazing sock knitting resource!  The book starts out with an interesting sock construction history and helps you measure your foot for the best fit.  There are both toe-up and top-down options described, both with a number of different toes and heels to use.  There are helpful organizational charts to give you the various features of the heel options and help you select the one that works best for you (Wendy would choose the laziest option!).  The book is simply loaded with the tools you would need to knit the perfect sock, and all of the techniques and modifications are detailed so that you can use these skills on every sock that you knit.  On top of that, the book has 17 patterns included, all using the techniques that are described in the book.  Both Wendy and Sheila loved this book.  We think any level of knitter could use it, although we both thought it might be a little overwhelming for a new knitter due to all of the techniques and options.

We will be giving away a PDF copy of this book.  Just let us know which sock pattern you would choose in the contest thread in our group!

Contests:

This week, we introduced Mixing the Grape and the Grain by KaRi Waymer (Coggie of the High Fiber Diet audio podcast.  This unique shawl design incorporates a crocheted edging with a knit shawl body!  If you want to win a copy of this pattern, enter the contest thread in our group and tell us what yarn you would knit and crochet this in!

Announcements:

Knittingsmybag Rhinebeck Contest! 25 lucky people can win a $5 coupon for the Knittingsmybag Store if you see her at Rhinebeck and show her your Knittingsmybag bag.  She will probably be with us, so don't miss out!!

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY 9/27-9/28/14.  We do not plan on attending, but Stitched by Jessalu will be selling bags there!  Get 'em while they're hot!

VT Sheep and Wool at Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT 10/4-10/5/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 176: Shawl is Another Word for Hug

Lots of prizes drawn this week! Watch the Gossip and Innuendo section of our show to see if you are a winner! This week's FOs include Sheila's improvised toe up sock and one fish hat by Wendy. This wee's WIPs include a fake duotone cowl, a baby blanket and another fish hat! Baubles and bling include Knitter's Pride Nove Platina interchangeable needles and the August 2014 Hello Yarn fiber club offering. We announce some upcoming contests, a fun Rhinebeck giveaway challenge from Knittingsmybag, and a USO dress drive by Milltown Ink!

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We opened a September/October combined Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the thread and get that stash under control!  Two winners will be drawn at the end of October.

We drew 11 Prizes today, people!  Check out all the winners at the end of the show.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts (free on Rav) in Araucania Nature Wool and Cascade 220.

Sheila is working on:

Improvised toe-up socks in two colors of Miss Babs (Denim and an unidentified color way from the Podcaster Challenge).

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn.  She is calling it "fake" duotone because she is using Sknitches self-striping sock yarn.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts (free on Rav) in red and blue Araucania Nature Wool.

Sheila finished one sock.

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Wendy will frog her Semele and her improvised socks in Play At Life Socky Maki.

Sheila will be casting on something in Socks that Rock.

Baubles & Bling:

Both ladies received a set of interchangeable Knitter's Pride Nova Platina needles from a lovely viewer and friend.

Wendy purchased the August 2014 Hello Yarn club offering:  Widdershins on Shetland.  She has decided not to re-up the club.

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

Charity Comfort Shawl KAL/CAL:  We announced ALL the winners!  If you won a prize that needs to be mailed, please contact Sheilad37 with your address on Rav!!

Buried in Stash Calendar by Debi Tomasello and lots of lovely knitters!  We drew a winner!  Please contact Sheilad37 with your address!

We will also drew winners for the Knits that Breathe PDF and Big Foot Knits (a new winner) from Cooperative Press!  You will be receiving your prize soon.

Announcements:

Knittingsmybag Rhinebeck Contest! 25 lucky people can win a $5 coupon for the Knittingsmybag Store if you see her at Rhinebeck and show her your Knittingsmybag bag.  She will probably be with us, so don't miss out!!

Milltown Ink Dress Drive:  Our friend Stitched by Jessalu asked us to pass on this information.  Her friend is trying to find 10 dresses for military (and affiliated) ladies in need.  Send your gently used formal dresses to:

Operation: Lovemydress
c/o Milltown Ink
3033 Main Street
P.O. Box 1354
Bondsville, MA 01009

Upcoming fiber events in our area:

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY 9/27-9/28/14.  We do not plan on attending.

VT Sheep and Wool at Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT 10/4-10/5/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 175: The Show With No Name

Once again, Wendy forgot to name the show on the title page. Oops. This week's WIPs include a generic toe-up sock, fish hat and a cotton baby blanket. FOs include a Lalylala Rita the Rabbit and a Voodoo You Love Me doll. Baubles and bling includes a fabulous prize donation from designer Angeleah McGarrah and a new bag from Knittingsmybag. We closed the Shawl Charity KAL this week and will draw those prizes and all the other contests next week so we have enough time.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We will draw prizes for the Stash Busting KAL/CAL for the month of August next week.

We will open a September Stash Busters thread.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the September Stash Busters Thread and get that stash under control!  A winner will be drawn at the end of the month.

We closed the Donate a Shawl Charity KAL/CAL. We will announce the prize winners next week!

We will be closing and drawing for the Knits that Breathe and Buried in Stash calendars next week, too!!!

Big shout out and thanks to designer (and friend) Angelea McGarrah for an amazing prize donation.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts (free on Rav) in Araucania Nature Wool.

Star Leaves Shawl by Jenny Johnson Johnen in Fleece Artist Saldanha 2 in the Starlight colorway.

Sheila is working on:

Improvised toe-up socks in two colors of Miss Babs (Denim and an unidentified color way from the Podcaster Challenge).

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Rita the Rabbit by Lydia Tresselt in Caron Simply Soft Light

Voodoo You Love Me? by Susan Claudino in Malabrigo Sock

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Wendy needs to finish all of her WIPs and maybe have a little Frog It or Finish It session.

Sheila will be casting on something in Socks that Rock.

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased a new bag from Knittingsmybag

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:

Charity Comfort Shawl KAL/CAL:  We closed the thread and drew winners after we recorded this week, so we will be announcing the winners next week (Episode 176)!!

Buried in Stash Calendar by Debi Tomasello and lots of lovely knitters!  We preview a copy of the calendar (it includes 2 colorwork patterns), which will be given away in Episode 176 - check out the contest in our group.  If you are interested in purchasing the calendar for yourself (or a friend!), you can find purchase information through the link, which is to Debi's group.

We will also draw a winner for the Knits that Breathe PDF from Cooperative Press in episode 176!

Upcoming fiber events in our area:

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY 9/27-9/28/14.  We do not plan on attending.

VT Sheep and Wool at Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT 10/4-10/5/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 174: Sleight of Hand

Sheila is back this week and both ladies have FOs, including Sheila's MadTosh cowl and Wendy's handspun mittens. WIPs include a cotton baby blanket, generic toe-up socks, the beaded lace shawl that never ends and the nearly finished Rita the Rabbit. No baubles and bling featured this week, but we review Knits that Breathe, give away a copy of Big Foot Knits and feature the Buried in Stash calendar, which will be offered as a prize! Check out all the contests in our thread on Rav.

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We are hosting a Stash Busting KAL/CAL for the month of August.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the August Stash Busters Thread and get that stash under control!  A winner will be drawn at the end of the month.

We are also hosting a Donate a Shawl Charity KAL/CAL. This week, we show off TWO new prizes!  Three skeins of Jojoland Melody from viewer Emilia, and a bag, stitch markers and yarn from Sam of Knitrundig on etsy.  She has a podcast too!  Get your donations in because the contest ends this week.

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Star Leaves Shawl by Jenny Johnson Johnen in Fleece Artist Saldanha 2 in the Starlight colorway.

Rita the Rabbit by Lydia Tresselt in Caron Simply Soft Light

Sheila is working on:

Improvised toe-up socks in two colors of Miss Babs (Denim and an unidentified color way from the Podcaster Challenge).

Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Brand in kitchen cotton.

Rate Your Date:

Wendy finished:

Deathflake Mittens by Sissel KB, using her warm/cool color experiment in Portfiber Polwarth (4oz) in the Prickly Pear color way

Sheila finished:

City Creek Cowl by Susan Lawrence in Madelinetosh Vintage

Whirlwind Romance:

No progress this week.

Future Dates:

Wendy needs to finish all of her WIPs and maybe have a little Frog It or Finish It session.

Sheila will be casting on something in Socks that Rock.

Baubles & Bling:

Nothing this week.

Gossip & Innuendo:

Book Review:  This week, we reviewed Knits that Breathe by Julie Turjomen, and published by Cooperative Press.  This book brings you 12 patterns that are flowy, drapey, light-weight garments knit in summery fibers with plenty of ease and in flattering shapes.  We both really liked this book for a number of reasons.  First, we love that some of the models are older women (closer to our own age demographic).  It really helps us to visualize ourselves in these sweaters!  Second, most of the sweaters are designed to flatter any size and shape, and come in larger sizes.  Third, there is a great table with the qualities of the lighter fibers (drape, etc) which we both thought was really interesting and helpful.  This is a beautifully photographed and styled book, with designs for all levels of knitting skill (as long as you can do basic stitches and yarn overs).  If you are looking for light weight knits (especially those who live in warmer climates and can't knit garments out of wools), this is an excellent book for you!

We will draw a winner for this book in Episode 176, when we will also review another fabulous Cooperative Press book!

Contests:

Buried in Stash Calendar by Debi Tomasello and lots of lovely knitters!  We preview a copy of the calendar (it includes 2 colorwork patterns), which will be given away in Episode 176 - check out the contest in our group.  If you are interested in purchasing the calendar for yourself (or a friend!), you can find purchase information through the link, which is to Debi's group.

 We drew a winner for the Big Foot Knits PDF from Cooperative Press!


Charity Comfort Shawl KAL/CAL:  This is a new contest organized by our friend Lise from Webs! She organizes donated comfort shawls for people in her church community, but she has recently lost a few of her helpers.  If you donate hand knitted or crocheted shawls to her effort, you can be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate to Webs (one prize will be drawn), a skein of Webs anniversary yarn custom dyed by Lorna's Laces yarn (two prizes will be drawn), a pattern of your choice from KNitDesigns, or a skein of Wollmeise donated by our amazing viewer, Katluvz2knit, a bag, yarn and stitch markers donated by the lovely Samantha Boggia of Knitrundig, or a skein of BFL/Nylon sock yarn from ITW in the "What's This?" color way.

The contest will run until August 31, 2014.  Shawls should be sent to:

Webs Warehouse
ATTN:  Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway
Easthampton, MA 01027

(Note:  The earlier address will still work, but this is the much more direct mailing address which Wendy should have used the first time.  Oops!)

You can knit or crochet shawls specifically for this charity event OR go through your stash and give away some shawls to a good home.  There is no specific fiber content required - they can be machine washable or handwash only.  There is no specific pattern or size.  Lise will make sure your donations go to people in nursing homes, hospice care, new mothers or other people that need a comfort shawl.

You may post a picture of your donation (one picture per shawl - make sure to post them separately to get multiple chances at the prize) in our Contest Thread.

Upcoming fiber events in our area:

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY 9/27-9/28/14.  We do not plan on attending.

VT Sheep and Wool at Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT 10/4-10/5/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Episode 173: Die, Scammers

Wendy hosts all alone this week, and there's not a lot of fiber-related action going on.  WIPs include the nearly-completed Deathflake Mittens, and Rita the Rabbit.  Wendy shows her 3 completed skeins of sweater yarn based on her latest spinning for color experiment.  She also shows an Octopus hanger and reviews her latest tech crush, the CPR Call Blocker, which has finally stopped scam callers from harassing her via land line.  A winner is drawn for the Gone-A-Courtin' contest.  Only two more weeks to enter the other contests!

SHOW NOTES

KAL/CAL:  We are hosting a Stash Busting KAL/CAL for the month of August.  Post a pic of your finished project made from yarn purchased at least 6 months ago in the August Stash Busters Thread and get that stash under control!  A winner will be drawn at the end of the month.

We are also hosting a Donate a Shawl Charity KAL/CAL.  A wonderful viewer donated a skein of Into The Whirled in the "What's This?" color way!  Check out all the fabulous prizes in the contest thread!  Also, big thanks to Sharlene of The Yarniacs Podcast for the gorgeous shawl donation!

On The Dance Card:

Wendy is working on:

Star Leaves Shawl by Jenny Johnson Johnen in Fleece Artist Saldanha 2 in the Starlight colorway.

Rita the Rabbit by Lydia Tresselt in Caron Simply Soft Light

Deathflake Mittens by Sissel KB, using her warm/cool color experiment in Portfiber Polwarth (4oz) in the Prickly Pear color way

Rate Your Date:

Nothing this week

Whirlwind Romance:

Wendy is currently spinning:

Frabjous Fibers in the Breeze colorway and Into The Whirled in the Take it to the Bridge colorway (by spinning them randomly together).  She completed 3 skeins of worsted weight for a total of almost 900yds.

Future Dates:

Wendy needs to finish all of her WIPs and maybe have a little Frog It or Finish It session.  She also plans on knitting Hitofude Cardigan by Hiroko Fukatsu (about $2 on Ravelry)

Baubles & Bling:

Wendy purchased:

Ikea Pressa (also known as Wendy's Socktopus).  She will use this to hang her hand knit socks to dry.

CPR Call Blocker (Wendy purchased hers on Amazon.  They are also available via this website.)  So far it works great!

Gossip & Innuendo:

Contests:  This week, we drew a winner for the Went-a-Courtin' contest.

Charity Comfort Shawl KAL/CAL:  This is a new contest organized by our friend Lise from Webs! She organizes donated comfort shawls for people in her church community, but she has recently lost a few of her helpers.  If you donate hand knitted or crocheted shawls to her effort, you can be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate to Webs (one prize will be drawn), a skein of Webs anniversary yarn custom dyed by Lorna's Laces yarn (two prizes will be drawn), a pattern of your choice from KNitDesigns, or a skein of Wollmeise donated by our amazing viewer, Katluvz2knit, a bag, yarn and stitch markers donated by the lovely Samantha Boggia of Knitrundig, or a skein of BFL/Nylon sock yarn from ITW in the "What's This?" color way.

The contest will run until August 31, 2014.  Shawls should be sent to:

Webs Warehouse
ATTN:  Lise Gill
6 Industrial Parkway
Easthampton, MA 01027

(Note:  The earlier address will still work, but this is the much more direct mailing address which Wendy should have used the first time.  Oops!)

You can knit or crochet shawls specifically for this charity event OR go through your stash and give away some shawls to a good home.  There is no specific fiber content required - they can be machine washable or handwash only.  There is no specific pattern or size.  Lise will make sure your donations go to people in nursing homes, hospice care, new mothers or other people that need a comfort shawl.

You may post a picture of your donation (one picture per shawl - make sure to post them separately to get multiple chances at the prize) in our Contest Thread.

Upcoming fiber events in our area:

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY 9/27-9/28/14.  We do not plan on attending.

VT Sheep and Wool at Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT 10/4-10/5/14.  We do not plan on attending.

Stitches East in Hartford, CT 10/9-10/12/14.  Wendy plans on attending the Saturday marketplace.

Rhinebeck at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY 10/18-10/19/14.  We plan on attending for the weekend.

New England Fiber Festival at Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 11/1-11/2/14.  Wendy plans on attending.

The Gathering at Sunday River, Newry, ME, 11/7-11/9/14.  We do not plan on attending.