and, How to Have Fun Over Rhinebeck Weekend When You are not Actually in Rhinebeck!
Thank you, HockeyRachel, for sharing your numerous projects with us!
Google Hang Out Recap
Thank you to Jackie and Heather for participating in our last Google Hang Out!
Julgran Knitalong
We are doing our first ever sweater KAL right no! The Julgran is a worsted weight pullover designed by Andi Satterlund. This design features a large pine tree, achieved by increasing, decreasing and cables, that can be either left plain or decorated to look like a Christmas tree. This KAL will run until January 1st, 2019. Yes, there will be prizes! See our Ravelry thread for more information!
Tara is having some difficulty with the Tecumseh. She needs to rip out some of the fair isle and use a larger needle for the colorwork to avoid puckering.
Today’s WIPs were shared by MarySK on Ravelry. Thank you for contributing, Mary!
Book Club Wrap Up
This summer, we read In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware for our Knitters Book Club.
Our Google Hang Out will take place August 24th at 8 PM. Please see our Ravelry Group for more information.
The Julgran KAL
We are hosting our first ever sweater knit along! We chose the Julgran sweater, by Andi Satterlund. This knit along began in July and will end January 1st, 2009, giving you plenty of time to make the ultimate holiday sweater.
The Julgran sweater is available on Ravelry and Andi Satterlund has provided the following 15% discount code until August 27th at 11:59 PST: MIKJULGRANKAL
Neither Tara or Ashley have started their sweaters but have acquired yarn. Please join us!
Tara’s yarn choice for the Julgran!
Hot Off the Needles
Tara finished the V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli and used Plucky Feet in the colorway Barn Door (red).
Tara also finished the Poca sweater by Laura Nelkin. She used Jill Draper Makes Stuff Kingston in the colorway Gage Street.
Tara unraveled the Wagenfeld sweater by Ankestrick because the colors were too bright! She made her husband help unwind it–and because there was so much knitting completed, it took a long time!
Ashley enjoyed the Children’s Neck Down Bolero so much that she kept knitting and knitting and did not realize she was making mistakes!
Healthy Living with Ashley and Tara
Ashley has run a few road races throughout the year. She recently finished the Boordy Vineyards 5 K! She is also training for the Charles Street 12.
Great job, Ashley!
Tara has been working out and loosely following Weight Watchers. She has lost over 14 pounds!
Sew, I have Another Lover!
Ashley is leading a Sew Along for the Scout Tee at Domesticity, a fabric shop where she works! You can follow along on Instagram by following Ashley.
Ashley has also sewed a few pencil pouches that will be the September Sew Along. This is a free pattern by Sharon Holland.
Today’s stash hiding space was shared by HockeyRachel on Ravelry. Thank you for contributing to our podcast, Rachel!
Listners, please tell us where you store your stash by visiting the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group where you will find a thread titled, “where do you hide your stash?” Share your story and you may be featured on an upcoming episode!
General Announcements
As discussed in Episode 14, we promised to give away a skein of Gynx Yarn to one lucky Ravelry Group member. We used Random Number generator and are pleased to announce Emkubokirs is our lucky winner. Congratulations, Emilia! Thank you all for joining the group and thus, participating in the contest. We now have over 125 members and are thrilled.
The Misadventures in Knitting Podcast is in need of additional ratings on iTunes. If you have a spare moment, please leave a review. This will help the podcast become more searchable. Thank you to everyone who has already done so!
The Misadventures in Knitting Podcast is currently hosting the Knitters Book Club. We are reading A Stash of One’s Own by Clara Parkes and knitting a project designed by a contributor. Our second Google Hang Out will take place Friday, March 2nd at 8 PM Easter Standard Time. Links and more detailed information can be found in the Ravelry forum. We are sharing pictures of our knitting on Ravelry and Instagram using #KnittersBookClubKAL .
Knitting for Children
One of the themes of A Stash of One’s Own is the parent-child relationship and how yarn can connect the generations. This got us thinking and today we talked about knitting for children.
Tara’s children have been wearing hand knit sweaters. River wears Angel in my Tiny Pocket and Leo wears So Faded Pint Size, even though it barely covers his belly button. Ashley’s son, William, wears hand knit hats and a recently finished pair of socks. Ashley’s favorite pattern was the Kinsale Sweater by Terri Kruse.
KnitWithAView wrote: So many of the podcasts I listen to are from the west coast and they are all excited about going to Stitches West. And, I hear a lot about Rhinebeck. But, I live in Central Virginia. Since you’re not too far away, in Baltimore, what can you tell me about knitting or yarn events closer to home? I’d love to start with something that was more like a day trip.
Clara Parkes has collected information about events happening throughout the world here.
New Years Resolutions Update
Tara’s New Year Resolution was to knit from stash and not buy new yarn. Update: Tara loves yarn and has broken the “yarn diet” many times.
Ashley’s New Years resolution was to sew more and to build a new sewing table. Update: Ashley built the table! Ashley has sewn more! Ashley took a Knit Tee class at Domesticity and a Quilted Table Runner Class at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
*the Top 17 Trends of 2017, a Countdown to Celebrate Knitting!
*Predictions for 2018
*and, our Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017
Today’s stash hiding space was shared by LongCool on Ravelry. This raveler’s stash has grown from 1 bin to 4 and from one cabinet to two in her mudroom. Luckily, her newly adopted mastiff is keeping the territory safe from prying eyes and intruders. Thank you for sharing your hiding space with us, Jessica!
A few weeks ago, we were able to meet Boston Jen of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast and Mary of Kino Knits over a brunch at R House in Baltimore City. Jen recently released the Megarow shawl, a top down, asymmetrical crescent-shaped shawl that alternates garter and a simple lace pattern. Mary released a shawl and hat pattern in her collection Point/Counterpoint Volume 3 with Claire Devine. We were thrilled to meet these two talented women!
Knit Along News
The Knitters Book Club, is scheduled to begin January 1st, 2018. Over the course of three months, we will read “A Stash of One’s Own” by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributors. We will chat about the book and gush over everyone’s knitting using Google Hang Out. Join us for a special New Years Day Cast On Party! Post a picture of your freshly started project on Instagram using #knittersbookclubkal. Please see the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group for complete information, a bundle of potential patterns, and a chat thread.
Tara is considering the Voe Sweater by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Acer Cardigan by Amy Christoffers. Ashley may cast on the Aestlight Shawl by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Ruche Beret by Susan B. Anderson.
What we are working on:
Tara finished the Suprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart. She used Primrose Adelaide (single ply/fingering weight) with “Don’t Fear the Reaper” as the main color.
Tara finished a pair of vanilla socks using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel. She used Lollipop Yarn Quintessential/Gripes base in the “Witches Brew” colorway.
Tara had a boost of sock mojo and casted on two pairs of Christmas socks using a traditional heel flap. She is using Gynx Yarn in the “Cheers” colorway and West Yorkshire Spinners in the “Holly Berry” colorway.
Ashley finished the 21 Color Slouch by Virginia Sattler-Reimer using a kit by Blue Sky Fibers. She made a few mods for a better fit.
Tara thinks speckles will continue to be popular through 2018. She also predicts domestically raised, spun, and dyed wool will grow in popularity and Cormo will be seen more often.
Ashley thinks the designs of Isabell Kraemer will gain even more popularity in 2018. She also thinks heirloom quality knitting will make a come back, for example the designs of Rowan, Alice Starmore and Norah Gaughan.
Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017:
Tara and Ashley agree that starting the podcast will make 2017 memorable. Ashley is also proud of sewing a dress that fits!
Today’s stash hiding space was shared by Liz-Knitz on Ravelry. Thank you for sharing your secret with us, Liz!
General Announcements
* The Misadventures in Knitting podcast is looking for show sponsorship. If you are a yarn dyer, designer, in a related business or have a unique product, please email us at misadventuresinknitting@gmail.comif you are interested in advertising on the show.
* Ashley and Tara want to know, “what do you want to hear about?” Which topics would you like us to discuss on the show? Ask us your knitting, crochet, or general crafting questions. With your input, we hope to create a more informative podcast. Please find the thread on the Ravelry group.
* Much appreciation to everyone who has already reviewed our podcast on iTunes. Reviews and ratings help a podcast become searchable. If you listen to our podcast, please consider writing a review. We thank you in advance!
Knit Along News
*The Too Much Candy Knit Along
By the time this episode is published, the Too Much Candy Knit Along will be finished and two lucky knitters will have won two awesome prizes. Grand prize winners and special category honorees will be named in episode 10 that will air on November 26th. Thank you to all who participated!
*Future Knit Along to begin in the new year!
–“The Knitter’s Book Club”
–A 3 month knit-along, read along and discussion to begin January and end in March 2018.
–We will read “A Stash of One’s Own” by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributers.
–We plan to host Google Hang Outs on the last Friday of each month.
–A special discussion thread will be added in our Ravelry group.
–We will create a bundle with project ideas if you should feel “stuck”.
–More information will be released with future episodes. We are so excited and needed to share the news with you right away!
What We are Wearing
Tara has worn the Simee Dimeh shawl by Romi Hill and the Marin Shawl by Ysolda Teague. Tara’s sons, Leo and River, have worn their Christmas in July sweaters by Tanis Lavallee and So Faded by Andrea Mowry.
Ashley wore Afternoon Tea by Helen Stewart, knit by her friend, Heather. Ashley wore a vintage Kaffe Fassett sweater dress to the theatre. This beautiful dress was knit by a customer of Woolworks in Baltimore, MD. Ashley also wore Ducky Socks.
Imaginary Knitting
Tara is daydreaming about the Damejakkaloppa by Pinneguri. Tara apologizes for mispronouncing the designer’s name! (Sorry!)
Tara finished the Exploration Station by Stephen West just in time for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. Tara gifted this shawl to her friend, Lis, that vends at the festival under the name Heirlooms.
Finally, Tara is knitting the Wagenfeld pullover by Ankestrick using Jill Draper Empire. She hopes this sweater will be a Christmas gift for her husband.
Ashley purchased a beautiful advent mini-skein set by Nox Yarns. She is unsure how she will use the yarn, whether it will be for a shawl, sweater or something else entirely. Suggestions needed!
Are you interested in sponsoring our podcast? We would love to hear from you! Please email us at misadventuresinknitting@gmail.com
——
Introduction:
Today’s stash hiding space was shared by Lil Dead Girl on Ravelry. Thank you for contributing, Alissa!
A special nod to Boston Jen of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. We love listening to your inspiring show and we look forward to meeting you in November!
The Too Much Candy Knit Along and Crochet Along!
*began Sept 15 and will run thru November 1st, 2017.
*Knit or crochet something halloween related.
*Share photos in our Ravelry group and/or on Instagram with #toomuchcandyKAL
*Enter to win awesome prizes! Two Halloween project bags (sewn by the talented Ashley) and two skeins of halloween themed yarn are up for grabs!
*Prizes will be awarded using the random number generator. One chosen from Instagram and the other from Ravelry.
*US addresses only for prizes.
Handmade Bag by Ashley
Miss Babs on Left and Magnolia Jen on Right
Hot Off the Needles
Tara tested the North Bend Hat by Lori Wagner. This hat, which features a beautiful cabled panel, will be available for purchase on Ravelry in mid-November. Lori designed this for A Yarn Less Raveled, a yarn store in Northern California. Tara knit a size small with YOTH Father in the Poppyseed Colorway.
Tara finished three Barley Hats by Tin Can Knits. She used this pattern to teach a “Knit Your First Hat” class at Woolworks. Tara knit a child size (in Madeline Tosh Vintage colorway Glazed Pecan) and two adult small sizes (one in Madeline Tosh Vintage colorway Jasper and the other in Plucky Cachet Small Batch colorway #25).
Ashley finished the Plicate Hat by Hunter Hammersen using Woolfolk SNO. Ashley found this hat to be very enjoyable and recommends the pattern and the yarn, which is incredibly soft. Ashley warns that a swatch is necessary for success with this pattern! Her hat will be on display at Woolworks in Baltimore, MD.
Lastly, Ashley is crocheting Outlander by Lily Go. Ashley is learning to read a crochet chart and she finds this pattern to be very clear. She is using Spirit Trail Fibers Sunna that she purchased at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. She is using beads from Jubili Beads and Yarn in Collingswood, NJ.
In this photo, you can see the Voolenvine in the background and the Spirit Trail Fibers in the front. Ashley has decided to use the Spirit Trail Fibers for this pattern.
Tara is teaching a “Knit Your First Mitten” class at Woolworks and was inspired by The World’s Simplest Mitten pattern by Tin Can Knits. She is making a Christmas garland using a modified infant size with Jill Draper Hudson. She is also knitting a Child size with Cascade 220 Sport in the Punk Colorway for her son River and the Adult Small size for her son Leo using the Rainbow colorway. (Note, this picture was taken one week after recording.)
Tara is working on the Exploration Station by Stephen West and is nearing the end! She had a “knitting high-five!” moment when she started the final section and had exactly the number of stitches required, 455! Yeah! (Note, these photos are of the finished object and were taken one week after recording.)
Tara gave an update on the moth outbreak in her finished sweater bin. She washed and reblocked five sweaters and multiple accessories. She hopes the moths find somewhere else to live.
Totally Tubular Techniques (and not just the cast-on)!
Tara and Ashley have created a new rotating topic for the podcast called “Totally Tubular Techniques”. Our goal for this section is to make challenging knitting techniques more accessible for all. We hope to inspire confidence in our listeners. Today, our topic is lace knitting but we will eventually cover other advanced techniques, such as colorwork, sweater knitting and brioche (to name a few). Please contribute to our discussion by visiting the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group. You may have ideas that we did not address. We would love to hear from you!
Early on, Ashley and Tara struggled with lace knitting and found it very difficult. They both tried the Ishbel Shawl by Ysolda Teague and initially could not complete it. So, they warmed up to lace by trying other patterns first. Tara knit the Multnomah by Kate Ray and the Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante. Ashley adventured into lace by completing the Monkey Sock and the Pomatomus Sock by Cookie A. She also knit the Twisting Ladders Hat by Corinna Rogers. Ashley’s first charted lace pattern was 198 Yards of Heaven by Christy Verity.
For success with lace, Tara and Ashley recommend you:
Print the pattern and use a hard copy vs. a smart phone or computer screen.
Familiarize yourself by skimming through the pattern before casting on.
Read through the completed projects on Ravelry to see if anyone offered tips or advice in the summary.
Become “friends” with the chart. Charts are actually quite easy to read once you understand how they work. In general, you will need to:
Start from the bottom right hand corner and read right to left (opposite of how we normally read a book).
Pay close attention to the stitch symbols and read the glossary.
Learn about new-to-you stitches on YouTube by doing a quick search.
Use the following knitting notions
highlighter tape (to keep track of where you are in the chart and the pattern)
stitch markers (to place in between each pattern repeat)
Experiment with sharp needle tips.
Start simple and then work your way into more complicated designs.
During the podcast, Ashley and Tara mentioned the following patterns:
Tara is feeling challenged by her new hobby of sewing. She is concerned about how to finish and care for her projects, such as the Farrow Dress, the Lark Tee, and the Willow Tank by Grainline Studio.
Ashley made the Grab Bag by All People Quilt, a Japanese style dumpling bag. This pattern is free if you sign up on the website. Ashley is giving the bag away as part of the #toomuchcandykal! See photo above.
Ashley and her son, William, made the “Roll-it-up!” pillowcase together! This pattern is also from All People Quilt. William is incredibly proud of his first sewing experience!
Ashley finished the Cleo Skirt, a Made by Rae pattern. Ashley participated in a sew-along with our awesome local fabric shop, Domesticity.
Lastly, Ashley finished Butterick B6453, a princess seamed dress. Ashley chose a cute black-and-white polka dot fabric for the project. This dress has a zipper and pockets. She put in a lining and hand-stitched the hem! Wow!
This week’s stash hiding spot was shared by Mrs. ScubaFish on Ravelry, who knows how to turn a dropped ceiling into a secret yarn bunker! Mrs. ScubaFish, we found your knowledge of drop ceilings to be absolutely hilarious! Thank you for contributing to our podcast!
We are hosting our first ever knit-along, the Too Much Candy KAL! The KAL will run from September 15th-November 1st. The only rule is that you knit something Halloween related. We will create a “bundle” in our Ravelry group to help generate ideas if you are feeling stuck. “Double dipping” is allowed! Please share progress and finished objects photos in our Ravelry Group and on Instagram using the hashtag, #TooMuchCandyKAL. Prizes will be awarded!
Hot Off the Needles
Tara finished the Fluid Slouchy Beanie by Karen MaCall. She used Knitty and Color’s Dubstep DK in the Supernova colorway. This hat features a double brim and a nice slouchy fit.
Tara completed the Gearhart Hat by Lori Wagner using Neighborhood Fiber Company’s Subte Worsted (discontinued) in the Kalorama Circle colorway. The seed stitch diamond pattern is reversible and can be worn inside out.
Tara finished the Kobuk Hat by Caitlin Hunter. She held two strands of yarn together: Hedgehog Fiber’s DK in the Salty Tales colorway and Shibui Silk Cloud in the Tar Colorway, giving it a soft halo. Bobbles decorate this hat.
Finally, Tara finished the Marin Shawl by Ysolda Teague. This shawlette is knit side-to-side and features garter stitch and a unique cabled border that imitates the look of bow ties. She used Jill Draper Makes Stuff Hoosic (discontinued) in the Raspberry Beret colorway.
Ashley has been very busy with home improvements. Knitting had to take the back seat while she painted her entire first floor!
Ashley took a Foundation Paper Piecing class at Domesticity Studio, our local fabric store. She made a quilt square designed by Happy Sew Lucky on Etsy. The quilt square features two birds in flight with the word “HOPE” between them. This is Ashely’s new favorite thing!
Tara is working on the Exploration Station shawl by Stephen West. She ran into trouble with the brioche section and after months of questioning, decided to rip back and redo it. Now the shawl is up and running again! Tara is using the Merino-Silk-Yak (60-20-20 blend from Yarn Hygge, aka Scandinavian Weave and Knit. The finished shawl will be used as a display item at fiber festivals.
A few weeks ago, Tara took a beginning soap making class at Soap Studio Brookside in Binghamton, New York. The class was a lot of fun and Tara hopes to continue soap making at home. For Christmas gifts this year, Tara will give handmade soap and washcloths to her friends and family. Tara is following the Picot-Edge Washcloth pattern by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas.
Misadventures
Tara visited Lis Barsuglia-Madsen of Yarn Hygge and Scandinavian Weave and Knit at a craft fair in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. She purchased a beautiful hand-woven purse and enough yarn to create two Thick and Thin Shawlettes designed by Lis herself. Tara chose a single ply merino DK weight and a Brushed Kid Mohair Silk laceweight for the shawl.
Tara took a trip to Adirondack Yarns in Lake Placid. She bought a sweater quantity of Sprited Fibers Fingering in the Licorice colorway and a gradient set of Koigu to make the “Free Your Fade” Shawl by Andrea Mowry. Tara had a lot of fun visiting the shop and chatting with the owner, Sue.
Ashley had much different misadventures! Ashley is continuing her yarn diet and plans to destash some her skeins, although it is hard to make the break.
Ashley is participating in the Stash Dash challenge. Currently, she has finished around 1200 meters.
Tara completed the 1650 yard Joji Locatelli mKAL, the Starting Point Wrap, using Madeline Tosh Light, Madeline Tosh Sock, and Zen Yarn Garden. The picture below was taken while on vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. She is pleased with the result and highly recommends the pattern!
Tara finished the Diplodocus Sweater by Kate Oates of Tot Toppers. She used Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted for the main color and five different colors of Jill Draper Hudson for the ribbing, yoke and stripes. She knitted the size 24 month and it is modeled here on a 4 1/2 year old. This sweater is kid-approved!
Finally, Tara surprised Ashley with two other finished sweaters! (Wow, lots of knitting here!) Tara knitted matching Christmas in July sweaters by Tanis Lavallee of Tanis Fiber Arts for her sons Leo and River. She used Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label Fingering Weight in a variety of colors.
Ashley blocked the Find Your Fade Shawl, making it slightly over 10 feet long! It is now tucked away and waiting for cooler temperatures.
Ashley went to Atlantic City, NJ and Tara went to Rehoboth Beach, DE! They discussed what they like to knit while on vacation with their families.
Tara mentions visiting local yarn stores. She visited the Kitschy Stitch in Rehoboth and will visit Adirondack Yarns in Lake Placid later this summer. (*Note, Adirondack Yarns has their own yarn line called Spirited Fibers.)
Imaginary Knitting
Tara is obsessed with everything by the designer Caitlin Hunter on Ravelry.
Ashley really likes Ann Weaver’s Braid O-Rama and Twinkie Chan’s Pizza Scarf. Also catching Ashley’s eye is he Horse Beanie by Reynolds Knitting.
Ashley’s BIG misadventure is starting a yarn diet! She is competing in the 5 K Stash Dash challenge with the KnitGirllls! She also wishes she participated in the Tour de France but she missed the start date.
Tara’s misadventure was buying 6 patterns by Caitlin Hunter! Eek!
Where Do You Hide Your Stash?
Join our Ravelry group and tell us where you hide your stash! We will share your secrets during upcoming podcasts. We look forward to hearing from you!
We want to know, where do you hide your stash? Please send us an email or leave a comment on our page! We will read your secret hiding place aloud during future introductions! Tara recently found 5 skeins of yarn in the glove compartment of her car.
What We are Working On
Ashley finished the Find Your Fade Shawl by Andrea Mowry! It took a long time but was well worth it.
Isn’t it beautiful! Ends need to be woven in and the shawl needs to be blocked.
Ashley also finished the Kevin McCallister’s Moose Hat by VR Knits. The hat was inspired by the movie, “Home Alone”. She used Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok in the colorways Highland Sheep and Red Rocks. Some modifications were made. She shortened the colorwork pattern to fit her son’s head and she made a double sided brim.
Tara completed some super-secret test knits. Shhhh! She is also working on the Starting Point Mystery Knit Along by Joji Locatelli. She has enjoyed this knit so much that she would even do it all over again!
Ashley asked Tara about repeating knitting projects. Tara has repeated the Quadri Hat by Michelle Wang and the Griffin Vest by Georgie Nicolson three times. Ashley is usually “one and done” but she has knit the Clover Honey Shawlette by Hannah Six several times.
Book Review
For their first book review, Ashley and Tara chose the Kids’ Knitting Workshop by Susan B. Anderson. They chose this book because they greatly admire Susan B. Anderson plus some listeners may be looking for a knitting related activity to do with children this summer. Both Ashley and Tara found the book to be a great resource for any child who wants to learn to knit!
Misadventures
Tara bought five skeins of Madeline Tosh Vintage in the Glazed Pecan colorway! Eeek!
Ashley is having some misadventures with home improvements! She also feels that her two-handed fair isle needs more practice.
Tara had a second misadventure with Caitlin Hunter’s Ohra Shawl. It was love at first sight. She purchased the pattern the day it was released!
Tara finished the All Ways Cowl by Laura Nelkin, which was the September shipment for the Lola’s Choice Club. Yarn is Mrs. Crosby Train Case in the Toucan Colorway.
Tara is working on the Joji Locatelli Mystery Wrap/Starting Point Wrap. She is nervously playing a game of yarn chicken with colorway #3! If you want to see pictures of the work-in-progress, click here.
Ashley is working on the ever-popular Find Your Fade by Andrea Mowry.
Ashley is also working on the Confluence Shawlette by Sivia Harding using Fibre Company Meadow, one of Ashley’s favorite yarns of all time. She is adding Toho size 6 beads from Koala Beads on Etsy.
Ashley wants to do a series of fingering weight brioche hats as Christmas gifts. She is also loving the look of Lee Meredith’s Holm and Barry hats. Ashley wants to knit the Pink Poodle Scarves by Morehouse Designs for her nieces. She also likes Carol Sunday’s Milano, which she could knit with yarn from stash.
Misadventures:
Tara is knitting so much that she punctured a small hole on her pointer finger! She is too lazy to get a bandaid. She also dealt with yarn b-a-r-f when knitting the Joji Mystery Wrap and channeled Ashley while re-winding it.
Ashley had to redo the kitchener on her Smooth Operator Sock. She also knit one leg 1/4 inch longer than the other!
Ashley cast on the Mix Tape Sock by Abbi Grasso. She is struggling with the gauge and had to reknit many times. Yarn can be found on Abbi’s Etsy Site. Ashley made a beautiful pair of Christmas Socks with Abbi’s yarn a few years ago.
What We are Wearing:
For several days in a row, Tara wore the Lisbon Pullover by Misa Erder, also known as Craftivore on Ravelry. She also wore the Recoleta by Joji Locatelli.
Ashley wore the Hedera Socks by Cookie A. She also wore 5 by Ann Weaver.
How it All Began: How did we learn to knit?
How Ashley Began (in her words):
I tried to learn how to knit in HS, but it really didn’t stick. I had great plans of knitting myself a cozy scarf for an upcoming trip to Minnesota. Well, I just made a swatch.
Fast forward 5 years later, to 2001: I was really ready to learn! I had just graduated college and wanted to learn a practical skill set, after studying art so intensely. I took several group classes at my LYS, A Good Yarn, which has since closed. I learnt German Continental and didn’t completely fall in love with the craft until 2008, right before my son was born. (When I discovered I liked wool yarn, especially hand dyed.)
My mother helped me finish a sweater (Sunnyside Up Hoody– a free pattern from Lion Brand) for my son that I started the day before he was born! I was in full on NESTING mode. She could read a pattern better than I could!
The first REAL project that I completed was a hat (Amy’s Basket Weave hat) for my son. I used Koigu from my LYS, Woolworks. I came in with my child and my friend. One of the owners, Amy, helped me choose yarn and needles. I was reassured I had the skills to make this hat.
How Tara Began (in her words):
*Handwork on both sides of the family. Mother always crocheted chevron blankets. Father had a wood shop in the basement where he made furniture, canoes, and musical instruments, such as guitars. Maternal grandmother always knit—made me a grey raglan pullover with a big red heart in the middle. School colors.
*Late 90s, learned to crochet in college while watching the early days of the Daily Show and Strangers with Candy. Made a huge double crochet blanket with red heart yarn.
*While finishing up college, signed up for an Intro to Tapestry weaving in a fit of senioritis with a group of friends. Ended up really enjoying the class and made a Navajo style bag on a lap loom. Instructor was passionate about yarns and weaving, my first introduction to the fiber world. We all thought he was crazy to travel to Maryland for some sort of yarn festival.
*2012, husband said I needed a hobby and purchased a Groupon for Lovelyarns. Took a class with Mary, who was an excellent teacher. The rest is history!
Ashley took a Foundation Paper Piecing class at 
(mis)adventures in knitting 