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.
You may have noticed that we changed our intro prompt. Now that we are officially in our second year, our question to you all is: “how many projects do you have on the needles?” This includes WIPS, UFOs, and all of your most recent cast ons. Don’t be shy! Share with us in our Ravelry thread and we may feature you on an upcoming podcast episode.
Today’s topics include:
One Year Anniversary Celebration and Special Giveaways!
Maryland Sheep and Wool Wrap Up!
Hot off the Needles
What we are Working on
One Year Celebration and Special Giveaways
To celebrate the conclusion of our first year of podcasting, we have two special giveaways to tell you about.
Giveaway #1: Yarn Set from Wooly Hues
Three Skeins of 80/20 Superwash Merino/Nylon. Each skein is 467 yards/100 grams. Country Strong Gradient Set. $75.00.
To win this BEAUTIFUL yarn set, you must:
1.) Follow Aleaness on Instagram. (Aleaness is the dyer of Wooly Hues Yarn)
3.) Find the photo of the Wooly Hues Yarn on our Instagram page and in our Ravelry Group and answer the question: “What would you make with this yarn?” If you answer on both Instagram and Ravelry, you will have two entries.
(A note to Ann: Thank you SOOO much for the yarn!!! We love it and really appreciate your generosity.)
Giveaway #2: Splendid Soles
Splendid Soles book; published by Knit Picks in 2018. Paperback. Retails for $29.99. 16 Socks in the collection.
Book was gifted to us by Lori Wagner who has a pattern in the book, the “Textured Lace Socks” pattern. (Thank you, Lori!)
Tara’s Review:
16 patterns for experienced sock knitters.
All varieties of socks: lace, cables, and mosaics.
Collection of patterns by independent designers. Designer emails are included with each pattern for support or questions.
Brief introductions written by each designer.
Crisp, clear photography with large photos; many photos are full page.
Photos are just of socks, nothing else to distract the reader.
Large, very easy-to-read charts.
Socks are knitted in a variety of ways, top-down, bottom-up, with DPNs, magic-loop or two-circulars.
All styles of heels (traditional to short rows).
Features KnitPicks yarn.
You can see patterns on Ravelry or on the KnitPicks website.
Ashley’s Review:
Ashley also likes the large photos.
Ashley wishes it had a lay-flat binding. She recommends taking it to a copy shop and having it spiral bound.
Ashley thought the textured stitch patterns ranged from easy to difficult.
3.) Post a picture of your favorite pair of socks that you have knit OR a picture of some sock yarn that you cannot wait to use for a pair of socks. Be sure to tag us and use #SplendidSolesGiveaway
Both of these contests have a deadline of June 17th!
We will choose a winner and announce on the following episode.
While Tara was getting high on yarn fumes (ha!), Ashley was running around Pittsburgh (literally) with her family. Congratulations to Ashley on finishing the 1/2 portion of the marathon! Way to go! She mentioned the fabric store called Loom and the Pittsburgh Incline. She had a great weekend. She thanks KnitReannaKnit for travel advice.
Hot Off the Needles
Tara finished the Thick and Thin Shawlette designed by Lis Barsuglia-Madsen. This pattern uses Yarn Hygge DK Singles and Lace Silk/Mohair.
Ashley finished a pair of socks which she will use for her beginning sock class at Woolworks. She used Cascade Wave.
What We are Working On
Tara has been working on a secret test knit for Lori Wagner, a beautiful crescent shaped lace shawl. Tara decided to place beads even though the pattern does not specify to do so. She used A Verb for Keeping Warm Annapurna Cashmere Sport Weight.
Today’s stash hiding space was shared by LWT1 on Ravelry. This knitter is currently hiding a stash of beautiful yarn in a sweater! Thanks for sharing with us, Lori!
Come Visit Us
The Charm City Yarn Crawl will take place April 6th-15th. Come visit Ashley and Tara at Woolworks on Sunday, April 8th from 12-4 PM. See CharmCityYarnCrawl.com for more information about participating stores, discounts, special prizes, and driving routes.
The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday May 5th and 6th at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Tara will attend on Saturday. A podcaster meetup will take place in the small show ring in Barn 7/8 around 1 o’clock.
The Knitters Book Club Wrap Up
Photo from Clara’s website: claraparkes.com
Over the past three months, we read A Stash of One’s Own by Clara Parkes. During our second Google Hangout, Clara Parkes joined us for an hour long discussion about her book. It was a fun night despite some minor hiccups with technology. Clara, if you are reading this, THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU ARE AWESOME! Learn more about Clara on her website and at Knitters Review!
During the hangout, we talked about books we are currently reading. Clara was reading Migraine by Oliver Sacks and No Time to Spare by Ursula Le Guin. Other books mentioned were The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron, More Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin, and The Power by Naomi Alderman.
The final Google Hangout will take place Friday, April 6th at 8 PM Eastern Standard Time. See our Ravelry group for more information, including the link.
Tara is working on the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart. She is using Old Maiden Aunt Superwash 4 ply sock yarn in the colorway Buttermint and size 5 triangular beads, which she purchased from Lovelyarns. Tara is using the Super Floss method to add the beads. See this video by Laura Nelkin for more information!
Ashley talked about the love affair with her CrockPot. She makes soup, oatmeal, yogurt, and whole chickens in her CrockPot! She mentioned Jamie Oliver’s Milk Chicken, find the recipe here.
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 Miss CeliesPants on Instagram. Thank you for sharing with us, Renee!
A Bunch of Thank Yous
Since November is the month to be thankful, we would like to thank all of you who listen to our podcast. To Amy, Karen and Brenda, the owners of Woolworks Yarn Shop in Baltimore, MD, we thank you for your continual support. Woolworks offers a variety of yarns and fibers for every knitting occasion, including Woolfolk, Madeline Tosh, and The Fiber Company. See woolworksbalt.com for a complete list of classes, knit alongs, and other special events, such as the Jane Spalding Ceramics Trunk Show on December 2nd from 11AM-3PM.
To Brooke of Fully Spun Yarn, we thank you for being our first ever long distance, computer screen-to-computer screen interview. We cannot wait to get our conversation uploaded for the show. In the meantime, listeners can check out Brooke’s beautiful yarns at fullyspun.com and see her in person December 2nd and 3rd at the Art Pop Squared Artist’s Market in Frederick, Maryland. And, you did hear that right, listeners. The Misadventures in Knitting Podcast will eventually include interviews!
Knit Along News
*Congratulations to the grand prize winners of the Too Much Candy Knit Along, JMazurick for the Autumnal Cowl and LMEColl for the Grand Central Socks. We used the random number generator to select our Ravelry and Instagram winners. In total, we had 17 gorgeous entries. Thank you so much to all who participated!
*Our next Knit Along, The Knitters Book Club, is scheduled to begin in January 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 ooh-and-ahh over everyone’s knitting by using Google Hang Out. Please see the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group for complete information and a bundle of potential patterns.
Tara also finished the Spindrift Shawl by Helen Stewart using Destination Yarns Postcard Base in the Toes in the Sand colorway.
Misadventures
Ashley has been misadventure-free while Tara has a terrible case of startitis/startosis and knitting ADD. She wants to cast on more projects than is possible to finish!
What We are Working On
Tara is test knitting a sweater for Melissa Kemmerer in a size 6. The sweater is called “Angel in my Tiny Pocket” and it features a small pocket along the hem with a duplicate stitch angel for the wearer to touch when they need extra energy or love. Tara is using Jill Draper Esopus fingering weight, which has been discontinued.
Tara started the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart using Old Maiden Aunt Superwash Merino 4-ply in the Buttermint Colorway. She also purchased triangular shaped beads from Lovelyarns to decorate the shawl.
Ashley is also working on a pair of socks while watching “Stranger Things”. She is using the “Upside Down” colorway by the Freckled Whimsy.
Tara is also working on the Surprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart and the Wagenfeld Sweater by Ankestrick. Tara continues to feel unsure how her husband will like this colorful sweater.
Imaginary Knitting
Tara is daydreaming about Helen Stewart’s “Land of Sweets” Cowl that is part of the 2017 Knitvent Collection.
Ashley is imaginary knitting her Nox Yarn Advent Mini-Skeins. Ashley has considered Archer’s Paradox by Sweet Birch Design, Parallel Waves by Julia Marsh, and the Felicitas sweater by Maliha Designs.
Are you interested in sponsoring our podcast? We would love to hear from you! Please email us at misadventuresinknitting@gmail.com
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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!
Today’s stash hiding space was shared MarySK on Ravelry. Thank you, Mary!
General Announcements
Please share where you “store” your stash in our Ravelry group for a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode. We are out of spaces and need your help!
Our podcast will continue to air once every three weeks. Our goal is to have a bi-weekly podcast beginning in January
Knit-Along/Crochet-Along Announcement!
First Knit Along! #TooMuchCandyKAL
September 15- November 1st (that means it is happening right now!)
Ashley wants to make the Wishmaker Mitts by Erica Heussler and the Bobble Cowl by Joji Locatelli. She also has an imaginary project that she think would be better classified as a Sad Knitting Tragedy!
Hot Off the Needles
Tara finished the Caragh Sweater by Laura Nelkin. The sweater is knit side-to-side, has a boxy fit, side cable panels, and an optional cabled cowl. Tara tested this pattern and found it to be clearly written and interesting to knit. Here is a link to Tara’s project page.
What We Are Working On
Ashley is working on the Brighton Plaid by Eclectic Gipsyland. She feels a break is needed because of the shift in weather.
Ashley started the Festive Sheep Ornament by Jennifer Dickerson, which is a free crochet pattern on Ravelry. She was inspired by Aquilla da Hun, of the Lefty Knitter Podcast. She finished all of the pieces and just needs to sew them together.
Tara purchased the new Chirstmas colorway by Gynx Yarn! “Cheers” is a green self-striping sock yarn with different colors representing holiday beverages.
Ashley loves themes and self-striping yarn! Freckled Whimsy had a Stranger Things themed self-striping yarn update and Ashley was able to snag a skein!
Ashley also purchased a 2 ply BFL yarn from Brooke of Fully Spun, who recently had a trunk show at Woolworks. This yarn has a hand-spun look.
Sad Knitting Tragedies
Moths found their way into Tara’s finished sweaters! Oh no! Her plan is to wash, block, store in plastic baggies, and expose to both cold and heat to prevent further contamination.
Ashley has a serious case of startosis and has spent many evenings winding yarn! She wound yarn for the Koi Pond Shawl by Casapinka but has not yet cast on. The yarn looks at her every night, waiting.
Ashley cast on the Whitman Hat with Woolfolk SNO but found this yarn was not a good match for the pattern.
Question of the Day
Q: “How do you become a test-knitter?”
A: When a designer has an item to be tested, they will often ask for help on Instagram or in their Ravelry group. “Testing Pool” and “Free Pattern Testers” are two Ravelry groups specifically for designers to find testers. Designers will often post a sneak-peak picture, a supply list, a deadline and a questionairre about the pattern. Designers like to see that you take pictures of your finished objects and share on Ravelry and Instagram. As you work through the pattern, you update the designer on your progress and if there are any errors or concerns about the pattern. Some designers encourage a lot of chatter too, which is always fun. Testing is generally unpaid and done for the love of knitting and the desire to support a particular designer.
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 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 