Episode 022-Better Late than Never?

Welcome to Episode 22 of the Misadventures in Knitting Podcast!

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Today’s Topics Include:

• Book Club Wrap Up and Google Hang Out Rescheduled
• Julgran KAL Information
• Hot off the Needles
• What we are Working on
• Sad Knitting Tragedies
• Healthy Living with Ashley and Tara
• Sew, I have another lover

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.

Ashley finished the July square of the River Knits Afghan.

Ashley finished the Ice Cream Doggie by Anna Hracochvec.

What we are Working On

Ashley started Pillars (socks) by Lisa Stitchweh using Madeline Tosh Twist Light.

Ashley is also working on the Children’s Neck Down Bolero by Knitting Pure & Simple.  She is using Cascade 220.

Tara is working on The Golden Hour by Andrea Mowry.  She is using Scout by Kelbourne Woolens which is available at Woolworks.

Tara is swatching for the Tecumseh sweater by Caitlin Hunter using Jill Draper Mohonk.

Sad Knitting Tragedies

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.

Episode 017–Needles, Beads and Mysteries!

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Misadventures in Knitting Podcast.

Listen to Episode 16 on iTunes!

Listen to Episode 16 on PodBean!

Today’s topics include:

• Upcoming Events and General Announcements
• Lykke Needle Review
• What we are Wearing
• Hot Off the Needles
• What we are Working on
• and, Healthy Living with Tara and Ashley

Today’s stash hiding space was shared by TioTweety on Ravelry.  Thanks for participating, Teresa!

Upcoming Events and General Announcements

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival will be held May 5th and 6th at the Howard County Fairgrounds.  Tara will attend the festival on Saturday and is hoping to meet listeners at the podcaster meet up in Barn 7/8 at 1:00 PM.  If you are in the Pittsburgh area that same weekend, you can cheer on Ashley, who will run the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon!

A shout out to Sally4 for visiting Woolworks!  Thank you to Judy and Mary for participating in our last Google Hang Out!

We are planning a second Knitters Book Club to take place this summer.  More information to come.

Finally, we need your input!  We are planning a future episode that will focus on local yarn shops.  A thread will be created in our Ravelry group asking for your thoughts and opinions.  If you have the time, feel free to participate!

Lykke Needle Review

Lykke needles are very popular so we decided to review them (and thanks for the suggestion, Jackie!).  They are dyed to look like drift wood but are actually birch wood.  A very helpful review can be found at Knitter’s Review, by Clara Parkes.

Ashley says:

• I like how the size of the needle is etched clearly on the side and won’t rub off.
• The cord is stiff for magic loop.
• I like the needle tip which is smooth and has a nice, middle of the road point.
• The advertising on the website is deceiving.

Tara says:

• I like the price point!  More affordable than Addi’s.
• The cord is stiff.  This works well for a hat but I wonder what it would be like for a shawl.
• The needle tip is dark in color, so be aware if using dark yarns or if you are a beginning knitter.

Overall:

• They are worth trying out!

What we are Wearing:

Tara has been wearing the Fancy Cardi by Joji Locatelli.  She used Dragonfly Fibers Pixie in the Espresso Roast colorway.

And because the temperature has been on the cooler side, Tara has also worn the Gather Together Sweater by Joji Locatelli.  She used Plucky Trusty in the Two Hearted colorway.

Ashley has been wearing the Four Seasons Shawl by Alana Dakos.  She used Three Irish Girls Wexford Merino Base.

She has also been wearing La Mer Socks by Sandra Park, knitted by Ashley’s friend, Heather.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart.  She used Old Maiden Aunt’s Sock Yarn in the Buttermint colorway and beads purchased at Lovelyarns in Baltimore, MD.

Ashley finished her #knittersbookclubkal!  She knit the Ruched Beret by Susan B. Anderson, which is from the Weekend Hats Book.

What we are Working On

Ashley finished sock #1 of the Vintage Fairy Lights pattern by Helen Stewart.

Ashley is nearly finished with the Confluence Shawlette by Sivia Harding.  She is using The Fibre Company Meadow yarn.  She is using Japanese Toho Beads.

Finally, Ashley is working on the Impressionist Mystery Knit Along by Helen Stewart.  Ashley is using Primrose Adelaide but is feeling unsure about her color choices.  Tara is also working on this project and is using the same yarn!  Twinsies!

Tara is also working on the Creatrix Shawl by Laura Nelkin.  She is finding this challenging but fun!  She is using The Fibre Company Meadow and size 6-0 and 8-0 beads.

Healthy Living with Ashley and Tara–Movement

Ashley and Tara talk about the benefits of moving!

Tara mentioned the podcast called The Walk, by Naomi Alderman.  She also read a quote from NPR.  Naomi Alderman also has a free phone app called Zombies, Run.

Ashley is training for the 1/2 portion of the Pittsburgh Marathon.  Ashley uses the Strava App to keep track of her pace and miles.

Episode 007-Knit Along With Us!

Listen to the full seventh Episode!

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Introduction

Today’s stash hiding space was shared MarySK on Ravelry.  Thank you, Mary!

General Announcements

1. 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!
2. Our podcast will continue to air once every three weeks.  Our goal is to have a bi-weekly podcast beginning in January
3. Knit-Along/Crochet-Along Announcement!

• First Knit Along!  #TooMuchCandyKAL
• September 15- November 1st  (that means it is happening right now!)
• Knit something Halloween related.
• Sign up and share photos in the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group and on Instagram with the hashtag TooMuchCandyKAL
• Prizes will be awarded! 1 drawing via Ravelry and 1 drawing via Instagram using the random number generator.
• Prizes will include a handmade project bag and halloween themed hand dyed yarn!
• Only US addresses for prizes.

Imaginary Knitting

Tara’s imaginary knitting is the World’s Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits.  She will use this pattern for a class at Woolworks.  She wants to make a garland of mittens for the 12 days of Christmas and has Jill Draper Hudson, Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted, and Madeline Tosh Vintage scraps set aside

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 swatched for the Campside Cardigan.

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.

Finally, Ashley has joined the underarms of the Children’s Neck Down Cardigan.

Tara is knitting the Exploration Station by Stephen West using Yarn Hygge by Lis Barsuglia-Madsen.

Tara is knitting the Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits for an upcoming class at Woolworks.  She is using  Madeline Tosh Vintage.

Misadventures

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.

 

Ep 004–Misadventures with Vacation Knitting

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What we are Working On

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 reblocked the Kevin McCallister’s Moose Hat. She knitted this hat for her son, William.

Ashley worked on the Confluence Shawl by Sivia Harding with the Fibre Company Meadow yarn.  She wants to add a repeat or two to make it slightly larger.

Ashley picked up a blanket she began crocheting last summer, the Brighton Plaid by Eclectic Gipsyland.  She is using Madeline Tosh Light Unicorn Tails and two skeins of Neighborhood Fiber Company Rustic Fingering.

Vacation Knitting

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.

Tara also mentions the Wonder Woman Wrap by Carissa Browning.

Misadventures

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!

Ep 003–Stash Hiding and Other (mis)Adventures

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Stash Hiding!

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!

 

Ep 002- How the (Mis)Adventures Began

Ep 002 – How the (Mis)Adventures Began

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What we are Working On:

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.

Ashley finished the Susan B. Anderson Smooth Operator Socks for her husband. She used Regia 4-ply Arne and Carlos 03760.

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.

Tara is also working on the Diplodocus sweater by Kate Oates of Tot Toppers with Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted and Jill Draper Hudson.

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.

Imaginary Knitting:

Tara is lusting after the Creatrix by Laura Nelkin.  She purchased Fibre Company Meadow from Woolworks and copper Miyuki beads from Lovelyarns.

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!

Upcoming Events:

Knit in Public Day:  Saturday, June 10th

Stash Dash:  May 26th-August 20th, hosted by the KnitGirllls

Tour de Fleece:  Begins July 6th

Wrap-Up:

Thank you for positive feedback!  Please leave a review on iTunes or Pod Bean so our podcast can be more viewable and searchable.