Episode 019–Happy 1 Year Anniversary! And Special Giveaways, too!

Welcome to Episode 19 of the Misadventures in Knitting Podcast.

Listen to Episode 19 on iTunes!

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NOW Listen to Episode 19 on Stitcher!

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)

2.)  Follow Misadventures in Knitting on Instagram.

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.

To win this awesome book, you must:

1.)  Follow Knit Picks on Instagram.

2.)  Follow the Misadventures in Knitting Podcast on Instagram.

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.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Wrap-Up

Tara mentioned:  Jill Draper Makes Stuff, Heirlooms/Yarn Hygge by Lis Barsuglia-Madsen, and Bartlett Yarns.

 

JDMS Mohonk Minis!

JDMS Kingston

 

Yarn Hygge Merino DK and Mohair

Yarn Hygge Merino DK and Mohair

Yarn Hygge Sock

Yarn Hygge Merino DK and Mohair

Yarn Hygge Sock

Yarn Hygge Merino DK and Mohair

Bartlett Yarns for Apple Cider Donut

Tara was also able to meet some very friendly people, including:

• Trish of the Best Day Ever Podcast
• Liz of the Just One N Podcast
• Mary of Kino Knits

Renee and Tara

Liz, Tara, and Trish

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.

Ashley has been working on the Children’s Neck Down Cardigan by Knitting Pure and Simple.  She used Spud and Chloe Sweater.

Ashley is also working on the Impressionists MKAL by Helen Stewart.  She is now on Clue 2 with Nox Yarn.

Finally, Ashley is working on the River Knits Afghan Along.  She is on the May Square, which is highly cabled.  She is using Shepherd’s Worsted for the blanket.

Tara’s son, Leo, finished his very first scarf thanks to the Waldorf School of Baltimore.

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 016–Stash Talk

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Misadventures in Knitting Podcast.

Listen to Episode 16 on iTunes!

Listen to Episode 16 on PodBean!

Today’s topics include:

•  Come Visit Us
• The Knitters Book Club Wrap Up
• Hot off the Needles
• What we are Working on
• Sad Knitting Tragedies
• and, Cozy Home

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.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Flax sweater by TinCanKnits in the size 8-10.  She used Madeline Tosh Vintage and Jill Draper Hudson in a variety of colors.

Tara finished the Adult S/M Rosewater Beret by TinCanKnits.  She used Woolfolk Tov DK.

Tara finished one Stepping Stone Sock by Clara Parkes, which is a free pattern on Ravelry.  She used Malabrigo Rios.  The single sock is a shop sample at Woolworks.

Ashley finished the March Square (cables) of her River Knits Afghan Along.

What We Are Working On

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 is working on the Vintage Fairy Lights Socks by Helen Stewart.  She is using the Madeline Tosh Twist Light in the Holi Festival Colorway.

Ashley casted on the Easy Peasy Socks for First Timers by Stacey Trock.  She is using Cascade Wave 220 Superwash.

Sad Knitting Tragedies

Ashley lost a special knitting bag, her Addi size 1 needles and her casted on sock in a parking lot . . . WAAHHHH!  😦

Cozy Home

This is a new section for the podcast.  We want to share how we make our own homes cozy!

Tara shared her favorite herbal teas.

• Tulsi Cinnamon Rose by Organic India
• Apple Chai Spice Red Bush Tea by Eastern Shore Tea Company
• Chai Rooibos by Yogi Teas
• Gingerbread Spice by Celestial Seasonings

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.

Episode 015–We Have a Winner!

Listen to Episode 15 on iTunes!

Listen to Episode 15 on Pod Bean!

Today’s topics include:

• General Announcements
• Knitting for Children
• Hot Off the Needles
• What We are Working On
• Listener Contribution
• and, New Years Resolution Update

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.

Tara mentions A Bear in a Bunny Suit by Susan B. Anderson.

Ashley recently finished a pair of mismatched Valentine’s Day socks for William using Freckled Whimsy sock yarn in the “Upside Down” color way.

Tara is working on a rainbow Flax sweater for her son, Leo, using Madeline Tosh Vintage and Jill Draper Makes Stuff Hudson.

Ashley and Tara mention Knits for Boys by Kate Oates.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Magic Toadstool socks by Stone Knits.  The main color was Spun Right Round Turbo Gypsy.

Tara also finished the Vintage Fairy Lights by Helen Stewart and used Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Zephyr color way.

Ashley finished the Squircle Socks by General Hogbuffer.  She used Claudia’s Hand Painted Addiction and Lollipop Yarns Self Striping.

What We are Working On

The Sock Collections Tara mentioned are:

1.)  The Wanderlust Sock Club by Mina Philip

2.) The Cosy Sock Collection by Mina Philip

3.) The Sock Society by Helen Stewart

Tara casted on the Mistletoe Kisses Sock by Knitting Expat Designs and is using Gynx Self-Striping in the Heartbreaker color.  She is using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel.

Tara is using a Gale’s Art sock blank to knit the Resfeber Socks by Knitting Expat Design.  She is participating in the Knit Your Blanking Sock Blank KAL with the Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Just One N Podcast.

Tara also casted on the Winter Rose Socks by Helen Stewart.  She is using Magpie Fibers Swanky Sock.

Ashley has socks on the needles, as well!  She is knitting a vanilla sock using Yarn Love Juliet and Quaere Fibres self-striping.

Ashley is working on the February square of the River Knits Afghan Along and is using Shepherd’s Worsted yarn.

Listener Contribution

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.

In the Maryland Region, we have:

1.)  The Homespun Yarn Party

• Sunday, March 18th, 12-5 PM
• Historic Savage Mill in Frederick, MD

2.) Charm City Yarn Crawl

• April 6th-15th
• Various shops in the Baltimore area

3.) Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

• Saturday May 5th and Sunday May 6th
• Howard County Fair Grounds

4.) The Knot House Pop Up

• Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 4th, 5th and 6th)
• The Knot House in Frederick, MD

5.) Needles Up

• Friday May 4th, 2-6 PM
• 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Room 201, Columbia, MD

6.) Frederick Fiber Festival

• June 2nd and 3rd
• Frederick Fairgrounds

7.) Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival

• November 10-11
• Howard County Fairgrounds

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.

Ashley also resolved to become more active.  Update: Ashley signed up for several running races.  She will do the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon and the Baltimore B-3 Challenge.