Actually Knitting

Latest Episodes:

Actually Knitting Episode 92: Pal Kal Prizes Sep 01, 2018

Show notes

Actually Knitting Episode 91: Not Too Shabby Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

Get your free audiobook download and free 30 day trial of audible by visiting this link! Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits

Camp Wilkerson by Caitlyn Hunter

Elefante by Susan B. Anderson

Empire Waist Cardigan by Susan B. Anderson

Ellie the Elephant Baby Booties by Olivia Kent

Featuring the Roll-Top Booties for the bootie

Auditioning Knits

I'm looking for a sweater for some Berroco worsted weight yarn that I just ripped from my Ice Shanty project that has been languishing for a while.

Wings by Amanda Woeger

Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Madison by Martha Storey

All the Love by Joji Locatelli

Rhapsody in Cables by Joji Locatelli

Seam on Seam by Veera Valimaki

Knitting News, Notes and Events PalKal 2018

Basic Rules

Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15
One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry.
No yardage requirement.
Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster.
You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc.
Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry.
When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting.
Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter.

Check out all of the information and links to our sponsors in the Ravelry group!

For all PalKal related discounts, the code is the same: Palkal2018

Top Billing Sponsors:

Janis Ficker, Carolina Fiber Girls

CC and Dami Almon/JavaPurl Designs, Geeky Girls

Suzanne, Two Tangled Skeins

Knitting Daddy Greg, Unraveling Podcast

Sarah Schira, Imagined Landscapes

Jennifer Lassonde, Down Cellar Studio

Monique Leonard/Windswept Designs, Knitting on the Run

Vivian and Alysin/Pearl and Plum, Keep Calm and Carry Yarn

Kristi, In a Sknit Podcast

Cameo Sponsors

Susie White/Prairie Girls Designs/Prairie Girls Knit and Spin

Melinda, Yarnderwoman Podcast

Producing Sponsors:

Bijou Basin Ranch

Queen City Yarn

Never Not Knitting

Daizie Knits

Love Knitting

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

Ewe University hosted by Kristine Kelly

Check out her Etsy shop, Halcyarn.

Non-Knitting Segments Instant Success

Instant Pot Spicy Pineapple Chicken Tacos

Love it or Leave it

Love: Anne with an E on Netflix

Leave: Summer Break is almost over

Other News and Notes

Healthy Choices: I've been doing Weight Watchers and attending the meetings regularly and I've been very successful.

Books:

Get your free audiobook download and free 30 day trial of audible by visiting this link!

Actually Knitting Episode 90: She's not Pretty Cool, She's Really Cool. Jul 18, 2018

Show notes

Book lovers, try Audible free for one month with a free audiobook download. Episode 90 is brought to you by Daizie Knits and Bijou Basin Ranch. Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits

Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow

Paulina Dress by Taiga Hilliard

Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang

Knits in Rehearsal

Still working on Camp Wilkerson by Caitlyn Hunter.

Granny Stripes Crochet Blanket by Lucy of Attic24

Here's my version in progress.

This episode is brought to you by Daizie Knits

At Daizie Knits, our goal is to provide a rainbow of colors in a range of fibers and weights. We dye all our products in small batches using a kettle dying method; so each one is unique. We strive to find yarns and fibers that makes your heart sing and your toes curl with delight. At daizieknits.com, you can contact us, view a gallery of projects, check out the show schedule and of course, link to our shop. We also offer 3d printed spindles, buttons and shawl pins.

Use the PalKal2018 coupon code for 20% off of your order through September 1, 2018.

Knitting News, Notes and Events PalKal 2018

Basic Rules

Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15
One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry.
No yardage requirement.
Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster.
You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc.
Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry.
When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting.
Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter.

Check out all of the information and links to our sponsors in the Ravelry group!

This episode I am pleased to have Fix-a-Stitch as an Intermission Prize Sponsor. Make sure you listen to this episode to see if you are the winner of a both a Multi-Tool and Laceweight set of Fix-a-Stitch.

For all PalKal related discounts, the code is the same: Palkal2018

Top Billing Sponsors:

Janis Ficker, Carolina Fiber Girls

CC and Dami Almon/JavaPurl Designs, Geeky Girls

Suzanne, Two Tangled Skeins

Knitting Daddy Greg, Unraveling Podcast

Sarah Schira, Imagined Landscapes

Jennifer Lassonde, Down Cellar Studio

Monique Leonard/Windswept Designs, Knitting on the Run

Vivian and Alysin/Pearl and Plum, Keep Calm and Carry Yarn

Kristi, In a Sknit Podcast

Cameo Sponsors

Susie White/Prairie Girls Designs/Prairie Girls Knit and Spin

Melinda, Yarnderwoman Podcast

Producing Sponsors:

Bijou Basin Ranch

Queen City Yarn

Never Not Knitting

Daizie Knits

Love Knitting

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

Check out the Quirky Monday Craftcast and Quirky Monday Crafts Etsy Shop.

This episode is brought to you by Bijou Basin Ranch

Use the PalKal2018 Coupon Code for 15% off all yarns from their online store (exception: Qiviut or Paco-Vicuna) from now through September 6, 2018.

Non-Knitting Segments Instant Success

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Love it or Leave it

Love: Color Street Nail Polish Strips

Leave: July can be a hard month for me.

Other News and Notes

Books:

The Lola Quartet by Emily St. John Mandel

Vida y Muerte en la Mara Salvatrucha

The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew #1) by Carolyn Keene

Actually Knitting Episode 89: When in Rome, you eat cheese curds. Jul 02, 2018

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Queen City Yarn and Never Not Knitting Knitting Segments Show Ready Knits

Moderne Log Cabin Baby Blanket Special thanks to Love Knitting for sending me the Paintbox Yarns to try out!

Knits in Rehearsal

This episode is brought to you by Queen City Yarn.

Queen City Yarn is the result of a collaboration between friends Christen and Janis, brought together in the Queen City of Charlotte by their love for knitting and yarn. They've nurtured their passion for putting color to skein and now they want to share that passion with you!

Their products start with one of six great yarn bases, each named for a neighborhood in the Queen City that reflects their personality. The colors they apply are inspired by the beautiful things they see around them as well as breathtaking places they have visited. While each color they produce can stand on its own, they pay special attention to creating a series of complementary colors. They strive to make it easy to pick one or more great colors for your next project.

Queen City Yarn is providing a 35$ gift certificate to one lucky PalKal participant and use the PalKal2018 coupon code for 10% off your order in their Etsy Shop.

Knitting News, Notes and Events

I attended Zombie Knitpocalypse last month.

PalKal 2018

Basic Rules

Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15
One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry.
No yardage requirement.
Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster.
You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc.
Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry.
When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting.
Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter.

Check out all of the information and links to our sponsors in the Ravelry group!

Be sure to listen to see if you are the lucky winner of a 5 pack of Eucalan! This was an intermission giveaway, which means all you have to do to be eligible is chat in chatter thread on Ravelry!

For all PalKal related discounts, the code is the same: Palkal2018

Top Billing Sponsors:

Janis Ficker, Carolina Fiber Girls

CC and Dami Almon/JavaPurl Designs, Geeky Girls

Suzanne, Two Tangled Skeins

Knitting Daddy Greg, Unraveling Podcast

Sarah Schira, Imagined Landscapes

Jennifer Lassonde, Down Cellar Studio

Monique Leonard/Windswept Designs, Knitting on the Run

Vivian and Alysin/Pearl and Plum, Keep Calm and Carry Yarn

Kristi, In a Sknit Podcast

Cameo Sponsors

Susie White/Prairie Girls Designs/Prairie Girls Knit and Spin

Melinda, Yarnderwoman Podcast

Producing Sponsors:

Bijou Basin Ranch

Queen City Yarn

Never Not Knitting

Daizie Knits

Love Knitting

This episode of Actually Knitting is also brought to you by Never Not Knitting.

Never Not Knitting is a small knitting boutique owned by designer Alana Dakos featuring a curated collection of specialty yarns, patterns, notions and gifts. This little shop supports the work of independent artisans and makers from all over the world. You may find handmade treasures in the store that you will never see anywhere else! Keep track of the newest product releases on instagram by following Nevernotknitting! Use coupon code "PALKAL2018" to save 20% off your next order in the online shop at nevernotknitting.com

Never Not Knitting is also giving away a Sheep Knit Kit at the end of the Pal Kal.

The Reviews are In

This episode I got to review the Little Bee Lotion Bar from Love and Leche.

Check this out:

Love and Leche is offering a coupon code just for Actually Knitting listeners. Use the code ActuallyKnitting for 1 free Little Bee Lotion Bar with a 25$ purchase. Yay!

They have also set up a giveaway for my listeners. Go to this link and enter your email address for a chance to win a Little Bee Lotion Bar Giftbag!

Work + Shelter website.

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

Lolodidit Video Podcast on Youtube

Non-Knitting Segments Instant Success

Mexican Inspired Healthy Crack Chicken from Tidbits

Love it or Leave it

Love: Bright Star the Musical

Leave: No comment! Life is good!

Other News and Notes

I decided to start Weight Watchers again and I'm finding a lot easier to follow now that they have a protein focus.

I'm still running but I am on the struggle bus!

Still doing boot camp workouts.

Books

You Think it, I'll Say it by Curtis Sittenfeld

The French Girl by Lexie Elliot

Actually Knitting Episode 88: PalKal2018 Begins Jun 16, 2018

Show notes

Knitting Segments Knits in Rehearsal

Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow

Knitting News, Notes and Events

PalKal 2018

Basic Rules

Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15
One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry.
No yardage requirement.
Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster.
You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc.
Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry.
When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting.
Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter.

Check out all of the information and links to our sponsors in the Ravelry group!

For all PalKal related discounts, the code is the same: Palkal2018

Top Billing Sponsors:

Janis Ficker, Carolina Fiber Girls

CC and Dami Almon/JavaPurl Designs, Geeky Girls

Suzanne, Two Tangled Skeins

Knitting Daddy Greg, Unraveling Podcast

Sarah Schira, Imagined Landscapes

Jennifer Lassonde, Down Cellar Studio

Monique Leonard/Windswept Designs, Knitting on the Run

Vivian and Alysin/Pearl and Plum, Keep Calm and Carry Yarn

Kristi, In a Sknit Podcast

Cameo Sponsors

Susie White/Prairie Girls Designs/Prairie Girls Knit and Spin

Melinda, Yarnderwoman Podcast

Producing Sponsors:

Bijou Basin Ranch

Queen City Yarn

Never Not Knitting

Daizie Knits

Love Knitting

This episode of Actually Knitting is brought to you by Bijou Basin Ranch.

Bijou Basin Ranch is a family-owned ranch in western Colorado. In addition to fiber from our own herd of full blooded Tibetan yak, we work with other yak ranchers in the US as well as Asia to source top quality yak fiber for our luxury yarns. We also work with various indie dyers who create beautiful can't-get-anywhere-else colorways for yarn lovers! Use the coupon code on their website for 15% off in their online store (excluding qiviut or paco-vicuna) and free shipping! This generous offer will be good through September 6, 2018.

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This episode I put the spotlight on Knitting Myself Together, hosted by TheVioletPie.

Non-Knitting Segments Instant Success

Instant Pot Egg Roll Bowls

Love it or Leave it

Love: I'm on Summer Vacation, Baby!

Leave: Body/food issues

Other News and Notes

My reading has hit a little slump lately, but I did finish and enjoy

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore.

I'm still working out a running a bit.

Actually Knitting Episode 87: Blown Away Jun 05, 2018

Show notes

Knitting Segments Show Ready Knits

Baby Beret

Didn't use a pattern, just referenced a free pattern on Ravelry to see how often to do the increases. Finished this while camping and I forgot to take pics!

Barley Light by Tin Can Knits

I love that the ladies at Tin Can Knits released a fingering version of this hat.

Knits in Rehearsal

To be honest, I haven't been doing very much knitting at all.

I started another Barley Light Hat, but haven't made a lot of progress.

Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow

I've linked to the pattern page since I haven't made much progress.

I haven't worked on...

Rainbow Party Cardi by Tellybean Knits

Moderne Baby Blanket by Mason Dixon Knitting

Knitting News, Notes and Events

PalKal 2018

Basic Rules

Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15

One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry.

No yardage requirement.

Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster.

You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc.

Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry.

When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting.

Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 15 through August 15, 2018 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Here are some patterns I am considering for this year's PalKal:

Mix and Match Henleys by KrisLuvsWool from the In a Sknit Podcast

Mr. Fitzwilliam Fox by Kay F. Jones of the Bakery Bears Podcast

Stitch Sampler Afghan by Marly Bird of the Yarn Thing Podcast

Chasing Rainbows Blanket by Marly Bird of the Yarn Thing Podcast

Coming and Going Baby Sweater by Ellen M. Silva of the Twinset Designs Podcast

Color Confidence Class with Andrea Mowry at Black Mountain Yarn Shop.

ZK 2018

Non-Knitting Segments Instant Success

Introducing a new segment all about cooking in my Instant Pot.

This episode's recipe is Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala with Cauliflower and Peas from Skinny Taste.

Love it or Leave it

Love: Sublime Stitching Website

Leave: Exam Grading

Stagecraft

In this long on hiatus segment, I talk about other crafts I'm working on. I recently finished an embroidery project of my sister in law's ultrasound picture.

I got the idea from this article on Scary Mommy.

The crafter who inspired me has a lot of wonderful embroidery projects on Instagram. Check out

Veselka Bulkan on Instagram.

I got some help from this article on the Sublime Stitching website: White Patterns on Dark Fabrics.

Other News and Notes

We recently got back from camping near Black Mountain, NC. It rained pretty much the entire time but we made the best of it.

Books:

If you'd like to support the podcast, use the Amazon Links for any purchases!

Running:

Nothing new to report, I'm just running for exercise.

Thanks so much for joining me for this episode.

Episode 86: I Gotta Look Good for my Girl! May 23, 2018

Show notes

Special thanks to all of my listeners for waiting so long between episodes. As I posted on Instagram, I have been having a lot of vocal problems and I have been trying to rest my voice as much as possible outside of my job, where it's impossible to rest my voice at all. I'm going to do my best to keep up a regular schedule.

Program Mentions:

Thanks to Knitting Daddy for sending me his Smoke in the City hat pattern.

Special thanks to Vivian and Alyson from Keep Calm and Carry Yarn and the Pearl and Plum Etsy shop.

Also thanks to the ladies from Tin Can Knits for sending me their Beloved hat pattern.

Show Ready Knits

Chevron Baby Blanket by Rachel C Creations

Wee Lima by Taiga Hillard

Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure

Mae by Andrea Mowry

Knits in Rehearsal

Rainbow Party Cardi by Telly Bean Knits

If you'd like to see my yarn choices, check out my project page.

I have swatched for the Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Winslow

I have started a project page for this, but there's not much to see as of yet. Think I can finish it in a month?

Moderne Baby Blanket by Mason Dixon Knitting

Thanks to the kind folks at Loveknitting.com for sending me this kit from Paintbox Yarns

Knitting News, Notes and Events

#MadAboutMinis

Sorry guys, I really dropped the ball on this KAL. Should we keep it going for a while? Call it?

PalKal 2018

Basic Rules

Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15

One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry.

No yardage requirement.

Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster.

You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc.

Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry.

When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting.

Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Color Confidence Class with Andrea Mowry at Black Mountain Yarn Shop.

ZK 2018

The Reviews Are In!

This episode I will be reviewing Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book.

Non-Knitting Segments Meal Prep Madness

Veggie and Beef Ramen

Other News and Notes

I finished several books since the last time I recorded.

Running updates:

I finished a 1/2 Marathon in March. I did not enjoy myself.

Actually Knitting Episode 85: Mad About Minis Mar 12, 2018

Show notes

Get a free 30 day trial and free audiobook when you sign up for Audible by using this link.

Knitting Segments

Show Ready Knits

Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly Van Neikerk

In Dragonfly Fibers Damsel in the Starry Night color way

Practice Baby Blanket

Chevron Baby Blanket by Rachel C. Creations

The yarn was from stash

Knits in Rehearsal

"Real" Baby Blanket is also the Chevron Baby Blanket by Rachel C. Creations

Yarn is Knit Picks Shine Worsted in 3 awesome colors: Robot, Dandelion and Reef

Blog where I found lots of fun color combos.

Swatched for the Rainbow Party Cardi by Stephanie Lotven/Tellybean Knits

The yarn for the body is Deep Dyed Yarns in the Lost Girl Speckle Colorway

The accent yarns will be Miss Babs Yummy Two-Ply Toes. Check out my project page for all of the colorways.

Knitting News, Notes and Events

I'll be taking a class with Andrea Mowry at Black Mountain Yarn Shop in May.

I'll be attending Zombie Knitpocalypse in June of 2018

New Knit-a-Long: Mad about Minis

I was inspired by both the Rainbow Party Cardi pattern and the book Mini-Skein Knits (catch my review later in the episode).

Official start date is March 15, but Wips are welcome

Official end date is May 15, 2018

The project must contain at least 1 mini-skein or leftover yarn (200 yards or less). Generally speaking, Mini-Skeins are around 100 yards.

Possible Projects

Here is the bundle where you can find all of the patterns mentioned below.

Sweaters/Garments

Rainbow Party Cardi Stephanie Lotven

Santa Clara Mary Catherine Bryner

Mini-Marvel Swing Vest Rachel Henry

Camaro Tanis Lavallee

Accessories

Sock Stashbuster Slouchy Hat Amanda Schwabe

Ripken by Melanie Berg

Lydia Evening Bag by Barb Brown

Knitting at the Library Cowl Cori Eichelberger

Plus 1 Pop Collection Sarah Schira

Other Patterns

Waffle Coasters by Claire Cromwell

Welcome Spring Oven Towel by Claire Cromwell

Chevron Coffee Cozy by Claire Cromwell

There is a bundle in the Ravelry group, as well as a chatter thread. Feel free to post about a pattern that works for this KAL and, don't forget to add to the bundle.

Heads Up: The PalKal will start in June!

The Reviews are In

I hope you enjoy my review of a book I picked up called Mini-Skein Knits, 25 Knitting Patterns Using Small Skeins and Leftovers

My Favorite Patterns from the book can all be found here:

Head in the Clouds Hat Jess Kallberg

Infinite Rainbow Cowl by Carrie Santisteban

Matrix Mitts by Jess Kallberg

Chevron Boot Toppers by Yelena M. Dasher

French Ticking Fingerless Mitts by Meg Rake

Rainbow Cardi by Yelena M. Dasher

Mermaid Darkly by Yelena M. Dasher

Welcome Spring Oven Towel by Claire Cromwell