The Yarniacs: A Knitting Podcast

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The Yarniacs Episode 105: Welcome 2016! Jan 08, 2016

Show notes

A new year, like a new project, can be filled with hope, expectation, and always uncertainty. As in life, we never know if that mistake we made back on the foundation row will come back later to bite. Maybe it will be a small insignificant purl in a sea of knit stitches. Or we might find ourselves unraveling hours of work to start anew, with a better base, a stronger beginning. Our annual Self-Indulgent Knit-a-long, #SIKAL2016 is about beginnings. Taking that special yarn, that special pattern, perhaps something new, perhaps something that has been in stash, and crafting and creating something that brings us happiness. Maybe it is the process, maybe it is the promise of the finished object, but we all craft because on some level, we enjoy the journey. My challenge to you, is to knit that too-precious yarn, take a chance on that pattern you've been stalking, and especially to wear and use your knitted objects and garments. Don't hide your carefully crafted items away, afraid to let them out in the world. Wear them with pride! Use those crafted objects daily! I believe the joy we find in crafting only increases with the use or giving of the object. Whatever the new year brings, we hope your stitches flow flawlessly together, creating the beautiful fabric of your life. Sharlene

What are we wearing? Ease by Alicia Plummer Sharlene's Ease Malabrigo Rios This yarn was originally knit into Sharlene's Red Riding Hood Jacket Traveller Tunic by Joji Locatelli Gayle's Traveling Tunic What are we stalking? Mason Jar Bear Cosy by Patricia Castillo Thursday Special by Elena Nodel Starshower Shawl by Hillary Smith Callis Sharlene's Fresh from the Cauldron yarn Arabella by Ann McCauley Gayle's stashed tosh merino light Spectrum by Joji Locatelli Gayle's tosh lace Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien What are we knitting? Big Old Coat by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Big Old Coat Times Square by Norah Gaughan Gayle's Times Square Beaverslide Dry Goods 2-ply Gayle is knitting a test knit for Yelena Dasher Adama by Hillary Smith Callis Malabrigo Rios in Teal Feather What have we finished? Koala cup cozy by Alexandra Davidoff Sharlene's Koala cup cozy cup cozy 2 cup cozy 3 cup cozy 4 cup cozy 5 cup cozy 6 Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner Nakahi Shawl by Francoise Danoy Longfellow by Michele Wang Gayle's Log Cabin blanket Sport Weight Toe-Up Socks by Wendy Johnson Faerie's Firelight by Jen Sheelen Gayle's Firelight Our annual self-indulgent KAL is happening now! Please use hashtags #SIKAL2016 and #yarniacs for all your social media needs. If you are making a purchase through Craftsy or Amazon, please click through our links on the right side and complete your purchase as usual. This sends a few cents our way to support the podcast and costs you nothing! We appreciate your support.

The Yarniacs Episode 104: Knitting with Rachael Dec 23, 2015

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome Rachael Herron, author of the Cypress Hollow series, several mainstream fiction books and a non-fiction collection of memoirs. Rachael and I met years ago when we were both involved in the knit-bloggers ring, and recently reconnected at a local guild meeting. On the morning we were recording it was unusually windy and we had even had some rain. You've heard Gayle and I talk about the California drought, so yay, rain! But the wind? Not so much. Our internet conferencing software kept dropping our conference call. We don't really know what caused it to be dropped, but we vented our frustration on the wind. So our apologies for the few places were the chat is choppy and for the general lower than usual audio quality. That was a surprise and we hope you will stick with us and listen to our chat with Rachael. Thank-you Rachael for being patient and working with us that morning! - Sharlene What are we wearing? C3 by Annie Modesitt Sharlene's C3 Cromarty by Alice Starmore Rachael's Cromarty Kerstie Merino Crepe from Koigu Traveller Tunic by Joji Locatelli Gayle's Traveller Tracie Too from Imperial Yarn What are we knitting? Koala cup cozy by Alexandra Davidoff Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner Rachael is knitting a CustomFit sweater. Stone Mountain and Daughter (store in Berkeley) Wow air flights to Iceland Lopi sweater images The Long Beanie by Wooly Wormhead Cascade 220 Superwash Longfellow by Michele Wang Rachael Herron Rachael's website Rachael's bio Rachael's books Rachael mentions her two spinning wheels: Ashford Joy Ashford Traditional NaNoWriMo Digit's return more Digit Digit, Actually Dead This Time (language not child-friendly!)

The Yarniacs Episode 103: Knitting Under the Holiday Lights Dec 11, 2015

Show notes

Our regular recording time is sometimes bumped by one of our work schedules, which was the case this week. So it was a surprise to me when Gayle texted me the afternoon of our regular recording day to find out if I could meet later that evening. Though it meant finding an impromptu spot to record in the car, we quickly decided to give it a try. It was dark, so we drove down to the harbor in hopes of finding better lighting. What we found was a holiday treat! The annual lighted boat parade had taken place this past weekend and the boats were still dressed in their holiday best! It was lovely to sit and watch the boats bobbing up and down giving us a little holiday light show. In this episode we share a new collection from Joji Locatelli, share a new yarn we swatched, share our regular segments and start to think about the new year and our upcoming Self-Indulgent Knit-A-Long 2016. We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and taking time to slow down and carve a little bit of time for knitting, crafting, and spending time with your loved ones. What are we wearing? Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Dragonflies Gilet Valerie by Carole Francone Gayle's Gilet Valerie What are we stalking? The Authentic Collection by Joji Locatelli Puntilla Citadel Big Old Coat Spectrum Jujuy A Girl Thing What are we knitting? Secret Garden by Alana Dakos Sharlene's Secret Garden shawl Nakahi Shawl by Francoise Danoy Longfellow by Michele Wang Trickster by Elizabeth Doherty Gayle's Trickster Milanese Lace Topper by tante ehm Gayle's Lace Topper What have we finished? True by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's True Ecuador by Joji Locatelli Gayle's Ecuador Elf Baby Hat by Robin Weldon Checkerboard Mitts by Helen Stewart Gayle's Log Cabin blanket What are we swatching? Aerie from Shalimar Yarns Knitting in books and pop culture The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood Knitting: A Novel by Anne Bartlett Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs The Blosson Street series by Debbie Macomber

The Yarniacs Episode 102: Thankful Knitting Nov 27, 2015

Show notes

What are we wearing? Cupido Cowl by Hiroku Fukatsu Sharlene's Cupido See You There by Joji Locatelli Gayle's See You There Trickster by Elizabeth Doherty Gayle's Trickster What are we stalking? Knit It Black by Alex Tinsley Indie Gift-a-Long group on Ravelry Trickster by Elizabeth Doherty Mom's Favorite Color by Paige Reisenfeld Zirkus by Lisa Hannes Elf Baby Hat by Robin Weldon Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis What are we knitting? True by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's True Rothko by Abstract Fibers Secret Garden by Alana Dakos Sharlene's Secret Garden Ecuador by Joji Locatelli Gayle's Ecuador Longfellow by Michele Wang Gayle's Longfellow Learn to Knit a Log Cabin Blanket by Staci Perry Checkerboard Mitts by Helen Stewart What have we finished? Sharlene's basic hat Gayle's Log Cabin blanket What are we swatching? Shalimar Yarns Breathless Cush We talk about new book: Mini Skein Knits Head in the Clouds Hat by Jess Kallberg Infinite Rainbow Cowl by Connie Santisteban Jewel Box Shawl by Carol Sulcoski Matrix Mitts by Jess Kallberg Waffle Coasters by Claire Cromwell Chevron Coffee Cozy by Claire Cromwell Simple Sidewasy Mitts by Andi Smith A Mermaid Darkly by Yelena Dasher Fix-A-Stitch tool

The Yarniacs Episode 101: When It's Cold, It's Cold Nov 13, 2015

Show notes

The beginning of November has finally brought us the beginning of sweater weather, and as we delightfully exclaim this episode "When you're cold, you're cold." No apologies for putting on sweaters as the thermometer dips below 68º this episode! In fact, we are rather gleeful to pull our old friends out of storage and welcome them back into our wardrobe rotation. (In fact, though I didn't mention it on the podcast, this editor is planning on wearing her big oversized Traveling Sweater later on this evening at an event.) And can I just add how wonderful it is to have shawls to drape around myself when I feel a chill? It's our season knitters and crocheters and if I have one piece of advise to give, it is this. Wear those knits! Don't keep them tucked away for "someday," or wait for the perfect outfit, or keep them reserved "for good." You invested time and money, so if you've made something lovely for yourself, wear it with pride. In episode 101 we return to our regular segments and catch up on what we have been wearing, stalking, knitting, and finishing. These are our comfort segments, and as we enter the busy holiday season, it is good to focus on simple things that bring us pleasure and delight. I hope this episode finds you wrapped in warmth, with hook or needles in hand, and listening to your friendly knitting podcast friends! - Sharlene What are we wearing? Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah Fettig Sharlene's Foggy Coast Cardigan Focus Dress by Meiju K-P Gayle's Focus Dress Pressed Leaves by Alana Dakos Gayle's Pressed Leaves beret What are we stalking? Check Meowt by Lauren Riker Koa by Jennifer Dassau Oats by tincanknits Gayle is stalking this unreleased sweater (group photo at bottom of post) Lady Eavan by Monika Sirna Avalyn by Vanessa Smith Amanda Perkins' blanket designs What are we knitting? Secret Garden by by Alana Dakos, search #secretgardenalong on social media Simple Mitts Charity hats Longfellow by Michele Wang Ecuador by Joji Locatelli Toe-Up Gusset Heel Socks by Wendy Johnson Gayle's knee sock What have we finished? Meditate by Elizabeth Doherty Sharlene's Meditate Simple Mitts Newsom by Bristol Ivy Amanda aka smiley50's Jamberry shop

The Yarniacs Episode 100: Knitting Centennial Oct 30, 2015

Show notes

Episode 100 is something a little different. Amongst the knitting chat, we've included some Q & A that you, our lovely listeners, submitted over the past few weeks on our Ravelry board. Thanks so much for that! We took the bait and shared a little bit about the origins of both our friendship and the podcast. While neither are at all mysterious, Gayle and I do normally stay on topic with the knitting, crochet, and crafting talk. So if this is your first time listening, be aware that in general, our regular episodes are on topic with the knitting and crafting. We hope you enjoy this unique episode and we'll have some finished projects to share next time! What are we wearing? Heverly by Julia Farwell-Clay Sharlene's Heverly Dragonfly Fibers Pixie Duchess of Devonshire by Kay Jones Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sport What are we stalking? Muffatees for a Man by Mary Bush Muffatees pattern from 1840 Moonraker by Melanie Berg Our very, very informal shawl/cowl/wrap KAL Multi-color shawls, cowls and wraps bundle Ecuador by Joji Locatelli Dragonfly Fibers Pixie Pumpkin head colorway Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer Whippet by Ankestrick Color Your Shawl by Suvi Simola Acer Shawl by Joanne Scrace What are we knitting? Newsom by Bristol Ivy The Secret Garden by Alana Dakos, search #secretgardenalong on social media Longfellow by Michele Wang Toe-Up Gusset Heel Socks by Wendy Johnson

The Yarniacs Episode 99: Knitting By the Shore Oct 16, 2015

Show notes

Gayle and I had planned to record at the seashore, with the sound of waves crashing delightfully in the background. Planned. But the noon time sun and lack of shade forced us to relocate to a less picturesque, but more conducive-to-recording-audio spot about a block off the beach underneath some eucalyptus trees. We'll try another beach-side episode when the weather is more cooperative. We both love sharing little peeks into this part of the globe that we call home. This episode we return with our regular segments, wrap up Love your Stash Q3, and marvel at the fact that this is our last episode in double digits. :) Enjoy 99! - Sharlene

What are we wearing?

Nothing hand knit! :( We have had crazy hot weather, not even our usual fog this past summer. The only knitwear that has been worn has been Gayle's Seamless Saloma slippersthat were knit by Sharlene. What are we stalking? Rhilea by Suvi Simola (designer of the 5200K sweater that we have previously knit) Risen by Melanie Berg From the collection "Texture is the NewBlack" Color Dipped Hat by Purl Soho Ravenscliffe (shawl) by Annie Hamilton The pattern Gayle couldn't remember the name of is: Inuit by Polo Sylvie What are we knitting? The Secret Garden by Alana Dakos, search #secretgardenalong on social media cowl by Elizabeth Doherty Longfellow by Michele Wang Gayle's blanket squares Duchess of Devonshire by Kay Jones Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sport What have we finished? Polaris by Hiroko Fukatsu (designer of the Hitofude Cardigan) Sharlene's Polaris Whippet by Ankestrick Holst Garn Coast yarn Sharlene's Whippet Itty Bitty Bear Cubs by Caroline Ingram Sharlene's Itty Bitty hat KitKat Hat by Andre Sue Cuba Street by Nikki Jone Gayle's Cuba Street Trickster by Elizabeth Dhoerty Gayle's Trickster hat Therapy by Laura Aylor Gayle's Therapy shawl Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner Gayle's Rose City Rollers Congrats to all of the Love Your Stash Q3 winners!

The Yarniacs Episode 98: Knitting in Color Oct 02, 2015

Show notes

It is said that first babies see movement, and soon can distinguish shades of blacks and whites, with other colors eventually becoming recognizable. As children grow, color often seems to play a role in their definition of self. "My favorite color is red," or "What's your favorite color?" are oft-heard conversation starters with the "under 10" set. Working in a yarn store, I commonly see shoppers carrying around yarns in colors that either match or complement the colors they are wearing. Some folks are surprised when I point this out. Others just smile and agree, that yes, they are always attracted to the same colors. We are surrounded by color in design, fashion, and logos. Certain colors are appetizing, while an off-color food can spoil your appetite. School and sports team colors can inspire confidence, unity, and pride. When we dress for success, we attempt to present ourselves through style and color in a favorable way. Even the daily news is filled with stories about color related to race, gangs, and identity. There's no denying that colors represent meaning, memories, and emotion; can affect commerce and how or where we spend our money; and influence our moods and feelings. If you've ever been unable to move forward on a project because you can't pick a color, or decided against purchasing some yarn because there wasn't a sweater quantity of that perfect color, then you too have witnessed the important role of color. In this episode Gayle and I scratch the surface on color talk and why we love our annual Colors of Fall Knit-a-long (KAL). There is a bit less knit talk this episode--an aberration for The Yarniacs if this is your first time listening--but we wanted to give color the time and space it deserves. We hope you will agree. We promise to be back next episode with our usual knit-filled segments. - Sharlene New Converse colors Sharlene's blues Sharlene's reds Sharlene's purples Sharlene's greys Gayle's pinks Gayle's greys Gayle's blues Gayle's blue-greens Pantone's 50 years of color Yarniacs Colors of Fall 2015 Finished Object thread What are we knitting? The Secret Garden KAL Duchess of Devonshire by Kay Jones

The Yarniacs Episode 97: Knitting on Through Fall Sep 18, 2015

Show notes

I often think that Gayle and I talk too much about the weather. Really, on a knitting podcast, who wants to hear about the California drought? But it is undeniable, the weather, the drought and other external factors affect the items we knit. September and October are often the warmest months of the year for us, with temps peaking at 100°F but dipping at night into the 40s. This past summer was so hot and winter is an unknown. Whether El Niño brings us needed precipitation, or even cold temperatures remains to be seen. But for now, the occasional foggy day or brief rain shower brings smiles to our faces. Stangers comment to each other about how wonderful it feels to have a chill and some moisture in the air. It's a common thread in all our lives.

But Gayle and I? We just keep right on knitting. We are adapting our knitting plans, our yarns, and the sweaters we stalk. The thought of not knitting? No, that doesn't enter our minds. With apologies to Elizabeth Zimmermann, we knit on with confidence and hope through all types of weather. We hope you will join us! - Sharlene What are we wearing? Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli Armande by Andi Satterlund What are we stalking? Mithral by Carol Feller Bonbon Shawlette by Fluffy Fibers Lila Light by Carrie Bostick Hoge Little Skein in the Big Wool The Secret Garden shawl sneak peak If you want to do a read-a-long, the book is available on Amazon in the Kindle edition for free. What are we knitting? Polaris by Hiroko Fukatsu Whippet by Ankestrick Coast by Holst Garn Seacoast by Joji Locatelli Rothko yarn by Abstract Fibers Therapy by Laura Aylor What have we finished? Mia by Jennifer Wood Armande by Andi Satterlund Top Down by Elizabeth Doherty Thanks to Lion Brand for the lovely blog post! Some publications we mention: Knit Edge Magazine, Issue 7 from Cooperative Press Color Wheel Knits by Veera Valimaki Knit, Wear, Love by Amy Herzog

The Yarniacs Episode 96: Tongue Tied Knitting Sep 04, 2015

Show notes

This episode takes the prize for most tongue-tied moments, restarts, retakes, and redos. I am not proud of saying that, and offer it not as an excuse, but rather a hope that you will laugh with Gayle and I as we can laugh at ourselves. As I listened to the final edit of the episode, there is a point where Gayle asks me how to describe the color of a yarn and the pause was so long that I had time to check my iPod screen to see why the audio had stopped. Alas, the audio had not stopped, it was just another tongue-tied moment, and yes, we shortened the pause so that our listeners would not think likewise. Recording and creating a podcast--literally creating something out of nothing--can sometimes be a lot of work. We've been doing it long enough now that the acts of recording and uploading aren't mysterious. But episodes like this, occasionally pop up and mystify us, and we shake our heads and laugh. It is always good to keep a little humor in the mix. But back to the knitting. I mentioned during this episode that we belong to the Amazon affiliate program. This means if you purchase an item using our affiliate link, a few pennies will come winging to our podcast. We don't ask for donations often or even remember to mention these affiliate programs, but if you are so inclined, we would appreciate either a donation or a click-through from one of our affiliate links. Now, back to your regularly scheduled podcast listening. Thanks! Yarniacs Amazon link Donate through Paypal - Sharlene What are we wearing?

Rose Gold Shawl by Elizabeth Doherty Fireflies Rising Shawlette by Helen Stewart What are we stalking? Playground Shawl by Justyna Lorkowska True by Joji Locatelli Ecuador by Joji Locatelli Seacoast by Joji Locatelli Darling Emma by Joji Locatelli Majuga by Joji Locatelli Tailwind by Clara Falkj What are we knitting? Polaris by Hiroku Fukatsu Whippet by Ankestrick Holst Garn Coast Longfellow by Michele Wang Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner Armande by Andi Satterlund What have we finished? shawl for Elizabeth Doherty Yarn label discussion Craft Yarn Council Yarn Standards Care symbols

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