The Yarniacs: A Knitting Podcast

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The Yarniacs Episode 75: Hitting a snag Nov 14, 2014

Show notes

I call this time of year "the slippery slope." Once Halloween is over, there is unabashed Christmas and winter holiday advertising in stores and in the media. Yes, I know there is some advertising before Halloween, but before Halloween they try to sneak it to us, as if really ashamed to be doing it, but just can't help themselves. Post Halloween we get the real deal snowmen and elves and wrapped packages galore. Most folks I know try to resist it for a few more weeks, but as any parent of school age kids knows, this is indeed the slippery slope to the winter holidays. Like it or not, plans need to be made, shopping for necessities becomes unbearably crowded, and everyone's life seems to be busier than usual. I always wonder who are these people filling up the grocery store and don't they shop for food the rest of the year? Despite the slippery slope, in episode 75 Gayle and I get back to basics with our regular segments and a short discussion about snags and repair in your knitted garments. If you have a good resource or a great repair technique, please share the link or info in our Ravlery group. We'd love to hear from you! - Sharlene What are we wearing? Nanook by Heidi Kirrmeier Monomania by Ann Weaver What are we stalking? Sous Sous by Norah Goughn Definitely Susan by Josee Paquin cowls by Hilary Smith Callis Skiff by Jared Flood Indie gift-a-long on Ravelry Fuego by Justyna Lorkowska What are we knitting? Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli Fickle Heart by Justyna Lowkowska Yowza Weigh It Shawl by Susan B. Anderson Monstermitts by Julia Allen Ease by Alicia Plummer What have we finished? Sharlene's test knit for Elizabeth Doherty (pattern to be released soon) Sharlene's stockinette socks Cupido Cowl by Hiroko Fukatsu Sharlene's Cupido Raveling Rose yarns Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli Monomania by Ann Weaver Gayle's Monomania Discussion on snags and repair Snags - using a tapestry needle or a dpn to "ease" snagged yarn back into place http://www.marthastewart.com/307188/how-to-fix-a-snagged-thread-in-a-sweater - knot the snag inside the sweater https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWGtvznk11s Holes (one strand broken) - weaving in new yarn in place of broken strand (duplicate stitch) Holes (multiple broken stands) - weave in several strands if enough of a foundation left to duplicate stitch - woven patch http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2010/04/07/darn-there-s-a-hole-in-my-sock.aspx - sew closed http://ladyott.com/2012/04/18/how-to-mend-holes-in-woolens/ - many help videos on YouTube Sock darning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPBSmDN3b24 (video on darning socks from Knitpicks) http://cookiea.com/news/2012/07/repairing-socks/ (blog tutorial from sock designer CookieA Your type of repair will change depending on the garment or item and the location of the repair. (For example, is the hole or damaged area located on a highly visible area of the piece?)

The Yarniacs Episode 74: Happy Halloween with a Side of PSA Oct 31, 2014

Show notes

I mention Halloween because I happen to own the quintessential Halloween advertising animal, a black cat. When we adopted Boo, we were told by the shelter staff that black cats and dogs are the least adopted color at most animal shelters. Boo was the last adopted kitten from his litter, also the only all-black kitten in the litter. Folks want cats with some color or markings we were told. Previous to our Boo adoption, I had no clue about this color bias, but some internet sleuthing revealed that it is indeed a fact. So, if you are ever in the position to adopt a shelter animal, that is one tiny fact to keep in mind. Consider it a friendly PSA (public service announcement) for black cats and dogs. :)

If you have some ideas for quick holidays gifts, please click on through to our Ravelry group and share them there. Happy knitting! What are we wearing? Raiun by Kirstin Johnstone Sharlene's Raiun Gayle's Vitamin D Liesl by Julie Weisenberger Gayle's Liesl What are we stalking? Odaki by Kirstin Johnstone French Cancan by Mademoiselle C Campside by Alicia Plummer Custom Fit by Amy Herzog Ease by Alicia Plummer Armande by Andi Satterland Monstermitts by Julia Allen Monster Cowl by Julia Allen

What are we knitting? Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli test knit for Elizabeth Doherty (link to her design page) Stockinette socks Monomania by Ann Weaver Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli Field of Wildflowers by Joji Locatelli Painted Pixels Blanket by Susan Carlson What have we finished? Pebble Beach Shawlette by Helen Stewart Sharlene's Pebble Beach simple crochet washcloths Field of Wildflowers by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Wildflowers hat Jaywalker (socks) by Grumperina Sharlene's Crazy Jaywalkers Daughter approved by Susan Ashcroft Gayle's Daughter approved Kaweah Hat by Veronica Parsons Odd Stripes (hat) by Joji Locatelli Gayle's Odd Stripes Quick(ish) Gifts -Washcloths- Oh So Soft Baby Washcloth by Theresa Grant -Hats- Barley by tincanknits Golden Pear by Melissa Thomson Kitimat by Kayla Sparkes Hermione Hearts Ron by Christy Aylesworth A Little Lonely Cable by Joji Locatelli -Mitts- Easy Fingerless Mitts by Roxanne Richardson ZigZag Fingerless Gloves by Whole Earth Education Commuter Fingerless Mittens by Stephanie Sun -Others- Rachael's ISBN Cabled Hot Water Bottle Cozy by Rachael Herron Minikins by Wooly Wormhead Tea Toters by Julie Tarsh

The Yarniacs Episode 73: A chat with Edie Eckman Oct 17, 2014

Show notes

Gayle and I were guest speakers this week at two meetings of the Santa Cruz Knitting Guild. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and were impressed with the range of knowledge and the service that the guild organizes in our community. It just affirmed our belief that knitters are wonderful folks and reminded us that kind knitters can be found everywhere. If you have the opportunity to visit a guild in your area I encourage you to give it a try. Knitting with a group is very different than knitting solitary and gives us all the opportunity to learn and to create in community as well as providing an opportunity to knit for good. :) We are now accepting registrations for the Northern California Knitting Retreat. Information can be found in our Ravelry group here, or in the retreat Ravelry group here. Registrations will be accepted until November 5, and if we receive more than we have spaces, we will hold a lottery. Because of our guild obligations, we release a prerecorded episode this week. Please welcome Edie Eckman to our podcast and community. Edie is a wonderful teacher and author and we are pleased to have had the opportunity to chat with her. Gayle and I have been sharing the crochet love recently and ever since I took a class from Edie three years ago at TNNA, I knew she would make be an informative guest for the podcast. As always, thanks so much for listening. You can join in the chat about this episode in our Ravelry group here. - Sharlene Edie's website Edie's patterns on Ravelry What are we knitting? Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli Daughter approved by Susan Ashcroft Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli Miss Babs Ephemeral bfl/silk blend (discontinued) Edie's new book is Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home, and Tree Fit Satisfaction of Crochet Apparel (pdf link) Edie's classes on Craftsy Joining Crochet Motifs Improve your Crochet Essential Techniques How to say it: Pattern writing for knitters

The Yarniacs Episode 72: KAL Wrap Up! Oct 03, 2014

Show notes

What are we wearing? Laika by Ysolda Teague Sharlene's Laika yarnosaurus' Laika one, Laika two, Laika three, Laika four, Laika five, and Laika six Hitofude Cardigan by Hiroku Fukatsu What are we stalking? Fickle Heart by Justyna Lorkowska Abuku by Olga Buraya-Kefelian Ink Ripples by Elena Fedotova Kaweah Hat by Veronica Parsons Hat Season by Joji Locatelli Axis (mitts) by Samantha Roshak What are we knitting? Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Magnolia Monomania by Ann Weaver Daughter approved (cowl) by Susan Ashcroft What have we finished? Chevron Colour-Block Blanket by Espace Tricot Sharlene's Chevron blanket Obsidian by Lisa Mutch Gayle's Obsidian #9 Hat/Cowl by Steven Berg Garter Ear Flap Hat by Purl Soho Golden Pear (hat) by Melissa Thomson Helix Striped Hat by Corrie Purdum We talk about Botanical Knits 2, from Alana Dakos. Sprig has the most projects listed on Ravelry. We saw the Bare Branches coat at Stitches West and love the hidden tree motif. The Hanging Leaves shawlette has a lovely edging that moves.

The Yarniacs Episode 71: Sharing our Big News! Sep 19, 2014

Show notes

What are we wearing? Literally Over the Top by Megan Williams Sharlene's Over the Top Lindy Chain yarn Jeweled Cowl by Sachiko Uemura Dragonfly Fibers Pixie yarn What are we stalking? Ravelry's popular blanket pattern list Watercourse by Carina Spencer Krydda by Madeleine Nilsson Diary by Ankestrick Monomania by Ann Weaver Neighborhood Fiber Company Rustic Fingering Skiff by Jared Flood Daughter Approved by Susan Ashcroft Shasta Daisy Knits yarns What are we knitting? Jaywalker by Grumperina Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli Chevron Color Block Blanket by Espace Tricot #9 Hat/Cowl by Steven Berg Hitofude Cardigan by Hiroku Fukatsu Obsidian by Lisa Mutch What have we finished? Sharlene's Scrappy Shawl #2 Literally Over the Top by Megan Williams Sharlene's Over the Top ZigZag Fingerless Gloves by Whole Earth Education I Was a Teenage Mutant by Alex Tinsley Easy Fingerless Mitts by Roxanne Richardson Annoucements Santa Cruz Knitting Guild presentation Tuesday Oct. 14, 6:30pm Thursday Oct. 16, 10am Lambtown Saturday Oct. 4 and Sunday Oct. 5 We are participating in the Northern California Knitting Retreat! We will have a Ravelry group soon with all the details. Knitting, for both Gayle and I, is far more than simply working with beautiful yarns and fibers. We both love the relationships we have built with old and new friends. This podcast has been so amazing in that respect, bringing us together with kindred spirits that we may not have otherwise met--folks from all over the country, and all over the world. I know that our small retreat will mean a disappointment to some who can't attend--I feel it myself when one of my online friends hosts an event or goes to an event that I can't attend. As we started the first few discussions when we realized we could make this retreat fantasy a reality, we just didn't know what to expect--will it be a handful of us knitting together, or a whole room full of like-minded crafters sharing ideas and yarn? I wish I could host these events all over the country and come and meet each one of you in person and thank-you for listening and participating in the Yarniacs community. Whether you can attend or no, if you have read this far into my sappy meanderings please know that you are a valued part of the Yarniacs community. Thanks so much for listening!

The Yarniacs Episode 70: Hashtag Epic Fail Sep 05, 2014

Show notes

Sometimes I overhear my kids and their friends teasing each other, using the phrase "Hashtag epic fail." If you've been around the internet, you know they mean #epicfail as used in social media like Twitter or Instagram. This week Gayle and I co-opt their phrase to share a little bit of our knitting history, and some projects that we categorize as "hashtag epic fails." Gayle and I knit a lot, and have knit a lot, and on the podcast we love to share the things we knit and why we love them. But it is important to know that yes, like all knitters, we too have produced many stinkers, duds, or epic fails. Most of the time you hear about our successes, but now, welcome to our epic fails! And keep in mind, we only had time for a few. There are many more lurking in our closets! What are we wearing? In the Moment by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's In the Moment shawl Puck by Boo Knits Gayle's Puck What are we stalking? Pink Onyx by Ayako Monier Gemini by Jane Richmond Missoni Falls Cowl by PassionKnit Monomania by Ann Weaver Monomania projects on Ravelry Diary by Ankestrick What are we knitting? Sharlene's Scrappy shawl Magnolia by Joji Locatelli Obsidian by Lisa Mutch Hitofude by Hiroko Fukatsu What have we finished? Sharlene's kitchen scrubbie Viajante by Martina Behm Measure in Love by Megan Williams ZigZag Fingerless Gloves by Whole Earth Education We draws winners for the e-books Mystic Shawls and Knits that Breathe! Sharing our epic fails here: Sharlene's Ballet Camisole Gayle's Rocky Coast Cardigan Sharlene's Ivy cardigan Gayle's Fitted Turtleneck Sharlene's February Lady Sweater 2 Gayle's sweater for her husband

The Yarniacs Episode 69: And sometimes we crochet! Aug 22, 2014

Show notes

Often Gayle and I find out we have been stalking the same pattern, project, designer, or technique. We always laugh and roll our eyes. Now we have come to expect it. This week we have both experienced numerous crochet references, so we decided to share a little bit about crochet. We both started out as crocheters and both continue to crochet. I get occasional hand/arm pain and have found that crochet uses different muscles and is therefore a good alternative that helps me reduce the chance of repetitive stress pain. We aren't experts on the subject of crochet, so many of you probably have more experience and can share some great references. If you have a comment or a reference that you can add to the conversation, please join us on Ravelry here. And yes, somehow we always end up with a gratuitous Boo photo, taken during recording. This episode he took a liking to Gayle's felted tote/cat bed. Here he is looking fierce--he was actually yawning at the time--and then cuddly. Enjoy! --Sharlene What are we wearing? February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne Floral Opulence by Rosalyn Jung What are we stalking? Dragonfly Fibers Pixie Pebble Beach Shawlette by Helen Stewart Measure In Love by Megan Williams Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli Echoes of Color by Joji Locatelli Puck by Boo Knits Mix No. 31 by Lori Versaci Endearment by Hanna What are we knitting? Literally Over the Top by Megan Williams So Scrappy shawl by Sharlene Viajante by Martina Behm Gayle's Viajante Hitofude by Hiroko Fukatsu What have we finished? Let Your Heart Unwind by Joji Locatelli Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli So Scrappy shawl by Sharlene Floral Opulence by Rosalyn Jung Gayle is taking this class on Craftsy: Edie Eckman's Joining Crochet Motifs

The Yarniacs Episode 68: Back to Reality Aug 08, 2014

Show notes

I am back from my family vacation and jumping right back into the podcast. What are we wearing? Imagine When by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Imagine When Boxy by Joji Locatelli Gayle's Boxy What are we stalking? crazy stripes tee by atelier alfa cdncarol's tee Arrowbite by Larissa Brown Puck by Boo Knits Obsidian by Lisa Mutch What are we knitting? Fingering weight leftovers shawl Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli Jaywalker socks by Grumperina Viajante by Martina Behm Hitofude by Hiroko Fukatsu ...a hint of summer by Isabel Kramer What have we finished? February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli

The Yarniacs Episode 67: Welcome Luci Jul 25, 2014

Show notes

As I was listening to this episode before we released it (yes, Gayle and I both listen before we release them!) I realized my bird is chirping and squawking in the background. The interesting fact is, I didn't even notice her chiming in when we recorded. She is just such a part of my life that I am used to having her chatting away along with us. You've heard a lot about my pets because we record at my house. But this week Gayle's family added a new member. Please join me in welcoming little Luci to the podcast family. I am sure Gayle will be sharing many Luci stories in the podcast forum on Ravelry. If you haven't joined us there, please do, especially if you are interested in chatting with like-minded folks about non-knitting topics. We try to stay on topic for the podcast--we are first and foremost a knitting podcast--but in the forums you have the chance to chat with us and other yarniacs about, well, just about anything that comes up. We are a friendly group. :) Summer knitting is in full swing, and since we talked about non-wool patterns from the book Knits That Breathe by Julie Turjomen last episode, we thought we would talk a little bit about the non-wool yarns we have recently used. We hope this will enhance your summer knitting. If you are like me and already thinking about fall knits, we look forward to seeing what you knit up for our Colors of Fall 2014 KAL. Please use hashtag #yarniacscolors2014 for your social media needs. Happy knitting! - Sharlene What are we wearing? February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne Sharlene's February Lady Sweater Sharlene's second February Lady Sweater Lion Brand Cotton Ease yarn Liesl by Julie Weisenberger What are we stalking? Whispers by Veera Valimaki Yellow Brick Road Cardi by Ela Torrente Lush by tincanknits Hitofude by Hiroko Fukatsu Let your Heart Unwind by Joji Locatelli What are we knitting? Let Your Heart Unwind by Joji Locatelli Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne Magnolia by Joji Locatelli ...a hint of summer by Isabell Kraemer What have we finished? Blanket sample in Dragonfly Fibers Traveller Gradient Set Raiun by Kirsten Johnstone Viajante by Martina Behm What are we swatching? Sparrow from Quince and Company Kestrel from Quince and Company Coronado from Toluca Knit

The Yarniacs Episode 66: The Recovery Episode Jul 11, 2014

Show notes

Thanks to those of you who have sent your well-wishes for my recovery. Things are going well and I would like to thank my podcast co-host Gayle for picking up the slack on this episode. :) I was a bit low-energy, though Gayle claims things were fine, but I definitely felt weary by the end of the recording. Boo (Sharlene's former kitten now cat pictured left) joins us during the review segment. If you listen closely you can hear him crying to me to open the door right before he jumps up to join us. For Boo fans, here is a photo of him trying to steal my attention away from my show notes. :) - Sharlene What are we wearing? Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig Sharlene's Breezy Drifting by Cecily Glowik Macdonald Gayle's Drifting What are we stalking? Tatu by Annamária Ötvös Let your Heart Unwind by Joji Locatelli Mochimochi Snowmen by Anna Hrachovec Hitofude by Hiroko Fukatsu What are we knitting? Viajente by Martina Behm Blanket knit in Dragonfly Fibers Traveler Raiun by Kirstin Johnstone ... a hint of summer by Isabell Kraemer Magnolia by Joji Locatelli Color Craving by Stephen West Drifting by Cecily Glowik MacDonald What have we finished? Modicum Mitts by Rachel Rodin Gayle's Modicum Mitts Minikins by Wooly Wormhead Oh So Soft Baby Washcloths by Theresa Grant Baby Vertebrae by Kelly Brooker Gayle's Vertebrae I was a Teenage Mutant by Alex Tinsley Gayle Mutant hat Books we discuss: Knits That Breathe by Julie Turjoman Mystic Shawls by Anna Dalvi

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