The Yarniacs: A Knitting Podcast

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The Yarniacs Episode 55: Imperial Stock Ranch Feb 07, 2014

Show notes

It is no secret that both Gayle and I are fans of Imperial Stock Ranch yarns. I love the fact that in a global wool economy, the yarn I purchase from Imperial is comparatively "local." I love the fact that the ranch is a family-owned business. I love that I can talk to the person who raises the sheep, knows the history of all the buildings on the ranch, pays the bills, and selects new colors for the yarn lines. Imperial Stock Ranch is that kind of a place. Olympic sweater, back, Imperial Yarns Erin base. Gayle and I were lucky enough to catch Jeanne Carver the day before the opening ceremonies of the XXII Olympic Winter Games. It was the day before the US Olympic Team would attend the opening ceremony wearing the Ralph Lauren-designed sweaters made from Imperial Yarns--5.6 million yards of their Erin base to be exact, some 6250 pounds of wool. The story of how their yarns went from sheep to Olympic sweater is worth watching. View it here, as told by Ralph Lauren. If you visit the Imperial Stock Ranch website, you will see there are three areas to the ranch, producing meat, textiles, and yarns. Other stories about the ranch and the wool: Oregon wool in Olympic Sweaters, from The Bulletin Imperial Ranch entering apparel field, from The Oregonian This eleven-minute video gives the best overview of the whole ranch operation, as told by the Oregon Field Guide. Olympic sweater, front, Imperial Yarns Erin base. To see the sweaters worn by the Olympians, view this article here, as told by Today. Our short hour with Jeanne didn't allow us to talk about all the history of the ranch, but you can find out more here, as told by Jeanne to the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education organization. You want cute lambs? Find them here, and find out what happens when ewes give birth to triplets. This is a nice photo essay on the day the Imperial Collection was photographed, from The Oregonian. There is also a short video that was put together by the local NBC affiliate about the ranch, the yarn, and the Erin wool that was chosen for the Olympic sweater. It can be viewed here. At the beginning of our chat, Jeanne mentioned she could see snow outside and how the land needed the moisture. A ranch--like any living being--needs certain things to survive and flourish. The welcome moisture in the dry climate is just one of many needs. The ranch's current caretakers Jeanne and Dan Carver are giving back to the land in many ways, and Imperial Ranch willingly gives in return. As fiber artists, we have the opportunity to pick and choose the tools of our creation. I know that I will be using Imperial Yarns in the future. I too want to be part of the Imperial Stock Ranch story. - Sharlene

The Yarniacs Episode 54: Button, Button, Who's Got the Button? Jan 24, 2014

Show notes

In our second episode of January, we remember and recognize that it is our second anniversary of producing this podcast. As we enter year 3 of podcasting, we have one small request. Would you give us an iTunes rating? You can do this in two ways, either by clicking to give us a "star" rating, or by writing a review. We hate to ask, really we do, but it would be nice to see our podcast appear in some of the lists and recommendations. If you feel so inclined, we would appreciate it. Gayle and I end the podcast this week with a fun discussion about buttons and how to use buttons to enhance our garments as knitters and crocheters. It is fun and hopefully will inspire you to search for the perfect button for your fiber creations. What are we wearing? Bianca's Jacket by Michelle Rose Orne Sharlene's jacket Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Gayle's poncho What are we stalking? Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder Owlie Socks by Julie Elswick Suchomel Nightfall by Cecily Glowik MacDonald Barley hat by tincanknits Braid Hills by Kate Davies Lipstick by Joji Locatelli What are we knitting? Hitofude Cardigan by Hiroku Fukatsu Seamless Salomas Slippers by Megan Williams Learn to Knit a Log Cabin Blanket by Staci Perry Summer Festival by Georgie Hallam Brickless by Martina Behm What have we finished? Hogwarts Express by Susan Ashcroft Sharlene's Hogwarts Sharlene hat for Halos of Hope Solstice Cardigan by Cecily Glowik MacDonald Gayle's Solstice Tidal Sands by Anne Hanson Gayle's Tidal Sands

We have a brief chat about buttons, our button choices, and how we personally choose buttons. We mention a few things to be aware of when button shopping. We hope you have something to add to the button discussion. Join us over on Ravelry! The buttons pictured here are from my mom's button jar and particular favorites with which I loved to play as a child. I have memories of sorting by color, counting, and making up games with buttons. I had favorite buttons that I would search for again and again. The button jar was a favorite amusement of mine. - Sharlene

The Yarniacs Episode 53: Happy 2014! Jan 11, 2014

Show notes

The new year is upon us and we are so happy to be back with a regular episode for you. The start of the new year has been busy, but as always, we come back to the knitting. There are lots of new patterns to see, events to anticipate, projects to finish and plan. We wish you all a wonderful 2014. What are we wearing? Ease by Alicia Plummer Audrey in Unst by Gudrun Johnston What are we stalking? Elizabeth Zimmermann Coat SPP #51 from Schoolhouse Press Carrie by Josee Paquin Red Robin Shawl by Helen Stewart Secrecy by Hanna Maciejewska What we we knitting? Sharlene's hats for Halos of Hope Hitofude Cardigan by Hiroko Fukatsu Western Sky Knits Single ply fingering Merino Tidal Sands cowl by Anne Hanson Sunna from Spirit Trail Fiberworks Learn To Knit a Log Cabin Blanket by Staci Perry Summer Festival by Georgie Hallam Brickless shawl by Martina Behm Yowza - Whatta Skein! from Miss Babs What have we finished? 10 pairs of Seamless Salomas Slippers Sharlene's slippers Ease by Alicia Plummer Sharlene's Ease Beans the Cat Knitting Pattern by Linda Dawkins Gayle's cat Opie by Erica Jackofsky Gayle's Opie Gayle's Stripey Mitts Audrey in Unst by Gudrun Johnston Gayle's Audrey in Unst Hogwart's Express by Susan Ashcroft Estee Necklace and Earings by Kristin Omdahl What are we swatching? Western Sky Knits Rodeo BFL Aran

The Yarniacs Episode 52: Brooke Sinnes from Sincere Sheep! Dec 27, 2013

Show notes

In this episode we welcome Brooke Sinnes, Fiber Artist & Proprietor of Sincere Sheep. Sincere Sheep specializes in "naturally beautiful yarns & fibers" including breed specific yarns and yarns that are farm specific. You can read about Brooke and Sincere Sheep here, and find her shop here. Brooke has an incredible amount of knowledge to share with us in the episode. I hope it is helpful and interesting. I've listened a couple of times and I still don't think I caught everything. This was recorded a couple of weeks ago, so if our projects seem a little out of order, that is why. You can hear Brooke's little cockatiel in the background in a few places. The little guy wanted to join our chat. We recorded a brief update to the current KAL which was recorded in a bustling yarn shop. Happy ambient knitting noise can be enjoyed in the background. As always, bring any questions you have to our group on Ravelry and join in the discussion. Enjoy and Happy New Year to all! What are we knitting? Welcome to the Flock by Julia Farwell-Clay Aislinn by Amy Herzog Alewives Cowl by Elizabeth Doherty Hogwart's Express by Susan Ashcroft Shasta Daisy Knits yarns Alpenglow yarns What are we stalking? Brooke is always stalking new sources for her yarns. Sharlene is stalking the slipper category on Ravelry. Gayle is stalking the hat category on Ravelry. The Sincere Sheep Ravelry group can be found here.

The Yarniacs Episode 51: Very merry & low key Dec 13, 2013

Show notes

I am recovering from a cold both as I write this, and on the day we recorded. Thus, it was a very merry low-key episode for me. I mentioned to Gayle that I felt she had to carry the episode and that I had several long pauses while my brain s-l-o-w-l-y cranked into gear. She thought not at all. So there you have it. :) I do know that we had to pause while recording several times. I had to check on various animals throughout the house and Boo (the cat) makes a jingly appearance that you will hear while we stalk patterns. At one point there is a banging coming from another room. While recording I didn't know what was going on, but post-recording I found Boo was opening some drawers in the bathroom, making mischief! We hope you enjoy! - Sharlene What are we wearing? Walpole by Hannah Fettig Sharlene's Walpole Aniron by Luise O'Neill Gayle's Aniron What are we stalking? Miranda by Josée Paquin Lempster by Norah Gaughan Dylan's Beanie by Wooly Wornhead Beans the Cat by Linda Dawkins Estee Becklace and Earrings by Kristin Omdahl What are we knitting? Seamless Saloma Slippers by Megan Williams Ease by Alicia Plummer Thrummed Booties by Katie Startzman (pattern from The Knitted Slipper Book we reviewed in episode 48) Audrey in Unst by Gudron Johnston Hogwart's Express by Susan Ashcroft What have we finished? Halo hat 14 Alewives Cowl by Elizabeth Doherty Sharlene's Alewives Cowl Seamless Salomas Slippers by Megan Williams Slippers 1, 2, 3, and 4 What are we swatching? Sincere Sheep Equity Sport Other mentions: Nuzzle cowl by Kelly Brooker Armonika cowl by Rustat Design

The Yarniacs Episode 50: The Holidays Are Coming Nov 29, 2013

Show notes

Oh, the holidays, they are a-coming! Here in the US, this week is busy. We are getting ready for our Thanksgiving holiday, there are school holidays to work around, and the general business of planning, family, and work. Gayle and I have been busy with all of the above and more. As I write this on Thanksgiving afternoon, Gayle and I have already chatted about how we are grateful and thankful for all of you, our wonderful friends, who have supported us and listened to us, and inspire us to keep knitting and keep recording. We really do appreciate you. :) This week we record our regular segments, with the addition of our newest segment "What are we swatching?" We pay homage to past podcast guests Clara Parkes and Deb Robson, and in our own way attempt to learn more about new breeds and new-to-us yarns and share what we have learned. For some of you, this may be review, and if you have more to add to the discussion, please join us over in our Ravelry group. We welcome your views and discussion. - Sharlene What are we wearing? 5200K by Suvi Simola Sharlene's 5200K Alewives Cowl by Elizabeth Doherty Gayle's Alewives Cowl What are we stalking? Ravelry's "Hot Right Now" list Solstice Cardigan by Cecily Glowik MacDonald Ravelry's popular cowls list Shasta Daisy Knits etsy shop What are we knitting? Ease by Alicia Plummer Alewives Cowl by Elizabeth Doherty Another hat Audrey in Unst by Gudrun Johnston Adiri Cowl by Julia Trice What have we finished? Barley hat by tincanknits Sharlene's Barley Renfrew hat by Jane Richmond Sharlene's latest Renfrew Sharlene's Halo hat (no pattern) Autumn in Garrison by Kate Gagnon Osborn Gayle's Autumn Beaverslide Dry Goods Ritzi by Katya Frankel What are we swatching? Elsawool Sharlene's swatch: Woolen-Spun Sport Weight Cormo Elsawool's woolen spun yarns Review links Head to Toe kids' knit accessories by Katya Frankel Ravelry link for Head to Toe This book is great in a couple of ways for this holiday season--the book itself is a great gift for a knitter, and the accessories featured will make great gifts as well.

The Yarniacs Episode 49: Time to knit some good! Nov 17, 2013

Show notes

I woke up this morning feeling fine, but by the time we recorded, I could feel a sore throat coming on. As I write this, I am hoping, hoping, hoping, that it doesn't get any worse and doesn't turn into a full blown cold. Or worse. Keep fingers and toes crossed for me. As we gear up for the coming holiday season we introduce a holiday KAL with a short simple theme. Knit some good. Or crochet some good. Make something to donate. A hat, a scarf, a cowl, something else wonderful? There are many ways and many local charities that can benefit from hand-crafted items this time of year. Shelters may distribute items to people who need them, consider donating to an auction or charity store where the proceeds will go towards "good." You know the drill. If you can't find a local need, there are many national groups that will accept donations. We'll have some chat in our Ravelry group if you need more ideas. If extra knitting doesn't fit into your busy schedule, consider purchasing patterns that send proceeds to a charity. Gayle and I recently heard Cat Bordhi speak about her latest project The Art of Felfs: Felted Footwear for Families. The proceeds from this e-book are going directly to the cancer research lab of Dr. David Krag at the University of Vermont Medical School. We will start a thread for the short KAL in our Ravelry group and hope you will join in to Knit or Crochet some good! Happy knitting everyone. - Sharlene What are we wearing? Fuse by Veronik Avery Sharlene's Fuse Lipstick by Joji Locatelli Gayle's Lipstick Ondulation by Becky Herrick Gayle's Ondulation What are we stalking? Hitofude Cardigan by Hiroko Fukatsu Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli Deep Breath Sweater by Kirstin Hipsky What are we knitting? Ease by Alicia Plummer Barley hat by tincanknits Imagine When by Joji Locatelli Ritzy by Katya Frankel What have we finished? 5200K by Suvi Simola Sharlene's 5200K Barry hat by Lee Meredith Sharlene's Barry Note: When I talk about knitting this hat, I mention that there is one seam to "knit" when you finish the hat. Of course, I meant one seam to "sew together." Oops! Renfrew by Jane Richmond Sharlene's second Renfrew 22 Little Clouds by Martina Behm Sharlene's Little Clouds Thrummed Booties by Katie Startzman Gayle's Booties Gnome is where the ♥ is by Susan Claudino Gayle's Gnome Knotted Pine by Alicia Plummer We review two books from Cooperative Press: Hitch: Patterns Inspired by the Films of Alfred Hitchcock Cascadia Both books contain patterns that would make wonderful gift items and both books themselves make wonderful gift items for a lucky knitter on your list. We review two yarns from The Knitting Boutique: Severn and Susquehanna Both of these yarns would make wonderful gift items. We review a new knitting row counter from Grellow & Gray Inc. called the Sirka Counter. If you are a knitter who likes gadgets and tools, are a knitter who counts rows and pattern repeats or you know a knitter who fits either of these categories this is fun new gift item.

The Yarniacs Episode 48: The New Normal Nov 01, 2013

Show notes

Gayle and I were SO happy to be recording a "regular" episode. We were grinning from ear to ear. It bears repeating that we love knitting, making things, and sharing our yarnie adventures with you! We have received a number of items for review, and unfortunately because of the interviews and our pre-recorded episodes, we've fallen a bit behind. So, we'll share some reviews with you about a couple of items this episode. We are nearing the holiday gift season and it only makes sense to share as many new items with you as possible. Whether you are a gift-giver or not, there may be items or books that will fill a special need during the fall and winter seasons. Thanks so much to everyone for your wonderful comments on our wool series. It is continuing education, and as Gayle and I learn and encounter new things, we will share our adventures with you. In homage to our podcast guests Deb Robson and Clara Parkes, we will be occasionally adding a new segment to our repertoire. In "What are we swatching?" we will share a new yarn or wool that has caught our attention. We will start that soon. We may have one more guest to add to the series, and hope to finalize that this week. In the meantime if you have wooly questions or observations, please visit the thread on Ravelry and join the discussion. - Sharlene What are we wearing? Boxy by Joji Locatelli Aniron by Luise O'Neill What are we stalking? 22 Little Clouds by Martina Behm Hogwart's Express by Susan Ashcroft Ease by Alicia Plummer Bring Me Flowers by Mia Rinde Hitofude Cardigan by Hiroko Fukatsu 50 Yards of Fun: Knitting Toys from Scrap Yarn What are we knitting? 5200K by Suvi Simola Lipstick by Joji Locatelli Ondulation by Becky Herrick Gayle's legwarmers What have we finished? Askew by Lisa Mutch Sharlene's Askew Afternoon Tea by Helen Stewart Sharlene's Green Tea Imagine When by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Imagine Grace by Jane Richmond Sharlene's Grace Nanook by Heidi Kirrmaier Honey Cowl from madelinetosh Renfrew by Jane Richmond Boxy by Joji Locatelli Aniron by Luise O'Neill Kirk Ave Tam by Elinor Hickey Reviews Knit Notes Journal The Knitted Slipper Book: Slippers and House Shoes for the Entire Family Video preview for The Knitted Slipper Book A Good Yarn Sarasota's custom madelinetosh color: Midnight Pass

The Yarniacs Episode 47: Clara Parkes Oct 18, 2013

Show notes

Photo credit: Knitter's Review In this episode we chat with Clara Parkes, who shares a little bit about the Knitter's Review, her books, and her Great White Bale project. There was a lot of info to fit into our usual time, Clara is an amazing source of wooly information. I am sure we didn't touch on everything everyone is interested in and some of our discussion may leave you with more questions. If so, join into the discussion on our Ravelry group. Maybe someone else can help or point you towards more resources! Thank-you for listening and we hope you enjoy the chat! -Sharlene Clara's Knitter's Review website The Knitter's Book of Yarn The Knitter's Book of Wool The Knitter's Book of Socks The Yarn Whisperer What are we knitting? Wintry Mix by Amy Herzog Sea Anemone kitchen scrubbie Hogwarts Express by Susan Ashcroft What are we stalking? Lipstick by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Lipstick Nanook by Heidi Kirrmaier Window to My Soul by Joji Locatelli Pumpkin Ale by Ysolda Teague Clara's swatching process The Great White Bale Catskill Merino Sheep Farm

The Yarniacs Episode 46: We Are a Bit Early Oct 01, 2013

Show notes

We are a few days early with Episode 46. Gayle will be traveling for the next week and a half and the easiest thing to do was record and get the episode out there. Because we had recorded the interview with Deb Robson early, we both felt a need to chat about our current knits before another episode flew by. So we play a bit of the catch-up game, sharing what we have been knitting and stalking, and hope to be knitting and stalking. We must have been out of form, because post recording we both realized we left a couple items out. More knits for a future episode then. :) Gayle will be traveling and our next episode will feature Clara Parkes and more about wool. We are having lots of discussion in our Ravelry group. Please feel welcome to come on over and join us! - Sharlene What are we wearing? Transverse Cardigan by Ann Weaver Sharlene's Transverse Marion by Andi Satterlund Gayle's Marion What are we stalking? Nymphalidea by Melinda Vermeer Cat's Mane by Mer Almagro Lipstick by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Lipstick Charlotte Capelet by Usch Engelmann What are we knitting? Imagine When by Joji Locatelli Meadow yarn by The Fibre Company Nanook by Heidi Kirrmaier Boxy by Joji Locatelli Aniron by Luise O'Neill Hogwarts Express by Susan Ashcroft What have we finished? Lipstick by Joji Locatelli Sharlene's Lipstick Antarktis by Kalio Knits Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns Gayle's Poncho Deb Robson's Shetland project links: Dreaming of Shetland Dreaming of Shetland's Ravelry link

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