We are ready to tell you about the third installment of the Knitters Book Club! Beginning in November and lasting through March 2019, we will read The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair. This book details the “unforgettable, unknown history of colors and the vivid stories behind them”.
The Julgran Knit Along
We are hosting a holiday sweater knit along from now until January 1st, 2019! The pattern is the Julgran by Andi Satterland, perfect knitting for this time of year!
and, How to Have Fun Over Rhinebeck Weekend When You are not Actually in Rhinebeck!
Thank you, HockeyRachel, for sharing your numerous projects with us!
Google Hang Out Recap
Thank you to Jackie and Heather for participating in our last Google Hang Out!
Julgran Knitalong
We are doing our first ever sweater KAL right no! The Julgran is a worsted weight pullover designed by Andi Satterlund. This design features a large pine tree, achieved by increasing, decreasing and cables, that can be either left plain or decorated to look like a Christmas tree. This KAL will run until January 1st, 2019. Yes, there will be prizes! See our Ravelry thread for more information!
Tara is having some difficulty with the Tecumseh. She needs to rip out some of the fair isle and use a larger needle for the colorwork to avoid puckering.
Today’s WIPs were shared by MarySK on Ravelry. Thank you for contributing, Mary!
Book Club Wrap Up
This summer, we read In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware for our Knitters Book Club.
Our Google Hang Out will take place August 24th at 8 PM. Please see our Ravelry Group for more information.
The Julgran KAL
We are hosting our first ever sweater knit along! We chose the Julgran sweater, by Andi Satterlund. This knit along began in July and will end January 1st, 2009, giving you plenty of time to make the ultimate holiday sweater.
The Julgran sweater is available on Ravelry and Andi Satterlund has provided the following 15% discount code until August 27th at 11:59 PST: MIKJULGRANKAL
Neither Tara or Ashley have started their sweaters but have acquired yarn. Please join us!
Tara’s yarn choice for the Julgran!
Hot Off the Needles
Tara finished the V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli and used Plucky Feet in the colorway Barn Door (red).
Tara also finished the Poca sweater by Laura Nelkin. She used Jill Draper Makes Stuff Kingston in the colorway Gage Street.
Tara unraveled the Wagenfeld sweater by Ankestrick because the colors were too bright! She made her husband help unwind it–and because there was so much knitting completed, it took a long time!
Ashley enjoyed the Children’s Neck Down Bolero so much that she kept knitting and knitting and did not realize she was making mistakes!
Healthy Living with Ashley and Tara
Ashley has run a few road races throughout the year. She recently finished the Boordy Vineyards 5 K! She is also training for the Charles Street 12.
Great job, Ashley!
Tara has been working out and loosely following Weight Watchers. She has lost over 14 pounds!
Sew, I have Another Lover!
Ashley is leading a Sew Along for the Scout Tee at Domesticity, a fabric shop where she works! You can follow along on Instagram by following Ashley.
Ashley has also sewed a few pencil pouches that will be the September Sew Along. This is a free pattern by Sharon Holland.
Thank you, FunkyChic309, for sharing that you always have three projects on the needles!
General Announcements
1.) Giveaway Prize Winners!
Congratulations to MimisKnit on Ravelry who won the gorgeous three skein set from Anne of Woolyhues! We cannot wait to see what you create with the yarn, Heather!
Congratulations to “TheThingsIHaveMade” on Instagram who won the “Splendid Soles” book donated by Lori Wagner. We loved seeing your photos, Hannah!
2.) The Knitters Book Club!
We are pleased to announce a second installment of the Knitter’s Book Club. Starting now through mid-August, join us in reading the thrilling page turner, “In a Dark, Dark Wood” by Ruth Ware. On Friday evening, August 17th, we will host a Google Hang Out to discuss the book and share whatever crafty project we are working on. Please note, this book is not knitting related and does not include any particular knitting project.
The Julgran Knit Along
Julgran means Christmas Tree in Swedish and because many people enjoy a good Christmas-in-July project, we thought the Julgran Sweater would be a perfect choice for a knit along!
Julgran is a top-down vintage inspired pullover designed by Andi Satterland that features a large Christmas tree on the front-center that can be decorated with beads or left plain.
Notes about the pattern:
The Christmas tree is charted only.
Worsted weight yarn with a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over four inches
Designer used Quince and Company Lark.
Size US 6 and 8 needles, with larger needle for gauge.
Pattern is available on Ravelry for $6.75 US Dollars.
Pattern allows for personalization!
The Julgran Knit Along begins now (July) and will end January 1st, 2019! That means you have six months to knit this sweater! We are hoping this long and flexible time frame will encourage you to join us because this sweater will be super cute come holiday season! Plus, there will be prizes! Please see our Ravelry group for more information!
RAVELRY DISCOUNT CODE FOR JULGRAN SWEATER: MIKJULGRANKAL
Ashley finished the Serape by Megi Burcl, available for download on Interweave. Ashley used Shibui Stocatto. Instead of fringe, Ashley crocheted loops along the edge.
Thank you to TioTweety for sharing her WIPs (works-in-progress) with us.
Listeners, how many projects are on YOUR needles? Please answer this question in our Ravelry thread for a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode!
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)
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.
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.
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.
Local yarn shops create knitting community and provide educational resources. Even if you already have more yarn than you can possibly knit in a lifetime, you can support your LYS by taking classes and participating in knit alongs! Plus, purchase your needles and notions from your LYS. Every little bit helps.
Recently, Tara destashed some of her yarn, including a few sweater quantities. She gifted some yarn to friends and plans to donate the rest. She also frogged a few projects that she lost interest in.
Hot Off the Needles
Ashley finished the Confluence Shawlette by Sivia Harding. She used Fibre Company Meadow and Toho Beads.
Ashley also finished the April Square of the River Knits Afghan, which included colorwork and steeking. Ashley loved the experience! She used videos by Mary Jane Mucklestone and Kate Davies to guide her through the steps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Tara and Ashley interviewed Brooke Addams, the owner of Fully Spun Yarn. Fully Spun is a unique mill-spun yarn that looks similar to handspun. Brooke dyes wool roving in small batches and sends it to a mill to be spun. The result is a colorful, “fractal” effect.
During the interview, Brooke shares her love of knitting and how she began dyeing her own yarn. Brooke explains her fundraising efforts for Hurricane Harvey relief by knitting a sweater in 24 hours while live streaming on You Tube! She also reveals a few knitting and sewing misadventures!
(mis)adventures in knitting 