Friday, November 28, 2014

Episode 76 - Happy Thanksgiving

Thankgiving is upon us, the "official" start of the holiday season. For some, this means a lengthened "to do" list--more responsibilities, more tasks, more shopping, more events, and more stress. Some of us add gift-knitting or crafting to the list as well. Whether you are one of those knitters or not, remember to take the time to enjoy this season, to smile and laugh, and to make your knitting and crafting time a place of contentment and relaxation. Happy knitting!

What are we wearing?
Headlands test knit
Gayle's Idlewood
Idlewood by Cecily Glowik MacDonald

What are we stalking?
Woodfords by Elizabeth Doherty
Warm Wishes Hottie Cover by Helen Stewart
Willow Creek by Justyna Lorkowska
Ellery by Jenn Emerson

What are we knitting?
Simple socks
swatching with Neighborhood Fiber Company studio worsted
Skiff (hat) by Jared Flood
Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura (yarn)
Ease by Alicia Plummer
Snowball Buddies by Susan Claudino

What have we finished?
Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Magnolia
Fuego Hat by Justyna Lowkowska
Mochimochi Snowmen by Anna Hrachovec
Monstermitts by Julia Allen
Gayle's mitts
Crochet Penguin Hat by Sarah Zimmerman
Gayle's Penguin hat

Pattern giveaway!
In the spirit of the season, we are giving away a few electronic versions of patterns that have been donated by some wonderful designers. First, we have the  Knitvent 2014 series from Helen Stewart. You can enter to win in our Ravelry group here. If you would like to purchase the series now, Helen has generously offered a coupon code for Yarniacs listeners. Use code: yarniacs25 for a discount through the end of November.

Brenda Castiel has generously offered your choice of her self-published patterns, as well as discount code: PODCAST for 25% off of her self-published patterns through December 31, 2014.

We also have the Aila Grace shawl from  Jennifer Lasonde, and the Lady Lallybrock mitts from Laura Ballard.  May the odds be ever in your favor! :)

Episode 76 audio

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Friday, November 14, 2014

Episode 75 - Hitting a snag

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
- knot the snag inside the sweater
 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
- sew closed
http://ladyott.com/2012/04/18/how-to-mend-holes-in-woolens/
- many help videos on YouTube

Sock darning
(video on darning socks from Knitpicks)
(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?)

Episode 75 audio

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