Thursday, April 30, 2015

Episode 87 - Knitting retreat

The Northern California Knitting Retreat--which Gayle and I have been working on behind the scenes for the past year--was a retreat in the true sense of the word. We got away from our normal day-to-day lives, spent time doing enjoyable activities such as knitting and visiting with friends, we laughed and relaxed. It was a first retreat experience for both of us and we enjoyed our little weekend knitting getaway. One of our favorite things at all knitting events, is seeing everyone's sweaters and knitting projects, and adding a few to our own queues. This weekend proved no different, and we came home wanting to match up yarns and patterns and cast-on something new. Now we are both struggling with some of our projects that have been on the needles and want to cast on those new shiny projects that have captured our attention! I am sure you, dear knitters, can relate to that new project longing!

We continue our stash chat--and in the spirit of "changing the culture of stash" share a little bit about what makes a particular yarn stash-worthy. As we curate our stashes it helps to give some thought to what sorts of yarns our stash needs, and what type of yarns we utilize most in order to add yarns that will find purpose and bring us happiness. If you haven't already, please feel free to join our stash chat in our Ravelry group, and share your goals and stash adventures.
- Sharlene

What are we wearing?
Chance of Showers by Heidi Kirrmaier
Floral Opulence by Rosalyn Jung
Norie by Gudrun Johnston

What are we stalking?
Dark Pearl by Carol Feller
Paulie by Isabell Kraemer
Gayle is stalking sport weight knee-high socks

What are we kniting?
Mia tank by Jennifer Wood
Woodfords by Elizabeth Doherty
tosh merino light in rainwater
Vinyarnsa by Shelley Brander
Learn to Knit a Log Cabin Blanket by Staci Perry
Laoghaire's Mischief by Laura Ballard
Literally Over the Top by Megan Williams
Sharlene's Literally Over the Top

What have we finished?
Sharlene's bath scrubbie

Special thanks to some of our #NoCKRs prize donors!
Bag donors included:
Front Range Bags
The Silver Shed USA
Buffy Ann Designs
Kicks and Giggles

Designer donors included:
Joji Locatelli
Megan Williams
Monika Sirna
Alana Dakos

Elizabeth Doherty
Julia Trice
AnneLena Mattison

Veera Valimaki
Justyna Lorkowska
Jennifer Weissman
Brenda Castiel

Yelena Dasher
Jenn Emerson
Helen Stewart



Episode 87 audio

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Friday, April 17, 2015

Episode 86 - Finished knits for the win!

Several lingering projects cross the finish line in this episode and I couldn't be happier! With my eye on the thermometer and the extreme drought, lighter, summery knits are on my mind and hopefully soon on the needles. I've cast on a cotton tank that I will take with me to the Northern California Knitting Retreat this weekend, but I've got a few other things on the needles as well. Like most knitters, a weekend away is viewed as a knitting opportunity and I have three (count 'em--three!) projects on the needles and in the travel plans. Gayle has chosen a cowl to work on, and like my tank, both of us are thinking of simple knits while chatting away with friends. Also finished this episode, are the Q1 stash goals. Did you complete your quarterly goals? Many folks did and are consequently moving towards a happier, more manageable stash. Would you like to join in on Q2? Check out our Ravelry group and the Q2 goals thread. Moving towards a stash we love and can live with is always a winning goal!
- Sharlene

 What are we wearing?
Heaven and Space by Martina Behm
Zephyr Cove by Rosemary Hill
We talk about shawl hangers. Gayle's version is from The Container Store, link here
Sharlene has a version from IKEA, link here.

What are we stalking?
Naima by Ankestrick
Rachel by Josee Paquin
Sunray Shawl by dunkelgrun
Scrappy Hearts Hat by Sonja Otto
Swingback Hoodie by Amy Gunderson
Aurelia Cowl by Hilary Smith Callis
Focus Dress by Meiju K-P

What are we knitting?
Bath scrubbie
No Fear Socks
Sharlene's socks
Mia by Jennifer Wood
Literally Over the Top by Megan Williams
Laoghaire's Mischief by Laura Ballard
Vinyarnsa by Shelley Brander

What have we finished?
Chance of Showers by Heidi Kirrmaier
Sharlene's Chance of Showers
Gather Together by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Gather Together
the yarn is called Gilliat from De Rerum Natura
Knitter Knocker - Crochet by Terry Neal
Sharlene's Knocker
Heaven and Space by Martina Behm
Sharlene's Heaven and Space
Tenacity from Invictus Yarns
Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku
Gayle's socks
Be Loving by Melissa Simpson
Gayle's Be Loving hat

We announce the "Love your stash Q1" prizes! :)



Episode 86 audio

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Episode 85: Stash goals, Q1

This week Gayle and I recorded in a different location and there might be a few spots in the recording where you can hear the whirr of the local surfboard business. Just a little local flavor as you can't go very far in Santa Cruz without passing a surf shop, or a taqueria, or a yoga studio. Sometimes all three in our casual beach town. :)

We discuss the first quarter (Q1) of our #loveyourstash movement. We met our goals and (surprisingly?) stayed with it. For me at least, who dislikes anything that smacks of obligation knitting. Fortunately, my goals didn't involve knitting or finishing of any specific project so perhaps that helped make it workable. Congrats to all of you who are moving towards a stash you can live with and love.

Our second quarter (Q2) threads are open and you can post a goal in the "goals" thread, and chat about all things stash in the "chat" thread. Remember, to #loveyourstash means different things to different folks. For some it means owning less yarn, while for others it means having a plan for your yarn. However you choose to stash, moving towards a well-curated stash that fits your storage, budget, and knitting style is a workable goal with the support of friends. Remember to use the hashtags #yarniacs and #loveyourstash for your social media needs so that we can all find what you are doing and support each other towards loving the stash!

- Sharlene


What are we wearing?
Laika by Ysolda Teague
Sharlene's Laika 
Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis
Gayle's Starshower

What are we stalking?
Nesoi Tee by Miriam Felton
Linum Tee by Bristol Ivy
Fogliame by Heather Zoppetti
Anzula Milky Way yarn
Golden Morning pattern collection
Brandilyn Top by Quenna Lee
Kayden Tank by Quenna Lee

What are we knitting?
Gather Together by Joji Locatelli
Chance of Showers by Heidi Kirrmaier
Sharlene's Chance of Showers
Heaven and Space by Martina Behm
Sharlene's Heaven and Space 
Learn to Knit a Log Cabin Blanket by Staci Perry
Crazy Stripes Tee by atelier alfa

What have we finished?
I Was a Teenage Mutant by Alex Tinsley
Sharlene's Mutant hat 
Gather Together by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Advent Calendar 2015


Episode 85 audio

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Update: Northern California Knitting Retreat

The retreat is now less than a month away! As all attendees are on Ravelry, all updates, schedules, and announcements are posted in our group there. If you have any questions, comments, trying to arrange a carpool or transportation issues, please ask. We are friendly group and want to help. :)