Friday, May 31, 2013

Episode 37 - Karida Collins of Neighborhood Fiber Co.

This episode, we welcome Karida Collins, owner and dyer/artist of Neighborhood Fiber Co. Karida joins us for our regular segments and more discussion about hand-dyed yarns, how to work with them, and how to manage our own expectations as consumers of hand-dyed yarns. Karida is on the east coast, and we are on the west, so we recorded via Skype. There are a few areas where the audio cuts out a bit due to internet connectivity issues, but for the most part, it came out pretty clear. We really enjoyed chatting with Karida and we hope you will too.

What are we knitting?
Kelp Forest by Yumico Alexander
Neon by Joji Locatelli
Pendulum by Amy Miller
Colors of Kauai by Hanna Maciejewska

What are we stalking?
Moonrise Shawl by Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Neighborhood Fiber Co. colors
Traffic Furniture by Ann Weaver
Ivy Trellis Hat by Alana Dakos
Pillsbury by Erin Birnel
Weather the Weather by Megan Williams

Also mentioned:
Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef
Cephalapod Yarns
Dragonfly Fibers

Friday, May 17, 2013

Episode 36 - Kim Voldseth of Western Sky Knits

Today we welcome a special guest to our podcast, Kim Voldseth. Kim, along with Heather Cabanas, together market their yarn as Western Sky Knits. If you've listened to the podcast since Stitches West 2012, you may remember that is when we first met Kim and Heather and their brightly dyed skeins. We've become fans and hope you will enjoy our chat.

What are we stalking?
Nested by AliciaPlum
Toujours by Joji Locatelli
Julissa by Vanessa Smith
Cape Cod by Baby Cocktails
Afterlight by Amy Herzog
Askew by Lisa Mutch

What are we knitting?
Balmy by Alicia Plummer
Basic Sock Pattern by Ann Budd
Barnwood Hat by Alicia Plumer
Neon by Joji Locatelli
Summer Dawn by Andrea Black

Visit Western Sky Knits here.
Kim's Etsy shop.
Heather's Etsy shop.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Episode 35

It's been our usual two week break between episodes, but for both of us it has been a long two weeks apparently! We both come to the microphone feeling like a month has gone by. No matter, we jump right in and get to our usual segments this episode. We hope you enjoy!

What are we wearing?
Coraline by Ysolda Teague
Gayle's Coraline
Sharlene was representing the Golden State Warriors!

What are we stalking?
Aislinn by Amy Herzog
Toujours by Joji Locatelli
Window to My Soul by Joji Locatelli

What are we knitting?
In the Moment by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Moment
Gayle's Moment
Neon by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Neon
Gilet Valèrie by Carole Francone 
Gayle's Mon Gilet
Summer Dawn by Andrea Black

What have we finished?
Sharlene's Tower Shawl
Rainbow Ridge Beanie by Allison Britt
Sharlene's Rainbow Beanie
Walpole by Hannah Fettig
Sharlene's Walpole
No pattern Mason jar cozies #1, #2, and #3
Sola by Julia Trice
Gayle's Springy Sola

A Book Review
Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs: Creative Techniques for Joining Motifs of All Shapes by Edie Eckman


A book review: Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs

In episode 35, we reviewed the wonderful book Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs by Edie Eckman, published by Storey Publishing. Please go give it a listen! (audio file link)

Two years ago, Sharlene took a crochet class from Edie at the January TNNA show in Long Beach. (I mistakenly say June in the podcast review.) Edie was a patient, knowledgeable, and fun teacher. I recommend taking a class from her if you ever get the chance. Bring your crochet questions!

We both think this book will be great for all crochet skill levels. There is enough information here to get you started if you have never crocheted before, but also enough to keep you interested as you learn, or are coming to the book to learn motifs but already have basic crochet knowledge.

On first glance, the feature you notice about this book is the spiral binding and the quality of the cover. The spiral binding enables the book to lie flat while you are working from the pages.

The "Get started" section includes charts, how to read charts, weaving in ends, how to arrange the shapes, choosing colors and yarns, and how to work with variegated yarns.

"Get it together" discusses joining motifs as you finish, joining as you go, continuous motifs, edges and finishing.

The third section contains 101 patterns for different motifs. The photography is excellent. Each motif includes written out instructions, the motif charted out, and a photograph in the same orientation as the chart. If you know how to follow either written crochet instructions or graphed/charted crochet instructions but want to learn the other way of reading patterns, this book is optimal for following both written and charted instructions so you can compare one instruction to the other and learn as you go.

The inside back cover has a stitch key showing each chart symbol used in the book and what they mean. If you have ever looked at Japanese or other international crochet patterns that only include charted instructions, this is a great way to teach yourself to read these charts.

There is a photographic index of each motif located in the back of the book. You can mix and match motifs for projects easily seeing all the available choices at once.

Eleven patterns are included in the book for a place mat, shawl, afghans, a pillow, garland, pin cushion, vest, skirt, and a lampshade.

The Yarniacs give this publication two hooks up!

Amazon link here