Episode 130 - The episode that almost wasn't!

Such a busy time of year! We wish all of you light, love, health, yarn, and successful projects as we turn towards the light and welcome the new year. Thanks so much for listening, for your participation, and friendship. All of you are appreciated!

What are we wearing?
Granito by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Granito
Neighborhood Fiber Company t-shirts

What are we stalking?
Anguli Cowl by Hillay Smith Callis
Starshower Cowl by Hillary Smith Callis
Yonder by Sweet Birch Designs
Sockhead Cowl by Kelly McClure
Stranded Magazine Cold Weather 2016
Twist Collective Winter 2016
Laine Magazine, Issue 1

What are we knitting?
Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure
Project Peace by Christina Campbell
Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku
Bleached by Amy Miller

What have we finished?
Big Old Coat by Joji Locatelli
Blue Moon Fiber Arts BFL Sport
Sharlene's Big Old Coat (short version)
Caracol Button Hat by Kaity Fraker
Sharlene's Caracol Hat
Sharlene's Cat Cowl
Claudia by MJ Kim

The Yarniacs Self-Indulgent Knit-a-long starts January 1, 2017!
For this KAL, we are considering:
Clio by Elizabeth Doherty
Ivy Line by Yoko Johnston
tosh merino light from madelinetosh
Melia by Ysolda Teague
Pure Joy by Joji Locatelli
Cherry Bloom by Lene Tøsti

Episode 130 audio

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Episode 129 - Still Knitting Hats

I think hats are great little projects. You can knit a challenging charted cabled hat, or you can knit a simpler stockinette in-the-round hat. You can knit a hat in chunky yarn and big needles, or you can use up the leftovers from a skein of sock yarn with tiny needles. If the hat doesn't fit, you won't have invested too much time, and hey–it's a hat. It will fit someone after all. So if you aren't too particular about whether you end up with an exact size, you can forgo the swatch and just start knitting. That is the way most of my hats this year came into being. No swatch, match yarn to needles, figure out a cast-on number that will fit someones head, and go. They are all going to charity organizations so I have no doubt each hat will eventually find its way to a head that it fits.

In addition to it being the cold weather season, it is also the season of holidays, of being busy, and often being pulled in too many directions at once. I find that quick small projects satisfy my need to keep my fingers busy and my compulsion to knit, as well as provide satisfaction of finishing something useful.

When I teach, I like to start knitters on hats because there is a lot to learn in the making of the humble hat. You cast on, learn your knit (and maybe purl) stitches, you decrease, then you bind off. All in one small package. I find a beginning knitter has a higher chance of success with a smaller project. I like to give my students the best chance for success.

So yes, even though Gayle and I are sweater knitters, we do find out thoughts turning to hats every year about this time. We've stalked some cool free patterns available on Ravelry this time, so take a look. There are others (we can't mention them all!), so please feel free to share more (both free and patterns for sale) in the discussion thread for this episode in our group on Ravelry. We'd love to hear from you.
- Sharlene

 What are we wearing?
Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Sharlene's tunic length Featherweight Cardigan (and bonus photo of Nani!)
Citadel by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Citadel

What are we stalking?
Troll by Gabriela Widmer Hanke
Chunky Harvest Hats by Susan B. Anderson
Sharlene's apple hat
Standing Rock Hat by Lavanya Patricella
Pussyhat Project by Kat Coyle (knit flat)
KitKat Hat by Andre Sue (knit in the round)
Brimming by Lori Puthoff
Clio by Elizabeth Doherty
Phoebe yarn from Quince and Company
Boreal Forest Cowl by Renée Callahan
Boreal Forest Hat by Renée Callahan

What are we knitting?
Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure
Big Old Coat by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Big Old Coat
Bleached by Amy Miller
Silk single yarn from Western Sky Knits
Project Peace by Christina Campbell
Gayle's sock yarn blanket

What have we finished?
Donation hats 12, 11, 10, and 9
Granito by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Granito
Magnolia Luxe yarn from Western Sky Knits
Spiral Hat by Laura Kolarik
Gayle's Spiral Hat
Bankhead Hat by Susie Gourlay
Gayle's Bankhead Hat
Simple Skyp Sock by Adrienne Ku
Gayle's Skyp socks
Vector by Katya Frankel

Episode 129 audio

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Episode 128 - Something a little different

This episode is a little different. We want to chat about some patterns, books, and one kit that have caught our eye over the past few months. Many of these patterns will make items that would be fabulous gifts, or the patterns and books themselves might make great gifts for a knitter you know. There are lots of options! Knowing that this is a busy week for those celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday here in the US, we thought it might be a good time for this alternative episode.

Enjoy! :)

What are we wearing?
Cowl Neck Vest by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Sharlene's Cowl Neck Vest
Jenica Hoodie by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Jenica Hoodie
Erin Heritage Wool Series from madelinetosh (now discontinued)

Point/Counterpoint, Volume 1
Allichka by Kino Knits
Snowfall on the Mountains Shawl by Sarah Schira
Rainy Season by Kino Knits
Beach House Breeze Cowl by Sarah Schira

The Knitter's Journal from Swatch to Stash

Gansey Kids by Meg Roke
Coastal Capelet
Inshore Legwarmers
Cullercoats Cap

You Can Knit That by Amy Herzog
Revive Cardigan
Entangled Raglan
Woodcutter's Vest

The Zen Variations for The Fibre Company
Takumi by Renee Callahan
Kaizen by Renee Callahan
Acadia from The Fibre Company

Crochet Therapy: The Soothing Art of Savoring Each Stitch by Betsan Corkhill
(patterns not on Ravelry as of 11/24/16)

Flying Geese Textured Cowl kit

Norah Gaughan's Knitted Cable Sourcebook

Thanks to the authors, publishers, and manufacturers who have shared these products with us. 

Episode 128 audio

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Episode 127 - Knitting as usual

What are we wearing?
Viajante by Martina Behm
skirts from StitchesWest (does anyone remember this vendor?)

What have we been stalking? 
Spree Socks by Kemper Wray
The Margot Hat by Margot Allen
Tied Knots by Justyna Lorkowska
The Photographer Hat by Lavanya Patricella
Knitvent 2016 Window No. 1 by Helen Stewart
Indie Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry
Elizabeth Doherty's hats
Pour Moi by Lori Versacci
Cadenza by Cristina Ghirlanda
Ebony by Cristina Ghirlanda
Ethos by Cristina Ghirlanda
Dado by Cristina Ghirlanda

What are we knitting?
Granito by Joji Locatelli
Spiral Hat by Laura Kolaric
Simple Skyp Socks by Adrian Ku
Citadel by Joji Locatelli

What have we finished?
Entrchat by Lisa Chemery
Helena by Allison Will Green
Baby Sophisticate by Linden Down
Kilbride by Wooly Wormhead

Where are they now?
Breezy by Hannah Fettig
Sharlene's Breezy
tosh lace from madelinetosh
Oranje by Ann Weaver
Gayle's Oranje
Laika by Ysolda Teague
Gayle's Laika
Sharlene's Laika

NorCal Knitting Retreat Ravelry group

Episode 127 audio

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Episode 126 - Finish your knitting!

What are we wearing?
Newsom by Bristol Ivy
Dragonfly Fibers Djinni Sock
Sharlene's Newsom
Red Robin Shawl by Helen Stewart
Gayle's Red Robin

What are we stalking?

Favorite Things (basic + gray) by Joji Locatelli 

Granito - dropped sleeve pullover with pockets

Trevor - a-line tunic with stripes

 All I Want - two-color triangular shawl

Textured Pullover - worsted weight striped pullover

What are we knitting?
Granito by Joji Locatelli
Western Sky Knits Magnolia Luxe
Sharlene is also knitting default hats!
Baby Sophisticate by Linden Down
Citadel by Joji Locatelli
Kilbride by Wooly Wormhead
Snowflake Party by Martina Behm

What have we finished?
KitKat Hat by Andre Sue
Sharlene's KitKat
Sharlene's basic hat
Cria by Ysolda Teague (still needs buttons!)
Sharlene's Cria
Sans Serif by Elizabeth Doherty
Gayle's Sans Serif
Tupshin by Erin Birnel
Gayle's Tupshin socks
Skykomish by Lee Meredith
Gayle's Skykomish
Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure
Gayle's Sockhead

Finishing links
The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques
Wooly Wormhead website
Grafting (kitchener stitch) tutorials
Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off

Episode 126 audio

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Episode 125 - Default knitting

Happy Fall everyone! Have you had a chance to wear something cozy and/or woolly yet? I am excited that I can throw a shawl around my neck or shoulders almost every day now. It may be a few weeks before true sweater weather hits but in the meantime, I am enjoying those shawls!

This week we are back to our regular format and segments. We hope you will enjoy! 

What are we wearing?
Rose Gold by Elizabeth Doherty
Sharlene's Rose Gold
3 Color Cashmere Cowl by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's 3 Color Cowl
Brambles Beret by Amanda Muscha
Gayle's Beret

What are you stalking?
embroidery as a Fall 2016 trend
Belfry & Boo-yah! by Susan Claudino
Day of the Dead armwarmers by Allison Guy
Five Little Pumpkins by Allison Guy
Snowflake Party by Martina Behm
Gayle's Candy Skein Stormy Sprinkles
Bleached by Amy Miller

What are we knitting?
Cria by Ysolda Teague
Rowan Felted Tweed DK
Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang
Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure
Knit Picks Felici
Citadel by Joji Locatelli
Madelinetosh Erin Heritage Wool
Skykomish by Lee Meredith
Quince and Company Phoebe
Tupshin by Erin
Spencer Hill Naturally Dyed
Sans Serif by Elizabeth Doherty

What have we finished?
Whispers by Veera Valimaki
Antarktis by Janina Kallio
Garter Ear Flap Hat by Purl Soho
KitKat Hat by Andre Sue

Painted Woolly Toppers For Kids by Woolly Wormhead
Swinton
Kilbride
Gorton 
Wychaven
Allerton

Episode 125 - audio

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Episode 124 - Knitting the colors of fall

In this episode, we wrap up the Yarniacs Colors of Fall 2016 Knit-a-long. Thanks to everyone who participated in the fun. Even if you didn't knit something from the fall palette, take a look at all the photos of the styled fall looks that everyone shared in the KAL Ravelry thread. It's really fun to see!

In this episode, everything has a bit of a fall twist--as we focus on colors and trends for the new season. Remember, you don't have to be a fashionista or a slave to fashion to work in a new color or a new accessory, or just figure out how to wear things in a different way. The goal? To feel good--good about yourself and about the lovely hand knits we've created! Wear those creations with pride!

What are we wearing for fall?
Whispers by Veera Valimaki
Sharlene's Whispers 
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
Gayle's Donner

What are we stalking for fall?
Some trends we have been noticing for fall include:
Denim
Cuff your denim for fall
Jean trends
80's shoulders redefined
Split hem denim
Longer and belled sleeves
Hoodies
Capelets
Gloves
Booties

What did we finish for the #yarniacscolors2016 knit-a-long?
Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis
Sharlene's Starshower
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
Sharlene's Donner
Gayle's Donner
Kline Shawl by Jennifer Dassau
Sharlene's Kline Shawl
Meditate by Elizabeth Doherty
Gayle's Meditate
Spindrift Shawl by Helen Stewart
Gayle's Spindrift

We announce prizes for the KAL! If you hear your name on the podcast, please contact us via Ravelry. :)

Episode 124 audio

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Episode 123 - Knitting oddities

For your listening pleasure, we share some designs we fondly call Knitting Oddities.  Patterns and projects meant to bring a little smile, a little laugh, or just make you wonder "Hmm." :) :) :)
We both needed a little something to brighten our day when we met to record this episode, and oddly, we had already planned this segment. And it worked! We both felt a little better chatting about these laughter-inspiring projects and patterns. Whether or not you need a laugh to brighten your day we hope you will enjoy scrolling through these knitting oddities.
- Sharlene

What are we wearing?
Sharlene's old Koigu shawl
Liesl by Cocoknits

What are we stalking?
Harley by Veronia Jobe
Pandamonium by Karin Michele
All the Pandamoniums
Honey Hat by Jenn Nevitt
Astrid's Socks by Anna Friberg
Woodfords by Elizabeth Doherty
Citadel by Joji Locatelli
Blaster by Andi Satterlund

What are we knitting?
Antarktis by Janina Kallio
Sharlene's Fresh from the Cauldron yarn
Whispers by Veera Valimaki
Meditate by Elizabeth Doherty
Gayle's Stimpy Labs Jadite
Tupshin by Erin Birnel
San Serif by Elizabeth Doherty
Beaverslide yarn

What have we finished?
Kline Shawl by Jennifer Dassau
Sharlene's Kline shawl
Peasy by Heidi Kirrmaier
Gayle's Peasy

Some knitting oddities to share and make you smile!
Bizarre knits
24 Unusual and Amazing knit projects

Stephanie Pearl-McFee's Yarn Harlot blog
Rose-Kim Knits Thursdays
Fornicating Deer chart
Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts
Sponge Curlers Wig Hat by Renita Harvey

*The following links contain depictions of mature content. May not be suitable for all viewers.*
Mature content: Kawaii P*n*s
Mature content: Adult Lip Balm Cozy by Cadmium Red

Episode 123 audio

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Episode 122 - Knitting to the last light of summer

In episode 122 we recorded our last summer episode for the season out and about. The light is changing and it will be darker earlier, making evenings of recording in the car difficult. This time we were on the UC campus at the top of the hill. We didn't see a lot of the usual wildlife, but we did stop for a peek at this spectacular view as we were leaving. This is the view looking towards Monterey and it is probable that a lot of the bright red is caused by smoke due to the still burning Soberanes fire.

Change of season always gives us a chance to look at our stash and our stalking in a new light, in this case, as we look towards the shorter days and cooler nights of fall. Have you finished your Yarniacs Colors of Fall 2016 project? Time to get knitting, put together that fall look, and submit your photo. You still have a few weeks left till the Autumnal equinox, so time to get stitching!

What are we wearing?
5200K by Suvi Simola
madelinetosh sock
Sharlene's 5200K
Gayle's 5200K
Hitofude by Hiroku Fukatsu
Gayle's Hitofude
Sharlene's Hitofude

What are we stalking?
There is a revised version of the Campside shawl, hopefully with errors fixed
Beastkeeper by Justyna Lorkowska
Color Your Shawl by Suvi Simola
#11 Stitch Sampler Pullover by Holli Yeoh
Gayle's Stimpylab Deluxe Sock 
Meditate by Elizabeth Doherty
Tupshin by Erin Birnel
Sans Serif by Elizabeth Doherty
Beaverslide Worsted

What are we knitting?
Kline Shawl by Jennifer Dassau
Whispers by Veera Valimaki
madelinetosh merino light
Holi Festival
Peasy by Heidi Kirrmaier 
Malabrigo Arroyo borrajas
Gayle's Coastal Hoodie

What have we finished?
Gayle finished a row on her sock yarn blanket
High Plains Cowl by Brandie DeRusha

Getting your photos on Ravelry
Adding project photos to your Ravelry project pages
 Adding photos from Flickr
Adding photos from Instagram
How to slurp photos from the web

Episode 122 audio

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Episode 121 - Knitting all the Donners

This week we are out and about again. I think this will be a new summer tradition--recording in fun locations. This week we visit the harbor, with some sea lions and you might hear some gulls in the background. We took photos of both of our Donner sweaters, which I just finished, and Gayle was binding off while we recorded. You will hear all about these sweaters on the podcast.

Are you knitting something for our fall KAL? There is about a month to go. Time to finish what is on the needles or cast on something small. Remember, the styling is the fun part of this KAL. Please photograph your garment with a fall look. You can wear the outfit or just lay it out for the photograph. Just make sure your entry photo shows us the whole look. It is so inspirational to look through everyone's outfits and think about the coming season.
- Sharlene


What are we wearing?
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
Sharlene's second Donner
Coastal Hoodie by Tori Gurbisz
Gayle's Coastal Hoodie

What are we stalking?
 Zookeeper's Blanket by Justine Walley
Hood on the Moon by Katrin Schneider
Aviatrix hat by Justine Turner
Peasy by Heidi Kirrmaier
Joji's fall KAL
Citadel by Joji Locatelli
Japan Sleeves by Joji Locatelli
Breathing Space by Veera Valimaki

What are we knitting?
Kline Shawl by Jennifer Dassau
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty

What have we finished?
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
Lindy Chain yarn from Knit Picks
Starshower by Hillary Smith Callis
Pavement by Veera Valimaki

Yarniacs Colors of Fall 2016 Knit-a-long chat here
Please use the hashtag #yarniacscolors2016 for your social media needs

Stranded Magazine Mild Weather 2016
Salal by Andi Satterlund
Tupshin by Erin Birnel
Skykomish by Lee Meredish

Episode 121 audio

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Episode 120 - Knitting with linen

What are we wearing?
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
Sharlene's Donner
Lindy Chain yarn
Freya
Gayle's Freya

What are we stalking?
Ivy Line by Yoko Johnston
Silverleaf by Lisa Hannes
two-color Silverleaf
Citadel by Joji Locatelli
Japan Sleeves by Joji Locatelli
Hooded Shawl by Susanne Sommer
Eifelgold by Melanie Berg

What are we knitting?
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
Starshower by Hillary Smith Callis
Sharlene's first Starshower
Sparrow yarn from Quince & Co.
Lindy Chain yarn from Knit Picks
Pavement by  Veera Välimäki
Divvy by Jumper Cables

What have we finished?
Sharlene's test knit
Spindrift Shawl by Helen Stewart
Gayle's Spindrift
Hermione Hearts Ron by Christy Aylesworth
Gayle's Hermione hat

Episode 120 audio

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Episode 119 - Knitting with the turkeys

This week we record again up in the redwoods with appearances by just a few critters, the mule deer and the turkeys. Neither were much bothered by our appearance and it was fun to sit and watch them before we started recording. We hope you enjoy our occasional "Where are they now?" segment, revisiting knits from the past, including a few sweaters we've given away, a sweater win, and a hat fail. Happy knitting!


What are we wearing?
Drifting by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Sharlene's Drifting
Sharlene's second Drifting
Gayle's Drifting
Gayle's second Drifting

What are we stalking?
Penne Minimum by Atsuko Yamamoto
Rosewater by Janina Kallio
Antarktis by Janina Kallio
Ardent by Janina Kallio
Outfit Along 2016 hosted by Andi Satterlund
Hollyburn Skirt
Zinone by Andi Satterlund
Inside Number 23 podcast
Peggy Sue by Linda Wilgus
A Cropped Sweater for Winter by Andi Satterlund
The Great British Sewing Bee

What are we knitting?
Sharlene is knitting a yet-to-be-published Joji pattern
Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis
Pavement by Veera Valimaki
Minimum by Veera Valimaki
Spindrift by Helen Stewart

What have we finished?
Faerie's Firelight by Jenn Sheelen
Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer (ripped)

Where are they now?
Owls by Kate Davies
Sharlene's Owls
Paper Dolls by Kate Davies
Peggy Sue by Linda Wilgus
Gayle's Peggy Sue
Nantes Hat by Amanda Scheuzger
Sharlene's Nantes
Lipstick by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Lipstick
Wicked by Rachel Bishop
Sharlene's Wicked
#07 Gathered Cardi by Cathy Carron
Gayle's Gathered Cardi

Episode 119 audio

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Episode 118 - Tink like a boss! #tinklikeaboss

Due to my huge whole-house reorganization and painting project, show notes are a little minimalist this week, but will get you to the correct information. :) Gayle and I also talk a bit about why we sometimes choose to rip a project. If you want to share your ideas or photos of taking charge of your knitting and ripping, please use the hashtag #tinklikeaboss !

What are we wearing?
Donner by Elizabeth Doherty
Sharlene's Donner
Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Armande by Andi Satterlund
Gayle's Armande

What are we stalking?
Party on my needles by Joji Locatelli
Photoknitgal's yarn choices
Shawl Society Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart
Rose City Rollers Littles by Mara Catherine Bryner
Carpino by Carol Feller
Kate's Poncho by Nice and Knit
Boden by Nice and Knit

What are we knitting?
test knit for Joji Locatelli
Holst Garn Coast
Creative Spark yarn's Sockies
Wonder Wander Hat by Megan Williams
Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by  Susanne Sommer

What have we finished?
Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier
Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien
Faerie's Firelight by Jenn Sheelen
Gayle's Faerie's Firelight
My Kind of Love by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne

We talk a little bit about the zen of ripping your knitting. ;)
If you end up ripping, use the #tinklikeaboss

Episode 118 audio

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Episode 117 - Let the colors begin!

What are we wearing?
Gemini by Jane Richmond
Misti Alpaca Tonos Pima Silk
Yarniacs t-shirts
Haruni

What are we stalking?
Talavera by Amanda Collins
Waterlily by Meghan Fernandes
Dewberry by Martha Wissing
Berroco Modern Cotton
Maja by Marita Rolin
Bay Laurel Tunic by Julie Turjoman
Metallicus Tee by Wolfberry Knits
Stimpylab Deluxe Sock in Jadite
Mira's Cowl by Mira Cole
Compassion knit hats 16 in 16
Fairytale Winter by Susan B. Anderson
Hermione Hearts Ron by Christy Aylesworth
Taiao Hat by Francoise Danoy
Notions magazine Winter/Spring 2016


What are we knitting?
Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier
Sharlene's Buttercups #1 and #2
Divvy by JumperCables
Pretty Me by Nadia Cretin-Lechenne
My Kind of Love by Nadia Cretin-Lechenne
Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien

What have we finished?
High Plains Cowl by Brandie DeRusha
Gayle's High Plains

Yarniacs Colors of Fall 2016 KAL is happening now!
Please use #yarniacscolors2016 for your social media needs. 
Our discussion forum on Ravelry is here.
Sharlene cast on a Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis
Antarktis by Janino Kallio
Woodfords by Elizabeth Doherty
Spindrift by Helen Stewart

Episode 117 audio

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Episode 116 - Colors of fall 2016

Last episode we introduced our annual Yarniacs Colors of Fall KAL. The excitement is building as people discuss the colors, their potential projects and possible yarns. If you post on social media, don't forget to use #yarniacscolors2016 and #yarniacs so we can your photos and comments. As always, join the chat in our Ravelry group and let us know what you are considering!

What are we wearing?
Rose Gold by Elizabeth Doherty
Sharlene's Rose Gold shawl
Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas
Gayle's poncho
Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder
Gayle's socks

What are we stalking?
Talavera by Amanda B. Collins
madelinetosh Dandelion
Apres Surf Hoodie by Connie Chang Chinchio
Coast yarn by Holst Garn
Golden Sand by Joji Locatelli
The Shawl Society by Helen Stewart
Forestry Cowl by Brandie DeRusha

What are we knitting?
Linen sweater by Elizabeth Doherty
Antarktis by Janina Kallio
Scrubbie cloth - no pattern, using
Scrubby by Red Heart
High Plains Cowl by Brandie DeRusha
Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien
Gayle's Lilli Pilli
Memory Blanket by Georgie Nicolson
Gayle's sock yarn blanket
Candy Skein monthly colorway
Finn yarn from Heron Crossing Farm
Light Gale by Alicia Plummer
Diary by Ankestrick
Divvy by Jumper Cables

What have we finished?
Antarktis by Janina Kallio
Sea Anemone scrubbie
Bugle the Baby Elephant by Susan Claudino
Gayle's Elephant
Siksak by Hanna Leväniemi

Colors of Fall 2016 #yarniacscolors2016 
Sharlene wants to knit something using this stash yarn
Pavement by Veera Valimaki
Charity by Forbidden Woolery in Gayle's stash

Episode 116 audio

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Episode 115 - Knit 1, teach 1

It's that time of year again. What time of year is that you ask? It is when the folks at Pantone release their fall colors list. These are the colors that influence fashion, what will be appearing in the stores this summer for fall wear, and what colors we'll see on the new yarns coming to the local yarn stores. Most knitters love color! And yes, I am including knitters such as myself who happen to love the greys! (Check out that Sharkskin color chip on the palette and how well is goes with every other color. What's not to love about a beautiful grey?) So take a look at the palette, check if you have any of those colors represented in your stash and play along! We'd love to have you join in. #yarniacscolors2016

We also have a short discussion about the importance of bringing new knitters and crafters into our community. As the number of small vendors increase (we see new bag makers and dyers all the time), one of the things you can do to support small business is to bring in new consumers. Teach, enable, and bring someone new into the community. #knit1teach1


What are we wearing?
Starshower by Hillary Smith Callis
Sharlene's Starshower
Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas
Gayle's Easy Folded

What are we stalking?
Antarktis by Janina Kallio
Drachenfels by Melanie Berg
Light Gale by Alicia Plummer
Bespoke Sweaters by Veera Valimaki
Pavement by Veera Valimaki
Minimum by Veera Valimaki

What are we knitting?
Sharlene's test knit for Elizabeth Doherty
Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer
Lilly Pilli by Ambah O'Brien

What have we finished?
Therapy by Laura Aylor
Sharlene's Therapy
Gayle's socks

Teach a knitter and or enable our wonderful crafting community!
If you teach or enable, use the hashtag:
#knit1teach1
knit: first stitch/first scarf


Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year
Pantone Fall 2016 Fashion Color Report
Please use the hashtag:
#yarniacscolors2016

Episode 115 audio

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Episode 114 - Knitting All Around

Back to basics this week, with lots of knitting and lots of stalking! We want to thank you for supporting the podcast and for those of you who have ordered t-shirts, they have been mailed. We hope you love them as much as we do! An easy way to support the podcast is to click through our links on the right side below for Amazon and Craftsy. If you are making a purchase through either the Amazon or Craftsy websites and use our links we will receive a few pennies from your purchase at no additional cost to you. An easy way to help support us!




What are we wearing?
Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis
Sharlene's Starshower
Solstice Cardigan by Cecily Glowick McDonald
Gayle's Solstice Cardigan

What are we stalking?
Kline Shawl by Jennifer Dassau
Marcel Wrap by Little Church Knits
Kaiya Mei by Jamie Hoffman
Reyna by Noora Laivola
Spindrift by Helen Stewart
Loop by Casapinka

What are we knitting?
Scrubbie pattern
Therapy by Laura Aylor
Sharlene's Therapy
Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien
Western Sky Knits Aspen sock
Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer

What have we finished?
Heartfelt by Veera Valimaki
Sharlene's Heartfelt
Skyp-y socks
Seaman's Cap
Seaman's Church Institute Block Island Gansey Hat Kit

What are we swatching? 
Sharlene swatched North Light Fiber's Water Street
Gayle swatched North Light Fiber's Ocean Avenue
Listen for the discount code if you would like to purchase some of the North Light fibers yarn!

Please check out our post about Wendy Bernard's The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary.
Wendy's Knit and Tonic blog

Episode 114 audio

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The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary

At some point, every knitter experiences what I call a "light bulb" moment—that moment you realize all those fancy stitch patterns are just mixes of knits and purls. Though light bulbs aren't quite what they used to be—compact fluorescents and LEDs don't have the graphic punch of the yellow tungsten bulbs that lit my childhood—you can see the image. The moment you realize you can take your knits and purls and mix them up to create something new? Illuminating!

My first stitch dictionary was given to me by a non-knitter. It wasn't a big book, and it turned out to be riddled with errors, and missing important elements like a stitch key to one of the patterns. Despite those challenges, I would study page after page, photograph after photograph, marveling at the many variations of ribbing, the stitch combinations, and how cables and lace translated from chart to yarn. Little did I know, this was the start of the knit stalking that Gayle and I share with you on every episode of The Yarniacs. It was also the beginning of a healthy relationship with something we term "fantasy knitting." You know the drill. See the knitting. Imagine the yarns. Knit the item in your mind. Voilà, fantasy knitting!

A stitch dictionary, like an unwound hank of yarn, is full of promise. That lace pattern we spy would look fabulous at the bottom of a sweater. Or that new ribbing would work perfectly on the edge of a hat. The list goes on, because as every knitter knows, there is always another garment or accessory  begging to be made.

Wendy Bernard's second stitch dictionary The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary will serve as fodder for your fantasy knitting and elevate your real life knitting as well. The 150 stitch patterns Wendy includes in this book have instructions to knit them top down, bottom up, back and forth and in the round. For knitters, this book gives us the opportunity to personalize our projects. In that voice we have come to love from her Knit and Tonic blog, Wendy makes it sound so easy to create something unique or to change up an old favorite. She even includes some new patterns in the book to try out the technique.

The Honeycomb Smocking stitch pattern shown here is just a little sample of the 150 stitch patterns in the book. If you are a fantasy knitter you might already have some ideas in mind!

This is the Honeycomb Smocking stitch graph for knitting flat.

Above is the Honeycomb Smocking stitch graph for knitting in the round.

Here is the Honeycomb Smocking stitch knit up in a swatch.

The mitts are one of the projects for swapping out stitch patterns and creating something all your own. :)


If you want to read more about The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary, read Wendy's post from her blog, and visit the rest of the blog tour listed here.

4/28 - Leethal
5/2 - Yarniacs
5/5 - Mason-Dixon Knitting
5/9 - Craft Sanity
5/11 - WEBS
5/16 - Knitcircus
5/ 18 - AboutKnitting.com
5/23 - Craftgossip

Episode 113 - Knitting at NoCKRs

We're back! Well, we never really left, but we attended our NoCKRs retreat, I was away at YarnFest, and then came home sick, and for some reason we both felt like it had been a long time since we recorded. We've got a lot to fit into this episode--some fun garments we spotted at the retreat, we both finished a couple of items, and a fun new book from Dragonfly Fibers. Enjoy!
-Sharlene

 What are we wearing?
Favorite Cardigan by Wendy Bernard
Sharlene's Favorite Cardigan
Puck by Boo Knits
Gayle's Puck

What are we stalking?
Cancun Boxy Lace Top by Erin Kate Archer
Susanne's Cancun tunic
mash-up of Cancun and Boxy
Knit Picks Lindy Chain yarn
Sharlene's Literally Over the Top
Breathing Space by Veera Valimaki
Stranded Magazine: Warm Weather 2016
Bottle Cap by Erin Birnel
Interchange by Ariel Altaras
Rabbitbrush by Andi Satterlund
Knit Picks CotLin
Route 99 by Lee Meredith

What are we knitting?
Heartfelt by Veera Valimaki
Block Island Gansey Hat by Deborah Newton

This episode of The Yarniacs Podcast is sponsored by North Light Fibers.

Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder
Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku

What have we finished?
Spectrum by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Spectrum
Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis
Sharlene's Starshower cowl
Stitches West KAL
Violet Waffles by Halldora J
Chromaticity Cowl by Miriam Felton
Gayle's Chromaticity Cowl
Pure Joy by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Pure Joy

Masterpiece Knits: The Modern Collection by Dragonfly Fibers
Fractal Poppies by Toby Roxana Barna
Morning at the Tate by Meg Roke
A Golden Landscape by Fatimah Hinds
The Laundress by Fatimah Hinds

Episode 113 audio

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Episode 112 - Knitting hidden gems

What are we wearing?
Boxy by Joji Locatelli
Therapy by Laura Aylor

What are we stalking?
Apres Surf Hoodie by Connie Chang Chinchio
Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier
Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien
Stolen Moments by Shannon Squire

Please use our Craftsy affiliate link if you are going to make a class or supplies purchase from Craftsy. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support our podcast!



What are we knitting?
Heartfelt by Veera Valimaki
Spectrum by Joji Locatelli
Memory Blanket by Georgie Nicolson
Violet Waffles by Halldora J

What have we finished?
Minthe by Anne Ginger
Small Flowers Mitts by Pinneguri
Knitted Knockers

Gayle and I share some of our favorite things to do when we are on Ravelry, such as searching within our own libraries and searching for specific projects made in specific yarns. We both like to search for ways to use our own pattern libraries, and yarn stashes--finding ways to use our own little hidden pattern and yarn gems is one of our favorite ways to use Ravelry. There are some search filters that are fun to use too. We hope you learn something! We will try to schedule this discussion several times a year as it always proves to be quite popular!

This weekend we are off to our second annual NoCKRs retreat! We've been looking forward to this for a year now. :) It should be fun and can't wait to see all of you who will be joining us!

Episode 112 audio

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Episode 111 - Knitting on the beach

What are we wearing?
Fancy Cardi by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Fancy Cardi
Secret Cove Cowl by Rosemary Hill
Gayle's Secret Cove Cowl

What are we stalking? 
Women's Peaked Cap by Patons
Hinagiku Hat by 87knit
Kaiya Mei by Jamie Hoffman
Fancy Cardi by Joji Locatelli
Citadel by Joji Locatelli
Breathing Space by Veera Välimäki
Veronika by Julie Weisenberger
Woodfords by Elizabeth Doherty

This episode of The Yarniacs Podcast is sponsored by Fix-A-Stitch.

Ever face the tedious task of having to drop down and correct a mistake in your knitting? The Fix-A-Stitch is here to help! It’s a double-ended tool that uses a patented method to change stitches from knit to purl or purl to knit quick and easy. Check our website for great tutorials and other ways to use it. The tool comes in a package of three for light, medium or bulky weights. A lace weight tool is sold separately. Fix-A-Stitch is available at local yarn shops around the country.More information available at www.fixastitch.com.

What are we knitting?
Heartfelt by  Veera Välimäki
Gayle ripped her Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer
Chromaticity Cowl by Miriam Felton
Small Flowers Mitts by Pinneguri
Minthe by Anne Ginger
Memory Blanket by Georgie Nicolson


What have we finished?
Looking Ahead by Veera Välimäki
Abstract Fiber Rothko
Sharlene's hat for charity
Very Gifted Cowl by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas
Zuzu's Petals by Carina Spencer

We announce the winners of the now closed Self-Indulgent 2016 Knit-a-long. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you hear your name just send us a Ravelry message so we can get your prize out to you. :)