Friday, January 22, 2016

Episode 106 - Four years of knitting!

In addition to welcoming the new year, January brings our podcast anniversary. Four years of Gayle and I chatting about knits, our yarns, project fails and project wins. We've learned a lot about knitting, about podcasting, and about our listeners as we've recorded over the past four years. The heartfelt thanks I expressed last year to our wonderful Yarniacs community still holds true, and I repeat it here today.
"The community we have formed on Ravelry with our fellow yarniacs has been the most fulfilling and wonderful part of podcasting. We can't thank you all enough for listening, for participating in our knit-a-longs, for chatting, and for playing along with us in social media. Truly, you have enhanced our knitting lives."
The only thing I can think to add is that I hope Gayle and I have enhanced your knitting lives in some small way and that you will continue to follow along with our knitting adventures. We have so much more to share with you!
- Sharlene



 What are we wearing?
The Traveling Sweater by Karen Alfke
Sharlene's Traveling Sweater
Laika by Ysolda Teague
Gayle's Laika
Sharlene's Laika




This episode of The Yarniacs is sponsored by Never Not Knitting. Never Not Knitting is a small knitting boutique owned by designer Alana Dakos, and it is located in Atascadero, CA. Never Not Knitting features a curated collection of specialty yarns, patterns and knitting notions and is proud to showcase the work of independent artisans and makers. In the online shop you will find a unique selection of handmade notions and accessories for knitters and crafters including the Wool and Wire jewelry line. All of our notions are beautifully gift wrapped, like a special present for yourself or a friend. Check out the selection at nevernotknitting.com/online-shop


What are we stalking?
Sharlene's Western Sky Knits yarn in stash
Even Flow by Joji Locatelli
Field of Wildlowers by Joji Locatelli
Majuga by Joji Locatelli
Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner

What are we knitting?
Big Old Coat by Joji Locatelli
Miss Babs Yowza yarn
Madelinetosh 80/10/10 Worsted MCN
Starshower by Hilary Smith Callis
SW Graduated yarn by Fresh From the Cauldron
Rhilea by Suvi Simola
Gayle is working on a test knit in Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering

What have we finished? 
Both Gayle and Sharlene sent a project to the frog pond:
Swirl Shawl by Lijuan Jing
Sharlene's Swirl
Times Square by Norah Gaughn
Adama by Hilary Smith Callis
Fletcher by Elizabeth Doherty

What were we knitting?
Garfunkel Hat by Jocelyn Tunney
Gayle's Garfunkel hat
Zephyr by Tori Gurbisz
Gayle's Zephyr

Laika by Ysolda Teague
Gayle's Laika
Still Light Tunic by Veera Valimaki 

The list of prizes for the self-indulgent knit-a-long #sikal2016 can be found here.

Episode 106 audio

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Friday, January 8, 2016

Episode 105 - Welcome 2016!

A new year, like a new project, can be filled with hope, expectation, and always uncertainty. As in life, we never know if that mistake we made back on the foundation row will come back later to bite. Maybe it will be a small insignificant purl in a sea of knit stitches. Or we might find ourselves unraveling hours of work to start anew, with a better base, a stronger beginning.

Our annual Self-Indulgent Knit-a-long, #SIKAL2016 is about beginnings. Taking that special yarn, that special pattern, perhaps something new, perhaps something that has been in stash, and crafting and creating something that brings us happiness. Maybe it is the process, maybe it is the promise of the finished object, but we all craft because on some level, we enjoy the journey.

My challenge to you, is to knit that too-precious yarn, take a chance on that pattern you've been stalking, and especially to wear and use your knitted objects and garments. Don't hide your carefully crafted items away, afraid to let them out in the world. Wear them with pride! Use those crafted objects daily! I believe the joy we find in crafting only increases with the use or giving of the object. 

Whatever the new year brings, we hope your stitches flow flawlessly together, creating the beautiful fabric of your life.

Sharlene

What are we wearing?
Ease by Alicia Plummer
Sharlene's Ease
Malabrigo Rios
This yarn was originally knit into Sharlene's Red Riding Hood Jacket
Traveller Tunic by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Traveling Tunic

What are we stalking?
Mason Jar Bear Cosy by Patricia Castillo
Thursday Special by Elena Nodel
Starshower Shawl by Hillary Smith Callis
Sharlene's Fresh from the Cauldron yarn
Arabella by Ann McCauley
Gayle's stashed tosh merino light
Spectrum by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's tosh lace
Lilli Pilli by Ambah O'Brien

What are we knitting?
Big Old Coat by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Big Old Coat
Times Square by Norah Gaughan
Gayle's Times Square
Beaverslide Dry Goods 2-ply
Gayle is knitting a test knit for Yelena Dasher
Adama by Hillary Smith Callis
Malabrigo Rios in Teal Feather

What have we finished?
Koala cup cozy by Alexandra Davidoff
Sharlene's Koala cup cozy
cup cozy 2
cup cozy 3
cup cozy 4
cup cozy 5
cup cozy 6
Rose City Rollers by Mara Catherine Bryner
Nakahi Shawl by Francoise Danoy
Longfellow by Michele Wang
Gayle's Log Cabin blanket 
Sport Weight Toe-Up Socks by Wendy Johnson
Faerie's Firelight by Jen Sheelen
Gayle's Firelight

Our annual self-indulgent KAL is happening now!
Please use hashtags #SIKAL2016 and #yarniacs for all your social media needs.

If you are making a purchase through Craftsy or Amazon, please click through our links on the right side and complete your purchase as usual. This sends a few cents our way to support the podcast and costs you nothing! We appreciate your support.

Episode 105 audio

Click here for episode 105 audio.

Remember, depending on your browser and connection speed, the audio may take a few minutes to fully load.