Gayle has been sick and I have been spending time in waiting rooms. We were so happy to get together today and record. Gayle is really on the mend, though she still sounds a bit hoarse. I have had a lot of unexpected knitting time and now need (!) to get something new on the needles. Need! Really. :)
I hope the new year finds all of you doing well and knitting away on something fun and self-indulgent. If you haven't already, please visit and join our Ravelry discussion group here. We'd love to have you come out and play!
This episode features our regular segments and two book reviews. Hopefully we remembered everything! Enjoy.
What are we wearing?
Audrey by Kim Hargreaves
Sharlene's Audrey
One skein boot toppers by Shireen Nadir
Gayle's Boot toppers
#07 Gathered Cardi by Cathy Carron
What are we stalking?
Grace by Jane Richmond
Poplar Cowl by Kelbourne Woolens Design Team
Kerry by Martin Storey
Ease by Alicia Plummer
What are we knitting?
Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang
Lemongrass by Joji Locatelli
Autumn Blush by Joji Locatelli
What have we finished?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
Sharlene's Pull Me Over
Rustic I Cord Wrap Bracelet by Elizabeth Murphy
Sharlene's Bracelet
Marshmallow mitts by tincanknits
Sharlene's Marshmallow mitts
Zucca Cowl by Julia Trice
Sharlene's Zucca Cowl
Brambles Beret by Amanda Muscha
Gayle's Brambles Beret
Little Scallops by Maria Carlander
Gayle's Little Scallops
Aurora Australis by Melinda Vermeer
Gayle's Aurora Australis
Snapdragon flip tops by Ysolda Teague
Gayle's Snapdragons
Book Reviews
French Girl Knits Accessories by Kristeen Griffin Grimes
Northern Knits Gifts by Lucinda Guy
Other patterns mentioned:
Cora by Andrea Black
Madison by Andrea Black
A podcast and blog from two knitting friends in search of the perfect yarn!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Episode 27 - Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone! Our first episode for 2013 is brimming with exploits of holiday knitting and mostly successful knitted gifts. I wouldn't recommend my make-three-mitts-to-end-up-with-a-pair technique, but well, sometimes the road may be bumpy, and the gift is unique! Hopefully this doesn't sound like a long laundry list to you and you find a gem or two amongst our humble toils and stories.
What are we wearing?
A-line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Sharlene's A-line Hoodie
Misti Alpaca Tonos Worsted
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Dragonflies
Arbutus by Jane Richmond
Gayle's Arbutus
Ann Hansen pattern
What are we stalking?
Jenica Hoodie by Joji Locatelli
Belfast Hoodie by Carrie Bostick Hoge
What are we knitting?
Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang
Oranje by Ann Weaver
Aurora Australis by Melinda Vermeer
Brambles Beret by Amanda Muscha
Alisha Goes Around - Stable of Horses Worsted
Monster Hat by Froken C
What have we finished?
Sharlene's Elf hat
Sharlene's Garter Stitch Mitts
Sharlene's Mega Cowl
Imperial Yarn Bulky 2-strand
Marsan Watchcap by Staceyjoy Elkin
A-line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Miette by Andi Sutterlund
One Skein Boot Toppers by Shireen Nadir
Rose Red by Ysolda Teague
Arbutus by Jane Richmond
Self-Indulgent KAL thread on Ravlery
Also mentioned:
Munchkin game
Gayle's Rivendale alpaca yarn
Stimpylab Warm DK
What are we wearing?
A-line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Sharlene's A-line Hoodie
Misti Alpaca Tonos Worsted
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Gayle's Dragonflies
Arbutus by Jane Richmond
Gayle's Arbutus
Ann Hansen pattern
What are we stalking?
Jenica Hoodie by Joji Locatelli
Belfast Hoodie by Carrie Bostick Hoge
What are we knitting?
Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang
Oranje by Ann Weaver
Aurora Australis by Melinda Vermeer
Brambles Beret by Amanda Muscha
Alisha Goes Around - Stable of Horses Worsted
Monster Hat by Froken C
What have we finished?
Sharlene's Elf hat
Sharlene's Garter Stitch Mitts
Sharlene's Mega Cowl
Imperial Yarn Bulky 2-strand
Marsan Watchcap by Staceyjoy Elkin
A-line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Miette by Andi Sutterlund
One Skein Boot Toppers by Shireen Nadir
Rose Red by Ysolda Teague
Arbutus by Jane Richmond
Self-Indulgent KAL thread on Ravlery
Also mentioned:
Munchkin game
Gayle's Rivendale alpaca yarn
Stimpylab Warm DK
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Candy Skein Yarns discount!
Don’t Forget!
Use coupon code “yarniacs” for a 15% discount at Candy Skein Yarns through January 31! She ships internationally, too.
Thank-you so much, Tami!
Use coupon code “yarniacs” for a 15% discount at Candy Skein Yarns through January 31! She ships internationally, too.
Thank-you so much, Tami!
Friday, January 4, 2013
A visit from Carol and KnittyBarb
Here is a fun blog post from new friend Carol about her visit to Santa Cruz and meeting us at the local LYS. Link to Carol's blog here.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Signature Needle Arts
You can hear us talk about Knitting Needles by Signature Needle Arts in episode 26, but if you would like to read our review rather than listen, I will post our comments here.
We speak specifically about a set of US1(2.25mm) double point needles, and sizes US1(2.25mm) and US6(4.0mm) circulars.
Upon opening the package, the first thing that strikes you is that the needles are beautiful to look at. Upon initial inspection, they appear to be a well-crafted, quality product. The dpns were shipped in a little gift bag. The US1(2.25mm) double point needles felt slightly flexible to Sharlene, similar in the way that bamboo double point needles are slightly flexible. The needles feel cold to the touch.
Knitting with the double points feels very slippery. We both experienced needles slipping out of our stitches. The tips are very sharp. I think the set we have has the stiletto points. There are instructions included for shipping the needles which warn how to keep tips sharp, so some caution may be needed to store them properly. The slip and the sharp tips may benefit different types of knitting or knitters. For example: fast knitters will probably like the slippery feel and the stiletto tips may be a benefit for lace knitting. Overall we both agree that the metal feels different from other metal needles we have used. The Signature Needles feel silky and possess a matte finish compared to other metal needles.
Gayle LOVES the circulars, especially the smooth needle tips. Again, I think the needles we are testing are the pointier stiletto tips. The cables are very flexible which Gayle also loves. She has experienced other needle brands becoming kinked when stored, and these cables haven't kinked. Sharlene is most impressed with how smooth the joins are at the needle to cable transition area. This cable also feels secure, and she isn't worried about the cable breaking, or pulling loose from the needle, which has been a recurring problem for her with other needle brands. Gayle didn't have to stop to readjust her fabric or twist the needles inside the stitches because of the fluidity of the cable.
Different size needles are manufactured in different colors. You can easily visually identify your needles if you know the color of each size.
Prices vary depending on size, tip, and cable length or needle style. Customers can purchase single needles in case of loss. We both agree that these needles are in the high-end range of knitting needle pricing. How to justify the cost? Whether or not the needle is worth it to an individual knitter is obviously a personal decision. It may be difficult to invest in a pair sight unseen. Perhaps invest in the size of needle that you use most often. We both think if you have a chance to try out these needles it is definitely worth a test drive.
Our thanks to Signature Needle Arts for spreading the Signature Needle love and enabling us to share your wonderful product with our listeners.
We speak specifically about a set of US1(2.25mm) double point needles, and sizes US1(2.25mm) and US6(4.0mm) circulars.
Upon opening the package, the first thing that strikes you is that the needles are beautiful to look at. Upon initial inspection, they appear to be a well-crafted, quality product. The dpns were shipped in a little gift bag. The US1(2.25mm) double point needles felt slightly flexible to Sharlene, similar in the way that bamboo double point needles are slightly flexible. The needles feel cold to the touch.
Knitting with the double points feels very slippery. We both experienced needles slipping out of our stitches. The tips are very sharp. I think the set we have has the stiletto points. There are instructions included for shipping the needles which warn how to keep tips sharp, so some caution may be needed to store them properly. The slip and the sharp tips may benefit different types of knitting or knitters. For example: fast knitters will probably like the slippery feel and the stiletto tips may be a benefit for lace knitting. Overall we both agree that the metal feels different from other metal needles we have used. The Signature Needles feel silky and possess a matte finish compared to other metal needles.
Gayle LOVES the circulars, especially the smooth needle tips. Again, I think the needles we are testing are the pointier stiletto tips. The cables are very flexible which Gayle also loves. She has experienced other needle brands becoming kinked when stored, and these cables haven't kinked. Sharlene is most impressed with how smooth the joins are at the needle to cable transition area. This cable also feels secure, and she isn't worried about the cable breaking, or pulling loose from the needle, which has been a recurring problem for her with other needle brands. Gayle didn't have to stop to readjust her fabric or twist the needles inside the stitches because of the fluidity of the cable.
Different size needles are manufactured in different colors. You can easily visually identify your needles if you know the color of each size.
Prices vary depending on size, tip, and cable length or needle style. Customers can purchase single needles in case of loss. We both agree that these needles are in the high-end range of knitting needle pricing. How to justify the cost? Whether or not the needle is worth it to an individual knitter is obviously a personal decision. It may be difficult to invest in a pair sight unseen. Perhaps invest in the size of needle that you use most often. We both think if you have a chance to try out these needles it is definitely worth a test drive.
Our thanks to Signature Needle Arts for spreading the Signature Needle love and enabling us to share your wonderful product with our listeners.
Episode 26 - The Last Ep for 2012!
What are we wearing?
Cityscape by Laura Chau
Aidez by Cirilia Rose
Gayle's Stripey Scarf
What are we stalking?
Imperial Yarn Pencil Roving
Cora by Andrea Black
What are we knitting?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
Poppy hat by Justine Turner
Aurora Australis by Melinda Vermeer
Miette by Andi Sutterland
What have we finished?
Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat by Keri McKiernan
Malabrigo Sock yarn
The Traveling Sweater by A. Karen Alfke
Gayle's Stripey Scarf
Product Review
Signature Needle Arts needles
Thanks to Signature Needle Arts for providing needles for us to test drive!
Favorite Projects of 2012
Gayle's Emilien sweater
Madelinetosh DK Twist
Sharlene's Owls sweater
Gayle's Laar sweater
Sharlene's Fuse sweater
Gayle's Jenica Hoodie sweater
The Self-Indulgent KAL thread
Thank-you SO much to all our listeners who have made our rookie year of podcasting such a joy and a pleasure. We wish you Happy Holidays and all the best for 2013!
Cityscape by Laura Chau
Aidez by Cirilia Rose
Gayle's Stripey Scarf
What are we stalking?
Imperial Yarn Pencil Roving
Cora by Andrea Black
What are we knitting?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
Poppy hat by Justine Turner
Aurora Australis by Melinda Vermeer
Miette by Andi Sutterland
What have we finished?
Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat by Keri McKiernan
Malabrigo Sock yarn
The Traveling Sweater by A. Karen Alfke
Gayle's Stripey Scarf
Product Review
Signature Needle Arts needles
Thanks to Signature Needle Arts for providing needles for us to test drive!
Favorite Projects of 2012
Gayle's Emilien sweater
Madelinetosh DK Twist
Sharlene's Owls sweater
Gayle's Laar sweater
Sharlene's Fuse sweater
Gayle's Jenica Hoodie sweater
The Self-Indulgent KAL thread
Thank-you SO much to all our listeners who have made our rookie year of podcasting such a joy and a pleasure. We wish you Happy Holidays and all the best for 2013!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Episode 25
What are we wearing?
Cassis by Thea Colman
Sharlene's Cassis
Cowl Neck Vest by Cecily Glowick MacDonald
Gayle's Cowl Neck Vest
Madelinetosh Erin Heritage Wool
Imperial Yarn Erin
What are we stalking?
Trefoil Cardigan by Gudrun Johnston
Chickadee by Ysolda Teague
Eyelet Yoke Sweater by Courtney Spainhower
Samovar by Laura Chau
Aurora Australis by Melinda VerMeer
What are we knitting?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
The Traveling Sweater by A. Karen Alfke
Miette by Andi Satterlund
Gayle's Stripey Scarf
What have we finished?
Sharlene's Felted pot holders
Sharlene's Sea Anemone kitchen scrubbie
Sharlene's Gift Beanie
Gayle's Hermione Hearts Ron
Gayle's Tulipe hat
Gayle's Lingon hat
Gayle's Garter Stitch Mitts
Gayle's Swap Mitts
Gayle's Daphne and Delilah
Gayle's Commuter Mitts
Our knitting "oops" - Project "ughs" and projects we've made but don't wear
Opposite Pole by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Ribbon Shells
Gayle's Amande vest
Sharlene's Wrap Front Pullover
Gayle's Aynia shrug
Towards the end, the (gasoline) gardeners arrive next door and you can hear their loud equipment in the background. Once that happens, we wrap it up pretty quick!
Cassis by Thea Colman
Sharlene's Cassis
Cowl Neck Vest by Cecily Glowick MacDonald
Gayle's Cowl Neck Vest
Madelinetosh Erin Heritage Wool
Imperial Yarn Erin
What are we stalking?
Trefoil Cardigan by Gudrun Johnston
Chickadee by Ysolda Teague
Eyelet Yoke Sweater by Courtney Spainhower
Samovar by Laura Chau
Aurora Australis by Melinda VerMeer
What are we knitting?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
The Traveling Sweater by A. Karen Alfke
Miette by Andi Satterlund
Gayle's Stripey Scarf
What have we finished?
Sharlene's Felted pot holders
Sharlene's Sea Anemone kitchen scrubbie
Sharlene's Gift Beanie
Gayle's Hermione Hearts Ron
Gayle's Tulipe hat
Gayle's Lingon hat
Gayle's Garter Stitch Mitts
Gayle's Swap Mitts
Gayle's Daphne and Delilah
Gayle's Commuter Mitts
Our knitting "oops" - Project "ughs" and projects we've made but don't wear
Opposite Pole by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Ribbon Shells
Gayle's Amande vest
Sharlene's Wrap Front Pullover
Gayle's Aynia shrug
Towards the end, the (gasoline) gardeners arrive next door and you can hear their loud equipment in the background. Once that happens, we wrap it up pretty quick!
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