Thursday, June 30, 2016

Episode 55: I'm Just Talkin' 'Bout Livin'

Knitting Segments


Show Ready Knits


Rainbow Vanilla Socks in White Birch Fiber Arts

I'm using the OMG Heel pattern by Megan Williams


Yarn is Miss Babs Yowza in Oyster

Knits In Rehearsal

Solaris by Melanie Berg with my Pal Kal Mini Kit from One Twisted Tree.  

Zigzagular Socks by Susie White
Triple Threat PalKal Project here with 3 podcasts represented:
Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast 
Twist Fiber Studio and the Twisted Stitcher Podcast
The Fat Squirrel Speaks

Here's the Ysolda Tutorial on cabling without a cable needle.

The Bag was a gift from Sarah Shoo of the Cultivate and Create podcast.

Vanilla Socks with Scrumptious Purl Self-Striping Yarn.

Effortless Cardigan by Hannah Fettig is getting a little sweater surgery, I'm adding length to the sleeves and this will be a huge amount of yardage for StashDash.

This episode of Actually Knitting is brought to you by The Sock Ruler. 
"The Sock Ruler is an innovative measuring tool for sock knitters. Whether the sock is knit toe up or cuff down the ruler works equally well.  It is constructed of a heavy duty, yet flexible plastic and measures from the inside of the sock, allowing the sock to lie flat and ensure accurate measurements."

Visit our website, www.sockruler.com, for more information and don’t forget to use coupon code “palkal2016” for 25% off of a regular sock ruler from now until September 15th.



Knitting News, Notes and Events


PalKal2016 is underway! 


Rules
The basic idea is to support a podcaster you listen to or watch by knitting one of their patterns and/or using their yarns for your project. You can also use a project bag or stitch marker by a podcaster!
  1. The design, yarn/fiber and/or project bag must be from a knitting/crochet/fiber podcaster. (Not all 3, just one of those to qualify). Spinning also counts, just make sure it’s a finished product.
  2. Use the chatter thread for discussion. Make suggestions. There are TONS of podcasts out there and almost no one knows about all of them, so if you know of a podcaster designer/yarnie/bag maker, feel free to share with us!
  3. You are encouraged to take advantage of the coupon codes offered by our sponsors, but you are not limited to those podcasters for the KAL. Sponsors and coupon codes are listed in the appropriate threads and will be listed on the podcast as well.
  4. Please post finished objects in the non-chatter thread and include a link to the podcaster you are supporting.
  5. Enter as many projects as you like! There is no minimum yardage requirement or limit to the projects you can enter.
  6. If you use more than one podcaster product/design/bag/etc on one project, you may create multiple entries for that project. For example: Knit the Zigzagular Socks by prairiegirlsusie using yarn by Oh! Loops and use a project bag by thefatsquirrel, you can enter that project into the FO thread 3 separate times, just link to each podcaster seperately in each post.
  7. A note about project bags: a project bag may only be entered into the contest one time for an entry. (You can’t just keep using a podcaster project bag over and over and entering the contest that way). The same applies for stitch markers.
  8. Wips count! Just finish them between June 15 and September 15, 2016.
  9. You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win.
  10. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie! Please support as many different podcasts as you can!
  11. Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner!
  12. Use the tag PALKAL2016 here on Ravelry and #palkal2016 on Instagram.
  13. Feel free to double, triple, quadruple dip!
Today I will highlight our Cameo Sponsors who are donating prizes for the KAL. For more information, check out the threads on Ravelry in the Actually Knitting Podcast Group. 










The Relentless Knitting Podcast








I am also highlighting the prizes being offered by these Top Billing Sponsors. These sponsors have donated prizes as well as coupon codes. More information about all of this can be found in the threads on the Ravelry group, but today we will focus on the prizes. 

Ancient Threads Farm Etsy Shop and Website/Podcast 
      A skein of yarn, winner's choice. 


Ann of the Carolina Fiber Girls 


Brenda Castiel Designs
       3 Patterns of winners' choice

Daniela Richardson from Caffeinated Knitting
       5 Patterns from her Ravelry Store. 


Janis Ficker/ of the Carolina Fiber Girls
        Copy of her 10 Day Sweater Pattern 


C.C. Almon from the Geeky Girls Knit Podcast
        Copy of her ebook, Coffee with C.C. 


Jennifer Lassonde of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast
        Copy of one of her patterns from her Ravelry Store

Knitting Daddy Greg of the Unraveling Podcast
         2 copies of his Scrappy Sock Yarn Preemie Hat

Mary of the Kino Knits Podcast
         Copy of her Adrenaline Junkie Sock Pattern 

Kristine Beeson of the Yarnings Podcast
         Winner's Choice of pattern from her Ravelry Store


         5 patterns from her Ravelry store and one winner will receive a shawl quantity of yarn from Quince 
         and Co. 

         3 patterns from her Ravelry Shop

         Copy of one of her patterns from her Ravelry Shop

Ashley of Twist Fiber Studio and the Twisted Stitcher Podcast
          Project bag of winner's choice from her Etsy Shop

           A project bag from her Etsy Shop

Jan Hamby of the Twinset Designs Podcast
          A Noste-Demi and Noste-Mini



Please check out the threads on Ravelry for photos and more information and remember that all of the Top Billing Sponsors have provided coupon codes as well, which you can also find in the Ravelry group.


World Wide Knit in Public Day

I had a great time at World Wide Knit in Public Day this year. I got to see old friend and meet some new ones, and of course, I bought some yarn! I couldn't help myself!!

Lollipop Yarn has a new line of yarn and it's delicious!





I also purchased a skein of yarn from Spun Right Round at the LYS Warm and Fuzzy in Cary, NC.


My next yarnie event will be Rhinebeck in October! 


Podcast Premiere




This Episode is brought to you by Fiber to Fabric Magic, makers of the wildly popular, & exclusive, Needle Keeper. This innovative tool was created by Claudia, a knitter, and her engineer husband, to protect delicate knitting needles from damage while on a project in your knitting bag. Claudia had broken several pair of 00 wooden sock needles by being jostled around in her knitting bag and was desperate to find a way to protect her delicate, and expensive circulars. That was the Needle Keeper's original intention, but...it has turned out the Needle Keeper is perfect for keeping your live stitches from falling off the needle, and for protecting the joints (the needle to cable area). Extremely lightweight, practically indestructible, you can shove everything in your knitting bag and never worry. They make reaching into your bag and grabbing your project worry free, no dropped stitches!


They come in 12 beautiful, bright colors, which makes them easy to see deep in your bag! Buy a different color for each project, contrasting against the current yarn color, or color-code for the type of project you're working on.

Knitters LOVE them, read the nearly 1,000 5-star reviews on Etsy and pick up a few. The coupon deal for the PalKal 2016 is buy 4 and get one free from their Etsy shop, Fiber To Fabric Magic! Put 5 in your cart and one will ring up FREE.

Claudia will be giving away 2 Needle Keepers to a lucky listener of this Podcast, and you get to choose which colors you'd like!

Knitting Talkback: Yarn (The Movie) 

I was recently sent a screener copy of Yarn and I really enjoyed it. It was a different take on the fiber for me, but I found it really interesting and informative. Check out the website for more information about where you can see this film. 

Non-Knitting Segments


One Pot Wonders

One of the easiest recipes I've made. 


Love it or Leave it

This one is a combo! I both love and leave cleaning out clothes that no longer fit me! 

Other News and Notes

Running Updates
I am training for my marathon and having some issues on my runs, but fighting through it. I ran a charity run on Sunday, #CharlotteRunsForOrlando, and I have a race on July 4th with my friend Karen. 

Book Updates
I finished reading and/or listening to: 




I started reading and/or listening to: 



Briefly I mentioned that my grandparents live in Rainelle, West Virginia, the site of some major flooding last week. They are (thankfully) ok and their home was spared, but they are lucky to live on a mountain. The town was completely destroyed, many people lost their homes and everything they have. If you are interested in helping, check out this article on The Huffington Post for information. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Episode 54: It's the Day of the Show!

This episode is sponsored by Infinite Twist and Fix-a-Stitch

Knitting Segments


Show-Ready Knits

Pure Joy by Joji Locatelli
I bought the Argentine yarn from Pura Hilados

This brings my Stash Dash total to 1, 124 yards or 1027.8 meters.

I became curious about why some shawl patterns use a garter tab for the starting point, so I did a little research. Check out this blog post at Kelbourne Woolens about garter tabs.

This got me to thinking: how have I gotten away this long without doing a garter tab? What is something in knitting that you can't believe you have never done before? Join in the discussion on the Episode 54 thread on Ravelry!

Stash Dash is a Summer KAL hosted by the Knit Girllls video podcast


Knits in Rehearsal


Thank goodness for my Strauch Ball Winder


Rainbow Vanilla Socks in White Birch Fiber Arts

I'm using the OMG Heel pattern by Megan Williams

Hey Lady Hey is doing a Solidarity Craft-a-long to show support for the victims and families of the mass shooting in Orlando Florida. 

This episode of Actually Knitting is sponsored by Infinite Twist.


Still looking for that perfect project for the PalKal? Infinite Twist has teamed up with Jan Hamby from the TwinSet Designs Podcast to create a stunning gradient kit for Jan's latest shawl design, Gradient Angles. Using the same foundation as a mitered square, this delightful shawl flies off the needles!"
The prize: A Gradient Angles kit, including Jan's pattern, all the hand-dyed yarn you'll need to complete the project, a bamboo circular needle, stitch markers, yarn needle, two-color pattern marking pencil, and a handy gauge card.



Enter "PalKal" as your secret code and get a free pair of 50 gram miniskeins with your order!

Auditioning Knits

I am thinking about casting on the Solaris Shawl by Melanie Berg with my Pal Kal Mini Kit from One Twisted Tree. 

By the way, if you like Melanie Berg then stay tuned for a fun KAL. 

Also will be casting on some socks with my Twist Fiber Studio Fairview Fingering Yarn that I purchased last fall. Not sure about the pattern, but likely something from Susie White of the Prairie Girls Knit and Spin podcast.

I will house this project in a Fat Squirrel bag which was gifted to me by Sarah Shoo of the Cultivate and Create podcast. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

If you hear this episode on or around June 15th, 2016, go to the Ravelry thread for a special Pal Kal Mini Kit giveaway. 

PalKal2016 officially begins on June 15th!

Rules
The basic idea is to support a podcaster you listen to or watch by knitting one of their patterns and/or using their yarns for your project. You can also use a project bag or stitch marker by a podcaster!
  1. The design, yarn/fiber and/or project bag must be from a knitting/crochet/fiber podcaster. (Not all 3, just one of those to qualify). Spinning also counts, just make sure it’s a finished product.
  2. Use the chatter thread for discussion. Make suggestions. There are TONS of podcasts out there and almost no one knows about all of them, so if you know of a podcaster designer/yarnie/bag maker, feel free to share with us!
  3. You are encouraged to take advantage of the coupon codes offered by our sponsors, but you are not limited to those podcasters for the KAL. Sponsors and coupon codes are listed in the appropriate threads and will be listed on the podcast as well.
  4. Please post finished objects in the non-chatter thread and include a link to the podcaster you are supporting.
  5. Enter as many projects as you like! There is no minimum yardage requirement or limit to the projects you can enter.
  6. If you use more than one podcaster product/design/bag/etc on one project, you may create multiple entries for that project. For example: Knit the Zigzagular Socks by prairiegirlsusie using yarn by Oh! Loops and use a project bag by thefatsquirrel, you can enter that project into the FO thread 3 separate times, just link to each podcaster seperately in each post.
  7. A note about project bags: a project bag may only be entered into the contest one time for an entry. (You can’t just keep using a podcaster project bag over and over and entering the contest that way). The same applies for stitch markers.
  8. Wips count! Just finish them between June 15 and September 15, 2016.
  9. You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win.
  10. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie! Please support as many different podcasts as you can!
  11. Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner!
  12. Use the tag PALKAL2016 here on Ravelry and #palkal2016 on Instagram.
  13. Feel free to double, triple, quadruple dip!
This week I have highlighted our Featured Performers and Top Billing Sponsors. These are the folks who have offered coupon/discount codes for the PalKal 2016!

Please check out the threads in the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry for more information!


Knitting Daddy Greg of the Unraveling Podcast


        1$ off Scrappy Sock Yarn Preemie Hat




          $1.50 off in Ravelry Shop

Daniela Richardson from the Coffee Fueled Life Podcast
       50% off in Ravelry Store. 


Jennifer Lassonde of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast
        40% off of 2 or more patterns in Ravelry Store

        25% off in her Ravelry Shop

Kristi from the In a Sknit Video Podcast
        25% off of her In Transit Cap and Cowl pattern 


Brenda Castiel Designs
        20% off in her Ravelry Shop
        $5.00 off in her Etsy Shop 

Mary of the Kino Knits Podcast
        20% off in her Ravelry Shop 


          15% off in Etsy Shop


         20% off of self-published patterns in her Ravelry store 


Ann of the Carolina Fiber Girls 
         50% off her Fletcher's Falling Leaves Sock Pattern

Lisa of Zombody Knits 
         $1.00 off in Etsy Shop

Kristine Beeson of the Yarnings Podcast
          30% off in her Ravelry Store

C.C. Almon from the Geeky Girls Knit Podcast
           15% off in her Ravelry Store

Janis Ficker/ of the Carolina Fiber Girls
         50% off of her 10 Day Sweater Pattern

Twinset Jan from the Twinset Designs Podcast
         $2.00 off in her Ravelry Store

Julia from the Whole Lotta Craft Podcast
          15% off in her Ravelry Store

Angela from Revelations of a Dellusional Knitter Podcast
          50% off in her Ravelry Store

Stephanie from Happy Buffalo Boutique
          Free Shipping in her Etsy Shop

Twinset Ellen from the Twinset Designs Podcast
           50% off of one pattern in her Ravelry Shop

Anne from Wooly Wonka Fiber and podcast 
           15% off of all orders, both in stock and custom dyed

Claire of New Hampshire Knits
            15% off in her Etsy Shop, The Wooly Thistle 




Producing Sponsors offering Discounts: 


Sock Ruler
            25% off 1 regular sock ruler

Fiber to Fabric Magic
             Buy 4 get one free Needle Keepers

Bijou Basin Ranch
             15% discount on yarn, excluding Qiviut and Paco-Vicuna

Media Peruana Designs
             25% off a pattern in her Ravelry Shop

Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting 
             50% off a PDF pattern of your choice in her Ravery Shop
       
Infinite Twist
             Free 50 gram mini skein with purchase


In addition to those mentioned above, the following are also producing sponsors of the PalKal 2016:

Knitter's Pride
Fix a Stitch
Eucalan
Della Q
Ancient Arts Fibre


World Wide Knit in Public Day 

I will be at the Craft Public House at 2pm and then heading over to Warm and Fuzzy in Cary, NC. 


Episode 54 is brought to you 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.



Podcast Premiere

On this episode I feature the new to me knitting podcasts, the Jenn Sheelen podcast and Relentless Knitting 


Non-Knitting Segments


One Pot Wonders


Love it or Leave it


Leave: The heat! The inescapable HEAT! 



Other News and Notes 

Running Updates: 
Marathon Training has officially started


Reading Updates: 
I finished reading Shopaholic to the Rescue by Sophie Kinsella. It was...ok 

I started reading The Widow by Fiona Barton which I heard about on the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast.









Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Episode 53: En Español

Episode 53 is brought to you by Never Not Knitting and The Sock Ruler!

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits


Stash Dash is a Summer KAL hosted by the Knit Girllls video podcast


Knits in Rehearsal

Pure Joy by Joji Locatelli
I bought the Argentine yarn from Pura Hilados and I've been following the pattern in Spanish, more about that in a later segment.


Ballsack by Jennifer Sugarcane


Rainbow Vanilla Socks in White Birch Fiber Arts

I'm using the OMG Heel pattern by Megan Williams

This episode of Actually Knitting is brought to you by the Never Not Knitting online shop where you will find unusual gifts and notions for knitters such as handcarved knitting needles, specialty buttons, and stitch marker jewelry. Check out the latest offerings at nevernotknitting.com. Looking for a new project to knit? Use the coupon code PalKal2016 to receive 50% off of a pdf pattern of your choice!


Knitting News, Notes and Events

PalKal2016 officially begins on June 15th!

Rules
The basic idea is to support a podcaster you listen to or watch by knitting one of their patterns and/or using their yarns for your project. You can also use a project bag or stitch marker by a podcaster!
  1. The design, yarn/fiber and/or project bag must be from a knitting/crochet/fiber podcaster. (Not all 3, just one of those to qualify). Spinning also counts, just make sure it’s a finished product.
  2. Use the chatter thread for discussion. Make suggestions. There are TONS of podcasts out there and almost no one knows about all of them, so if you know of a podcaster designer/yarnie/bag maker, feel free to share with us!
  3. You are encouraged to take advantage of the coupon codes offered by our sponsors, but you are not limited to those podcasters for the KAL. Sponsors and coupon codes are listed in the appropriate threads and will be listed on the podcast as well.
  4. Please post finished objects in the non-chatter thread and include a link to the podcaster you are supporting.
  5. Enter as many projects as you like! There is no minimum yardage requirement or limit to the projects you can enter.
  6. If you use more than one podcaster product/design/bag/etc on one project, you may create multiple entries for that project. For example: Knit the Zigzagular Socks by prairiegirlsusie using yarn by Oh! Loops and use a project bag by thefatsquirrel, you can enter that project into the FO thread 3 separate times, just link to each podcaster seperately in each post.
  7. A note about project bags: a project bag may only be entered into the contest one time for an entry. (You can’t just keep using a podcaster project bag over and over and entering the contest that way). The same applies for stitch markers.
  8. Wips count! Just finish them between June 15 and September 15, 2016.
  9. You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win.
  10. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie! Please support as many different podcasts as you can!
  11. Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner!
  12. Use the tag PALKAL2016 here on Ravelry and #palkal2016 on Instagram.
  13. Feel free to double, triple, quadruple dip!

Some of the KALs going on this summer:
Around Your Neck KAL with the Suburban Stitcher Podcast
Splash Pad Party with the Down Cellar Studio Podcast
Great Outdoors Kal with Knitting Butterflies 
Batter Up Kal with In a Sknit

We have some great sponsors and wonderful prizes that I can’t wait to share with you all! Let’s make some plans for summer knitting!
Today I will highlight our Cameo Sponsors who are donating prizes for the KAL. For more information, check out the threads on Ravelry in the Actually Knitting Podcast Group. 










The Relentless Knitting Podcast








I am also highlighting the prizes being offered by these Top Billing Sponsors. These sponsors have donated prizes as well as coupon codes. More information about all of this can be found in the threads on the Ravelry group, but today we will focus on the prizes. 

Ancient Threads Farm Etsy Shop and Website/Podcast 
      A skein of yarn, winner's choice. 


Ann of the Carolina Fiber Girls 



Brenda Castiel Designs
       3 Patterns of winners' choice

Daniela Richardson from Caffeinated Knitting
       5 Patterns from her Ravelry Store. 


Janis Ficker/ of the Carolina Fiber Girls
        Copy of her 10 Day Sweater Pattern 


C.C. Almon from the Geeky Girls Knit Podcast
        Copy of her ebook, Coffee with C.C. 


Jennifer Lassonde of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast
        Copy of one of her patterns from her Ravelry Store

Knitting Daddy Greg of the Unraveling Podcast
         2 copies of his Scrappy Sock Yarn Preemie Hat

Mary of the Kino Knits Podcast
         Copy of her Adrenaline Junkie Sock Pattern 

Kristine Beeson of the Yarnings Podcast
         Winner's Choice of pattern from her Ravelry Store


         5 patterns from her Ravelry store and one winner will receive a shawl quantity of yarn from Quince 
         and Co. 

         3 patterns from her Ravelry Shop

         Copy of one of her patterns from her Ravelry Shop

Ashley of Twist Fiber Studio and the Twisted Stitcher Podcast
          Project bag of winner's choice from her Etsy Shop


Zombody Knits 
           A project bag from her Etsy Shop

Please check out the threads on Ravelry for photos and more information and remember that all of the Top Billing Sponsors have provided coupon codes as well, which you can also find in the Ravelry group.



Knitting Talkback: Tejer en Español

I answered a question from the Ask me Anything thread on Ravelry about knitting/crochet in Spanish. Here's the link to the knitting abbreviations I referred to in the talkback.

I talk a little about my experience knitting the Pure Joy Shawl (link above) using the Spanish version of the pattern.

Episode 53 is brought to you by The Sock Ruler. The Sock Ruler is an innovative measuring tool for sock knitters. Whether the sock is knit toe up or cuff down the ruler works equally well.  It is constructed of a heavy duty, yet flexible plastic and measures from the inside of the sock, allowing the sock to lie flat and ensure accurate measurements."


Visit our website, www.sockruler.com, for more information and don’t forget to use coupon code “palkal2016” for 25% off of a regular sock ruler from now until September 15th. Limit 1 regular Sock Ruler per customer, US customers only.


Stage Craft

I have finished my favorite sewing project to date, the jumpsuit pattern Butterick 6330.  It looks great!

I mentioned that I got my fabric from GirlCharlee Fabrics, about which I have mixed reviews.


One Pot Wonder

Balsamic Chicken and Brussel's Sprouts 

Love it or Leave it

Love: It's Porch Season

Leave: Raining on my cookout night! (Update, it didn't rain! We had a great time at the cookout!)

Other News and Notes


Running Updates

I ran a 10k at Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, NC. It was a fun time! 

Official Marathon Training Starts June 4th, 2016

Reading Updates
I gave this book 3 stars, it just wasn't my thing

I also finished reading Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

I also started listening to Dumplin' by Julie Murphy and I am really enjoying it.

I started reading Tricky Twenty-two by Janet Evanovich

Otherwise...

School is almost finished for the year! Soon I'll be #knittinlikeitsmyjob

My mom and I are going to see Dolly Parton in concert! This is a dream come true!