Sunday, May 1, 2016

My Hips Don't Lie

Knitting Segments 


I mentioned the Unraveling with Greg and Joey podcast, check those guys out if you get a second! 

Show Ready Knits

Bryum by Cailliau Berangere
I mentioned a flub I had with a dropped stitch, which I was able to repair using my Fix a Stitch.

Knits in Rehearsal

Auditioning Knits

I bought the Argentine yarn from Pura Hilados and I can't wait to get this!

Ice Shanty by Amy Miller 

Knitting News, Notes and Events 

We wrapped up the Broadway Kal on April 30th and we have several prizes to give away. Make sure to listen to see if you are one of the lucky ones!

The PalKal will be starting in June. I am looking for prizes and sponsors, so email me if you are interested!

I mentioned World Wide Knit in Public day which is June 18, 2016.

I also mentioned the Knit Girllls podcast and their KAL, Stash Dash. Check out their podcast.

I also mentioned a new to me video podcast called Legacy Knitz.

Non-Knitting Segments

What a Crock!


Love it or Leave it

Love: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 2, is out on Netflix. 

Leave: Packaging issues

Stage Craft

I've been doing a lot of sewing and finished a pattern I will definitely be making again. 
McCall's M6654 is a great value and I am learning more about lining garments and using my serger. 
I am loving the fabric selections from Girl Charlee Fabrics. 

I am currently working on a jumpsuit from Butterick's B6330. 


Other News and Notes


Books

I finished reading 2 books: 





Running

Thanks so much for donating to Team Taps and my efforts towards running the 41st annual Marine Corps Marathon in October of this year. Fundraising is far from over, so if you are interesting in donating, it's not too late. 


Other
May is shaping up to be a very busy month and final exams will be here before I know it, so I hope to keep a regular recording schedule for the month.



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Friday, April 15, 2016

Episode 50: Like watching OJ try on that glove..

Knitting Segments

Show Ready Knits

Vanilla Socks for Josh



Knits in Rehearsal

I'm knitting these out of my first ever skein of Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts.

I used the OMG heel by Megan Williams on these socks and I will be using this heel a lot in the future.

Vanilla Socks with some White Birch Fiber Arts



Auditioning Knits

I'm looking for the perfect Rhinebeck Sweater! I have 1500 yards of a beautiful 100% Sport Weight in a gorgeous golden yellow. 




The Reviews are In

This episode I reviewed Henry's Hat by Eric and Joanna Johnson. Thanks to the folks at Slate Falls Press for sending me this review copy. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Broadway KAL is up and running!  I hope you are playing along because there are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 30, 2016
Wips Count!

The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
Prizes!

1 pattern from Jennifer Lassonde

1 Skein of yarn from The Happy Buffalo Boutique

2 Skeins of yarn from Ancient Threads Farm

Thanks to Thuy from the Twisted Stitches Podcast for the donation of an Original Cast Recording of Hamilton. Listen up to find out about the prompt for this giveaway and thanks to Thuy for the prize. 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, as well as a Finished Objects thread. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

PAL KAL is coming up this summer! 

Today I answered a question in the Ask me Anything thread in the group on Ravelry. 

Non-Knitting Segments


One Pot Wonder


Love it or Leave it

Love it: Ice Cream, specifically Ben and Jerry's Salted Caramel Blondie

Leave it: I have a friend who is coping with the loss of a loved one. 

Other News and Notes

Finished Books



Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. Warning, this book is very graphic and disturbing. 

Currently Listening to: 
The Girl with All the Gifts

Currently Reading: 
Furiously Happy

Running Updates
I wil be running in the 41st Annual Marine Corps Marathon in October 2016! I am scared and excited. 

 I am raising money in memory of my cousin Jacob, who was a Marine who served 2 tours in Iraq, and passed away in 2011. I would love to raise some more money this month in honor of his birthday on April 20th. Please check out my fundraising page and donate if you can. 

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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Episode 49: I Wish You Could See My Face Right Now!

Episode 49


I mentioned the iTunes review from one of the hosts of Unraveling with Greg and Joey, check them out if you get a chance.

Knits in Rehearsal

I'm knitting these out of my first ever skein of Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts.

Vanilla Socks with some White Birch Fiber Arts

 Bryum shawl 
Yarn purchased at my favorite yarn shop, Black Mountain Yarn Shop.

My favorite Miss Babs Yarn, gotta love it!

Auditioning Knits

It's not been released yet, but Joji Locatelli has a new shawl pattern coming out (hopefully) soon. Check out her Instagram feed to see the picture. 

I mentioned having seen the shawl on the Suburban Stitcher Podcast. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

News
The Broadway KAL is up and running!  I hope you are playing along because there are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
Wips Count!

The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
Prizes!

1 pattern from Jennifer Lassonde

1 Skein of yarn from The Happy Buffalo Boutique

2 Skeins of yarn from Ancient Threads Farm
Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 

2 patterns from Estella Haines' Ravelry Shop. 

New Prize Offering! 

Thanks to Thuy from the Twisted Stitches Podcast for the donation of an Original Cast Recording of Hamilton. Listen up to find out about the prompt for this giveaway and thanks to Thuy for the prize. 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, as well as a Finished Objects thread. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Notes
My mother came for a visit and I taught her how to knit and she loves it! I'm so happy! She's working on her first ever pattern, the Sugar Cubes Baby Washcloth. 


 Events
I attended the Carolina Fiber Frolic a couple of weekends ago and I had am amazing time. Listen up for a short recap of the event.

Heather Storta was the teacher and I really enjoyed taking classes with her.



Non-Knitting Segments

One-Pot Wonders



Love it or Leave it


Leave: End of Quarter Stress


StageCraft

I've been working on even more sewing! Check out my Instagram to see the pics of the bags I have finished this week. I used Ellie Mae Designs K155 and McCalls M6256 for my project bags. 

Book News/Notes


Thanks to a listener for suggesting Modern Mrs. Darcy for book recommendations. I also heard about it on the Cultivate and Create podcast. 

Currently Reading

Started reading The Daughter by Jane Shemilt. 

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. Warning, this book is very graphic and disturbing. 

Finished Reading

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Running Updates
I am back at it, training for a 10k in May. No pain, so hopefully the injury is healed. 
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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Episode 48: No more "selfish" knitting

Knitting Segments


Show Ready Knits



Knits in Rehearsal


Auditioning Knits

Ready to cast on a pair of vanilla socks with some White Birch Fiber Arts and a pair of patterned socks with my first ever skein of Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I'm thinking of casting on some Hermione's Everyday Socks or some Zigagular Socks. 

Also ready to swatch and cast on for my Worsted Boxy sweater that I've had in my queue for a long time! 

Will probably cast on the Bryum shawl this week as well. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

News
I started watching a New to Me video podcast called The Grocery Girls Knit. These ladies are sisters from Canada and they are quite charming.

Notes
My mother came for a visit and I taught her how to knit and she loves it! I'm so happy!

Events

I drew a winner for the Fern Fiber contest that started February 15th. Listen up to see if you are the lucky winner!


I'll be attending the following events:

Carolina Fiber Frolic March 18-20

Carolina Fiber Fest (tentatively) March 26th (tentatively)

The Broadway KAL is up and running!  I hope you are playing along because there are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
Wips Count!

The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
Prizes!

1 pattern from Jennifer Lassonde

1 Skein of yarn from The Happy Buffalo Boutique

2 Skeins of yarn from Ancient Threads Farm
Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 

 2 patterns from Estella Haines' Ravelry Shop. 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, as well as a Finished Objects thread. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Knitting Talk Back 

In the third part of the Carolina in my Mind series, I have an interview with Laurie Gonyea of the Feel Good Yarn Company/Silver Spun Yarn. This is an exciting product and I hope you enjoy hearing all about it!

There is a contest thread up in the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, check it out and enter to win. This contest will run from March 15th to April 10th, 2016.

Non-Knitting Segments


One Pot Wonders


Love it or Leave it

I only have one thing that works for both Love it and Leave it this episode, the Downton Abbey Series Finale. 

Other News and Notes

No running news, I'm on the injured list. 

Books
I started listening to Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. It's listed as a psychological thriller, but I haven't had a chance to get really into it yet.

I started reading the Maisie Dobbs Series and I also haven't really gotten into that. Thanks for all of the suggestions on the book thread on Ravelry.

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Monday, February 29, 2016

Episode 47: Triple Threat Knits

Knitting Segments


Show Ready Knits

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Trabajos del Peru
Needles: Size 11 bamboo

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Trabajos del Peru
Needles: Size 11 Knitter's Pride Nova Platina Interchangeables

These knits are both for the #akbroadwaykal and were a donation, plus they were from stash I've had since 2009, making them perfect Triple Threat Knits! 



Knits in Rehearsal

Yarn: Fave Sock by Fiber Story in Deep Sea, Aegean, Squeeze, and Koi Pond 
Needles: Size 5 Signature Convertibles


Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Broadway KAL had it's opening night. I hope you are playing along because there are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
Wips Count!

The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
Prizes!

1 pattern from Jennifer Lassonde

1 Skein of yarn from The Happy Buffalo Boutique

2 Skeins of yarn from Ancient Threads Farm
Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, as well as a Finished Objects thread. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Contest News: 
Last episode in the  "Carolina in my Mind" segment, I had an interview with Maria and Nikki of Fern Fiber. These ladies specialize in naturally dyed yarns that are produced without chemicals. I learned a lot talking with these ladies, and they generously provided a giveaway skein for my listeners. Check out  Episode 46  for more information. The giveaway thread will be open 

 Events: 
I'll be attending the following events:

Carolina Fiber Frolic March 18-20

Carolina Fiber Fest (tentatively) March 26th

Finishing class with Alana Dakos May 14th, 2016 at Black Mountain Yarn Shop






Non-Knitting Segments 

One Pot Wonders



Love it or Leave it

Love: LuLaRoe Leggings

Leave: My more frequently needed haircuts!


Stage Craft

I made pants! Simplicity 1887 was very easy to follow and now I'm working on a dress. I'm finding sewing easier and less scary!


Other News and Notes

Book Notes
Wow! I am enjoying all of the suggestions on the Ravelry thread! I have definitely grown my "to read" list on Goodreads, keep the suggestions coming!

I finished reading Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal

I started reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Running Notes
I ran a 10 mile race on February 20th and did pretty well considering my lack of training.

I have another 1/2 marathon on March 5th.









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Sunday, February 14, 2016

Broadway Kal Opening Night!

Knitting Segments


Show Ready Knits

Drips Hat 
This was my Panthers hat, to support my hometown team going to the Super Bowl.

Yarn: Fiberspates Vivacious DK in Deep Aqua and Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Black
I'm holding the DK weight double to match the gauge of the black.
Needles: Size 10 Signature Convertibles, using Magic Loop.


Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Twist Fiber Studio contest ended on February 10th and the winner was announced on this episode. The coupon code, ACTUALLYKNITTING, is still good in the shop until February 29th, 2016. Listen up to see if you are the lucky winner. 

I'll be attending the following events:

Carolina Fiber Frolic March 18-20

Carolina Fiber Fest (tentatively) March 26th

Finishing class with Alana Dakos May 14th, 2016


Broadway Kal
If you are hearing this episode, the KAL has begun! 

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
So far there are no sponsors or prizes, but we’ll find something! If you would like to donate a prize, please PM me, Michelle, actuallyknitting.
Yay! Bravo! Break a leg! 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 



Knitting Talkback

Continuing the series "Carolina in my Mind," I have an interview with Maria and Nikki of Fern Fiber. These ladies specialize in naturally dyed yarns that are produced without chemicals. I learned a lot talking with these ladies, and they generously provided a giveaway skein for my listeners. Check out the episode for more information. 

This giveaway will be open until March 10, 2016

Non-Knitting Segments

One Pot Wonders


Love it or Leave it

Love it: Gas Fireplace on a cold day!

No leave it this week! Keeping it positive!

Other News and Notes

Running news
I set a new PR in my last race, the Super Bowl 4 miler!

I have a 10 mile race on February 20th and a 1/2 Marathon on March 6th

Books
I've been in a reading rut lately! I've opened a thread in the Ravelry group so you can tell me the last best book you read! 

I finished Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee and I didn't enjoy it AT ALL! 

I've been reading Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal 





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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Episode 45: Am I Stuck in my Knitting Ways?

Episode 45: Bandwagon Knitting

Welcome to new and returning listeners!

Knitting Segments

Knits in Rehearsal

Best Friend Los Monos Locos Socks
Needles: Addi Turbo Sock Rockets (LOVE THESE!)

Yarn: Bison Tracks by Alisha Goes Around in February Ring and Cleopatra (Matchy-matchy, y'all)
Needles: US size 1 and 2 circular needles (Magic Loop for the Win!)

If you struggle with your floats in stranded colorwork, be sure to check out these videos from Philosopher's Wool.
I have finished one of the mitts and I learned two new techniques for these mitts:

Here's the video I used from Anacapa Knits

And below are the two tutorials I used from New Stitch a Day.

Italian Tubular Cast On

Tubular Bind Off

And here is the link I mentioned about the 38 Beautiful Cast Ons. How many do you know?

Virgie Clay 
This is by Sarah Stevens of Oh! Loops and the Fiber By Design Podcast. 
Yarn: Fave Sock by Fiber Story in Deep Sea, Aegean, Squeeze, and Koi Pond 
Needles: Size 5 Signature Convertibles


Drips Hat 
This is a free pattern by Bethany Hill
I'm making this as a Panthers hat, since my hometown team is going to the SuperBowl! 
Yarn: Fiberspates Vivacious DK in Deep Aqua and Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Black
I'm holding the DK weight double to match the gauge of the black.
Needles: Size 10 Signature Convertibles, using Magic Loop. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

News
Twist Fiber Studio Contest is still on-going. This contest will close on February 10th, and the winner will be announced on the February 15th Episode. There is a coupon code, Actuallyknitting, which gets you 20% off of any purchase you make in the Twist Fiber Studio Etsy Shop.

Broadway Kal
There seems to be some interest in doing the Broadway Kal, so we will start this on February 15th, 2016. 

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
So far there are no sponsors or prizes, but we’ll find something! If you would like to donate a prize, please PM me, Michelle, actuallyknitting.
Yay! Bravo! Break a leg! 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry. 

Notes
Check out the new audio podcast from Sarah, Mrsshoo, Cultivate and Create. Don't worry, In a Sknit is still going strong. 

Non-Knitting Segments


One Pot Wonders


Love it or Leave it!

Leave it: Getting over a cold! Cold temperatures! Feeling sluggish!

Stagecraft

I've been working on a couple of sewing projects, plus a cross stitch pattern from Adafruit.com. 

Other News and Notes

I've been slacking off on the running, but I'm getting back to running with my group.

Books
The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee 

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