Saturday, May 23, 2015

Episode 32: If you were drinking, you'd be drunk by now

Thanks so much for the itunes reviews and also to all the new listeners, returning listeners, Instagram followers and group members on Ravelry!

Knitting Segments

Show Ready Knits

Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream Solids in Red
Needles: Knit Picks Caspian Straight Needles in Size 4 US/3.5 mm
This washcloth knitted up super quick and has a lovely diamond pattern that  I might borrow for a future project

This went into my gift for my mom for Mothers Day and I have to say, it was a pretty impressive looking gift! 



Knits In Rehearsal 


No real updates here. I hope to finish this by the time I take my trip with my best friend this summer. It would be a great amount of yardage for #stashdash2015.

Yarn: Miss Babs Kilimanjaro in the Believable color way
Needles: US Size 3 and US Size 4 Signature Convertibles 



Vanilla Socks
I am one row away from the bind-off, so I'm saving this for #stashdash2015 as well.

Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Saki Bamboo in the Garnet Ridge colorway
Needles: US 1.5 Addi Lace fixed circular needles



These two projects are in hibernation for the time being...


Haven't worked on this project in a while. It's just too hot to knit a cardigan!

Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Chispas Colorway
Needles: Size 6 Signature Convertibles

Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer
Again, just not really in the mood for this right now with the hot weather.
Yarn: Jones Street DK by The Copper Corgi
Needles: Signature Convertibles Size

I've worked quite a bit on....

Astonish Top by Katy Banks
I decided to stop and measure myself before continuing on, and it looks like I need to rip back a few rows and add about 1/2 an inch to the body before I knit the second section.

Yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain in Sagebrush and Honey
Needles: Size 2 Addi Lace Turbos

Newly in Rehearsal...
Tre o Molti by Anthony Casalena
I am really enjoying this pattern! It's very addictive, as everything is in small sections. When you finish one, you really want to start the next one!
Yarn: Madeline Tosh Tosh Merino Light in Flashdance (purple), Antique Lace (cream) and Vanilla Bean (variegated with creams, purples, browns)

Needles: US 7/4.5 mm

I am really loving this project and I'll be using it for the Around Your Neck Kal that is happening with Dianne of the Suburban Stitcher Video Podcast.

I did finish some blanket squares..but the blanket is a long way from being finished. 

Auditioning Knits

Allie is the co-host of the Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast
I'll likely cast this on soon, as it's going to be my first project for the #PALKAL2015. I have some lovely Bijou Basin Ranch yarn from their Outlandish Collection that I'll be using, and I'll be doing a yarn review on Episode 33. 

Whiz Bang Socks by Sarah from In a Sknit

Knitting News, Notes and Events

Prizes were shipped last week, hopefully everyone has received their packages! 

Speaking of prizes...
The Date Night contest is officially closed. The winner was announced, so listen up to see if you are the lucky one! 

We still have the ongoing Fix-A-Stitch contest. Listen to episode 31 for details on how to win this amazing tool! The contest will run until May 31. 

So. Many. KALS....

There are so many awesome KALS happening now or starting very soon. If you like knitting along with others you are sure to find something you'd like to participate in. Double, triple or quadruple dipping is encouraged by the Actually Knitting Podcast. 

Stash Dash is a KAL sponsored by the Knit Girllls. Be sure to check them out for more information. I think I will enter the 5k option this year. I talk about my current wips and where I stand for yardage if I finish them all!

Around Your Neck is a KAL sponsored by Dianne of Suburban Stitcher. Her blog is linked above. Wips count!

Cardi, Tank or Tee is being sponsored by the 2 Knit Lit Chicks. I am working on my Astonish Top for this KAL.

The Great Outdoors KAL is sponsored by Emily of the Knitting Butterflies podcast. She wants you to be inspired to knit in or for the great outdoors this summer.

PALKAL 2015
PalKal is happening starting June 1st! I answer a few questions I've been asked on the boards, but feel free to ask anything that you think of. The most important update is that I've decided that you can use Wips for the PALKAL. Please use #palkal2015 on Instagram. I can't wait to see what you decide to do!

This is the biggest KAL of the year for Actually Knitting! 
The Podcast Along Knit Along will start officially on June 1st, but let’s start our plotting and planning now!
Here are the rules:
Cast on: June 1
Bind off: September 1
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 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)
  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 will be announced in an upcoming episode.
  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. Each project gets a separate post in the non-chatter thread.
  6. 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).
  7. You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win.
  8. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie!
  9. Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner!
  10. Use the tag PALKAL2015 on Ravelry and #palkal2015 on Instagram
In addition, I've decided that you can use WIPS for this KAL. Yay! 

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! 

The coupon codes will be listed on the podcast and are available here as well:

Dianne from Suburban Stitcher, use code PALKAL2015 for 10% off of any order May 25th through July 31st

Jennifer from the Down Cellar Studio Podcast, use code PALKAL15 for 30% off through June 15th

Emily from Fibretown, use PALKAL25 for 25% off through May 31st

Laura from The Knit GirlllsSSKROCKS for 34% off through May 31st
Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting, use PALKAL for 25% off of any PDF pattern (not books)

Megan from Stockinette Zombies, use ActuallyKnittingPalKal for 30% off through the end of July

Anne from the Carolina Fiber Girls, use PALKAL50 for 50% off any of her patterns

Elizabeth Green Musselman from Dark Matter Knits, use the code PalKal15 for 20% off of any of her self-published patterns, through September 1st.

New this episode: 
Allie Coffey from Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 50% off of her patterns.

Daniela from Caffeinated Knitting Video Podcast, use the code ACTUALLYCAFFEINATED for 50% off her patterns through September 1. 

Angela from the Revelations of a Delusional Knitter Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 25% off of her patterns.

I already mentioned by plan to knit the Make it Work Hat (linked above), and the Whiz Bang Socks (also linked above), and then I mention that I also want to make the Swirl-E Socks by Susie White of the Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Podcast. I also mentioned making Los Monos Locos by Jennifer O'Sullivan. 

Other Events:
World Wide Knit in Public Day is June 13, 2015. If you are local or Semi-local, please join us at Heist Brewery in Noda, Charlotte, NC. Details can be found on the Ravelry board or on the brand new Actually Knitting Podcast Facebook page! We will be joined by the Carolina Fiber Girls, Ann and Janis, and tons of lovely knitters!

Stitches Midwest:
I'll be at this event August 6-9, 2015 and I cannot wait! If you are going be sure to let me know!

Knitting Girls Weekend in Asheville
I visited the Dressing Downton exhibit at the Biltmore House and really enjoyed it.

I also fell (hard) off of the #stashdownthrowdown wagon at the Black Mountain Yarn Shop. I bought some Shibui Knits Staccato, and some souvenir yarn by Fable Fibers.

I also visited Friends and Fiberworks in Candler, NC. I fell down again (not as hard) and bought some Lydia Yarns Gradient Sock.

I am trying not to feel guilty about buying

The Reviews are In

This episode I review Renewe Dryer Balls by Mountain Meadow Wool. While these aren't really a product specific to knitting, they are made from wool and I really enjoyed using them. 

Knitting Talk Back: Caring for your Knits

This episode I start a series of talkbacks about taking care of your knitted items. If you have any ideas, feel free to share them with the group. Today I talk about a product I really love, The Gleener. Listen to details about how to win one of these awesome tools for yourself! This contest will run from May 22 to June 15. 

Intermission Ask Me Anything


In this episode I answer a question about my theatre life! 

Non-Knitting Segments

What a Crock! 

I went old school in this episode and made a dish I found from Betty Crocker. Betty Crocker Slow Cooker Chicken with Tomatoes and Artichokes. 


Love it or Leave it

Love it: 

Leave it: 
Stress due to final exams coming up! I think I can I think I can I think I can! 

Other News and Notes:

No running news to update. 

I finished reading The Girl on the Train, and I liked it, but wasn't as impressed by it as I hoped I would be. 

I started reading The Martian by Andy Weir and I'm really enjoying it so far. 







Thursday, May 7, 2015

Episode 31: Pal Kal Planning Stages

Knitting Segments


Show-Ready Knits

Great free pattern on Ravelry
Yarn: Lily Sugar and Cream Solids in Grape
Needles: Size 6 Chiaogoo Red Lace Circulars
Lovely quick little campfire knitting project. 

Another great free pattern by same designer
Yarn: Peaches and Creme Worsted, in Fiesta Colorway
Needles: Size 4 Knit Picks Caspian Straight Needles

Knits in Rehearsal

Viajante by Martina Behm
This is now in the knit until forever stage, but I love it!

No real updates here. 
Yarn: Miss Babs Kilimanjaro in the Believable color way
Needles: US Size 3 and US Size 4 Signature Convertibles 



Vanilla Socks
No pattern on this one, just cast on 32 stitches using Judy's Magic Cast On, did the increases until I had 64, and started knitting away. Great travel project, until I get to the heel, of course. As a still relatively new sock knitter, I don't have the heels down by memory yet. What's your favorite toe-up heel?

Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Saki Bamboo in the Garnet Ridge colorway
Needles: US 1.5 Addi Lace fixed circular needles


I am plugging along on this, but it's become a mostly at home project since I am alternating skeins and that's a lot of yarn to carry in your purse (though I've done it before!) I have linked to my project, which is still in the very beginning stages, but please check out the design as well.

Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in the Chispas Colorway
Needles: Size 6 Signature Convertibles

Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer
Yarn: Jones Street DK by The Copper Corgi
Needles: Signature Convertibles Size



Haven't really worked on much lately except...
Yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain in Sage and Honey
Needles: Size 2 Addi Lace Turbos


I hope you enjoy my review of the Lindy Chain yarn!
I also mentioned how much I love LoLo Bars

Auditioning Knits



The Reviews Are In!

Fix-a-Stitch is a knitting repair tool that you absolutely need in your knitting toolbox! Enjoy the review and listen up for a contest to win your very own set!

Knitting News, Notes and Events

Actually Knitting has a Facebook page, like it if you get a chance!



Knit, Wear, Love Contest ended on May 1 and the winner is announced!


Rak-a-Long ended on May 1, 2015 and the winners of the prizes are announced! Listen up to see if you are a lucky winner! Thank you for participating!

Date Night Contest is ending on May 15, 2015. You still have a few days to enter. Listen to episode 29 for details.

World Wide Knit in Public Day is June 13, 2015. If you are local or Semi-local, please join us at Heist Brewery in Noda, Charlotte, NC. Details can be found on the Ravelry board or on the brand new Actually Knitting Podcast Facebook page! We will be joined by the Carolina Fiber Girls, Ann and Janis, and tons of lovely knitters!

How Lovely! Designer Brenda Castiel is a listener and she has generously offered a coupon code to Actually Knitting listeners for 30% off of any of her patterns! She has also generously donated prizes for the PalKal, which we will hear about in Episode 32. 







PALKAL 2015! 

This is the biggest KAL of the year for Actually Knitting! 
The Podcast Along Knit Along will start officially on June 1st, but let’s start our plotting and planning now!
Here are the rules:
Cast on: June 1
Bind off: September 1
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 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)
  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 will be announced in an upcoming episode.
  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. Each project gets a separate post in the non-chatter thread.
  6. 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).
  7. You must be a member of the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to win.
  8. Have fun supporting a podcaster designer or yarnie!
  9. Please do not chatter in the non-chatter thread. It makes it more difficult to draw a winner!
  10. Use the tag PALKAL2015 on Ravelry and #palkal2015 on Instagram.
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! 

The coupon codes will be listed on the podcast and are available here as well:

Diane from Suburban Stitcher, use code PALKAL2015 for 10% off of any order May 25th through July 31st

Jennifer from the Down Cellar Studio Podcast, use code PALKAL15 for 30% off through June 15th

Emily from Fibretown, use PALKAL25 for 25% off through May 31st

Laura from The Knit Girllls, SSKROCKS for 34% off through May 31st
Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting, use PALKAL for 25% off of any PDF pattern (not books)

Megan from Stockinette Zombies, use ActuallyKnittingPalKal for 30% off through the end of July

Anne from the Carolina Fiber Girls, use PALKAL50 for 50% off any of her patterns

Elizabeth Green Musselman from Dark Matter Knits, use the code PalKal15 for 20% off of any of her self-published patterns, through September 1st. 
Prizes will be announced on Episode 32. 

-------------------------------Intermission Entertainment: Ask me Anything-----------------------------------
I've opened a thread on Ravelry called "Ask Me Anything." Since these questions could be about knitting, theatre and even my personal life (oh my!), I've decided to make it an Intermission Entertainment segment. Ask me Anything!

Today I answer a question about the podcasting equipment that I use. I mention my RODE podcaster mic  and that I use Garage Band (an Apple product) to record my episodes.

Here I am at the mic as I edited the podcast!

I also mentioned that I took a class on Lynda.com about podcasting. 

Non-Knitting Segments

What a Crock

Love it or Leave it

Love: Camping
Leave: Complicated relationships

Other News and Notes

I finished reading The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. 



I purchased a running watch and I'm really enjoying the feedback it provides. It's the Garmin 220.

Have a Knitting weekend planned soon with some friends. Will be nice to check out some yarn stores, especially the Black Mountain Yarn Shop and see the Dressing Downton exhibit at the Biltmore House.