Episode 35: Audition Process

Episode 35: Audition Process

Thanks so much for the lovely iTunes reviews and star ratings! 

Knits in Rehearsal

Viajante by Martina Behm
I am now officially 1/3 done with this gigantic project.

Yarn: Miss Babs Kilimanjaro in the Believable color way

Needles: US Size 3 and US Size 4 Signature Convertibles

Whiz Bang Socks by Sarah Shoo
Sarah is half of the lovely duo behind the In a Sknit Video Podcast. 

Yarn: Yarn Ink Sparkle Fingering in Oblivion

Needles: Size 1 Karbonz Fixed Circulars

Vanilla Socks
Yarn: Berry Colorful Yarnings Saturated Sock in the Shades of Grey colorway
Needles: Size 1 Addi Turbo circular needles

Astonish Top by Katy Banks
I talked a little bit about some issues I had due to the fact that I never actually got gauge.

Yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain in Sagebrush and Honey 

Needles: Size 2 Addi Lace Turbos

Auditioning Knits 

Instead of talking about actual patterns I'm auditioning, I talked a little bit about my process of selecting items to shop for when I am going to a festival or other yarnie event. I talked a little about how I use the bundles feature in Ravelry to keep all of my patterns organized. 

I mentioned that I am still using the Stash2go App and really loving the features. I also talked about the one pattern that I am FOR SURE shopping for at Stitches Midwest this year, the Blue Sands Cardigan, but I want to do it with some neon in it!

So far I have 10 (10??) patterns on my list for Stitches shopping. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

The winner of the last giveaway for The Gleener still hasn't contacted me, so I hope she does soon! Listen to episode 34 to see if you were the lucky one! 

PalKal 2015

We are well into the 2nd month now and I'm so excited every time I see a new Finished Object. Remember to keep the finished object thread chatter free, if possible. 

Thanks so much to all of the sponsors who are still providing or have provided coupon codes! 

Make sure to check out the Ravelry group for the pertinent threads. Thanks so much to all of our sponsors both of coupon codes and prizes.

This is the biggest KAL of the year for Actually Knitting! 
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

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


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


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.

Sarah Shoo from In a Sknit is offering her new pattern, Whiz Bang Socks, for $1.50 with the code ActuallyKnitting15

Christina from A Knitter's Life Video Podcast, use the code PALKAL2015 for 1$ off of her patterns, through September 1.

Gina from Brownie Knits Podcast, use the code palkal25 for 25% off your entire order.

Thanks also for the generous (now expired) coupon codes from:
Jennifer Lassonde from Down Cellar Studio
Emily from Fibertown Knits
Anne from the Carolina Fiber Girls
Allie from Caffeinated Knitting

Prizes: 

Jan B. Smiley
1 project bag

Suburban Stitcher/Dianne
1 sock size draw string bag of winner's choice from her Etsy Shop.

Danie from The Prarie Girls Knit and Spin podcast and One Twisted Tree
1 skein of her Prime Sock Yarn in the Hinky Punk colorway

Mel from With Mel Video Podcast
3 patterns from her Ravelry Store

Stacie/Must Stash Yarns and Video Podcast
1 skein of her Extended Play Version of Darkside of the Moon

Emily/Fibretown
1 skein of yarn

Megan Williams/Stockinette Zombies
Sock Pattern kit that includes yarn, pattern and a bag

Anne/Carolina Fiber Girls
1 sock pattern

Estela/One More Row Please (blog/designer)
2 patterns from her Ravelry Store

Laura/Gynx Yarns
1 skein of yarn

Brenda Castiel/designer
3 patterns from her Ravelry store

Maria/Stitched in Sweden
A pattern from her Ravelry Store

Jennifer from the Down Cellar Studio Podcast,
Trickle Shawl Kit from Infinite Twist

Stash Dash is still going strong! Check out The Knit Girlls for more information.

Stitches Midwest is August 6-9. I'll be there, will you?

I also just finalized plans to attend SAFF, October 30-November 1 in Fletcher, NC.

Intermission: Ask me Anything

I answer a question from a listener about my knitting history.

Non-Knitting Segments

What a Crock!

Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Love it or Leave it

Love it: Vacation with my bestest girlfriend!

Leave it: 100 degree temps in Charlotte. GIVE ME A BREAK!

Other News and Notes

Running updates:

I'm really enjoying the power of the group when running. It just makes it easier!

I also purchased a running hydration belt, I'll be happy to let you know what I think if you are interested in such things. 

I finished reading The Martian by Andy Weir and I highly recommend it!

I'm back to reading Written in my Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, mostly because I finished the Starz TV series that goes with the first book in the series. 

I also started reading a very silly beach type read, Shopaholic to the Stars (which I called by the wrong title) by Sophie Kinsella. The books in this series are really silly but they don't disappoint. 

Thanks for listening!