Episode 82: The Year of the Hat!

Knitting Segments

Show Ready Knits

Baby Hats for Little Hats, Big Hearts Project

Pattern is the Apple Crisp Baby Hat by Salty Pearl Crochet

Knits in Rehearsal

#werkthewips

Shusui Shrug by Suzanne Somers

Knitting Talkback

This episode I discuss my 2017 knitting (The Year of the Hat!) and some plans for 2018 (#stashdownthrowdown). 

Non-Knitting Segments 

One Pot Wonders

Roasted Chicken, Butternut Squash and Guacamole Rice Bowls

Love it or Leave it

Love: New to me Podcast: The Hilarious World of Depression

Leave: I'm through with the dentist! 

Theatrical Updates

I did not get the role I wanted in Bonnie and Clyde, but something else will come up! 

Other News and Notes

Books

Running

I'm currently not training for any race and I'm actually enjoying running again!

Episode 81: It's Been a Hot Minute

Thank you for supporting the podcast by clicking on affiliate links! 

Knitting Segments

Show Ready Knits

Panther's Socks

Vanilla After-Thought Heel Socks

What the Fade? 

Blanket for Project Welcome Blanket

Knits in Rehearsal

Actively working on my Shusui Shrug 

Really trying to work through my WIPS #werkthewips

Endpaper Knits  I have one completely finished and I want to finish the other by the end of the year. 

Sockhead Hat in my purse: no real deadline for this. 

Projects being reconsidered: 

Ice Shanty (though I may have talked myself back into it) 

Mae

Auditioning Knits

Sunset Highway

Echo Mega

Rainbow Party Cardi

I also have some yarn looking for a project. 

Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted

Possible project: 

Harley 

Sport Weight Gorgeous Yellow Yarn

Possible projects for this yarn: 

Summer Festival 

Low Tide

Moth Cardigan

Leaving

Clarity Cardigan

Warszawa Soft 

Which one do you think I should cast on? 

Knitting News, Notes and Events 

I had a great time at SAFF in October! 

Are you interested in doing a KAL? Have some good ideas? Let me know! 

Non-Knitting Segments

One Pot Wonder/Meatless Monday

Healthy One-Pot Enchilada Pasta

Love it or Leave it

Love: New found energy related to my new fitness and health program

Leave: I couldn't think of anything! 

Theatrical Updates

I recently saw the touring production of On Your Feet and really enjoyed it. 

I am auditioning for Bonnie and Clyde soon, I'll let you know what happens. 

Other News and Notes

Running Updates

I completed the Chicago Marathon in October and have NO PLANS to run another one :) 

Books

You had me at Hello

After Hello



A Tangled Mercy

Other News and Notes

I will be attending Zombie Knitpocalypse 2018! Yay!

Episode 79: Are we just lazy knitters?

Thanks to Brenda Castiel for sending me a copy of her new pattern, The Plum Sorbet Shawl. 

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits

Country Garden Top

Knits in Rehearsal

Panther's Socks

Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder

Shusui Shrug by Susanne Sommer

Check out this Craftsy Class if you want to learn Brioche.

Loving the Yarn for this project:

Yarn Geek Fibers Rocketeer in Grace Hopper Computer Scientist


Stitch Markers from Such Gwenderful Stuff

Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Dirty Truce

Auditioning Knits

I started out being inspired at my favorite LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop. 
The main color inspiration was from Woolen Boon in the Greenleaf Hut color way.
I picked out some Madeline Tosh to compliment that skein. Tosh Merino Light in Grasshopper and Turquoise color ways.

Looking for a 3 color shawl and I'm considering: 

Versus by Hillary Smith Callis

Stay Soft Shawl by Veera Valimaki 

I'm currently obsessed with looking through my stash for yarn for: 

What the Fade?! Mystery KAL by Andrea Mowry 

Here is what I am considering for my What the Fade?!

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This episode I tell you about the Fruity Knitting Podcast on Youtube. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

Special thanks to the Intermission Prize Sponsor for the month of July, Zombody Knits. Listen up to see if you were the lucky listener! 

For the last month of the PalKal the Intermission Prize Sponsor is The Worsted Purl. Thanks to Tricia for sponsoring. Check out these adorable stitch marker prizes. 

Get your Finished Objects posted by September 1st (or as long as the thread is open). Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

I am excited that I have finalized my plans for SAFF , the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair in Flectcher, NC. It is happening October 27-29, 2017 and I'll be there on Saturday and Sunday. I'll be staying in Black Mountain, NC and visiting my favorite LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop, where there will be a Magpie Fibers pop-up shop and a Signature Needles trunk show. 

Non-Knitting Segments

One-Pot Wonders

Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas from Skinny Taste. 

Love it or Leave it

Love: I forgot to mention that I got my iPad back after losing it on a flight! 

Leave: I have to go back to work tomorrow! 

Other News and Notes

Running Updates

I had a rough run on Saturday and injured my hip a little bit, hoping that it will right itself after some days off, rest and ice. 

Next race is the Greek Festival 5k on August 26. Unfortunately, I have to do 22 miles that day. 

Reading Updates

I finished reading: 

 

I finished listening to:

For you, the listeners of Actually Knitting, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.You can try the book I linked above or any audiobook of your choice for free! 

To download your free audiobook today go to audibletrial.com/actuallyknitting. 

Lately I've been listening to:

Episode 78: Once a job is first begun....

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits  

Vasa by Dianna Walla

Giant Crochet Blanket

     Blocking vs Killing Acrylic
     Five Common Crochet Mistakes and Tips for Beginners

Knits in Rehearsal

Find your Fade by Andrea Mowry

Crochet News

I talked a little about some of the techniques I've been learning from the book above.

Let 'er Rip
I ripped out 2 sweaters and it was very therapeutic!

Auditioning Knits 

Country Garden Top 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

Special thanks to the Intermission Prize Sponsor for the month of July, Zombody Knits.


Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This episode I tell you about Keep Calm and Carry Yarn. 

Non-Knitting Segments

Love it or Leave it

Love: I've been working with my brother on his business, managing his social media.

Leave: My lack of structure combined with this heat and humidity are making me exceptionally tired!

Other News and Notes

Running
I had to get new shoes which I was not happy about.

Reading

I finished reading:

 I finished listening to:
 

For you, the listeners of Actually Knitting, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.You can try the book I linked above or any audiobook of your choice for free! 

To download your free audiobook today go to audibletrial.com/actuallyknitting. 

Episode 77: Magical Sweater Math

Knitting Segments

Knits in Rehearsal 

Vasa by Dianna Walla

Find your Fade by Andrea Mowry

Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Pal Kal is entering the second month. Listen to see if you are the lucky winner of the Intermission/Chatter prize for June. I also announce the Intermission Prize Sponsor for the month of July, Zombody Knits.


Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

Check out the episode for more information about this episode's producing sponsor, Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting. 


Other Events
I hope you'll indulge me in a brief recap of my time at ZK 2017.
My favorite vendors were Yarn Geek Fibers, Leading Men Fiber Arts and The Yarn Truck/Knit Buffalo. 

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This episode I tell you about Dairyland Knits.

Non-Knitting Segments

Meatless Monday

Black Bean and Butternut Squash Quesadillas from the Live-in Kitchen. 

Love it or Leave it

Love: I have been doing a Bootcamp workout at Camp Gladiator and really enjoying it.

Leave: I did something really stupid. Listen up for details....

Other News and Notes

Theatrical Updates
I saw the tour of Fun Home and it was amazing!

Running
No real news on this front. I did run my longest solo distance of 10 miles, which felt really good.

Reading
I finished reading 2 books, both of which I really enjoyed.



This episode is brought to you by Audible. Enjoy a free 30 day trial and free audiobook by clicking here! I am currently enjoying

Episode 76: Both Safe AND sanitary!

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits

VNeck Boxy by Joji Locatelli 

Knits in Rehearsal 

Find your Fade by Andrea Mowry

Vasa by Dianna Walla

Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Pal Kal has officially started!



Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

Check out the episode for more information about this episode's producing sponsor, Imagined Landscape Designs. 


Other Events

WWKIP Day
Thanks to everyone who came out for WWKIP day! We were a small buy mighty crowd! Thanks to these sponsors for donating door prizes!
Charlotte Yarn , Cottage Yarn and Queen City Yarn.

Stash Dash 2017
Check out the Knit Girlls Podcast for more information.

Splash Pad Party with the Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Summer Stripe Along Kal

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This week I checked out the Bede Sisters podcast, hosted by Kay. Check it out!

The Reviews are In! 

This episode I reviewed a new purchase, the Knitter's Keep by Coco Knits.

Non-Knitting Segments

Love it or Leave it

Love: Essential Oils
What are your favorites?

Leave: People asking me about my plans to have children. What????

Other News and Notes

Running
No news is good news! Week 7 of Marathon training is in the books.

Reading
I finished reading The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer.


I finished listening to Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.

Interested in a free audiobook from Audible? Check out this link to get your free audiobook today!

Episode 75: Let me Take you on a Knitscapade (Let's Go!)

You have to be a Janet Jackson fan to get that reference....

Thanks so much for using the Amazon Links! Your purchases help to support the podcast and it doesn't cost you a thing! 

Knitting Segments

Knits in Rehearsal 

V Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Auditioning Knits

PalKal Auditions

I'm trying to figure out what I'll do for the PalKal this year. 

Was thinking of knitting the Lil' Miss Chelsea Bean by Jenn Sheelen. 

Also considering Breathing Space and True Friend by Veera Valimaki, using my ChileKnitz Pal Kal Yarn. 

I am also searching for something to make with my PalKal kit from Suburban Stitcher. 

Summer Tops

I am searching pretty hard for something to make with my Claudia Hand-Painted Contemplation yarn that's been in my stash for a while. I originally bought it to make the Linum Tee by Bristol Ivy.

Here are some of the things I'm considering:

Nesoi Tee by Miriam Felton

Notched Hem Tank Top by Purl Soho

Breeze by Joanna Rankin

Knitting News, Notes and Events

World Wide Knit in Public Day
Check the link above to RSVP.

June 10, 2017
I'll be at Foxcroft Wine in Dilworth, Charlotte, from 2pm until at least 5.
1235 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203

I will have door prizes from Charlotte Yarn (which is in the same shopping center as the wine bar), Cottage Yarn and Queen City Yarn.

Charlotte Yarn, Baskets of Yarn and Cottage Yarn will all be having specials that day for Actually Knitting listeners and those Knitting in Public.

The Pal Kal has officially started!


Exciting News! Check out my social media feeds for information about some exclusive products coming from Suburban Stitcher and ChileKnitz!

Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

Other Events
Stash Dash 2017
Check out the Knit Girlls Podcast for more information.

Summer Stripe Along Kal

Knitscapade

Let me take you on a Knitscapade! Last weekend I visited my favorite not-so-local to me LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop. I fell off the wagon pretty hard but, no regrets!

Non-Knitting Segments

One Pot Wonders

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta from Skinny Taste

Love it or Leave it

Love: Camping Trip

Leave: Humidity

Other News and Notes

Running News: 
I am in week 5 of training for the Chicago Marathon. Trying to stay injury free and also keep using my bullet journal to track my workouts.

Reading Updates: 

I finished reading Eligible, A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfield.

Use this link to get your free 30 day trial and free audiobook from Audible.com.

Episode 74: Yay! Sportsball!

Knitting Segments

Knits in Rehearsal 

V Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Here is a circular tracker I used for inspiration for my bullet journal. Mine is very basic at the moment. 

Mae Pullover by Andrea Mowry

Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

March Mowry Madness

#MarchMowryMadness officially wrapped up on April 30, 2017. Listen to see if you are the lucky winner of a pack of mini-skeins by Happy Little Yarn!

Stash Dash 2017
Check out the Knit Girlls Podcast for more information.

World Wide Knit in Public Day

June 10, 2017

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Exciting News! Watch my social media feeds for information about some exclusive products coming from Suburban Stitcher and ChileKnitz!

Below is the painting that Connie is using for the color way inspiration.

Non-Knitting Segments

Meatless Monday

Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

Love it or Leave it

I got nothing but love this week! Josh and I got engaged a couple of weeks ago! 

Other News and Notes

Finished Reading: 

Currently Reading: 

Currently Listening to: 

Use this link to get your free 30 day trial and free audiobook from Audible.com.

Episode 73: Athleisure

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits 

Ripken by Melanie Berg

Here's a tutorial for the Crochet Hook Provisional Cast-On

Knits in Rehearsal

Vanilla Socks

Knitting News, Notes and Events

World Wide Knit in Public Day

June 10, 2017

March Mowry Madness

#MarchMowryMadness will run through April 30, 2017.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Exciting News! Watch my social media feeds for information about some exclusive products coming from Suburban Stitcher and ChileKnitz!

Below is the painting that Connie is using for the color way inspiration.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

Knitting Talkback: Athleisure 

Parody Video: Active Wear

Knitting Industry Blog 

I was inspired by a recent issue of Knit Wear Magazine to delve into the topic of Athleisure in hand knits.

Interweave Blog: What's the Deal with Athleisure

The patterns I featured in this episode:

Marblehead Poncho by  Lana Jois

Rockport Vest by Allison Jane

Sturbridge Pullovery by Pam Allen

Dartmouth Pullover by Brandy Velten

Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Mae by Andrea Mowry 

Kingston Tunic by Andrea Mowry

Sidewalk Sweater by Kate Oates

Ouisa by Christina Ghirlanda

Chloe Cardigan by Jo Storie

Still Light Tunic by Veera Valimaki 

Listener Contribution: Cooldown by Alicia Plummer

I would love to hear your ideas for altheisure patterns in knitting! Go on over to the Ravelry group to tell us all about it.

Non-Knitting Segments

Love it or Leave it

Love: Handwriting Tutorials

Leave: I hate 4th quarter!

Other News and Notes

Running News
I officially started training for marathon #2, The Chicago Marathon is October 8th, 2017.

I have been inspired to start doing a bullet journal for my running. Check out this post from Runner's World about using a bullet journal for running and other health tracking.

Some pics of my bullet journal are on my Instagram feed.

Books
Finished Reading:

Finished Listening: 

Currently Reading:

Currently Listening:
 

Episode 72: Don't Try This at Home!

Knitting Segments

Special thanks to Jenn Sheelen for sending me her latest pattern, Lil Miss Chelsea Bean.

Show-Ready Knits

Sockhead Slouch Hat #3

Baby Hat 

Knits in Rehearsal

Ripken by Melanie Berg

Here's a tutorial for the Crochet Hook Provisional Cast-On

Mae by Andrea Mowry 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

#MarchMowryMadness will run through April 30, 2017. There is a chatter thread open and lively on Ravelry.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

June 10, 2017 is World Wide Knit in Public Day.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting@gmail.com or contact me on Ravelry.

My Favorite Knitting Things

Josh did an Ikea hack for a yarn winding station for my craft room. We used the Finnvard from Ikea, painted it, and installed my swift and ball winder on the top!

Strauch Ball Winders

Here's the blog post where Josh found the idea for the Yarn Winding Station.

Non-Knitting Segments

One-Pot Wonders

One Pot Teriyaki Chicken Zoodles

Love it or Leave it

Love: My trip to San Francisco 

Leave: Spring Break is over! 

Other News and Notes 

Running

Marathon Training starts April 29, 2017

Books 

Finished Reading: The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

Finished Listening: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Bachman


Currently Reading: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead


Currently Listening: I'm Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi

Episode 71: My Name is Michelle and I'm Scared of Math

Knitting Segments

Knits in Rehearsal

Mae Pullover by Andrea Mowry for #marchmowrymadness

V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure

I mentioned how I've been using a tracker in my knitting notebook to keep up with notes and how often I work on long term projects. Here are some links for more information about Bullet Journal Trackers. 

35 Things to Track 

Bullet Journal Trackers

Knitting News, Notes and Events

#MarchMowryMadness will run through April 30, 2017. There is a chatter thread open and lively on Ravelry.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

June 10, 2017 is World Wide Knit in Public Day.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting@gmail.com or contact me on Ravelry.

Knitting Talk Back 

Knitting Aches and Pains? I definitely have some from time to time. Check out these articles and blog posts for more information.

8 Warning Signs Your Knitting Could Give you RSI from the Knitting Loop

4 Ways to Avoid RSI when Knitting from The Knitting Loop

Repetitive Strain and Knitting from The Spruce.com

29 Tips for Avoiding Knitting Pain from All Free Knitting

Hand Exercises for Knitters and Crocheters from Craftsy

Therapeutic Gloves from Lion Brand

Non-Knitting Segments 

Meatless Monday

Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Quinoa Bowls

Love it or Leave it

Love: Ikea Skubb Boxes for Drawers 

Leave: Packing Anxiety!

Let's Go on a Trip Packing List to Download

Other News and Notes

Running Updates

No news is good news! Ran a 4 mile race earlier in March. 

Books 

Finished Reading: 

   

Finished Listening: 

Currently Listening:

Currently Reading

 

Episode 70: Time to Close That One Up!

Knitting Segments

Show Ready Knits 

Sockhead Hat by Kelly McClure 

Chiagoo 16 inch Circulars

I mentioned that this project would be great for watching The Americans, since it has a lot of subtitles. 

Knits in Rehearsal

 V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Knitting News, Notes and Events 

We wrapped up the  Point/Counterpoint Volume 2 giveaway. Thanks to Kino Knits and Prairie Girls Design for the giveaway. Listen up to see if you were a lucky winner! 

March Mowry Madness! 
We were able to announce three winners of an Andrea Mowry pattern. If you entered, be sure to listen for your name!

The Knit A Long officially runs March 15th-April 30th, but it's going to be very informal. Knit patterns by Andrea Mowry, the famous designer behind the Find Your Fade Shawl. Wips are welcome and you don't have to finish your project to enter. No prizes yet, but I'll let you know if something is donated!

New Year, New Ewe!
We wrapped up the New Year, New Ewe Kal on March 10th and winners are announced on this episode.


Prizes for New Year, New Ewe:
Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon

3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel




The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 24-25, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting@gmail.com or contact me on Ravelry.

Knitting Talk Back: Knitting as Activism

The recent Pussy Hat Project got me thinking about knitting activism and the history of it. I found several good resources for your entertainment and education. 

Thread for Thought: How Fashion Intersects Politics, Economics, Gender, Race and Popular Culture. 

Definition of Craftivism

Jen's a Little Loopy 

Knitting Nanas

Knitting Sweaters for Elephants

I also mentioned this book about Knitted Taxidermy. 

The original Yarn Bombing

Non-Knitting Segments

Meatless Monday

This is a two-fer as it's a Meatless Monday and One Pot Wonder recipe: Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet from Ambitious Kitchen. 

Love it or Leave it

Love: Golden Girls Collectibles

ReAction Figures

Action Figures from Funko 

Coloring Book 

Leave: Analysis Paralysis when it comes to my hair

Theatrical Updates

I have seen three shows recently: 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime 

The Bodyguard, the Musical

All Shook Up

Other News and Notes

Running Updates

I finished 1/2 marathon number 4 on March 4, 2017

Have 2 short races coming up on March 18th and March 25th, 2017

Books

Finished listening to The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty which I liked a lot.

Currently Reading
American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping and Trial of Patty Hearst.