Recorded December 22, 2016

Book Talk starts at: 30:58

Fall is long gone, but our annual Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 3!  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Be sure to check out the Bundles of pattern suggestions.  You still have time!

The Chicks will be at Stitches West 2017  - February 23-26, 2017 at the 

Santa Clara Convention Center/Hyatt Regency Hotel in Santa Clara, CA.  We will be having our regular meet-up in the Hyatt bar on Saturday afternoon - come see us!

Tracie’s FOs:

Finished:

2 Stashbusting Helix Hats by Jessica Rose

One-Cable Mitts by Valerie Teppo in Classic Elite Yarns Water Lily

Barb’s FOs: 

Tupshin Socks by Erin Birnel in Knit Picks Tonal Fingering 

Toasty Texters fingerless mitts by Betsy Stuyvesant, in Dizzy Blond Studios Bombshell Superwash Worsted

Fast and Easy Fingerless Mitts by Lisa Beamer in Malabrigo Rios 

Sweet-ish Fish by Susan B. Anderson in Dizzy Blonde Studios Superwash Worsted 

Two Pussyhats in Joanne Fabrics Big Twist

Tracie has cast on:

forest park cowl by Liz Abinante (free) in Noro Cash Aroha colorway 100

Iðunn by Ragga Eiríksdóttir in KnitPicks Full Circle Worsted in the Passion colorway

or

Sylvia Cardigan by Meghan Jones in Cascade Hollywood in the Walnut colorway

Sprig Cloche by Alana Dakos in Cascade 220 Sport Superwash

And continues working on:

A pair of Vanilla socks in Duren Dyeworks Awesome Sock

Terribly Simple shawl by Caitlin ffrench, using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the Cosmos colorway

Barb has cast on:

Vanilla Socks using Gale’s Art Double Secret Sock Blank in the Rockstar Rainbow colorway

And continues to work on

Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi

Tilbury Mittens – by Chrissy Graham (yes, another test knit! so no Ravelry page yet) using Cattail Knits Nugget’s Girlfriend DK in the Sexy Eyes colorway

Project Peace cowl by Christina Campbell, using Madelinetosh Dandelion in the Magic colorway

Antler Cardigan by TinCan Knits using Cloudborn Wool Worsted Twist in the Natural colorway

Tracie finished reading:

The Widow by Fiona Barton

Tease by Amanda Maciel

Edward Unspooled by Craig Lancaster

Barb finished:

Dead Mountain:  The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eicher

Kingdom Come by Jane Jensen

Guilt by Jonathan Kellerman

Journal of the Dead: A Story of Friendship and Murder in the New Mexico Desert by Jason Kersten

Tracie is  reading

Ill Wind by Nevada Barr

My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

Barb is reading:

Find Her by Lisa Gardner

Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony by Jeff Ashton

 

 

 

 

Recorded on December 9, 2016

Book Talk starts at 37:00

 

 

 

Recorded on November 24, 2016

Book Talk starts at 17:45

Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself - be sure to check out the Bundles of pattern suggestions!

Enter to win a copy of the ebook Grown by Kate Oakley here.  This thread will close December 1.

Giveaway for Helen Stewart's Curious Handmade Knitvent 2016 will run until December 1st.  Helen has kindly given us 5 copies to gift to the lucky recipients!

Barb is giving away an unopened Chinook Shawl Kit from Knit Picks in the white-to-black gradient color way.  This giveaway will last until December 15th.

Knitting

Barb’s FO’s:

Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B Anderson using leftover Cascade Eco Plus in the brown colorway.

Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose

Tracie’s FOs

Skykomish by Lee Meredith in Ella Rae Silkience

Vanilla Socks in Araucania Ranco Sock

Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose

Barb has cast on:

Café ua Lait hat by Kathryn C. (free pattern on Rav) using Knit Picks Swish DK in the Hollyberry colorway

Tilbury Mittens – by Chrissy Graham (yes, another test knit! so no Ravelry page yet) using Cattail Knits Nugget’s Girlfriend DK in the Sexy Eyes colorway.

And continues working on:

Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi Grenadine by Amy Christoffers using Plymouth Mushishi

Tupshin Socks, using leftover Knit Picks Stroll Tonal Fingering in the Pansy and Heartfelt colorways

Tracie has cast on:

Vanilla socks in Duren Dyeworks Awesome Sock

And continues working on:

Water and Sky by Veera Valimaki in Tracie Too in the Quail colorway

Terribly Simple shawl by Caitlin ffrench, using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the Cosmos colorway

Books:

Barb Finished

Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCrieght

Tracie Finished: 

Shirley by Susan Scarf Merrell

Pippi Longstocking byAstrid Lindgren

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Journal of the Dead: A Story of Friendship and Murder in the New Mexico Desert by Jason Kersten

Barb is reading:

Adnan’s Story by Rabia Choudry

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger

Tracie is Reading:

The Pursuit of Mary Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Novel by Pamela Mingle

The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon

 

Recorded on November 11, 2016

Book Talk Starts at 33:00

Movies mentioned (Movie trailers linked):

Girl on the Train

A Man Called Ove

Barb talked about a new Netflix series, Doctor Foster

Barb and Tracie discussed the audio podcast, My Favorite Murder

 

Recorded on October 26, 2016

Book Talk starts at 47:09

Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself - be sure to check out the Bundles of pattern suggestions!

 

Win a copy of the Amplitude pattern by Greg Cohoon – will end on Halloween.  

 

Tracie has Finished:

Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas in Malabrigo Sock in Aguas colorway

Meret by Woolly Wormhead in Coffee Beenz in gray

Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson in Plymouth Encore in Denim

Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose in Anzula For Better or Worsted, Universal Yarn Uptown DK and Cascade Cherub Aran

 

Barb’s FOs

Mother Bear #101

Whippet Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Lindy Chain

Toasty Texters Mitts by Betsy Stuyvesant, using Dizzy Blonde Studios Dirty Blonde DK in the Phoebe colorway.

Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke using 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK

Watershed Hat by Chrissy Graham, using Plymouth Yarn Tweed in a raspberry colorway

 

Tracie has cast-on:

Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose

For Good Hat by Megan Williams in Berocco Vintage

 

And is working on:

Water and Sky by Veera Valimaki in Tracie Too in the Quail colorway

Skykomish by Lee Meredith in Ella Rae Silkience

Allegra tank top by Svetlana Volkova in Euro Baby Kid Cotton

 

Barb has cast on:

Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose, using 3 different colors of Encore Tweed Worsted

Grenadine by Amy Christoffers using Plymouth Mushishi

 

And is working on: 

Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi Intergalactic Shawl by Jen Hiebert – using Knit Picks Stroll Fingering

 

REVIEW: Grown by Kate Oakley

(cover photo)

Enter to win a copy of the ebook here.

 

 

BOOKS

Tracie Finished: 

Practical Jean by Trevor Cole

I Let You Go by Claire McIntosh

Closing Time: The True Story of the "Goodbar" Murder by Lacey Fosburgh

 

Barb Finished:

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

Don’t You Cry by Mary Kubica

 

Tracie is reading

Colonel Sandhurst to the Rescue by Marion Chesney

A Thousand Pardons by Jonathan Dee

 

Barb is reading

Adnan’s Story by Rabia Choudry

No One You Know by Michelle Richmond

Recorded on October 12, 2016

Book Talk starts at 30:42

Our Fall 2016 Sweater KAL is going strong!  The FO thread is up now, so be sure to post a picture of your sweater when you get it done.  This KAL will end on January 31, 2017.

If you want to win a copy of the Amplitude Shawl pattern by Greg Cohoon, please go to the Ravelry thread to follow the prompt and enter before October 31st.

Tracie gave information on the Northern California Knitting Retreat (NoCKRs) in April 2017.  Please  join the Ravelry Group to find out the latest information!

 

KNITTING

Barb has finished another Bankhead Hat by Susie Gourlay, using Lion Brand Amazing

Tracie has finished:

*Summer Fringe Shawlette by Sarah Keller in Chevel Blanc Official Comete 

*Her second Rainbow Sprinkles by Kristy Harrison 

Barb is currently working on:

*Intergalactic Shawl by Jen Hiebert – using Knit Picks Stroll Fingering

Recorded September 26, 2016

Book Talk starts at 30:01

Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself - be sure to check out the Bundles of pattern suggestions!

Win a copy of the Amplitude pattern by Greg Cohoon – will end on Halloween. 

EVENTS:

Tracie will be at Lambtown - October 1 & 2 at the Dixon May Fair Grounds in Dixon, CA (9-6 on Saturday, 9-4 on Sunday)

Barb will be at  the Cogknitive Fiber Retreat - Saturday October 8, 2016 at the LaQuinta in Tehachapi, CA

 

Barb’s FOs

Mother Bear #100 

Be Kind Hat by Melissa Simpson, using Vannas Choice

Directional Scarf by Lion Brand, using Lion Brand Amazing.

Mata Shawl by Chrissy Graham, using Gnomeacres Scruffy Gnome DK

The Bankhead Hat by Susie Gourlay, usling Plymouth  yarn Coffee Beenz

Zigzagular Socks #2 by Susie White, using Fishknits Opulence MCN

 

Tracie’s FOs

Meris by Elizabeth Doherty in Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock 

Rainbow Sprinkles by Kristy Harrison

Mr. Cowl by Dani Sunshine in Lion Brand Lion’s Pride Woolspun

 

Barb has cast on

Intergalactic Shawl by Jen Hiebert – using Knit Picks Stroll Fingering

Another Bankhead Hat using Lion Brand Amazing

 

Barb continues to work on

Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke in Plymouth Merino Select DK

Whippet Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Lindy Chain

Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi

 

Tracie has cast on

Skykomish by Lee Meredith in Ella Rae Silkience

Rainbow Sprinkles by Kristy Harrison

 

Tracie continues to work on

Allegra tank top by Svetlana Volkova in Euro Baby Kid Cotton

Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas in Malabrigo Sock

Summer Fringe Shawlette by Sarah Keller in Chevel Blanc Official Comete

 

Barb’s Finished Books

Follow You Home by Mark Edwards

The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Heads or Tails by Leslie A. Gordon 

 

Tracie’s Finished Books

There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me by Brooke Shields

Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion and Murder by Ann Rule

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

The Hunt Club Bret Lot

The Good Goodbye by Carla Buckley 

 

Barb’s Current Books

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

The Girls by Emma Cline

 

Tracie’s Current Books

Savage Son by Corey Mitchell

The End of Everything by Megan Abbott

 

Barb likes the good customer service from Crate & Barrel 

Tracie recommends Vanishing Edge Panties from Soma

Book Talk begins at 26.53

Recorded on September 9, 2016

It's the 5-year Podiversary for the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast!  Thank you all for making this journey a fun one.

Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL is finished.  Be sure and listen to the podcast to find out what you won.  If you put a bear in the Mother Bear FO thread and didn't hear your name called, please let us know!

Our contest to win a copy of the latest Stranded Magazine will continue until October 1st.

Next up is our Fall Sweater 2016 KAL/CAL.  You have between October 1st and January 31st to complete an adult-sized sweater.  While you may not want to make the sweater picutred here (!), there are lots of other patterns to choose from.  Take a look at our Bundles Page to see Beginner Sweaters, Adventurous Beginners to Advanced Sweaters and Crochet Sweaters.

WIPs count too!  And as with all of our KALs, you may double-dip into other contests with the same project.

EVENTS

Book Talk starts at 42:05

Recorded on August 24, 2016

Just a few more days to participate in our Mother Bear KAL/CAL!  You have until August 31st to post a picture of any bear you have knit or crocheted in 2016 in our FO thread.  Lots of prizes, but your best reward is knowing you have given a child comfort.

Many thanks to our latest donor:

Kathleen (SweeTart77) has donated a project bag from her shop MakeThisFromThat.

Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself!

Knit Companion for Android is at last a thing!

 

EVENTS

Tracie will be at Lambtown - October 1 & 2 at the Dixon May Fair Grounds in Dixon, CA (9-6 on Saturday, 9-4 on Sunday)

Tracie and Barb will be at the Cogknitive Fiber Retreat - Saturday October 8, 2016 at the LaQuinta in Tehachapi, CA

 

KNITTING

Barb’s FOs

Mother Bear #93, 94, 95, 96

Added Elegance socks by Mary Lukas, using Unwind Yarn Twinkle Sock in the Faded Graffiti colorway

PastelMix Shortie Socks using Cascade Heritage in the PastelMix colorway

 

Tracie’s FOs

Mother Bears 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 & 100!

Just Autumn Cowl by Janina Böttger in Becoming Art Agave fingering in the Nebula colorway

Simple Striped Baby Hat by Sascha van Wagtendonk in Frog Tree Pediboo Sock in Tan and Red Heart Baby TLC Multis in Chocolate Mint

 

Barb has cast on:

Zigzagular Socks #2 by Susie White, using Fishknits Opulence MCN in the Shades of TPK colorway

 

And she is working on:

Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke using 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK

Molto Bella Shawl by Brenda Castiel, using my NoCKRs yarn from this year – Duren Dyeworks Luscious Fingering (silk/merino blend) in the Quietude and Forest Floor colorways.

Whippet Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Lindy Chain

Wing Span by maylin Tri-Coterie Designs using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi in a green/blue/purple colorway

 

Tracie has cast on:

Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas in Malabrigo Sock in Aguas colorway

Summer Fringe Shawlette by Sarah Keller in Chevel Blanc Official Comete in the Cendre colorway

 

And she is working on:

Allegra tank top by Svetlana Volkova in Euro Baby Kid Cotton

Meris by Elizabeth Doherty in Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in the Carmen colorway

 

REVIEW - Stranded Magazine, Mild Weather 2016

To win a copy of this e-magazine, leave a comment here.

 

BOOKS

Tracie has finished:

Vertical by Rex Pickett

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

Harry Potter & the Cursed Child by by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany

Woman with A Secret (UK title: The Telling Error) by Sophie Hannah

 

Barb has finished:

Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

By Their Father's Hand: The True Story of the Wesson Family Massacre

by Monte Francis

 

Tracie is reading

Judgment Ridge: The True Story Behind the Dartmouth Murders by Dick Lehr

North Korea Undercover: Inside the World's Most Secret State by John Sweeney

 

Barb is reading:

Nature Girl by Carl Hiasson

Joyland by Stephen King

 

Stranger Things on Netflix

 

 

Book Talk Begins at 30:15

Recorded on August 5, 2016

Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL is ongoing!  You have until August 31st to post a picture of any bear you have knit or crocheted in 2016 in our FO thread.  Lots of prizes, but your best reward is knowing you have given a child comfort.

Thank you to new prize donors:  DCAlaneKnits, redsknits, BostonJen, tmkr, and dptemple.

Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself!  Soon we will start a chatter thread, and create a Ravelry Bundle of patters.

Knit Companion for Android is coming soon!  Please go to Knit Companion for Android thread to find out all about it - and to join in the fun with weekly puzzles/games.  Anyone can play - both IOS and Android users.  

EVENTS:

Lambtown at the Dixon Fairgrounds, Dixon, CA is October 1 & 2, 2017.  Tracie will be attending.

Cogknitive Fiber Retreat in Tehachapi, CA on OctoberOctober 8th.  Both Barb and Tracie will be attending.

KNITTING

Tracie has finished:

* Mother Bears #88 - 94

* Rodeo Drive Poncho by Staci Perry, using Fonty BB Merino in Brun Scooby Doo.

 

Barb has finished:

* Her Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas, using Unwind Yarn Company Twinkle Sock in the Graffiti colorway

*Christmas Vanilla socks using Wisdom Yarn Saki Bamboo Multis in the Crayon Box colorway

* Declan Hat by Samantha Kirby using Vanna's Choice in the Colonial Blue colorway

*Hurricane Hat by Andrea Guldin in Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Solids, Heathers and Twists

 

Tracie is currently knitting:

*Meris cardigan by Elizabeth Doherty, using Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock 

*Just Autumn Cowl by Janina Bottger in Becoming Art Fingering

* Allegra Cami by Svetlana Volkova, using Euro Baby Cotton 

Barb is currently knitting:

* Crackerjack Cowl by Stacey Simpson Duke, using 4 colors of Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash

* Molto Bella Shawl by Brenda Castiel, using NoCKRs yarn - Duren Dyeworks Luscious Fingering 

* Whippet by Ankestrick, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Blush colorway

* Wingspan by Mayan Tri'Coterie Designs, using Crystal Palace Mini Mochi

 

READING

Tracie has finished:

*  Give a Boy a Gun: The True Story of Law and Disorder in the American West by Jack Olsen

*  You Must Remember This Podcast by Karina Spencer - Charles Manson's Hollywood.  12 episodes, starting with episode 37.

Barb has finished:

*  Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell. 

*  Wilde Lake by Laura Lippman

*  Something Missing by Matthew DicksBear in the Back Seat I: *  Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Carolyn Jourdon & Kim DeLozer

*   Missoula: Rape and Justice in a College Town by Jon Krakauer

Tracie is currently reading:

* The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust by Edith Hahn Beer & Susan Dworkin

* Vertical: The Follow-Up to Sideways by Rex Pickett

Barb is currently reading:

* Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

* Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

 

Book talk starts at 36:55

Recorded July 18, 2016

Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL has started! 

 

The Mother Bear FO thread is open and awaiting your FO pictures.  Please post a separate picture for each bear.  Let's see if we can beat last year's total of 313 bears!

 

We can always use more prizes!  If you have anything you want to donate, please contact us at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com.

 

Many thanks to

Halcyon37 – Ravelry pattern of the winner’s choice

From Jamies900 (Jaime) – 4 yarn gifts and a yarn bowl

K8erpillar – set of bear stitch markers

Sue of Invictus Yarns - 3 skeins - 2 worsted and 1 sock

Stephanie of The Happy Buffalo for donating 2 skeins of her sport weight yarn

 

Start thinking about sweaters!  Our annual fall Sweater KAL will run from October 1 to January 31.  All entries to our FOs thread will need to be an adult-size sweater with sleeves (short is okay!), cardigan or pullover.  Challenge yourself!

 

Knitting

Barb’s FOs

Mother Bear #83, 84, 85 & 86

In Transit Hat by Krisluvswool using Cascade Heritage in the PastelMix colorway

 

Tracie’s FOs

4 Kitty Capes!

Hermione Loves Ron beanie by Christy Aylsworth (cable and lace beanie) in Mirasol Yarn Nuna

 

Mother Bears 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 & 87

 

Barb’s WIPS 

Summer of ’16 tee by Nidhi Kansel using Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Skinny Cotton has been frogged - did not work out!

Added Elegance socks by Mary Lukas, using Unwind Yarn Twinkle Sock Crackerjack Cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke using 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK

Christmas Vanilla socks using Wisdom Yarn Saki Bamboo Multis 

 

Barbs Cast-Ons

Molto Bella Shawl by Brenda Castiel, using NoCKRs yarn - Duren Dyeworks Luscious Fingering 

Hurricane Hat by Andrea Guldin in Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Solids, Heathers and Twists

 

Tracie’s WIPs

Just Autumn Cowl by Janina Bottger in Becoming Art Fingering

Rodeo Drive Poncho by Stacy Perry in Fonty BB Merino

Meris cardigan by Elizabeth Doherty, using Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock 

 

Barb’s Finished Books: 

Wish You Well by David Baldacci

The Drowning Game by L.S. Hawker

Sphere by Michael Crichton

Never Coming Back by Tim Weaver

 

Tracie’s Finished Books

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (author) and Maira Kalman (illustrator)

The Girls by Emma Cline

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

 

Barb’s Current Books

Wilde Lake by Laura Lippman

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks

 

Tracie’s Current Books

Give a Boy a Gun: The True Story of Law and Disorder in the American West by Jack Olsen

The Nazi Officer’s Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust

by Edith Hahn Beer

 

Barb’s Thumbs Up - Loopy Ewe and their Loopy Rewards program!

 

Tracie’s Thumbs Up - Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick

Book Talk Starts at 30.15

Recorded on July 1, 2016

Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL has started! 

The Mother Bear FO thread is open and awaiting your FO pictures.  Please post a separate picture for each bear.  Let's see if we can beat last year's total of 313 bears!

We can always use more prizes!  If you have anything you want to donate, please contact us at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com.

Thank you to Lalatricoter (Melissa) for donating her copy of Henry's Hat for a Mother Bear Prize.  Also, thank you to Steve of Leading Men Fiber Arts,  SweeTart77 (Kathleen) of MakeThisFromThat etsy shop, and Goodstuff (Brenda) of

Good Stuff Crafts etsy shop for their donations of prizes for the Mother Bear KAL/CAL.

The Annetarsia Knits book giveaway is done.  The winner will be announced at the end of this podcast.

Tracie had a great time in New York City!  She mentioned Knitty City, Annie & Co. Needlepoint & Knitting and House of Needlepoint (Darien, CT).  She also spent time with her nieces (pictured at left). they were most interested in playing with her knitting notions.

Tracie also thanked jchant (Julie) for sending her a beautiful skein of HazelKnits yarn, and rozstitches (Rozanne) for the box of Knit Picks needles.

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

*  KnittyBarb's Monkey Socks #3 by Cookie A., using Knit Picks Stroll Handpainted in the Pacific Tonal colorway

* KnittyBarb's Socks for Will, using Berroco Comfort Sock in the Dunedin colorway

* KnittyBarb's Crooked Ewe Cowl by Paula Feussle, using FishKnits Divine in the Lotus colorway

* Mother Bears #79, #80, #81 and #82

* Spring Foliage Mitts by Alana Dakos, using Bungalow Farms Silver Blizzard

Tracie has finished:

*  alittleposy's Schnit Happens Scratch Hat #2 by Myra Wood, in Lisa Souza Deluxe Sock! in the Flahrida colorway (pictured above)

*  Capelet Tank by Cathy Carrron in LanaKnits Hemp for Knitting in Aubergine colorway.  She thinks this one is a fail :>(  

*  Mother Bears #77, #78 & #79

Barb is continuing to knit on:

* her Summer of 16 by Nidhi Kansel, using Blue Sky Fibers Skinny Cotton in the Sprout colorway  (pictured above)

* her In Transit hat by KrisLuvsWool, using Cascade Yarns Heritage Paints in the Pastel Mix colorway

* the Added Elegance Socks by Mary Lukas, using Unwind Yarn Company Twinkle Sock in the Faded Graffiti colorway

Tracie is working on:

*  Just Autumn Cowl by Janina Bottger in Becoming Art Fingering

*  Vanilla socks in Araucania Ranco Multy

*  Rodeo Drive Poncho by Stacy Perry in Fonty BB Merino in Brun Scooby Doo

*  The Meris cardigan by Elizabeth Doherty, using Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in the Carmen colorway

Recorded on June 10, 2016

Book Talk Starts at 29:50

 Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL starts on June 1!  Any Mother Bears that you have knit or crocheted in 2016 are eligible for prizes in our KAL.  Please go to the Mother Bear Project Homepage to request your pattern, under the tab "How to Help".  We hope you will join us!  

We have started a Mother Bear KAL/CAL 2016 Chatter Thread.  The FO thread will go up on July 1st, the official start of the KAL.  

Thank you to Kristin (LaterKnitter on Rav) for donating 3 patterns from her daughter's Ravelry pattern store Strawberie Blonde (Erin Harper) for Mother Bear KAL prizes.  And thank you to KrisLusWool for her donation of her In Transit Hat and Cowl pattern.

Barb recommends the Skein Enable audio podcast with Jill (notice on Rav) and Michele (photospice 0n Rav).

To win an autographed hardbound copy of Annetarsia Knits: a New Link to Intarsia, please go to our Ravelry Group thread, Win Annetarsia Knits! and tell us about any type of colorwork that you have done in the past.  This contest will close on June 31st.  You must be a member of the group to win.

Lifefulloflaugh (Lisa) who hosts the Sock Yarn Swappers Ravelry Group  is running the Summer of Squares KAL.  Join the group and have some fun with those mini skeins!

Tracie will be in New York City  June 20-24 - message her if you want to meet up at a yarn store, or for a cup of coffee, glass of wine, etc!

 

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

• Her Wee Wildflower cardigan by Alana Dakos, using Knit Picks Shine Sport in the Crocus colorway.  She heartily recommends both the pattern and the yarn!

• Mother Bears #76, #77, #78 & #79.

• Her Scraptastic Hat by Jane Tanner, using leftover fingering weight yarn.

Tracie has finished:

• Her Schknit Happens hat by Myra Wood.  She used leftover Invictus Yarns Reward in the Linear XL Black Rainbow colorway.
• Her Weekend Cowl by Liz Capik, using Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply in the Dahlia colorway
• Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat by Keri McKiernan
• Ecuador Cardigan by Joji Locatelli using Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock in the Sage colorway
• Mother Bear #76

Barb is continuing to work on:

• Monkey Socks by Cookie A. using Knit Picks Stroll Handpainted in the Pacific Tonal colorway 

 

• Crackerjack Cowl by Stacie Simpson Duke in 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK
• Vanilla Socks for Will using Berroco Comfort Sock in a gray and white self-striping colorway.
• Crooked Ewe Cowl by Paula Emons-Fuessle in Fish Knits Divine gradient Lotus colorway.
• Summer of '16 by Nidhi Kansal using Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Skinny Cotton in the Sprout colorway

 

Barb has frogged her Forest Foliage by Alana Dakos from the Botanical Knits 2 Book, using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the Jasper colorway.

Book Talk Starts at 38:55

Recorded on May 25, 2016

 

Book Talk starts at: 

 Our Mother Bear KAL/CAL starts on June 1!  Any Mother Bears that you have knit or crocheted in 2016 are eligible for prizes in our KAL.  Please go to the Mother Bear Project Homepage to request your pattern, under the tab "How to Help".  We hope you will join us!

 

We want to thank SSKnits (Joan) for her prize donation for the Mother Bear KAL.  She is donating a pattern of the winner's choice from her Ravelry Store and Knit Figures, her newly designed knitting app!

 

Tracie and Barb will be at Spinning at the Winery on Saturday,  June 4 at the Retzlaff Winery in Livermore, CA.  This is a fun, relaxed fiber event with a vendor fair, raffle, wine and a great potluck lunch.  The cost is $5 person.  Don't forget:

* sunscreen and a hat

* a potluck dish to share

* Whatever you would like to drink (wine is available for purchase)

Come and join us!

Please go over to the Actually Knitting Podcast Group to find out information about joining in the PalKal (the Podcaster-Along Knit Along).  Dates for this KAL will be 6/15/16 - 9/15/16.

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

* Schknit Happens Hat #3 by Myra Wood, using Fishknits Warm Heart 2-ply in the Cadillac colorway.

*  Mother Bear #75

 

Tracie has finished:

*  Drizzle hat by MelSki, using her own handspan

*  Mother Bears # 73, 74 & 75.

 

Barb is continuing to work on:

• Crackerjack Cowl by Stacie Simpson Duke in 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK
• Forest Foliage by Alana Dakos from the Botanical Knits 2 Book, using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the Jasper colorway.
• Wee Wildflower by Alana Dakos, using Knit Picks Shine Sport in the Crocus colorway
•  Crooked Ewe Cowl by Paula Emons-Fuessle in Fish Knits Divine gradient Lotus colorway.
• Vanilla Socks for Will using Berroco Comfort Sock in a gray and white self-striping colorway.

Barb has cast on:

 

• Scraptastic Hat vy Jane Tammer using leftover fingering weight yarns
• Monkey Socks by Cookie A, using Knit Picks Stroll Handprinted in the Pacific Tonal colorway

 

Tracie is continuing to work on:

 

• Vanilla socks in Araucania Ranco Multy
• The Ecuador cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock in the Sage colorway
• Rodeo Drive Poncho using Fonty BB Merino in the Brun Scooby Doo colorway

Recorded on May 11, 2016

Book Talk starts at 39:30

Our Vest-Along ends today.  If you posted an FO in the FOs thread, please listen to the end of the podcast to find out if you won a prize!

 

If anyone would like to donate a prize for the Mother Bear KAL/CAL (July-August 2016), please let us know!   Our donors so far are:

LGordon555 is donating a copy of her novel Heads or Tails, and a pattern of the winner’s choice

Stephanie, aka TheHappyBuffalo on etsy – 2 skeins of yarn - and she puts them in jars with a hole in the lid for the yarn to go through - so cute!

Paula Emmons-Fuessle – 3 copies of her Crooked Ewe pattern

WendyWhalen of Knitty Kitty Bags has started dying yarn and is giving away 2 skeins of yarn of the winner’s choice

Joanna Johnson’s Green Gables Knits, reviewed by the Chicks in Episode 112

 

Phoebe’s Sweater Contest: To win one of Joanna Johnson’s children's books, please go to our Phoebe's Sweater thread and tell us about the little ones you love to knit for!  The contest will close May 31.

 

Tracie will be at Spinning at the Winery on Saturday,  June 4 at the Retzlaff Winery in Livermore, CA.  Barb may be there too!  This is a fun, relaxed fiber event with a vendor fair, raffle, wine and a great potluck lunch.  Come and join us!

 

Tracie’s FOs

Atoll Cowl by Jenn Emerson in Knitting Rose Yarns Silk Petals

Sedona Baby Dress by Erin Harper (strawberie blonde) in Knit Picks Brava Sport in the Freesia colorway

Crooked Ewe Cowl by Paula Emons-Fuessle in Quaere Fibre Gradient Sock in Iced Melon

 

Barb’s FOs

Knitted Knockers

Zuzu’s Petals by Carina Spencer, using Freia Flux Sport in the Vertigo colorway

NoCKRS 2016 Frankensocks, using Knit Picks Stroll in a Navy colorway and all the mini-skeins I traded for at the retreat

Mother Bear #74

 

Tracie’s Cast-Ons:

Drizzle hat by Mel Ski in my handspun silk/merino

Vanilla socks in Araucania Ranco Multy

 

Tracie’s Current Projects:

The Ecuador cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock in the Sage colorway.

She obviously needs to cast on more! :-)

 

Barb’s Current Knitting Projects: 

Vanilla Socks for Will using Berroco Comfort Sock in a gray and white self-striping colorway.

Crackerjack Cowl by Stacie Simpson Duke in 4 colors of Plymouth Merino Select DK

Forest Foliage by Alana Dakos from the Botanical Knits 2 Book, using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the Jasper colorway.

Schknit Happens #3 using Fishknits Warm Heart 2-ply in the Cadillac colorway

 

Barb’s Cast-Ons

Wee Wildflower by Alana Dakos, using Knit Picks Shine Sport in the Crocus colorway

Crooked Ewe Cowl by Paula Emons-Fuessle in Fish Knits Divine

 

 

Barb Finished Reading 

The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood

 

Tracie Finished Reading: 

One Step Too Far by Tina Seskis

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

 

Barb is reading:

Two in the Far North by Margaret Mudie

Descent by Tim Johnston

The Perfect Son by Barbara Claypole White

 

Reading:

Longbourn by Jo Baker

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks

 

Barb says thumbs up to Happy Valley, a British procedural drama on Netflix

Tracie and Barb both say thumbs up to Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill!

 

 

 

 

Many apologies for the loud page-turning noise during our review segment!

Book Talk starts at 54:27

Recorded on April 27, 2016

Our Vest KAL/CAL is continuing until May 15, 2016.  Please see the Chatter thread for more information...

If you are participating in the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Swap, you should have received your package.  Thank you again to SandraMaz for organizing and moderating the swap.

Tracie will be at Spinning at the Winery on Saturday,  June 4 at the Retzlaff Winery in Livermore, CA.  Barb may be there too!  This is a fun, relaxed fiber event with a vendor fair, raffle, wine and a great potluck lunch.  Come and join us!

Tracie recommends a new podcast, Destined2Knit with Marcy and Kim.  Give it a listen! 

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

*  Really Fits Top Down Cardigan for All Seasons by Kathy Cairns Hendershott, using Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima in the Periwinkle colorway.

*  2 Knitted Knockers

*  Mother Bears #73

*  Blossom Gradient Socks, using Knitting Rose Yarns Blossom Sock in a purple gradient colorway.

 

Tracie has finished:

*  Her Longstreet shawl by Nancy Totten, using Abstract Fiber Temptation in The Gorge colorway.

*  Vanilla socks using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel, using Canon Hand Dyes Charles Merino Sport  You can see them here.

Barb is working on:

* NoCKRs 2016 Frankensocks, using Knit Picks Strol Kettle Dyed Sock in a navy color for the cuffs, heels and toes.  The body of the sock is being knit in mini-skeins traded for at the 2016 NoCKRs retreat.  You can see the Clasp Weft Join she is using for the mini-skeins here.

*  Vanilla Socks for grandson Will, using Berroco Comfort Sock in a Gray and White colorway.

*  The Crackerjack cowl by Stacy Simpson Duke, using 4 colors of Plymouth Yarn DK Merino Superwash.

*  Forest Foliage shawl by Alana Dakos, using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the Jasper colorway.

*  Schknit Happens Scratch Cap #3 by Myra Wood, using leftover Fishknits Warm Heart 2-ply in the Cadillac colorway.

Tracie is working on:

*  Sedona Baby Dress by Erin Harper in Knit Picks Brava Sport in the Freesia colorway.

*  The Crooked Ewe Cowl by Paula Emons-Fuessie, using Quare Fibers Gradient Sock in the Iced Melon colorway.

*  The Atoll Cowl by Jenn Emerson, using Knitting Rose Yarns Silk Petals in the Belle colorway.

*  The Ecuador cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock in the Sage colorway.

*  Tracie has put the Rodeo Drive Poncho into hibernation.

Tracie and Barb reviewed the following books by Joanna Johnson and illustrated by her husband, Eric Johnson:

*  Phoebe's Sweater

*  Freddie's Blanket

*  Henry's Hat

*  Phoebe's Birthday

Tracie and Barb also reviewed Joanna's book, Green Gables Knits. 

To win one of these children's books, please go to our Phoebe's Sweater thread.    The Green Gables Knits book will be offered as a prize in our upcoming Mother Bear KAL/CAL.

BOOKS

Barb has finished:

Miss Tonks Turns to Crime by Marion Chesney.  Barb recommends it, and the entire "Poor Relations" series.

Disappearing in Plain Sight by Francis Guenette.  It was...OK...

Tracie has finished:

*  After Anna by Alex Lake - Tracie recommends it

*  A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore - Tracie recommends it

*  Dumplin' by Julie Murphy - it wasn't her favorite...

Barb is currently reading:

*  The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood

*  Two in the Far North by Margaret E. Murie

 

Tracie is currently reading:

*  Longbourn by Jo Baker

*  One Step Too Far by Tina Seskadis

Recorded on April 14, 2016

We are on Stitcher Radio!

Our Vest KAL/CAL is continuing until May 15, 2016.  Please see the Chatter thread for more information...

If you are participating in the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Swap, you should have or will be receiving your package very soon.

 

Tracie will be at Spinning at the Winery on Saturday,  June 4 at the Retzlaff Winery in Livermore, CA.  Barb may be there too!  This is a fun, relaxed fiber event with a vendor fair, raffle, wine and a great potluck lunch.  Come and join us!

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

2 Knitted Knockers, using Cascade Ultra Pima

 

The Poppy Poncho by Cathy Donnabella, using Mrs. Crosby Satchel in the Port Vintage colorway.

Schknit Happens #2 hat using Duren Dyeworks Love in the Witchy Woo-Woo colorway

 

Hannah's Courage Hat by MelSki, using Lane Borgosesia in a teal color way

 

Tracie has finished

 

 

Barb is continuing to knit on:

Vanilla Socks using a gradient set of Knitting Rose Blossom Sock

 

Really Fits Top-Down Cardigan for All Seasons by Kathy Cairns Hendershott, using Cascade Ultra Pima in the Periwinkle colorway.  Loving this knit!

Barb has cast on:

A pair of vanilla socks for grandson Will, using Berroco Comfort Sock in a white and gray self-striping colorway

Another Crackerjack Cowl by Stacey Simpson Duke, using 4 colors of Plymouth DK Merino Superwash

 

Tracie has cast on: 

Vanilla socks (Fish Lips Kiss Heel, of course) in Canon Hand Dyes Charles Merino Sport Self-Striping sock set in the Mallard colorway

 

 

Atoll Cowl by Jenn Emerson in Knitting Rose Yarns Silk Petals

 

She continues to work on:

The Ecuador cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock in the Sage colorway.

 

 

The Longstreet shawl by Nancy Totten using Abstract Fibers Temptation in The Gorge colorway.

 

BOOKS

 

Barb has finished:

 

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian.  Barb gives it a "thumbs up"

 

Desire Lines by Christina Baker Kline - recommended

 

The Longest Night by Andria Williams - recommended

 

 

Tracie did not finish Playing Dead by Julia Heaberlin.  She got bored and did not care what happened.

 

She finished:

A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold

 

 

Disposable Income A True Story of Sex, Greed and Im-purr-fect Murder by Tammy Mal

 

 

 

 

 Barb is currently reading:

 

Disappearing in Plain Sight by Francis Guenette

 

Miss Tonks Turns to Crime (Poor Relation #2) by Marion Chesney

 

 

Tracie is reading:

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

 

 

After Anna by Alex Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Crime Podcasts recommended by Barb:

 

Someone Knows Something - a CBC broadcast about a 5-year-old boy who disappeared in 1972 - still unsolved

 

Serial

 

Truth and Justice - a listener-driven podcast that originally focused on the Adnan Syed case from Serial, and now is focusing on other cases of the wrongly convicted

 

Crime Writers On...a podcast about a podcast and Serial, Journalism, True Crime, and Pop Culture

 

Real Crime Profile -im Clemente (former FBI profiler), Laura Richards (formerly of New Scotland Yards, Founder and Director of Paladin, National Stalking Advocacy Service) and Lisa Zambetti (Casting director for CBS' Criminal Minds) as they profile behavior from real criminal cases.

Generation Why - 2 friends discuss unsolved mysteries, true crime, etc.

Sword and Scale

 

Tracie is very disappointed in the people running her alma mater, UC Davis

 

Book Talk Starts at 43:45

Recorded March 30, 2016

Our Vest KAL/CAL is continuing until May 15, 2016.  Please see the Chatter thread for more information...

If you are participating in 2 Knit Lit Chicks Swap, the day to mail your package is coming up on April 10!  Many thanks to Sandramaz for organizing this fun swap.

Barb has finished:

Mother Bear #71 & 72.

Knitted Knockers 

The Jenny Vest by Andra Knight-Bowman, using Knit Picks City Tweed in the Marsh colorway - but it needs some surgery on the shoulders

Schknit Happens Hat by Myra Wood, using  Gnomeacres Fancy Gnome in the Aurora Gnomealis colorway.

Tracie has finished:

Sugar Pop by Gabrielle Danskknit in Knit Picks Brava Sport

Mother Bears 70 and 71

4 Knitted Knockers - 1 in Valley Yarns Goshen and 3 in Rauma Helårsgarn

A New Sock Monkey by Susan B. Anderson in Bernat Satin Ombres

Barb has cast on:

Really Fits Top-Down Cardigan for All Seasons by Kathy Cairns Hendershott, using Cascade Ultra Pima in the Periwinkle colorway.  Loving this knit!

Schknit Happens #2 hat using Duren Dyeworks Love in the Witchy Woo-Woo colorway

Starshower Cowl #2 by Hillary Smith Callis using Unwind Yarn Twinkle Sock in the Faded Graffiti colorway

She continues to work on:

The Poppy Poncho by Cathy Donnabella, using Mrs. Crosby Satchel in the Port Vintage colorway.

Vanilla Socks using a gradient set of Knitting Rose Blossom Sock

Tracie has cast on:

Vanilla socks using the fabulous Fish Lips Kiss Heel (of course!) in Invictus Reward in Linear XL Black Rainbow Splash

#23 Girl's Tank by Lori Steinberg in Southwest Trading Company Tofutsies

She continues to work on:

The Ecuador cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock in the Sage colorway.

Rodeo Drive Poncho by Stacy Perry in Fonty BB Merino in Brun Scooby Doo

The Longstreet shawl by Nancy Totten using Abstract Fibers Temptation in The Gorge colorway.

Review: Dragonfly Fibers Presents: Masterpiece Knits: The Modern Collection

Leave a comment on this thread to be entered to win an e-copy of the book.  The thread will close April 20.

Barb has finished reading:

Tracie & Barb both finished reading The Mourning Hours by Paula Trieck DeBoard.  Barb loved it and Tracie thought it was okay/good.

Barb has finished:

Lady Fortescue Steps Out by Marion Chesney

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

The Widow by Fiona Barton

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Squall by Sean Costello

Tracie has finished:

A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny by Holly Madison

Girl in a Maze by R.K. Jackson

Cruel Death by M. William Phelps

Barb in reading

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Desire Lines by Christina Baker Kline

The Longest Night by Andria Willaims

Tracie is reading

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

Playing Dead by Julia Heaberlin

Barb’s  thumbs-up - Watch bald eagles Mr. President and The First Lady with their two babies on the DC Eagle Cam

Tracie’s thumbs-up - Better Call Saul on AMC.  Stream Season 1 on Netflix, and Season 2 is currently showing on AMC and On Demand.

Book Talk Begins at 31:10

Recorded on March 9, 2016

Our Vest KAL/CAL is continuing until May 15, 2016.  Please see the Chatter thread for more information...

Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Swap is ongoing.  If you are participating, please come over to the Chatter Thread to make sure you are up to date!

The winner of Spilly Jane Knits Mittens is announced at the end of this podcast.

If anyone would like to donate a prize for the Northern California Knitting Retreat (NoCKRs!), please contact either Barb or Tracie.

 

KNITTING

 

Barb's finished projects:

 

Barb's Grandpa Cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Cascade Cash Vero DK.  After some "sweater surgery" was performed, she loves it!

 

Mother Bear #70

 

3 Knitted Knockers

 

Barb's Silverthorne Hat, using Plymouth Yarn Galway Worsted in the Coral colorway (for charity)

 

Barb's Starshower Cowl, using Invictus Yarns Master of My Feet in the NoCKRs 2015 colorway.

 

Vanilla Socks using Fishknits Warm Heart 2-ply in the Cadillac colorway. 

Barb finished her Never Not Knitting Mystery KAL shawl, the Four Seasons Shawl, using Verroco Vintage in the 5194 colorway.  Deep stash for this yarn...2010!

 

Tracie has finished:

*Tracie's Yipes Strips Cowl, using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Worsted.  She has enough yarn leftover to make another one!

*2 Knitted Knockers, using Knitting Fever King Tut

*Tracie's Fair Winds Beanie, using Alpenglow Skinny Singular Corrie in the Mermaid Tail color way.

*Mother Bears #68 & #69

*Tracie's Blossom Tank by Lori Sternberg in Knitting Rose Blossom Sock in the Eye-Catching colorway.

Tracie's Because I Can Bunny Rabbit by Jane Hickman, using Cascade Cherub Baby in the Baby Pick colorway.

 

Vanilla socks for Will, using Knit Picks Felici in the Baker Street colorway.

 

Tracie's Vintage Sebasco vest in Berroco Vintage in the Neptune colorway.

 

Barb is currently knitting:

 

The Poppy Poncho by Cathy Donnabella, usingMrs. Crosby Satchel in the Port Vintage colorway.

 

The Jenny Vest by Andra Knight-Bowman, using Knit Picks City Tweed in the Marsh colorway.

 

Vanilla Socks using a gradient set of Knitting Rose Blossom Sock

 

Schknit Happens Hat by Myra Wood, using  Gnomeacres Fancy Gnome in the Aurora Gnomealis colorway.

 

Tracie is currently knitting:

 

The Ecuador cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock in the Sage colorway.

 

Rodeo Drive Poncho by Stacy Perry in Fonty BB Merino in Brun Scooby Doo

The Longstreet shawl by Nancy Totten using Abstract Fibers Temptation in The Gorge colorway.

BOOKS

Barb and Tracie have both read Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan.  They both recommend this book!

 

They also both read Exposed: The Secret Life of Jodi Arias by Jane Velez- Mitchell.  If you like the true crime genre, they heartily recommend this book also.

Barb has finished:

In the Neighborhood: The Search for Community on anAmerican Street, One Sleepover at a Time by Peter Lovenheim.  She recommends this book.

 

Survivors (Stranded #3) by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbit.  Barb strongly recommends this trilogy for ages 8 - adult...maybe get the audio to listen to on a family car trip?

 

Girl in the Dark by Marion Pauw.  Thumbs up!

 

Still Life by Louise Penny.  Recommend.

 

Tracie has finished:

 

Alice + Freda: A Murder in Memphis by Alexis Coe.  Tracie recommends this book - interesting!

 

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman - Tracie loved it.

 

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry.  Tracie was very "meh" about this book,

 

Barb is currently reading:

 

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Beckderf.  A graphic novel - very interesting so far.

 

The Mourning Hours by Paula Trieck DeBoard

 

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, with the CraftLit Podcast

 

Lady Fortescue Steps Out by Marian Chesney

 

Tracie is currently reading:

 

Me before You by Jojo Mayes

 

A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison

 

 

 

 

Recorded at Stitches West, 2016 in Santa Clara, CA

 

 

Very limited show notes! 

Steven Be and Stephen West star in an online TV show!  Watch this episode and you'll be hooked as we are.

Bar-Maids - all things moisturizing!

Invictus Yarns

Knitting Rose Yarns

Never Not Knitting

Blue Bee Studio

 

Barb bought Skacel CoBaSi DK for Knitted Knockers

Serendipidye Dyeworks

WEBS

Knitted Knockers

Mother Bear Project

 

Our Instructors:

Christine Bylsma

Gwen Bortner

Patty Lyons

Stacey Trock - FreshStitches

 

Podcasters who joined us at the Saturday gathering:

The Yarniacs

Jan of Twinset 

Jen of Down Cellar Studios

Emily of Knitting Butterflies

Kelly from Two Ewes Fiber Adventures

The Knitmore Girls

 

Our Sunday Market Adventures:

Front Range Bags

Miss Purl tins

LanaKnits Hemp for Knitting

Dizzy Blonde Studios

Anzula Nebula

Shalimar

 

Recorded on February 3, 2016

Book Talk Starts at 32:00

 

Are you ready for the 2 Knit Lit Chicks VEST KAL/CAL?  Well, hurry up and gather your materials, because we start on February 15th!

Any adult-sized vest or short-sleeve sweater, open-front or pullover, may be entered for the KAL.  You must be a member of our  Ravelry Group to enter.

We already have a very active Chatter Thread and a rapidly growing Bundle of vest patterns to start the planning!  Once we get started, we’ll put up an FOs where you can post your garments to be entered to win.  The KAL will end on May 15.

 

Our first 2 Knit Lit Chicks Swap is on!  The deadline has passed for you to join, but if you are participating, chatter away here.  Thank you to SandraMaz, the proprietress of the SweetSerendipity37 shop on Easy and friend to our podcast, for organizing the swap!

 

A Message from Sox Therapist – creator of the Fish Lips Kiss Heel:

CHECK YOUR GIRLS! I’m going through my Stage 3B cancer journey right now. Wasn’t due for a mammogram, but found sore nodes and got diagnosed on the 3rd anniversary of my sweet Mom’s death from cancer. It’s a very tough journey, but I’m doing it, and plan to get more active on Ravelry soon, and publish more $1.00 patterns, so I can earn enough to gather our kids and their families from around the country for a “Mom’s gonna beat cancer” reunion. CHECK YOUR GIRLS!

 

Stay tuned to the end of this podcast to find out who won our Modern Lopi ebook giveaway

 

Tracie and Barb will be at Stitches West  - February 18-21, 2016 in Santa Clara, California.  Come join us in the bar on Saturday afternoon for our meet-up with the Yarniacs and lots of other fun people!  Also - Knit some Knockers and turn them in at the Knitted Knockers booth!  They have a goal to collect 1,000 Knockers at Stitches this year!

 

2015 - The Chicks Year in Review

 

Barb knit a total of 64 projects:

6 sweaters

4 cowls

5 scarves

11 hats

5 mitts

10 socks

2 vests

2 shawls

17 bears

2 other

 

While Tracie knit 56 items total, including:

17 Mother Bears

10 hats

7 cowls

6 sweaters

5 pairs of socks

3 pairs of mitts

2 Bakery Bears

1 scarf

1 poncho

1 top

1 shawl

1 Earbud Pouch

and 1 dress for the runway at Paris Fashion Week

 

Barb read 73 books in  2015, and Tracie read 74.

 

 

Barb has finished:

Grandpa Cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Cascade Cash Vero DK (a cashmere, (a merino, microfiber, and cashmere blend) in a royal blue colorway (a $6.50 pattern).  

 

Winter Wander Shawl by Helen Stewart, using Invictus Yarns Victorious in the Exotic colorway and Knit Picks Aloft in the Carbon Colorway. (photo)

 

Barley Hat by TinCanKnits using leftover Universal Yarns Classic Shades - free

 

Luuk Hat by Annis Jones, using leftover Universal Yarns Classic Shades - free

 

Kindling Hat by Helen Stewart using leftover King Cole Riot DK (part of the Knitvent 2015 collection)

 

Mother Bear #69

 

Knitted Knockers

 

Tracie has finished:

Posy’s Little Black Sweater - Dog-o-matic by Angela Kreutzer (in Stitch’n’Bitch Superstar Knitting) in Universal Yarns Classic Worsted Holiday (black).  No idea why this was a UFO for 3 years!

 

The Starshower cowl by Hilary Smith Callis, using La Bien Aimee MCN Light in the Jon Snow colorway.

 

The Meditate cowl by Elizabeth Doherty, using Redfish Dyeworks Silk Sock.

 

Lacy Boot Toppers ($1 on Ravelry) by Jillian Mellan in  Frog Tree Pediboo Sock in Tan

 

 

Barb is currently working on:

Vanilla Socks using Fishknits Warm Heart 2-ply in the Cadillac colorway

 

Never Not Knitting Mystery Shawl KAL, using Berroco Vintage in colorway 5194.

 

And has cast on:

Silverthorne Hat by Becky Kelly,  using Plymouth Galway in the Dark Coral Rose colorway.  $4

 

More Knitted Knockers

 

Poppy Poncho by Cathy Donnabello, using Mrs. Crosby Loves to Play Satchel in the Port Vintage colorway.

 

 

Tracie has cast on the Yipes Stripes Cowl by Ann Weaver in  5 colors of Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Worsted (kit purchased at Stitches)

 

 

She is working on:

Rodeo Drive Poncho by Stacy Perry in Fonty BB Merino in Brun Scooby Doo

 

Vanilla socks with a Fish-Lips-Kiss Heel, using Knit Picks Felici in the Baker Street colorway.

 

The Longstreet shawl by Nancy Totten using Abstract Fibers Temptation in The Gorge colorway.

 

And she gave up and frogged her Shalom Cardigan by Meghan McFarlane in Araucania Tepa (bulky, wool/mohair/silk).  This yarn + this pattern + Tracie = no bueno!

 

Barb’s finished books:

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

The Wild Inside by Christine Carbo

The Girl with all the Gifts by M.R. Carey (photo)

The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon

 

 

Tracie did not finish

The Bone House by Brian Freeman

 

Tracie finished reading: 

Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia

September Sacrifice by Mark Horner

Mrs. Budley Falls From Grace by M.C. Beaton

Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer

 

Barb is reading:

Exposed:  The Secret Life of Jodi Arias by Jane Velez Mitchell

The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine by Alexander McCall Smith

 

Tracie is reading:

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

 

 

Thumbs Up – Grease Live!

Recorded on January 15, 2016

Book Talk Starts at 44:37

Our Sweater KAL ends today!  Listen to the end of this podcast to find out who the 4 winners are...

Announcing our next Knit Along!  Yes, it's a VEST KAL/CAL.  Here are the particulars:

1.  The Vest KAL will run 2/15 - 5/15/16.

2.  The Vest KAL includes short-sleeve sweaters.

3.  Any adult-sized vest or short-sleeve sweater may be entered for the KAL

4.  You must be a member of our  Ravelry Group to enter.

5.  Barb will start a Chatter Thread and put up a Bundle of vest patterns to start the planning.

Our first 2 Knit Lit Chicks Swap is on!  The deadline has passed for you to join, but if you are participating, chatter away here.  Thank you to SandraMaz, the proprietress of the SweetSerendipity37 shop on Easy and friend to our podcast for organizing the swap!

You have until February 1, 2016 to enter the giveaway for Modern Lopi: One (New Approaches to An Icelandic Classic).  To win a copy of the ebook, leave a comment here.