Listen

Recorded Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Book talk begins at 25:55

Our Cables KAL has ended.  Please listen until the end of the podcast to hear whether you’ve won a prize, and thanks to everyone for participating!

Our next KAL will be our annual Mother Bear KAL!  It will officially start on June 1, 2023, but any bears you have knit or crocheted in 2023 are eligible as entries for prizes.  To find out all about this wonderful charity, please go to Mother Bear Project website.  More info to come...

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• Fiber Frolic - Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm at Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA.  There will be no food vendors, so bring your own lunch and a chair.  The entry fee is $10 per person, and parking will be in a field and not limited.
• Lambtown - October 7-8, 2023 at the Dixon May Fairgrounds in Dixon, CA
• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

KNITTING

Barb finished

• 1 Knocker
• Twisty Taper Cap by Shelby NichKnit Designs, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red Brick colorway

Tracie finished:

Mother Bears 304-306

Barb is working on:

• Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavalee, using Anzula Breeze in the Fern and Gravity colorways
• WYS Vanilla Socks, using West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply Self-Striping in the Peacock colorway
• Razzle Dazzle Scarf in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper Gradient Set in the Razzle Dazzle #22 colorway

Barb has Cast On

• 6600K (Striped Hoodie) by Barry Klein, using 4 colors of Lana Grossa Ecopuna Degradé
• Mother Bear 271

Cast On:

• Marklee DK by Elizabeth Doherty in Knit Picks Comfy in Planetarium
• Socks in madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light Glitter in T’Challa colorway

Working On:

Summer Sorrel by Wood & Pine in Despondent Dyes OMG Glitter! in the Even My Attorney Says “Let It Go” colorway

BOOKS

Barb read:

Verity by Colleen Hoover - 2 stars

All That is Mine I Carry with Me - 4 stars

Tracie read:

Blubber by Judy Blume - 5 stars

Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries by Rick Emerson - 5 stars

Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks - 4 stars

Frog and Toad Are Doing Their Best: Bedtime Stories for Trying Times (A Parody) written by and illustrated by Ellie Hajdu - 4 stars

The Patient by Tim Sullivan - 4 stars

Recorded on May 8, 2023

Book Talk starts at: 25:30

Our Cables KAL is almost over... May 15th is the last day you can post pictures of your finished cable-y goodness projects.   Prizes will be announced during Episode 268.  

Our next KAL will be our annual Mother Bear KAL!  It will officially start on June 1, 2023, but any bears you have knit or crocheted in 2023 are eligible as entries for prizes.  To find out all about this wonderful charity, please go to Mother Bear Project website.  More info to come...

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• Fiber Frolic - Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm at Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA.  There will be no food vendors, so bring your own lunch and a chair.  The entry fee is $10 per person, and parking will be in a field and not limited.
• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

Tracie's Donner

Barb Is working on:

• Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavalee, using Anzula Breeze in the Fern and Gravity colorways
• WYS Vanilla Socks, using West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply Self-Striping in the Peacock colorway
• Razzle Dazzle Scarf in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper Gradient Set in the Razzle Dazzle #22 colorway

Recorded on April 5, 2023

Book Talk starts at 19:25

Come join us knitting or crocheting your projects with CABLES! That's right, cables.  Come on over to the Cables KAL Chatter Thread to check out the rules and chat about your plans.  Dates are now until 5/15/23.  

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• The Northern California Knitting Retreat (NoCKRs) - April 27-30, 2023 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California.  The retreat is now full, but we generally have spots that will open as we get close to the dates.  If you would like to be on the waiting list,  message Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for info and the registration form.
• Fiber Frolic - Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm at Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA.  There will be no food vendors, so bring your own lunch and a chair.  The entry fee is $10 per person, and parking will be in a field and not limited.
• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

• Tiny Dancer top by Laura Dean in Shaggy Bear Farms SW Merino & Tussah Silk Fingering for Lexi
• 2 Knitted Knockers

Barb finished

• Low-key Cowl by Elizabeth Smith, using Cascade 220 in the green colorway (very old stash)
• Ilha pullover by Orlane Sucche, using Greenwood Fiber Indulgence (merino, cashmere and silk).
• 3  Knockers

Tracie has cast on:

• Summer Sorrel by Wood & Pine in Despondent Dyes OMG Glitter! in the Even My Attorney Says “Let It Go” colorway

And continues to work on:

• Donner by Elizabeth Doherty in Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in Spring 

Barb is working on:

• Low-key Cowl by Elizabeth Smith, using Cascade 220 in the green colorway (very old stash)
• Knitted Knockers
• WYS Vanilla Socks, using West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply Self-Striping in the Peacock colorway
• Razzle Dazzle Scarf in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper Gradient Set in the Razzle Dazzle #22 colorway

And has cast on:

• Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavalee, using Anzula Breeze in the Fern and Gravity colorways

BOOKS

Barb read:

• Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat and Family by Rabia Chaudry - 5 stars
• Mothered by Zoje Stage - 3.5 stars
• The Substitution Order by Martin Clark - 3.5 stars
• Last Seen (Detective Bernadette Noel #1) by Joy Kluver - 3 stars

Tracie read:

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey - 4.5 stars
• Snap by Belinda Bauer - 4.5 stars
• Kellynch: The Sequel to Jane Austen’s Persuasion - 2.5 stars

Recorded on April 5, 2023

Book Talk starts at 33:00

Come join us knitting or crocheting your projects with CABLES! That's right, cables.  Come on over to the Cables KAL Chatter Thread to check out the rules and chat about your plans.  Dates are now until 5/15/23.  

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• The Northern California Knitting Retreat (NoCKRs) - April 27-30, 2023 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California.  The retreat is now full, but we generally have spots that will open as we get close to the dates.  If you would like to be on the waiting list,  message Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for info and the registration form.
• Fiber Frolic - Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm at Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA
• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

Barb has finished:

• Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits using worsted weight bear yarn
• 3 Knockers     
   
  
  

Barb has read:

• The End of Temperance Dare by Wendy Webb.- 3 stars
• The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman - 4 stars
• Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer - 5 stars

Recorded on March 22, 2023

Book talk starts at 29:20

Come join us knitting or crocheting your projects with CABLES! That's right, cables.  Come on over to the Cables KAL Chatter Thread to check out the rules and chat about your plans.  Dates are now until 5/15/23.  

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• The Northern California Knitting Retreat (NoCKRs) - April 27-30, 2023 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California.  We have 1 open spot - message Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for info and the registration form.
• Fiber Frolic - Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm at Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA
• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

• 2 Knitted Knockers in Cascade Ultra Pima
• Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 Light held double
• 10 knitted headbands, all knit from stash - patterns used:
• Smidge Headband by Angela Tennant
• Lova by Chicory Sticks
• Fiana by Connie Stults
• Godmother Headband by Amanda Rosa
• Star Stitch Headband by Jessica Flowers
• and various patterns from 150 Knitted Trims by Lesley Stanfield

Barb finished:

• Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder using Canon Hand Dyes sock set
• Blushing Braids Beanie by Amy Kate Sutherland, using Valley Yarns Northampton
• 4 Knockers

Tracie cast on:

• Donner by Elizabeth Doherty in Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in Spring
• Tiny Dancer top by Laura Dean in Shaggy Bear Farms SW Merino & Tussah Silk Fingering for Lexi

And continues to work on:

• Zephyr Mark II by Celia Cahill in Laneras Barefoot in Coral
• Vanilla socks in Emma’s Yarn Super Silky in Hot Tamale

Barb is working on:

• Low-key Cowl by Elizabeth Smith, using Cascade 220 in the green colorway (very old stash)
• Knitted Knockers

And has cast on:

• WYS Vanilla Socks, using West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-Ply Self Striping in the Peacock colorway
• Ilha pullover by Orlane Sucche, using Greenwood Fiber Indulgence (merino, cashmere and silk).
• Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits using worsted weight bear yarn

She frogged:

Winters Beach by Andrea Mowry, using Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway 

BOOKS

Tracie read:

• The Decision to Kill: A True Crime Story of a Teenage Killer and the Mother Who Loved Him by Leslie Ghiglieri - 3 stars
• Edge of Normal by Carla Norton - 4 stars (but 1 star for narration!)
• The Dentist by Tim Sullivan - 4.5 stars
• The Cyclist by Tim Sullivan - 4 stars
• A Girl Returned by Ann Goldstein - 4.5 stars
• Girls Who Lie by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir - 4 stars

Tracie and Barb highly recommend:

Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders by Kathryn Miles - 5 stars

Barb read:

• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt - 3.5 stars
• Other Parents by Sarah Stovell - 4 stars
• A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins - 4 stars
• The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden - 4 stars

Tracie recommends AMC+ app/channel - subscribe through Amazon Prime or go to amcplus.com

Stitches West episode!  

Recorded on March 3 - 5 2023

Vendors mentioned in this episode

Alpenglow Industries

Pam Powers Knits

Porter Wool Co.

Fiber Lady

Seattle Sky Dyeworks

Knit Baah Purl

Greenwood Fibers

Anzula

Madelinetosh

Oink Pigments

Carpool Indiemade yarn

Great Yarns!

Tracie attended Sandy Peters' class, Intro to Stacked Stitches.

Barb attended Lorilee Beltman's class, Transform you Knitting with the Magic Cast On.

Recorded Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Book talk begins at 32:25

Come join us knitting or crocheting your projects with CABLES! That's right, cables.  Come on over to the Cables KAL Chatter Thread to check out the rules and chat about your plans.  Dates are now until 5/15/23.  

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

Events

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• Stitches West 2023 - March 2-5 at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, California.  Stay tuned for Episode 263, which will be our Stitches recap!
• The Northern California Knitting Retreat (NoCKRs) - April 27-30, 2023 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California.  The retreat is now full, but you can still be put on the waiting list - message Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for info and the registration form.
• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

KNITTING

Finished

Tracie has finished:

• Velvet Pullover by EweKnit Toronto (discontinued online) in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 Light dyed by Kim and me
• Penelope Romper by Linnea Nyman with a different cable pattern substituted in Berroco Pure Pima
• Soizic Headband by Along avec Anna in Plymouth Encore
• 4 Knitted Knockers in Cascade Ultra Pima and  Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK

Barb has finished:

• Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway
• Burgos vest by Rosa Pomar, using Plymouth Galway Worsted in the Grey Heather colorway
• Koko Bean Hat, using 5 colors of acrylic bear yarn

Tracie has frogged:

Calyx by Elizabeth Doherty in Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK, knit in 2021

She has cast on:

Zephyr Mark II by Celia Cahill in Laneras Barefoot in Coral

Vanilla socks in Emma’s Yarn Super Silky in Hot Tamale

Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 Light held double

Barb continues to work on:

Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder using Canon Hand Dyes sock set

Blushing Braids Beanie by Amy Kate Sutherland, using Red Heart bear yarn in a light gray color

She has cast on:

Low-key Cowl by Elizabeth Smith, using Cascade 220 in the green colorway (very old stash)

Winters Beach by Andrea Mowry, using Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway.

And frogged:

Citadel by Joji Locatelli, using Rowan RYC Wool Tweed

BOOKS

Tracie read:

• The Good Wife: The Shocking Betrayal and Brutal Murder of a Godly Woman in Texas by Clint Richmond - 4 stars
• All That Fall by Kris Calvin - 3 stars
• Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty - 4 stars
• The Liar’s Club by Mary Karr - 5 stars
• Stiff Arm Steal by AJ Stewart

Barb read:

• Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton - 4 stars
• Sunburn by Laura Lipman - 3.5 stars
• The Couple on Cedar Close by Anna-Lou Weatherley - 3.5 stars
• West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge - 5 stars
• Dead to Her by Sarah Pinborough - 3 stars

Barb recommends the film She Said on Peacock Premium or available to buy or rent on other streaming services

Recorded on January 12, 2023

Book talk starts at 18:19

Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23

Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page

Virtual get-together Zoom

Northern California Knitting Retreat news:

If you would like to attend NoCKRs at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California April 27-30, 2023, please email Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for details.

KNITTING

Barb finished: 

2 Bankhead Hats

Tracie finished:

• Penny’s Bandana Cowl in Adrian Gergler for Finn in 3 colors of Plymouth Select DK
• 1 Knitted Knocker in Cascade Ultra Pima and Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK
• Light Trails by Suvi Sivola (SuviKnits) in Anzula Haiku in the Madam colorway

Barb is working on:

• Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway
• Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder using Canon Hand Dyes sock set
• Get the Groove by Hinterm Stein, using Valley Yarns Northampton Worsted in the Denim Heather colorway
• Burgos vest by Rosa Pomar, using Diamond Galway Worsted Knitting Wool Highland Heather

Tracie cast on:

Davis pullover by Pam Allen, using Berroco Remix Chunky in the Pepper colorway

And is working on:

• Knitted Knockers in Cascade Ultra Pima and Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton
• Vanilla Socks in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set

BOOKS

Barb read:

• His Last Wife by Gia Pere - 3 stars
• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - 4.5 stars

Tracie read:

• Still Just a Geek: An Annotated Memoir by Wil Wheaton - 2 stars - 4 stars for substance and 1 star for format
• The Briarmarsh Close Killings by Gaynor Torrance - 3 stars
• Summer Sisters by Judy Blume - 2.5 stars

Tracie recommends

The Gleener for excellent, battery-free sweater shaving

Recorded on December 28, 2022

Book talk starts at 24:10

Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23

Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Virtual get-together Zoom

NoCKRs (Northern California Knitting Retreat) news:

If you would like to attend NoCKRs at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California April 27-30, 2023, please email Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for details.

KNITTING

Barb finished: 

1.  Collage Socks by Helen Stewart, using Ogle Design Fiber Arts Coloration Fingering in the 827 Purple colorway

2.  Solstice Mitts by Kimberly Dottie, using 2 colors of Quince & Co Chickadee in the Fjord and the Canvas color ways

Tracie finished:

1.  Guantes Jota DK Fingerless Mitts by Paola Aguirre using Newton's Yarn Country Superwash DK

2.  Mother Bear ##301

3.  Tony the Toy Box Monster by Rebecca Danger

4.  Cannon Bandana by Debbi Stone and Marcy Vandale in 3 colors of Plymouth Select DK Merino

Barb is working on:

1.  Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway

2.  Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder using Canon Hand Dyes sock set

3.  Get the Groove by Hinterm Stein, using Valley Yarns Northampton Worsted in the Denim Heather colorway

And has cast on:

1.  Bankhead Hat #21 by Susie Gourley

2.  Burgos vest by Rosa Pomar, using Diamond Galway Worsted Knitting Wool Highland Heather

Tracie is working on:

1.   Light Trails by SuviKnits using Anzula Haiku in the Madam colorway

2.  Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set

Tracie has cast on:

1.  Knitted Knocker in Cascade Ultra Pima

BOOKS

Barb read:

1.  French Braid: A Novel by Anne Tyler - 5 stars

2.  On the Beach by Nevil Shute - 4 stars

3.  The Resort by Sue Watson - 3.5 stars

4.  The Nurse's Secret by Amanda Skenendore - 4.5 stars

Tracie read:

1.  The Perfect Family by Jacquie Underdown - 2.5 stars

2.  Unfollow Me by Charlotte Duckworth - 4 stars

3.  Don't Believe It by Charlie Done - 3 stars

4.  Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins - 4.5 stars

5.  The Texas Towner Sniper: The Terrifying True Story of Charles Whitman by Ryan Green

      Barb and Tracie both recommend the documentary "Tower" on Prime Video

Recorded Friday, December 9, 2022

Book talk starts at 26:21

Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23

Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Virtual get-together Zoom

KNITTING

Barb finished: 

Zephyr Mark ll by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light in the Red Rock colorway

Tracie finished:

• Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted Granite and Berroco Vintage Cotton Candy
• Darling Darby by Jean Clement in Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy and  Uptown Worsted
• Top This! flower hat by DMC for Emily
• Millcreek Hat by Katy H. Carroll in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash in Violet and Lime Heather - for Lexi
• Trickster by Elizabeth Doherty in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash in Violet and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

Barb is working on:

• Collage Socks by Helen Stewart, using Ogle Design Fiber Arts Coloration Fingering in the 827 Purple colorway
• Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway
• Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder using Canon Hand Dyes sock set

And has cast on:

• Solstice Mitts by Kimberly Dottie, using 2 colors of Quince & Co Chickadee in the Fjord and the Canvas color ways
• Center Pointe Beanie by Benjamin Matthews, using Plymouth Encore in the Brick Red colorway
• Get the Groove by Hinterm Stein, using Valley Yarns Northampton Worsted in the Denim Heather colorway

Tracie is working on:

• Guantes Jota DK Fingerless Mitts by Paola Aguirre using Newton's Yarn Country Superwash DK 
• Light Trails by SuviKnits using Anzula Haiku in the Madam colorway
• Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set

BOOKS

Barb read:

Minding Miss Manners: In an Era of Fake Etiquette by Judith Martin - 4 stars

The Influencer by Joyce Maynard - 3 stars

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapel - 4 stars

Tracie read:

Details Are Unprintable: Wayne Longeran and the Sensational Cafe Society Murder by Allan Levine - 3 stars

All That’s Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums - 4 stars

Snake Eyes: Murder in a Southern Town by Bitty Martin - 2.5 stars

Tracie recommends

Life and Beth, Reboot, Reservation Dogs and What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu

Abbott Elementary on ABC

Loot on Apple TV+

Wellington Paranormal on HBOMax

Recorded on November 24, 2022

Book Talk starts at 22:00

Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Virtual get-together Zoom

2 Giveaways

 1.  The Little Pine Tree's Wish by Diane M. Howard 

 2.  3 skeins of Tracie's handspun

Prize winners will be announced towards the end of the podcast, right before family Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down segment

KNITTING

Barb finished:

1.  Mother Bear # 271

2.  Barb's Irish Hiking Hat by Blackhorse, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red colorway

3.  Barb's Irish Hiking Scarf #3 by Adrian Bazilia, also using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red colorway

3. Will's Party Time socks using Berroco Comfort Sock in the Party Time colorway

Tracie has finished:

NOTHING!  You will hear why in the "Working On" segment...

Barb is working on:

1.  Zephyr Mark ll by Celia McAdam Cahill using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok in the Red Rock colorway

1.  Collage Socks by Helen Stewart using Olgle Design Fiber Arts Coloration Fingering in the 827 colorway

2.  Colorwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using Sirdar a Clourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway.

3.  Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Leader

Tracie is working on:

1.  Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set

2.  Moon of My Life (AKA This F@&^ Sweater) by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

Tracie has cast on:

1.  Guantes Jota DK Fingerless Mitts by Paola Aguirre using Newton's Yarn Country Superwash DK 

2.  Light Trails by SuviKnits using Anzula Haiku in the Madam colorway

3.  Darling Darby by Jean Clement in Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy and Uptown Worsted

READING 

Barb has finished:

1.  Missing Daughter by Rick Molina - 4 stars

2.  A Sharp Solitude by Christine Carbo - 4 stars

3.  Lucy By the Sea by Elizabeth Strout - 4 stars

4.  She Lies Close by Sharon Dowering - 3 stars

5.  Missing...and Presumed Dead by Michael Fleeman - 3 stars

Tracie has finished reading:

1.  On the Beach by Nevil Shute - 3.5 stars

2.  Murder in the Family:Inside the Story of the Jersey Murders by Jeremy Josephs - 3 stars

3.  The Fiancee by Kate White - 3 stars

4.  The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon - 3.5 stars

5.  Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro - 4.5 stars

6.  Passing On by Penelope Lively - 2 stars

Recorded on November 16, 2022

Barb and Tracie spend some time with Sarah Fain, one of the co-hosts of the Happier in Hollywood Podcast.  She is also a TV writer, currently writing for the Fantasy Island reboot, available on Fox TV.  Oh - and she is a knitter and a spinner!

We get a peek into Sarah's very busy life, and learn lots about what it takes to be a writer in Hollywood today.  And there an abundance of laughter!  We hope you enjoy our time with Sarah as much as we did.  

Book Talk starts at 22:00

Recorded on October 28, 2022

Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23!

Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Virtual get-together Zoom

2 New Giveaways!

1.  The Little Pine Tree's Wish by Diane M. Howard (dinaripper on Ravelry) - a lovely children's book about a little pine tree who's wish is to become a Christmas tree! If you have a special child in your life that would enjoy this book, enter our giveaway to win an autographed copy.

If you don't want to wait for the giveaway, you can order the Little Pine Tree's Wish through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or BookBaby!

The winner will be announced when we record on U.S. Thanksgiving!

2.  Tracie's Handspun!

I have 3 skeins of my handspun to give away:

• Quillen Fiber Arts Romney Top in the Queen of Tarts colorway, approximately 110 yds
• Greenwood Fiberworks Merino/Silk? in the Calypso colorway, approximately 192 yds
• Three Waters Farm 100% Rambouillet in the Racing Green colorway, approximately 161 yards

KNITTING

Barb finished:

1.  Mother Bears  268, 269, and 270

2.  Helix Hat #11 by Jessica Rose, using leftover Plymouth Encore yarns

Recorded Wednesday, 12, 2022

Book talk begins at 25:30

Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23!

Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Virtual get-together Zoom

KNITTING

Barb finished:

Mother Bear #267

Choose Your Gnome Adventure by Sarah Schira

Cristollo by Knitting for Breakfast

Tracie finished:

Choose Your Gnome Adventure by Sarah Schira

Davis Sweater by Pam Allen

Mother Bears 298 and 299

Barb is working on:

Irish Hiking Scarf by Adrian Bazilia, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in Red

Socks for Will, using Berroco Comfort Sock in the Party Time colorway 

And has cast on:

Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose in the same yarns (all Plymouth Encore) I used for my Choose Your Gnome Adventure

Mother Bear #268

Tracie once again started working on:

Archer by Elizabeth Doherty - redoing the bottom in Lisa Souza Deluxe Sock! in Cornflower

She continues to work on:

Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set

Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

Cinna Top by Ksenia Naidyon, in 5 colors of Alchemy Silken Straw

BOOKS

Barb read:

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass - 4 stars

Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout - 5 stars

Fly Girl by Ann Hood - 4 stars

Mishap or Murder?: True tales of mysterious deaths and disappearances by Eileen Ormsby - 3 stars

Tracie read:

A Taste for Murder by Burl Barer and Frank C. Garadot - 3 stars

The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith - 4 stars

Tracie recommends the Murdaugh Murders Podcast

Recorded Thursday, September 22, 2022

Book talk begins at 18:55

Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23!

Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Lambtown 2022

Virtual get-together Zoom

KNITTING

Barb finished:

Mother Bears 264, 265, 266

• Polobello by Josee Paquin, using Juniper Moon Zooey in the Sloop colorway
• Bankhead Hat #20 by Susie Gourley, using scrap yarn

Tracie finished

• Mother Bears 292 - 297

And has cast on:

Tracie continues to work on:

• Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy
• Cinna Top by Ksenia Naidyon, in 5 colors of Alchemy Silken Straw

Tracie has Cast On:

• Davis pullover by Pam Allen, using Berroco Remix Chunky in the Pepper colorway
• Choose Your Gnome Adventure MKAL in Serendipidye, The Dye Project, and Madelinetosh Silk/Merino
• Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes in the William Merino Waterworld Sock Set

BOOKS

Barb read:

• The Weight of Night (Glacier Park Mystery #3) by Christine Carbo - 4.5 stars
• An Almost Perfect Murder by Gary C. King - 3 stars
• The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille - 3 stars

Tracie read:

• The English Teacher by Lily King - 3 stars
• The Murderer's Son by Joy Ellis by Joy Ellis - 3 starts
• The Writing Class by Jincy Willitt - 3.5 stars
• A Carnival of Snackery (Diaries 2003 - 2020) by David Sedaris - 3.5 stars

Recorded Tuesday August 30, 2022

Book Talk Starts at 15:12

Our 2022 MOTHER BEAR KAL ends September 1!

Mother Bear Chatter Thread

Mother Bear FO Thread

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Lambtown 2022

Virtual get-together Zoom

KNITTING 

Barb finished:

• Mother Bear 263
• Goth Kitty Socks, using Knitpicks Felici in the Goth Kitty colorway
• Hot Springs Willow Hat by NichKnit Designs, using Berroco Vintage Worsted in the Yukon Green colorway

Tracie finished

• Mother Bear 291
• Zephyr Mark II by Celia Cahill test knit in Malabrigo Susurro in Teal Feather

Barb continues to work on:

Polobello by Josee Paquin, using Juniper Moon Zooey in the Sloop colorway

And has cast on:

Irish Hiking Scarf by Adrian Bazilia, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red colorway

Tracie continues to work on:

• Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy
• Cinna Top by Ksenia Naidyon, in 5 colors of Alchemy Silken Straw

BOOKS

Barb read:

Pure Murder by Corey Mitchell - 4 stars

Small Towns, Dark Secrets: Social Media, Reality TV and Murder in Rural America by Eileen Ormsby - 3 stars

The Woman at 72 Derry Lane by Carmel Harrington - 4 stars

When the Moon Turns to Blood: Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, Wild Faith and the End Times by Leah Sottile - 4 stars

Tracie read:

When the Moon Turns to Blood: Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, and a Story of Murder, Wild Faith, and End Times by Leah Sottile - 4 1/2 stars

Don’t Cry Now by Joy Fielding - 2 stars

Housebroken: Admissions of an Untidy Life by Laurie Notaro - 4 stars

Real Life Organizing: Clean and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes a Day by Cassandra Aarson aka Clutterbug

A Cupboard Full of Coats by Yvette Edwards

And did not finish: 

Nine Years Gone by Chris Culver

Barb has been enjoying a re-watch of Survivor, Season 1 on Prime Video

Recorded Monday, August 15, 2022

Book talk begins at 20:00

2022 MOTHER BEAR KAL

Mother Bear Chatter Thread

Mother Bear FO Thread

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Lambtown 2022

Virtual get-together Zoom

On Episode 252, we will have Sarah Fain, TV writer, knitter and spinner with us!

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

1.  Mother Bears 287 - 290

2. Tracie's Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer, using Color Notes Yarn Pure Sport in Clear Red, Western Sky Knits Willow Superwash Sport, and madelinetosh Pashmina in Jasper

1.  Mother Bear #261 & 262

2.  Barb's Bankhead hat #19 by Susie Gorlay, using Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Goth Kitty colorway

3.  Test Knit for Zephyr Mark II by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Knit Picks Hawthorne Tonal Handprint in the Springfield colorway

Tracie continues to work on:

Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

Tracie cast on:

Cinna Top by Ksenia Naidyon, in 5 colors of Alchemy Silken Straw

Barb continues to work on:

1.  That’s My Jam by Steve Fegert - using a kit from Leading Men Fiber Arts

2.  Goth Kitty Socks, using Knitpicks Felici in the Goth Kitty colorway

Barb has cast on:

1.  Hot Springs Willow Hat by NichKnit Designs, using Berroco Vintage Worsted, in the Yukon Green colorway

2.  Polobello tee by Josee Paquin using Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in the Sloop colorway

BOOKS

Tracie read:

1.  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau - 5 stars

2.  The Silent Quarry by Cheryl Rees-Price - 2.5 stars

3.  The Trivia Night by Ali Lowe - 4.5 stars

4.  The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey - 4.5 stars

5. For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb and the Murder that Shocked Chicago by Simon Baatz - 3 stars

Barb read:

1.   Beyond the Crushing Waves by Lilly Mirren - 4 stars

2.  The Lying Club by Annie Ward - 3.5 stars

3.  In Her Eyes by Sarah Alderson - 3 stars

4.  The Clover Girls by Viola Shipman - 4 stars

Recorded Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Book talk starts at 25:00

2022 MOTHER BEAR KAL

Mother Bear Chatter Thread

Mother Bear FO Thread

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Lambtown 2022

Virtual get-together Zoom

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

Leave Gnome Stone Unturned by Sarah Schira

Mother Bears 279-286

Lihan Sweater by Imke von Nathausius in Berroco Pure Pima

Barb finished:

Mother Bear #255 - 260

Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway

Irma Hat by Aneta Gasiorowksa using blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway - left over from my May(be) Queen pullover

Tracie continues to work on:

Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer in Color Notes Yarn Pure Sport in Clear Red, Western Sky Knits Willow Superwash Sport, and madelinetosh Pashmina in Jasper

Zephyr Mark II by Celia Cahill test knit in Malabrigo Susurro in Teal Feather

Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

Barb continues to work on:

That’s My Jam by Steve Fegert - using a kit from Leading Men Fiber Arts

Venturer’s Vest by Knitwise Design in Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Merino Worsted Twist in the Taupe Heather colorway

She has cast on:

Mother Bear #261

Goth Kitty Socks, using Knitpicks Felici in the Goth Kitty colorway

Zephyr Mark II Test knit by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Knit Picks Hawthorne Kettle Dye in the Springfield colorway

BOOKS

Tracie read:

The Dearly Departed by Elinor Lipman - 3 stars

God’s Nobodies: Misguided Faith and Murder in the Life of One American Family by Mark Obbie - 2 1/2 stars

Heart Seizure by Bill Fitzhugh - 3 stars

Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris - 4 stars

The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon by Marcy McCready - 4 stars

An Unfinished Canvas: A True Story of Love, Family, and Murder in Nashville by Michael Glasgow - 3 stars

Skies of Ash by Rachel Howzell Hall - 4 stars

Barb read:

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica - 3 stars

The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird - 3 stars

The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel - 3 stars

Mortal Fall (Glacier Mystery #2) by Christine Carbo - 4 stars

Cross Her Heart (Bree Tagert #1) by Melinda Leigh - 3 stars

The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard - 3 stars

The House Across the Street by Melanie Jones Brownrigg - 3 stars

Cul de sac by Joy Fielding - 3 stars

The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore - 4 stars

Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2’s  Deadliest Day by Peter Zuckerman - 4 stars

The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan - 4 stars

Barb talked about her diagnosis and treatment for microscopic colitis 

Recorded on July 5, 2022

Podvoices.help - Here are abortion advocacy links.  

This episode was recorded with our friends, Eileen and Shelley while on vacation in Montana.  

Mother Bear Chatter Thread

Mother Bear FO Thread

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Lambtown 2022

Virtual get-together Zoom

KNITTING

Eileen is knitting:

* a sweater that is utilizing both the Zephyr cardigan pattern by Celia McAdam Cahill, and the Diamond Back Top pattern by Kira Dulaney

*  Aisling by Marie Wallin

Shelley talked about her love for designing her own patterns.  

Tracie talked about:

* Ciara Top by Laura Aylor

* Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Summer

Barb talked about knitting:

* her difficulty with a dropped stitch in her Venturer's Vest by Knitwise Design

* Test Knit Zephyr Mark II by Celia McAdam Cahill

BOOKS

Shelley talked about her favorite author as she was growing up, E. B. White

Eileen discussed 3 books:

*  The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Dideon

*  Find Her by Lisa Gardner

*  Trustee From the Toolroom by Nevil Shute

Tracie talked about:

*   Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey

*  Home Stretch by Graham Norton

Barb discussed:

*  Broken Harbor by Tana French

We also discussed the TV series, Escape to the Country

Recorded on June 10, 2022

Book talk begins at 28:00

Mother Bear Chatter Thread

Mother Bear FO Thread

12 in 22 Chatter Thread

Lambtown 2022

Virtual get-together Zoom

KNITTING

Barb’s Finished Objects:

1. Mother Bear #248
2. Forager Lite

Tracie’s Finished Objects

1. Mother Bears #277, 278, 274
2. Never Not Gnoming Gnomes #25 & 26
3. Great Falls

Barb is working on:

1. That's My Jam
2. Ribs and Wave Poncho
3. Venturer's Vest
4. Irma Hat

Barb cast on:

1.   Mother Bear #255

Tracie is working on:

1. Ciara
2. Moon of My Life

Tracie has cast on:

1. Hoodie Shawl Cardigan
2. Leave Gnome Stone Unturned

BOOKS

Barb has finished:

1. The Other Husband - 3 stars
2. Cold Blooded: A True Story about Love, Lies, Greed and Murder - 3 stars
3. The Night She Went Missing - 3 stars
4. The Night Always Comes

Tracie has finished:

1. No One is Talking About This - 3.5 Stars
2. Everybody’s Best Friend: The True Story of a Marriage that Ended in Murder - 4 stars
3. How to Raise and Elephant - 4 stars
4. Never Saw Me Coming - 4.5 stars

Recorded on may 23, 2022

Book Talk starts at 24:00

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our annual Mother Bear KAL begins June 1!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread!  #2022MBKAL2KLC

12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here!

KNITTING

Barb finished:

Hipster shawl by Joji Locatelli, using Malabrigo Rios in the 880 Hojas colorway.

Mother Bears 251, 252, 253

Tracie finished

Mother Bears 272, 273, 275 and 276

Barb continues working on:

Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway

That's My Jam shawl by Steve Fegert using a kit she bought from Leading Men Fiber Arts

forager lite by Isabel Kraemer, using Inner Yarn Zen Superwash Fingering in the Lupine colorway

She has cast on:

Venturer’s Vest by Knitwise Design in Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Merino Worsted Twist in the Taupe Heather colorway

Irma Hat by Aneta Gasiorowksa using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea Sport in the Falcon’s Eye colorway - left over from my May(be) Queen pullover

Tracie has cast on:

Great Falls by Nataliya Polyakov in Scheepjes Whirl in Jade Jim Jam

Ciara by Laura Aylor in Araucania Caña Ruca

She continues working on:

Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted  in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

BOOKS

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner - 4 stars

Be Careful Who You Love: Inside the Michael Jackson Case by Diane Dimond - 4 stars

We Thought We Knew You: A Terrifying True Story of Secrets, Betrayal, Deception, and Murder by M. William Phelps - 3 stars

Let’s Not Do That Again by Grant Ginder - 4 stars

She Kills Me: True Stories of History’s Deadliest Women by Jennifer Wright - 2.5 stars

BOOKS

Caul Baby by Morgan Jenkins

Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language by Amanda Montell

Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer

Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin

Murder in St Augustine: The Mysterious Death of Athalia Ponsell Lindsley by Elizabeth Randall

Tracie recommends watching Jinxx Monsoon as Judy Garland on RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars 7.  NSFW or for those with delicate sensibilities!

Recorded Monday, May 2, 2022

Book talk starts at 31:25

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL has ended.  Be sure to listen until the end to find out the prize winners!  Our three very generous prize donors for the KAL are:

Brenda Castiel, from her Ravelry store and Etsy shop

martaschmarta - her Pride and Toebeans pattern

Susan Cochran, from her stash

And now, it's almost time for our annual Mother Bear KAL!  Come join us by knitting or crocheting Mother Bears.  Our KAL runs from June 1 to September 1, 2022.  But...if you have knit or crocheted any bears in 2022, please plan on posting pictures of them in our FO thread.  The FO and chatter threads will be up after June 1st.  

Here is the Mother Bear Project website, where you can find out all about the charity, buy a pattern and overload on the picture gallery cuteness!

12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here!

The 2KLC 2022 Swap is almost over!  

Important dates:  
May 1: final check in. 
May 15th: Mail By Date

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

1.   That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer

2.  A project for her swap partner

3.  May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway

Tracie has Finished

1.  Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls

2.  Mother Bears 270 & 271

1. Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway

2.  That's My Jam shawl by Steve Fegert using a kit she bought from Leading Men Fiber Arts

3.  Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli, using Malabrigo Rios in the 880 Hojas colorway

Barb has cast on:

1.  forager lite by Isabel Kraemer, using Inner Yarn Zen Superwash Fingering in the Lupine colorway

Barb has frogged:

Brookdale Vest by Elizabeth Smith, using Berroco Ultra Wool  in the purple colorway

Tracie continues working on:

1.  Socks to match my Swallowtail pullover in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock - using hem/cuff chart from Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman

2.  Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted  in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

BOOKS

Barb read:

1.  Blind Faith by Joe McGinniss - 5 stars

2.  The Surrogate by Toni Halleen - 4 stars

1.  Dying for Daddy: The True Story of a Family's Worst Nightmare by Carlton Smith - 4 stars

2.  The Wonder Test by Michelle Richmond - 4 stars

Websites mentioned:

Recorded on March 28, 2022

Book Talk starts at 33:48

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL goes until .  You can get all the details here!

Mini Skein Finished Object thread here.

Browse our Mini Skein Pattern Bundle here.

12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here!

The 2KLC 2022 Swap has begun!  Important dates:  
April 1: Check in #4
April 15: check in #5
May 1: final check in.
May 15th: Mail By Date

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

Delicious Simplicity hat by Knitsalotte, using Bulky scraps I had in my stash

Sublime Eden One-Ball Scarf in Sublime Eden DK in the Renee colorway

Finished

Chicory by Susan Moskwa in Scheepjes Colour Crafter

Barb continues working on:

That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer

Vanilla Socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock

May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway

She has cast on:

Transition Slipover Vest by Aimee Sher, using Berroco Ultra Wool in the 33146 (purple) colorway

wurm by katushika, using Straightfork Farm 60/40 Sport Weight in the Purple Haze colorway

Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli, using Malabrigo Rios in the 880 Hojas colorway.

Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway

A project for my swap partner

Tracie has cast on:

Socks to match my Swallowtail pullover in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock - using hem/cuff chart from Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman

Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavillee in Anzula Breeze in Aspen and Garnet and Earl Grey Fiber Co. Rooibos Single in Bloom

Secret project for my Swappee in very special yarn

Lazy Days Romper and Pinafore Dress by marianna mel in Rowan Calmer

Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted  in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy

And continues working on:

Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls

BOOKS

Barb read

The Widow by K.L. Slater - 3 stars

In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado - 5 stars

We Live Next Door by Laura Wolf - 3 stars

The Secrets We Left Behind by Susan Elliot Wright

Every Breath You Take by Ann Rule - 4 stars

Airliner Down by John Etzil - 2 stars

The Maid by Nita Prose - 5 stars

Tracie read:

The Quiet Child by John Burley - 3 stars

The Long Prison Journey of Leslie Van Houton: Life Beyond the Cult by Karlene Faith - 4.5 stars

Family Money by Chad Zunker - 3 stars

Playing With Fire: The True Story of a Nurse, Her Husband, and a Marriage Turned Fatal by John Glatt - 4 starts

The Maid by Nita Prose - 4.5 starts

Disturbed Ground by Carla Norton and 

Worst Roommate Ever series on Netflix - 5 stars

Recorded March 4-6, 2022

No book talk this episode

Thursday

Esther Rodgers - Jazz Turtle Creations

Greenwood Fiberworks

Front Range Bags

The Falafel Corner - Sacramento, CA

Friday

Knit Bah Purl

El Fuego Express - Sacramento, CA

Sew Happy Jane

Purls Before Wine

Firebird Yarns

Laneras

Babetta’s Yarn & Gifts

Malabrigo Rios

Desert Panda Fiber Arts

Brasserie du Monde - Sacramento, CA

Saturday

Harry Wells

Color Cables photos

Art and Alchemy Fiber Arts

A Needle Runs Through It

Anzula Luxury Fibers

Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavallee

Marie Green - Olive Knits

Serendipidye

Invictus Yarns

fade colors photos

Mod Yarns

Knitted Wit

Grange Restaurant and Bar - Sacramento, CA

Recorded on February 23, 2022

Book Talk starts at 32:10

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 pm PST

Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL goes until .  You can get all the details here!

Mini Skein Finished Object thread here.

Browse our Mini Skein Pattern Bundle here.

12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here!

The 2KLC 2022 Swap has begun!  Important dates:  

March 1: Check-In #2
March 15: check in #3
April 1: Check in #4
April 15: check in #5
May 1: final check in.
May 15th: Mail By Date

Upcoming events: 

March 3-6, 2022 - Barb and Tracie will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA

April 7-10, 2022 - Tracie will be attending the Northern California Knitting Retreat in San Juan Bautista, CA

Correction Corner: Scheepjes yarn is a Dutch company, not a German company

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

• Violet Waffles designed by Hallidora J, using mystery DK yarn
• Welcome Spring Oven Towel by Claire Cromwell

She frogged:

• Forest Park Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in the Dove Heather and Deep Waters color ways

Tracie has finished:

• The JazzaGal by Mary Annerella in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light in Kinego Bay
• Mini Skein Magic Knit Chevron Cowl by Dana Freed Fiddes in fingering leftovers from my stash and beads from BeadBiz
• Vanilla socks in Biscotte Yarns Bis-Sock in Ariel

Barb continues working on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer
• Sublime Eden One-Ball Scarf, using 1 ball of Sublime Eden DK, in the Renee colorwayVanilla Socks using WSK mystery colorway in her Aspen Sock
• Vanilla Socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock

And she has cast on:

• May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway

Tracie has cast on:

• Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls

And continues working on:

• Chicory pullover by Susan Moskwa in Scheepjes Colour Crafter

BOOKS

Barb read:

The Forever Home by Sue Watson - 3 stars 

Swan Dive: The Making of a Rogue Ballerina by Georgina Pazcoguin - 5 stars

Tracie read:

The Night Before by Wendy Walker - 3.5 stars

Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool by Clara Parkes - 3 stars

You All Grow Up and Leave Me: a Memoir of Teenage Obsession by Piper Weiss - 4.5 stars

The Secrets of Roscarbury Hall by Ann O’Loughlin - 3 stars

Too Pretty to Live: the Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee by Dennis Brooks - 4 stars

Barb give thumbs up to good customer service from Hobbii Yarn in Copenhagen. 

Tracie recommends the Sounds Like a Cult podcast

Recorded on Thursday, February 3, 2022 

Book Talk starts at 24:50

Mini Skein KAL!  Yes, we have started our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL.  You can get all the details here!

Mini Skein Finished Object thread here.

Browse our Mini Skein Pattern Bundle here.

Most of all...have fun!

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here.

12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here!

The 2022 2KLC Swap is on!  Go to swap thread for all the info and to join (follow link to the sign up form AND post your answers to the questionnaire in the thread).  Sign ups close on February 10th.  

Upcoming events: 

• March 3-6, 2022 - We will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA.
• April 7-10, 2022 - Tracie will be attending the Northern California Knitting Retreat in San Juan Bautista, CA

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

Delicious Simplicity hat by Knitsalotte using mystery bulky yarn found in stash

Tracie has finished:

• Anker’s Sweater Junior by PetiteKnit in Scheepjes Colour Crafter 
• V-Mitts by Dapper, using Madelinetosh Merino Light in the Cosmos Colorway
  

Barb is working on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer
• Sublime Eden One-Ball Scarf, using 1 ball of Sublime Eden DK, in the Renee colorway
• Forest Park Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in the Dove Heather and Deep Waters color ways

And has cast on:

• Vanilla Socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock
• Welcome Spring Oven Towel by Claire Cromwell, using a package of Lion Brand Bonbons in the Nature pack
• Violet Waffles hat by Halldora J. using DK mystery yarn found in her stash.

Tracie is working on:

• The JazzaGal by Mary Annerella in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light in Kinego Bay
• Vanilla Socks in Biscotte Bis-Sock in the Arial colorway

And has cast on:

• Chicory pullover by Susan Moskwa in Scheepjes Colour Crafter

BOOKS

Barb read:

• Our Little Secret by Kiertsen Modglin - 2.5 stars
• Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah - 3 stars

Tracie read:

• Without a Trace: DI Isabel Blood #2) by Jane Bettany - 2.5 stars
• A Tangled Web by Leslie Rule - 4 stars
• Her Final Prayer (Detective Clara Jeffries #2) by Kathryn Casey - 4 stars
• Creepy Crawling: Charles Manson and the Many Lives of America's Most Infamous Family by Jeffrey Melnick - 3.5 stars

Mentioned:

• Barb and Tracie both loved The Wilds Season 1, Prime Video
• Barb also recommends Yellowjackets on Netflix

Recorded on January 16, 2022

Book Talk starts at 35:55

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here.

Our Fall Sweater KAL has ended.  Stay tuned till the end of the podcast to find out if you’ve won a prize, and thanks to everyone who participated!

Do you have all kinds of mini-skeins but don’t know what to do with them?  Join our Spring Mini-Skeins KAL!  We already have a bundle full of pattern ideas, and if I know this group, many more will be added.  The KAL will run February 1-May 1, 2022 - check out the thread in our Ravelry group for more info.

12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022.

The 2022 2KLC Swap is on!  Go to swap thread for all the info and to join (follow link to the sign up form AND post your answers to the questionnaire in the thread).

Upcoming events: 

• March 3-6, 2022 - We will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA.
• April 7-10, 2022 - Tracie will be attending the Northern California Knitting Retreat in San Juan Bautista, CA

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

• Multnomah Falls hat by Kay Hopkins, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Brick Red colorway
• Frohlocke Hat by Katrine Schubert, using Malabrigo Rastita in the Archangel colorway 
• Nagare by Natsuko Iida, using Valley Yarns Superwash Sport in the Ice colorway
• Murphy Bay Hat by Jenny Weibe, using Malabrigo Rios in the Pines colorway

Tracie has finished:

• Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman in 3 colors of Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock (Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters) and Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in Ecru
• My first combo spin!  I used 5 braids of fiber and then I double-plied them.  Very excited to see how much I have and plan a project (hopefully a sweater)!

Barb is working on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer
• Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway

And has cast on:

• Sublime Eden One-Ball Scarf, using 1 ball of Sublime Eden DK, in the Renee colorway
• Forest Park Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in the Dove Heather and Deep Waters color ways

Tracie has cast on:

• Anker’s Sweater Junior by PetiteKnit in Scheepjes Colour Crafter 
• The JazzaGal by Mary Annerella in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light in Kinego Bay

And is working on:

• Vanilla Socks in Biscotte Bis-Sock in the Arial colorway

BOOKS

Barb read:

• The Crime of the Century: Richard Speck and the Murders that Shocked a Nation by Dennis L. Breo, and William J. Martin - 4 stars. (1st published in 1993)
• Dr. Rick Will See You Now by Dr. Rick - 4 stars
• The Ruin (Cormac Reilly #1) by Dervla McTiernan - 5 stars
• I Invited Her In by Adele Parks - 4 stars

Tracie read 

• Afraid of the Dark: The True Story of a Reckless Husband, His Stunning Wife, and the Murder That Shattered a Family by Tom Henderson - 3.5 stars
• The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray: A Critical Appreciation of the World's Finest Actor by Robert Schnakenberg - 4 stars
• Wonder Valley by Ivy Pachoda - 3 stars
• 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard - 3.5 stars

Recorded on December 26, 2021

Book Talk begins at 26:04

Recorded on December 14, 2021

Book talk starts at 22:55

Our Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 15, 2022!  You still have time to knit a great sweater!  View the details here  

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Tracie’s handspun giveaway! Winners are announced at the end of this podcast.

Upcoming events: 

January 7-9, 2022 - We will both be attending the New Year Fiber Retreat in San Juan Bautista, California.

March 3-6, 2022 - We will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA.

KNITTING:

Barb finished

Tracie has Finished:

Recorded Saturday November 27, 2021

Book Talk starts at 26:25

The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing.  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. Check out our Bundles for more inspiration!

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Tracie’s handspun giveaway! 3 skeins, 4 oz each:

• Lisa Souza Dyeworks Silk Merino - Pacific
• Greenwood Fiberworks 100% Merino Superfine - Arizona
• Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Dyed Roving Merino Superwash/Stellina - Puget Sound

Giveaway thread will close December 1.

KNITTING

Barb finished

• Koko Bean Hat by JudithMarieKnits
• My Oasis Pullover by Ririko - successful sweater surgery!  

Tracie finished

• Darling Darby by Jean Clement in Scheepjes Chunky Monkey in Deep Violet and Turquoise
• Murphy Bay hat by Jenny Wiebe

Barb continues to work on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer.
• Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway
• V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin

And has cast on:

• Nagare pullover by Natsuko Iida using Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Sport in the Ice colorway 
• Tensfield hat by Martina Behm, using Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope 

Tracie has cast on:

• Cannon Bandana by Debbi Stone & Marcy Vandale in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk in Downtown colorway, held double
• Dancing T-Rex Sweater by Natalie V in Scheepjes Colour Crafter in Dordrecht and Bergen

And continues working on:

• Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in the Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway
• Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose

BOOKS

Barb read: 

• The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Kristi Lefteri - 4 stars

Tracie read:

• The Good Turn (Cormac Reilly #3) by Dervla McTiernan - 4.5 stars
• Someone’s Listening by Serafina Nova Glass - 2 stars

Recorded on Tuesday, November 7, 2021

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Shaggy Bear Farms Merino/Tussah Silk - Okay, this one is too ugly to give away.  My mother has given it a good home.  I will choose a different skein of handspun to replace this one.

Greenwood Fiberworks 100% Merino Superfine - Arizona

Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Dyed Roving Merino Superwash/Stellina - Puget Sound

Please leave a comment in the contest thread to be entered to win.  Thread will close December 1, 2021.

KNITTING

Barb finished:

• Mother Bear #249
• r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway

Tracie finished

Barb continues to work on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer.
• Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway
• Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway
• Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway
• Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash
• V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin

Into Hibernation:

• Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway

And has cast on:

• Koko Bean Hat (#3) by Judithmarieknits using random worsted scraps

Barb is doing doing surgery on her My Oasis pullover.  She is lengthening the back.

Tracie cast on:

• Darling Darby dog sweater by Jean Celment, using Scheepjes Chunky Monkey in Deep Violet and Turquoise

And continues to work on:

• Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in th Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway
• Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose

BOOKS

Barb and Tracie both read:

• Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell - Barb gave it 3 stars, Tracie has not yet rated it

Barb read:

• Sins of the Mother by Maria Eftimiades - 4 stars
• Why Cats are Assholes by Liz Miele - 3 stars
• Man with the Silver Saab (Detective Varg #3) by Alexander Smith McCall - 4 stars
• Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher - 3 stars

Tracie read:

When You See Me by Lisa Gardner - 4 stars

Close Her Eyes by Dorothy Simpson - 3 stars

Recorded Wednesday October 27, 2021

Book talk starts at 27:12

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has begun!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. Check out our Bundles for more inspiration.  

New giveaway - Tracie’s handspun! I have 3 skeins of 4 oz each to give away:

Shaggy Bear Farms Merino/Tussah Silk

Greenwood Fiberworks 100% Merino Superfine - Arizona

Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Dyed Roving Merino Superwash/Stellina - Puget Sound

Please leave a comment in the contest thread to be entered to win.  Thread will close December 1, 2021.

KNITTING

Barb finished:

• Mother Bear #248

Tracie finished

• All Work, Gnome Play MKAL by Sarah Schira in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh, Plucky Knitter Sophisticate, and Wool Addicts Love by Lang Yarns
• Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose
• Kaiya Mei hat #3 by Jamie Hoffman in Manos del Uruguay Maxima in Speeding Ticket and Universal Uptown Worsted in grey
• Never Not Gnoming #23 by Sarah Schira in yarns by Leading Men Fiber Arts
• 3rd Darling Darby for Ruby in Red Heart With Love Metallic in Red
• Bunny Blanket Buddy #3 by Lion Brand in Rowan Calmer
• Sea Monkey Baby Hat by Kelly McClure in Rowan Calmer

Barb continues to work on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer.
• Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway
• Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway
• Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway
• Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash
• V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin
• r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway

And has cast on:

• Mother Bear #249

Tracie cast on:

• Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose
• Rikke Hat by Sarah Young in Lazer Sheep Farms DK Superwash in Brave Sheep

And continues to work on:

• Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in th Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway
• Punchline by Hanna Maciejewska in Forbidden Fibers Co. Pride LF in Black Emerald

BOOKS

Barb read

The Last Man on the Mountain: The Death of an American Adventurer on K2 by Jennifer Jordan - 4 stars

Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff - 4 stars

Tracie read

Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders by J.B. King - 2.5 stars

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Andrea Montell - 5 stars

Behind the Horror: True Stories that Inspired Horror Movies by Lee Mellor - 4 stars

Barb recommends the Murdaugh Murders Podcast

Recorded on October 8, 2021

Book Talk starts at: 29:00

The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has begun!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. Check out our Bundles for more inspiration.  

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

Barb finished:

• Be Kind #7 by Melissa Simpson, using worsted weight scraps

Tracie cast on:

•  
  Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in th Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway
  
  
• Darling Darby #3 dog sweater for Ruby in Red Heart with Love Metallic in red

And continues to work on:

• Punchline by Hanna Maciejewska in Forbidden Fibers Co. Pride LF in Black Emerald

Barb continues to work on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer.
• Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway
• Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway
• Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway
• Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash
• V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin
• r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway

BOOKS 

Tracie read:

• Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day  by Peter Zuckerman - 3.5 stars
• In Cold Blood (D.I. Isabel Blood #1) by Jane Bettany - 4 stars
• Abducted (Lizzy Gardner, #1)  by T.R. Ragan - 2.5 stars
• Cease to Exist  vy Charles "Tex" Watson - 4.5 stars
• Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst - 4 stars
• The Stranger's Wife by Anna-Lou Weatherley - 3 stars

Barb read:

• Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni - 4 stars
• The Last Flight by Julie Clark - 3 stars
• The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamor, and Greed  by Sara Gay Forden - 4 stars
• Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell - 4.5 stars

Recorded on September 22, 2021

Book Talk starts at 28:01

The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has begun!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. 

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

• Ice River Hat by Helen Stewart in Skeino Venice (Don Carlo cw)
• ribbed beanie (no pattern) in Euro Baby Kaleidoscope
• Bankhead Hat #5 Susie Gourlay
• Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy
• Fiddly Bits-style cowl in my handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/Silk

Barb finished:

• Mother Bear 248

Tracie cast on:

• Punchline by Hanna Maciejewska in Forbidden Fibers Co. Pride LF in Black Emerald
• All Work, Gnome Play MKAL by Sarah Schira in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh in Happy Hammock, Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar Ribbon, and Wool Addicts Love by Lang Yarns in Creme

And continues to work on:

• Octave by Dee O’Keeffe in Invictus Yarns Adventure Double Sock Blank in Hermie Oak Segue

Barb continues to work on:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer.
• Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway
• Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway
• Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway
• Be Kind Hat #7 by Melissa Simpson, using worsted scraps

She has cast on:

• Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash
• V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin
• r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway

BOOKS 

Tracie read:

• The Scholar by Dervla McTiernan - 4 stars
• Minding Miss Manners: In An Era of Fake Etiquette by Judith Martin - 5 stars
• Cold Heart: The Great Unsolved Mystery of Turn of the Century Buffalo by Kimberly Tilley - 3 stars
• I Know Your Secret by Ruth Heald - 2 stars

Barb read:

• The Mountain of my Fear/Deborah: a Wilderness Narrative by David Roberts - 4 stars
• The Watergate Girl by Jill Wine-Banks - 5 stars

Recorded on Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Announcing the start of the 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread.  

Recorded on August 22, 2021

Book Talk starts at 24:52

Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

We will draw for the giveaway of Fredi Baker’s Let’s Shawl-a-Brate! pattern at the end of the episode.

KNITTING

Barb finished:

• Mother Bear 246
• Bankhead Hat #17
• Concrete Sunset Socks using WSK Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway

Tracie finished:

Davis by Pam Allen in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in Rigging colorway

Barb is working On:

• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer.
• My Oasis pullover by Ririko, using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering in the Conton colorway and Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering Gradients in Shades of Emerald
• Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway
• Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway

She cast on:

• From Where You Were Plucked hat by Corrie Willard, using Knit Picks Stroll fingering in the Orbit Tonal colorway
• Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway

Tracie doesn’t want to think about:

Tulip Tank Top by Purl Soho in Araucania Caña Ruca

She has cast on:

• Party of 8 by Christie Archer in Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel and Rowan Fine Art in Lapwing
• Octave by Dee O’Keeffe in Invictus Yarns Adventure Double Sock Blank in Hermie Oak Segue

And she continues to work on:

• Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy
• Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota, using Tracie's handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/silk

BOOKS 

Barb finished: 

• Happily Ali After & Other Fairly True Stories by Ali Wentworth - 3 stars
• The Girls Weekend by Jodi Gehrman - 3 stars

Tracie Finished:

• What Doesn’t Kill Her by Carla Norton
• Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

Barb recommends Woodstock Chimes wind chimes 

Listen 

Recorded on August 8, 2021

Book talk starts at 26:30

Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Joining us on this podcast is our friend, Eileen, better known on Ravelry as Redsknits!  Eileen is a very accomplished knitter, spinner, quilter and wood Turner.  

KNITTING

Barb finished:

• Mother Bear #244 & #245

• 3 Mother Bears, #259 - #261
• Calyx pullover by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Spring Green colorway

Tracie is working on:

• Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy
• Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota, using Tracie's handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/silk

We discussed the our friend Shelley's cardigan, her Desert Sunset using the Stripes Forever pattern by Heidimarie Kaiser.  Such a beautiful sweater, with an interesting shoulder detail, and Shelley added afterthought pockets.  The sweater and pictures are below:

BOOKS:

Tracie and Barb both read:

• PEEPS by Erin Gordon.  4 stars from Tracie, 5 stars from Barb!

Tracie read:

• The War Between the Tates by Alison Lurie - 3.5 stars
• The Argument by Victoria Jenkins - 3 stars

Recorded Thursday, July 22, 2021

Book talk begins at 25:06

Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

We are giving away 3 copies of Fredi Baker’s Let’s Shawl-a-Brate! pattern.  Leave a comment on the prize thread telling us how you feel about putting colors together - love it, get intimidated, or always buy the kit?  Thread will close August 15.

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

• Cowl Shell by Myrna Batten in Araucania Caña Ruca, color #213
• 3 Mother Bears - 256-258
• Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Aspen Silk 600 in the Downtown Colorway

Barb finished:

• Mother Bear #243
• Koko Bean Hat #2 by JudithMarieKnits
• The Capitol hat by Hinterm Stein, using Baah Yarn Platinum in the Misty colorway
  
  

• Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota, using Tracie's handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/silk

And continues working on:

• Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy
• Calyx pullover by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Spring Green colorway

Barb continues to work on

• Vanilla socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway
• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts

She has cast on:

• Another Bankhead Hat by Susie Gourlay, using leftover worsted weight yarn.
• My Oasis pullover by Ririko, using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering in the Conton colorway and Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering Gradients in Shades of Emerald
  

BOOKS 

Tracie read:

• First Degree Rage: The True Story of "The Assassin", an Obsession, and Murder  by Paula May - 3 stars
  
• Minor Dramas and Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West - 4 stars
  
• The Fourth Child by Jessica Winter - 4 stars
  

Barb read:

Leave the World Behind - 4 stars

Recorded on July 7, 2021

Book Talk starts at 29:55

Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

We are giving away 3 copies of Fredi Baker’s Let’s Shawl-a-Brate! pattern.  Leave a comment on the prize thread telling us how you feel about putting colors together - love it, get intimidated, or always buy the kit?  Thread will close August 15.

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

• Let’s Shawl-a-brate by Fredi Baker in  Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel, Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in California, and Marianated Scrumptious HT in Sunset on Tatooine
• Fiddly Bits cowl by Jana Pihota in blues and greens
• 4 Mother Bears 252-255

Barb finished:

• Mother Bears 241 & 242
• Pioneer Braid Scarf #7 by Catherine Ryan, using Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope in the 27 colorway
• Anker’s Summer Shirt by PetiteKnits - using Berroco Remix in the Pool colorway
• Bankhead Hat #16 - random worsted scraps

Tracie cast on:

• Cowl Shell by Myrna Batten in Araucania Caña Ruca, color #213
• Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy

And continues working on:

• Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Aspen Silk 600 in the Downtown Colorway
• Calyx pullover by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Spring Green colorway

Barb continues to work on:

• The Capitol hat by Hinterm Stein, using Baah Platinum in the Misty colorway
• Vanilla socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway
• That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts

She has cast on:

Koko Bean Hat by JudithMarieKnits in some rando blue yarn that I found in my bear yarn.  I think it’s Red Heart Super Saver that I probably picked up from a destash table.

BOOKS 

Tracie read:

Still Learning by India Oxenberg - 2.5 stars

A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic’s Wild Ride to the Edge and Back by Kevin Hazzard - 2.5 stars

Barb read:

Bittersweet by Colleen McCullough - 4 stars

Fatal Charm by Carlton Smith - 3 stars

Barb recommends the K2 Savage Mountain episodes of the Against the Odds podcast

Recorded on June 23, 2021

Book Talk starts at: 23:40

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our annual Mother Bear KAL has started!  

Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread. 

One post per bear please.

Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread.

#2021MBKAL2KL

Let's turn out a record number of bears!  

Barb's Koko Bean Hat

KNITTING

Barb finished:

• Mother Bears #239 & #240
• Koko Bean Hat by JudithMarieKnits, using random worsted scrap yarn

Tracie finished:

• Mother Bears 248 - 251

BOOKS

Barb finished  2 books:

• Your Perfect Year by Charlotte Lucas - 3 stars
• Klara and the Sun by Kazua Ishiguro - 4 stars

Tracie has finished 10 books:

Recorded on June 6, 2021

Book Talk starts at: 

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our Anything But Wool KAL has ended - 142 FOs!  Good job, everyone!  We will announce the prize winners in at the end of this podcast!

Our annual Mother Bear KAL has started!  

Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread. 

One post per bear please.

Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread.

#2021MBKAL2KL

Let's turn out a record number of bears!  

KNITTING

Barb finished:

• Mother Bears #237 & #238
• Bankhead Hat #15
• One Splendid Skein shawl by Fredi Baker, using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Budgie colorway
• Purl Strings tee by Heidi Kirrmaier, using Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton (Skinny) in the Sprout colorway
• Snow Day hat by Jerry Burch using Noro Furisode in 23 colorway
• Gnot Just Another Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira

Tracie finished:

• Mother Bears 240-247
• Gnot Another Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira in various acrylic worsted yarns from the Bear bin

BOOKS

Barb finished 3 books:

• The Riddle of Emmon Bodfish by Paul Holes - 4 stars
• You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism by Amber Ruffin - 3.5 stars
  
• Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black - 3 stars

 Interview with Joyce White Vance. 

Tracie talked about the Blue's Clues Pride Parade video

Recorded on May 12, 2021

Book Talk starts at 30:15

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our Anything But Wool KAL has ended - 142 FOs!  Good job, everyone!  We will announce the prize winners in Episode 226.

Up next, Mother Bear KAL!   The FO thread will be open June 1 -September 1, but any bear made in 2021 is eligible.  Join the chatter here.

The winner of The Office project bag by Tracie is announced at the end of this episode.

Knitting

Barb finished:

• Chunky Cabled Hat by by Christy Kay Morse, using Noro Furisode in 23 colorway.
• Snow Day hat by Jerry Burch, using Noro Furisode in 23 colorway
• Zephyr cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Rios in the Solis colorway.
• Mother Bear # 236

Tracie finished:

• Color Stacking Cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in Blue Heron Rayon Metallic in the Mossy Place colorway
• Mother Bears 229 and 232-238
• Confetti by Veera Välimäki in Kellbourne Woolens Mojave - Sky Blue

Barb had a request from a listener to talk in detail about how she applies the grosgrain ribbon to the inside of her button bands to provide more stability.  She learned the technique from this very detailed video made by the Knitmore Girls, and the photos below show Barb's own examples.

Barb continues to work on:

• One Splendid Skein shawl by Fredi Baker, using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Budgie colorway
• Pioneer Braid Scarf by Catherine Ryan, using Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope in color 27 
• Purl Strings tee by Heidi Kirrmaier, using Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton (Skinny) in the Sprout colorway

And has cast on:

• Snow Day hat by Jerry Burch using Noro Furisode in 23 colorway
• Vanilla socks using Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway
• Gnot Just Another Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira

Tracie has cast on:

• Gnot Another Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira in various acrylic worsted yarns from the Bear bin

She continues to work on:

• Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway
• Fiddly Bits cowl by Jana Pihota in blues and greens

BOOKS

Barb read:

• Lost in the Wild: Danger and Survival in the North Woods by Cary J. Griffith - 5 stars
• The Dry (Aaron Falk #1) by Jane Harper - 4 stars
• To Have and To Kill by John Glatt - 4 stars
• Into the Water by Paula Hawkins - 3 stars

Tracie read:

• Carrie by Stephen King - 5 stars
• Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose and the Fight for a Fair America by Stacy Abrams - 4 stars
• To the Land of Long Lost Friends by Alexander McCall Smith - 4 stars

Recorded on April 27, 2021

Book Talk starts at 29:49

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

There are a few weeks left in our Anything-But-Wool KAL!  From You have until May 15 to complete a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  Join our very active chatter thread here, and post your FOs here.

Stay tuned to the end to find out if you won the Abington Mitts pattern by Jennifer Lassonde!

Giveaway for fans of The Office!  Tracie has made an The Office-themed project bag to give away.  Post in the giveaway thread telling us what your favorite episode is and why.  The thread will close May 15.

Andrew of the Fruity Knits podcast has passed away due a brain tumor.  The podcast was the family’s only source of income, so please help if you can.

How to contribute to Fruity Knitting:  

https://fruityknitting.com/contribute/KNITTING

KNITTING

Tracie finished

• Tulip Tank Top by Purl Soho in Newton’s Yarn Country Linen Tweed - Brown Barberpole.  This one is a miss for a variety of reasons and has gone into the donate bag!
• 2 Mother Bears (230 and 231), both in Louisa Harding Mariposa

Barb finished

• Alaska Hat by Camille Descoteaux, using a kit from Knit Circus 
• Abington Mitts by Jennifer Lassonde in Lil Weasel DK in the Porcelain colorway

Tracie has cast On:

Confetti by Veera Välimäki in Kelbourne Woolens Mojave - Sky Blue

And continues working on:

• Color Stacking Cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in Blue Heron Rayon Metallic in the Mossy Place colorway
• Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway

Barb has been working on

• Zephyr cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Rios in the Solis colorway
• One Splendid Skein shawl by Fredi Baker, using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Budgie colorway

And has cast on

• Pioneer Braid Scarf by Catherine Ryan, using Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope in color 27 
• Purl Strings tee by Heidi Kirrmaier, using Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton (Skinny) in the Sprout colorway

She frogged

• Building Bridges Cowl by Gretchen Tracy in Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope in color 27 
• Cool Hemp Ponchette by Lana Hames, using Hemp for Knitting AllHemp3 in Green

BOOKS 

Tracie read

A Cold-Blooded Business: Adultery, Murder, and a Killer's Path from the Bible Belt to the Boardroom by Marek Fuchs - 3 1/2 stars

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - 4 1/2 stars

The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale 3 1/2 stars

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver - 4 1/2 stars

You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar - 4 1/2 stars

Barb read

Dead in the Water by Penny Farmer - 5 stars

The Scandal by Nicola Marsh - 3 stars

The Coldest Case by James Patterson - 2 stars

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Hamel - 3 stars

Barb recommends: RABOM (Ribbons and Buttons Oh My!) for all your grosgrain ribbons needs  

Recorded on April 7, 2021

Book Talk starts at: 35:50

Book Talk starts at 41:25

Recorded March 22, 2021

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our Anything-But-Wool KAL is ongoing!  From February 15 to May 15, knit or crochet a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  Join our very active chatter thread here, and post your FOs here.

Would you like to win a copy of the Abington Mitts by BostonJen? This lovely pattern is designed for DK weight yarn and would be a beautiful addition to anyone’s winter wardrobe.  Post on the giveaway thread to be entered to win!

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

Sunset Highway pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Luxury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, and Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Twist Sock, in the Ocean and the Magenta colorways

Vindaloo Shawl by Melissa Schoschwary, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted in the Winter Sky colorway

Mother Bear #234

Tracie has finished

Noble Hill by b. Woolens in Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar Ribbon

1st of Four Cats by Kath Dalmeny

Zickzack Scarf (cowl) by Christy Kamm in Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and Dawn colorways

Kindling Mitts by Helen Stewart in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendelton in Snow for my friend Dawn’s birthday

Barb continues to work on:

River Ripples by Yumiko Alexander, using Hemp for Knitting Allhemp 3 in the Green colorway

Mother Bear #234 

And has cast on:

Alaska hat by Camille Descoteaux, using a kit from Knitcircus 

Zephyr cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Rios in the Solis colorway.

One Splendid Skein shawl by Fredi Baker, using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Budgie colorway.

Tracie has cast on:

Sea Turtle by Galina Fedtchenko in Artfibers Houdini

And continues to work on:

Color Stacking Cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in Blue Heron Rayon Metallic in the Mossy Place colorway

Jewel Box Cowl by Cindy Garland in Stunning String Studio Stunning Superwash (kit)

2nd Cat from 4 Cats by Kath Dalmeny using Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, etc. 

Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway

BOOKS

Barb read:

In the Dark by Loreth Anne White - 3 stars

The Murder of Marion Miley by Beverly Bell - 4.5 stars

Tracie read:

His Favorites by Kate Walbert

The Secret Place by Tana French

Recorded on March 3, 2021

Book Talk starts at 36:43

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Announcing our Anything-But-Wool KAL!  From February 15 to May 15, knit or crochet a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  Join our very active chatter thread here, and post your FOs here.

Our friend Fredi Baker has released the latest pattern in her one-skein shawl series!  The One Splendid Shawl is now available on Ravelry, and we have 3 copies to giveaway.  Post here to be entered to win.

Would you like to win a copy of the Abington Mitts by BostonJen? This lovely pattern is designed for DK weight yarn and would be a beautiful addition to anyone’s winter wardrobe.  Post on the giveaway thread to be entered to win!

KNITTING

Barb has finished

Hearten Cowl by Helen Stewart, using random mini skeins and Knit Picks Palette from my stash

Heart Scarf by Jacques Cartier Clothiers, using 100% Quiviut (217 yds. Lace weight) in a deep purple/blue color

Tracie has finished

Table runner in my handspun (Chameleon Fiber Co Merino/Silk)

Cannon Bandana by Adventure du Jour Designs in Louisa Harding Mulberry Hand Beaded in the Rocket colorway

Cannon Bandana in Trendsetter Yarn Victory in copper

Cannon Bandana in Grandma’s Hand Dyed Merino/Cashmere dyed for Grandma’s Spinning Wheel in Tucson, AZ

Vanilla Socks in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh in Happy Hammock

Barb is working on:

Sunset Highway pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Luxury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean colorways

Vindaloo shawl by Melissa Shaschwary, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted in the Winter Sky colorway 

And has cast on:

River Ripples by Yumiko Alexander, using Hemp for Knitting Allhemp 3 in the Green colorway

Mother Bear #234

Tracie has has cast:

Color Stacking Cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in Blue Heron Rayon Metallic in the Mossy Place colorway

Out of Hibernation!

Jewel Box Cowl by Cindy Garland in Stunning String Studio Stunning Superwash (kit)

Continues working on:

 4 Cats by Kath Dalmeny using Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, etc. 

Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway

Noble Hill by b. Woolens in Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar RibbonBOOKS

Barb read:

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty - 4 stars

Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker - 3 stars

Tracie read:

Dead Reckoning by Caitlin Rother - 4 stars

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, Age 83 1/4 by Hendrik Groen (Peter de Smet)

Tracie recommends Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

Recorded on February 15, 2021

Book talk starts at 25:00

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

KNITTING

Barb has finished:  

1.  Mother Bear #233

2.  Ran House Book Hat by Jennifer Lassonde, using scraps of leftover Caron Cakes

3.  Bankhead Hat #14

Tracie has finished:

Recorded on January 28, 2021

Book Talk starts at 23:29

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our Fall Sweater KAL has ended - listen to the end of the episode to find out if you are a prize winner!

Announcing our Anything-But-Wool KAL!  From February 15 to May 15, knit or crochet a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  The chatter thread has opened here.

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

Multidirectional Scarf #10 by Karen Baumer using a Caron Cake

Create Your Own Adventure shawl by Fredi Baker, using an Invictus Yarns Beyond kit bought at Stitches 2019.

Tracie has finished

Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset

Scintillation by Hunter Hammersen - just playing with this, making stars in different yarns and sizes

Barb continues to work on:

Sunset Highway pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean colorways

Hearten Cowl by Helen Stewart, using scraps and mini-skeins from her stash

Vindaloo shawl by Melissa Shaschwary, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted in the Winter Sky colorway 

And has cast on

Tan House Brook Hat by Jennifer Lassonde, using Caron Cake leftovers for a color blocking effect.  

Tracie has cast on:

Noble Hill by b. Woolens in Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar Ribbon

Vanilla Socks in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh in Happy Hammock

And Continues to work on:

Girl Cat by Julie Williams in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK

Table runner in my handspun (Chameleon Fiber Co Merino/Silk)

Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway

BOOKS

Barb read:

Drowning with Others by Linda Keir - 3 stars

A Keeper by Graham Norton - 4 stars

Tracie read:

Lakewood by Megan Giddings - 4 1/2 stars

Troubled Blood (Cormoran Strike #5) by Robert Galbraith - 4 stars

To learn about the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, check out the American Scandal podcast

Verizon Call Filter

Barb has frogged:

Moondrip Swoncho by Dragon Hoard Designs, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean colorways

Barb continues to work on:

Tracie has cast on:

Barb read:

1.  Yard Work by David Koepp - 5 stars

2.  Love Lies: A True Story of Marriage and Murder in the Suburbs by Amanda Lamb - 3.5 stars

3.  Love and Terror on the Howling Plains of Nowhere by Poe Ballantine - 5 stars

4.  Disloyal: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump by Michael Cohen - 4 stars

5.  The Dinner by Herman Koch - 4 stars

Recorded on December 28, 2020

Book Talk starts at 31:50

The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL runs until January 15!  You can find all the details here.  

Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

KNITTING

Barb finished:

Frosted Leaves Cowl by Amitola Grande, using a Premier Sweet Roll.

Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho, using Jojoland Tonic in the Gray colorway

Vanilla Socks using Scholler and Stahl Fortissima Socka Mexiko Color Working on:

ADVENTure Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira, using a mini skein set I bought from Jimmy Beans

Tracie has finished:

ADVENTure Gnome MKAL in sparkly yarns

The Child - A Knit Plushie by Ashley Collings

Neckwarmer in Euro Baby Kaleidescope

Barb continues to work on:

Multidirectional Scarf #9 by Karen Baumer, using a Caron Cake

Moondrip Swoncho by Dragon Hoard Designs, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean color ways

Create Your Own Adventure shawl, using a kit made up of Invictus Yarns Beyond yarn

And has cast on:

Dalki hat by Gillian Harkness, using leftover yarn from a Caron Cake

Tracie has cast on:

Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway

And continues to work on:

Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset

Moon of My Life pullover by Nadie Cretin-Lechenne in Invictus Yarns Reward in Christmas Chaos and Serendipidye Sausalite Silken Sock in Papaya

BOOKS

Barb read:

Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century by Peter Graham - 4 stars

The New One: Painfully True Stories from a Reluctant Dad - by Mike Birbiglia - 5 stars

The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry - 4 stars

Tracie read: 

Alright, Alright, Alright: An Oral History of Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused by Melissa Maerz - 5 stars

Native Tongue by Carl Hiaasen (Also mention Class Action Park on HBO Max) - 4 1/2 stars

Skink: No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen - 3 stars

One in Three by Tess Stimson - 3 1/2 stars

Recorded on December 14, 2020

Book Talk begins at 33:30

The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 15, 2021.  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES!

👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters

👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced

👉 Crocheted Sweaters

Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Listen to the end of the podcast to find out if you have won 1 of these skeins of Tracie's handspun!

• 149 yds Twisted Sunshine 50% Silk/50% Merino in bright coral
• 210 yds Malabrigo Nube 100% Pure Merino Wool in jade greens
• 252 yds Living Dreams Yarn 70% Merino/30% Tussah Silk in Midnight in Paris (periwinkle)

KNITTING

• Yowza Weigh It Shawl #4 by Susan B. Anderson, using Feza Yarns Viva Glitz in a pink and green colorway

Recorded on November 29, 2020

Book Talk starts at 32:41

The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 15, 2021.  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES!

👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters

👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced

👉 Crocheted Sweaters

Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

New Giveaway - Tracie wants to send you a skein of her handspun!  She will be giving out these skeins to three lucky winners:

• 149 yds Twisted Sunshine 50% Silk/50% Merino in bright coral
• 210 yds Malabrigo Nube 100% Pure Merino Wool in jade greens
• 252 yds Living Dreams Yarn 70% Merino/30% Tussah Silk in Midnight in Paris (periwinkle)

Leave a comment here to be entered to win.  The contest thread will close December 15, 2020.

KNITTING

Barb has finished:

• Granito pullover by Joji Locatelli, using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in an unknown colorway
• Beautiscarful Cowl by Christina Hayes, using Leading Men Fiber Arts West End (a non-superwash wool, worsted weight) in the the Winter Shrubbery colorway

Tracie has finished:

• Twisted Trails by Lisa K. Ross in Plymouth Encore in heathery light grey and denim blue in  Plymouth Encore Worsted
• Coldstream Hat by Katia Frankel (From Head to Toe: Kids' Knit Accessories in Plymouth Encore Worsted
• 2  Bankhead hats by Susie Gorley in Plymouth Encore Worsted

• Frosted Leaves Cowl by Amitola Grande, using a Premier Sweet Roll 
• Yowza Weigh It Shawl #4 by Susan B. Anderson, using Feza Yarns Viva Glitz in a pink and green colorway
• Vanilla socks for Will, using Scheller + Stahl Fortissimo Socks Mexico

Barb has cast on:

• Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho, using Jojoland Tonic in the Gray colorway

Tracie continues to work on:

• Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset
• Stark Baking Mad by Mary Annerella in Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel, Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in California, and Marianated Scrumptious HT in Sunset on Tatooine

Tracie has cast on:

• Moon of My Life pullover by Nadie Cretin-Lechenne in Invictus Yarns Reward in Christmas Chaos and Serendipidye Sausalite Silken Sock in Papaya

BOOKS

Barb and Tracie finished:

• Becoming by Michelle Obama - 5 stars from both!

Barb also finished:

• The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood - 4 stars

Tracie finished

• The Other Woman by Jane Isaac - 3 stars
  
• Call Me Crazy by Kelly Stone Gamble - 3 stars

Recorded on November 11, 2020

Book Talk starts at 32:45

Recorded on October 29, 2020

Book Talk starts at 32:00

The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has officially started!  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES!

👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters

👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced

👉 Crocheted Sweaters

Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our friend Dinaripper is making wonderful 3D masks with adjustable elastic ear-loops!  They come in lots of fun prints and are really comfortable and well-made.  Check them out here.  For free shipping on masks and anything else you order from her online store until Christmas, use coupon code 2KLCSHIP.

KNITTING

Barb finished

Bautista shawl by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Invictus Yarns YakLux in the Nockers 2020 colorway

Multidirectional Scarf #9, using a Caron Cake

Bear and a Bunny Suit by Susan B. Anderson, using 2 skeins of Plymouth Encore in an oatmeal and a turquoise

Octopus by Susan B. Anderson, using Knitpicks Felici Worsted in the Lost Lakes colorway

Tracie finished

Eyelet Messy Bun Hat #2 by Miranda Riley in KFI Luxury Collection  Indulgence Hand Painted in Cirque Royale

Little Unicorn by Lorraine Pistorio in Alexandra The Art of Yarn in Pendleton - Midnight colorway

Niamh by Isabell Kraemer in Miss Babs Katahdin in Smurf & Turf 

Dog Sweater test-knit by Fredi Baker in Plymouth Encore

Barb continues working on

Granito pullover by Joji Locatelli, using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in an unknown colorway

Union Table Runner by Joan Beebe, using Knit Picks Swish DK Bare

And has cast on

 Yowza Weigh It Shawl #4 by Susan B. Anderson, using Feza Yarns Viva Glitz in a pink and green colorway

Bankhead Hat  #12 by Karen Baumer

Tracie pulled out of hybernation

Bellefleur Cardigan by Valerie Hobbs in madelinetosh Silk/Merino in Mill Pond

And cast on

Kindling Hat by Helen Stewart in Alexandra the Art of Yarn Pendelton in Midnight

Books

Barb read

The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline - 4 stars

Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen - 3 stars

Tracie read 

In Her Skin by Alex Kiester

The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman

Clock Dance by Anne Tyler

Say It Louder: Black Voters, White Narratives, and Saving Our Democracy by Tiffany Cross

The Couple Next Door by Shari LaPeña

Barb recommends the Canary podcast

Tracie recommends The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix

Thursday, October 15, 2020

If you are an American citizen, PLEASE VOTE!  

Are you registered to vote?  You can check your voter registration HERE.  

The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has officially started!  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES!

👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters

👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced

👉 Crocheted Sweaters

Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here

Our friend Dinaripper is making wonderful 3D masks with adjustable elastic ear-loops!  They come in lots of fun prints and are really comfortable and well-made.  Check them out here.

Want a giggle and some fabulous yarn?  Check out Despondent Dyes, a duo of dyers whose tagline is "We Set Our Colors with the Acidity of our Bitter Tears..."  Their colorway names are hilarious, and their yarns are beautiful.

KNITTING

Tracie has finished:

Eyelet Messy Bun Hat #1 by Miranda Riley in The Violet Valentine Winsome Worsted in  Coral Fixation

Darling Darby Sweater by Jean Clement in tangerine acrylic

Barb has finished:

Mother Bears 230 & 231

Lineate by Elizabeth Doherty, using 3 colors of Knit Picks Palette - cream, dark gray and a pinky red

Vanilla Socks using and set of Fibernymph Dye Works Inversibles in blue and pink 

Holey Comfort Cardigan by Hinterm Stein, using Holst Garn Coast Uul Bomuld in the Ice Sea colorway

Tracie has cast on:

Eyelet Messy Bun Hat by Miranda Riley in KFI Luxury Collection  Indulgence Hand Painted in Cirque Royale

And continues to work on:

Fiddly Bits by Jane Pihota

Niamh by Isabell Kraemer in Miss Babs Katahdin in Smurf & Turf 

Little Unicorn by Lorraine Pistorio in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton

Barb is working on:

Bautista shawl by Celia McAdam Cahill in Invictus Yarns YakLux in the NoCKRs 2020 colorway

 Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf by Karen Baumer, using a Caron Cake

And has cast on:

Granito pullover by Joji Locatelli, using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in an unknown colorway

Union Table Runner by Joan Beebe, using Knit Picks Swish DK Bare

Bear and a Bunny Suit by Susan B. Anderson, using 2 skeins of Plymouth Encore in an oatmeal and a turquoise 

BOOKS 

Tracie read:

Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover & Me by Adrienne Brodeur - 5 stars

The Golden Child by Wendy James - 3.5 stars

Stay Up With Hugo Best by Erin Somers Finished Books - 2.5 stars

Barb read:

One Little Secret by Cate Holahan - 3 stars

Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff - 4 stars

Anxious People by Frederik Bachman - 5 stars