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