Hostel Girls Day: August 2009

Now with more historical trivia! - Episode 68 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Abstract Fiber is pleased to announce Macho Socks! Now available on our website AbstractFiber.com , customers can order any color sock yarn they like in a 150g skein. 50% more yarn means Macho Socks provide enough yarn for most men’s socks, and costs less than buying a whole extra skein. Sasquatch may still need two... We’ve also added an option to order triple skeins for those larger shawl or sweater projects. No knots mean fewer ends to work in and more continuous knitting pleasure. As always, free shipping on orders over $100 in the US and Canada at AbstractFiber.com

This week: This week we've been inspired by Fair Isle at Purlescence Yarns. Nathania cast on her Vancouver 2010 Olympic sweater, designed by Dale of Norway. The fall books from Dale feature beautifully simple, classic Scandinavian designs for the whole family. Sandi cast on the Kindle scarf from Fiona Ellis' Inspired Fair Isle book in Frog Tree Alpaca Sport. Fair Isle's everywhere this fall. How will it inspire you?

This week: Verenaknitting.com has had a makeover--come see our chic new look, take our navigation out for a spin or page through our gorgeous Summer issue. We hope you'll introduce yourself in our forums and find out more about what's going on at Verena by reading our blog, Knittitude. We still have those hard to find European yarns in our yarn shop and new, every day we offer a pattern from our collection for free download! As a special offer to celebrate our new site all new subscribers get a bonus issue, that's 5 issues for the price of 4. Plus subscribers get 10 bonus patterns per issue and access to exclusive features. Come see for yourself at www.verenaknitting.com.
Use subscription code: KNITMG

Events: (00:34)

- Gigi will NOT be attending PIQF.
- We will be attending The NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (Rhinebeck) on Octover 17-18. We will be joined by Meghan, from the Stitch-It! Podcast.

On the Needles: (6:39)

Gigi is working on a sock out of the Ceallach Dyes Superboo. We discuss the 52-pair plunge and Nakniswemodo. Jasmin has been hit by inspiration freight train, and has been PLOWING through her tangled yoke cardigan. Jasmin has also cast on a "Rick" sock from Sock Innovations
out of the A Verb For Keeping Warm 70% Superwash Merino/30% silk in "Indigo Blue Sky". Jasmin has cast on 48 sts on size 2 needles.

Jasmin finds inspiration on the Ravelry Radar. She is in love with reanbean's "Drops yoke sweater". Gigi is in love with the Dayflower sweater from Knotions. Jasmin and Gigi want to knit the Sunrise Circle cardigan- both out of Jasmin's handspun. (Jasmin's is Crosspatch Creations "Rhiannon's Fire", Gigi's is out of the Three Bags Full "Crimson Shadows". )

Our map got wiped! Would you be kind enough to re-add yourself?

Mother Knows Best: (24:02)

We talk about finding time to knit. Jasmin recommends always have knitting in your bag, in the event of needing Tech Support, a horrific traffic backup, or the random surprise spare time. Gigi wants a foot-driven mouse so she can surf Ravelry and knit simultaneously.

Gigi spreads the gospel of having routines. Jasmin talks about her "do it now" principle.

Contest! (37:14)

We're doing a contest, to find contests! Join in our Ravelry group thread and make your suggestions!

When Knitting Attacks: (38:37)

Gigi does battle with her sewing machine and angles. Jasmin makes an increasing error on her Tangled Yoke Cardigan.

Review: (43:26)

This week we review the Ceallach Dyes Superboo (65% Superwash Merino/ 35% Bamboo). We talk about our bias against bamboo. Jasmin compares it to the Pagewood Farms Yukon. We like the colors, we like the quality, we like the yardage. What we don't like is the bamboo. (If you like knitting with bamboo, you'll like this yarn.)

A solid foundation - Episode 67 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: New colors! Joseph’s Coat is named for a rose that has a whole bouquet of colors on one plant, Bonfire fiber glows so brightly, we sold right out of the first batch (don’t worry, we have more!). Pheasant’s warm brown sprinkled with colors is proving rather irresistible. If you’re looking for Abstract Fiber at a yarn shop near you, AbstractFiber.com also lists all the stores carrying our products. Online shoppers at AbstractFiber.com receive free shipping for orders over $100 in the US and Canada.

This week: The holidays are right around the corner. Here at Purlescence Yarns we're thinking ahead and planning our gift giving now. This week we're pleased to host a trunk show of knitted Fair Isle Christmas stockings from Judy's Colors. Judy's designs range from traditional Nordic motifs to modern plays on color and geometrics. Each kit features Rauma Finull Strikkegarn from Norway and color charts. We have several kits in stock and we'll happily special order any of them. Betcha can't knit just one!

On the needles: (00:31)

Gigi finished a sock out of the Periwinkle Sheep's Watercolors II in "Steph's Crapshoot". Both Gigi and Jasmin worked on socks made out of the Sanguine Gryphon's "Skinny Bugga" in a deep teal (photo above). Jasmin has cast on a Tangled Yoke Cardigan, out of her Tallulah handspun.

Gigi is working on her Origami Pullover (out of a Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light). Jasmin is working on a Cellach Dyes Superboo sock. Jasmin cast on a sock out of her Albatross handspun (for Andrew), which looks like the Zauberwolle. Jasmin mentions that the Black and Tan sock yarn is still available at Webs.

Jasmin's friend Joey got married this week! During the 1000 miles of driving that she did this week, she listened to podcasts! Some new and notable podcasts:

Here's to Ewe
Electric Sheep
KIPing it Real
Brass Needles

Mother Knows Best: (15:03)

Project Runway is BACK! If Jasmin ran runway shows, foundation garments would be required. We also discuss sketching and measuring. (Jasmin wrote about Project Runway for work, and also had an essay in Cast On!)

When Knitting Attacks! (23:05)

Gigi's Houndstooth bag goes awry. Jasmin's ballwinder has betrayed her. Jasmin makes a miscalculation before plying Tallulah. Jasmin snaps, and buys the Interweave CDs.

Gigi enjoys her Scandanavian sock (from the Little Box of Socks) entirely too much.

Reviews: (31:12)

This week, we review the Sanguine Gryphon's Skinny Bugga as well as "A Midsummer Night's Dream", as performed by Shakespeare Santa Cruz.

Straw into Gold: (43:06)

We talk about the Monterey wool auction. Jasmin talks about the importance of breeder credibility, and will describe the fleeces once they're back from Morro Fleece Works.

Jasmin is spinning the most beautiful fleece (Duchess) from Jean Near.

Sock Summit Recap - Episode 66 - The Knitmore Girls

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This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Come on over to AbstractFiber.com and check out all the new colors! Manzanita evokes the foggy Oregon Coast, while Laurelhurst reminds us of tree-lined streets and parks. Portland is such a favorite, it’s named after our home town! If you’re looking for Abstract Fiber at a yarn shop near you, AbstractFiber.com also lists all the stores carrying our products. Online shoppers at AbstractFiber.com receive free shipping for orders over $100 in the US and Canada.

This week: The Dale of Norway line, featuring gorgeous fair isle sweaters for the whole family. Nathania's especially enamored of the 2010 Winter Olympics Sweater, from the Dale design team. If you like colorwork, you'll love Laura Farson's new book, Twined Knitting. This Swedish technique produces a warm and cushy texture, perfect for winter wear. We were so pleased to meet Laura at Sock Summit and she signed all the books for us! Call today to order your autographed copy. As always, check the blog for updates as things arrive and follow us on Twitter: @purlescence.

On the Needles: (00:29)

Thanks again to Andrew and Gregory for guest-hosting for us in Episode 65!

(Scroll down on the show notes to see the Daily Sock Summit Field Updates.) Gigi and Jasmin talk about their favorite points of Portland and the Sock Summit. When we went to scope out the convention center on Wednesday, we got to meet Judy Becker! Friday, we did five interviews, then had dinner with a bunch of knitting (and weaving!) notables.

Saturday's meet-and-greet was super fun! (You can find Jasmin's Flickr stream here.) Afterwards, they had dinner with Gail and Susan from Abstract Fiber, and Abby and Ben!

Jasmin spreads rumors about future Sock Summits. (All unsubstantiated information, please take it with a grain of salt.)

People we met:

Sherrill, from the Belle of the Ball podcast
Deb Accuardi, from the At the Kitchen Table podcast
Lise, from the Knitting Rose podcast
Heather, from CraftLit

Jasmin talks about the kindness of knitters. (Especially in the Sanguine Gryphon booth.) Jasmin mentions being surprised at how popular their Bugga sock yarn is.

We express our love for Charlene Schurch and Sivia Harding, both of whom Jasmin wanted to put in her pocket and bring home with her. We gush about the Luminary Panel.

There was some knitting. Gigi worked on a vanilla sock out of Meilenweit Jacquard. Jasmin finished the second Black and Tan sock for Andrew.

Mother Knows Best: (26:17)

We encourage you to introduce yourself to everyone at these types of events.

When Knitting Attacks: (31:34)

We discuss Great Moments in Knitmore Social Gaffe history.

Review: (35:42)

This week, we review the Watercolors II sock yarn (color, "Steph's 'crapshoot'") from the Periwinkle Sheep. We both liked the grippiness of the yarn, the colors, and the nice hand the yarn has.

Sock Summit Field Update – Sunday

Brought to you in conjunction with Knotions- Knit smarter!

Greetings, readers! Today was the last day of the Sock Summit, and wow, did we have an amazing day! We had one last interview, and it was a biggie.

That’s right. Barbara G. Walker, in all her amazingness. She is so gracious, kind, funny and a real inspiration. There aren’t enough nice words to describe her, and being in her company was just incredible. (We’re still a little shocked that it really happened.) We can’t wait to share the audio, and the experience with all of our listeners! (Seriously, I’m getting a rush just thinking about it!)

Barbara marked the last interview of the Sock Summit, and after we dropped off our sound equipment, we ran into none other than Casey, or as I refer to him, Mr. Ravelry.

After that, there were a few small things we wanted to pick up from the market, and while we were in the WEBS booth, we ran into a couple of listeners. They asked if we would be in attendance at the Luminary Panel, and I admitted that I was keeping my ears open for anyone who was planning on selling their seats- because I was under the impression that it had sold out long ago, and we had just missed the boat.

It appears that I was misinformed. Our helpful listeners told us that they had heard that there were still tickets for sale, and I made a beeline to get ours. We got in! Mom and I sat down with Lisa and Maribel (who were two of the three women who helped us SO much this last week), and Abbyknitz showed us her Mesmers!

The Luminary Panel was A-MA-ZING. It was an all-star lineup, and not only are all of these women brilliant and creative- they’re all really, really funny. (I saw a cameraman in the room, and I have the distinct feeling that it might be made available at some point. I will follow up with the right people and talk about it on the podcast when I have more details.) We were all moved by the stories they told and the responses that came from the panel, and we were so glad that we were there to listen.

I may have mentioned on the podcast that our family has a strong tradition of oral history, so we tend to love hearing and telling stories. This was really no exception, and we found ourselves caught up in the history and discussion. It was an amazing event, and I think, a great way of celebrating the memory of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s birthday.

Afterwards, we decided to end our experience with a trip to the legendary Voodoo Donuts.

He’s even more delicious than he looks. (Mom got a cinnamon cruller, but it didn’t last long enough for a picture.)

We wanted to take a moment to thank everyone – ChloeSparkle, Lisa, and Maribel were the best friends anyone could ask for. They helped haul equipment, they made wine runs, they valiantly stuffed goodie bags, and anything that needed doing was done cheerfully. We are so grateful (and so lucky) to have such awesome friends. Thanks to Jody (and Knotions) for having the AWESOME idea of doing Sock Summit Field Updates so that we could share our experience with all of the folks who couldn’t make it.

Most importantly, thanks to all of you, the readers. We hoped you enjoyed the Field Updates, and we hope to do them again for the next event we attend.

Sock Summit Field Update – Saturday

Brought to you in conjunction with Knotions- Knit smarter!

Greetings, readers! On Saturday, we got to sleep in- a little. Our interview schedule was deliberately not as busy as Friday’s because Saturday we had scheduled our listener meet-and-greet. As it happens (when you’re talking to Incredibly Interesting People), we ended up being a few minutes late, but our listeners were CHAMPS while we got set up.

We met SO many listeners, and were completely overwhelmed by all of the kind words, hugs, and smiling faces we were met with. We felt like a couple of knitting elves, giving away goodies. It was 100% awesome.

Our listeners are also incredibly talented. The first listener that we met today was wearing an utterly stunning pendant, which she made herself.

We got to knit on a wedding shawl.

We were totally overwhelmed! It was great. After the meet-and-greet, we grabbed some quick lunch and walked the market. You know how sometimes you hear that something is really great, see it, and get totally blown away? Welcome to my introduction to the Sanguine Gryphon.

They had utterly stunning yarns, and couldn’t be nicer people. I was overcome by the beauty, and had to sit down. While I was sitting, I was actively enabling others to partake in the beauty.

When we finished there, we were hitting the last few booths, we ran into the Sox Stix Booth Bunnies!

(I think this wins “cutest marketing at the Sock Summit”, don’t you?)

While we waited on our dinner plans (with Susan and Gail from Abstract Fiber), Judy Becker taught me how to use a nostepinne.

After a delightful seafood dinner, we headed over to the Ravelry meetup party. Wow, Jess and Casey really know how to throw a shindig! We arrived around ten, and the party was still rocking. Mom and I got to meet more listeners, and chat with friends that we don’t often get to see. It was totally awesome. We had another one of those “I-know-you-on-the-internet-it’s-great-to-meet-you-in-person” moments, with none other than Turtlegirl76.

The party started wrapping up around 11, but we weren’t done yet. Lisa invited Cristi and Stacey back to our hotel for some wine and pleasant conversation, and wow, did we have a great time! Put a bunch of knitters together, and let the good times roll.

Stay tuned for Sunday’s wrap-up update!

Sock Summit Field Update – Friday

Brought to you in conjunction with Knotions- Knit smarter!

Greetings, readers! Like our Thursday, Friday was an early start for us as well. Our schedule for today included five interviews with knitting notables – which we’ll talk about in episode 66! While we were away, guest podcasters Andrew and Gregory took over hosting episode 65 and (in my opinion) did a FANTASTIC job! (Big thanks to them for hosting.)

Today was the Day of Beautiful Shawls. (We didn’t get the memo, but we did get pictures!)

(This one belongs to Charlene Schurch.)

Here is Sivia Harding, sporting her stunning Phoenix Rising shawl:

Look at this gorgeous edging!

Between interviews we had a little time to hit the marketplace, and I had to get a picture of the giant rotating umbrella swift that marked the Paradise Fibers booth.

Across the way from them, we had the chance to admire some of the new colors that Abstract Fiber has at the show, and WOW! We had to restrain ourselves.

But, the high point of the market was meeting Klaus Kronenberg from Crown Mountain Farms. We’ve chatted on the phone for the last two or three years, and it was so awesome to meet him, to put a face to the voice, and of course, to get my hands on the new colors of the superwash merino roving.

The day flew by, and our last interviewee of the day had requested a glass of merlot. Lisa trekked far and wide to find a couple of good bottles of wine, and it really hit the spot.

Clearly, there was both wine and knitting. We packed up our recording equipment, and headed down to go in search of more delicious local fare. As we walked, Sandi Wiseheart (of Knitting Daily) asked to pet my hair (which I agreed to) which led to dinner plans with both of our groups of folks. We had an adventure getting to dinner, but the walk – and the false start – were both well worth it.

Stanford’s Restaurant and Bar had incredible food, and we were fortunate to be eating dinner with likeminded people. For example, Syne Mitchell (host of WeaveCast) sat to my left and shared her delicious appetizer, and Sandi (who was sitting to my right) generously shared some life-changing mac and cheese. We all had a great time shooting the breeze, breaking bread, and basking in all of our common ground.

Stay tuned for Saturday’s update; we’re doing our meet and greet!

Bring on the Men - Episode 65 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:

This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Drop by Abstract Fiber, booth #909, to see all of our luscious colors in person. We have tons of samples so you can feel the spring in SuperSock and see the wide range of garments you can make with MightySock. Once you’re back home, check out AbstractFiber.com. Our website lists all the shops that carry our yarns, or you can purchase from our online store. Thank you to everyone who visited the Abstract Fiber booth at Sock Summit!

This week: The Purl Girls are in Booth 818 with lots of glorious yarns to show you. There's Purl Up & Dye, of course, our own handpainted sock yarn. In addition to the three Dye For Glory colorways, we have tons of one of a kind color for you to choose from. We're also neck deep in Flat Feet from Conjoined Creations. Check out our beautiful rainbows! We have wheels on hand, too: Louet Victoria's and Ashford Joys, perfect for spinning your own sock yarn while you're on the go. Stop on by for special Sock Summit swag and meet the Knitmore Girls Saturday at noon!

This week's episode has been posted a little early, and guest hosted by Andrew and Gregory.

On the needles: (00:43)

The guys talk about knitting times and places, including the Rose Garden. Greg has finished the white baby blanket from episode 33. He is now working in Nimbus merino. Greg has a cardigan/pullover issue.

Andrew declares that he is a monogamous knitter. He is working on the "Not your standard issue sweatshirt" from the Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits, out of olive green Manos.

Husband Knows Best: (7:57)

The guys discuss what is important to consider when knitting for a guy. They discuss style, climate, and personal constitutions. Greg talks about Elsebeth Lavold's "Viking Patterns for Knitting" book.

When Knitting Attacks: (14:08)

Andrew discusses "When Knitting Karma Attacks". Greg accidentally left his knitting up in Santa Rosa. They discuss the "Boyfriend Sweater" knitting urban legend.

Reviews: (25:16)

The guys give honest and candid reviews of patterns in men's books.

Books they liked:
For Men, from the Let's Knit Series (this is a Japanese book). Norah Gaughan's new Men's book. Rowan's Knitting For Him. Elsebeth Lavold's Viking Patterns for Knitting.

Books they didn't care for so much:
Knitting with Balls. Simply Beautiful Sweaters for Men. Men in Knits.

Sock Summit Field Update – Thursday

Brought to you in conjunction with Knotions- Knit smarter!

Greetings, readers! Today started pretty early for us- we had a 7:30 interview with a knitting notable (who we’ll talk about in Episode 66), and then a day packed with more Sock Summit-y, Portland-y goodness. For those of you who couldn’t be here, here’s the carpeting that has inspired ChloeSparkle:

Fun, right?

After our interview, we went and hung out in this great, open area. We sat with Chloe, who was sporting some awesome elbow-length fingerless gloves

Then, we met Karen, who we learned, is a woman of fine and discerning tastes. Here she is, with her Obamarama socks, which Mom has announced, she is knitting for the younger Knitmore.

When we mumbled about needing lunch and the possibility of going offsite for a little more adventuring, Karen directed us to Twisted, which is a fantastic Portland yarn shop- and to Costello’s Travel Café.

Twisted is gorgeous, welcoming, and come on, who doesn’t love a yarn shop with some extra knitting for the ill-prepared?

(Mom might have put a few rows on it.)

That’s not even the best part. On top of having a great selection of yarns, including some locally dyed stuff, they sell tea. At a glance, the board with teas seems pretty standard, but when you look closer…

Yes. Geek tea. Unfortunately, I had hit my caffeine quota and our group of weary knitters needed sustenance. As usual, the suggestion of a knitter was spot on, and Costello’s Travel Caffé was a big hit with all of us. The food was stellar, a great value, and they serve local beer.

On top of all the usual stuff, they also offer wi-fi, and have incredibly attractive servers, one of whom was a great sport and the other had a friend in town for the Sock Summit.

Handsome, right?

After lunch, we headed back to the convention center for some more social knitting, and while we were waiting for our interviewee (and the student market preview), we had the good fortune of hanging out with Lise (hostess of the Knitting Rose Podcast) and her charming husband – the Big Texan, designer Brenda Patipa, and knitting ergonomist Carson Demers.

We’ll talk more about the market in Friday’s update, but it was PACKED! After the market closed and folks were wandering towards opening ceremonies, we headed back to our hotel to stuff the goodie bags for Saturday’s meet and greet. We worked on them until 10:30, and when we finished, we had an epic Hawaiian Pizza from Rocco’s.

Tomorrow’s plan: interviews, market, and more local fare! Check back in for more updates on Saturday!