Friday: Rhinebeck Field Updates

So, yesterday was all about getting where we're going. My day started at 3:10 AM, when the airport shuttle came to collect me. By 4:45, I was through the line at security (where I got frisked *very* enthusiastically), by 7:30 I was in the Las Vegas Airport (where I *didn't* win a million dollars), and met Meghan in Chicago.

When we landed in White Plains, it was SNOWING. For the first time EVER, I got snow in my hair. It was really cold, but also awesome. We picked up the rental car, hooked up Garmina, and headed to the hotel.

This morning, we slept in a bit and headed for Stew Leonard's. When our listeners told us about Stew Leonards, we were a little skeptical. As you walk in the door, they're making hot cider donuts:

And it only gets better from there. (We went back with Jackie in the evening. That's how great this place is.) There are animatronics ALL over the store, and some of them are interactive:

(That's Meghan and Clover, the rope in the foreground makes Clover say "Moo". Jackie thought that Clover would punch her in the face if she pulled the rope.)


(The chicken sings "Old MacDonald")

So, while Meghan was videotaping the young man making the donuts (and I was taking pictures), I was accosted by Stew Leonard's security, who informed me that I shouldn't really be taking pictures. Evidently, I look like a hoodlum. Who knew?

So, before Jackie arrived, Meghan and I decided to venture out to a yarn store in Scarsdale (Sticks & Strings), where the gal working there recommended lunch at Chat. At Chat, we had the world's best waitress, who serves tap water with flair:

And our view from our table:

When we got back to the car, we had left Garmina on (accidentally), and the battery was low. We headed towards the airport to collect Jackie, and on the way there, Garmina betrayed us in the worst way, and just. Turned. Off.

Luckily, Meghan and I were armed with iPhones, and we found our way to the airport, identified Jackie by her brilliant smile, and headed back to the hotel. When we arrived, we stuffed goodie bags and headed out to dinner, with Garmina and her car charger.

We had dinner at Rosy Tomorrow's with Jeannie, and were served the world's largest dessert sampler, along with some wicked awesome wings.

Tomorrow's plan includes coffee and cider donuts in the morning, our 12-1 meet and greet in the Carolina Homespun booth, and some serious Rhinebeck-y goodness.

Driving Miss Gigi - Episode 73 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Did you know Abstract Fiber has a Ravelry group? Aaabsolutely Abstract is the place to go to meet our staff and see what other Ravelers are doing with their Abstract Fiber. We’d love to meet you online and see pictures of your projects. Aaabsolutely Abstract is also a great place to ask questions, find out where we’ll be next, and keep up with what’s new. 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: October is our birthday month at Purlescence Yarns, and to celebrate we're offering a birthday special on all our in stock Louet spinning wheels. This special is available in store or by phone order. Call or come in today for a substantial discount on the Louet Victoria or Louet Julia. Mention the Knitmore Girls and get a special bonus gift with your wheel purchase. This offer is valid through October 31, 2009 and applies only to stock on hand. Happy spinning!

On the Needles: (00:26)

Gigi and Jasmin attend the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat! (Big thanks to Straphanging for absolutely everything!) The vendors include Redfish Dyeworks, Jamie’s Metalworks from Lancaster, Freckle Face Fibers, True Love Fibers.

Jasmin is working on her Henley Perfected. Gigi has finished her Par Five socks. Jasmin cast on a Whisper Cardigan out of navy blue Grignasco cashmere. Boo picks the "Tweedy Pie" sweater (in Damask Rose, Malabrigo). Gigi is still working on her Origami Wrap sweater. Gigi has cast on the Ellina shawl (out of the Dream in Color Baby, Purple Rain).

SOCK KNIT(more)-A-LONG! Cast on 11/2/2009. Gigi will be knitting Mesmer out of Abstract Fiber Supersock (in Bonfire), Jasmin is knitting Uptown Girl out of Lisa Souza BFL Sock (in Fuschia).

Events: (28:39)

- Rhinebeck! (NY Sheep and Wool): 10/17-18. Meet and greet will be at the Carolina Homespun booth from 12-1 on Saturday.
- Gigi does her 1 minute health update.

Mother Knows Best: (30:26)

We discuss rotating holiday knitting to avoid boredom and pressure.

Straw Into Gold: (34:00)

Jasmin is spinning Abstract Fiber Superwash Merino (in Chartreuse). Jasmin encourages you to eat your dessert first, and talks about fiber directionality.

Fashion forward (and backward!) - Episode 72 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Did you know Abstract Fiber has a Ravelry group? Aaabsolutely Abstract is the place to go to meet our staff and see what other Ravelers are doing with their Abstract Fiber. We’d love to meet you online and see pictures of your projects. Aaabsolutely Abstract is also a great place to ask questions, find out where we’ll be next, and keep up with what’s new. 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: Things are crazy here at Purlescence Yarns. Zauberball Crazy, that is. We're pleased to announce the arrival of Zitron's latest sock yarn. The wool/nylon blend comes in a 100g, 420 meter ball. Check out Zauberball and our other Zitron sock yarns, on our shelves now!

On the needles: (00:31)

Jasmin has finished her Ariann! Gigi has finished her blue-brown vanilla socks (with the channel island cast-on), and cast off her On the Vine scarf (knit out of Buffalo Gals yarn). Jasmin digs the Henley Perfected out of her "knitting hope chest" knit out of the Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. Jasmin bought the yarn on her honeymoon at Acorn Street Yarns. She was inspired by jench1n's Henley Perfected.

Gigi is working on her Par Five socks (out of the Franklin's Panopticon colorway from Lorna's Laces). Gigi is also working on her Origami Wrap cardigan out of Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light. Jasmin got her anniversary gift in the mail today, from Jennie the Potter.

Events: (15:38)

- Gigi's does a one-minute health update.
- Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool) 10/17-18. Meet and greet will be Saturday afternoon in the Carolina Homespun booth. (Time TBD.)

Contest: (20:14)

We announce the winners of our "help us pick a contest" contest.

Mother Knows Best (26:18)

Gigi explains how to stabilized buttonbands using grosgrain ribbon.

When Knitting Attacks: (35:27)

Gigi's sewing machine fights the power.

Review: (36:11)

This week we review Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns.

Straw into Gold: (53:20)

Jasmin is spinning Duchess (from Jean Near), and tells the story of a lost and found orifice hook from Celtic Swan Forge.

Back in the saddle - Episode 71 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:



This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Did you know Abstract Fiber has a Ravelry group? Aaabsolutely Abstract is the place to go to meet our staff and see what other Ravelers are doing with their Abstract Fiber. We’d love to meet you online and see pictures of your projects. Aaabsolutely Abstract is also a great place to ask questions, find out where we’ll be next, and keep up with what’s new. 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: Things are crazy here at Purlescence Yarns. Zauberball Crazy, that is. We're pleased to announce the arrival of Zitron's latest sock yarn. The wool/nylon blend comes in a 100g, 420 meter ball. Check out Zauberball and our other Zitron sock yarns, on our shelves now!

On the Needles: (00:44)

Gigi has an Almost - UFO, her Swallowtail Shawl! Jasmin is making steady progress on her Ariann (knit out of the Dream in Color Classy, in their "Butter Peeps" colorway ). Gigi continues to work on the Frog Tree Origami Wrap Pullover. Jasmin has finished her first Albatross sock (made of her handspun from Crown Mountain Fibers).

Gigi is working on the second Par Five sock, out of the Lorna's Laces "Franklin's Panopticon" colorway. Jasmin's Tangled Yoke Cardigan is waiting for the ribbon to be sewn on the buttonband. Jasmin finished her Tempting II top! Gigi is working on a vanilla sock out of Regia with a channel island cast-on.

Jasmin, Gigi, and Miss Kalendar (host of Brass Needles) went to the Spindles & Flyers Stash sale. Jasmin picked up a little table loom for $20!

Events: (13:30)

- Rhinebeck! (NY Sheep & Wool) October 17-18. Meetup will be at the Carolina Homespun booth on Saturday afternoon. Time TBD.

Mother Knows Best: (15:17)

Topic- Labeling your knits. Use grograin ribbon and a fabric pen for personalized labels- or use scrapbooking ribbon! We also talk about holiday knits, and can't remember which podcast had the great idea of making a list, but thinks it was either KIPing it Real or Here's to Ewe. Jasmin offers up her sock label template. (Send us an email at knitmoregirls@yahoo.com , and we'll send it to you!)

When Knitting Attacks: (21:44)

Jasmin joins her sleeves together. Gigi aspires to knit the Curved Lace Shawl, but is foiled by a tiny chart. Jasmin's Tempting II is a little more revealing than she would have liked. Jasmin's Whisper is ill-fated from the start.

Review: (31:22)

This week, we review the Signature Needle Arts needles. We suggest them as a "gift for the knitter who has everything".

Straw into Gold: (41:24)

Jasmin spins the Three Bags Full (in Crimson Shadows) for Gigi mindfully. Jasmin has been on a spinning finishing kick. Jasmin is repurposing business cards.

UFO-palooza! - Episode 70 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Abstract FiberFact #2: Abstract Fiber yarns are dyed to minimize pooling and striping. While it’s impossible to prevent these effects entirely, we make every effort to create an overall textured effect and avoid pooling. This means Abstract Fiber yarns are suitable for showing off complicated patterns, like textures, lace, cables. The colors in the yarns are also perfect for colorwork using a more solid background color and just one of our handpainted colors to create a very dramatic design. Join our group on Ravelry, Aaabsolutely Abstract, for a list of shops who carry our yarns. Orders over $100 from our website ship for free in the US and Canada.


This week: At Purlescence Yarns we are diehard cross-crafters. When we're not knitting, we're spinning, quilting, stitching, or weaving. We have been very pleased to include looms and weaving supplies amongst our offerings at the shop. This week we warped up our Schacht Wolf Pup 4 harness floor loom. It's a beauty! It's easy to operate and folds up for portability. It's all function in beautiful form. We're taking orders for the holidays now!

On the Needles: (00:30)

Gigi has finished her black Regia Saturn socks, and the crocheted edging. Jasmin has found better buttons for her Tangled Yoke Cardigan. Gigi has finished the front of her Origami Wrap Pullover. Jasmin talks about unearthing a 10-year-old UFO that has one seam left to do.

Gigi unearthed another marinating UFO, the Par Five socks (in Franklin's Panopticon). Jasmin is working on her Ariann, knit out of Dream in Color Classy (color: Butter Peeps). She is also finishing up her Tempting II, knit out of Tess Yarns Microfiber ribbon (bright orange). Jasmin shares her "button sweater" story. (The sweater was the Baby Albert, by Sally Melville.)

Jasmin is thinking about knitting "Boo" the Tweedy Pie Jacket (from Monkeysuits).

Events: (21:59)

9/19, 11 am - 3 pm: Spin in Public Day at Courthouse Square on Broadway in downtown Redwood City.

9/27, 11 AM: Shuttles, Spindles, and Flyers guild sale.

10/17-18: New York Sheep & Wool Festival (Rhinebeck). Meet'n'greet TBD.

Mother Knows Best: (24:11)

Gigi discusses buttonbands! Jasmin mentions the pink Pep sweater.

Contest: (30:10)

We're having a contest for contest ideas! Contest will be closed 9/30. (Also, if you haven't already, put yourself on our listener map!)

When Knitting Attacks: (32:29)

Jasmin's Ariann, when she pulled it out of storage, was knit the wrong size. Gigi's Swallowtail Shawl (errata here) was ripped and re-knit. Gigi doesn't recommend using quilting thread for lifelines, and finds the math for the shawl vexing. Jasmin's Drops Yoke Cardigan turns out wrong. Jasmin might run out of yarn for her Tempting II.

Straw into Gold: (42:07)

Jasmin finished spinning the "Hey Jude" from Crown Mountain Farms. (Jasmin recommends listening to this episode of "Stitch it!" to hear about worsted vs woolen plying.) Jasmin talks about a more holistic approach to spinning for projects.

We found a more commercially available 45 degree angle kate, by Louet.

Jasmin learns, the hard way, that recon work for holiday gifts is a challenge with Gigi. (We're both going to knit the Sunrise Circle Jacket out of handspun.)

Oh what a Tangled Yoke we knit - Episode 69 - The Knitmore Girls

Listen here:


This week's episode has been sponsored by:

This week: Abstract FiberFact #1: Who wants their knitting happiness interrupted by a knot in their yarn? We at Abstract Fiber believe our skeins should not have knots! We maintain a zero knot policy when winding our yarns. If the yarn breaks, we set it aside and start another skein. Our Macho Socks and triple skeins give you larger skeins, and still, no knots. At Abstract Fiber we provide you with the highest quality product, and that means no knots! Remember, at AbstractFiber.com we offer free shipping in the US and Canada for all orders over $100.


This week: Autumn is in the air. Here at Purlescence Yarns we're turning our thoughts toward holiday projects. We'll be knitting, spinning, and weaving most of our gifts this year. Now's the time to make that list of gifts for your friends and family. Let us help you with tons of ideas for great gifts. We'll be tweeting about them in the coming weeks. Follow us @Purlescence on Twitter!

Events: (00:31)

- New York Sheep and Wool Festival (Rhinebeck): Oct 17-18. Meetup TBD.

On the Needles: (2:41)

Jasmin's Tangled Yoke Cardigan is nearly finished. Gigi is working on her Origami Wrap Pullover. Jasmin talks about buttonbands, and picking up three stitches for every four rows when picking up stitches for a buttonband. Gigi is working on a few pairs of vanilla socks, out of Regia Galaxy. Jasmin is knitting a pair of socks for Andrew out of her Crown Mountain "Albatross" handspun.

Gigi is working on a crocheted edging for pillowcases. Jasmin talks about the yarn swap at Purlescence, where she came away with a skein of sock yarn, and a sweater's worth of Brown Sheep NatureSpun (in Cranberry Fog).

Contest: (25:44)

Post your contest ideas in our Ravelry group!

Mother Knows Best: (28:08)

We discuss "breakout projects". Jasmin's favorite "learning" baby sweater is the cardigan from Debbie Bliss's "Quick Baby Knits". We also recommend the Print of the Wave Stole (errata for the edging here), the Twist Cardigan, and the Lady Eleanor Stole.

When Knitting Attacks: (35:54)

Gigi has been foiled by not being able to find the issue of Interweave Knits with the Frost Flowers Stole (by Charlene Schurch). Jasmin's enthusiasm causes trouble, again, with her Tangled Yoke Cardigan. Gigi's Swallowtail Shawl hits some snags. We talk about lifelines. Gigi's Scandanavian Socks continue to be troubled.

Straw into Gold: (51:15)

Jasmin spins a little more of Duchess (to become the Carnaby Street Pullover). She has also been spinning some of the Crown Mountain Superwash in "Hey Jude". Jasmin experiments with dyeing pindrafted roving in the coil.

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

Listen here:

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.)