Windows Media Version 

This episode is the second part of our field trip at the 2006 NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. 

In this episode, we went to a sheep auction and met with:

• Galina Khmeleva from Skaska Designs Ltd., author of Gossamer Webs:The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls, and The Gossamer Webs Design Collection
• Tanya who raises Alpaca in Upstate New York

What am I wearing?:

• See episode 5 – “bs” asked for the pattern so I offer it out to all of you.  You can find it in the comments for Episode 5.

We apologize for the delay in getting this episode out to you all.  Immediately after posting Episode 5, we packed up and traveled down to Baltimore for Stitches East (a future episode) and this trip took away from working on getting Episode 6 edited and posted. 

Please note: You can now subscribe to our video podcast in iTunes by selecting the grey iTunes button on the top right of the page under the other feeds.  Remember, you can watch this show on your computer from this page or in iTunes, a video iPod is not required.

Leave a comment on the site and a review in iTunes to let us know what you think of the episodes.

Windows Media Version

Did you miss the opportunity to go to the 2006 NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY?  Here’s your chance to experience it all. 

See what was going on at one of the largest fiber events in the country!   Over 34, 000 people at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Saturday alone. There were Spinners, Knitters, Crocheters and other crafters.  Llamas, alpaca, goats, rabbits and other creatures.  Wine tasting, cheese tasting, fried pickles(?) and other foods.  Yarns of all colors and fibers and the Hudson Valley fall folliage to compete with.

There was so much going on that we’re going to have to split this into two episodes!

In this episode we met with Terry Kunst an owner of angora rabbits, Richard De Moss of Catalynje Buffalo Fiber who spins Buffalo fiber,  and Donald Kading a sheep sheerer.

What am I wearing:

• Shrug made with Rowan Wool Cotton of my own design completed fall 1996.  (really just a feather and fan rectangle with cuffs)
• Booga bag by Julie (mine was modified to be wider) made with Noro Big Kureyon and Reynold’s Lopi

Podsafe Music:

• Witch Hunt by the Ron Helman Jazz Ensemble

Were you there too?  Leave a comment and tell us about what you saw..

Windows Media Version

Do you ever wonder what to do with ribbon yarn?  In this episode we’ll cover great tips and techniques for how to knit with ribbon. 

Our Book review today is Ribbon Knits by Judi Alweil

What’s on the set:

• Confessions of a Knitting Heretic by Annie Modesitt
• Yarns – Estelle Dazzle railroad ribbon, Cherry Tree Hill Cashcott multi-railroad, Crystal Palace Deco, Cherry Tree Hill Pisa tape ribbon, Idena Sorbe, and Online Linie 118 Vision.
• Personal Story – Drop stitch ribbon knit jacket made with Katia Chic ribbon yarn.  Knitted sleeve to sleeve of my own design.  Completed Spring 2004.
• Swatches – Cherry Tree Hill Cashcott in Spanish Moss, Schachenmayr Nomotta Scaletta, and Katia Chic Ribbon.

What am I wearing:

• Sweater made with cotton Schachenmayr Nomotta Scaletta from Inspiration 75. The pattern is actually designed for long sleeve, however, I made it with short sleeves. Completed Spring 2006.

What are your ribbon knitting experiences?  Tell us about them!  Leave a comment here on the site! 

Windows Media Version

In this episode we cover some tips about how to block knitted garments. 

We uncover secrets about using blocking wires and a blocking board.   We also discuss things which you can do to make a garment fit.  You can learn more about these techniques from Leslye Solomon’s video The Handknitter’s Guide to Sweater Finishing.

What am I wearing?:

• A side-to-side knitted shell of my own design with a subtle lace edging knitted into the pattern made with Heritage Hand painted yarn in Blueberry Hill.  Shell designed using Sweater Wizard software.

What’s on the set?:

• Snuggly Poncho for Natalie from Sirdar made with Lion Brand Microspun in Lavendar and Sirdar Funky Furr in Bilberry.
• Free Berrocco Harry Bear pattern made with Berrocco Chinchilla yarn in Fawn color.

Have you had similar experiences in stressing about how to make it fit?  Share your stories and feedback on the show by leaving a comment.

windows media version

A field trip to the 8th Annual 2006 NYC Knit-Out & Crochet.

We met with:

• Jennie Tichenor from the team WarmUpAmerica.
• Stephanie Pearl-McPhee author of At Knit’s End:Meditiations for Women Who Knit Too Much, Yarn Harlot:The Secret Life of a Knitter and Knitting Rules!
• Guido Stein from the podcast ItsAPurlman. 

Special thanks to Mimi, Ruth and Marcia from The Rockland Knitters!

What am I wearing?

• Concert in the Park – Two Old Bags made with Jaggerspun Zephyr wool-silk blend. Completed January 2004
• Market Squares Bag – Bags: A Knitters Dozen made with Patons’ Wool.   Completed Fall 2005

Music heard on this episode

• The Marriott Jazz Quintet – On The First Day

Leave a comment and let us know what you think about the show!  Also, let us know other topics which you would like to see in future episodes.

windows media version

Welcome to our first episode! 

In today’s episode we discuss some of the many ways to knit socks.  I demonstrate how to cast on for knitting 2 socks on 2 circs.  More info on this technique can be found at the sock knitters cyber class. Also, info on Magic Loop can be found at the knittinghelp.com site.

Our book review today is the Handy Book of Patterns edited by Ann Budd.

<What am I wearing?

• Katia Florida Top made with the yarn in the pattern.  Completed circa 2004

What’s on the needles?

• Magic Loop Sock – Trekking
  2 socks on 2 circs – Knit Picks

What’s on the set?

• Various socks and yarns from Regia, Opal, Lornas Laces, Sockotta and others.

Leave a comment if you have topic ideas for future episodes.