Actually Knitting

Thanks to Brenda Castiel for sending me a copy of her new pattern, The Plum Sorbet Shawl. Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits

Country Garden Top

Knits in Rehearsal

Panther's Socks

Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder

Shusui Shrug by Susanne Sommer

Check out this Craftsy Class if you want to learn Brioche.

Loving the Yarn for this project:

Yarn Geek Fibers Rocketeer in Grace Hopper Computer Scientist

Stitch Markers from Such Gwenderful Stuff

Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Dirty Truce

Auditioning Knits

I started out being inspired at my favorite LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop.

The main color inspiration was from Woolen Boon in the Greenleaf Hut color way.

I picked out some Madeline Tosh to compliment that skein. Tosh Merino Light in Grasshopper and Turquoise color ways.

Looking for a 3 color shawl and I'm considering:

Versus by Hillary Smith Callis

Stay Soft Shawl by Veera Valimaki

I'm currently obsessed with looking through my stash for yarn for:

What the Fade?! Mystery KAL by Andrea Mowry

Here is what I am considering for my What the Fade?!

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This episode I tell you about the Fruity Knitting Podcast on Youtube.

Knitting News, Notes and Events

Special thanks to the Intermission Prize Sponsor for the month of July, Zombody Knits. Listen up to see if you were the lucky listener!

For the last month of the PalKal the Intermission Prize Sponsor is The Worsted Purl. Thanks to Tricia for sponsoring. Check out these adorable stitch marker prizes.

Get your Finished Objects posted by September 1st (or as long as the thread is open). Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

I am excited that I have finalized my plans for SAFF , the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair in Flectcher, NC. It is happening October 27-29, 2017 and I'll be there on Saturday and Sunday. I'll be staying in Black Mountain, NC and visiting my favorite LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop, where there will be a Magpie Fibers pop-up shop and a Signature Needles trunk show.

Non-Knitting Segments

One-Pot Wonders

Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas from Skinny Taste.

Love it or Leave it

Love: I forgot to mention that I got my iPad back after losing it on a flight!

Leave: I have to go back to work tomorrow!

Other News and Notes

Running Updates

I had a rough run on Saturday and injured my hip a little bit, hoping that it will right itself after some days off, rest and ice.

Next race is the Greek Festival 5k on August 26. Unfortunately, I have to do 22 miles that day.

Reading Updates

I finished reading:

I finished listening to:

For you, the listeners of Actually Knitting, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.You can try the book I linked above or any audiobook of your choice for free!

To download your free audiobook today go to audibletrial.com/actuallyknitting.

Lately I've been listening to:

Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits

Vasa by Dianna Walla

Giant Crochet Blanket

Blocking vs Killing Acrylic

Five Common Crochet Mistakes and Tips for Beginners

Knits in Rehearsal

Find your Fade by Andrea Mowry

Crochet News

I talked a little about some of the techniques I've been learning from the book above.

Let 'er Rip

I ripped out 2 sweaters and it was very therapeutic!

Auditioning Knits

Country Garden Top

Knitting News, Notes and Events

Special thanks to the Intermission Prize Sponsor for the month of July, Zombody Knits.

Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This episode I tell you about Keep Calm and Carry Yarn.

Non-Knitting Segments Love it or Leave it

Love: I've been working with my brother on his business, managing his social media.

Leave: My lack of structure combined with this heat and humidity are making me exceptionally tired!

Other News and Notes

Running

I had to get new shoes which I was not happy about.

Reading

I finished reading:

I finished listening to:

For you, the listeners of Actually Knitting, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.You can try the book I linked above or any audiobook of your choice for free!

To download your free audiobook today go to audibletrial.com/actuallyknitting.

Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits

VNeck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Knits in Rehearsal

Find your Fade by Andrea Mowry

Vasa by Dianna Walla

Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Pal Kal has officially started!

Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

Check out the episode for more information about this episode's producing sponsor, Imagined Landscape Designs.

Other Events

WWKIP Day

Thanks to everyone who came out for WWKIP day! We were a small buy mighty crowd! Thanks to these sponsors for donating door prizes!

Charlotte Yarn , Cottage Yarn and Queen City Yarn.

Stash Dash 2017

Check out the Knit Girlls Podcast for more information.

Splash Pad Party with the Down Cellar Studio Podcast

Summer Stripe Along Kal

Knitting Podcast Spotlight

This week I checked out the Bede Sisters podcast, hosted by Kay. Check it out!

The Reviews are In!

This episode I reviewed a new purchase, the Knitter's Keep by Coco Knits.

Non-Knitting Segments Love it or Leave it

Love: Essential Oils

What are your favorites?

Leave: People asking me about my plans to have children. What????

Other News and Notes

Running

No news is good news! Week 7 of Marathon training is in the books.

Reading

I finished reading The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer.

I finished listening to Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.

Interested in a free audiobook from Audible? Check out this link to get your free audiobook today!

You have to be a Janet Jackson fan to get that reference....

Thanks so much for using the Amazon Links! Your purchases help to support the podcast and it doesn't cost you a thing!

Knitting Segments Knits in Rehearsal

V Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Auditioning Knits

PalKal Auditions

I'm trying to figure out what I'll do for the PalKal this year.

Was thinking of knitting the Lil' Miss Chelsea Bean by Jenn Sheelen.

Also considering Breathing Space and True Friend by Veera Valimaki, using my ChileKnitz Pal Kal Yarn.

I am also searching for something to make with my PalKal kit from Suburban Stitcher.

Summer Tops

I am searching pretty hard for something to make with my Claudia Hand-Painted Contemplation yarn that's been in my stash for a while. I originally bought it to make the Linum Tee by Bristol Ivy.

Here are some of the things I'm considering:

Nesoi Tee by Miriam Felton

Notched Hem Tank Top by Purl Soho

Breeze by Joanna Rankin

Knitting News, Notes and Events

World Wide Knit in Public Day

Check the link above to RSVP.

June 10, 2017

I'll be at Foxcroft Wine in Dilworth, Charlotte, from 2pm until at least 5.

1235 East Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28203

I will have door prizes from Charlotte Yarn (which is in the same shopping center as the wine bar), Cottage Yarn and Queen City Yarn.

Charlotte Yarn, Baskets of Yarn and Cottage Yarn will all be having specials that day for Actually Knitting listeners and those Knitting in Public.

The Pal Kal has officially started!

Exciting News! Check out my social media feeds for information about some exclusive products coming from Suburban Stitcher and ChileKnitz!

Check out the Ravelry group for details about all of the great sponsors for the PalKal2017.

Other Events

Stash Dash 2017

Check out the Knit Girlls Podcast for more information.

Summer Stripe Along Kal

Knitscapade

Let me take you on a Knitscapade! Last weekend I visited my favorite not-so-local to me LYS, Black Mountain Yarn Shop. I fell off the wagon pretty hard but, no regrets!

Non-Knitting Segments One Pot Wonders

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta from Skinny Taste

Love it or Leave it

Love: Camping Trip

Leave: Humidity

Other News and Notes

Running News:

I am in week 5 of training for the Chicago Marathon. Trying to stay injury free and also keep using my bullet journal to track my workouts.

Reading Updates:

I finished reading Eligible, A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfield.

Use this link to get your free 30 day trial and free audiobook from Audible.com.

Knitting Segments Knits in Rehearsal

V Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Here is a circular tracker I used for inspiration for my bullet journal. Mine is very basic at the moment.

Mae Pullover by Andrea Mowry

Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder

Knitting News, Notes and Events

March Mowry Madness

#MarchMowryMadness officially wrapped up on April 30, 2017. Listen to see if you are the lucky winner of a pack of mini-skeins by Happy Little Yarn!

Stash Dash 2017

Check out the Knit Girlls Podcast for more information.

World Wide Knit in Public Day

June 10, 2017

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Exciting News! Watch my social media feeds for information about some exclusive products coming from Suburban Stitcher and ChileKnitz!

Below is the painting that Connie is using for the color way inspiration.

Non-Knitting Segments Meatless Monday

Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

Love it or Leave it

I got nothing but love this week! Josh and I got engaged a couple of weeks ago!

Other News and Notes

Finished Reading:

Currently Reading:

Currently Listening to:

Use this link to get your free 30 day trial and free audiobook from Audible.com.

Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits

Ripken by Melanie Berg

Here's a tutorial for the Crochet Hook Provisional Cast-On

Knits in Rehearsal

Vanilla Socks

Knitting News, Notes and Events

World Wide Knit in Public Day

June 10, 2017

March Mowry Madness

#MarchMowryMadness will run through April 30, 2017.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Exciting News! Watch my social media feeds for information about some exclusive products coming from Suburban Stitcher and ChileKnitz!

Below is the painting that Connie is using for the color way inspiration.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

Knitting Talkback: Athleisure

Parody Video: Active Wear

Knitting Industry Blog

I was inspired by a recent issue of Knit Wear Magazine to delve into the topic of Athleisure in hand knits.

Interweave Blog: What's the Deal with Athleisure

The patterns I featured in this episode:

Marblehead Poncho by Lana Jois

Rockport Vest by Allison Jane

Sturbridge Pullovery by Pam Allen

Dartmouth Pullover by Brandy Velten

Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Mae by Andrea Mowry

Kingston Tunic by Andrea Mowry

Sidewalk Sweater by Kate Oates

Ouisa by Christina Ghirlanda

Chloe Cardigan by Jo Storie

Still Light Tunic by Veera Valimaki

Listener Contribution: Cooldown by Alicia Plummer

I would love to hear your ideas for altheisure patterns in knitting! Go on over to the Ravelry group to tell us all about it.

Non-Knitting Segments Love it or Leave it

Love: Handwriting Tutorials

Leave: I hate 4th quarter!

Other News and Notes

Running News

I officially started training for marathon #2, The Chicago Marathon is October 8th, 2017.

I have been inspired to start doing a bullet journal for my running. Check out this post from Runner's World about using a bullet journal for running and other health tracking.

Some pics of my bullet journal are on my Instagram feed.

Books

Finished Reading:

Finished Listening:

Currently Reading:

Currently Listening:

Knitting Segments

Special thanks to Jenn Sheelen for sending me her latest pattern, Lil Miss Chelsea Bean.

Show-Ready Knits

Sockhead Slouch Hat #3

Baby Hat

Knits in Rehearsal

Ripken by Melanie Berg

Here's a tutorial for the Crochet Hook Provisional Cast-On

Mae by Andrea Mowry

Knitting News, Notes and Events

#MarchMowryMadness will run through April 30, 2017. There is a chatter thread open and lively on Ravelry.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

June 10, 2017 is World Wide Knit in Public Day.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at [email protected] or contact me on Ravelry.

My Favorite Knitting Things

Josh did an Ikea hack for a yarn winding station for my craft room. We used the Finnvard from Ikea, painted it, and installed my swift and ball winder on the top!

Strauch Ball Winders

Here's the blog post where Josh found the idea for the Yarn Winding Station.

Non-Knitting Segments One-Pot Wonders

One Pot Teriyaki Chicken Zoodles

Love it or Leave it

Love: My trip to San Francisco

Leave: Spring Break is over!

Other News and Notes

Running

Marathon Training starts April 29, 2017

Books

Finished Reading: The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

Finished Listening: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Bachman

Currently Reading: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Currently Listening: I'm Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi

Knitting Segments Show Ready Knits

Sockhead Hat by Kelly McClure

Chiagoo 16 inch Circulars

I mentioned that this project would be great for watching The Americans, since it has a lot of subtitles.

Knits in Rehearsal

V-Neck Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Knitting News, Notes and Events

We wrapped up the Point/Counterpoint Volume 2 giveaway. Thanks to Kino Knits and Prairie Girls Design for the giveaway. Listen up to see if you were a lucky winner!

March Mowry Madness!

We were able to announce three winners of an Andrea Mowry pattern. If you entered, be sure to listen for your name!

The Knit A Long officially runs March 15th-April 30th, but it's going to be very informal. Knit patterns by Andrea Mowry, the famous designer behind the Find Your Fade Shawl. Wips are welcome and you don't have to finish your project to enter. No prizes yet, but I'll let you know if something is donated!

New Year, New Ewe!

We wrapped up the New Year, New Ewe Kal on March 10th and winners are announced on this episode.

Prizes for New Year, New Ewe:

Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon

3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Here is where you can find information about levels of Sponsorship.

Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 24-25, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at [email protected] or contact me on Ravelry.

Knitting Talk Back: Knitting as Activism

The recent Pussy Hat Project got me thinking about knitting activism and the history of it. I found several good resources for your entertainment and education.

Thread for Thought: How Fashion Intersects Politics, Economics, Gender, Race and Popular Culture.

Definition of Craftivism

Jen's a Little Loopy

Knitting Nanas

Knitting Sweaters for Elephants

I also mentioned this book about Knitted Taxidermy.

The original Yarn Bombing

Non-Knitting Segments Meatless Monday

This is a two-fer as it's a Meatless Monday and One Pot Wonder recipe: Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet from Ambitious Kitchen.

Love it or Leave it

Love: Golden Girls Collectibles

ReAction Figures

Action Figures from Funko

Coloring Book

Leave: Analysis Paralysis when it comes to my hair

Theatrical Updates

I have seen three shows recently:

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

The Bodyguard, the Musical

All Shook Up

Other News and Notes

Running Updates

I finished 1/2 marathon number 4 on March 4, 2017

Have 2 short races coming up on March 18th and March 25th, 2017

Books

Finished listening to The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty which I liked a lot.

Currently Reading

American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping and Trial of Patty Hearst.

Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits

Kit Kat Hat Number 6 by Andre Sue Knits

Knits in Rehearsal

Vintage Prim by Andrea Mowry

So many flubs on this project!

Here is the tutorial I used to practice Brioche. It's a good tutorial, but I went into a lot of detail about the Craftsy Class I recently purchased called Explorations in Brioche, taught by Nancy Marchant.

Panther's Socks

Knitting News, Notes and Events

New Year, New Ewe!

Are you ready to try something new with your knitting? A new technique or type of product? Perhaps a designer you have never tried? A new type of yarn? Check out the episode for more information about this Knit A Long for 2017. Officially it will run January 1 through March 10, 2017. Check out the chatter thread in the Ravelry Group. Rules will be listed in the Ravelry group as well.

Prizes for New Year, New Ewe:

Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon

3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel

I learned the German Twisted Cast-on for my New Year New Ewe project!

March Mowry Madness!

This will be a short, mostly informal Knit A Long where we knit patterns by Andrea Mowry, the famous designer behind the Find Your Fade Kal. Andrea has generously donated 3 patterns that I will give away for the KAL. To enter, go to the Ravelry group for the Actually Knitting podcast and tell me which pattern(s) you'd like to make for the KAL. I will draw winners to announce on the March 15th episode of the podcast. Enter by March 10th to win your choice of an Andrea Mowry pattern.

March Mowry Madness will officially start March 15th, though WIPS will be allowed, and it will run through April 30th, 2017. Check out the Ravelry group for more information.

The PalKal is coming up this summer! Are you interested in sponsoring the biggest and best Kal for the Actually Knitting Podcast? Fill out this Google Form and I'll get in touch with you about sponsoring the KAL. The PalKal runs from June 1-September 1, 2017 and it is all about supporting podcasters who are designers, indie dyers, bag makers, etc.

Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 25-26, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

We are starting our knitting club back up at school. Do you have some yarn or other supplies that you'd like to get rid of and donate towards a good cause? Send me an email at actuallyknitting.blogspot.com

The Reviews are In!

I reviewed 2 collections on this episode! Listen to hear my thoughts on the Point/Counterpoint Volume 2, by Kino Knits and Prairie Girls Designs.

Would you like to win your own copy of this 4 pattern collection? Go to the Ravelry Group and enter to win by telling me which pattern you like the best in the collection!

The other collection I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of is Heart on my Sleeve by Tin Can Knits. This is a great collection that supports a great charity, the Against Malaria Foundation. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this collection will go to the foundation.

Non-Knitting Segments Meatless Monday

Roasted Butternut Squash with Couscous and Vegetables

Love it or Leave it

Love: Pride and Prejudice Coloring Book

Leave: Nada, life is really good these days!

Other News and Notes I am officially back to running! Yay!

Books Finished:

The Marriage Game by Allison Weir

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Currently Reading:

It's Not Me, It's You by Mhairi MacFarlane

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits

Kit Kat Hats 3, 4 and 5

Knits in Rehearsal

Knitting on Kit Kat Hat Number 6

Vintage Prim by Andrea Mowry

Would you be interested in doing a KAL in March called Mowry Madness? Let me know!

Panther's Hermione's Everyday Socks

Auditioning Knits

Girl from the Grocery Store by Joji Locatelli

I mentioned the Grocery Girls Podcast as being the design inspiration for this pattern.

Versus by Hillary Smith Callis I originally saw kits for this on Kitterly.

Kline Shawl by Jennifer Dassau I saw this pattern featured on the Interweave Knits

Briochealicious by Andrea Mowry

Knitting News, Notes and Events

This episode marks 3 years that I have been podcasting! Thanks for being a part of my community!

I'm so excited about our knit a long, New Year, New Ewe!

Are you ready to try something new with your knitting? A new technique or type of product? Perhaps a designer you have never tried? A new type of yarn? Check out the episode for more information about this Knit A Long for 2017. Officially it will run January 1 through March 10, 2017. Check out the chatter thread in the Ravelry Group. Rules will be listed in the Ravelry group as well.

Prizes for New Year, New Ewe:

Amplitude Shawl by Greg Cohoon

3 Patterns from Brenda Castiel

I learned the German Twisted Cast-on for my New Year New Ewe project!

Hoping to attend the Carolina Fiber Fest March 25-26, 2017 in Raleigh, NC.

Next planned Knitting Event: Zombie Knitpocalypse in June 2017

Non-Knitting Segments One Pot Wonders

Healthy Thai Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles

Love it or Leave it

Love: Tombow Brush Pens

Lettering Practice Worksheets from The Postman's Knock

Leave: Being sick the entire month of January!!

Other News and Notes

No running updates to share, trying to keep up my healthy living!

Books

I finished reading:

I am currently reading: