AJ Knits

Episode 35:

1. Production Scheduling

   1. Production

   2. What’s In my Tea Pot

   3. Shipping

   4. Materials Sourcing

   5. After 5

1. Production

   1. The Holden Shawlette by Mindy W ilkes being knitted from Wollmeise Twin in Nazar Boncugu ( merino super wash, semisolid) Electric Blue. Ignored for hats.

   2. Cup Cake Hat by Jane Mack What can I say I can't resist a funky hat. I'm knitting this out of stashed left over acrylic. I'm on the 2nd row of Bobbles in the icing

1. What’s In My Tea Pot

1. Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Green Tea

i Don the wonder Intern found this one and was nice enough to gift me a box for Christmas.

ii. The Back of the Box: While out Candy Cane Decaffeinated Green Tea may lack the traditional red and white stripes and candy cane shape associated with your traditional candy cane, that familiar minty taste is ever present. We’ve taken some of our favorite holiday flavors like refreshing peppermint, creamy vanilla, and spicy cinnamon and mixed them with a naturally decaffeinated, rich green tea.

iii.Sooo yummy and just the ticket for when a winter cold settles into the sinuses. Plus and I know this has nothing to do with the tea… It has a festive Narwhal on the box! What is not to love about a Narwhal with ornaments on his horn! I give the tea high marks ad Don get’s big brownie points for getting me my own box.

1. Shipping

   1. Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carol Barenys from Loops and Threads

   2. The Perfect Beret by Janelle Masters Knit from my Lake Effect handspun. Great no nonsense beret pattern to have on hand. I did knit the medium size and the opening grew a bit I may ,make the small size for myself next time.

1. Materials Sourcing

   1. I got the yen to do something with the fiber I have from Humphrey the camel.

   2. When I bought the fiber I was told that the staple length was too short to spin on its own and that I’d have to blend it with something.

   3. Belleoftheball from #Spinchat recommended merino. So after some thought I went to Etsy and bought some Merino locks. The locks came pretty dirty and there are quite a few second cuts. Not happy with them but I had been so Jazzed about taking this project to guild (and the drum carder!) that I took it anyway.

   4. My research

i. Earlier in the week I did some trolling on the internet for advice on blending fibers and how to use a drum carder. Ask the Bellwether sent me to … you guessed it YouTube! (The Frugal fiber artists best friend) and once again to Rexenne. (I’ve run into Rexenne’s videos before. I used one when learned to Navajo Ply.) Holy energy Batman! She is really PUMPED about fiber in her videos!

ii. Rexenne had a 4 part series on You Tube on how to use the drum carder. How to make a bat, how to lend colors, and how to mix fibers. (AHA!)

iii. Incredibly informative

1. When I got to Guild I had a good idea of how things were supposed to work.

2. My Process

i. First I ran through the merino Locks fluffing them out by hand so that they I could almost see through them.

1. The merino was so fine that it was sticking to our hands and may have had a bit of static in it.

a. Things that I forgot

I A Pan / or bag to put the bats in

ii. My Hand card to use as a burnishing tool

iii. My sushi mat looking place mat to roll the bat off the drum (though we did fine without it)

2. We ran through enough locks to make 1 good size bat

3. I then Split the bat in halve and then quarters and ran one quarter onto the drum

4. Once I had the 1st layer off merino on the drum I applied a layer of the camel directly to the large drum over top the merino.hb I used pretty much the same motion that I would use to load my hand cards.

5. After that the second quarter of merino went through the carder producing a big sandwich which we sectioned off and ran through a few more times to blend.

6. Then f course I decided there wasn’t enough camel and had to do most of the process over a few times. The 1st bat took FOREVER! The second bat went much more quickly once we had the process down

7. My only regret is that I only did about half my fiber and I have it all spun those 2 bats gave one of my small bobbins full. I now either have to wait until the February meeting to use the drum carder on the rest or blend it with my cards at home. I may try to do some on the cards and see what the noticeable differences are in the single. It might make an interesting juxtaposition between the two plies.

8. Interesting thing I learned in this process… My dad …who goes to guild meeting to eat…J Likes to play with the drum carder. Look out Hank’s in the Hood! Bob on the Boulevard may be comin’ for ya!

1. After 5

   1. Cheese Crackers

i. I’ve been looking out for a recipe that was similar to the cheese crackers I ate at the guild Christmas party. I think I found one!

ii. http://busycooks.about.com/od/quickbreads/r/cheesecrack.htm

iii. I found one on about.com (there’s a link in the show notes)

iv. They take a whole stick of butter but the boys had them gone in one night and were asking about them the next day. So double up the batch they are small. J

v.This is also a great use for left over grated cheese. We usually have grated cheese in bags in the fridge for on top of Tacos, chili, and pizza… we love our cheese. So you can imagine my dismay that I didn’t have the 2 cups I needed for the recipe. So I went through the fridge and combined all of the cheesed I had. Mostly cheddar, some fiesta taco blend, some mozzarella…. They turned out soooo good. Just like a cheez it with out the sonic orange coloring. (And no Cheez food product!)

vi. I keep trying to make another batch of these but the butter has to be really softened to mix with the cheese. I keep taking out the butter to soften and it either meets with an untimely demise… sat to close to the toaster oven and turned to goo or I forget about it which had been driving Joe a bit batty. “Something weird is going on and I don’t think you’re doing it.” “Oh really? What’s that” “I keep finding sticks of butter left out in the kitchen.” Hahahahahah! “Seriously that was me! I’ve been trying to make cheese crackers all week and I keep forgetting or get distracted!”

1. Nifty gizmo

i.A while back I tried to buy a pompom maker for hat’s and such. I saw one on sale at hobby lobby and picked it up only to realize when I got it home that it made heart shaped pom poms instead of round ones. It’s been languishing in my project bin. I’ve been playing with it this week and have yet to get any more than a vaguely heart shaped mass of yard. It’s fun to play with but will take some mastery. May be a good use for some ratty acrylic I have around the house.

1. 3 videos up on the show notes for Humble Pie or … Episode 34 A few more to go. They are o frills but a few sections are interesting

2. Still haven’t heard from 2 of the winners from the Christmas memory contest. I’ll give it another week and then I’ll ear burn you on Ravelry just incase you’re behind on podcasts like I am.

Episode 34: New Year's Round Up or “Live From NE Ohio”

1. Production Scheduling

   1. Events

   2. Production

      1. Finished Objects

      2. UFO's

      3. Favorite Project

      4. Ugliest FO?

   3. What's in my tea pot

   4. Materials Sourcing

   5. After 5

2. Events

   1. Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival http://www.pghknitandcrochet.com/ February 10, 11, 12 of 2011.

   2. Camp KIP Session #1 will run April 21-24, 2012 The 2nd Annual Camp Kip retreat will be hosted at Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO

3. Production

   1. The Holden Shawlette by Mindy W ilkes being knitted from Wollmeise Twin in Nazar Boncugu ( merino super wash, semisolid) Electric Blue.

      1. Through the chart the 1st time, once more to go. I blanked out on this I thought I was done until I checked the pattern to make sure I was supposed to bind off in picot. That's when I noticed the note to knit the chart twice.

      2. Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carole Barenys

         1. One sleeve most of the way done. About ½ inch more of ribbing. Then pick up the second sleeve...

   2. Year of the baby projects. Ave been ignored I'm starting to hate baby hats.

   3. Finished Objects

1. Melissa's socks

2. Baby Swirl Hat

3. The Pedestrian Crossing Cowl by Melissa Sibley

4. 2 Toddler sweaters for Wool-Aid

5. The Day Break Shawl By Stephen West.

6. The Clapotis by Kate Gilbert

7. the EMBASSY SCARF by Amy Polcyn

8. The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief by Orange Flower patterns

9. Kitschy Teacup Pot Holder

10. The Summerflies Shawl by Holly and Ella Knits

11. Nate's Beard Hat

12. Twisty Sister Cabled Hand Warmers by Kate Gondwana

13. I heart lace by Inese Andzane

14. Mohawk Hat by Darlene Dale

15. The Incredible Custom fit Raglan Sweater by Pamela Costello

16. Beaded Ornament from 12 Exquisite Beaded Ornaments to Knit published by Leisure arts

17. Mom's Christmas Sock's

18. The Dragon slayer Ear flap Hat by Pixiebell Elfinwear

1. UFO's

   1. Juno Regina by Miriam Felton

   2. Fulled Lopi Tote done in Plarn

   3. The Brea Bag

2. Favorite Project

   1. Summerflies Shawlette

   2. ___________________

3. Ugliest FO?

   1. Age of Brass and Steam Shawl.

4. Goals for 2011

   1. Color Work

   2. Entrelac

   3. A sweater for myself that fits

   4. Update my project page and be a better picture taker.

1. What's in my Tea Pot

   1. Adagio Teas “Christmas”

   2. The tea to get you into the holiday spirit! This blend of bright, tangy Ceylon black tea flavored with warm cinnamon, pungent cloves, and orange peels is a Christmas delight. Spicy and fresh aroma, outdoorsy and cozy, with a balanced tangy flavor and slightly sweet finish. Perfect to sip while decking the halls, being jolly, or dreaming of a white Christmas.

2. Material's Sourcing

   1. Counter Weight Brake Tensioning System

      1. I bobbin of corriedale to test it out,.

   2. Mystery wool Black Cherry from wool fest.

3. After 5

   1. Austentatious Crochet

   2. Winner's of the Christmas Memory Contest.

      1. WiscKnitter The Sassafras Creations Jewelry

      2. RealYankee Skein of Lorna's Lace's in Amy's Vintage office

      3. WV Crafty wins the Tea themed project bag

      4. Creative Vibe wins the 20.00 knitpicks cetificate

Episode 33

1. Production Scheduling

   1. Events

   2. Shipping

   3. Production

   4. What's in my tea pot

   5. Materials Sourcing

   6. After 5

2. Events

   1. Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival http://www.pghknitandcrochet.com/ February 10, 11, 12 of 2011.

   2. Camp KIP Session #1 will run April 21-24, 2012 The 2nd Annual Camp Kip retreat will be hosted at Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO

3. Production

   1. The Holden Shawlette by Mindy W ilkes being knitted from Wollmeise Twin in Nazar Boncugu ( merino super wash, semisolid) Electric Blue. Pattern has charted and written directions for the lace. I've not gotten as far as I would have liked on this. I'm still in the stockinette section.

   2. My knitting group has declared 2012 as the year of the baby. In honor of that they are currently having a contest for baby hat's, mitts, and booties. It's team Sugar and Spice vs team Snips and Snails. My hooks and needles are laboring for team Snips and Snails. The competition has been fierce and the crocheter's are kicking the knitters butts. I started out thinking that I could quickly knit up …

      1. Sock Yarn Baby Hat and Easy Peasey Project by Malia Mather. Out of my left over Opal Rainforest Tiger. I knit it up quickly enough in 2 days (to save my hands and not ignore my family) but even though I swatched the hat fit B. So I 've been tearing it out and knitting the pattern again using only half of the stitches. Which makes it still dividable by 4 so the the 3x1 ribbing still works and the decreases at the top work as well. The second try came out much better. I did decide to forgo the I cord top.

      2. So I thought maybe I can knit faster with a thicker gauge yarn so I cast on A vanilla hat from a pattern in the knit groups library. No dice not really faster at all and the heavier yarn just hurt my hands. But at least now I had 2 hats.

      3. I was beginning totally left in the dust as I only had one hat done and others were posting 6 or seven and one crocheted and additional pair of booties! I thought I was moderately quick if not fat but Holy Toledo! So I took a cue from them and switched to crochet. A quick trip to Ravelry found the Looks Like Knit Crocheted Shaped Baby Hat by Yarn Cottage LLC. AHA! I have been able to rocket through one of these in about 3 hrs. I like the look of these hat's in their pics they all have pom poms on the top. I'm not a fan of Pom Pom's so I leave them off and the hat's still look good. I finished two of those and now I’m up to 4 hats.

      4. As a side contest it was posted that the 1st team to post a completed pair of booties would get bonus points. I don't know why I thought I could beat the crocheter's but I cast on Christine's Baby Booties (free on Ravelry) I have made these before out of fingering yarn and found the 5 needles to be a bit hard to maneuver at times. I thought that by using left over sock yarn they would be easier. WRONG 2 days after Donna Marie the fastest hooker I know has posted the completed crocheted booties I was at 50% on the first bootie and and the I dropped a stitch and then fixed it only to purl when I should have knit. With all of those fixable issues aside. I took a look at my yarn and I've decided that I don't have the yardage to finish the second bootie. So I'll Be tearing this one out and turning it into another Sock Yarn Baby Hat.

4. What's in My Tea Pot

   1. Barry Mitterhoff's Fret No More Herbal Tea

   2. I have to admit that I had to Idea Who Barry Mitterhoff was a quick search on Wikipedia show's he's an incredibly versatile (any one who can swing from Klezmereh to Bluegrass I call versatile) On their bands site they sell a few tea's I don;t see this one currently but it's available at whole foods.

   3. The back of the tin reads:

   4. Meh.. just another Chamomile blend with mint. I'm not impressed and I don't hate it. This tea is all about the name and the Picture of the guitar on the package. Pick it up if it's in the dollar bin.

   1. Material's Sourcing

      1. Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill (http://www.hiddenvalleyfarmwoolenmill.com) 8 oz of Mary's Lake effect is done plied and finished. I ended up with abt 450 yds of a 2 ply DK. I love the colors! Dark purples, burgundy, and oranges like a sunset on fire. The yarn has a lovely loft to it and my swatch very fuzzy. Can't wait to figure out what to make with this!

   2. Shipping

      1. The Dragon slayer Earflap Hat by Pixiebell Elfinwear

         1. I was cruising the revelry patterns and fell in love with this so I cast it on with my Nantucket hand spun. The pattern calls for Super bulky I held my hand spun double with a sz 15 needle and got gauge. I love this hat! It's soft and smooshy. And it has ears! I was a bit put off by the price of this pattern. This hat can be knit up in abt 3-4 hrs the pattern was 5 dollars. But I adore this hat! So I obviously need to stop being cheap and just enjoy this great hat.

5. After 5

   1. The inventory is in the hands of the auditors. HALLEJUAH!

   2. 2 knit group dates woohoo!

   3. Mommy You're going to Jail

Episode 32

1. Production Scheduling

   1. Events

   2. Shipping

   3. Production

   4. What's in my tea pot

   5. Materials Sourcing

   6. After 5

2. Events

   1. Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival http://www.pbbbbghknitandcrochet.com/ February 10, 11, 12 of 2011.

   2. Camp KIP Session #1 will run April 21-24, 2012 The 2nd Annual Camp Kip retreat will be hosted at Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO

3. Shipping

   1. Mohawk Hat by Darlene Dale provided free on www.caron.com I did this in Nate's school colors. Not sure if this was as big of a hit as the beard hat was only time will tell... He says he likes it, but he is a teenager.

   2. The Incredible Custom fit Raglan Sweater by Pamela Costello www.woolworks.org/patterns/raglan.html I'm using this pattern B's horse sweater. I finished a sample of the Loopy the Appaloosa Cloth by Rhonda K white.

      1. This one came down to the wire. I did both sleeves in one night.

      2. Ended up finishing the neck with a simple backward crochet edge.

      3. B wears it but the first time he tried it on he yelled “get it off! Get it off!”

   3. Beaded Ornament from 12 Exquisite Beaded Ornaments to Knit published by Leisure arts. In all I finished 6 Ornaments all but one given away as gifts I still have the one made with my first skein of hand spun. I have what I think is Just enough Mohair to make one last ornament for myself.

   4. The Uber Secret Christmas project was of course the pair of socks my mom asked me to knit for her. I used my go to Light Weight sock pattern by Pattons. The leg and heels fir well, foot width is good the toe is about and inch too long. So these will bounce back from shipping into production for next week.

4. Production

   1. Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carole Barenys time to pick up this sweet baby sweater and get some sleeves on it.

   2. Cable Braided Necklace by Olga Buraya-Kefelian this is what I'm using the bulk of my remaining beaded mohair for. The strips are knitted. They need to be blocked before I start the “braiding” process.

   3. To be cast on...

      1. Mittens in Hand spun

      2. The Shape shifter Shrug from Vampire Knits

         1. That's it I have enough of this hand spun. I'll be checking my yardage carefully s and so as not to have another Ruffled and Ruched scarf on my hands.

      3. Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes. I have a Skein of wolmeisse I'm thinking of using for this. But another shawl?

      4. Or Koolhaas by Jared Flood.

      5. I'm Free! No Pressure I can knot what I want!

5. What's in my Tea Pot

   1. Paromi Tea Lemon Ginger

      1. Oolong Tea (Fair Trade & Organic)orOur oolong is produced in Ambootia, a tea estate in the Darjeeling district. Nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4000 feet, the gardens of the estate enjoy a unique combination of climate and elevation that contribute to the gentle, flowery aroma of this distinctive oolong. The addition of zesty Egyptian lemongrass, coupled with the warmth of ginger from Sri Lanka, makes our lively brew one that can be enjoyed throughout the day.Ingredients: organic oolong tea, organic lemon grass, organic lemon peel, organic ginger, natural flavor.

         1. Paromi packaged their tea in amber or painted glass. Cracking open the jar in itself was a treat. The ginger lemon Scent is fantastic. I over steeped this a bit so the ginger was string enough to make my lips tingle. This is a well balanced tea the lemon is more of a floral note and is not acidic like the Tazo Berry tea was. This is another good one and I'll be on the look out for more blends from Paromi in the future.

6. Material's Sourcing

   1. Nantucket from Copper pot Woolies. http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperpot is done and plied. I decided it liked the Navajo plied version of this yarn best. I'm hoping to have enough to make the Shape shifter but it's looking doubtful so I'll be calculating up ,y yardage and whop knows maybe another Ruffled And Ruched scarf or another cowl will be in the works. I really love these colors I wish I could have gotten another ball.

   2. Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill (http://www.hiddenvalleyfarmwoolenmill.com) 8 oz of Mary's Lake effect is on the wheel now, I have one bobbin done and the start of the second this fiber is flying! And I love love love these sunset colors!

   3. I got a HUGE bag of fiber from my mom for Christmas in the bag is some more Mohair YAY! And some goodies from Ewenique Fibers in Alliance, Ohio. I also bit the bullet and bought another bat From Copperpot Woolies called toasted coconut which has Cashmere, Bamboo, polwarth, Merino and copper stellina. I may break into that next or I may save it for when I “Suck Less”

7. After 5

   1. Algonquin Spinners a d Weavers Christmas Party

   2. Inventory Bleck!

   3. Freedom House: Project Christmas.

   4. Lobster Suprise.

   5. Christmas Run Down.

   6. Christmas Memory Contest still open until 12/31!

b

Episode 31

1. Production Scheduling

   1. Events

   2. Production

   3. What's in my tea pot

   4. Materials Sourcing

   5. After 5

2. Events

   1. Camp KIP Session #1 will run April 21-24, 2012 The 2nd Annual Camp Kip retreat will be hosted at Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO Only 4 months and 6 days to go!

   2. Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival http://www.pbbbbghknitandcrochet.com/ February 10, 11, 12 of 2011.

3. Production

   1. Mohawk Hat by Darlene Dale provided free on www.caron.com the crocheting is done all the fringey bits have been attached to the mo-hawk strip and all that’s left to do is attach the strip to the hat. I started to attach it and was having second thoughts about how to go about it. I'm worrying about getting it centered. Finishing really is not my best thing. Perhaps the next class I take should be one on finishing.

   2. The Incredible Custom fit Raglan Sweater y Pamela Costello www.woolworks.org/patterns/raglan.html I'm using this pattern B's horse sweater. I finished a sample of the Loopy the Appaloosa Cloth by Rhonda K white. I've finished the horse detail on the sweater and have the arms on waste yarn. I think it will start to fly now that I can auto pilot and not have to concentrate on the horse pattern.

   3. Uber secret Christmas project: a bit past the 75 % line. Every thing is back on the needles and is running smoothly. Dear Lord I hope this fits it's intended recipient.

   1. What's In My Tea Pot

      1. Honey Bush Vanilla from Adagio Teas

      2. According to the International Ice Cream Association, Vanilla is by far the most popular flavor, getting a full 23% of all ice cream consumption. Inspired by this love, Adagio has created Honey bush Vanilla, combining the rich, warm dark sugar aroma of vanilla with the honeyed aroma and gentle earthy quality of honey bush herb from South Africa. Soft, sweet and very 'beany' vanilla fragrance (like warm sugar cookies made with fresh vanilla beans). Light, airy finish and lingering honey and warmed sugar aroma. A comforting, caffeine free treat.

   2. Material's Sourcing

      1. Finally finished the bobbin of the Nantucket from Copper pot Woolies. http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperpot. A lovely mix of merino and corriedale in peacock colors

      2. Riding in the car today I asked B how his day at school was. He replied it was fine and asked me how may day at school was and I told him “Oh, I had to go to the factory with the big trucks today.” …

   3. After 5

      1. HECTIC... Hockey, Guitar, shopping, Still no tree, wrapping, work, Baking AHHHHH!

      2. I recreated the cookie! I used the cream cheese cookie dough recipe on http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/4710/Philly-Cream-Cheese-C ookie-Dough I made the dough before hand and kept it in the fridge. In the mean time I soaked a package of dried apricots in apricot randy over night. (Just enough to cover), the next day I rolled out the dough 1/8 of an inch thick and cut it into circles. Place an apricot on each one and folded it over with the apricot sticking out the top, sealed with fork and baked according to the dough recipe. When cool I glazed them with a simple confectioner’s sugar glaze. Confectioner’s Sugar mixed with small amounts of the soaking randy until I liked the consistency. They're gone now so they must have been good!

      3. Gingerbread cupcakes - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gingerbread-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting/ YUMMY

      4. Next Up Fudge and Rum Balls

      5. DAR Christmas Meeting.

         1. Hearing what others remember about the holidays.

         2. Candles-

            1. Silent Night

            2. Christmas Eve Luminaries

         3. Contest Prizes!

            1. 20.00 gift certificate to Knit Picks

            2. A teapot themed sock project bag and a set of Chiagoo Red Lace needles from Slipped Stitch Studios.

            3. A set of Pins and Needles earring and a square bangle from Sassafrass Creations.

            4. A skein of Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock (Large Skein) in Amy's Vintage Office.

         4. Remember contest winner's will be drawn on the 31st! Right now there's about 14 entries and 4 prizes those are good odds!

AJ has finally come to terms with the Christmas knitting. Joe picks out the tea in the tea pot. B wants to leave tacos for Santa. Aj, B, and Nate try out their acting chops.

AJ explains / makes up excuses for her unplanned hiatus. Tons on the needles, nothing off the needles, and a good dollop of trials and tribulations. Aj and Joe snuck off for a date night and while they weren't looking the inlaws have been spoiling B.

The handspun is running low and AJ is freaking out. B wants to make a pie but Joe prefers his pie store bought. The guilt Knitting is cast on and the Super Secret Christmas poroject is still ongoing.

In this mini episode AJ updates on the holiday knittign and the newly cast on scarf. Joe makes stew and Nate takes the ice while B is starting to compile his christmas wish list. AJ keeps her winning mojo going by winning another project bag.

Happy Halloween. The crispness of fall is in the air! AJ has mulled cider in the crock pot, B has his Halloween costume, and Joe only gets about 4 houses down while trick or treating. AJ has a project in shipping and is swatching everythign in site trying to knit from her sock yarn heavy stash.