cables & crewnecks

On the Needles
Stash Dash is happening and finally I truly have two months to knit since my new school has the August-May schedule. I plan to focus on WIPs, and finishing the Downton Abbey Cowl and Norie Hat, while also working on a very overdue baby blanket and sweater. 
The yarn I got from Lux Adorna knits to make the Peerie Flooers hat got tangled during the move. My Outlander project back with my Outlander socks from Voolenvine Yarns is missing. 
Knitting Finds
Plan to make the Kamari shawl from Kathleen Dames' Santorini Collection with Juniper Moon Farms out of the three skeins of Western Sky Knits that I got from Interweave Yarn Fest. Imerovigli is also a lovely pattern. Check out Knit Filament, which is a magazine that she also publishes. 
Knitting Travels
Finally got myself on the highway because of Interweave Yarn Fest. Throwback to my visit to the amazing Woolyn yarn shop. Plan to go to knit night at Fabric Bliss once I get back to Colorado after my visit to NYC in June and school starts up again. 
Review
Masterpiece Knits: The Modern Collection published by Dragonfly Fibers. I love their yarn - they have been one of my long time favorite indie dyers. Available via Ravelry download for $18, and its definitely well worth the price. Also check out their fundraiser with a limited edition yarn, Maryland Blue Crab; a portion of the proceeds go to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and their summer yarn Beaches, will also go on sale June 4. The fundraiser ends June 4. I myself got a skein in Traveller! 
This New House
I give a tour of "The Craft Office," and want to know if anyone has ideas for yarn storage that is pretty but also protects the yarn?

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On the NeedlesSharing my finished socks with White Birch Fiber Arts yarn, and they went through the washing machine with no problems at all. 
My dad wants a sweater. He has a 45" chest. He chose Fort from BT Men Volume 1 out of the options I gave him. I also informed him that I will never knit a fingering weight sweater for him. 
Self striping yarn from Gynx Yarns! Preppy Gothic Mermaid is a bit of an inside joke between Laura, Kristin and myself.

Maria's Favorite Things!

For the knitter with a sense of humor: 

• Knitters Against Swatches
• Winter is Coming - Knit Faster!
• I Like Big Balls and I Cannot Lie

For the knitter with all the notions: 

• Stitch markers by Winemaker's Sister
• Needle Gauges by Katrinkles

For the knitter who loves Jennie the Potter:

• Ceramic Fox Yarn Bowl
• Blue Room Pottery Yarn Bowl

ReviewLithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions by Donna Druchunas and June Hall, $34.99 USD. Amazing and carefully thought out book.

Events
Knit Knosh hosted by the Knitting Actually Podcast 1/23 Longmont, CO (Denver/Boulder area).

Don't forget the #outlandeRKAL is going in the Ravelry group - the second quiz question is up! In the meantime, we have the first winner for the Lady of Lallybroch Socks by CC Almon of Geeky Girls Knit. This week's prize is a copy of the French Outlander Shawl by Tanya Marie of The Sampler Girl Podcast. 
Here are the list of the other prize sponsors (specific prizes to be announced, as well as a fun grand prize for the KAL): 

• Bijou Basin Ranch: Allure Sampler Pack and 2 Pyramid Peak Hat Kits, color TBD by winner
• The Sampler Girl - French Outlander Shawl
• CC Almon - Lady of Lallybroch Socks
• Lion Brand - Outlander Knitting kits - correction, just 1 each of the Return to Inverness Cowl and Transported to 1743 shawl. One of these will be part of the grand prize!
• Caithness Craft - Tartan Project Bag - to be paired with a Lion Brand Outlander Kit as the KAL grand prize. 
• Dreams in Fiber - 2 Skeins of Outlander Yarn

Both of my Knitting in Japanese classes at Vogue Knitting LIVE! are now sold out but there are a ton of really other great classes too. 
I am so excited to be teaching and seeing all of you. If you already registered, drop a line and say hi either here or anywhere else. I'm planning to pull a Clara Parkes (her Claramels look divine) and bring some treats to class. More details on whether there will be a meetup to come soon. 
Thanks for watching!Subscribe here and here.

On the NeedlesOn a huge sock kick and I was knitting socks in front of my principal! Finished White Birch Fiber Arts "No One Says Screw You Like A Unicorn" (off camera - had to cut the cuff of the first sock, but all is well) and working on my "Outlander" socks for the #outlandeRKAL. Demonstrated how I avoid ladders when shifting from one DPN to the next. 
The Aussie loves the socks I knit him (Fresh from the Cauldron MCN in Michael Corvin from 2009) and is requesting more. 
My Hinoki was a bit of a disaster, but I did have a backup Rhinebeck sweater, thanks to Kristin. I am taking a break from Hinoki and plan to finish it and the pattern over Christmas. 
I recieved the Buchaille Seven Skeins Club from Kate Davies, and I love it. 
Spin Right RoundBack to spinning: working on Pigeonroof Studios July/August 2013 SAL Wine Tasting in Superwash Merino (it's SO soft) on my Bostworth Midi Purpleheart Spindle, and some Falkland fiber from Wild Hare in Natural Appeal on my new zebrawood and ebony spindle from Mill Point Emporium, which is a dream to spin with. 
Knitting Travels - Rhinebeck Edition!The Indie Untangled Trunk Show was a mega sensory overload, but it was alot of fun to see everyone who was part of this year's Road to Rhinebeck series. On Saturday, Laura, Kristing and I did the podcaster meetup, and I actually did not get any yarn - just the Wild Hare Fiber and the new spindle, as well as shearling earmuffs for me and a brushed alpaca scarf for my mom. 
Events & Announcements
Don't forget the #outlandeRKAL is going in the Ravelry group - the second quiz question is up! In the meantime, we have the first winner for the Lady of Lallybroch Socks by CC Almon of Geeky Girls Knit. This week's prize is a copy of the French Outlander Shawl by Tanya Marie of The Sampler Girl Podcast. 
Here are the list of the other prize sponsors (specific prizes to be announced, as well as a fun grand prize for the KAL): 

• Bijou Basin Ranch
• The Sampler Girl
• CC Almon
• Lion Brand
• Caithness Craft
• Dreams in Fiber 

My Knitting in Japanese class at Vogue Knitting LIVE! sold out on the first day of general registration! I am so surprised and honored that so many people wanted to take the class - in fact I am teaching a second session from 9-12 on Saturday January 16, as the 2-5 pm session is already sold out. 
I am so excited to be teaching and seeing all of you. If you already registered, drop a line and say hi either here or anywhere else. I'm planning to pull a Clara Parkes (her Claramels look divine) and bring some treats to class. More details on whether there will be a meetup to come soon. 
Thanks for watching!Subscribe here and here.

See you guys at Rhinebeck! More detailed show notes to follow

Kick off Rhinebeck 2015 the indie way: Indie Untangled is holding its second annual pre-Sheep and Wool Festival trunk show on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Best Western Plus, across the river from the fairgrounds in Kingston, N.Y. Browse hand-dyed yarn and fiber, handmade project bags, buttons, notions and garments from more than two dozen indie artisans. The first 100 shoppers will receive a goody bag filled with gifts and offers from our vendors and sponsors. For more information and a full list of vendors, visit Indie Untangled.
On the Needles
Cast on the test knit lace cowl by Maria Montzka of Stitched in Sweden. Working on Trillian at a pretty steady pace - my wrist is a bit "off" not because of knitting but actually because of sewing!

Knitting Travels
The day before I left for NYC I convinced The Aussie to drive up to The Loopy Ewe, which was a bit of an adventure.

Went to Voolenvine Yarn's trunk show at Gauge and Tension - in the downtime we tried on the GxT Cormo shawls that were on display and the yarn is so soft. Kristin and I had fun pretending to be knitwear models. She had alot of the good favorites on display and I fell in love with her Water Lily sweater knit. We also met Mina of the Knitting Expat podcast! 
AMA
This week's question is from suddenexpression and we talk about how I go about picking fabric for my garments.

Reviews:
Pom Pom Quarterly Summer Edition - holding on to the last bits of summer, though their fall edition is amazing. We also have a giveaway - which pattern would you knit to help keep the last bits of summer alive for you?

Events and Announcements
Rhinebeck plans have changed again. Laura (The Dyer's Notebook) and Kristin (Yarngasm), and I will be at the Indie Untangled trunk show and there will be a meetup! Time TBD. 
Congratulations to Helen of Curious Handmade and Jo from Shinybees who won in the Games & Hobbies and Most Engaged Audience categories of the UK Podcaster awards! They were well deserved wins.

I'm teaching Knitting in Japanese at Vogue Knitting LIVE! in NYC this January! The class is Saturday from 2-5pm. 
Signups for the OutlandeRKAL are happening now. 
Socktober with Carolina Fiber Girls Podcast.


Thanks for joining in!Subscribe here and here (Stitcher still in the process of updating the new feed!)

Kick off Rhinebeck 2015 the indie way: Indie Untangled is holding its second annual pre-Sheep and Wool Festival trunk show on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Best Western Plus, across the river from the fairgrounds in Kingston, N.Y. Browse hand-dyed yarn and fiber, handmade project bags, buttons, notions and garments from more than two dozen indie artisans. The first 100 shoppers will receive a goody bag filled with gifts and offers from our vendors and sponsors. For more information and a full list of vendors, visit Indie Untangled.


In our second-to-last episode (bit delayed due to back to school and a cold), we chat about all things lanolin from the Sweet Sheep Body Shoppe! I enjoyed chatting with Alicia so much and definitely wanted to try out her products, so I was really busy perusing her shop during the interview. I scored the Lotion Bar in Down by the Bay, and her Goat Milk Soap Bar in Sea Moss. Her product photography is lovely, and we discuss it further, especially trying to convey a scent through images. I think it's pretty successful. If you are looking for something that is all natural and is gentle on your skin, definitely go check out Alicia's products. My oily, acne-prone skin is looking all the better especially since I have been using the lotion bar after a summer in dry, dry Colorado! My legs are thanking me for it. 
PS. Don't forget, we have changed the podcast feed! Episodes are directly embedded into the shownotes - please refresh your iTunes and Stitcher Feeds. 

Kick off Rhinebeck 2015 the indie way: Indie Untangled is holding its second annual pre-Sheep and Wool Festival trunk show on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Best Western Plus, across the river from the fairgrounds in Kingston, N.Y. Browse hand-dyed yarn and fiber, handmade project bags, buttons, notions and garments from more than two dozen indie artisans. The first 100 shoppers will receive a goody bag filled with gifts and offers from our vendors and sponsors. For more information and a full list of vendors, visit Indie Untangled.









We are back in NYC, and back with the Road to Rhinebeck series! Today we are taking a closer look at Three Fates Yarns. She creates lovely yarn and fiber, with a great inspirational connection to mythology, and talking about the start of Ravelry. 
Gradients and Ombres Sock Blank Yarn Club. Source: Three Fates YarnsFalkland Merino Roving. Source: Three Fates YarnsGlitterati Sock Yarn. Source: Three Fates Yarns

Kick off Rhinebeck 2015 the indie way: Indie Untangled is holding its second annual pre-Sheep and Wool Festival trunk show on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Best Western Plus, across the river from the fairgrounds in Kingston, N.Y. Browse hand-dyed yarn and fiber, handmade project bags, buttons, notions and garments from more than two dozen indie artisans. The first 100 shoppers will receive a goody bag filled with gifts and offers from our vendors and sponsors. For more information and a full list of vendors, visit Indie Untangled.

On the NeedlesAlmost done with the body of Hinoki - I am debating on whether to do waist increases later on down in the sweater, or incorporate that into the raglan yoke, or to do it right after I separate the sleeves. I intend to wear this sweater with a shirt layered underneath, and I like a loose, but tailored fit. I do not really like overly fitted sweaters (which I why I do not wear Cadence too much), so I might go with the last option so that the underarms aren't so baggy. 
Frannie Cowl with Pepperberry Knits - nice and simple. Knitting it in the Long Johns Colorway. 
Knitting FindsErin Lane is starting her own fabric line! Check it out and support it here. 

There is a new knitting pattern collaboration and KAL between Andrea Mowry and Lesley Anne Robinson called Knit in Color. I love the patterns from both of these designers. 

Mingo and Asho make gorgeous supported spindles with glass bottoms. 
Pins and Needles
No spinning done for Tour de Fleece - been distracted by sewing! 

Completed the Colette Sorbetto top and Sailor Top with help from the Fancy Tiger Crafts class. I'm trying to make 3 versions of the Scout Tee by Grainline Studios and finish my dress from my Mood Class (McCall's 6124) as well as make another Dress (Simplicity 1880) and Pajamas (New Look 6859).

Bias Tape is from So Biased.

Knitting Travels
Jackalope Art Fair and met with The Lemonade Shop, Sleep Season and Knerd Yarns! I got my "I'm a Knitter, Not a Quitter" hoop from The Beedle.
ReviewLove + Leche Lotion bar in Citrus Rose - really like it! It's my first experience with a lotion bar and it's helped my skin deal with the drier air now that I am at a higher altitude. 
Events and Announcements
Yarn Along the Rockies
Rhinebeck!
Catching up on giveaways, and mailing out some next week.

Vote for Shinybees and Curious Handmade in the UK Podcaster Awards!

Liking Stitched in Sweden and Knitting Expat.

The winner of The Bletchley Collection giveaway is post #8: zquilts! Please PM me with your mailing info to forward for your prize.





We still have the 1000 member giveaway going. Only 33 more to go! 
Thanks for joining in!Watch here, and subscribe here and here.

A very belated episode, but lots of recaps to share!  On the Needles: Baby blanket on hiatus, and as a result I had no knitting for Stitches WEST.  Knitting Finds:Quince and Co Color Comparer: on the lower left corner of each yarn photo when purchasing yarn, like ChickadeeYarndevuJapanese nengajo (New Year) postcards with a special stamp celebrating the Lunar New YearSheep cafe in  South Korea, going along with the trends of the cat cafes started in Asia - NYC now has Meow Parlor.  Vogue Knitting LIVE! NYC Recap 2015 (Previous recaps here)I had a blast running around with my camera and interviewing some of my favorite designers and dyers over the course of the show:  Trisha Malcolm, editor of Vogue KnittingDragonfly FibersJill Draper Makes StuffLong Island LivestockSusan Gibbs, author of Modern Country Knits and of Juniper Moon Farms Stitches West RecapFinally got a Jennie the Potter Mug! Mine is a dinosaur. Yarn on the House/YOTH: check out the Highlights post here (we have a giveaway for a yarn tote - winner announced in next episode!)Pepperberry Knits: Highlights Post here. The Frosted Pumpkin StitcheryCanon Hand DyesWhite Birch Fiber Arts Events and AnnouncementsLong Island Fleece and Fiber is next weekend - if you are in the NYC area, come along on the bus out to Riverhead and the festival! There is a GREAT swag bag for attendees with sample yarn and a coupon from Hampton Artistic Yarns, wine tasting at Martha Clara Vineyards and more.  We still have the 1000 member giveaway going. Only 50 more to go!  Thanks for listening!Watch here, and subscribe here and here.