Episode 007: Knit Along With Us!

Introduction

Today’s stash hiding space was shared MarySK on Ravelry.  Thank you, Mary!

General Announcements

Please share where you “store” your stash in our Ravelry groupfor a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode.  We are out of spaces and need your help!

Our podcast will continue to air once every three weeks.  Our goal is to have a bi-weekly podcast beginning in January

Knit-Along/Crochet-Along Announcement!

First Knit Along!  #TooMuchCandyKAL

September 15- November 1st  (that means it is happening right now!)

Knit something Halloween related.

Sign up and share photos in the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group and on Instagram with the hashtag TooMuchCandyKAL

Prizes will be awarded! 1 drawing via Ravelry and 1 drawing via Instagram using the random number generator.

Prizes will include a handmade project bag and halloween themed hand dyed yarn!

Only US addresses for prizes.

Imaginary Knitting

Tara’s imaginary knitting is the World’s Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits.  She will use this pattern for a class at Woolworks.  She wants to make a garland of mittens for the 12 days of Christmas and has Jill Draper Hudson, Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted, and Madeline Tosh Vintagescraps set aside

Ashley wants to make the Wishmaker Mitts by Erica Heussler and the Bobble Cowl by Joji Locatelli.  She also has an imaginary project that she think would be better classified as a Sad Knitting Tragedy!

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Caragh Sweater by Laura Nelkin.  The sweater is knit side-to-side, has a boxy fit, side cable panels, and an optional cabled cowl.  Tara tested this pattern and found it to be clearly written and interesting to knit.  Here is a link to Tara’s project page.

What We Are Working On

Ashley is working on the Brighton Plaid by Eclectic Gipsyland.  She feels a break is needed because of the shift in weather.

Ashley swatched for the Campside Cardigan.

Ashley started the Festive Sheep Ornament by Jennifer Dickerson, which is a free crochet pattern on Ravelry.  She was inspired by Aquilla da Hun, of the Lefty Knitter Podcast. She finished all of the pieces and just needs to sew them together.

Finally, Ashley has joined the underarms of the Children’s Neck Down Cardigan.

Tara is knitting the Exploration Station by Stephen West using Yarn Hygge by Lis Barsuglia-Madsen.

Tara is knitting the Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits for an upcoming class at Woolworks.  She loves Madeline Tosh Vintage.

Misadventures

Tara purchased the new Chirstmas colorway by Gynx Yarn!  “Cheers” is a green self-striping sock yarn with different colors representing holiday beverages.

Ashley loves themes and self-striping yarn!  Freckled Whimsyhad a Stranger Things themed self-striping yarn update and Ashley was able to snag a skein!

Ashley also purchased a 2 ply BFL yarn from Brooke of Fully Spun, who recently had a trunk show at Woolworks.  This yarn has a hand-spun look.

Sad Knitting Tragedies

Moths found their way into Tara’s finished sweaters!  Oh no!  Her plan is to wash, block, store in plastic baggies, and expose to both cold and heat to prevent further contamination.

Ashley has a serious case of startosis and has spent many evenings winding yarn!  She wound yarn for the Koi Pond Shawlby Casapinka but has not yet cast on.  The yarn looks at her every night, waiting.

Ashley cast on the Whitman Hat with Woolfolk SNO but found this yarn was not a good match for the pattern.

Question of the Day

Q:  “How do you become a test-knitter?”

A:  When a designer has an item to be tested, they will often ask for help on Instagram or in their Ravelry group.  “Testing Pool” and “Free Pattern Testers” are two Ravelry groups specifically for designers to find testers.  Designers will often post a sneak-peak picture, a supply list, a deadline and a questionairre about the pattern.  Designers like to see that you take pictures of your finished objects and share on Ravelry and Instagram.  As you work through the pattern, you update the designer on your progress and if there are any errors or concerns about the pattern.  Some designers encourage a lot of chatter too, which is always fun.  Testing is generally unpaid and done for the love of knitting and the desire to support a particular designer.