misadventures in knitting

Today's Topics Include:

General Announcements

The Julgran Knit Along

Hot Off the Needles

What We are Working On

Imaginary Knitting

Sew, I have another Lover

Thank you, FunkyChic309, for sharing that you always have three projects on the needles!

General Announcements

1.)  Giveaway Prize Winners!

Congratulations to MimisKnit on Ravelry who won the gorgeous three skein set from Anne of Woolyhues!  We cannot wait to see what you create with the yarn, Heather!

Congratulations to "TheThingsIHaveMade" on Instagram who won the "Splendid Soles"book donated by Lori Wagner.  We loved seeing your photos, Hannah!

2.)  The Knitters Book Club!

We are pleased to announce a second installment of the Knitter's Book Club.  Starting now through mid-August, join us in reading the thrilling page turner, "In a Dark, Dark Wood"by Ruth Ware.  On Friday evening, August 17th, we will host a Google Hang Out to discuss the book and share whatever crafty project we are working on.  Please note, this book is not knitting related and does not include any particular knitting project.

The Julgran Knit Along

Julgran means Christmas Tree in Swedish and because many people enjoy a good Christmas-in-July project, we thought the Julgran Sweaterwould be a perfect choice for a knit along!

Julgranis a top-down vintage inspired pullover designed by Andi Satterland that features a large Christmas tree on the front-center that can be decorated with beads or left plain.

Notes about the pattern:

The Christmas tree is charted only.

Worsted weight yarn with a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over four inches

Designer used Quince and Company Lark.

Size US 6 and 8 needles, with larger needle for gauge.

Pattern is available on Ravelry for $6.75 US Dollars.

Pattern allows for personalization!

The Julgran Knit Along begins now (July) and will end January 1st, 2019!  That means you have six months to knit this sweater!  We are hoping this long and flexible time frame will encourage you to join us because this sweater will be super cute come holiday season!  Plus, there will be prizes!  Please see our Ravelry groupfor more information!

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished a pair of top-down vanilla socks using Rock and String Creations'sDerby Day colorway.

Using Shepherd's Worsted,Ashley finished the June Square for the River Knits Afghan Along.  Ashley modified the pattern by knitting an intarsia square with stripes.

Ashley finished the Serapeby Megi Burcl, available for download on Interweave.  Ashley used Shibui Stocatto.  Instead of fringe, Ashley crocheted loops along the edge.

Ashley finished the Children's Neck Down Cardiganby Knitting Pure and Simple for her son, William.  Ashley used Spud and Chloe Sweaterand will add a zipper.

What We are Working On

Tara is test-knitting the Poca Sweater by Laura Nelkin using Jill Draper Kingston.  This pattern will be released in late July!

Tara recently cast on the Kelso Shawlby Helen Stewart using Adirondack Yarns Spirited Fibers.

Ashley is working on the Brighton Plaidby Eclectic Gypsy using Madeline ToshUnicorn Tails and Neighborhood Fiber CompanyRustic.

Ashley is working on the August square of the River Knits Afghan.  This square is lace and Ashley had to go down a needle size.

Imaginary Knitting

Tara is imaginary knitting:

Merry Bear by Susan B. Anderson

North Sea Nostalgiaby Heidi Kirrmaier

Ashley is imaginary knitting:

Ice Cream Doggieby Anna Hrachovec

Harlowby Andrea Mowry

Sew, I Have Another Lover

Ashley finished the Cleo Skirtand Luna pants by Made By Rae.

Ashley finished the Purl Soho City Gym Shorts.

Ashley's son William made his first pair of pajama pants!  He used the Simplicity #2290 pattern.  Congratulations, William!

Ashley started the Foundation Paper Pieced Square, All in the Neighborhood, by CR Creations Shop.

Today's topics include:

Summer Book Club

Hot Off the Needles

What we are Working on

Sew, I have Another Lover!

On our Headphones

Thank you to TioTweety for sharing her WIPs (works-in-progress) with us.

Listeners, how many projects are on YOUR needles?  Please answer this question in our Ravelry thread for a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode!

Summer Book Club

This summer, we will read In a Dark, Dark Woodby Ruth Ware.

Tentative date for Google Hang Out is Friday evening, August 17th.

This books is a scary, page-turning thriller and is not knitting related.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished three pairs of socks.

1.) Mistletoe Kissesby Knitting Expat Designs using GynxYarns Glitz in Heartbreaker.

2.) Warm and Snug by Knitting Expat Designs using Lollipop YarnsBeefcake in Get Lucky.

3.) Resfeberby Knitting Expat Designs using Gale's Art Sock Blank.

What we are Working on

Ashley is working on:

1.) Knitting Pure and Simple's Children's Neck Down Cardiganin Spud and Chloe Sweater.

2.) Helen Stewart's Vintage Fairy Lights Socksin Madeline Tosh Twist Light.

Tara is working on:

1.) Poca sweater, a test knit for Laura Nelkin.  She is using JDMSKingston yarn.

2.) Two pairs of vanilla socks:

Lollipop Yarns Quintessential Base in Catawampus

Rock and String CreationsJitterbug Base in Derby Day

Sew, I Have Another Lover

Ashley is busy working on:

Made by Rae Luna Pant

Made by Rae Cleo Skirt

And, congratulations to Ashley who now works at Domesticity, a fabric store in Baltimore!

On Our Headphones

Knitting Podcasts we both enjoy:

1.) Downcellar Studio

2.) Knitmore Girls

3,) Curious Handmade

Tara enjoys a true crime podcast called Once Upon a Crime.

Ashley enjoys:

My Favorite Murder

Two Dope Queens

Missing Richard Simmons

Eleanor Amplified(for kids)

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel (for kids)

You may have noticed that we changed our intro prompt.  Now that we are officially in our second year, our question to you all is:  "how many projects do you have on the needles?"  This includes WIPS, UFOs, and all of your most recent cast ons.  Don't be shy!  Share with us in our Ravelry thread and we may feature you on an upcoming podcast episode.

Today's topics include:

One Year Anniversary Celebration and Special Giveaways!

Maryland Sheep and Wool Wrap Up!

Hot off the Needles

What we are Working on

One Year Celebration and Special Giveaways

To celebrate the conclusion of our first year of podcasting, we have two special giveaways to tell you about.

Giveaway #1: Yarn Set from Wooly Hues

To win this BEAUTIFUL yarn set, you must:

1.)  Follow Aleaness on Instagram.  (Aleaness is the dyer of Wooly Hues Yarn)

2.)  Follow Misadventures in Knittingon Instagram.

3.)  Find the photo of the Wooly Hues Yarn on our Instagram page and in our Ravelry Groupand answer the question:  "What would you make with this yarn?"  If you answer on both Instagram and Ravelry, you will have two entries.

(A note to Ann: Thank you SOOO much for the yarn!!!  We love it and really appreciate your generosity.)

Giveaway #2:  Splendid Soles

Book was gifted to us by Lori Wagner who has a pattern in the book, the "Textured Lace Socks" pattern.  (Thank you, Lori!)

Tara's Review:

16 patterns for experienced sock knitters.

All varieties of socks: lace, cables, and mosaics.

Collection of patterns by independent designers.  Designer emails are included with each pattern for support or questions.

Brief introductions written by each designer.

Crisp, clear photography with large photos; many photos are full page.

Photos are just of socks, nothing else to distract the reader.

Large, very easy-to-read charts.

Socks are knitted in a variety of ways, top-down, bottom-up, with DPNs, magic-loop or two-circulars.

All styles of heels (traditional to short rows).

Features KnitPicks yarn.

You can see patterns on Ravelry or on the KnitPicks website.

Ashley's Review:

Ashley also likes the large photos.

Ashley wishes it had a lay-flat binding.  She recommends taking it to a copy shop and having it spiral bound.

Ashley thought the textured stitch patterns ranged from easy to difficult.

To win this awesome book, you must:

1.)  Follow Knit Picks on Instagram.

2.)  Follow the Misadventures in Knitting Podcaston Instagram.

3.)  Post a picture of your favorite pair of socks that you have knit OR a picture of some sock yarn that you cannot wait to use for a pair of socks.  Be sure to tag us and use #SplendidSolesGiveaway

Both of these contests have a deadline of June 17th!

We will choose a winner and announce on the following episode.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Wrap-Up

Tara mentioned:  Jill Draper Makes Stuff, Heirlooms/Yarn Hyggeby Lis Barsuglia-Madsen, and Bartlett Yarns.

Tara was also able to meet some very friendly people, including:

Trish of the Best Day Ever Podcast

Liz of the Just One N Podcast

Mary of Kino Knits

While Tara was getting high on yarn fumes (ha!), Ashley was running around Pittsburgh (literally) with her family.  Congratulations to Ashley on finishing the 1/2 portion of the marathon!  Way to go!  She mentioned the fabric store called Loom and the Pittsburgh Incline.  She had a great weekend.  She thanks KnitReannaKnit for travel advice.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Thick and Thin Shawlettedesigned by Lis Barsuglia-Madsen.  This pattern uses Yarn Hygge DK Singles and Lace Silk/Mohair.

Ashley finished a pair of socks which she will use for her beginning sock class at Woolworks.  She used Cascade Wave.

 

What We are Working On

Tara has been working on a secret test knit for Lori Wagner, a beautiful crescent shaped lace shawl.  Tara decided to place beads even though the pattern does not specify to do so.  She used A Verb for Keeping WarmAnnapurna Cashmere Sport Weight.

Ashley has been working on the Children's Neck Down Cardiganby Knitting Pure and Simple.  She used Spud and Chloe Sweater.

Ashley is also working on the Impressionists MKALby Helen Stewart.  She is now on Clue 2 with Nox Yarn.

Finally, Ashley is working on the River Knits Afghan Along.  She is on the May Square, which is highly cabled.  She is using Shepherd's Worsted for the blanket.

Tara's son, Leo, finished his very first scarf thanks to the Waldorf School of Baltimore.

Today's topics include:

Local Yarn Store Love

Misadventures

Hot Off the Needles

What we are Working On

Local Yarn Store Love

Local Yarn Store Daywas April 21st and was created by TNNA to support and boost interest in local yarn shops.

We mentioned the closing of Knitterly and Adirondack Yarns.

Local yarn shops create knitting community and provide educational resources.  Even if you already have more yarn than you can possibly knit in a lifetime, you can support your LYS by taking classes and participating in knit alongs!  Plus, purchase your needles and notions from your LYS.  Every little bit helps.

Tara mentioned Lovelyarns in Baltimore, MD.

Misadventures

Recently, Tara destashed some of her yarn, including a few sweater quantities.  She gifted some yarn to friends and plans to donate the rest.  She also frogged a few projects that she lost interest in.

Hot Off the Needles

Ashley finished the Confluence Shawlette by Sivia Harding.  She used Fibre Company Meadowand Toho Beads.

Ashley also finished the April Square of the River Knits Afghan, which included colorwork and steeking.  Ashley loved the experience!  She used videos by Mary Jane Mucklestone and Kate Davies to guide her through the steps.

Tara finished the Impressionists Mystery Knit Along by Helen Stewart.  She used Primrose Adelaide.

What we are Working On:

Tara has mended a few projects, including Bunny by Susan B. Anderson.

Ashley restarted her Impressionists MKAL with different colors by MadelineTosh, Nox Yarn and Primrose.

Ashley is also testing a pair of socks for Jessie Marie, who is offering 30% off her the Philosopher's Stone club until June 1st.

Today's topics include:

Upcoming Events and General Announcements

Lykke Needle Review

What we are Wearing

Hot Off the Needles

What we are Working on

and, Healthy Living with Tara and Ashley

Today's stash hiding space was shared by TioTweety on Ravelry.  Thanks for participating, Teresa!

Upcoming Events and General Announcements

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival will be held May 5th and 6th at the Howard County Fairgrounds.  Tara will attend the festival on Saturday and is hoping to meet listeners at the podcaster meet up in Barn 7/8 at 1:00 PM.  If you are in the Pittsburgh area that same weekend, you can cheer on Ashley, who will run the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon!

A shout out to Sally4 for visiting Woolworks!  Thank you to Judy and Mary for participating in our last Google Hang Out!

We are planning a second Knitters Book Club to take place this summer.  More information to come.

Finally, we need your input!  We are planning a future episode that will focus on local yarn shops.  A thread will be created in our Ravelry group asking for your thoughts and opinions.  If you have the time, feel free to participate!

Lykke Needle Review

Lykke needles are very popular so we decided to review them (and thanks for the suggestion, Jackie!).  They are dyed to look like drift wood but are actually birch wood.  A very helpful review can be found at Knitter's Review, by Clara Parkes.

Ashley says:

I like how the size of the needle is etched clearly on the side and won't rub off.

The cord is stiff for magic loop.

I like the needle tip which is smooth and has a nice, middle of the road point.

The advertising on the website is deceiving.

Tara says:

I like the price point!  More affordable than Addi's.

The cord is stiff.  This works well for a hat but I wonder what it would be like for a shawl.

The needle tip is dark in color, so be aware if using dark yarns or if you are a beginning knitter.

Overall:

They are worth trying out!

What we are Wearing:

Tara has been wearing the Fancy Cardi by Joji Locatelli.  She used Dragonfly Fibers Pixie in the Espresso Roast colorway.

And because the temperature has been on the cooler side, Tara has also worn the Gather Together Sweater by Joji Locatelli.  She used Plucky Trusty in the Two Hearted colorway.

Ashley has been wearing the Four Seasons Shawl by Alana Dakos.  She used Three Irish Girls Wexford Merino Base.

She has also been wearing La Mer Socks by Sandra Park, knitted by Ashley's friend, Heather.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart.  She used Old Maiden Aunt's Sock Yarn in the Buttermint colorway and beads purchased at Lovelyarns in Baltimore, MD.

Ashley finished her #knittersbookclubkal!  She knit the Ruched Beret by Susan B. Anderson, which is from the Weekend Hats Book.

What we are Working On

Ashley finished sock #1 of the Vintage Fairy Lights pattern by Helen Stewart.

Ashley is nearly finished with the Confluence Shawlette by Sivia Harding.  She is using The Fibre Company Meadow yarn.  She is using Japanese Toho Beads.

Finally, Ashley is working on the Impressionist Mystery Knit Along by Helen Stewart.  Ashley is using Primrose Adelaide but is feeling unsure about her color choices.  Tara is also working on this project and is using the same yarn!  Twinsies!

Tara is also working on the Creatrix Shawl by Laura Nelkin.  She is finding this challenging but fun!  She is using The Fibre Company Meadow and size 6-0 and 8-0 beads.

Healthy Living with Ashley and Tara--Movement

Ashley and Tara talk about the benefits of moving!

Tara mentioned the podcast called The Walk, by Naomi Alderman.  She also read a quote from NPR.  Naomi Alderman also has a free phone app called Zombies, Run.

Ashley is training for the 1/2 portion of the Pittsburgh Marathon.  Ashley uses the Strava App to keep track of her pace and miles.

Today's topics include:

 Come Visit Us

The Knitters Book Club Wrap Up

Hot off the Needles

What we are Working on

Sad Knitting Tragedies

and, Cozy Home

Today's stash hiding space was shared by LWT1 on Ravelry.  This knitter is currently hiding a stash of beautiful yarn in a sweater!  Thanks for sharing with us, Lori!

Come Visit Us

The Charm City Yarn Crawl will take place April 6th-15th.  Come visit Ashley and Tara at Woolworks on Sunday, April 8th from 12-4 PM.  See CharmCityYarnCrawl.com for more information about participating stores, discounts, special prizes, and driving routes.

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday May 5th and 6th at the Howard County Fairgrounds.  Tara will attend on Saturday.  A podcaster meetup will take place in the small show ring in Barn 7/8 around 1 o'clock.

The Knitters Book Club Wrap Up

Over the past three months, we read A Stash of One's Own by Clara Parkes.  During our second Google Hangout, Clara Parkes joined us for an hour long discussion about her book.  It was a fun night despite some minor hiccups with technology.  Clara, if you are reading this, THANK YOU SO MUCH!  YOU ARE AWESOME!  Learn more about Clara on her website and at Knitters Review!

During the hangout, we talked about books we are currently reading.  Clara was reading Migraine by Oliver Sacks and No Time to Spare by Ursula Le Guin.  Other books mentioned were The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron, More Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin, and The Power by Naomi Alderman.

The final Google Hangout will take place Friday, April 6th at 8 PM Eastern Standard Time.  See our Ravelry group for more information, including the link.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Flax sweater by TinCanKnits in the size 8-10.  She used Madeline Tosh Vintage and Jill Draper Hudson in a variety of colors.

Tara finished the Adult S/M Rosewater Beret by TinCanKnits.  She used Woolfolk Tov DK.

Tara finished one Stepping Stone Sock by Clara Parkes, which is a free pattern on Ravelry.  She used Malabrigo Rios.  The single sock is a shop sample at Woolworks.

Ashley finished the March Square (cables) of her River Knits Afghan Along.

What We Are Working On

Tara is working on the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart.  She is using Old Maiden Aunt Superwash 4 ply sock yarn in the colorway Buttermint and size 5 triangular beads, which she purchased from Lovelyarns.  Tara is using the Super Floss method to add the beads.  See this video by Laura Nelkin for more information!

Ashley is working on the Vintage Fairy Lights Socks by Helen Stewart.  She is using the Madeline Tosh Twist Light in the Holi Festival Colorway.

Ashley casted on the Easy Peasy Socks for First Timers by Stacey Trock.  She is using Cascade Wave 220 Superwash.

Sad Knitting Tragedies

Ashley lost a special knitting bag, her Addi size 1 needles and her casted on sock in a parking lot . . . WAAHHHH!  :(

Cozy Home

This is a new section for the podcast.  We want to share how we make our own homes cozy!

Tara shared her favorite herbal teas.

Tulsi Cinnamon Rose by Organic India

Apple Chai Spice Red Bush Tea by Eastern Shore Tea Company

Chai Rooibos by Yogi Teas

Gingerbread Spice by Celestial Seasonings

Ashley talked about the love affair with her CrockPot.  She makes soup, oatmeal, yogurt, and whole chickens in her CrockPot!  She mentioned Jamie Oliver's Milk Chicken, find the recipe here.

Tara and Ashley interviewed Brooke Addams, the owner of Fully Spun Yarn.  Fully Spun is a unique mill-spun yarn that looks similar to handspun.  Brooke dyes wool roving in small batches and sends it to a mill to be spun.  The result is a colorful, "fractal" effect.

During the interview, Brooke shares her love of knitting and how she began dyeing her own yarn.  Brooke explains her fundraising efforts for Hurricane Harvey relief by knitting a sweater in 24 hours while live streaming on You Tube!   She also reveals a few knitting and sewing misadventures!

Find Brooke's yarns on Etsy by clicking here.

Follow her on Instagram at IAmFullySpun.

Today's topics include:

General Announcements

Knitting for Children

Hot Off the Needles

What We are Working On

Listener Contribution

and, New Years Resolution Update

Today's stash hiding space was shared by HockeyRachel on Ravelry.  Thank you for contributing to our podcast, Rachel!

Listners, please tell us where you store your stash by visiting the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group where you will find a thread titled, "where do you hide your stash?"  Share your story and you may be featured on an upcoming episode!

General Announcements

As discussed in Episode 14, we promised to give away a skein of Gynx Yarn to one lucky Ravelry Group member.  We used Random Number generator and are pleased to announce Emkubokirs is our lucky winner.  Congratulations, Emilia!  Thank you all for joining the group and thus, participating in the contest.  We now have over 125 members and are thrilled.

The Misadventures in Knitting Podcast is in need of additional ratings on iTunes.  If you have a spare moment, please leave a review.  This will help the podcast become more searchable.  Thank you to everyone who has already done so!

The Misadventures in Knitting Podcast is currently hosting the Knitters Book Club.  We are reading A Stash of One's Own by Clara Parkes and knitting a project designed by a contributor.  Our second Google Hang Out will take place Friday, March 2nd at 8 PM Easter Standard Time.  Links and more detailed information can be found in the Ravelry forum.  We are sharing pictures of our knitting on Ravelry and Instagram using #KnittersBookClubKAL .

Knitting for Children

One of the themes of A Stash of One's Own is the parent-child relationship and how yarn can connect the generations.  This got us thinking and today we talked about knitting for children.

Tara's children have been wearing hand knit sweaters.  River wears Angel in my Tiny Pocket and Leo wears So Faded Pint Size, even though it barely covers his belly button.  Ashley's son, William, wears hand knit hats and a recently finished pair of socks.  Ashley's favorite pattern was the Kinsale Sweater by Terri Kruse.

Tara mentions A Bear in a Bunny Suit by Susan B. Anderson.

Ashley recently finished a pair of mismatched Valentine's Day socks for William using Freckled Whimsy sock yarn in the "Upside Down" color way.

Tara is working on a rainbow Flax sweater for her son, Leo, using Madeline Tosh Vintage and Jill Draper Makes Stuff Hudson.

Ashley and Tara mention Knits for Boys by Kate Oates.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Magic Toadstool socks by Stone Knits.  The main color was Spun Right Round Turbo Gypsy.

Tara also finished the Vintage Fairy Lights by Helen Stewart and used Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Zephyr color way.

 Ashley finished the Squircle Socks by General Hogbuffer.  She used Claudia's Hand Painted Addiction and Lollipop Yarns Self Striping.

What We are Working On

The Sock Collections Tara mentioned are:

1.)  The Wanderlust Sock Club by Mina Philip

2.) The Cosy Sock Collection by Mina Philip

3.) The Sock Society by Helen Stewart

Tara casted on the Mistletoe Kisses Sock by Knitting Expat Designs and is using Gynx Self-Striping in the Heartbreaker color.  She is using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel.

Tara is using a Gale's Art sock blank to knit the Resfeber Socks by Knitting Expat Design.  She is participating in the Knit Your Blanking Sock Blank KAL with the Elizabeth Zimmerman's Just One N Podcast.

Tara also casted on the Winter Rose Socks by Helen Stewart.  She is using Magpie Fibers Swanky Sock.

Ashley has socks on the needles, as well!  She is knitting a vanilla sock using Yarn Love Juliet and Quaere Fibres self-striping.

Ashley is working on the February square of the River Knits Afghan Along and is using Shepherd's Worsted yarn.

Listener Contribution

KnitWithAView wrote:  So many of the podcasts I listen to are from the west coast and they are all excited about going to Stitches West.  And, I hear a lot about Rhinebeck.  But, I live in Central Virginia.  Since you're not too far away, in Baltimore, what can you tell me about knitting or yarn events closer to home?  I'd love to start with something that was more like a day trip.

 

In the Maryland Region, we have:

1.)  The Homespun Yarn Party

Sunday, March 18th, 12-5 PM

Historic Savage Mill in Frederick, MD

2.) Charm City Yarn Crawl

April 6th-15th

Various shops in the Baltimore area

3.) Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

Saturday May 5th and Sunday May 6th

Howard County Fair Grounds

4.) The Knot House Pop Up

Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 4th, 5th and 6th)

The Knot House in Frederick, MD

5.) Needles Up

Friday May 4th, 2-6 PM

5885 Robert Oliver Place, Room 201, Columbia, MD

6.) Frederick Fiber Festival

June 2nd and 3rd

Frederick Fairgrounds

7.) Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival

November 10-11

Howard County Fairgrounds

Clara Parkes has collected information about events happening throughout the world here.

New Years Resolutions Update

Tara's New Year resolution was to knit from stash and not buy new yarn.  Update:  Tara loves yarn and has broken the "yarn diet" many times.

Ashley's New Year resolution was to sew more and to build a new sewing table.  Update:  Ashley built the table!  Ashley has sewn more!  Ashley took a Knit Tee class at Domesticity and a Quilted Table Runner Class at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

Ashley also resolved to become more active.  Update: Ashley signed up for several running races.  She will do the Pittsburg 1/2 Marathon and the Baltimore B-3 Challenge.

Today's topics include

The Knitters Book Club Knit Along

Imaginary Knitting

Hot Off the Needles

What we are Working on

Sad Knitting Tragedies

and, Listener Contribution!

Today's stash hiding space was shared by SCButtercup on Ravelry.  Thank you for participating, SCButtercup!

Listeners, please share where you hide your stash with us for a chance to be featured on the show!  Visit the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group and find the thread titled, "where do you hide your stash?"

We need additional ratings on iTunes.  If you have a spare moment, please leave us a review.  This will help our podcast to become searchable.  Thank you in advance.

Thank you to everyone who has joined our Ravelry group!  We are pleased to announce we now have over 100 members!  To celebrate, one lucky group member will receive a bit of yarny goodness.  On Wednesday, February 21st, we will use the Random Number Generator to select a winner.  Up for grabs is one skein of Gynx Self Striping Yarn!  To enter, become a member of our group!

The Misadventures in Knitting Podcast is currently hosting the Knitters Book Club.  We are reading A Stash of One's Own by Clara Parkes and knitting a project designed by a contributor.  Our second Google Hang Out will take place Friday, March 2nd at 8 PM Eastern Standard Time.  Links and more detailed information can be found in the Ravelry forum.  Share pictures of projects using #KnittersBookClubKAL

Knitters Book Club Discussion

Thank you to Teresa, Heather and Mary for participating!

Imaginary Knitting Discussion

Tara wants to knit every pattern in the book, Silk Road Socks, by Hunter Hammersen.

Ashley has tried to avoid Ravelry because she wants to finish the projects in her UFO bin, especially the Serape Shawl by Megi Burcl and the Peacock Cowl by Stephanie Tallent.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Pennyroyal Hat by Tracey Lambert of Magpie Fibers.  Tara knit her hat with Magpie Fibers Domestic Worsted in the Norwegian Wood Colorway.  Tara also had the pleasure of teaching two new knitters (Allie and Lauren!) how to knit in the round and how to knit lace using this pattern.

Tara finished the Heart Socks by Susan B. Anderson.  She used Abstract Fibers Sock Yarn.

What We are Working On

Ashley is knitting the Modern Icelandic sweater by Lars Raines which is available in the 2018 Winter Issue of Vogue Knitting.

Ashley is knitting the Squircle Sock by General Hogbuffer and is using Claudia's Handpainted Addiction and Lollipop Yarns.

Ashley is knitting the February Block of the month, which involves mosaic knitting, from River Knits Year Long Afghan.

 

Tara is working on the Magic Toadstool Socks by Stone Knits.  She casted on the Gordes Socks by Hunter Hammersen.  Finally, Tara casted on the Flax Sweater by Tin Can Knits.

Sad Knitting Tragedies

Ashley had trouble setting up the decreases for the Squircle Socks.  She had to rip back several times!

The Listener Contribution

VermontNana asked, "Do you like cables?  Or do you avoid them in your knitting?"

Tara loves cables!

Her first cabling experience was the Antler Sweater by Tin Can Knits

Her favorite cabled pattern is the Quadri Hat by Michelle Wang

Ashley does not love cables!

Her first cabling project was the Twisted Vine Neck Warmer by Grace Mcewen

She also knit the Four Seasons Shawl by Alana Dakos

Tara and Ashley cable without a needle.  There are many helpful videos on YouTube, including the one below.

Today's topics include:

The Knitters Book Club Knit Along

Hot Off the Needles

What we are Working on

Product Review Time!

2018 Resolution Update

Today's stash  hiding space was shared by ContentedReader on Ravelry.  Thank you very much for contributing to the show!

Listeners, please let us know where you "hide" your stash by visiting the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group.  There you will find a thread called, "where do you hide your stash?"  Share your story and you may be featured on an upcoming episode.

Thank you to everyone who joined our Ravelry Group.  We are pleased to announce we now have over 100 members.  Please introduce yourselves and stay tuned for a prize drawing in the near future.

Speaking of our Ravelry Group, the Misadventures in Knitting Podcast is currently hosting the Knitters Book Club.  Over the course of the next three months, we will read  A Stash of One's Own by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by a contributor.  Google Hang Outs will take place on the final Friday evening of each month through March.  This will give us a chance to chat "face to face" like a real book club.  Links and more detailed information is available in the Ravelry group.  Use #KnittersBookClubKAL when sharing photos on social media!

Hot Off the Needles

Ashley finished the Land of Sweets Cowl by Helen Stewart.  She used a Nox Yarn advent collection.  Ashley also finished a baby bunting for a customer.

Tara finished Angel in My Tiny Pocket by Melissa Kemmerer.  She knit the size 6 and used Jill Draper Esopus fingering, which is sadly discontinued.

Tara finished the Smooth Operator Socks by Susan B. Anderson.  She used Gynx yarn in the Gingerbread House colorway, as well as Coop Knits Socks Yeah! for the cuff, heels, and toes.

What We Are Working On:

Tara is using Abstract Fibers Sock to create the Heart Socks by Susan B. Anderson for Valentine's Day.  She is following the lace directions for the hearts (which are free!) and the How I Make My Socks Pattern by Susan B. Anderson (which is also free!)

Tara is working on the Magic Toadstool Socks by Stone Knits.

Ashley is working on River Knits Year Long Afghan for a class taught at Woolworks.  The pattern is by Amanda Gill and available on Ravelry.  The blanket is made up of ten unique squares and Ashley is using Shepherd's Worsted by Stonehenge Mills.

Ashley casted on the Lars Rains Modern Icelandic Sweater available in the 2018 Winter Issue of Vogue Knitting.  She is using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok.  This sweater project is part of the Thursday night Knit Alongs hosted by Woolworks in Baltimore, MD.

Finally, Ashley started the Squircle socks by General Hogbuffer using Claudia's Handpainted Addiction yarn.

Product Review Time!

Ashley and Tara review Addi Flexi Flips.  These needles are advertised as an alternative to using DPNs, Magic Loop or two circular needles for knitting small circumferences in the round, for example: socks or sleeves.  Since their release, these needles have been wildly popular and are worth a try.

Ashley's thoughts:

It's great that Addi provides a video for successful use!

Casting-on with these needles was challenging, but it is also difficult to cast on with DPNs or Magic Loop.

Flexi-Flips may work well for movie-theatre knitting.

I like the Rocket Tip (sharp point) on the Flexi-Flips.

My normal "go-to" for sock knitting are wooden DPNs.

Tara's thoughts:

So excited to try these out!

Found the needles difficult to use.

Maybe the cord in the middle could be longer?

I prefer Magic Loop over these needles.

Maybe I should give these a second try.

A nice feature is that it has a blunt and pointy tip.

2018 Resolution Update

Ashley updates us on her sewing and Tara talks about not-buying-yarn.