I call this time of year "the slippery slope." Once Halloween is over, there is unabashed Christmas and winter holiday advertising in stores and in the media. Yes, I know there is some advertising before Halloween, but before Halloween they try to sneak it to us, as if really ashamed to be doing it, but just can't help themselves. Post Halloween we get the real deal snowmen and elves and wrapped packages galore. Most folks I know try to resist it for a few more weeks, but as any parent of school age kids knows, this is indeed the slippery slope to the winter holidays. Like it or not, plans need to be made, shopping for necessities becomes unbearably crowded, and everyone's life seems to be busier than usual. I always wonder who are these people filling up the grocery store and don't they shop for food the rest of the year? Despite the slippery slope, in episode 75 Gayle and I get back to basics with our regular segments and a short discussion about snags and repair in your knitted garments. If you have a good resource or a great repair technique, please share the link or info in our Ravlery group. We'd love to hear from you! - Sharlene What are we wearing? Nanook by Heidi Kirrmeier Monomania by Ann Weaver What are we stalking? Sous Sous by Norah Goughn Definitely Susan by Josee Paquin cowls by Hilary Smith Callis Skiff by Jared Flood Indie gift-a-long on Ravelry Fuego by Justyna Lorkowska What are we knitting? Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli Fickle Heart by Justyna Lowkowska Yowza Weigh It Shawl by Susan B. Anderson Monstermitts by Julia Allen Ease by Alicia Plummer What have we finished? Sharlene's test knit for Elizabeth Doherty (pattern to be released soon) Sharlene's stockinette socks Cupido Cowl by Hiroko Fukatsu Sharlene's Cupido Raveling Rose yarns Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli Monomania by Ann Weaver Gayle's Monomania Discussion on snags and repair Snags - using a tapestry needle or a dpn to "ease" snagged yarn back into place http://www.marthastewart.com/307188/how-to-fix-a-snagged-thread-in-a-sweater - knot the snag inside the sweater https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWGtvznk11s Holes (one strand broken) - weaving in new yarn in place of broken strand (duplicate stitch) Holes (multiple broken stands) - weave in several strands if enough of a foundation left to duplicate stitch - woven patch http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2010/04/07/darn-there-s-a-hole-in-my-sock.aspx - sew closed http://ladyott.com/2012/04/18/how-to-mend-holes-in-woolens/ - many help videos on YouTube Sock darning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPBSmDN3b24 (video on darning socks from Knitpicks) http://cookiea.com/news/2012/07/repairing-socks/ (blog tutorial from sock designer CookieA Your type of repair will change depending on the garment or item and the location of the repair. (For example, is the hole or damaged area located on a highly visible area of the piece?)