This week, we're celebrating 6 years and 200 episodes of the YARNGASM podcast! Whether you've been with me since the beginning or just tuning in, I answer some of your most pressing queries about me and the show. Please note: The 200th episode is split into two parts. The first part has general podcast content, while the second (to be published on July 8th) I answer questions from the 200th Episode AMA thread and announce giveaway winners. In this episode I share what I've been making, announce giveaway winners, and share some MAIL Melissa from the Spicy Homemaker podcast arranged a podcaster swap. I was paired with Ally from the "Get Lit & Knit" podcast, who sent me a super fun package! I also received an incredibly wonderful swap package from Eric of the Sticks + Twine podcast. FINISHED OBJECTS HO - Pebble Socks from "Beyond Vanilla Socks" Pattern Collection, by Mina Phillip MC Yarn: Hedgehog Fibres, Twist Sock, "Birthday Cake" CC Yarn: Frog Tree Pediboo WORKS IN PROGRESS Loden Shawl by Irina Dimitrieva, for Brooklyn Tweed Triangle Lace with Smocked Leaf Detail The Woolen Rabbit, Singles, "Chocolate Chambord" This yarn seems to have very strong opinions about what it wants to be. It did not want to be a "Waiting For Rain" Shawl, so I frogged it. And halfway into knitting "Loden", not only did I need to rescue four dropped stitches ... I also realized my stitch count was significantly off, and beyond saving. Sadly, I will be frogging this, too. At this point, I just want to knit a fool-proof shawl. By this I mean: - something I can just pick up and knit - not too much thought - one skein requirement - simple cast on - intuitive - interesting Right now, the Daybreak shawl by Stephen West, Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark, and Ishbelle Shawl by Ysolda Teague come to mind. What are your favorite go-to, fail-proof shawl patterns? SPINNING Even though I won't be actively involved in Tour de Fleece, this year, I'll use it as an excuse to spin more. Right now, I'm working my way through my Hobbledhoy Battlings. STASH ENHANCEMENTS Dennis and I drove up to York, Maine for 4th of July weekend. Of course, I had to Google nearby yarn shops and the Yarn Sellar popped-up on the map! I purchased a skein of String Theory, Tinker Island Fingering in "Beach Plum", and a mini gradient set by Done Roving Yarns, Frolicking Feet in "Great Smoky" — all local! The ladies working at Yarn Sellar were lovely — they were very helpful, all while giving you space to browse. The shop itself was small, yet cozy with a decent selection of yarn brands (both local and standard/basic) and notions. Definitely check them out, if you're in the area! PODCASTS MENTIONED Brooklyn Knit Folk Spicy Homemaker Knitting Expat Pinfeathers & Purls Get Lit and Knit The Dyer's Notebook Subway Knits Inside Number 23 Sticks + Twine The Two Tangled Skeins Subscribe to this blog.
