Wednesday, August 20, 2014

So Close, Yet So Far

If you can believe it... after months and months and MONTHS of knitting, I can finally say that I have officially cast off my Soumak shawl.

The only problem???

That light at the end of the tunnel is just a little bit further away than I had anticipated.

Now, "why is that?" you ask.

One word for you.



Ends.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Podcast Round-Up

Something that I decided to make a very concious effort to do when the shop closed down, was to start each day with one hour of knitting. I know that this 'not working' thing won't last forever, so while it is happening, I shall embrace it with VERY open arms. Especially if it means I have the opportunity to clock some extra knitting time...

While I cannot claim to have stuck to this 'knit for one hour rule' of mine everyday, I have done pretty well. I have worked mostly on my Soumak shawl during these one hour stints, and as one might suspect...I am loving it.

On days that the weather is beautiful, I sit outside and knit away, and on the days that it's not so gorgeous, I curl up on the couch.

The one thing that does always remain the same however? I always listen to a knitting podcast while I knit in the morning. What better way to start the day?

Which leads me to... this post.

A friend of mine recently asked me "What are some decent knitting podcasts that I could listen to?", which I thought was a rather good question.

So without further ado, here is a list of five podcasts that have been keeping me company during my early morning knit sessions.

The Knitmore Girls


This mother/daughter duo have their show broken into perfect little segments, all of which I love. Each episode is typically an hour long, which works perfectly with my alloted morning knitting time. They knit, they spin, the sew, and they adore neon sock yarn just as much as I do. What more could I want? They stick to a pretty strict weekly schedule, and you can count on me to always listen to the latest episode as soon as it drops. Maybe it's the mother/daughter/knitting thing that I relate to... I'm not entirely sure. But one thing I do know? I like this pair.

Knitting Pipeline            
                               

I must admit that I have not listened to the lovely Paula in quite some time, but she is one smart lady. I really must get back to her... The name of her podcast comes from her love of not only knitting (obviously), but playing the bag pipes as well. I recall telling a friend about this podcast once, and she laughed at me, thinking that my description made it sound just about as exciting as watching paint peel (sorry for not doing you justice Paula!!!) But when she gave it a listen, she ate her words. It's good. Just trust me on this. You will walk away having learned a little something new every time.

Cast On

I feel as though Brenda Dayne can be heralded as one of the pioneers of knit-podcasting. I remember listening to her while I was in university eight or nine years ago (oh geez... How long HAS it been anyway???). While she has been a little more sporatic with her posting in recent years due to... life, her library of episodes is impressive, and will keep you listening for months on end. Her voice is wonderful (she reads audiobooks from time to time for a bit of mad money) and her knitting knowledge is extensive. Brenda is an American transplant in Wales, and she satisfies my inner lover of the UK.

iMake



This podcast is a more recent discovery for me, but I was hooked immediately. Focussed on so much more than just knitting, Martine's lovely accent and interest in all things crafty keeps me coming back for more.While her posts are also somewhat sporatic, it's always worth the wait.

Voolenvine


This podcast is one that started as a podcast, and then eventually evolved into a full time vidcast. Kristen's episdoes are posted on Youtube (at least, that's where I get them from), and I must admit that it is a treat for a visual person like me to have the opportunity to actually see what is currently on her needles. Her episodes are short, typically no more than 30 minutes, and it's mostly just chit-chat, with a "shop update" to wrap things up, as she recently started to dye and sell yarn. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and I just like her. I'm pretty sure that if we slightly closer in proximity, we would be buds.

So! There you have it. Let me know if love any of these podcasts as much as I do! And if not... which ones ARE you into?

Let me know!

Happy knitting!

Tuesday, August 05, 2014

The Summer of Neon Socks

Well folks, I have done it again. 


I have grafted the toe on my third pair of neon socks this summer.

And do you want to know something?

I still feel my heart skip a beat each time I look at this growing stack of neon.


So what do you think I did to celebrate the completion of my third pair?

Left to Right- Regia Fluormania in shades
7187, 7188 and 7184

Why, I went out and bought myself three more balls.


Obviously.

Sunflowers at my parent's this past weekend

I hope that you are enjoying these early August days as much as I am.