Knitting Pipeline

Good tips for attending knitting retreats.

These wonderful businesses are sponsors of our retreat and this episode: Quince & Co, Ewe-nique Yarns, Peddler’s Way Quilt Co, TheFiber Universe, The Blend, and Knit4Together in Dunlap IL (north Peoria suburb)…and of course, my Longaberger Home business. Their sponsorship helped keep the cost of the retreat down so we hope you will support them as best you can.

complete show notes at www.knittingpipeline.com

I would like to thank the wonderful knitters who tested my first shawl design, Piper’s Journey. It was released last week and thanks to all of you it has gotten a lot of attention. The Knit Along is piping right along too. A big round of applause for test knitters Molly, Amy, Bronwyn, Charr, Judy, Louise, Meghan, Nancy, Sarah, Deb, Mimi, and tomatkatgreen.

I enjoy your feedback, comments on the blog, and questions. Feel free to write to me at Paulaef@aol.com or on Ravelry as PrairiePiper

Our retreat! We still are still accepting reservations...

March 2-3, 2012

(Friday night and all day Saturday)

Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571

Charr and Bronwyn are in The Blethering Room today.

Charr:  Honey Cowl and Norby by Gudrun Johnston

Bronwyn: Piper’s Journey by Paula Emons-Fuessle, A Very Good Cowl Indeed by Liz Abinante, Flurries Cowl, Cozy Worm Child’s Cowl, LTK Braided Cap by Theresa Belville

Paula started Mystery Mitten KAL with Laura Linneman

General Retreat Tips

Things to bring:

    • Social knitting. Easy, autopilot.
    • More than one project, possibly another weight and needle size.
    • Waste yarn and needles in case you want to learn a new technique.
    • Business cards. Vistaprint has low cost/free.
    • Camera
    • Knitting Notions
Wear:
  • Your handknits!
  • Bring layers of clothing as facilities tend to run hot/cold and you may too.
  • Be comfortable.

For those coming to our retreat please bring a mug for tea or hot drinks so we can save on paper goods.

We talk about eating and shopping in our town of Washington.

Maria's Tea Room for those with special diets or if you just like good food.

Basta O'Neills for wonderful Italian and Irish fare

Gracie's Sports Bar and Grille next to The Sleep Inn

Michael's Italian Feast. Famous for their bread. Not much atmosphere here though. Most of the locals carry out. Just so you know.

Cummin's for cafe style food, jello salad, and cottage cheese. Their breakfast special is super and is only a bit over $4.

We forgot to mention The C-Note Pub which is located in the same building as The Cornerstone Inn. They have wonderful sandwiches and THE BEST sweet potato fries. The Denhardt Baking Company is our usual place to go for breakfast after church. 

High Note/Low Note

Bronwyn’s high is Grady’s imagination. Low (very) is bending back a fingernail. Ouch!

Paula’s high is a new apple called Autumn Glory. It is has a unique taste. Low Note: mealy and mushy apples.

Charr’s highs. Seeing a bright red male cardinal outside of Paula’s window and Red Velvet Cake Doughnuts from Ron’s Bakery. 

Haste ye back!

Direct download: Episode_78_Retreat_Tips.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 12:37pm CDT

Piper's Journey KAL begins, Ten Stitch Twist

This show is sponsored by Quince & Co, Peddler’s Way Quilt Co, and The Fiber Universe.

I enjoy your feedback, comments on the blog, and questions. Feel free to write to me at Paulaef@aol.com or on Ravelry as PrairiePiper.

Knitting Pipeline Retreat!

Bronwyn the Brave is keeping a list of those registered for the retreat. The list is posted on our Knitting Pipeline Group on Ravelry.

March 2-3, 2012 (Friday night and all day Saturday)

Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571

$50 for all or $40 for Sat only. Includes Fri nite meal, light breakfast on Sat, and Saturday lunch

Make check payable to Paula Emons-Fuessle: Mail to: Knitting Pipeline Retreat, PO Box 549, Washington IL 61571

Pipeliner Notes: Dorothy’s letter last week struck a chord with many listeners.  Chris left a message about her sighting of a barn owl. Karebot has a great conversation starter. What would you do during a zombie apocalypse?

A correction from last week’s show: (Thank you spinsjal!) Joshua Tucker is a massage therapist, NOT a physical therapist. Read Wendy’s note on our board with another side to the issue.

Nature Notes: Last Friday we awoke to dense fog which was not an auspicious beginning to our Snowy Owl Expedition.   We made it to the Emiquon Wetland Preserve and saw quite a few American Bald Eagles. We also saw Snow Geese! There were thousands of them flying in ribbons as far as we could see down the waterway.

Funky and Aizome did see Snowy Owls in Minnesota! I have not given up yet and there is always next year.

Featured Nature writer: John Madson Where the Sky Began: Land of the Tallgrass Prairie. 1982

To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,

One clover, and a bee,

And revery.

The revery alone will do

If bees are few. --Emily Dickinson

Needle Notes: Yarn recommendations for socks (that will wear well). Traci (4 girls) Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Woolen Rabbit Harmony, Opal. Prairiepoet: Blue Moon Fiber Lightweight Socks that Rock. For the record, I have tried duplicate stitch (Swiss Darning) and do not like it for the tight gauge of socks.

I read a letter from JudyBee who is knitting Kevlar into her bullet proof socks! Even Charlene Schurch was impressed!

 Ten Stitch Twist by Frankie Brown took a little over a month to knit using stash yarn.  Spirals are soothing and relaxing even when there are short rows involved. Project notes are here. 

The Blethering Room: Article about Pam Allen

Piper's Journey KAL begins!  This is my first published pattern and I'm thrilled.  Thanks for your encouragement and support!

In the Pipeline

Oops from last week! I have done more cowls than I thought. Kilkenny Cowl by Pam Allen is one of Emily’s favorites.

Spectra by Stephen West. 2 Knit Lit Chicks KAL

Watching…Downtown Abbey…we have a giveaway from Roman Hills! They have a stunning and very clever Downton Abbey Line with colorways named for the characters. Leave a comment below to be entered into a drawing for a skein of the Dowager Countess. What is a weekend? Thank you, Roman Hills! You have until Feb 21 to leave a comment on the show blog. www.knittingpipeline.com.

Listening: The Paris Wife by Paula MacClain. I’m falling behind in podcast listening.

Reading: Finished Zombies Don’t Cry: Book One in a Living Dead Love Story. By Rusty Fischer Last week I said it was funny. Right after that it was not so funny. It was sad.

Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear Book 2 in Maisie Dobbs series.

Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A Short History of Herding, and the Art of Making Cheese. Recommended by Alisonc.

Bob Dylan was inspired by the Robert Burns tune featured at the end of this episode. It is sung by Shira Kammen from A Celebration of Robert Burns. www.magnatune.com

Thanks for listening! Haste ye back!

complete show notes are at www.knittingpipeline.com

Direct download: Episode_77__Short_Rows_and_Spirals.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 4:08pm CDT

Tips for long lasting knits

This episode is sponsored by Quince & Co and The Fiber Universe.

The folks at Quince & Co believe that businesses can be good citizens—should be good citizens—without making too much a fuss about it. So, they have combined efforts to create a line of thoughtfully conceived yarns spun from American wool or sourced from overseas suppliers who grow plants, raise animals, or manufacture a yarn in as earth- and labor-friendly a way as possible. Find them at www.quinceandco.comand while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.

The Fiber Universe provides quality products, service and instruction for fiber enthusiasts. They stock yarn from Cascade, Plymouth, Skacel, Three Irish Girls, Kauni, Jojoland, Claudia Handpaints, and more. Fibers for spinning and felting are available from local farms. The Fiber Universe accepts orders over the phone and offers free shipping on orders over $50. Check out their website, www.thefiberuniverse.com or give them a call today at 309.673.5659.

Our retreat! We still have room for you!   March 2-3, 2012 (Friday night and all day Saturday)

$50 for all or $40 for Sat only. Includes Fri nite meal, light breakfast on Sat, and Saturday lunch.

Details on show blog www.knittingpipeline.com.

Nature Notes

Stitch Markers from Kim Ogle. www.ogledesign.etsy.com

Karin says that Bertie the Bat is back!

I’m still on the watch for the snowy owl. Thanks to everyone who has sent me information. There was a clip on the NBC evening news onWed Feb 1. 

Needle Notes

I’ve been proactive about my sock knitting lately.

  1. Choose yarn that will wear well. What are your favorite hard wearing sock yarns?
  2. Knit to a tight gauge
  3. Close fit (negative ease)
  4. Smooth skin (bring on the lotion!)
  5. Pre-darning

Tips from Clara Parkes in Vogue:

  1. Look at your socks. See what areas are wearing out. When you come to these areas in your knitting go down a needle size.
  2. Turn socks inside out. Thread a blunt needle with your sock yarn and run it through the purl bumps on the wrong side. I took this a step further by making horizontal rows with mohair-silk blend.

Crafting with Carpal Tunnel Group

First thread is sticky. Do this one thing for your wrist pain.

Joshua Tucker specializes in the elimination of carpal tunnel pain and symptoms.

The Blethering Room

Piper’s Journey KAL

We will start as soon as the pattern is released by Quince& Co. I hope this will be in the next week!

In the Pipeline

Designed a cowl in 2 yarn weights and going for a 3rd. I enjoy wearing it.

On the Home Stretch on Ten Stitch Twist by Frankie Brown.

Spectra by Stephen West with 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast.

I bought bulky yarn to make Lee Bernstein’s OhSo Hat

Downtown Abbey! Now has its own thread on our Knitting Pipeline Ravelry Group

My Life So Far  Filmed on location in Scotland (Argyll), kilts, kilt hose, Scottish Country Dancing, pipe music, a knitted shawl, Fair Isle Vests, and Colin Firth!

The Paris Wife by Paula McClain

Zombies Don’t Cry: Book One in a Living Dead Love Story. By Rusty Fischer Yes, my first zombie teen fiction.

The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within. William C. Bryant

I didn't have time to get music on the show this week. I am looking for snowy owls!

Haste ye back!

Direct download: Episode_76_Save_Our_Socks.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 3:53pm CDT

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site for current and past episodes.

This episode is sponsored by Quince & Co and Peddler’sWay Quilt Shop.

If you are looking to support American goods, then you can start with Quince & Co with their beautiful and reasonably priced wools sourced in the US. Check out Finch, their new fingering weight in colors inspired by nature.

Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is a new sponsor of our show and our knitting Pipeline Retreat, March 2-3, 2012 in Washington IL. The shop is located just about a mile from our retreat location just off the historic Washington Square. Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is practically at the back door of those of you staying at The Cornerstone Inn Bed and Breakfast. On the second floor of this 6,000 sq ft store is a fiber section with an array of fine quality yarns, books, and needles.



Fundraiser for Autism Speaks: Erin of Mommy Needs Yarnhas designed a sock pattern! No More Tears and all of the proceeds from its $5 sale will go to Autism Speaks. Erin is hosting a KAL/Knitalong in February.

 

Knitting Pipeline Retreat

March 2-3, 2012 (Friday night and all day Saturday)

Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571 (outside of Peoria in Central IL)

$50 for all or $40 for Sat only. Includes Fri nite meal, light breakfast on Sat, and Saturday lunch.

Make check payable to Paula Emons-Fuessle

Mail to: Knitting Pipeline Retreat

PO Box 549

Washington IL 61571

Nature Notes

A Naturalist Buys an Old Farm by Edwin Way Teale c 1974.

Trail Wood Landand house donated to Connecticut Audubon Society.

Every bit of this book is a gem, to be read slowly, as one might walk a favorite trail in the woods.

James Gates Percival b 1795

Oddly enough, this man has fallen into near obscurity and it is now my personal mission to elevate his position. Not really.

1835 accepted appt by Gov of CT to conduct a geological survey of the state of CT.



~James Gates Percival  "The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work."

Needle Notes

This is what Sarah made with the ball of Schulana...and it only took 35 minutes to knit.

"Twistin' the Night Away" by Susan Menashe



Mildred Mitts is up on Ravelry as a free pattern. Test knitted by Mildred and some of the knitters in my class at The Blend.



Fabric Labels for your knitting: Annabel Babe Cardigan and At First Sight by Laura Linnemann went to St.Louis to a baby shower.

I used Aizome’s method for labels. Quick and easy! I like the looks of it. I used Calibri font in pt 12.



Finished Project: Piper’s Journey #2

Cost to knit this shawl in Quince & Co Chickadee is about $21 ($6.90 per 50 g skein) Other yarn weights will work. Bronwyn used fingering weight and reserved half the skein for the border.

My Piper’s Journey #2 is in Split Pea.

Do as I say not as I do. On the edging do not slip first stitch on the outside of the border. I thought I could get away with it even though I wrote the pattern and said not to do it.

Piper’s Journey KAL will start as soon as the pattern is released. Pipersjourneykal tag

In the Pipeline

Ten Stitch Twist by Frankie Brown. 

Spectra by Stephen West hosted by 2 Knit Lit Chicks

Laura Linnemann’s Mystery Mitten KAL starts Feb 12th

 

Lavender Bear’s Tea Time. Video cast. Just watched introductory episode so far.



TVknittingpodcast by StitchMistress (audio)



Knitting Brooklyn by Jessica jpeled (audio)

The Blethering Room  Tammy of The Proverbial Knitter has a tutorial on Long Tail Cast on in Rib. Tammy is a fantastic teacher. I am going to copy her way of explaining how to do the long tail cast-on.

Review Notes

Iknit Needle Sizer

.99 Not perfect but definitely useful and worth the price.


Knit Handy

Knit Handy helps estimate how much yarn you need for a project. Wonderful tool! Definitely worth the price! Easy to use.

One of the Last poems written by Robert Burns:

Oh Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast

by Robert Burns
(1759-1796)

Oh wert thou in the cauld blast,
On yonder lea, on yonder lea,
My plaidie to the angry airt,
I'd shelter thee, I'd shelter thee;
Or did misfortune's bitter storms
Around thee blaw, around thee blaw,
Thy bield should be my bosom,
To share it a', to share it a'.

Or were I in the wildest waste,
Sae black and bare, sae black and bare,
The desart were a paradise,
If thou wert there, if thou wert there.
Or were I monarch o' the globe,
Wi' thee to reign, wi' thee to reign,
The brightest jewel in my crown
Wad be my queen, wad be my queen.

Thanks for listening and haste ye back!

Direct download: Episode_75_Casting_On_and_other_Beginnings.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 4:03pm CDT

Hitchhiker, Beginner transitions to Intermediate knitter

Complete show notes at www.knittingpipeline.com.

This show is sponsored by Quince & Co, Ewe-nique Yarns in Morton IL, and The Fiber Universe.

 If you are looking to support American goods, then you can start with Quince & Co with their beautiful and reasonably priced wools sourced in the US.  Check out Finch, their new fingering weight in colors inspired by nature. www.quinceandco.com

Ewe-nique Yarns is a full-service yarn shop located at The Field Shopping Center in Morton IL.  Debbie and Jenny are happy to ship to Pipeliners. 

The Fiber Universe in downtown Peoria is the newest sponsor for our Knitting Pipeline Retreat and the show.

Sarah and Bronwyn join me for today’s episode.

I enjoy your feedback, comments on the blog, and questions.  Feel free to write to me at Paulaef@aol.com or on Ravelry as PrairiePiper.

Needle Notes and In The Pipeline

Bronwyn FO's: Maluka by Bea Schmidt   Tea Bags Basket by  Knitvana,  Touch Screen Phone Mitts   

We mention Knit Knit Café Podcast and Abby knitting conductive thread into her mitts.

Bronwyn is test knitting my first published design, Piper’s Journey.  It should be published by Quince & Co around the end of January or so.  And yes, we are doing a KAL on our Board!

Sarah:  Textural Healing Shawl by Shannon Squire.  Queued: Flying Geese Blanket from Mason-Dixon Knitting

Paula: FO: Hitchhiker by Martine Behm  WIP: Ten Stitch Twist Blanket by Frankie Brown   In Pipeline: Rebecca Danger The Big Book of Knitted Monsters , OhSo Hat by Lee Bernstein, and Shaw Hill by Alicia Plummer.

The Blethering Room

Sarah tells the story of her Make Up Skein of yarn.

We answer questions from k4charlotte.  When does a beginner knitter become an intermediate knitter?  When do you know to back out of a project because you are in too deep?

High Notes: Bronwyn:  Music Together; Sarah: Sledding; Paula: DVR’s

Low Notes: Bronwyn: failed charging of laptops; Paula: when you think you have recorded a show and you haven’t

A big High Note is Our retreat!  We still have room for you! 

March 2-3, 2012 (Friday night and all day Saturday

Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571

$50 for all or $40 for Sat only.  Includes Fri nite meal, light breakfast on Sat, and Saturday lunch.

Details on show blog www.knittingpipeline.com

Make check payable to Paula Emons-Fuessle

Mail to:

Knitting Pipeline Retreat

PO Box 549

Washington IL 61571

Haste ye back!

Direct download: Episode_74_Hitchhiking_out_of_the_Dog_House.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 12:03pm CDT

Maine Morning Mitts

complete show notes and photos at www.knittingpipeline.com.

This show is sponsored by  my Longaberger Home Business, Quince & Co and Ewe-nique Yarns in Morton IL.

If you are looking to support American goods, then you can start with Quince & Co with their beautiful and reasonably priced wools sourced in the US. Check out Finch, their new fingering weight in colors inspired by nature. www.quinceandco.com

Ewe-nique Yarns is a full-service yarn shop located at The Field Shopping Center in Morton IL. Among the items they carry are a full line of Addi needles, Chiagoo, and Knit Picks. They also stock Malabrigo, Madelinetosh, Frog Tree. Elsabeth Lavold, Debbie Bliss, Claudia Handpainted, Louisa Harding, Rown, Sublime and dozens more. Debbie and Jenny are happy to ship to Pipeliners.

“Earburning” another Raveler is highlighting their Ravelry name so that it links to their profile. The person who is earburned will also get a message in their box that basically says, “Psst, we’re over here saying good things about you”. 



A BIG THANK you to all the volunteers for test knitting my first to-be published design, Piper’s Journey. Thank you so very much EVERYONE for your support for the design.



Nature Notes

I haven’t seen any snowy owls but have seen a lot of white plastic bags that pretend to be.

We nearly broke a record for the most days without 1” of snowfall! The record is 330 in 1918. 

Naturalist and writer Edwin Way Teale born Joliet IL 1899

Wandering Through Winterwas first nature book to win a Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction.

“Our minds, as well as our bodies, have need of the out-of-doors. Our spirits, too, need simple things, elemental things, the sun and the wind and the rain, moonlight and starlight, sunrise and mist and mossy forest trails, the perfumes of dawn and the smell of fresh-turned earth and the ancient music of wind among the trees.”
Edwin Way Teale

Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parkes made for Georgia.  Reprinted from The Knitters Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes.

Hitchhiker by Martina Behm is almost done!

Ten Stitch Twist Blanket by Frankie Brown is more fun than ever!

Finished reading on my Nook. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear.

Recommend reading in order. Book 2 is Birds of a Feather.

Currently reading (actual paper book) Blood, Bones, and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton. Cooking memoir. Raw, honest, well-written. Not for the faint of heart.

Watching Downton Abbey Season 2. Did not disappoint!

 

Knitting Classes at The Blend, our local coffee shop and hang-out.

Recycling Sweaters into pillows and other things.

Knitting Pipeline Retreat

March 2-3 (Friday night and all day Sat)

Washington IL 61571

$50 or $40 for Sat only

Registration form available on show blog in the side bar.

Thine Am I by Robert Burns

A Celebration of Robert Burns by Shira Kammen. www.magnatune.com

Direct download: Episode_73_A_Gift_for_Georgia.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 4:04pm CDT

Bitty Bump, Short Row Woes

Thank you to show sponsors: Quince & Co  and Ewe-nique Yarns, Morton IL 61550

If you are looking to support American goods, then you can start with Quince & Co with their beautiful and reasonably priced wools sourced in the US.  Check out Finch, their new fingering weight in colors inspired by nature. www.quinceandco.com

Ewe-nique Yarns is a full-service yarn shop located at The Field Shopping Center in Morton IL.  Among the items they carry are a full line of Addi needles, Chiagoo, and Knit Picks.  They also stock Malabrigo, Madelinetosh, Frog Tree. Elsabeth Lavod, Debbie Bliss, Claudia Handpainted, Louisa Harding, Rown, Sublime and dozens more. Debbie and Jenny are happy to ship to Pipeliners.

Thank you to everyone who helped me find a copy of Knitting Triangles by Evelyn Clark!  I accepted the first offer from Diane.  Citronlady    These Pipeliners also offered out of the sheer goodness of their hearts: Smurphy=Sarah, Nancy in Holland MI, Kimberly of the Sock Bunny  Knit and Fit Podcast.

I read a Pipeliner Note from Mildred, age 13.

Nature Notes

Snowy Owl sightings in Illinois

Illinois Birdwatchers List Serve IBET

We are experiencing an irruption year in Illinois.  Irruption means "to increase irregularly."

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Needle Notes

Piper’s Journey will be published by Quince & Co. at the end of January.  A crescent shaped shawl with a not too lacy border. Calls for 3 skeins of Quince & Co Chickadee.

I am looking for a few test knitters. Start asap but not necessary to use wool called for.  I will email pattern to you.  Please contact me by email Paulaef@aol.com.

Bitty Bump   Marcella’s e book by Gina Bonomo aka Skeincocaine  $20 for book.  $5 individual pattern.

Woodturner Pully  I forgot to put in short rows!  Woe is me.

I made a label with counted cross stitch fabric and embroidery floss.  Stitched to hem on inside.

Aizome explained how she makes labels for quilts.

Ravelry Tip:  You can favorite posts in discussion groups on Ravelry.  I like to save posts with good information that I might want to reference later.

My nephew produced a clever video featuring the bed he made and Woodturner Pully.  The house where this film was made was built by my dad in the 1960’s.  The watercolor paintings on the walls are by my dad.  And yes, that’s my little mom with my nephew!  http://youtu.be/6ASk8I2m5Gw

In the Pipeline:

Hitchhiker by Martine Behm

10 Stitch Twist by Frankie Brown 

Island at War

Downton Abbey  There is a group for Downton Abbey lovers on Ravelry.

Downton Abbey Hat 

Yarngasm Podcast by Voolenvine 

Books on the Nightstand

Cocoa Blocks

Tip from Jacques Torres (Mr. Chocolate) When making hot chocolate, bring milk to a boil first to melt the chocolate and then bring it to a second boil.  The second boil makes the chocolate extra rich and creamy.

Music of the Spheres  Matteis: Ground After the Scotch Humour

www.magnatune.com

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar Guest

complete show notes and photos at www.knittingpipeline.com

Haste ye back!

Direct download: Episode_72_Black-eyed_Peas2.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 3:04pm CDT

Sarah and Bronwyn Visit, Big Snowy Owl, and Cocoa Blocks

This show is sponsored by my Longaberger home Business www.longaberger.com/paula and Quince and Company.

If you are looking to support American goods, then you can start with Quince & Co with their beautiful and reasonably priced wools sourced in the US. Check out Finch, their new fingering weight in colors inspired by nature.

Needle Notes

Paula’s Projects: Woodturner’s Pully. Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Saddle Shoulder Sweater. After washing and blocking it measures out perfectly!

Label for sweater. I tried a wool label, first ironing onto freezer paper to stiffen the fabric. Bronwyn suggested printing on computer. I may try backstitching on counted cross stitch fabric. Ecological Wool makes a very light but warm sweater.

Big Snowy Owl Free Pattern by Purl Soho    

Bronwyn on Ravelry

Pinterest…ask one of us if you want an invitation.

Bbknits

Nubby Noro Mittens and Fingerless version

Palindrome

Little Turtle Knits Braided Cap by Theresa Belville

Sarah on Ravelry

Those Mitts by Leslie Friend

Christmas Tree Hat and Elfin Socks

Textural Healing Shawl by Shannon Squire

Incognito (Mustache Cowl) by Mercedes Tarosovich-Clark

Handmade Holidays

Our Ravelry Thread

Just some of the great ideas:

Hot Chocolate on a Stick/Cocoa Blocks

Santa Hat Brownies

Sarah: Homemade Granola recipe on show blog.

Bronwyn’s Sugar Scrub and Lotion Bars

Summertime Neck Chillers

Paula: Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls. Partially bake them, freeze, and recipients bake them for a yummy breakfast.

In the Pipeline

Per last week’s episode, the Doc Martin second movie wasn’t good. Two stars.

Enjoyed The Pit Pony. Has piping in it

Downton Abbey Season 1 watching again. New season Jan 8.

High Note Low Note

High Notes:

Paula: The Week Between Christmas and New Years

Sarah: Christmas Cards

Bronwyn: Fondue

Low Notes

Paula: Stickiness

Sarah: Accidental Felting

Bronwyn: Poorly tied skeins of yarn

Knitting Pipeline Retreat

March 2-3 2012 (Friday evening and all day Saturday)

Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571

$50 or $40 for Sat only

Mail check to Knitting Pipeline, PO Box 549, Washington IL 61571

Complete show notes and retreat information on show blog, Knitting Pipeline.

Haste ye back!

Direct download: Episode_71_Handmade_Holidays.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 8:39am CDT

Postcard from 1980, Saddle Shoulder Sweater

complete show notes at www.knittingpipeline.com

Show sponsors: Quince & Co www.quinceandco.com

Ewe-nique Yarns, Morton IL www.ewe-niqueyarnsetc.com

I saw a lunar eclipse, a house fire, and a sad incident involving squirrels.

Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing

Elizabeth Zimmermann Saddle Shoulder Sweater

EPS=Elizabeth's Percentage System bottom-up seamless construction

Using Excel to plan cables and ribbing

Knitting on the Edge by Nicki Epstein



In the Pipeline:

The Grand

Doc Martin   the movies

The Blethering Room  Finch from Quince & Co

When blocking a piece with cables and texture do not block the cables.  



The Piping Circle

 

Country Sampler Magazine November 2011

 

I read a postcard written to me by Elizabeth Zimmermann in Feb 1980.



Coventry Carol  Magnatune Christmas.  www.magnatune.com

Direct download: Episode_70_Postcard_from_Elizabeth.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 3:32pm CDT

Baby Sweater on Two Needles and more EZ



This show is sponsored by Quince & CO   www.quinceandco.com

Thanks for the birthday wishes last week!



Bereft by Robert Frost



Baby Sweater on Two Needles by Elizabeth Zimmermann from Knitter’s Almanac.  It is better known as February Baby Sweater. 



The February Lady Sweater (not by EZ) is actually more popular than the FBS. Projects on Ravelry: 6675 for Baby Sweater and 11,505 for FLS by Pamela Wynne.



Knitter’s Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman.  February.

Babies Things.  Have knitted everything in this chapter but the bonnet with the flap over the shoulders.

Leggings.  I have made at least two pair.  Red and white striped ones were the cutest.  Not the most practical garment for modern moms.

Blanket knitted from center out.  Have done it with lace and also in a heavier yarn with texture pattern and colorwork. Was told that pioneer woman put a cream or white border on blankets so Baby would perceive this is a boundary.  Per my experience, did not work.

Double knitting blanket was a carriage blanket.  I used Schoolhouse Press Sheepsdown and my own handspun.  May have steeked and put a zipper in it. 

Pete’s Socks…pulled off the colors!

Handed Down Patterns. Topic started by nitiram.   Her Mother’s slipper/bootie pattern--she called pods.  Under “Some Things Never Change…”  

In The Pipeline: EZ Saddle Shoulder Sweater

 

  $14.99 Interweave knits Holiday Gifts.  Holiday 2011  Some of my favorites are McHenry by Susan B Anderson, Hollyberry Bonnet and Cape by Kyoko Nakyoshi, and Handwork Mitts by Julie Turjoman.  Recommended.



High Note:Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls/Cinnamon Raisin Bread.  Used the Best Whole Wheat Bread Recipe from www.urbanhomemaker.com.  Divided dough in half.  One half for a loaf of bread and the other half made two pans of cinnamon rolls.  Streusel:  ½ c brown sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon.  I use Penzey’s.  Roll out dough.  Spread with softened or melted butter.  Sprinkle topping on and roll up.  For the rolls I reserved a few Tbs topping.  Took rolls out after 20 min.  Brushed tops with butter and sprinkled on the streusel.  Baked another 5 min.

I read a letter from Elizabeth Zimmermann that was written to me in Jan 1980.  A photo of the letter is on the show blog.  www.knittingpipeline.com.  References to Moebius and her development of the concept.

The musical selection today is The Moon of Wintertime by Lydia McCauley. 

 

 

Knitting Pipeline Retreat

March 2-3, 2012

Washington IL  61571

$50 for Fri night and Sat or $40 for just Sat

Reserve your spot now!

 

Thanks for listening and supporting the show!

Haste ye back!

 

Direct download: Episode_69_A__Letter_from_Elizabeth__Zimmermann.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 1:40pm CDT