Recorded on April 15, 2024

Book talk starts at 25:36

Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

 

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will 

• NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA  The 2024 retreat is full, but please contact Tracie at [email protected] to be informed about registration for the 2025 event when registration begins in the fall
• Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA

  Tracie and Barb talked about the new swifts availabile from Alpenglow Yarn!  Barb has one and Tracie has ordered one also.

 

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

• 2 Knitted Knockers
• PSL Mitts by Susanna Curtis by Canon Hand Dyes William Merino Fingering in the Waterworld colorway

Barb Finished:

2 Knitted Knockers  

Tracie is continuing to work on:

• Fiddly Bits cowl #11 by Jana Pihota
• Knitted Knockers
• Elorie by Elizabeth Doherty in Berroco Remix in Artichoke

Tracie has frogged: Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva in Zealana Performa KIWI Fingering

Barb is working on:

• Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue
• Knitted Knockers
• Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit

BOOKS

Tracie read:

• Forever Home by Graham Norton - 4 starsBecoming Clark Rockefeller: Murder, Love, Decpetion, and the Con Man Behind it All by Frank C. Girardot Jr. - 2 stars
• Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William Mckinley and Me, Elizabeth - 3 stars

Barb read:

• A Mother Would Know by Amber Garza - 3 stars
• Watching You by Lisa Jewell - 3 stars
• The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjialian - 4 stars
• The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager - 2.5 stars     Tracie also recommends:
• The Supet Inflatable Dog Cone Collar Alternative.  Sally agrees with this recommendation

• The Man Enough Podcast explores what it means to be a man today and how rigid gender roles have affected all people. The show creates a safe environment for a range of perspectives to meet and stay at the table, exploring how the messages of masculinity show up in relationships, body image, privilege, fatherhood, sex, success, mental health and so much more. Instead of polarizing and demonizing men and masculinity, it invites all humans to participate and thrive in the world.

  This Webby-nominated podcast is hosted by filmmaker, actor & author Justin Baldoni, author & journalist Liz Plank, and President of Wayfarer Studios & award winning music producer Jamey Heath. It’s currently in Season 2 and is in the top 1% of most followed and shared podcasts on Spotify, beloved by men, women and people of all genders.

 

Listen

Recorded on Saturday, March 30, 2024

Book talk starts at 20:45

Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!

 

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

 

EVENTS

 

Tracie and Barb will 

• NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA.  The retreat is full, but please contact Tracie at [email protected] to be informed about registration for the 2025 event when registration begins in the fall
• Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA

 

KNITTING

 

Tracie finished:

• 3 Knitted Knockers
• Bee Beautiful tee by Pia Trans in Carpool Cotton Bamboo in Copper
• Scraps Chaps puppy by Barbara Prime in Plymouth Encore - this is the pattern I will be teaching in a making knitted toys class this summer at Rumpelstiltskin

 

Barb Finished:

• 2 Knitted Knockers
• CAPROCK tee by Yamagara using Araucania Ollagua
• Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino, using leftover worsted weight colors from my stash.

 

 

Out of hibernation:

Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva in Zealana Performa KIWI Fingering

 

Cast on:

Elorie by Elizabeth Doherty in Berroco Remix in Artichoke

 

Working On:

• Fiddly Bits cowl #11 by Jana Pihota
• Knitted Knockers

 

Barb is working on:

• Knitted Knockers
• Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue
• Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit

 

BOOKS

 

Tracie read:

• Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 5 stars
• Where Monsters Hide: Sex, Murder and Madness in the Midwest by M. William Phelps - 3 stars
• Happy People Are Annoying by Josh Peck - 3.5 stars
• California Golden by Melanie Benjamin - 3 stars

 

Barb read:

• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano - 3.5 stars
• Blood Test by Jonathan Kellerman - 3 stars

 

Tracie and Barb both recommend the documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV with the warning to be aware that it discusses sexual abuse and is just generally pretty grim.

Recorded on March 14, 2024

Book talk begins at 21:00

Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!

 

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

 

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will 

• NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA
• Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA

KNITTING

Barb Finished:

• 2 Knitted Knockers

  Tracie finished:

• Tracie's Fresh Favorite Tee by Christen Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway
• Tracie's Pixie Dust  by Dani Sunshine in Berroco Vintage Handpaintsin a light blue/pale green/purple colorway
• 1 Knitted Knocker
• Tracie's Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino, using Hayfield Spirit Chunky

Barb is working on:

• CAPROCK tee by Yamagata using Araucania Ollagua
• Knitted Knockers
• Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue
• Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit

Barb has cast on:

• Barb's Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino, using worsted weight leftovers

Tracie cast on:

• Bee Beautiful Tee by Pia Trans in  in Carpool Cotton Bamboo in the Copper colorway

She continues to work on:

• Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps

 

If you would like to make Knitted Knockers, here is some useful info -

From the Knitted Knockers.org website:

“Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are adjustable, washable and can even be worn while swimming. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them”

Please visit the Knitted Knockers website, Knitted Knockers Homepage for all the information that you need.  

This webpage is especially helpful for information on approved yarns and color information: Yarns and colors

Very Important: Please note that neutral colors are preferred.  If you want, you can use bright colors on the bottom of your knocker, but the top of it needs to be in a neutral color. 

Patterns: So many choices!  Please go to this section to pick and download your (free) pattern: Knitted Knockers Patterns. 

Hint:  The Bottoms Up Knocker for Double Point Needles pattern works great with magic loop too…and has the easiest “start” to your knocker!

 

BOOKS

Barb  read:

• If It Bleeds by Stephen King - 5 stars
• The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) - 3 stars

Tracie read: 

• Forever... by Judy Blume - 4 stars
• I'll Take Care of You by Caitlin Rother - 4.5 stars
• The Bone Jar by S.W. Kane - 3 stars

  Info from Tracie's "Thumbs Up" about the sweater shaver: The Substack article about pilling is here The excellent sweater shaver can be purchased here

Recorded Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Book talk begins at 31:30

Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

Events

Tracie and Barb will 

• NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA
• Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA

 

KNITTING

Barb Finished:

• Bankhead Hat #27 by Susie Gourley
• Velvet Pullover by Claudia Quintinella, using Serendipidye Kings Mountain Fingering in the Piccadilly colorway, Invictus Yarn Adventure in the Don’t Look  Under the Lilacs, Invictus Yarns Master of My Feet in the Adagio colorway, AND Knit Picks Palette in the Aster and Bluebells colorway.
• 2 Knitted Knockers

 

Tracie finished:

• 2 Soap Sacks by Haley Waxberg in Knockers yarn (And the bar shampoo and conditioner Tracie can be purchased at https://viori.com/)
• Beginner’s Rainbow Rabbit by Claire Garland in sparkly periwinkle Tahki Linguine for Lauren’s 12th birthday
• Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway
• 1 Knitted Knocker

 

If you would like to make Knitted Knockers, here is some useful info -

 

From the Knitted Knockers.org website:

“Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are adjustable, washable and can even be worn while swimming. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them”

Please visit the Knitted Knockers website, Knitted Knockers Homepage for all the information that you need.  

This webpage is especially helpful for information on approved yarns and color information: Yarns and colors

Very Important: Please note that neutral colors are preferred.  If you want, you can use bright colors on the bottom of your knocker, but the top of it needs to be in a neutral color. 

Patterns: So many choices!  Please go to this section to pick and download your (free) pattern: Knitted Knockers Patterns. 

Hint:  The Bottoms Up Knocker for Double Point Needles pattern works great with magic loop too…and has the easiest “start” to your knocker!

Barb working on:

• Cheeky Cables Socks  by Mary Lukas using Universal Yarns Zesty Sock in the Pearl colorway
• CAPROCK tee by Yamagata using Araucania Ollagua
• Knitted Knockers

 

Barb has cast on:

• Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit
• Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue

 

Frogged: 

Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway

 

Tracie cast on:

• Pixie Dust by Dani Sunshine in Berroco Vintage Handpaints in light blue/pale green/purple
• 1 Knitted Knocker

 

She continues to work on:

• Fresh Favorite Tee by Christen Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway
• Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps

 

BOOKS

• Look What You Made me Do: Confronting Heartbreak & Harassment in Big Law by Erin Gordon - 4 stars
• The Loyal Wife by Natalie Barelli - 3 stars
• Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Coast Trail by Andrea Lankford - 5 stars
• The Secret Place (Dublin Murder Squad, #5) - 4 stars
• Patient Care: Death and Life in the Emergency Room, by Paul Seward - 4 stars

 

Tracie read:

• The River’s Edge (Jackman & Evans #10) by Joy Ellis - 2.5 stars for someone not familiar with the series
• Ill Wind (Anna Pigeon #3) by Nevada Barr - 3 1/2 stars - takes a while to get going
• How Lucky by Will Leitch - 3 stars.  Wanted to like it more!  But got frustrated with situation and too worried for main character
• American Girl by Wendy Walker - 3 stars.  Have not thought about it since I finished it
• Tunnel Vision: A True Story of Multiple Murder and Justice in Chaos at America's Biggest Marine Base by N.P. Simpson - 4.5 stars
• The Island of Lost Girls by Alex Marwood - 4 stars
• Her Last Move by John Marrs - 2 stars

 Recorded Thursday, February 8, 2024

 

 

We are so excited to have Kim McBrien Evans, dyer of Indigodragonfly Yarns, designer, teacher, innovator of knitting pattern modification and all-around Textile Maven as our guest this episode!

 

We had a fantastic talk with her about her background, starting her yarn business, learning to modify knit patterns out of necessity and wanting to share what she’s learned about anything-but-standard sizing and as a teacher, designer and advocate for size inclusivity and a change in the way we size women’s clothing.

 

 

Coupon Codes for Our Listeners

Website: https://indigodragonfly.ca

Discount code for yarn and patterns: 

15% off all yarn and patterns

 

Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kim-mcbrien-evans

Discount code: 2KNITLIT15

15% off all patterns and ebooks

 

Impervious Shawl

 designed to be knit with some of Kim's husband's more complex colorways

 

 

 

 

A Tale of Two Sweaters

 

vs  

 

"New Representative Sizing Standards for Garments that Fit" by Kim McBrien Evans for Digits and Threads, March 9, 2022 (you can download the size chart here as well through an email sign up)  

"Inclusive Sizing Is Not Impossible—We Just Have to Work Together" by Kim McBrien Evans for Digits and Threads, April 14, 2021

Digits and Threads has a lot of other Kim's articles about fit, so take a look around!

Find Kim

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Indigodragonfly

Instagram: @indigodragonfly 

Recorded on January 24, 2024

Book Talk starts at 19:28

Our Fall Sweater KAL has ended!  Please stayed tuned to the end of the episode to find out if you won a prize.  We had 107 completed sweaters - way to go!

Our Summer Tops KAL will run February 1 to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will the parameters of that to you.  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!

 

Events

Tracie and Barb will 

NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA.  The retreat is full but you can still get on the waiting list!

 

KNITTING

Barb Finished:

Bankhead Hat #27 by Susie Gourley

 

Tracie finished:

Socks to match my Archer in Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock in Cornflower

 

Barb working on:

Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway

Cheeky Cables Socks  by Mary Lukas using Universal Yarns Zesty Sock in the Pearl colorway

Velvet Pullover by Claudia Quintinilla/Ewe Knit Toronto, using  Serendipidye Kings Mountain Fingering in the Piccadilly colorway, Invictus Yarn Adventure in the Don't Look Under the Lilacs colorway, Invictus Yarns Master of my Feet in the Adagio and the Bobby color ways

 

Barb has cast on:

Bankhead Hat #28

CAPROCK tee by Yamagata using Araucania Ollagua

 

Tracie has cast on:

Beginner’s Rainbow Rabbit by Claire Garland in periwinkle Tahki Linguine from the NYFR destash

 

She continues to work on:

Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway

Fresh Favorite Tee by Christen Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway

Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps

 

BOOKS

Barb read:

Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Adventures in the Ordinary by Rebecca Front - 4 stars

56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard - 3 stars

Prom Mom - by Laura Lipman - 5 stars

Last Dance, Last Chance and Other True Cases (Crime Files #8) by Ann Rule - 4 stars

High Country (Anna Pigeon #12) by Nevada Barr - 5 stars

 

Tracie read:

Wham! George Michael and Me by Andrew Ridgeley - 4.5 stars

Wrecker by Carl Hiaasen - 3 stars

13 1/2 by Nevada Barr - 3 stars

Bunny by Mona Awad - 3 stars

Deadly Pretender: the Double Life of David Miller by Karen Kingsbury

 

Tracie recommends the TV show Jury Duty on Prime Video/FreeVee

Recorded on January 7, 2024

Book talk starts at 13:26

Our annual Fall Sweater KAL is almost over!  Stay tuned for our next KAL which will be announced in Episode 280.

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

Northern California Knitting Retreat (fondly known as "NoCKRs) April 25. - 28, 2024

KNITTING

Tracie finished:

NOT ONE DAMN THING

Barb Finished:

• Donner by Elizabeth Doherty. Using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway

Tracie is Working on:

• Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway
• Socks to match my Archer in Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock! in Cornflower

Tracie has cast-on:

• Fresh Favorite Tee by Chirsten Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway
• Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps

Barb working on:

• Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway
• Bankhead Hat #25 by Susie Gourley, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest colorway

Barb has cast on:

• Cheeky Cables Socks  by Mary Lukas using Universal Yarns Zesty Sock in the Pearl colorway
• Velvet Pullover by Claudia Quintinilla/Ewe Knit Toronto, using  Serendipidye Kings Mountain Fingering in the Piccadilly colorway, Invictus Yarn Adventure in the Don't Look Under the Lilacs colorway, Invictus Yarns Master of my Feet in the Adagio and the Bobby color ways

 

BOOKS

Tracie has read:

• The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation  by Matthew Gough - 4 stars
• Keep it in the Family by John Mars - 4 stars
• Drop City by TC Boyle - 5 stars

Barb has read:

• A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler - 3 stars
• Thin Air by Michelle Paver -  4 stars
• To the Land of Long-Lost Friends: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #20 by Alexander McCall Smith - 4 stars
• The Hypnotist (Joona Linna #1) by Lars Kempler

 

 

Recorded on Saturday, December 23, 2023

Book Talk starts at 28:11

 

Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.  

 

Here are the rules:

1. Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two!
2. We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here.
3. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here
4. Crocheters! Your sweaters are here
5. ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles!
6. There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread.
7. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project.
8. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine.
9. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize.

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA

KNITTING

 

Barb Finished:

Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway

South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway

Bankhead Hat #24

 

Tracie finished:

Bankhead Hat #6 by Susie Gourlay in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in grey

Simply Garter Stitch Hat by Caron Design Team (free) in Alexandra: The Art of Yarn Pendleton DK

Cumulus Blouse by Petite Knit in Countrywide Yarns Windsor 8-ply

Frog and Toad by Christina Ingrid McGowan

 

 

Barb working on:

Donner by Elizabeth Doherty. Using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway

Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway

 

Barb has cast on:

Bankhead Hat #25 by Susie Gourley, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest colorway

 

Cast on:

Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway

 

Working On:

Socks to match my Archer in Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock! in Cornflower

 

BOOKS

 

Barb is currently reading 4 books, but didn’t finish any since our last episode.  Instead, she recommends:

 

Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story (podcast)

Already Gone (podcast)

Betrayal: The Perfect Husband on Hulu

Love has Won: Cult of the Mother God on Max

 

Tracie Read:

Prom Mom by Laura Lipman - 4.5 stars

Carrie Fisher: A Life on the Edge by Sheila Weller - 5 stars

The Best Awful by Carrie Fisher - 4 stars

Out of Bounds by Val McDermid - 4 stars

Deadly Mistress: A True Story of Marriage, Betrayal and Murder by Michael Freeman - 4 stars

My Word Against His by Lauren North - 4.5 stars

 Recorded on November 25, 2023

Book talk begins at 25:40

 

  Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.  

Here are the rules:

1. Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two!
2. We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here.
3. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here
4. Crocheters! Your sweaters are here
5. ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles!
6. There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread.
7. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project.
8. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine.
9. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize.

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA

KNITTTING

Tracie finished:

• Never Not Gnoming #27 by Sarah Schira in assorted fingering weight leftovers

• Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guerin in Stitch Sisterz Laceweight Cashmere in Pine Tree and Shaggy Bear Farms Merino with Superwash and Tussah Silk in blue green
• Hungry Horse Hat 3 in various acrylics
• Rikke Hat #4 by Sarah Young for Jayla - using Tess Designer Yarns Superwash Merino and Alexandra: the Art of Yarn Pendleton DK

Barb continues to work on:

• Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway
• Donner by Elizabeth Doherty using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway

• South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway

  Bankhead Hat #24

Barb has cast on:

• Sirdar Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf  designed by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colorwheel in the Follow your Rainbow colorway

 

Tracie cast on:

• Socks to match her Archer in Dizzy Blood Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Delux Sock in cornflower
• Bankhead hat #6 by Susie Gourlay in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in gray

 

She continues to work on:

• Cumulus Blouse by Petite Knit in Countrywide Yarns Windsor 8-ply

 BOOKS

Barb read:

• Confessions by Kanye Minato - 3 stars
• The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty - 3 stars
• Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler - 4 stars
• The Mistress Next Door by Lesley Sanderson - 3stars
• But I Trusted You and Other True Cases (Crime files #14) - 4 stars
• Vanished in Vermillion: The Real Story of South Dakota's Most Infamous Cold Caseby Lou Ragusa - 3 stars

Tracie read:

• Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman - 4 stars
• Watching Youby Lisa Jewell - 4 stars
• The Lowcountry Murder of Gwendolyn Elaine Fogle: a Cold Case Solved by Rita Schuler - 3 stars
• A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs - 3 stars
• Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynasty by Mandy Matney - 4 stars

 

Recorded on Thursday, October 26, 2023

Book Talk starts at 27:53

Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.  

Here are the rules:

1. Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two!
2. We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here.
3. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here
4. Crocheters! Your sweaters are here
5. ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles!
6. There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread.
7. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project.
8. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine.
9. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize.

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

EVENTS

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina
• New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA 

 

KNITTTING

Barb Finished:

Bears 288 & 189

 

Tracie finished:

• Pixelated Pullover by Jennifer Beaumont in madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK, madelinetosh Tosh Sport and Duren Dyeworks Love Sport
• Hungry Horse Hat #2

 

Barb continues to work on:

• Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway
• Donner by Elizabeth Doherty using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway

 

Barb has cast on:

South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway

 

Tracie cast on:

• Hungry Horse Hat 3 in various acrylics
• Cumulus Blouse by Petite Knit in Countrywide Yarns Windsor 8-ply

 

She continues to work on:

• Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guerin in Stitch Sisterz Laceweight Cashmere in Pine Tree and Shaggy Bear Farms Merino with Superwash and Tussah Silk in blue green

 

BOOKS

Barb read:

• Falling by T.J. Newman - 5 stars
• Drowning by T.J. Newman - 4 stars
• You Can’t Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie - 3 stars
• The In-Laws by Laura Wolfe - 4 stars

 

Tracie read:

• Mirrorland by Carole Johnstone - 3.5 stars
• The Running Grave (Cormoran Strike #7) by Robert Galbraith - 5 stars
• Kill or Be Killed by Robert Scott - 3.5 stars

 

Barb’s recommended podcasts:

• Were You Raised by Wolves?
• Out Alive
• Breakdown: The Trump Indictment

 

Recorded Friday, October 13, 2023

Book talk begins at 27:00

Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.  

Here are the rules:

1. Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two!
2. We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here.
3. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here
4. Crocheters! Your sweaters are here
5. ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles!
6. There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread.
7. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project.
8. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine.

You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize.

 

Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom

 

Events

Tracie and Barb will be at:

• The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina
• New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA

 

KNITTING

Barb finished

• Mother Bear #288 & 289
• Hungry Horse Hat by Aimee Alexander using Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK in the Aurora, Depths, Juneberry color way  

Tracie finished:

• Socks in Tosh Merino Light Glitter in T’Challa colorway
• Hungry Horse Hat#1  by Aimee Alexander in Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK  

Barb is working on:

• Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sagebrush colorway
• Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway.

Barb has Cast On

• South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway
• Mother Bear #290

Tracie has cast on:

• Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guerin, using Stitch Sisters Laceweight  Cashmere in Pine Tree and Shaggy Bear Farms Merino with Superwash and Tussah Silk in Blue Green
• Hungry Horse Hat #2

In Hibernation for Tracie:

• Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva in Zealana Kiwi (Merino/Brushtail Possum/Cotton Blend) in Rococco 

Tracie is working on:

• Pixelated Pullover by Jennifer Beaumont in madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK, madelinetosh Tosh Sport and Duren Dyeworks Love Sport

 

BOOKS

Barb read:

• The Mosquito by B.A. Paris - 5 stars
• Ascent Into Hell: Mount Everest  by Fergus White - 5 stars
• The Couple in the Cabin byDaniel Hurst - 4 stars  

Tracie read: 

• Sickened: The True Story of a Lost Childhood by Julie Gregory
• Kala by Colin Walsh
• Deadly Little Secrets: The Minister, His Mistress and a Heartless Texas Murder by Kathryn Casey