Strings 'n Things... Podcast Notes

Episode #17 - Shearing Day!

2010-04-24T11:30:00.001-07:00

Last week, John and I went to the alpaca shearing at the Oyama Lake Alpaca Farm. This week's podcast is a selection of audio clips recorded there.

Many thanks to Jim & Darlene, whose willingness to allow the public to come and watch the shearing is so appreciated!

Ready for a trim, but that doesn't mean I have to like it!

Darlene, trimming topknots and tails

The shearing shed

Barrels of fleece, ready to be shipped to the mill

Connie, demonstrating the fine art of drop spindling, wearing the vest she made with alpaca and wool.

The Sit 'n Stitch girls

Links:

Alpaca Lake Alpaca Farm

Episode #16 - Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

In this episode, I'll share a bit about our search for information about John's great grandmother, Elizabeth Norman Skae, the artist who painted the picture below. In the background is Arthur's Seat; the church is (we believe) St. Giles, where Elizabeth was a member, and in the foreground, the fishing nets in the harbour.

The house where Elizabeth spent her final days, #16 Jordan Lane, in Edinburgh.

I'll also tell you about the most amazing cinnamon buns I've ever had... or made! (Yes, that's John's finger "cleaning" the counter of glaze.

Fresh out of the oven....

And ready to eat...

Links:

Knitwear Design Workshop by Shirley Paden
Cables, Diamonds, Herringbone by Sabine Domnick
Summit
Recipezaar (you've just gotta check it out!)
Hamburger Casserole
THE Best Cinnamon Buns ever!!

Let me know if the Recipezaar recipe links don't work; I'm having some problems accessing their site at the moment and am not completely certain I have the address correct.

Episode #15

2010-03-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Episode #15! I didn't think I'd be recording this weekend, but our plans have changed and here I am!

In this week's episode, I have a short Trinity story and I'll share some recipes and talk, of course about what's in my knitting basket.

This week's book review is "Boho Baby Knits" by Kat Coyle. As well, I'll share a bit about Frisian food, answering Shirley's question.

As always, there are links below. Please feel free to leave comments, and don't forget to check out the Strings 'n Things Ravelry group.

"Let's Go Shopping" Market bag... a free pattern available on Ravelry.

Heavenly Rosemary Yeast Rolls (recipe links below)

BBQ Chicken Pizza - Yum!!

Links:

Episode #14 - A History Lesson

2010-03-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

The Frisian flag, red lily pads on a field of blue and white diagonal stripes

This week's episode includes a history lesson about the Frisians; Friesland is the northernmost province of Holland, but has a significant place in Northern European history, something I didn't really know.

I'll review two books that deal with historical knitting from the North Sea area, Beth Brown-Reinsel's "Knitting Ganseys" and Ethnic Knitting Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and The Andes" by Donna Druchunas.

Above: 2 samples of traditional Frisian costume. Not really visible here is the gold skull cap worn under the lacy cap.

This map shows Northern Europe today. All of the area from Friesland to Denmark was traditionally Frisian territory.

Heather Desserud's pattern, La Joie du Printemps (the Joy of Spring), soon to be released.

Links:

Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel (Amazon)
Ethnic Knitting Discovery by Donna Druchunas (Knit Picks) (Amazon)
Strikkehedda (Ravelry)
i-Friesland
Boudica's Bard, A History of the Frisian Folk

Episode #13 - Welcome Back!

2010-02-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's about time, don't you think? If you're new to the podcast, welcome, welcome, welcome! If you've been waiting for me to get back to it, here I am. You'll notice I've made a few small changes and I hope you approve. Please, let me know what you think; your input, as always, is very much appreciated.

In this week's podcast, I'll be talking about what's in my knitting basket, what's new in my library and what I've been cooking up in the kitchen. I'm reviewing the re-released book by Susanna Lewis, "Knitting Lace: A Workshop with Patterns and Projects". I'll share my recipe for Goulash Soup and I'll just be chatting with you (even though you're not here for me to actually chat with).

Links to things mentioned in the podcast:

Knitting Lace by Susanna Lewis or here at KnitPicks
Goulash Soup (the Recipezaar version)
Goulash Soup (my version)
Strings 'n Things Ravelry group (you do need to be a Ravelry member... it's free)

Episode #12 - Red Means Good!

2009-09-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

In this episode, in no particular order... What's on my needles this week? I'll also update you on the IPE, or Armstrong Fair. I'll talk about the joy of giving to a child and I'll share my KnitPicks order with you. There's also a book review of Nancy Bush's "Knitted Lace of Estonia".

The shawl I'm thinking of making for next year's fair, one of many in this book that I love!

The finished Multnomah shawl/scarf.

Newly named mouse that made one little girl very happy!

Links in the podcast:

Drops Gloves 86-5

A Gathering of Lace

Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush

Multnomah Shawl by Kate Flagg

Episode #11 - Into Double Digits!

2009-08-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

This week's episode, #11 takes us into double digits (well, I know technically the last episode was into double digits, but hey.. I was out of it last time!).

In this episode, I'll answer a question that was asked of me once, concerning planning your knitting and whether or not I do, and if I do, what do I do. I'll tell you about a recent change in an opinion I've had for a long time and I'll tell you about Operation Beautiful. If you don't know about it yet, check out the Operation Beautiful website; I think this is a fantastic idea!

I'll also blather on about family... extended family.

Please feel free to leave a comment, email me or message me on Ravelry (MissChief).

Below... the Setesdal sweater, a learning experience. I'm sticking to that, by the way. I'm knitting this one because I want to learn how to steek. So there!

Episode #10 - This and That

2009-08-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's too hot to think this week! It's only 10:00 a.m. and already the temperature is 30C or 86F!

Today's episode is a short one, only 12 1/2 minutes. In it, there's talk about the weather, the forest fires and some music.

And the winner is... the Evolution Shawl!

Got anything to inspire me?? Please feel free to contact me.

Links:

Carolus & Suzie (the bear and the mouse)

Nelson DeMille's Plum Island

Nelson DeMille's The Talbot Odyssey (the one John's reading)

Episode #9 - Designing Women, the Finale

2009-07-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

In this week's episode, we'll finish up the Podcast sweater (no, I can't show you pictures yet; mine's not finished either!).

I'll share a bit about our Sit 'n Stitch's trip to the Oyama Lake Alpaca Farm (click for more information about the farm) and my technical challenges. I just don't get why I can't get all the equipment to work when I need it to work!

And, as you'll hear about in this episode, I need your help in making a decision.

This one?

(Aeolian)

This one?

(Estonian Garden Wrap)

Or, this one?

(Evolution Shawl)

Which one should be my entry into the shawl section of the Armstrong Fair?

Also, one last question for you? Do you think it would be a good idea to start a Ravelry group for Strings 'n Things...the Podcast?

Leave me a comment, a suggestion, a question, an inspiration! You have no idea how appreciated you are.

Episode #8 - The Vacation Show

2009-07-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

In this week's episode, I'll share a bit about our 5-day vacation visiting family down at the coast, as well as continue with the Podcast sweater.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have another knitter!

Vancouver is NOT the land of snow and ice. Palm trees grow quite well in Vancouver, thank you very much! :)

Below are pictures of the pine beetle damage. You can see quite clearly how much of the mountain side has been ravaged by these tiny insects. All of the brown trees are dead because of these little creatures.

This picture shows quite clearly the extent of the damage in just one small area.

The green areas of the map show areas where there's more than a 10% tree kill due to the mountain pine beetle. You can see just how ravaged BC's forests are. The map shows only British Columbia, but you can be sure that the damage extends into Alberta on the east and down into Washington state to the south.

Click here to find out more about the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.

========================================

The Pattern… So Far

This pattern is sized for a 2 year old, approximately, with a finished chest size of 26”.

Yarn: worsted weight yarn, approximately 450 yards (405 metres)

Needles: 20” – 4.5 mm circular needle, 2 sets of 4.5 mm double-pointed needles

Notions: stitch markers, darning needle

The Body:

Using the circular needle and a stretchy cast on, cast on 112 stitches. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Knit every round (stocking stitch) for 10” or desired length. End the last round 3 stitches before the marker. Cast off 6 stitches; knit 49; cast off 6 stitches; knit 49. Set aside.

The Sleeves:

Using double-pointed needles (or method of choice), cast on 26 stitches. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Knit every round until work measures 1.5”

Increase 1 stitch on each side of the marker every 6 rounds 8 times (42 stitches). Work even until sleeve measures 11.5” from the beginning (or length desired). End the final round 3 stitches before the marker. Cast off 6 stitches (36 stitches remain). Set aside and work second sleeve to match the first.

The Yoke:

With the right side facing, knit across 36 sleeve stitches, place marker, knit 50 front stitches, place marker, knit the 36 stitches of the second sleeve, place marker, knit remaining 50 stitches, place marker (172 stitches).

On the next row, decrease 2 stitches evenly (170 stitches). Work even until yoke measures 1.5”

First decrease round: *knit 3, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round (136 stitches). Work even until yoke measures 2.75”

Second decrease round: *knit 2, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round (102 stitches). Work even until yoke measures 4”

Third decrease round: *knit 1, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round (68 stitches). Work even until yoke measures 5.25”

The Neck:

Episode #7 The Father's Day Special

2009-06-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

I had intended this to be just the Father's Day special, but it's been slightly extended to include some "regular" stuff as we'll be away next weekend.

One late comment came in on Saturday. Because I already had the podcast "in the can", I'll include Kathy's poem here. According to her comment, "My dad framed the card with the poem on it. A bit extreme, but he's like his little girl".

Love Fights

You had a lover's quarrel with the world

but you rarely quarreled with your little girl.

The fights we had that I remember

where a kind of game, warm and tender.

I'd start by saying I love you,

and that would be our quarreling cue.

You would say you loved me more.

I'd argue well for someone four.

Off we'd go into our fight

each one thinking he was right

Then at the last I'd give in

for you would never let me win.

Music on this week's show is from Magnatune and features Rob Costlow's "Falling For Her"

Episode #6 Designing Women, part 2

2009-06-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

In today's episode, we'll continue with the Podcast sweater. We're up to the sleeves! Nothing difficult, trust me.

I'll tell you about one of my knitting MISadventures. Yes, I do have them. As frustrating as they can be, you just have to laugh.

Don't forget to check out the Summer '09 issue of Knitty. Is it really time to think about Christmas knitting already???

The music at the end of today's episode is Sarabanda Secondo by Richard Savino and was a free daily download from Magnatune. Clicking on the song name will take you directly to the album page. As well, if you look over at the sidebar, you'll see an embedded player, featuring the album this song is from. I don't usually put music, other than the little clips, on the show, but I really like this piece and thought it would be a nice way of ending today's show.

Today is World Wide Knit in Public Day. Get out there and knit in public!

============================

The Pattern… So Far

This pattern is sized for a 2 year old, approximately, with a finished chest size of 26”.

Yarn: worsted weight yarn, approximately 450 yards (405 metres)

Needles: 20” – 4.5 mm circular needle, 2 sets of 4.5 mm double-pointed needles

Notions: stitch markers, darning needle

The Body:

The Sleeves:

Using double-pointed needles (or method of choice), cast on 26 stitches. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Knit every round until work measures 1.5”

The Yoke:

Episode #5 Designing Women

2009-05-30T07:25:00.001-07:00

In this week's episode, I'll share a bit about my knitting (and crafting) history and how it links me to my past, of which I know very little, really.

The pillowslip my mother gave me... the date on it reads 1803.

We've talked a bit about designing in past episodes, so let's put some of that talk into practice. Let's design a little boy's pullover. I'll walk you through the process I might take, from start to finish. This week, we start. Here's the concept... (similar in styling to Jared Flood's Cobblestone)

...and the swatch...

I'll review two books this week:

Sweater Design in Plain English by Maggie Righetti
A Knitter's Template by Laura Militzer Bryant and Barry Klein

Clicking the book title will take you to their respective Amazon links.

Moving Backwards... Episode #1

2009-05-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

Who is Ev and why does she think she can do a podcast?

Included in this very first episode is an update on what's on my needles, my favourite "go to" yarn, a book review of "The Prayer Shawl Companion", and ramblings about anything that comes to my mind.

Join me as we embark on an adventure, something I never thought I'd be doing... podcasting!

Moving Backwards... Episode #2

2009-05-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Join me as we meander through my mind. In this episode, I've got a couple of book reviews, one not even remotely knitting-related, the other completely knitting related. As well, there's a Trinity story, and I'll ramble on about lace and why I love it so much.

Notes:

Books reviewed:
"The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood, published by New World Library.
"Victorian Lace Today" by Jane Sowerby, published by XRX Books

The One-Minute Manicure: Use about 1 teaspoon of salt or sugar and enough of your favourite oil (I like extra virgin olive oil) to make a paste and massage it into your hands, fingers, cuticles, wrists for about one minute. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and apply your favourite hand lotion. Voila! Lovely soft hands for next to no cost! Couldn't be any easier!

Moving Backwards... Episode #3

2009-05-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

In this week’s episode, let’s talk socks… or not. Actually, let’s talk colour knitting instead; included is a review of Alice Starmore’s “Book of Fair Isle Knitting”. As well, how do you motivate yourself to finish your works in progress (wips)?

We’ll also make our draw; if you commented on Episode #2, stay tuned because this is the episode! Good luck to all who entered the contest to win two skeins of laceweight baby alpaca yarn.

The Books:
Alice Starmore’s Book of Fair Isle Knitting

Art of Fair Isle Knitting by Ann Feitelson

The Tutorials:
http://fairisleknitting.blogspot.com (an excellent resource for colour/fairisle/stranded knitting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02L4Fo82zwk&feature=related
http://www.knitpicks.com/images/pdf/colorknitting.pdf
http://www.sheeweknits.com/fair_isle_101.htm

Free Stranded Headband Pattern:http://knittingincolor.blogspot.com/2008/11/heres-free-pattern-that-you-can-knit-up.html

Welcome!

2009-05-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Here, you will find podcast notes for Strings 'n Things... the Podcast. Stay tuned. The next podcast is scheduled for May 30; that will be Episode #5