misadventures in knitting

Episode 12: Happy New Year 2018

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 01:12:48 -0400

Today’s topics include: * The Knitters Book Club Knit Along! * What we are wearing * The Sweat Shop of Love * Our Resolutions for 2018 Today’s stash hiding space was shared by CatCameo on Ravelry. This knitter does not actually store yarn in her hubcaps but has considered it ever since her husband found her stash in the office cabinets! Ha, ha! Thank you for the chuckle, CatCameo! The Knitters Book Club Knit Along The Knitters Book Club has begun! This knit along runs from January 1st thru March 31st, 2018. Over the course of the next three months, we will read “A Stash of One’s Own” by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributors. Some of you have asked, “who are the contributors?”. Well, besides Clara Parkes herself, you can choose a project designed by Susan B. Anderson, Rachel Atkinson, Kay Gardiner, Franklin Habit, Anna Maltz, Kim McBrien Evans, Amy Christoffers, Amy Herzog, Gudrun Johnston, The Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearl McPhee), Ann Shayne, Debbie Stoller, Meg Swansen, or Kristine Vejar. Projects range from small to big, from simple to complicated. You choose what you are in the mood for! What makes this Knit Along unique is we plan to host Google Hang Outs on the last Friday of each month. The very first Google Hang Out will take place Friday, January 26th at 8 PM Eastern Standard Time. We will provide links in the Ravelry Forum. This will give us the opportunity to discuss the book and swoon over everyone’s knitting “face to face”, almost like a real book club! We also plan to share pictures and ideas through Ravelry and Instagram. So, if you are not interested or able to use Google Hang Out, you can still participate. Please see the threads in our Ravelry Group and use #KnittersBookClubKAL on Instagram. For the Knit Along, Tara casted on a pair of Smooth Operator Socks by Susan B. Anderson using Gynx Yarn Self-Striping Gingerbread House in the Glitz Base. Tara plans to knit a second pair of socks by Susan B. Anderson, the Smooth Operator Heart Socks. Ashley plans to cast on the Ruche Beret by Susan B. Anderson using yarn by the Plucky Knitter. What We Are Wearing Ashley has been wearing Find Your Fade by Andrea Mowry, the 21 Stripe Slouch, the Crofthoose Hat by Ella Gordon, and the V-Neck Cardigan by Knitting Pure and Simple. Tara has been wearing the Gather Together by Joji Locatelli, which she purposely shrank in the dryer. She also wears the Peerie Flooers Hat by Kate Davies on a daily basis. The Sweat Shop of Love, Holiday Edition! Ashley finished Socks on a Plane. She is now working on the Smooth Operator Socks for her son. Ashley is working on the Land of Sweets Cowl using the Nox advent yarn. Tara finished the World’s Simplest Mittens for her sons (and successfully fixed the mitten that was knit at a smaller gauge!) and a pair of Gynx Christmas socks for her husband. On Christmas Eve, Tara casted on the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Bramble colorway. Resolutions for 2018 Tara and Ashley share their resolutions for 2018! Tara pledges: * no new yarn! * no yarn shopping! (she references “My Year of No Shopping”by Ann Patchett) * to knit from her beautiful stash! * to manage her WIPs. * to finish the knitting of her lace shawl design. Ashley vows to: * shop from her stash first. * finish her WIPs (works-in-progress)! * sew more! * get back on track with running and complete numerous races.

Episode 011: Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017!

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Today's topics include:

*Knit Along News

*What we are Working on

*the Top 17 Trends of 2017, a Countdown to Celebrate Knitting!

*Predictions for 2018

*and, our Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017

Today's stash hiding space was shared by LongCool on Ravelry. This raveler's stash has grown from 1 bin to 4 and from one cabinet to two in her mudroom. Luckily, her newly adopted mastiff is keeping the territory safe from prying eyes and intruders. Thank you for sharing your hiding space with us, Jessica!

A few weeks ago, we were able to meet Boston Jen of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast and Mary of Kino Knits over a brunch at R House in Baltimore City. Jen recently released the Megarow shawl, a top down, asymmetrical crescent-shaped shawl that alternates garter and a simple lace pattern. Mary released a shawl and hat pattern in her collection Point/Counterpoint Volume 3 with Claire Devine. We were thrilled to meet these two talented women! Knit Along News The Knitters Book Club, is scheduled to begin January 1st, 2018. Over the course of three months, we will read "A Stash of One's Own" by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributors. We will chat about the book and gush over everyone's knitting using Google Hang Out. Join us for a special New Years Day Cast On Party! Post a picture of your freshly started project on Instagram using #knittersbookclubkal. Please see the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group for complete information, a bundle of potential patterns, and a chat thread. Tara is considering the Voe Sweater by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Acer Cardigan by Amy Christoffers. Ashley may cast on the Aestlight Shawl by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Ruche Beret by Susan B. Anderson. What we are working on: Tara finished the Suprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart. She used Primrose Adelaide (single ply/fingering weight) with "Don't Fear the Reaper" as the main color. Tara finished a pair of vanilla socks using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel. She used Lollipop Yarn Quintessential/Gripes base in the "Witches Brew" colorway. Tara had a boost of sock mojo and casted on two pairs of Christmas socks using a traditional heel flap. She is using Gynx Yarn in the "Cheers" colorway and West Yorkshire Spinners in the "Holly Berry" colorway. Ashley finished the 21 Color Slouch by Virginia Sattler-Reimer using a kit by Blue Sky Fibers. She made a few mods for a better fit. Ashley is working on a pair of Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman using Two Sisters Yarn Company's self-striping in the "Pippi to the Rescue" colorway. Ashley decided to use her Nox Yarns Advent for the Land of Sweets Cowl by Helen Stewart. Tara is working on Angel in my Tiny Pocket by Melissa Kemmerer using Jill Draper Esopus, which is discontinued. Top 17 Trends of 2017 17.) The Fringe Field Bag with Pins 16.) Pullovers! Andrea Mowry, Isabell Kraemer and Caitlin Hunter are leading this trend. 15.) Crochet The Lost in Time Shawl by Johanna Lindahl and the Virus Shawl by Julia Marquardt are very popular, as are the Attic 24 patterns. 14.) Colorwork Caitlin Hunter's Sunset Highway, Ninilchik Poncho, Zweig , and Birkin were mentioned. Gudrun Johnston and the Bousta Beanie. 13.) Accessible Knitting Vanilla socks. Garter stitch shawls. 12.) Videocasting The Grocery Girls and Kristy Glass Knitswere mentioned. 11.) mKALs Everyone has one! 10.) The Me-Made Wardrobe Ashley mentioned Made by Rae, Grainline Studio, and Blue Print Sewing. 9.) Indie Dyers 8.) The Neon to Pastel Color Transition La Bien Amiee and Olann were mentioned. The Panton color of 2018 is Ultra Violet. 7.) Speckles! 6.) Brioche Lesley Anne Robinson was mentioned. 5.) BATs: Big A** Tassels! What the Fade and Ohra Shawl were mentioned. 4.) BAPs: Big A** Poms!! Faux and real fur! 3.) BASs: Big A** Shawls!!! Tara mentioned the larger than life Degreenify by Josh Ryks-Robinsky. 2.) Craftivism There is a hat for every cause! Pussy Hats and the Come Together Blanket by Kat Coyle were mentioned. 1.) FADES Thanks Andrea Mowry and Stephen West! Predictions for 2018: Tara thinks speckles will continue to be popular through 2018. She also predicts domestically raised, spun, and dyed wool will grow in popularity and Cormo will be seen more often. Ashley thinks the designs of Isabell Kraemer will gain even more popularity in 2018. She also thinks heirloom quality knitting will make a come back, for example the designs of Rowan, Alice Starmore and Norah Gaughan. Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017: Tara and Ashley agree that starting the podcast will make 2017 memorable. Ashley is also proud of sewing a dress that fits!

Amy’s Grand Shetland Adventure: An Interview

misadventuresinknitting — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:19:57 -0400

Amy Legg and Karen Brehm, co-owners of Woolworks Yarn Shop in Baltimore, MD, travelled to Shetland in July 2017 for what many consider to be the “ultimate knitting vacation”. Amy shares what she learned and saw while on the Grand Shetland Adventure led by Gudrun Johnston and Mary Jane Mucklestone, two talented knit-wear designers.

In this special edition podcast episode, Amy talks with us about her epic journey and details how it was truly a “trip of a lifetime”.

Karen Brehm (left) and Amy Legg (right) on their Grand Shetland Adventure

Episode 010: Everything is Awesome

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Today’s stash hiding space was shared by Miss CeliesPants on Instagram. Thank you for sharing with us, Renee!

A Bunch of Thank Yous

Since November is the month to be thankful, we would like to thank all of you who listen to our podcast. To Amy, Karen and Brenda, the owners of Woolworks Yarn Shop in Baltimore, MD, we thank you for your continual support. Woolworks offers a variety of yarns and fibers for every knitting occasion, including Woolfolk, Madeline Tosh, and The Fiber Company. See woolworksbalt.com for a complete list of classes, knit alongs, and other special events, such as the Jane Spalding Ceramics Trunk Show on December 2nd from 11AM-3PM.

To Brooke of Fully Spun Yarn, we thank you for being our first ever long distance, computer screen-to-computer screen interview. We cannot wait to get our conversation uploaded for the show. In the meantime, listeners can check out Brooke’s beautiful yarns at fullyspun.com and see her in person December 2nd and 3rd at the Art Pop Squared Artist’s Market in Frederick, Maryland. And, you did hear that right, listeners. The Misadventures in Knitting Podcast will eventually include interviews!

Knit Along News

*Congratulations to the grand prize winners of the Too Much Candy Knit Along, JMazurick for the Autumnal Cowl and LMEColl for the Grand Central Socks. We used the random number generator to select our Ravelry and Instagram winners. In total, we had 17 gorgeous entries. Thank you so much to all who participated!

Tara finished the 6-12 month Flax Sweater by Tin Can Knits using Cascade 220 Superwash Wave in the “Seattle” colorway.

Tara also finished the Spindrift Shawl by Helen Stewart using Destination Yarns Postcard Base in the Toes in the Sand colorway.

Misadventures

Ashley has been misadventure-free, while Tara has a terrible case of startitis/startosis and knitting ADD. She wants to cast on more projects than is possible to finish!

What We are Working On

Tara is test knitting a sweater for Melissa Kemmerer in a size 6. The sweater is called “Angel in my Tiny Pocket” and it features a small pocket along the hem with a duplicate angel for the wearer to touch when they need extra energy or love. Tara is using Jill Draper Esopus fingering weight, which has been discontinued.

Tara started the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart using Old Maiden Aunt Superwash Merino 4-ply in the Buttermint Colorway. She also purchased triangular shaped beads from Lovelyarns to decorate the shawl.

Ashley has been working tirelessly on the Ninlichik Swoncho by Caitlin Hunter using Arranmore Light by the Fibre Company.

*Our next Knit Along, The Knitters Book Club, is scheduled to begin in January 2018. Over the course of three months, we will read “A Stash of One’s Own” by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributors. We will chat about the book and ooh-and-ahh over everyone’s knitting by using Google Hang Out. Please see the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group for complete information and a bundle of potential patterns.

Hot Off the Needles

Ashley finished the Unicorn Hat by Brittany Tyler Simmonds. Ashley used Rowan Big Wool, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, and wool roving, which Ashley made into a “fulled” yarn.

Ashley is also working on a pair of socks while watching “Stranger Things”. She is using the “Upside Down” colorway by the Freckled Whimsy.

Tara is also working on the Surprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart and the Wagenfeld Sweater by Ankestrick. Tara continues to feel unsure how her husband will like this colorful sweater.

Imaginary Knitting

Tara is daydreaming about Helen Stewart’s “Land of Sweets” Cowl that is part of the 2017 Knitvent Collection.

Ashley is imaginary knitting her Nox Yarn Advent Mini-Skeins. Ashley has considered Archer’s Paradox by Sweet Birch Design, Parallel Waves by Julia Marsh, and the Felicitas sweater by Maliha Designs.

Episode 009: Yarn is my favorite yarn

misadventuresinknitting — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 23:39:08 -0400

Today’s stash hiding space was shared by Liz-Knitz on Ravelry. Thank you for sharing your secret with us, Liz!

General Announcements

* The Misadventures in Knitting podcast is looking for show sponsorship. If you are a yarn dyer, designer, in a related business or have a unique product, please email us at misadventuresinknitting@gmail.comif you are interested in advertising on the show.

* Ashley and Tara want to know, “what do you want to hear about?” Which topics would you like us to discuss on the show? Ask us your knitting, crochet, or general crafting questions. With your input, we hope to create a more informative podcast. Please find the thread on the Ravelry group.

* Much appreciation to everyone who has already reviewed our podcast on iTunes. Reviews and ratings help a podcast become searchable. If you listen to our podcast, please consider writing a review. We thank you in advance!

Knit Along News

*The Too Much Candy Knit Along

By the time this episode is published, the Too Much Candy Knit Along will be finished and two lucky knitters will have won two awesome prizes. Grand prize winners and special category honorees will be named in episode 10 that will air on November 26th. Thank you to all who participated!

*Future Knit Along to begin in the new year!

–“The Knitter’s Book Club”

–A 3 month knit-along, read along and discussion to begin January and end in March 2018.

–We will read “A Stash of One’s Own” by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributers.

–We plan to host Google Hang Outs on the last Friday of each month.

–A special discussion thread will be added in our Ravelry group.

–We will create a bundle with project ideas if you should feel “stuck”.

–More information will be released with future episodes. We are so excited and needed to share the news with you right away!

What We are Wearing

Tara has worn the Simee Dimeh shawl by Romi Hill and the Marin Shawl by Ysolda Teague. Tara’s sons, Leo and River, have worn their Christmas in July sweaters by Tanis Lavallee and So Faded by Andrea Mowry.

Ashley wore Afternoon Tea by Helen Stewart, knit by her friend, Heather. Ashley wore a vintage Kaffe Fassett sweater dress to the theatre. This beautiful dress was knit by a customer of Woolworks in Baltimore, MD. Ashley also wore Ducky Socks.

Imaginary Knitting

Tara is daydreaming about the Damejakkaloppa by Pinneguri. Tara apologizes for mispronouncing the designer’s name! (Sorry!)

Ashley is imaginary knitting numerous WIPs!

Hot Off the Needles

Ashley finished Churchmouse Yarn and Tea’s Basic Christmas Stocking with Woolstok yarn. She finished The Little Pumpkin Hat in Rowan Summerlite DK. Ashley designed this cute hat! This time around, she upsized the pattern for a toddler. If you are interested in these changes, check out the notes on her Ravelry project page.

Tara finished the Exploration Station by Stephen West just in time for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. Tara gifted this shawl to her friend, Lis, that vends at the festival under the name Heirlooms.

What We are Working On

Tara casted on the Surprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart soon after its release. She is using Primrose Adelaide.

Also by Helen Stewart, Tara is knitting the Spindrift Shawlette in Destination Yarn’s Postcard base in the Toes in the Sand colorway.

Finally, Tara is knitting the Wagenfeld pullover by Ankestrick using Jill Draper Empire. She hopes this sweater will be a Christmas gift for her husband.

Ashley is knitting the Children’s Neck Down Cardigan by Knitting Pure and Simple. She cast on the Unicorn Hat by Brittany Tyler Simmonds in Rowan Big Wool using size 15 needles!

Ashley cast on the Ninilchik Swoncho by Caitlin Hunter. She is using Arranmore Light by the Fibre Company.

Misadventures

Both Tara and Ashley experienced a few misadventures! Tara purchased several skeins of Domestic Worsted by Magpie Fibers.

Tara also purchased an entire sweater quantity of Periwinkle Sheep’s Bulky base in the Black/Turquoise colorway.

Ashley purchased several skeins of by Magpie Fibers, as well as a Wishmaker Mitt kit.

Ashley purchased a beautiful advent mini-skein set by Nox Yarns. She is unsure how she will use the yarn, whether it will be for a shawl, sweater or something else entirely. Suggestions needed!

Episode 008: Misadventures with Lace Knitting

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 00:23:14 -0400

Episode 008-Misadventures with Lace Knitting

Are you interested in being a podcast sponsor? We would love to hear from you! Please email us at misadventuresinknitting@gmail.com

——

Introduction:

Today’s stash hiding space was shared by Lil Dead Girl on Ravelry. Thank you for contributing, Alissa!

A special nod to Boston Jen of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. We love listening to your inspiring show and we look forward to meeting you in November!

The Too Much Candy Knit Along and Crochet Along!

*began Sept 15 and will run thru November 1st, 2017.

*Knit or crochet something halloween related.

*Share photos in our Ravelry group and/or on Instagram with #toomuchcandyKAL

*Enter to win awesome prizes! Two Halloween project bags (sewn by the talented Ashley) and two skeins of halloween themed yarn are up for grabs!

*Prizes will be awarded using the random number generator. One chosen from Instagram and the other from Ravelry.

*US addresses only for prizes.

Hot Off the Needles

Tara tested the North Bend Hat by Lori Wagner. This hat, which features a beautiful cabled panel, will be available for purchase on Ravelry in mid-November. Lori designed this for A Yarn Less Raveled, a yarn store in Northern California. Tara knit a size small with YOTH Father in the Poppyseed Colorway.

Tara finished three Barley Hats by Tin Can Knits. She used this pattern to teach a “Knit Your First Hat” class at Woolworks. Tara knit a child size (in Madeline Tosh Vintage colorway Glazed Pecan) and two adult small sizes (one in Madeline Tosh Vintage colorway Jasper and the other in Plucky Cachet Small Batch colorway #25).

Ashley finished the Plicate Hat by Hunter Hammersen using Woolfolk SNO. Ashley found this hat to be very enjoyable and recommends the pattern and the yarn, which is incredibly soft. Ashley warns that a swatch is necessary for success with this pattern! Her hat will be on display at Woolworks in Baltimore, MD.

What We are Working On

Ashley is knitting the Basic Christmas Stocking by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas. She is using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, one of her favorites, and this will be a shop sample for Woolworks.

Ashley is working on the Knitting Pure and Simple Children’s Neck Down Cardigan #249.

Lastly, Ashley is crocheting Outlander by Lily Go. Ashley is learning to read a crochet chart and she finds this pattern to be very clear. She is using Spirit Trail Fibers Sunna that she purchased at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. She is using beads from Jubili Beads and Yarn in Collingswood, NJ.

Tara is teaching a “Knit Your First Mitten” class at Woolworks and was inspired by The World’s Simplest Mitten pattern by Tin Can Knits. She is making a Christmas garland using a modified infant size with Jill Draper Hudson. She is also knitting a Child size with Cascade 220 Sport in the Punk Colorway for her son River and the Adult Small size for her son Leo using the Rainbow colorway. (Note, this picture was taken one week after recording.)

Tara is working on the Exploration Station by Stephen West and is nearing the end! She had a “knitting high-five!” moment when she started the final section and had exactly the number of stitches required, 455! Yeah! (Note, these photos are of the finished object and were taken one week after recording.)

Finally, Tara is knitting a pair of basic socks with the Fish Lips Kiss Heel for the #TooMuchCandyKAL. She is using Lollipop Yarn Quintessential Base in the Witch Craft Colorway.

Sad Knitting Tragedies

Tara gave an update on the moth outbreak in her finished sweater bin. She washed and reblocked five sweaters and multiple accessories. She hopes the moths find somewhere else to live.

Totally Tubular Techniques (and not just the cast-on)!

Tara and Ashley have created a new rotating topic for the podcast called “Totally Tubular Techniques”. Our goal for this section is to make challenging knitting techniques more accessible for all. We hope to inspire confidence in our listeners. Today, our topic is lace knitting but we will eventually cover other advanced techniques, such as colorwork, sweater knitting and brioche (to name a few). Please contribute to our discussion by visiting the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group. You may have ideas that we did not address. We would love to hear from you!

Early on, Ashley and Tara struggled with lace knitting and found it very difficult. They both tried the Ishbel Shawl by Ysolda Teague and initially could not complete it. So, they warmed up to lace by trying other patterns first. Tara knit the Multnomah by Kate Ray and the Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante. Ashley adventured into lace by completing the Monkey Sock and the Pomatomus Sock by Cookie A. She also knit the Twisting Ladders Hat by Corinna Rogers. Ashley’s first charted lace pattern was 198 Yards of Heaven by Christy Verity.

For success with lace, Tara and Ashley recommend you:

Start from the bottom right hand corner and read right to left (opposite of how we normally read a book). Pay close attention to the stitch symbols and read the glossary. Learn about new-to-you stitches on YouTube by doing a quick search.

highlighter tape (to keep track of where you are in the chart and the pattern) stitch markers (to place in between each pattern repeat)

Ara

Spindrift

Hedera

Clover Honey Shawlette

Sew, We have Another Lover

Tara is feeling challenged by her new hobby of sewing. She is concerned about how to finish and care for her projects, such as the Farrow Dress, the Lark Tee, and the Willow Tank by Grainline Studio.

Ashley made the Grab Bag by All People Quilt, a Japanese style dumpling bag. This pattern is free if you sign up on the website. Ashley is giving the bag away as part of the #toomuchcandykal! See photo above.

Ashley and her son, William, made the “Roll-it-up!” pillowcase together! This pattern is also from All People Quilt. William is incredibly proud of his first sewing experience!

Ashley finished the Cleo Skirt, a Made by Rae pattern. Ashley participated in a sew-along with our awesome local fabric shop, Domesticity.

Lastly, Ashley finished Butterick B6453, a princess seamed dress. Ashley chose a cute black-and-white polka dot fabric for the project. This dress has a zipper and pockets. She put in a lining and hand-stitched the hem! Wow!

Episode 007: Knit Along With Us!

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 00:36:46 -0400

Introduction

Today’s stash hiding space was shared MarySK on Ravelry. Thank you, Mary!

General Announcements

Ravelry group

Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group

Imaginary Knitting

Tara’s imaginary knitting is the World’s Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits. She will use this pattern for a class at Woolworks. She wants to make a garland of mittens for the 12 days of Christmas and has Jill Draper Hudson, Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted, and Madeline Tosh Vintagescraps set aside

Ashley wants to make the Wishmaker Mitts by Erica Heussler and the Bobble Cowl by Joji Locatelli. She also has an imaginary project that she think would be better classified as a Sad Knitting Tragedy!

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Caragh Sweater by Laura Nelkin. The sweater is knit side-to-side, has a boxy fit, side cable panels, and an optional cabled cowl. Tara tested this pattern and found it to be clearly written and interesting to knit. Here is a link to Tara’s project page.

What We Are Working On

Ashley is working on the Brighton Plaid by Eclectic Gipsyland. She feels a break is needed because of the shift in weather.

Ashley swatched for the Campside Cardigan.

Ashley started the Festive Sheep Ornament by Jennifer Dickerson, which is a free crochet pattern on Ravelry. She was inspired by Aquilla da Hun, of the Lefty Knitter Podcast. She finished all of the pieces and just needs to sew them together.

Finally, Ashley has joined the underarms of the Children’s Neck Down Cardigan.

Tara is knitting the Exploration Station by Stephen West using Yarn Hygge by Lis Barsuglia-Madsen.

Tara is knitting the Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits for an upcoming class at Woolworks. She loves Madeline Tosh Vintage.

Misadventures

Tara purchased the new Chirstmas colorway by Gynx Yarn! “Cheers” is a green self-striping sock yarn with different colors representing holiday beverages.

Ashley loves themes and self-striping yarn! Freckled Whimsyhad a Stranger Things themed self-striping yarn update and Ashley was able to snag a skein!

Ashley also purchased a 2 ply BFL yarn from Brooke of Fully Spun, who recently had a trunk show at Woolworks. This yarn has a hand-spun look.

Sad Knitting Tragedies

Moths found their way into Tara’s finished sweaters! Oh no! Her plan is to wash, block, store in plastic baggies, and expose to both cold and heat to prevent further contamination.

Ashley has a serious case of startosis and has spent many evenings winding yarn! She wound yarn for the Koi Pond Shawlby Casapinka but has not yet cast on. The yarn looks at her every night, waiting.

Ashley cast on the Whitman Hat with Woolfolk SNO but found this yarn was not a good match for the pattern.

Question of the Day

Q: “How do you become a test-knitter?”

A: When a designer has an item to be tested, they will often ask for help on Instagram or in their Ravelry group. “Testing Pool” and “Free Pattern Testers” are two Ravelry groups specifically for designers to find testers. Designers will often post a sneak-peak picture, a supply list, a deadline and a questionairre about the pattern. Designers like to see that you take pictures of your finished objects and share on Ravelry and Instagram. As you work through the pattern, you update the designer on your progress and if there are any errors or concerns about the pattern. Some designers encourage a lot of chatter too, which is always fun. Testing is generally unpaid and done for the love of knitting and the desire to support a particular designer.

Ep 006: Sew, We Have Another Lover.

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 00:14:00 -0400

*** Please note, because Tara and Ashley are sewing more, our future episodes will include a separate section dedicated to sewing toward the end of the episode.

Introduction

This week’s stash hiding spot was contrubuted by therowantree on Ravelry. Thank you for your participation, Heather! Listeners, please visit our Ravelry group and share your stash hiding space with us. We will reveal one secret per episode! Shhh!

A special shout out to Algebrina of the “Just One N” videocast. Thank you for visiting Woolworks and introducing yourself. It was nice to meet you!

The Too Much Candy Knit Along/Crochet Along

Ravelry Group

Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group

Tara hopes to knit the Dwarven Battle Bonnet 2 by Sally Pointer of Wicked Woolens.

Ashley will knit Little Pumpkin designed by Ashley, herself!

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Transitus Hat by Laura Nelkin. She used Plucky Scholar in the Gizmo colorway. She likes this hat so much that she started another!

Ashley finished the Watercolor Heart Pillow by Jodi Rice. She used Noro Silk Garden and Rowan Kid Classic. Ashley will teach an intarsia class at Woolworks using this design.

Ashley has the sewing bug. Seven years ago she started a mini-quilt and she finally finished and framed it!

Ashley loves foundation paper piecing. She completed the “Truth” square by HappySewLucky on Etsy.

What We Are Working On:

Tara also caught the sewing bug! Because Tara is a sewing newbie, she signed up for the Garment Construction Series at Domesticity, a new fabric store in Baltimore. Domesticity offers a variety of classes for novice to experienced sewers. The teachers and owner of the shop are phenomenal! If you are in the Baltimore area, you should check this place out!

Tara is making the Shirt Number 1 by Sonya Philip of 100 Acts of Sewing.

Tara is making the Willow Tank Dress by Grain Line Studio. She is taking a class with Renee Samuels, AKA Miss Celie’s Pants.

Tara has also completed several zippered pouches.

As far as knitting goes, Tara is testing the Caragh Sweater by Laura Nelkin. This sweater will be published on Ravelry in mid-September. Tara is using Arranmore Light in the Narin colorway by the Fibre Company.

Ashley is working on the Pink Poodle Scarf from Morehouse Designs. She is using Finley Fingering by Three Irish Girls.

Misadventures:

Tara purchased one skien from Destination Yarns in the Postcard Base, colorway: Toes in the Sand.

Ashley destashed 1/4 of her yarn! Wow! She then bought Nox Yarn Advent Calendar.

Old Bay on Everything:

Ashley and Tara visited the Baltimore Farmer’s Market together.

Ep 005: As One Stashes, the Other Destashes

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 00:30:33 -0400

Where Do You Hide Your Stash?

This week’s stash hiding spot was shared by Mrs. ScubaFish on Ravelry, who knows how to turn a dropped ceiling into a secret yarn bunker! Mrs. ScubaFish, we found your knowledge of drop ceilings to be absolutely hilarious! Thank you for contributing to our podcast!

Listeners, please tell us where you hide your stash in the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group! We may share your secret in an upcoming episode!

A Special Announcement

We are hosting our first ever knit-along, the Too Much Candy KAL! The KAL will run from September 15th-November 1st. The only rule is that you knit something Halloween related. We will create a “bundle” in our Ravelry group to help generate ideas if you are feeling stuck. “Double dipping” is allowed! Please share progress and finished objects photos in our Ravelry Group and on Instagram using the hashtag, #TooMuchCandyKAL. Prizes will be awarded!

Hot Off the Needles

Tara finished the Fluid Slouchy Beanie by Karen MaCall. She used Knitty and Color’s Dubstep DK in the Supernova colorway. This hat features a double brim and a nice slouchy fit.

Tara completed the Gearhart Hat by Lori Wagner using Neighborhood Fiber Company’s Subte Worsted (discontinued) in the Kalorama Circle colorway. The seed stitch diamond pattern is reversible and can be worn inside out.

Tara finished the Kobuk Hat by Caitlin Hunter. She held two strands of yarn together: Hedgehog Fiber’s DK in the Salty Tales colorway and Shibui Silk Cloud in the Tar Colorway, giving it a soft halo. Bobbles decorate this hat.

Finally, Tara finished the Marin Shawl by Ysolda Teague. This shawlette is knit side-to-side and features garter stitch and a unique cabled border that imitates the look of bow ties. She used Jill Draper Makes Stuff Hoosic (discontinued) in the Raspberry Beret colorway.

Ashley has been very busy with home improvements. Knitting had to take the back seat while she painted her entire first floor!

What We Are Working On

Ashley is chugging along on her Brighton Plaid crochet blanket by Eclectic Gipsyland. She is using Madeline Tosh Light Unicorn Tails and Neighborhood Fiber Company Rustic Fingering. Ashley is also doing some finishing for customers at Woolworks.

Ashley took a Foundation Paper Piecing class at Domesticity Studio, our local fabric store. She made a quilt square designed by Happy Sew Lucky on Etsy. The quilt square features two birds in flight with the word “HOPE” between them. This is Ashely’s new favorite thing!

Tara is working on the Exploration Station shawl by Stephen West. She ran into trouble with the brioche section and after months of questioning, decided to rip back and redo it. Now the shawl is up and running again! Tara is using the Merino-Silk-Yak (60-20-20 blend from Yarn Hygge, aka Scandinavian Weave and Knit. The finished shawl will be used as a display item at fiber festivals.

A few weeks ago, Tara took a beginning soap making class at Soap Studio Brookside in Binghamton, New York. The class was a lot of fun and Tara hopes to continue soap making at home. For Christmas gifts this year, Tara will give handmade soap and washcloths to her friends and family. Tara is following the Picot-Edge Washcloth pattern by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas.

Misadventures

Tara visited Lis Barsuglia-Madsen of Yarn Hygge and Scandinavian Weave and Knit at a craft fair in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. She purchased a beautiful hand-woven purse and enough yarn to create two Thick and Thin Shawlettes designed by Lis herself. Tara chose a single ply merino DK weight and a Brushed Kid Mohair Silk laceweight for the shawl.

Tara took a trip to Adirondack Yarns in Lake Placid. She bought a sweater quantity of Sprited Fibers Fingering in the Licorice colorway and a gradient set of Koigu to make the “Free Your Fade” Shawl by Andrea Mowry. Tara had a lot of fun visiting the shop and chatting with the owner, Sue.

Ashley had much different misadventures! Ashley is continuing her yarn diet and plans to destash some her skeins, although it is hard to make the break.

Ashley is participating in the Stash Dash challenge. Currently, she has finished around 1200 meters.

Ep 004: (mis)Adventures with Vacation Knitting

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 08:39:21 -0400

What we are Working On

Tara completed the 1650 yard Joji Locatelli mKAL, the Starting Point Wrap, using Madeline Tosh Light, Madeline Tosh Sock, and Zen Yarn Garden. The picture below was taken while on vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. She is pleased with the result and highly recommends the pattern!

Tara finished the Diplodocus Sweater by Kate Oates of Tot Toppers. She used Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted for the main color and five different colors of Jill Draper Hudson for the ribbing, yoke and stripes. She knitted the size 24 month and it is modeled here on a 4 1/2 year old. This sweater is kid-approved!

Finally, Tara surprised Ashley with two other finished sweaters! (Wow, lots of knitting here!) Tara knitted matching Christmas in July sweaters by Tanis Lavallee of Tanis Fiber Arts for her sons Leo and River. She used Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label Fingering Weight in a variety of colors.

Ashley blocked the Find Your Fade Shawl, making it slightly over 10 feet long! It is now tucked away and waiting for cooler temperatures.

Ashley reblocked the Kevin McCallister's Moose Hat. She knitted this hat for her son, William.

Ashley worked on the Confluence Shawl by Sivia Harding with the Fibre Company Meadow yarn. She wants to add a repeat or two to make it slightly larger.

Ashley picked up a blanket she began crocheting last summer, the Brighton Plaid by Eclectic Gipsyland. She is using Madeline Tosh Light Unicorn Tails and two skeins of Neighborhood Fiber Company Rustic Fingering.

Vacation Knitting

Ashley went to Atlantic City, NJ and Tara went to Rehoboth Beach, DE! They discussed what they like to knit while on vacation with their families.

Tara mentions visiting local yarn stores. She visited the Kitschy Stitch in Rehoboth and will visit Adirondack Yarns in Lake Placid later this summer. (*Note, Adirondack Yarns has their own yarn line called Spirited Fibers.)

Imaginary Knitting

Tara is obsessed with everything by the designer Caitlin Hunter on Ravelry.

Ashley really likes Ann Weaver's Braid O-Rama and Twinkie Chan's Pizza Scarf. Also catching Ashley's eye is he Horse Beanie by Reynolds Knitting.

Tara also mentions the Wonder Woman Wrap by Carissa Browning.

Misadventures

Ashley's BIG misadventure is starting a yarn diet! She is competing in the 5 K Stash Dash challenge with the KnitGirllls! She also wishes she participated in the Tour de France but she missed the start-date.

Tara's misadventure was buying 6 patterns by Caitlin Hunter! Eek!

Where Do You Hide Your Stash?

Ep 003: Stash Hiding and other (mis)adventures

misadventuresinknitting — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 23:45:00 -0400

Stash Hiding!

We want to know, where do you hide your stash? Please send us an email or leave a comment on our page! We will read your secret hiding place aloud during future introductions! Tara recently found 5 skeins of yarn in the glove compartment of her car.

What We are Working On

Ashley finished the Find Your Fade Shawl by Andrea Mowry! It took a long time but was well worth it.

Ashley also finished the Kevin McCallister's Moose Hat by VR Knits. The hat was inspired by the movie, "Home Alone". She used Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok in the colorways Highland Sheep and Red Rocks. Some modifications were made. She shortened the colorwork pattern to fit her son's head and she made a double sided brim.

Ashley asked Tara about repeating knitting projects. Tara has repeated the Quadri Hat by Michelle Wang and the Griffin Vest by Georgie Nicolson three times. Ashley is usually "one and done" but she has knit the Clover Honey Shawlette by Hannah Six several times.

Book Review

For their first book review, Ashley and Tara chose the Kids' Knitting Workshop by Susan B. Anderson. They chose this book because they greatly admire Susan B. Anderson plus some listeners may be looking for a knitting related activity to do with children this summer. Both Ashley and Tara found the book to be a great resource for any child who wants to learn to knit!

Misadventures

Tara bought five skeins of Madeline Tosh Vintage in the Glazed Pecan colorway! Eeek!

Ashley is having some misadventures with home improvements! She also feels that her two-handed fair isle needs more practice.

Tara had a second misadventure with Caitlin Hunter's Ohra Shawl. It was love at first sight. She purchased the pattern the day it was released!

Ep 002: How the (mis)adventure Began

misadventuresinknitting — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Ep 002 - How the (Mis)Adventures Began

What we are Working On:

Tara finished the All Ways Cowl by Laura Nelkin, which was the September shipment for the Lola's Choice Club. Yarn is Mrs. Crosby Train Case in the Toucan Colorway.

Ashley finished the Susan B. Anderson Smooth Operator Socks for her husband. She used Regia 4-ply Arne and Carlos 03760.

Tara is working on the Joji Locatelli Mystery Wrap/Starting Point Wrap. She is nervously playing a game of yarn chicken with colorway #3! If you want to see pictures of the work-in-progress, click here.

Tara is also working on the Diplodocus sweater by Kate Oates of Tot Toppers with Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted and Jill Draper Hudson.

Ashley is working on the ever-popular Find Your Fade by Andrea Mowry.

Ashley is also working on the Confluence Shawlette by Sivia Harding using Fibre Company Meadow, one of Ashley's favorite yarns of all time. She is adding Toho size 6 beads from Koala Beads on Etsy.

Imaginary Knitting:

Tara is lusting after the Creatrix by Laura Nelkin. She purchased Fibre Company Meadow from Woolworks and copper Miyuki beads from Lovelyarns.

Ashley wants to do a series of fingering weight brioche hats as Christmas gifts. She is also loving the look of Lee Meredith's Holm and Barry hats. Ashley wants to knit the Pink Poodle Scarves by Morehouse Designs for her nieces. She also likes Carol Sunday's Milano, which she could knit with yarn from stash.

Misadventures:

Tara is knitting so much that she punctured a small hole on her pointer finger! She is too lazy to get a bandaid. She also dealt with yarn b-a-r-f when knitting the Joji Mystery Wrap and channeled Ashley while re-winding it.

Ashley had to redo the kitchener on her Smooth Operator Sock. She also knit one leg 1/4 inch longer than the other!

Ashley cast on the Mix Tape Sock by Abbi Grasso. She is struggling with the gauge and had to reknit many times. Yarn can be found on Abbi's Etsy Site. Ashley made a beautiful pair of Christmas Socks with Abbi's yarn a few years ago.

What We are Wearing:

For several days in a row, Tara wore the Lisbon Pullover by Misa Erder, also known as Craftivore on Ravelry. She also wore the Recoleta by Joji Locatelli.

Ashley wore the Hedera Socks by Cookie A. She also wore 5 by Ann Weaver.

How it All Began: How did we learn to knit?

How Ashley Began (in her words):

I tried to learn how to knit in HS, but it really didn’t stick. I had great plans of knitting myself a cozy scarf for an upcoming trip to Minnesota. Well, I just made a swatch.

Fast forward 5 years later, to 2001: I was really ready to learn! I had just graduated college and wanted to learn a practical skill set, after studying art so intensely. I took several group class at my LYS, A Good Yarn, which has since closed. I learnt German Continental and didn’t completely fall in love with the craft until 2008, right before my son was born. (When I discovered I liked wool yarn, especially hand dyed.)

My mother helped me finish a sweater (Sunnyside Up Hoody- a free pattern from Lion Brand) for my son that I started the day before he was born! I was in full on NESTING mode. She could read a pattern better than I could!

The first REAL project that I completed was a hat (Amy’s Basket Weave hat) for my son. I used Koigu from my LYS, Woolworks. I came in with my child and my friend. One of the owners, Amy, helped me choose yarn and needles. I was reassured I had the skills to make this hat.

How Tara Began (in her words):

*Handwork on both sides of the family. Mother always crocheted chevron blankets. Father had a wood shop in the basement where he made furniture, canoes, and musical instruments, such as guitars. Maternal grandmother always knit—made me a grey raglan pullover with a big red heart in the middle. School colors.

*Late 90s, learned to crochet in college while watching the early days of the Daily Show and Strangers with Candy. Made a huge double crochet blanket with red heart yarn.

*While finishing up college, signed up for an Intro to Tapestry weaving in a fit of senioritis with a group of friends. Ended up really enjoying the class and made a Navajo style bag on a lap loom. Instructor was passionate about yarns and weaving, my first introduction to the fiber world. We all thought he was crazy to travel to Maryland for some sort of yarn festival.

*2012, husband said I needed a hobby and purchased a Groupon for Lovelyarns. Took a class with Mary, who was an excellent teacher. The rest is history!

Upcoming Events:

Knit in Public Day: Saturday, June 10th

Stash Dash: May 26th-August 20th, hosted by the KnitGirllls

Tour de Fleece: Begins July 6th

Wrap-Up:

Thank you for positive feedback! Please leave a review on iTunes or Pod Bean so our podcast can be more viewable and searchable.

Ep 001: (mis)adventures at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

misadventuresinknitting — Fri, 19 May 2017 23:07:50 -0400

In this episode, Ashley and I introduced ourselves and the podcast. We discussed recent finished objects, imaginary knitting, and our experience at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival that took place May 6th and 7th at the Howard County Fairgrounds.

Misadventures:

Oh, there were so many awesome (mis)adventures this past week because of the festival!

Ashely purchased a skein of KnittyAndColor Acoustic Sock in the colorway “Acid Rainbow”, a skein of Neighborhood Fiber Company’s Studio Sock in the colorway “Swoon”, Justamere Tree Farm Pure Maple Syrup, a skein of Buffalo Skies DK in “Wolf Brothers”, and two skeins from Dragonfly Fibers Pixie in “Peach Melba” and “Riptide”.

Tara purchased the Strauch Jumbo Ball Winder, the tabletop swift from Yarn Tech, a multicolored Empire skein from Jill Draper Makes Stuff, and a DK weight skein from Knitty and Color.

Cast on/Bind off:

Ashley recently finished the Knitting Pure and Simple V-Neck Cardigan! The buttons are from Woolworks and the backing ribbon is stash from Renaissance Ribbon- Kaffe Fassett series. (Possibly purchased from Patches in Chatsworth, CA.)

Tara recently finished the Vera Bear by Annita Wilschut and the matching sweater, An Outfit for Vera Bear. Tara modified the pattern by omitting the hood and by using a 3 needle bind-off to connect the pocket lining to the outer part of the sweater. Vera was knit in Cascade 220 and the sweater used stashed Cephalapod Yarns Traveller.

Imaginary Knitting:

Ashley hopes to knit the Bambara Wrap by Ambah O’Brien using Primrose Yarn.

Tara wants to knit the Diplodocus sweater from Tot Toppers using stashed Jill Draper Makes Stuff’s Hudson and Neighborhood Fiber Company’s Studio Worsted in a rainbow of colors.

Old Bay on Everything:

In this section, we share our love of Baltimore and the greater Maryland area. This week, we highlighted the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. We both enjoyed the social aspects of the festival and connecting with fellow ravelers, podcasters, and vendors. Ashely and her family enjoyed seeing the animals, including the sheep dog show on Sunday.

We met Aquilla of the Lefty Knitter video cast and Ashley chatted with Boston Jen of Down Cellar Studio. Tara was able to catch up with a her friend, Lis Barsuglia-Madsen of Scandinavian Weave and Knit.

Upcoming Events:

The Knit Girllls

Tour de Fleece

Worldwide Knit in Public Day,