Episodes
Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
78-Preparation Is For the Birds
Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
Episode 78 – preparation is for the birds
recorded Wednesday 4/29/20
FOs
Ear savers/mask buddies – I've crocheted several more. A big, huge thanks to Lisa from Fibernymph Dyeworks for mailing me some buttons so I can finish even more!
WIPS
South Woods – I’ve finished the back!
Sassy Wrapitude – Part of the Wrapitude collection by Megan Williams, got the pattern free from attending Into the Wool. Cast on with yellow CoBaSi by Hikoo and bamboo/cotton blend from Great Adirondack Yarn that I bought at Rhinebeck. I’m on the 7th section, which is garter ridges. Just finished interesting slipped stitch section
Ozone Sweater – I finally started the actual sweater!
Earth Rise – new design I’m working on, inspired by the famous photo the Apollo astronauts took the first time they came around the dark side of the room and saw the Earth rising up above the moon’s surface. Not working on it as much - my brain doesn't want to do math
Laceweight Boxy – How long do you make your Boxy sweaters? I’m about 12” and trying to decide how long I want it to be.
Knitting Fail
You may have noticed there’s no Star Wars scarf listed here – that’s because I broke the needle. I didn’t see the green needle on the blue chair in the dark, and when I knelt on the chair to turn on the light on the wall behind, I snapped the needle right at the connector.
Out and About
Maryland Sheep and Wool - virtual May 2 & 3
Vogue Knitting Live - virtual May 11- 18
Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
74- Star Wars Costume Complete
Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
Episode 74 – 3/4/2020
Segments this week include tech talk, Be A Helper Craftalong, FOs, Wips, Out and About.
New temporary mic. Pardon the head cold. Yes I’m sick again.
Be a Helper Craftalong
4th Be A Helper Craft-a-long is ongoing! We keep the rules simple.
- Anything you make for any charity counts, doesn’t have to be knit/crochet/woven or spun. ANYthing you make for ANY charity.
- One FO per photo in the FO thread
- Donating blood counts too - post a photo of your bandaid or of you drinking OJ afterwards, something like that.
- FO Thread closes when I wake up April 1st.
- Wips are welcome
Prizes:
- 1 skein of Sock Yarn from A Great Yarn in Chatham, MA dyed exclusively for them by Hauteknits in the Finest Hours colorway, 75% merino, 25% nylon
• 1 25g skein of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock plus a mini skein of handspun
• Spun to order handspun, by me. I have 2 or 3 colorways that I’ll let the winner choose for me to spin up.
• One pattern of your choice from the Down Cellar Studio Ravelry store, courtesy of Jennifer Lassonde
FOs
Matchy Socks – At the cuff of first sock
New pattern for a magazine coming out this summer – check out social media this week if you’re interested in test knitting a tank top.
Rey costume – working on my Rey costume for an upcoming Star Wars Day. I’ve knit roughly 19 feet out of 10, then it’ll be time for armbands.
Wips
South Woods – On second repeat of Chart 2 lace for the back.
Ankle socks – started my first ever ankle socks.
Out and About
Stitches United - March 26-29, 2020
Got back from 12 days away – 4 days in FL at my in-laws, a week on a cruise. For the next week you’ll see images from our trip on social media, including my Rey costume on our Star Wars Day at Sea on the cruise.
Friday Jan 03, 2020
Impromptu 2020
Friday Jan 03, 2020
Friday Jan 03, 2020
Episode 70
Segments this week include Wips, FOs, Wearables, an Extended Out and About classroom visit, Goals for 2020
Wips
Aggregate Shawl #2 deigned by JimiKnits knit up in Tencel yarn from Artisinal Yarns I bought at Rhinebeck several years ago.
Indie GAL project, turning an old skirt into a dress
A couple of designs I can't talk about
FOs
I finished 7 pairs of socks for Christmas gifts! 5 were kids, 2 grownups. I love knitting gifts but I think I need to dial it back a little next year.
Wearbles
All the hand knits! Winter has certainly arrived, I’m wearing hats daily, all the shawls, seaters such as Frosted by Lisa K Ross and Second Grace by Bristol Ivy
Out and About
Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days – Jan 26 & Mar 1
VKL NYC Jan 16-20
Stitches United - March 26-29, 2020
2nd grade class visit - teaching my son's class about how clothes are made by hand. Boy do they appreciate being able to go to a store!
Goals for 2020
More design work, submit more designs to publications also, take time to knit myself stuff
Fitness goals – realistic goals, go from 8 miles to 20 miles in the pool, eat more vegetables, hike a couple of times a month
New Years Day hike
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
68 - Send Me That Rhinebeck Recap
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
Episode 68 recording on 11/20/19 today’s segments include New Patterns, Wips, FOs, Wearables and Rhinebeck Recap.
Pattern Release
Send Me That Horizon launched on Monday.
I’ve always loved the sea. I grew up near the ocean, with both sets of grandparents living a few dozen feet from the water. Playing on the beach, listening to the waves, sailing on a boat, hiking along ocean-side cliffs – I love anything involving the sea. But nothing is the same as being far from shore with no land in sight. I love seeing the horizon taper off to meet the ocean waves; so when I first watched the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie and Captain Jack Sparrow looked into the distance and murmured “Send me that horizon” under his breath my heart sang. I know that feeling, I love that feeling, and with this shawl I want you to experience it too.
While working on the waves, I wanted to create something easier than I’m perhaps known for. Yes, I realize that I’m known for patterns with complicated sections, because that’s what I like to knit. But with this pattern I wanted something that you could take on an airplane or to a retreat, or that a beginning knitter could knit and learn new skills. One of my test knitters was even a beginning knitter and he did a great job!
Use code PODCAST to get 25% off the pattern on Ravelry, that’s coupon code PODCAST and that is bigger discount than the one listed in the pattern. Enjoy!
Wips
Just started a new pair of socks for mom for Christmas, still on the toe of the first sock.
I’ve started a new project just for me.
2nd Aggregate Shawl by JimiKnits, this one in Tencel yarn from Rhinebeck 2 years ago from Artisinal Yarns.
FOs
3 socks, Christmas socks for Thing 1 and Thing 2 and also a pair for my maid of honor all from Regia's Tutti Frutti II
Hitchhiker by Martina Behm.
Wearables
All The Shawls. SO cold and wet – “Novembruary”.
Both of the Changing Staircases, by Dragon Hoard Yarns, Hitchhiker by Martina Behm. At Rhinebeck I wore Frosted by Lisa K Ross with my Pont du Marais shawl, and day 2 I wore Second Grace by Bristol Ivy with my Taking Flight Captain Marvel shawl.
Related – I’m mad that I can’t find my Tan House Brooke Shawl, a pattern by Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studios. I’ve looked everywhere and just cannot find it. Maybe I’ll have to knit another.
Rhinebeck Recap
All the fun for 2 whole days!
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019
67- Getting Ready for Rhinebeck
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019
Episode 67 – Get Ready for Rhinebeck
Segments this week include – Wips, FOs, Knitting Fail, Wearables and Out and About – getting ready for Rhinebeck edition
Quick reminder, Pont du Marais shawl is on sale for podcast listeners – use code FOG to get 30% off through Friday, 10/18
Wips
Christmas socks for Thing 2 – finished 1st, turned heel this morning for 2nd.
A few rows on the latest Hitchhiker – then I put it down and decided to save it for Rhinebeck Knitting.
FOs
Taking Flight – done and blocking, needs ends woven in
Knitting Fail
What happens when you finish a sock at Legoland... and have nothing to cut the yarn so you can start the 2nd?
Wearables
Mommy’s Tunic – one of my patterns, knit in the discontinued Be Sweet Bamboo. Wore this on a recent warm day
Empire Tunic by Lily Go made in discontinued Frog Tree Picoboo, a cotton bamboo blend. ¾ sleeve tunic that crosses over the bust, perfect for the in-between fall weather and leggings
Changing Staircases 2 – designed by Dragon Hoard Yarns and knit up in Great Adirondack Yarn bamboo/cotton blend that I picked up at Rhinebeck last year
Changing Staircases – knit up in Fiber Lady’s Mousou 100% Bamboo
Out and About
Rhinebeck! New York Sheep & Wool Starts Thursday 10/17 – Sunday 10/20 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY. In a minute I’m going to go over some Tips For First Timers, but first lets do logistics. I will be there Saturday and Sunday likely almost all day both days. Feel free to stop me and say “Hi!” if you see me. On Saturday I will be at the Ravelry Meetup at noon on The Hill, and at the Podcaster meetup at 1, also on The Hill. On Sunday I will be at the Leaping Llama Contest in Bldg 34 at 11:15, and possibly at the Ravelry Meetup right afterwards, depending on timing. The rest of the time I’ll be walking around, shopping, knitting, spinning and soaking up the general awesomeness.
Terminology – I’ve already used some words you might not understand if you haven’t been before
- The Hill – there are several small hills on the property and this confused me so much the first year I went. Look at the fairgrounds map – The Hill is just above the petting zoo. It’s a wide open hillside where lots of folks can gather
- The Buildings – shorthand for Buildings A, B, C, D and 41 which is really one large building divided into sections. Sometimes also refers to Building E, the food hall
- The Barns – a group of much smaller, free standing, well, barns, on the far side from The Buildings. Building 22 has Upper and Lower levels (separate entrances), the rest are all 1 story
Food – lines are crazy from 11:30 to 2 – eat before or after if you can.
Seating – there are lots of places to sit, scattered around. However, if you have issues with mobility, bring a chair in your car and have someone in your party go get it for you. The paths or paved, but the fairground is all small hills. Sit down if you need to, it’s not worth getting hurt.
Bags – try not to bring a backpack. I made this mistake the first year, and you keep bumping into people by accident, it’s not worth it.
Book Signings & Author Talks – lots of fiber authors there, check out the link in the shownotes and make a note of who you want to see.
On a related note – Make A List On Paper! - Check out the list of vendors (link to searchable page) Cell phone signal is spotty. Don’t count on having it – write down what you want to do, what time it is and where it is. Speaking of spotty cell signal – it affects the vendors too. If you have cash you won’t be stuck waiting while the vendor tries to process your card – and some of the bigger vendors will have a fast Cash-Only line.
What am I bringing?
- Purse & 2 resuable shopping bags
- Water bottles – large one for the car, smaller one for carrying around in my purse.
- Larabars or healthy snack to combat the junkfood lol
- Cash
- Easy knitting – hitchhiker or a sock or both for walking around
- Intermediate knitting for hanging out with friends and dinner, etc
- Drop spindle and fiber
- Folding Chair
- Spinning Wheel & fiber for if I get tired and need to sit for a while
What am I wearing?
Haven’t decided yet, probably my Frosted sweater by Lisa K Ross or Dancing Dragons Coat by Heike Campbell over a Mommy’s Tunic or Second Grace by Bristol Ivy. I’ll probably have a shawl each day as well and maybe a hat or mitts. I’ll have layers underneath to keep warm because I am always cold. I will probably wear warm, well-loved boots the first day and sneakers the second
Friday Oct 11, 2019
66-2 weeks in a row?
Friday Oct 11, 2019
Friday Oct 11, 2019
Episode 66
Designer Notes, Wips, FOs, Spinning, Out and About, On the Run
Designer Notes
Pont du Marais Shawl released today, October 11! Inspired by the epic fog in my grandmother’s village and named for one of the foggiest places therein (literally, it means Bridge at the Marsh). I can’t wait to share this easy, fun pattern with you. When I first saw this skein of color-changing yarn from @wollesyarn at #VKLNYC last January I knew I wanted to make this shawl, showcasing the fog and waves that I love about Nova Scotia.
Pronunciation – Nova Scotia versus France.
30% off for podcast listeners with code ONTHERUN through Friday, 10/18.
Wips
Taking Flight – Captain Marvel inspired shawl by Katherine Belisle. I’ve been trying to finish up the applied lace edging to I can wear this beauty to Rhinebeck because it’s beautiful! I am ¾ done. Knitting this up in discontinued Longmeadow from Webs (red and blue) and Berocco Modern Cotton (yellow).
A new sleeveless top in silk, just started the sample, long ways to go.
FOs
Aggregate Shawl by #jimiknits Jiminez Joseph for the #BIPOCMAL2019 I love this pattern and I can already tell I’ll be knitting this one again in a thicker weight yarn for winter wear.
New Rent-inspired shawl pattern. For those of you at ITW, this is the gray and pink shawl that you saw me working on. I’ll be sending it to the tech editor soon then opening it up for test knitters.
Spinning
I spun Alpaca for the first time. Rolags and spinning directly from the locks. First time using regular flyer I think!
Out and About
Rhinebeck in just over a week! I’ll be there Saturday and Sunday. Come find me and say hi!
On the Run – Back Stretching edition
Regular listeners will recall that I threw my back out late last winter pretty badly. It was a just a muscle pull, thankfully nothing worse. But I learned some great warm up stretches that really helped get mobility in my spine back. I still use them periodically when I feel knots in my back muscles starting to form again and they still help.
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
65-Summer Is Over/Into The Wool
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Episode 65: Summer is Over
Segments include: FOs, Wips, Out and About:Into The Wool edition; On The Run
FOs
3 shawls! I finished 3 shawl samples since I last recorded, one of which will be launching next week keep an eye on social media for details on the Pont du Marais shawl, inspired by the fog in my grandmother’s village.
WIPs
Aggregate Shawl – my first piece for the BIPOCMAL2019, this pattern is designed by JimiKnits and I’m knitting it in two colors of handspun. I am nearly done, hoping to finish today.
Hitchhiker – my 10th (I think?) hitchhiker, in Serenity Garden Sport yarn, some very old stash. I just started the 3rd skein – debating whether it will be 3 or 4 skeins.
Another shawl sample for an upcoming pattern; my 3rd Rent inspired pattern _Into the Wool folks – this is the one with the pink and gray braid you were commenting on. I promised to keep them posted on this pattern.
Triyang – by Lee Meredith - still chugging away. Laceweight on size 0 needles this is going to take forever and I am ok with that, it will be gorgeous when complete
Go With The Flo – Over halfway done. May tweak this pattern. Don’t have enough yarn to make the whole thing one color. Debating making the central lace panel a different color or skipping it altogether.
Spinning
Continuing my first sweater spin. About 4.25 oz left. I realized I had 5 oz left and I’m trying to squeeze it onto 3 bobbins by overstuffing them.
Out and About:
Upcoming:
Rhinebeck! Oct 19th and 20th; I’ll be there both Saturday and Sunday this year.
I can’t make these, but maybe some of you can:
VT Sheep and Wool – Oct 5&6
Fiber Festival of New England – Nov 2-3
Into The Wool
I’ll spare you a complete blow-by-blow of the whole weekend but I highly recommend Into The Wool. If you’ve been on the fence, or were worried about going alone to a retreat I say, go for it! These women are amazing and super welcoming. I definitely want to go back. I can’t go next year, as it starts on my 15th wedding anniversary, but in the future I will go again.
On The Run
We’ll save the whole fitness segment for next week, but I have been doing very well at making fitness a habit again.
Friday Apr 26, 2019
62 - Walk
Friday Apr 26, 2019
Friday Apr 26, 2019
Episode 62 – Thanks for tuning in! Trying the mic in a new location today so hopefully the sound quality will continue improving.
Announcements
First, new pattern launch! Last Saturday I released the new Strawberry Blossoms pattern. This pattern is very dear to me. As you may remember, I hurt my hand last year and for a while I couldn’t knit at all, let alone design knitwear. But like the wild yellow strawberries that grow in my backyard in the worlds worst soil (shady, acidic, clay) I hung on. Not just clinging to the soil, I’m back and I’m blooming! If you’re interested in this pattern listen to the episode for a special listeners-only discount code!
Test Knitters Wanted
Go to http://www.windsweptknits.com/patterns/test-knitters/ to subscribe to my test knitters email list – I promise to never sell your data or to spam you; you will only be contacted about upcoming test knitting opportunities.
This week I will be starting a test knit for a laceweight shawl that is stockinette st and simple lace. The lace is a 4-row repeat that is very easy to remember. So easy, in fact, that this shawl became my knitting of choice for my kids’ karate and swimming lessons. Shawl was inspired by the musical Rent, which had a huge impact on me as a teen.
2nd is a laceweight cowl, heading to the tech editor today. This one has a lot of meaning too. A few years back, a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. My then-4-year-old and I together designed this cowl for her. I pulled out all my silk yarn and let him pick the yarn. Then the two of us poured through my stitch dictionaries and he picked an arrowhead lace pattern. I knit it up and gave it to her to keep warm and strong during her treatments. Fast forward to this year and I’ve adapted that original pattern to have a second, longer size for those who like to double-wrap their cowls or wear them long.
FOs
2 preemie hats, both in Berocco Comfort Sock. One held single, one held double.
Wips
Another preemie hats, one held single, one held double and both in Berocco Comfort Sock
2 shawl samples on the needles, can’t share too much yet. One is inspired by the swirling fog in my grandparent’s village, the other is a new use-up-your-stash shawl.
Wearables
Spring has fighting to warm up, but it’s not totally successful. Still wearing a lot of shawls to keep the chill away. Rhinebeck, murder mystery knit along, tan house brook, changing staircases,
Out and About
- I will be at: CT sheep and wool April 27 Vernon, CT
- I will not be at: Sheepshearing festival, Gore Place, April 27th, Waltham, MA
Not sure yet about attending these:
- NH SHeel & Wool May 11-12
- Wool Days, Old Sturbridge Village, May 25-27
- MA sheep and woolcraft fair, May 25 Cummington, MA
Will be attending
- September – Into the Wool Fiber Retreat in Tennessee
On the Run
Still in PT but lots of walking
Friday Apr 05, 2019
61 - Lots of Updates
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Episode 61- Lots of Updates
New Mic
Hopefully this setup works! No more car recording if I can help it.
New Pattern
Strawberry Blossoms, a sleeveless tank top with cabled straps. Sign up for my email list at WindsweptKnits.com to get the best discount code.
Be A Helper Prizes
Listen for your name! A big thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners.
FOs
- 4 preemie hats, all 4 using fingering weight held double. 12 complete!
- New shawl pattern sample
Wips
- Another new shawl pattern inspired by grandmere’s village (heading to visit this summer)
- Preemie hat held single
- Preemie hat held double
- Silk lace cowl
Wearables
All the shawls – Rhinebeck, murder mystery knit along, tan house brook, changing staircases,
Out and About
Not sure if I can make these, but will try to attend some of them.
- CT sheep and wool April 27 Vernon, CT
- Sheepshearing festival, Gore Place, April 27th, Waltham, MA
- NH SHeel & Wool May 11-12
- Wool Days, Old Sturbridge Village, May 25-27
- MA sheep and woolcraft fair, May 25 Cummington, MA
- September – Into the Wool Fiber Retreat in Tennessee
On the run
Back pain. PT. Ouch.
Monday Mar 18, 2019
60 - On The Mend (fixed)
Monday Mar 18, 2019
Monday Mar 18, 2019
Episode 60 – Thank yous, FO, Wips, Wearables, Out and About, On the Run, Fitness Talk, Knitting Talk
Apologies for sound – laptop died. Recording this on travel mic in my car. Need to get an amp to get my mic to work with old laptop. Hopefully I’ll have it all sorted before next recording.
Thank yous
Thanks for bearing with me during this last delay. Turns out the antibiotics did not get rid of strep throat, I was sick again a week after they ended and back at the doctor to get something stronger. Feeling better now!
Big thank you to my test knitters! I have one test knit winding up in the next few weeks, with pattern ready to release in early April and I’ve lucked into some amazing test knitters this time. You ladies are wonderful! Also, if you have any interest in summer knit tops, I have 2 coming out in the next 2 months, so be sure to visit WindsweptKnits.com and join my email list for access to the best discount codes. I promise to only email once or twice a month at most and to never, ever share your data with a 3rd party. No spam, no selling your data, I promise. That’s a personal pet peeve of mine.
FO
Rhinebeck Shawl – Changing Staircases pattern by Dragon Hoard Yarns knit up in bamboo/cotton fingering yarn from Great Adirondach Yarn Co
Wips
2 preemie hats, 1 held single, 1 held double
2 new patterns, a shawl and a cowl
Wearables
All the shawls – Rhinebeck, murder mystery knit along, tan house brook, changing staircases,
Sweaters - Frosted, Second Grace
Boys wearing star wars adaptation of Nordic Yoke pullover from Patons, Thing 2 grew into Thing 1’s Monomoy Sweater, still fits in an ancient sweater I knit for Thing 1, pattern no longer exists, I forget the name.
Pattern Stalking
Ice Time Hat and Cowl set from Jennifer Lassonde of Down Cellar Studio. Full disclosure – Jen gifted them to me for free, but I’d seen her photos and loved this hat even before she sent it to me.
Knitting Talk
Fiber allergies.
Out and About
- Wayland Farm and Fiber, met Boston Jen again. Wearing her Tan House Brooke shawl!
- CT sheep and wool April 27 Vernon, CT – not sure if I can make it
- Sheepshearing festival, Gore Place, April 27th, Waltham, MA
- NH SHeel & Wool May 11-12
- Wool Days, Old Sturbridge Village, May 25-27
- MA sheep and woolcraft fair, May 25 Cummington, MA
On the Run
Actually ran! Well, run-walk-run 1 mile Jeff Galloway-style, when the pool closed suddenly on Monday. Swam 20 laps Wednesday, a new record for me .55 miles (.88km)
Fitness Talk
Tennis ball used like a foam roller on deep/fleshy muscles