misadventures in knitting

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

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.

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!

Tara & Ashley, two Baltimore friends chronicle their love & missteps for all kinds of multi- craftualism.

Introduction Today’s stash hiding space was shared MarySK on Ravelry.  Thank you, Mary! General Announcements Please share where you “store” your stash in our Ravelry groupfor a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode.  We are out of spaces and need your help! Our podcast will continue to air once every three weeks.  Our goal is to have a bi-weekly podcast beginning in January Knit-Along/Crochet-Along Announcement! First Knit Along!  #TooMuchCandyKAL September 15- November 1st  (that means it is happening right now!) Knit something Halloween related. Sign up and share photos in the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group and on Instagram with the hashtag TooMuchCandyKAL Prizes will be awarded! 1 drawing via Ravelry and 1 drawing via Instagram using the random number generator. Prizes will include a handmade project bag and halloween themed hand dyed yarn! Only US addresses for prizes. 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.

*** 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  September 15-November 1st Knit or crochet something Halloween related.  (A bundle has been created in our Ravelry Group.) Sign up and share photos in the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry Group and on Instagram with the hashtag #TooMuchCandyKAL Two prizes will be awarded using Random Number Generator.  One drawing via Ravelry and one via Instagram. US addresses only for prizes. 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.

Tara & Ashley, two Baltimore friends chronicle their love & missteps for all kinds of multi- craftualism.

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?

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)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.  

Tara & Ashley, two Baltimore friends chronicle their love & missteps for all kinds of multi- craftualism.