   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  I’m so glad to be back behind the mic for episode 28! It has been quite a while since I have sat down to chat with you, and I have really missed it. Have no fear, all will be revealed as to the reasons of my unexpected absence in this episode, so sit back and enjoy. When multiple ladies who work together, or attend the same church, or have some other activity in common, become pregnant around the same time, you’ll often hear people claim, “There’s something in the water!” I’m not sure if this is an expression that is unique to the US, but it is certainly applicable at the present.  The third Podcaster Hangout is close at hand! Join me, Laura of Apocalyptic Diner, Martine of iMake, and Jo of Shinybees on December 8 at the CraftLifeInMotion YouTube channel. Check out this blog post for all of the details. I’m happy to be including the first installment of the new Kickin’ Craft segment in this episode, where I’ll be highlighting neat creative projects on Kichkstarter. Check out this episodes Kickin’ Craft, the Pop-Up Paper House. You can also check out the latest project that I backed, Doomsday Knits. We do love our deer meat in the south. To find out more info on White-Tailed Deer hunting and the deer population in general, check out the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. So many knitted things, so little time! Since we last spoke, I have tackled the Quincy hat…  …and matching scarf, as well as the Scrap Sweater for the Small Ones… …with a matching hat. A tacky Christmas koozie has also been created and gifted… …and the Who? beanie and Night Owl Mitts are a Christmas Knit in progress. See you in the Podcaster Hangout on December 8th!

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> I’m so glad to be back behind the mic for episode 28! It has been quite a while since I have sat down to chat with you, and I have really missed it. Have no fear, all will be revealed as to the reasons of my unexpected absence in this episode, so sit back and enjoy. When multiple ladies who work together, or attend the same church, or have some other activity in common, become pregnant around the same time, you’ll often hear people claim, “There’s something in the water!” I’m not sure if this is an expression that is unique to the US, but it is certainly applicable at the present. The third Podcaster Hangout is close at hand! Join me, Laura of <a href="http://www.voxpopnj.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apocalyptic Diner</a>, Martine of <a href="http://www.imake.gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a>, and Jo of <a href="http://shinybees.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shinybees</a> on December 8 at the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CraftLifeInMotion/feed?filter=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftLifeInMotion</a> YouTube channel. Check out <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/holiday-hangout-in-the-works/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this blog post</a> for all of the details. I’m happy to be including the first installment of the new Kickin’ Craft segment in this episode, where I’ll be highlighting neat creative projects on <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kichkstarter</a>. Check out this episodes Kickin’ Craft, the <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/463128604/pop-up-paper-house?ref=recommended" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop-Up Paper House</a>. You can also check out the latest project that I backed, <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alextinsley/doomsday-knits-projects-for-the-apocalypse-and-aft?ref=live" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doomsday Knits</a>. We do love our deer meat in the south. To find out more info on White-Tailed Deer hunting and the deer population in general, check out the <a href="http://www.dnr.sc.gov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">South Carolina Department of Natural Resources</a>. So many knitted things, so little time! Since we last spoke, I have tackled the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quincy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quincy</a> hat… <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/photo-1-e1354498641595.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> …and matching scarf, as well as the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scrap-sweater-for-the-small-ones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scrap Sweater for the Small Ones</a>…<a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/photo-2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> …with a matching hat. A tacky Christmas koozie has also been created and gifted…<a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/photo.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> …and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/who-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Who?</a> beanie and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/night-owl-mitts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Night Owl Mitts</a> are a Christmas Knit in progress. See you in the Podcaster Hangout on December 8th!

CraftLife Episode 28 – I’m So Crafty, I Even Make…

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  And I’m back! Apologies for the big time gap since the last episode, but this one’s a bit long to make up for it. It is officially September, and I am ready for all things Autumn. There is pumpkin butter already in my fridge, and I will likely once again attempt the almost impossible feat of finding somewhere in Texas to go apple-picking this year. I have a few Autumn scented tea lights scattered about the house, and am already mapping out a list of tasty treats to cook up. There will be Fall here in the CraftLife house, whether the weather outside cooperates or not. But I digress. On to the podcast.  Give these new (to me) podcasts a try!  Sittin’ and Knittin’ with HisHandMaid Shorty’s Sutures with ShortysSutures Shinybees with Shinybees  No more talking about knitting and the Olympics – how about knitting IN the Olympics! The Stuff you Missed in History Class episode from July 25, 2012 taught me that knitting has a past of being an Olympic competition. This article from the British Library goes into more detail. The second podcaster hangout is officially scheduled for September 8 at 10am CST, 11am EST, and 4pm GMT. Check out this website to figure out what time that is where you live. Join me, Martine of iMake, Laura of Apocalyptic Diner, and Maria of Subway Knits over at the CraftLife You Tube channel, CraftLifeInMotion. I’m loving my Mary Lee Taylor cookbooks! You can listen to a number of her radio shows here, and you can read about Mrs. Erma Perham Proetz’s achievements on the Advertizing Hall of Fame website. Fruit Sundae by Mary Lee Taylor Inspired by Mary Lee Taylor’s Fruit Sundae, I adapted the recipe a bit and came up with Peachy Iced “Cream”. YUM! If you’re feeling adventurously Southern, try a loaf of Liver Pudding (the Counts Sausage Company in Prosperity, South Carolina, makes my Dad’s fave), or a bowl of Pig Foot Stew. Laura and I visited The Woolie Ewe for some yarn shopping and Souper Salad for some good eats along with her mom when she came down to Texas for a visit. I bought some Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed in the color “Biscuit” to make Owls by Kate Davies, but I wound up using it for Mud Season by Elizabeth Smith. Plying so far for my Icelandic wool.  Spindle whorl is no longer stationary. :( “See” you on September 8th in the second Podcaster Hangout!

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> And I’m back! Apologies for the big time gap since the last episode, but this one’s a bit long to make up for it. It is officially September, and I am ready for all things Autumn. There is pumpkin butter already in my fridge, and I will likely once again attempt the almost impossible feat of finding somewhere in Texas to go apple-picking this year. I have a few Autumn scented tea lights scattered about the house, and am already mapping out a list of tasty treats to cook up. There will be Fall here in the CraftLife house, whether the weather outside cooperates or not. But I digress. On to the podcast. Give these new (to me) podcasts a try! <ul> <li><a href="http://sittinandknittinpodcast.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sittin’ and Knittin’</a> with HisHandMaid</li> <li><a href="http://www.shortyssutures.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shorty’s Sutures</a> with ShortysSutures</li> <li><a href="http://www.shinybees.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shinybees</a> with Shinybees</li> </ul> No more talking about knitting and the Olympics – how about knitting IN the Olympics! The <a href="http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/hsw-shows/stuff-you-missed-in-history-class-podcast.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stuff you Missed in History Class</a> episode from July 25, 2012 taught me that knitting has a past of being an Olympic competition. <a href="http://www.bl.uk/sportandsociety/exploresocsci/sportsoc/history/articles/mw.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This article</a> from the British Library goes into more detail. The second podcaster hangout is officially scheduled for September 8 at 10am CST, 11am EST, and 4pm GMT. Check out <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this website</a> to figure out what time that is where you live. Join me, Martine of <a href="http://www.imake.gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a>, Laura of <a href="http://www.voxpopnj.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apocalyptic Diner</a>, and Maria of <a href="http://www.subway-knits.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subway Knits</a> over at the CraftLife You Tube channel, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CraftLifeInMotion/feed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftLifeInMotion</a>. I’m loving my Mary Lee Taylor cookbooks! You can listen to a number of her radio shows <a href="http://archive.org/details/OTRR_Mary_Lee_Taylor_Singles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and you can read about Mrs. Erma Perham Proetz’s achievements on the <a href="http://advertisinghall.org/members/member_bio.php?memid=768" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advertizing Hall of Fame</a> website. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4998.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Fruit Sundae by Mary Lee Taylor Inspired by Mary Lee Taylor’s Fruit Sundae, I adapted the recipe a bit and came up with <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/recipes/desserts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peachy Iced “Cream”</a>. YUM! If you’re feeling adventurously Southern, try a loaf of Liver Pudding (the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Counts-Sausage-Company/152984968089809" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Counts Sausage Company</a> in Prosperity, South Carolina, makes my Dad’s fave), or a bowl of Pig Foot Stew. Laura and I visited <a href="http://www.woolieewe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Woolie Ewe</a> for some yarn shopping and <a href="http://www.soupersalad.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Souper Salad</a> for some good eats along with her mom when she came down to Texas for a visit. I bought some <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/patons-shetland-chunky-tweeds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed</a> in the color “Biscuit” to make <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owls-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Owls</a> by Kate Davies, but I wound up using it for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mud-season" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mud Season</a> by Elizabeth Smith. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5003.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Plying so far for my Icelandic wool. Spindle whorl is no longer stationary. :( “See” you on September 8th in the second Podcaster Hangout!

CraftLife Episode 27 – Eat Your Heart Out

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  Summertime is in full swing once again here in Texas. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, it’s boiling hot outside and freezing cold inside. This new house came with a sprinkler system, which is AWESOME, except that even though I run it three times a week, the grass is still somewhere between a very pale olive and the color of hay. C’est le Texas, right? We managed to escape the Texas borders for a week at the end of June for a Las Vegas vacation, highlighted by a day-trip to the Grand Canyon. Saroyan, the early stages. Oh yeah, and the Grand Canyon, too. :-) One of the other vacation highlights was the Mob Attraction at the freshly renovated Tropicana Hotel. Check out the video at the bottom of this page to get an idea about what to expect. Adam, trying to get “made.” Unfortunately, we got whacked. Even though the Ravelympics are no longer the Ravelympics, you can still play along in the newly-minted Ravellenic Games! My current WIP is Saroyan, by Liz Abinante. I’m knitting it with the now discontinued Patons Jenny Cotton Style. You are cordially invited to a Podcaster Hangout with me, Martine of iMake and Laura of Apocalyptic Diner! Be at the CraftLife YouTube channel on July 21st at 2pm CST. Check out this link to find out what time that is where you live. You can read all of the details about is in this blog post. Laura has blogged about it here, and Martine has blogged about it here. What? You have never heard Brenda Dayne read her Knitter’s Manifesto? Check out Cast On Episode 2 and remedy that now! Looking for more info on some of the issues mentioned in this week’s song? – Design theft happens all too frequently, and the most recent incidents I’ve heard of affected Kate Davies and Rachael Taylor. – For updated info on the British Woolsack project, check out Episode 52 of Yarns From The Plain. – To read the original letter sent by the USOC to Ravelry concerning the name “Ravelympics”, check out this Ravelry thread. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan) The Knitters’ Protest Song How many times must this cable be knit Before I can do it with ease? Yes, ‘n’ how many rows must I put on this shawl Before I can start to decrease? Yes, ‘n’ how many knots will I find in this skein Full of vegetable matter and debris? The answer, my friend, is “knit like the wind.” The answer is, “knit like the wind.” How many times must I get funny looks? Is knitting in public taboo? Yes, ‘n’ how many knitters must there be ’till you know We’re not all older than 82? Yes, ‘n’ how many times must I read all about The starlets who’ve now “made knitting cool?” The answer, my friend, is “knit like the wind.” The answer is, “knit like the wind.” How many times will a stolen design Be used without giving fair pay? Yes, ‘n’ how many cushions must our Brit knitters knit Before they can give them away. Yes, ‘n’ why can’t the USOC be agreeable And just let the Ravelers play? The answer, my friend, is “knit like the wind.” The answer is, “knit like the wind.”

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> Summertime is in full swing once again here in Texas. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, it’s boiling hot outside and freezing cold inside. This new house came with a sprinkler system, which is AWESOME, except that even though I run it three times a week, the grass is still somewhere between a very pale olive and the color of hay. C’est le Texas, right? We managed to escape the Texas borders for a week at the end of June for a Las Vegas vacation, highlighted by a day-trip to the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grand Canyon</a>. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2025.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Saroyan, the early stages. Oh yeah, and the Grand Canyon, too. :-) One of the other vacation highlights was the <a href="http://www.mobattraction.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mob Attraction</a> at the freshly renovated <a href="http://www.troplv.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tropicana Hotel</a>. Check out the video at the bottom of <a href="http://www.mobattraction.com/photos-video" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this page</a> to get an idea about what to expect. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2127.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Adam, trying to get “made.” Unfortunately, we got whacked. Even though the Ravelympics are no longer the Ravelympics, you can still play along in the newly-minted <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ravellenic-games-2012" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ravellenic Games</a>! My current WIP is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saroyan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saroyan</a>, by Liz Abinante. I’m knitting it with the now discontinued <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/patons-jenny-cotton-style" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patons Jenny Cotton Style</a>. You are cordially invited to a Podcaster Hangout with me, Martine of <a href="http://www.imake.gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a> and Laura of <a href="http://www.voxpopnj.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apocalyptic Diner</a>! Be at the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CraftLifeInMotion/feed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftLife YouTube channel</a> on July 21st at 2pm CST. Check out <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this link</a> to find out what time that is where you live. You can read all of the details about is in <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/hangout-with-some-of-your-favorite-podcasters-live/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this blog post</a>. Laura has blogged about it <a href="http://www.voxpopnj.com/2012/07/old-hippie-new-hangout/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and Martine has blogged about it <a href="http://www.imake.gg/archives/4351" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. What? You have never heard <a href="http://www.cast-on.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brenda Dayne</a> read her Knitter’s Manifesto? Check out <a href="http://cast-on.com/11/podcasts/episode-2-a-knitters-manifesto/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cast On Episode 2</a> and remedy that now! Looking for more info on some of the issues mentioned in this week’s song? – Design theft happens all too frequently, and the most recent incidents I’ve heard of affected <a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/2012/07/12/thankyou-knitters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kate Davies</a> and <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2172055/Designer-accuses-Marks-amp-Spencer-stealing-work-sold-clothes-strikingly-similar-flower-print-hand-drawn-designs.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachael Taylor</a>. – For updated info on the British Woolsack project, check out <a href="http://yarnsfromtheplain.podbean.com/2012/06/10/episode-52-media-storm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 52 of Yarns From The Plain</a>. – To read the original letter sent by the USOC to Ravelry concerning the name “Ravelympics”, check out <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/for-the-love-of-ravelry/2189293/1-25" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this Ravelry thread</a>. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan) The Knitters’ Protest Song How many times must this cable be knit Before I can do it with ease? Yes, ‘n’ how many rows must I put on this shawl Before I can start to decrease? Yes, ‘n’ how many knots will I find in this skein Full of vegetable matter and debris? The answer, my friend, is “knit like the wind.” The answer is, “knit like the wind.” How many times must I get funny looks? Is knitting in public taboo? Yes, ‘n’ how many knitters must there be ’till you know We’re not all older than 82? Yes, ‘n’ how many times must I read all about The starlets who’ve now “made knitting cool?” The answer, my friend, is “knit like the wind.” The answer is, “knit like the wind.” How many times will a stolen design Be used without giving fair pay? Yes, ‘n’ how many cushions must our Brit knitters knit Before they can give them away. Yes, ‘n’ why can’t the USOC be agreeable And just let the Ravelers play? The answer, my friend, is “knit like the wind.” The answer is, “knit like the wind.”

CraftLife Episode 26 – Give and Take

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  Thanks for tuning in to this uncut, unedited podcast-on-the-run! Time has been spread thin over the past few weeks, but I did manage to snag a few moments to record some bits of audio along the way. I hope to be back to a regular recording schedule soon, but in the mean time, I hope this tides you over. 

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> Thanks for tuning in to this uncut, unedited podcast-on-the-run! Time has been spread thin over the past few weeks, but I did manage to snag a few moments to record some bits of audio along the way. I hope to be back to a regular recording schedule soon, but in the mean time, I hope this tides you over.

CraftLife Episode 25 – Podcast On The Run

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  The next time you get a full CraftLife episode delivered to you, it will be from a new location! This time, that location will be physical instead of virtual. In the mean time, I hope to be bringing you some shorter episodes, and hopefully a new song or two. Things are swinging into full busy-mode here, but there is always time for crafting.  Will you be celebrating World Wide Knit In Public Day? Those dates are June 9-17. Get your entries in for the Say Anything Giveaway by sharing an embarrassing knitting/crafting story in the show notes for Episode 23, the Say Anything Giveaway Ravelry thread, or get a bonus entry by sharing via the audio feedback number located in the upper right-hand column of this webpage. Looking for some great fitness apps? Keep track of your calories with Lose It!, and survive the zombie apocalypse with Zombies, Run! You can also find out how many calories you burn while knitting at CaloriesPerHour.com. Well, Short Stays has been frogged, but the “Fat” Baby has been cast on!… hooked on?… Hmmm. My little “Fat” Baby has no arms or legs… yet. I love great garage sale finds! My most recent garage sale gem is the Better Homes and Gardens Home Canning Cookbook, where I found this tasty recipe: Peach-Cantaloupe Conserve I MUST try one of these jars on a slow cooker pork roast.  3 cups chopped peaches (about 6 peaches) 3 cups chopped cantaloupe (1 medium cantaloupe) 4 1/4 cups sugar 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1/3 cup slivered blanched almonds 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel  In 8-10 quart kettle or Dutch oven mix peaches and cantaloupe.  Bring mixture to full rolling boil; stir constantly.  Add sugar and lemon juice.  Bring mixture again to full rolling boil.  Boil, uncovered, 12 minutes. Add the slivered blanched almonds, nutmeg, salt, and grated orange peel.  Boil hard, uncovered, till syrup sheets off metal spoon, 4 to 5 minutes.  Remove from heat; quickly skim off foam with metal spoon.  Pour at once into hot sterilized jars; seal.  Makes 7 half-pints. NOTE: I only managed to get 5 1/2 half-pints out of this recipe. And, to avoid a visit from the “Keeping Neighbors Inherently Trendy While Expunging Ludicrous Looks” group, aka K.N.I.T.W.E.L.L., refer to a copy of the latest Brooklyn Tweed Look Book when necessary.

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> The next time you get a full CraftLife episode delivered to you, it will be from a new location! This time, that location will be physical instead of virtual. In the mean time, I hope to be bringing you some shorter episodes, and hopefully a new song or two. Things are swinging into full busy-mode here, but there is always time for crafting. Will you be celebrating <a href="http://wwkipday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Wide Knit In Public Day</a>? Those dates are June 9-17. Get your entries in for the Say Anything Giveaway by sharing an embarrassing knitting/crafting story in the <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/craftlife-episode-23-the-blues/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes for Episode 23</a>, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/craftlife/2135306/1-25#8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Say Anything Giveaway Ravelry thread</a>, or get a bonus entry by sharing via the audio feedback number located in the upper right-hand column of this webpage. Looking for some great fitness apps? Keep track of your calories with <a href="http://loseit.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lose It!</a>, and survive the zombie apocalypse with <a href="https://www.zombiesrungame.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zombies, Run!</a> You can also find out how many calories you burn while knitting at <a href="http://www.caloriesperhour.com/index_burn.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CaloriesPerHour.com</a>. Well, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/short-stays" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Short Stays</a> has been frogged, but the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-fat-baby" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Fat” Baby</a> has been cast on!… hooked on?… Hmmm. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fat-Baby.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>My little “Fat” Baby has no arms or legs… yet. I love great garage sale finds! My most recent garage sale gem is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-Home-Canning/dp/0696006308/ref=pd_sim_b_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Better Homes and Gardens Home Canning Cookbook</a>, where I found this tasty recipe: Peach-Cantaloupe Conserve <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4980.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>I MUST try one of these jars on a slow cooker pork roast. <ul> <li>3 cups chopped peaches (about 6 peaches)</li> <li>3 cups chopped cantaloupe (1 medium cantaloupe)</li> <li>4 1/4 cups sugar</li> <li>3 tablespoons lemon juice</li> <li>1/3 cup slivered blanched almonds</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel</li> </ul> In 8-10 quart kettle or Dutch oven mix peaches and cantaloupe.  Bring mixture to full rolling boil; stir constantly.  Add sugar and lemon juice.  Bring mixture again to full rolling boil.  Boil, uncovered, 12 minutes. Add the slivered blanched almonds, nutmeg, salt, and grated orange peel.  Boil hard, uncovered, till syrup sheets off metal spoon, 4 to 5 minutes.  Remove from heat; quickly skim off foam with metal spoon.  Pour at once into hot sterilized jars; seal.  Makes 7 half-pints. NOTE: I only managed to get 5 1/2 half-pints out of this recipe. And, to avoid a visit from the “Keeping Neighbors Inherently Trendy While Expunging Ludicrous Looks” group, aka K.N.I.T.W.E.L.L., refer to a copy of the latest <a href="http://www.brooklyntweed.net/lookbooks.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brooklyn Tweed Look Book</a> when necessary.

CraftLife Episode 24 – Knit Well

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Play PauseStop                                                                                                            X                                                                                                                                      It’s all about the “blues” in this week’s episode.  The worst case of knitting blues I’ve had so far was involving my yeti sweater.  This is the first sweater I’ve ever made, and I excitedly put it on and wore it to work this past winter on the first day that it was cold enough to do so.  At the end of the day, I looked down at my arms and realized that the yarn, which started out as Lion Brand Homespun, had turned into Ode to Chewbacca after a few washings and an attempt at a good shave.  So, Chewbacca I had been all day long, and as I returned home that night, I sadly retired the sweater to it’s new place as a keepsake, rather than a keep wearing. I’ve been trying out a few color apps to help me choose paint colors for the new house, and I’m really liking ColorSnap, by Sherwin Williams. Another app that I think will be particularly helpful in future craft design is Color Viewfinder, which was tweeted by CraftyPod‘s Sister Dianne as blogged about by Knitgrrl. Enter the new CraftLife giveaway! All you have to do is share one of your knitting/crafting horror stories or embarrassing moments (a la the Say Anything column which used to feature in YM Magazine.) You can enter in the comments section for this post, in the “Say Anything Giveaway” thread in the CraftLife group on Ravelry, or by calling the CraftLife audio feedback line and telling me your story.  You can find that number under the “Call Me” section in the upper right hand column of this page. You have until 11:59pm, CST, on Thursday, May 31 to enter. The winner will be chosen at random and will receive two skeins of Plymouth Boku in colorway 7. All this could be yours!  Bluebonnets are abundant in Texas in the early spring, and Burnet, Texas, is home to the best Bluebonnet Festival.   The Frederick &amp; Anne scarf is done! Hopefully, I can get Mom to send me a modeled picture of the FO, but until then, the best I can do is a blocking pic:  If you’re interested in knitting the Layering Shrug along with other knitters, check out the Layering Shrug Knitalong thread in the iMake Ravelry Group. What’s your opinion on my most recent cast on project, Short Stays? Fabulous outer layer, or misplaced underwear? Leave me a comment below and let me know. Since my icelandic roving drop spinning is just about done, I’ve made my own Lazy Kate. Hopefully, this will help me out when I go to ply my singles! Hopefully the angles will help keep the spindles steady.  This “shoebox” is actually a shipping box from Bath and Bodyworks. Love the gingham print on the inside!

Play PauseStop X <ul><li></li></ul> It’s all about the “blues” in this week’s episode.  The worst case of knitting blues I’ve had so far was involving my yeti sweater.  This is the first sweater I’ve ever made, and I excitedly put it on and wore it to work this past winter on the first day that it was cold enough to do so.  At the end of the day, I looked down at my arms and realized that the yarn, which started out as Lion Brand Homespun, had turned into Ode to Chewbacca after a few washings and an attempt at a good shave.  So, Chewbacca I had been all day long, and as I returned home that night, I sadly retired the sweater to it’s new place as a keepsake, rather than a keep wearing. I’ve been trying out a few color apps to help me choose paint colors for the new house, and I’m really liking <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/try-on-colors/colorsnap-for-iphone-android-and-blackberry/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ColorSnap</a>, by Sherwin Williams. Another app that I think will be particularly helpful in future craft design is <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/color-viewfinder-real-time/id519551982?mt=8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Color Viewfinder</a>, which was tweeted by <a href="http://www.craftypod.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftyPod</a>‘s Sister Dianne as blogged about by <a href="http://www.knitgrrl.com/?p=1631" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knitgrrl</a>. Enter the new CraftLife giveaway! All you have to do is share one of your knitting/crafting horror stories or embarrassing moments (a la the Say Anything column which used to feature in <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&amp;tok=tkYK9locKUvbsq4ngLzJew&amp;cp=6&amp;gs_id=p&amp;xhr=t&amp;q=ym+magazine&amp;bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&amp;biw=1440&amp;bih=779&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;tbm=isch&amp;source=og&amp;sa=N&amp;tab=wi&amp;ei=VgCnT6_DKsPQ2wXMn7imAg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YM Magazine</a>.) You can enter in the comments section for this post, in the “Say Anything Giveaway” thread in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/craftlife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftLife group on Ravelry</a>, or by calling the CraftLife audio feedback line and telling me your story.  You can find that number under the “Call Me” section in the upper right hand column of this page. You have until 11:59pm, CST, on Thursday, May 31 to enter. The winner will be chosen at random and will receive two skeins of <a href="http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=cYarn.yarnDetail&amp;yarnid=000250&amp;searchcollection=000005" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plymouth Boku</a> in colorway 7. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4973.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>All this could be yours! Bluebonnets are abundant in Texas in the early spring, and Burnet, Texas, is home to the best <a href="http://bluebonnetfestival.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bluebonnet Festival</a>. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_1728.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_1725-e1336349343144.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frederick--anne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frederick &amp; Anne scarf</a> is done! Hopefully, I can get Mom to send me a modeled picture of the FO, but until then, the best I can do is a blocking pic: <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_1748.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> If you’re interested in knitting the <a href="http://www.loopknitlounge.com/2010/06/layering-shrug/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Layering Shrug</a> along with other knitters, check out the Layering Shrug Knitalong thread in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/imake" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake Ravelry Group</a>. What’s your opinion on my most recent cast on project, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/short-stays" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Short Stays</a>? Fabulous outer layer, or misplaced underwear? Leave me a comment below and let me know. Since my icelandic roving drop spinning is just about done, I’ve made my own <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazy_Kate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lazy Kate</a>. Hopefully, this will help me out when I go to ply my singles! <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_1750.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Hopefully the angles will help keep the spindles steady. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_1751-e1336349507184.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This “shoebox” is actually a shipping box from Bath and Bodyworks. Love the gingham print on the inside!

CraftLife Episode 23 – The Blues

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  I’ve been working away at the Fredrick &amp; Anne scarf for a Mother’s Day gift for my mom, and I have made it over half way there.  But, that’s not the kind of stitching we’re discussing this week! Call us crazy, but we live at the bottom of tornado alley, which lived up to its name two weeks ago. Thanks to Roy, Moss and Jen of The IT Crowd for giving me their undivided attention while I gabbed on about my iMake giveaway winnings from Stitchtastic. Take a peek at the Computer Sayings Cross Stitch Kit that I chose. If you’re looking for some more saucy or modern cross stitch patterns, check out Etsy sellers Bombastitch, UCLADoc, and New York Needleworks. My Southern soda of choice? Cheerwine. Period. photo courtesy of Bass Player Keith Hall I managed to make it out to the vendor show at the DFW Fiber Fest, where I purchased 8oz of a gorgeous 80% Merino 20% Silk roving from A Twist in Time. My atomic embroidery tea towel project was based the Salem North Star china pattern. I’m pretty pleased with the way it turned out!  This project utilized three different stitches: Cross Stitch, Satin Stitch, and Back Stitch 

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> I’ve been working away at the Fredrick &amp; Anne scarf for a Mother’s Day gift for my mom, and I have made it over half way there.  But, that’s not the kind of stitching we’re discussing this week! Call us crazy, but we live at the bottom of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_Alley" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tornado alley</a>, which lived up to its name two weeks ago. Thanks to Roy, Moss and Jen of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0487831/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The IT Crowd</a> for giving me their undivided attention while I gabbed on about my <a href="http://www.imake.gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a> giveaway winnings from <a href="http://www.stitchtastic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitchtastic</a>. Take a peek at the <a href="http://www.stitchtastic.com/product/computer-sayings-cross-stitch-kit.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Computer Sayings Cross Stitch Kit</a> that I chose. If you’re looking for some more saucy or modern cross stitch patterns, check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy</a> sellers <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bombastitch?ref=ss_profile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bombastitch</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ucladoc?ref=ss_profile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UCLADoc</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NewYorkNeedleworks?ref=ss_profile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York Needleworks</a>. My Southern soda of choice? <a href="http://www.cheerwine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cheerwine</a>. Period. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bassplayerkeithhall/4782923798/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>photo courtesy of Bass Player Keith Hall I managed to make it out to the vendor show at the <a href="http://dfwfiberfest.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DFW Fiber Fest</a>, where I purchased 8oz of a gorgeous 80% Merino 20% Silk roving from <a href="http://atwist-intime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Twist in Time</a>. My atomic embroidery tea towel project was based the <a href="http://www.replacements.com/webquote/SLMNOS.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salem North Star</a> china pattern. I’m pretty pleased with the way it turned out! <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_4973.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> This project utilized three different stitches: <a href="http://www.victorian-embroidery-and-crafts.com/cross-stitch.html#top" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cross Stitch</a>, <a href="http://www.victorian-embroidery-and-crafts.com/satin_stitches.html#top" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Satin Stitch</a>, and <a href="http://www.victorian-embroidery-and-crafts.com/back_stitch.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Back Stitch</a> <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_4968.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>

CraftLife Episode 22 – Sampler

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  The creative doldrums are inevitable at least a few times in the life of the creative person, and this time it struck in the form of… (insert dramatic music here)… podcast block! AGH!  Having missed you these past few weeks, I am glad to be back behind the mic for episode 21. Sara and Kate from Our Best Bites host a fabulous food blog. Have you seen their April Fools Day cupcake ideas?! Oh yeah, and don’t miss the Pie In Jar. Thanks to Paula and Bronwyn from the Knitting Pipeline podcast for bringing the Pie in Jar to my attention. Creative Commons offers an easy way for you to share your creative content on the web while still retaining your copyright. Sister Diane of the CraftyPod podcast shares her insight into Creative Commons in episode 115. Who knew when I started knitting the Frederick &amp; Anne Scarf by Kirsti Johanson that my mom would pick that exact same pattern for her gift knit? While mine is currently hibernating in all of its gray acrylic/nylon blend gloriousness, I am knitting Mom’s in a much more luxurious and cream-colored Regia Silk 4-ply.  Check out the Fabric Postcards Swap thread in the Caithness Craft Collective Ravelry Group for pics of this round of fabric postcards. Get inspired, and maybe join in next time! Cardboard, card stock, and glue is the name of the game in my new photographic adventure, In A Twist.

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> The creative doldrums are inevitable at least a few times in the life of the creative person, and this time it struck in the form of… (insert dramatic music here)… podcast block! AGH!  Having missed you these past few weeks, I am glad to be back behind the mic for episode 21. Sara and Kate from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Best Bites</a> host a fabulous food blog. Have you seen their April Fools Day cupcake ideas?! Oh yeah, and don’t miss the <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/single-serving-pie-in-a-jar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pie In Jar</a>. Thanks to Paula and Bronwyn from the <a href="http://www.knittingpipeline.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knitting Pipeline</a> podcast for bringing the Pie in Jar to my attention. <a href="http://www.creativecommons.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a> offers an easy way for you to share your creative content on the web while still retaining your copyright. Sister Diane of the <a href="http://www.craftypod.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftyPod</a> podcast shares her insight into Creative Commons in <a href="http://www.craftypod.com/2010/05/22/craftypod-115-creative-commons-licensing-with-martin-ertl-and-kim-werker/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode 115</a>. Who knew when I started knitting the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frederick--anne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frederick &amp; Anne Scarf</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kirsti-johanson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kirsti Johanson</a> that my mom would pick that exact same pattern for her gift knit? While mine is currently hibernating in all of its gray acrylic/nylon blend gloriousness, I am knitting Mom’s in a much more luxurious and cream-colored <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/regia-silk-4-ply---4-fadig-uni---solid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Regia Silk 4-ply.</a> <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_4973.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Check out the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/caithness-craft-collective/2025150/1-25" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fabric Postcards Swap</a> thread in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/caithness-craft-collective" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Caithness Craft Collective Ravelry Group</a> for pics of this round of fabric postcards. Get inspired, and maybe join in next time! Cardboard, card stock, and glue is the name of the game in my new photographic adventure, <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/in-a-twist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In A Twist</a>.

CraftLife Episode 21 – Fair Share

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  The hiatus is over! I am very glad to be back behind the mic with you for episode 20. I had a wonderful Christmas with my family (on the tree farm), and even though I didn’t podcast in January, it was still a pretty busy month. What do you think about the new website?! It is still a work in progress as I continue to add new things and tweak existing ones. All of the 2011 knitter parodies are available for individual download on the “Songs” page, and you can diagnose your level of knitting addiction on the “CKS Questionnaire” page. *Many thanks to Adam for getting the questionnaire arranged in a lovely Flash format.* There is also the new “Recipes” page which will hold just the recipes that I have talked about in the podcast or blogged about in previous posts. There are only a few recipes in there right now, but there is room for plenty more. Thank you, GumbyGooGoo, for submitting a question for the first CraftLife Two-Headed Oracle segment. If you would like to submit a question, you can do so on the I Want You! for a new show segment thread on the CraftLife Ravelry group. This new segment veers a bit off of the beaten path, so I’m just putting it out there to see if it floats. Do you love it/hate it? Tell me what you think about it in the comments section. If your favorite fiber to spin is ‘coon, and your yarn stash is made up of mostly baling twine, you might be a Redneck. To dig deeper into the meanings of this multifaceted word, you can check out Gretchen Wilson and her music video for Redneck Woman. You may also want to enjoy the comedy stylings of Jeff Foxworthy and Larry The Cable Guy. I had quite a fiber-friendly Christmas! Check out my two new drop spindles. The one on the left is from Texas Jeans, and the one on the right is from Spinatude, both on Etsy.  The Dovahkiin Gamer Gauntlets are done! (well, almost…) They look a bit baggy modeled by yours-truly, but they fit Adam’s man hands just right.  I have put my Peregrine handspun merino to good use with the Figure 8 Mitts by Dorothy Jane. Now if only they didn’t knit up too small… Maybe blocking will help?  And if you’re looking to do a bit of fiction reading involving the dreaded Sweater Curse, you might want to have a look at Curse Of The Boyfriend Sweater, by Patricia and Adam Schribner. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Umbrella” by Rhianna) Boyfriend Sweater He has my heart And I love the way we are As close as you’ve ever seen We two will never part In colors nice and dark I knit with shiny yarn A gift just for him to wear To show I’ll always care Because, Everything we do, we do together, I know that we’ll be two forever, Side by side until the end We’ve been inseparable since it all did begin Our love is strong now, more than ever I know we’ll always have each other So I knit my boyfriend a sweater Yeah, I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh, eh) Now I can’t find him at all. He don’t return my calls. He’s been away so long, I don’t know what went wrong. He said I’m a nice girl, But I don’t rock his world – Said we should just be friends. That’s where our story ends. Because, Everything we did, we did together, I thought that we’ll be two forever, Side by side until the end We’d been inseparable since it all did begin Our love was strong then, more than ever I thought we’d always have each other ‘Till I knit my boyfriend a sweater Yeah, I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (etrt eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) With perfect decrease on the arms Perfect shape and perfect form And made by me We were together before Now I don’t know him anymore Because, Everything we did, we did together, I thought that we’ll be two forever, Side by side until the end We’d been inseparable since it all did begin Our love was strong then, more than ever I thought we’d always have each other ‘Till I knit my boyfriend a sweater Yeah, I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh ) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> The hiatus is over! I am very glad to be back behind the mic with you for episode 20. I had a wonderful Christmas with my family (on the tree farm), and even though I didn’t podcast in January, it was still a pretty busy month. What do you think about the new website?! It is still a work in progress as I continue to add new things and tweak existing ones. All of the 2011 knitter parodies are available for individual download on the “Songs” page, and you can diagnose your level of knitting addiction on the “CKS Questionnaire” page. *Many thanks to Adam for getting the questionnaire arranged in a lovely Flash format.* There is also the new “Recipes” page which will hold just the recipes that I have talked about in the podcast or blogged about in previous posts. There are only a few recipes in there right now, but there is room for plenty more. Thank you, GumbyGooGoo, for submitting a question for the first CraftLife Two-Headed Oracle segment. If you would like to submit a question, you can do so on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/craftlife/1996620/1-25#5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Want You! for a new show segment</a> thread on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/craftlife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftLife Ravelry group</a>. This new segment veers a bit off of the beaten path, so I’m just putting it out there to see if it floats. Do you love it/hate it? Tell me what you think about it in the comments section. If your favorite fiber to spin is ‘coon, and your yarn stash is made up of mostly baling twine, you might be a Redneck. To dig deeper into the meanings of this multifaceted word, you can check out <a href="http://www.gretchenwilson.com/welcome.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gretchen Wilson</a> and her music video for <a href="http://www.cmt.com/videos/gretchen-wilson/30774/redneck-woman.jhtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redneck Woman</a>. You may also want to enjoy the comedy stylings of <a href="http://www.jefffoxworthy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeff Foxworthy</a> and <a href="http://www.larrythecableguy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Larry The Cable Guy</a>. I had quite a fiber-friendly Christmas! Check out my two new drop spindles. The one on the left is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/texasjeans?page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Texas Jeans</a>, and the one on the right is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Spinatude?ref=ss_profile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spinatude</a>, both on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_4961.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The Dovahkiin Gamer Gauntlets are done! (well, almost…) They look a bit baggy modeled by yours-truly, but they fit Adam’s man hands just right. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_4968.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_4965.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_4970.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I have put my Peregrine handspun merino to good use with the <a href="http://littletheorem.blogspot.com/2010/12/cabled-wristwarmers.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Figure 8 Mitts</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/dorothy-jane" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dorothy Jane</a>. Now if only they didn’t knit up too small… Maybe blocking will help? And if you’re looking to do a bit of fiction reading involving the dreaded Sweater Curse, you might want to have a look at <a href="http://www.curseoftheboyfriendsweater.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Curse Of The Boyfriend Sweater</a>, by Patricia and Adam Schribner. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Umbrella” by Rhianna) Boyfriend Sweater He has my heart And I love the way we are As close as you’ve ever seen We two will never part In colors nice and dark I knit with shiny yarn A gift just for him to wear To show I’ll always care Because, Everything we do, we do together, I know that we’ll be two forever, Side by side until the end We’ve been inseparable since it all did begin Our love is strong now, more than ever I know we’ll always have each other So I knit my boyfriend a sweater Yeah, I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh, eh) Now I can’t find him at all. He don’t return my calls. He’s been away so long, I don’t know what went wrong. He said I’m a nice girl, But I don’t rock his world – Said we should just be friends. That’s where our story ends. Because, Everything we did, we did together, I thought that we’ll be two forever, Side by side until the end We’d been inseparable since it all did begin Our love was strong then, more than ever I thought we’d always have each other ‘Till I knit my boyfriend a sweater Yeah, I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (etrt eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) With perfect decrease on the arms Perfect shape and perfect form And made by me We were together before Now I don’t know him anymore Because, Everything we did, we did together, I thought that we’ll be two forever, Side by side until the end We’d been inseparable since it all did begin Our love was strong then, more than ever I thought we’d always have each other ‘Till I knit my boyfriend a sweater Yeah, I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh ) I knit my boyfriend a sweater (eter eter, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)

CraftLife Episode 20 – Sweater Love

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  It’s time to cozy up to the fireplace, roast some chestnuts, and crank up the Christmas carols.  ‘Tis the season to be jolly!  I hope you are enjoying this holiday season, and have the opportunity to be with the ones you love… and maybe get in a little knitting time.  I was very excited to be gifted by Adam with two tickets to see Jim Brickman in his Christmas tour. What a fabulous concert! He was also joined by singers Anne Cochran and Ben Utecht, and electric violinist Tracy Silverman at the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, TX. Haven’t purchased your 2012 calendar yet? How about the 2012 Calendar of Hope from Fitter Knitter. The proceeds from the sale of these calendars benefit Army of Women, who seek to go beyond finding a cure for prostate cancer, and focus on finding the cause. I’ve been putting in a lot of work on Adam’s Dovahkiin Gamer Gauntlets, knit out of Sublime Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK. One gauntlet down, one to go! I’ve also been lamenting the very hairy state of the Casual Rugby Pullover from The Easy Learn to Knit in Just One Day, which I knit from Lion Brand Homespun. Any ideas about how to remedy it’s current furry condition? Leave me a comment below. The “Merry Knitmas: Holiday Favorites for the Knitter” 2-CD set may really be a possible gift option, but if it were, it would feature knitterly holiday tunes like, Let Me Knit! Let Me Knit! Let Me Knit, A Knitters 12 Days of Christmas, Fleece Used to Baa, and We Wish You A Merry Knitmas, among many others.  And of course, feel free to join in and sing along with Christmas Knits. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells”) Christmas Knits Christmas knits, Christmas knits, Christmas time is nigh. I hope you planned your knitting well, and started in July. Gloves and mitts, socks that fit, scarves and sweaters, too. Lots of warm and wooly things made by me for you. Digging through my stash looking for that one last skein. I’ve finished half a sock, need more yarn that’s the same. I’ve made it half way through – a little left to go. Heel flap, that’s done, and gusset, check. Kitchener up that toe! Christmas knits, Christmas knits, Christmas time is nigh. I hope you planned your knitting well, and started in July. Gloves and mitts, socks that fit, scarves and sweaters, too. Lots of warm and wooly things made by me for you. A day or two ago I cast on a new shawl With cables, fair isle, lace, intarsia blocks and all. I’ve lots of gifts to knit with Christmas my deadline. Will someone tell me what to do to buy me some more time? Christmas knits, Christmas knits, Christmas time is nigh. I hope you planned your knitting well, and started in July. Gloves and mitts, socks that fit, scarves and sweaters, too. Lots of warm and wooly things made by me for you. CraftLife is taking a winter break, and will return in February, 2012!

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> It’s time to cozy up to the fireplace, roast some chestnuts, and crank up the Christmas carols.  ‘Tis the season to be jolly!  I hope you are enjoying this holiday season, and have the opportunity to be with the ones you love… and maybe get in a little knitting time. I was very excited to be gifted by Adam with two tickets to see <a href="http://www.jimbrickman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim Brickman</a> in his Christmas tour. What a fabulous concert! He was also joined by singers <a href="http://www.annecochran.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anne Cochran</a> and <a href="http://benutecht.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Utecht</a>, and electric violinist <a href="http://www.tracysilverman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tracy Silverman</a> at the <a href="http://www.basshall.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bass Performance Hall</a> in Fort Worth, TX. Haven’t purchased your 2012 calendar yet? How about the 2012 Calendar of Hope from <a href="http://www.fitterknitter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fitter Knitter</a>. The proceeds from the sale of these calendars benefit <a href="http://www.armyofwomen.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Army of Women</a>, who seek to go beyond finding a cure for <a href="https://icloudhospital.com/article_detail/prostate-cancer-facts-view-points-from-expert-doctors" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">prostate cancer</a>, and focus on finding the cause. I’ve been putting in a lot of work on Adam’s Dovahkiin Gamer Gauntlets, knit out of <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-sublime/sublime-lustrous-extrafine-merino-dk-yarn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sublime Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK</a>. One gauntlet down, one to go! I’ve also been lamenting the very hairy state of the Casual Rugby Pullover from <a href="http://www.e-patternscentral.com/detail.html?prod_id=4463&amp;cat_id=582&amp;criteria=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Easy Learn to Knit in Just One Day</a>, which I knit from <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/homespun.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lion Brand Homespun</a>. Any ideas about how to remedy it’s current furry condition? Leave me a comment below. The “Merry Knitmas: Holiday Favorites for the Knitter” 2-CD set may really be a possible gift option, but if it were, it would feature knitterly holiday tunes like, Let Me Knit! Let Me Knit! Let Me Knit, A Knitters 12 Days of Christmas, Fleece Used to Baa, and We Wish You A Merry Knitmas, among many others.  And of course, feel free to join in and sing along with Christmas Knits. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells”) Christmas Knits Christmas knits, Christmas knits, Christmas time is nigh. I hope you planned your knitting well, and started in July. Gloves and mitts, socks that fit, scarves and sweaters, too. Lots of warm and wooly things made by me for you. Digging through my stash looking for that one last skein. I’ve finished half a sock, need more yarn that’s the same. I’ve made it half way through – a little left to go. Heel flap, that’s done, and gusset, check. Kitchener up that toe! Christmas knits, Christmas knits, Christmas time is nigh. I hope you planned your knitting well, and started in July. Gloves and mitts, socks that fit, scarves and sweaters, too. Lots of warm and wooly things made by me for you. A day or two ago I cast on a new shawl With cables, fair isle, lace, intarsia blocks and all. I’ve lots of gifts to knit with Christmas my deadline. Will someone tell me what to do to buy me some more time? Christmas knits, Christmas knits, Christmas time is nigh. I hope you planned your knitting well, and started in July. Gloves and mitts, socks that fit, scarves and sweaters, too. Lots of warm and wooly things made by me for you. CraftLife is taking a winter break, and will return in February, 2012!

CraftLife Episode 19 – A Merry CraftLife Christmas

CraftLife is the podcast all about living the creative life - from crafts to cooking, music, drama, photography, and yes, even knitting.

I listened to the 2nd episode &amp; enjoyed it! Well done. Very professional!

Good one

Such a wonderful podcast! Fun and friendly!!

Great podcast!!

CraftLife

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