   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			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.

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  “Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you” Congratulations to MelodyJ, the winner of the Hello Kitty Online Premium edition giveaway!  Many thanks to Shine of Shine and Lee’s Christmas Trees for sharing a little about Christmas tree farming. You can find info about the different trees they sell, wreaths and decorations that are available, and pictures of the farm and family at the website, or on their Facebook page. Shine and Lee got the idea for starting a Christmas Tree farm after visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. (BTW, Biltmore is one of my favorite places in the WHOLE WORLD) “A soal, a soal, a soal cake. Please, good missus, a soal cake…” You can find a recipe to make your very own soal (or soul) cakes in this NPR article.  There has been much premie hat knitting lately, including my favorite red one which has the word “HUMBUG” duplicate stitched in green around it.   I have also put in a bit of work on  the Dovahkiin Gauntlets for Adam.  Here’s my progress so far:

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> “Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you” Congratulations to MelodyJ, the winner of the <a href="http://www.hellokittyonline.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hello Kitty Online</a> Premium edition giveaway! <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img_15732.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Many thanks to Shine of <a href="http://www.shineandleeschristmastrees.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shine and Lee’s Christmas Trees</a> for sharing a little about Christmas tree farming. You can find info about the different trees they sell, wreaths and decorations that are available, and pictures of the farm and family at the website, or on their <a href="http://www.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shine-and-Lees-Christmas-Trees/200605892272.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Shine and Lee got the idea for starting a Christmas Tree farm after visiting the <a href="http://www.biltmore.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Biltmore Estate</a> in Asheville, North Carolina. (BTW, Biltmore is one of my favorite places in the WHOLE WORLD) “A soal, a soal, a soal cake. Please, good missus, a soal cake…” You can find a recipe to make your very own soal (or soul) cakes in <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15536354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this NPR article</a>. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img_15822.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> There has been much premie hat knitting lately, including my favorite red one which has the word “HUMBUG” duplicate stitched in green around it.   I have also put in a bit of work on  the Dovahkiin Gauntlets for Adam.  Here’s my progress so far:

CraftLife Episode 18 – Bah Humbug

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  Ebenezer Scrooge opens this week! Tech week is upon us, costumes and props are being worked in, sound and light queues are next in line. Pearl Fryar is a master of topiary sculpture. You can learn about his story in the documentary “A Man Named Pearl”. You can check out the trailer at that link, too. One of my favorite holiday movies, and where I first learned about Hot Buttered Rum, is White Christmas. Bing Crosby and Christmas music are synonymous in my house.  Hot Buttered Rum 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup unsalted butter 2 cups vanilla ice cream 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp all spice 1/2 tsp clove 1. Combine sugar, brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat until butter is melted. 2. In a large bowl, beat ice cream, sugar/butter mixture, and spices at medium speed until smooth.  Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks, or in freezer for 1 month. 3.  To serve, fill a mug 1/4 – 1/3 with mix, add one ounce (2 Tbsp) of rum and fill the rest of the way with boiling water.  Sprinkle with nutmeg. It’s giveaway time! Leave a comment in this post between now and 11:59pm CST on 12/1/11 to enter to win a copy of the Hello Kitty Online Premium Edition. The random number generator will be used to chose TWO winners, each of whom will receive a copy of the Premium Edition, which comes with $15 worth of in-game points to shop and spend as you play, an exclusive virtual pet to follow you around and assist on quests, and 2 Hello Kitty Online collector’s postcards. (System requirements include Windows 2000/XP/Vista (32 bit) and 512 MB RAM minimum) Speaking of giveaways, Janeen of the Clothed in the Lamb podcast just had a 1 year podiversary giveaway, and I was the lucky winner! I’m looking forward to casting on the Gypsy tank with my winnings. I’m working hard on the Dovakhiin Gauntlet’s for Adam. The Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK by Sublime Yarns is working beautifully! Thanks to Fraydele on Ravelry for suggesting this week’s song! Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Whip It!” by Devo) Rip it! Frog that sweater Then re-knit it better Take out your sticks Get right to the fix When a problem comes along You must rip it If you want to fix what went wrong You must rip it One sleeve is far to long You must rip it Now rip it Frog it back Back it up Don’t be slack You must go backwards To move ahead When you detect it It’s not too late To rip it Rip it good If you mess up the design You must rip it If you put in a life line Then you can rip it It will look better in time If you just rip it I say rip it Rip it good I say rip it Rip it good Frog that sweater Then re-knit it better Take out your sticks Get right to the fix When a problem comes along You must rip it If you want to fix what went wrong You must rip it One sleeve is far to long You must rip it Now rip it Frog it back Back it up Don’t be slack You must go backwards To move ahead When you detect it It’s not too late To rip it Frog it back Back it up Don’t be slack You must go backwards To move ahead When you detect it It’s not too late To rip it Rip it good

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> <a href="http://www.dallas.net/~pst/scroog11.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebenezer Scrooge</a> opens this week! Tech week is upon us, costumes and props are being worked in, sound and light queues are next in line. <a href="http://www.pearlfryar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pearl Fryar</a> is a master of topiary sculpture. You can learn about his story in the documentary <a href="http://www.docurama.com/docurama/a-man-named-pearl-dvd-cd-set/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“A Man Named Pearl”</a>. You can check out the trailer at that link, too. One of my favorite holiday movies, and where I first learned about Hot Buttered Rum, is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047673/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">White Christmas</a>. Bing Crosby and Christmas music are synonymous in my house. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_15552.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Hot Buttered Rum 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup unsalted butter 2 cups vanilla ice cream 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp all spice 1/2 tsp clove 1. Combine sugar, brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat until butter is melted. 2. In a large bowl, beat ice cream, sugar/butter mixture, and spices at medium speed until smooth.  Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks, or in freezer for 1 month. 3.  To serve, fill a mug 1/4 – 1/3 with mix, add one ounce (2 Tbsp) of rum and fill the rest of the way with boiling water.  Sprinkle with nutmeg. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/hello-kitty2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>It’s giveaway time! Leave a comment in this post between now and 11:59pm CST on 12/1/11 to enter to win a copy of the <a href="http://www.hellokittyonline.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hello Kitty Online</a> Premium Edition. The random number generator will be used to chose TWO winners, each of whom will receive a copy of the Premium Edition, which comes with $15 worth of in-game points to shop and spend as you play, an exclusive virtual pet to follow you around and assist on quests, and 2 Hello Kitty Online collector’s postcards. (System requirements include Windows 2000/XP/Vista (32 bit) and 512 MB RAM minimum) Speaking of giveaways, Janeen of the <a href="http://www.clothedinthelamb.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clothed in the Lamb</a> podcast just had a 1 year podiversary giveaway, and I was the lucky winner! I’m looking forward to casting on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gypsy-5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gypsy</a> tank with my winnings. I’m working hard on the Dovakhiin Gauntlet’s for Adam. The <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-sublime/sublime-lustrous-extrafine-merino-dk-yarn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK</a> by Sublime Yarns is working beautifully! Thanks to Fraydele on Ravelry for suggesting this week’s song! Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Whip It!” by Devo) Rip it! Frog that sweater Then re-knit it better Take out your sticks Get right to the fix When a problem comes along You must rip it If you want to fix what went wrong You must rip it One sleeve is far to long You must rip it Now rip it Frog it back Back it up Don’t be slack You must go backwards To move ahead When you detect it It’s not too late To rip it Rip it good If you mess up the design You must rip it If you put in a life line Then you can rip it It will look better in time If you just rip it I say rip it Rip it good I say rip it Rip it good Frog that sweater Then re-knit it better Take out your sticks Get right to the fix When a problem comes along You must rip it If you want to fix what went wrong You must rip it One sleeve is far to long You must rip it Now rip it Frog it back Back it up Don’t be slack You must go backwards To move ahead When you detect it It’s not too late To rip it Frog it back Back it up Don’t be slack You must go backwards To move ahead When you detect it It’s not too late To rip it Rip it good

CraftLife Episode 17 – Bumps In The Road

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  Put on the teapot, or fill up the french press, whichever is your preference.  Let’s take a few minutes to chat and just catch up on what has been going on lately, what do you say? I’ve been moonlighting with Ebenezer Scrooge quite a bit lately. If you’re in the Dallas area this holiday season, come on down to Pocket Sandwich Theatre for a musical re-telling of a Christmas classic in a casual dinner/theatre atmosphere. If you get an opportunity to take a class with the ever-fabulous Ysolda Teague, don’t let it pass you by! Her “Perfect Sweater” class was wonderful. Many thanks to the staff of The Woolie Ewe for hosting the “Perfect Sweater” class. The day of the class was the first time I visited this LYS, and I have already been back a second time.  I’m very excited about spinning up my new Icelandic roving. Here’s what wikipedia has to say about Icelandic sheep. Any ideas what I should knit with my Very focused on learning short rows during our train ride. finished product? If you’re looking for something out-of-the-ordinary to do in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, why not give the Grapevine Vintage Railroad a try? Ready to tackle short rows? Check out this video from KnittingHelp.com. 11-11-11 marks the arrival of a video game for which I have been waiting years. And I’m not exaggerating. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Tease me if you must, but I am taking the day off of work on November 11 to celebrate.  This game is also the inspiration for Adam’s special request knitting project. Any ideas what it might be?

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> Put on the teapot, or fill up the french press, whichever is your preference.  Let’s take a few minutes to chat and just catch up on what has been going on lately, what do you say? I’ve been moonlighting with <a href="http://www.dallas.net/~pst/scroog11.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebenezer Scrooge</a> quite a bit lately. If you’re in the Dallas area this holiday season, come on down to <a href="http://www.pocketsandwich.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pocket Sandwich Theatre</a> for a musical re-telling of a Christmas classic in a casual dinner/theatre atmosphere. If you get an opportunity to take a class with the ever-fabulous <a href="http://ysolda.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ysolda Teague</a>, don’t let it pass you by! Her “Perfect Sweater” class was wonderful. Many thanks to the staff of <a href="http://www.woolieewe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Woolie Ewe</a> for hosting the “Perfect Sweater” class. The day of the class was the first time I visited this LYS, and I have already been back a second time. I’m very excited about spinning up my new Icelandic roving. Here’s what wikipedia has to say about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_sheep" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Icelandic sheep</a>. Any ideas what I should knit with my <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/amandaknits-e13208052366902.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Very focused on learning short rows during our train ride. finished product? If you’re looking for something out-of-the-ordinary to do in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, why not give the <a href="https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/GrapevineVintageRailroad/tabid/267/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grapevine Vintage Railroad</a> a try? Ready to tackle short rows? Check out this <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/short-rows" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video from KnittingHelp.com</a>. 11-11-11 marks the arrival of a video game for which I have been waiting years. And I’m not exaggerating. <a href="http://www.elderscrolls.com/skyrim/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim</a>. Tease me if you must, but I am taking the day off of work on November 11 to celebrate.  This game is also the inspiration for Adam’s special request knitting project. Any ideas what it might be?

CraftLife Episode 16 – Scrooge Ate My Homework

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  I caught Christmas trying to sneak up on me this week.  What was I thinking, getting distracted by all of the lingering hot weather?!  The truth is, it will be here before we know it, and it looks like “full steam ahead” for me until the end of the year.  Even though by schedule will be bursting at the seams, I will do my best to keep to a regular podcasting schedule if at all possible. Already behind on your Christmas knitting?  Have no fear!  Make a virtual tacky Christmas sweater for everyone on your list! If tee-ball doesn’t pique your kid’s interest, and violin lessons aren’t working out, how about Mutton Bustin’ for a change? October is half-way over, but Treacle and Ink is still Going Pink for breast cancer research. All sales made during October will Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Need a comedy improv fix? Here’s a bunch of “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” videos. These bring out Adam’s over-the-top laugh.  I really enjoy using the traditional anniversary gifts list as a guideline to help me get creative with anniversary gifts. The Holden Shawlette, by Mindy Wilkes – DONE! My current sweater deconstruction will (hopefully!) result in a few pairs of French Press Felted Slippers, by Melynda Bernardi. I am so excited to be attending Ysolda Teague’s “The Perfect Sweater” class offered by The Woolie Ewe! The Pocket Sandwich Theatre is presenting the 30th consecutive year of Ebenezer Scrooge, a musical based on the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”. I’m very pleased to be able to participate in the capacity of Music Director. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “B*tch” by Meredith Brooks) St*tch I knit a lot today At the office, in the store, And the subway. I smiled at you, but you look at me like maybe I’m a great big oddity, Some strange mystery. Yesterday you spied What I was doing, and you flagrantly implied I did not look like what you think a knitter looks like. Will this always be my fate? It’s time to educate you, And set the record straight. ‘Cause I stitch, I’m a mother I’m your sister or your brother Hand-knit items, I make many I just might be your Granny I’m a Las Vegas showgirl I rock the CEO world I am anybody that you’ve ever known So take my sticks and string – Put them together, I can make most anything. Baby booties, scarves, and sweaters, or a life-sized knitted royal family So what, if I decide to make A toilet paper cozy? ‘Cause I stitch, I’m a mother I’m your sister or your brother Hand-knit items, I make many I just might be your Granny I’m a Las Vegas showgirl I rock the CEO world I am anybody that you’ve ever known So if you think you’ve got me figured out You’ve got another think coming I think it’s cool you try to relate But I am anyone at all ‘Cause I stitch, I’m a mother I’m your sister or your brother Hand-knit items, I make many I just might be your Granny I’m a Las Vegas showgirl I rock the CEO world I am anybody that you’ve ever known Yeah I stitch, drive the carpool, Coach some football at the high school Funky hip-hop I devour Sing opera in the shower I’m a gamer, I wait tables I help where I am able I am anybody that you’ve ever known

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> I caught Christmas trying to sneak up on me this week.  What was I thinking, getting distracted by all of the lingering hot weather?!  The truth is, it will be here before we know it, and it looks like “full steam ahead” for me until the end of the year.  Even though by schedule will be bursting at the seams, I will do my best to keep to a regular podcasting schedule if at all possible. Already behind on your Christmas knitting?  Have no fear!  Make a <a href="http://weloveholidaysweaters.wehatesheep.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">virtual tacky Christmas sweater</a> for everyone on your list! If tee-ball doesn’t pique your kid’s interest, and violin lessons aren’t working out, how about <a href="http://woolwarriors.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mutton Bustin’</a> for a change? October is half-way over, but <a href="http://treacleandink.etsy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treacle and Ink is still Going Pink</a> for breast cancer research. All sales made during October will <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susan G. Komen for the Cure</a>. Need a comedy improv fix? Here’s a bunch of <a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=who's+line+is+it+anyway&amp;qpvt=who%27s+line+is+it+anyway&amp;FORM=VDRE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Who’s Line is it Anyway?”</a> videos. These bring out Adam’s over-the-top laugh. I really enjoy using the <a href="http://www.findgift.com/Anniversary-Table/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">traditional anniversary gifts list</a> as a guideline to help me get creative with anniversary gifts. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/holden-shawlette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Holden Shawlette</a>, by Mindy Wilkes – DONE! My current sweater deconstruction will (hopefully!) result in a few pairs of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/french-press-felted-slippers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">French Press Felted Slippers</a>, by Melynda Bernardi. I am so excited to be attending <a href="http://ysolda.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ysolda Teague’s</a> “The Perfect Sweater” class offered by <a href="http://www.woolieewe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Woolie Ewe</a>! The <a href="http://www.pocketsandwich.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pocket Sandwich Theatre</a> is presenting the 30th consecutive year of <a href="http://www.dallas.net/~pst/scroog11.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebenezer Scrooge</a>, a musical based on the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”. I’m very pleased to be able to participate in the capacity of Music Director. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “B*tch” by Meredith Brooks) St*tch I knit a lot today At the office, in the store, And the subway. I smiled at you, but you look at me like maybe I’m a great big oddity, Some strange mystery. Yesterday you spied What I was doing, and you flagrantly implied I did not look like what you think a knitter looks like. Will this always be my fate? It’s time to educate you, And set the record straight. ‘Cause I stitch, I’m a mother I’m your sister or your brother Hand-knit items, I make many I just might be your Granny I’m a Las Vegas showgirl I rock the CEO world I am anybody that you’ve ever known So take my sticks and string – Put them together, I can make most anything. Baby booties, scarves, and sweaters, or a life-sized knitted royal family So what, if I decide to make A toilet paper cozy? ‘Cause I stitch, I’m a mother I’m your sister or your brother Hand-knit items, I make many I just might be your Granny I’m a Las Vegas showgirl I rock the CEO world I am anybody that you’ve ever known So if you think you’ve got me figured out You’ve got another think coming I think it’s cool you try to relate But I am anyone at all ‘Cause I stitch, I’m a mother I’m your sister or your brother Hand-knit items, I make many I just might be your Granny I’m a Las Vegas showgirl I rock the CEO world I am anybody that you’ve ever known Yeah I stitch, drive the carpool, Coach some football at the high school Funky hip-hop I devour Sing opera in the shower I’m a gamer, I wait tables I help where I am able I am anybody that you’ve ever known

CraftLife Episode 15 – Bound To Be Creative

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  A good friend of mine and I had the great fortune of spending a month in New York City, doing an independent study for credit toward our Theatre degrees.  Before we left our hometown and headed north of the Mason-Dixon Line, I made a tee-shirt that said, “Actor For Hire” in big, bold letters on the front.  While this tee shirt did not lead to any acting employment during my time in the Big Apple, it did lead to inquiries as to where others might purchase one like it.  I guess I wasn’t the only one looking for paid work as an actor.  This week in the podcast, we’ll be taking a look patronage in the arts, the good parts and the not-so-good parts.  I’d love to hear what you have to say about it!  Leave me a comment below. Have you ever wondered what would happen if all actors stopped working for free?  I did, in this blog post. The Treacle and Ink Etsy shop is officially Going Pink!  100% of the proceeds from all sales during the month of October will be donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure.  Please enjoy a browse and pass along the link. It was very nice to have Adam back on the podcast!  I’ve missed him lately as he has been enjoying much football in his man cave. Pumpkin Premie Hat, modeled by my Snowball mic In addition to the premie hats, I am still hard at work on the Holden Shawlette.  The end is near! Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin) Don’t Worry, Knit Happy Here’s a little sock I knit, Stitched it together bit-by-bit Don’t worry, knit happy With every stitch, something could go wrong Don’t think about that, just sing this song Don’t worry, knit happy Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Ain’t got no needles so costly and nice Your less expensive ones will suffice Don’t worry, knit happy Sometimes you will drop some stitches, And some of the wool gives you the itches Don’t worry, knit happy Look at me, I’m knitting happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Give me your Ravatar.  When you worry I’ll draw a smiley on it. Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Ain’t got no coin, ain’t got no cash That’s okay, you can knit from your stash So don’t worry, knit happy ‘Cause when you worry, your gauge gets tight And makes your knitting to look affright Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Now here’s a little sock I knit Try it on and see if it fits, like good little knitters And don’t worry, knit happy With every stitch something could go wrong That is why you should sing this song And don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> A good friend of mine and I had the great fortune of spending a month in New York City, doing an independent study for credit toward our Theatre degrees.  Before we left our hometown and headed north of the Mason-Dixon Line, I made a tee-shirt that said, “Actor For Hire” in big, bold letters on the front.  While this tee shirt did not lead to any acting employment during my time in the Big Apple, it did lead to inquiries as to where others might purchase one like it.  I guess I wasn’t the only one looking for paid work as an actor.  This week in the podcast, we’ll be taking a look patronage in the arts, the good parts and the not-so-good parts.  I’d love to hear what you have to say about it!  Leave me a comment below. Have you ever wondered what would happen if all actors stopped working for free?  I did, in <a href="http://treacleandinketsy.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/hey-ive-got-a-what-if/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this blog post</a>. The <a href="http://treacleandink.etsy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treacle and Ink Etsy shop</a> is officially Going Pink!  100% of the proceeds from all sales during the month of October will be donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure.  Please enjoy a browse and pass along the link. It was very nice to have Adam back on the podcast!  I’ve missed him lately as he has been enjoying much football in his <a href="http://treacleandinketsy.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/a-man-cave-makeover/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">man cave</a>. <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/img_14573.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Pumpkin Premie Hat, modeled by my Snowball mic In addition to the premie hats, I am still hard at work on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/holden-shawlette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Holden Shawlette</a>.  The end is near! Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin) Don’t Worry, Knit Happy Here’s a little sock I knit, Stitched it together bit-by-bit Don’t worry, knit happy With every stitch, something could go wrong Don’t think about that, just sing this song Don’t worry, knit happy Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Ain’t got no needles so costly and nice Your less expensive ones will suffice Don’t worry, knit happy Sometimes you will drop some stitches, And some of the wool gives you the itches Don’t worry, knit happy Look at me, I’m knitting happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Give me your Ravatar.  When you worry I’ll draw a smiley on it. Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Ain’t got no coin, ain’t got no cash That’s okay, you can knit from your stash So don’t worry, knit happy ‘Cause when you worry, your gauge gets tight And makes your knitting to look affright Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Now here’s a little sock I knit Try it on and see if it fits, like good little knitters And don’t worry, knit happy With every stitch something could go wrong That is why you should sing this song And don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Knit happy Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo Don’t worry, knit happy

CraftLife Episode 14 – Don’t Patonize Me!… Well, Maybe

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  As I was putting together this week’s episode, I started to notice a not-so-craft-related theme emerging. Home. Not necessarily my home of today, but the familiar territory of my youth, and place where most of my family still resides. When I go there for a visit, I am “going home for a visit” – hence, this week’s title.  I hope you enjoy! Monkey Bread  3 cans biscuits 1 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. cinnamon 1 cup light brown sugar 1 stick butter   Cut biscuits into quarters with scissors. Shake biscuits quarters in a bag with sugar and cinnamon. Layer cinnamon/sugar coated biscuit quarters in a greased tube pan and sprinkle chopped nuts, raisins, or both between layers if desired. Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil, and let it boil for 1 minute Pour butter and brown sugar mixture over the biscuits. Bake at 325 degrees fahrenheit (163 celsius) for 35 minutes. Let it stand 10 minutes before removing from pan. To serve, just pinch off a piece and eat with fingers.   (Recipe by Ophelia M. Leitzsey from the “Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Newberry, South Carolina” cookbook) I had a great time talking to Stephanie about her artwork.  If you’d like to get in contact with her, just shoot an email to treacleandink@hotmail.com and put “STEPHANIE” in the subject line.  And, if you want to take a peek at her paintings, they will be available during the month of October in the Treacle And Ink Etsy shop.  Want to learn more about that Christmas tree farm she mentioned?  Head over to Shine and Lee’s Christmas Trees.  That’s my mom and dad! Congratulations to Redsknits for winning the iMake giveaway!  If you haven’t done so already, be sure to check out Martine’s podcast and blog, iMake. My Ishbel has been completed! (And with much pride, I might add.)  They say that pride comes before a fall, but I hope that is not the case since I am currently working the stockinette section of the Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilks. And if you’d like to get a first-hand look at her inspiration, head to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Got any extra fiber?  As if “extra fiber” wasn’t an oxymoron.  I’m looking for something to put on my drop spindle.  The majority of my meagre stash is up for grabs, if you’re looking for a trade. I’m adding more things bit-by-bit, so if you don’t see anything you like, try back later.  Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Part of your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid) Part Of My Stash Look at this stash, Isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete? Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl, The girl who has too much yarn? Look at this store, Treasures untold. How many fibers can one yarn shop hold? Looking around here you’d think It’s got everything! I’ve got acrylic yarn skeins aplenty. I’ve aluminum needles galore. (And my 10” size 5s? Well,they’re a bit bendy…) Synthetic Does the trick But, I want more.  I want a hank of Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I want to play with a ball of Knit Picks. Walking around, I see… (What’s that over there?)  Ooooo, Noro. Knitting with Red Heart only gets you so far. I’m ready to move on to something nicer. Strolling these aisles I spy, (What’s on that shelf there?) Malabrigo! I find Madeline Tosh, And Debbie Bliss. Is there anything better in the world than this? All around me, Wish it could be Part of my stash. What would I give If I could knit All day with cashmere? What would I pay To get to play With some qiviut? What would it take To get to make A project with Rowan Kidsilk Haze? Cabled sweater What could be better? I’d love to find out! I know there’s a shelf of indie hand-dyed yarn Somewhere around here, I’ve got to find it. All of this fiber calling out to me, What can I do? A hopeless case In the face Of all of this yarn-y goodness I see All around me Wish it could be Part of my stash.

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> As I was putting together this week’s episode, I started to notice a not-so-craft-related theme emerging. Home. Not necessarily my home of today, but the familiar territory of my youth, and place where most of my family still resides. When I go there for a visit, I am “going home for a visit” – hence, this week’s title.  I hope you enjoy! Monkey Bread <a href="http://craftlifecentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/img_49054.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> 3 cans biscuits 1 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. cinnamon 1 cup light brown sugar 1 stick butter <ol> <ol> <li>Cut biscuits into quarters with scissors.</li> <li>Shake biscuits quarters in a bag with sugar and cinnamon.</li> <li>Layer cinnamon/sugar coated biscuit quarters in a greased tube pan and sprinkle chopped nuts, raisins, or both between layers if desired.</li> <li>Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil, and let it boil for 1 minute</li> <li>Pour butter and brown sugar mixture over the biscuits.</li> <li>Bake at 325 degrees fahrenheit (163 celsius) for 35 minutes. Let it stand 10 minutes before removing from pan.</li> <li>To serve, just pinch off a piece and eat with fingers.</li> </ol> </ol> (Recipe by Ophelia M. Leitzsey from the “Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Newberry, South Carolina” cookbook) I had a great time talking to Stephanie about her artwork.  If you’d like to get in contact with her, just shoot an email to treacleandink@hotmail.com and put “STEPHANIE” in the subject line.  And, if you want to take a peek at her paintings, they will be available during the month of October in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreacleAndInk?ref=ss_profile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treacle And Ink Etsy shop</a>.  Want to learn more about that Christmas tree farm she mentioned?  Head over to <a href="http://www.shineandleeschristmastrees.com/2010/Home_-_Shine_%26_Lees_Christmas_Trees.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shine and Lee’s Christmas Trees</a>.  That’s my mom and dad! Congratulations to Redsknits for winning the iMake giveaway!  If you haven’t done so already, be sure to check out Martine’s podcast and blog, <a href="http://www.imake.gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a>. My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ishbel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ishbel</a> has been completed! (And with much pride, I might add.)  They say that pride comes before a fall, but I hope that is not the case since I am currently working the stockinette section of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/holden-shawlette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Holden Shawlette</a> by Mindy Wilks. And if you’d like to get a first-hand look at her inspiration, head to <a href="http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach</a> in South Carolina. Got any extra fiber?  As if “extra fiber” wasn’t an oxymoron.  I’m looking for something to put on my drop spindle.  The majority of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/TreacleAndInk/stash/trade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my meagre stash</a> is up for grabs, if you’re looking for a trade. I’m adding more things bit-by-bit, so if you don’t see anything you like, try back later. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Part of your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid) Part Of My Stash Look at this stash, Isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete? Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl, The girl who has too much yarn? Look at this store, Treasures untold. How many fibers can one yarn shop hold? Looking around here you’d think It’s got everything! I’ve got acrylic yarn skeins aplenty. I’ve aluminum needles galore. (And my 10” size 5s? Well,they’re a bit bendy…) Synthetic Does the trick But, I want more.  I want a hank of Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I want to play with a ball of Knit Picks. Walking around, I see… (What’s that over there?)  Ooooo, Noro. Knitting with Red Heart only gets you so far. I’m ready to move on to something nicer. Strolling these aisles I spy, (What’s on that shelf there?) Malabrigo! I find Madeline Tosh, And Debbie Bliss. Is there anything better in the world than this? All around me, Wish it could be Part of my stash. What would I give If I could knit All day with cashmere? What would I pay To get to play With some qiviut? What would it take To get to make A project with Rowan Kidsilk Haze? Cabled sweater What could be better? I’d love to find out! I know there’s a shelf of indie hand-dyed yarn Somewhere around here, I’ve got to find it. All of this fiber calling out to me, What can I do? A hopeless case In the face Of all of this yarn-y goodness I see All around me Wish it could be Part of my stash.

CraftLife Episode 13 – No Place Like Home

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  The weather man asserts that tomorrow will be the last of the 100+ degree days. There is only one thing I can say to that. Hallelujah!! The temperature drop can not come soon enough, but by now, you must be as tired of hearing about my weather as I am of sweating through it, so on to the show notes! A big “Thank You!!” *blush* to the very kind Anita of The Well Knitted Life podcast. Go have a listen. If you haven’t made your entry into the iMake giveaway, have a browse around Martine’s Etsy and Folksy shops, and then leave a comment in the iMake Giveaway thread in the CraftLife Ravelry Group telling me which one of her items you like best. If you’d like more info on the Effort Driven Rewards Circuit, check out this article from the June 2010 edition of Body+Soul. When Good Knitters Go Bad is a news report that is not to be missed! Be on the lookout for the Shabby Sheep, from whence came my Alp Light yarn used in knitting the 4X4 rib shawl. You can also follow K Witta’s antics in real time. If you’re dealing with CKS and would like some online help www.Ravelry.com is a great place to start. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse) A Knitting Intervention They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. I ain’t got the time I’ve got really long queue line. They tried to make me go to rehab, But I won’t go, go, go. I’d rather be at home all day, Making hats and sweaters, knitting away. ‘Cause there’s nothing, there’s nothing they can teach me That I can’t learn from reading E.Z. Yeah, I think that it’s a drag That they want to take my project bag. They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. I ain’t got the time I’ve got really long queue line. They tried to make me go to rehab, But I won’t go, go, go. I know all week the dishes haven’t been clean, And the house is the messiest you’ve ever seen. I’m gonna, I’m gonna lose my stitch count, If I stop to do other things in between. Can’t I hire a maid? Just until this scarf gets made. They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. Remember the socks I made you last year? And the gloves and sweaters?  Baby, it’s quite clear. I don’t hear, I don’t hear your complaining About all those gifts you hold so dear. I know it’s time to go. Just let me finish one more row They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. I ain’t got the time I’ve got really long queue line. They tried to make me go to rehab, But I won’t go, go, go.

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> The weather man asserts that tomorrow will be the last of the 100+ degree days. There is only one thing I can say to that. Hallelujah!! The temperature drop can not come soon enough, but by now, you must be as tired of hearing about my weather as I am of sweating through it, so on to the show notes! A big “Thank You!!” *blush* to the very kind Anita of <a href="http://www.thewellknittedlife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Well Knitted Life</a> podcast. Go have a listen. If you haven’t made your entry into the <a href="http://www.imake.gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a> giveaway, have a browse around Martine’s <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/iMakeShop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/iMake" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Folksy</a> shops, and then leave a comment in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/craftlife/1791365/1-25#11" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake Giveaway</a> thread in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/craftlife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftLife Ravelry Group</a> telling me which one of her items you like best. If you’d like more info on the Effort Driven Rewards Circuit, check out <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/article/crafting-happiness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this article</a> from the June 2010 edition of Body+Soul. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TreacleAndInk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When Good Knitters Go Bad</a> is a news report that is not to be missed! Be on the lookout for the <a href="http://www.theshabbysheep.com/page.php?id=4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shabby Sheep</a>, from whence came my <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-feza/webs-knitting-yarns-feza-alp-light/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alp Light yarn</a> used in knitting the 4X4 rib shawl. You can also follow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-Witta/205096609512546" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">K Witta’s antics in real time</a>. If you’re dealing with CKS and would like some online help <a href="http://www.Ravelry.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.Ravelry.com</a> is a great place to start. Lyrics to this week’s song (based on the song “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse) A Knitting Intervention They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. I ain’t got the time I’ve got really long queue line. They tried to make me go to rehab, But I won’t go, go, go. I’d rather be at home all day, Making hats and sweaters, knitting away. ‘Cause there’s nothing, there’s nothing they can teach me That I can’t learn from reading E.Z. Yeah, I think that it’s a drag That they want to take my project bag. They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. I ain’t got the time I’ve got really long queue line. They tried to make me go to rehab, But I won’t go, go, go. I know all week the dishes haven’t been clean, And the house is the messiest you’ve ever seen. I’m gonna, I’m gonna lose my stitch count, If I stop to do other things in between. Can’t I hire a maid? Just until this scarf gets made. They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. Remember the socks I made you last year? And the gloves and sweaters?  Baby, it’s quite clear. I don’t hear, I don’t hear your complaining About all those gifts you hold so dear. I know it’s time to go. Just let me finish one more row They tried to make me go to rehab, Because I knit, knit, knit. Once I cast on, I’m so far gone I can’t quit, quit, quit. I ain’t got the time I’ve got really long queue line. They tried to make me go to rehab, But I won’t go, go, go.

CraftLife Episode 12 – Knitting Addiction

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  This Texas summer has been hot, hot, HOT! But, not in a dancing-in-the-streets-limbo-with-a-frosty-beverage kind of way. More like a stay-indoors-with-the-windows-covered-wearing-very-little kind of way.  Though the weather outside is frightful (and yes, it can be deemed so even in the middle of summer), I am so glad to be back behind the mic again.  Episode eleven is coming at you, and is dedicated to anyone who has ever had to say, “But, I’m NEW!” CraftLife is pleased to announce the winner of the very first giveaway! The winner of the “Name That Skein” contest is….. Sandrada! Sandrada suggested the name “Peregrine”, which also happens to be the name of the patron saint of cancer sufferers. If you seek the wisdom of the Godmother of Knitting Podcasts, look no further than Cast On with Brenda Dayne. You can also follow her on Twitter as @knitsib. Are you completely musically illiterate, or maybe you just need a little brush-up? Check out www.8notes.com and click on the “Music Theory” tab on the right side of the screen for step-by-step instruction. You can learn as little, or as much as you want. Did you miss out on entering the first giveaway? No problem! Martine, of iMake, has offered up this gorgeous red leather cuff: Leather Cuff with Stars by iMake All you have to do to enter, is visit Martine’s Etsy and Folksy shops, and leave me a comment in the iMake Giveaway thread in the CraftLife Ravelry group, telling me which one of her items you like the best. In celebration of my one year knitting birthday, Ishbel has been cast on. Those pesky pink-ribbon fingerles mitts have been frogged and transformed into a new hat, and the stuffed TARDIS is nearing the end of it’s period of incarceration. Here’s a shout-out to Laura of The Ood Cast for planting the idea of song parody’s in the back of my mind. Lyrics to this week’s song. (based on the song “Breathe [2 am]”, by Anna Nalick) Knitter’s Mistake 2 am and she calls me ‘cause I’m still awake. Can you help me unravel my latest mistake? Dropped a stitch about seventeen rows behind me. There’s no way I can pick it up from where I am. This is so frustrating, I feel I should just slam It down on the table, and walk away, madly. ‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable, This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label. Now I can’t find which repeat I am on. I think I should have a sit-down And breathe, just breathe Woah breathe, just breath They say, “Do a gage swatch”, but I think that they’re dumb. Now my choice has come back to bite me in the bum. It’s turning out a whole lot smaller than I’d planned. And who’s idea was it to knit while watching TV? I think I completely skipped row thirty-three. I’ve had just about all of the mess-ups I can stand. ‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable, This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label. Now I can’t find which repeat I am on. I think I should have a sit-down And breathe, just breathe Woah breathe, just breath There’s a right way to knit this, but I’ve done it wrong. How is it that I’ve carried on for so long? Is it even worth trying to fix it from here? Or should I just frog it all back? 2am and I’m still awake knitting along. If I get it fixed now before bed, it’s no longer There taunting me, full of the errors I’ve put there. When I cast it on, I thought I’d finish it proudly But all of this stress has me screaming out loud, “Is it worth it?” or is it much more than I can bear? ‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable, This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label. Now I can’t find which repeat I am on. I think I should have a sit-down And breathe, just breathe Woah breathe, just breathe Yeah breathe, just breathe Breathe, just breathe

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> This Texas summer has been hot, hot, HOT! But, not in a dancing-in-the-streets-limbo-with-a-frosty-beverage kind of way. More like a stay-indoors-with-the-windows-covered-wearing-very-little kind of way.  Though the weather outside is frightful (and yes, it can be deemed so even in the middle of summer), I am so glad to be back behind the mic again. Episode eleven is coming at you, and is dedicated to anyone who has ever had to say, “But, I’m NEW!” CraftLife is pleased to announce the winner of the very first giveaway! The winner of the “Name That Skein” contest is….. Sandrada! Sandrada suggested the name “Peregrine”, which also happens to be the name of the patron saint of cancer sufferers. If you seek the wisdom of the Godmother of Knitting Podcasts, look no further than <a href="http://www.cast-on.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cast On</a> with Brenda Dayne. You can also follow her on Twitter as @knitsib. Are you completely musically illiterate, or maybe you just need a little brush-up? Check out <a href="www.8notes.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.8notes.com</a> and click on the “Music Theory” tab on the right side of the screen for step-by-step instruction. You can learn as little, or as much as you want. Did you miss out on entering the first giveaway? No problem! Martine, of <a href="http://www.imake.gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake</a>, has offered up this gorgeous red leather cuff: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78676999/leather-cuff-with-stars?ref=pr_shop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Leather Cuff with Stars by iMake All you have to do to enter, is visit Martine’s <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/iMakeShop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/iMake" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Folksy</a> shops, and leave me a comment in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/craftlife/topics/1791365" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iMake Giveaway thread</a> in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/craftlife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CraftLife Ravelry group</a>, telling me which one of her items you like the best. In celebration of my one year knitting birthday, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ishbel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ishbel</a> has been cast on. Those pesky pink-ribbon fingerles mitts have been frogged and transformed into a new hat, and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tardis-stuffed-plush" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stuffed TARDIS</a> is nearing the end of it’s period of incarceration. Here’s a shout-out to Laura of <a href="http://www.theoodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ood Cast</a> for planting the idea of song parody’s in the back of my mind. Lyrics to this week’s song. (based on the song “Breathe [2 am]”, by Anna Nalick) Knitter’s Mistake 2 am and she calls me ‘cause I’m still awake. Can you help me unravel my latest mistake? Dropped a stitch about seventeen rows behind me. There’s no way I can pick it up from where I am. This is so frustrating, I feel I should just slam It down on the table, and walk away, madly. ‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable, This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label. Now I can’t find which repeat I am on. I think I should have a sit-down And breathe, just breathe Woah breathe, just breath They say, “Do a gage swatch”, but I think that they’re dumb. Now my choice has come back to bite me in the bum. It’s turning out a whole lot smaller than I’d planned. And who’s idea was it to knit while watching TV? I think I completely skipped row thirty-three. I’ve had just about all of the mess-ups I can stand. ‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable, This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label. Now I can’t find which repeat I am on. I think I should have a sit-down And breathe, just breathe Woah breathe, just breath There’s a right way to knit this, but I’ve done it wrong. How is it that I’ve carried on for so long? Is it even worth trying to fix it from here? Or should I just frog it all back? 2am and I’m still awake knitting along. If I get it fixed now before bed, it’s no longer There taunting me, full of the errors I’ve put there. When I cast it on, I thought I’d finish it proudly But all of this stress has me screaming out loud, “Is it worth it?” or is it much more than I can bear? ‘Cause my stitches don’t count up, and I missed a cable, This yarn’s not the size that it says on the label. Now I can’t find which repeat I am on. I think I should have a sit-down And breathe, just breathe Woah breathe, just breathe Yeah breathe, just breathe Breathe, just breathe

CraftLife Episode 11 – Be A Novice

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  Episode ten is up and running!  I hope you enjoy this mini-milestone, and I’m looking forward to being back with you in August.  If you love to laugh (and who doesn’t?) and knit, The Knit Wits Podcast will be right up your alley. You can listen to them on their website as well as on iTunes. Do you have dreams of becoming a Southern Belle? This humorous list, courtesy of About.com, will provide you with a few simple steps to help you on your way.  And, if you would like a classic example to model yourself after, spend a few hours with Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With The Wind. Fried Green Tomatoes  2 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4 inch sliced 1 egg 1/3 – 1/2 cup milk cornmeal oil for frying salt and pepper   Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in the bottom of a frying pan over medium-high heat. Beat together egg and milk. Coat tomato slices in egg/milk mixture, then dredge in cornmeal. Fry slices in oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain slices on paper towels.  Salt and pepper to taste.   Try a little pepper jelly or chow chow with your fried green tomatoes.  Oh, and they’re not just a delicious food, Fried Green Tomatoes is also the title of a most excellent movie. And many thanks to all of you who have left me great iTunes reviews!  It is much appreciated.

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> Episode ten is up and running!  I hope you enjoy this mini-milestone, and I’m looking forward to being back with you in August. If you love to laugh (and who doesn’t?) and knit, <a href="http://knitwitspodcast.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Knit Wits Podcast</a> will be right up your alley. You can listen to them on their website as well as on iTunes. Do you have dreams of becoming a Southern Belle? This <a href="http://littlerock.about.com/library/howto/htbelle.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">humorous list</a>, courtesy of <a href="http://About.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">About.com</a>, will provide you with a few simple steps to help you on your way.  And, if you would like a classic example to model yourself after, spend a few hours with Scarlett O’Hara from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gone With The Wind</a>. Fried Green Tomatoes <a href="http://treacleandinketsy.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_4857.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> 2 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4 inch sliced 1 egg 1/3 – 1/2 cup milk cornmeal oil for frying salt and pepper <ol> <ol> <li>Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in the bottom of a frying pan over medium-high heat.</li> <li>Beat together egg and milk.</li> <li>Coat tomato slices in egg/milk mixture, then dredge in cornmeal.</li> <li>Fry slices in oil until golden brown on both sides.</li> <li>Drain slices on paper towels.  Salt and pepper to taste.</li> </ol> </ol> Try a little <a href="http://www.armadillopepper.com/Pepper-Jelly_c18.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pepper jelly</a> or <a href="http://www.armadillopepper.com/Chow-Chow-Relish-Chutney_c12.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chow chow</a> with your fried green tomatoes.  Oh, and they’re not just a delicious food, Fried Green Tomatoes is also the title of a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101921/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">most excellent movie</a>. And many thanks to all of you who have left me great iTunes reviews!  It is much appreciated.

CraftLife Episode Ten – Only The Beginning

   	 		 		 		 		  		 			 			 			 			 				 				 				 			 			 			 			 			Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					  The heat is really wearing us down in TX this week.  As I write this the thermometer reads 100 degrees.  I’ve heard of people trying to fry an egg on a hot sidewalk, and I’m thinking of seriously giving that a try this Wednesday when it’s supposed to be back up to 106.  Ugh!  Wherever you are, I hope you are staying cool.  And whether or not you celebrated Independence Day on July 4th in your part of the world, I hope you get the chance sometime soon to celebrate your creative independence. If you’d like to learn a little Mandarin while getting your knitting podcast fix, you should give a listen to Clothed In The Lamb. Let’s have a go at that recipe sharing!  Here’s your first one: Classic Pecan Pie 1 cup Light OR Dark Corn Syrup 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) pecans 1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen** deep-dish pie crust  Preheat oven to 350°F (178 °C). Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust. Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes (see tips for doneness, below). Cool for 2 hours on wire rack before serving. **To use prepared frozen pie crust: Place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet. RECIPE TIPS: Pie is done when center reaches 200°F (93°C). Tap center surface of pie lightly – it should spring back when done. For easy clean up, spray pie pan with cooking spray before placing pie crust in pan. If pie crust is overbrowning, cover edges with foil. High Altitude Adjustments: Reduce sugar to 2/3 cup and increase butter to 3 tablespoons. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).  *This recipe is courtesy of Karo.  Pictures and a how-to video can be found here.* Here are some of the bracelets I have been working on.  Thoughts?    Along with the bracelets, I have been working on the Tangled Branches hat by Grace Akhrem. You can click here to have a peek at her many other designs.  And, the kits for the breast cancer awareness socks are available through Pagewood Farm.

Play PauseStop 			 			 			 			 				 					 					 					X 				 			 			 			 		 	 	 	 		 			 			 					<ul><li></li></ul> The heat is really wearing us down in TX this week.  As I write this the thermometer reads 100 degrees.  I’ve heard of people trying to fry an egg on a hot sidewalk, and I’m thinking of seriously giving that a try this Wednesday when it’s supposed to be back up to 106.  Ugh!  Wherever you are, I hope you are staying cool.  And whether or not you celebrated Independence Day on July 4th in your part of the world, I hope you get the chance sometime soon to celebrate your creative independence. If you’d like to learn a little Mandarin while getting your knitting podcast fix, you should give a listen to <a href="http://www.clothedinthelamb.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clothed In The Lamb</a>. Let’s have a go at that recipe sharing!  Here’s your first one: Classic Pecan Pie 1 cup Light OR Dark Corn Syrup 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) pecans 1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen** deep-dish pie crust <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 350°F (178 °C).</li> <li>Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust.</li> <li>Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes (see tips for doneness, below). Cool for 2 hours on wire rack before serving.</li> <li>**To use prepared frozen pie crust: Place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet.</li> <li>RECIPE TIPS: Pie is done when center reaches 200°F (93°C). Tap center surface of pie lightly – it should spring back when done. For easy clean up, spray pie pan with cooking spray before placing pie crust in pan. If pie crust is overbrowning, cover edges with foil.</li> <li>High Altitude Adjustments: Reduce sugar to 2/3 cup and increase butter to 3 tablespoons. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).</li> </ol> *This recipe is courtesy of Karo.  Pictures and a how-to video can be found <a href="http://karosyrup.com/recipe_details.asp?id=485" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.* Here are some of the bracelets I have been working on.  Thoughts? <a href="http://treacleandinketsy.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_4855.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://treacleandinketsy.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_4851.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://treacleandinketsy.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_4853.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Along with the bracelets, I have been working on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tangled-branches" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tangled Branches</a> hat by <a href="http://graceakhrem.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grace Akhrem</a>. You can click <a href="http://graceakhrem.com/patterns/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to have a peek at her many other designs.  And, the kits for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/breast-cancer-awareness-sock" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">breast cancer awareness socks</a> are available through <a href="http://pagewoodfarm.com/new/2010/Home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pagewood Farm</a>.

CraftLife Episode Nine – Happy Knittapendence Day

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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The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!