CogKNITive--A Knitting + Psychology Podcast

Episode 126 is live!

2012-03-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

"It's not too late!!! We can drive ourselves to Stitches West! We have to get mailed to Mother Bear with all our cousins!!"

Celebrating 134 bears for MBP from the CogKnitive CAL/KAL!

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What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

Finished:

The four bears you see attempting to steal the Mobile Recording Studio (above).

Phase Two of my Studio redcoration project.

Still in Progress:

Bear #25 for MBP:

No more work since last episode on:

My extremely well-fitted (so far) Noro Kuryon vest

And the endless Petal Shawlette.

Dizzy Blondes:

(YAWN) I am STILL working on some SW BFL by BeeMiceElf. Still.

Strategy: A Dog named Lightning, Part Two.

Something I Really Like:

GoodReads

Blather:

News, thank-you's so long overdue, and...well...more news...and Mother Bear CAL/KAL prize info!

Road Trip (sort of)

2012-03-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

HELP! We can't be too late for Stitches West! We'll drive ourselves, if we have to. We want to go to Mother Bear Project!!

Episode 125, Part Two (group blather), is live!

2012-03-11T20:11:00.002-07:00

From left: Nathan, Loretta, and Lex, all helping me to blather at Hobees in northern San Jose after Stitches West 2012.

My co-hosts:

Lex:

Loretta:

Nathan:

Episode 125, Part One, is live!

2012-03-03T14:31:00.002-08:00

Here they come...the summaries of Stitches West, plus some episode clipped onto the beginning. Stay tuned for Part Two!

The Tragedy Bears....all 4 of them as they arrived home from the Stitches Road Trip.

On My Hooks, needles, etc: The Tragedy Bears, all 4 of them, plus a few rows of the Top-Down Kureyon Sweater.

No Dizzy Blondes for this one.

Strategy: Part One of the Story of a Dog named Lightning.

Something I really Like: Oatmeal in fast food drive-throughs.

Blather is saved for Part Two....live from Hobees in North San Jose.

Episode 124

2012-02-24T23:55:00.002-08:00

Recorded live and on the road to Stitches West with Nathan and Loretta. Some slightly blue content, so get the kids out of the room!

Episode 123 is live!

2012-02-18T18:23:00.001-08:00

At last! We are getting ready to go to Stitches West! Here are Dr. Gemma's collection (some of which will be mailed by her separately) and the fantastic Star Trek bear by HeyMindy, complete with tricorder!

Let's get those bears finished for Mother Bear Project!

I'll see you Saturday at Stitches West!!! Come get a hug!

The annual Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL has begun! The CAL/KAl ends when I get to Stitches West on Feb. 25th (I think). Follow the fun here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

Finished:
Bears!

Hannah:

Henry:

Tally:

Scott:

and...MINDY!

Still in Progress:

I broke down and started another bandana cowl, this time in Madeline Tosh worsted in the Cousteau colorway. Oh, SUCH a gorgeous dark teal!

No more work since last episode on:

My extremely well-fitted (so far) Noro Kuryon vest

And the endless Petal Shawlette.

Dizzy Blondes:

(YAWN) I am STILL working on some SW BFL by BeeMiceElf. I neeed to get down to some serious plying with my other finished singles! I amk STILL trying to hack up a lung with my typical winter respiratory problem!

Strategy: Artist's Date weekly.

Something I Really Like:

My digital photo frame

Blather:

A Pasadena yarn crawl with StrapHanging:Elegance designer Yarns, Skein, and Abuelita's. All can be found by using www.knitmap.com.

I cannot look any more bears in the face, so to speak, and more reflections on being a road warrior.

The legendary bag on wheels by Ful, bought at Office Max:

Instructions from our own beloved KnittyBarb on how to turn in your bears for the Mother Bear CAL/KAL at Stitches West:
1. Limit: 5 bears per person
2. Place: Booth #941 - Ellen’s Wooly Wonders - she sells patterns for felted animals.
3. Important: bring $3 per bear for shipping bears to their final destination. No change will be available at the booth - those dropping off bears will be expected to have the money with the bears. we will have envelopes available to put money in, and bags available to group bears and $$ together, if you want to do that.
4. Tags: there will be tags available to sign and put on your bears.

Episode 122 is live!

2012-01-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

Everybody needs a four-month-old puppy who weighs 70 pounds!

Let's get those bears going for Mother Bear Project!

The annual Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL has begun! The CAL/KAl ends when I get to Stitches West on Feb. 25th (I think). Follow the fun here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

Finished:
Nope. Nada. Zip.

Still in Progress:

Four more bears are about ready for their finishing work.

No more work since last episode on:

My extremely well-fitted (so far) Noro Kuryon vest

And the endless Petal Shawlette.

I am really trying to be monogamous for Mother Bear.

Dizzy Blondes:

(YAWN) I am STILL working on some SW BFL by BeeMiceElf. I neeed to get down to some serious plying with my other finished singles! I amk STILL trying to hack up a lung with my typical winter respiratory problem!

Strategy: Morning Lines. Any way you can.

Something I Really Like:

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Come on, Amazon! Make it available for the Kindle!

Blather:
Instructions from our own beloved KnittyBarb on how to turn in your bears for the Mother Bear CAL/KAL at Stitches West:
1. Limit: 5 bears per person
2. Place: Booth #941 - Ellen’s Wooly Wonders - she sells patterns for felted animals.
3. Important: bring $3 per bear for shipping bears to their final destination. No change will be available at the booth - those dropping off bears will be expected to have the money with the bears. we will have envelopes available to put money in, and bags available to group bears and $$ together, if you want to do that.
4. Tags: there will be tags available to sign and put on your bears.

I become a road warrior.
Who knew that "psychiatrist" is a 4-letter word?

Episode 121 is Live!

2012-01-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Yep. one bear was waylaid and claimed by the Beloved Child.

Let's get those bears going for Mother Bear Project!

The annual Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL has begun! The CAL/KAl ends when I get to Stitches West on Feb. 25th (I think). Follow the fun here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

Finished:
3 bears, one of which (in the photo above) will not be heading to Mother Bear, due to interception by a small child. But here are the other two that I finished last weekend with the support of my knitting group, the AV Fiber Fiends:

These are my bears numbers 12 and 13 for Mother Bear Project.

Still in Progress:

Two more bears are ready for their finishing work.

No more work since last episode on:

My extremely well-fitted (so far) Noro Kuryon vest

And the endless Petal Shawlette.

I am really trying to be monogamous for Mother Bear.

Dizzy Blondes:

YES!!!!!! Damnation! I am STILL working on some SW BFL by BeeMiceElf. I neeed to get down to some serious plying with my other finished singles! I amk STILL trying to hack up a lung with my typical winter respiratory problem!

Strategy:Learn to speak all the languages around you.

Something I Really Like:

McDonald's hot chocolate. I am ashamed to admit that it is much better than the so-called hot chocolate served at my other favorite drive-through. This may be related to the fact that McDonald's actually is using chocolate, as opposed to flavored syrups.

Blather:
Instructions from our own beloved KnittyBarb on how to turn in your bears for the Mother Bear CAL/KAL at Stitches West, Baron updates, HeyMindy gets crazy on bear feet, I get mugged by a psychiatrist, and the original bear number 13 gets hijacked.

Episode 120

2012-01-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Let's get those bears going for Mother Bear Project!

The annual Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL has begun! The CAL/KAl ends when I get to Stitches West on Feb. 25th (I think). Follow the fun here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:
NOTHING!! But I am up to my ears in crocheted bear's feet!

Still in Progress:

My first 2 MBP crocheted bears for 2012! (see the picture above.) They are both ready for the stuffing and finishing steps.

My extremely well-fitted (so far) Noro Kuryon vest

And the endless Petal Shawlette.

Dizzy Blondes:

I am STILL working on some SW BFL by BeeMiceElf. I neeed to get down to some serious plying with my other finished singles!

Strategy: Before you finish with those New year's resolutions/plans left over from 2011, examine them to see what might have failed.

Something I Really Like:

Dragon Naturally Speaking software

Blather:
Mother Bear CAL/KAL has officially begun, turning in your bears at Stitches West, Baron updates, New Year's Eve and Cointreau, and please stop trying to buy my marmalade!

Episode 119 is Live!

2012-01-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

Here's the newest addition to the family--all 60 adorable pounds of Baron the Newfoundland Dog.

The annual Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL has begun! The CAL/KAl ends when I get to Stitches West on Feb. 25th (I think). Follow the fun here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

My very latest Simple Scallop Shawl, out of Noro Taiyo sock yarn.

Still in Progress:

My first MBP crocheted bear for 2012!

My extremely well-fitted (so far) Noro Kuryon vest

And the endless Petal Shawlette.

Dizzy Blondes:

I am STILL working on some SW BFL by BeeMiceElf. I neeed to get down to some serious plying with my other finished singles!

Strategy: Let yourself cry when the time is right.

Something I Really Like:

Goldfish crackers

Blather:
Mother Bear CAL/KAL has officially begun, Stitches West plans Redux, Christmas day in the ER, and Baron the Newfie invades!

Episode 118 is live!

2011-12-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

From left to right, that's HeyMindy, Loretta1031, Dragonhearth, and Jspraggins under Janice's incredible heirloom crocheted blanket at this year's Holiday Party. Yeah, they do have demon eyes, now that you mention it...

It is almost Mother Bear Project time again! Warm up those hooks and needles; the CAL/KAl begins on January 1, 2012 and ends when I get to Stitches West on Feb. 29th (I think).

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

The lovely Bandana Shawl I made from my own handspun yarn.

The Candy Cane Shawl (modeled by Straphanging):

And the Afghan for Us, modeled by a wonderful volunteer:

Still in Progress:

I am back to my Noro Kuryon vest

Petal Shawlette. I am knitting this one on train rides every week.

And yet another Simple Scallop Shawl, out of Noro Taiyo sock yarn.

Dizzy Blondes:

I am working on some SW BFL by BeeMiceElf. I neeed to get down to some serious plying with my other finished singles!

Strategy: Fight fire with fire...my way.

Something I Really Like:

My new office!

Blather:
My office, Stitches West plans, Mother Bear CAL/KAL 2012 is starting January 1st, farewell to our own beloved Lexicom as she moves to a new home, and I share my diseases (sigh).

Episode 117 is Live!

2011-11-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

Yep! that's me, spinning on a lovelyJjensen, courtesy of Morgaine1 and KnitterCritter from Ravelry at ABC's of Creative Pursuits in Bakersfield, CA

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

Socks for Miss Corrie Hooray for being done with my holiday knitting!

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. It is fantastic!

Still in Progress:

The untouched Noro Kuryon vest

Petal Shawlette. I am back onto enjoying this knit!

Dizzy Blondes:

I have plied the 4 ounces of FreckleFaceFibers' SWM in turquoise, purple mix.

Strategy: Manage crazy people. Don't try to reason with them.

Something I Really Like:

Zentangle

Here are my second (bottom) and third efforts.

Blather:
Short and sweet. Blankets update. Bad microphone. Whine whine whine...!

Episode 116 is Live!

2011-10-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hey, at CFR, we get the Federation guys on shore leave. I'll bet they can't say THAT about Rhinebeck!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

4x4 Sweet Artemis Socks, made in SWM from FatCatKnits, colorway is Sweet Tortie. They are a joy to wear! So soft and squishy!

Sweet Tortie Socks for LG--made from the same handspun as the Sweet Artemis socks. I did one top-down and the other toe-up. I am now a top-down knitter by choice!

Still in Progress:

Socks for Miss CorrieThe time has finally come....to knit for the teacher!

The untouched Noro Kuryon vest

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. I am so closed to finsihed!!

Petal Shawlette. Still on the needles because I found my xerox of the pattern AND bought a lovely pattern sleeve and magnets from Slipped Stitch Studios to manage it and a fantastic row counter from RKsmom to manage the stitches themselves.

Dizzy Blondes:

There was much frantic fiber purchaing at the CFR2011 booths by Yours Truly. I may not need to go to Stitches....

I finally finished all 4 ounces of FreckleFaceFibers' SWM in turquoise, purple mix. Not plying until I at least finish one knitted or crocheted project for the holidays.

Strategy: Angry does not fix the problem.

Something I Really Like:

Vibram Fivefingers TrekSport Shoes

Blather:
CFR2012 is in the planning stages. Still finishing the last details of CFR2011. Running in my new shoes, losing my lunch, and generally returning to whatever normal is for us here on Rancho CogKnitive.

Episode 115 is Live! CFR2011 recap Part Two

2011-10-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here we are, back at the recap of the CogKnitive Fiber Retreat 2011 (CFR2011).

Here are Nathan (Straphanging) and Loretta (Loretta1031) at the registration table, welcoming the attendees, as you heard briefly at the end of the last episode:

Here are our classes for this year:

10 AM--11AM: Navajo Plying--Ann (StashyMomma)
11AM to Noon: Tatting--StephieJo StephieJo)
2 PM-3:30: Build your own hanging loom--Mindy (HeyMindy)
3:30--5PM: Japanese art of ribbon making Kumihimo from Sandy (slkwvr) of RedFish Dye Works

We sent 25 bears and $397 to Mother Bear Project!!

We are so proud and VERY GRATEFUL to all you Bear Makers! Of course, anyone who contributed a bear got a free ticket for every bear to our spectacular raffles for 3 gorgeous and loaded baskets of fibery and jam-n-jelly goodies!

Here are Mindy (HeyMindy) and Jamie (Jamie's Metalworks) working on the loom that Mindy taught us all to make for weaving:

Dinner was at either Don Juan's or King of Siam. Here are some pix from King of Siam (Thai food), where I happened to land that evening. The staff there remembered us from last year and said farewell to us by calling "See you next year!".

Carrie, Eileen, Loree and Ann graced my table and kept me laughing all through the meal.

Mary and Barb never forget that we are all here to KNIT!!

A first- and a second-, and a third-timer all bonding over Thai food:

YES! We ARE having fun!!

And then: the after-dinner gathering to spin, knit, crochet, tat, kumihimo, and to fix antique wheels.

I am pleased to say that I got Alexis' new wheel--circa 1870 from Czechoslavakia--back to spin. here she is, admiring it. the pieces are all labelled to help her with re-assembly once she gets it home:

I was pretty pleased myself and took the moment to pose with my handiwork:

We all sat up until nearly 1 AM on Saturday evening, just enjoying Ann's late harvest cherry wine and Lisa's superb home-brewed mead.

On Sunday morning we finally had to say goodbye--but not until we held what Nathan dubbed "The Steering Committee" meeting at the Village Gril. There a group of oldtimers and one newbie (Allsion 1031 of The Hollywood Knitter Podcast) hammered out the schedule and plans for CFR2012. And here they are, as they stand right now.

Mark your calendars for October 13th and see you there!!

Episode 115 is Live! CFR2011 recap Part One

2011-10-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

LOOT!!

No, seriously, some of it will go to the next Mother Bear CAL/KAL this winter. My thanks to the donors, gifters, and vendors!

The food:
Red House BBQ
Petra
King of Siam
Don Juan's
Village Grill

The vendors: (In no special order)

Lex's Designs (We got Lexicom of the Yowza! podcast to sell her first patterns here. Remember that when she's famous and swamped by crochet-junkie-followers!)

Freckle Face Fibers (Maker of the Official Colorway these past 3 years; Nicole, head designer at top)

Tally's Project Bags & Stitchmarkers (Our own Ferengi!)

Jamie's Metalworks (Yeah, he does a GREAT Will Riker imitation!)

BeeMiceElf (Lovely Laurs with her lovely products! What would we do without her?)

Wolfe Farms (That is their AWESOME prototype new spinning wheel design in the 2nd picture.)

Alpenglow Yarn (Bringing us luxury and American-raised! And the awesome Curlie who taught me about shoes...)

StashyMama's Fiber (why, yes, I DID buy out that big roll of fiber at right...Ann's goodies are always worth it!)

Slipped Stitch Studios (Laura brings the pattern sleeves and magnets that we all crave!)

Ranch of the Oaks ( Bitte, Mette, I want it all! Friendly folk and our most local fiber mill, to boot!)

RedFish Dyeworks/Weavers Outpost (Selling like mad, as always! And Sandy and Elf keep me laughing!)

There will be more! But this posting is getting too long!

Episode 114 is Live!

2011-10-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

The first pair of handspun socks are finished! On to some for the BT...

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

Simple Scallops for Twin's birthday! Such a great pattern, as always, and a simply gorgeous yarn--Jojoland meloday SWM.

Mother Bear #11 to celebrate the completuion of my twin's shawl.

4x4 Sweet Artemis Socks, being made in SWM from FatCatKnits, colorway is Sweet Tortie. First sock is finished after the knitting...well...attacked me...

Still in Progress:

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. *wheeze*

Petal Shawlette. Heading for the frogpond, I am pretty sure...
Dizzy Blondes:

2 ounces of FreckleFaceFibers' SWM in turquoise, purple mix on the bobbin.I still am not finished this.
Strategy: Never put off until tomorrow what you want to do today.

Something I Really Like:

Kindle Free for All

Blather:

I celebrate the big 51, get a solo and some lovely new draperies. Whew, the party gets wilder every year!

Episode 113 is Live

2011-09-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

The 2011 CogKnitive Fiber Retreat is almost here!!!!! AHHHH! Can I stand the count-down...?

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

Simple Scallops for Twin's birthday! Such a great pattern, as always, and a simply gorgeous yarn--Jojoland meloday SWM.

Mother Bear Project Bear #10. Here is Gary Bear.... This is due for finishing the scarf. He has one of the best faces so far.

Still in Progress:

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. *wheeze*

Mother Bear #11 to celebrate the completuion of my twin's shawl.

4x4 Sweet Artemis Socks, being made in SWM from FatCatKnits, colorway is Sweet Tortie. First sock is finished after the knitting...well...attacked me...

Petal Shawlette. But do I like it enough to really finish it?

Dizzy Blondes:

2 ounces of FreckleFaceFibers' SWM in turquoise, purple mix on the bobbin. On the last 2 ounces at last!

Strategy: The worry workbook

Something I Really Like:

Tool for picking up dropped knitted stitches, made by Susan Bates

Blather:
CFR 2011 news and general information.
We are a Kindle blog. I am generally closing out my association with the prison.

Episode 112 is live

2011-08-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

A bit of snow to remind you that these dog-days will pass...

The 2011 CogKnitive Fiber Retreat continues to be open for sign-up for the wiaiting list. The Retreat is scheduled for October 1 (believe me, it will be here before you know it). IF you have signed up for the first attendees list and been accepted (not the wait list), your payment is due!

The wait list is at 8 as I type this, but we seem likely to lose a few people to Vogue Knitting, so do not give up hope!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a website at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

You can now subscribe to the BLOG on your Kindle or Kindle app.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

Still in Progress:

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. *wheeze*

Mother Bear Project Bear #10. They look so pathetic at this early stage.... This is due for finishing the scarf.

4x4 Sweet Tortie Socks, being made in SWM from FatCatKnits, colorway is Sweet Tortie. Very soft and luscious, but too scrambled to look good as anything but a good pair of socks. I can't wait to wear these babies!

Petal Shawlette. But do I like it enough to really finish it?

Dizzy Blondes:

2 ounces of FreckleFaceFibers' SWM in turquoise, purple mix on the bobbin. Thinking about doing last 2 ounces on separate bobbin and double-plying...

Strategy: Women and letting go. Thought-substituting for success.

Something I Really Like:

Running skorts

Blather:
CFR 2011 news and general information.
The blog can now be read and subscribed to on your Kindle.
I am at Week 9 of Couch-to-5K

Episode 111 is Live

2011-08-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have lost my wonderful friend of the past 6 years. Artemis died quietly of unknown causes at the age of 12 years. I have lost the beloved friend who ran up the road every evening to greet my car as I returned from work. She takes a big piece of my heart with her.

The 2011 CogKnitive Fiber Retreat continues to be open for sign-up for the wiaiting list. The Retreat is scheduled for October 1 (believe me, it will be here before you know it). IF you have signed up for the first attendees list and been accepted (not the wait list), your payment is due!

The wait list is at 8 as I type this, but we seem likely to lose a few people to Vogue Knitting, so do not give up hope!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a webiste at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

Finished:

20th Anniversary One-Row Scarf, done in my handpsun from BeeMiceElf SW Merino in colorway Shopaholic:

Still in Progress:

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. *wheeze*

Mother Bear Project Bear #10. They look so pathetic at this early stage.... This is due for finishing the scarf.

4x4 Sweet Tortie Socks, being made in SWM from FatCatKnits, colorway is Sweet Tortie. Very soft and luscious, but too scrambled to look good as anything but a good pair of socks. I can't wait to wear these babies!

Dizzy Blondes:

So it's plying time again...
2 bobbins of BeeMiceElf merino in lovely pinks and purples...

Judy's Novelty Wool in Corriedale Mendocine/Blues, sportweight, N-plied:

Strategy: Letting go by understanding that life must flow.

Something I Really Like:

Yes, I finally got a Kindle!

Blather:
CFR 2011 news and general information.
The new website is here: www.cogknitive.com
I am at Week 8 of Couch-to-5K
Saying farewell to Artemis.

Episode 110 Notes

2011-08-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a VERY late posting of this episode, mainly because we took a few days to return to the site of our wedding on Mt. Shasta as a way to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. It was fantastic!

The 2011 CogKnitive Fiber Retreat continues to be open for sign-up for the wiaiting list. The Retreat is scheduled for October 1 (believe me, it will be here before you know it). IF you have signed up for the first attendees list and been accepted (not the wait list), your payment is due!

The wait list is at 8 as I type this, but we seem likely to lose a few people to Vogue Knitting, so do not give up hope!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

We have a webiste at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

Multnomah Shawl--

Blocked and simply gorgeous! Oh, I adore using my own handspun!

Mother Bear Project Bears--Number 9. A little on the short side, due to a yarn that pretends to be worsted weight but certainly cannot be.

Wristers: Finished! #1 is a little tight, but certainly usable, as I have discovered on a few early morning runs.

Still in Progress:

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. Pray I have the grit to continue!

Dizzy Blondes:

It's Tour de Fleece, so I am working away on my wheels again....

2 bobbins of BeeMiceElf merino in lovely pinks and purples...

Judy's Novelty Wool in corriedale Mendocine/Blues

Strategy: Okay, I DO say a little more about passive-agression, but, really, this is about...Breathe out your ass!

Something I Really Like:
Popsicle maker. A simple way to summer joy for young and old.

Blather:
CFR 2011 news and general information, mainly about being on the waiting list.
The new website is here: www.cogknitive.com
Blankets and I do obedience classes.
Running is on pause, but I WILL get back on that particular horse!

Listen here!

Episode 109 Notes

2011-06-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Jeri Bear enjoys a quiet moment before shipping off to Minnesota.

The 2011 CogKnitive Fiber Retreat is open for sign-up if you attended last year. If you did not attend last year, the general sign-ups open July 1st. The Retreat is scheduled for October 1 (believe me, it will be here before you know it).

To sign up, first contact me through Ravelry saying that you want to attend. I will contact you as soon as I know I can give you a space. You then have 7 days from my contact to go to http://www.cogknitivepodcast.blogspot.com/ and pay by hitting the Paypal link at the upper right of the page.

First come, first serve,starting at 12:01 AM, July 1st.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
Finished:

Multnomah Shawl--

It still needs blocking, so no good pics yet. But it is very pretty and a bit sophisticated looking, perhaps because of the unusual colors. Made from my handspun, I am please to say.

Mother Bear Project Bears--number 6, number 7, and number 8. All of a sudden, I just got the bug to make these...

While visiting the Knitmore Girls, I sent Bear #6 on a mission into Jasmin's fiber stash. We would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for those meddling kids...

Still in Progress:

wristers: One done. I have not yet successfully started the second. Blast!.

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. Yes, that center square in blue was designed to look like the windows on the outside of the Tardis. This one is about hald finished, so I need a bit of oomph! to get back to it as those rtows get longer and the weather gets hotter.

Dizzy Blondes:

The wheels are silent this week, and Retzlaff Winery postponed their spinning event. But I got to hang out with the Knitmores anyway, so I had a GREAT TIME!

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--Passive does not mean passive aggressive, and, sadly, vice-versa.

Something I Really Like: Yoga Tune-up balls. Get them here!

Blather:

We have a webiste at http://www.cogknitive.com/. You can find older episodes there. I am still busily uploading them, though. Please be patient.

I got a weekend at Knitmore Central! What a blast! I even got Yoga tune-up balls and a great class in Los Gatos. I also enjoyed the northern CA gloom (I really did!) and the excellent company. I came home richer by some fantastic recipes, a glorious cookbook, and some tasty pickled goodies. Meanwhile, I search for jobs, work on prepping and freezing fruit until I decide what to do wirh it, and train Blankets.

Amish Friendship Bread

2011-06-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here you go, Everyone. Blog entry with recipe for finished loaf and for starter. Now start passing it around.

Here are my variations:

1: Add 2 cups mashed, steamed squash or pumpkin. Add 1 very ripe and mashed banana. Use banana cream instant pudding. Reduce sugar by half and oil by 1/3 cup.

2: Add 1 very ripe and mashed banana. Use banana cream instant pudding. Reduce sugar by half and oil by 1/3 cup.

3: Add half of 12 Oz bag chocolate chips. Use cookies and cream instant pudding. Reduce sugar by half and oil by 1/3 cup.

4: Add half of 12 Oz bag chocolate chips. Add large, very ripe, mashed banana. Use chocolate instant pudding. Reduce sugar by half and oil by 1/3 cup.

I think you could probably take out the sugar all together.

Reposting: Episode 16

2011-06-11T11:20:00.001-07:00

Episode 16 has been reposted. Shownotes can be found under the "Archives" section--I think we are still in Nov 2008 here.

Reposting: Episode 15

2011-06-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

http://cogknitivepodcast.blogspot.com/2008/11/episode-15-is-live.html Reposting Episode 15.

Shownotes are here.

If you'd like to listen right here and now:

Reposting: Episode 14B

2011-06-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Reposting Episode 14B, as Itunes seems to have dropped the file.

Shownotes can be found here

If you need to listen now:

.

Reposting: Episode 14

2011-06-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have reposted Episode 14 from all the way back in Nov. 2008, mainly because Itunes seems to have dropped it.

If you'd like a blast from the past, here you are:

Missing Episodes

2011-06-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Apparently, older episodes have now dropped from Itunes. I will be working on locating my copies and reposting them. If you notice any missing episodes, please let me know. I will go on the prowl. But remember, I do have a few other projects on the front burners, so this may not be fast.

Corrected 107 Notes

2011-06-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Yep. I asked for some time to can on Mothers Day. That's strawberry-kiwi freezer jam and cherum freezer jam in all the plastic containers. About as easy as a jam will ever get to make. And forget the fancy containers. I froze the cherum jam in recycled cream cheese containers.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

The list:

Finished:

Office throw: Doesn't it look so demure and calm, folded neatly over the arm of the loveseat in my office? An easy, satisfying afghan, if ever there was one.

Easy, easy, easy. I just LOVE this pattern. The Simple Scallops Shawl, in fingering weight, 100% merino Pele's Fire from FiberPhile yarn. Great pattern, superb yarn.

Still in Progress:

wristers: I just need to sit down in a quiet place and devote a few happy hours to these.

Dizzy Blondes:

The wheels are silent this week, as I get my sinuses back into working order.

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--Work on believing that people really are not specifically trying to hurt you.

Something I Really Like: Freezer pectin. 4 cups crushed fruit of any kind + 1 cup sugar + 1 pouch freezer pectin+ 30 minutes to sit on counter and gel = freezer jam. Wonderful stuff!

Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving: 400 Delicious and Creative Recipes for Today

Okay, other podcasters are talking about knitting plus: gardening, homesteading, sewing, quilting, spinning....I guess I am that one who goes on about home preservation of foods. I'll try not to make you crazy.

Blather:

We are very quiet here this week. Not yet back to running, not yet back to work, canning and freezing away. And the Amish Friendship Loaves that became a sort of curse...

Episode 108 Notes

2011-05-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here is one of Dr. Molly's Bears for Mother Bear Project in the arms of its new owner. I am proud that so many of you keep on working for MBP all year round now! Thanks!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:

Still in Progress:

wristers: One done. On to the second, as soon as I sit still long enough.

Multnomah Shawl--I am finally going well on this shawl, once I accepted that it is a simple and fun pattern but not especially well written. My notes on it on my project page are epic, as I try to explain it to myself for next time, as I suspect I will make this again.

MBP #6--still under wraps. A Bear with a purpose!

TwinFace's 2011 Holiday Afghan, themed after the Third Doctor of Classic Doctor Who. Yes, that center square in blue was designed to look like the windows on the outside of the Tardis.

Dizzy Blondes:

The wheels are silent this week, as I get my sinuses back into working order. But I am heading up to northern CA for a funn Knitmore Weeken, which will include a spinning day at the Retzlaff Winery. Stay tuned! Whippowhill is coming along too.

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--What would I do if I were not afraid?

Something I Really Like: My father. It's that time of year, Dad...

Blather:

The CFR 2011 is going live as we speak. Last year's attendees, contact me asap if you are coming! Everyone else gets to sign up starting July 1st.
Thanks to SusanDolph for the lovely spinning history book--a really good one found at a rummage sale! Thanks to CaffeineJunkie--my hands are sooo warm!
Yes, I won my case with the state. And now, on with my life....

Canners, Take Note!

2011-05-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

SB Canning is a blog you'll want to know about.

And the same goes for the wonderful Food in Jars blog.

And, yes, I made Strawberry-Kiwi and also Cherum freezer jams to celebrate Mothers Day.

Episode 106 is Live

2011-05-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yep. That's right. Home-made and canned strawberry jelly. Because if you live where I live and you have the incredible annual crop of GORGEOUS and HUGE, TASTY strawberries at hand, and you are not using them wildly, you need to get canning!

Jelly from strawberries is as easy as it gets. You clean and hull the berries. Then you stick them in the freezer for 24 hours. Then you thaw them in the fridge in the same container. This breaks them down most of the way into juice. Mash those babies up with a potato masher for a few easy minutes until you've really destroyed the solid bits. Pour into a strainer lined with a few layers of dampened cheese cloth. Let drip until you get the right amount of juice for your recipe.

Now you have strawberry juice, and the recipe from here involves a little boiling and a LOT of stirring. Easy easy EASY!

Oh yes, the podcast...

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
The list:

Finished:

Here it is: Another reason I love doing the odd project in crochet thread: The Thread Version of a Simple Scallops Shawl. The perfect summer lacy scarf around the otherwise-unappealing neck of a t-shirt.

Dragonsbreath Cowl: This thing came out amazing! I love it; I love wearing it. A variation on the braided cowl from the last Winter KnitSimple Mag. I am using some very uneven bulky handspun to hide the uneven-ness.

Argante: At last! And it came out dreadfully tiny, and then I blocked as the designer recommends and it GREEEWWWW!
Now it is wonderful. I may take a while to try another side-to-side shawlette, as I found the vast expanse of garter stitch a bit tedious and the inexact row counting makes me a little nutty. But you cannot argue with the product, and this designer-- Corinne Ferguson, I believe--has made a pleasing array of this type of design. And sells them at a terrific price as a PDF book.

Still in Progress:

Office throw: 1 row of border left to do. ARRRGGHHH!!

Oh wristers, why do I love thee so? Because this yarn, dyed by an excellent designer, looked like vomit in any other project I tried with it. As wristers, it looks fantastic! Talk about the yarn knowing what it wants to be...

I can never leave scraps alone. Especially scraps of baby alpaca in laceweight. So here's a scarf designed by our own FickleKnitter, trying to use up my laceweight left from the Ishbel. Except right now, my sinuses are so sensitive that I cannot work in this yarn.

And I started a very satisfying Simple Scallops in the amazing colorway from FiberPhile yarn called "Pele's Fire."

Dizzy Blondes:

I finished the lovely Carolina Homespun 20/80 silk/merino sliver, the single of FreckleFaceFiber's Tehachapi Too in merino, and I plied the Sweet Tortie in superfine merino from Fat Cat Knits of Etsy fame. And my sinuses were attracting wee slivers of the finer fibers, and it was hellish. But they are done and quite good-looking, I must say.

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--Why bosses like them.

Something I Really Like: My new food dehydrator, a Nesco 500 watt, 4-tray beauty, who is even now faithfully drying a load of organic chocolate mint. ($50 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond) Here's the glam shot of the first load dried, alongside the delightful iced tea made from it and being consumed from, yes, a Mason jar. We canners get to do down-home and farmy things like this.

A listener recommends: Summer in a Jar for small-batch canners. Like moi! Thanks!

Blather:

Now I have bronchitis. For the last 6 weeks. I think I have taken every medication known to humanity. Personally, I like the steroids best, as they completely dry up my sinuses. But I don't sleep any more; I just can food.

Stalled on the book because I cannot sit still that long. Blankety-blank steroids.

Blankets is still with us and is rapidly becoming a fairly normal dog, although she has her feral moments.

Worker's Comp evaluation by psychiatrist: 4 hours of hell. I hope he enjoyed it.

I got to Week 3 of the c25K program before the brochitis just shut me down. I am hoping to start it over yet again when I finish the antibiotics. Run on, team CogKnitive! I'll be back with you all shortly!

Blankets actually grins and smiles when we are running together. Most of the time, she is quite as serious, as below.

Team CogKNITive from Zazzle.com

2011-04-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

I could not resist this. For anyone who is training along with us this summer, any form of exercise:

Team CogKNITive from Zazzle.com

Episode 105 is Live!

2011-04-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, in one week, you too can crochet this lovely shawl! My first Simple Scallops--in worsted weight cashmere/acrylic. An excellent go-to for that stray 200 yards of worsted weight yarn to make a scarf/shawlette. The above full-sized version took 400 yards. And please enjoy commenting on my green butt in running tights. I know you're all thinking about what you really want to say...

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
The list:

As you can see from the above, I whizzed through the Simple Scallops Shawl and absolutely fell in love with this easy, quick, gorgeous pattern to crochet. Three thumbs up!

I also finished my third set of Orchard Mitts. These are in my own bulky handspun plus a snippet of, yes, (GASP!) Fun Fur.

Still in Progress:

So, having flipped over the Simple Scallops pattern, I decided to blind myself permanently by using it to finish off some size 10 crochet thread I have lying around. Well, a gal's got to experiment...Here's what I am getting--and actually enjoying!

Office throw: So close! So agonizingly close!

Dragonsbreath Cowl: A variation on the braided cowl from the last Winter KnitSimple Mag. I am using some very uneven bulky handspun to hide the uneven-ness and get an amazing cowl. Finishing the last strip of the braid, I am relieved to tell you.

A Quick Buzz: On the decreases of the Argante Shawl and slowly falling in love with it.

Dizzy Blondes:

Still working away on Whippoorwill, my new HitchHiker and the Carolina Homespun 20/80 Silk Merino Sliver

On AEventid: a single of FreckleFaceFiber's Tehachapi Too in merino.

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--Remember that you are not the only one who sees the problem.

Something I Really Like: Canning and preserving food.

Look! My first pickles!

The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
The Joy of Pickling

Blather:

Happy Catholic: Glimpses of God in Everyday Life

The book is on stall while I get (literally) up and running again. Couch to 5K program. One last psychiatric evaluation. Still mailing MBP prizes! Some mild site clean-up on the Rav group.

My two best running buddies: Artemis and Blankets.

Episode 104 is Live!

2011-04-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your patience between episodes. It's been quite the challenging time lately, but we're all doing okay here at CogKNITive Ranch. Here are my finished bears for this year's Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL. They are "Pat and Vince", in honor of my late parents.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
The list:

Do you hear the sound of ice cracking? That's because I finished my Ishbel Shawl, so Hell must have frozen over while we were not looking.

Still in Progress:

Third set of Orchard Mitts. I just love these for using up bits and bobs of my handspun.

Office throw: The only reason I don't finish this is because I have been too sick to be in my office lately. So close!

Dragonsbreath Cowl: A variation on the braided cowl from the last Winter KnitSimple Mag. I am using some very uneven bulky handspun to hide the uneven-ness and get an amazing cowl.

A Quick Buzz: Not so quick, but my take on the Argante Shawl and very pleasant knitting.

Dizzy Blondes:

More spins:

I am working away on Whippoorwill, my new HitchHiker. Carolina Homespun 20/80 Silk Merino Sliver

On AEventid: Fat Cat Knits SWM, Sweet Tortie Colorway, Singles.

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--Fixing the problem where you can.

Something I Really Like: Automated postal machines and mailing off the MBP load once more. The Kindle app for Ipod Touch.

Blather: Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL is over at last, but the mailings go on. Death, bronchitis, and actual good cheer, along with some pleasantry from Stitches West. No, seriously, I am not podfading, that I know of. Just living in the strange lane for a while. And the book is in progress at last!

Episode 103 is Live!

2011-02-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

STOP THE PRESSES!! It's Mother Bear Project time again! Check this out! NEW DEADLINE: March 1st!!!

"Attack of the Zombie Bears?" you ask. NO! It's just the first half of this year's crocheted model.
We now have a crocheted-in-the-round pattern available here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
The list:

All my current projects are now on hold until I finish my two bears for Mother Bear Project.
As you may know, our CogKNITive friend, Susan Dolph, of the Knit-A-Journey podcast, has been ill. So a group of us podcasters, led by the wonderful Dawn of Knit Naturally podcast, are encouraging you all to knit Susan Bears, to be donated in her honor, since we can't send her gifties.

Of course, there ARE prizes for bears in the Susan category, and bears may also include bears donated in honor of her loyal partner, Doug. Prizes include a heap of fiber for spinning, including alpaca roving and a 4-ounce hank of 50/50 merino silk blend in stained glass window colors of blue and reds. For you knitters, we have a collection of luxury yarn skeins all bundled up in a convenient mesh bag (usable for felting!). All were generously donated by Alexis of the podcast Yowza.

We love Alexis!

We also have from Zarzuela Fibers on Etsy an offer to select something from her store. If you've never seen what Zarzuela has to offer, this is your BIG CHANCE! Zarzuela is not only a first-class dyer; she is a long-time friend of CogKNITive.

We also have prizes from our own Limejuicy. I am soooo behind on pix, but try 2 GORGEOUS skeins of handpainted sock yarny goodness. And Straphanging has donated the February Goth Sock Club package--a wonderful, bright, Goth-Valentine type of sock yarn.

Big hug, Zarzuela and Sarah and Nathan!

So here is my "Susan Dolph" Bear so far.

My Doug Dolph Bear is the Zombie Bear pictured above.

Before I started the bears, I did manage to finish the latest incarnation of the Lion Yarns Country Cotton Shawl pattern.

Dizzy Blondes:

More spins:

I am working away on Whippoorwill, my new HitchHiker.

Some samples were thus spun up, so I could get the feel of her. MANY thanks and warm hugs to Chrissy, of the Manic Purl podcast, who provided me with some EXCELLENT spins from Sweet Georgia:

I also finished a looooong single from the samples in the luxurious Phat Fiber Box from January, with the theme "Chinese New Year." All I can say is WOWEE!!!.

I am through slightly under half the mystery long-staple fleece from StashyMama. On AEventid the Lendrum, currently.

A lovely SWmerino was spun on Whippoorwill from It's a Colorful Life on Etsy.

Wheel News:

Bessie (a Great or Walking Wheel): David Paul of The Merlin Tree tells me that he has finished placing a new spindle head on her post. With that, a drive band, and 2 pegs and 2 leather washers, she'll be ready to spin! CANNOT WAIT!

Brid (A very damaged old Saxony): She got the parts I ordered from eastern Europe to replace her damaged mother of all unit. It's time to start the stripping and refinishing on her!

Whippoorwill--My new HitchHiker wheel is doing very well. Squeak in right treadle is mostly resolved with the occasional noise.

Helen: Still working on the refinishing. She's just a gorgeous mahogoney underneath it all. WAAAAAY underneath, alas. She has all but 1 minor piece and a drive band.

Anne: A Castle wheel, very tiny, that is beyond repair for a reasonable cost. I think she may be repurposed and refinished to be a lamp in my office. She was a gift with the purchase of Helen. Patiently waiting to be put to use.

Eve and Adam: Another Great Wheel and its paired Skeiner that followed me home for an unbelievable price. No finish at all--need oiling desperately, then some repairs. Likely to go to Natalie.

Babette: a Czech antique Saxony, so adorable with her orange and brown and green paint job. One drive band and some leather bands away from spinning; treadle already works beautifully, but needs some clean-up. Claimed by Lexicom. Isn't Babette gorgeous?:

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--setting boundaries--not accepting hints and using Broken Record

Something I Really Like: The Greek Heroes and the Kane Chronicles --2 series for young adults from Rick Riordan.

Blather: It's Mother Bear time again! I'll be at Stitches WEST! More news from the job front.

Episode 102 is Live!

2011-01-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

STOP THE PRESSES!! It's Mother Bear Project time again! Check this out!

The stripping process begins on Helen, the newest Saxony to join my collection of vintage spinning ladies. Check out the difference between the actual wheel (lying on the ground to the rear) and the still--unstripped bench! WOW!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:
The list:

I began on a braided cowl out of some very experimental handspun in silk/merino/tencel. It's very interesting so far.

Ishbel Shawl --On to the D chart at last!!

The Argante Shawl--Not this month.

I am now finishing (slowly) a clone of my twin's throw for my office.

I frogged the Lacy Scarf, as the yarn was really too large for what I wanted from this project, and I decided to use my other Abstract braid of yak/merino to make a single (see below).

I also frogged my Multnomah Shawl, since I was really careless with it and allowed the count to get wacky.

But I am still enjoying the latest incarnation of the Lion Yarns Country Cotton Shawl pattern.

Dizzy Blondes:

More spins:

I finished the last 4 ounces of SWM/Silk in Jasper from Sunshine Yarns and the final four ounces of Blue Moon's Atomic 6:

Laceweight Yak/Merino in Big Girl Pink from Abstract Fibers:

Wheel News:

Bessie (a Great or Walking Wheel): her flier unit has been sent to Davie Paul of The Merlin Tree in VT to get a Minor's head placed on it. With that, a drive band, and 2 pegs and 2 leather washers, she'll be ready to spin!

Brid (A very damaged old Saxony): She is waiting for some parts I ordered from eastern Europe to replace her damaged mother of all unit. It's time to start the stripping and refinishing on her!

Whippoorwill--My new HitchHiker wheel has arrived! Not a beginner's wheel, as she has some temper, but lots of fun to fiddle with. Trying to eradicate her annoyingly loud squeak on the right treadle. Drinks oil--She did not like the shift from humid VT to dry desert air.

Helen: Yes, I picked up another antique Saxony yesterday. Some woodcraft issues, but close to spinning even now. That's her being refinished in the top photo. She has all but 1 minor piece and a drive band.

Anne: A Castle wheel, very tiny, that is beyond repair for a reasonable cost. I think she may be repurposed and refinished to be a lamp in my office. She was a gift with the purchase of Helen.

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People--definitions cntinued.

Something I Really Like: The new Outlier podcast and tracking down classic spinning wheels

Blather: It's Mother Bear time again! Preemie hats for the Knitmores. Quiet times at home, working on wheels, being around my family again. And some pix from the Ravelry party at Unwind Yarns:

Episode 101 is Live!

2011-01-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

STOP THE PRESSES!! It's Mother Bear Project time again! Check this out!

<
I ended up going rather last-minute to the Unwind party and there I met...

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

Here is the actual Secret Yuletide Gift, now that the recipient has received it (and has the good sense to cherish it).

She also received some rather tasty Orchard Mitts and a pile of washclothes/trivets for her coffee shop that she now runs at her local weekly open-air market.

Ishbel Shawl --One more row left on Chart C! It actually now looks Ishbel-ish!

The Argante Shawl--Not this month.

I am now finishing (slowly) a clone of my twin's throw for my office.

I started a lacey scarf from my handspun Mt. Hood Rose colorway from Abstract Fibers, but it's on hold until I spin up some more to finish it. And I do not HAVE any of that fiber right now. GRRRR!

I gave away one of my Country Cotton Shawls to a stray bellydancer on Christmas Eve (no, really!), so I am crocheting its replacement.

And my knitting group is having a Multnomah/Klamath CAL/KAL, so here is my version, worked in my own lovely handspun.

Dizzy Blondes:

December spins:

Shopaholic SWM from from BeeMiceElf:

SWM/Silk in Jasper from Sunshine Yarns:

Tussah/Merino in Serendipity from FreckleFaceFibers:

Laceweight Merino in Rosebush from FreckleFaceFibers:

Dragonsnort--Redfish 50/50 Silk Superfine Merino (burning oranges and dull browns) crossed with merino/tencel from Sheepish Creations ( peach, brown, gold) and from Zarzuela Fibers (Study in Blues colorway).

The new girls in town:

Bessie (a Great or Walking Wheel)

AND

Brid (A very damaged old Saxony):

Strategy: About Passive-Aggressive People

Something I Really Like: Cock-a-Leekie Soup

Blather: Some heart-stopping fun on the job, a Ravelry party at last, and general holiday craziness.

Episode 100--In Which Nathan and I Have Tremendouse Fun Answering Questions

2011-01-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

Here's some Newfie Dog mellow-ocity to encourage you all to settle back and listen to this long, rambling interview and chat between 2 fiber buddies--me and the Now-Infamous Straphanging (Nathan).

Back to the normal format next episode, as I have a LOT to catch you all up on.

Warm hugs as always--you are the best!

Gemma

Episode 99 is Live!

2010-11-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! RedsKnits made me a lovely vest! LOVE IT!!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

The Secret Yuletide Gift is finished! Hooray!
Some Orchard Mitts in my spun up samples from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat.

Ishbel Shawl --I haven't returned to it yet.
The Argante Shawl--Not this month.

Abstract Fibers

Dizzy Blondes:

Zarzuela's Fibers--Stormy Dawn

AlpenGlow Yarns

BeeMiceElf

TrueLove Fibers

Strategy: Say "Thank you"--or show it clearly when you are grateful to someone.

Something I Really Like: Being an adult student in a chemistry class

Blather: Life on the One Yard as a Hippie Look-Alike

Episode 97

2010-11-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that I love Lisa Souza's dye jobs?

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

Yes, I am working monogamously on a secret Yuletide gift. For a listener. No more info. Dang it!
Ishbel Shawl --I haven't returned to it yet.
The Argante Shawl--Not this month.

Dizzy Blondes:

Zarzuela's Fibers--Stormy Dawn

Lisa Souza Knits

Freckle Face Fibers

Blue Moon Fiber Arts:--Atomic 6

Strategy: Listen to the people to whom you've given authority.

Something I Really Like: Trick or Treat! Now I know what parents are really up to...

Blather: A bit about work and a lot about the 2010 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat

AT LAST!! Out-Takes Episode: CFR 2010--Friday Evening Dinner

2010-11-07T18:57:00.001-08:00

One of my office's Official Security Ravens.

Here's a brief recording we all made while at dinner on the first evening of the CFR 2010. Fun? You betta believe! Enjoy! Episode 97 is on the way!

Episode 96 at Last!

2010-09-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Look!!! It's my new office for private practice!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat OFFICIAL DATE: Saturday October 2, 2010! Go check out the main CFR 2010 thread on Ravelry for details. We are on the waitlist, which is at 6 names right now.

My warmest thanks to Susan of KnitAJourney Podcast for the delightful chat and interview, which you can find here. It was a blast for me, Susan--thanks for making me sound so coherent!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

The Daybreak Shawl is done!!!
Ishbel Shawl --I haven't returned to it yet.
The Argante Shawl--Not this month.
The Traveling Woman Shawl--I crashed and started it in my gogeous Squash Blossom SW Merino from Lisa Souza.

Dizzy Blondes:

Zarzuela's Fibers--Stormy Dawn

Lisa Souza Knits--Umbria

Freckle Face Fibers (fiber courtesy of Jasmin of the Knitmores--Thanks!)--Scottish Thistle

Dyeing for Colour--mixed blues pencil rovings

Blue Moon Fiber Arts:--Atomic 6

OMG!!! KnittingBrow and PhotoSteve actually declared September 8 to be "Dr. Gemma Appreciation Day"! I'm not kidding! I had my own day and everything! What a cool 50th birthday present! It's right here. And don't worry--it's never too late to appreciate me (insert smirk).

Strategy: Follow your bliss. Expect delays and detours. But follow your bliss!

Something I Really Like: My new office. A room of one's own, indeed.

Blather: Ch--ch-ch-changes.... I squeal at last on the the rotten team-mates to the Chief Psychologist and his Assistant, I crash brutally, I see lots of doctors, I get a lot of love and support, and I get a private practice. And I study chemistry like a madwoman. Top it all off with an emotional and heartfelt expression of gratitude at getting to turn 50 and have the best listeners out there.

Update--I'm Recovering Nicely, Thank You

2010-09-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Yet another update:

I am doing a LOT of spinning.
This is because I now have 6 weeks of paid time off, with no loss of vacation or sick or furlough time.
This is because I won my Workman's Compensation case for job-induced stress.
This is because I went to the ER 2 weeks ago today and complained of chest pains that would not stop (The EKGs showed that my heart is not only fine but in excellent shape, thanks to years of running.)
This is because I went to the Chief Psychologist earlier that day about working conditions on my yard and refused to ever return to my yard.
This is because the Acting Chief Psychologist called the Chief in, due to the state I was in and the abuses I was reporting.
This is because my supervisor felt it necessary to scream at me publicly and accuse me of absurd things.
This is because she figured out that I had already spoken to the Acting Chief Psychologist, and she went into a panic.
This is because my supervisor knew that I have an excellent reputation for hard work and professionalism, and she has been guilty in front of me for months, due to the stuff she has allowed to go on within our yard. She has been afraid I'd squeal, in other words.
This is because I did, indeed, squeal.
This is because my supervisor and former team-mates colluded to get a friend from another yard in trouble because he acted professionally a week before, and took over a committee when they were 45 minutes late for the committee. I listened to them lie throughout a staff meeting and arrange with my supervisor exactly how they would lie to damage his reputation.

And that was my breaking point.

And I went for help.

The Chief stated that he already had corroborating evidence for the accusations I was making. He tore apart the team. One person (I'll let you guess who) was reviewed for firing, as she had represented herself as licensed when she is not. That is illegal in CA. The cops (who loathe her anyway) report that she spent a week walking around "blubbery." I guess someone met the Chief in a Bad Way.

I am assigned to the One Yard with a team whose members I know and love and with whom I have worked before.

I am furiously working on my chemistry class, sleeping a lot, crying a bit, spinning when I am not doing any of the above, and starting to return to my old self. I return to work on October 6th at the earliest. I am starting to answer old mails thru Ravelry and regualr email, so my apologies if you have not yet heard from me, but I'll get on it. No more headaches from the concussion, either. It's amazing what 2 weeks off have done to heal me.

My 50th Birthday is tomorrow. I gave my myself the best gift possible--I took action and fixed things.

And I am SO GRATEFUL to you all, because I know a lot of praying and good energy were being sent at me to help me reach this place. 2,000 listeners doing that for me is a humbling and incredible thought. Witty, Humane, and Intelligent--and spiritual in the best ways.

My love also to Straphanging, who has kept the CFR on track with some gentle nudges at me at the right times. Also to the members of the AV Fiber Fiends, including (but not limited to) Loretta1031, Stashymama, HeyMindy, Casdena, LimeJuicy, Lexicom, FamilyDiva,and Jedimom

I gotta go ply and do some chemistry today! My grateful love to you all. Episode 96 WILL happen!

Episode 95 is Live!--but a Little Brain-Damaged

2010-08-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

I spun up the lovely Squash Blossom colorway of Lisa Souza's SW Merino. Even with a concussion, it came out beautifully.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat OFFICIAL DATE: Saturday October 2, 2010! Go check out the main CFR 2010 thread on Ravelry for details. We are on the waitlist, which is at 6 names right now.

My warmest thanks to Susan of KnitAJourney Podcast for the delightful chat and interview, which you can find here. It was a blast for me, Susan--thanks for making me sound so coherent!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

The Daybreak Shawl--I am on the last section and trying to stay as monogamous on this as possible. Which is pretty challenging, considering that I am staring at this pile of gorgeous handspun I churned out in the Tour de Fleece... BTW, I stuck to the original 2 blues for colors. It's just a pretty blue shawl.

Ishbel Shawl --Okay, I lied. I haven't returned to it yet.
The Argante Shawl--Not this week.
The Traveling Woman Shawl--I crashed and started it in my gogeous Squash Blossom SW Merino! It's turning out wonderfully!

Dizzy Blondes:
I am mainly back to regualr spinning of singles. I finished the 8 ounces of Squash Blossom and double-plied it. Currently, I am whizzing through some Abstract Fibers BFL in colorway Mt Hood Rose. It wants to be laceweight. Hmmmm. Waiting for Zarzuela to finish custom-dyeing some Merino in the amazing Stormy dawn colorway.
Abstract Fiber
Zarzuela's Fibers
Lisa Souza Knits
Freckle Face Fibers

Strategy: Working on homesickness--concerning transitional objects and good ways to say "goodbye for just a while."

Something I Really Like: The new Ipod app "SockCalc." Use it with a good gauge swatch to tailor-make your socks to fit!

Blather: Hey! Who knew that a concussion to lead to so many interesting adventures! Now if only it would go away...

Episode 94 is Live!

2010-08-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Here is my Navajo plying: top to bottom: Freckle Face Fibers turquoise, samples from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat, More FFF.

Congratulations, Team CogSPINtive!!! The Tour de Fleece is finished and we made the proud showing that I have come to expect of you all. Well done!
Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat OFFICIAL DATE: Saturday October 2, 2010! Go check out the main CFR 2010 thread on Ravelry for details. We are on the waitlist, which is still mercifully short.

My warmest thanks to Susan of KnitAJourney Podcast for the delightful chat and interview, which you can find here. It was a blast for me, Susan--thanks for making me sound so coherent!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

The Daybreak Shawl--At last! I'm working it again! An easy enough pattern to let a beginner get some great shawl satisfaction.
Ishbel Shawl --Okay, I lied. I haven't returned to it yet.
The Argante Shawl--Not this week.

Dizzy Blondes:
Navajo plying everything within reach. Have a peep at the photo above to see what I mean. MAN! Navajo plying has changed my spinning life!
Zarzuela's Fibers
Lisa Souza Knits
Freckle Face Fibers

Strategy: A bit more on the Acceptance phase of DABDA, and what you do when someone died and you did not give them the send-off you wish you could have.

Something I Really Like: The Yowza Podcast. Give Lex a listen! But hang in there until she gets the sound more under control by Episode 3 or 4. Yarn on Wheels indeed!

Blather: Noser runs a bit wild, while I discover that one of the senior officers on my yard is human, despite years of experience that might have made a lesser man completely cynical.

Episode 93 is Live!

2010-07-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Go, Team CogSPINtive!!! The Tour de Fleece is well underway!
My latest effort: I plied up the turquoise from Feckle Face Fibers on Etsy! See below...

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat OFFICIAL DATE: Saturday October 2, 2010! Go check out the main CFR 2010 thread on Ravelry for details. WE HAVE 4 SPACES LEFT!!!

My warmest thanks to Susan of KnitAJourney Podcast for the delightful chat and interview, which you can find here. It was a blast for me, Susan--thanks for making me sound so coherent!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

The Daybreak Shawl--At last! I'm working it again! And it is one great pattern, let me tell you.
Ishbel Shawl --I'm close to monogamous on this now. well, I plan to be...soon...
Toddler Socks--Done!!! Finished!!! Finito!!
The Argante Shawl--Not this week.
The Mommy Shawl --Done! mailed as I type this!!!

The Morrison Mommy Shawl--Finished, as you can see above, and mailed off to her.

Dizzy Blondes:

My latest effort: I plied up the turquoise from FreckleFaceFibers, one of our excellent vendors at the CFR 2010!

Strategy: Remember people's names and use them properly. This means no nicknames or any other name than the one they want you to use.

Something I Really Like: Philly Cheese Steaks. I mean PHILLY. CHEESE. STEAKS.

Blather: Mr. Sleazy comes to a professional seminar, but Dr. Gemma refreshes her hypnotherapy skills and has an excellent time in Phoenix, AZ. Highest kudos to The Fiber Factory in Mesa, Az.

Episode 92 is Live!

2010-07-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Go, Team CogSPINtive!!! The Tour de Fleece is well underway!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat OFFICIAL DATE: Saturday October 2, 2010! Go check out the main CFR 2010 thread on Ravelry for details..

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:

I finished something! The Country Cotton Shawl in the colorway Scarlet Bugler from Epicurus on Etsy:

The Daybreak Shawl--still being ignored.
Ishbel Shawl --I'm close to monogamous on this now. well, I plan to be...soon...
Toddler Socks--Creeping down the foot of the 2nd sock.
The Argante Shawl--Not this week.
The Mommy Shawl --Made the fringe and working on Skein #3 of 3.
The Morrison Mommy Shawl--a rush job to get odff to my excellent doc, Dr. Susan Morrison, who is also coming due really soon! Go, Doc! Must. Make, More. Fringe!

Dizzy Blonde: I'm spinning some fantastic superfine merino from FreckleFaceFibers, one of our excellent vendors at the CFR 2010. Look at that photo above for the colors!

Strategy: Live in your Now, with occasional trips to your past or future for relief.

Something I Really Like: Ipod Touch Apps I love (all free):
Zombie Farm
TapFish
TapFish Exotic
Contacts (comes with)
Notes (comes with)
Sudoku (free--Mighty Mighty Good Games)
StitchCounter
KnitCounter
The Game of Life
Twitter
Facebook
B&N Ereader
Kindle Ebook Reader (for the Ipod)
Lion Yarn App
Yelp
EMSG

Blather: We've had one team member promoted to supervisor, so the Ad/Seg team is going to be shaken up. An inmate demonstartes why you need to try to live your life in your present. Some CFR 2010 updates. Dr Gemma tries to get back in school. And the trip to Phoenix next week is rapidly approaching!

Episode 91 is Live!

2010-06-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

I finished the 198 Yards of Heaven Shawlette. I LOVE this pattern! Blame Dawn of the podcast Knit Naturally!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat OFFICIAL DATE: Saturday October 2, 2010! Go check out the new Out-Takes Episode for more details.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:
The Daybreak Shawl--still being ignored.
Ishbel Shawl --I'm close to monogamous on this now.
198 Yards of Heaven Shawlette Finished! I love it! And I adore the lace pattern.
Toddler Socks--Creeping down the foot of the 2nd sock.
The Argante Shawl--Not this week.
The Mommy Shawl --Made the fringe and working on Skein #3 of 3.

Dizzy Blonde: Not really spinning, as I save it up for the Tour de Fleece and Team CogSPINtive.

Strategy: Stop trying to change people.

Something I Really Like: My new Ipod Touch! And the free application Zombie Farm.

Blather: Some attention around the goings-on within my team, I've got a sore rib, and the Fiber Retreat she is a-coming!

Out-Takes Episode: CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2010--#1

2010-06-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

I've posted an out-takes episode concerning the upcoming CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2010. Enjoy!

To find the thread with details, go to the Ravelry group for CogKNITive and look up the locked thread called "CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2010".

2010 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat is coming!!

2010-06-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Details are slowly being added here, and I will be doing out-takes episodes of the podcast to give details as well. Like last year, sign-ups will be on the main thread on Ravelry, and payment will be made by using the "DONATE" button on this page.

Stay tuned to hear how to join us on October 2nd.

Episode 90 is Live!

2010-06-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

I weakened and started the 198 Yards of Heaven Shawlette. Blame Dawn of the podcast Knit Naturally!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat OFFICIAL DATE: Saturday October 2, 2010! Yes, I did have to change it.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:
The Daybreak Shawl--still being ignored.
Ishbel Shawl --I'm close to monogamous on this now. And yet I also weakened and started the 198 Yards of Heaven Shawlette, in a show of support for the Summer of Shawlettes hosted by Dawn over at the Knit Naturally podcast.
Toddler Socks--I've turned the heel! Hooray!
The Argante Shawl--Not this week.
The Mommy Shawl --Finished Skein #2 of 3.

Dizzy Blonde: Spinning merrily on luscious superwash in Orchid semisolid from Freckle Face Fibers.

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: A few loose ends and DABDA when someone dies suddenly.

Something I Really Like: Low carb chocolate at Trader Joes--Thank you, Heaven! And go visit the thread on Ravelry where we chat about organic CSA's and exchange recipes for their contents.

Blather: Becoming an undergrad again. Psychologists prescribing in the prisons...maybe someday.

Episode 89 is Live!

2010-05-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Tour de Fleece is coming! Team CogSPINtive wants you!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:
The Daybreak Shawl--still being ignored.
Ishbel Shawl --actually looks like an Ishbel! And I'm cooking along on Chart B the second.
Toddler Socks--still on the cuff of #2. (snoooore!)
The Argante Shawl--Not this week.
The Mommy Shawl --on Skein #2 of 3. I work on this as I edit the podcast. And I've ordered more sock yarn from Sunshine Yarns.

Dizzy Blonde: I am almost finished a rather felted braid of turquoise merino, to be plied against its cousin . Eyeing luscious superwash in Black Cherry semisolid from Freckle Face Fibers.

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: DABDA--Depression and Acceptance.

Something I Really Like: Yeah, well, I kinda left this one out this week...(facepalm)

Blather: A week of contrasts among my patients, and some news about general podcasting issues.

Episode 88 is Live!

2010-05-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

New fibers from Freck Face Fibers and BeeMiceElf!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:
The Daybreak Shawl--still being ignored.
Ishbel Shawl in Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca handpainted laceweight--It's turning into a kind of "Freeform Ishbel", due to my lousy eyesight...
Toddler Socks--still on the cuff of #2. (snoooore!)
The Argante Shawl--cooking right along through the increase section, colorway 114.
The Mommy Shawl --on Skein #2 of 3.

Dizzy Blonde: YES!!! I am back to working on a rather felted braid of turquoise merino, to be plied against its cousin as soon as I finish this! A fantastic spin meet was had at LibertyKnits place this past weekend!

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: DABDA--Actually, a bit of a break from DABDA to cover some other pertinent issues and some excellent comments and questions from listeners..

Something I Really Like: My CSA for frsh fruits and veggies. Here's a place where you might be able to find one for yourself--or just Google "CSA."

Blather: A bit about the new supervisor situation and the general staff shake-up on the horizon. A little about my barfy week. Strangely, this all adds up to the fact that things are pretty good right now!

Episode 87 is Live!

2010-05-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Quechua sips from a neighbor's water toy. Can't keep a good llama down on the farm!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:
The Daybreak Shawl--still being ignored.
Ishbel Shawl in Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca handpainted laceweight--I added 2 more rows--we are moving again!
Toddler Socks--still on the cuff of #2.
The Argante Shawl--cooking right along through the increase section, colorway 114.
The Mommy Shawl --on Skein #2 of 3.

Dizzy Blonde: None. Nada, Zilch.

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: DABDA--Bargaining--it may look a little different than you expect.

Something I Really Like: The Belly Fat Cure

Blather: Our 100th episode is coming up quickly. In the tradition of The History of Rome podcast, I am going to make Episode 100 a purely question-and-answer episode. So you can ask me any questions here, and I'll answer what I can. You can also ask any questions here, if you are not on Ravelry, and I'll add them to the queue.

Yet another inmate drives a psychiatrist to distraction this week, playing "How many of the doc's buttons can I possibly push?" I make the AW tense, while the Custody Counselor reverts to her middle school behaviors.

Episode 86 is Live!

2010-05-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

The fourth incarnation of the terrifically easy (for the rest of you) Argante Shawl.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The list:
The Daybreak Shawl--still being ignored.
Ishbel Shawl in Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca handpainted laceweight--I got stitch markers from one of those online stores, so I will be starting her up again.
Toddler Socks--on the cuff of #2.
The Argante Shawl--Incarnation #4 seems to be working. In Ella Rae's Merino lace, colorway 114.
The Mommy Shawl --on Skein #2 of 3.

Dizzy Blonde: None. Nada, Zilch.

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: DABDA--Anger--yours and theirs

Something I Really Like: 60 Quick Knits--a new book out that uses 2 skeins of cascade 220 per project. I love it!

Blather: Our 100th episode is coming up quickly. In the tradition of The History of Rome podcast, I am going to make Episode 100 a purely question-and-answer episode. So you can ask me any questions here, and I'll answer what I can. You can also ask any questions here, if you are not on Ravelry, and I'll add them to the queue.

I am looking at restarting my private practice, and we might have a date change for the CogKNITive 2010 Fiber Retreat. Also, a bratty inmate makes us nutty at the psych committee.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T08:46:00.001-07:00

I still find it amazing that moms get their own special day. What a wonderful idea!

Episode 85 is Live!

2010-05-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here is yet another Mommy Shawl, this time for new Mommy Michelle! I think every mommy needs one of these.
For some odd reason, this recording switches into mono in a few places. Sorry!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Still ignoring my Daybreak Shawl. Dead stop on the Ishbel Shawl in Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca handpainted laceweight, as I wait for my buddy Tally to make me some lace stitch markers. No guilt, Tally! (love ya!) REALLY nearly done the first of the Toddler Socks. I am enthusiastically enjoying Argante! In Ella Rae's Merino lace, colorway 114. But I'll never get it done in 2 nights, as one Raveller reports she can. Amazing! Oh, yeah, I have frogged it 4 times. Some of us learn slowly... Right now I am just letting myself work on the Mommy Shawl (pictured above). Get the recipe here. Make it, love it, beat it up, and still love it. It's wonderful for breastfeeding your baby in a cool hospital room, and it's a fine cover-up for nursing when you and Junior are on the road together.

Dizzy Blonde: (Le Sigh). In the words of Pepe Le Peu.

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: DABDA--Denial. (wince.)
Something I Really Like: Nyquil and its clones. Not for the kiddies to take, though!

Blather: Our 100th episode is coming up quickly. In the tradition of The History of Rome podcast, I am going to make Episode 100 a purely question-and-answer episode. So you can ask me any questions here, and I'll answer what I can. You can also ask any questions here, if you are not on Ravelry, and I'll add them to the queue.

Sick on the job. Yes, I got home okay after this recording! Meditating on my hypochondria. Newbies to prison and how they react. Please do not pepperspray my food, Officer!

Epsiode 84

2010-04-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Starting Argante! In Ella Rae's Merino lace, colorway 114.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!
Ask your questions for our 100th episode here.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Still ignoring my Daybreak Shawl. Slowing down on the Ishbel Shawl in Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca handpainted laceweight. Nearly done the first of the Toddler Socks and starting the Argante Shawl.

Dizzy Blonde: (Sigh).

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: DABDA--a little more on the process of coping with shocking news

Something I Really Like: Antibiotics. Doctors Fleming and Lister.

Blather: No transfer yet. Wearing a mask and watching my patients react. Some potential new directions for my career.

And PLEASE go check out Bijouxmaster's charity KAL/CAL here. You can make a chemo cap for a kid, right?

Episode 83 is Live!

2010-04-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

I am using these socks to knit on the road, while my shawls are groing at home.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Someday I WILL return to my long-neglected Daybreak Shawl. Right now, I am obsessive about the Ishbel Shawl in Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca handpainted laceweight. And my Toddler Socks are my carry-along project, as I mediatte upon the Kilim Throw.

Dizzy Blonde: (Sigh). Need I tell you? Nope.

Strategy: Dealing with the Aging/Ill Parent: Find your support group. Now. Right now. And stick with it!

Something I Really Like: LL Beans' catalogue. And cool dusters.

Blather: No transfer yet. The politics of this job take some time to understand.

And PLEASE go check out Bijouxmaster's charity KAL/CAL here. You can make a chemo cap for a kid, right?

Simple math for Westknit's Daybreak Shawl

2010-04-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

While I'm disclosing my math, here is some easy math for the first section of the Daybreak Shawl:

Some simple math for this project: I placed a stitch marker after the 2nd st and before the last 2 stitches of the row to help me remember the increases that always go there. This saves me from getting the wrong stitch count as I progress.

I also placed a row counter as one of the markers next to the central stitch of the row, to help me keep track of how many stitches I have without counting. Here’s how that works:

The repeat is 4 rows long, so, for the small size, you will be doing 9 repeats of these 4 rows to get 133 stitches total to begin Section 2. Also, once you finish the set-up rows for section 1, Row one of the repeat says “k halfway to m, M1R…”

In the first repeat, row 1, when you do the “k halfway to m, M1R…” , you will knit 5 stitches before you make that M1R, then another 5 st to the center marker. In Repeat #2, there will be 8 stitches before that M!R. For every repeat, add 3 stitches to the amount when you are knitting halfway then making one Right.

So: Repeat #: # of st that are halfway to “m”:

repeat 1= 5 stitches
repeat 2= 8 stitches
repeat 3= 11 stitches
repeat 4= 14 stitches
repeat 5= 17 stitches
repeat 6= 20 stitches
repeat 7= 23 stitches
repeat 8= 26 stitches
repeat 9= 29 stitches

When you’ve finished the 4th row of Repeat 9, you’ll have 133 st on the row. I use the row counter to count the repeat I’m on. When I’m done 9 repeats, I can start Section 2. No counting all those stitches!

Keeping Count on the Ishbel Shawl

2010-04-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, we all love the Ishbel Shawl. It uses the basic framework of triangular shawls that grow out from the center neck, and it has the basic logic of stockinette/stocking stitch body with a froth of lace worked on the last rows to make a fluffy edge to the shawl.

The Eliina Shawl, another of my favorites, is pretty much based on the same logics, although it is arranged to "grow out" from its starting section at a different rate. Ditto for the Daybreak Shawl, with regard to the basic triangular shawl foundation, but West uses no central YOs and adds stripes instead of lace to make his shawl so effective for wearers of either sex.

When knitting up one of these triangles, I always find myself faced by the same problem: how to ensure that I arrive at the start of the lace edging with the correct number of stitches and with a centerline that is not wonky or crooked. Since these shawls use YOs on either side of the center stitch to create growth, placing a YO in the wrong place makes a pretty visible mistake, and eventually the entire shawl can end up with a lovely straight set of YOs in the central area, but uneven areas of stockinette/stocking stitch body on either side.

Before we start, it is imperative that you know EXACTLY how to do YO's between K stitches, between a K and a P, and between a P and a K. These are all EXTREMELY easy, so don't let this stop you. Just go here, and see how easily you can learn these. Don't be stubborn; I had to do it too.

For Ishbel, here's how I solved the main problem: easy math!

When you start, you knit Teague's formula for the central triangle that will dictate the shape as the shawl grows. This ends with a knit row, so she then launches the main pattern for the stockinette/stocking stitch body with a purl row, called "row 1". At the end of this Row 1, you have 11 stitches.

Ishbel then grows based on this formula:

Row 2: K3, YO, K to one st before center stitch, YO, K1 (the center stitch), YO, K to end minus 3 stitches, YO, K3. (Adds 4 stitches to next row)
Row 3: Repeat Row 1, which is basically K3, YO, P to end minus 3 stitches, YO, K3. (Adds 2 stitches to next row).

Teague suggests placing a safety pin before the central stitch, but that left me with a YO in front of the pin, and that left me with snarled laceweight yarn and wonky stitches and centerline. Looking at the larger picture, that also does not guarantee a proper stitch count when you finish the body of the shawl, so that you can safely begin the lace edging. And there are no lists of how many stitches you should have in each row, to guide those of us who are control freaks and want to fix miscounts before they turn into misaligned centerlines of YOs.

In other words, Teague is a more skilled and confident knitter of this type of shawl than I am--no shock there. To help myself, I decided that I would keep count of the stitches that get knitted between that first YO and the central stitch and 2 YOs of Row 2. The question now becomes: how do I know how many stitches I need to knit at the "K to one st before center stitch" part of row 2?

As you can see, every time you repeat these 2 rows, you've added 6 stitches to the total number on your needles. So every time you return to Row 2, your center stitch will be 3 stitches (6 divided by 2) more from the start of the row. When you arrive at the center stitch, as the pattern says, YO, k center stitch, YO, then you should be knitting the same number of stitches to edge minus 3 (where you will do the last YO) as you knitted between the first YO on this row and the center stitch.

Every time you finish Row 2, you will have the following number of stitches: 3+YO+stitches knitted to center+YO+center knitted stitch+YO+stitches knitted to center+YO+3, which means:
2(stitches knitted to center)+4(YO)+1 knitted central stitch+ 6knitted edge stitches, which means:
2(stitches knitted to center)+11.

To reduce my typing, I am going to say that (stitches knitted to center) is called "H". becauswe I like the letter "H" right now. So Total stitches in a Row 2 after completion of the row=2(H)+11

So Ishbel looks like this, with the numbers filled in:

Row #       H                 Total stitches in row
2              2                      15
4              5                      21
6              8                      27
8             11                     33
10            14                     39
12            17                    45
14            20                     51
16            23                    57
18              26                    63
20              29                    69
22              32                    75
24              35                    81
26              38                    87
28              41                    93
30              44                    99
32              47                    105
34              50                    111
36              53                     117
38              56                     123
40              59                     129
42              62                     135
44              65                     141
46              68                     147
48              71                     153
50              74                     159
52              77                     165
54              80                     171
If you are making the smaller shawl, stop here and repeat Row 1 (173 stitches), then go on to lace chart A.
56              83                     177
58              86                     183
60              89                     189
62              92                     195
64              95                     201
66              98                     207
68              101                   213
70              104                   219
If you are making the larger shawl, stop here and repeat Row 1 (221 stitches), then go on to lace chart A.

Now that wasn't really hard, was it?

Episode 82 is Live!

2010-04-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

And another FO...here are the finished socks in the Premuim Bamboo Wool..

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: YES! I am FINISHED the 2nd of my bamboo-blend socks . On to the BTS#3 and my languishing Daybreak Shawl. Oh, um...did I mention that I am getting sucked in by the lace craze? (sigh) Here's my start on the Ishbel Shawl in Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca handpainted laceweight. And then there's this top-down sweater I want to knit...

Dizzy Blonde: I miss Aeventid dreadfully....

Strategy: Coping with the Aging/Ill Parent when You are an Adult--Part One: Looking back and a plea for your patience as I try to help.

Something I Really Like: Blog2Print and SharedBook

Blather: If you build it, they will come...or they will knit for me? Escape from the Ad/Seg? And PLEASE go check out Bijouxmaster's charity KAL/CAL here. You can make a chemo cap for a kid, right?

Out-takes Episode: Stitches 2010 Sunday

2010-04-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's the winding-down of Stitches West 2010--Sunday on the Market floor.

Places and People you will hear and hear about:

Beth Whiteside, a frequent teacher of both Market classes and longer classes at Stitches. She taught me the Knit 1 Below Scarf class in the Market classes.

Casa De Fruta

Blue Moon Fiber Arts

Urban Fauna Studio and also at http://www.maryjanesattic.net/

Thanks, Erin Garcia! The Stitches Map is EXCELLENT!!

The Scarf Clasp

Gregory from The Knitmore Girls gets a special warm hug and salute!

Carolina Homespun for the Knitter's Yarn Bracelet described hereon.

Mission Falls Yarn Company

Episode 81 is live!

2010-04-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, a new FO at last! Here is the finished crocheted shawlette made from Freckle Face Fibers' Kimono Sock yarn in the Tehachapi in Autumn colorway developed for the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: YES! I am ALMOST finished the 2nd of my bamboo-blend socks . On to the BTS#3 and my languishing Daybreak Shawl. Also, go check out Wabi Sabi yarns.

Dizzy Blonde: Aeventid is still packed up as I redo her home in my studio!

Strategy: Affording yarn-relayed hobbies in a recession, Part One: Dealing with podcasters talking about their new yarns. and don't miss The Unique Sheep!

Something I Really Like: The Flip camcorder

Blather: The Ad/Seg is full and our caseloads are rising. Bring on the Spring!

Episode 80 is Live!

2010-03-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my lovely Artemis, wishing spring would come to stay! And seeing if she can spot Nat's doggies from here...

Our own Knittinwolf/Dawn of Wolfe Farms is running a contest to make lapghans for elderly people living at the same home as her grandmother. Details here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I'm done Phase One of redecorating my studio! I'm still chugging along on the 2nd of my bamboo-blend socks .

Dizzy Blonde: Aeventid is still packed up as I redo her home in my studio!

Strategy: Don't compare yourself to your coworkers. Just do your job as you agreed to do it, and let them go their own way.

Something I Really Like: A few new (to me, at least) podcasts for your listening pleasure:

My favoritethis week : Knit Misadventures

Other treats:

The High Fiber Diet (also a well-loved favorite of mine)

BarknKnit Podcast--get your inner puppy on!

Sassypants Knitter

The Savvy Girls Podcast

KnitAJourney Podcast

Blather: Gemma gets girlie after the spa soothes her mind and the Flexi-8 calms my hair. And then...the make-up from The Body Shop!

A question: Do you want an Iphones app for this podcast?

Out-takes Episode: Stitches 2010 Saturday

2010-03-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here it comes--another day of Stitches West 2010! Enjoy my adventures and misadventures as I roam the Market floor with a recorder and rumbling internals.

Places and People you will hear and hear about:

Lion Yarn and Yarncraft, their excellent podcast.

Abstract Fibers

Flexi8 hairclips and shawl clips

Chery Oberle on Amazon and her website, fabulous yarns and all!

Adela's Yarns--3344 Village Drive
Castro Valley, CA 94546-5614
(510) 581-5326

ImaginKnit

Episode 79 is Live!

2010-03-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Our own Knittinwolf/Dawn of Wolfe Farms is running a contest to make lapghans for elderly people living at the same home as her grandmother. Details here.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:Okay, so this is not exactly knitting or crocheting--but here is the redecoration project mentioned. I've turned the heel on the 2nd of my bamboo-blend socks . Craving lace. DESPERATELY!

Dizzy Blonde: Aeventid is still packed up as I redo her home in my studio!

Strategy: Only ever say positive things about your workmates to your workmates. Don't gossip on the job!

Something I Really Like: A brief tribute to The Electric Sheep on its first pod-iversary.

Blather: Back on the job! The good people missed me; the same crazy people are still crazy. But what a difference two weeks have made in how I feel! A peaceful Sunday in the Infirmary catches me up before the full working onslaught begins.

SQUUEEE!!! Phase One is Finished!

2010-03-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here it is--the first phase of my massive redecoration project of my Fiber/Stationary Recording Studio. It is fantastic--but I am still sneezing from all the dust just raised as I gave a final vacuuming to the area around the completed phase.

Most of all, it is a light, bright, pretty, and well-organized work space, created after years of just trying to randomly force everything into a small space.

Now on to Phase Two and another wall + ceiling area.

Episode 78 is Live!

2010-03-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

A Fresh Look for the Stationary Recording Studio!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle:One sock finished on my bamboo-blend socks . No work on my Toddler Socks.

Dizzy Blonde: Aeventid is packed up as I redo her home in my studio.

Strategy: Count your blessings. Really.

Something I Really Like: Having a Press Pass at Stitches. Like wow.

Blather: Yes, more Stitches and vacation events

Soooo Close to finished on Phase One of the Great Studio Renovation!

2010-03-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Okay Phase One is SOOOOO close to finished!

I removed the painter's edge tape today, then got to work with my trusty drill and the shelving standards. I discovered that the wall studs are 16" apart, so I need a third set of standard + brackets to hang to use 36" long shelves. After all, these are for books, and I want the supports to be able to bear a LOT of weight.

So here are the first 2 sets of standards and brackets hung up, awaiting the third set and the shelves. And I did hang the wild flowers of the CA Desert poster that I adore. It goes beautifully with the soft peaches of the room!

My room is starting to look wonderful--at least along one wall.

A Great Day for CogKNITive

2010-03-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

From our listener, RJHuggz:

Look what Amy sent me! They live in South Africa.

Yup. Made me cry. That's from Amy Berman, founder of Mother Bear Project. Our own RJHuggz made the bear.

You People done good!

"So shines a good deed in a naughty world."--Will Shakespeare

Out-takes Episode: Stitches 2010 Friday

2010-03-14T17:51:00.001-07:00

More Stitches acquisitions: 2x Judy's Originals in a cantalope/blues that I can't remember the name of but it's in Corriedale.

All the rest from Royale Hare Fibers . The berries and the blue are in a pure superfine merino. The silky ones are in tencel-merino.

Judy's Novelty Wool, 1035 N. Main, Centerville, UT 84014 (801)298-1356

Here is the second day of Stitches West 2010--Friday.

Universal Yarns--Makers of Wisdom Yarns

Redfish Dyeworks

Pigeonroof Studios

Wabi Sabi Yarns on Etsy and her home page. Thanks to LimeJuicy and Casdena and Loremor for being such good sports!

Conference of Northen CA Handweavers--April 9-11, 2010 at Santa Clara Convention Center

Sweet Grass Wools

Blue Moon Fibre Arts

Gives Good Knit podcast

Fiona Ellis on Amazon.com and online

Webs Yarns online

Purlescence Yarns in Sunnyvale, CA

Knittinwolf's lapghan KAL/CAL

2010-03-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

I apologize for coming to this party rather late, but better late than never!

Our own Knittinwolf/Dawn of Wolfe Farms is running a contest to make lapghans for elderly people living at the same home as her grandmother. Details here.

Contest ends April 1st! I have crocheted one in chunky yarn from a big box store on an N hook. In 2 hours, I had 2 foot square of afghan--you can really whip one of these out quickly! I completed mine in about 6 hours. I recommend this book for easy, fast designs.

In the meantime, go look at Dawn's blog to see lots of pretty examples of afghans already made.

Here is my finished lapghan:

It's just a big granny square, but I hope it's enough to make somebody feel loved and cosy.

Out-takes--Stitches 2010 Thursday

2010-03-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

From top left:
2 from Abstract Fibers, one in pure merino, one in yak/merino; 2x Lisa Souza pure merino in Elektra, 1 BFL Lisa Souza in Earth Birth, 2x Lisa Souza pure merino in lovely Squash Blossom (the yellows), 1 Lisa Souza BFL in Umbria. and a 50/50 merino-silk from our pals at Redfish Dyeworks.

Here are the events of Thursday night at Stitches West 2010, as I become the roady for the Knitmores and discover the joys of a press pass.

Abstract Fiber
Lisa Souza Knitware and Dyeworks
CORRECTION: Mr. Souza's first name is "Rod", not "Roger" as I mistakenly call him in the episode! Sorry!
Specialty Sandwiches & Bakery, San Jose They deliver to Stitches!
Galina Khmeleva on Amazon.com
Janel Laidman on Amazon.com
Sheila Ernst's incredible glass works!
Myra Wood on Amazon.com
Carolina Home Spun
Redfish Dyeworks
Wabi Sabi Yarns
Royale Hare Fibers
Judy's Novelty Wool, 1035 N. Main, Centerville, UT 84014 (801)298-1356

Episode 77 is Live!

2010-02-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

Look! This gang is going to Stitches! And they're singing "Kumbaya" in the back of the Mobile Recording Studio...

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Eliina is totally done and blocked! I am still creeping along on my bamboo-blend socks and my latest Toddler Socks.

Mother Bear And Stitches West Info:
Post a picture of your bear right here as a comment or here at Ravelry.

The CogKNITIve Meet-up at STITCHES WEST will be at 3 PM on Saturday at Booth 111--the Mother Bear Project booth.
Bring your bear to turn in OR
bring old yarn or needles or hooks to donate OR
bring $5. for the pattern OR
bring $10 to sponsor someone else's bear and have your name put on it.

If nothing else, bring nothing, pay nothing, get love from Dr Gemma for even showing up, and take a brochure to give to your local knitting group to inspire them to make bears.

Just COME! Bring YOURSELF and get a warm hug!

Dizzy Blonde: I'm done spinning the 8 ounces of the random greens from Dyeing for Colour on Etsy.

Strategy: Remember that your boss wants one thing: to get the job done. Talk to her/him that way.

Something I Really Like: My Jabra cell phone speaker clipped to my visor in the Mobile Recording Studio.

Blather: Zooming up the I-5 towards Stitches West and people who refuse to walk.

Episode 77 Coming soon from the road!

2010-02-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

We are all off to Stitches West tomorrow!

Thanks to ShirleeClaire, HeyMindy, and Pudmuddles!

I am happily packing for Stitches West. I now have the detailed map, booth by booth, highlighted in my Excel program, so I don't miss the booths I REALLY want.

You can get yours at the thread stickied to the top of the Stitches West group on Rav.

I have my printed out class receipt for my market classes Friday & Sunday mornings. I have my bears and other people's for Mother Bear (booth 111).

I have a spare discount coupon, so if you find me and ask, you can have it. I have my market ticket from online for Saturday.

I have my wheel packed and my bobbins empty--cause I might need to spin up some new pretty I get there or learn something from my excellent hostesses.

I have my coupons, gift cards, etc. in my main bag--shop till I drop!

I have my class supplies all packed up, the yarn wound into center-pull balls and the right needles in the bag.

Clothes? I need clothes? Dang--off to do some laundry...oh yeah, the DH did most of the laundry while I was at work Sunday, to help me along!

I expect to record on the drive up, so hopefully I will edit and post that on Wednesday or early Thursday.

See y'all soon!

Episode 76 is Live!

2010-02-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

Look! Ellina only needs blocking!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Eliina is actually done, sans blocking. I am still creeping along on my bamboo-blend socks and my latest Toddler Socks.

Mother Bear And Stitches West Info:
Post a picture of your bear right here as a comment or here at Ravelry.

The FRIDAY CogKNITive lunch meet-up will be at NOON at the tables near the Concessions area behind the 900's section on the Market floor. Come hang out with us!

The CogKNITIve Meet-up at STITCHES WEST will be at 3 PM on Saturday at Booth 111--the Mother Bear Project booth.
Bring your bear to turn in OR
bring old yarn or needles or hooks to donate OR
bring $5. for the pattern OR
bring $10 to sponsor someone else's bear and have your name put on it.

If nothing else, bring nothing, pay nothing, get love from Dr Gemma for even showing up, and take a brochure to give to your local knitting group to inspire them to make bears.

Just COME! Bring YOURSELF and get a warm hug!

Dizzy Blonde: I'm done the burgundy 2-ply--about 260 yards of sport weight, done 1 bobbin of the turquoise merino from Freckle Face Fibers on Etsy, and starting the random greens from Dyeing for Colour on Etsy. Praise for Start Spinning by Maggie Casey.

Strategy: Dress for the respect you want.

Something I Really Like: The County Library--a treasure soon to be in my own back yard.

Blather: Info on Stitches West, Mother Bear, and the 2010 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat. Nothing new on the job this week, and that's a good thing.

Episode 75 is Live!

2010-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

"We're all going to Stitches West together! Hooray!"

Thanks, SHIRLEE!!! Alias ShirleeClaire on Ravelry.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: A brief break from the Mother Bear project knitting to finish up the Eliina Shawl--almost there!

Post a picture of your bear right here as a comment or here at Ravelry.

The FRIDAY CogKNITive lunch meet-up will be at NOON at the tables near the Concessions area behind the 900's section on the Market floor. Come hang out with us!

The CogKNITIve Meet-up at STITCHES WEST will be at 3 PM on Saturday at Booth 111--the Mother Bear Project booth.
Bring your bear to turn in OR
bring old yarn or needles or hooks to donate OR
bring $5. for the pattern OR
bring $10 to sponsor someone else's bear and have your name put on it.

If nothing else, bring nothing, pay nothing, get love from Dr Gemma for even showing up, and take a brochure to give to your local knitting group to inspire them to make bears.

Just COME! Bring YOURSELF and get a warm hug!

Dizzy Blonde: We're washing burgundy 2-ply--about 260 yards of sport weight, spinning some turquoise merino from Freckle Face Fibers on Etsy, and generally enjoying ourselves.

Strategy: When other people bug you, change YOUR OWN behaviors ot get some relief.

Something I Really Like: Starry nights and the Milky Way. The REAL Milky Way, but I rather love the candy bars too...

Blather: 77 bears for Mother Bear-- **You people are WONDERFUL!**

Our team at work splinters, due to a few Drama Queens (of either sex). I settle down to stay out of it!

CraftLit is doing more Jane Austen soon!

2010-02-08T21:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, Austen junkies, listen up!
Craftlit is starting Jane Austen's masterpiece, Persuasion,

as soon as they finish the current book, Flatland.

Go have a listen at Craftlit, and tell them Gemma sent you!

Episode 74 is Live!

2010-02-04T04:49:00.001-08:00

Another b y RJHuggz

Now you'd take this bear home and love him, wouldn't you? And, best of all, some sad little kid will do just that!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: 3 bears done for Mother Bear project! A few words about the various ways to make a bear.

Post a picture of your bear right here as a comment or here at Ravelry.

The CogKNITIve Meet-up at STITCHES WEST will be at 3 PM on Saturday at Booth 111--the Mother Bear Project booth.
Bring your bear to turn in OR
bring old yarn or needles or hooks to donate OR
bring $5. for the pattern OR
bring $10 to sponsor someone else's bear and have your name put on it.

If nothing else, bring nothing, pay nothing, get love from Dr Gemma for even showing up, and take a brochure to give to your local knitting group to inspire them to make bears.

Just COME! Bring YOURSELF and get a warm hug!

Dizzy Blonde:

Some Stitches heads-ups:

Friday--lunch meet-up--more details to follow.

Saturday--Meet-up at Mother-Bear project Booth #111! 3 PM.

Strategy: A place for everything and everything in its place--and thanks to Julie of Forgotten Classics for this one!.

Something I Really Like: The Mac suite of in-home apps and hardware that make Itunes and its Homesharing possible.

Blather: 50 bears for Mother Bear and more since I recorded this! **You people are WONDERFUL!**

Mother Bear tells us that **you can use ANY worsted weight yarn**--washable or hadn-wash only!

Some info re: donating to Haiti through Webs, Knitters without Borders and others, and Ravelry's effort through the "Help for Haiti" tag.

In the prison: there's a new warden on the yard.

A Fine Day's Work

2010-01-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

That's a bobbin of Dyeing for Color's pencil rovings in miscellaneous greens and greys and Freckle Face Fiber's superwash merino roving in an unnamed colorway that I think of as something like "cloudy sunset in eastern Pennsylvania" or "red roan mare".

Episode 73 is Live!

2010-01-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

HEY! It's Hermione Grizzy! (My 2nd bear for Mother Bear.)

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I'm now done my 2nd bear for The Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL--Hermione Grizzly in the picture above.

Post a picture of your bear right here as a comment or here at Ravelry.

The CogKNITIve Meet-up at STITCHES WEST will be at 3 PM on Saturday at Booth 111--the Mother Bear Project booth.
Bring your bear to turn in OR
bring old yarn or needles or hooks to donate OR
bring $5. for the pattern OR
bring $10 to sponsor someone else's bear and have your name put on it.

If nothing else, bring nothing, pay nothing, get love from Dr Gemma for even showing up, and take a brochure to give to your local knitting group to inspire them to make bears.

Just COME! Bring YOURSELF and get a warm hug!
Slow crawl on my adult bamboo-blend socks.

Dizzy Blonde: Plying (OR: How do you spell N-E-E-D-P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E).

Strategy: Never forget: what goes around, comes around,and Kharma is a very real force in this world, whatever your particular faith calls it.

Something I Really Like: More new podcasts: The Knitting Show, and Yarns From the Plain, and an old friend: Knitting Rose Did I mention that ChrissytheGreat is a person I really like? And let's not forget KnitGifts.com, who sent me a gift of lovely cards through Gigi.

Blather: New and better hours at work, no more teaching, a new dishwasher, Creative Pursuits, and coaxing Lexicom into doing her fantastic podcast. Ah, and I get 2 weeks off around Stitches West!

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat:
probably in Tehachapi again.
Still looking for a place that might be a little larger than last year's, planning to give preference to people who came last year, probably going to charge slightly more than last year (but still tying to keep things as inexpensive as possible), and lining up classes.

Early possibilities: Navajo spindling, Tunisian crochet, entrelac (Nathan? did I mention...?), 2-at-atime-toe-up socks==how to cast on, fiber preparation, fitting your knit/crochetware. And the same excellent line-up of vendors plus Carolina Homespun.

No fixed date yet, but probably the 2nd week of October.

IDEAS WELCOME!

And here's another map

2010-01-13T20:13:00.001-08:00

Where I've been in the States:

visited 49 states (98%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Places I've been!

2010-01-13T20:08:00.001-08:00

How's this for a cool web toy?

visited 18 states (8%)
Create your own visited map of The World

Episode 72 is Live!

2010-01-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

LOOK! A bear in New Zealand by Knitopotamus!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I'm almost done my first bear for The Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL.

See the previous entry (Episode 71) for details

Post a picture of your bear right here as a comment or here at Ravelry.

Look what Straphanging donated as yet another prize for this KAL/CAL--1600 yards of cashmere lace-weight!

The CogKNITIve Meet-up at STITCHES WEST will be at 3 PM on Saturday at Booth 111--the Mother Bear Project booth.
Bring your bear to turn in OR
bring old yarn or needles or hooks to donate OR
bring $5. for the pattern OR
bring $10 to sponsor someone else's bear and have your name put on it.

If nothing else, bring nothing, pay nothing, get love from Dr Gemma for even showing up, and take a brochure to give to your local knitting group to inspire them to make bears.

Just COME! Bring YOURSELF and get a warm hug!

I'm exactly at the same place on all my other projects! ARG!!! No knitting time!

Dizzy Blonde: We had a lovely spinning get-together at the home of the lovely Libertyknits, and I tried out some SW merino from Freckleface Fibers of Etsy and the last CogKnitive Fiber Retreat fame.

Strategy: When in doubt, consult.

Something I Really Like: Some new podcasts: Jewish Diva Diaries, The Knitting Show, and Yarns From the Plains

Blather: Different yard, different responses to the holidays. And a little paranoia circulates in the housing unit this week.

Stay tuned for details of the next CogKNITive Fiber Retreat! Planning has begun!

Episode 71 is Live!

2010-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Post a picture of your bear right here as a comment or here at Ravelry.

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: The Mother Bear Project CAL/KAL has begun! Roll your cursor over each bear here to see the name of its fabulous creator.

HERE ARE SOME DETAILS:

**Use the instructions from one of the links below to knit or crochet a bear for the Mother Bear Project.**

Details and donations buttons (you can get the pattern by giving $5 and emailing them that you'd like the pattern)

Various links to the (free) patterns available:

Knitted bear

Crocheted bear

Bear knitted in the round and also here.

The wonderful book, Knitting For Peace by Betty Christiansen

**The CAL/KAL starts Jan 1st, officially, and it stops when I am done at least one bear!**

**One entry for the yarny wonderful prize per bear knitted or crocheted!**

Get out those scraps and warm up those hooks and/or needles! **You can publish your pics in January right here!!**

**Send completed bears with $3.00** to cover cost of postage for shipping to Africa to:

Mother Bear Project
P.O. Box 62188
Minneapolis, MN 55426

Volunteers will sew a red felt heart onto your bear's chest. If you did not buy a tag from them, volunteers will also fill out one for you, with your name or anyone's name you suggest on it, to be attached to your bear.

**These bears are meant to be personal, so each child will know the name of a person who loves them and is thinking of them!**

I'm heading up the cuff of the first of my Not More Socks in a bamboo blend. Still not moving on the Eliina Shawl.

Strategy: Give from your abundance as a way of expressing joy in the New Year.

Something I Really Like: Knitting for Peace by Betty Christiansen

Blather: How the Lendrum landed, eating at Hobees in Palo Alto one more time, and a chat with Gigi of The Knitmore Girls.

Stay tuned for details of the next CogKNITive Fiber Retreat! Planning has begun!

Episode 70 is Live!

2009-12-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

Coming in January...! A CAL/KAL! Made for you to use up all those annoying scraps! Details forming here on the CogKNITive blogger blog or on the Ravelry group here..

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: This was recorded on my way to San Francisco to pick up my new Lendrum. Meanwhile, I am finished the Rippled Afghan! I'm finished the 2nd crocheted Country Cotton Shawl. I'm finished the Branching Out Scarf . I'm heading up the cuff of the first of my Not More Socks in a bamboo blend. Still not moving on the Eliina Shawl.

Strategy: Accept love gratefully and gracefully when it's freely offered.

Something I Really Like: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens!

Blather: Thanks for all the love! You are THE BEST podcast listeners I could ever ask for.

PS. A pleasant surprise came with my new Lendrum: Carolina Homespun wants to be a vendor at the next CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Episode 69 is Live!

2009-12-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

This is one honkin' BIG afghan!

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Coming in January...! A CAL/KAL! Made for you to use up all those annoying scraps! Details forming here on the CogKNITive blogger blog or on the Ravelry group here..

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Still saving for a Lendrum wheel. BUT! Meanwhile, I am finished the Rippled Afghan! I'm nearly done the 2nd crocheted Country Cotton Shawl. I'm back on the Branching Out Scarf , learning to handle lace. I've reverted to my sock fetish and am making a new pair in a bamboo blend yarn--VERY soft & pretty! And still finishing my third quickie Knitted Neck Scarf--a 1-2-day project. Still not moving yet on the Eliina Shawl.

Strategy: Make a New Year's Plan--even just one! Instead of vague resolutions, spell out one detailed plan for success.

Something I Really Like: The joys of fresh salmon and a DH unafraid to use to use it!

Blather: It's a short episode, a kidney stone, a head cold, and holidays in a prison...it ain't pretty, but we're hanging in there!

My Salmon:
In 2 TBS olive oil, cook 2 tbs crushed garlic, then add salmon and pan fry until cooked through. Toss in lots of parsley and cook until it wilts. Add generous amount of lemon juice. At the last second before finishing, add a HUGE pile of grated parmesan. Put it all over curly pasta of some sort.

Out-takes Episode: Goody Bag Winners, Thanks to More Donors, and Sneak Peak Announcement of a KAL

2009-12-07T19:08:00.001-08:00

Why are all these adorable little bears hanging out on my blog page, in a picture shamelessly lifted (for a good cause) from the Mother Bear Project website? Read on, Gentle Listener...

First, many thanks to the generous folk whose names I mention within. These are the latest batch of donors to the podcast. Many Thanks for your kindness and support!

Next, a rousing HUZZAH! for the winners of the 2 goody bags:
Sherri M from Elk Grove, CA
Nanette the Nanny from Arlington, VA

And here's the info about the KAL/CAL to begin in the month of January, 2010:
Use the instructions from one of the links below to knit or crochet a bear for the Mother Bear Project.
Details and donations buttons (you can get the pattern by giving $5 and emailing them that you'd like the pattern)
Various links to the (free) patterns available:
Knitted bear
Crocheted bear
Bear knitted in the round and also here.

The wonderful book, Knitting For Peace by Betty Christiansen

The CAL/KAL starts Jan 1st, officially, and it stops when I am done at least one bear!
One entry for the yarny wonderful prize per bear knitted or crocheted!

Get out those scraps and warm up those hooks and/or needles! I'll start the threads to publish your pics in January!

Episode 68 is Live!

2009-12-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

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What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am not even looking at the last 6 rows of the Eliina Shawl. Not really spinning this week either, but I am saving as hard as I can for a Lendrum wheel in my future. Meanwhile, I am finishing the Rippled Afghan, and may even be done by the time this goes live... I've begun a new Branching Out Scarf and also a Country Cotton Shawl. And yet a third quickie Knitted Neck Scarf--a 1-2-day project.

Welcome back, Gigi! Great work, Jasmin!

Strategy: Do something different for the holidays to refresh your pleasure in them.

Something I Really Like: Memories of the Futurecast podcast by Will Wheaton (yes, THAT Will Wheaton). Watch out for the blue language, though, but, hey, my Trekkie comrades, it's for us!

Blather: Some days at the prison are just a little over-the-top, even by my standards...If you are shy of laughing at a little barf, well, this one is not for you.

Episode 67 is Live!

2009-11-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

Want to win a swag bag similar (but the book is NOT included!) to this one that our own Limejuicy won? (And photographed too!) Any donation to the podcast during the month of November will get you an entry! Use the DONATIONS button at the top right of this page!

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Don't you just love this colorway? Flusi from Regia.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am finished the child-sized socks in Regia Flusi sock yarn. I am down STILL to the last 6 rows of the Eliina Shawl. Not really spinning this week, but I am saving as hard as I can for a Lendrum wheel in my future. Meanwhile, I am crocheting like the wild wind on the Rippled Throw, and I am knitting the usual Yule-tide scarf for charity. And do not forget the quickie Knitted Neck Scarf--a 1-2-day project.

We miss you, Gigi! Get well quick! Hang in there, Jasmin!

Strategy: Call a meeting for later and walk away (if you must) when a rude family member is getting in your face. Then be prepared to set clear and firm boundaries at your meeting.

Something I Really Like: Starbucks' seasonal drinks, especially decaf Lattes in creme brulee or eggnog flavors. And try them as steamers to totally eliminate the caffeine!

Blather: Giving a class to the warden, end-of-the-year craziness at my classes, and stressed-out inmates trying to get through another holiday season away from their families.

Episode 66 is live

2009-11-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

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Here's a GREAT last-minute knitted Holiday Gifty.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am nearly finished the child-sized socks in Regia Flusi sock yarn. I am down to the last 6 rows of the Eliina Shawl. Not really spinning this week, but I am back to working on the Rippled Throw.

Strategy: Teenager 101.

Something I Really Like: Knit Naturally podcast and its host, Dawn

Blather: Building a web site for the podcast and weathering the holidays at a locked, inpatient setting, and Stitch Cafe!

Re-posting--Episode 13A--Psychology of Creativity

2009-11-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

A reposting of the original episode 13A--Psychology of the Creative Mind. Enjoy!

Out-Takes Episode: Thanks to Donors, Plans, and Anniversary Joy

2009-11-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

An out-takes episode that tries to cover a lot of ground! Thanks to donors, plans for the podcast, plans for strategies...and the 'cast is a year old at last!

Episode 65 is Live!

2009-11-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

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What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am working on a set of child-sized socks in Regia Flusi sock yarn, and I am onto the finishing for the newest Mommy Shawl. I am on to the lace section at last(!) of the Eliina Shawl.

Strategy: Remember that being hurt by those you love is a proof that you are healthy and able to love. Everyone lets us down sometimes.

Something I Really Like: The Irish and Celtic Music Podcast

Blather: Of having some sort of flu and trudging through anyway.

And here's the Eliina Shawl, in progress, with the lace at the far edge from the camera:

Re-posting--Episode 13

2009-11-03T16:37:00.001-08:00

In my continuing efforts to give you all something to listen to while I recover my voice, here is yet another repostings of an old episode from mypodcast.com.

Episode 13--back from oblivion to entertain (I hope)!

Don’t forget to make a donation to the podcast in the month of November to have a chance at winning a goody bag from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Re-posting--Episode 12

2009-11-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

More repostings of old episodes from mypodcast.com. I figure that I owe you all a few episodes this week, to make up for last week’s dearth.

Episode 12--which I think of with some embarrassment as the "Call Me 'Doctor'" episode and sound more like Dr. Xander Crowe than I'd like to!

Don’t forget to make a donation to the podcast in the month of November to have a chance at winning a goody bag from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Some CFR2009 bamboo-blend sock yarn from FreckleFaceFibers on Etsy:

Re-Posting--Episode 10A

2009-11-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

I figure that I owe you all a few episodes this week, to make up for last week's dearth. So here are some repostings of old episodes from mypodcast.com.

Episode 10A--In which I ramble and punish you with actual out-takes.

Don't forget to make a donation to the podcast in the month of November to have a chance at winning a goody bag from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Knit Picks Responds

2009-11-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

So here is a letter from Knit Picks, who has self-identified as “The Company Who Must Not Be Named”.

I DEFINITELY made one mistake–I thought this was written on Kelly P’s account, bt it was not–the Rav account used belongs to the writer–“KPKate”. Otherwise, well, draw your own conclusions. Cheers–Gemma

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Gemma,

NancyArtCrafts brought the CogKNITive podcast #60 to my attention. I would like to apologize that I did not respond to your donation request. I sincerely hope that your fiber retreat went well. Previously, I only sent emails to customers and organizations to confirm that they should expect a package from Knit Picks, because we receive several hundred donation requests every month. After hearing your podcast, I understand that it can be frustrating not to hear a response back when you are organizing an event, so I will write up a letter to send to each donation request. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Knit Picks actually has a very small staff of people who do many different jobs. I’m new to the marketing department, and this is my first job out of college. Honestly, my lack of a response wasn’t because we are a big corporation that doesn’t care about knitters, but because I hadn’t figured out a polite way to tell people that we couldn’t fulfill their request. We donate a lot of free merchandise, but in order to be fair, I try to make sure that some of it goes to charities, some goes to knitter’s guilds or retreats, some goes to big events like Rhinebeck, some goes to small community groups, and then I try to cover a range of areas across the US and Canada.

You had some incorrect information in your podcast that I’d like to correct. Our Harmony wood needles were inspired by Kelley’s measuring spoon that had a rainbow laminate over the wood. Here is a link to the product: http://www.cooksite.com/IBS/SimpleCat/product/ASP/product... They sell these measuring spoons in Portland, Oregon grocery stores.

Our Chinook lace shawl kits created because our designers wanted to make a sampler of each type of our lace yarns knit into one project. To make the yarns look cohesive, we arranged the yarns in a gradient.

The staff at Knit Picks shops at local yarn stores and with indie dyers as well as using our own yarn. We want to give knitters quality yarn at affordable prices, but we want to support a vibrant community of knitters where Knit Picks, LYS, and Etsy yarnies can exist together.

I came to Knit Picks after managing a local yarn store through college. It is one of my goals to give Knit Picks customers the same sort of help, support, and community that I was able to provide in my store. I do this by answering questions on Ravelry and our Knitting Community, by writing tutorials and making videos for knitting techniques, blogging, and working on the Knit Picks podcast.

If you would like to contact me directly about donations for your fiber event next year, my email address is perryk@craftsamericana.com.

All the best,
Kate Perry
Marketing Assistant
Knit Picks
***********************

Episode 64 is Live!

2009-11-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

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What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am finished the Red Regia socks. And I am onto the lace on my Eliina Shawl.

Strategy: Remember to take care of the physical aspects of your life--eating, sleeping, exercise--while you cope with your anxiety.

Something I Really Like: Hot Tea! Chado and Teavana.

Blather: I learn the Infirmary's procedures the hard way--by figuring it all out without supervision one hairy little weekend.

And here's my own goody bag: