Marly Bird's Blog, page 185

From OTTLITE Marcea, Kelly and Nancy

From OTTLITE Marcea, Kelly and Nancy met up with us on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. Marcea is the Marketing Manager and Kelly and Nancy are with the Production team, developing ideas for Ottlite products.

OTTLITE was founded in 1989, but Dr. Ott was developing the product from way back when. A bit of trivia: Dr. Ott was approached by Walt Disney to help with time-lapse film photography, for the magic pumpkin in Cinderella, which was released in 1950. Dr. Ott’s passion stems from helping people do what they love longer, bringing natural daylight indoors. Part of his research included indoor plant growth (which may have helped with growing that pumpkin), for those with pets requiring light and in recent years with the benefits of artificial but equally beneficial indoor lighting being studied and used to help people such as those with Seasonally Affected disorders, it’s understandable that there’s been huge growth for this company.

In fact, it may reduce the headaches caused by some lighting, as Marly herself has noticed as she stated during this visit. Quoting their website: ‘Some light wavelengths let you see vibrant colors, yet they emit a bright glaring light. Then eye muscles react by squinting. Other wavelengths let you see with high contrast – the edges of objects are incredibly clear which is ideal for reading text and seeing fine details. Yet you lose color fidelity. OttLite provides the best of both – the precise balance of contrast and brightness that allows you to see details clearly and colors accurately. Now the eye can see and focus without the harsh glare, distortion and fatigue other light sources cause. It’s like natural daylight indoors!‘

The LED Cobra Desk is so versatile, the light itself can be position in a multitude of angles and in three different color modes, Warm, Cool and Natural light.

The ladies discussed how they innovate their product for use by various kinds of crafters, working with focus groups, gathering information from retailers who know their customers needs first hand and this has resulted in Ottlites that feature magnifying glass, cubbies for storage, the goosenecks being different lengths, the three-in-one styles, the ones that have the USB plug in that can be used to plug in and recharge your phone or listen to your music while you work. Some of the products mentioned are the Cobra, Ultimate 3-in-1 (that will be available exclusively through Joann’s) the lightbox and mini flip lite (which is customizable and it sounds like was really popular at a Tampa Bay Rays Stitch & Pitch).

There is a wonderful page on their website and a post every Wednesday in Facebook that shows what people are doing with their Ottlites called ‘What’s Under Your Ottlite?’ which shows how this wonderful product makes a difference. So many use good light to see in true colors which is obviously Dr. Ott’s dream come true to see how this awesome production crew is coming up with new ways to fit in to our lives and getting the word out about it!

OTTLITE can be found at their website directly, www.ottlite.com and can be stalked… er, followed on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Just for Marly fans and listeners, OTTLITE is giving us a 25% discount (also FREE shipping on orders over $50) use code Marly25 when shopping the website which will end March 31st.

If you missed getting to hear this LIVE you may still listen as it’s archived where it aired originally: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/03/22/from-ottlite-marcea-kelly-and-nancy or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

Knitlandia author Clara Parkes

Many of us ‘met’ Clara Parkes when she was the Knitting Daily Yarn Expert, when this was taken.

Knitlandia author Clara Parkes took us with her on a journey to the Magical Land of Yarn Love on today’s episode of the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.

Clara is a THIRD Time visitor as of today, she was previously a guest in 2011 when she shared Knitter’s Book of Socks and in 2013 with The Yarn Whisperer. Knitlandia was released officially last month and has already climbed to the top of the charts, currently #1 for Knitting titles in Amazon, #5 in Travel. Clara said her first job out of college, after customer service for Macy’s Department Store, was a beginning tech version of travel writing. Later after she’d written books that informed us about how wonderful different fibers were and encouraged our love of sock knitting, she posted on her blog about her adventures to Iceland, which changed the direction of her writing to focusing on and taking us with her on adventures in fiber! 

Knitlandia is a collection of stories that take the reader along to some of the highly desired events, legendary and some that no longer exist, such as TNNA, Rhinebeck, Sock Summit, Maryland Sheep and Wool, Edinburgh Yarn Fest. Clara hopes it translates what we experience when attending or traveling to these gatherings for those who can’t attend, or those that can’t imagine traveling for yarn.

You really must listen to this episode as, at this point, Clara read to us the entire chapter of going to Denver and filming a Craftsy Class. The thing that impresses about this chapter is how non-partisan Clara is, she shows the advantages of taking an online class (alway wear pajamas!) and an in-person class where the teacher can mold the class around those in attendance.

As an Best Selling author Clara related to us how it felt to ‘get that call’ that her book made the top of the lists. She describes how it felt to hear the week they expected to hear that it was not selling as expected. It happened the next week that she got the call alerting her of how well it was received and did the dance of joy. Clara has pride that she was able to leap across the chasm of what’s expected to bring yarn and knitting to the world at large.

Here are some links to Clara’s Books, KNITLANDIA, The Yarn Whisperer, The Knitters Book of Yarn, The Knitters Book of Socks and The Knitters book of Wool. These last few are books that Marly recommends in her classes (so she made sure I had her links to them from Amazon) and personally refers to them as she works.
Clara also has two classes with Craftsy, Stashbusting: Make the Most of the Yarns You Have (which is the class she was filming in the chapter she shared with us) and Know Your Yarn: Choose the Perfect Yarn Everytime  which sounds like the perfect class for her to share with us after being on Knitting Daily as the Yarn Expert for two seasons.
We can follow Clara Parkes by bookmarking her website, KnitterReview.com which includes her yarn line (!), plus reviews of other yarns, tools, books, and a wonderful calendar of fiber events, such as this week’s Edinburgh Yarn Fest plus a blog about her adventures.  She also has a Designer page in Ravelry, and a Facebook page . There really isn’t a place that she is not, check her out in Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest.

In the meantime, it may be just as fun to imagine her having a sip of her cup of tea, in a cozy house on the coast of Maine, dreaming up where she is headed to next. It won’t be hard to imagine when she shares it with us sometime in the future…

If you missed getting to hear this LIVE, you may still listen to the archived episode where it aired originally: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/03/17/knitlandia-author-clara-parkes or in your favorite podcast catcher such as iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern

The Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern Video by Marly Bird demonstrates how to knit this beautiful lace stitch pattern straight.

This stitch pattern is also used in the ‘Covet This Lacy Cowl’ but it is used circularly. On this post you will find

The free pattern used in the video
The free video tutorial for the Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch knit straight
The free pattern for -only- the Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch knit straight
The free pattern for -only- the Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch knit circular

If you are interested in a pattern that uses this stitch pattern, you can get the Covet This Lacy Cowl pattern as a free pattern on RedHeart.com

To follow along with the swatch in the video, use the instructions below.

Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern
Materials used in the video:

Yarn:RED HEART® Soft® and RED HEART® Sparkle Soft™,

Needle: Size 8 (5mm)

Stitch Markers: 2 markers for sample. I prefer to use stitch markers that are about the same size as the needle I am using so I don’t get ladders in my knitting.

Yarn Needle: Bent Tip Steel Yarn Needle

Special Stitches

Garter Stitch (Gtr St): Straight — Knit all sts every row. Circular — Rnd 1: Knit. Rnd 2: Purl. Rep rnds 1 and 2 for Gtr St.

ssk: (slip, slip, knit) Slip 2 sts, 1 at a time, knitwise to the rhn; return sts to lhn in turned position and knit them together through the back loops (1 st decreased).

k2tog: (knit two stitches together) Knit 2 sts together (1 st decreased).

yo: yarn over needle (1 st increased).

PATTERN (used in video)

Stitch Pattern Multiple: 3 sts +1.

The plus one is to keep the last yo (see special stitches) of row in place. You will notice that the sample swatch I show on the video has an extra 4 sts on either side of the markers that are kept in Garter Stitch (see special stitches) and they take the place of the +1. I only point it out incase you are wondering why I only have 21 stitches between the marker instead of 22. Now you know.

(worked straight)

Sample swatch used in video: CO 29 sts.

Row 1: Knit 4 sts, place marker (PM), knit to last 4 sts, PM, knit to end.

Keep the first 4 and the last 4 stitches in garter stitch (see special stitches) throughout the pattern. The marker is there to help you remember.

Row 2: Knit

Row 3: Knit

Row 4: Knit to marker, slip marker, [begin Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern between the markers] *k1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to marker, slip marker, knit to end.

Row 5: Knit to marker, slip marker, purl to marker, slip marker, knit to end.

Row 6: Knit to marker, slip marker, *k1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to marker, slip marker, knit to end.

Row 7: Knit to marker, slip marker, purl to marker, slip marker, knit to end.

Row 8: Knit to marker, slip marker, *k1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to marker, slip marker, knit to end.

Row 9: Knit to marker, slip marker, purl to marker, slip marker, knit to end. 

Note: you should see that your stitches are leaning towards the right. This is because the k2tog leans the stitch to the right. 

Row 10: Knit to marker, slip marker, *k1, ssk (see special stitches), yo; rep from * to marker, slip marker, knit to end.

Row 11: Knit to marker, slip marker, purl to marker, slip marker, knit to end. 

Row 12: Knit to marker, slip marker, *k1, ssk (see special stitches), yo; rep from * to marker, slip marker, knit to end.  

Row 13: Knit to marker, slip marker, purl to marker, slip marker, knit to end. 

Row 14: Knit to marker, slip marker, *k1, ssk (see special stitches), yo; rep from * to marker, slip marker, knit to end.  

Note: you should see the stitches you created in rows 10-14 are leaning toward the left. This is because the ssk leans the stitch to the left. 

Rows 15, 16, 17: Knit

Repeat rows 4-17 and alternate colors if you want to get the same multi color look that you see in the video.

To make the Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Scarf, simply work in the repeat until the scarf measures at least 75″ then bind off knitwise.

Queue it up and Favorite the Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Scarf on Ravelry

 

PATTERN (Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern –only-)

Stitch Pattern Multiple: 3 sts +1.

(worked straight)

Row 1: *K1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to end.

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: *K1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to end.

Row 4:  Purl

Row 5: *K1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to end.

Row 6: Purl

Row 7: *k1, ssk (see special stitches), yo; rep from * to end.

Row 8: Purl

Row 9: *k1, ssk (see special stitches), yo; rep from * to end.

Row 10: Purl

Row 11: *k1, ssk (see special stitches), yo; rep from * to end.

Row 12: Purl

Repeat rows 1-12 for full Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern.

 

So you want to use this Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern but you want to do it in the round? Here you go!

PATTERN (Circular–Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern –only-)

Stitch Pattern Multiple: 3 stitches.

Note: These instructions are for the same lace pattern stitch as above, but it is to be worked in the round. This is not shown in video, but I wanted you to have it on hand)

(worked circular)

If you want to make a sample swatch: CO 75, PM to signify start of round, join to work in the round.

Round 1: *K1, yo, k2tog; repeat from * around.

Round 2: Knit.

Round 3: *K1, yo, k2tog; repeat from * around.

Round 4: Knit.

Round 5: *K1, yo, k2tog; repeat from * around.

Round 6: Knit.

Round 7: *K1, ssk, yo; repeat from * around.

Round 8: Knit.

Round 9: *K1, ssk, yo; repeat from * around.

Round 10: Knit.

Round 11: *K1, ssk, yo; repeat from * around.

Round 12: Knit.

Repeat rounds 1-12 for full Zig Zag Eyelet Trellis Lace Knit Stitch Pattern Repeat, ending on a row 11 if you want it to be symmetric with the beginning. To end, bind off knitwise.

 

Marly Bird Garter Stitch Shawl Knit-along Details

The Marly Bird Garter Stitch Shawl Knit-along  is sponsored by Red Heart.

This is the very first KAL I’ve hosted that is based on my own pattern and includes a full set of HD videos of me demonstrating how to do each step of the shawl!

THE PROJECT

A SHAWL! Something that is rather simple, uncomplicated and gauge isn’t something that is super important. The project for this KAL is a rather easy shawl but it packs a lot of punch. There are many learning opportunities for me to teach you while you make this garter stitch shawl.

THE DATE

The official start date is March. 30, 2016 – April. 27, 2016. There will be one video released each week along with the pattern instructions for that section. You will find a full schedule at the end of this post with links as they are available.

THE COMMUNITY

There is a dedicated Facebook group for this KAL that is monitored by me and several of the WONDERFUL sampler knitters who tested this pattern for me. We are all there to help you with this project. Please join us!

THE PATTERN

During the KAL timeframe each section of the pattern will be released at the same time as the corresponding video release. This will help everybody who wants to participate in the knit-along (KAL) stay at the same pace and subsequently make it easier for me to help!

Once the KAL is complete the full pattern will be available at MarlyBird.com.

Queue it up and Like the Pattern on Ravelry

THE VIDEOS

As I mentioned, one video will be released each week during the KAL timeframe. In these

videos I walk you though making this sassy shawl and offer tips and tricks and suggestions to help your knitting on this project and future projects. Here is a link to the introduction video #1. 

You will be able to find all the videos at: http://www.YouTube.com/MarlyBird.

THE MATERIALS NEEDED

Suggested Yarn: Red Heart, “Soft” (100% Acrylic; 256 yds/141g): 2 balls of Color A, 1 ball of Color B and Color C.

Need Color Suggestions?

Here are the colors used in samples: 

On the Mannequins in the background–

Color A (2 balls): Lt. Grey Heather

Color B (1 ball): Really Red

Color C (1 ball): Teal

Color A (2 balls): Deep Sea

Color B (1 ball): Guacamole

Color C (1 ball): Teal

Shown on camera and the one Marly is making on the video–

Color A (2 balls): Lt. Grey Heather

Color B (1 ball): Honey

Color C (1 ball): Mid Blue

Color A (2 balls): White

Color B (1 ball): Coral

Color C (1 ball): Turquoise

Color A (2 balls): Lt. Grey Heather

Color B (1 ball): Berry

Color C (1 ball): Charcoal

 

Video Playlist for this Marly Bird Knit-along 2016 is available here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCtrs9o46Za5n78z7-wDimWtrtuiiBTxW

Needles: 9 (5.5mm) 24″, 36″ circulars. You can use even longer circulars if you want to as the shawl gets larger but that is totally up to you.

Notions: 4 Stitch markers in two different colors, 1 removable stitch marker, tapestry needle

THE MEASUREMENT

Sample Shawl Measurement:

Wingspan 73″ /185.42 cm

Depth at center 20” /50.8 cm

 

THE GAUGE

Wait for it…I’m actually not going to give you a gauge for this shawl. I don’t want that to be your focus. How often will you find a designer telling you that? Honestly, I want you to relax and enjoy knitting. As long as the fabric you are getting is what you like then GREAT!

THE MISSION…

…Should you accept it. Gather your materials, join the facebook group and let’s make this fantastic project

Crochet Geometry by Shibaguyz, Jason and Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby

Crochet Geometry by Shibaguyz, Jason and Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby was today’s topic on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. 

Shannon (on the left) and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby are the Shibaguyz.

There has been a lot happening since their visit last year, when they shared their book Designer Crochet with us. Jason, Shannon and Marly enjoy spending time with each other in person, when they can get together. Shannon shared this new book with Marly and other Craftsy instructors at the Instructor Summit and everyone got to see Jason’s stunning photography in it. In fact, Jason says he first looks at the garments themselves, the colors especially. They both desire the photography to be straightforward in their books, and Jason’s focus on making the stitches visible. This means that those that have viewed their books can look at the projects and feel they can do it, too!

Shannon says in Crochet Geometry (Link to purchase book in Amazon) they worked with the traditional-looking stitches but with a modern update. Some of the shapes are achieved simply by changing the size of the patterned stitches. The patterns are sized from Small to 5X, because they want them to flatter the various potential creators of their crocheted designs. If they find a design does not look good on all the sizes, they won’t include it in their book!

There has also been new Craftsy Classes that ties in really well with the book! Crochet Tool-kit: Designer Tips and Tricks is the newest, there is also Quick and Easy Crochet Cables and Crochet Technique Tool-kit. Those are with Shannon, Jason has new classes coming out to help us photograph our projects better, even with our cell phones.

http://www.ottlite.com/

They have also become Ambassadors for a product that many crafters swear by, The Ottlite. This came about because they were asked by Ottlite to do an interview about what they were inspired by. Shannon and Jason were initially hesitant because they hadn’t used the product and didn’t think it was anything more special than any other lighting system but NOW, they LOVE it, Shannon uses them at the crafting station and Jason uses them for his photography, while he’s weaving, they use it while they sew.

This is the third visit (just because we can’t get enough!) to the Yarn Thing podcast, here is the link to the first visit in 2011, then last year with Designer Crochet (that links to last year’s show notes, so you now have those links, too!).

You can find Shibaguyz in several places, first their website: www.ShibaguyzDesignz.com, also Facebook, Twitter and also Ravelry Designer page and group. If you missed getting to hear this live, it is still available as an archived episode where it aired originally http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/03/08/crochet-geometry-by-shibaguyz-jason-and-shannon-mullett-bowlsby or in your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

Chasing Rainbows Baby Blanket Pattern

The story behind the Chasing Rainbows Baby Blanket Pattern

Don’t forget to Like this Pattern on Ravelry

The response on this free crochet blanket pattern has been incredible. It is one of the most popular patterns available on the Red Heart Website that was released this month. I am so happy that you like it! Seriously, when I hear from Red Heart that their website is blowing up with pattern downloads for MY PATTERN…it makes my day!

When I saw the finished project (crocheted by my Minion contractor, Mildred Diaz) I was giddy. I just knew using this stitch pattern with the Gumdrop yarn would make this blanket mouthwatering bright and it totally is!

The Chasing Rainbows Baby Blanket Pattern is one that I think is perfect for a boy or girl. Everybody loves rainbows and why not wrap your loved one in one?

Will there be a video?

Yes, I will be releasing a video tutorial next week for this fun blanket. So, gather your materials and join me to get started on it! Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! 

 

 

Mary Jane Mucklestone

Mary Jane Mucklestone celebrated her first visit to the Yarn Thing  podcast with Marly Bird with us today, and made doing a LIVE show look like a no brainer.

Mary Jane Mucklestone visiting Nash Island.

Mary Jane Mucklestone (grew up in Seattle, now lives in Portland, Maine) when really young, none of her family were knitters (except her great-grandmothers that she didn’t know), so she learned from neighbor. What she learned from her family was clothing and dressmaking, she remembers playing with dolls that had outfits created by family. A visit to Mexico, refreshed her crochet skills learned in childhood, especially with the fine yarns available. She was inspired by Ally McGraw’s character in ‘Love Story’ to make miniature cloche hats.

She had many jobs, went to Parson’s School of Design for a Summer, STUDIED THOROUGHLY the Vogue Magazines that came with her mother’s subscription. She also went to Pratt’s Institute, which led to work in the fashion industry and advertising, with Carol Furtig’s (indie designer) head of handsewing department, Robert Mulnar (stylist), Elizabeth Akins (rug weaver), Oscar DeLaRenta (designer) as a seasonal job hand painting caftans… She moved to Maine and had babies, taking up knitting for her kids, working nights as a waitress. Eventually, and unintentionally, this all led to a career in knitting that’s happened in the last ten years. 

Mary Jane says people around her thought she was ‘crazy knitting’, not considered a serious pursuit before the internet explosion and Ravelry, but she felt that it would lead her somewhere. She was working in a yarn shop (a job she got because they had posted that they wanted someone ‘flexible’ and so she applied saying she could do a back-bend!) Pam Allen also lived in the area, Mary Jane says she was a complete fan-girl. Pam at the time was writing Knitting for Dummies (her first book, Marly fans know our girl wrote the third edition!) and would stop by for yarn, she asked for Mary Jane’s help with the styling duties. Of course, Mary Jane would wear all of her work and one of the things she wore got published, the Fair Isle Sampler Hat.

Marly and Mary Jane at this point shared a mutual love for Philosopher’s Wool. They teach a method of accomplishing Fair Isle Knitting which involves holding a color in each hand…  When Marly first met Mary Jane, she was knitting her sample for her first Craftsy Class, The Fair Isle Vest which gave Marly the same comfortable feeling as the Philosopher’s Wool folks do, which is a huge compliment. Sounds like we need to check it out!

The Stopover Pullover has gained recently VERY popular, was created because Mary Jane does some tours with Gudrun Johnston to Shetland and was told she needed to wear her own work and not the storebought stuff. It was created with the idea that she needs to pack light, and works up fast.

Mary Jane has also written books, is known for some great stitch dictionaries. She was approached to create compilations of Fair Isle. Here is the link to Amazon, to see her titles 200 Fair Isle Motifs: A Knitters Directory,  150 Scandinavian Motifs: A Knitter’s Directory, and then later a compilation called Fair Isle Style, 20 Fresh Designs for a Classic Technique (Ravelry Link to view patterns) which includes designs from many different and highly sought-after designers. Mary Jane humbly cites others with her books (‘I had a twinge of guilt that they should have talked to those who are Native Fair Isle Knitters’) including Alice Starmore who said ‘if you gave a piece of graph paper to all of us, some of us would probably come up with the same thing’ indicating that many of us would probably design the same things. Mary Jane clearly studied and worked hard to create a lovingly authentic tribute to Fair Isle.

To continue following Mary Jane, she has a pretty website, MaryJaneMucklestone.com, Facebook page, Instagram, Pinterest, but most certainly her Ravelry Designer page or Ravelry Group. She will be teaching later this month at the John C Campbell Folk School in North Carolina, and filming a new Craftsy Class to come out in the near future.

If you missed getting to hear this live it is still available as an archived episode in that same place online: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/03/03/mary-jane-mucklestone or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

Kristin Omdahl’s NEW BOOK Continuous Crochet

Kristin Omdahl’s NEW BOOK Continuous Crochet was the topic that kicks off a new month on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.

Kirstin has been a busy, BUSY lady in the yarn industry, which feels like an understatement to say, but really, for the rest of us, it’s a challenge for us to keep up. She began with her yarn lines (which she admits the names were inspired by the Spice Girls! Think about it “Be So SPORTY”!) which is now available through Amazon and WEBS. Her yarns are all 100% bamboo available in different weights, with luxurious drape and shine.

Next up, Kristin shared the work she is doing and posting as videos on YouTube. It wasn’t until just recently, as a single-mom, who’s is doing the Stay-at-Home and Home Schooling thing with her teenager, that she lived in a place that gave her an office/studio space, but she’s learned so much from having been on the Knit & Crochet Now! for several seasons as the Crochet Expert as well as other yarny video productions that she probably always had that tool in a back pocket somewhere.

Just as Crochet So Lovely was a continuation of Crochet So Fine, Continuous Crochet: Create Seamless Sweaters, Shrugs, Shawls and More with Minimal Finishing furthers the ideas of Seamless Crochet. Finding ways to create three-dimensional shape (creating fitted garments) either by not cutting yarn or VERY MINIMALLY having to cut. Incorporating several types of crochet like Motif, Bruges and Hairpin Laces, Tunisian crochet her designs make for interesting production as well as fashionable garments and accessories. One of the pieces really tickles Kristin as it began as a zentangle drawing! She created a copy of her drawing and designed the Basket of Light Zentangle Inspired Scarf.

Speaking of her drawings, last year when Kristin was in the Erin Lane Bags booth at Stitches, with the bags she designed the fabric for, she was approached by a fabric company about making coordinating fabrics for quilters. These events can be overwhelming, so that idea slipped her mind until she was contacted by that business later… very soon, there will be bolts of fabric quilters can buy with Kristin’s name in the selvidge! She’s very excited about that (as you probably heard) but we are excited for her!

Kristin Omdahl has appeared many times, as we consider her, NOT JUST A SPONSOR, but a friend. Click on this variety of dates to hear: 03/2009, 12/2010, 03/2011, 02/2012, 05/2012, 11/2012, 06/2013, 07/2014 and 02/2015. You can follow Kristin with us by book-marking her website, www.KristinOmdahl.com which includes her blog, yarns and patterns. She is also busy on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram. Make sure you’re watching her Ravelry Designer page as well, and shopping her Etsy shop and in Amazon.

If you missed hearing this live, you can hear it where it is archived: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/03/01/kristin-omdahls-new-book-continuous-crochet or in your favorite podcast catcher, like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

 

Pam Haschke of Halos of Hope

Pam Haschke of Halos of Hope was the AWESOME Guest of the Day on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. Pamela Haschke is the Executive Director and Founder of Halos of Hope, now an eleven year cancer survivor. She has been on the program before, but it’s good to get caught up with this HERO and her organization.

Halos of Hope has just finished up their Stripe it Up campaign which suggests we use up the bits left over, especially after the holiday knitting, to make the unique and artistic hats that may make the day of someone who’s lost their hair as a side effect of chemo while fighting cancer. They also helped another organization by sending hats for kids to go with Joy Jars.

The next big project is to expand their work, more so on the local level, creating a network of Angel Ambassadors. This opportunity has come about as donors and volunteers wanted to make sure their local cancer centers would be benefitted by their efforts. The concept is really not new, as there have been chapters across the country but to organize an effective way to continue to grow the efforts. They are looking for folks who ‘able to identify the needs of their communities and work with like-minded volunteers to benefit their local cancer centers, hospitals, infusion centers, oncology offices, or cancer-related non-profits in their areas’. Requirements also include adults (over 21 years of age) in a smoke-free home.

Marly and Pam Haschke, from 2014, when they met up to meet Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series.

Pam mentioned that there are areas that they are really in need of Ambassadors; Arizona, Illinois, California (Northern especially), Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York/New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (needs about 1,500 hats a year!) and Virginia. Each of these look to Halos of Hope for support, but there are other areas that have not been built up, like Alabama and Tennessee.

Coming up in their calendar, there will be a booth at Stitches South in Nashville, hosted by the Hook a Frog group. They are doing a Red, White & Blue theme for the election year, a patriotic theme. They are also looking forward to Stitches Midwest (sorry they have not posted anything yet we can link to yet, but it’s COMING SOON!) to promote the Angel Ambassador program.

Marly remarked that knitters and crocheters are generous in their work for the charity things they do. Even Pam isn’t paid for the work she’s doing with this project, she does it because it’s her passion, but certainly there would be no hats at the cancer centers to comfort a patient without, as Pam says: ‘the help of others who really want to help others in need. I always say I will be glad when they find a cure for cancer or a way for chemotherapy not to cause someone to lose their hair and put me out of a job. I will be very happy‘. We also mentioned Marly’s patterns that were created/designed/abundantly used for Halos of Hope: Gerri Hat, Ratatouille and Sous Chef are knit or crochet versions of the same hat.

You can keep up with Halos of Hope at their website: www.halosofhope.org, Facebook, Twitter and Ravelry Group. You can hear the previous visit at this link.

If you missed hearing this live, you can still hear it as an archived episode where it aired: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/02/25/pam-haschke-of-halos-of-hope or in your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

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Knitting Ephemera by Carol Sulcoski

Knitting Ephermera by Carol Sulcoski was today HOTTEST Topic and we love hearing the tidbits she collected on the Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird.

Carol Sulcoski and the just as famous Boris.

Carol learned to knit by her mom in the seventies, came back to it as an adult to relieve stress and relax. When she left her job to be home with her kids, she began ‘noodling around’ and started a blog, writing articles and dying yarns. (See also Black Bunny Fibers!) Even though she’s gone back to that work environment, she has connected with co-workers through yarn and knitting lunches making for fun at work, too!

Nowadays, as with a lot of those in the fiber industry, she teaches, designs, writes articles and books. As she gets to know others, she learns fascinating tidbits. Having lunch one day with Trisha Malcolm (editor of Vogue Knitting) she mentioned that there feels like a book in there, they decided together decided that a book could be done. Ephemera by definition means thing that are intended to last a short time, but become collectibles. By combining them all in a book saves them from being lost as well as authenticating anecdotes that may have become rumors.

For instance, the Orenburg knitters of Russia. This is was a story that appealed to Marly because of her familiarity Galina Khmeleva  who is in her area of Colorado. Items that were created for Royalty, were then blinded so as not to be duplicated. Orenburg knitting has become a high standard of lace knitting. Another one Carol liked was about Susan Bates and Mary Maxim, icons of large companies. Susan Bates is not a real person, but Mary Maxim is! One of that companies employees was named Mary Maximchuk, the ‘chuck’ part being dropped and an identity created.

Fables may include about ‘SheepSquatch’ in West Virginia.
There was a knitting fraternity in the 1930’s, before the second World War, featured in the Columbia University newsletter, that called themselves Knitta-Natta-New (probably misspelled that)
Kaffee Fassett, knitting designer extraordinaire, read a book about the Midnight Cowboy and suggested to a movie producer that this might be a great movie, which won an Academy award. (This was mentioned in a biography Mr. Fassett wrote, so it’s not a completely unknown fact.)
In countries like New Zealand and Australia, there are more sheep than people, or as Carol says ‘More Sheeps than Peeps!’
Merino wool prior to the 17th century, it was punishable by death to export the sheep out of the country, because they were trying to keep the breed pure.

Carol has collected a lots of little tidbits over her career, but that seems to have run in the family. Her dad was actually qualified to compete on the ‘Jeopardy’ game show, which requires a lot of trivial knowledge. (He didn’t actually compete because as a school teacher the required stay of a week in New York to participate was beyond his budget — just offering that so you don’t attempt to search for video.) All of us who consider ourselves collectors of knitting trivia, anyone will love what Carol has put together as love letter for the rest of us!

Carol has been on Yarn Thing podcast before, in 2012 ( here are the show notes) and last year (and those show notes), and we love having her come back to keep us updated on what she’s been up to. You can follow Carol Sulcoski at her yarn company website www.blackbunnyfibers.com, with blog, CLICK HERE to see a list of her other books, also Black Bunny Fibers on Facebook page, and an author page there, a designer page in Ravelry.

If you missed getting to hear this LIVE, and discuss in our chat room, that’s OK, you can listen to this where it aired as an archive: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/02/23/knitting-ephemera-by-carol-sulcoski or in your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.