From the comments:
"Anonymous said...
I am having trouble downloading your podcasts from itunes. What happens is that it starts to download, everything looks like it is going normally (i download lots of podcasts nearly daily) and it stops donwloading shortly after beginning-sometimes 25 seconds into it, sometimes a bit longer, but never the entire post. I was wondering if anyone else was having this problem with your itunes link-this hasn't happened for me with any other podcasts i download from itunes..."
I have no idea what is causing this. Any ideas out there?
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Show 17: More Sleeve Shenanigans, Links and X
This week I tell you a refinement of my earlier sweater-sizing scheme, which relies on the one and only Elizabeth Zimmermann to save me (and you) from having to redesign a sleeve cap AND sleeve shaping. Whoo hoo. I'm working on one right now, and will let you know how it turns out.
Although, I won't be able to really tell you anything until September, because I am taking the week after next off from work to finish my thesis and am trying to pare down distractions.
Very Cool Link thanks to Jill, who left a comment. (Thank you, Jill!!!!)
Also, Melissa Wherle has a sweater design in Magknits August of 2005 and has offered it to us for deconstruction/resizing/whatever. Please leave a comment and let me know what you would like me to "do" with this wonderful offer.
Download Episode Seventeen
Although, I won't be able to really tell you anything until September, because I am taking the week after next off from work to finish my thesis and am trying to pare down distractions.
Very Cool Link thanks to Jill, who left a comment. (Thank you, Jill!!!!)
Also, Melissa Wherle has a sweater design in Magknits August of 2005 and has offered it to us for deconstruction/resizing/whatever. Please leave a comment and let me know what you would like me to "do" with this wonderful offer.
Download Episode Seventeen
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Refinement: Sleeves
I have just realized, after it bugged me for a while, that my little math experiment for determining things like shaping for a sweater would NOT work, neccesarily, on sleeves. Refinement to come this weekend. The smart among you probably know this already, which is why I have not had any non-Eastenders comments.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Episode 16: Part One of one, two, three, five...
Very Simple Pattern
Purchase/find a washable foam sponge. (Are sea sponges washable?)
I think this detail sponge, or just part of one, could work well.
Honeycomb stitch is a good alternative to garter stitch for this pattern.
My segment on the Fibonacci sequence is on Cast-On, episode 23.
Download Episode 16
Purchase/find a washable foam sponge. (Are sea sponges washable?)
I think this detail sponge, or just part of one, could work well.
Honeycomb stitch is a good alternative to garter stitch for this pattern.
My segment on the Fibonacci sequence is on Cast-On, episode 23.
Download Episode 16
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Unrelated but important
Do any of you live in Minneapolis? I have a proposal for you.
There is a show called Eastenders that airs on the Twin Cities Public Television network on Fridays from 9 to midnight. It went off the air of BBC America some time ago and I have not been able to watch it since. If anyone's public TV station carries it and they are willing to tape and send it to me, I will reply with whichever yarn you like from my local. So far, I have only found it listed in Minneapolis, but it may be elsewhere without my knowledge. (There are only so many PBS stations one can rabidly find and search.) If you don't want yarn, name your price. I'm begging you. I will even send tapes back and forth so that you don't have to go to the store.
I really miss that show.
Speaking of shows, I will do one on Monday where I will talk about my trip to Minneapolis and the begining of a sequence of patterns and discussions based on Fibonacci. I think a little structure will help keep me on track.
There is a show called Eastenders that airs on the Twin Cities Public Television network on Fridays from 9 to midnight. It went off the air of BBC America some time ago and I have not been able to watch it since. If anyone's public TV station carries it and they are willing to tape and send it to me, I will reply with whichever yarn you like from my local. So far, I have only found it listed in Minneapolis, but it may be elsewhere without my knowledge. (There are only so many PBS stations one can rabidly find and search.) If you don't want yarn, name your price. I'm begging you. I will even send tapes back and forth so that you don't have to go to the store.
Speaking of shows, I will do one on Monday where I will talk about my trip to Minneapolis and the begining of a sequence of patterns and discussions based on Fibonacci. I think a little structure will help keep me on track.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Episode 15: Reconstructing Starsky
This week I talk about sizing up and down a sweater with a cable pattern.
I kept turning my head to look at my notes, so I sometimes fade IN AND OUt. Sorry about that.
Starsky Knit A Long
Jordana's website. All hail Jordana!
If you are looking to subsistute yarns, you might want to check out the Standard Yarn Weight System. Since this sweater is in a wool/alpaca blend, you want to be careful what you replace it with. Cotton, for example, may not work, maybe a cotton blend, but be careful. The thing may end up weighing a metric ton.
Starsky!
Macro Shaping of Neckline on one side of sweater (on back, you will need to think about the fact that shaping is happening on both sides)
In the original:
Gauge is 16 sts and 18 rows in 4 inches = 4 sts and 4.5 rows per inch
Decreases happen 14 times every 4th row = 56 rows.
In inches, this means 14/4 = 3.5" in 56/4.5 = 12.4"
Now, we have it in inches, time to convert to
NEW GAUGE: 20 sts and 24 rows = 4 in = 5 sts and 6 rows per inch
NEW decreases
3.5" x 5 = 17.5 stitches; 12.4" x 6 = 74.4 rows
Round to 18 decreases in 74 rows, just about 4 rows/decrease = decrease every fourth row. Eighteen times, instead of 14 times.
Generically =
original gauge = s x r
new gauge = S x R
Decreases happen x times in y rows.
(x/s) x S = new # of decreases
(y/r) x R = new # of rows to decrease
R/S - 1 = # of plain rows in between decrease rows.
If you do plunge in and decide to work your sleeves from scratch, please read this article in knitty.
Also, these sizing charts should be helpful.
Download Episode 15
P.S. - I know I haven't posted the pictures I promised. I ran out of sock yarn.
I kept turning my head to look at my notes, so I sometimes fade IN AND OUt. Sorry about that.
Starsky Knit A Long
Jordana's website. All hail Jordana!
If you are looking to subsistute yarns, you might want to check out the Standard Yarn Weight System. Since this sweater is in a wool/alpaca blend, you want to be careful what you replace it with. Cotton, for example, may not work, maybe a cotton blend, but be careful. The thing may end up weighing a metric ton.
Starsky!
Macro Shaping of Neckline on one side of sweater (on back, you will need to think about the fact that shaping is happening on both sides)
In the original:
Gauge is 16 sts and 18 rows in 4 inches = 4 sts and 4.5 rows per inch
Decreases happen 14 times every 4th row = 56 rows.
In inches, this means 14/4 = 3.5" in 56/4.5 = 12.4"
Now, we have it in inches, time to convert to
NEW GAUGE: 20 sts and 24 rows = 4 in = 5 sts and 6 rows per inch
NEW decreases
3.5" x 5 = 17.5 stitches; 12.4" x 6 = 74.4 rows
Round to 18 decreases in 74 rows, just about 4 rows/decrease = decrease every fourth row. Eighteen times, instead of 14 times.
Generically =
original gauge = s x r
new gauge = S x R
Decreases happen x times in y rows.
(x/s) x S = new # of decreases
(y/r) x R = new # of rows to decrease
R/S - 1 = # of plain rows in between decrease rows.
If you do plunge in and decide to work your sleeves from scratch, please read this article in knitty.
Also, these sizing charts should be helpful.
Download Episode 15
P.S. - I know I haven't posted the pictures I promised. I ran out of sock yarn.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Good News and Bad News
Good News:
My office is painted and lovely.
Bad News:
My podcasting equipment is in boxes.
Good News:
A wonderful Designer agreed to let me "fiddle with" the sizing of her sweater and tell you about it. Hooray her! I'm working on it.
Bad News: But not until next week, when my podcasting equipment is out of boxes and back where it belongs.
Sorry.
My office is painted and lovely.
Bad News:
My podcasting equipment is in boxes.
Good News:
A wonderful Designer agreed to let me "fiddle with" the sizing of her sweater and tell you about it. Hooray her! I'm working on it.
Bad News: But not until next week, when my podcasting equipment is out of boxes and back where it belongs.
Sorry.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Fourteen: Yarn Substitition
Yarn substitution can work for you by giving you your freedom of fibers and price, but also allow you to change the sizing of a sweater, at will, with just a little math.
If you're thinking of trying a new yarn, check out Knitter's Review and Wiseneedle.
Also, if you need to redesign a sleeve cap because you are monkeying with the numbers, this article from Knitty may help you.
Download Episode 14
If you're thinking of trying a new yarn, check out Knitter's Review and Wiseneedle.
Also, if you need to redesign a sleeve cap because you are monkeying with the numbers, this article from Knitty may help you.
Download Episode 14
Monday, July 10, 2006
Show 13: Counting
If you cannot read your knitting, you must count rows/rounds. This week I talk about the different memory helpers I have used over the years and what show ideas I have in the works.
Download Episode 13
Download Episode 13
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Episode 12: Money, Socks and Your Comments
This week, I point out my tip jar (under links on the right side of this page), talk about converting sock patterns from top-down to toe-up, and respond to some comments and e-mails.
A shorter show, but I still managed to mess up a few times. I got ahead of myself with both the geometric knitting, which I'm not ready to tell you about and tessellated knitting, which I can't find anywhere. Tessellated quilting, yes. Tessellated knitting, no. If I do either dig that up or make that up, I'll let you know.
There is a little cursing in this show. So, if you don't want to hear the "B" word, please don't listen to the bit about Professor Martini.
Some "if, then" statements.
If you are knitting too tightly, then a new cast on from knittinghelp.com might assist you.
If you are looking for books, then Add All might help.
Carry from KnitWit kindly reminded me that she did mention the thickness of the yarn in her ease discussion of episode 20 of her show. Also, if that is the only show of hers you've heard, you should try some others. Usually, her stories are much more fun, lighthearted and funny than the one in that show. That story was very well told, as are all of hers, but it was a bit sad.
Carry also pointed me to some mathematical crochet.
Which means that I finally have something to lead into Dr. Sarah-Marie Belcastro and her wonderful mathematical knitting (and problem solving tips and teal hair and...). The knitting bit is here.
Download Episode Twelve
A shorter show, but I still managed to mess up a few times. I got ahead of myself with both the geometric knitting, which I'm not ready to tell you about and tessellated knitting, which I can't find anywhere. Tessellated quilting, yes. Tessellated knitting, no. If I do either dig that up or make that up, I'll let you know.
There is a little cursing in this show. So, if you don't want to hear the "B" word, please don't listen to the bit about Professor Martini.
Some "if, then" statements.
If you are knitting too tightly, then a new cast on from knittinghelp.com might assist you.
If you are looking for books, then Add All might help.
Carry from KnitWit kindly reminded me that she did mention the thickness of the yarn in her ease discussion of episode 20 of her show. Also, if that is the only show of hers you've heard, you should try some others. Usually, her stories are much more fun, lighthearted and funny than the one in that show. That story was very well told, as are all of hers, but it was a bit sad.
Carry also pointed me to some mathematical crochet.
Which means that I finally have something to lead into Dr. Sarah-Marie Belcastro and her wonderful mathematical knitting (and problem solving tips and teal hair and...). The knitting bit is here.
Download Episode Twelve
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Knit Me A River
Here is the press release they sent me:
Knit a river to save lives
International charity WaterAid has joined forces with I Knit, to launch a unique knitted petition calling for water and sanitation for all.
I Knit and WaterAid will stage a unique spectacle to grab world leaders’ attention. I Knit and WaterAid are collecting knitted blue squares that will be sewn together to create a spectacular knitted ‘river’. Campaigners will carry the river at future WaterAid campaigning events.
The squares need to be 15 x 15 centimetres, any shade of blue and any pattern, the variety of shades and textures will ensure the river comes to life. WaterAid are also encouraging people to send in any spare blue yarn.
WaterAid works with some of the world’s poorest people helping them to gain access to safe clean water, effective sanitation and hygiene education. Across the world, there are 1.1 billion people without access to safe water, and 2.6 billion without access to sanitation, and as a result, a child dies every 15 seconds from a water related disease.
Knit a river organiser, Gerard Allt says “The idea behind Knit a river is to create a unique campaigning tool, and raise awareness of the issues surrounding a lack of clean water. Water shortages are very much in the news here in the UK, but for over a billion people, life without water is a daily reality. Please join in and knit a square to help bring clean water to those in need”
Completed squares should be sent to Knit a river, WaterAid, 47 – 49 Durham Street, London, SE11 5JD. Please include your contact details.
For more information visit HYPERLINK "http://www.wateraid.org/knitariver" www.wateraid.org/knitariver or call 07966 157066
Editor’s notes
I Knit is a London based knitting club and speciality wool shop. For more information visit HYPERLINK "http://www.iknit.org.uk" www.iknit.org.uk
--
DId you see that? Send blue yarn! Stash bust here I come!
Knit a river to save lives
International charity WaterAid has joined forces with I Knit, to launch a unique knitted petition calling for water and sanitation for all.
I Knit and WaterAid will stage a unique spectacle to grab world leaders’ attention. I Knit and WaterAid are collecting knitted blue squares that will be sewn together to create a spectacular knitted ‘river’. Campaigners will carry the river at future WaterAid campaigning events.
The squares need to be 15 x 15 centimetres, any shade of blue and any pattern, the variety of shades and textures will ensure the river comes to life. WaterAid are also encouraging people to send in any spare blue yarn.
WaterAid works with some of the world’s poorest people helping them to gain access to safe clean water, effective sanitation and hygiene education. Across the world, there are 1.1 billion people without access to safe water, and 2.6 billion without access to sanitation, and as a result, a child dies every 15 seconds from a water related disease.
Knit a river organiser, Gerard Allt says “The idea behind Knit a river is to create a unique campaigning tool, and raise awareness of the issues surrounding a lack of clean water. Water shortages are very much in the news here in the UK, but for over a billion people, life without water is a daily reality. Please join in and knit a square to help bring clean water to those in need”
Completed squares should be sent to Knit a river, WaterAid, 47 – 49 Durham Street, London, SE11 5JD. Please include your contact details.
For more information visit HYPERLINK "http://www.wateraid.org/knitariver" www.wateraid.org/knitariver or call 07966 157066
Editor’s notes
I Knit is a London based knitting club and speciality wool shop. For more information visit HYPERLINK "http://www.iknit.org.uk" www.iknit.org.uk
--
DId you see that? Send blue yarn! Stash bust here I come!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Episode 11: Socks
This week I ramble about short-row toe-up socks, and my own version, which uses a thumb-joint heel, including a description for making a worksheet for same.
Wendy Knits socks are described very well. Her book is Wendy Knits: My Adventures with Two Needles and An Attitude, which was published by Penguin Books in May of 2006 and it's by Wendy Johnson. Her blog site is here. Very readable (readible?) and very fun.
If you can't find a book you really want at your local yarn shop or local book stores, this is a metasearch for books.
The thumb-joint heel, along with a lot more, is described in Ethnic Socks and Stockings by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. It was published in 1998 by XRX, Inc. and lists at $28.95.
This is the square I made up for the river project mentioned in Episode 10.
This is the little "purl bump" formed by the wrap around a stitch in short rowing.
This is the finished toe (purple and gray) with a little of the foot worked, too.
I haven't knit this far yet, so a picture of a sock all finished (except for the heel) is forthcoming.
This is a heel, ungrafted. Also, unknit, so, not yet photographed.
The result. Also, unknit, so, not yet photographed.
Download Episode 11
I've been editing the podcast less severely lately (mostly just trying to make the beginnings and ends of sections fit together) to make more time for my knitting, photos and life in general. I hope it's still ok.
Wendy Knits socks are described very well. Her book is Wendy Knits: My Adventures with Two Needles and An Attitude, which was published by Penguin Books in May of 2006 and it's by Wendy Johnson. Her blog site is here. Very readable (readible?) and very fun.
If you can't find a book you really want at your local yarn shop or local book stores, this is a metasearch for books.
The thumb-joint heel, along with a lot more, is described in Ethnic Socks and Stockings by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. It was published in 1998 by XRX, Inc. and lists at $28.95.
This is the square I made up for the river project mentioned in Episode 10.
This is the little "purl bump" formed by the wrap around a stitch in short rowing.
This is the finished toe (purple and gray) with a little of the foot worked, too.
I haven't knit this far yet, so a picture of a sock all finished (except for the heel) is forthcoming.
This is a heel, ungrafted. Also, unknit, so, not yet photographed.
The result. Also, unknit, so, not yet photographed.
Download Episode 11
I've been editing the podcast less severely lately (mostly just trying to make the beginnings and ends of sections fit together) to make more time for my knitting, photos and life in general. I hope it's still ok.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Episode 10: Rave and Wave
This week I rave about Big Girl Knits, talk about ease, hope you go listen to Knitwit: Rantings of a Rabid Knitter and show and tell about another knitted square. If you have any 6" blue gauge swatches, please think about sending them on a trip to London.
This is the square I talked about last time.
This is the square knit from the outside in.
The above square, in progress.
Pic of the river square coming in the future, maybe.
Download Episode Ten
This is the square I talked about last time.
This is the square knit from the outside in.
The above square, in progress.
Pic of the river square coming in the future, maybe.
Download Episode Ten
Friday, June 09, 2006
Episode 10, coming soon
I'm having a really busy time at work this week, and will be even busier this weekend. So, I will do a show on Monday, probably a mini-show and probably holding off on Meg Swansen's second appearance until the next one. We want it to be perfect for you.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Ninth Episode: The Interview that Wasn't One
Apologies to Lee Ann Balazuc, the blogger at Fuzzy Logic. I screwed up the editing and lost my half of the interview, so instead of my voice, when I asked her questions, I had to insert a little fairy-chime-bell transition. Fortunately, Lee Ann is a clear and complete speaker, so it stood up well to my ham-fisted treatment.
An American who now lives in Canada who is also a knitter, designer and spinner, Lee Ann also writes.
In case you are stretching to remember a certain designer or company, she mentions the Yarn Harlot, Knitty.com, Robin Melanson, a designer who Lee Ann profiled in the Spring, 2006, Interweave Knits, The Fleece Artist, and Koigu. She mentioned, although it was not recorded (damn you, software) Knitting Help.
The double decrease I use for my mitered square/diamond is sl 2 as if to knit, k1, psso. I was mistaken when I said it was on the Knitting Help site. I don't think it is. But, I have faith that you can do it. (pictures of square/diamond soon). And I KNOW I said PURL-wise in the show, but I was wrong. This is my punishment for not doing this yesterday. I am all off my kilter.
I would like to welcome back Brooklynne Michelle of The Mosh Knit. I enjoy her show and you should check her out.
Download Episode Nine
An American who now lives in Canada who is also a knitter, designer and spinner, Lee Ann also writes.
In case you are stretching to remember a certain designer or company, she mentions the Yarn Harlot, Knitty.com, Robin Melanson, a designer who Lee Ann profiled in the Spring, 2006, Interweave Knits, The Fleece Artist, and Koigu. She mentioned, although it was not recorded (damn you, software) Knitting Help.
The double decrease I use for my mitered square/diamond is sl 2 as if to knit, k1, psso. I was mistaken when I said it was on the Knitting Help site. I don't think it is. But, I have faith that you can do it. (pictures of square/diamond soon). And I KNOW I said PURL-wise in the show, but I was wrong. This is my punishment for not doing this yesterday. I am all off my kilter.
I would like to welcome back Brooklynne Michelle of The Mosh Knit. I enjoy her show and you should check her out.
Download Episode Nine
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Here's what I did instead of working on my podcast today...
1) Vacummed the basement (it has to be done at least three times a year, right?)
2) Cooked a wonderful lunch
3) Spent 3 hours knitting in public, recruiting new knitters to my knit group and helping my friend JN with her mom's afghan
4) Talked on the phone to my twin sister (you wouldn't deny me that, right?)
5) Am cooking and will eat a lovely chicken dinner with risotto and sauteed asparagus
So, no time left today. But, I will make it tomorrow, I promise. It will feature an interview with a lady in Canada and a discussion of mitered knitting (thanks for the suggestion, Deepa!).
(too parenthetical?)
2) Cooked a wonderful lunch
3) Spent 3 hours knitting in public, recruiting new knitters to my knit group and helping my friend JN with her mom's afghan
4) Talked on the phone to my twin sister (you wouldn't deny me that, right?)
5) Am cooking and will eat a lovely chicken dinner with risotto and sauteed asparagus
So, no time left today. But, I will make it tomorrow, I promise. It will feature an interview with a lady in Canada and a discussion of mitered knitting (thanks for the suggestion, Deepa!).
(too parenthetical?)
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Remix
For my tenth episode, I will be re-interviewing Meg, hopefully with better sound quality. She wants to make sure no one has to strain to hear her. What a lady. :)
Just so that you don't think it's going to be interviews forever, I am working on your wonderful suggestions. I am stretching to learn about things I currently am not an expert, so please forgive me if I stumble (also, please tell me so that I can post clarification/corrections here).
Just so that you don't think it's going to be interviews forever, I am working on your wonderful suggestions. I am stretching to learn about things I currently am not an expert, so please forgive me if I stumble (also, please tell me so that I can post clarification/corrections here).
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Yes, THE Meg Swansen
This week I break the mold of previous shows and do an interview with Meg Swansen of Schoolhouse Press. Her mother, Elizabeth Zimmermann, was an inventive, charming and math-inclined knitter who created EPS, the Elizabeth Percentage System. You use EPS to design a custom sweater using your gauge and the desired chest size to reach a key (K) number. It turns out that Meg is every bit as inventive, charming and math-inclined as her mother.
Download Episode 8
Download Episode 8
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