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Syndication

Episode 32

  1. Production Scheduling

    1. Events

    2. Shipping

    3. Production

    4. What's in my tea pot

    5. Materials Sourcing

    6. After 5

  2. Events

    1. Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival http://www.pbbbbghknitandcrochet.com/ February 10, 11, 12 of 2011.

    2. Camp KIP Session #1 will run April 21-24, 2012 The 2nd Annual Camp Kip retreat will be hosted at Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO

  3. Shipping

      1. Mohawk Hat by Darlene Dale provided free on www.caron.com I did this in Nate's school colors. Not sure if this was as big of a hit as the beard hat was only time will tell... He says he likes it, but he is a teenager.

      2. The Incredible Custom fit Raglan Sweater by Pamela Costello www.woolworks.org/patterns/raglan.html I'm using this pattern B's horse sweater. I finished a sample of the Loopy the Appaloosa Cloth by Rhonda K white.

        1. This one came down to the wire. I did both sleeves in one night.

        2. Ended up finishing the neck with a simple backward crochet edge.

        3. B wears it but the first time he tried it on he yelled “get it off! Get it off!”

      3. Beaded Ornament from 12 Exquisite Beaded Ornaments to Knit published by Leisure arts. In all I finished 6 Ornaments all but one given away as gifts I still have the one made with my first skein of hand spun. I have what I think is Just enough Mohair to make one last ornament for myself.

      4. The Uber Secret Christmas project was of course the pair of socks my mom asked me to knit for her. I used my go to Light Weight sock pattern by Pattons. The leg and heels fir well, foot width is good the toe is about and inch too long. So these will bounce back from shipping into production for next week.

  4. Production

    1. Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carole Barenys time to pick up this sweet baby sweater and get some sleeves on it.

    2. Cable Braided Necklace by Olga Buraya-Kefelian this is what I'm using the bulk of my remaining beaded mohair for. The strips are knitted. They need to be blocked before I start the “braiding” process.

    3. To be cast on...

      1. Mittens in Hand spun

      2. The Shape shifter Shrug from Vampire Knits

        1. That's it I have enough of this hand spun. I'll be checking my yardage carefully s and so as not to have another Ruffled and Ruched scarf on my hands.

      3. Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes. I have a Skein of wolmeisse I'm thinking of using for this. But another shawl?

      4. Or Koolhaas by Jared Flood.

      5. I'm Free! No Pressure I can knot what I want!

  5. What's in my Tea Pot

    1. Paromi Tea Lemon Ginger

      1. Oolong Tea (Fair Trade & Organic)
        or
        Our oolong is produced in Ambootia, a tea estate in the Darjeeling district.  Nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4000 feet, the gardens of the estate enjoy a unique combination of climate and elevation that contribute to the gentle, flowery aroma of this distinctive oolong.  The addition of zesty Egyptian lemongrass, coupled with the warmth of ginger from Sri Lanka, makes our lively brew one that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

        Ingredients: organic oolong tea, organic lemon grass, organic lemon peel, organic ginger, natural flavor.

        1. Paromi packaged their tea in amber or painted glass. Cracking open the jar in itself was a treat. The ginger lemon Scent is fantastic. I over steeped this a bit so the ginger was string enough to make my lips tingle. This is a well balanced tea the lemon is more of a floral note and is not acidic like the Tazo Berry tea was. This is another good one and I'll be on the look out for more blends from Paromi in the future.

  6. Material's Sourcing

      1. Nantucket from Copper pot Woolies. http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperpot is done and plied. I decided it liked the Navajo plied version of this yarn best. I'm hoping to have enough to make the Shape shifter but it's looking doubtful so I'll be calculating up ,y yardage and whop knows maybe another Ruffled And Ruched scarf or another cowl will be in the works. I really love these colors I wish I could have gotten another ball.

      2. Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill (http://www.hiddenvalleyfarmwoolenmill.com) 8 oz of Mary's Lake effect is on the wheel now, I have one bobbin done and the start of the second this fiber is flying! And I love love love these sunset colors!

      3. I got a HUGE bag of fiber from my mom for Christmas in the bag is some more Mohair YAY! And some goodies from Ewenique Fibers in Alliance, Ohio. I also bit the bullet and bought another bat From Copperpot Woolies called toasted coconut which has Cashmere, Bamboo, polwarth, Merino and copper stellina. I may break into that next or I may save it for when I “Suck Less”

  7. After 5

    1. Algonquin Spinners a d Weavers Christmas Party

    2. Inventory Bleck!

    3. Freedom House: Project Christmas.

    4. Lobster Suprise.

    5. Christmas Run Down.

    6. Christmas Memory Contest still open until 12/31!

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Direct download: Episode_32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:01am EDT
Comments[0]

Episode 31

  1. Production Scheduling

    1. Events

    2. Production

    3. What's in my tea pot

    4. Materials Sourcing

    5. After 5

  2. Events

    1. Camp KIP Session #1 will run April 21-24, 2012 The 2nd Annual Camp Kip retreat will be hosted at Cedar Creek Conference Center in New Haven, MO Only 4 months and 6 days to go!

    2. Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival http://www.pbbbbghknitandcrochet.com/ February 10, 11, 12 of 2011.

  3. Production

      1. Mohawk Hat by Darlene Dale provided free on www.caron.com the crocheting is done all the fringey bits have been attached to the mo-hawk strip and all that’s left to do is attach the strip to the hat. I started to attach it and was having second thoughts about how to go about it. I'm worrying about getting it centered. Finishing really is not my best thing. Perhaps the next class I take should be one on finishing.

      2. The Incredible Custom fit Raglan Sweater y Pamela Costello www.woolworks.org/patterns/raglan.html I'm using this pattern B's horse sweater. I finished a sample of the Loopy the Appaloosa Cloth by Rhonda K white. I've finished the horse detail on the sweater and have the arms on waste yarn. I think it will start to fly now that I can auto pilot and not have to concentrate on the horse pattern.

      3. Uber secret Christmas project: a bit past the 75 % line. Every thing is back on the needles and is running smoothly. Dear Lord I hope this fits it's intended recipient.

    1. What's In My Tea Pot

      1. Honey Bush Vanilla from Adagio Teas

      2. According to the International Ice Cream Association, Vanilla is by far the most popular flavor, getting a full 23% of all ice cream consumption. Inspired by this love, Adagio has created Honey bush Vanilla, combining the rich, warm dark sugar aroma of vanilla with the honeyed aroma and gentle earthy quality of honey bush herb from South Africa. Soft, sweet and very 'beany' vanilla fragrance (like warm sugar cookies made with fresh vanilla beans). Light, airy finish and lingering honey and warmed sugar aroma. A comforting, caffeine free treat.

    2. Material's Sourcing

      1. Finally finished the bobbin of the Nantucket from Copper pot Woolies. http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperpot. A lovely mix of merino and corriedale in peacock colors

      2. Riding in the car today I asked B how his day at school was. He replied it was fine and asked me how may day at school was and I told him “Oh, I had to go to the factory with the big trucks today.” …

    3. After 5

      1. HECTIC... Hockey, Guitar, shopping, Still no tree, wrapping, work, Baking AHHHHH!

      2. I recreated the cookie! I used the cream cheese cookie dough recipe on http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/4710/Philly-Cream-Cheese-C ookie-Dough I made the dough before hand and kept it in the fridge. In the mean time I soaked a package of dried apricots in apricot randy over night. (Just enough to cover), the next day I rolled out the dough 1/8 of an inch thick and cut it into circles. Place an apricot on each one and folded it over with the apricot sticking out the top, sealed with fork and baked according to the dough recipe. When cool I glazed them with a simple confectioner’s sugar glaze. Confectioner’s Sugar mixed with small amounts of the soaking randy until I liked the consistency. They're gone now so they must have been good!

      3. Gingerbread cupcakes - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gingerbread-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting/ YUMMY

      4. Next Up Fudge and Rum Balls

      5. DAR Christmas Meeting.

        1. Hearing what others remember about the holidays.

        2. Candles-

          1. Silent Night

          2. Christmas Eve Luminaries

        3. Contest Prizes!

          1. 20.00 gift certificate to Knit Picks

          2. A teapot themed sock project bag and a set of Chiagoo Red Lace needles from Slipped Stitch Studios.

          3. A set of Pins and Needles earring and a square bangle from Sassafrass Creations.

          4. A skein of Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock (Large Skein) in Amy's Vintage Office.

        4. Remember contest winner's will be drawn on the 31st! Right now there's about 14 entries and 4 prizes those are good odds!

Direct download: episode31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:43am EDT
Comments[1]

AJ has finally come to terms with the Christmas knitting.  Joe picks out the tea in the tea pot.  B wants to leave tacos for Santa.  Aj, B, and Nate try out their acting chops.

Direct download: Episode30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:56am EDT
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AJ explains / makes up excuses for her unplanned hiatus.  Tons on the needles, nothing off the needles, and a good dollop of trials and tribulations.  Aj and Joe snuck off for a date night and while they weren't looking the inlaws have been spoiling B.

Direct download: aj29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:51am EDT
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The handspun is running low and AJ is freaking out.  B wants to make a pie but Joe prefers his pie store bought.  The guilt Knitting is cast on and the Super Secret Christmas poroject is still ongoing.

Direct download: episode28.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:32am EDT
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In this mini episode AJ updates on the holiday knittign and the newly cast on scarf. Joe makes stew and Nate takes the ice while B is starting to compile his christmas wish list. AJ keeps her winning mojo going by winning another project bag.

Direct download: Episode_27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:48am EDT
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Happy Halloween.  The crispness of fall is in the air!  AJ has mulled cider in the crock pot, B has his Halloween costume, and Joe only gets about 4 houses down while trick or treating.  AJ has a project in shipping and is swatching everythign in site trying to knit from her sock yarn heavy stash.

Direct download: Episode_26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:19am EDT
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Aj recaps the Ann Arbor Fiber Expo.  Joe Let's on he only went for the Beef Jerky.  B loses a tooth and AJ hopes Nate doens't pass on his Toothfairy Trapping skills to his little brother.

Direct download: Episode_25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:58pm EDT
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AJ has been Knitting on an easy lace shawl that is proving that it shouldn't be under estimated.  Mommy get's a night off and spens it at the craft store and B is just about ready to "Fire" Joe.

Direct download: Episode_24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:35am EDT
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AJ and the boys have eaten their way through the Algonquin Mill fall festival.  AJ has been shanghaied into holiday knitting, finally started spinning that prized batt, and is working on yet another lace shawl.  Joe is poised to cast on a real project.  Meanwhile B doesn't like tea and is still figuring out his Halloween costume.

Direct download: episode_23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43am EDT
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AJ has finished the acrylic mitts and Joe doesn't understand why anyone would want fingerless mittens.  AJ is back in the kitchen and nothing has exploded.  There's been a yardage error and AJ needs to decide if their will be any holiday knitting and if so for whom and what it will be.

Direct download: EPISODE_22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:46am EDT
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A little bit of knitting on the Brea Bag.  A little bit of spinning. A few family get togethers and blind gift exchange.  Joe is channeling his inner Chef and B "winned" it all.  Sit down, grab a tea cup and let's catch up!

Direct download: episode_21.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:50am EDT
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AJ, Joe, an B have eaten their way through the Yankee Peddler.  Joe has come to the dark side and is learning to knit.  B think Ollie the dog has married.  Though all of this AJ has been able to do just a bit of knitting and Spinning.

Direct download: episode_20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:39am EDT
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The Yarn Discovery Tour is on!  Aj had done some stash enmhancement, gotten a few new toys, and is failing miserably in her knitting. <EPIC FAIL!>  Joe has decided that wants to see what all the fuss over knitting is about and plansto teach him to knit have commenced.

Direct download: Episode_19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19am EDT
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Happy Labor Day!  Aj is knitting nate a hat with a beard and 'Stache combo attached.  Joe has learned to read a knitting pattern (Kinda...) and B is running aroudn the yard with marshmallows.  Thatere's tons of knittinf and craziness gogin on this week!

Direct download: Episode_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:13am EDT
Comments[0]

The Embassy Scarf and the 1st of 3 Kitschy Tea Cup Pot Holders are done!  There's been lot's of spinning going on and something new on the needles.  It's also back to school season.  AJ laments that she can;t ever get the back to school shopping done in any minute but the last minute and almost had to kill an intern.

Direct download: episode_17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35pm EDT
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The podcast is late and AJ has a sore jaw.  What should of been a really productive fiber week got derailed by adventures in truffles and marshmallows only to be totally Kiboshed by Oral surgery and pain meds.  The Embassy Scarf by Amy Polcyn is still on the needles.  For some reason AJ hasn't given up on those scrap yarn socks yet and she learned that she can't lazy daisy worth a bean!  (What excactly is a bean worth, anyway?)

Direct download: episode_16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:33am EDT
Comments[0]

Aj, Joe, & B brave the heat at the Peninsula Fiber Fling.  There's Storehouse Black and Red Tea in the tea pot.  Aj get's lost in a tchotchke shop looking for tea.  Joe dodges a bullet when Aj doesn't buy a new pet and a knitting project was actrually completed!  HUZZAH!

Direct download: episode_15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30am EDT
Comments[0]

"Do Me A Solid" or To Ply or Not Two Ply

AJ has been knitting, and crocheting, and spinning like crazy all week.  There's all sorts of things mid stream and nothign is done!  The family has finally escaped the house and gotten that Mexican dinner,  Joe is corrupting B, and of all people B is the back seat driver!  Even with all the Hijinks and knitting AJ read Soulless by Gail Carriger and reviews it After 5.

Direct download: Episode_14.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:01am EDT
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Tour De Fleece is over!  Aussie Aussie oi oi oi!  AJ talks about what's on the needles, pulls out her crochet hooks, recaps Tour De Fleece 2011, and reviews "A fine Fleece: Knitting with handspun yarns" by Lisa Lloyd.  B helpd diego save the Pepper cheese Monkey.  While AJ renews he faith in Joe's masculinity.  (Not really...)

Direct download: Episode13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:20am EDT
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It's week two of Tour De Flecce and things on AJ's bobbins have gone south....  way south.  There's has been some knitting this week.  The Swatch from H#!! hs redeemed itself and the hibernating purple scarf has been finished.  B has decided he's jsut a jet pack away from life as the caped crusader and the whole house is and itchy mess!  Don't bats eat mosquitoes?

Direct download: episode12.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:35am EDT
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Week one of Tour De Fleece is over!  Aj isn't comitting to anything knitting wise and is workign on some UFO's and the swatch from Hades.  It's also been one honey of a week and AJ tells about her " Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very BadWeek".

Direct download: aj11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:50am EDT
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The Tour De Fleece is here!  This week AJ has on her white rookie jersey and is spinning with all she's got.  Even with all this spinning there's something in shipping, a celebratory tea in the tea pot, and Joe is weilding a hammer in the kitchen! <EGAD!>

Direct download: episode10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:47pm EDT
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WoolFest has come and gone. AJ talks about her long awaited spinning class, goings on at Wool Fest, the project that's finally off the needles, something new in production, and round 2 of "Joe doesn't want hand Knits". 

Direct download: episode9.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am EDT
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The wedding is over!  Aj get back to knitting on the Daybreak shawl by Stephen West,  Drinks several pots of Zhena's Gypsy tea, wears a ball of felted fiber on her head, and take a look at the grail of plus Size knitting Big Girl Knits by Jillian Moreno and Amy R Singer.

Direct download: episode8.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT
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This week AJ's "Life" keeps gettign the way of her knitting. AJ talks about her progress on the Daybreak, Tour De Fleece Training, how she wound up with a wet backside and covered in beans, and Intentional Spinning.

Direct download: episode7.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:07am EDT
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This week AJ discusses her progress and pitfalls with the Daybreak Shawl By Stephen West, discusses local fibery happenings, has finally cast on a plarn project, and we find out just how hard it is to look macho and cool while holding a balloon animal.  Aj also drools over some of the patterns in the Summer 2011 Knitscene Magazine. This week in the tea pot Kily Ginger Drink and Mystery Beijing Iris tea.

Direct download: episode6.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:07am EDT
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This week AJ and B were on the road.  AJ has forsaken all other patterns for the Daybreak Shawl by Stephen West this week.  Aj and B visit fiber friendly Greenfield village, Stash dive in Melissa's tea stash, complete the Tour De Food, and still get a bit of spinning and dyeing done along the way.

Direct download: ajknits5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:52am EDT
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AJ talks about the demise of her Juno Regina, gripes about multi size patterns, The Daybreak Shawl by Stephen west, MArshmallows, Drippy Cakes, her general lack of kitchen prowess, and much much more! 

Direct download: ajknits4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:30pm EDT
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In this episode AJ talks about the Wool-Aid charity and the Knit for Tibet initiative, what's on and off her needles,  Smokey Lapsang Suchong Tea, Plarn or Plastic Yarn, Socks for Geese, and The Crooked River Fiber fest.

Direct download: ajknits3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:47am EDT
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Happy Mother's Day!  In this Episode Aj talks about what's on her needles, Bahamian Rum Tea, the pattern that has gone awry, finished objects, Zombie BBQs and Vampire Knits!

Direct download: ajknits2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:01pm EDT
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This is the first episode of AJ Knits. In this episode AJ introduces herself and ansers the age old question "Why do a podcast?".  The host also shares what she has in production, what project has gone awfully wrong (and how many times), how she and her singing pig "Babe" are getting on, and general goings on in her life.

Direct download: musiceditaj1mp.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:22pm EDT
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