Knitting Pipeline is sponsored by my Longaberger home businessn and Quince & Co.

Knitting Pipeline is sponsored by Quince & Co. and Knitcircus Yarns

Friday, February 24, 2012

Episode 79 Capricious Slips

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site for current and past episodes.  Subscribe on iTunes!
This episode is sponsored by Quince & Co, The Blend Cafe, and Knit4Together.  Thank you!
The folks at Quince & Co believe that businesses can be good citizens—should be good citizens—without making too much a fuss about it. So, they have created a line of thoughtfully conceived yarns spun from American wool or sourced from overseas suppliers who grow plants, raise animals, or manufacture a yarn in as earth- and labor-friendly a way as possible. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.

The Blend CafĂ© is an independent coffee shop in Washington IL  The Blend's slogan, “Where coffee and community come together,” is more than just a catchy phrase to them - It is their passion! Our desire is to provide a comfortable place for those in our community to gather together and enjoy good company along with GREAT coffee. If coffee is not YET your beverage of choice, come anyway - we serve wonderful teas, smoothies, and ice cream drinks to go along with our fresh baked goods, desserts, and sandwiches.  I would like to congratulate Yvonne and all The Blend employess as they were recently awarded the 2012 Outstanding Business Award from the Washington Chamber of Commerce! 

Knit 4 Together is an knitting and fiber shop in Dunlap IL just north of Peoria IL.  Knit 4 Together Yanr Company specializes in a fine variety of fibers to meet a variety of budgets.  Co-owned and run by five ladies who love to knit--and love to teach--there is a chair wiating for you.  Just bring your needles...we're certain you'll find som crumptious yarn for your next project.  www.knit4together.com or call 309.243.9499

I enjoy your feedback, comments on the blog, and questions.  Feel free to write to me at Paulaef@aol.com or on Ravelry as PrairiePiper.

Charity Notes

Jessica of Knitting Brooklyn podcast is hosting a charity KAL.  Preemie hats will be donated in memory of Remy who was born premature. 
 
Prize Drawing and Pipeliner Notes

The prize is a skein of yarn from Roman Hills either Dowager Countess or Lady Sybil
The winner is #40!

Congratulations Sarah aka smurphy2!  Please contact me with your mailing information.

Nature Notes

Another Pipeliner has seen the Snowy  Owl!  Martha/aka Goldybear.

February is a month of light.  In the Northern Hemisphere our mornings and evening are filled with more hours of daylight.  We are moving away from the short dark days of the Winter Solstice. It is that first hint that winter will be leaving us…but not yet.  Bob and I both noticed independently that the birds are singing more in the mornings.  The chickadees and cardinals are staking out nesting territories.  Birds have different sounds for different situations. These calls seem to say, “This place is mine!  Here I am.”  Despite the warm winter don’t worry too much about the birds.  They have been around for a long time and their nesting, migratory, and mating patterns are more related to light than temperature.  They won’t accidentally lay eggs in February just because it is warmer than normal.  Today I saw the red-wing blackbirds lined up along the fences that line the farm fields.  I was looking for snowy owls.  I saw red-wings.  And that is good too, especially the first red wings of the season.

Thanks to Alisonc I just read the most fascinating book.  Goat Song: A Seasonal Life. A short history of Herding and the art of making cheese by Brad Kessler.  Highly recommended!

Needle Notes

Piper’s Journey KAL.  Wave 2 starts on March 5, 2012.
Note that the shawl will grow considerably since you are knitting at a looser gauge than recommended for a tighter fabric.
Slipping Stitches make a cleaner edge but there are times when this is not advised.  Slipping the first stitch of a row will tighten the edge, which is sometimes not what you want to do.
If a pattern says to slip a stitch and the pattern does not specify then you should slip as if to purl.
In general
  • You slip as if to purl if the stitch is not going to be worked at that time.
  • You slip as if to knit if the stitch is going to be worked.
The Blethering Room

I blether about a house we looked at when we first moved to this area, Norwegian Gjetost, and a few more tips on things to take to a retreat.  A notebook is a good idea.
About those Autumn Glory Apples…our local market will probably be sold out by the time of our retreat.  I didn’t want to be greedy and buy up the whole bin.

In the Pipeline

Knitting:  Spectra by Stephen West.  2 Knit Lit Chicks KAL  60 wedges done and 25 to go!
I need to figure out my retreat knitting.
Watching:
Downtown Abbey is over.  It is sad.  Thankfully there is another season to look forward to.  And to those of you who do not have television, I applaud you! 
Listening:
Finished The Paris Wife by Paula MacClain.
This Birding Life/Bird Watcher’s Digest Bill Thompson III  Snowy Owl Invasion
Music by Lydia McCauley.  Apples on the Tree.  www.magnatune.com

Haste ye back!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Episode 78 Retreat Tips

Listen here or use the Flash Player in the side bar. 
These wonderful businesses are sponsors of our retreat and this episode: Quince & Co, Ewe-nique Yarns, Peddler’s Way Quilt Co, TheFiber Universe, The Blend, and Knit4Together…and of course, my Longaberger Home business.  Their sponsorship helped keep the cost of the retreat down so we hope you will support them as best you can.

The folks at Quince & Co believe that businesses can be good citizens—should be good citizens—without making too much a fuss about it. So, they have created a line of thoughtfully conceived yarns spun from American wool or sourced from overseas suppliers who grow plants, raise animals, or manufacture a yarn in as earth- and labor-friendly a way as possible. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.
Ewe-nique Yarns is a full-service yarn shop located at The Field Shopping Center in Morton IL.  Among the items they carry are a full line of Addi needles, Chiagoo, and Knit Picks.  They also stock Malabrigo, Madelinetosh, Frog Tree, Elsabeth Lavold, Debbie Bliss, Claudia Handpainted, Louisa Harding, Rowan, Sublime and dozens more. Debbie and Jenny are happy to ship to Pipeliners. 
Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is  located just about a mile from our retreat location just off the historic Washington Square.  Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is practically at the back door of those of you staying at The Cornerstone Inn Bed and Breakfast.  On the second floor of this 6,000 sq ft store is a fiber corner with an array of fine quality yarns, books, and needles.  http://www.peddlersway.com 
The Fiber Universe in Peoria IL  provides quality products, service and instruction for fiber enthusiasts. They stock yarn from Cascade, Plymouth, Skacel, Three Irish Girls, Kauni, Jojoland, Claudia Handpaints, and more.  Fibers for spinning and felting are available from local farms.  The Fiber Universe accepts orders over the phone and offers free shipping on orders over $50.  Check out their website, www.thefiberuniverse.com or give them a call today at 309.673.5659.
The Blend is an independent specialty coffee shop in Washington IL  The Blend has espresso drinks, teas, and freshly roasted beans. New Flash! Recipient of the 2012 Outstanding Business Award from the Washington Chamber of Commerce!
New knitters at The Blend
The  Blend Hours: Monday-Friday (6am-10pm) Saturday (7am-10pm) Sunday (7am-4pm)  The Blend will be set up at our retreat so you can purchase GOOD coffee while you knit.  

Knit 4 Together Yarn Co is a full service knitting and fiber shop in Dunlap IL just north of Peoria IL.  Owned and operated by 5 friends, Knit 4 Together is a cosy shop crammed with fiber, books, and accessories. 209 N 2nd St, Dunlap, IL 61525 309-243-9499. Hours: T-SAT 10-4 TH 10-8
I enjoy your feedback, comments on the blog, and questions.  Feel free to write to me at Paulaef@aol.com or on Ravelry as PrairiePiper.

I would like to thank the wonderful knitters who tested my first shawl design, Piper’s Journey. It was released last week and thanks to all of you it has gotten a lot of attention. The Knit Along is piping right along too. A big round of applause for test knitters Molly, Amy, Bronwyn, Charr, Judy, Louise, Meghan, Nancy, Sarah, Deb, Mimi, and tomatkatgreen.
Our retreat!  We still are still accepting reservations...
March 2-3, 2012
(Friday night and all day Saturday)
Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571

Needle Notes

Charr: 
Norby by Gudrun Johnston
Bronwyn
Piper’s Journey by Paula Emons-Fuessle
A Very Good Cowl Indeed by Liz Abinante
LTK Braided Cap by Theresa Belville
Paula

Started Mystery Mitten KAL with Laura Linneman 

General Retreat Tips
Things to bring:

  • Social knitting.  Easy, autopilot.
  • More than one project, possibly another weight and needle size.
  • Waste yarn and needles in case you want to learn a new technique.
  • Business cards.  Vistaprint has low cost/free.
  • Camera
  • Knitting Notions
  • Wear:
  • Your handknits!
  • Bring layers of clothing as facilities tend to run hot/cold and you may too.
  • Be comfortable.

For those coming to our retreat please bring a mug for tea or hot drinks so we can save on paper goods.
We talk about eating and shopping in our town of Washington.
Maria's  for those with special diets or if you just like good food.
Basta O'Neills for wonderful Italian and Irish fare
Gracie's Chicago Style Grille next to The Sleep Inn
Michael's Italian Feast.  Famous for their bread. Not much atmosphere here though. Most of the locals carry out.  Just so you know.
Cummin's for cafe style food, jello salad, cottage cheese and PIE!  Their breakfast special is super and is only a bit over $4.  Did you really expect a web site?
We forgot to mention The C-Note Pub which is located in the same building as The Cornerstone Inn.  They have wonderful sandwiches and THE BEST sweet potato fries.  The Denhardt Baking Company is our usual place to go for breakfast after church.  They cannot easily handle large groups though.
High Note/Low Note
Bronwyn’s high is Grady’s imagination.  Low (very) is bending back a fingernail.  Ouch!

Paula’s high is a new apple called Autumn Glory.  It is has a unique taste. Low Note: mealy and mushy apples.
Charr’s highs.  Seeing a bright red male cardinal outside of Paula’s window and Red Velvet Cake Doughnuts from Ron’s Bakery.  

Friday, February 10, 2012

Episode 77 Short Rows and Spirals

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site.

Be sure to leave a comment below to enter the drawing for a skein of Dowager Countess from Roman Hills.  If you have problems leaving a comment try being "anonymous" but be sure to leave contact information of some kind!

This show is sponsored by Quince & Co, Peddler’s Way Quilt Co, and The Fiber Universe.

The folks at Quince & Co believe that businesses can be good citizens—should be good citizens—without making too much a fuss about it. So, they have created a line of thoughtfully conceived yarns spun from American wool or sourced from overseas suppliers who grow plants, raise animals, or manufacture a yarn in as earth- and labor-friendly a way as possible. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.
Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is a sponsor of our show and our knitting Pipeline Retreat, March 2-3, 2012 in Washington IL.  The shop is located just about a mile from our retreat location just off the historic Washington Square.  Peddler’s Way Quilt Shop is practically at the back door of those of you staying at The Cornerstone Inn Bed and Breakfast.  On the second floor of this 6,000 sq ft store is a fiber corner with an array of fine quality yarns, books, and needles. 

The Fiber Universe in Peoria IL  provides quality products, service and instruction for fiber enthusiasts. They stock yarn from Cascade, Plymouth, Skacel, Three Irish Girls, Kauni, Jojoland, Claudia Handpaints, and more.  Fibers for spinning and felting are available from local farms.  The Fiber Universe accepts orders over the phone and offers free shipping on orders over $50.  Check out their website, www.thefiberuniverse.com or give them a call today at 309.673.5659.
I enjoy your feedback, comments on the blog, and questions.  Feel free to write to me at Paulaef@aol.com or on Ravelry as PrairiePiper.
Knitting Pipeline Retreat!
Bronwyn the Brave is keeping a list of those registered for the retreat.  The list is posted on our Knitting Pipeline Group on Ravelry.
March 2-3, 2012 (Friday night and all day Saturday)
Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571
$50 for all or $40 for Sat only.  Includes Fri nite meal, light breakfast on Sat, and Saturday lunch
Make check payable to Paula Emons-Fuessle: Mail to: Knitting Pipeline Retreat, PO Box 549, Washington IL 61571

Pipeliner Notes
Dorothy’s letter last week struck a chord with many listeners. 
Chris left a message about her sighting of a barn owl.
Karebot has a great conversation starter.  What would you do during a zombie apocalypse? 
A correction from last week’s show: (Thank you spinsjal!)  Joshua Tucker is a massage therapist, NOT a physical therapist.  Read Wendy’s note on our board with another side to the issue.
Nature Notes
Last Friday we awoke to dense fog which was not an auspicious beginning to our Snowy Owl Expedition.  Well, maybe it was.  We made it to the Emiquon Wetland Preserve and saw quite a few American Bald Eagles.  We also saw Snow Geese!  There were thousands of them flying in ribbons as far as we could see down the waterway.
Funky and Aizome did see Snowy Owls in Minnesota!  I have not given up yet and there is always next year.
Featured Nature writer: John Madson Where the Sky Began: Land of the Tallgrass Prairie. 1982

Poem found in the front of John Madson's book...
To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,
 One clover, and a bee,
And revery.
The revery alone will do
 If bees are few.
Emily Dickinson

Needle Notes

Yarn recommendations for socks (that will wear well).
Traci (4 girls) Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Woolen Rabbit Harmony, Opal
Prairiepoet:  Blue Moon Fiber Lightweight Socks that Rock
For the record, I have tried duplicate stitch (Swiss Darning) and do not like it for the tight gauge of socks.
I read a letter from JudyBee who is knitting Kevlar into her bullet proof socks!  Even Charlene Schurch was impressed!
Ten Stitch Twist by Frankie Brown took a little over a month to knit using stash yarn.

May I say how much I love my joins?


Spirals are soothing and relaxing even when there are short rows involved. Project notes are here.
Blanket measures 42” across and I figure it is about a sweater’s worth of worsted weight yarn.
The Blethering Room
Article about Pam Allen 

Piper’s Journey KAL begins!  The pattern is available at Quince & Co. in the Scarves, etc.  The whole collection is stunning!  Tag your Piper's Journey shawls for the KAL as pipersjourneykal.  Thank you for your support of my first published design!



In the Pipeline
Oops from last week!  I have done more cowls than I thought.  Kilkenny Cowl by Pam Allen is one of Emily’s favorites. 

Spectra by Stephen West.  2 Knit Lit Chicks KAL

Watching…
Downtown Abbey…we have a giveaway from Roman Hills!  They have a stunning and very clever Downton Abbey Line with colorways named for the characters.  Leave a comment below to be entered into a drawing for a skein of the Dowager Countess.  What is a weekend?  Thank you, Roman Hills!  You have until Feb 21 to leave a comment.
Listening:
The Paris Wife by Paula MacClain.  I’m falling behind in podcast listening.
Reading:
Finished Zombies Don’t Cry: Book One in a Living Dead Love Story.  By Rusty Fischer  Last week I said it was funny.  Right after that it was not so funny.  It was sad.
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear Book 2 in Maisie Dobbs series.
Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A  Short History of Herding, and the Art of Making Cheese.  Recommended by Alisonc.
Bob Dylan was inspired by the Robert Burns tune featured at the end of this episode.  It is sung by Shira Kammen from A Celebration of Robert Burns.  www.magnatune.com
O my Luve's like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve's like the melodie
That’s sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I:
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry:

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee well, my only Luve
And fare thee well, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

Thanks for listening!  Haste ye back!

Remember to leave contact information (Ravelry name, email, blog) in your comment so you are eligible for the drawing of the Dowager Countess from Roman Hills!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Episode 76 Save our Socks!

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site for current and past episodes.
This episode is sponsored by Quince & Co and The Fiber Universe.
The folks at Quince & Co believe that businesses can be good citizens—should be good citizens—without making too much a fuss about it. So, they have combined efforts to create a line of thoughtfully conceived yarns spun from American wool or sourced from overseas suppliers who grow plants, raise animals, or manufacture a yarn in as earth- and labor-friendly a way as possible. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.
The Fiber Universe provides quality products, service and instruction for fiber enthusiasts. They stock yarn from Cascade, Plymouth, Skacel, Three Irish Girls, Kauni, Jojoland, Claudia Handpaints, and more.  Fibers for spinning and felting are available from local farms.  The Fiber Universe accepts orders over the phone and offers free shipping on orders over $50.  Check out their website, www.thefiberuniverse.com or give them a call today at 309.673.5659.
Knitting Pipeline Retreat!
We still have room for you!  
March 2-3, 2012 (Friday night and all day Saturday)
Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N Main St., Washington IL 61571
$50 for all or $40 for Sat only.  Includes Fri nite meal, light breakfast on Sat, and Saturday lunch.
Make check payable to Paula Emons-Fuessle
Mail to:
Knitting Pipeline Retreat
PO Box 549
Washington IL 61571
Pipeliner Notes
I read a letter from Dorothy about her wonderful mother and how she knitted until her recent death.
Nature Notes
Stitch Markers from Kim Ogle.  www.ogledesign.etsy.com
Karin says that Bertie the Bat is back!
I’m still on the watch for the snowy owl.  Thanks to everyone who has sent me information.  There was a clip on the NBC evening news onWed Feb 1. 
Tomorrow I may be going on a snowy owl expedition to Emiquon.  I think time is running out.

Needle Notes
I’ve been proactive about my sock knitting lately.
  1. Choose yarn that will wear well.  What are your favorite hard wearing sock yarns?
  2. Knit to a tight gauge
  3. Close fit (negative ease)
  4. Smooth skin (bring on the lotion!)
  5. Pre-darning
Tips from Clara Parkes in Vogue:
  1. Look at your socks.  See what areas are wearing out.  When you come to these areas in your knitting go down a needle size.
  2. Turn socks inside out. Thread a blunt needle with your sock yarn and run it through the purl bumps on the wrong side.  I took this a step further by making horizontal rows with mohair-silk blend.

Inside of sock showing pre-darned area.


First thread is sticky.  Do this one thing for your wrist pain.
Joshua Tucker specializes in the elimination of carpal tunnel pain and symptoms.   

The Blethering Room

Piper’s Journey KAL
We will start as soon as the pattern is released by Quince & Co.  I hope this will be in the next week!
In the Pipeline
Designed a cowl in 2 yarn weights and going for a 3rd.  I enjoy wearing it.

On the Home Stretch on Ten Stitch Twist by Frankie Brown.
Spectra by Stephen West with 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast.
I bought bulky yarn to make Lee Bernstein’s OhSo Hat
Watching:
Downtown Abbey!  Now has its own thread on our Knitting Pipeline Ravelry Group
Filmed on location in Scotland (Argyll), kilts, kilt hose, Scottish Country Dancing, pipe music, a knitted shawl, Fair Isle Vests, and Colin Firth!

Listening
The Paris Wife by Paula McClain  
Reading
Zombies Don’t Cry: Book One in a Living Dead Love Story.  By Rusty Fischer  Yes, my first zombie teen fiction. 
The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within.  William C. Bryant
I didn't have time to get music on the show this week. I am looking for snowy owls!
Haste ye back!

About Me

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I play the Great Highland Pipes, knit, observe nature, and read. My name on Ravelry is PrairiePiper. Find me on Instagram as KnittingPipeline.