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

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

Friday, March 30, 2012

Episode 84 Slip, An Unsung Hero

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site for current and past episodes.
This show by sponsored by my Longaberger Home Business and Quince & Co.
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 earth friendly overseas suppliers. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.

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.  My business site is longaberger.com/paula

Pipeliner Notes
Carol asked how to distinguish yarn weights.  I talk about wraps per inch tool.  The best way is to do a gauge swatch.

I read a letter from LaLaLand

Nature Notes
Spring Beauty aka  Claytonica virginica  Closes up at night or on cloudy days.
Spring Beauty

Shepherd’s Purse is the flower/weed of the week.  Botanical: Capsella bursa-pastoris

The Flowers
 by Robert Louis Stevenson 
All the names I know from nurse:
Gardener's garters, Shepherd's purse,
Bachelor's buttons, Lady's smock,
And the Lady Hollyhock.

Fairy places, fairy things,
Fairy woods where the wild bee wings,
Tiny trees for tiny dames--

These must all be fairy names!

Tiny woods below whose boughs
Shady fairies weave a house;
Tiny tree-tops, rose or thyme,
Where the braver fairies climb!



Fair are grown-up people's trees,
But the fairest woods are these;
Where, if I were not so tall,
I should live for good and all.


My bench in the woods, surrounded by spring beauties and other fairy things.
 Needle Notes
Mystery Mittens for Me by Laura Linneman

Clever use of the slipped stitch...and that got me thinking about slipped stitches and how they are unsung heros.

Shetland wool fingering weight from Schoolhouse Press. 
Knit Stitch is like the good well behaved child.  Purl is rather like the black sheep of the family, in some circles anyway. The Slip Stitch is like the forgotten wall flower or perhaps the one we wouldn’t miss until it was gone.

I talk about some of the ways that the slip stitch, if it can be called a stitch at all, is used in knitting.
Edges, SSK and other decreases, colorwork patterns, texture patterns, slipped stitch heel flap, brioche, and mosaic knitting are some of the occasions when slipped stitches are essential.
Barbara Walker is probably the Queen of Slipped Stitches with her invention of Mosaic Knitting. I believe she is the inventor of it and certainly the mistress of it.  One piece is a tea cozy that is done in mosaic and then lined in red wool, a most effective way to keep a pot warm.
Faithful mosaic knitting tea cozy and faithful teapot.

It has at i-cord piping along the edge.

Inside lining is also mosaic knitting.



If you are doing stripes you can decide to slip a stitch at regular intervals and it looks a bit like stranded work.  On the next round, try purling your slipped stitch for a completely different effect.  It is fun to play around with color and slipped stitches.
The Blethering Room
Story about neglected wildflowers  Bastard Toadflax and Hoary Puccoon
In the Pipeline
Watching
Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables
Reading
Maisie Dobbs #3 and #4 Pardonable Lies and Messenger of Truth
Listening
Louise Penny Still Life
Knitting

Socks

Cardigan (in the planning stages)
Quince & Co Finch in Icelandic colorway. Waiting to become a sweater.

Quince & Co Tern in Boothbay Blue, a potential sweater for me.

Music
Lydia McCauley
Hawthorn from Quieting
www.magnatune.com

Haste ye back!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Episode 83 Captivating Cats

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site for current and past episodes.  Subscribe on iTunes!
This show by sponsored by my Longaberger Home Business and Quince & Co.

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 earth friendly overseas suppliers. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.

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.  My business site is longaberger.com/paula

Thank you to everyone who left 5 star reviews on iTunes, commented on the show blog, participated in the Knitting Pipeline Group on Ravelry, and send good vibes my way.  Our group on Ravelry is very friendly and I invite you to join us.  We have over 1586 members!

Pipeliner Notes
I read a note from Nancy.  Her husband is going to build owl houses.  Does anyone have experience with these?  Please let me know.
Nature Notes
Pileated woodpecker, spring peepers, and a fox runs past as I record the show.
Spring Beauty  Claytonia virginica
Native Americans ate the bulbs of this plant.  Euell Gibbons called it Fairy Spuds.

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~Henry Van Dyke
Needle Notes
Follow up on Purl Tension.  Cat Bordhi.  Video shared by offherneedles.  How to tighten your purl stitches.


The next two cats are Greta theCaptivating Cat by Rebecca Danger.  Inspired by Diane of Knitabulls.
Greta The First wanted a bow.  I used Malabrigo.

3 needle bind off was used to close the top.  Getting it turned inside out was painful.  I felt sorry for the cat.

Greta the Second I used kitchener stitch at the top of the head.  Had added stitches to the opening but still very small.
Greta the Second did not want a bow.  I used Jojoland Melody.

 
I use DMC Cotton Perle for the facial features.  You have to get it right or all the knitting is for naught.

Stuffing:  Always takes more than you think it will.
Not much to say about this KAL and I guess that is a good thing. 
Lorix5 has a lovely Piper's Journey!  I loved her photos and asked whether I might post them here for you to see.



The Blethering Room
I explain where The Blethering Room originated, with a group of friends who met online and met face to face in Virginia in 1999. “Blether” is the Scottish word for blather.
Book Notes
The Knitter’s Life List by Gwen W. Steege. Highly recommended.

In the Piping Circle

St. Patrick's Day Recap

I did a little yarn shop visit during the pub crawl.  I visited with Erin and Melinda at The Fiber Universe.  I wanted to stay and knit but the piping must go on!  I am wearing our special Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums St. Patrick's Day shirts.

Paula and Erin St. Patrick's Day 2012

Kevin and Heather with Bishop Daniel Jenky of the Peoria Diocese.
Music from Musica Pacifica.  Kid on the Mountain and Mountain Rose. www.magnatune.com
Haste ye back!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Episode 82 That Pesky Purl

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site for current and past episodes.
This show by sponsored by my Longaberger Home Business and Quince& Co.

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 earth friendly overseas suppliers. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter.

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.  My business site is www.longaberger.com/paula
BostenJen has a new podcast called Down Cellar StudioPodcast.
Erin, MommyNeedsYarn has video from the Knitting Pipeline Retreat on her show.  Episode 48 RetreatRecovery  Thank you, Erin! 
Pipeliner Notes
I read notes from Hybridgirl and Silverbell.
Bronwyn wrote on the group thread:
 I guess we’re all spun from the same sheep, knit from the same skein.
Nature Notes
80 degrees the past few days
Why a warm winter does not mean more insects in summer.
Spring Visitors:  Pileated Woodpecker
Franklin the Wild Turkey takes a few pecks at the window.
The peepers are back!
Flocks of blackbirds


Every day that is born into the world comes like a burst of music and rings the whole day through, and you make of it a dance, a dirge, or a life march, as you will.
Thomas Carlyle

Needle Notes
SpinunLady wrote about the Purl Stitch being larger, a question Charr posed last week.

Ysolda Teague Little Red in the City

The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt

The Principles of Private Detection by Clovis Andersen in Alexander McCall Smith’s #1 Ladies Detective Agency.  I read a short passage from Blue Shoes and Happiness.

Piper’s Journey KAL
Warm enough in March to sit on the deck and knit!

In The Pipeline
Listening this week:
CaithnessCraft Collective, Fiber Beat, Knit Knit CafĂ©, Knitting Brooklyn, Positively Overcommitted, and A Playful Day.   Thanks to A Playful Day for a mentioning Knitting Pipeline on her show.
Knitting:
Socks.  Austermannwool Step Classic had two knots, both of which landed on the heel and heel flap!
Hyla Brook final sample for Quince and Co.
Cardigan for me?   NantucketJacket by Norah Gaughn
 Paulie by Isabelle Kraemer 
The Lady Edith by Carrie Steinmetz
Susan B Anderson toys  McHenry and Fat Robin
Watching

Watched Anatomy of Knitting.  Erin is either switching to video or doing both.
Lie to Me  Tim Roth and Kelli Williams  
Project Runway All Stars
Owl Cam: The Hidden World.  Ward and June Barred Owls.   2 hours.  Ward is getting frustrated, is worried,   Learned:  some owls are a lot busier during the day than you might think. 

The Blethering Room
A Visitor surprised me when I was playing my pipes by the creek.
In The Piping Circle
St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow!  I will tweet.
Music
In Concert
Haste ye back!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Special Video! Quince Box of Colors

Charr, Bronwyn, Sarah, and I opened a sampler box of the Quince & Co yarns.  The skeins you see here are Chickadee (sport weight) but the same colors are available in all the 100% wool weights of Finch, Lark, Osprey, and Puffin.  The only colors you do not see are the Heathered Grays.

The camera was on a tripod and I am NOT experienced in video recording so please forgive the jerky zooming and the times that some of the color action is off the screen.  It is about 8 min long.  Enjoy! 

It really is better if you watch it on You Tube.  Click on the You Tube icon on the lower right corner. You can then expand to fill your screen.

Episode 81 Retreat Memories

Listen here or use the Flash Player in the side bar for current and past episodes. 
This show by sponsored by my Longaberger Home Business and Quince & Co.
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 earth friendly overseas suppliers. Find them at www.quinceandco.com and while you are there, sign up for their free e-newsletter. 



My home business web site is www.longaberger.com/paula 

Thank you to those who donated prizes for the retreat!
Bronwyn's Handmade Giveaway
ogledesign -- (Kim Ogle)
Deb Cannon aka debcquilts
Patfrag
Bar maids
Hollands Caramel Corn
Lindys Downtown Market

Quince video is here!

It's a Foursome on today's show. Paula Bronwyn, Charr, Sarah!

The best way to recap a retreat is to show photos!  Thank you, Nicole, for these photos.




Honeycomb Infinity Cowl by Nicole Montgomery

Nantucket Jacket by Norah Gaughn 

Piper’s Journey by Paula Emons-Fuessle



Soap Felting with Erin of The Fiber Universe

Nancy and Susanna
More soap felting

Linda and Penny

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Episode 80 The Owl That Might Have Been

Listen here or use the Flash Player on this site for current and past episodes.
This show by sponsored by Quince & Co, Peddler’s Way Quilt Co, and The Blend Cafe.

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 earth friendly overseas. 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.  http://www.peddlersway.com 

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 us - It is our 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 the front parking lot is full there is additional parking in the Russell’s Cycling and Fitness Center parking lot, just behind The Blend. www.theblendcoffee.com
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.

Pipeliner Notes

We did buy that first house we looked at because I fell in love with the front door. I could not have goats there.
I made a mistake when I told you last week about the way I do the selvedges instead of slipping the first stitch.  See directions in the sidebar on this site.
Last week’s episode brought out the goat lovers and back to the landers.  If anyone does send me a goat I will give it to one of you.
I read a note from SpringPeeper about her fondness for goats. 
Asta wrote about gjetost.  It is eaten in very thin slices and not combined with meat or much else other than perhaps a dab of lingonberry jam.

Nature Notes
Saturday morning I went on a Snowy Owl Expedition by myself.  A snowy owl had been seen at Illinois Central College.  This seemed to be the perfect moment for a snowy owl appearance as I was listening to David Tolk (see In The Pipeline), but I did not see one.
I took a walk later that day about sunset and I was looking up into the sky in a moment of complete reverie when I saw a white bird flapping its wings WAY UP HIGH.  I am 90% certain it was a Snowy Owl but can’t be sure.

Alone and warming his five wits, the white owl in the belfry sits.
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Needle Notes

Spectra by Stephen West


Began Gyllis by Stephen West but I frogged it.  The way the pattern was written was too frustrating.
OhSo Hat by Lee Bernstein
Well-written pattern and wonderful for beginners. Photos show female models but really is unisex and my husband likes it. 

Piper’s Journey KAL
Wave 2 starts March 5.  We started a new thread on March 1st because the other thread is getting quite long and that can be discouraging if you are just getting into it. Seasoned PJ knitters can jump in to help.
Piper's Journeys from left to right by Charr, Bronwyn, and Paula

In The Pipeline
Knitting
New shawl design called Hyla Brook and socks for retreat.

Considering casting on one of the other designs in Scarves, Etc.  Not sure which one.

Watching
Downtown Abbey is not a soap Opera.  Soap operas do not make a lasting impression, they do not have costumes like this or film in castles, and they do not have Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville.  You might say that soaps have come a long way since I last saw one in 1968 but they have not evolved that much.
Reading
Finished Birds of a Feather #2 in Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. 
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonsen  Random House 2010  Love, love, love this book!    Helen Simonsen’s first novel and may she write many more. The writing reminds me so much of Alexander McCall Smith.
Listening
Since finishing The Paris Wife by Paula McClain I am catching up on podcasts.  Thank you to Louise of Caithness Craft Collective Podcast for her shout out for Piper’s Journey.
David Tolk.  In Reverence.  Title song of CD which I have purchased on iTunes.  Beautiful.

The Blethering Room
I tell a story about meeting Hazel Carter, lace knitter and designer, about 2000.  I asked her how to pronounce “Mma” and “Rra”.
Travel safely to the Knitting Pipeline Retreat.  Yikes! It starts tomorrow!
Have a great week.  Haste ye back.  Hold your knitting close.

About Me

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