Electronic Knitting Group

The Real Episode 25

2010-06-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the two false starts Thursday and yesterday. Kristen is having some telephone service issues (the phone company's fault, not hers) and I've felt pretty icky the past few days, so we weren't able to record when we wanted to.

This time, we will prevail! So, be sure to tune in Friday, June 4th at 10PM and we'll talk about taveling on the go this summer. We'll be there; hope you will too!

Episode 25 - Traveling Stitches

2010-05-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at a special time, Thursday, May 27th at 9PM, as we talk about knitting on the go! We'll give advice about knitting on a plane, keeping your projects tidy, and quick weekend excursion projects. Come chat along or call in with your own advice or horror stories!

And pay attention for a special announcement. It's important, so you don't want to miss it!

Episode 24 - Fur Balls

2010-05-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

We're back!!! And this week, we're talking about knitting in homes with pets. K and I both have "fur babies" and sometimes they make knitting a challenge. But we love them, so we are still tempted to knit them little things!
Come chat and gab along with some patterns for pets (clothes, toys, beds) and solutions to keep your pets out of your fiber! As usual, we'll bring some ideas, too!
See you then!

EDIT: You can find the show here!

Show Notes:

Bedding:
Muppet Pelt Assmat by Laura Wilson-Martos
10-stitch Twist by Frankie Brown

Mally chillin' on the bearskin rug~

Toys:
Whale Cat Toys by Vicki Mikulak
Feline Dim Sum by Julie Falatko
Fetch by Kris Knits

Dog Sweater 102-40 by Drops Design Studio

Finally, some sleeping baby pictures. Just because I can!

Mally @ 3 months - medicine cap included for scale.

Penny @ 2 months - my butt included for scale. . . .

And now, Mona the wonder kitty!

Nov. 2006 (about 1.5 years after adoption)

Mona and her favorite toy: A shoestring!

Dec. 2009

Much fatter and sassier in Grandma's kitchen.

Be sure to share pictures of your fur babies, too!

Pomp and Circumstance

2010-05-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Because K is so pompous (or circumstantial), we will not be having a show this week.

Actually, it's graduation and hooding this weekend, and K's family will be in town, so we're postponing for a week. If you have any show ideas for next week, let us know!

Congratulations Kristen and the others we know who are graduating this weekend! And congratulations to all the graduates in general!

Episode 23: Podcasting for Charity

2010-05-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

Well, since I have a lack of cleverness for the title this week (and you really should be careful not to poke fun at charity!), K's title is the winner!

This Friday, May 7th, we will be talking about knitting for charities that need knitted, or crocheted, goods and about knitting purchases we can make that support some great charities. During the podcast, K will be walking in the ACS Relay for Life in Elkin, NC (see the info and donate in the post below). Be sure to post here or on the ravelry group some causes that you would like us to mention!

Just yesterday (Sunday), I participated in a charity walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with my lab coworkers. Our team site is: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=6745&idUser=373636

Even though the walk is over, you can still donate to the CFF if you feel lead to do so. Just use the links from this page or go to www.cff.org directly.

This is the time of year for charity races and walks, so it seemed the right time for us to do a show on how knitting and knitters change the world for the better!

Podcasting for Charity

2010-05-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

I've been asked about the charity event I'm doing during next week's podcast.

You can find more information about the Relay for Life (a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society) here. If you would like to donate, my fundraising page is here. If anyone gets a luminaria in honor/memory of someone e-mail their name to ekgpodcast at gmail dot com and I'll find it and photograph it for you (provided it isn't one of those few that catch fire very early in the night . . . ).

Cynthia, you should put up some information about the Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser! :)

Episode 21: Legal Tinder

2010-04-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, let's see if Low-Tech Cynthia can get the pics from Friday's show up here! Hopefully, you will see the yarn pre-burn and post burn. I'm not sure how much help the pictures will be, but I thought I would try to give you all a visual of my pyro evening! K will get the rest of the show notes up soon (I think).

These are the "Before" shots, minus the Wool-Silk blend. It blew away or something and I found it after. (PS: Can you tell what colors I'm drawn to?)

This is the yarn after, now with the Wool-Silk. I didn't burn the 100% wool, but I wasn't savvy enough to crop it out. If I had burned it, it should act like the alpaca (far left).

Well, it seems that I figured out how to post these pics! If it looks odd to you (and K doesn't jump in
and fix my mess), please let me know in the comments and I'll try to adjust. I hope you all had as much fun with this show as we did! Just remember: Be safe when burning your yarn!

Back in the Saddle

2010-04-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely listeners! I'm back from my recovery and just about ready to start podcasting again! Not this Friday but the next (April 23) should be the next show, unless K has something up her sleeve. So, be looking here and on Talkshoe for the info and topic!

Thanks for the well wishes and concern during my surgery and recovery. The Mom came up and took care of me (and the Brother did, too), so I'm doing really well. Can't wait to hear what you all have been knitting and thinking about since we've been on break!

Cynthia Update

2010-03-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

We had a man on the inside today (Cynthia's baby brother) and he has informed me that she is out of surgery. The surgeon was able to perform the procedure by laproscopy, so she will be able to go home this afternoon and her healing time will be greatly reduced!

Photography Teaser

2010-03-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Learn how to take photos that accurately showcase your gorgeous yarns!

On the left we see a photo taken with on-camera flash - highlights are blown out and that harsh shadow detracts from the subject. The photo on the right uses diffused light which eliminates harsh shadows and shows the true depth, texture, and color of the yarn.

Episode 20- Teach a friend to knit and she'll always be warm

2010-03-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

This week we're talking about tips for teaching new knitters and some help for said new knitters. You've heard the old saying "Teach a man to fish. . .", well, this is the knitting version.

Be sure to call in with your stories about teaching someone to knit or when you learned. Share tips for the newbies in our audience, too!

We'll have an announcement about the break and what to expect when we get back, so tune in!

Show Notes:

General Knitting Announcements:
It is almost time for Webs' annual yarn sale in April and May
Berocco has released the sock star booklet!
Smiley's Yarns (Moda Dea Washable Wool, an EKG podcast favorite, is on sale!)

Great resources for new knitters:
Knitting videos
Help from the knitting community at Ravelry.

Show Announcements:
This will be our last "official" podcast for a while. Cynthia will be out for surgery for the next 2-6 weeks. I will keep you updated on her convalescence.
In the meantime, I will be doing some mini-podcasts about some photography techniques. The first topic will be about how to photograph yarn and will have an in-depth tutorial here on blogger.

Download or stream the show at talkshoe, or find it listed under Electronic Knitting Group on iTunes.

Episode 20 Postponed

2010-03-17T11:35:00.001-07:00

Dear Listeners,
Due to K traveling, me being in meetings all day, and, frankly, a lack of a really good show topic, we will be postponing Episode 20 until next week. That will be our last show before my "surgery break".
Meanwhile, maybe you all (or ya'll if you're feeling Southern like me) can send us some ideas for show topics. Thanks to those that already have, and thanks to those who will!

Remember, tune in March 26th for Episode 20 and we'll give you a sneak peek of what to expect after the break!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Episode 19 - Reel to Real

2010-03-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

Join us this week as we talk about movie and tv inspired patterns! From Harry Potter to Twilight, Lord of the Rings to The Holiday, knitwear is all over! Whether the patterns are remakes or just inspired by characters, what we watch influences what we knit. Be sure to call in, chat along, or leave us some ideas to include here or on the ravelry group! Don't let your favorites go unmentioned!

Also, we'll be drawing for our 5K download yarn winner! You've still got a few days to enter, so leave us a comment and you're in!

See you all Friday at 10pm!

Show Notes:

Cynthia is knitting Mommy socks, a baby bib, and a burpcloth (her own pattern).

Congratulations to Karli29 who won a skein of Spritely Goods' Spring Tulips fingering weight yarn. Email us at ekgpodcastatgmaildotcom! Thank you to everyone who participated!

Just for fun - the yarn quiz! Apparently I've had a radical personality shift, and am now Merino wool - SWEET! What type of yarn are you?

Movie/Show Knits:

Pushing Daisies - Ned's Toasty Hat and Scarf - check out that gorgeous example by Orna!

Star Trek -
Star Trek Jr. - for the geeky babies in your life.
Pot Holders - they are double-knit. Very cool!
Fairisle Charts
Leia Wig
Lightsaber

Coraline
Coraline's Gloves
Coraline's Star Sweater

Harry Potter
Hogwarts Scarves
Prisoner of Azkaban-style Scarves
Potter Puppet Pals Finger Puppets - (crochet)

The Holiday
Fireside Sweater - not technically designed after the one in movie but we <3 it just as hard!

Twilight Series
Bella's Mittens
Rosalie's Lunchtime Scarf

Firefly
Wash's Sweater
Jayne Cobb Hat - there are so many patterns for this hat - find the one that suits you best!

Find the show on iTunes as "Electronic Knitting Group" or download/stream directly from talkshoe.

Episode 18 - Space Invaders!

2010-03-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

This week we're discussing our UFOs, unfinished objects! We're braving the bottom of the knitting bag and owning up to what we've neglected! Join us as we talk about what made us want to start the project, what made us put it down, and why we never seemed able to pick it up again. Call in to tell us your stories about UFOs and give us some advice about how to get them finished! See you Friday night at 10PM!!

Show Notes:

Magic Loop @ knittinghelp.com
Malabrigo Sock - I think Cynthia is using Chocolate Amargo

Cynthia's UFOs
Cabled Vest from Knit So Fine - ripped
Mommy Socks! - secret stealthy gift knitting
Mommy Afghan (her own pattern)

Kristen's UFOs
Tangled Yolk Cardigan
OWLs Sweater
Shedir

Drawings for the contest will be held next week. You can see the prize here! Go to our Ravelry group to participate!

And finally - Muppet Aliens (made of a fun fur-like material!)

Episode 17-Spring Forward

2010-02-25T12:07:00.000-08:00

This week (as in, tomorrow) we will be wishing our way into Spring by talking about some "springy" patterns that have caught our attention and some yarn suggestions for those patterns. Call in or chat along with your own suggestions! Spring means something different to every person, so let us know what it means to you!

Also, I want to apologize for the questionable sound quality of the last show. Normally, we each have our own phone/mic but this past week we were sharing and I don't think the mic was catching us equally. Not to mention we broke into giggles every two minutes. This week should be more like what you've heard in the past, quality- and giggles-wise.

Can't wait to hear your ideas! Remember, Fridays at 10PM now!
Show Notes:

Cynthia is knitting a felted bag inspired by the Candy Stripers Laptop Bag. (Is it sad that I typed Candy Strippers at first?)

Spring Publications
Interweave Preview
Vogue Preview

Spring-Inspired Yarns
Lopi, the Wonderful Wool - Lots of hand-dyed pastels; shipping only $3.50 from Iceland!
Stricken Smitten - blues, greens, and purples - the colors of nature! Has some bamboo blend sock yarns
Silk and Shine - lots of colors seen in flowers, saturated hues. Both yarns and rovings available

Patterns for Spring Weather
Bell Curve by Kira Dulaney
Katrina Ballerina Lace Layering Cardigan by Nicole Feller-Johnson
Foreign Corespondent's Scarf by Lexy Lu

Episode 16- A gift for the knitter who has everything

2010-02-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

We're back this week with an in person show for K and I. My birthday is this week, too, so we had the idea to talk about gifts that knitters really enjoy. Maybe our list will help your loved ones know what to get you instead of random yarn that you have no idea how to use! Take some time to call in or chat along to give us some of your ideas. We are only two people and we can't think of everything!

Show Notes:

Fun Subscriptions for Knitters:
Netflix
Blockbuster
Audible

Gifts you can wrap!
Ashland Sky Stick Sacks - clear (waterproof!) project bags
Claire Payne - Needle Cases in really pretty fabrics
Julie Knowles' Pottery - gorgeous yarn bowls
Andrea Jene - Stitch Markers, Patten Keepers, and Notion Tins
Beverage Warmer - for endurance knitting!

Reminder

2010-02-11T14:56:00.001-08:00

Remember, kids, no podcast this Friday, but we'll return Feb. 19th with an "in person" show! K and I will be in the same town (for real this time, no excuses!)! I'll post the show topic tomorrow or this weekend to give you time to formulate what you want to call in and say!

Episode 14 - Viral Knits

2010-01-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

Some knits take off like wildfire! We discussed some of our favorites and our theories on why these patterns are so popular.

Pullovers:
Viral
Cobblestone Pullover by Jared Flood. 1759 projects (#2)
Owls by Kate Davies 2406 projects (#1).
Recommended
119-2 (Jumper with shirred pattern on yoke) by DROPS Design

Cardigans:
Viral
February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne. 7929 projects (#1)
Central Park Hoodie by Heather Lodinsky. 3220 projects (#3)
Recommended
Cardigan Mango by Lena Henkel

Hats:
Viral
Koolhaas by Jared Flood. 4360 projects (#4)
Recommended
Twisted Raveler by Audrey Chamberlain

Shawl/Wrap:
Viral
Ishbel by Ysolda Teague. 5175 projects (#2 in this category)
Recommended
Regal Comfort Shawl by Grace Yaskovic
Haruni by Emily Ross

Socks:
Viral
Pomatomus by Cookie A. 3198 projects (#6)

Top Ten Most Popular Patterns on Ravelry:
10. Saartje's Bootees by Saartje de Bruijn
9. Turn A Square by Jared Flood
8. February Lady Sweater by pamela wynne
7. Noro Striped Scarf by Jared Flood
6. Ishbel by Ysolda Teague
5. Clapotis by Kate Gilbert
4. Monkey by Cookie A.
3. Calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf
2. Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann
1. Fetching by Cheryl Niamath

Remember, our new recording time will be on Fridays at 10:00 EST!

Episode 12- Bookworms (one more try)

2010-01-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

I know we've tried this topic before, but technical difficulties caused us to not post the show. We both love books and we both love knitting so we figure you do, too! Call in or chat along with us as we revel in our favorite knitting books and the books we would love to own! We're at the regular time this week: Saturday at 11PM EDT. Can't wait to hear from you then!

Episode 11 - Oh, baby. It's cold outside!

2010-01-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

The subject of today's podcast is baby knits!

Cynthia is knitting the February Baby Sweater (ravelry link)

General guidelines for baby measurements at Bev's Country Cottage.

Patterns
An excellent online knitting 'zine geared towards babies and young children - Petite Purls.
Knitty.com's archive for children's patterns (including Blu and Anouk)
Digital pamphlets from Knitting Daily
Little Devil Pants from Stitch & Bitch Nation (ravelry link)

Episode 11- Oh, Baby It's Cold Outside!

2010-01-07T09:56:00.001-08:00

We tried to do this show a few weeks ago, but traveling and last minute doctor's appointments messed up the plan. However, we still have babies coming into our lives, and you probably do too, so we're trying again!

Call in or chat along with us as we mention some of our favorite baby patterns, the projects we've done in the past/are currently knitting, and you tell us about your favorites!

Note the special day and time of this show: SUNDAY January 10th and 8PM. (K is traveling, so she won't be at the computer Saturday.)

Can't wait to see you then!

Podcast Holiday

2009-12-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Never fear, loyal listeners, EKG will return after the New Year. Not exactly sure when, but keep an eye on Talk Shoe for the next scheduled show.

There are many crazy stories to explain why we've been behind on podcasting, so you just have to tune in to hear about them!

From Kristen and myself, Merry Christmas (tomorrow) and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Just kidding

2009-12-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

Circumstances this weekend are leading to K and I not being in the same place when we record, nor recording tonight (Saturday). We'll keep in touch as to when we will be able to record the next show.

PS: I think the baby shower went well. But I'm so beat, there's no telling what I would have said on the show!

Technical Difficulties

2009-12-09T08:03:00.001-08:00

Sorry about Episode 9 not being posted. There were some prank callers and K would like to try to edit out that little bit so you all don't have to get irritated like we were. Of course, work and computer problems jumped in the way just as she was going to edit, so it's taking a little longer than hoped for.

Never fear, there will be a show this Saturday, talking about Baby knits! I'm throwing a friend a baby shower Saturday and K is coming along (she's friends, too), so we'll be all set to talk about the cool (or warm as it were) things to knit for babies! Call in or chat along to let us know your favorite baby knit patterns!

And the special bonus is we'll be together!!! Yes, I can tell you're excited.

Episode 9: Bookworms

2009-12-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

I know that Kristen and I are bookworms in general, and many of you are as well, however, this week we're talking about knitting books. That could be stitch dictionaries, general pattern books, ethnic or regional books (Estonian lace, Latvian mittens, etc.), books written by knitters, or books written about knitters. If it's a book and it involves knitting, we want to talk about it! Call in or chat along with us Saturday, December 5 at 11PM and let us know what books you love and can't live without when it comes to our fibery obsession!

Episode 8 - The Lovefest!

2009-11-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

After last weeks "gripe" episode where we talked about all those things in knitting that annoy us like crazy we decided to go with the holiday theme and have an episode where we talk about all the things about knitting we are thankful for. What keeps you addicted to your hobby?

Join our little yarn-y lovefest Saturday at 11pm EST, 8pm PST!

Oh, the joys of live podcasting

2009-11-11T13:11:00.001-08:00

Ok, Episode 6: Knitting Notions will be FRIDAY the 13th (insert spooky music here) of November at 11PM.

I'm starting to see how live podcasting may have other downfalls beside lower sound quality. I'm flying out for a conference REALLY early Sunday morning (flight at 6:45AM), so a Saturday night podcast is just not going to happen. Unless I can do it in my sleep. So, we moved to Friday. Hopefully, we can keep up the Saturday schedule as much as possible, but things like traveling and working may get in the way occasionally. Thanks for putting up with all the craziness! Talk to you all Friday!

The Best Laid Plans

2009-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry about last night's non-episode, guys! Kristen and I both had our phones and called in, but neither of us had internet to push record. K was traveling and I was at home (where I never have internet), so the podcast didn't happen.

However, we WILL record a show about knitting notions! I'll schedule an episode and put a post here to let you know when. K and I have to get our own schedules figured out. At the latest, we will just do Episode 6 this coming Saturday at the 11PM time spot as usual.

Thanks for your patience.

C

Episode 6: Knitting Notions

2009-11-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

Last week, we talked about needles, those pointy sticks that take us from a ball of yarn to a wonderful project. This week, we're talking about all the other gadgets that help us keep our knitting straight, properly counted, and sewn in tightly. So, take a look inside your notions bags and let us know what you just can't live without!

Remember, this week, we'll be live on SUNDAY, Nov. 8th, at 10PM. Please join us then!!

Episode 5: Needles

2009-10-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

No, not the creepy kind that they use at the hospital and make ever so many people faint. The pointy sticks that we put our yarn on! Metal vs. wood, circular vs. double point, square vs round (yes, square). Everyone has an opinion, even if they love them all! Tune in to hear our opinions and call in or chat with your own!

And after, don't forget to Fall Back!!

Episode 4 teaser: SAFF!!

2009-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Kristen and I will be together, IN THE SAME TOWN, as we drive to Asheville, NC for SAFF, the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (www.saffsite.org). This will be my first fiber festival, so be sure to tune in Saturday night to hear all about our antics, my fiber coma, and to see how nutty we are late at night being in the same room! There's just no telling.

On a side note, K and I both want to say thanks to everyone who has downloaded or streamed the podcast. Please feel free to chat along with us or call in. That's the point of this medium, after all! So, take advantage!

"See" you on Saturday!!

Whoops!

2009-10-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Kristen was traveling Saturday night and I was at a conference, therefore, the crazy hats episode is being moved to this coming Saturday, October 17th. We'll both be there, using hat patterns to channel our craziness! See you then!

Crazy Hats!!

2009-10-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Soooo, Kristen is crazy-busy right now, with traveling home to see the fam for a few days, moving into a new apartment, and starting a new job, so she hasn't had time to put up show notes yet. Please be patient with her/us, since I don't have internet at home and am stealing some time at work to write this little teaser.

This Saturday, episode #3, will be about Crazy Hats, perhaps as a nod to her crazy life right now. I, however, will be out of town at a conference and likely won't be able to call in to co-host. This may be a shorter show, but hats are funny in general and crazy hats are especially and purposefully funny. Good times.

So, tune in Saturday night at the usual 11PM EST to see what comes up!

EKG - The Concept

2009-09-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Not all of us live in an area with an active knitting community, but the social aspect of knitting really does make the craft more exciting. The knitting community is full of talented and helpful people who freely give encouragement, inspiration, and tips to fellow knitters. Cynthia and I wanted to create an interactive online knitting group where knitters around the world can bring their ideas together in real-time.

Please join us here on Saturday nights 11pm EST for our live recordings.

There are two ways to participate in the discussison.
1. We have our personal chat room that runs in tandem with the show. Fifteen minutes before the show starts a big purple button saying "Join In" will appear. Simply click it to join the chat room. You do not need to register with talkshoe.com in order to join us.
2. Call in and join in the discussion yourself. We're eager to hear your stories and experiences with the yarns and patterns we're discussing in the episode. Call (724) 444 - 7444. At the prompt, enter our call ID followed by the pound key (63589#). If you are not registered it will ask for you to enter 1#.
We have rated the podcast PC (parental control) so we can say the title "Stitch and Bitch." However, we ask you to refrain from swearing. We also request that you keep in mind that we all have different tastes, so please do not insult the work of a designer. I can (and will) mute anyone who does not play nicely.

We look forward to hearing the voice of the knitting community and learning from all of you.

Thank you,
Kristen, cohost of EKG