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2 Knit Lit Chicks

English, Literature, 12 seasons, 108 episodes, 5 days, 4 minutes
About
Barb (the mom) and Tracie (the daughter) are obsessed knitters and avid readers. We love to talk about our current knitting projects and favorite books to read or listen to - we also review the occasional knitting book. Come join us!
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Episode 280: Ain't Nobody Got Time for That

Recorded on January 24, 2024 Book Talk starts at 19:28 Our Fall Sweater KAL has ended!  Please stayed tuned to the end of the episode to find out if you won a prize.  We had 107 completed sweaters - way to go! Our Summer Tops KAL will run February 1 to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will the parameters of that to you.  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!   Events Tracie and Barb will  NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA.  The retreat is full but you can still get on the waiting list!   KNITTING Barb Finished: Bankhead Hat #27 by Susie Gourley   Tracie finished: Socks to match my Archer in Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock in Cornflower   Barb working on: Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway Cheeky Cables Socks  by Mary Lukas using Universal Yarns Zesty Sock in the Pearl colorway Velvet Pullover by Claudia Quintinilla/Ewe Knit Toronto, using  Serendipidye Kings Mountain Fingering in the Piccadilly colorway, Invictus Yarn Adventure in the Don't Look Under the Lilacs colorway, Invictus Yarns Master of my Feet in the Adagio and the Bobby color ways   Barb has cast on: Bankhead Hat #28 CAPROCK tee by Yamagata using Araucania Ollagua   Tracie has cast on: Beginner’s Rainbow Rabbit by Claire Garland in periwinkle Tahki Linguine from the NYFR destash   She continues to work on: Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway Fresh Favorite Tee by Christen Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps   BOOKS Barb read: Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Adventures in the Ordinary by Rebecca Front - 4 stars 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard - 3 stars Prom Mom - by Laura Lipman - 5 stars Last Dance, Last Chance and Other True Cases (Crime Files #8) by Ann Rule - 4 stars High Country (Anna Pigeon #12) by Nevada Barr - 5 stars   Tracie read: Wham! George Michael and Me by Andrew Ridgeley - 4.5 stars Wrecker by Carl Hiaasen - 3 stars 13 1/2 by Nevada Barr - 3 stars Bunny by Mona Awad - 3 stars Deadly Pretender: the Double Life of David Miller by Karen Kingsbury   Tracie recommends the TV show Jury Duty on Prime Video/FreeVee
1/28/20241 hour, 15 minutes, 36 seconds
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Episode 279: It's Definitely a Cake

Recorded on January 7, 2024 Book talk starts at 13:26 Our annual Fall Sweater KAL is almost over!  Stay tuned for our next KAL which will be announced in Episode 280. Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: Northern California Knitting Retreat (fondly known as "NoCKRs) April 25. - 28, 2024 KNITTING Tracie finished: NOT ONE DAMN THING Barb Finished: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty. Using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway Tracie is Working on: Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway Socks to match my Archer in Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock! in Cornflower Tracie has cast-on: Fresh Favorite Tee by Chirsten Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps Barb working on: Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway Bankhead Hat #25 by Susie Gourley, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest colorway Barb has cast on: Cheeky Cables Socks  by Mary Lukas using Universal Yarns Zesty Sock in the Pearl colorway Velvet Pullover by Claudia Quintinilla/Ewe Knit Toronto, using  Serendipidye Kings Mountain Fingering in the Piccadilly colorway, Invictus Yarn Adventure in the Don't Look Under the Lilacs colorway, Invictus Yarns Master of my Feet in the Adagio and the Bobby color ways   BOOKS Tracie has read: The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation  by Matthew Gough - 4 stars Keep it in the Family by John Mars - 4 stars Drop City by TC Boyle - 5 stars Barb has read: A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler - 3 stars Thin Air by Michelle Paver -  4 stars To the Land of Long-Lost Friends: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #20 by Alexander McCall Smith - 4 stars The Hypnotist (Joona Linna #1) by Lars Kempler    
1/12/202453 minutes, 13 seconds
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Episode 277: These Are Anne Tyler Situations

 Recorded on November 25, 2023 Book talk begins at 25:40     Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.   Here are the rules: Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two! We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here Crocheters! Your sweaters are here ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles! There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize. Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA KNITTTING Tracie finished: Never Not Gnoming #27 by Sarah Schira in assorted fingering weight leftovers Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guerin in Stitch Sisterz Laceweight Cashmere in Pine Tree and Shaggy Bear Farms Merino with Superwash and Tussah Silk in blue green Hungry Horse Hat 3 in various acrylics Rikke Hat #4 by Sarah Young for Jayla - using Tess Designer Yarns Superwash Merino and Alexandra: the Art of Yarn Pendleton DK Barb continues to work on: Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway Donner by Elizabeth Doherty using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway Bankhead Hat #24 Barb has cast on: Sirdar Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf  designed by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colorwheel in the Follow your Rainbow colorway   Tracie cast on: Socks to match her Archer in Dizzy Blood Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Delux Sock in cornflower Bankhead hat #6 by Susie Gourlay in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in gray   She continues to work on: Cumulus Blouse by Petite Knit in Countrywide Yarns Windsor 8-ply  BOOKS Barb read: Confessions by Kanye Minato - 3 stars The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty - 3 stars Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler - 4 stars The Mistress Next Door by Lesley Sanderson - 3stars But I Trusted You and Other True Cases (Crime files #14) - 4 stars Vanished in Vermillion: The Real Story of South Dakota's Most Infamous Cold Caseby Lou Ragusa - 3 stars Tracie read: Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman - 4 stars Watching Youby Lisa Jewell - 4 stars The Lowcountry Murder of Gwendolyn Elaine Fogle: a Cold Case Solved by Rita Schuler - 3 stars A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs - 3 stars Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynasty by Mandy Matney - 4 stars  
11/28/20231 hour, 13 minutes, 32 seconds
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Episode 275: Of Course I Think He's a Big Jerk Now

Recorded Friday, October 13, 2023 Book talk begins at 27:00 Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.   Here are the rules: Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two! We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here Crocheters! Your sweaters are here ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles! There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize.   Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom   Events Tracie and Barb will be at: The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA   KNITTING Barb finished Mother Bear #288 & 289 Hungry Horse Hat by Aimee Alexander using Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK in the Aurora, Depths, Juneberry color way   Tracie finished: Socks in Tosh Merino Light Glitter in T’Challa colorway Hungry Horse Hat#1  by Aimee Alexander in Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK   Barb is working on: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sagebrush colorway Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway. Barb has Cast On South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway Mother Bear #290 Tracie has cast on: Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guerin, using Stitch Sisters Laceweight  Cashmere in Pine Tree and Shaggy Bear Farms Merino with Superwash and Tussah Silk in Blue Green Hungry Horse Hat #2 In Hibernation for Tracie: Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva in Zealana Kiwi (Merino/Brushtail Possum/Cotton Blend) in Rococco  Tracie is working on: Pixelated Pullover by Jennifer Beaumont in madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK, madelinetosh Tosh Sport and Duren Dyeworks Love Sport   BOOKS Barb read: The Mosquito by B.A. Paris - 5 stars Ascent Into Hell: Mount Everest  by Fergus White - 5 stars The Couple in the Cabin byDaniel Hurst - 4 stars   Tracie read:  Sickened: The True Story of a Lost Childhood by Julie Gregory Kala by Colin Walsh Deadly Little Secrets: The Minister, His Mistress and a Heartless Texas Murder by Kathryn Casey
10/15/20231 hour, 5 minutes, 19 seconds
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Episode 274: But... It's a Fruitcake

Recorded Friday, September 22, 2023 Book talk begins at 27:50   Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.   Here are the rules: Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two! We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here Crocheters! Your sweaters are here ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles! There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize.   Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom   Events Tracie and Barb will be at: Lambtown - October 7-8, 2023 at the Dixon May Fairgrounds in Dixon, CA The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA     KNITTING Barb finished Mother Bear #287 Barley Hat #7 by Tin Can Knits, using Knit Picks Hawthorn in the Spri Coco Cardigan by Claudia Quintanilla - EweKnit Toronto, using Knit Picks Hawthorn in the Springfield colorway   Tracie finished: Darling Darby #7 by Jean Clement in Red Heart Super Saver in the Retro Stripe colorway   Barb is working on: Hungry Horse Hat by Aimee Alexander using Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK in the Aurora, Depths, Juneberry color ways Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway.   Barb has Cast On Rock It Tee #2, by Tanis Lavalee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in 3 colors, UBlue, Clarity and Rouge Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Knit Pick Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway   Tracie has ast on: Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva in Zealana Kiwi (Merino/Brushtail Possum/Cotton Blend) in Rococco    Tracie is working on: Pixelated Pullover by Jennifer Beaumont in madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK, madelinetosh Tosh Sport and Duren Dyeworks Love Sport Socks in Tosh Merino Light Glitter in T’Challa colorway   BOOKS Barb read: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson - 3 stars Lock Every Door by Riley Sager - 3 stars The Perfect Neighbors by Sarah Pekkanen - 4 stars   Tracie read: Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians and a Legacy of Rage by Jeff Guin - 5 stars Election by Tom Perotta - 3 stars Raylan (Raylan Givens #4)  by Elmore Leonard - 3 stars   Tracie has launched her side hustle - The Knitting Coach - in person, one-on-one knitting instruction for beginners and anyone who wants to push their knitting skills forward
9/24/20231 hour, 6 minutes, 41 seconds
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Episode 273: I'm Calling It

Recorded on September 6, 2023 Book Talk starts at: 26:50 Our Mother Bear KAL has ended!  Prizes will be announced during our next podcast, Episode 224.  Counting the bears that Tracie and Barb completed, there will be about 135 bears heading to Africa to make some children really happy.  THANK YOU to all that participated by knitting or crocheting bears and making donations to the Mother Bear organization.   Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.   Here are the rules: Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two! We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here Crocheters! Your sweaters are here ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles! There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize.   Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: Lambtown - October 7-8, 2023 at the Dixon May Fairgrounds in Dixon, CA The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina KNITTING Barb finished Mother Bears 283-285 Ribbed Beanie #3 by Vanessa Ewing, using Western Sky Knits Biggie in the Fishbowl Colorway Vanilla socks using Patons Kroy Socks Stripes in the Meadow Stripes colorway Barley Hat #7, by Tin Can Knits using some of Tracie's handspun    Tracie Finished   Mother Bear #318 Lightweight Raglan Pullover by Purl Soho in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in Shantay, You Stay! Morning Ritual Style Marklee by Olga Putano Designs OR Marklee DK by Elizabeth Dorherty with colorwork chart from Women’s Kerbstone by Heather Pfeifer OR Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva  Barb is working on: Hungry Horse Hat by Aimee Alexander using Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK in the Aurora, Depths, Juneberry color ways And has cast on: Vanilla Socks for Will, using Patons Kroy Socks Jacquard Coco Cardigan by Claudia Quintanilla, using some leftover Knit Picks Hawthorne Kettle-Dye in the Springfield colorway. Barley Hat #7 by Tin Can Knits in handspun from Tracie  Barb has frogged: Miles Tee by Ozetta: Hailey Smedley in Universal Yarns Bamboo Pop Sock Tracie has cast on: Pixelated Pullover  by Jennifer Beaumont using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK and Madelinetosh Tosh Sport and Duren Dyeworks Love Sport And continues working on: Socks in Tosh Merino Light Glitter in T’Challa colorway   BOOKS Barb read: Shattered by Kathryn Casey - 4 stars Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates - 3 stars The Suspect (Kate Waters #3) - 3 stars Frog and Toad are Doing Their Best (A Parody): Bedtime Stories for Trying Times by Jennie Egerlie - 5 stars Borderline (Anna Pigeon #15)  by Nevada Barr - 4 stars Tracie read: The Politician (DS Cross #4) by Tim Sullivan - 4 stars The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman - 3 1/2 stars The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty - 4 1/2 stars The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon - 4 stars
9/10/20231 hour, 11 minutes, 57 seconds
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Episode 270: A Colorful Cast of Characters at the Bunkhouse

Recorded on June 28 & July 5, 2023 Our annual Mother Bear KAL began June 1, 2023, but any bears you have knit or crocheted in 2023 are eligible as entries for prizes.  To find out all about this wonderful charity, please go to Mother Bear Project website.  Talk bears with us in the Mother Bear Chatter thread and post your finished bears in the FOs thread. We have a listener who has come up with 3 incentive prizes for increasing your bear count!  For more info, please check out the Mother Bear Incentive Prizes thread. Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom   The next 2 segments were recorded at Eileen's Bunkhouse in Lincoln, Montana. Eileen is RedsKnits on Ravelry June 28: Participants: Tracie (alittleposy) Barb (KnittyBarb) Eileen (redsknits) Celia (PinotNoir) Eileen talked about: 1. Book - DC Smith and Kings Lake Investigation Series by Peter Grainger. "British murder mysteries with good plot lines and excellent character development over the series. And he's still writing!" 2. Knitting - starting the Davis pullover by Pam Allen, using Tracie's directions. She is knitting it  using some vintage stash O-wool that has been dyed by Alpenglow.   3. Eileen talked about Alpenglow Industries, especially their Textile and Yarns Tools. Check out their cool stitch markers!     Celia talked about: 1. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman   2.  Knitting - She talked about knitting the Beneath a Summer Sky shawl by Debra Gerhard in Ritual Dyes Fae  (mohair silk) and Maiden (merino fingering) in the Taurus colorway.   Tracie talked about: 1.  Book - Disappearance at Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay   2. Knitting - Marklee DK by Elizabeth Doherty in KnitPicks comfy in the Planetarium colorway.   Barb talked about: 1.  Book - Arctic Homestead: The True Story of One Family's Survival and Courage in the Alaskan Wilds       by Norma Cobb 2.  Knitting - Carley by Elizabeth Smith Knits, using Berroco Remix in the Mist colorway.   July 5 Participants:   Susan (suscochran)   Shelley (SequoiaShelley)   Barb and Tracie   Susan talked about:   1.  Book - The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley   2.  Knitting - Zephyr Mark II by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Farmer's Daughter Foxy Lady in the Harry Belafonte colorway   Shelley talked about: 1.  Book -Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resiliance and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand   2.  Knitting - she is currently working on a mitred square blanket, not following a pattern   Barb talked about: Hungry Horse Hat by Aimee Alexander in Polka Dot Sheep Stumptown DK minis from a kit given to her by Susan   Tracie talked about: Rock It tee by Tanis Lavallee in Alchemy: Yarns of Transformation Silken Straw in 7 different  colorways
7/9/20231 hour, 10 minutes, 38 seconds
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Episode 267: Somewhere in Washington

Recorded on May 8, 2023 Book Talk starts at: 25:30 Our Cables KAL is almost over... May 15th is the last day you can post pictures of your finished cable-y goodness projects.   Prizes will be announced during Episode 268.   Our next KAL will be our annual Mother Bear KAL!  It will officially start on June 1, 2023, but any bears you have knit or crocheted in 2023 are eligible as entries for prizes.  To find out all about this wonderful charity, please go to Mother Bear Project website.  More info to come...     Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: Fiber Frolic - Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm at Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA.  There will be no food vendors, so bring your own lunch and a chair.  The entry fee is $10 per person, and parking will be in a field and not limited. The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina   KNITTING   Barb finished 4 Knitted Knockers (12 total for 2023)     Tracie has finished: 13 Knitted Knockers total for 2023 Mother Bears 302 & 303    Fiddly Bits #9 #9 by Jana Pihota Tracie's Donner by Elizabeth Doherty   Tracie's Donner Barb Is working on: Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavalee, using Anzula Breeze in the Fern and Gravity colorways WYS Vanilla Socks, using West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply Self-Striping in the Peacock colorway Razzle Dazzle Scarf in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper Gradient Set in the Razzle Dazzle #22 colorway Barb has cast-on: Twisty Taper Hat by NichKnit Designs using Plymouth Yarn Encore   Tracie is working on: Summer Sorrel by Wood & Pine in Despondent Dyes OMG Glitter! in the Even My Attorney Says “Let It Go” colorway Tracie has frogged: China Top by Ksenia Naidyon in Alchemy Silken Straw     BOOKS   Barb has finished: Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore - 4 stars Fatal Friends, Deadly Neighbors and Other True Cases (Crime Files #16) by Ann Rule - 4 stars Small Game by Blair Braverman - 3.5 stars     Tracie has finished: Legendary Children: The First Decade of RuPaul's Drag Race and the Last Century of Queer Life by Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez - 5 stars Blood Betrayal by Sheila Johnson - 2.5 stars Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume - 5 stars Such a Pretty Girl by T. Greenwood - 4 stars   Tracie talked about Universal Standard Clothing Co.
5/11/20231 hour, 2 minutes, 25 seconds
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Episode 264: So This Situation Is Dumb in Every Species

Recorded on April 5, 2023 Book Talk starts at 33:00 Come join us knitting or crocheting your projects with CABLES! That's right, cables.  Come on over to the Cables KAL Chatter Thread to check out the rules and chat about your plans.  Dates are now until 5/15/23.   Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: The Northern California Knitting Retreat (NoCKRs) - April 27-30, 2023 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California.  The retreat is now full, but we generally have spots that will open as we get close to the dates.  If you would like to be on the waiting list,  message Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for info and the registration form. Fiber Frolic - Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm at Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, CA The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina KNITTING   Tracie has finished: Zephyr Mark II by Celia Cahill in Laneras Barefoot in Coral Vanilla socks in Emma’s Yarn Super Silky in Hot Tamale Barb has finished: Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits using worsted weight bear yarn 3 Knockers        Tracie's Sweater Surgery: She added length to her Colorful Geometry pullover Transformed her Velvet Pullover from a round Yoke to raglan, then added length Tracie is working on: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty in Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in Spring Tiny Dancer top by Laura Dean in Shaggy Bear Farms SW Merino & Tussah Silk Fingering for Lexi Barb is working on: Low-key Cowl by Elizabeth Smith, using Cascade 220 in the green colorway (very old stash) Knitted Knockers Ilha pullover by Orlane Sucche, using Greenwood Fiber Indulgence (merino, cashmere and silk). WYS Vanilla Socks, using West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply Self-Striping in the Peacock colorway   BOOKS   Tracie has read: Moonlight Mile (Kenzie & Gennaro #6) by Dennis Lehane - 4 stars Starring Sally J. Friedman as Herself by Judy Blume - 5 stars Boar Island (Anna Pigeon #19) by Nevada Barr - 4 stars   Barb has read: The End of Temperance Dare by Wendy Webb.- 3 stars The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman - 4 stars Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer - 5 stars      
4/8/20231 hour, 10 minutes, 41 seconds
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Episode 263: Stitches West 2023 Recap

Stitches West episode!   Recorded on March 3 - 5 2023   Vendors mentioned in this episode Alpenglow Industries Pam Powers Knits Porter Wool Co. Fiber Lady Seattle Sky Dyeworks Knit Baah Purl Greenwood Fibers Anzula Madelinetosh Oink Pigments Carpool Indiemade yarn Great Yarns!   Tracie attended Sandy Peters' class, Intro to Stacked Stitches. Barb attended Lorilee Beltman's class, Transform you Knitting with the Magic Cast On.      
3/9/202345 minutes, 41 seconds
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Episode 261: So You Said No Thank You

Recorded on January 12, 2023 Book talk starts at 24:45 Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23 - be sure to listen until the end of the podcast when the prize winners of the Sweater KAL are announced! NEW KAL!  Come join us knitting or crocheting your projects with CABLES!  That's right, cables.  Come on over to the Cables KAL Chatter Thread to check out the rules and chat about your plans.  Dates are now until 5/15/23.     Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom   Northern California Knitting Retreat news: If you would like to attend NoCKRs at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California April 27-30, 2023, please email Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for details. KNITTING Barb finished:  1.  Get the Groove by Hinterm Stein, using Valley Yarns Northampton Worsted in the Denim Heather colorway                                                                                                                                                                          2.  Bankhead Hat #23 by Susie Gourlay, using Plymouth Encore Tweed   Tracie finished: 1.  Vanilla Socks in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set                                            2.  Davis pullover by Pam Allen, using Berroco Remix Chunky in the Pepper colorway   Barb is working on: 1.  Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway                    2.  Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder using Canon Hand Dyes sock set                                        3.  Burgos vest by Rosa Pomar, using Diamond Galway Worsted Knitting Wool Highland Heather   Barb cast-on:                                                                                                                                                      1.  Koko Bean hat #3 by JudithMarieKnits, using leftover Plymouth Encore and Red Heart yarns           2. Citadel cardigan by Joji Locatelli, using Rowan RYC Wool Tweed (discontinued yarn) in the Truffle colorway Tracie cast on: 1.  Velvet Pullover (pattern discontinued) by Ewe Knit Toronto, using Western Sky Knits Merino 17 Light dyed by Kim of Western Sky Knits and Tracie 2.  Knitted Knocker in Cascade Ultra Pima   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  A Dream Life by Claire Messed - 4 stars 2.  I'm Glad my Mom Died by Jeanetter McCurdy - 4 stars 3.  Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks - 5 stars   Tracie read: 1.  The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Bell - 2 stars 2.  That Time I Loved You: Stories by Marianne Leung - 4 stars 3.  Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson - 4 stars 4.  I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy - 5 stars 5.  God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney - 4 stars 6.  Miller's Valley by Abba Quindlen - 4.5 stars 7.  The Push by Ashley Audrain - 2.5 stars Tracie and Barb recommend The Gleener for excellent, battery-free sweater shaving
1/30/20231 hour, 11 minutes, 15 seconds
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Episode 259: Yellow Sneakers and a Voluminous Skirt

Recorded on December 28, 2022 Book talk starts at 24:10 Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23   Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page 12 in 22 Chatter Thread   Virtual get-together Zoom   NoCKRs (Northern California Knitting Retreat) news: If you would like to attend NoCKRs at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California April 27-30, 2023, please email Tracie at 2knitlitchicks@gmail.com for details.   KNITTING   Barb finished:  1.  Collage Socks by Helen Stewart, using Ogle Design Fiber Arts Coloration Fingering in the 827 Purple colorway 2.  Solstice Mitts by Kimberly Dottie, using 2 colors of Quince & Co Chickadee in the Fjord and the Canvas color ways   Tracie finished: 1.  Guantes Jota DK Fingerless Mitts by Paola Aguirre using Newton's Yarn Country Superwash DK 2.  Mother Bear ##301 3.  Tony the Toy Box Monster by Rebecca Danger 4.  Cannon Bandana by Debbi Stone and Marcy Vandale in 3 colors of Plymouth Select DK Merino Barb is working on: 1.  Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway 2.  Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Leuder using Canon Hand Dyes sock set 3.  Get the Groove by Hinterm Stein, using Valley Yarns Northampton Worsted in the Denim Heather colorway   And has cast on: 1.  Bankhead Hat #21 by Susie Gourley 2.  Burgos vest by Rosa Pomar, using Diamond Galway Worsted Knitting Wool Highland Heather   Tracie is working on: 1.   Light Trails by SuviKnits using Anzula Haiku in the Madam colorway 2.  Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set   Tracie has cast on: 1.  Knitted Knocker in Cascade Ultra Pima   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  French Braid: A Novel by Anne Tyler - 5 stars 2.  On the Beach by Nevil Shute - 4 stars 3.  The Resort by Sue Watson - 3.5 stars 4.  The Nurse's Secret by Amanda Skenendore - 4.5 stars   Tracie read: 1.  The Perfect Family by Jacquie Underdown - 2.5 stars 2.  Unfollow Me by Charlotte Duckworth - 4 stars 3.  Don't Believe It by Charlie Done - 3 stars 4.  Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins - 4.5 stars 5.  The Texas Towner Sniper: The Terrifying True Story of Charles Whitman by Ryan Green       Barb and Tracie both recommend the documentary "Tower" on Prime Video
12/30/20221 hour, 13 minutes, 5 seconds
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Episode 257: Happy Thanksgiving from the Chicks and Family!

Recorded on November 24, 2022 Book Talk starts at 22:00   Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page 12 in 22 Chatter Thread Virtual get-together Zoom   2 Giveaways  1.  The Little Pine Tree's Wish by Diane M. Howard   2.  3 skeins of Tracie's handspun Prize winners will be announced towards the end of the podcast, right before family Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down segment   KNITTING Barb finished: 1.  Mother Bear # 271 2.  Barb's Irish Hiking Hat by Blackhorse, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red colorway 3.  Barb's Irish Hiking Scarf #3 by Adrian Bazilia, also using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red colorway 3. Will's Party Time socks using Berroco Comfort Sock in the Party Time colorway   Tracie has finished: NOTHING!  You will hear why in the "Working On" segment... Barb is working on: 1.  Zephyr Mark ll by Celia McAdam Cahill using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok in the Red Rock colorway   Barb has cast on: 1.  Collage Socks by Helen Stewart using Olgle Design Fiber Arts Coloration Fingering in the 827 colorway 2.  Colorwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf, using Sirdar a Clourwheel in the Perfectly Pretty colorway. 3.  Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Leader   Tracie is working on: 1.  Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set 2.  Moon of My Life (AKA This F@&^ Sweater) by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   Tracie has cast on: 1.  Guantes Jota DK Fingerless Mitts by Paola Aguirre using Newton's Yarn Country Superwash DK  2.  Light Trails by SuviKnits using Anzula Haiku in the Madam colorway 3.  Darling Darby by Jean Clement in Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy and Uptown Worsted   READING  Barb has finished: 1.  Missing Daughter by Rick Molina - 4 stars 2.  A Sharp Solitude by Christine Carbo - 4 stars 3.  Lucy By the Sea by Elizabeth Strout - 4 stars 4.  She Lies Close by Sharon Dowering - 3 stars 5.  Missing...and Presumed Dead by Michael Fleeman - 3 stars Tracie has finished reading: 1.  On the Beach by Nevil Shute - 3.5 stars 2.  Murder in the Family:Inside the Story of the Jersey Murders by Jeremy Josephs - 3 stars 3.  The Fiancee by Kate White - 3 stars 4.  The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon - 3.5 stars 5.  Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro - 4.5 stars 6.  Passing On by Penelope Lively - 2 stars
11/26/20221 hour, 13 minutes, 54 seconds
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Episode 255: They Sang Like Canaries

Book Talk starts at 22:00 Recorded on October 28, 2022 Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23! Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page 12 in 22 Chatter Thread Virtual get-together Zoom 2 New Giveaways! 1.  The Little Pine Tree's Wish by Diane M. Howard (dinaripper on Ravelry) - a lovely children's book about a little pine tree who's wish is to become a Christmas tree! If you have a special child in your life that would enjoy this book, enter our giveaway to win an autographed copy. If you don't want to wait for the giveaway, you can order the Little Pine Tree's Wish through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or BookBaby! The winner will be announced when we record on U.S. Thanksgiving! 2.  Tracie's Handspun! I have 3 skeins of my handspun to give away: Quillen Fiber Arts Romney Top in the Queen of Tarts colorway, approximately 110 yds Greenwood Fiberworks Merino/Silk? in the Calypso colorway, approximately 192 yds Three Waters Farm 100% Rambouillet in the Racing Green colorway, approximately 161 yards Please leave a comment in the appropriate thread on our Ravelry page to enter either of these drawings!   KNITTING Barb finished: 1.  Mother Bears  268, 269, and 270 2.  Helix Hat #11 by Jessica Rose, using leftover Plymouth Encore yarns   Tracie finished: 1.  Archer in Blue by Elizabeth Doherty, having redone the bottom in Lisa Souza Deluxe Sock! in Cornflower 2.  Mother Bear #300, using Tracie's very first handspun! 3.  Kaiya Mei  hat for Emily, in gray and yellow acrylic Barb is working on: 1,  Irish Hiking Scarf by Adrian Bazilia, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in Red 2.  Socks for Will, using Berroco Comfort Sock in the Party Time colorway    And has cast on: 1.  Zephyr Mark ll by Celia McAdam Cahill (pattern not released to the public yet!) using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok in the Red Rock colorway   Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes William Merino in Waterworld Sock Set 2.  Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   BOOKS Barb has finished: 1.  These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant - 3.5 stars 2.  The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics after 2020 by Jonathan Lemire - 5 stars   Tracie read: 1.  If I Die Tonight by Alison Gaylin - 4 stars 2.  The Trespasser (Dublin Murder Squad #6) by Tana French - 4 stars 3.  A Family Business: A Chilling Tale of Greed as One Family Commits Unspeakable Crimes Agains the Dead by Ken England - 3 stars
10/30/202251 minutes, 52 seconds
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Episode 253: It'll Be in the Show Notes

Recorded Thursday, September 22, 2022 Book talk begins at 18:55 Sweater KAL - 9/1/22 - 1/15/23! Sweater KAL Chatter - rules are at the top of each page 12 in 22 Chatter Thread Lambtown 2022 Virtual get-together Zoom KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bears 264, 265, 266 Polobello by Josee Paquin, using Juniper Moon Zooey in the Sloop colorway Bankhead Hat #20 by Susie Gourley, using scrap yarn Tracie finished Mother Bears 292 - 297 Barb continues to work on: Irish Hiking Scarf by Adrian Bazilia, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red colorway And has cast on: Socks for Will, using Berroco Comfort Sock in the Party Time colorway Choose Your Gnome Adventure MKAL by Sarah Schira, using Plymouth Encore in the Red, Blue, and Cream colorways Cristallo pullover sweater by Knitting for Breakfast, using Valley Yarns Granville, in the Neutral and Mineral Green color ways Tracie continues to work on: Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy Cinna Top by Ksenia Naidyon, in 5 colors of Alchemy Silken Straw Tracie has Cast On: Davis pullover by Pam Allen, using Berroco Remix Chunky in the Pepper colorway Choose Your Gnome Adventure MKAL in Serendipidye, The Dye Project, and Madelinetosh Silk/Merino Vanilla Sock in Canon Hand Dyes in the William Merino Waterworld Sock Set   BOOKS Barb read: The Weight of Night (Glacier Park Mystery #3) by Christine Carbo - 4.5 stars An Almost Perfect Murder by Gary C. King - 3 stars The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille - 3 stars Tracie read: The English Teacher by Lily King - 3 stars The Murderer's Son by Joy Ellis by Joy Ellis - 3 starts The Writing Class by Jincy Willitt - 3.5 stars A Carnival of Snackery (Diaries 2003 - 2020) by David Sedaris - 3.5 stars      
9/25/202248 minutes, 52 seconds
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Episode 251: Because We Can

Recorded Monday, August 15, 2022 Book talk begins at 20:00   2022 MOTHER BEAR KAL Mother Bear Chatter Thread Mother Bear FO Thread   12 in 22 Chatter Thread   Lambtown 2022   Virtual get-together Zoom   On Episode 252, we will have Sarah Fain, TV writer, knitter and spinner with us!     KNITTING   Tracie finished:   1.  Mother Bears 287 - 290 2. Tracie's Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer, using Color Notes Yarn Pure Sport in Clear Red, Western Sky Knits Willow Superwash Sport, and madelinetosh Pashmina in Jasper   Barb finished: 1.  Mother Bear #261 & 262 2.  Barb's Bankhead hat #19 by Susie Gorlay, using Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Goth Kitty colorway 3.  Test Knit for Zephyr Mark II by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Knit Picks Hawthorne Tonal Handprint in the Springfield colorway Tracie continues to work on: Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   Tracie cast on: Cinna Top by Ksenia Naidyon, in 5 colors of Alchemy Silken Straw   Barb continues to work on: 1.  That’s My Jam by Steve Fegert - using a kit from Leading Men Fiber Arts 2.  Goth Kitty Socks, using Knitpicks Felici in the Goth Kitty colorway   Barb has cast on: 1.  Hot Springs Willow Hat by NichKnit Designs, using Berroco Vintage Worsted, in the Yukon Green colorway 2.  Polobello tee by Josee Paquin using Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in the Sloop colorway   BOOKS Tracie read: 1.  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau - 5 stars 2.  The Silent Quarry by Cheryl Rees-Price - 2.5 stars 3.  The Trivia Night by Ali Lowe - 4.5 stars 4.  The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey - 4.5 stars 5. For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb and the Murder that Shocked Chicago by Simon Baatz - 3 stars   Barb read: 1.   Beyond the Crushing Waves by Lilly Mirren - 4 stars 2.  The Lying Club by Annie Ward - 3.5 stars 3.  In Her Eyes by Sarah Alderson - 3 stars 4.  The Clover Girls by Viola Shipman - 4 stars   Tracie recommends Get Organized With The Home Edit on Netflix  
8/19/202258 minutes, 23 seconds
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Episode 250: But It's a Dry Heat

Recorded Wednesday, July 27, 2022 Book talk starts at 25:00   2022 MOTHER BEAR KAL   Mother Bear Chatter Thread Mother Bear FO Thread   12 in 22 Chatter Thread   Lambtown 2022   Virtual get-together Zoom   KNITTING Tracie finished: Leave Gnome Stone Unturned by Sarah Schira Mother Bears 279-286 Lihan Sweater by Imke von Nathausius in Berroco Pure Pima   Barb finished: Mother Bear #255 - 260 Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway Irma Hat by Aneta Gasiorowksa using blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway - left over from my May(be) Queen pullover   Tracie continues to work on: Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Sommer in Color Notes Yarn Pure Sport in Clear Red, Western Sky Knits Willow Superwash Sport, and madelinetosh Pashmina in Jasper Zephyr Mark II by Celia Cahill test knit in Malabrigo Susurro in Teal Feather Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   Barb continues to work on: That’s My Jam by Steve Fegert - using a kit from Leading Men Fiber Arts Venturer’s Vest by Knitwise Design in Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Merino Worsted Twist in the Taupe Heather colorway   She has cast on: Mother Bear #261 Goth Kitty Socks, using Knitpicks Felici in the Goth Kitty colorway Zephyr Mark II Test knit by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Knit Picks Hawthorne Kettle Dye in the Springfield colorway   BOOKS   Tracie read: The Dearly Departed by Elinor Lipman - 3 stars God’s Nobodies: Misguided Faith and Murder in the Life of One American Family by Mark Obbie - 2 1/2 stars Heart Seizure by Bill Fitzhugh - 3 stars Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris - 4 stars The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon by Marcy McCready - 4 stars An Unfinished Canvas: A True Story of Love, Family, and Murder in Nashville by Michael Glasgow - 3 stars Skies of Ash by Rachel Howzell Hall - 4 stars   Barb read:   The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica - 3 stars The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird - 3 stars The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel - 3 stars Mortal Fall (Glacier Mystery #2) by Christine Carbo - 4 stars Cross Her Heart (Bree Tagert #1) by Melinda Leigh - 3 stars The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard - 3 stars The House Across the Street by Melanie Jones Brownrigg - 3 stars Cul de sac by Joy Fielding - 3 stars The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore - 4 stars Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2’s  Deadliest Day by Peter Zuckerman - 4 stars The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan - 4 stars   Barb talked about her diagnosis and treatment for microscopic colitis 
7/28/202259 minutes, 55 seconds
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Episode 249: Live from the Bunkhouse!

Recorded on July 5, 2022     While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. We encourage you to SPEAK UP, TAKE CARE, and SPREAD THE WORD! Podvoices.help - Here are abortion advocacy links.     This episode was recorded with our friends, Eileen and Shelley while on vacation in Montana.   Mother Bear Chatter Thread Mother Bear FO Thread 12 in 22 Chatter Thread Lambtown 2022 Virtual get-together Zoom   KNITTING Eileen is knitting: * a sweater that is utilizing both the Zephyr cardigan pattern by Celia McAdam Cahill, and the Diamond Back Top pattern by Kira Dulaney *  Aisling by Marie Wallin   Shelley talked about her love for designing her own patterns.     Tracie talked about: * Ciara Top by Laura Aylor * Hoodie Shawl Cardigan by Susanne Summer   Barb talked about knitting: * her difficulty with a dropped stitch in her Venturer's Vest by Knitwise Design * Test Knit Zephyr Mark II by Celia McAdam Cahill   BOOKS Shelley talked about her favorite author as she was growing up, E. B. White   Eileen discussed 3 books: *  The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Dideon *  Find Her by Lisa Gardner *  Trustee From the Toolroom by Nevil Shute     Tracie talked about: *   Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey *  Home Stretch by Graham Norton   Barb discussed: *  Broken Harbor by Tana French   We also discussed the TV series, Escape to the Country    
7/10/202256 minutes, 45 seconds
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Episode 248: Sorry, Anita

Recorded on June 10, 2022 Book talk begins at 28:00 Mother Bear Chatter Thread Mother Bear FO Thread 12 in 22 Chatter Thread Lambtown 2022 Virtual get-together Zoom   KNITTING Barb’s Finished Objects: Mother Bear #248 Forager Lite Tracie’s Finished Objects Mother Bears #277, 278, 274 Never Not Gnoming Gnomes #25 & 26 Great Falls Barb is working on: That's My Jam Ribs and Wave Poncho Venturer's Vest Irma Hat Barb cast on:   Mother Bear #255 Tracie is working on: Ciara Moon of My Life Tracie has cast on: Hoodie Shawl Cardigan Leave Gnome Stone Unturned   BOOKS Barb has finished: The Other Husband - 3 stars Cold Blooded: A True Story about Love, Lies, Greed and Murder - 3 stars The Night She Went Missing - 3 stars The Night Always Comes Tracie has finished: No One is Talking About This - 3.5 Stars Everybody’s Best Friend: The True Story of a Marriage that Ended in Murder - 4 stars How to Raise and Elephant - 4 stars Never Saw Me Coming - 4.5 stars
6/12/20221 hour, 8 minutes, 41 seconds
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Episode 246: It's Happening in Soledad

Recorded Monday, May 2, 2022 Book talk starts at 31:25 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL has ended.  Be sure to listen until the end to find out the prize winners!  Our three very generous prize donors for the KAL are: Brenda Castiel, from her Ravelry store and Etsy shop martaschmarta - her Pride and Toebeans pattern Susan Cochran, from her stash   And now, it's almost time for our annual Mother Bear KAL!  Come join us by knitting or crocheting Mother Bears.  Our KAL runs from June 1 to September 1, 2022.  But...if you have knit or crocheted any bears in 2022, please plan on posting pictures of them in our FO thread.  The FO and chatter threads will be up after June 1st.   Here is the Mother Bear Project website, where you can find out all about the charity, buy a pattern and overload on the picture gallery cuteness!   12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here! The 2KLC 2022 Swap is almost over!   Important dates:   May 1: final check in.  May 15th: Mail By Date   KNITTING Barb has finished: 1.   That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer 2.  A project for her swap partner 3.  May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway   Tracie has Finished 1.  Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls 2.  Mother Bears 270 & 271 Barb continues working on: 1. Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway 2.  That's My Jam shawl by Steve Fegert using a kit she bought from Leading Men Fiber Arts 3.  Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli, using Malabrigo Rios in the 880 Hojas colorway   Barb has cast on: 1.  forager lite by Isabel Kraemer, using Inner Yarn Zen Superwash Fingering in the Lupine colorway   Barb has frogged: Brookdale Vest by Elizabeth Smith, using Berroco Ultra Wool  in the purple colorway   Tracie continues working on: 1.  Socks to match my Swallowtail pullover in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock - using hem/cuff chart from Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman 2.  Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted  in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  Blind Faith by Joe McGinniss - 5 stars 2.  The Surrogate by Toni Halleen - 4 stars   Tracie has read: 1.  Dying for Daddy: The True Story of a Family's Worst Nightmare by Carlton Smith - 4 stars 2.  The Wonder Test by Michelle Richmond - 4 stars   Websites mentioned: Heads or Tails (book that Barb talked about) https://us.whogivesacrap.org https://www.tru.earth/? https://www.grove.co/g/how-grove-works/ https://viori.com            
5/6/20221 hour, 18 minutes, 4 seconds
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Episode 245: I Thought I Would Be Further Along By Now

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL goes until 5/1.  You can get all the details here!  Mini Skein Finished Object thread here.   12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here!   The 2KLC 2022 Swap is almost over!   Important dates:   May 1: final check in.  May 15th: Mail By Date   KNITTING Barb has finished: Vanilla Socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock wurm by katushika, using Straightfork Farm 60/40 Sport Weight in the Purple Haze colorway   Tracie has Finished 1.  Tracie's Rock It Tee  by Tanis Lavillee in Anzula Breeze in Aspen and Garnet and Earl Grey Fiber Co. Rooibos Single in Bloom 2.  Tracie's Sedona Baby Dress by Erin Harper, using Lion Brand Mandala Ombre 3.  Wren Headband (free) 4.  Knitted Flower Tutorial by Julie Taylor (free) 5.  Mother Bears 266-269 6.  Secret Project for her Swapee in a very special yarn...   Barb continues working on: 1.  That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer 2.  May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway 3.  Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli, using Malabrigo Rios in the 880 Hojas colorway. Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway 4.  A project for her swap partner   Barb has frogged: Transition Slipover Vest by Aimee Sher, using Berroco Ultra Wool in the 33146 (purple) colorway   Tracie continues working on: 1.  Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls 2.  Socks to match my Swallowtail pullover in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock - using hem/cuff chart from Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman 3.  Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted  in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   Tracie has frogged: Lazy Days Romper and Pinafore Dress by marianna mel in Rowan Calmer   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  After the Party (Ralph's Party #2) by Lisa Jewell - 3 stars 2.  How To Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith - 5 stars 3.  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 4 stars 4.  Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History by Katy Our - 4 stars 5.  Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs by John Bloom and Jim Atkinson - 5 stars   Tracie has read: 1.  The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity by Axton Beta-Hamilton - 5 stars 2.  Above Suspicion (Anna Travis #1) by Linda LaPlante - 4 stars 3.   The Wrong One by Dervla McTiernan - 3 stars   Tracie talked about Naloxone, a medication that can treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation.  She also discussed Fentanyl Test Strips - to detect Fentanyl in street drugs.     Barb discussed Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines in the United States. acie talked about Naloxone, a medication that can treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation.  She also discussed Fentanyl Test Strips - to detect Fentanyl in street drugs.     Barb discussed Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines in the United States.  
4/21/20221 hour, 6 minutes, 40 seconds
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Episode 243: Stitches West 2022

Recorded March 4-6, 2022 No book talk this episode   Thursday Esther Rodgers - Jazz Turtle Creations Greenwood Fiberworks Front Range Bags The Falafel Corner - Sacramento, CA   Friday Knit Bah Purl El Fuego Express - Sacramento, CA Sew Happy Jane Purls Before Wine Firebird Yarns Laneras Babetta’s Yarn & Gifts Malabrigo Rios Desert Panda Fiber Arts Brasserie du Monde - Sacramento, CA   Saturday Harry Wells Color Cables photos Art and Alchemy Fiber Arts A Needle Runs Through It Anzula Luxury Fibers Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavallee Marie Green - Olive Knits Serendipidye Invictus Yarns fade colors photos Mod Yarns Knitted Wit Grange Restaurant and Bar - Sacramento, CA
3/9/20221 hour, 4 minutes, 13 seconds
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Episode 242: They Have One About Trader Joes!

Recorded on February 23, 2022 Book Talk starts at 32:10 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 pm PST Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL goes until .  You can get all the details here! Mini Skein Finished Object thread here. Browse our Mini Skein Pattern Bundle here. 12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here! The 2KLC 2022 Swap has begun!  Important dates:   March 1: Check-In #2 March 15: check in #3 April 1: Check in #4 April 15: check in #5 May 1: final check in. May 15th: Mail By Date   Upcoming events:  March 3-6, 2022 - Barb and Tracie will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA April 7-10, 2022 - Tracie will be attending the Northern California Knitting Retreat in San Juan Bautista, CA Correction Corner: Scheepjes yarn is a Dutch company, not a German company   KNITTING Barb has finished: Violet Waffles designed by Hallidora J, using mystery DK yarn Welcome Spring Oven Towel by Claire Cromwell She frogged: Forest Park Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in the Dove Heather and Deep Waters color ways Tracie has finished: The JazzaGal by Mary Annerella in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light in Kinego Bay Mini Skein Magic Knit Chevron Cowl by Dana Freed Fiddes in fingering leftovers from my stash and beads from BeadBiz Vanilla socks in Biscotte Yarns Bis-Sock in Ariel Barb continues working on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer Sublime Eden One-Ball Scarf, using 1 ball of Sublime Eden DK, in the Renee colorwayVanilla Socks using WSK mystery colorway in her Aspen Sock Vanilla Socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock And she has cast on: May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon’s Eye colorway Tracie has cast on: Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma’s Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls And continues working on: Chicory pullover by Susan Moskwa in Scheepjes Colour Crafter   BOOKS Barb read: The Forever Home by Sue Watson - 3 stars  Swan Dive: The Making of a Rogue Ballerina by Georgina Pazcoguin - 5 stars Tracie read: The Night Before by Wendy Walker - 3.5 stars Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool by Clara Parkes - 3 stars You All Grow Up and Leave Me: a Memoir of Teenage Obsession by Piper Weiss - 4.5 stars The Secrets of Roscarbury Hall by Ann O’Loughlin - 3 stars Too Pretty to Live: the Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee by Dennis Brooks - 4 stars   Barb give thumbs up to good customer service from Hobbii Yarn in Copenhagen.  Tracie recommends the Sounds Like a Cult podcast  
2/26/20221 hour, 12 minutes, 24 seconds
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Episode 241: She's One of Those People

Recorded on Thursday, February 3, 2022  Book Talk starts at 24:50 Mini Skein KAL!  Yes, we have started our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL.  You can get all the details here! Mini Skein Finished Object thread here. Browse our Mini Skein Pattern Bundle here. Most of all...have fun! Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here. 12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here! The 2022 2KLC Swap is on!  Go to swap thread for all the info and to join (follow link to the sign up form AND post your answers to the questionnaire in the thread).  Sign ups close on February 10th.   Upcoming events:  March 3-6, 2022 - We will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA. April 7-10, 2022 - Tracie will be attending the Northern California Knitting Retreat in San Juan Bautista, CA KNITTING Barb has finished: Delicious Simplicity hat by Knitsalotte using mystery bulky yarn found in stash Tracie has finished: Anker’s Sweater Junior by PetiteKnit in Scheepjes Colour Crafter  V-Mitts by Dapper, using Madelinetosh Merino Light in the Cosmos Colorway Barb is working on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer Sublime Eden One-Ball Scarf, using 1 ball of Sublime Eden DK, in the Renee colorway Forest Park Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in the Dove Heather and Deep Waters color ways And has cast on: Vanilla Socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock Welcome Spring Oven Towel by Claire Cromwell, using a package of Lion Brand Bonbons in the Nature pack Violet Waffles hat by Halldora J. using DK mystery yarn found in her stash. Tracie is working on: The JazzaGal by Mary Annerella in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light in Kinego Bay Vanilla Socks in Biscotte Bis-Sock in the Arial colorway And has cast on: Chicory pullover by Susan Moskwa in Scheepjes Colour Crafter BOOKS Barb read: Our Little Secret by Kiertsen Modglin - 2.5 stars Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah - 3 stars   Tracie read: Without a Trace: DI Isabel Blood #2) by Jane Bettany - 2.5 stars A Tangled Web by Leslie Rule - 4 stars Her Final Prayer (Detective Clara Jeffries #2) by Kathryn Casey - 4 stars Creepy Crawling: Charles Manson and the Many Lives of America's Most Infamous Family by Jeffrey Melnick - 3.5 stars Mentioned: Barb and Tracie both loved The Wilds Season 1, Prime Video Barb also recommends Yellowjackets on Netflix
2/5/20221 hour, 12 minutes, 9 seconds
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Episode 239: The Chicks vs Drunk Uncles Egg Nog

Recorded on December 26, 2021 Book Talk begins at 26:04 Our Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 15, 2022!  View the details here. Our next KAL will be announced on the next episode! Stay tuned... Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here.   Upcoming events:  January 7-9, 2022 - We will both be attending the New Year Fiber Retreat in San Juan Bautista, California March 3-6, 2022 - We will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA.   KNITTING: Tracie has Finished: Appa by Natalia Vasyaeva in various acrylic yarns Never Not Gnoming by Sarah Schira for Kelly in CD colors Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose Barb finished: Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway   Tracie has cast on: Vanilla Socks in Biscotte Bis-Sock in the Arid colorway And continues working on: Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in the Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway Barb continues to work on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Frohlocke hat by Katrine Schubert, using Malabrigo Yarn Rastita in the Archangel colorway Nagare pullover by Natsuko Iida using Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Sport in the Ice colorway  And has cast on:Multnomah Falls Hat by Kay Hopkins, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Brick Red colorway   BOOKS Tracie read: Too Close by Natalie Daniels - 4 stars Beautifully Cruel by M. William Phelps - 4 stars Murder Mile (Tennison #4) by Lynda La Plante - 4 stars Barb read: After Her by Joyce Maynard - 3 stars     
12/29/202159 minutes, 13 seconds
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Episode 238: We Don't Care

Recorded on December 14, 2021 Book talk starts at 22:55 Our Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 15, 2022!  You still have time to knit a great sweater!  View the details here   Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Tracie’s handspun giveaway! Winners are announced at the end of this podcast. Upcoming events:  January 7-9, 2022 - We will both be attending the New Year Fiber Retreat in San Juan Bautista, California. March 3-6, 2022 - We will both be attending Stitches West in Sacramento, CA. KNITTING: Barb finished Tensfield hat by Martina Behm, using Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope  Homebody Mitts by Helen Stewart, using Berroco Vintage DK in the 21911 colorway Mother Bears #249 & #250 V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin Tracie has Finished: 2 Cannon Bandanas by Debbi Stone & Marcy Vandale in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk in Downtown colorway, held double, and the other in Fiberspates Vivacious 4-ply in slate Dancing T-Rex Sweater by Natalie V in Scheepjes Colour Crafter in Dordrecht and Bergen 2 Murphy Bay Hats by Jenny Wiebe in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky in 2 different colorway. Bursdagslyen hat by Surrehue in Scheepjes Colour Crafter  in the Dordrecht and Bergen colorway Barb continues to work on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway Nagare pullover by Natsuko Iida using Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Sport in the Ice colorway  And has cast on: Frohlocke hat by Katrine Schubert, using Malabrigo Yarn Rastita in the Archangel colorway   Tracie has cast on: Appa by Natalia Vasyaeva in various acrylic yarns Never Not Gnoming by Sarah Schira for Kelly in CD colors   And continues working on: Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in the Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose   BOOKS Barb read:  Sidecountry: Tales of Death and Life from the Back Roads of Sports by John Branch - 4 stars Dream Girl by Laura Lippman - 4 stars I'll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House by Stephanie Grisham- 4 stars     Tracie Read: Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd - 3 stars John  by Cynthia Lennon - 4 stars Someone You Know (Hurt on Audible) by Brian McGilloway  The One by John Marrs - 4 stars
12/17/20211 hour, 8 minutes, 5 seconds
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Episode 236: Did I Like It?

Recorded on Tuesday, November 7, 2021 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has begun!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. Check out our Bundles for more inspiration.   New giveaway - Tracie’s handspun!  She has 3 skeins of 4 oz each to give away: Shaggy Bear Farms Merino/Tussah Silk - Okay, this one is too ugly to give away.  My mother has given it a good home.  I will choose a different skein of handspun to replace this one. Greenwood Fiberworks 100% Merino Superfine - Arizona Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Dyed Roving Merino Superwash/Stellina - Puget Sound Please leave a comment in the contest thread to be entered to win.  Thread will close December 1, 2021. KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bear #249 r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway Tracie finished Punchline by Hanna Maciejewska in Forbidden Fibers Co. Pride LF in Black Emerald Rikke Hat by Sarah Young in Lazer Sheep Farms DK Superwash in Brave Sheep Barb continues to work on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin Into Hibernation: Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway And has cast on: Koko Bean Hat (#3) by Judithmarieknits using random worsted scraps Barb is doing doing surgery on her My Oasis pullover.  She is lengthening the back. Tracie cast on: Darling Darby dog sweater by Jean Celment, using Scheepjes Chunky Monkey in Deep Violet and Turquoise And continues to work on: Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in th Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose BOOKS Barb and Tracie both read: Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell - Barb gave it 3 stars, Tracie has not yet rated it Barb read: Sins of the Mother by Maria Eftimiades - 4 stars Why Cats are Assholes by Liz Miele - 3 stars Man with the Silver Saab (Detective Varg #3) by Alexander Smith McCall - 4 stars Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher - 3 stars Tracie read: When You See Me by Lisa Gardner - 4 stars Close Her Eyes by Dorothy Simpson - 3 stars
11/10/202158 minutes, 2 seconds
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Episode 235: Tracie Will Find a Way to Carry On

Recorded Wednesday October 27, 2021 Book talk starts at 27:12 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has begun!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. Check out our Bundles for more inspiration.   New giveaway - Tracie’s handspun! I have 3 skeins of 4 oz each to give away: Shaggy Bear Farms Merino/Tussah Silk Greenwood Fiberworks 100% Merino Superfine - Arizona Greenwood Fiberworks Hand Dyed Roving Merino Superwash/Stellina - Puget Sound Please leave a comment in the contest thread to be entered to win.  Thread will close December 1, 2021.   KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bear #248   Tracie finished All Work, Gnome Play MKAL by Sarah Schira in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh, Plucky Knitter Sophisticate, and Wool Addicts Love by Lang Yarns Stashbusting Helix Hat by Jessica Rose Kaiya Mei hat #3 by Jamie Hoffman in Manos del Uruguay Maxima in Speeding Ticket and Universal Uptown Worsted in grey Never Not Gnoming #23 by Sarah Schira in yarns by Leading Men Fiber Arts 3rd Darling Darby for Ruby in Red Heart With Love Metallic in Red Bunny Blanket Buddy #3 by Lion Brand in Rowan Calmer Sea Monkey Baby Hat by Kelly McClure in Rowan Calmer   Barb continues to work on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway And has cast on: Mother Bear #249   Tracie cast on: Vanilla Socks in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in Bicolor Rose Rikke Hat by Sarah Young in Lazer Sheep Farms DK Superwash in Brave Sheep   And continues to work on: Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman (see picture at right) using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in th Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway Punchline by Hanna Maciejewska in Forbidden Fibers Co. Pride LF in Black Emerald   BOOKS Barb read The Last Man on the Mountain: The Death of an American Adventurer on K2 by Jennifer Jordan - 4 stars Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff - 4 stars   Tracie read Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders by J.B. King - 2.5 stars Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Andrea Montell - 5 stars Behind the Horror: True Stories that Inspired Horror Movies by Lee Mellor - 4 stars Barb recommends the Murdaugh Murders Podcast
10/31/20211 hour, 1 minute, 14 seconds
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Episode 234: My Usual Half-A*&ed Buttonhole

Recorded on October 8, 2021 Book Talk starts at: 29:00 The 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has begun!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread. Check out our Bundles for more inspiration.   Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here KNITTING Tracie finished: Octave by Dee O’Keeffe in Invictus Yarns Adventure Double Sock Blank in Hermie Oak Segue Vanilla Hat using Araucania Löwen Be Loving Hat by Melissa Simpson, using Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky a hat modified from the Bankhead hat pattern by Susie Gourley. Tracie calls it her "Bankhead Swirl". Barb finished: Be Kind #7 by Melissa Simpson, using worsted weight scraps   Tracie cast on:   Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman using Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock in th Mrs. Peacock, Orange Sherbet and Painted Waters colorways, and Cloudborn Superwash Merino Sock Twist in the Ecru colorway Darling Darby #3 dog sweater for Ruby in Red Heart with Love Metallic in red And continues to work on: Punchline by Hanna Maciejewska in Forbidden Fibers Co. Pride LF in Black Emerald All Work, Gnome Play MKAL by Sarah Schira in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh in Happy Hammock, Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar Ribbon, and Wool Addicts Love by Lang Yarns in Creme Barb continues to work on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway Gnome MKAL All Work, Gnome Play, using fingering leftovers from my stash V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman, using The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady in Stagecoach Mary, Heartbreak Hotel, Missoula Saturday Night, and Honky Tonkin r. e. d. By Hinterm Stein, using Cloudborn Highland DK in the Silver Heather colorway   BOOKS  Tracie read: Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day  by Peter Zuckerman - 3.5 stars In Cold Blood (D.I. Isabel Blood #1) by Jane Bettany - 4 stars Abducted (Lizzy Gardner, #1)  by T.R. Ragan - 2.5 stars Cease to Exist  vy Charles "Tex" Watson - 4.5 stars Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst - 4 stars The Stranger's Wife by Anna-Lou Weatherley - 3 stars   Barb read: Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni - 4 stars The Last Flight by Julie Clark - 3 stars The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamor, and Greed  by Sara Gay Forden - 4 stars Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell - 4.5 stars   Tracie talked about the Netflix series Britney Vs. Spears.  Here is the Trailer for it!  
10/11/20211 hour, 8 minutes, 37 seconds
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Episode 232: It Boggles the Mind

Recorded on Tuesday, September 7, 2021   Announcing the start of the 2021 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL!  All the info you need to know is here on the Sweater KAL Chatter Thread.   Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here We will draw for Mother Bear prizes at the end of this episode!   KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bear #247 From Where You were Plucked baby hat by Corrie Willard My Oasis pullover by Ririko, using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering in the Conton colorway and Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering Gradients in Shades of Emerald Tracie finished:   Her last 4 4 Mother Bears of the summer - #262 - 265 Party of 8 by Christie Archer in Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel and Rowan Fine Art in Lapwing Barb is working On: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway She cast on: Be Kind Hat #7 by Melissa Simpson, using worsted scraps Tracie has cast on: Ice River Hat by Helen Stewart, using SKEINO Venice in Blue Steele, and Rowan Fine Art in the Lapwing colorway And she continues to work on: Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota, using Tracie's handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/silk Octave by Dee O’Keeffe in Invictus Yarns Adventure Double Sock Blank in Hermie Oak Segue BOOKS  Barb finished:  Marilgold: An Investigation of an American Haunting - an Audible Original podcast by Sara Gruen - 4 stars Broken (Will Trent #4) by Karin Slaughter - 4 stars I'll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie - 3 stars Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis.  Barb says it is the best book she has read all year! - 5 star   Tracie Finished The Ruin (Cormac Reilly #1)  by Dervla McTiernan - 4 stars Go With Me by Castle Freeman Jr. - 2 stars Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore - 3 stars Miracle Creek by Angie Kim - 2 stars The Invited by Jennifer McMahon - 2 stars
9/11/20211 hour, 1 minute, 57 seconds
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Episode 231: Let's Never Speak of It Again

Recorded on August 22, 2021 Book Talk starts at 24:52 Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here We will draw for the giveaway of Fredi Baker’s Let’s Shawl-a-Brate! pattern at the end of the episode. KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bear 246 Bankhead Hat #17 Concrete Sunset Socks using WSK Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway Tracie finished: Davis by Pam Allen in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in Rigging colorway Barb is working On: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. My Oasis pullover by Ririko, using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering in the Conton colorway and Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering Gradients in Shades of Emerald Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway She cast on: From Where You Were Plucked hat by Corrie Willard, using Knit Picks Stroll fingering in the Orbit Tonal colorway Vanilla socks using Knit Circus Greatest of Ease in the Electric Mayhem colorway Tracie doesn’t want to think about: Tulip Tank Top by Purl Soho in Araucania Caña Ruca She has cast on: Party of 8 by Christie Archer in Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel and Rowan Fine Art in Lapwing Octave by Dee O’Keeffe in Invictus Yarns Adventure Double Sock Blank in Hermie Oak Segue And she continues to work on: Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota, using Tracie's handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/silk BOOKS  Barb finished:  Happily Ali After & Other Fairly True Stories by Ali Wentworth - 3 stars The Girls Weekend by Jodi Gehrman - 3 stars Tracie Finished: What Doesn’t Kill Her by Carla Norton Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni   Barb recommends Woodstock Chimes wind chimes 
8/23/202153 minutes, 45 seconds
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Episode 230: Live from Montana!

Listen  Recorded on August 8, 2021 Book talk starts at 26:30 Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   We are giving away 3 copies of Fredi Baker’s Let’s Shawl-a-Brate! pattern.  Leave a comment on the prize thread telling us how you feel about putting colors together - love it, get intimidated, or always buy the kit?  Thread will close August 15. Joining us on this podcast is our friend, Eileen, better known on Ravelry as Redsknits!  Eileen is a very accomplished knitter, spinner, quilter and wood Turner.   KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bear #244 & #245   Barb continues to work on: Vanilla socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer. Another Bankhead Hat by Susie Gourlay, using leftover worsted weight yarn. My Oasis pullover by Ririko, using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering in the Conton colorway and Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering Gradients in Shades of Emerald Barb has Cast On:   Mimosa by Boo Knits, using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Giddy Up colorway Architexture Cowl by Jennifer Weismann, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Box Office in the Blue Ink colorway   Eileen has finished: Wildberry Shawl by Andrea Mowry and Annie Rowden, using Western Sky Knits Merino 17 Worsted Eileen  is working on: Stripes! by Andrea Mowry, using Jameson & Smith and Jameson and a Rowan yarn. A beret modeld on the motifs from her Forestland pullover by Jennifer Steingass Tracie has finished: 3 Mother Bears, #259 - #261 Calyx pullover by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Spring Green colorway Tracie is working on: Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota, using Tracie's handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/silk We discussed the our friend Shelley's cardigan, her Desert Sunset using the Stripes Forever pattern by Heidimarie Kaiser.  Such a beautiful sweater, with an interesting shoulder detail, and Shelley added afterthought pockets.  The sweater and pictures are below:   BOOKS: Tracie and Barb both read: PEEPS by Erin Gordon.  4 stars from Tracie, 5 stars from Barb!   Eileen read: My 25 Years in Provance by Peter Maille - 4-5 stars Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - 3.5 - 4 stars Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Schute - 5 stars (but she didn't like the narrator of the Audible version!). A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follet - Eileen does NOT recommend it. Tracie read: The War Between the Tates by Alison Lurie - 3.5 stars The Argument by Victoria Jenkins - 3 stars
8/12/20211 hour, 4 minutes, 52 seconds
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Episode 229: It Looks Like a Seven-Year-Old-Girl's Dream

Recorded Thursday, July 22, 2021 Book talk begins at 25:06 Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here We are giving away 3 copies of Fredi Baker’s Let’s Shawl-a-Brate! pattern.  Leave a comment on the prize thread telling us how you feel about putting colors together - love it, get intimidated, or always buy the kit?  Thread will close August 15.   KNITTING Tracie finished: Cowl Shell by Myrna Batten in Araucania Caña Ruca, color #213 3 Mother Bears - 256-258 Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Aspen Silk 600 in the Downtown Colorway   Barb finished: Mother Bear #243 Koko Bean Hat #2 by JudithMarieKnits The Capitol hat by Hinterm Stein, using Baah Yarn Platinum in the Misty colorway Tracie cast on: Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota, using Tracie's handspun from fiber by Woolgatherings Polwarth/silk   And continues working on: Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy Calyx pullover by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Spring Green colorway   Barb continues to work on Vanilla socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts   She has cast on: Another Bankhead Hat by Susie Gourlay, using leftover worsted weight yarn. My Oasis pullover by Ririko, using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering in the Conton colorway and Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering Gradients in Shades of Emerald   BOOKS  Tracie read: First Degree Rage: The True Story of "The Assassin", an Obsession, and Murder  by Paula May - 3 stars Minor Dramas and Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West - 4 stars The Fourth Child by Jessica Winter - 4 stars Barb read: Leave the World Behind - 4 stars
7/25/202157 minutes, 13 seconds
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Episode 228: The Best Ice Cream in the Whole World

Recorded on July 7, 2021 Book Talk starts at 29:55 Our annual Mother Bear KAL is on!  Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please.  Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here We are giving away 3 copies of Fredi Baker’s Let’s Shawl-a-Brate! pattern.  Leave a comment on the prize thread telling us how you feel about putting colors together - love it, get intimidated, or always buy the kit?  Thread will close August 15.   KNITTING Tracie finished: Let’s Shawl-a-brate by Fredi Baker in  Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel, Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in California, and Marianated Scrumptious HT in Sunset on Tatooine Fiddly Bits cowl by Jana Pihota in blues and greens 4 Mother Bears 252-255 Barb finished: Mother Bears 241 & 242 Pioneer Braid Scarf #7 by Catherine Ryan, using Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope in the 27 colorway Anker’s Summer Shirt by PetiteKnits - using Berroco Remix in the Pool colorway Bankhead Hat #16 - random worsted scraps Tracie cast on: Cowl Shell by Myrna Batten in Araucania Caña Ruca, color #213 Vanilla Socks in Lollipop Quintessential Gripes Still Crazy And continues working on: Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Aspen Silk 600 in the Downtown Colorway Calyx pullover by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Spring Green colorway Barb continues to work on: The Capitol hat by Hinterm Stein, using Baah Platinum in the Misty colorway Vanilla socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts She has cast on: Koko Bean Hat by JudithMarieKnits in some rando blue yarn that I found in my bear yarn.  I think it’s Red Heart Super Saver that I probably picked up from a destash table.   BOOKS  Tracie read: Still Learning by India Oxenberg - 2.5 stars A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic’s Wild Ride to the Edge and Back by Kevin Hazzard - 2.5 stars Barb read: Bittersweet by Colleen McCullough - 4 stars Fatal Charm by Carlton Smith - 3 stars   Barb recommends the K2 Savage Mountain episodes of the Against the Odds podcast  
7/9/202159 minutes, 15 seconds
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Episode 227: Tracie's Bookapalooza!

Recorded on June 23, 2021 Book Talk starts at: 23:40 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   Our annual Mother Bear KAL has started!       Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please. Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL Let's turn out a record number of bears!       Barb's Koko Bean Hat   KNITTING   Barb finished: Mother Bears #239 & #240 Koko Bean Hat by JudithMarieKnits, using random worsted scrap yarn   Tracie finished: Mother Bears 248 - 251 Barb is working on: The Capitol hat by Hinterm Stein, using Baah Platinum in the Misty colorway Pioneer Braid Scarf by Catherine Ryan using Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope in the 27 colorway Vanilla socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in the Concrete Sunset colorway Barb has cast on: That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts Anker's Summer Shirt by PetiteKnits, using Berroco Remix Light in the Pool colorway Bankhead Hat #16 using random worsted scraps   Tracie is still working on: Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Aspen Silk 600 in the Downtown Colorway Fiddly Bits cowl by Jana Pihota using random fingering scraps Tracie has cast on: Calyx pullover by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Spring Green colorway Let's Shawl-a-Brate! by Fredi Baker, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in the Blue Steel colorway, Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock  in the California colorway, Marianated Yarn Scrumptious HT in the Sunset on Tatooine colorway BOOKS   Barb finished  2 books: Your Perfect Year by Charlotte Lucas - 3 stars Klara and the Sun by Kazua Ishiguro - 4 stars   Tracie has finished 10 books: The Golden State by Lydia Keisling - 4 stars We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver - 5 stars Hold Your Breath by B. P. Walter - 2 stars These Women by Ivy Pachoda - 4.5 stars Bad Axe County by Ivy Pachoda - 4.5 stars Unexpectedly Milo by Matthew Dicks - 2.5 stars The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell - 3 stars Bonfire by Kristin Ritter - 2.5 stars The Girl in the Leaves by Robert Scott - 3 stars To the Land of Long Lost Friends (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #20 by Alexander McCall Smith - 4 stars Thumbs Up /Down Tracie talked about some of her "Yarn Room" art that came from Knit Baah Purl   Barb recommended the podcast The Opportunist - she really liked Season 1, and also Season 2 which is going on now.   She also recommended the Peacock series Mr. Mercedes.  
6/26/20211 hour, 13 minutes, 13 seconds
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Episode 226: With Our Very Special Guest, Joyce Vance

Recorded on June 6, 2021 Book Talk starts at:  Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Our Anything But Wool KAL has ended - 142 FOs!  Good job, everyone!  We will announce the prize winners in at the end of this podcast! Our annual Mother Bear KAL has started!     Any Mother Bear that you have knit or crocheted in 2021 is eligible to post in our FO Thread.  One post per bear please. Please see all the rules and participate in the Chatter Thread. #2021MBKAL2KL Let's turn out a record number of bears!   KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bears #237 & #238 Bankhead Hat #15 One Splendid Skein shawl by Fredi Baker, using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Budgie colorway Purl Strings tee by Heidi Kirrmaier, using Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton (Skinny) in the Sprout colorway Snow Day hat by Jerry Burch using Noro Furisode in 23 colorway Gnot Just Another Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira Tracie finished: Mother Bears 240-247 Gnot Another Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira in various acrylic worsted yarns from the Bear bin   BOOKS   Barb finished 3 books: The Riddle of Emmon Bodfish by Paul Holes - 4 stars You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism by Amber Ruffin - 3.5 stars Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black - 3 stars     Tracie finished 2 books: The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection by Beverly Cleary, narrated by Stockard Channing - 5 stars Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living by Nick Offerman - 3.5 stars  Interview with Joyce White Vance.  Joyce was a Federal Prosecutor for the Northern District of       Alabama, nominated by President Barack Obama.  She is  currently a Professor of Law at the University of Alabama and an MSNBC Correspondent on legal issues.  She is also an avid knitter!  Barb and Tracie talk to her about a myriad of subjects including the law, her work on MSNBC, her chickens, podcasting, but most of all, her knitting.  She also participates in our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down segment.    She is one of the hosts of the podcast #SistersInLaw, in    addition to being a co-host of the Cafe Insider Podcast with         Preet Bahara.     Joyce talked about her current knitting project, her Livia Cardigan.   It was so fun to interview Joyce - please enjoy!   Tracie talked about the Blue's Clues Pride Parade video " />
6/9/20211 hour, 28 minutes, 36 seconds
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Episode 223: The Ending Didn't Suck

Recorded on April 7, 2021 Book Talk starts at: 35:50 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Our Anything-But-Wool KAL is ongoing!  From February 15 to May 15, knit or crochet a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  Join our very active chatter thread here, and post your FOs here. Would you like to win a copy of the Abington Mitts by BostonJen? This lovely pattern is designed for DK weight yarn and would be a beautiful addition to anyone’s winter wardrobe.  Post on the giveaway thread to be entered to win! New Giveaway for fans of The Office!  Tracie has made an The Office-themed project bag to give away.  Post in the giveaway thread telling us what your favorite episode is and why.  The thread will close May 15. KNITTING Barb has finished: Mother Bear #235 Tracie has finished 1.  Sea Turtle by Galina Fedtchenko in ArtFibers Houdini Barb has frogged: River Ripples by Yumiko Alexander, using Hemp for Knitting Allhemp 3 in the Green colorway Barb continues to work on: 1.  Alaska hat by Camille Descoteaux, using a kit from Knitcircus 2.  Zephyr cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Rios in the Solis colorway. 3.  One Splendid Skein shawl by Fredi Baker, using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Budgie colorway.   And has cast on:  1.  Abington Mitts by Jennifer Lassonde, using Lil Weasel DK in the Porcelain colorway 2.  Cool Hemp Ponchette by Lana Hames, using Hemp for Knitting AllHemp3 in the Green colorway Tracie has cast on: Tulip Tank Top by Purl Soho in Newton’s Yarn Country Linen Tweed - Brown Barberpole And continues to work on: 1.  Color Stacking Cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in Blue Heron Rayon Metallic in the Mossy Place colorway 2.  Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  The Guest List by Lucy Foley - 4 stars 2.  A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult - 4 stars   Tracie read: 1.  Smart Women by Judy Blume - 4 stars 2. Beshert by Erin Gordon - 5 stars 3. Faithful Place by Tana French - 4 stars 4.  The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson - 3 stars 5.  What Lies Between Us by John Marrs - 4 stars                  
4/11/20211 hour, 5 minutes, 59 seconds
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Episode 222: It has Tassels

Book Talk starts at 41:25 Recorded March 22, 2021   Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   Our Anything-But-Wool KAL is ongoing!  From February 15 to May 15, knit or crochet a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  Join our very active chatter thread here, and post your FOs here.   Would you like to win a copy of the Abington Mitts by BostonJen? This lovely pattern is designed for DK weight yarn and would be a beautiful addition to anyone’s winter wardrobe.  Post on the giveaway thread to be entered to win!   KNITTING   Barb has finished: Sunset Highway pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Luxury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, and Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Twist Sock, in the Ocean and the Magenta colorways Vindaloo Shawl by Melissa Schoschwary, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted in the Winter Sky colorway Mother Bear #234   Tracie has finished Noble Hill by b. Woolens in Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar Ribbon 1st of Four Cats by Kath Dalmeny Zickzack Scarf (cowl) by Christy Kamm in Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and Dawn colorways Kindling Mitts by Helen Stewart in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendelton in Snow for my friend Dawn’s birthday   Barb continues to work on: River Ripples by Yumiko Alexander, using Hemp for Knitting Allhemp 3 in the Green colorway Mother Bear #234    And has cast on: Alaska hat by Camille Descoteaux, using a kit from Knitcircus  Zephyr cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Rios in the Solis colorway. One Splendid Skein shawl by Fredi Baker, using Hedgehog Fibers Sock in the Budgie colorway.   Tracie has cast on: Sea Turtle by Galina Fedtchenko in Artfibers Houdini   And continues to work on: Color Stacking Cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in Blue Heron Rayon Metallic in the Mossy Place colorway Jewel Box Cowl by Cindy Garland in Stunning String Studio Stunning Superwash (kit) 2nd Cat from 4 Cats by Kath Dalmeny using Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, etc.  Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway     BOOKS   Barb read: In the Dark by Loreth Anne White - 3 stars The Murder of Marion Miley by Beverly Bell - 4.5 stars   Tracie read: His Favorites by Kate Walbert The Secret Place by Tana French
3/25/20211 hour, 11 minutes, 36 seconds
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Episode 220: That Is Not A Recommendation

Recorded on February 15, 2021 Book talk starts at 25:00 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Announcing our Anything-But-Wool KAL!  From February 15 to May 15, knit or crochet a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  The chatter thread has opened here.     Katy H. Carroll aka Katinka Designs will be hosting a KAL for her cowl designs!  Use the promo code COWLABUNGA to receive 50% off any of her cowl designs for the next few weeks, and then plan to knit along in March.  Check out Katy's cowl designs here, and look for details in her Ravelry group here.     Our friend Fredi Baker has released the latest pattern in her one-skein shawl series!  The One Splendid Shawl is now available on Ravelry, and we have 3 copies to giveaway.  Post here to be entered to win.   KNITTING Barb has finished:   1.  Mother Bear #233 2.  Ran House Book Hat by Jennifer Lassonde, using scraps of leftover Caron Cakes 3.  Bankhead Hat #14   Tracie has finished: Vanilla Socks in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh in Happy Hammock   Barb continues to work on: 1.  Sunset Highway pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean colorways 2.  Hearten Cowl by Helen Stewart, using scraps and mini-skeins from her stash 3.  Vindaloo shawl by Melissa Shaschwary, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted in the Winter Sky colorway    Barb has cast on 1.  Heart Scarf by Jacques Cartier Clothiers, using 100% Qiviut (217 yards of lace weight) in a blue-purple colorway   Tracie has cast on: 1.  4 Cats by Kath Dalmeny using Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, etc. And continues to work on:   1.  Table runner in my handspun (Chameleon Fiber Co Merino/Silk) 2.  Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway 3.  Noble Hill by b. Woolens in Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar Ribbon   BOOKS Barb read: 1.   The Widow's House by Carol Goodman -  2.5 stars 2.  Out of the Silence: After the Crash by Eduardo Strauch Urioste - 4 stars   Tracie read: 1.  The Playground Murders (The Detective's Daughter #7 by Lesley Thomsen - 2.5 stars 2.  Squeeze Me (Skink #8) by Carl Hiaasen - 4 stars 3.  Possessed: The Infamous Texas Stiletto Murder by Kathryn Casey - 4 stars 4.  Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. - 4 stars 5.   Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman - 4 stars   Tracie recommends the Easy View Anti-fog Cloth - it really works to keep your glasses from fogging up when you wear a mask!    
2/17/20211 hour, 10 minutes, 20 seconds
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Episode 219: Who are We to Say No Cashmere?

Recorded on January 28, 2021 Book Talk starts at 23:29 Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Our Fall Sweater KAL has ended - listen to the end of the episode to find out if you are a prize winner! Announcing our Anything-But-Wool KAL!  From February 15 to May 15, knit or crochet a project of at least 200 yards of any yarn that does not contain wool - that means cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, soy, steel, milk, corn - even acrylic!  The chatter thread has opened here. KNITTING Barb has finished: Multidirectional Scarf #10 by Karen Baumer using a Caron Cake Create Your Own Adventure shawl by Fredi Baker, using an Invictus Yarns Beyond kit bought at Stitches 2019. Tracie has finished Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset Scintillation by Hunter Hammersen - just playing with this, making stars in different yarns and sizes Barb continues to work on: Sunset Highway pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean colorways Hearten Cowl by Helen Stewart, using scraps and mini-skeins from her stash Vindaloo shawl by Melissa Shaschwary, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted in the Winter Sky colorway  And has cast on Tan House Brook Hat by Jennifer Lassonde, using Caron Cake leftovers for a color blocking effect.   Tracie has cast on: Noble Hill by b. Woolens in Plucky Knitter Sophisticate in Sugar Ribbon Vanilla Socks in Apple Fiber Studio McIntosh in Happy Hammock And Continues to work on: Girl Cat by Julie Williams in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Table runner in my handspun (Chameleon Fiber Co Merino/Silk) Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway BOOKS Barb read: Drowning with Others by Linda Keir - 3 stars A Keeper by Graham Norton - 4 stars Tracie read: Lakewood by Megan Giddings - 4 1/2 stars Troubled Blood (Cormoran Strike #5) by Robert Galbraith - 4 stars To learn about the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, check out the American Scandal podcast Verizon Call Filter
1/31/20211 hour, 3 minutes, 44 seconds
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Episode 218: My Butt Has Written the Check

Recorded on 1/13/2021 Book Talk starts at 34:34   The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL runs until January 15!  This episode was recorded on January 13th, so please plan on listening to Episode 219 to find out if you won a prize!   The Chicks are mulling over ideas for our next knit-along...stay tuned!   Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   KNITTING       Barb has finished: 1.  Dalki hat by Gillian Harkness, using leftover yarn from a Caron Cake 2.  Mother Bear #232       Tracie has finished: 1.  Moon of My Life pullover by Nadia Cretin-Lechenne in Invictus Yarns Reward in the Christmas Chaos colorway, and Serendipidye Silken Sock in the Papaya colorway       Barb has frogged: Moondrip Swoncho by Dragon Hoard Designs, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean colorways     Barb continues to work on: 1.  Multidirectional Scarf #9 by Karen Baumer, using a Caron Cake 2.  Create Your Own Adventure shawl, using a kit made up of Invictus Yarns Beyond yarn {--     And has cast on: 1.  Sunset Highway pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean colorways 2.  Hearten Cowl by Helen Stewart, using scraps and mini-skeins from her stash 3.  Vindaloo shawl by Melissa Shaschwary, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Worsted in the Winter Sky colorway   Tracie has cast on: 1.  Table runner in Tracie's handspun (Chameleon Fiber Co. Merino/Silk 2.  Girl Cat by Julie Williams in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton and Paintbox Yarns Simply DK -}                                  And continues to work on:   1.  Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset 2.  Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway   BOOKS     Barb read: 1.  Yard Work by David Koepp - 5 stars 2.  Love Lies: A True Story of Marriage and Murder in the Suburbs by Amanda Lamb - 3.5 stars 3.  Love and Terror on the Howling Plains of Nowhere by Poe Ballantine - 5 stars 4.  Disloyal: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump by Michael Cohen - 4 stars 5.  The Dinner by Herman Koch - 4 stars     Tracie read:    1. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 5 stars   2.  One True Thing by Anna Quindlen - 4 stars   3.  Victim: The Other Side of Murder by Gary Kinder - 4 stars    
1/17/20211 hour, 14 minutes, 8 seconds
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Episode 217: "Short-Wise" isn't a thing?

Recorded on December 28, 2020 Book Talk starts at 31:50 The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL runs until January 15!  You can find all the details here.   Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   KNITTING   Barb finished: Frosted Leaves Cowl by Amitola Grande, using a Premier Sweet Roll. Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho, using Jojoland Tonic in the Gray colorway Vanilla Socks using Scholler and Stahl Fortissima Socka Mexiko Color Working on: ADVENTure Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira, using a mini skein set I bought from Jimmy Beans   Tracie has finished: ADVENTure Gnome MKAL in sparkly yarns The Child - A Knit Plushie by Ashley Collings Neckwarmer in Euro Baby Kaleidescope   Barb continues to work on: Multidirectional Scarf #9 by Karen Baumer, using a Caron Cake Moondrip Swoncho by Dragon Hoard Designs, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean color ways Create Your Own Adventure shawl, using a kit made up of Invictus Yarns Beyond yarn   And has cast on: Dalki hat by Gillian Harkness, using leftover yarn from a Caron Cake   Tracie has cast on: Snake River Poncho by Katy H. Carroll in Western Sky Knits Aspen Silk 600 in Downtown Colorway   And continues to work on: Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset Moon of My Life pullover by Nadie Cretin-Lechenne in Invictus Yarns Reward in Christmas Chaos and Serendipidye Sausalite Silken Sock in Papaya   BOOKS Barb read: Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century by Peter Graham - 4 stars The New One: Painfully True Stories from a Reluctant Dad - by Mike Birbiglia - 5 stars The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry - 4 stars   Tracie read:  Alright, Alright, Alright: An Oral History of Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused by Melissa Maerz - 5 stars Native Tongue by Carl Hiaasen (Also mention Class Action Park on HBO Max) - 4 1/2 stars Skink: No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen - 3 stars One in Three by Tess Stimson - 3 1/2 stars
12/31/20201 hour, 12 minutes, 51 seconds
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Episode 216: So Many Unicorns

Recorded on December 14, 2020 Book Talk begins at 33:30 The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 15, 2021.  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES! 👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters 👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced 👉 Crocheted Sweaters   Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here Listen to the end of the podcast to find out if you have won 1 of these skeins of Tracie's handspun! 149 yds Twisted Sunshine 50% Silk/50% Merino in bright coral 210 yds Malabrigo Nube 100% Pure Merino Wool in jade greens 252 yds Living Dreams Yarn 70% Merino/30% Tussah Silk in Midnight in Paris (periwinkle)   KNITTING   Barb has finished: Yowza Weigh It Shawl #4 by Susan B. Anderson, using Feza Yarns Viva Glitz in a pink and green colorway Tracie has finished: 3 more Bankhead hats by Susie Gourlay in Plymouth Encore 1 more Eyelet Messy Bun Hat by Miranda Riley using Dragonfly FibersTraveller in the Mission District colorway 2 Darling Darby Sweaters by Jean Clement, using Plymouth Encore in lime green and teal, and some unknown purple yarn leftover from a Craftsy kit! Tracie is not going to finish: Stark Baking Mad by Mary Annerella in Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel, Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in California, and Marianated Scrumptious HT in Sunset on Tatooine Barb continues working on: Frosted Leaves Cowl by Amitola Grande, using a Premier Sweet Roll  Vanilla socks for Will, using Scheller + Stahl Fortissimo Socks Mexico Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho, using Jojoland Tonic in the Gray colorway Barb has cast on: ADVENTure Gnome MKAL by Sarah Schira, using a mini skein set from the Loopy Ewe Multidirectional Scarf #9 by Karen Baumer, using a Caron Cake Moondrip Swoncho by Dragon Hoard Designs, using Brown Sheep Wildfoote Lusury Sock in the Vanilla colorway, Cloudborn Fibers Highland Superwash Sock Twist in the Magenta and the Ocean color ways Create Your Own Adventure shawl, using a kit made up of Invictus Yarns Beyond yarn   Tracie continues to work on: Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset Moon of My Life pullover by Nadie Cretin-Lechenne in Invictus Yarns Reward in Christmas Chaos and Serendipidye Sausalite Silken Sock in Papaya     BOOKS Tracie finished: Be Frank with Me by Julia Clayborne Johnson - 4 stars The Other Woman's House by Sophie Hannah - 4 stars The Best of Me by David Sedaris - 4 stars   Barb finished: Donor 9623 by Dov Fox - 4 stars Big Sky by Kate Atkinson - 3.5 stars
12/18/20201 hour, 9 minutes, 4 seconds
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Episode 215: I Gave It Five Stars

Recorded on November 29, 2020 Book Talk starts at 32:41 The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing until January 15, 2021.  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES! 👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters 👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced 👉 Crocheted Sweaters Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here New Giveaway - Tracie wants to send you a skein of her handspun!  She will be giving out these skeins to three lucky winners: 149 yds Twisted Sunshine 50% Silk/50% Merino in bright coral 210 yds Malabrigo Nube 100% Pure Merino Wool in jade greens 252 yds Living Dreams Yarn 70% Merino/30% Tussah Silk in Midnight in Paris (periwinkle) Leave a comment here to be entered to win.  The contest thread will close December 15, 2020. KNITTING Barb has finished: Granito pullover by Joji Locatelli, using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in an unknown colorway Beautiscarful Cowl by Christina Hayes, using Leading Men Fiber Arts West End (a non-superwash wool, worsted weight) in the the Winter Shrubbery colorway Tracie has finished: Twisted Trails by Lisa K. Ross in Plymouth Encore in heathery light grey and denim blue in  Plymouth Encore Worsted Coldstream Hat by Katia Frankel (From Head to Toe: Kids' Knit Accessories in Plymouth Encore Worsted 2  Bankhead hats by Susie Gorley in Plymouth Encore Worsted   Barb continues working on: Frosted Leaves Cowl by Amitola Grande, using a Premier Sweet Roll  Yowza Weigh It Shawl #4 by Susan B. Anderson, using Feza Yarns Viva Glitz in a pink and green colorway Vanilla socks for Will, using Scheller + Stahl Fortissimo Socks Mexico Barb has cast on: Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho, using Jojoland Tonic in the Gray colorway   Tracie continues to work on: Vanilla socks in Western Sky Knits Smooth Sock in Concrete Sunset Stark Baking Mad by Mary Annerella in Leading Men Fiber Arts Diva in Blue Steel, Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in California, and Marianated Scrumptious HT in Sunset on Tatooine Tracie has cast on:   Moon of My Life pullover by Nadie Cretin-Lechenne in Invictus Yarns Reward in Christmas Chaos and Serendipidye Sausalite Silken Sock in Papaya BOOKS Barb and Tracie finished: Becoming by Michelle Obama - 5 stars from both! Barb also finished: The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood - 4 stars Tracie finished The Other Woman by Jane Isaac - 3 stars Call Me Crazy by Kelly Stone Gamble - 3 stars          
11/30/202057 minutes, 56 seconds
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Episode 214: Like a Duck on a Junebug!

Recorded on November 11, 2020 Book Talk starts at 32:45
11/15/20201 hour, 6 minutes, 19 seconds
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Episode 213: A Special Box for Organizing Headbands

Recorded on October 29, 2020 Book Talk starts at 32:00 The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has officially started!  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES! 👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters 👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced 👉 Crocheted Sweaters   Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   Our friend Dinaripper is making wonderful 3D masks with adjustable elastic ear-loops!  They come in lots of fun prints and are really comfortable and well-made.  Check them out here.  For free shipping on masks and anything else you order from her online store until Christmas, use coupon code 2KLCSHIP.   KNITTING Barb finished Bautista shawl by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Invictus Yarns YakLux in the Nockers 2020 colorway Multidirectional Scarf #9, using a Caron Cake Bear and a Bunny Suit by Susan B. Anderson, using 2 skeins of Plymouth Encore in an oatmeal and a turquoise Octopus by Susan B. Anderson, using Knitpicks Felici Worsted in the Lost Lakes colorway   Tracie finished Eyelet Messy Bun Hat #2 by Miranda Riley in KFI Luxury Collection  Indulgence Hand Painted in Cirque Royale Little Unicorn by Lorraine Pistorio in Alexandra The Art of Yarn in Pendleton - Midnight colorway Niamh by Isabell Kraemer in Miss Babs Katahdin in Smurf & Turf  Dog Sweater test-knit by Fredi Baker in Plymouth Encore   Barb continues working on Granito pullover by Joji Locatelli, using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock in an unknown colorway Union Table Runner by Joan Beebe, using Knit Picks Swish DK Bare   And has cast on  Yowza Weigh It Shawl #4 by Susan B. Anderson, using Feza Yarns Viva Glitz in a pink and green colorway Bankhead Hat  #12 by Karen Baumer   Tracie pulled out of hybernation Bellefleur Cardigan by Valerie Hobbs in madelinetosh Silk/Merino in Mill Pond   And cast on Kindling Hat by Helen Stewart in Alexandra the Art of Yarn Pendelton in Midnight   Books Barb read The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline - 4 stars Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen - 3 stars   Tracie read  In Her Skin by Alex Kiester The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman Clock Dance by Anne Tyler Say It Louder: Black Voters, White Narratives, and Saving Our Democracy by Tiffany Cross The Couple Next Door by Shari LaPeña   Barb recommends the Canary podcast   Tracie recommends The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix
10/31/20201 hour, 11 minutes, 10 seconds
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Episode 211: Then You're Just Hanging Out With People You Don't Like

So sorry for all the barking dogs in the background of this episode! Recorded on Monday, September 27, 2020 Book talk starts at 17:50   The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has officially started!  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES! 👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters 👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced 👉 Crocheted Sweaters   Our Mother Bear KAL is over!  What did you win?  Listen until the end of the podcast to find out.   Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   If you are an American citizen, PLEASE VOTE!   Are you registered to vote?  You can check your voter registration HERE   Tracie and Barb support the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage you to add your voice to the fight for racial justice and police reform and demilitarization.  Please donate if you can:   Black Lives Matter Southern Poverty Law Center NAACP Legal Defense Fund ACLU    KNITTING Barb finished Mother Bears 228 & 229   Tracie has finished: 1. Her Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarns, using Debbie Bliss Andes (baby alpaca and mulberry silk) and Mirasol Nuna (merino, silk, and bamboo)   Barb continues to work on 1.  Vanilla Socks using and set of Fibernymph Dye Works Inversibles in blue and pink  2.  Holey Comfort Cardigan by Hinterm Stern using Holst Garn Coast Uul Bomuld in the Ice Sea colorway 3.  Bautista shawl by Celia McAdam Cahill in Invictus Yarns YakLux in the NoCKRs 2020 colorway 4.  Lineate by Elizabeth Doherty, using Knit Picks Palette in the Lipstick, Cream and Fog color ways   Barb has Cast On: 1.  Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf by Karen Baumer, using a Caron Cake   Tracie continues to work on 1.  Fiddly Bits by Jane Pihota 2.  Niamh by Isabell Kraemer in Miss Babs Katahdin in Smurf & Turf  3.  Little Unicorn by Lorraine Pistorio in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  How Quickly She Disapprears by Raymond Fleischman - 2 stars 2.  Growing Up at Grossinger's by Tania Grossinger - 4 stars   Tracie Read: 1.  We Were Mothers by Katie Sise - 3 stars 2.  Vince and Joy by Lisa Jewell - 3 stars 3.  Mother by S.E. Lynes - 4 Stars    
9/30/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 19 seconds
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Episode 210: It Just Rolls Off My Tongue

Recorded on September 15, 2020 Book Talk starts at 28:05 The 2020 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has officially started!  You can find all the details here.  Need some ideas?  Check out our BUNDLES! 👉 Beginner Knitted Sweaters 👉 Knitted Sweaters for Adventurous Beginners to Advanced 👉 Crocheted Sweaters   Our Mother Bear KAL is over!  Prizes will be announced in Episode 211.   Virtual get-together via  Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   Tracie and Barb support the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage you to add your voice to the fight for racial justice and police reform and demilitarization.  Please donate if you can: Black Lives Matter Southern Poverty Law Center NAACP Legal Defense Fund ACLU    KNITTING Barb finished Mother Bears 225 through 228 Tracie has finished: Ciara Shawl by Fredi Baker in Emma’s Yarn Super Silky (kit from Rumpelstiltskin) in Freshly Cut, Happily Ever After and Whisper     Barb continues to work on 1.  Vanilla Socks using and set of Fibernymph Dye Works Inversibles in blue and pink  2.  Holey Comfort Cardigan by Hinterm Stern using Holst Garn Coast Uul Bomuld in the Ice Sea colorway 3.  Bautista shawl by Celia McAdam Cahill in Invictus Yarns YakLux in the NoCKRs 2020 colorway   Barb has Cast On: 1.  Mother Bear #229 2.  Lineate by Elizabeth Doherty, using Knit Picks Palette in the Lipstick, Cream and Fog color ways   Tracie continues to work on 1.  Fiddly Bits by Jane Pihota 2.  Niamh by Isabell Kraemer in Miss Babs Katahdin in Smurf & Turf    Tracie has Cast-On: 1.  Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn in Debbie Bliss Andes and Mirasol Nuna 2.  Little Unicorn by Lorraine Pistorio in Alexandra The Art of Yarn Pendleton   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins - 5 stars 2.  Death Sentence: The Inside Story of the John List Murders by Joe Sharkey - 3 stars   Tracie Read: 1.  Euphoria by Lily King - 3 stars 2.  The Bling Ring: How a Gang of Fame-Obsessed Teens Ripped Off Hollywood and Shocked the World by Nancy J. Sales - 4 stars 3.  Squirm by Carl Hiaasen - 3 stars 4.  Sourdough by Robin Sloan - 4 stars 5.  Beautiful on the Outside by Adam Rippon - 5 stars
9/19/20201 hour, 5 minutes, 23 seconds
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Episode 208: She was Short on Looks

Recorded on August 15, 2020 Book Talk starts at 23:36 Recorded August 13, 2020 Our Mother Bear KAL runs until September 1, 2020.  Please join the discussion in the 2020 Mother Bear KAL Chatter Thread and post your finished bears in the Mother Bear FOs Thread Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   Tracie and Barb support the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage you to add your voice to the fight for racial justice and police reform and demilitarization.  Please donate if you can: Black Lives Matter Southern Poverty Law Center NAACP Legal Defense Fund ACLU    KNITTING Tracie has finished Penny’s Bandana Cowl by Adrian Gergler in Baah La Jolla and Forbidden Fiber Pride - for Posy Doggie Poo Bag Pouch by Kathy Glaes in Malabrigo Sock Light of Love That’s My Jam by Steve Fegert in Leading Men Fiber Arts Monologue in London Fog and LunaPurl Una Merino Mini Skeins in Drops of Jupiter   Barb has finished: Mother Bears 218-221 Etude cardigan by Ririko, using Aussie Soxxi Stillness MKAL by Helen Stewart, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway, Tess Designer Yarns Super Socks and Baby in the Green colorway, Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Kettle Dye in the Purple colorway. Tracie cast on: Fiddly Bits by Jane Pihota Nice to Gnome You MKAL by Sarah Schira in Marianated Yarns, Duren Dyeworks, Greenwood Fiber Works, and Cascade 220 Superwash Sport And continues to work on: Ciara Shawl by Fredi Baker in Emma’s Yarn Super Silky (kit from Rumpelstiltskin) in Freshly Cut, Happily Ever After and Whisper Niamh by Isabell Kraemer in Miss Babs Katahdin in Smurf & Turf  Barb is working on: Bull & Braids hat by Cheryl Breckerich, using Cascade Elysian in the Crimson colorway Vanilla Socks using and set of Fibernymph Dye Works Inversibles in lilac and pink  And has cast on: Holey Comfort Cardigan by Hinterm Stern using Holst Garn Coast Uul Bomuld in the Ice Sea colorway Bautista shawl by Celia McAdam Cahill in Invictus Yarns YakLux in the NoCKRs 2020 colorway Nice to Gnome You MKAL by Sarah Schira in Leading Men Fiber Arts kit - Beach Mother Bear 222   BOOKS  Tracie read: No Conscience by Phil M. Williams (2 stars) Destroyer Angel (Anna Pigeon #18) by Nevada Barr (5 stars) Woman in the Water by Katerina Diamond (3 stars) The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth by Josh Levin (3 stars) Thicker Than Water (Audible Original) by Tyler Schultz (4 stars) Perfect Little Children by Sophie Hannah (4 stars) Barb read: Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America’s Most Storied Hospital by David M. Oshinsky - 5 stars The Cuckoo’s Cry by Caroline Overington - 4 stars Fever by Mary Beth Keane - 4 stars   Barb recommends face masks from Stark’s Vacuum Tracie recommends the Radio Rental podcast    
8/15/20201 hour, 8 minutes, 40 seconds
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Episode 207: Tracie Explains Covid "Points"?

Recorded on July 20, 2020 Book Talk starts at 23.12 Our Mother Bear KAL runs until September 1, 2020.  Please join the discussion in the 2020 Mother Bear KAL Chatter Thread and post your finished bears in the Mother Bear FOs Thread   Tracie and Barb support the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage you to add your voice to the fight for racial justice and police reform and demilitarization.  Please donate if you can: Black Lives Matter Southern Poverty Law Center NAACP Legal Defense Fund ACLU    Giveaway - 3 copies of the Ciara Shawl by Fredi Baker - drawing at the end of the podcast   KNITTING Barb finished Mother Bears 214-217 Stoa Scarf by Anne Ginger, using Blue Heron Cotton Rayon Flax Metallic in the Denim color way.  Papillion (butterfly) by Marin Melchior, using Knit Picks Chroma in the Gray and the Pegasus colorways One-row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl McFee using a Premier Sweet Roll   Tracie finished Mother Bears 221-228 Green Vanilla Socks in Fish Knits Boot Strap Sock Gradient in Greens   Barb is working on Etude cardigan by Ririko, using Aussie SoxxiCast-on  Vanilla Socks using and set of Fibernymph Dye Works Inversibles in lilac and pink    And has cast on Mother Bear #218 Bull & Braids hat by Cheryl Breckerich, using Cascade Elysian in the Crimson colorway Stillness MKAL by Helen Stewart, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway, Tess Designer Yarns Super Socks and Baby in the Green colorway, Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Kettle Dye in the Purple colorway.     Tracie has frogged for now: Hatteras Cardigan by Kate Saloman (Green Mountain Spinnery) in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 in bright sky blue   She cast on Ciara Shawl by Fredi Baker in Emma’s Yarn Super Silky (kit from Rumpelstiltskin) in Freshly Cut, Happily Ever After and Whisper Niamh by Isabell Kraemer in Miss Babs Katahdin in Smurf & Turf    And continues working On: That's My Jam shawl/wrap by Steven Fegert, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Monologue in the London Fog colorway, and LunaPurl Una Merino Mini Skeins in the Drops of Jupiter colorway   BOOKS  Barb read  Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump Man of the Year by Caroline Louise Walker The Argument by Victoria Jenkins    Tracie read The House of Stairs by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) Big Cats: Stories by Holiday Reinhorn Prime Suspect by Lynda LaPlante The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray The Whole Town’s Talking by Fannie Flagg The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood   Barb recommends Knit Companion class on Vogue Knitting Live online.  Another session in August!   
7/24/20201 hour, 24 seconds
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Episode 200 Part II: Ask Us Anything!

Recorded Wednesday 24 June 10, 2020 Our Mother Bear KAL runs until September 1, 2020.  Please join the discussion in the 2020 Mother Bear KAL Chatter Thread and post your finished bears in the Mother Bear FOs Thread   Tracie and Barb support the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage you to add your voice to the fight for racial justice and police reform and demilitarization.  Please donate if you can: Black Lives Matter Southern Poverty Law Center NAACP Legal Defense Fund ACLU   Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here     KNITTING Barb finished:  Mother Bears 212 & 213   Tracie finished: Mother Bears 218, 219 and 220 80-26 Poncho Air Lux in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in Wind Chill    Barb is working on Stoa scarf by Anne Ginger, using Blue Heron Cotton Rayon Flax Metallic in the Denim color way Papillion /Butterfly by Marin Melchior, using Knit Picks Chroma in the Gray and the Pegasus colorways Etude cardigan by Ririko, using Aussie SoxxiCast-on Vanilla Socks using and set of Fibernymph Dye Works Inversibles in lilac and pink  One-row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl McFee using a Caron Cake   Tracie is working on: Hatteras Cardigan by Kate Saloman (Green Mountain Spinnery) in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 in bright sky blue That's My Jam shawl/wrap by Steven Fegert, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Monologue in the London Fog colorway, and LunaPurl Una Merino Mini Skeins in the Drops of Jupiter colorway. Vanilla socks  in a Fish Knits sock gradient in greens   BOOKS Barb has finished The Daughter in Law by Nina Manning Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country by Pam Houston   Tracie has finished The Ladies’ Man by Elinor Lipman   Chirp is a great place to get audiobooks at deeply discounted prices! Tracie got a pedicure and a haircut Barb recommends Lenox Hill on Netflix  
7/5/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 53 seconds
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Episode 200 Part 1: Ask Us Anything - At Last!

Recorded Wednesday, June 24, 2020   Our Mother Bear KAL is ongoing until September 1, 2020!  Check out 2020 Mother Bear KAL Chatter Thread to find out everything you need to know.   Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   We are giving away 3 copies of Fredi Baker’s new pattern, the Ciara Shawl!  Enter to win here by July 1, 2020.  You can buy Ciara Kits at Rumplestilskin Yarn Shop in Sacramento.
6/28/20201 hour, 15 minutes, 58 seconds
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Episode 206: Just Because I Can, doesn't Mean I Should!

Recorded on June 10, 2020 Book Talk starts at 40:25 Tracie and Barb support the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage you to add your voice to the fight for racial justice and police reform and demilitarization.  Please donate if you can: Black Lives Matter Southern Poverty Law Center NAACP Legal Defense Fund ACLU   Our Mother Bear KAL is starting on June 1, 2020!  I have started a 2020 Mother Bear KAL Chatter Thread and you can find everything you need to know over there.   Spring Swap - mail-out-by deadline is June 15 - check 2020 Swap Thread for details   Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   We are giving away 3 copies of Fredi Baker’s new pattern, the Ciara Shawl!  I interviewed Fredi about her designs as well as her work as a life coach.  I apologize for the fact that my voice is difficult to hear on the interview!   KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bears 210 & 211 Eco Duo Cabled Scarf by Shannon Dunbabin using a Caron Cake Boyfriend Beanie by Expression Fiber Arts, using destash table yarn.   Tracie finished: Bellora Tee by Samantha Kirby in Knit Picks Lindy Chain in Harbor and Thicket 2nd Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer in  Mother Bears 216 and 217, a postal worker   Barb is working on: Stoa scarf by Anne Ginger, using Blue Heron Cotton Rayon Flax Metallic in the Denim color way Papillion /Butterfly by Marin Melchior, using Knit Picks Chroma in the Gray and the Pegasus colorways Etude cardigan by Ririko, using Aussie SoxxiCast-on    And has cast-on: One-row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl McFee using a Caron Cake   Tracie continues to work on: Hatteras Cardigan by Kate Saloman (Green Mountain Spinnery) in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 in bright sky blue 80-26 Poncho Air Lux in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in Wind Chill That's My Jam shawl/wrap by Steven Fegert, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Monologue in the London Fog colorway, and LunaPurl Una Merino Mini Skeins in the Drops of Jupiter colorway. Vanilla socks  in a Fish Knits sock gradient in greens   BOOKS Barb read: For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt - thumbs up The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death by Corinne May Botz - thumbs up   Tracie read:  The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s by Andy Greene - 4 stars Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman - 4 stars Barb Says Thumbs Up:  The Perfect Scam podcast by AARP Thumbs Up -  the ChomChom Roller pet hair remover
6/14/20201 hour, 10 minutes, 40 seconds
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Episode 205: Everybody Needed Enemas?

Recorded on May 28, 2020 Book Talk starts at 22:34 Our Mother Bear KAL is starting on June 1, 2020!  I have started a 2020 Mother Bear KAL Chatter Thread and you can find everything you need to know over there. Spring Swap - If you are participating, please visit the 2020 Swap Thread to keep up with questions at least once a week. Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here For fans of the My Favorite Murder Podcast only!  We announce the winners of the 3 Stay Out of the Forest hat patterns by the fabulous Jennifer Lassonde.   Tracie made an announcement about the 2020 NoCKRs Retreat swag and refunds. KNITTING Barb has finished: 1.  Mother Bears #208 and #209 Tracie has finished: 1.  Mother Bears #213, #214 and #215 2.  Gnome de Plume by Sarah Schira in purple and teal fingering weight scraps Barb is working on 1. Stoa scarf by Anne Ginger, using Blue Heron Cotton Rayon Flax Metallic in the Denim color way 2. Eco Duo Cabled Scarf by Shannon Dunbabin using a Caron Cake 3. Papillion /Butterfly by Marin Melchior, using Knit Picks Chroma in the Gray and the Pegasus colorways 4. Boyfriend Beanie by Expression Fiber Arts, using destash table yarn. 5.  Etude cardigan by Ririko, using Aussie Soxxi Tracie is working on: 1. Hatteras Cardigan by Kate Saloman (Green Mountain Spinnery) in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 in bright sky blue 2. 80-26 Poncho Air Lux in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in Wind Chill 3. That's My Jam shawl/wrap by Steven Fegert, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Monologue in the London Fog colorway, and LunaPurl Una Merino Mini Skeins in the Drops of Jupiter colorway. 4. Vanilla socks  in a Fish Knits sock gradient in greens BOOKS Barb has finished: 1.  Into the Raging Sea: Thirty-three Mariners, One Megastorm, and the Sinking of the El Faro by Rachel Slade.  5 stars! 2. My Lost Family by Ben-Moshe and Dasha Lisitsina - 4 stars 3. A Beautiful Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal by Jen Waite - 3 stars 4. The Deep Deep Snow by Brian Freeman - 3 stars 5. God's Hotel by Victoria Sweet - 5 stars Tracie has finished: 1. When He Vanished by T.J. Brearton - 3 stars 2. Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler - 3.5 stars 3. Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater: Essays on Crafting by Alanna Okun - 4 stars Tracie talked about 2 shows she is enjoying: 1.  We're Here by HBO 2. Dragnificent on TLC Barb talked about BluPrint Closing  
5/31/20201 hour, 9 minutes, 56 seconds
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Episode 204: Turkeys Observe Social Distance!

Recorded on May 15, 2020 Book Talk Starts at 29:00 Our Poncho Knit Along is done!  Prize winners are announced at the end of this episode Spring Swap - If you are participating, please visit the 2020 Swap Thread to keep up with questions at least once a week. Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 1pm PST - Details here For fans of the My Favorite Murder Podcast only!  We are giving away 3 Stay Out of the Forest hat patterns by the fabulous Jennifer Lassonde.  Please comment in the thread in Ravelry.  This contest will end on May 20, 2020. Tracie’s son Will made a film about Tracie, her fiber addiction, her mom, the podcast, etc for his documentary film class.  There are two cuts, because Will’s professor liked the Knitted Knockers cut better but Tracie and Barb like the Mother Bear cut better! https://youtu.be/83hlLeY1O4s https://youtu.be/83hlLeY1O4s KNITTING Barb has finished Mother Bears 205, 206, 207 & 208 Zweig pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using the yarn from my frogged Trail Hoodie, Western Sky Knits Magnolia sock in the Wisp colorway, and WSK Magnolia sock in the Sage color way Jason’s Cashmere Hat by Melissa Tomson, using Lion Brand Heartland in the Hot Springs colorway. Swap partner gift   Tracie has finished Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer in Lisa Souza Blue Faced Leicester Worsted in Styx and Blue Moon Fiber Arts Woobu in Pining 4 Ewe Mother Bears 209, 210, 211 & 212 Effortless Cardigan by Zabeth (Lion Brand) in my SpinJones Merino/Mulberry Silk orange handspun   Barb is working on Stoa scarf by Anne Ginger, using Blue Heron Cotton Rayon Flax Metallic in the Denim color way   and has cast on  Eco Duo Cabled Scarf by Shannon Dunbabin using a Caron Cake Papillion /Butterfly by Marin Melchior, using Knit Picks Chroma in the Gray and the Pegasus colorways Boyfriend Beanie by Expression Fiber Arts, using destash table yarn. Etude cardigan by Ririko, using Aussie Soxxi   Tracie has cast on Hatteras Cardigan by Kate Saloman (Green Mountain Spinnery) in Western Sky Knits Merino 17 in bright sky blue   and continues to work on 80-26 Poncho Air Lux in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in Wind Chilll That's My Jam shawl/wrap by Steven Fegert, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Monologue in the London Fog colorway, and LunaPurl Una Merino Mini Skeins in the Drops of Jupiter colorway. Vanilla socks in Fish Knits sock gradient in greens BOOKS Barb has finished The Getaway by Greer Hendricks - 3 stars Inside Jobs: Tales from a Time of Quarantine Ben H. Winters - 3.5 stars BAD KARMA: The True Story of a Mexican Surf Trip From Hell by Paul Wilson - 4 stars The Weight of Silence by Gregg Olsen - 4 stars   Tracie has finished: Scat by Carl Hiaassen - 3 stars The Suspects by Katharine Johnson - nah Little by Edward Carey - 4 stars The Weight of Silence by Greg Olson - 3 1/2 stars Blood Mist by Mark Roberts - 4 stars The Keeper by Graham Norton - 4 1/2 stars Barb was attacked by a turkey!  There were no injuries.  It  looks a lot like the attack in this video: https://www.newsflare.com/video/279288/animals/turkey-attack-on-college-campus   Tracie loves her iRobot Roomba 960 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
5/16/20201 hour, 10 minutes, 56 seconds
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Episode 203: Some People Can't Handle It

Book Talk starts at: 29.15 Recorded on April 21, 2020 Our Poncho Knit Along is humming right along!  Join the Chatter thread and post your finished poncho in the FOs thread.   This KAL will run until May 1, 2020.We have 2 new giveaways! 1.  Our own Dinaripper has made 25 knitting-themed face masks!  They will be given away to the first 25 people that comment on the giveaway thread that will go up on APRIL 28, 2020.   2.  For fans of the My Favorite Murder Podcast only!  We are giving away 3 Stay Out of the Forest hat patterns by the fabulous Jennifer Lassonde.  Please comment in the thread in Ravelry.  This contest will end on May 20, 2020. Spring Swap - If you are participating, please visit the 2020 Swap Thread to keep up with questions at least once a week. KNITTING: Barb has finished 1.  Mother Bears #203 & #204 2.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 3.   Fibonacci Waves Scarf by Carolyn Greenwood, using a Simply Sock Mini set in the Speckled colorway   4.  1-Color Brioche Scarf (no pattern) using a Caron Cake 5.  Bankhead Hat #11 by Susie Gourlay Tracie has finished: 1.  Vanilla socks in Mountain Colors Crazyfoot - Chinook colorway 2.  25 Knitted Knockers 3.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll in Marianated Yarns Practicality 75/25 in Melted Box of Crayons 4  Mother Bears #205, #206, #207, #208 Barb is still working on: 1.  Zweig pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using the yarn from my frogged Trail Hoodie, Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway, and in the Sage colorway. And has cast-on: 1.  Stoa scarf by Anne Ginger, using Blue Heron Cotton Rayon Flax Metallic in the Denim color way 2.  Mother Bear #205 3.  Super-secret hand knit for my swap partner!   Tracie is continuing to work on: 1.  Effortless Cardigan by Zabeth (Lion Brand) in my SpinJones Merino/Mulberry Silk orange handspun 2.  80-26 Poncho Air Lux in Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in Wind Chill Tracie has cast on: 1.  That's My Jam shawl/wrap by Steven Fegert, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Monologue in the London Fog colorway, and LunaPurl Una Merino Mini Skeins in the Drops of Jupiter colorway. 2.  Vanilla socks  in a Fish Knits sock gradient in greens BOOKS Barb read: 1.  The Deep Deep Snow by Brian Freeman - 3.5 stars 2.  Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting - 3 stars 3.  Wild Game: My Mother, her Lover and Me by Adrienne Brodeur - 5 stars Tracie read: 1.  The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell - 5 stars 2.  She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge - 4 stars 3.  This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel - 4 stars 4.  Degrees of Guilt by HS Chandler - 2 stars 5.  Alice and Gerald: A Homicidal Love Story by Ran Franscell - 3.5 stars
4/25/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 47 seconds
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Episode 202: Whatever's Keeping You Out of the Liquor Cabinet

Recorded on April 2, 2020 Book Talk Starts at 30:35 Our Poncho Knit Along is humming right along!  Join the Chatter thread and post your finished poncho in the FOs thread.   This KAL will run until May 1, 2020.   Sunnydale Cowl giveaway - we draw for winners at the end of the podcast   Spring Swap - If you are participating, please visit the Swap thread to keep up with questions at least once a week   KNITTING   Barb has finished Mother Bears 201 & 202 (such a difference in size!) Rodeo Drive Poncho by Staci Perry, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted, in the Stormy Weather color way   Tracie has finished 2 Never Not Gnoming Gnomes in my handspun for nieces’ birthdays Socks in Night Owl Fibers Self-Striping Superwash Merino & Nylon Sock in Koi Pond   Barb is still working on Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Zweig pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using the yarn from my frogged Trail Hoodie, Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway, and in the Sage colorway. Fibonacci Waves Scarf by Carolyn Greenwood, using a Simply Sock Mini set in the Speckled colorway     And has cast on  1-color brioche scarf (no pattern) using a Caron Cake    Tracie has cast on Effortless Cardigan by Zabeth (Lion Brand) in my SpinJones Merino/Mulberry Silk orange handspun Vanilla socks in Mountain Colors Crazyfoot - Chinook colorway   And continues to work on: 80-26 Poncho Air Lux by Fil Katia, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in the Wind Chill colorway Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll, using Marianated Yarns Practicality 75/25 in the Melted Box of Crayons colorway BOOKS   Barb read Tell Me Lies by J.P. Pomare - 3 stars The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell - 4 stars   Tracie read: Bad Kid: A Memoir by David Crabb - 3.5 stars Blacklands by Belinda Bauer - 4 stars Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes - 3.5 stars   Thumbs Up - Pluto Living and SGN with John Krasinski Face Mask How-tos from Huffington Post
4/4/20201 hour, 3 minutes, 8 seconds
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Episode 201: Not That People Aren't Tall Sometimes

YOU DID NOT MISS EPISODE 200!  We are just waiting until we can record together again to record our milestone episode.  Sorry for the sound quality issues in this episode.  We hate recording remotely and are bad at it. Book Talk starts at: 29:36 Recorded on March 18, 2020 Our Poncho Knit Along is humming right along! Haven't picked a poncho to knit or crochet yet?  Get thee over to our Poncho Bundle already!  Join the Chatter thread to join in on the fun of planning!!  This KAL will run until May 1, 2020. You may have noticed that we have skipped episode 200!  We are going to answer your questions during that episode.  Right now, both Tracie and Barb are both "sheltering-in-place" in their respective towns due to the coronavirus and we must record remotely. We have decided to postpone Episode 200 until we can record together.  Please go to this Ask Us Anything thread to post your questions.   KNITTING Barb has finished 1.  Beech Hill ruana by Leah McGlone, using Berroco Remix in the Strawberry colorway 2.  Pioneer Braid Scarf #6 by Catherine Ryan, using Loops and Threads yarn 3.  Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho, using a sport-weight yarn by Rising Moon Farm Tracie has finished: 1.  A total of 19 Knitted Knockers 2. Tracie's Rachel pullover by Josee Pacquin in Fyberspates Vivacious 4-ply in the Slate colorway 3.  Gnome is Where You Hang your Hat by Sarah Schira   Barb continues to work on: 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 2.  Rodeo Drive Poncho, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted in the Stormy Weather colorway And has cast on: 1.  Zweig pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using the yarn from my frogged Trail Hoodie, Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway, and in the Sage colorway. 2.  Fibonacci Waves Scarf by Carolyn Greenwood, using a Simply Sock Mini set in the Speckled colorway     Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Bellefluer Cardigan in Madelinetosh Silk/Merino in the Mill Pond color way 2. 80-26 Poncho Air Lux by Fil Katia, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in the Wind Chill colorway 3.  Socks in Night Owl Fibers Self-Striping Superwash Merino & Nylon Sock in the Koi Pond Colorway 4.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll, using Marianated Yarns Practicality 75/25 in the Melted Box of Crayons colorway   BOOKS (ratings are out of 5 stars) Barb read:   1.  My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith - 4 stars 2.  Dopesick: Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy - 5 stars 3.  The Twenty-Ninth Day: Surviving a Grizzly Attack in the Canadian Tundra by Alex Messenger - 5 stars     Tracie read 1.  Love Lies: A True Story of Marriage and Murder in the Suburbs by Amanda Lamb - 3 stars 2.  Fates and Furies by Lauren Goff - 3 stars   Tracie talked about Vote Forward, an organization that is helping to get out the vote in November! You Can Help! Sending a Vote Forward letter is one of the easiest things you can do to increase turnout. It takes two minutes and one stamp, and meaningfully increases the odds that the recipient will vote. A concrete action you can take, no matter where you live, to get unlikely-to-vote fellow citizens to the polls.  
3/19/20201 hour, 2 minutes, 11 seconds
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Episode 199: I Had to Have It! Stitches West 2020

Gwen Bortner Jill Bigelow Suttell - The Bean Knits Stunning String Studios Knitted Knockers Miss Purl Western Sky Knits Serendipidye Dyeworks Marianated Yarns Greenwood Fiberworks WEBS Koigu Prism Yarns Blue Heron Shawl Faerie Knitting by Alice and Lisa Hoffman Neighborhood Fiber Co. Lisa Souza Dyeworks Knitted Wit The Black Squirrel Comma Chameleon A Needle Runs Through It Houndstooth Fiber Arts Firebird Yarns Forbidden Fiber Co. Miss Babs Apple Fiber Studio The Violet Valentine The Dye Project Psych Ward Yarns Alexandra: The Art of Yarn The Farmer’s Daughter We interviewed Katy H. Carroll - Katinka Designs Ravelry Store Katinka Designs on Instagram Snake River Poncho Sunnydale Cowl Join Katy’s Ravelry Group here Enter to win a copy of the Sunnydale Cowl pattern here KnitBaahPurl The Yarn Guys La Laine Biscotte Bis-Sock Plucky Kniter Canon Hand Dyes/Dragonfly Fibers/White Birch Fiber Arts
2/27/20201 hour, 33 minutes, 3 seconds
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Episode 198: Hanging Gloomily Over the Town...

Recorded on February 19, 2020 Book Talk starts at 32:15 Our Poncho Knit Along has started! Haven't picked a poncho to knit or crochet yet?  Get thee over to our Poncho Bundle already!  Join the Chatter thread to join in on the fun of planning!!  This KAL will run until May 1, 2020. Be sure to listen to the episode to find out who won in our Zephyr pattern giveaway!     We have our 200th episode coming up soon!  We are going to answer your questions during this episode.  Please go to this Ask Us Anything thread to post your questions.   KNITTING Barb has finished 1.  Mother Bears #198, #199, & #200 2. Bankhead Hat #10, by Susie Gorley, using Caron Cake leftovers 3.  6 Knitted Knockers 4.  Multidirectional Scarf #8 using a Caron Cake 5.  Be Kind Hat #6 by Karen Baumer, using Caron Cake leftovers   Tracie has finished: 1.  A total of 12 Knitted Knockers 2. The Stripe-on-Stripe Shawl by Fredi Baker in Speakeasy Yarns Shady Lady Gradient in Oasis and Malabrigo Sock in Light of Love Barb continues to work on: 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 2.  Beech Hill by Leah McGlone, using Berroco Remix in the Strawberry color way   And has cast on: 1.  Rodeo Drive Poncho, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted in the Stormy Weather colorway 2.  Pioneer Braid Scarf #6 by Catherine Ryan, using Loops and Threads yarn 3.  Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho, using a sport-weight yarn by Rising Moon Farm. Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Rachel by Josee Paquin in Fyberspates Vivacious 4-Ply in Slate 2.  Bellefluer Cardigan in Madelinetosh Silk/Merino in the Mill Pond color way Tracie has cast on: 1.  80-26 Poncho Air Lux by Fil Katia, using Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper in the Wind Chill colorway 2.  Socks in Night Owl Fibers Self-Striping Superwash Merino & Nylon Sock in the Koi Pond Colorway 3.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll, using Marianated Yarns Practicality 75/25 in the Melted Box of Crayons colorway BOOKS (ratings are out of 5 stars) Barb read 1. Lying Next to Me by Gregg Olsen - 3 out of 5 stars 2.  My Antonia by Willa Cather - 4 stars 3. Cut and Run: A Light-Hearted Dark Comedy by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker - 2 stars 4. The Child Next Door by Shalini Boland - 3 stars   Tracie read 1.  If I was Your Girl by Meredith Russo - 3 stars 2.  Sticky Fingers short story collections 1, 2, & 3 by JT Lawrence - 4 stars 3.  The Running Girl by Sarah Bledel - 2 stars 4.  The Lost Child by Ann Troup - 3 stars Tracie talked about Talkspace, an online counseling service  
2/25/20201 hour, 13 minutes, 1 second
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Episode 197: You Did the Math?

Recorded on January 29, 2020 Book Talk starts at 33:30 Our next KAL will be a Poncho Knit Along. Start thinking about what you want to knit or crochet now.  We have a Poncho Bundle already!  Join the Chatter thread to join in on the fun of planning!!  This KAL will run from February 1 to May 1, 2020 Celia McAdam Cahill has given us three copies of her Zephyr cardigan pattern to give away - and one of them includes the yarn to knit it!   Please post a comment in this thread to be entered to win. We have our 200th episode coming up soon!  We are going to answer your questions during this episode.  Please go to this Ask Us Anything thread to post your questions. KNITTING Barb has finished 1.  Mother Bears 193, 194, and 196 2.  Bankhead Hat #9 using Caron Cake leftovers 3.  6 Knitted Knockers 4.  Multidirectional Scarf #8 using a Caron Cake in the White Truffle colorway Tracie has finished: 1.  Vanilla Socks in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply in the Rum Paradise colorway 2.  5 Knitted Knockers 3.  Wurstwarmer by Pamela Wynne in High Fiber Diet in Mermaid Mess and Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete Barb continues to work on 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 2.  Beech Hill by Leah McGlone, using Berroco Remix in the Strawberry color way And has cast on 1.  Be Kind Hat by Melissa Simpson, using leftover Caron Cake yarn 2.  Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf by Karen Baumer using a Caron Cake in the Key Lime colorway 3.  Rodeo Drive Poncho, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted in the Stormy Weather colorway Tracie continues to work on: 1.  The Stripe-on-Stripe Shawl by Fredi Baker in Speakeasy Yarns Shady Lady Gradient in Oasis and Malabrigo Sock in Light of Love 2.  Rachel by Josee Paquin in Fyberspates Vivacious 4-Ply in Slate 3.  Bellefluer Cardigan in Madelinetosh Silk/Merino in the Mill Pond color way BOOKS (ratings are out of 5 stars) Barb read 1.  Roommates Wanted by Lisa Jewell - 4 stars 2.  Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson - 5 stars Tracie read 1.  Poison Orchids by Sarah A. Denzil and Anna Taylor -  2 1/2 stars 2.  Persuasion by Jane Austen - 5 stars 3.  Chomp by Carl Hiaasen - 4 stars Barb recommends 2 True Crime podcasts: 1  Catch and Kill podcast with Ronan Farrow 2. Chasing Cosby podcast  
2/1/20201 hour, 16 minutes, 18 seconds
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Episode 196: He Went Back to Being a Crappy Accountant

Recorded on January 16, 2020 Book Talk starts at 30:07 Our annual 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL has finished.  Listen to the end to find out if you won one of our prize packages.  Thanks to everyone who participated!   Western Sky Knits giveaway - winner at the end of the podcast!   Poncho photo Our next KAL will be a Poncho Knit Along!  Start thinking about what you want to knit or crochet now.  We have a Poncho Bundle already!  This KAL will run from February 1 to May 1.   Celia McAdam Cahill has given us three copies of her Zephyr cardigan pattern to give away - and one of them includes the yarn to knit it!  Please post a comment in the thread to be entered to win.   KNITTING Barb has finished Mother Bears 191 and 192 Bankhead Hat #8 8 Knitted Knockers Helix Hat #9 The Great British Baking Shawl by LyricalKnits   Tracie has finished Plaidaptation by Aunt Ninny in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash and Malabrigos Rios   Barb continues to work on Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way   And has cast on Beech Hill by Leah McGlone, using Berroco Remix in the Strawberry color way Multidirectional Scarf #8 by Karen Baumer, using Caron Cakes   Tracie has cast on The Stripe-on-Stripe Shawl by Fredi Baker in Speakeasy Yarns Shady Lady Gradient in Oasis and Serendipidye Sausalito Silken Sock in Papaya Rachel by Josee Paquin in Fyberspates Vivacious 4-Ply in Slate   And continues to work on: Bellefluer Cardigan in Madelinetosh Silk/Merino in the Mill Pond color way Rikke Hat by Sarah Young Vanilla Socks in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply in the Rum Paradise colorway   BOOKS Barb read The Wicked Girls by Alex Marwood - 3 stars The Thinnest Air by Minka Kent - 3 stars The Lie: A Memoir of Two Marriages, Catfishing and Coming Out  by William Dameron- 4 stars We Were Mothers by Katie Sise - 4 stars Sports Fans Aren't All Crazy: Lessons From Forty Years of Sports Madness by Ryan Bezerra - 4 stars   Tracie read Death Sentence: Inside the Story of the John List Murders by Joe Sharkey - 5 stars Mothers & Murderers: A True Story of Love, Lies, Obsession… and Second Chances by Katherine Ellison Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton The Wonder Bread Summer by Jessica Anya Blau Barb recommends the documentary series Cheer on Netflix - read all about it in this Texas Monthly article Tracie recommends the British police detective series Unforgotten on Prime Video (Season 3 available with PBS Masterpiece subscription on Prime Video)
1/18/20201 hour, 12 minutes, 25 seconds
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Episode 195: If This Is Your Jam

Recorded on December 21, 2019 Book talk begins at 35:50 Our annual 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing!  It runs September 15 until January 15 wo we're getting very close to the finish line.  Post your completed sweaters in the FO thread to be eligible for one of our very excellent prizes. Our next KAL will be a Poncho Knit Along!  Start thinking about what you want to knit or crochet now.  We have a Poncho Bundle already!  Dates to be announced later.   Knitting Barb has finished: 1.  4  Never Not Gnoming Gnomes by Sarah Schira using fingering scraps 2.  Mother Bears #188m #189 & #190 3.  Jayla's Black Cherry Be Kind Hat by Megan Williams using Berocco Vintage Worsted in the Black Cherry color way 4.  December DVD Frankensocks - YAY!  Barb finished all 12 months of The Fifth Annual Desert Vista Dyeworks Monthly Sock Club!!   Tracie has finished: 1.  One Festive Skein by Fredi Baker, using Fiber Lady Midori in the New Southwest colorway 2.  Seed Stitch scarf in Tess Designer yarns Superwash merino Worsted in tonal charcoal grey 3.  Rain Down Hat by Robyn Devine in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted. 4.  Chld's Chevron Beanie by Lammie Knits 5.  Tracie's Kaiya Mei #2 by Jamie Hoffman 6.  Tracie's 7 Tiny Sweaters by Malia Mae, using DK yarn scraps Barb contines to work on: 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 2.  Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way 3.  The Great British Baking Shawl MKAL by Lyricalknits using Duren Dyeworks My Precious Fingering in the Fern colorway, Bella Hand Dyed Yarn Mendocino in the Imperial colorway, Auraucania Ranco Solid fingering in the 124Red colorway, and Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway And has cast on: 1.  Bankhead Hat #9 by Susie Gorlay using Berocco Vintage in the Caribbean Sea colorway Tracie has continues to work on: 1.  Plaidaptation by Aunt Ninny in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash and Malabrigos Rios Tracie has frogged: 1.  My Oasis by Ririko in UnDead Yarn Vamphyri in Tracie’s Cakeride, Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock and Western Sky Knits Willow Superwash Sport   And has cast on: 1.  Bellefluer Cardigan in Mdelinetosh Silk/Merino in the Mill Pond color way 2.  Rikke Hat by Sarah Young 3.  Vanilla Socks in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply in the Rum Paradise colorway BOOKS Barb has finished: 1.  The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery - Barb says "thumbs up" if you're a real history buff, or are very curious about American Slavery 2.  Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake - thumbs up 3.  Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime and Obsession by Rachel Drake Tracie has finished and recommends:  1.  Sports Fans Aren't All Crazy: Lessons From Forty Years of Sports Madness by Ryan Bezerra  2.  Early Graves by Thomas H. Cooke  3.  The Day that Never Comes (The Dublin Trilogy #2) by Caimh McDonall  4.  Colors of All the Cattle (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency #19) by Alexander McCall 5.  Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata         Tracie and Barb both finished and talked about: Buried Deep by Margot Hunt - thumbs up
12/26/20191 hour, 8 minutes, 52 seconds
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Episode 194: Stay Away from the Fetes in Small English Villages

Recorded on November 28, 2019 Book Talks starts at 27:24   Our annual 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL is ongoing!  It runs September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the Chatter Thread, and check out our sweater bundles.  Challenge yourself!   Knitting   Barb has finished: 4  Never Not Gnoming Gnomes by Sarah Schira using fingering scraps Mother Bear #187 Be Kind Hat #2 by Megan Williams using Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Madrigal color way Be Kind Hat #3 by Megan Williams using Berocco Vintage Worsted in the Black Cherry color way Fair Isle Multidirectional Scarf by Karen Baumer using Euro Baby Fair Isle in the Atlantis color way November DVD Socks in DVD Viso in the A Very Gradient Speckled Christmas   Tracie has finished: Bulky Neck Down Pullover for Men by Knitting Pure and Simple in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky in Classic Navy   Barb contines to work on: Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way The Great British Baking Shawl MKAL by Lyricalknits using Duren Dyeworks My Precious Fingering in the Fern colorway, Bella Hand Dyed Yarn Mendocino in the Imperial colorway, Auraucania Ranco Solid fingering in the 124Red colorway, and Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway   And has cast on: Bankhead Hat #8 by Susie Gorlay using Berocco Vintage in the Caribbean Sea colorway   Elizabeth Doherty’s Crochet Provisional Cast-on Tutorial Video   Tracie has cast on: Plaidaptation by Aunt Ninny in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash and Malabrigos Rios My Oasis by Ririko in UnDead Yarn Vamphyri in Tracie’s Cakeride, Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock and Western Sky Knits Willow Superwash Sport   And continues to work on: One Festive Skein by Fredi Baker, using Fiber Lady Midori in the New Southwest colorway Seed Stitch scarf in Tess Designer yarns Superwash merino Worsted in tonal charcoal grey BOOKS   Barb has finished: A Spoonful of Poison by M.C. Beaton - thumbs down A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - thumbs up   Tracie has finished Clover Blue by Eldonna Edwards - thumbs up In Plain Sight: The Kaufman County Prosecutor Murders by Kathryn Casey - thumbs up   Tracie talked about  Sports Fans Aren't All Crazy: Lessons From Forty Years Of Sports Madness by Ryan Bezerra  
11/30/201956 minutes, 19 seconds
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Episode 193: A Podcast of Many Tangents

Recorded on November 15, 2019 Book Talk begins at 45:00 It's time for our annual 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL!  It is running September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the Chatter Thread, and check out our sweater bundles.  Challenge yourself! Barb had information about knitting or crocheting Knitted Knockers: 1.  You must use the current patterns that are on the Knitted Knockers Website.  Please do not use the old patterns that had the opening on the side!  The opening should be in the back. 2.  Do not "cinch" or pull the knocker "closed" at the end.  The opening must remain open so the recipient can add or take out the polypill to fit properly. 3.  Please stuff with poly fill only!  Do not use yarn scraps, or quilt batting, etc. 4.  Please do not overstuff the knocker. KNITTING Barb has finished: 1.  Multidirectional Scarf #5 by Karen Baumer, using Caron Cake in the Faerie Cakes Colorway 2.  3 Never Not Gnoming Gnomes by Sarah Schira using fingering scraps 3.  Barb's Here We Gnome Again by Sarah Shira using Plymouth Galway Dark Coral Rose 4.  October Cheeky Cables Socks (pattern by Mary Lukas) using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Donkeys and Elephants color way 5.  Mother Bears #185 & #186 Tracie has finished 1.  Tutti Frutti by Miriam Pike in Rising Moon Farm in the Irish Splash colorway 2.  Keepsies by Hunter Hammersen in Manos del Uruguay Alegria in Locura Fluo 3.  Gridlines by Susanne Sommer in Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in the Caribbean colorway 4.  Tracie's Heading North Hat by Rebecca Shepler 5.  Tracie's Kaiya Mei hat by Jamie Hoffman 6.  Tracie's Love the Winter hat by Emily Dormier     Barb contines to work on: 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 2.  Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way   Barb has cast on: 1.  November Speckled Gradient Desert Vista Dyeworks socks, using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the It's a Very Speckled Gradient Christmas colorway 2.  The Great British Baking Shawl MKAL by Lyricalknits using Duren Dyeworks My Precious Fingering in the Fern colorway, Bella Hand Dyed Yarn Mendocino in the Imperial colorway, Auraucania Ramco Solide fingering in the 124Red colorway, and Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp colorway. 3.  Declan's Hat#2 by Samantha Kirby, using Paton's Classic Wool in a denim colorway.   Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Bulky Top Down Pullover for Men by Knitting Pure and Simple 2.  One Festive Skein by Fredi Baker, using Fiber Lady Midori in the New Southwest colorway   And has Cast On: Seed Stitch scarf in Tess Designer yarns Superwash merino Worsted in tonal charcoal grey Tracie has put Into Hibernation: ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways BOOKS Barb finished: 1.  The Guest Book by Sarah Blake - thumbs up 2.  The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty - thumbs up 3.  Boar Island (Anna Pigeon #19) by Nevada Barr - thumbs up 4.  The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne - thumbs up 5.  You Can Thank Me Later by Kelly Harms - thumbs up   Tracie finished:  1.  A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - thumbs up 2.  Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen - thumbs up 3.  The House on Cold Hill by Peter James - thumbs up  
11/17/20191 hour, 18 minutes, 7 seconds
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Episode 192: Spent the Summer Not Building the Shelves

Recorded on October 23, 2019 Book Talk starts at 29:00 It's time for our annual 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL!  It is running September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the Chatter Thread, and check out our sweater bundles.  Challenge yourself!   KNITTING   Barb has finished: Multidirectional Scarf #5 by Karen Baumer, using Caron Cake in the Faerie Cakes Colorway 3 Never Not Gnoming Gnomes by Sarah Schira using fingering scraps   Tracie has finished Knitables Cow by Sarah Gasson in Plymouth Select DK Merino   Barb contines to work on: Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way Another Multidirectional Diagnoal Scarf by Karen Baumer using a Caron Cake  October Cheeky Cables Socks by Mary Lukas, using Desert Visa Dyeworks Viso in the Donkeys and Elephants colorway Here We Gnome Again by Sarah Shira using Plymouth Galway Dark Coral Rose   And has cast on: Mother Bear #185   Tracie has cast on: Tutti Frutti by Miriam Pike in Rising Moon Farm in the Irish Splash colorway Keepsies by Hunter Hammersen in Manos del Uruguay Alegria in Locura Fluo   She continues to work on: Bulky Top Down Pullover for Men by Knitting Pure and Simple ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways Gridlines by Susanne Sommer in Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in the Caribbean colorway One Festive Skein by Fredi Baker, using Fiber Lady Midori in the New Southwest colorway   BOOKS   Barb finished: Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine   Tracie finished:  Rage: The True Story of a Sibling Murder by Jerry Langton Failure is an Option: An Attempted Memoir by H. Jon Benjamen The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes   Barb is  reading: The Guest Book by Sarah Blake The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty   Tracie is reading: A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
10/26/20191 hour, 9 minutes, 26 seconds
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Episode 191: Why Not the Chuck E. Cheese?

Recorded on October 10, 2019 Book Talk starts at 32:00   It's time for our annual 2 Knit Lit Chicks Fall Sweater KAL!  It is running September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the Chatter Thread, and check out our sweater bundles.  Challenge yourself   Events Studio 49 Retreat - October 18-19 at Tuolomne Trails family camp   KNITTING   Barb finished: 1.  Mother Bears # 182, #183 and #184 2. Multidirectional Scarf #4 by Karen Baumer using Caron Cake in the Rainbow Sprinkles colorway 3.  Bankhead Hat #7 by Susie Gourlay using Caron Cake in the Faerie Cake Colorways 4.  Ribbed Beanie by Vanessa Ewing using Berroco Lodge 5.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and 52 color ways  6.  September DVD socks using DVD Zien No Soggy Bottoms colorway 7. Oh Gnome You Didn’t MKAL gnomes by Sarah Schira Barb's ZickZack Scarf!  Started in April, finished in October.  Love it! Tracie Finished 1.   Oh Gnome You Didn’t MKAL by Sarah Schira   2.  Meret by Wooly Wormhead     Barb continues to work on: 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 2.  Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way   Barb has Cast-on 1.  Another Multidirectional Diagnoal Scarf by Karen Baumer using a Caron Cake in the Faerie Cake color way 2.  October Cheeky Cables Socks by Mary Lukas, using Desert Visa Dyeworks Viso in the Donkeys and Elephants colorway. 3.  Here We Gnome Again by Sarah Shira, using a mystery raspberry worsted yarn.     Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Bulky Top Down Pullover for Men by Knitting Pure and Simple 2.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways 3.  Gridlines by Susanne Sommer in Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in the Caribbean colorway Tracie has Cast-on 1.  Knitables Cow by Sarah Gasson in Plymouth Select DK Merino 2.  One Festive Skein by Fredi Baker, using Fiber Lady Midori in the New Southwest colorway   BOOKS   Barb finished: 1.  Poisoned Blood by Phillip Ginsberg - Barb recommends! 2.  Clock Dance by Anne Tyler - recommended 3. Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes by Karin Slaughter - Barb does NOT recommend 4.  The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff - recommended         Tracie finished: 1.   The Day I Died by Lori Rader-Day - Tracie does NOT recommend 2.  The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher by Rob Stennett - thumbs sideways! 3.  The Quintland Sisters by Shelley Wood - recommended   Tracie recommends RuPaul's Drag Race, Seasons 1-6, now streaming on Hulu!
10/13/20191 hour, 10 minutes, 37 seconds
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Episode 190: I Don't Feel Good About That

Book Talk Begins at 29:00 Recorded on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 And on to our Fall Sweater KAL!  It is running September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the Chatter Thread, and check out our sweater bundles.  Challenge yourselF!  Events Lambtown - October 5-6 in Dixon, California Studio 49 Retreat - October 18-19 at Tuolomne Trails family camp KNITTING Barb finished: 1.  Mother Bear #181 2.  Multidirectional Scarf #3 by Karen Baumer using Caron Cake in the Rainbow Sprinkles colorway Tracie Finished 1.  Maine Baby Hat by Fiber of Main in Miss Babs Yowza - rolled brim and umbilical cord top 2.  Ramble Hat by Shreen Nadir (The Blue Brick) in Madelinetosh Silk/Merino 3.  Tracie's Sparkling Moon Hat by SKEINO Llc, using SKEINO Venice in the don Carlos Colorway 4.  Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota. Barb continues to work on: 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 2.  Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way 3.  September DVD socks using DVD Zien No Soggy Bottoms colorway 4.  Oh Gnome You Didn’t MKAL gnomes by Sarah Schira 5.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and 52 color ways  Barb has Cast-on 1.  Another Multidirectional Diagnoal Scarf by Karen Baumer using a Caron Cake in the Rainbow Sprinkles color way Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Bulky Top Down Pullover for Men by Knitting Pure and Simple 2.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways 3.  Gridlines by Susanne Sommer in Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in the Caribbean colorway 4.  Oh Gnome You Didn’t MKAL by Sarah Schira BOOKS Barb finished: 1.  The Apartment by K.L. Slater.  Thumbs sideways. 2.  Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata.  Thumbs up! Tracie finished: 1.  The High Season by Judy Blundell 2.  The Silent Ones by K.L. Slater 3.  Growing Up Brady: I Was a Teenage Greg by Barry Williams.  Thumbs up! Barb is currently reading: 1.  Poisoned Blood by Phillip Ginsberg 2.  Clock Dance by Anne Tyler Tracie is currently reading: 1.  The Day I Died by Lori Rader-Day 2.  The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher by Rob Stennett Tracie also talked about the TV show:  HGTV A Very Brady Renovation
9/25/20191 hour, 14 minutes, 12 seconds
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Episode 189: Mother Bear Prizes and Soggy Bottoms!

Recorded September 12, 2019 Book Talk starts at 26:15 Welcome to our new moderator, Sandi aka CakeAndFibre! Our annual Mother Bear KAL has finished!  If you put a picture of a finished bear on our FO thread, you won a prize!  Prizes announced at the end of the podcast. And on to our Fall Sweater KAL!  It will run September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the Chatter Thread, and check out our sweater bundles.  Challenge yourselF!  Stitches West registration?  The Catalogue is here, and registration began September 3rd. Events Lambtown - October 5-6 in Dixon, California Studio 49 Retreat - October 18-19 at Tuolomne Trails family camp KNITTING Barb finished: Mother Bear #180 Tracie Finished Ilse Sock Set Cowl by Heather Boos (Yellow Ribbon Knits) in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive and Greenwood Fiberworks Star Dust in Earthen Hues gradient set Daddy & Me Poor Boy Caps by Irene Johnston in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted Keepsies by Hunter Hammersen in Manos del Uruguay Allegria in the Locuro Fluo Barb continues to work on: ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way. Cast-on September DVD socks using DVD Zien No Soggy Bottoms colorway 2 Oh Gnome You Didn’t MKAL gnomes by Sarah Schira Multidirectional Diagnoal Scarf by Karen Baumer using a Caron Cake in the Rainbow Sprinkles color way Tracie cast on: Oh Gnome You Didn’t MKAL by Sarah Schira And continues to work on: Bulky Top Down Pullover for Men by Knitting Pure and Simple ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota Gridlines by Susanne Sommer in Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in the Caribbean colorway BOOKS Barb finished and recommends: Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea by Steven Callahan Adventures in Yarn Farming: Four Seasons on a New England Fiber Farm by Barbara Parry  Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone The Conception of Terror by M.R. James Tracie finished: A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean (okay not my thing) How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran Dead by Sunset: Perfect Husband, Perfect Killer? by Ann Rule (5-star true crime!) Girls’ Night Out by Liz Fenton (thumbs down)
9/14/20191 hour, 10 minutes, 30 seconds
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Episode 188: He Thinks He Can Do Stuff

Recorded on August 28, 2019 Book Talk Begins at 27:50   Our annual Mother Bear KAL is finished!  If you put a picture of a finished bear on our FO thread, then you won a prize!  Prizes announced at the end of the podacast.       And on to our Fall Sweater KAL!  It will run September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the Chatter Thread, and check out our sweater bundles, and challenge yourself.     Stitches West registration?  The Catalogue is here, registration is 9/3/2019.   Events Lambtown - October 5-6 in Dixon, California Studio 49 Retreat - October 18-19 at Tuolomne Trails family camp   KNITTING Barb has finished: *  Mother bears # 178 and 179 *  Opal Sock Yarn Bunny by Susan B. Anderson, using Regia Yarn in the Star Night color way *. August DVD socks using DVD Viso in the Inuit Art color way.  The pattern is the Shell Cottage Socks by Helen Stewart *  Nightshift  by Andrea Mowry using a kit from Dragonfly Fibers Barb wearing her Nightshift Cowl by Andrea Mowry Barb discussed the excellent face embroidering video tutorial by Susan B Anderson: Susan B. Anderson's Face Embroidery video Tutorial   Tracie has finished: *  Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop Tracie's Dare to Dream by Boo Knits!     Barb continues to work on: * ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways * Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway * Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way.   Tracie has cast on: * Bulky Top Down Pullover for Men by Knitting Pure and Simple   Tracie continues to work on: * ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways * Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota * Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop * Ilse Sock Set Cowl by Heather Boos (Yellow Ribbon Knits) in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive and Greenwood Fiberworks Star Dust in Earthen Hues gradient set * Gridlines by Susanne Sommer in Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in the Caribbean colorwayBOOKS   BOOKS Barb has finished and says thumbs up to: *  Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep *  The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray *  Every Last One by Anna Quindlen * Excellent Women by Barbara Pym       Tracie has finished and says thumbs up to: *  Murder on Birchleaf Drive: The True Story of the Michelle Young Murder Case by Steven B. Epstein *  The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific by J. Maarten Troost     Tracie did not finish: *  Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell     Barb is reading: *  Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea by Steven Callahan *  Adventures in Yarn Farming: Four Seasons on a New England Fiber Farm by Barbara Parry         Tracie is reading: *  How to Build a Girl by Caitlen Moran *  Dead by Sunset: Perfect Husband, Perfect Killer? by Ann Rule  
8/31/20191 hour, 19 minutes, 49 seconds
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Episode 187: We Should Just Get Rid of that Word

Recorded on August 15, 2019 Book Talk starts at 35:00 Our annual Mother Bear KAL is winding down, so finish up those last few bears!  Any bears you have knit or crocheted on 2019 are eligible to post in our FOs thread. Each bear is an entry.  Come join the Chatter thread here!   And on to our Fall Sweater KAL!  It will run September 15 all the way to January 15 to give you plenty of time to finish a garment.  Join the chatter thread, and check out our sweater bundles, and challenge yourself!   Stitches West registration?  Catalogue out on Aug. 23, registration is 9/3   Events Lambtown - October 5-6 in Dixon, California Studio 49 Retreat - October 18-19 at Tuolomne Trails family camp   Knitting Barb’s FOs: Mother Bear #175 July DVD Socks in the RadioActive Zombody color way   Tracie has finished: Kick Up Your Heels by Sarah Shoo in Western Sky Knits Magnolia DK Mint chip vanilla socks in Anzula Nebula and KnitPicks Hawthorne The V-Back Tee by Jamie Hoffman in Greenwood Fiberworks Simply Sock in Apricot, Invictus Yarns Beyond in Flame, and Baah! La Jolla in Georgia Peach and My Sweet Valentine   Barb continues to work on: ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Nightshift  by Andrea Mowry using a kit from Dragonfly Fibers   And has cast on: August DVD socks using DVD Viso in the Inuit Art color way.  Making the Shell Cottage socks by Helen Stewart Trail Hoodie by Marly Bird, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock in the Wisp color way. Opal Sock Yarn Bunny by Susan B. Anderson, using Regia Yarn in the Star Night color way   Tracie has cast on: Ilse Sock Set Cowl by Heather Boos (Yellow Ribbon Knits) in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive and Greenwood Fiberworks Star Dust in Earthen Hues gradient set Gridlines by Susanne Sommer in Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in the Caribbean colorway   And continues to work on:  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop   BOOKS   Barb says thumbs up to: Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher  The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris  No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy   And thumbs down to: She Was the Quiet One by Michelle Campbell   Tracie says thumbs up to: A Daughter's Deadly Deception: The Jennifer Pan Story by Jeremy Grimaldi Chemistry by Wang Weike Big Sky (Jackson Brodie #5 by Kate Atkinson The Three Miss Margarets by Louise Shaffer   And thumbs down to: The Pupil by Dawn Goodwin   Barb is reading: Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray     Tracie is reading: Murder on Birchleaf Drive: The True Story of the Michelle Young Murder Case by Steven B. Epstein Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell
8/17/20191 hour, 14 minutes, 4 seconds
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Episode 186: Some Fiber Physicist Could Explain It to Us

Recorded July 24, 2019 Book Talk Starts at 29:12 Our annual Mother Bear KAL is ongoing!  Any bears you have knit or crocheted on 2019 are eligible to post in our FOs thread. Each bear is an entry.  Come join the Chatter thread here! Please message alittleposy or knittybarb if you have a prize you’d like to contribute. Want to start your Mother Bear-making journey?  Check out the Mother Bear Project website to buy a pattern, make a donation, or see the gallery of children and their new bears, and the MBP Ravelry group for great ideas and community with other bear makers. KNITTING Tracie has finished: 1.  Mother Bears 202-204 2.  Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustanader in Valley Yarns Goshen in the Pacific colorway         Barb has finished: 1.  Mother Bears #175 & #176 2.  Yolks Pullover by Natalie V, using a Craftsy Kit with Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Magenta Colorway       Tracie continues to work on:    1.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways 2.  Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota 3.  Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop Tracie has cast-on: 1.  Mint Chip vanilla Socks in Anzula Nebula and KnitPicks Hawthorne 2.  Kick Up Your Heels by Sarah Shoo, using Western Sky Knits Magnolia DK in the Isabella color way   Barb is still working on: 1.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways 2.  Yolks Pullover by Natalie V, using a Craftsy Kit with Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Magenta Colorway 3.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway 4.  July DVD Socks - Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the RadioActive Zombody color way 5.  Nightshift  by Andrea Mowry using a kit from Dragonfly Fibers   Barb and Tracie talked about their ZickZack scarves and how different they were from each other because of the yarns used:    BOOKS Tracie has finished: 1.  Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Deman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.  Thumbs Up! 2.  My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh. Thumbs sideways!   Barb has finished: 1.  The Spaceship Next Door by Gene Doucette.  Thumbs Up...sort of... Tracie is reading: 1.  A Daughter's Deadly Deception: The Jennifer Pan Story 2.  Big Sky (Jackson Brodie #5 by Kate Atkinson   Barb recommends following BurraBears on Instagram and Facebook.   Barb is reading 1.  Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher Barb and Tracie discussed going to visit Western Sky Knits in Montana.  
7/27/20191 hour, 8 minutes, 46 seconds
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Episode 184: A Bunch of Wing Nuts

Recorded on July 13, 2019 Book Talk starts at 15:00 Our annual Mother Bear KAL has begun!  Any bears you have knit or crocheted on 2019 are eligible to post in our FOs thread. Each bear is an entry.  Come join the Chatter thread here!   We have new prizes donated by PattyB, CraftBuzz, Heidi Wulfraat, KDunne and super sock designer Becky Greene.  Please message alittleposy or knittybarb if you have a prize you’d like to contribute.   Want to start your Mother Bear-making journey?  Check out the Mother Bear Project website to buy a pattern, make a donation, or see the gallery of children and their new bears, and the MBP Ravelry group for great ideas and community with other bear makers.   KNITTING   Tracie has finished: Octopus #2 by Susan B. Anderson in Universal Yarns Uptown DK Mother Bears 193-201    Barb has finished: Mother Bears #170 - #174   Tracie continues to work on:  1.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways 2.  Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustanader in Valley Yarns Goshen in the Pacific colorway 3.  Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota 4.  Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop   Still working on 1.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways 2.  Yolks Pullover by Natalie V, using a Craftsy Kit with Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Magenta Colorway 3.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway   Cast-on  July DVD Socks - Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the RadioActive Zombody color way Nightshift  by Andrea Mowry using a kit from Dragonfly Fibers   BOOKS Tracie has finished: Secrets of a Marine’s Wife: A True Story of Marriage, Obsession & Murder by Shanna Hogan - thumbs up American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst by Jeffrey Toobin - thumbs up Lolita by Vladimir Nabakov thumbs up if you can stomach the subject matter God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut - enh   Barb says thumbs up to all her finished books: Little Shoes: The Sensational Depression-Era Murders that Became My Family’s Secret by Pamela Everett The Lost Man by Jane Harper Alien III by William Gibson - Audible Original Atomic Marriage by Curtis Sittenfeld Girls’ Night Out by Liz Fenton In the Heart of the Sea: the Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick   Tracie is reading: Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Deman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh   Barb is reading The Spaceship Next Door by Gene Doucette Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher   Barb gives The Man in the Window podcast a thumbs up
7/14/20191 hour, 10 minutes, 24 seconds
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Episode 184: It Was Just a Dump

Recorded on June 27, 2019 Book Talk starts at 28:38         Our annual Mother Bear KAL has begun!  Any bears you have knit or crocheted on 2019 are eligible to post in our FOs thread. Each bear is an entry.  Come join the Chatter thread here!   We have new prizes donated by hikeknitcamp (designer Cheryl Beckerich).  Please message alittleposy or knittybarb if you have a prize you’d like to contribute.   Want to start your Mother Bear-making journey?  Check out the Mother Bear Project website to buy a pattern, make a donation, or see the gallery of children and their new bears, and the MBP Ravelry group for great ideas and community with other bear makers.   KNITTING       Barb's Mother Bears #166 - #169   Barb’s FOs 1.  Mother Bears #166 - #169 2.  Christmas Vanilla Socks, using The Yarn Jar Shop sock yarn in The Grinch colorway 3.  DVD June socks -  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in Zombody is Like a Writing Desk   Tracie’s FOs 1.  Mother Bears #185 - #192.  These included a Drag Queen bear! 2.  Two Never Not Gnoming by Sarah Schira gnomes 3.  Vanilla Socks, using Lollipop Yarn Quintessential in the Wide Awake colorway     Barb is still working on   1.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways 2.  Yolks Pullover by Natalie V, using a Craftsy Kit with Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Magenta Colorway 3.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway     Tracie continues working on  1.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways 2.  Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustanader in Valley Yarns Goshen in the Pacific colorway 3.  Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns 4.  Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop       BOOKS   Barb read 1.  Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict and Armand Keteyian.  Thumbs WAY up! 2.  Confidential by Ellie Monago.  Thumbs up.         Tracie read:  1.  And the Sea Will Tell by Vincent Bugliosi.  Thumbs Up. 2.  Sex, Love and Money: Revenge and Ruin in the World of High-Stakes Divorce by Gerald Nissenbaum.  Thumbs up. 3.  Heads in Beds: a Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles and So-Called Hospitality by Jacob Tomsky             Barb is reading 1.  Little Shoes: The Sensational Depression-Era Murders that Became My Family’s Secret by Pamela Everett 2.  The Lost Man by Jane Harper     Tracie is reading 1.  Secrets of a Marine's Wife: A True Story of Marriage, Obsession & Murder by Shanna Hogan 2.  American Heiress: The Wild Sage of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst by Jeffrey Toobin  
6/30/20191 hour, 9 minutes, 18 seconds
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Episode 183: To Cover Her Non-Existent Bosom

Recorded on June 13, 2019 Book Talk starts at 21:19 Our annual Mother Bear KAL has begun!  Any bears you have knit or crocheted on 2019 are eligible to post in our FOs thread. Each bear is an entry.  Come join the Chatter thread here!   We have new prizes donated by Erin Gordon, Catmujer (Trish), TMY in HNL (Betty), Leaner (Eileen), Celia Cahill, and Sue of Invictus Yarns.  Please message alittleposy or knittybarb if you have a prize you’d like to contribute.   Want to start your Mother Bear-making journey?  Check out the Mother Bear Project website to buy a pattern, make a donation, or see the gallery of children and their new bears, and the MBP Ravelry group for great ideas and community with other bear makers.   KNITTING   Barb’s FOs Mother Bears #162, #163, #164, #165 Zephyr by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Yarn Rios in the Teal Feather color way   Tracie’s FOs Mother Bears 173-184 Never Not Gnoming #17 by Sarah Schira - Large in sport weight purple and grey Octopus by Susan B. Anderson in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted   Barb is still working on Christmas Vanilla Socks, using The Yarn Jar Shop sock yarn in The Grinch colorway ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways Yolks Pullover by Natalie V, using a Craftsy Kit with Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Magenta Colorway Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway   She cast on DVD June socks -  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in Zombody is Like a Writing Desk   Tracie continues working on  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustanader in Valley Yarns Goshen in the Pacific colorway Fiddly Bits #9 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop Vanilla Socks, using Lollipop Yarn Quintessential in the Wide Awake colorway     BOOKS   Barb read The Dark Heart: A True Story of Greed, Murder and an Unlikely Investigator by Joakim Palmkvist thumbs up The Silence of the North by Olive R. Fredrickson - thumbs up   Tracie read:  In the Dark (DI Adam Fawley, #2) by Cara Hunter - thumbs up Bad Monkey (Andrew Yancy, #1) by Carl Hiaasen - thumbs up The Past is Never by Tiffany Quay Tyson - enh   Barb and Tracie both enthusiastically recommend Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-to Guide by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark    Barb is reading Little Shoes: The Sensational Depression-Era Murders that Became My Family’s Secret by Pamela Everett Confidential by Ellie Monago     Tracie is reading And The Sea Will Tell by Vincent Bugliosi Sex, Love and Money: Revenge and Ruin in the World of High-Stakes Divorce by Gerald Nissenbaum
6/15/20191 hour, 6 minutes, 54 seconds
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Episode 182: My Whole Instagram Feed Is Yarn and Drag Queens

Recorded on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 Book Talk starts at 32:07 Our next Knit-Along will be our annual Mother Bear KAL!  Any bears you have knit or crocheted on 2019 are eligible to post pictures of in our FO thread (which will be started after June 1, 2019).  Come join the Chatter thread here!    What?  You say that you have never knitted or crocheted a Mother Bear but would like to join the fun?  All the information to get you started is in the first post of  The Chatter ThreadThe rules for the KAL and all the information to get    The winners of the 2 new sock patterns by Jenn Sheelen (Dragon Toes and Hint of Sophistication) will be announced at the end of the podcast.   Barb and Tracie attended the annual Spinning at the Winery event a Retzlaff Winery in Livermore, CA.  A good time was had by all! Tracie recommends the audio podcast Craft Cook Read Repeat.        KNITTING   Barb’s finished objects: 1.  Mother Bears #160 and #161 2.   If They Kill Daryl Socks using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the If They Kill Daryl colorway   Tracie’s Finished Objects: 1.  Mother Bears #167 - #172 2.  Confetti by Veera Valimaki in Anzula Nebula in Lottie and Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Multi in Rockaway   Barb continues to work on: 1.  Christmas Vanilla Socks, using The Yarn Jar Shop sock yarn in The Grinch colorway 2.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways 3.  Zephyr Cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Yarn Rios in the Teal Feather color way 4.  Yolks Pullover by Natalie V, using a Craftsy Kit with Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK in the Magenta Colorway   She has cast on: 1.  Sunnydale Cowl by Katy H. Carroll (Katinka Designs), using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Barb has frogged: 1.  Poulia cowl by Hilary Smith Callis, using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway   Tracie has cast on: 1. Another Never Not Gnoming gnome in the large size 2.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm, using Louisa Harding Amitola in the Hook and the Dawn colorways She continues to work on: 1.  Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustanader in Valley Yarns Goshen in the Pacific colorway 2.  Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns 3. Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop 4.  Vanilla Socks, using Lollipop Yarn Quintessential in the Wide Awake colorway Tracie has put in to Hibernation: 1.   Jewel Box Cowl in Stunning String Studios Stunning Superwash in Jewel Box minis colorway   BOOKS   Barb has finished: 1.   The Demon Next Door by Bryan Burrough (Thumbs Up) 2.  To The Bridge by Nancy Rommelman.(Thumbs Up)   Tracie has finished: 1.  A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki (Thumbs Up) 2.   Death on the River: A Fiancee's Dark Secrets and a Kayak Trip Turned Deadly by Diane Fanning (Thumbs Down) 3.  The Mystery of Alice (Audible Original) (Thumbs Sideways)   Barb is currently reading: 1. The Dark Heart: A True Story of Greed, Murder and an Unlikely Investigator by Joakim Palmkvist Tracie is currently reading: 1. In the Dark (DI Adam Fawley, #2) by Cara Hunter 2. Bad Monkey (Andrew Yancy, #1) by Carl Hiaasen  
6/2/20191 hour, 9 minutes, 57 seconds
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Episode 181: We Hate These People

Book Talk Begins at 27:30 Recorded on Wednesday May 15, 2019 Our 2019 Colorwork KAL is over!   Be sure to listen until the end of the podcast to hear the prize winners!   Our current Giveaway!  We have 2 new sock patterns from Jenn Sheelan: Dragon Toes Socks and Hit of Suspicion.  Comment on this thread for a chance to win.  This contest will close June 30.   The Spinning at the Winery date has been changed from 5/18/19, to Saturday, May 25 at Retzlaff Winery.   Our next Knit-Along will be our annual Mother Bear KAL!  Any bears you have knit or crocheted on 2019 are eligible to post pictures of in our FO thread (which will be started after June 1, 2019).  Come join the Chatter thread here!   KNITTING Barb’s finished objects: 1.  Mother Bears #157, #158 & #159   Tracie’s Finished Objects: 1.  Gnome #15 (Never Not Gnoming) by Sarah Schira 2.  Annie Bear for niece Jayla 3.  Mother Bears # 156 - 166 Barb continues to work on: 1.  Christmas Vanilla Socks, using The Yarn Jar Shop sock yarn in The Grinch colorway 2.  ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways 3.  Zephyr Cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Yarn Rios in the Teal Feather color way She has cast on: 1.  If They Kill Daryl Socks using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the If They Kill Daryl colorway 2.  Poulia cowl by Hilary Smith Callis, using Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the Anniversario colorway Barb has frogged: Fire Bird Hat Test Knit for Carson of Rage Knit for Choice moderator Carson, using Alpenglow yarn and Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the grasshopper color way     Tracie has cast on: 1.  Another Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustanader in Valley Yarns Goshen in the Pacific colorway   She continues to work on: 1.  Confetti by Veera Valimaki in Anzula Nebula in Lottie and Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Multi in Rockaway 2.  Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns 3.  Jewel Box Cowl in Stunning String Studios Stunning Superwash in Jewel Box minis colorway 4.  Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop BOOKS Barb has finished: 1.  Black Water Rising (Jay Porter #1) by Attica Locke - recommend 2.  Greyhound by Steffan Piper - recommends 3.  The Neighbors by Hannah Mary McKinnon - recommend 4.  A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean - so-so 5.  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - recommend 6.  Evil Eye by Madhuri Shekar - this is the Audible Original - recommend!   Barb is currently reading: 1.  The Demon Next Door by Bryan Burrough  2.  The Dark Heart: A True Story of Greed, Murder and an Unlikely Investigator by Joakim Palmkvist   Tracie has finished: 1.  Tell Me by Lisa Jackson - thumbs down 2.  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - Tracie thinks "meh" 3.  Deadly Greed: The Riveting True Story of the Stuart Murder Case the Rocked Boston and Shocked the Nation by Joe Sharkey - thumbs up 4.  The Silent Sister by Shalini Boland - thumbs down 5.  What We Kill by Howard Odentz - Thumbs up Tracie is currently reading: 1.  A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki 2.  Death on the River: A Fiancee's Dark Secrets and a Kayak Trip Turned Deadly by Diane Fanning            
5/18/20191 hour, 18 minutes, 49 seconds
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Episode 180: She Picoulted All Over It

Recorded on April 24, 2019 Book Talk starts at 31:20 Our 2019 Colorwork KAL will continue until May 15, 2019.  Come join the conversation on the Chatter Thread, and post your finished objects on the FOs thread. We draw the winner of  the Frost Heaves Cowl by Bronwyn the Brave at the end of this episode!  Coupon code for $2 off the Frost Heaves pattern: THELONGWINTER until April 30. New Giveaway!  We have 2 new sock patterns from Jenn Sheelan: Dragon Toes Socks and Hit of Suspicion.  Comment on the context thread for a chance to win.  This contest will close June 30. Tracie and Barb will be at Spinning at the Winery, Saturday, May 18 at Retzlaff Winery   KNITTING Barb’s finished objects: Helix Hat #8 by Jessica Rose Vanilla socks using DVD Viso in Tea for Two color way Gnome de Plume mystery gnome by Sarah Schira using scrap yarn Fox Paws scarf by Xandy Peters, using the Craftsy kit in the Winter Night color palette.  Cloudborn Highland Sport in Black, Gray Heather, Lavender Heather, Dolphin Blue and White (photo) Candy Hug Hat by Taiga Hillard Designs using yarn picked up at the NoCKRs destash table. Mother Bear #157   Tracie’s Finished Objects: 16 Knitted Knockers  for 2019! Sand Layers by Lisa Hannes in January Yarns Staple Sock in Lucky and Serendipidye King’s Mountain Sock in Acapandemonium Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustenader in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic in Spruce Mother Bears 151-155   Barb continues to work on: Christmas Vanilla Socks, using The Yarn Jar Shop sock yarn in The Grinch colorway   She has cast on: ZickZack Scarf by Christy Kamm - free pattern on Ravelry - 5380 projects!  Using Lang Yarns MilleColori Baby in the 51 and52 color ways Fire Bird Hat Test Knit for Carson of Rage Knit for Choice moderator Carson, using Alpenglow yarn and Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the grasshopper color way Zephyr Cardigan by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Malabrigo Yarn Rios in the Teal Feather color way   Tracie has cast on: Dare to Dream by Boo Knits in Duren Dyeworks Heavenly Fingering in Cherry Pop   She continues to work on: Confetti by Veera Valimaki in Anzula Nebula in Lottie and Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Multi in Rockaway Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns Jewel Box Cowl in Stunning String Studios Stunning Superwash in Jewel Box minis colorway   BOOKS Barb recommends:  Beshert by Erin Gordon Boy’s Life by Robert R. McCammon   She does not recommend:  Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison   She is currently reading Black Water Rising (Jay Porter #1) by Attica Locke Greyhound by Steffan Piper   Tracie recommends:  Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg Holding by Graham Norton His Bloody Project: Documents Relating to the Case of Roderick Macrae by Graeme Macrae Burnet   She does not recommend: The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag (Flavia de Luce #2) by Alan Bradley American Appetites by Joyce Carol Oates   She is currently reading Tell Me by Lisa Jackson Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
4/27/20191 hour, 7 minutes, 46 seconds
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Episode 179: Embroidered Unicorn Nostrils

Recorded on April 3, 2019 Book Talk begins at 36.40 Our 2019 Colorwork KAL will continue until May 15, 2019.  Come join the conversation on the Chatter Thread, and post your finished objects on the FOs thread.     We are giving away a copy of the Frost Heaves Cowl by Bronwyn the Brave.  Comment on the thread to be entered to win.  The contest will end on April 20.  Bronwyn has also  set up a coupon code for $2 off the Frost Heaves pattern: THELONGWINTER, and says “It’s a nod to the Laura Ingalls Wilder book, not to mention this crazy winter we’ve had.”   KNITTING Tracie has finished 1.  a few Knitted Knockers in Cascade Pima Cotton, CoBaSi and Fibra Natura Radiant Cotton 2.  Little Unicorn by Lorraine Pistorio in Berocco Elements in 4937 Bismuth, James C Brett Twinkle Fashion DK, etc 3.  Gnome de Plume MKAL   Barb has finished 1.  Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Twist Sock in the Grey Heather color way 2.  Sally Stripe Scarf by Tara Miller using Cloudborn Sprightly in the Black, Orange and Yellow color ways. 3.  Vanilla socks using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in Grunge   Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustenader in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic in Spruce 2.  Confetti by Veera Valimaki in Anzula Nebula in Lottie and Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Multi in Rockaway 3.  Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns 4.  Jewel Box Cowl in Stunning String Studios Stunning Superwash in Jewel Box minis colorway 5.  Sand Layers by Lisa Hannes in January Yarns Staple Sock in Lucky and Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in Acapandemonium Barb is continuing to work on 1.  Fox Paws by Xandy Peters, using a Craftsy Fox Paws Kit (utilizing Clouborn Highland Sport)  in the Winter Sky color combination.   2. Shetland Peerie Mittens MKAL by Kathy Lewiniski, using Knit Picks Palette in the Pimento, Blush, Grey and White colorways 3.  Christmas Vanilla Socks, using The Yarn Jar Shop sock yarn in The Grinch colorway 4.  Gnome de Plume MKAL by Sarah Schira using scrap yarn 5.  Knitted Knockers, using Cloudborn Fibers Pima Cotton DK 6.  Her 8th Stashbusting Helix hat in DK yarn scraps     She has cast on: 1.  April's socks for The Fifth Annual Desert Vista Dyeworks Monthly Sock Club, using  Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Tea for Two colorway   BOOKS   Tracie has finished: 1.  The View from Penthouse B by Elinor Lipman 2. Winterkill (Joe Pickett, #3) by C.J. Box   Barb has finished 1.  The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides - she thought it was pretty good until the completely improbable ending. 2.  Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou - Barb HIGHLY recommends this book! 3.  The River by Peter Heller - Barb recommends this good book. 4.  The Blissfully Dead (Detective Patrick Lennon #2) by Mark Edwards and Louise Voss - a good quick read.   Tracie is currently reading: 1.  Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg 2.  Holding by Graham Norton   Barb is currently reading: 1.  Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison 2.  Beshert by Erin Gordon Tracie discussed the effects of plastic trash on the environment and recycling.  2 websites she found interesting are: 1. Plastic recycling waste/ocean trash - National Geographic 2.  Recycling Crisis - The Week        
4/6/20191 hour, 20 minutes, 31 seconds
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Episode 178: An Epic Fashion Moment

Recorded on March 17, 2019 Book Starts at 35:30 Recorded Sunday, March 17, 2019   Our 2019 Colorwork KAL will continue until May 15, 2019.  Come join the conversation on the Chatter Thread, and post your finished objects on the FOs thread.   We announce the winner of BostonJen’s new shawl pattern, Go with the Flow, at the end of this episode.   We are giving away a copy of the Frost Heaves Cowl by Bronwyn the Brave.  Comment on the thread to be entered to win.  The contest will end on April 20.  Bronwyn has also  set up a coupon code for $2 off the Frost Heaves pattern: THELONGWINTER, and says “It’s a nod to the Laura Ingalls Wilder book, not to mention this crazy winter we’ve had.”   KNITTING Barb has finished Mother Bear #155 & 156 Helix Hat #8 by Jessica Rose Vanilla Socks using DVD Viso in Rainbow Pantsuit.   Frost Heaves Cowl by Bronwyn the Brave, using Malabrigo Rios in the Azures color way   Tracie has finished a few Knitted Knockers in Cascade Pima Cotton, CoBaSi and Fibra Natura Radiant Cotton Knit Mermaid Doll by Lorraine Pistorio in Berocco Elements in 4937 Bismuth, James C Brett Twinkle Fashion DK, etc Zephyr #2 by Celia McAdam Cahill in Elemental Affects Cormo Sport in Cypress Vanilla Socks in Urth Uneek Sock, color #54 Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig in Fyberspates Scrumptious 4-ply Sport in Amethyst Frost Heaves Cowl by Bronwyn Hahn in Cedar House Yarns Old Growth Worsted in the Rhododendron colorway Eole by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne in Sirdar Snuggly Crofter Baby Fair Isle Effect DK   Barb is continuing to work on Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Twist Sock in the Grey Heather color way Fox Paws by Xandy Peters, using a Craftsy Fox Paws Kit (utilizing Clouborn Highland Sport)  in the Winter Sky color combination.   Shetland Peerie Mittens MKAL by Kathy Lewiniski, using Knit Picks Palette in the Pimento, Blush, Grey and White colorways Vanilla Socks using DVD Viso in Rainbow Pantsuit.   She has cast on Vanilla socks using DVD Viso in Grunge Sally Stripe Scarf by Tara Miller using Cloudborn Sprightly in the Black, Orange and Yellow color ways. Gnome de Plume MKAL by Sarah Schira using scrap yarn Knockers   Tracie has cast on Judah Cardigan by Juliana Lustenader in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic in Spruce Little Unicorn by Lorraine Pistorio in Berocco Elements in 4937 Bismuth, James C Brett Twinkle Fashion DK, etc Confetti by Veera Valimaki in Anzula Nebula in Lottie and Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Multi in Rockaway Gnome de Plume MKAL   She continues to work on Jewel Box Cowl in Stunning String Studios Stunning Superwash in Jewel Box minis colorway Sand Layers by Lisa Hannes in January Yarns Staple Sock in Lucky and Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in Acapandemonium Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns Vanilla Socks in Urth Uneek Sock, color #54   BOOKS Tracie and Barb both recommend Duped:  Double Lives, False Identities, and the Con Man I Almost Married by Abby Ellin   Barb recommends: Braving It: A Father, a Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild by James Campbell Behind the Scenes at the Museum: a novel by Kate Atkinson Educated by Tara Westover Strong Ending: a Journey from Combat to Comedy by Audible Originals   Barb does not recommend Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris   Tracie thought the following were just okay: The Dark Heart: A True Story of Greed, Murder, and an Unlikely Investigator by Joakim Palmkvist Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen   Tracie recommends: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou Creepy Crawling: Charles Manson and the Many Lives of America's Most Infamous Family by Jeffrey Melnick   Tracie recommends Line of Duty on Acorn and Netflix Bondi Rescue on Netflix Leaving Neverland on HBO
3/20/20191 hour, 19 minutes, 54 seconds
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Episode 177: Stitches West 2019 - Plus a Book Review!

Recorded on February 22 & 23, 2019   Thursday, February 21, 2019 Laura Bryant - Prism Yarn Patty Lyons Leading Men Fiber Arts - Go Big or Go Gnome Hat and Mittens (by Sarah Schira) The Go Big or Go Gnome Hat and Mittens   Dragonfly Fibers - Nightshift Shawl Kit (Andrea Mowry) NightShift Shawl Kit from Dragonfly Fibers Franklin Habit   Friday, February 22, 2019 Lily Chin  Tips and Tricks class Stunning String Studio Gateway to Fall Shawl Kit         Marinated Yarns - Sunnydale Cowl by Katinka Designs Marianted Yarns Apple Fiber Studio   Tracie talked about a discontinued yarn, Trendsetter Yarns Transition from discontinued yarns.com   handknitting.com - their Fibra Natura Radiant Cotton is a good affordable alternative to Cascade Ulta Pima for Knitted Knockers   Never Not Knitting Take-Along Tote kit Lisa Souza Dyeworks Serendipidye Dyeworks Yarn Snobs Bar-Maids Invictus Yarns - Create Your Own Adventure by Fredi Baker The Blue Brick Alexandra's Crafts has become Alexandra: The Art of Yarn Our dinner Friday night with (L to R) Andy and Steve (Leading Men Fiber Arts), designer Sarah Schira (Imagined Landscape) , designer Lisa Ross (Paper Daisy Creations)   Saturday, February 23, 2019 Webs Yarn Store Bottle Rocket Sweater Design by Michelle Porter   Forbidden Fiber Mini's Needle Basket Canon Hand Dyes KnitBaahPurl   Trends noticed at Stitches:  lots of color work patterns!  Especially the Nightshift Shawl and colorwork yoke sweaters.   Discussion about: Nine Perfect Strangers                
2/28/20191 hour, 6 minutes, 48 seconds
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Episode 176: That Doesn't Sound Healthy

  Recorded February 7, 2019 Book Talk starts at 35:45 Our 2019 Colorwork KAL has begun and will continue until May 15, 2019.  Come join the conversation on the Chatter Thread, and post your finished objects on the FOs thread. We are giving away a copy of BostonJen’s new shawl pattern, Go with the Flow - comment on the thread to be entered to win.  The contest will end March 15. We talked a little bit about inclusiveness in the Fiber Community.  Me and White Supremacy workbook by Laaya Saad  If you’d like to follow Paula Emmons-Fuessle’s updates about her battle with ovarian cancer and leave her a message,  you can do so here. We will be at Stitches West - February 21-24, Santa Clara Convention Center.  If you see us around the marketplace or bar area, come say hi!  Or come to the meet-up at Hyatt Bar Saturday afternoon. KNITTING Tracie has finished 1 Knitted Knocker, plus retro-fitted all my 2019 knockers so far with Cascade Ultra Pima rainbow yarn on the backs First Impressions Shawl by Brenda Castiel in Greenwood Fiberworks Simply Sock in the Arizona colorway   Barb has finished: Mother Bear #153 & 154 Winter Dreamer hat by whiletheyplay designs, using MistiAlpace Chunky in the Pewter colorway Hazelnut Socks by Helen Stewart, using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Freud’s Dream color way - 1st pair for the #fifthannualdesertvistadyeworksmonthlysockclub.   Tracie cast on: Jewel Box Cowl in Stunning String Studios Stunning Superwash in Jewel Box minis colorway   Tracie is working on: Sand Layers by Lisa Hannes in January Yarns Staple Sock in Lucky and Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in Acapandemonium Zephyr cardigan #2 by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Elemental Effects Cormo Sport in the Cypress colorway Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns Vanilla Socks in Urth Uneek Sock, color #54 Mermaid Dolls by Lorraine Pistorio using Berroco Elements in 4973 Bismuth, and other yarns   Barb is working on: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Twist Sock in the Grey Heather color way Fox Paws by Xandy Peters, using a Craftsy Fox Paws Kit (utilizing Clouborn Highland Sport)  in the Winter Sky color combination.   Shetland Peerie Mittens MKAL by Kathy Lewiniski, using Knit Picks Palette in the Pimento, Blush, Grey and White colorways   Cast-on Helix Hat #8 by Jessica Rose Vanilla Socks using DVD Viso in Rainbow Pantsuit.     BOOKS Tracie has finished:  Pretend I'm Dead by Jen Beagin - this one was okay Friends Like These by Sarah Alderson - juicy little thriller! The Stranger in Our Home by Sophie Draper - thumbs down Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty - excellent!  Tracie and Barb will discuss this book on the next episode   Barb has finished: The House of Unexpected Sisters (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agancy #18) by Alexander McCall Smith - Barb recommends A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley - Barb highly recommends   Tracie is reading:  The Dark Heart: A True Story of Greed, Murder, and an Unlikely Investigator by Joakim Palmkvist Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins   Barb is currently reading: Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris Nine Perfect Lives by Liane Moriarty
2/9/20191 hour, 7 minutes, 55 seconds
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Episode 175: I Usually Take Pictures of Mine

Recorded on January 24, 2019 Winners for our Sweater KAL are announced at the end of the podcast, after ThumbsUp/ThumbsDown.  The winner of Helen Stewart's book, The Shawl Society, Season 1 is announced also. Our 2019 Colorwork KAL will start on February 1, 2019, and will go until May 15, 2019.  Come join the Chatter Thread and make your plans... KNITTING Barb’s FOs 1.  Mother Bear #152 2.  Suburban Wrap by Joji Locatelli, using Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock and Hu made Made Twist 3.  Big Sister cardigan by Hinterm Stein, using Cascade Pacific in the Dark Blue colorway 4.  Whinstone Hat #3 by Chrissy Graham, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest Floor color way.   Tracie’s FOs 1.  Pinch Hat by Cecily Glowik-MacDonald in arkaik fibers swanky aran in Jealous Sea - she didn't like the finished product, so she ribbed it out and made a Pussyhat! 2.  Pony Tail Hat by Knikki Knits, using purple spirit Yarn 3.  Rib-a-Roni hat by Jane Tanner using spirit yarn in gold and purple 4.  Simonside Hat by Katya Frankle, using Big twist Yarns Premium Hombres 5.  Golden Gate Bridge Hat by Sophie Kurnik in blue and yellow for Will's friend   Barb is working on: 1.  Donner by Elizabeth Doherty, using Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Twist Sock in the Grey Heather color way 2.  Hazelnut Socks by Helen Stewart, using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso in the Freud’s Dream color way - 1st pair for the #fifthannualdesertvistadyeworksmonthlysockclub.   Barb has cast on: 1.  Fox Paws by Xandy Peters, using a Craftsy Fox Paws Kit (utilizing Clouborn Highland Sport)  in the Winter Sky color combination.   2.  Shetland Peerie Mittens MKAL by Kathy Lewiniski, using Knit Picks Palette in the Pimento, Blush, Grey and White colorways 3.  Winter Dreamer Hat by Whiletheyplay Designs, using Misti Alpaca Chunky in the Pewter colorway   Tracie is working on: 1.  Sand Layers by Lisa Hannes in January Yarns Staple Sock in Lucky and Serendipidye Kings Mountain Sock in Acapandemonium 2.  Zephyr cardigan #2 by Celia McAdam Cahill, using Elemental Effects Cormo Sport in the Cypress colorway 3. Fiddly Bits #7 by Jane Pihota in sport weight yarns 4.  Vanilla Socks in Urth Uneek Sock, color #54 Tracie has cast on: 1.  First Impressions Shawl by Brenda Castiel in Greenwood Fiberworks Simply Sock in the Arizona colorway 2.  Mermaid Dolls by Lorraine Pistorio using Berroco Elements in 4973 Bismuth, and other yarns She hasn't touched: 1.  Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig, using Fiberspates Scrumptious 4-ply Sport in the Amethyst colorway   BOOKS Barb has finished: 1.  Into the Abyss:  How a Deadly Plane Crash Changed the Lives of a Pilot, a Politician, a Criminal and a Cop by Carol Shaben - Barb gives it a Thumbs Up! 2.  Under Cover of the Night by Diane Fanning - Thumbs sideways 3.  Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen = Thumbs Up!     Tracie has finished: 1.  Blind Faith by Joe McGuinness - Thumbs Up! 2.  The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld - Thumbs up 3.  The Last Days of August by Jon Ronson - Thumbs Up 4.  Blood and Money: The Classic True Story of Murder, Passion and Power by Thomas Thompson   Barb is currently reading: 1.  The House of Unexpected Sisters (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agancy #18) by Alexander McCall Smith 1.  A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley   Tracie is reading: 1.  Pretend I'm Dead by Jen Beagin
1/26/20191 hour, 16 minutes, 55 seconds