Show Notes for Episode Two

While playing around on itunes the other day, I "found" our podcast. I was so excited about this, that I sat down and listened again to our recent episode. Which made me realize that, despite Michelle's claim that I'm the organized one, I did a really horrible job with the show notes. I'm so sorry.

Here are the detailed show notes for the second episode. Hopefully the third episode will have the detailed notes much quicker.

And remember -- we would love to have your comments and suggestions!

Episode Two - A chat on why and what to knit in warm weather

PATTERNS MENTIONED:

Olive Branch Yoga Hoodie - This is on Sandi's queue. She is planning on using the Moda Dea Washable Wool yarn she won from Coats & Clark through the Special Olympic Scarf Project.

Monkey Socks by Cookie A - Michelle is overcoming her second sock syndrome to finish this pair, using Claudia Handpainted Yarn in the Little Red Wagon colorway. (To avoid second sock syndrome, Sandi knits both socks section by section.)

Garter Stitch Ruffles Baby Blanket


SHOPS MENTIONED:

The Yarn Outlet is in Bradenton, Florida

Great Balls of Yarn is in West Palm Beach, Florida

FREQUENTLY MENTIONED:

Ravelry.com - It's the best online resource for knitters, spinners, and crocheters. It's how Michelle and Sandi met!

ON OUR WHEEL:

Crown Mountain Superwash Merino in Summer of Love colorway. Sandi is spinning this for the Ply By Night group on Ravelry, and will knit it into a Morning Surf Scarf.

Briar Rose BFL, specially dyed for the Ply by Night group.

BOOK REVIEW:

French Girl Knits, by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes - This book overs some wonderful patterns that are perfect for the warm weather climates. Our favorites include Anjou, Simone, Nadine, Paloma, and Martine.

HOW TO - WASHING FLEECE:

Tunis sheep (actually found in Boca Raton, Florida!)

Sandi washed her fleece in a washing machine after listening to Jackie on the High Fiber Diet podcast. (This is one of Sandi's favorite podcasts, so be sure to listen to them all!)

Michelle used a couple of great reference books before washing her fleece.
Ashford Book of Spinning, by Anne Field
The Woolcraft Book by Constance Jackson and Judith Plowman

Other good online sources of information for cleaning your fleece:
Fuzzy Galore - Washing Fleece
Joy of Handspinning - How to Wash Your Fleece
Ask the Bellwether - How do you skirt a fleece?

Michelle's hint when washing a fleece is to have the water hot enough to melt the lanolin. Also, a presoak in hot water (without detergent) will make a big difference.

Sandi offered another hint -- talk someone else into washing the fleece for you!

FAVORITE GADGET:

Sandi strongly recommends getting an acrylic WIP gauge guide. (Available from Spinning Bunny, and other online resources.) This 2 1/4" x 3 5/8" card makes it possible to check your ply on the fly. You'll still need to do actual wrapping (remember to twist the WIP tool, not wind the yarn!) if you want the exact WIP of your spun yarn.

Michelle suggests checking out some of the videos offered from Smartflix. Mentioned in this episode, the Yarn Barn spinning video by Judith McKenzie.