The Lost Geek Podcast: Recent Episodes
Arlin Chondro
A podcast where I talk about knitting, spinning, getting lost in life and enjoying life in Indonesia.
Off The Needles 1. Sallah Cowl: a bit too tight 2. Rose Window Beret by Anne Kuo Lukito from a past issue of Interweave Knits. Have always been tickled by her name bcoz it's my uncle's family name. I think she must have an Indonesian background somehow. Frogged this yesterday after reading a listener's comment, KatyKittyJay, abt reknitting. I won't like wearing the beret, so why not frog it. Wrong edge. 3. Giant pie's Pixie Hat. My third Stella Pixie Hat project. So easy and satisfying! Matches with Andrew's smaller one. Have leftover yarn 36 grams, 166 yards. Will make mitts for timo. About the name: giant pie, little pie, mini pie
On The Needles 1. Hitofude: very clever construction! 2. Snapdragon Fliptop Mitts: Ysolda Teague pattern. Part of Loopy Academy last year.
Couldn't wind yarn using swift and ball wonder because there's no flat table surface in my parents house.
Hello again everyone and welcome to the last month of 2014!
On The Needles
- Ginkgo Shoulderette Shawl : do you have pattern suggestion for the leftover yarn? I might have 200+ yards of light fingering weight yarn.
- Hitofude
- Sallah Cowl by Bristol Ivy. First pattern by this designer. Wanted to knit Hanois Cowl. Designer notes on size and shaping. Helpful notes by chromakate. Do you look for helpful notes before beginning a project?
I've received my November Yarnbox shipment (my second one): Outlaw Yarn's Bohemia Sport, a unique blend of 45% Polwarth, 45% Alpaca, and 10% Possum fiber.It comes with a set of fingerless mitts and beret with a knitted bow by Rhiannon McCulloch called So Boho. I'm still debating between the So Boho or the Mothed pattern by Mag Kandis, a pattern published on Knitty Deep Fall 2010.
Get Your Geek On!
December: Latin word decem.
Interesting name meanings of the months.
I apologize again for the unintended second hiatus (shorter this time!). While I've been away from the blog, internet, and the podcast, I was traveling with my family to Switzerland and France--as sort of a babymoon to have a vacation before the baby is born and I'm stuck at home :) If you're curious about the trip, download and listen to the podcast episode. This is a long one! Off The Needles
Stella Pixie Hat, modeled by Timothy
- Saartje's Bootees: I like the end result of this pattern but it's so fussy!! It involves casting on in the middle, and making buttonholes, and seaming. It's a great pattern for teaching a new knitter how to do all those, but for all that fuss, the product seems just so.... Small. LOL.
- Stella Pixie Hat: it ended up too big for Alicia's little newborn head--I was taking to heart all the saying that we always underestimate a newborn's head size, so I ended up overcompensating. Yarn: 3IG Adorn Sock in Sea Anemone.
- Samadhi: cast off on the plane to Paris!
- Honey Cowl: cast off on the plane home!
On The Needles
Welcome Kim of Craft Stash podcast as guest interviewee here :) She is knitting a wedding chuppah for her sister's wedding. Knit Companion App Veil of Isis by Andrea Jurgrau Elizabeth Zimmerman's Pi Shawl Custom-dyed gradient yarn by Erica (Etsy shop) Chuppah is done, you can view the episode here where Kim shows the blocking process.
On The Needles My knitting mojo returns with a vengeance. I cast on two new projects in the past two weeks, although I haven't touched any of my more complicated WIPs--complicated meaning anything more complex than stockinette or garter stitches. 1. Samadhi 2. Honey Cowl -- I have 4 skeins of Rowan RYC Soft Lux (merino, angora, metallic) that's been in my stash for more than 6 years. 3. Ginkgo Shoulderette Shawl -- Pierrot Yarns Saratto Cotton. Indonesian Knitters Facebook KAL. Tutorials by Cinantya on her blog: garter tab cast on, Judy's Magic Cast On, chart reading, etc. 4. Saartje's Bootees -- no time left!
Theme
Masterful: Dr. Gemma (CogKNITive podcast) episode 196. I just realized how lucky I am to be able to knit and spin. To be ergonomically safe, it is recommended to take a break from knitting every 15 mins (ref: the Knitmore Girls) and let your hand muscles do something different.
Tips for posture, breathing, and exercises from Lindsay Haas, a physical therapist in SF. Pictorial step by step hand exerc
Update: Sorry everyone for being in an unannounced hiatus, I'm pregnant with my second baby (21 weeks now!) and we've found out that it's a boy. Going along with Timothy's prediction of the gender. Everything related to fiber arts: knitting, spinning, Ravelry sort of disappeared from my radar. My energy level was really low during the first trimester--it's come back up in the last 5-6 weeks, but it's hard to get back into the habit of regular podcasting again after such a long hiatus! Housekeeping notes: Challenge KAL: I have a recorded session with Kim of Craft Stash (OMG her chuppah must be nearly done now!), apologies to Jan and Ellen of The Twinset Designs podcast and Louise from Caithness Craft Collective who have prepared themselves for the July and August edition of the KAL. I feel really bad for not informing about my hiatus at least, so sincerest apologies, and Big hugs for being understanding! Thanks to: rahardjo-knits (Rina) for her review on iTunes. She likes how I tell sometimes sensitive issues in Indonesia as it is, but it's not always easy! On episodes where I talk about sensitive or controversial issues, I tend to spend a lot of time on script and editing. Dr. Gemma from Cogknitive podcast talked about the show in her podcast. Thanks for the shout out :) A few things she likes about the podcast is me being non-US and non-UK podcaster, LOL. She also likes the balance of sharing my private life without sharing too much, and she mentions KnitmoreGirls, Twinset Designs, Knitting Pipeline, and 2KnitLit Chicks in the same sentence, I'm so flattered! I'm glad she sticks to the podcast even after initially finding the show a bit hard to listen to, something about the sound quality.
Off The Needles 1. Flower power headband 2. Flower pacifier clip 3. Cabled headband
ETA: sadly no other FOs in 2.5 months!
Thanks to Paula of Knitting Pipeline for her generous review on iTunes for the podcast. So flattered to know that she's been following and listening. Paula is a big influence during the starting days of the podcast, and she's the one that mentions my unique point is indonesia.
Off The Needles (02:06)
- Knit Your Love by Martina Behm
- Swatch #1 for master knitter
- Swatch #2
One helpful tip to preempt some of the problems that might come up: read the questions related to the swatch in advance, so I know what commonly faced problems are.
On The Needles (08:40)
Didn't realize I have so many WIPs on the needles!
- Samadhi
- Fringetree
- Grove
- Socks
- Swatch
Garment choices: Whispers by Veera Valimaki from the most recent amirisu? But would like to knit this in linen... Other pattern options: Hitofude cardigan by Hiroko Fukatsu, lace open front swingy cardi, Criollo by Justina Lorkowska, fitted buttoned cardi with pattern detailing on sleeve hems, body hem, and neckline, or Urban by Veera Valimaki (v-neck top with swingy short sleeves)
On The Needles Fringetree shawl by Anne Hanson.
- Long tail CO with both ends of yarn
- Use the tail end that you're not going to use as the thumb yarn
Knit Your Love: yarn is fuzzy, can clearly see the difference between the freshly knit and the old knit. Pill remover: electric, sweater stone, Lilly brush (heard from Twinset Designs podcast) Let's Get Lost! Bandung Lembang trip. Colenak Tadaima Sorry for the late episode this week, have lost my knitting mojo ever since I got HFMD. Challenge KAL and LAL is still going. Kim is guest host for June, and Twinset Ellen and Jan is for July. Bittersweet feelings of a mother to a toddler.
New reviews on iTunes, thanks to: Turboknitter and Ksinc58, I'm really glad you've found the podcast and has been enjoying it.
On The Needles 1. Grove mittens: a tutorial I found online for a modified k2tog for twisted sts 2. Knit Your Love.
Two yarn packages waiting at home:
- Bare Naked Wools second shipment, Chebris lace, 700 yards of 60% fine wool and 40% yearling mohair in Creme. What's the difference between goats and sheep? Capricorn Triangle and Amalthea, a square version.
- Strickmich club second shipment, Welthase fingering merino light, 400 yards of superwash merino in Blue Blessing. Pattern is Samadhi, a very meditational garter stitch shawl.
Theme The TKGA website is a good resource for reference materials. It has a section titled On Your Way To The Masters which is available for members only and it has articles directly related to the Masters program. Thanks to Lish and Natalie of Mastering The Knits podcast for the shoutout. It's great to find virtual Master Level buddies.
Who wants to do a Virtual Knitting together? Let's Get Lost!
Original plan to see sakura blossoms, was disappointed to find out that based on
Off The Needles
- Hills hat: first time I tried blocking a hat with its ribbed hem tied by a hair band (YouTube video by knitsbythesea)
- Mitts
Theme MHK level 1: I. Am. On. Fire!! Mastering The Knits podcast The Principles of Knitting Secret to successful destashing: a good marketing sidekick! On The Needles
- Grove mittens by Jared Flood (Three Irish Girls Carys BFL worsted) Was going to knit Fallberry Mitts.
Get Your Geek On!
Bullet Journal: first heard from A Playful Day (LOVE her new website, BTW) I also use: Evernote app and the Notes app on iOS. How do you organize your notes? Do you have a family calendar?
On The Needles 1. Timo's mittens using Ann Budd basic recipe. Leftover bijou basin ranch yarn. Unknown needle size (I think 2.5mm?) 2. Hills in Jamul hat. I talk about staple length and micron count 3. Knit your love: pattern suddenly turned up!!
Theme Masterful and Mindful Mindful: * Stash swap * Cold Sheep * ideal stash size parameter * Yarn Box * Knit Crate
Masterful: * Master Knitter Program * Mastering Your Knits: new audio podcast
Recalculating Route Knitters Almanac: my first EZ book! Eye-opening facts about Double Knitting, and how gauge affects amount of wool needed for adult garments.
On The Needles
- Rhonnie Rivulets
- Knit Your Love--pattern attack! Strickmich! Club. Copyright issues: please be mindful of your purchases and usage.
- Hills in Jamul hat. Feel of yarn = feltableness and droppableness?
Shortie Row(m)ney Hat Get Your Geek On! Penguins needing sweaters, in Philips Island Australia. Boing Boing report of this recent hoax. Knitty blog suggestion. How do we find out the truth behind something that went viral? Snopes.com Good Job Brain episode (Um, Actually...): a myth buster section about cooking alcohol out of a dish. Recalculating Route
Off The Needles BFF Cocoon stitch cowl. Grafting in pattern:
When grafting, you process two stitches on each needle. The first stitch will be dropped, the second stitch will stay on the needle. The mantra for grafting plain stockinette sides together is: Knit-purl, purl-knit, which means knit the first stitch on the front needle and drop it, and purl the second stitch while leaving it on the needle. And then purl the first stitch on the back needle and drop it, then knit the second stitch while leaving it on. So each stitch, before being dropped off the needles, has been processed twice: either knitted or purled while letting it stay on the needle. The secret is that the second process, which is when you drop the stitch off the needles, has to coordinate with how the stitch presents itself to you. So a stitch on the front needle that's a knit stitch, you knit it to drop it. And for a stitch on the back needle that presents to you a purl bump (meaning the RS is knit), you purl it to drop it. Before you drop them off the needles, process them the opposite way--So a stitch on the front needle that's a knit stitch, you process it by purling while leaving it on. And for a stitch on the back needle that presents to you a purl bump (meaning the RS is knit), you process it by knitting while leaving it on. In the picture above you can see where the width is wonky (because it's still unblocked), that's the graft location, but otherwise can't pinpoint where :) A good tutorial article on Knitting Daily website includes step-by-step instructions for grafting stockinette, garter, 2x2 rib, and seed stitch.
Thank yous:
- jgailey4 for the iTunes review
- All of you who bought the Traipsing Vines pattern in January and February--the total sales is $302.50 and I will do a donation report once it's distributed.
- Forgot to say a big thank you to Audrey of OwlForU who sent me a thank you note and a gift: a drawstring project bag in matryoshka motif, with felt flower applique and fancy stitching. Also: a mini Yarnivore specially made for Timo! It is now officially renamed: Legovore.
Matryoshka project bag and Legovore
Off The Needles
Cormo Cloud Cowl
- Billowy Cormo Cloud: Mom saw the cowl and complimented the stitch pattern, and said she'd like something longer (infinity scarf) with buttons. Suggestions?
- Thinking of knitting
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Thanks to lasknit2 for a new review on iTunes.
Off The Needles
Cirrus Mitts for Ravellenics
Cirrus Mitts in its WIP stage Apologies: no errata for mitt pattern, I simply didn't switch to other chart
On The Needles
Billow Cloud Infinity Scarf
Provisional CO: what do you like to use?
Review
Issue 4 of Amirisu--Spring/Summer 2014 architecture issue
Love their template, so easy to use (on iPad) and with links to patterns, advertisers.
12 patterns including designs by: Stephen West, Gudrun Johnston, Leila Raabe, Michele Wang, Veera Valimaki, Melanie Berg, Bethany Hick, Yuki, nest-design Laboratory, Reiko Kuwamura, Kirsten Johnstone, Kristin Ford.
On The Needles * Cirrus Mitts (aka Ravellenics #1), HO! Very fast. Forgot how quick it is to knit with heavier weight yarn. Wrong turn with the right mitt. * BFF cowl: decided to keep it separate, so using yarn until very last bit. Got back seat due to Ravellenics.
First Strickmich Club shipment arrived! Pristine, no wrinkle on the pattern at all. Dye For Yarn merino-silk fingering, Knit Your Love pattern--Valentine-themed. Interview of Martina Behm on Subway Knits podcast. The Whirligeek Bought PLY magazine woolen issue; loved! Ravellenics Special Who watches the Olympics while knitting for Ravellenics? Still couldn't find a reliable channel that airs lots of Olympics coverage here. Tried BBC iPlayer, but not available for Indonesia. Cable sub doesn's include NBC or sports channel unfortunately. Love the team Sasquatch, Coggie from High Fiber Diet has been holding up for the team and creating threads. I've been busy creating and editing the team roster. Can't imagine how mods in big groups cope...You can find me on Ravelry as thelostgeek, on twitter as lost_geek, and on Instagram as thelostgeek. Do join The Lost Geek Podcast group on Ravelry. You can subscribe to the show on iTunes, or through the RSS feed. iTunes star ratings and reviews are always welcome to help bump up the show and let other people know about it, and it would really help me get feedback about the show.Thank you for listening, and until next time... don't get too lost!
New review from hscruggs, Heather. Thank you :) New star ratings too. I heard from: Anne (sandinmysocks), Marianne (marianneH), Katie (archaeo), Kitty (KatyKittyJay), Janalee (knitsNhikes), CC (JavaPurl, host of Geeky Girls Knit with her 14 yo daughter), Susan (paintermom) Just found out that my email cannot receive emails... if you have sent me emails in the past I apologize. On The Needles Rushing Rivulets by Cat Bordhi from her New Pathways For Sock Knitters Book 1 BFF cocoon stitch cowl by Stephanie Dosen published in Knitty Feel like I need to cast on for something new because the cowl is almost done, but tried to rein the urge in because first shipment of Strickmich! Club is coming. Tips for weaving in ends. The Whirligeek
Off The Needles Riverbed-Milo socks. Sock classified on Stockinette Zombies group. My partner is in Norway not Sweden, sorry! On The Needles 1. BFF cowl cocoon stitch. * Need to plan for project when one ends * Spare project OTN * Yarn: Becoming Art Helios DK. * Pattern stitch: easily memorized. Reversible. 2. Rushing Rivulets socks * Second sock classified * Recipient has large feet, 10.5" circ, so used cat Bordhi's trusty master numbers again
The Whirligeek Took up my
Special episode, special format interview with Audrey Ducret of OwlForU on Etsy.
Yarns Unlimited
TricObag
Yarnivore bags
my yarnivore lusting after yarn Find her on Etsy, Facebook, or Ravelry.
Audrey's craft/work room
Off The Needles (00:39)
- Hitchhiker: cast off and blocked!
- Nespelem: my first set-in-sleeve sweater! Wonky seams and wrong cable direction collar, still tolerable as a badge of honor for my journey.
On The Needles (10:51) 1. Milo Riverbed second sock 2. Kitted up commitment knitting: yarn, needles, and project bag for Billow Cloud, Cirrus Mitts, and a pair of socks (pattern yet undetermined)
Get Your Geek On! (13:35)
Zombie run
News coverage: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/08/25/running-with-zombies.html
Recalculating Route (16:17)
Had to re record because I forgot to elaborate.... Since we go to Bali every year, sometimes more than once a year, I forgot that most people haven't been to Bali.
Just had a new airport, domestic airport still under renovation. Excellent architecture that combines Balinese structure style and modern. Also new: highway across
On The Needles
Finish-all-the-WIP-instinct; any of you have it too?
- Milo-Riverbed second sock. I compare Chiao Goo red lace 32" circs and Jin Que 32" circs for magic loop.
- Nespelem: my first time knitting a sweater in pieces with set-in-sleeves! Followed directions from Knitty and this tutorial from VK. Video tutorials on youtube from Turbogal: mattress stitch tutorial and start with figure 8 tutorial.
sleeve seam, inside--see how wonky the top seam is?
New review: JJJana, big thanks!
On The Needles (01:04)
Wound yarn for Hitchhiker! finally. Adorn Sock by TIG, in Tolkien colorway.
Speed bumps in knitting.
Milo-Riverbed socks.
Jin Que needles from Ebay.
Into The Blue (05:19)
New pattern: do you read ahead, or jump in headlong?
Paper vs digital patterns.
Understanding myself better as a knitter: what types of projects do you have going on in parallel?
Recalculating Route (14:06)
New obsession: paper crafts! Found this awesome free website from Canon Japan with origami, paper crafts, etc.
While browsing for Christmas tree craft ideas (on Pinterest, of course) stumbled across a very cool site by Lia Griffith that has free downloadable label templates.
Woodland Christmas labels courtesy of liagriffith.com Japanese cooking class: learned that mirin need flambé first to make sure alcohol is evaporated. Basically the ingredients of Japanese stock and sauces: dashi, mirin, sake, shoyu.
Tadaima (18:59)
The Art of Felfs giveaway: number 5, desz72.
Prizes for KAL: papiput Eco bamboo pink and green, one skein from stash (dkknits technicolor smooth toes (100% superwash merino), cards.
Song credits: Coming Home by Adrina Thorpe from Music Alley.
On The Needles
Sock Classified #1: Yarn: my7kids on etsy. Pattern: combined Cat Bordhi's Riverbed Master Pattern and Cookie A.'s Milo. Absolutely love Cat Bordhi's sock recipes on New Pathways. It fits like magic.
Jin Que needles from ebay arrived a week ago. First time using it for the BO.
Recalculating Route: KAL and Giveaway
Behm-along still going until end of December. Am going to wind my yarn and start hitchhiker, going to be a perfect mindless knitting.
Giveaway for The Art of Felfs: since I didn't record last week, I will draw a winner next time I record.
Tadaima
Cold Sheeping with the Stash and Burn podcast.
What gifts usually for teachers? And when?
Timothy is picking up songs and rhymes a lot faster now, and he's singing songs all day. I had thought that he's not really a singer but apparently he just hasn't arrived there yet! Read a good article about competitiveness among parents when it comes to kids.
Http://spudnsquishybabyshop.com/2013/09/15/raising-kids-is-not-a-competition/
Thanks to Salinaknits for a new review. Accidentally bumped into this one because my ipad sometimes does a crazy switch between iTunes stores in US and UK. So I think her review was in the UK iTunes?
Sorry for no news and no episode last few weeks, down with bad cold and taking care of hubby and son.
Off The Needles (02:22)
Swagger finished in the car
On The Needles (04:58)
- Nespelem
- Socks: mash-up between Cat Bordhi's Riverbed Master Pattern (New Pathways for Sock Knitters) and Cookie A.'s Milo (Sock Innovation). Interesting arch expansion placement. Sock construction.
Get Your Geek On! (10:31)
Radiolab's rabies episode. Rodney versus Death (a Milwaukee doctor tries to knock death incarnate off its throne.
Quotes by evil people
- "It takes less courage to criticize the decisions of others than to stand by your own." (Attila the Hun)
- “Countless millions who have walked this earth before us have gone through this, so this is just an experience we all share.” (Ted Bundy)
Review and Giveaway (14:39)
The Art of Felfs<!--
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On The Needles (00:51)
- Swagger
My buddy Lisa (Turbogal) finished hers already! She mentioned she's Turbo Addi fan, and a turbo-speed knitter too. It's proven. My halfway point is 9 smocks.
Knitting attack: successfully fixed, thanks to Mel!
Triple dipping: Mel's Buddy KAL, Twinset Designs' Swagger DALKAL, and The Fat Squirrel's Squirreled-away KAL.
- Nespelem cardigan, sleeves: decided to do less increases because I have skinny lower arms.
Into The Blue (14:36)
TKGA's Hand Knitting Masters Program. $120 includes one year membership ($30 separately + $15 SH) and Cast On magazine. Joined the TKGA group but haven't done anything past donwloading materials.
Recalculating Route (18:04)
- Finding the good side of our faces for the camera.
- Made sock puppets for Sunday School prop.. First time having a combined class from 1yos to grade 6ers.
- Indofest 2013: it is good, in whatever we do, to surround ourselves with people who are passionate in what they do and who shares their knowledge and skill set freely with others. One of the reason why I take this program. Is to be recharged, refilled. I mentioned the ventriloquist Ryan and friends.
- Grounded by Heather Ordover: paperback $14.95, e-book
New recording schedule: Monday morning WIB (Western Indonesia Time), Monday evening uploaded.
Off The Needles Timo simple socks. Previous socks, I always have a problem with the cuffs not being tight enough, and am already using smallest needles I have 2mm. This time I reduced CO sts by 10%, so instead of 44, CO 40. Increase 4 sts on the first plain stockinette round after the ribbed cuff. On The Needles
Swagger closeup -- mods kinda visible?
- Swagger: decided to participate in the DAL. Simple mod: alternate increasing and plain sections per smock.
- Nespelem cardigan: working on the sleeves. Mentioned the Buddy KAL in SHK group, partnered with Lisa.
- Pompom attack.
Get Your Geek On!
When I took piano lessons, classical music, I need to read the sheet music first. Usually I read while playing, first using the right hand then using the left hand, then trying to play them both in a slower tempo.
I think knitting is sort of like reading sheet music--you can either go with t
Thank you to LuciaKnits for her review on iTunes. Another country please inform me.
On The Needles (01:47)
- Swagger by Janice Hamby (twinsetjan). Knitting attack: forgot to smock the first smock. Interesting feature: the first slip stitch is always as if to purl (wyif), why?
- Cocoon cowl.
Love my Colours of Rain top, lots of compliments :)
Colours of Rain Review
Patchworks by Debi: Deborah Tomasello's Wrapped in Color: Stranded Knitting in the 21st Century
Into The Blue
Jeny's surprisingly stretchy bind-off: use a needle two sizes smaller to make it less crimpy (twinsetdesigns podcast)
(Almost) Off The Needles (00:55)
- Colours of Rain (VK #29 Lace and Cable Top). Pattern grading not done very well: lace increases created plain sections. Stitch count doesn't translate well for 4x2 rib on edge. Re: yarn: silk-bamboo, probably silk noil because slubby.
On The Needles (05:23)
- Nespelem cardigan by Norah Gaughan
- Inspired by Lisa (Turbogal on Rav) for our buddy KAL (Swagger Momentum).
- Selvedge edge for seaming: absolutely necessary? Missed and forgot lots of rows, due to losing momentum
- Squirreled away KAL
- Cocoon cowl back OTN too, but back seat now
On my queue (never really used Rav queue because it changes a lot, except these times when obligatory knitting abounds): 1. Swagger scarf for buddy KAL 2. Sock classifieds sock giver 3. Mitts for Ira
Before I start... regarding the title of this episode, it is not THAT (quoting SavvyMom from The Savvy Girls podcast when she promoted Melanie's "50 Dollar A Night Girl" show... which is totally not THAT.)
Off The Needles
Monkey socks unblocked, on my feet.
- Monkey sock #2: my gauge seems to be looser with this yarn. Can't wait to try new needle size 00.
On The Needles
- Colours of Rain
- Plain vanilla kid socks for Timo. Tighten up cuffs. Leftover yarn from Monkey (32 grams)
For me, there's no fall knitting season or gift knitting season... Inspiration strikes randomly.
Semi-serial monogamist: a knitter who work almost exclusively on one project but with many other queued up either on the needles or itching to go OTN.
I think the reason is momentum (Paula's ep 143 talks about the law of inertia) I think the hard thing for me is to maintain my momentum for the duration of the project from CO to BO. That's why I like socks and mittens because one HO makes me feel like one project is completed and I can wait until the momentum builds again for the other one, without feeling like I had left an orphaned UFO crying in my knitting basket.
Finds:
- Paula mentioned an ebay item called Jin Que that are essentially Chiao Goos without the red cable. $5.69 for 11 circs 32". Bought one. Also have pink crochet hooks that look like Tulip Etimo hooks (Japanese brand, very well known).
- Forgot to put the links to ebay stores where I bought the swift and ball winder:
A shorter episode today as my life is a bit hectic and I am a bit disoriented... Let me know what you think about audio quality (I use iPhone headset mic as I had klutzily left behind my regular mic) On The Needles
- Monkey sock #2 in Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock in Alchemy, a Dye for Glory special colorway (remember? First Sock Summit event coordinating with Ravelry). Mention Sharon handing over 3IG to two new owners.
- Ball winder and wooden swift from ebay!
- Colours of Rain top is back on rotation. Realized I still remember lace pattern.
Recalculating Route Multi ethnicity:
- Culture shock when first came to the States.
- On hind sight, shouldn't have been surprised since Indonesia is very multicultural. But the physical difference is not as marked as, say, Asians vs Africans vs Caucasians.
- I can tell apart Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese. Harder to tell apart Thai,Filipinos, Indonesians, Vietnamese. Ina mention she can usually tell which part of Europe a person comes from. Not only from facial structure but mannerisms.
Tadaima
- Currency exchange rate has shot 30% versus USD, and almost 15% towards Euro. Need to be more mindful of my purchases
- Stuffed toys donation for pediatrics cancer ward in Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital in Jakarta. A mother who had recently lost her son to leukemia will help distribute the toys to the kids. Send it to:
Count Me In / The Jakarta Globe
BFF cowl, cocoon link On The Needles (01:40)
- One sock, Monkey pattern. Yarn: supersock select Rose. Needle: KP fixed circs size 0 (2 mm)
- Cocoon part of BFF cowl from knitty. Testing using dyakcraft needles. Yarn: Becoming Art Helios DK in colourway Marine Algae, 52 merino 48 silk singles. One indie dyer that I admire a lot with diff bases and vibrant colors. Feb 2011 (!!!) heavyweight club shipment. Bought this on etsy, she now has her own website.
The Whirligeek (07:51)
- More stash, ze ro spinning
- Hobbledehoy nerd-along batt, Ygritte from Game of Thrones. Love the battlings included. Soft as all goes out!! I'm tempted to smell it.
- Gourmet Stash order from way back in June 1st. Fibery Tribbles episode 11, punis sampler, and Spring Into Summer punis.
Review: Dyakcraft Darn Pretty Interchangeable Needles (14:48)
Recalculating Route (26:49)
- Meetup with Sandy and Ina. Kindness of knitters. How we are really different people but brought together by knitting.
- Souvenir yarn from portable German LYS by Ina: Zitron Trekking XXL colour 550, self striping. 420m or 459 yds. Drachen Wolle by Christiane Schelling 70-30 wool and silk, laceweight, 600 m.
Big thank you to Heather of Craftlit podcast, also Barb and Tracie from 2 Knitlit Chicks podcast, for playing the promo for my podcast.
Also thanks to Knitting Podcast, started by Carla (1to1 on Ravelry). It's a great blog to catch up with your favorite shows (both audio and video) and also to discover new ones. Podcasters can also comment on the most recent post to have their show added to the list. When new episodes are posted, it will automatically be featured here.
Thank you to members who introduced themselves either in the board or through PM: perfect-circle, Michelle from UK.
On The Needles (04:13)
SSS--Siamese Sock Surgery * Timo's socks: SSS (Siamese Sock Surgery) * Colours of Rain
Stash:
Barenaked Knitspot 2013. I review all 6 shipments and 14 patterns:
- Snow Leopard Trust Handspun Camel: blanket, scarf/wrap, mitts, and cap
I apologize for the p-p-p-popping sound and the mic noise on this episode. I wasn't using the mic stand and apparently that's not something I should try... Thanks to Kathpol for iTunes review, and to new members who reached out: yarn-vs-zombies (Kiki), jchant, Pamellaknits, knitdesigns, maggievienna, opipipio (from indonesia!) On The Needles: Timo's socks. Not enough yarn! wail Might rip out the first sock to the toe, use some leftover yarn for the toe. Last episode I mentioned how I don't use my leftover yarn immediately after a project. Chat with katepricey on Ravelry about using leftover yarn. She made a pullover, 2 hats, and a belt, with the same yarn, and still has 15 meters leftover. What to do?
- Simple Knits' 653 patterns to knit with 1-285 yards of yarn
- Leethal (Lee Meredith)'s Quick Knits--under 20 yards
- A magic ball. Tutorials everywhere, here's one from Fresh Stitches
An update on Curious Collective Shawl, by Helen Stewart. Quote from her latest update: "I hope to release the pattern early to mid next week but just to give a little buffer I plan to start the official KAL on Friday 26 July. It will run for 5 weeks and finish on 31 August 2013."
Check out her snea
On The Needles
- Colours of Rain: frogged yarn from Arielle (not enough yarn, fell out of love with the pattern too)
- Timo socks the second: very deep stash, Knit Picks Essential Kettle Dyed in gold. Used it to make a pair of socks (Fox Faces Socks by Nancy Bush in 2009, and used a bit for edging on Aestlight Shawl)
Stash Enhancements:
Seabreeze Studios pleated clutch bag, single skein. Phone pouch, cosmetic pouch, and pencil case. Hedgehog galore!
The Whirligeek
Kundert spindle with yarn still on niddy noddy * Finished plying Babydoll Southdown, used a makeshift lazykate to transfer the singles from spindle to a tennis ball, then plied it with a previous tennis ball on a Kundert spindle. 263 yards of heavy fingering weight yarn.
Off The Needles
Alpaca sox mini socks: reinforced heel, but the slipped stitches are placed in WS, not in RS as usual. Don't think it makes a difference, but interesting. I've been MLing exclusively when I knit socks, and I usually convert DPN patterns into ML. I never move my stitches around, but I realize something. Usually the toe on cuff down socks have 8 sts left before kitchenering, and in all my previous socks, The graft is placed horizontally. Only in the socks that I knit for Timothy using Ann Budd's recipe did I realize that if I move stitches around so the 4 paired decreases face each other, I get a toe that looks sturdier. It's very hard to describe intelligently >.<
What I usually did was, my beginning of round starts on the beginning of heel sts. But the new-to-me method, the BOR is shifted to the middle of heel sts. So the 4 paired decreases face each other and I think the resulting toe looks sturdier.
This is one example that in knitting there's no black and white, and not grey either, there's only an assortment of colors.
Fun: 34 Adorable Things To Do With Leftover Yarn. My faves: pompom bookmark, yarn stamp, yarn ball collage, and the tiny hedgehog!
On The Needles
Colours of Rain top. Heard a very useful tip from Twinset Designs podcast, I think it was Jan... she mentioned that when knitting ribbing in the round, when she goes to the beginning of round when she purls after a knit stitch, it gets a bit loose, so she
Off The Needles
Gobi fingerless mitts by Anne Hanson, aan exclusive pattern for BNK 2013. Will be released in 6 months I think. Coming up is FIFC 2013 but I'm not joining it.
On The Needles
- Colours of Rain lace and cable top. Still plugging along, I have memorized the lace pattern so it's going faster.
- Alpaca Sox Mini-socks, a free pattern from Classic Elite Yarns newsletter. I could just fudge but wasn't in the mood for math. Using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Pioneer colorway, leftover from making Timothy's socks.
I've kitted up three new projects to help me knit faster: my carrot on a stick. Another pair of child socks, Maia Shoulderette, and BFF cowl cocoon from Knitty.
The Whirligeek
- Bought a Tibetan spindle on Etsy in preparation for TdF, can't wait for it to arrive. I've been practicing flicking on my Russian spindle, but I can't get it going for more than 7-8 seconds.
- Have prepped 2 oz of Cormo, it was compacted so I fluffed it a little. Predrafting, but not making it thinner into pencil roving.
Tour de Fleece is in 6 days!
Recalculating Route
Watched Grimm season 2 in Halloween. Never do understand why it's so big in the North America.
I talked a bit about the Chinese Qing Ming Festival (or Ceng Beng), and I confused it with the Dragon Boat Festival when we eat bakcang (sticky rice with meat covered in leaf), sorry! It's the sinus.... my mind really is in the clouds today.
Tadaima
- Episode 100.5 of The Savvy Girls: interview with savvy mom that mentioned early childhood education, arts and crafts. Loved it,
This week I interviewed (more like chatted) with Mel of Single Handed Knits podcast and blog. I had so much fun chatting with her, I hope you enjoy it too :) We talk about everything from knitting to spinning to sewing to foreign languages. Listen to it and get lost with us--me in Jakarta, Indonesia and Mel in Kauai, Hawaii, USA!
Mel with Drizzle hat In the middle of the chat we got disconnected and then when we reconnected I forgot to record the call halfway...
When I forgot to hit record button, we were talking about how Mel's Polish parents emphasize reading and learning, and that was a big part on how Mel loves learning and imparting that learning to others. Two of her proudest teaching moments were when she saw one of her dance students named Chloe who used to have a hard time connecting with the dance, got to enjoy and bloomed as a ballerina. The other was Natalya, her oldest, whom she taught how to knit. Natalya was just sitting and knitting on a new project and Mel was feeling powerfully touched to see that what she had first taught her has grown and expanded and has been changed into Natalya's own passion.
We also talked about what's in Mel's knitting bucket list and she mentioned knitting with beads. Which is challenging primarily working with small objects. We mentioned Fleegle beader. Mel would try it out after I give it a review (and before that I'd have to buy it and use it first). Another goal for Mel was that she wants to knit items with smaller gauge and smaller needles. She's also just enrolled for a sewing class (for dresses and adult garments!) by Deborah Moebes of Whipstitch--also a Craftsy teacher!
Then Mel went on to talk about learning spinning on a wheel, and I complimented her o
Off The Needles:
- Low tide cardigan by Tin Can Knits.
- Kid socks. Recipe from Ann Budd's The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. And my knitting attacked. In stealth. Dropped st that I just found out three days after I bound off. Venn diagram of knitting life and regular life. Timothy as the connecting bridge like spectacles. I feel like a double agent sometimes.
On The Needles:
- Gobi fingerless mitts.
- VK Lace and Cable Top (Colours of Rain) which I'm hoping to finish by the end of this month.
Colours of Rain
Get Your Geek On!:
Curious Collective shawl project by Helen Stewart (Hellsbells on Ravelry) of Curious Handmade. First post about the shawl here. Over 5 weeks starting May 20, 2013, each week she posts a poll on her blog asking for choices on specific design features of the shawl. Final pattern will be released in early July. The price is currently $3, but will be increased gradually to $6 when it debuts as a full pattern. Check out the Ravelry pattern page here. Week 3 poll for weight of yarn to be used has been closed and I'm waiting for Week 4 :)
Whirligeek:
Big thank you for iTunes rating and review for the show! There's a review by kreyoli (Kim of Craft Stash), simonamaloney, and Silkystar. Thank you everybody for the lovely reviews!
Also thank you simonamaloney, jsandss (who designs the pattern Stormy Seas in Amirisu, which is in my favorites!), rox54, VirginiaTx, lmecoll, cperrine, knittincrazee, purlabelle, k8erpillar, FaireAttention (Kate of Gourmet Stash), and katepricey who replied back to my welcome note.
New "what do you want to hear about?" thread and "Pimp Your Stuff" thread in the Rav group.
Off The Needles
- Low Tide cardigan by Tin Can Knits. Love the pattern. Mods: added garter border for the sleeves.
On The Needles
- Gobi mitts by Anne Hanson, from Barenaked Knitspot 2013 club.
29 Lace and Cable Top, VK Spring 2009
I interviewed Meri, one half of the brain behind Amirisu Magazine--Tokuko Ochiai, the other half, was unfortunately unavailable as she had just moved.
This interview was originally planned to be a short one, but I had a lot of fun talking with Meri, time flew and it's almost a full podcast episode length, so I decided to make a separate episode for the interview (taking a page from Subway Knits podcast and her In The Conductor's Booth series). I had so much fun doing the interview, I already have a few others planned for the near future, so stay tuned!
Teardrop, from Amirisu Winter-Spring 2013 I also would like to thank Paula Emons-Fuessle of Knitting Pipeline who mentioned me on her podcast and sending new listeners to the podcast :) Thank you, Paula!
Snow Dots, from Amirisu Fall 2012
This episode is full of yummy snacks and traditional Indonesian games. And don't forget, a plethora of methods for joining a new ball of yarn.
I am using a new mic, I hope it improves the audio quality of the show!
On The Needles (01:01)
- Low tide cardigan.
- Gobi mittens. Finally decided to frog Arden and cast on for Gobi instead, making it fingerless mitts instead of mittens.
Whirligeek (02:59)
- Finished plying half Southdown. Decided to do a 2-ply. How I finish the yarn: soak it with mild shampoo in hot water, rinse with cold water, thwack on my bathroom floor, and hang to dry. Smells very sheepy.
- Ordered a one yard niddy noddy from hilltopcloud on etsy.
- Need to fashion a homemade lazy kate. Sp far I have been using a box padded with foam and just let my spindle roll freely there while I make a plying ball, but it's too much hassle.
- If you are a spinner, you belong to 0.7% of the Ravelry community... According to a post in the Spinner Central board on Rav. I thought I am just practically, positively surrounded by spinners, but apparently it's just me adhering to the saying "birds of a feather flock together", even subconsciously. Before I started spindle spinning I don't notice that many spinners around me (virtually, that is) but leading to the moment where I fell and joined the bandwagon, spinning gathered momentum and I keep hearing, seeing, reading anout spinning! Eventhough I wasn't consciously looking for spinning-related stuff. So I guess it's inevitable serendipity? Or kismet?
Into The Blue (06:56)
This is a new segment where I talk a little bit more in depth and technical.
Knitting is such an evolving, ever-improving skill set. I never stop learning, and with every new stuff I learn, I reali
Welcome again to The Lost Geek podcast! This week I talk about:
On The Needles
Lace bodice of Low Tide cardigan, blocked * Low Tide cardigan by Tin Can Knits: finished lace bodice and working on stockinette body. I talked about frustration that centered around picking up stitches. Part of Tin Can Knits KAL with Kim of Craft Stash. * Arden fingerless mitts by mikka (The Wayfaring Knitter). US size 4 (3.5 mm), Snow Leopard Trust handspun camel yarn. I don't enjoy knitting this for some reason... * Nespelem cardigan. Finished collar, sleeves left. I want to convert the pattern from flat to in the round, but don't know how.
The Whirligeek
Babydoll Southdown, spun on Wildcraft top whorl drop spindle
This week's episode is plagued by sound issues (construction next door, and laptop fan going crazy). Apologies. Will continue to improve audio quality. The episode has a lot of segments, so let's get on with it!
Off The Needles
- Caravan Scarf by Anne Hanson from her Bare Naked Knitspot club (February 2013). Used SOAK wool wash. What do you use for your knitted items? I've been wanting to try Eucalan since MamaOKnits interviewed Eucalan owner. Might knit Arden with the remaining yarn.
- Regina hat by Carina Spencer. Gifted to a friend's daughter.
On The Needles
Caravan Scarf * Nespelem by Norah Gaughan. Still working on collars. * Low Tide Cardigan by Tin Can Knits. Knitalong with Kim of Craft Stash. Yarn: Louet Merlin sport, US 3 (3.25 mm). First time knitting with linen! Hopefully my mods will work. Mentioned Laura of The Knit Girllls podcast's advice about shaping. * Hankering to CO for a plain vanilla pattern.
Recalculating Route<
The podcast is now officially on iTunes! happydance You can subscribe to the podcast here. Or you can also download it directly from Libsyn here. What other platforms other than iTunes do you use? Let me know in the comments.
This week's episode is titled such because I am so overwhelmed by support, nice messages, feedback, and constructive criticism from people that I know and strangers that I met through the podcast. Even though episode 0 is technically a pilot episode not meant for public consumption, it's so nice to be contacted by listeners who found the podcast either through twitter or Ravelry, or referred to by podcasters who gave the episode a listen. I apologize for the sniffles, I got a stuffy nose but thankfully it didn't get blown up to a full cold.
I'd like to thank Kristin of Yarngasm, Kim of Craft Stash, Ray of Podcasters' Studio, Martine of iMake, Paula of Knitting Pipeline, Steph and Stacie of The Must Stash Podcast. I will keep improving content and quality of the show, so stay tuned!
Off The Needles
Damson by Ysolda Teague. Yarn: Three Irish Girls Kinsale Merino Tencel. Lovely pattern, love the magic of blocking that opens up the garment. I mentioned blocking wires by inspinknitty. You can buy from her Etsy shop or direct from her website (and she has a coupon code for 10% off until April 30th 2013: "save10now").
On The Needles
- Caravan Scarf by Anne Hanson. Yarn: handspun Mongolian Bactrian camel from Snow Leopard Trust. I complained about the veg matter on the first skein. Bits and pieces of veg matter and hair would fall off to my lap when I wound the skein into a ball, and even when I was knitting. Can't decide what to do with two skeins (one heavier than the oth
Listen here or subscribe on iTunes.
I finally recorded and published my first trial podcast episode! I am loving Garage Band and its magic, and I thank Apple for making the software learning curve so much less steep by developing awesome user interface...
I mentioned Paula of Knitting Pipeline
Hopefully I can fill a niche of non-US non-British knitting podcast, I will talk about knitting and spinning stuff, about life in Indonesia, and random stuff that comes in my life.
On The Needles
- Nespelem cardigan by Norah Gaughan, Berocco Pura Pima as suggested, US 5-3.75 mm Hiya Hiya Sharps interchangeable needles. Finished back and two fronts. Working on the collar, and still have one collar and two sleeves, AND seaming to go. A lot of ribbing and stockinette on the cardigan. Meant to be worn open. Love the yarn, but feeling the FO of a friend, very heavy.
- Damson by Ysolda Teague from Whimsical Little Knits 2. Three Irish Girls Kinsale Merino Tencel, colorway Serenity blue, a shipment of Sharon's Pick of The Knitter club, which is currently unavailable for new subscriptions. US 5 -3.75 mm Knit Picks nickel. Construction: garter tab, simple garter body, a stockinette edge and loops on the very edge. Working on the stockinette edge, seemingly endless. Thing about triangular shawl: easy breezy beginnings and a long slog in the end.
- Caravan Scarf by Anne Hanson, from Barenaked Knitspot club. First February shipment, Snow Leopard Trust handspun camel from Mongolia. 2 skeins of brown undyed Bactrian camel fiber (two-humped camel). First time ever knitting with handspun. Love the variety of texture in the yarn. Some (actually, a lot!) of vm (vegetable matters) in the yarn, but easily taken out. CO using US 4 -3.5mm, realized I was wrong about gauge. Went up to 6 halfway through the ribbing and switched to 7s for the body. going to be for dad. Hard to knit for guys especially those who live in a tropical climate like Indonesia.
Off The Needles