She-Knits

#114 She-Knits is here, because she's here, beause she's here

2011-10-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Oct 31, 2011
Baby Ruth...yum .....ouch , it gets a D+ nutrition rating and 1 fun size bar has 84 calories. Let's see....so far today I have had at least...7....so what is that 588 cals. ...and I am for sure not done.

She-Knits Mystery 9 Tuck hurry up sign-ups close Nov 2

A new design called Oh Delilah oh so trendy!

Did you ever see Gwen or It's Donna?

Be careful what you text to someone, the police might show-up.

A new podcast I like...2 Knit Lit Chicks

See you next time.....PEACE

#113 She-Knits moment by moment.

2011-09-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Sweater Babe Fitted Cabled Shawl Collared Vest
Cherry Blossoms on Water
Sign-up for She-Knits newsletter to get first wind of sign-ups for She-Knits Mystery 9
Chiagoo Needles

Questions:
1. Do you like to knit designs for small shawls that are more complicated and require good attention, or do you like ones that are less complicated and interesting in shape or color blocking?
2. Do you have a bicycle -- in particular a hybrid, that you love? What is it??
3. What would you do if the situation I described, regarding a friend of one of your child claimed child abuse?

#112 She-Knits talks about jags.

2011-08-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

jag² (jg)

1. Slang

a. A bout of drinking or drug use.

b. A period of overindulgence in an activity; a spree: a shopping jag; a crying jag. See Synonyms at binge.

2. A small load or portion.

I am talking about b.
I think I live a life full of jags however I am not sure I would call them OVER indulgent as that is a negative connotation. I believe in jags as a way of life!

#111 She-Knits is not so new however os so popular

2011-07-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

IT's DONNA is on the New and Popular list---yipee!.
She-Knits Mystery 8 knitters are now working on Gwen.

Have you ever seen the Mermaid sweater? You can only by a whole kit, the pattern is not sold separately.

Thanks so much to those of you who have left comments in general and answers to my questions.

What did I ask this time?? I don't even remember....and don't even think for a second that i am going to listen to my own show to print out the questions!

Look hoe cute the OWL needle gauge is in THIS shop!

Are you knitting what you love and loving what you are knitting?

I am loving Sydney Sock Yarn by StudioJune.

Thanks for listening~~~
Peace,
Sharon

#110 She-Knits pretends.

2011-07-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Pretending is a big part of life...kind of like if you force a smile you might actually feel more happy. The FOR SALE sign goes up on my beloved home tomorrow......

Thank goodness for knitting!
I'm loving She-Knits Mystery 8, Donna and Gwen,

What would you do if you had $100 to spend on any knitting related item, what would you purchase?Maybe I would use it for some of the lace books listed below

Are you still buying knitting books and/or magazines with all you can ind on-line?

Do you only download free patterns?

I'm listening to Jodi Piccoult's, Handle with Care and enjoying it.

Here is the compiled list of lace book i talked about
Abbey, Barbara, Knitting Lace
Bush, Nancy, Knitted Lace of Estonia
Clark, Evelyn, Knitting Lace Triangles
Don, Sarah, The Art of Shetland Lace
Eaton, Jan, A Creative Guide to Knitted Lace
Kinzel, Marianne, The First Book of Modern Lace Knitting
Kinzel, Marianne, The Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting
Khmeleva, Galina & Noble, Carol, Gossamer Webs, the History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls
Leszner, Eva Maria, Knitted Lace Designs of Herbert Niebling
Lewis, Susanna, Knitting Lace: A Workshop with Patterns and Projects
Miller, Sharon, Heirloom Knitting – A Shetland Lace Knitters Pattern & Workbook
Nehring, Nancy, The Lacy Knitting of Mary Schiffman
Noble & Potter, Lavish Lace: Knitting With-Hand-Painted Yarns
Noble & Leask, Knits from the North Sea: Lace in the Shetland Tradition
Reimann & Edasi, The Haapsalu Shawl- A Knitted Lace Tradition from Estonia
Sowerby, Jane, Victorian Lace Today
Stove, Margaret, Creating Original Hand-Knitted Lace
Walker, Barbara, A Treasury of Knitting Patterns
Waterman, Martha, Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls
Wiseman, Nancie, Knitted Shawls, Stoles, & Scarves
Wiseman, Nancie, Lace from the Attic, A Victorian Notebook of Knitted Lace Patterns
Wiseman, Nancie, Knitted Shawls, Stoles & Scarves
Wood, Myra, Crazy Lace
Zimmerman, Elizabeth Knitters Almanac

#109 She-Knits adjusts.

2011-05-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

Do you have a young adult child living farrrrr away from you? Did it take you a while to adjust...do you ever adjust?

Do you take knitting classes at your LYS? If so , what inspires you to take a class...is it a project based class or a technique class...or is it an ongoing weekly skill building class? What have been your positive class experiences, or what has been a bad experience and what would have made it better?

The Royal wedding cost $15,000,000...the Presidential Inaguration was $117,000,000. Is it me or is that ridunkculous?

Next to Normal is the fantastic musical I recently attended.

Barbara Taylor Bradford's book, Playing the Game narrated by the fabulous Catherine Harvey (have you ever heard her?)

Are you going to join me for She-Knits Mystery 8?

ChiaoGoo circular lace redline needles are AWESOME!

Peace....knit what you love!!!!

#108 She-Knits watches the buds.

2011-04-30T00:33:00.001-07:00

Thank you Shirley, Noyla, KnittyBarb, Judy, Robin, LJWT, Carol in NJ, Debbie, NDN Girl, Jenn, Katie ). Animal Engineer, Pamela, Carla, Sallyciz for leaving comments in the previous post. Thank you for taking the time to respond to some of my questions, I so enjoyed reading your responses.

So long Daisy...my sweet girl...you were a great dog!

I have Koigu for the first time!

Will I get hired by a yarn shop? Will I want to be hired ? Will I be rejected?

#107 She-Knits wonders if we can connect more.

2011-03-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

I love when you contact me, either by posting here in my blog or through a pm in Ravelry or my website...I do so love hearing from you.

How does one gone viral? How come there are 24,000 Twitter's following Common_Squirrel time?

I made a mistake...the book I am listening to is not Naked in Bones, it is Naked in Death

What are your 3 favorite recent audio books?

What are your top 3 movies of all time?

Do you worry about your parents dying?

Questions questions questions....inquisitive bugger ain't I?

#106 She-Knits is definitely NOT feeling it.

2011-02-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Where's my husband, oh, he is not downstairs in his office, he is out of the country....and that is fine....as long as it is temporary.

Where's my mojo......I want it back. I guess that is what two rejections in one week will do to a designer gal. Listen to hear the yucky details.

Are you listening to any audio books you are loving? PLEASE let me know, I cant even find a book I like as of late.

Are you loving what you are knitting?

She-Knits Mystery 7, Cynthia is going well! I hope you are part of the fun!

#105 She-Knits asks what's new?

2011-02-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

What are you knitting right now? Take a look at it...what drew you to it?
Was it the shape was more modern?
Was it just that the yarn had this pattern with it?
Did you like the particular stitch pattern?
Is it because its a sock...and if its a new sock you are definitely going to knit it.
Really think about it...what drew you to it. I would love to hear
Have you signed up for She-Knits Mystery #7, Cynthia?
Were you 'blizzarded"?
Stay safe and warm~~

#104 She-Knits reappears

2011-01-16T22:12:00.000-08:00

Basically kind of just getting caught up.
Talk about:
..how I am not much of a small talker
...thanks to those who wondered where I was especially Arlene of Knittertats podcast
....I announce the name of the next mystery- sign-up for the newsletter and you will be first to know when sign-ups are happening (which is soon)
.....my apology
......my 8 year spontaneously tells me something during the show that is shocking to me
......look at the post before this one to see my Folk Flowers Shawl coming up in the newest issue of Knitscene Winter/Spring 2010/2011
........my hospital stay

Folk Flowers Shawl in Knitscene Winter 2010/Spring 2011

2011-01-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

Here is my newest design that made the glossy pages of Knitscene

#103 It's been a bit...and I still knit!

2010-10-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

Title Talk and Comment's Feedback
How do you fit it all in? We all know what takes priority for the major things...or at least we think we know..however what takes priority with all the minutia?
I am curious, after your first priority ...i.e. self-care, care for your loved ones big and small and four legged...and your knitting ...what comes next? Do you have time for Facebook? Twitter? Or what?

LAPORTE AVE TOTE

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER- The Winner,(winner was picked by my asking a friend to say a number between 1+34 as there were 34 comments on last months blog post) is...~~~~~BZ~~~~ BZ, you need to send me your name, shipping address and your yarn color choice from THIS yarn. I also need your Ravelry name to send you the Anna pattern. Congratulations!
Another one of my kids, Robin was just asked to pick two more numbers as I wanted to send out two more free Anna patterns to two more contest entrants. Dnaprice won and JavaNut one, and I know where you both are on Ravelry and will send you the pattern! Yeah for winning!!

Thank you so much to everyone that entered the contest, I have very much enjoyed reading your posts.

Family
On the mend

Knitting
Beautiful beautiful Kimmy's and Sammy's..I am so impressed...truly.
Announcing She-Knits Mystery 6, Anna Shawl. Information is here , and you can sign-up until we begin November 10th, 2010. Optional kits available out of hand-dyed from Studio June, look at these awesome colors!

Lookey Lookey at newly published She-Knits patterns
Kimmy

Samantha

LaPorte Ave Tote - Come join me in January for the KAL HERE
(pictured at the beginning of this blog post)

New to me and interesting...or nuts

How much do you think this beauty costs???

What about these 'knit' sneakers?

What about these crocheted slippers? How much?

Fear
No fear here...just relief this week.

Gratitude and good thoughts
Good thoughts go out to all of you that are having to deal with ongoing medical situations, I feel for you...I am sure it is overwhelming at times or all the time.

Peace,
Sharon
See you sooner then this next time!

#102 Do you appreciate the way the light peers through the leaves

2010-09-21T16:04:00.001-07:00

Title Talk and Comment's Feedback
So...do you appreciate the way the light peers through the leaves on the trees? If you can appreciate the simple things well then...that is truly a good thing. Most of us have to make an effort to appreciate small things....let's try this week to think about it ...and if you want, then enter the contest I spoke about in the podcast by leaving your answer to the contest question in the comments here. You could win the pattern and a kit for She-Knits Mystery KAL #6 which will be announced via She-Knits newsletter (sign-up for the newsletter at She-Knits.com) as well as on Sheknits 'about' me page in Ravelry the first week of October.

Family
More holidays
-follow up on Rosh Hoshana..chef in da' housssee

Knitting
Loving my Mystery KAL #5 Kimmy and Sammy
Done with design for the next Mystery, She-Knits Mystery #6, an elegant shawl named Anna - sign up for newsletter so you can be in on the early bird special coming the first week of October HERE

New to me and interesting...or nuts
Emmadine knits a bunch of garter stitch things and sells them

Fear
Colonoscopy

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
Kathy for her shoulder surgery.
Kids that suffer from anxiety.

She-Knits #101 I am knitting as fast as I can!

2010-08-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Title Talk and Comment's Feedback
Kniscene sample and pattern....check
Twist Collective submission....almost check
Kimmy and Samantha....almost check, truly only strap details left

Family
Rosh Hosahnah
Labor Day
Knitting
Mostly talked about in Title talk
Interview with Miss Babs from Stitches Midwest

New and Nice
on haitus this week

Fear
Menopause

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
Good thoughts to teachers for the school year
ad again to the wonderful nurses out there especially
after having first hand experience with them during
my son's appendectomy.

#100 She-Knits celebrates and gives out prizes!

2010-08-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Title Talk and Feedback
Well it is no secret that having a contest was not just for you, it was for me as well. Thank you for all your book suggestions and sharing with me what YOU are proud of in your life. You have to know I did the contest not so much to celebrate the fun fact that this is my 100th podcast but to lure people out ...I know for sure 44 people listen!

Heather is the winner, please PM me on Ravelry with your shipping address Heidi.
I especially want to thank those that went on to share kind words that they are enjoying the show as I always say, it is comments like those that will keep me regularly podcasting.

One of my very fav. comments was candisrrt who said
Hey Cindy Loo Hoo! We HEAR you!!!!! We're here! We're here!
I know I am behaving like a wee one when it comes to looking for your plp!
Can you guess what plp is? Come on, leave a comment with a guess!

Have any of you figured out what Katie might do that led her, when asked what she is proud about, to say " I am proud of the work I do and that I do it safely" Take a guess what she does....and come on..post your guess...wink wink ...nudge nudge

Have you joined the She-Knits Mystery KAL #5 - take a look - and please, if you join please please post your appropriate badge in your projects...it helps our group (and my bis) grow...thank you!
Family
Down to the wire. 17 year old coming home Sunday. 13, 15 and 19 yr. olds coming home Monday, 21 year old coming in Monday night. Its the attack of the offspring!
Knitting
I am writing up my pattern for the Knitscene piece as well as writing up Kimmy and Samantha bags for the Mystery.
I think is a neat pattern
I think is also quite cool.
New and Nice
Found this kid friendly recipe for making sushi with your kids in Daily Candy

You’re looking for more time with your kids, less time in the kitchen.

So were Pilar Guzmán, Jenny Rosenstrach, and Alanna Stang, three former editors from the now-defunct and much-missed Cookie magazine. Which is why they pooled their culinary brilliance and compiled a book of recipes for moms like you (and them), called Time for Dinner. Here’s one that uses leftover rice to dazzling effect.

Ice Cube Tray Sushi
Serves four

Ingredients
7 oz. sashimi-grade salmon, cut into ¼-inch cubes (cooked shrimp or vegetables work well, too)
3 scallions, chopped
3 tbsp. cucumber, finely chopped
3 tbsp. (approximately 5) grape tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tsp. lime juice
1 tsp. orange juice
2½ tbsp. mayonnaise
¼ tsp. sesame oil
¼ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 c. cooked rice (preferably from a Japanese or Chinese restaurant)

1. Combine all ingredients except the rice in a bowl.

2. To make the sushi-rice blocks, use an ice cube tray as a mold. Prepare the mold by sprinkling it lightly with water.

3. Press the rice into the tray squares; use your finger to push a hole three-quarters of the way into each square.

4. Turn the mold upside down onto waxed paper and tap until the squares fall out.

5. Fill each hole with 2 tsp. of the salmon, shrimp, or vegetable mixture and serve.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Look at this hot air Microwave safe popcorn popper with built in butter distributor.

___________________________________________________________

Theo Grays Mad Scientist Book Experiments You Can Do At Home - But Probably Shouldn't

This book looks like a whole heck of fun

___________________________________

I am reading/listening Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and really enjoying it. I give it two thumbs up Fear

My biggest fear at the moment is that when all the kids get home my husband is going to be short tempered again and the one girl that ALWAYS picks on the other girl will still be doing it. It is so incredibly unacceptable to me and at this point I don't know what can be done time out on teenagers? Take away cell phones? Grounding? Ignoring? Letting them work it out? Earmuffs....for me?

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
This week is a weird one. I am giving gratitude to my brains ability to dream (you can see I am inspired by the book I just listened to, Stroke of Insight). My dream life this week has been all about having a baby and all I am experiencing is the joy of having a tiny baby. Now in reality do I want another baby...uh...no, however it sure is nice in my dreams!

My good thoughts go towards those that are having to deal with difficult situations with their aging parents...its such a hard job and I commend those of you that do it especially in a loving and compassionate way.

#99 She-Knits Small Talk Podcast - If everyone goes bankrupt do we then just start over?

2010-07-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Title Talk and Feedback
Brunch at the Ritz Carlton......very upscale.....sort of silly.
Thank you to those of you that gave me both private and public comments, they make me feel motivated and touched...and are educational too!

Family
The secret is out, my husband and I don't sleep together.

Knitting
Kimmy and Samantha bag patterns are currently being written
Millie Shawl, a fancy schmany dress up lace shawl in Symphony by Tilli Tomas is on the needles
Willow has been knit and written

New and Nice
Whip out your life savings or maybe your big needles and your lambskin yarn.....
Prada Knit Clutches
Prada Knit Tote

Now whip out your small needles and hooks and your gold chain yarn
Arielle De Pinto crochet and knit jewelry
20o8 -
2009 -
2010 irreverent Look Book

Stoke of Insight by Jill Bolte taylor
Wonderful wonderful book.

Fear
Something will be wrong at my check up.

Nobody will be interested in what I am offering and therefore I won't be teaching at my LYS

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
I am so grateful that I have both my parents, Mom is 79 and Dad is 81 and they are both in basically great health.....(now the fear pops up that I am jinxing something by saying that)

Good thoughts go out to all you medical and health professionals that take the attitude of compassionate care. You probably deal with all sorts of people and you yourself are only human as well....I know it is hared to deal with humans all day however when i am in there and nervous, your attitude during your care of me makes all the difference in the world between making my experience a decent one or terrible one.

CONTEST - Since next podcast will be my 100th episode- lets celebrate! How do "we" celebrate? Well, by me showing you my gratitude that you listen by giving away some stuff? What stuff, you ask? I would like to give away two prizes meaning there will be two winners-
1. a free kit with pattern for the next She-Knits Mystery KAL 5 -
2. Inspired to Knit by Michelle Rose Orne

How do you enter?
Post an answer in here to the following questions
1. What is your current favorite book.
2. Tell me something you are proud of yourself about.
3. Would you rather win the kit and pattern or the book.

I will announce the winner in the 100the episode.

Peace

#98 She-Knits questions the learning curve.

2010-07-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

I know...I know...another apology at the beginning of the blog post...not such a god thing...the first #98 She-Knits podcast is messed up and starts with episode #97. So, I re-did the beginning and put the proper episode up however don't know how to get rid of the evil bad #98 with the #97 beginning ....woe is me. Seriously...WOE is me.

Title Talk and Feedback
Marnie Maclean's about using with Excel to make simple lace charts.
Marnie's patterns.

Family
The annual trek via a 6 hour car ride to the kids overnight camp in Rhinelander Wisconsin is a' happening this Sunday...yayyyy...6 hours of knitting and listening to books on my i-pod...no 12 hours...we return Monday. Who ever whoda thunk sitting in the car for 12 hours could be Sharon's 4 star rated vacay?

Knitting
Twist Collective;s response to my submission and Interweave's letter to me about my e-book inclusion.
Tilli Tomas's Symphony yarn.

New and Nice
Reflective string or rope and knit one of THESE

Psycho with the SF Orchestra

Tsurubride Orwell Clutches...how about carrying a gold metallic elephant clutch or red metallic Scottish terrier?

Anna Quinlen Every Last One of Them

Fear
I am afraid one of my kids will be seriously taken advantage of.....can you teach a child to be less naieve and literal?

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
Cindy...you are amazingly generous and so smart.

Thank you my 4 blog post comment posters extraordinare
linda
dnaprice
AJoyfulMommy
Tbird0123

Peace

#97 She-Knits is always hungry

2010-07-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry about the gaps of silence in between segments of the podcast...there is actually music there however I didn't realize I needed to be recording on a different track for the music to come through.

Title talk
Are you always hungry? Do you think about food a lot? I do...I feel like I am constantly hungry or thinking about food unless I actively push myself to stop.

What am I doing in my knitting world?
Knitscene has accepted a design of mine for Spring 2011...yay!! I am pattern writing....a lot. What do you think of the new Knitty?

Family
Should it be fun for my 8 year old to come with me to the store while I pick out things for his sisters without him being allowed to pick something out for himself?

New and Nice
Samesky.com - supports HIV postitve women in Rowanda buy selling hand crocheted and beaded (hand blown glass beads) rings and bracelets created by these woman.

Onnesti.etsy.com - take a look at this adorable raffia hat....

joesblueberries.com - How about renting your own blueberry bush. Love this

Fear
I don't want all my kids to grow up and move out...well sometimes I do....however mostly I think it will be sad and lonely. If you have gotten through this or have the same fear I would love to hear from you.

Gratitude and good thoughts
What would I do without my test knitters?

Peace

What are She-Knits Mystery KAL's??

2010-06-28T15:06:00.001-07:00

What are She-Knits Mystery KAL's?
Well, to start with a KAL (knit-along) is an adventure in which knitters are working on a common project at the same time. She-Knits Mystery KAL, are the same idea however, though you know what the object is that you are going to knit (i.e. a purse or a shawl etc) and are given the materials information, you do not know what your project looks like until you knit the weekly clues and see as it emerges off your needles.

To be or not to be She-Knits NOTIFIED! -

If you want to receive the She-Knits once monthly brief Newlsetter, which will tell you when the next She-Knits Mystery KAL is going to be open for sign-ups as well as any info on newly published She-Knits patterns, please enter your e-mail addy in the purple box on the right side of this blog.(scroll down a bit)

How does the Mystery KAL work?

CLUES - After you purchase the “pattern” from She-Knits Ravelry Shop it will be sent to your e-mail as a PDF, in small achievable sections, known as ‘clues’, on a weekly basis for the duration of the KAL.

VIDEO's - There are always accompanying on-line free YouTube videos created by Sharon that will visually support the knitter through specific techniques used within the pattern. You can view or join my YouTube Channel , SheKnitsSharonD, at any time.

COMMUNITY -There is also an optional to join accompanying group in Ravelry of people whom all are participating in the mystery KAL
It is a group that Sharon creates within Ravelry specifically for She-Knits Mystery KAL’ers. Sharon is the moderator and a participant in the group discussion. The group provides education, support and a very friendly community in which to chat. If you are interested in checking out She-Knits community, in which you will find the friendliest knitters ever and info and help regarding She-Knits patterns, go to She-Knits Pattern Chat
and read through some of the threads to get a sense of what to expect. The group is optional to join however I always ask those participating in the KAL to at a minimum join the group so they can stay aware of the IMPORTANT UPDATES thread that I alone post in. You needn't participate in the thread if that kind of thing doesn't float your boat.

How do I sign-up for a She-knits Mystery KAL?

When sign-ups are open (and you will know when there are sign-ups if you have signed up for the above notification newsletter or if you checked out my Sheknits about me page in Ravelry) you can go to my She-Knits Pattern Shop, find the name of the pattern and purchase it. When your Paypal payment goes through (usually instantly) you will receive an e-mail to whichever e-mail is asociated with your Payapl account that has a link to the Mystery KAL acceptance letter that will tell you what to do next.

What if I am a LYS and have a group that wants to participate?

I am delighted when a group wants to participate and will offer a discount if 6 or more want to purchase the pattern from me all at once. Of course you will be buying the yarn from your LYS however you do purchase the pattern directly though me. For more details or to purchase a group of 6 or more patterns at a discount, contact me at sdreifuss (at)msn(dot)com.

What others and Sharon thinks about She-Knits Mystery KAL's -

Here is where as a good self promoter I should post some of the good comments people have said but instead I will humbly link you to the Thank Sharon thread one of the participants started in Mystery KAL 2. Holey Moley, these knitters are so nice.
I will be so bold as to say the following:
She-Knits Mystery KAL's have no bad language (maybe a little innuendo)
~no calories,
~you won't go broke
~you may very likey learn a new skill or two and improve your knitterly knowledge
~or at a minimum you will definitely have fun!

You get to work on your project with the group or completely at your own pace in the comfort of your own home, or wherever it is you like to knit.
These are the greatest things EVA! To get on She-Knits notification list which consists of a once monthly breif newsletter that will tell you when the next She-Knits Mystery KAL is open for sign ups and when new She-Knits patterns are published please go to She-Knits.com

Do you want to see more?
All completed KAL patterns become available to the public as a regular pattern once the KAL is officially over. Below are some links and pictures from previous She-Knits Mystery KAL's

To see what went on with She-knits first and second Mystery's check out the companion groups HERE and HERE to get a sense of what they are about.

She-Knits Mystery KAL #1 was in Summer of '09, and is called EMMA. The pattern is for sale HERE in Ravelry or HERE in my Etsy shop. There is also a complete kit available (which includes the pattern for free) HERE.
Here is EMMA.

She-Knits Mystery KAL #2 was done in Fall of '09 and called Autumn Bag, which is now available HERE and HERE.
AUTUMN BAG AUTUMN SCARF

Next was She-Knits Mini-Mystery called SHOSHIE and is a lace and beaded shawlette/scarf. This was incredibly fun and popular, so much so that I decided to do another lace and beaded shawl for the next Mystery after Shoshie.
SHOSHIE

Then She-Knits Mystery KAL #3 was ROBIN + Robin Flew the coop, a beaded shawl or no beads...your choice. Both are now available to the public.
ROBIN

#96 She-knits gets used to the quiet

2010-06-27T21:22:00.001-07:00

Hi there- this is the first podcast in my new format. I will write the shownotes in the new segments. I want to apologize for the stretches of seeming silence between segments. There is music there however for whatever reason it is very very soft. I will improve upon that next podcast.

Title talk
It is ridiculously quiet around here because I only have my youngest guy home. Man oh man life with an 8 year old is sweet. If it were this quiet all the time I would long for more noise however as it is I am enjoying and taking advantage of the quiet.

What am I doing in my knitting world?
There is still time (until June 29th) to sign-up for She-Knits Mystery KAL #$ Lizbeth
Also please sign-up for my once a month (or once every two months) notification e-newletter in which I will tell you when new She-Knits patterns are published and when new sign-ups are open for the next She-Knits Mystery KAL...She-Knits Mystery KAL #5 is going to be a felted bag (or two). GO to She-Knits.com to sign-up....it takes 5 seconds!
Twist Collective is awesome.

Family
As I Said, I only have one of the seven home...and it is quiet. Also, do any kids know what it is to receive or write letters to home anymore

New and Nice
Romanesque and a yummy new M+M- I found THIS free sample offer

Fear
Have you had a colonoscopy....awake?

Gratitude and good thoughts
So many things to be grateful for , I have to limit it just 3. Two people to whom I am sending good thoughts their way.

Peace

#95 She-Knits Catching up

2010-05-21T17:34:00.001-07:00

I talk a little about Yarnover, a little about She-Knits Mystery #4 Lizbeth - sign-ups are open now until end of June 2010, a little about vacation with the family. Its a shortie....about 26 minutes.

I have a few new patterns for sale
Katie Bag, which was originally published in Yarn Forward
and
Robin and Robin Flew the Coop, a shawlette in two versions

Both can be found HERE or go to She-Knits.com

#94 Sheknitters group podcast!

2010-05-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

As titled here are the below ladies all chatting- its been a month and I don't know if I am forgetting someone or not...and you know I never listen to my own podcast...so pipe up if you were there and I have forgotten to add you.
Sharon - Sheknits (on Ravelry)
Barbara - Llamalady
Jill -Jillsknit
Julie - JChant
Nancy- Nancyba
Kathy - Mountainpurl
Kathy - Instantmess
Angela - Shrinkyknitter
am I missing anyone - I feel like there was someone else?

#93 She-Knits has dinner with old friends

2010-04-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't me at my actual dinner with friends...I just analyze it.

Look at the BEAUTIFUL Robin's in progress from the She-Knits Mystery 3 KAL in the Spoiler thread HERE.

The book I talk abut from Anthropologie is Vera: The life of an Icon

#92 She-Knits is always wondering

2010-04-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

New episode is very stream of conciousness...and guess what I am out of the laundry room and hiding in the exercise room.

#91 She-Knits likes text more then charts

2010-03-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

I do...I really really do. Charts are good to get a sense of how things should look...however i will take the written word any day. Charts make the springs sprong out of my head.
HERE is the latest podcast.

I am having so much fun with The Robin Mystery Knit Along.....and when I say fun....seriously. I just bout' fainted when I saw the first Clue #2 finished...it looks so pretty. I feel so happy.

#90 She-Knits in the laundry room

2010-03-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my gawdddd - I actually recorded a podcast, I really have faded. Then, I became inspired by listener appreciation as well as once again listening to other podcast's. I know mine is more a knitter that podcasts rather then a knitting podcast....but that's why you like me...right?
Peace

How about another Mystery?

2010-02-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

Sign-ups are open for She-knits Mystery 3.
Come and see more info HERE.
Its'a gonna be FUNFUNFUN~~~~!!!!!

#90 She-Knits Out of the loop

2010-01-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Its been a while. I finally posted a new episode.
Here are the Bungled Mitts (which should be Bangled!)in Knitscene Winter/Spring 2010

The She-Knits Mini Mystery is going well- I love seeing everybody's SHOSHIE'S! I don't want to post pictures in here yet because I don't want to ruin the mystery.

She-Knits Mystery 3 will be announce in here soon

#88 She-Knits yearnings

2009-12-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to finish my submission for a magazine and then formally write up my Autumn bag as I yearn to play with yarn and paper and pencil and and and......

#87 She-Knits birthday wonderings.

2009-11-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

HERE is the latest episode

This is the beaded string Zing String from Mango Moon I talked about.

I feel a change coming, both in life and in knitting...and I talk about it in this episode.

Peace~
Sharon

#85 Dislocation and reduction x2

2009-11-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

To listen to podcast #85, click HERE

In this episod, some of the things I talk about are

x1 Will we need to dislocate from where we live and relocate elsewhere, well eventually we will since they (the banks) will not reduce our mortgage.

x2 My husband has now dislocated his shoulder now for the 5th time. Its happened three times since the laparoscopic surgery....so it is on to the major surgery

Chakra yarn from Mango moon is awesome, it has beads and stones hand tied on it.

I am working on something for a mini-mystery (maybe)
and
I am getting so excited about Mystery 3....

announcements soon.

#84 She-Knits What should we call that knitting effect?

2009-10-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

We must come up with a name of the effect that occurs when you knit that results in a sense of calm....for me I will even go further to say it is even healing. Any thoughts on a name -
Knitorphins
Knitoooommmm
Knitease - no not Knit tease, Knit ease
Whats your thought on a name?

I am thinking that the next She-Knits Mystery will begin towards the end of January. You know it will probably be another bag- however I would love some feedback from some of you - would you like another bag, or a shoulderette, hat scarf, wrap or????

A poll with a prize!
I put a poll at the bottom of the blog (scroll all the way down) for you to vote regarding She-Knits next Mystery KAL.If you plan on participating in another She-Knits Mystery please vote so I can get am idea of what you lovely mystery ladies want.

If you want to be put in to the random drawing for a surprise yarn prize, please leave a comment about your poll answer OR you can make up a name for that knitting effect mentioned above to put in your comment OR you can answer the question below. I will put all people that leave a comment in the random drawing for a free bit'o yarn. I will need your Ravelry name in your comment so I can contact you in case you win!
Please vote by 11/1 as I will pick the winner to announce on 11/2.

How do you find your inner peace? You can also optionally answer this question to enter the contest! Short and sweet answers are appreciated.

#83 Just do it

2009-10-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just do it, as in record a show already She-Knits. Which I have tried to do numerous times since August. The problem was I became tremendously self conscious every time I tried to edit something out. I would listen to myself and think- yuck and erase the whole thing. Well, I am happy to say I got over myself.

Let's see - only note worthy thing is I talk about my new design and ask for help with calling it something besides a shawletter or scarf. Someone already told me a brilliant soloution...and I changed the designs name to reflect that

Here is the Francie Shoulderette!
I am selling it as a pattern or a 4 skein Cash Vero kit in which you get to pick the colors!

I am having so much fun with SHe-Knits Mystery 2. Most of the people in their are overwhelmingly kind, fun and totally up for it! Clue 2 goes out tomorrow and I am so very exvited!

#82 She-Knits end of summer rush + mystery KAL #2

2009-08-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

I feel like this is my own personal end of summer as this is the last week I will only have 2 kids at home...next Monday the other 5 return. Its been beyond peaceful and quiet...really wonderful, however I am truly missing them all and saddened at the thought of yet another one (making 3) that will be off to college this year. Three kids all in college and 4 at home that's the new mix for Fall'09.

So in this podcast episode I ask the following two questions:

1. What is your favorite gift EVER?

2. If you holiday knit for others do you do so in a thoughtful manner, only knitting or crocheting for those that you know will appreciate it or do you just make the decisions that this year you are knitting gifts and that's that?

So, did you see my bag in Interweave Knits Fall '09? Here she is:

#81 Another camp visit and the fun of designing

2009-07-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

She-Knits Small Tlak Podcast #81 - have a listen on i-tunes or HERE

Summary
I wonder how much of my life I spend saying "I can't believe....." Well, often the times i say this are when repeating something I have done multiple times before and then find myself there again. Like now, I can't believe we have been through another summer camp visit and that it is over.

Designing is beyond fun. Fun sounds like such a trite word for one my most passionate experiences in my life however there is so much fun invloved I wanted to share a little of it.

Here is my Laporte Avenue Bag in the upcoming Interweae Knits Fall '09 - howdoyoulikemenow? ;)

She-Knits Mystery KAL finished Emma's

She-Knits Mystery KAL #2 - sign up now!

Check out Gundrun Johstons's Aestlight Shawl...I bought the pattern, and I rarely buy patterns or do shawls. I may very likely never do this one either, but at least I have it just in case!

#80 She-Knits - On the road again andMystery KAL 1 and announcing Mystery KAL #2!

2009-07-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

On the road to Wisconsin, knitting away -listeing to the end of Wally Lamb's The Moment I first believed and starting The Tortilla Curtin.
Can I just say it was 5 hours of bliss driving to Wisconsin...and believe it or not, it really was bliss even with the seven year old in the car!
SO what are your postivie and negative memories about going to overnight camp or maybe your first experiences being away from home. I was never very good at it or interested in it, but I did it
I would love to read your comments!

She-Knits Mystery KAL is coming to end ....sniff....it has been amazing and wonderful and I know so many of you shared that you learned so much...which is FANTASTIC.
I too learned so much....not about knitting , but about how to make the KAL better and better.
You can sign up for the 2nd Mystery KAL until August 23.

You can listen to She-Knits Small Talk Podcast #80 HERE or go to to She-Knits on i-Tunes.

She-Knits Mystery KAL's

2009-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

How does the Mystery KAL work?

CLUES - After you purchase the “pattern” from She-Knits Ravelry Shop HERE it will be sent to your e-mail as a PDF, in small achievable sections, known as ‘clues’, on a weekly basis for the duration of the KAL.

COMMUNITY -There is also an optional to join accompanying group in Ravelry of people whom all are participating in the mystery KAL
It is a group that Sharon creates within Ravelry specifically for She-Knits Mystery KAL’ers. Sharon is the moderator and a participant in the group discussion. The group provides education, support and a very friendly community in which to chat. If you are interested in checking out a prior She-Knits Mystery group, take a look at the She-Knits Mystery 3 group from ROBIN.
and read through some of the threads to get a sense of what to expect. The group is optional to join however I always ask those participating in the KAL to at a minimum join the group so they can stay aware of the IMPORTANT UPDATES thread that I alone post in. You needn't participate in the thread if that kind of thing doesn't float your boat.

To be or not to be She-Knits NOTIFIED! -

If you want to receive the She-Knits once monthly brief Newlsetter, which will tell you when the next She-Knits Mystery KAL is going to be open for sign-ups as well as if there are are any newly published She-Knits patterns, please enter your e-mail addy HERE in the box on the right side of that page.

What others and Sharon thinks about She-Knits Mystery KAL's -

#79 She-Knits knows there's an idea in there somewhere

2009-06-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tap into your creativity...even if you don't think what you are doing has room for creative thought, I bet it does. where do those creative sparks come from. Mine often come to me when I first awaken just before the chatter of my 'gotta go go go ' brain chatter begins.
Give a listern to episode #79 for some creative talk and some Mystery Kal talk.

#78 She-Knits unwinds.

2009-06-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, TNNA was so intense. I felt like I had been hit by a truck for two days afterwords. Now life is in the summer groove which is a bizarre and initially difficult one for me when 5 of the kids go to summer camp...and then slowly turns in to the freest lightest feeling with a household of only 2 kids being here...then a feeling of excitement (upon the other kids return) and dread when getting closer to Fall...when the whole cycle of the year , beginning with the school year start-up happens all over again. I have got many more years of this ahead of me since my youngest is only 7. Must enjoy the ride!

#77 She-Knits Random mumblings

2009-06-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

The end of the school year is insane- all seven kids were home- oldest was intensely studying for LSAT, 20 year old is home for the summer doing summer school and working...if she finds a job, 18 yr old graduated HS, 16 year old is in the midst of finals, 14 yr. old is graduating 6th grade tomorrow, 12 year old is finishing up 6th grade and 7 year old HAS SWINE FLU and I am leaving tomorrow night for TNNA..........I need to take some big deep breaths

#76 She-Knits Random thoughts and mac and cheese

2009-05-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a nummy mac and cheese recipe:

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown

Prep Time:: 20 min
Inactive Prep Time:: hr min
Cook Time:: 45 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.
Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Chees

#75 So what would you be doing if you weren't knitting and mystery thoughts and kits.

2009-05-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

How do you find community? Were/are you lonely when your kids were little. Do you use the internet to build community especially within your knitting world. I also give up more Mystery KAL information.
Peace
Sharon

#74 She-Knits mystery anticipation continues and designing as I go

2009-04-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

#74 is up and I can't do notes yet as for one there really aren't specific ones and i MUST KNIT!

#73 She-Knits is a mystery and what are your expectations about magazine publications....

2009-04-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Most importantly....have you heard the word about She-Knits first eva Mystery Bag KAL???You have until April 27th to sign up, it is being held in Ravelry and 'clues' will be e-mailed to you. I will also be talking on the podcast about tips etc.. Its going to be FUN!!! PM (private message) me in Ravelry with your e-mail and join the She-Knits Mystery KAL in Ravelry. I will add you and you will ge a reply from me in there.

Must knit.......

She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL

2009-04-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

This was only born yesterday and already their are 70 people. Details are as below (these are copied from the thread in the She-Knits Podcast group in Raverly HERE. If you are in Ravelry and intersted in participating read those details and PM me within Rav. If you are not in Ravelry (and I am not sure why you wouldn't want to be) and want to sign up, read the details below and contact me through She-Knits.com with your e-mail address.

posted 1 day ago (Wednesday, April 15), edited about 13 hours ago

In my most recent podcast #72 I realized I loved the energy of knit-a-longs that I have started in here but sadly never personally complete whatever the item is.

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in doing a Mystery Bag Knit-a-long that I lead. It will be the same idea as the Mystery Shawl KAL’s -I will give tips in e-mail and on the podcast about the project and in the end you will have a free bag pattern in pieces which I will also be putting up as a complete pattern for sale.

I am super excited about the idea! Here are some of the initial details:

All I want to say regarding the bag at this point ….(the design of which came to me just this morning ;)…. is the bag will either be worked in single or more likely double bulky weight feltable yarn, most likely doubled (which is the same as super bulky single strand or quadrubled worsted weight) and comparing it to the size of my other bags, specifically the double bulky ones like Melly Bag which is about the size I want to make it will require somewhere around 800-1000 yds. I want to try my best to keep it so it will be under $60.

I am thinking of offering a nicely priced kit in my shop if there is enough interest in that. The kit would have all the yarns needed and the magnetic snap closure. The yarn I sell is Lambs Pride Bulky which normally sells for between about $7.25 and $7.95 for 125 yd. skein. I will try to see if I can do it for $7.00 per skein. Please let me know if you might be interested in a kit in a PM entitled Mystery Kit so I can see if this is worth it for us all! I will announce specifics (yardage and basic color ideas in terms of lights and darks) after I decide (should be soon) The KAL which realistically will begin in June maybe even after TNNA ( am so swamped with getting ready for it) which is mid June.

The way it will work is that you will PM me your e-mail address with the heading Mystery Bag on the PM please . Please kindly spread the word, and if you are kindly spreading the word to non-Ravelry users they will need to e-mail me through She-Knits.com where there there is a contact button. If you are spreading the word in here link it to this thread you are now reading for people to see details please. I will then invite you to participate via e-mail. You can PM me (or e-mail me) starting today and sign ups will close by May 15th

I will be giving the pattern parts out week by week to your e-mail and will possible have a Blogger blog too. I will be mostly communicating via e-mail and the Blog with less private info in here perhaps…. again any super pertinent info will be e-mail only to keep it private.

Since this is a “mystery” Kal I would expect anyone that signs up to not share the pattern with non-members, or give away anything especially in here where it is public. Clearly all the members of the blog will be getting that pattern bit by bit as we go along. In the end I will be putting the pattern up for sale in my shop so all copyright stuff does pertain…blah blah blah.

Soooooo PM me your e-mails and spread the word. This should be super super fun!!!!

Updates

SIGN-UPS
Sign ups are still open, as of this moment we are up to approx 70 bag ladies! My thought is to keep sign ups open until mid May. I am going to try as hard as I can to get more details out in the next two weeks. PLEASE keep checking in here for information before you ask a question, the answer may already be here.

CHOICE OF FOLLOWING ADVANCED BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE DIRECTIONS- YOU WILL RECEIVE BOTH
I already have sketched out the design, I think everyone will be happy with it. I am interested and excited about the idea of being inclusive of less and more advanced knitters/felters. So, there will be the choice of keeping the bag more simple and straight forward without additional design (maybe cables, maybe embroidery…maybe????) or to do the more challenging pattern…..in other words I will say easier version do this, and more advanced version do this so level of bag is either advanced beginner or intermediate…..your choice

COLORS COMING SOON
As far as the colors, I will most likely announce the colors and main yardage amounts within the next two weeks and of course you can substitute or keep the same as you wish.

WOULD YOU LIKE A KIT?
Again, please let me know if you are even interested in the kit idea so I can decide if I am going to offer it. If I do offer it I am trying my best to work out the best price I can and it will be a limited time in which you can order the kit so I can order the yarns in one shipment to me and pass on that savings to you….that is my best way of keeping the price down. Kit decision on my part will be made on my part in the nest two weeks and kit ordering will take place mid May.

You will either have a virtual multitude of colors to choose from of either :
Cascade Yarns Chunky 128 colors (100% Highlands Peruvian Wool)
or possibly
Lambs Pride Bulky colors (85% wool/15% mohair)

I will decide which companies yarn to offer after I get more feedback about interest (or lack there of) of purchasing a kit.

#72 New beginnings

2009-04-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

The above is my one and only summer knit I have ever made. I think its from 1990 (shudder)

I fantasize about making a lightweight cardigan...lightweight as in sheer barely there ala Knitty's
Sea Tangles have you made a super lightweight cardi? If you have let's here about it.

Would you like it if I lead a mystery bag KAL? If so please let me know either here or in the thread on Ravelry in the She-Knits Podcast group.

Things aren't easy out there, we need to try to not sit frozen in fear and frustrations of what we had but rather go forward with what we have.

Here are the quotes I read regarding determination..sorry I don't have the authors:
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination " Tommy Lasorda

"If you doubt you can accomplish something then you can't accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability and then be tough enough to follow it though" Rosalyn Carter

"There is no chance, no destiny, no faith that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul." Ella Wheeler Wilcox

#71 Suprise, surprise, surprise...for ME!

2009-03-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

What can I say...THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I am touched beyond words.
I feel loved....ridiculously so.
I am grateful for the generosity of spirit of each and every one of you and especially to Jill....who is simply an angel.

Not only is this beautiful, it is soft and scrumptious and I can truly feel the energy and good intention within it. I feel like I should send it around to each of you to have for a month just to see it and feel it...but guess what....I ain't lettin' it go for a second!

Now that I have read the notes, I know that Fiddlelee made the Tree of Life, and interesting point she made is that it has 9 points or leaves and that represents the 9 members of my family! Thank you Erica.

Fibbergeek made the fish, and I was right ...as I said in the podcast
it was for "just keep swimming".....thank you Liz.

LJWT created the fun textured green square below...it tickles and sproings so nicely. Thank you Lorri.

My inclination that the Japanese
character was from Camarra was right. I then doubted it (and thought perhaps it was Shrinkyknitter) because of her being so far away....thanks so much Kathleen. It's the one in mauve below, sorry you can't see it better. She said it means "Tomo" which means a friend.

Jill created my SHe-Knits logo with intarsia- I thought it was done on a machine because it is so perfect. There are so many more, I wrote more about it on Ravelry in the She-Knits Podcast group in the thread entitled The Afghan- I JUST LOVE THIS AFGHAN, it is truly one of the most meaningful gifts I have ever (and probably will ever) received. A huge thank you to Jill for organizing, Lorrit and Jill for assembling and every single one of the square makers. I am memorizing the key and will soon know by heart who made which square!

#70 A Whiter Shade of Pale

2009-03-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

She-Knits podcast is at a new feed - http://sheknits.libsyn.com/rss

Click on the link on the side bar of my blog to hear this podcast or go to i-Tunes and click on advanced at the top of the screen and type in http://sheknits.libsyn.com/rss and the new show will download and I think you will be re-subscribing to the new host if you want to get automatic downloads. Please give me a new review once you see me officially posted in i-Tunes.

#70
It is that time of year here in the Midwest in which one can't become more pale then they now are! Just at this time is when we FINALLY start hearing the birdies chirping!! Yay for chirping birdies!

#69 - A perfect party for a 7 yr. old and what is a ply anyway?

2009-02-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

I realize, after being sent the yarn I am to use for my design that has been accepted in IK Fall '09 (pause for loud stadium style hooting and hollering of happiness), that I do not know a whole heck of a lot about the medium I use. When I am experimenting with designs and grabbing yarns I go for color first and don't think about whether something is 4 -ply or 10-ply, a single or multi-ply. I just grab what is around me and learn as I go.

When I was trying to describe to the magazine editor (Eunny herself) the kind of yarn I used for a particular part of the design and was wondering via e-mail whether the yarn she had sent would respond the same way as the yarn I submitted in I was embarrassed to find that I couldn't describe the yarn any better then when trying to describe to the car mechanic about the doo-hickey that was making the bang bang noise while making a right turn.....if you catch my drift...I felt like a real moron and am not sue where to turn. For now I have picked up my Knitters Book of Yarn to look for some initial answers. Do you know the ply and twist of the yarn you are using...could you describe it accurately. Well, then again you probably don't necessarily need to, do I?

I had one of the best birthday parties I have ever had for one of my kids. It was so low key and manageable and fun for all. I highly recommend you keep the amount of guests manageable, enlist the help of older kids, gets loads of inexpensive wrapped candies and "shtuff" from the $1.00 bins at Target....write up some clues that will run kids upstairs downstairs and all around (without shoes of course) and finally end up in the kitchen for cake and to let them blow those party horns until their hearts content, or until the 16 year old (in this case) older sister turns to the group and kindly asks them to stop...and they don't...and then she tells them" If one more of you blows your horn even just one more time, I will take it from you" Did they listen you ask? All but the birthday boy...which she then announced was acceptable as he was the birthday boy.

#69 Post TNNA

2009-01-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

TNNA was so wonderful! I felt like an old timer, I mean after all this was my 2nd whole time going!

I am percolating with designs that I am submitting to many different publications...I hope I hope I hope they like them.

Have you seen my newest design in Knitscene? It is called the Ariadne Scarf. I didn't name it and have to be honest and tell you when they busted the not yet out on the stands magazine in the Interweave booth at TNNA where I saw it in print it for the first time and saw the name for the first time. I thought the scarfed looked purdy in the magazine, but the name was bizarre. I asked someone in the booth if they knew what it meant and they didn't. When I got home I e-mailed the editor and asked her what the deal was (in a kinder way then that of course) and when she explained what it meant it completely turned a weird name in to a wonderful one. Here is what Lisa Shroyer said:

The title is Ariadne Scarf. Ariadne, a heroine in Greek myth, used a piece of string unrolled behind her to find her way into and then back out of a labyrinth. The undulating lines on the scarf, plus the mythical/whimsical nature of the story, reminded me of this myth. There you go!

After reading this e-mail I felt both inspired and like a bleeding idiot as I had never ever ever even heard of this myth. Please tell me I am not the only one. Now that I have heard of it, it makes me want to study the Greek myths more....maybe there will be some inspiration there! I do have one other design that is a messenger bag that was named by one of my good cyber friends Lorri...she suggested calling it the Mercury Bag as Mercury was the messenger! You can buy the Ariadne Scarf Kit to make the one shown in my SheknitsforKnitters Shop...or you could do some serious stash diving. I will be putting up additional kits that are different price points in different color ways that don't have hand painted yarns but rather subtly shaded (beautiful) yarns soon

#68 On and on

2009-01-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

In this episode it is mostly just chatty. We still haven't figured out if we are moving or staying...we are going to be putting the house on the market in a couple weeks...sigh... A few high points (really hihg) this week, I had a design accepted for Yarn Forward and a design accepted for Interweave Fall '09. I never believe this stuff for 100% until I see a contract...I am so excited.

Check out Shannon Oakey's new design, a cardigan with gorgeous detail in the back called
Rivulet

I am almost done designing a lace scarf that I am loving but boy does it feel endlessssssss...but also nice and meditatively obsessive...in a good way!

Do you love lace....or?

#67 Away and back

2008-12-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

We visited California last week looking at schools and homes, I loved San Diego, its so beautiful. I can't imagine moving away and I can't imagine staying here...so there you have it. I talk all about it in this weeks show. Hey, I am so excited, I am going to TNNA in January to once again be in the Brown Sheep booth hawking my goods! Though my patterns are in about 40+ yarn shops all over the US (and one place in Canada and one place in London ) I am not well represented in the west so I am very very excited!

Have a listen to show #67 and say hello if you can, I would love to know that listener's really exist!

Knitty Winter 2008
Shalom Cardigan - Meghan Mc Farlane

#66 Moving along

2008-12-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

Watch, now instead of disappearing, I will become the THING that won't go away! Time is such a strange thing. Most of the time it goes by too quickly, however when big changes and shifts and adjustments are going on , though it still goes by quickly, I feel each week almost as though I am a new person, or at least a person exploring life anew. One week I think I am staying in my house, and the next week i am certain I am moving and it feels dreadful. Then the next week I am certain I am moving and it feels like sweet relief...etc.etc. When trying to get"control" of ones destiny in a a new and different way, it is almost as though you have to be strong enough to let go of so much control to gain control...does that make sense?

The two yarns I spoke about were;
Cascade Lana Grande for the Double Dumpling and this picture even shows the yummy pink I am knitting with (did my needle clicking bug you during this episode??)

Rowan purelife for the regular Dumpling

Please say hello if you are out there...and please knit something that you love and maybe challenge yourself with something that scares you a bit!

#65 It's been a while!

2008-11-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

I'm still here.....are you? Like Pink Floyd asked..."Is there any body out there?" or was it "in there?" The only real shownotes knitting wise would be on the one pattern I am obsessed with looking at anyway. ....Sylvi....it is fantastico'.

Sometimes, when there are horrendous and unforseen difficult things going on in life (in this case my families financial life) ...it takes getting down and dirty and ugly about them within the marriage and getting it all out...and playing the blame game...and recovering from it and seeing the good in each other anew. We have been mad at each other big time...and hopefully we are now moving though it it...can't go over it, can't go under it...can't go around it...just have to go thoguh it...right through the blazing blood pumping heart of it!

There are as of this moment, 600 Dumpling Bags in Ravelry!!!!!!

#64 KNITTING remains a constant!

2008-10-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

I finally recorded a new podcast episode...it has been a spell...a difficult one that I am doing my best to stay focused and positive...it is only money and not a terminal illness but sometimes that line of thought doesn't really help. Sometimes a good cry and then a nice cold glass of water , some knitting and the good ole' i-pod in the ears (maybe a bunch of hugs and kisses)is the best escape...when they let me escape around here! The kids are being great...I think it is because the parents are staying positive (except when I call my parent and bawl). We will all survive and recover and find our new normal!

With everything that is going on in this crazy economy and everything that is going on in my household including the possibility of needing to move, knitting is my independent solace. I am so full of gratitude for my knitting and my cyber knitting life. It remains a source of sanity.

How do you think knitting will be affected by this disatorous economy. I realize many of you are untouched by the stock markets disasters either because you don't have money involved in it or you live internationally, however this economy is definitely going to touch us all somehow (I hope gas prices don't escalate). How does the economy affect your knitting or crafting life. Maybe it will up peoples interest in knitting in that, depending how you work it , it can be a a financially reasonable sanity saver! I would love to hear peoples thoughts on this AND I would like to know as a knitter, what you are looking for these days design wise...what would you love to knit?

Are you feeling inspired or just tired...maybe both

2008-10-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am definitely feeling both. I am inspired to submit to magazines that are looking for next Fall designs. I am tired of the stock market crisis and the negativity and dealing with the loss of financial control. I am sick of thinking about and hearing about it and just want to get centered and calm down.

#63 Slight deception...or maybe slight denial?

2008-10-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have to have a constant stream of self-deception or slight denial going on to make it through life...especially these days. I can't be in denial with my knitting...if I do then I end up with a pattern erro...and we can't have that now can we. Must keep it real.

#62 Satisfaction with your knitting/life.

2008-09-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

So....
do you find if you are satisfied with whatever your are currently knitting you also happen to be satisfied with your life at that moment? DO you think it's coincidence? What about the opposite, whenthings aren't going well with your knitting are they also somehow not going well with your life? I m certain there is a full range of answers here however I do know that more times then not one runs along the same with the other
knitting going well...life going well
knitting frustrating or blah...life frustrating or blah.

How about you?

#61 The things we do wrong, the things we do right

2008-09-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

Is it just personality type that makes some of seem to focus more on the things we do right or the things we do wrong? I have the unfortunate tendency to focus too much on the things I do wrong instead of all the goo things I actually do. I have to work hard to feel good about the good...I keep working on it though.

So now apres' le Dumpling comes my second out of three designs that is now published...
Big Lace Scarves in Interweave Felts '08

This is one of those things in which you actually would appreciate it more if you had it around your neck and felt its dreamy light softness with warmth at the same time.

I am very interested in submitting for Fall and Winter publications as they come up...I am bubbling over with ideas...which is another one of those great feelings.

Introducing.........

2008-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Dumpling Bags - Interweave Knits Fall '08!! (by Me!!)
(Ring information for the Dumpling bags is towards the bottom of this post)

I am so excited that I have been published for the first time in Interweave Knits Fall '08! Dumpling makers are taking over the world as evidenced by this - update as of Oct'09 there are over 900 Dumplings on Ravelry and it is in second place as far as the most popular bags of all time. I had no expectations, so to say this has exceeded my expectations wouldn't be the truth. What would be the truth is that I am thrilled and delighted to see everyone's creativity!

I have just finished Stitches Midwest '08 and am happy to say that the Dumpling won many many new fans !!! Believe it or not (and believe me I was thrilled to death and speechless when this was happening) people were waiting in line to "Make there own" Dumpling Buffet I had set up!

To find out about the Dumpling Kits that are available either as standard which is a wristlet size bag or Double Dumpling which is a shoulder bag go to my She-Knits.com page which will give you a link to my shop HERE .

The standard Dumpling Kit (black Dumpling pictured to the left) comes in Onyx (black) for the bag body, with a celery vine, garnet berries, deep plum lucite rings rings and a magnetic snap plus grosgrain ribbon for mounting the snap. The cost is $19.00 without the pattern (if you already own it) and $25.00 with the pattern+ shipping.

IMPORTANT PATTERN MODIFICATION - The standard Dumpling pattern is written holding two strands of a worsted weight yarn, for the kit you receive bulky weight yarn so therefore you need only use a single strand for the standard Dumpling however you use a double strand for the Double Dumpling.

The rings that come standard with the regular Dumpling Kit is a deep plum Lucite ring that has the look and feel of wood or porcelain. If you are looking for rings ONLY there is more information regarding purchasing rings below. Below is a picture of them, the regular wristlet Dumpling uses the smaller sized ring and the Double Dumpling shoulder bag kit I use the larger sized ring which is available in a warm brown, or deep purple. Prices for rings only is below, underneath the information about the Double Dumpling Kits.

THE DOUBLE DUMPLING
The Double Dumpling Kit(above) comes in either oatmeal with an oak vine and orange berries, or in aubergine with green/brown vine and bright purple berries. The Oatmeal kit comes with large brown rings and the Aubergine kit comes with large deep plum rings. Both kits come with a snap set-up. If you would like the Double Dumpling in a different color see the above link under COLOR OPTIONS. The Double Dumpling kit is $30.00 plus shipping without the pattern and $37.00 with the pattern + shipping.

IMPORTANT PATTERN MODIFICATION -The Double Dumpling is a modification of the regular Dumpling in that you hold two strands of bulky yarn to knit, knit the body until 8' and the handle until 40" if you want it to sit on your shoulder

PRICING INFORMATION FOR SMALLER AND LARGER RINGS ONLY
The rings are sold as pairs -
Small sized rings (set of two) for the regular Dumpling are pictured above and come in dark purple only - approx. 2 cm.- $2.90 + shipping, which I charge from order to order depending on your shipping address (typically about $2.00- $3.00 total...sorry this can't be sent in a normal envelope it has to be charge as a package because of thickness..I have tried to send in envelope and it was returned for insufficient funds!)

Large sized rings (set of two) for the Double Dumpling (below) - are approx 6 cm. ( pictured below)- the larger rings come in either dark purple or warm browns and are both $3.70 (for a set of 2) + shipping.

Contact me through She-Knits.com and let me know which rings you would like and your mailing address and I will then get back to you with the total. After you ok the total I will bill you through a Paypal money request or give you my number for you to call in a charge card to me.

RING ATTACHMENT TUTORIAL
Here are the four photos that show how to attach rings properly

Snap mounting tutorial (click to enlarge)

More about Stitches-
I still am in recovery mode and truly (and gratefully) busy with kitting up many orders (I ran out of some kits and am ordering yarns and shipping) but while the emotion is there I have to state that this was one of the most incredible experiences of my knitting life. Not only was it validating as a designer (you know me in my cave with my kids and husband...there is only so much feedback one can expect here!) ...as Sally Field said at the Oscars, they liked me, they really really liked me! But meeting my She-Knits cyber knitting circle members blew me away....it was incredibly surreal to meet real breathing people instead of just seeing their lovely keyboard strokes, or in some cases hearing their Skype voices. Also I just somehow felt so taken care of..everyone was so positive and helpful and CARING...I don't think i have ever had such a nice handful of people that were somehow watching my back too.

Stitches Midwest, you are so ON!

2008-08-20T18:15:00.001-07:00

I am so incredibly excited and pleased that I decided to do Stitches. It has been endless days of preparation and the little ankle biters are being very much left to their own devices...(they aren't such ankle biters being that they are 6, 11,13,15,17,19, and 22...they can do much for themselves, I just have mothers guilt)however I feel very much like I am as prepared as I can be and at set-up today I think my booth will look good and i can't wait to start tomorrow night! I am going to have a Make your own Dumpling station...and we are not talking the edible kind!!!!

Speaking of Dumplings my local bead shop dug around and found a bunch more rings and I bought them all (feels like) I will post pictures after Stitches of the new varieties. Here are some Dumplings I found in the projects on Raverly. Last week their were 13...this week their are 40! Prolific little buggers

Its the best feeling to know people are having fun with their knitting and loving the end result and I am in part the reason why!

I can't wait to feel the energy of the people, I am so incredibly excited to actually meet some of my cyber knitting circle..it is surreal!

Note to self (et al.) when you decide last minute to get the streaks in your hair freshened up, and the colorist you have used and trust for a while is out of town, don't use just any other colorist at the hair salon. I haven't been this light blonde streaked in ...well....ever. Its weird. Oh well, this should be my worst problem.

Pictures to come!

#59 My shoe is full!

2008-08-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

They're ba-ack! All my ankle bitting blood sucking wonderful fabulous so different yet all mine .....well sort of mine (are your kids really "your's"?). Man oh man I like having them all here so much it hurts. It hurts because its no longer the norm, 5 here is the norm , no longer seven. It is something that happens, I am telling you, your children will grow up and leave you...at least leave physically living in your house 24/7......sigh. But listen, I am not going to stew about it or feel sad even one second longer because the reality is it is the way it is and it is for the most part a positive thing. When kids can't launch , usually something is going on that is difficult.

I will announce winners of the contest in which you so kindly answered all my fiber festival questions a bit later today when I let kiddo's randomly pick you winers out. Check back to see if it is you and THANK YOU to all that entered!

Later.....

37 people entered so since I said i would pick1 winner per 15 people I am letting one of my children pick 2 winners by asking her to chose 2 numbers between 1 and 37. She picked 6 + 11 and so the winners are:
Anita
Feminist Knitter

I also gave an extra prize to CoggieTM because of her really brilliant suggestion about bringing a standing mirror because we women like to see ourselves! I think the mirror will help sell! Again thank you for all of you that took the time to enter, I appreciated reading through all of your answers.

Sharon

Dumpling Bag by Me in Interweave Knits Fall 08

2008-07-24T16:46:00.001-07:00

I am published in Interweave Knits. It's surreal and as wonderful as you might imagine.Here are my sweet little Dumplings. I told you they were sweet and quiet, not calling out for attention but rather shy and reserved but oh so clever. Below is the prototype (embroidery is different on the final) so you get a better idea of how they can close two ways that give them either a Dumpling look or a Crescent look. I hope everybody that likes them makes one all over the world. A world full of sweet little Dumplings, not bad.

Knitty rejected my Fall submission. Three strikes in a row.....AND I REFUSE TO BE OUT. One day Knitty, you will be mine. I'llllll be back! I am already workind on the winter submission ;)

Scroll down to the next post for the show #57 contest.

#57 Summer adventures....at least for me they are adventures!

2008-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Show # 57 is up in i-tunes or at Sheknits.mypodcast.com . I already am digressing in that I want to show you what is right inside my doorway on the floor as I welcome you into my home.

This is the Elsa Schaperelli Hat that I talked about that Issac Mizrahi wants.......should I write a pattern for him? Issac, are you out there, are you drooling?

So what excites you when you go to a fiber festival? I become instantly overwhelmed and it just looks like yarn and more yarn and more yarn and I don't feel excited when I walk around I feel ...kind of down and like ther is no air in the room (no I wasn't have an anxiety attack...at least not a big one)...not exactly sure why except there is a weird down kind of energy there, not necessarily from the shoppers but rather from the vendors. I was not a vendor however I was looking at it from the perspective of what it would be like to be a retail vendor.

I noticed that when I stepped into someones booth, more times then not people did not make eye contact or smile. Now again this was definitely not all, however it was enough that I noticed. I had never been to a festival before this one, and I went to this at the very end of last year when people were closing down and I felt the same thing. I assumed it was because they were focused elsewhere and the event was over. This time I went the last day early afternoon and felt that same feeling.

In case you are thinking I probably just felt that way because I wanted to feel that way so I could easily talk myself out of being a vendor in the future....well....I really tried to take "me" out of the equation and just really try to soak it in and of course there is a chance I couldn't separate myself enough out of it. Maybe my expectations of happy excited knitters....happy excited vendors was too much...this is really hard work for these vendors and they have probably seen it all and maybe its not their job to be too charming. While I was at TNNA I was so very excited to be there and be selling and see all the people that you couldn't hold my excited energy back! It really was different going to this fair.

Contest from #57 questions. Answer questions in the comments so we can all have some fun reading. I am not making this easy people...you have to work a little to win some knitting books. I know I am going to give away one however depending how many people actually enter I might give away up to 3. I think I will give away 1 for every 20 people that enter and be sure to include your e-mail or a way for me to track back to you in case you win the random drawing. Deep breath....You have to answer at least 7 questions. if you answer less you are not in...and you want to be in dontcha?

1.Do you go through a fiber festival looking for just the right color and weight of yarn to grab you?

2. When you are at a fiber festival or visit different yarn shops does everything yarn- wise kind of look the same eventually?

3. What is your favorite "newest thing" you have found about knitting (i.e. a new way of doing something, a new yarn, a new pattern)?

4. Do most of the sellers look happy and energetic or tired and depleted?

5. Do you look at the jewelry and pottery with purchasing in mind?

6. Do you EVER see an indie pattern designers sitting there just selling patterns or kits or do you only see patterns and kits in the booths that are small versions of the host of the booths knit shop?

7. Do you mostly go to just walk and be amongst the fibers and yarney people, not really to buy?

8. What do you think would be a helpful suggestion if I am to do a fiber fest that would help draw people into my booth 0' patterns and kits...besides the obvious (my dazzling beauty and effervescent outgoing personality)

9. What is your favorite guilty pleasure....it doesn't necessarily have to do with knitting!

10.Knowing what you know about me and my work, and if you have been to a Stitches event (you know what you like to see if you have gone before), do you imagine my patterns and kits would work there in terms of selling (and don't worry I won't hold you to it) ?? !

11. What is the meaning of life and what is your favorite color and what would you like to see from She-Knits next? At lease answer one part of this silly question...you will be given an extra entry if you make me laugh or actually come up with an idea I use!

Wow, one would think I drink a lot of coffee....when I actually drink zero caffiene (maybe it was the Krunchers I just ate)

Here is the Elsa Schalerelli Shoe Hat ...a must see.

Below are the people I mentioned that were interviewed on Jennifer Ackerman-Haywoods podcast Craftsanity

Fabric Desinger Anna Marie Horner

Felted Food Designer Hillary Seabolt

Let me know if I promised other links...seriously, hold me accountable. To finish I would like to show you a hysterical scarf pattern...am I the only one out here that didn't know about this?

Bacon Scarf

I don't know if anyone reads this, however .......

2008-07-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

It's Monday....Monday are good days to start with an inspiring quote.

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first.
Shakespeare

Take it easy. Try to do Monday like you are casting on your first row….doing the ribbing…which may be a chore, but it will help create the desired overall look and keep things in their place.

I went to Midwest Fiber and Folk Fair and found it overwhelming and sort of depressing....I can't write about it so I need to talk (aka podcast) about it.

We can do this…we can all do this. Make it a good day.

I am so into these 2 weeks of just having the big man (age 50) and the little man (age 6) around. I love my days of just being able to work on my business. I feel tremendously guilty that I feel relieved that my kids are happily occupied at their various places. I feel guilty I don't miss them more. I miss them, no doubt, however knowing that it is short lived makes it ok. I am also thrilled that my oldest will be living here (or downtown) now. I only have to have one away at college this year....and its so much fun to have a great place (Colorado) to visit.

It so inspires me when one of my students creates the Sharon Bag. I haven't even officially written up the pattern for sale because I have been so involved with other patterns. I now have two more people that are working on it from such a typo filled pattern...oh well, it doesn't seem to be getting in their way.

I'm in Knitscene Winter 08'

2008-07-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Like someone in my She-Knits cyber knitting circle said...I am off and running! I am thrilled that another design of mine will be in a Inteweave publication! Thing is , it is a bit of a mystery how you get yourpaws on Knitscene as it isn't by subscription, you just have to hope to snag it when you see it at your LYS or Borders. The preview of the Fall Knitscene was up in Knitting Daily last week and there were a couple things that looked really nice. I LOVE FALL/WINTER KNITTING!!!

#56 What's Up

2008-07-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

I am way to happy with such things as swatching! I am having so much fun figuring out combinations of yarns and patterns and beading and felting swatches that, well...seriously, a person shouldn't be having this much fun swatching. Ther is nothing like being in the creative zone...one idea after the next. I don't even know why its happening, but am happy it is.
I posted a new pattern. Nothing earth shaking in terms of my slip stitch patterning love, but what I love about her is that you can create a nice sized bag in one piece, top down in a day, or weekend. She is kinda hot too!

Kiki

#55 Still trying to figure it all out

2008-06-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

How do I make this work...should I call yarn shops...should I e-mail them....send a brochure...what someone tell me what to do. I sold bunches of patterns at TNNA and am now scattered across the US!!! Thing is, I realized in the end I sold to only 14 shops. I couldn't get to people fast enough and once the Brown Sheep trunk show of my bags booked up until August 09 that was both wonderful and awful.

So, now I am offering a trunk show directly from me! I think i will e-mail people a brochure....or snail mail. Hmmmmm.

There's a new girl in town and her name is PHOEBE- she is a medium sized bag created with bulky weight yarn single strand, most of bag is worked in the round, exterior pocket has an intarsia flower...don't be skird, try it...the pocket is added at the end and it very achievable in that it is 32 rows of 30 stitches...feeling inspired? Go to my on-line shop for more details on the pattern or complete kit.

LEVEL
Low Intermediate
MEASUREMENTS
Height: 13 inches
Width: 13.25 inches at widest point

#54 Interview with Interweave Knits Katie Himmelberg

2008-06-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

I just posted the interview with Katie Himmelberg. We talk about pregnancy, picking suitable yarns for projects and what drives fashion trends. She was so kind to give me some of her time, however I am not sure if I didn't talk more then she did and that is not good in an interview. I think she may be a little on the shy side...or maybe exhausted....which is so understandable. I sense that Eunny, Lisa and Katie work really really hard...and that putting out magazines is an exciting and exhausting career.

I need to figure out how to get my ame out there to LYS's across the country. Even though I had good success at TNNA, bottom line was that I probably only pitched to about 25 people and I sold to 14 shops....it was really easy to sell patterns once people realized there was this great trunk show they could also get. But once that booked out through August of 09', it made it harder to sell.

So, now I have decided to offer a trunk show of my own that can be booked through me. Good idea huh? Samples sell patterns AND YARN. How man times have you walked into your LYS and seen a finished item and though I really want to knit that (or not). Trunk shows rock. Contact me if you want to give your LYS a flyer, you might wina free pattern from me if they actually order!

I can't wait for Interweave Knits Fall comes out. Of course I hope that those are inspired to knit my sweet little wristlet do so, however I think I truly truly might have to knit a cardigan i saw in there...I take that back, I think a more realistic thing for me would be one of the awesome vests....wait until you see the two really awesome vests...I feel inspired.

#53 T freakinNNA

2008-06-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hi! Still here at TNNA...one more 1/2 day to go. I just am putting up a podcast to tell you all about it. Classic moment happened on my way back to the hotel. I was walking the 8 city block walk from one Hyatt to the other Hyatt and am crossing the street holdling the two books I scored for free today, More Big Girl Knits and Sweater Renewal...and the streets are just empty except for random groups of women here and there...I am cradling the books and my cell phone is pressed to my ear and I am chatting with my husband....and two women are walking by me going the other way and one of them has a big smile on her face and is looking at me and says 'thats our book!' in a split second I realized the two women were Jillian Moreno and Amy Singer, so I flashed the front cover of the book (it had been facing in) and gave her a big smile...the front cover has her on it..and I kept walking and talking to my husband.

Can you imagine how I wanted to turn around and walk with them and whisper in Amy's ear how I hope she will pick my submission for the Fall Knitty and that she rejected the cutest Martini Bag and that it was funny because just after that Interweave decided to publish TWO (not one but TWO) of my designs....but I kept walking and talking to my husband cause you know what...we are all working or relaxing after working and it just wouldn't of been appropriate...and I get it and I am part of it yet not.

#52 It all blends together.

2008-05-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

Is it that way for everyone that works at home...and who's husband works at home....and who has kids at home. Or is it something about when you knit for work and knit for fun and knit for sanity?

I talk about:
Toothpick Optional

Patternworks

Noni Bags

5 more days until I go to TNNA.....eeeekkkk...YAYYY!!!!!

Want a job in knitting....how about as Nora Gaughan's assistant....

Design Assistant:

Berroco Inc, a major importer of hand knitting yarns, is currently searching for a design assistant. (Berroco is Located in Uxbridge , MA – approximately 1 hour by car from Boston, MA, 35 minutes from Providence, RI)

Duties to include:
• Designing of hand knit and crochet garments for woman, men and children
• Writing newsletters and fashion copy
• Social, fashion and trend spotting
• Working with national knitting magazines
• Domestic and international travel for trade shows

Requirements:
• Hand knit design experience
• Ability to knit, crochet, and sketch
• Profeciency with Mac and PC including layout, drawing, spreadsheet, & internet
• College degree

Compensation:
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits

Contact:
• Please submit resume by e-mail to Norah Gaughan, Design Director
ngaughan@berroco.com

Knitters start your engines.....

2008-05-24T16:38:00.001-07:00

Vroom Vroom idle idle idle idle...that is where I am...in idle. I have done most of the vroom vrooming and though there seems to be daily work and changes within the idling...I am just waiting to get to TNNA and see how it goes. I am also trying to figure out what all I need to do if I truly am going to get a booth at Stitches. Have you been to Stitches? What would draw you to a designers booth...what catches your eye when you are there? Do you usually go there just for the yarn?

Special Episode of She-Knits Podcast Part II of Lessons Learned While Knitting First Garment
I think ShrinkyKnitter is so funny, love her Lessons Learned etc. The last part will be aired mid-June. Next She-knits Podcast episode will just be me.

I submitted again to Knitty......idle idle idle idle...I love the design I submitted and hope they do too...one never knows...and if one did then one would go by a lottery ticket.

Work work work work

2008-05-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

Not complaining...just saying. Everyday I learn something new that I should do to make things better and often it entails going through every pattern and making a change. Now I am trying to figure out how to use the Intuit software Simple Start 2008 and doing detailed little things like assigning each pattern a product number...it sounds inane but its all these little things that take so much time, that will in the end save me time... however you know what is frustrating... SO FRUSTRATING...I have NO TIME TO KNIT...urgggggg.

Again, aren't I lucky that this is what I am complaining about? I need an assisatant...and for that matter I need a chauffeur...and a cook and a laundress, oh and another two sets of hands....and if I am going to put it all out there I could use a trainer too..........and my own jet.

A girl of simple needs.

Is She-Knits at your LYS? See the growing list here!

2008-05-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

U.S.A.

CALIFORNIA
Green Planet Yarns - Campbell
Lori's Frames Fibers and Frills - Alpine
Michael Levine Inc. - Los Angeles

COLORADO
Green Valley Weavers - Colorado Springs
Knit Knack - Arvada
Knitters Kove - Colorado Springs

Needle Rock Fiber Arts - Telluride
Purl N Pottery Too - Cedaredge

String - Highlands Ranch

GEORGIA
Strings and Sticks - Ellijay

ILLINOIS
NeedleDee - Flossmoor
Prarie Arts and Fibers - Grayslake
Village Knit Whiz - Glenview

INDIANA
Knit Stop - Indianapolis

KANSAS
Newton Beadery - Newton

MASSACHUSETTES
Metaphor Yarns - Shelburn

MICHIGAN
Thread Bear Fiber Arts Studio - Lansing

MINNESOTA
3 Kittens Needle Arts - Mendota Hts.
All About Yarn - Coon Rapids
Amazing Threads - Maple Grove
Between Friends - Brainerd
Bonnie's Spinning Wheel - St.Cloud
Crates of Yarn - Fergus Falls
Gallery of Dreams - Alexandria
Monika's - Park Rapids
Sheepy Yarn Shoppe - White Bear Lake
Silver Creek Cabin - Buffalo
Sister's Scrapbooking Shop - Cloquet

MISSOURI
MisKnits - Kansas City
The Yarn Center - Hamilton

NEBRASKA
Personal Threads - Omaho

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Yarn and Fiber Company - Derry

NEW JERSEY
Woolbearers - Mount Holly

NEVADA
Pioneer Yarn Company - Minden

NEW YORK
Cornwall Yarn Shop - Cornwall

NORTH CAROLINA
Baskets of Yarn - Charlotte
Silver Threads and Golden Needles - Franklin

OHIO
River Colors Yarn Studio - Lakewood
The Yarn Shop - Columbus
Yarn Cravin' - Perrysburg

OREGON
The Web -Sters - Ashland

PENNSYLVANIA
Switzer's Countryside - Seven Valleys

SOUTH DAKOTA
Knotty Knitter - Mitchell

TENNESSEE
Yarn Patch - Crossville

TEXAS
The Hen House - Spring
Lone Star Quiltworks - Bryan
The Tinsmith's Wife - Comfort
Twisted Yarns - Spring
Whirled Fibers - Duncanville

WASHINGTON
Apple Yarns - Bellingham
Yorkshire Yarns - Lakewood

WISCONSIN
Loops and Links Yarns - De Pere
Main St. Yarn Shop - Hartford

WYOMING
Dancing Sheep - Casper

CANANDA

BRITISH COLOMBIA
Beehive Wool Shop - Victoria

QUEBEC
Effiloche - Montreal

VANCOUVER
Maiwa Handprints - Granville Island

UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON
Stash Yarns - London

50 at 50

2008-05-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

She-Knits podcast #50 (isn't that my jubilee podcast?) is an interview with Lisa Shoyer who is senior editor of Interweave Knits, editor of Knit Scene and co-editor of the special issue of Interweave Felting Issue. I got to bug Lisa for an interview as I was in the process of knitting up my projects that are going to be in the upcoming Interweave publications (am so excited I still can't believe it). Hope everyone enjoys it!

I am, as mmarker (on Ravelry) put a flaming ball of creativity....well I know I am at least a flaming ball of something. I do feel on fire with trying to get ready for TNNA whilst trying to really get everything going with my wholesale business. I keep thinking of more and more and more bags....I haven't even touched other knitting...well actually I am knitting one other kind of thing, but thats for a Knitty submission...yes....once again I am putting myself in that position again........

Here is the new girl in town, her name is Jane and she is far from plain, a little slip stitching heaven from a mother of seven. Jane is available as a pattern or kit.

She-Knits Knitting Tech, Errata, + Video's

2008-04-25T10:13:00.001-07:00

In this lengthy post you will find (in this order):

1. She-Knits pattern corrections.

2.She-Knits Knitting Tech video tutorials on You tube

3. Embroidery instructions (for Dumpling Bag)

4. Hand written tutorial for magnetic snap assembly

_______________________________________________
LAPORTE TOTE in Intereweave Knits Fall '09
NOT A CORRECTION, A CLARIFICATION
Many people have e-mailed me regarding confusion with Interweaves chart for the cables of the Laporte Tote. The confusion is typically because most often charts start with the right side of your knitting following the chart from the lower right hand corner reading the first row right to left. The chart for the top cable band of the Laporte Tote is knit starting with a WRONG SIDE row and therefore the chart in the magazine starts from the lower LEFT hand corner reading that first row from left to right.
If you own the magazine and would like the text directions I wrote for the pattern please contact me at sdreifuss[AT!] msn [DOT]com
-----------------------------------
KATIE BAG
Yarn Forward #14
A person contacted me on Ravelry with an error in the Katie Bag pattern in the magazine.
It’s on the directions for the Cable Pattern for the side of the bag (that eventually turns into the handles).
It is row 3: K6, p1, sl2 wyif, p1, k1 - is what is printed
it should be:
Row 3: K6, p1, sl2 wyif, p1, k6

-----------------------------------
1. She-Knits pattern corrections

LORIN The interior pocket for Lorin is worked with a single strand of Lamb's Pride Bulky. Also note there is no exterior pocket on Lorin.
_________________________________________________________________________________

2.She-Knits video tutorials on You Tube

Applied i-cord bind off with decreases

Creating strap or button holes in the round using knitted cast on

Faire Isle in the round

Tuck Stitch

__________________________________________________

3. She-Knits Knitting Tech text and picture tutorials
SHE-KNITS KNITTING TECH text and pictorial tutorials below cover techniques used within She-Knits patterns in case the lovely She-Knits knitters need more detailed information. Most She-Knits patterns that are labeled beginner or advanced beginner have this information within the pattern itself however embroidery stitches used are detailed below. Intermediate She-Knits patterns do not go in to as much detail, however details of techniques in those patterns may also be found here. Please contact She-Knits if you have any questions.

Applied i-cord cast off
This is often used to finish the top of the bag however many she-Knits patterns use applied i-cord cast off with decreases (which are noted in each individual pattern).
With backwards loop cast on cast 2 sts. on left hand needle. *K1, sl 1, k1 (this stitch will be the first stitch from the body of the bag) With the left needle, pass the slipped stitch over the last knit stitch. Slip those sts. back onto the left hand needle*. Repeat between *’s until all top of bag sts have been knitted. Cast off the remaining 2 sts. leaving a long tail.

Backwards loop cast on
*Loop working yarn and place it on -needle backward so that it doesn’t unwind. Repeat from *.

Embroidery Stitches (detailed instruction coming soon)

CHAIN STITCH
Bring the thread up at the top of the line and hold it down with the left thumb. Insert the needle where it last emerged and bring the point out a short distance away. Pull the thread through, keeping the working thread under the needle point.

FRENCH KNOT
Bring the thread out at the required position, hold the thread down where it emerges with the left thumb and encircle the thread twice with the needle (see A). Still holding the thread firmly with your thumb, twist the needle back to the starting point and insert it close to where the thread first emerged (not in the exact place or it will simply pull back through). Pull the needle through to the back, leaving a small knot on the surface, as shown, or pass on to the position of the next stitch as at B.

Lazy Daisy Stitch:

(also know as a Detached Chain Stitch)

Work in the same way as Chain Stitch (A), but fasten each loop at the center with a small stitch (B). This stitch may be worked singly or in groups to form flower petals.

Slightly Overlapping Back Stitch or Stem Stitch:

Working from left to right, bring the needle up at A, down at B, up at C, down at D. Continue this pattern to create raised effect.

I-cord
When working I-cord, work is not turned. Instead of turning the work around to work back on the WS, slide all sts to the other end of the needle, switch the needle back to your left hand, bring the yarn around the back of the work, and start knitting the sts again. After the first 2 sts, give the yarn a sharp tug. Repeat this row to form I-cord. After a fewrows, the work will begin to form a tube.

Intarsia
Intarsia is large blocks of single colors that make a design. Separate small wound balls of yarn or bobbins of yarn are used for each area of a color across the row.

Every knitter develops her/his own preference of what to do in terms of the many colors needed. For smaller sections some like to leave a long
strand of yarn dangling. Some people like to make their own butterfly center pull balls of yarn. Prepare your various yarn colors before you
begin your color work chart.

The most important part of doing intarsia work is to minimize the holes that can be created when changing colors. When you come to the edge of a
color block and want to start a new color, the NEW color is always brought up UNDERNEATH the OLD yarn strand. As you work your way up the knitting, this twists the strands around each other, connecting the edges of each color to the next. At every color joint do the same, NEW
yarn *under* OLD. This is much easier to see on the purl side of your knitting. If there are small gaps when you are done with your knitting felting will take care of much of this. If there are larger gaps it is best to use your yarns ends to neatly sew together any larger gaps before you felt your bag.

MAGIC LOOP KNITTING LINKS FOR VISUAL TUTORIALS:
Knittinghelp.com
Knitwitch.com

Magnetic snap placement on Dumpling Bag (shown on Double Dumpling)

Ribbon mounting magnetic snap (double click on written tutorial or images to enlarge) The tutorial shows how to mount the snap in grosgrain ribbon. The pictures of examples of the mounted snaps sewn in to the bags. Please contact me if you have any questions.

#49 Knitting changed me.

2008-04-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

I will write more later however I wanted to put this up in case there are people not on Ravelry that wanted to enter the contest in Episode #49. You can enter by leaving a comment here if you aren't in Ravelry...but first I guess you will have to isten to she show to hear what the contest is....oh bother

I will write more soon.....

Be in the Moment #48

2008-04-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

I recently realized that one of the aspects of knitting that I really love is when I am following a pattern that I have to pay attention to...like a lace repeat that can be memorized....and I am just repeating that over and over in my head and something about the rhythm and looking at the yarn color and feeling the texture of they yarn...and even better with music, or a podcast, or a book on tape in my ears...and I am so at peace and IN THE MOMENT...must be all right brain stuff...none of that left brain chatter. Well maybe the memorization of the pattern is left, but everything else is right.

Please please follow THIS link and watch this amazing video of this persons experience of having a stroke. Neuro-anatomist Jill Bolte Taylor talks about how when she was 37 she had a stroke and realized it while it was happening. Talk about being in the moment...this is really fascinating. Be oatient it takes a minute to open....take a breath or two and chill out.

The ravelry link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/design-your-own-toe-up-socks

HERE is Stitch Studs Blog and on the right is a link to toe-up sock tutorial booklet that you can preview part of and a link to purchase it. It allows for your own yarn choice needle choice etc.

HERE is the direct link to purchase the sock tutorial if you are on Ravelry.

If you like to look at

2008-04-08T21:40:00.001-07:00

knitting blogs....
and you like to look around Ravelry.....
and you like to keep up your own blog and write coments in other people's blogs and talk in the Forum (especially the Sheknits Circle)
how do you EVER have any time to knit......I'm serious

#47 Try try again- She-Knits Podcast

2008-03-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have never spent so much time knitting a few rows and frogging completely...over and over...for 3 hours one afternoon, then 2 more hours that evening...unresolved. The net day my brain and needles reconnected and all is well. Have a listen to the latest episode for more details.

I am a so nervous .....

2008-03-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

40 minutes more. I just finished knitting the project for Interweave Felts...and now I have just put it in the washer...and I am so afraid it won't work out how I want it to. The thinkg with felting is it is not an exact science. The thing with this project is the amazing yarn that we agreed upon my using is vastly different then what I created the original project in. I had to do multiple swatches and wanted to do another but was concerned that I wouldn't have enough left for the actual project. I know this sounds weird but sometimes when I am designing and doing the knitting part, I get these little feelings that come out of nowhere i.e. "this is the last row" or "add another few sts."...almost like voices "if you build it they will come" kind of voices. I did have some of that while knitting this project but there is just this unkwn factor of it still being an unfamiliar yarn to me and that i never actually knit a swatch with the exact dimensions but rather guessed form what I did and didn't like on the swatches as to how to proceed. 34 minutes more.

The skip in my step still has not left!

2008-03-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Maybe because I am still in process creating project #2 for Interweave. I realize as I am doing this, I need to continually be sketching (which I am) and casting on for new designs. It needs to be an ongoing thing.

I am so wanting to continue the Central Park Hoodie, and alse the Drops Eskimo pattern keeps calling to me. I can not have anything else on the needles...I just don't think I am a sweater knitter during this design phase in my life. It pretty much takes up all my time...and I am fine with it on the one hand, however feel somehow out of it in the Circle as I don't have anthing to talk about but bags bags bags. I do keep up with everything everyone is doing and I do know alot of what is out there...jsut not knitting it myself.

I have a bunch of bag ideas......and I want to get a solid newbunch of patterns up and for sale!

FREE Sheknits for Knitters purse pattern

2008-03-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

Bunnies Got Back - a knit and felted Bag Pattern great for beginners interested in trying out intarsia!

By Sharon Dreifuss -

For more of Sharon's knitting patterns + kits
visit www.Sheknitsforknitters.com

I know spring is here when I see an abundance of those fluffy little white tails hopping away from me as I make my way back to the outdoors. When it warms up outside it means I can size down to a small on the go bag which can be worn on my wrist, or thrown in my ever present big bag if need be. What shouts springtime more then bright pink, green and white? About the sweet and silly pom-poms, well, spring makes me feel giddy. The bunnies aren’t the only ones showing there tails in the sun.

SIZE

One (perfect for cell phone, i-pod, keys, bills, mints)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Before Felting
Height: 7 inches (from below small loop)
Width: 7 inches
Wrist Strap Length: 14 inches

After Felting
Height: 5.5 inches after assembly
Width: 5.5 inches
Wrist Strap Length: 10 inches

After Felting

MATERIALS

[MC] Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky [85% wool, 15% mohair; 125yd/114m per 113g skein] ; M-38: Lotus Pink; 1 skein (or 80 yds)

[CC] Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky [85% wool, 15% mohair; 125yd/114m per 113g skein] ; M- 11 : White Frost; 1 skein (or 50 yds)

Embroidery yarn for bunny detail:

Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted [85% wool, 15% mohair; 190yd/173m per 113g skein];

[A] M-05: Onyx (used to outline bunny) 2 yds;

Pom-pom yarns;

The two Pom–poms are made in Lamb’s Pride Bulky yarn.You will need approximately one yard of white for bunny’s tail, and one yard of green for bag closure pom-pom.

1 set US # 13/9mm double pointed needles

1 set US # 13/9mm straight needles

Tapestry needle for embroidery and assembly

1 red seed bead for bunny eye (optional)

Small Pom-Pom Maker to make 1-2 inch pom-pom or cut cardboard pieces into circles to create your own pom-pom maker

Scissors

GAUGE

10sts/ 15 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (un-felted)

Exact gauge is not important for this pattern

PATTERN NOTES

Intarsia knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colors

i-cord When working I-cord, work is not turned. Instead of turning the work

around to work back on the WS, slide all sts to the other end of the needle, switch the needle back to your left hand, bring the yarn around the back of the work, and start knitting the sts again. After the first 2 sts, give the yarn a sharp tug. Repeat this row to form I-cord. After a few rows, the work will begin to form a tube.

kfb knit into the front and back of the same stitch. (This gives you 2sts.)

m1 make one stitch by inserting left needle, from front to back, under the horizontal strand between last stitch worked and next stitch on left hand needle, forming a loop on the needle, knit through the back of this loop.

Bag is worked from; the small loop closure down the front of bag following colorwork Bunny Chart from the top of chart, Row 20 (then 19,18, 17 and so on) down to row 1, then up the front of bag. Embroidery details are done before felting. Next bag is assembled and wrist strap is knit. Bag is then felted. Pom-poms are added after bag is felted.

PATTERN

With double pointed needle and [MC] CO 2 sts. and i-cord for 3 inches (10 rows) to create loop closure. Leave i-cord on needle. With other double pointed needle pick up 2 stitches from the first row of the i-cord (Figure 1 )

The picked up stitches will initially be very tight however they will loosen up as soon as you knit across them. Connect those two sets of stitches by knitting the 2 stitches of your left hand needle onto the right hand needle keeping tension as even as possible (4sts.).

Next row: Purl back

You are now ready to begin your increases.

Row 1: *kfb, m1*; repeat from*-* across row, end kfb (11 sts)

Row 2: Purl back

Row 3: K1, kfb in next 9 sts, last stitch k1 (20 sts)

Row 4: Purl back

Switch to straight needles and continuing in Stockinette Stitch follow Colorwork Bunny Chart (see pattern notes regarding Colorwork Chart) from the TOP DOWN (Row 22, the 21,20, etc.) for the next 22 rows

Next: Continue in Stockinette Stitch for 7 inches ending with a purl row.

Next row : On the right or knit side , bind off all stitches.

Side seams

With right sides facing and MC sew sides seams together as close to edge as possible with whip stitch.

Wrist strap

Turn bag so right side is out. Pick up 3 stitches as evenly as possible directly over side seam where bag is seamed together. I-cord those 3 stitches for 14 inches (40 rows). Bind off and sew that end onto other side of bag over other side seam so strap is evenly attached.

FINISHING

Create 2 small (1-2 inch) pom-poms, one in white and one in green. Pom-Poms do not get felted so do not attach pom-poms until after bag is felted.

With tapestry needle and [A] work chain stitch around bunny adding an extra stitch to accent bunny nose profile.

Sew seed bead in for bunny eye if desired

Felt bag

Place your finished bag inside a zippered pillow case (not laundry mesh bag), add an old pair of rubber flip-flops or jeans (for extra agitation) to washing machine set on hottest temperature. Use a little laundry soap. Turn machine on and it will do the felting for you. If you are new to felting run machine on short cycle (15-30 minutes) and check to see felting progress. Felt the bag until it's the size and texture you desire. Under-felting leaves stitch definition and bag will be floppy with knit-like structure. Over-felting leaves bag over shrunken and destroyed so watch your progress until you understand how felting works in your machine.

When finished felting stuff with old plastic grocery bags to desired shape and air dry.

Sew on pom-pom bunny tail smack dap in the middle of bunny backside. Sew on closure pom-pom 1 inch below top of bag back so closure loops fits nicely over it.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Sharon knits, designs, podcasts and parents seven children just outside of Chicago. You can contact her, find more designs and purse kits at

SheKnitsforKnitters.com If you would like an earful of Sharon to keep you company while you knit go to http://she-knits.mypodcast

Contact: Sharon@Sharonbethdesigns.com

#46 Konchiwa

2008-03-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

I had such a nice talk with such a nice woman in Japan....THANK YOU Kathleen!!

Select someone you think could use a litlle (not so little) Omiyage! The thread has been started in Ravelry to place your nominee in there. In the end it will be the luck of the draw!

I am done knitting project #1 for Interweave yeah! I was told that the yarn that gave me the yarngasm just by the look of it on the computer screen shall arrive tomorrow ...I am beyond excited ...the best anticipation eva!

Have you tried the blocking puzzle from Coco knits? DO you think its good compared to big solid cumbersome well demarcated blocking board?

#45 What is the plan

2008-03-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

I am having a hard time coming up with a cohesive plan for myself. I realize I don't like to plan my personal knitting...what little of it ther is...because then I feel so guilty when I don't get to it...which I really don't lately!

Am still giddy while I am knitting the secret Intereweave Knits project with the lovely and generous yarns they sent. Am still waiting for the unber amazing yarn for the IK Felts project. The contracts came today. I feel so priviledged that I get to be part of the new and more humane to designers contract! Thank you Annie Modesitt and thank you IK!

I still can't believe...

2008-03-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

that I am sitting her knitting yarn that was picked out by Eunny...to knit for Interweave....this is a dream come true. I hope to be so worthy. This project for IK Fall 08' is cute, and something special, but not my typical pattern.....it makes me nervous that people can't wait to see it because I think some of things I have already designed are far more spectacular then this and that they will somehow be disappointed. Well, spectacular is kind of a big word...but this design is a quiet sweet project .....does this make sense. Its not like a ba-bammmmmm...more like an awwwwwww. Wish I could show pictures ...but I can't ;) When I designed this last year, a artist told me I should enter it into a contest as she was sure I would earn press. I wasn't sure what she was talking about, but I did save it and never posted a picture of it and now am so glad I saved it for something ...and the something was getting published!

#44 One reason why.

2008-03-06T22:21:00.001-08:00

I Finally finished the two gigando Melly Bags and just love it in gray and pink.

I keep trying to out grow my love for light pink, but alas at 50 I still lurve it!

Here is the blog with the post about the variegated sweater I spoke about.

I finished the bag part of another customer Dream Floral and was stunned into horrified silence when I held it up and noticd that I had oriented it wrongly. I like most of the pattern to be on the front with a little wrapped around one side and a bit more wrapped around to the back on the other side. I did the whole thing wrapping one side. My LYS owner made the best suggestion when she said , rip and re-do the bottom. I cut off the bottom and picked up all the stitches and am going to make a mitered bottom.

Should be.....

Hey, maybe after cutting off the bottom of this I will lose all fear of steeking!

I don't care for varigated yarn and lace together unless the varigated yarn is very subtle and the lace pattern is very plain. Seriously...whats the point? Seems to me to show off lace at its best a solid or subtley hued yarn is in order. I also think a colorful yarn and cables don't make sense either I think in the end one need be very careful on multicolored yarn altogether. It can be stunning, such as Koigu creations (which I have never done) or hideous as witnessed below. Doesn't this look plain ugly?

Kind of looks harmless at first glance....

trust me, its just bad....

#43 Is this happening?

2008-03-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

New podcast is up...Epiode #43 Is this happening... Find it on i-tunes uner She-knits Podcast or find it HERE

My exciting news is out! Sheknits is being published not only in Interweave Knits 08' but in Interweave Knits Felting Issue as well! I still can't believe it. I'm more the thrilled. Now I have to learn how to develop an additional persona called confident and assertive Sheknits. I need to learn how to market myself. This is my breakthrough moment...right? So I need to jump on it...and put on my big girl panties and figure it out and and and.

Suggestions?

I am knitting on the same custom orders, having finished one Melly Bag which is currently still in the wash. I just finished another bag that I am going to submit...it really interesting and I've not seen anything like it before. I have Central Park Hoodie on the needles awaiting some attention. I have a silk scarf and Wicked languishing on some needles.

#42 What makes you feel sucessful?

2008-02-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

SO are shownotes important? Is anyone really loking at this. Please leave me comments if you think shownotes are an important aspect of the Sheknits podcast and I will try to do a better job if you need me to.

I have been in Colorado all week nursing my college freshman because she fell down and went boom and broke. Snowboarding is an expensive sport especially when you break your shoulder. Argggggg.

In the show I ask, what is it that you do to feel sucessful? We all need to, is it mere attitude, like finding success in small ways , or does something have to be big to be successful?

What should we do for the march KAL? I started a thread in the Sheknits Podcast group in the Raverly forums asking this question..pipe up if you want to.

I would like to here about your favorite knitted objects i.e. animals, toys, useful knitted objects. Please leave it on Raverly, here or contact me and let me know particular patterns you have enjoyed .

I am knitting Central Park Hoodie in Mission Falls Cotton 1834 in the prettiest softest pumpkin color.. in one piece.

I also am still finishing two Melly Bags and a Dream Floral Bag.

Are you looking for a new knit and felted bag pattern or complete kit. Go to SheknitsforKnitters.com and buy a pattern or a kit or some Creature Knitting Needles.

Do these shownotes matter...or help...or is there anyone really reading them?

#41 On Eggshells

2008-02-18T20:53:00.001-08:00

THe shownotes are incomplete right this moment. I will try to complete them by 2/20

Yay for the return of my MacBook

Hi SheKnitters-

I finally missed a week however it was not by choice but rather computer meltdown. When i was trying to post last weeks show my computer lost it's mind and in the end they had to re-install the hard drive and left me with some of my documents with everything else gone. What was that, did you really ask if I backed up my laptop......well, I will now once I figure out how to. Its only a computer...right??!!!

So tomorrow I go to Boulder to be with the broken shouldered daughter while she of the 10th percentile that needs surgery when they break their shoulder, gets her surgery. I will kindly accept and hope for the kind wishes through the Universe of all of my Circle that sends it. We need to all be on the mend here ...lots of sickness in the last 2 weeks...we need Spring to come...some new growth...especially those of us in that are silly enough to call the Midwest and East our homes...well we know there is more to life then weather...but seriously hopefully we can start an upward and on the mend time for those of you that have had all that winter yeech in your homes.

I am continuing with the two customer Melly Bags, and the one customer Dream Bag (which is looking particularly gorgey.

I am swatching for either CPH or Sweaterbabes Lush and Lacey Cardigan...depending on which I can get gauge on ..using either Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece or Rowan Calmer. So far Calmer has been 5 1/4 on an 8, then I think I got correct gauge on a 10 but the fabric was too loosey goosey. Now I am trying it doubled in the Calmer before I move on to Cotton Fleece...cuz I like Calmer more better.

#40 Slice Of Life Sheknits Circle

2008-02-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

I need a shownotes holiday in terms of links.

I am knitting 2 Melly Bags and a Dream Floral. I am having a heck of a time with my Lala Scarf for Lace in Feb..however...I will not quit.

I treasure Ravelry with just the mere exiostance of my Sheknits Circle in which we talk about everything from chemo to cat vomit and all knitting in betweeen.

I also treasure it as I pm'ed complete strangers looking for help with Lala and they both replied.

What did we do before Ravelry??

PattyB was deeply touched by our messages of condolence and the gifts that were sent to her...I am so glad we all did that.

Swap lists will be going out next week

#39 Just Sheknits

2008-01-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

Last week was my 5 year olds kindergarten performance, it was so bittersweet.

What are you knitting? I am knitting 4 bags for customers. Marly, 2 Melly's, and A Dream Floral.

I am still working on Wicked and getting more and more excited about doing the Lala Scarf.

Congratulations to jaka13 for finishing her first garment ..hello Wicked. How'd you do it so quickly??

If you want to be part of our Sheknits Circle come say hello in Raverly either in the daily small talk, or Whatchaknitting Saturday. IF you are not in Ravelry say hi here or e-mail me sdreifuss[At}msn[DOT]com

Sheknits first ever Secret Swap closes Jan 30th- contact me same as above if you want to particpate and are truly going to do it right!

I am going to send a Yarn Harlot book and/or a sock pattern book to pattyb who is in our knitting circle. Her husband passed unexpectedly from a massive heart attack a few days ago. FlashyGranny on Ravelry is sending her Cat Bordhi's sock book we are going to say both books are from the Sheknits knitting circle.. Both these items are on pattyb's swap list and she contactedme to say she needed to drop out of the swap...I couldn't just let it end there....if you want to send condolences you can contact her on Ravelry.

#38 Chugga chugga....choo chooooo

2008-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

Things are just chugging along...one week into the next.

Messenger bag is almost done and I AM going to submit it.!!!!! As well as the either really cool or really weird and ugly scarf.

Next I will be writing the pattern for a shoulder bag I currently call Colors Gone Wild Bag.

Come to the circle, say hello either on Small Talk threads which are almost daily, or once a week at Whatchaknitting Saturday.

She-Knits first Secret Swap is open until Jan 30th for those in the She-Knits Circle.

Wicked ...so far....

Am still trying to decide on the Lace in Feb. Kal...which will now be called Try Lace in Feb...its between Beaded Scarf II
or Liesel.

#37 Tortured

2008-01-15T16:35:00.001-08:00

1. Are you tortured right now with your knitting, or maybe just blah?. I am tortured, though I think it's greatly due to this &#%@ submission thing which for me is a necessary evil. This should be the biggest torture of my life thank you very much....not much to be tortured about is it? 2. If you are generally satisfied with your knitting are generally satisfied with life...kind of an even keel type person? 3. If you go through highs and lows with your knitting is that also your personality outside of knitting? 4. Is knitting just knitting to you..fun when you do it, however youd don't necessarily miss it when you aren't doing it? Or, do you looooove knitting and are always wondering what the next pattern and new yarns are that you are going to find? Do you think about knitting A LOT when you are not knitting? WANT SOME FUN........sure you do...something that jut will be a little fun thing to look forward to. Well, come on and join the Sheknits Podcast Knitting Circle First EVER Secret Pal Swap...can we trust you ...I have a magic mirror...I can seeeee you....oh and by the time this is organized I imagine the actual swap will take place in about 4 weeks, so think towards the middle/ end of Feb. unless we can get it together to do earlier I have never done a secret swap as I am so cynical and non-trusting...well maybe not the cynical part, but I swear I would be even more tortured then I already am if my swap partner didn't follow through. If you are on Raverly then pm me that you are interested and what (for you) would be the price range you could spend betwen $10.00 - $30.00 and I will match people up. Also suggest what has been fun and satisfying for you if you have done a swap before i.e. : yarn, candy, knitting pattern, knitting tools, bath salts, hand made goodies...whateva..just tell me! Also I am looking for one other volunteer helper (and let me know if you would like to help me with this..especially if you have swap experience and the time to help without feeling hassled) I am so excited. Even if there are only 5 of us we can make it work. Hopefully there will be more. The nice thing is a bunch of us are familiar with each other. If you are new to the knitting circle or have been a lurker and this swap brings you out of your lurkdom, so be it...however, you better get into the She-Knits Podcast group and at a minimum introduce yourself in the "Intro. (or re-intro) yourself" thread. What about those of you not on Raverly, you can e-mail me at sdreifuss(AT)msn(dot)com

Join the Sheknits Podcast Knitting Circle First EVER Secret Pal Swap…can we trust you …I have a magic mirror…I can seeeee you….oh and by the time this is organized I imagine the actual swap will take place in about 4-5 weeks give or take, so think towards the middle/ end of Feb. unless we decide differently

I have never done a secret swap as I am so cynical and non-trusting…well maybe not the cynical part, but I swear I would be even more tortured then I already am if my swap partner didn’t follow through. Don’t do this unless you will follow through and are willing to be communicative and timely…no slackers please…bad karma

1.If you want in, PM me with ALL the following info which I need to secretly match you up. I am not asking people to post theri info on their personal blog, just post to me and I will match you up. PLEASE TITLE YOUR PM “SWAP”:**

A) Pick ONE of these amounts that you are willing to spend on your goodies, and remember that is what you will be matched with- range of $15-$20-ish OR $25 -$30ish OR $35-$45ish .

B) Are you willing to ship internationally …and remember if you say yes to internationally, consider what amount you are still willing to spend JUST on the goodies. Also please tell me specifically if you would LIKE to be matched up with someone international

C) Any allergies? Do you smoke?

D) Favorite treat salty or sweet…state some specifics if you’d like too

E) Fav. knitting magazine or book you currently don’t own (remember swap will be taking place in about 4-5 weeks

F) Any particular yarn,needle, pattern, kit, or tool you are hoping for (remember your price range)

G) Favorite scent?

H) Regarding a small-ish hand made gift, knit, crochet or other!. DO you want to make one, do you want one? Either way is fine just asking.

I) Anything I missed here…suggestions please

Send the answers to me in a PM here please.

2. I am looking for one other volunteer helper. Please let me know in your PM if you would like to help me with this..especially if you have swap experience or are just a good organizoer and have the time to help without feeling hassled.

I am so excited. Even if there are only 5 of us we can make it work. Hopefully there will be more. The nice thing is a bunch of us are familiar with each other. If you are new to the knitting circle or have been a lurker and this swap brings you out of your lurkdom, so be it…however, you better get into the She-Knits Podcast group and at a minimum introduce yourself in the “Intro. (or re-intro) yourself” thread.

What about those of you not on Raverly, you can e-mail me at sdreifuss(AT)msn(dot)com

#35 Teaching

2008-01-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

LOVE IT! I feel so incredibly lucky to be part of someones learning to knit experience and to get to be the one that gives them some of the little keys to the kingdom...well ...its just awesome.

Ninaclock145's Mrs Beetons

WesrtKnits felted clogs with needle felted college logos

Javanuts Syncopation Bag

Join the Wicked Kal in She-Knits Podcast group on Raverly

How about the Lace in Feb Kal?

Slip Stitch patterning versus stranded or fair isle knitting

Come say hello on Whatchaknitting Saturday 1/13 by either e-mailing me and letting me know what your are knitting this Saturday at sdreifuss[AT]msn[DOT]com
- or-
if you are on Ravelry go to groups and type in She-Knits and you'll figure it out from there

Holiday Kal Cal Special Episode....and the winner's are....

2008-01-09T15:44:00.000-08:00

WARNING- Listening to this Holiday Kal Cal Special Episode may make you:

A) Very happy!!!!!
B) A little sad :0(
or
C) Bored out of your skull

Depending on -

A) If you won a prize on the Holiday Kal Cal
B) If you did not win a prize
or
C) if you did not even participate in the Holiday Kal Cal

THis is over an hour of Marly of Yarn Thing and I first naming off the entries for the 6 possible grand prize winners but mostly is naming the randomly drawn winners of all the wonderful generous swag! Of course there is the occasional digression.

GO to the Holdiday Kal Cal blog to see the 6 entries for the grand prize and please vote for one winner (and only vote once). Also all the randomly drawn winners and the swag they have won is listed there as well!

#34 Fresh - She-Knits Podcast

2008-01-01T23:27:00.000-08:00

Start 08' freshy fresh! Rip those things that have been sitting untouched (and unloved) on your needles. If you didin't like the yarn after you saw it knit-up then give it away or swap it...if you weren't liking the pattern as you knit it...RIP IT .....you will feel FREE and FRESH

I finished pair #2 of Fiber Trends Clogs...who is this genius Bev Galeskas...I must find out her story of creating this pattern.

I am in the mood to do lace ...I wonder if it gets boring. Possibly Juno from Knitty?

What do you lace knitters/blockers suggest as good purchases to make blocking garments and/or lace easier...there is talk of some kind of wires.....whatother equipment is good.

I am working on a messenger bag pattern which will be for sale soon.

I am NOT submitting to Knitty for this Spring..YAY for decisions which will leave me less thinly spread!!!

I am so in the mood to learn which are the faorite garments done in the round, either top down or bottom up and going to begin that journey by knitting and hopefully completing Wicked. If you want to join the Wicked Anticipation KAL go to She0Knits Podcast group in the Ravelry forums and if you are not on Ravelry and want to knit Wicked with me then e-mail me and I will keep you in the loop.

Have you taken your passion and made it into a business and been happy or un-happy with that venture? I would love to hear about it.

I will be doing a Whatchaknitting Saturday this Saturday January 5.

She-Knits purse patterns and purse kits can be found at Sheknitsforknitters.com
My name on Ravelry is Sheknits
My e-mail is sdreifuss[AT]msn[DOT]com

#33 Your Knitting Circle

2007-12-25T05:15:00.000-08:00

1. Do you feel like you are part of a knitting circle here with Sharon and other She-Knits listeners?

I am going to change my schedule for now to podcasting the 2nd and 4th of the month instead of every week. So next cast will be Jan. 9 or 10th. I hope I am not letting anyone down. I want to continue to record regularly however the every week gig wasn't feeling pleasureful it was feeling pressure filled. I hope you all understand and stick around. I know you all want me to have fun with it...right?

I still plan to check our and write in the She-Knits Podcast group daily. Feel free to start your own topics in there and please post your FO's and thoughts!

Check Friday nights or Saturday morning for the Whatchaknitting Saturday thread. That is a great fun part of our Knitting Circle.

Annie Modesitt's blog post about designing hand knits and contracts.

Scarves
Chunky Diagonal Scarf - reversible
Not
Quite Straight Scarf- reversible
My So called Scarf
Independent Designers
Wooly Wormhead has awesome hat designs - Going Straight is here new book
Stitch Stud's Chasquido - beautiful Faire Isle Toddler hat
Bowerbird's hat Smoke Signals if for sale here and her incredible lace scarf Charolette A. Cavatica is free here
Ysolda has a lovely shrug, a really cute beret and more
Littlerissa's Pop Scarf

Mrs.Pivec's Owl (too cute)

Holly is knitting Elephante'

Hurry up last chance to enter these two contests.

New Podcasts:
Knit Naturally
Stitch It

Last Chance for real:

APPETIZERS CONTEST-ENDS DEC 31st with a randomly drawn winner of a to be announced prize. I will tell you that it is something you read. Let us all see the recipe for your favorite easy to follow recipe. If you are on Ravelry post it there in the She-Knits Podcast group, and if you are not a member please post your recipe in the comments here. I will announce the winner in January.

You can still enter the current CONTEST (below), it ends Dec 31st.

MORE GIVE-AWAY FUN. I am really trying to pick all your brains and offer a chance at winning something in the process IF you would like to win the book Family Tree, by Barbara Delinsky (and I am sure I will add some goodies!!!) leave a comment here, or on Ravelry in She-Knits Podcast group as follows:
1. Please tell me about the first project you ever did and if you think it is a good project for me to teach my beginning knitters.
AND if you have a good specific tip, then.....
2. Please leave me that great tip you have been taught whether; a teacher told it to you, a knitter-friend, or you read it in a book or on-line.

# 32 Finishing feels REALLY GOOD!!

2007-12-17T23:07:00.000-08:00

* The IK Magazine is spoken for!!!! Heather was first to e-mail * That was fun1

"WHATCHA KNITTING SATURDAY"
Join us this Saturday 12/23 on the She-Knits Podcast Group in the Ravelry forums as I intermittently through-out the day lead a casual open ended Whatcha knitting or whatcha cooking knitting circle. Come and go as you please on "Whachaknitting Saturday" or. if you are not on Ravelry e-mail me sdreifuss[AT]msn[DOT]com and say hello on Saturday!

My Fiber Trends Clogs

My still new SHOP, SheknitsforKnitters.com- please go to it if you want to purchase a She-Knits pattern or complete purse making kit

I'm working on a custom order for a Dream Floral Bag

My daughter wants me to churn out a few Le Slouches' for her friends...not sure about that

CRL Vickie Howell Podcast look for #5 Mags to Rags with Vogue Editor Adina Klein if you want to hear about what you need to do to submit a pattern

Fashion Trendsetters

Odessa Hat Grunperina on Mag Knits

Brooklyn Tweed Blog- Look on there for The EZ Rib Warmer and
Koolhaas Hat

Yarn Boys Entrelac Scarf on Knitty

Reversible Cable Brioche Scarf from FireFly Knits

Join the Finished object thread in She-Knits Podcast group or again you an e-mail them to me if you are not on Ravelry- we are a knitting circle I would love to see what you are doing, again if you are not on Ravelry e-mail me and show me!

101 DESIGNERS one-skein WONDERS
Cross Over Scarf
Lace Vest
Catch me if you Can socks

My questions this week- feel free to answer them here in the shownotes comments or privately or on Ravelry (privately or in the forums- I will post the questions in the SHe-Knits Podcast group in the forums entitled Questions form #32.

1. If you have a ladies sz. 6.5 foot, is it better to knit the largest size of the children's pattern of the Fiber Trends felted clog if you found the adult small to be a bit big?
2. Do you actively use your fingertips to manipulate your knitting needles?
3. What is a good non-wool that has the beautiful coloring of Manos for those of us that can't wear wool? Anyone want to do a KAL with the 101 Designers One Skein Wonders Cross Stitch Scarf......just a quickie?? E-mail me or look for the thread in the She-Knits podcast group on Ravelry entitled Quickie KAL Cross Stitch Scarf from 101 Designers One Skein Wonders.
4. Do you have a 7th grader and does 7th grade seem like a hard year over all in school?
5. Who decides what fashions are in- movie stars..is it celebrity driven?