Episode 308: If You're a Gnomer

Recorded on December 23, 2025 Book talk starts at 21:50 Sweater KAL -  You have a few weeks to get that sweater finished and posted in our FO Thread.  The deadline is January 15, 2026 EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be attending: 1.  New Year Fiber Retreat - January 1 - 4, 2026 in San Juan Bautista 2.  NoCKRs - April 23-26, 2026 in San Juan Bautista.      KNITTING Barb has finished: 75-Yard Malabrigo Fingerless Mitts by Jeanne Stevenson, using Plymouth Encore Tweed in the Red Brick colorwway   Tracie has finished: 1.  Bankhead hats #7, 8 and 9 by Susie Gourley 2.  Curly Snake by Susan B. Anderson 3.  Nice to Gnome You by Sarah Schira in assorted fingering yarns 4.  Neck Down Pullover for Men by Diane Soucy in Berroco Remix Chunky in the fern colorway   Tracie has Cast-on 1.  Chicory Pullover by Susan Moskwa using Malabrigo Washted in the Pascal colorway   Barb is still working on:   1.  Colorwork Dip pullover by Suvi Knits, using 2 colors of Berroco Remix Light in Peony and Mist   2.  75-Yard Malabrigo Fingerless Mitts by Jeanne Stevinson using Plymouth Encore Tweed using the Brick Red colorway   3.  Pivot Cowl by Purl Soho using Duren Dyeworks Contentment DK     Tracie continues to work on:   1.  Brooklyn Raglan Lite by Tori Yu, using Mod Yarns Fingering 101 in Angelyne   2.  Vanilla socks with FLK heel in Dreaming of Hue 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon in Unicorn Tails   3.  Ruby's Ruby Sweater using the Darling Darby pattern using Plymouth Encore Starz     BOOKS   Tracie has Finished:   1.   Hope to Die (DI Adam Fawley #6-) by Cara Hunter -  4/5 stars   2.  You Wanna Be on Top? A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation and Not Becoming America's Next Top Model by Sarah Hartshorn  - 4 Stars   3.  Blood Runs Deep (DS Malkie McCullch #1 by Doug Sinclair - 3 stars   Barb has Finished:   1.  The Next Everest: Surviving the Mountain's Deadliest Day and Finding the Resilience to Climb it Again - 4 stars   2.  A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumbar - 5 stars

We are so sorry the audio file was corrupted for this episode.  We will be back with another episode including Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down from our family when we have Christmas Dinner later this month.  And in the meantime, for additional thoughts of the books you won't be hearing us talk about in this particular doomed episode, please go to https://2knitlitchicks.blogspot.com.  

Recorded on October 15, 2025 Book talk begins at 31:56 After 14 years and over 300 episodes, we have made the decision to wind down the podcast over the next year and finish in September 2026, our fifteenth anniversary.  We have loved making the podcast and all of the people it has brought into our lives!  We want to assure you that this decision wasn't made because of any kind of health reasons - we are simply both feeling that it's time to bring the project to a close. What we don't want to see end is our wonderful community - we will continue to see you on our Ravelry boards, at fiber events throughout the year, and on our weekly Zoom call on Saturdays at noon PST!   Our Charity KAL is over.  Prizes announced at the end of Episode 307. Barb and Tracie talked about the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Meet-up at the  Zephyr Cove Presbyterian Conference Center.  A good time was had by all.  You can see pictures here!  Our 2025-2026 Fall Sweater KAL has begun and will go until January 15, 2026.   You must be a member of this group to enter You must make an adult size sweater.   If you have a sweater that is 50% finished or less, you can finish that sweater during our KAL Need some inspiration?  We have bundles! Beginner Sweaters Bundle  Adventurous Beginners to Advanced Sweater Bundle Crochet Sweaters Bundle   Coming Events: TKGA retreat - November 6-9 in San Francisco, CA NoCKRs retreat April 10-13 in San Juan Batista, CA   KNITTING Barb has finished:  her 8th Barley Hat by Tin Can Knits Barb has cast on: Bankhead Hat #35   Barb is still working on: 1.  Colorwork Dip pullover by Suvi Knits, using 2 colors of Berocco Light in the Mist and the Peony colorway 2.  One Row scarf (adopted from Stephanie Pearl McFee) using a Caron Cake 3.  Flax Sock pullover by Tin Can Knits, using Wonderland Dyeworks Smitten in the Deep Lilac colorway   Tracie has finished: 1.  Her Astro Pop pullover by Marie Greene in 2 colors of Juniper Moon Farm Zooey and Berocco Remix Light in Ocean     Tracie has cast on: 1.  Vanilla socks with FLK heel in Dreaming of Hue 75%SW Merino/25% Nylon in Unicorn Tales 2.  #991 Neck Down Pullover for Men by Diane Soucy in Berroco Remix Chunky in the Fern colorway 3.  Ruby's Ruby Sweater, using the Darling Darby pattern by Jean Clement in Plymouth Encore Starz       Tracie continues to work on: 1.  Carnegie Vest by James Magee (Stitching in the Stacks) in Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sport in Sheridan Circle 2.  Brooklyn Raglan Light* by Tori You in Mod Yarn Fingering 101 in Angeline   BOOKS Barb has finished: 1.  Population 485 by Michael Perry - 5 stars.  2.  No Regrets by Ann Rule - 3 stars 3.  Wish You Were Here by Jodi Piccolt - 3 stars   Tracie has finished: 1.  Strange Houses by Iketsu 2.  The Hallmarked Man (Cormoran Strike #8) by Robert Galbraith - 3 stars 3.  Bitter Medicine: Two Doctors, Two Deaths, and a Small Town's Search for Justice by Carlton Smith - 3 stars 4.  The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James - 4.5 stars 5.  Every Tom, Dick and Harry by Elinor Lipman - 4.5 stars 6.  Sister Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Finding Freedom by Christine Brown Woolley - 4 stars   Barb recommends the Park Predators podcast!

Recorded on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, right before Tracie and Barb leave for the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Meet-up! Book talk begins at 29:20 Our Charity KAL is over.  Prizes will be announced during the October Episode 306 Our 2025-2026 Fall Sweater KAL has started and will go until January 15, 2026.   You must be a member of this group to enter You must make an adult size sweater.   If you have a sweater that is 50% finished or less, you can finish that sweater during our KAL Need some inspiration?  We have bundles! Beginner Sweaters Bundle  Adventurous Beginners to Advanced Sweater Bundle Crochet Sweaters Bundle   Coming Events: Lambtown - October 4&5 in Dixon May Fairgrounds CA TKGA retreat - November 6-9 in San Francisco, CA NoCKRs retreat April 10-13 in San Juan Batista, CA   KNITTING Barb has finished: *A Hat Called Hudson #4 *Bankhead Hat #34 Tracie has finished: *Mother Bears #343 - 345 *Dunedrifter pullover by Wool and Pine in Trendsetter Yarns Transition in Sunrise Red, Orange and Yellow *Summer Sky Tee By Comfort Zone Knits in Juniper Moon Farms Zooey Spray in Palma Carnival. *Davis #6 by Pam Allen with Tracies addendum in Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus Dappled in Cape Town - skeins split up and knit alternating every row  Tracie has Cast On: *Astro Pop pullover in 2 colors of Juniper Moon Farm Zooey and Berocco Remix Light in Ocean *Carnegie Vest by James Magee (Stitching in the Stacks) in Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sport in Sheridan Circle *Brooklyn Raglan Light* by Tori You in Mod Yarn Fingering 101 in Angelyne   Barb has Cast On: *Barley Hat Worsted #8 by Tin Can Knits, using Color Notes Willow Glen Worsted in a blue-green color *One Row Handspun scarf using a Caron Cake *Flax Sock pullover by Tin Can Knits, using Wonderland Dyeworks Smitten in the Deep Lilac colorway Barb continues to work on: Colorwork Dip pullover by Suvi Knits, using 2 colors of Berocco Light in the Mist and the Peony colorway   BOOKS Barb has finished: *Camino Winds #2 by John Grisham - 3 stars *The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case by Matthew McGough - 3.5 stars Dateline episode about the murder of Sherri Rasmussen by Stephanie Lazarus Full Interrogation of Stephanie Lazarus *The Hiking Trip by Jenny Blackhurst - 2.5 stars *Little Miss Diagnosed: A Surgeon's Guide to Breaking Bones and Bending Rules by Erin Nance - 4 stars   Tracie has finished: *Death of an Angel: A True Story of a Vicious Triple-Murder the Broke the Heart of a Town by Don Davis - 4.5 stars *The Cutting Place & the Close (Maeve Kerrigan series) by Jane Casey - 4 stars *The Unquiet Grave (Cormac Reilly #4) by Dervla McTiernan - 3.5 stars *The Officer's Wife: A True Story of Unspeakable Betrayal and Cold-Blooded Murder bay Michael Fleeman - 3.5 stars *The Ice House by JJRichards - 3 stars *The Facts of Life and Death by Belinda Bauer - 4 stars *The Whole Truth (DI Fawley #5) by Cara Hunter - 4 stars   Barb and Tracie recommend the The Glider Swift by Alpenglow Industries and their excellent customer service!  

Recorded Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Bearly There Bunkhouse in Canyon Creek Montana KNTTING Barb is working on charity hats, A Hat Called Hudson x4 by Alison Shuman, and Bankhead Hat #34 (by Susie Gorlay) Eileen has been working on Maize by Tin Can Knits, fingerless mitts in Black Wolf fiber and Simple Summer Tweed Top Down V-Neck by Heidi Kirrmaier in Urth   Monokrom Worsted Susan has made  4 The Knitted Rib Watch Caps by the American Red Cross for charity and is making the Sixteen Hearts Baby Hat by Natasha Childers Kate is making the Botanic Shawl by Stephen West and The Gathering Hat by Kate Salomon Tracie has been very indecisive about yarn but is going to make the Summer Sky Tee by Comfort Zone Knits in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey Spray BOOKS Eileen:       Kate Shugak - Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow Sebastian St Cyr series by CS Harris Susan:       The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline Kate:             Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger in WWII by Becky Aikman  Population 485 by Michael Perry Tracie:         DS George Cross series by Tim Sullivan Cormac Reilly series by Dermal Mctiernan Barb:           Facing the Extreme: One Woman's Story by Ruth Anne Kocour   Our whole group recommends Great Falls, Montana for yarn shopping! Yarn & Honey Farmer's Daughter Fibers  

  Recorded Sunday July 27, 2025 Book talk begins at 21:21 Our ongoing knit-along is a CHARITY KAL!   Do you regularly knit or crochet for a charity? Have you been making plans to knit or crochet for a charity?  Well, this knit-along is for you!   DATES - May 15, 2025 until September 1, 2025 Rules: Post pictures of your completed projects in the FO thread. Along with the picture(s), please tell us what charity you are knitting for and a link to their website if possible. Post a separate post for each item. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to enter a project for a prize.  Need some inspiration or looking for a charity? Check out our  Charity KAL Chatter thread! Come join our Virtual Knitting Group - all the info is HERE EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: 2 Knit Lit Chicks Get Together - September 18-21, 2025 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Centre on Zephyr Cove, Nevada Tracie will be at: TKGA Retreat - November 6-9, 2025  KNITTING Barb has finished: Knitted Knocker A Hat Called Hudson #2 Tracie finished: Bears 340-342 including Ginger Bear the drag queen Pampas Tee by Samantha Guerin in CasaSol Bambú M in Rosa Coral Everyday Attitude by Susanne Sommer in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in Rigging and Wool and the Gang The One Cotton in Azure Blue Barb is still working on: A Hat Called Hudson #3 Knitted knocker Garden Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Woolen Cotton (DK weight) in the Dolly Heather colorway. Barb has cast-on: Colorwork Dip pullover by SuviKnits, using Berroco Remix Light Tracie has cast on: Dunedrifter tee by Wool & Pine in Trendsetter Yarns Transitions in Sunrise Red Orange Yellow Davis #6 by Pam Allen in Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus Dappled in Cape Town BOOKS Barb read: The Vacation Rental by Katie Sise - 3 stars No Conscience by Phil Williams - 3 stars  Blood in the Water: the Untold Story of a Family Tragedy by Casey Sherman - 4 stars Tracie read: The In Crowd by Charlotte Vassell - 4.5 stars Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget Read - 3 stars The Black Book (Inspector Rebus #5) by Ian Rankin - 3.5 stars If Two Are Dead by Rick Mofina - 2 stars

Recorded on June 18, 2025 Book talk starts at 21:50 Our ongoing knit-along is a CHARITY KAL!   Do you regularly knit or crochet for a charity? Have you been making plans to knit or crochet for a charity?  Well, this knit-along is for you!     DATES - May 15, 2025 until September 1, 2025   Rules: Post pictures of your completed projects in the FO thread. Along with the picture(s), please tell us what charity you are knitting for and a link to their website if possible. Post a separate post for each item. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to enter a project for a prize.  Need some inspiration or looking for a charity? Check out our  Charity KAL Chatter thread!   Come join our Virtual Knitting Group - all the info is HERE   EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: 2 Knit Lit Chicks Get Together - September 18-21, 2025 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Centre on Zephyr Cove, Nevada Tracie will be at: TKGA Retreat - November 6-9, 2025    KNITTING Tracie finished: Bears 336-339 4th Rachel by Josée Paquin in Carpool Artisan Fibers 100% Cotton Neon Dresses for Pig and Dog adapted from Clothing Bundle II by Barbara Prime in vivid pink acrylics   Barb has finished: 2 Knitted Knockers Navelli pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Fingering in the Caribbean colorway, and 2 skeins of Geenwood Fiberworks Indulgence, one in the Black colorway and 1 in the Natural colorway   Tracie has cast on: Bear 340   She continues to work on: Pampas Tee  by Samantha in CasaSol Bambu M in Rosa Coral Everyday Attitude by Susanne Sommer in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in Rigging and Wool and the Gang The One Cotton in Azure Blue   Barb is still working on: A Hat Called Hudson by Alison Shuman in Berroco Lanas in 3 colors Knitted knocker   Barb has cast-on: Garden Cardigan by ANKESTRICK using Knit Picks Woolen Cotton (DK weight) in the Dolly Heather colorway   BOOKS Dreaming the Beatles: The Love Story of One Band and the Whole World by Rob Sheffield - 5 stars The Life and Loves of She-Devil by Fay Weldon - 4 stars Eye of the Beholder: The Almost Perfect Murder of Anchorwoman Diane Newton King by Lowell Cauffiel Golden Boy: A Murder Among the Manhattan Elite by John Glatt   Barb read: The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin 5 stars Alien: Out of the Shadows by Tim Lebbon 3 stars Alien: Sea of Sorrows by James A. More   Barb highly recommends The Pitt (TV series) on MAX — 5 stars

Recorded on May 20, 2025 Book talk starts at 22:15 Our Colorwork KAL is over!  There were 111 FOs...YAY!!  Stay tuned to the end of this episode to find out if you've won a prize... Our new knit along is a CHARITY KAL!   Do you regularly knit or crochet for a charity? Have you been making plans to knit or crochet for a charity?  Well, this knit-along is for you!   DATES - May 15, 2025 until September 1, 2025 Rules: 1. Post pictures of your completed projects in the FO thread. Along with the picture(s), please tell us what charity you are knitting for and a link to their website if possible. 2. Post a separate post for each item. 3. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to enter a project for a prize.  4.  Need some inspiration or looking for a charity? Check out our  Charity KAL Chatter thread! Come join our Virtual Knitting Group - all the info is HERE   EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: 2 Knit Lit Chicks Get Together - September 18-21, 2025 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Centre on Zephyr Cove, Nevada Fiber Frolic - Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Soul Food Farms in Vacaville, CA.  Treadles to Threads Spinning Guild.            From the flier: By popular demand, we have new food vendors this year!   Boots Bakes Sweets will dazzle us with cookies and other yummy desert items. Check out her Instagram @bootsbakessweets  Edward from Italian Brothers Pizza will be baking us fresh wood fired pizza on site! His creations can be seen @italianbrotherspizza  And our new coffee vendor, High Flier Coffee will be providing fresh roasted craft coffee all day. View their Instagram at @highfliercoffee And a great vendor market with: Harvey Farms Pan's Garden Yarn & Fibers Wonderland Dyeworks Back Porch Fiber Co Red Creek Farm Invictus Yarns Art Fiber Frenzy Blue Thistle Fiberarts Duren Dyeworks Meridian Jacobs Integrity Alpacas & Fiber Valley Oak Wool Mill Ewe and Me 2 Ranch Siren Song Fleece Works Spin Glitz Treadles to Threads - Used Equipment sale KNITTING Barb has finished: 4 Knitted Knockers Tracie finished: 2 Knitted Knockers Mother Bear 334 and 335 Bear for Baby Boy Colorwork Dip by SuviKnits in The Farmer's Daughter Fibers Juicy in Sunday Mimosa and The Sapphire Empress Chemo cap #1- Rialto Baby Beanie by Haley Waxberg in Sirdar Snuggly Crofter Baby Fair Isle Effect DK Barb is still working on: Navelli pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Fingering in the Caribbean colorway, and 2 skeins of Greenwood Fiberworks Indulgence, one in the Black colorway and 1 in the Natural colorway Barb has cast on: Hudson Bay Hat by Allison Shuman, using 3 colors of Berroco Lanas Worsted - Cream, Forest Green and Gold Tracie cast on: Pampas Tee  by Samantha in CasaSol Bambu M in Rosa Coral Everyday Attitude by Susanne Sommer n Juniper Moon Farm Zooey in Rigging and Wool and the Gang The One Cotton in Azure Blue She continues to work on: 4th Rachel by Josée Paquin in Carpool Artisan Fibers 100% Cotton Vanilla socks in Knitting Fever Cashmere Indulgence   BOOKS Barb read: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters - 4 stars The Reunion Party vy Penny Batchelor - 2 stars Never Alone by Woniya Dawn Thibeault - 5 stars   Tracie read: Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver - 4.5 stars Frankie by Graham Norton - 3.5 stars One of Us by Craig DiLouie - 4 stars The Texas 7: A True Story of Murder and a Daring Escape by Gary C. King - 4 stars Deenie by Judy Blume - 3 stars  

Listen Recorded Thursday, April 24, 2025   Colorwork KAL info - you'll find it HERE Come join our Virtual Knitting Group - all the info is HERE EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: 2 Knit Lit Chicks Get Together - September 18-21, 2025 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Centre on Zephyr Cove, Nevada Fiber Frolic - Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Soul Food Farms in Vacaville, CA.  Treadles to Threads Spinning Guild.   From the flier: By popular demand, we have new food vendors this year!   Boots Bakes Sweets will dazzle us with cookies and other yummy desert items. Check out her Instagram @bootsbakessweets  Edward from Italian Brothers Pizza will be baking us fresh wood fired pizza on site! His creations can be seen @italianbrotherspizza  And our new coffee vendor, High Flier Coffee will be providing fresh roasted craft coffee all day. View their Instagram at @highfliercoffee KNITTING Barb has finished: 6 Knitted Knockers Garter Stitch Scarf, using Sirdar Colourwheel Tracie finished: 2 Knitted Knockers Raglan Turtleneck for Lexi's Scraps Chaps rabbit - didn't use a pattern.  In Sea Change Fibers Ecola Worsted in Flower Fairy Loose Ends Project Textured Sweater in off-white wool Mother Bear 333 2nd Rialto Baby Beanie by Haley Waxberg in Sirdar Snuggly Crofter Baby Fair Isle Effect DK in 174 Skye Barb is still working on: Navelli pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Fingering in the Caribbean colorway, and 2 skeins of Greenwood Fiberworks Indulgence, one in the Black colorway and 1 in the Natural colorway Bankhead Hat #34 Tracie cast on: 4th Rachel by Josée Paquin in Carpool Artisan Fibers 100% Cotton Vanilla Socks in Knitting Fever Cashmere Indulgence She continues to work on: Colorwork Dip by SuviKnits in The Farmer's Daughter Fibers Juicy in Sunday Mimosa and The Sapphire Empress   BOOKS Barb read: One by One - Freida McFadden - 4 stars The Coworker - Freida McFadden - 3.5 stars While Innocents Slept: A True Story of Revenge, Murder and SIDS by Adrian Havill - 3 stars Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 4 stars Tracie read: Secrets in the Cellar: A True Story of the Austrian Incest Case that Shocked the World by John Glatt - 4.5 stars Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 3 1/2 stars Broken Bayou by Jennifer Moorhead - 2 1/2 stars Dead Sweet by Katrín Júlíusdóttir - 2 1/2 stars Tracie gives a giant thumbs down to RFK jr's incredibly unkind and untrue  remarks about the lived experiences of those on the autism spectrum. 

Recorded Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Book talk begins at 28:40 Colorwork KAL info - you'll find it HERE Come join our Virtual Knitting Group - all the info is HERE EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: NoCKRs - April 10-13, 2025 in San Juan Bautista, CA. Fiber Frolic - Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Soul Food Farms in Vacaville, CA.  Bring a chair and lunch!  Presented by Treadles to Threads Spinning Guild 2 Knit Lit Chicks Get Together - September 18-21, 2025 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Centre on Zephyr Cove, Nevada   KNITTING Barb has finished: 2 Knit Knockers Bankhead hat #33 using Lion Brand Mandala Ombre Tracie finished: 4 Knitted Knockers Raise the Woof by Casapinka in Indigodragonfly ROU Sport in Spock Puppet and 5 others Cat Hoodie from Clothing Bundle II by Barbara Prime in Emma's Yarn Super Silky in Oops I Did It Again Izzy Knitted Comfort Doll by Shirley O'Conner Emotional Support Little Chickie  by Annette Corsino in Plymouth Encore Barb is still working on: Garter Stitch Scarf using a Sirdar Colourwheel Navelli pullover by Caitlin Hunter, using Cloudborn Fibers Highland Fingering in the Caribbean colorway, and 2 skeins of Greenwood Fiberworks Indulgence, one in the Black colorway and one in the Natural colorway Tracie has cast on:  Colorwork Dip  by SuviKnits in The Farmer's Daughter Fibers Juicy in Sunday Mimosa and The Sapphire Empress Loose Ends project Textured Sweater in off-white wool   Tracie has frogged :   Socks in LMFA SHOW Stopper in the Shantay You Stay colorway held double on size 2 BOOKS Tracie has read: The Vanishing at Smokestack Hollow: A Missing Family, a Desperate Plan, and an Unsolved Mystery  by Jake Anderson - 4 stars Family Family by Lauren Frankel - 3 1/2 stars Deep South by Nevada Barr - 4 stars Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex True Biz by Sara Nović - 4 1/2 stars   Barb has read: Bird Box (Bird Box #1) by Josh Malerman - 4 stars The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue - 3.5 stars The Last Juror by John Grisham - 5 stars     Barb talked about the Big Bear Live Eagle Nest Cam