Episode 274: But... It's a Fruitcake

Recorded on April 15, 2024 Book talk starts at 25:36 Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas! Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom   EVENTS Tracie and Barb will  NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA  The 2024 retreat is full, but please contact Tracie at [email protected] to be informed about registration for the 2025 event when registration begins in the fall Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA   Tracie and Barb talked about the new swifts availabile from Alpenglow Yarn!  Barb has one and Tracie has ordered one also.   KNITTING Tracie finished: 2 Knitted Knockers PSL Mitts by Susanna Curtis by Canon Hand Dyes William Merino Fingering in the Waterworld colorway Barb Finished: 2 Knitted Knockers   Tracie is continuing to work on: Fiddly Bits cowl #11 by Jana Pihota Knitted Knockers Elorie by Elizabeth Doherty in Berroco Remix in Artichoke Tracie has frogged: Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva in Zealana Performa KIWI Fingering Barb is working on: Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue Knitted Knockers Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit BOOKS Tracie read: Forever Home by Graham Norton - 4 starsBecoming Clark Rockefeller: Murder, Love, Decpetion, and the Con Man Behind it All by Frank C. Girardot Jr. - 2 stars Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William Mckinley and Me, Elizabeth - 3 stars Barb read: A Mother Would Know by Amber Garza - 3 stars Watching You by Lisa Jewell - 3 stars The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjialian - 4 stars The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager - 2.5 stars     Tracie also recommends: The Supet Inflatable Dog Cone Collar Alternative.  Sally agrees with this recommendation The Man Enough Podcast explores what it means to be a man today and how rigid gender roles have affected all people. The show creates a safe environment for a range of perspectives to meet and stay at the table, exploring how the messages of masculinity show up in relationships, body image, privilege, fatherhood, sex, success, mental health and so much more. Instead of polarizing and demonizing men and masculinity, it invites all humans to participate and thrive in the world. This Webby-nominated podcast is hosted by filmmaker, actor & author Justin Baldoni, author & journalist Liz Plank, and President of Wayfarer Studios & award winning music producer Jamey Heath. It’s currently in Season 2 and is in the top 1% of most followed and shared podcasts on Spotify, beloved by men, women and people of all genders.  

Listen Recorded on Saturday, March 30, 2024 Book talk starts at 20:45 Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!   Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom   EVENTS   Tracie and Barb will  NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA.  The retreat is full, but please contact Tracie at [email protected] to be informed about registration for the 2025 event when registration begins in the fall Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA   KNITTING   Tracie finished: 3 Knitted Knockers Bee Beautiful tee by Pia Trans in Carpool Cotton Bamboo in Copper Scraps Chaps puppy by Barbara Prime in Plymouth Encore - this is the pattern I will be teaching in a making knitted toys class this summer at Rumpelstiltskin   Barb Finished: 2 Knitted Knockers CAPROCK tee by Yamagara using Araucania Ollagua Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino, using leftover worsted weight colors from my stash.     Out of hibernation: Dawning Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva in Zealana Performa KIWI Fingering   Cast on: Elorie by Elizabeth Doherty in Berroco Remix in Artichoke   Working On: Fiddly Bits cowl #11 by Jana Pihota Knitted Knockers   Barb is working on: Knitted Knockers Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit   BOOKS   Tracie read: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 5 stars Where Monsters Hide: Sex, Murder and Madness in the Midwest by M. William Phelps - 3 stars Happy People Are Annoying by Josh Peck - 3.5 stars California Golden by Melanie Benjamin - 3 stars   Barb read: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano - 3.5 stars Blood Test by Jonathan Kellerman - 3 stars   Tracie and Barb both recommend the documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV with the warning to be aware that it discusses sexual abuse and is just generally pretty grim.

Recorded on March 14, 2024 Book talk begins at 21:00 Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas!   Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom   EVENTS Tracie and Barb will  NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA KNITTING Barb Finished: 2 Knitted Knockers   Tracie finished: Tracie's Fresh Favorite Tee by Christen Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway Tracie's Pixie Dust  by Dani Sunshine in Berroco Vintage Handpaintsin a light blue/pale green/purple colorway 1 Knitted Knocker Tracie's Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino, using Hayfield Spirit Chunky Barb is working on: CAPROCK tee by Yamagata using Araucania Ollagua Knitted Knockers Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit Barb has cast on: Barb's Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino, using worsted weight leftovers Tracie cast on: Bee Beautiful Tee by Pia Trans in  in Carpool Cotton Bamboo in the Copper colorway She continues to work on: Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps   If you would like to make Knitted Knockers, here is some useful info - From the Knitted Knockers.org website: “Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are adjustable, washable and can even be worn while swimming. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them” Please visit the Knitted Knockers website, Knitted Knockers Homepage for all the information that you need.   This webpage is especially helpful for information on approved yarns and color information: Yarns and colors Very Important: Please note that neutral colors are preferred.  If you want, you can use bright colors on the bottom of your knocker, but the top of it needs to be in a neutral color.  Patterns: So many choices!  Please go to this section to pick and download your (free) pattern: Knitted Knockers Patterns.  Hint:  The Bottoms Up Knocker for Double Point Needles pattern works great with magic loop too…and has the easiest “start” to your knocker!   BOOKS Barb  read: If It Bleeds by Stephen King - 5 stars The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) - 3 stars Tracie read:  Forever... by Judy Blume - 4 stars I'll Take Care of You by Caitlin Rother - 4.5 stars The Bone Jar by S.W. Kane - 3 stars   Info from Tracie's "Thumbs Up" about the sweater shaver: The Substack article about pilling is here The excellent sweater shaver can be purchased here

Recorded Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Book talk begins at 31:30 Our Summer Tops KAL has begun and goes until to June 1, 2024.  It needs to be an adult-sized top that you consider to be appropriate for use in the summer, and we will leave the parameters of that to you!  Come chat with us about summer tops on our KAL thread, and check out our Summer Tops bundle for pattern ideas! Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom Events Tracie and Barb will  NoCKRs - April 25-28, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA Fiber Frolic - June 1 at the Soul Food Farm outside Vacaville, CA   KNITTING Barb Finished: Bankhead Hat #27 by Susie Gourley Velvet Pullover by Claudia Quintinella, using Serendipidye Kings Mountain Fingering in the Piccadilly colorway, Invictus Yarn Adventure in the Don’t Look  Under the Lilacs, Invictus Yarns Master of My Feet in the Adagio colorway, AND Knit Picks Palette in the Aster and Bluebells colorway. 2 Knitted Knockers   Tracie finished: 2 Soap Sacks by Haley Waxberg in Knockers yarn (And the bar shampoo and conditioner Tracie can be purchased at https://viori.com/) Beginner’s Rainbow Rabbit by Claire Garland in sparkly periwinkle Tahki Linguine for Lauren’s 12th birthday Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway 1 Knitted Knocker   If you would like to make Knitted Knockers, here is some useful info -   From the Knitted Knockers.org website: “Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are adjustable, washable and can even be worn while swimming. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them” Please visit the Knitted Knockers website, Knitted Knockers Homepage for all the information that you need.   This webpage is especially helpful for information on approved yarns and color information: Yarns and colors Very Important: Please note that neutral colors are preferred.  If you want, you can use bright colors on the bottom of your knocker, but the top of it needs to be in a neutral color.  Patterns: So many choices!  Please go to this section to pick and download your (free) pattern: Knitted Knockers Patterns.  Hint:  The Bottoms Up Knocker for Double Point Needles pattern works great with magic loop too…and has the easiest “start” to your knocker! Barb working on: Cheeky Cables Socks  by Mary Lukas using Universal Yarns Zesty Sock in the Pearl colorway CAPROCK tee by Yamagata using Araucania Ollagua Knitted Knockers   Barb has cast on: Pinnacles Beanie by Nancy Bates, from the Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates, using a kit Rock It Tee #2 by Tanis Lavallee, using Knit Picks Lindy Chain, in the colors Clarity, Rouge, and U Blue   Frogged:  Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway   Tracie cast on: Pixie Dust by Dani Sunshine in Berroco Vintage Handpaints in light blue/pale green/purple 1 Knitted Knocker   She continues to work on: Fresh Favorite Tee by Christen Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps   BOOKS Look What You Made me Do: Confronting Heartbreak & Harassment in Big Law by Erin Gordon - 4 stars The Loyal Wife by Natalie Barelli - 3 stars Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Coast Trail by Andrea Lankford - 5 stars The Secret Place (Dublin Murder Squad, #5) - 4 stars Patient Care: Death and Life in the Emergency Room, by Paul Seward - 4 stars   Tracie read: The River’s Edge (Jackman & Evans #10) by Joy Ellis - 2.5 stars for someone not familiar with the series Ill Wind (Anna Pigeon #3) by Nevada Barr - 3 1/2 stars - takes a while to get going How Lucky by Will Leitch - 3 stars.  Wanted to like it more!  But got frustrated with situation and too worried for main character American Girl by Wendy Walker - 3 stars.  Have not thought about it since I finished it Tunnel Vision: A True Story of Multiple Murder and Justice in Chaos at America's Biggest Marine Base by N.P. Simpson - 4.5 stars The Island of Lost Girls by Alex Marwood - 4 stars Her Last Move by John Marrs - 2 stars

 Recorded Thursday, February 8, 2024     We are so excited to have Kim McBrien Evans, dyer of Indigodragonfly Yarns, designer, teacher, innovator of knitting pattern modification and all-around Textile Maven as our guest this episode!   We had a fantastic talk with her about her background, starting her yarn business, learning to modify knit patterns out of necessity and wanting to share what she’s learned about anything-but-standard sizing and as a teacher, designer and advocate for size inclusivity and a change in the way we size women’s clothing.     Coupon Codes for Our Listeners Website: https://indigodragonfly.ca Discount code for yarn and patterns:  15% off all yarn and patterns   Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kim-mcbrien-evans Discount code: 2KNITLIT15 15% off all patterns and ebooks   Impervious Shawl  designed to be knit with some of Kim's husband's more complex colorways         A Tale of Two Sweaters   vs     "New Representative Sizing Standards for Garments that Fit" by Kim McBrien Evans for Digits and Threads, March 9, 2022 (you can download the size chart here as well through an email sign up)   "Inclusive Sizing Is Not Impossible—We Just Have to Work Together" by Kim McBrien Evans for Digits and Threads, April 14, 2021 Digits and Threads has a lot of other Kim's articles about fit, so take a look around! Find Kim Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Indigodragonfly Instagram: @indigodragonfly 

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

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

Recorded on Saturday, December 23, 2023 Book Talk starts at 28:11   Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.     Here are the rules: Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two! We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here Crocheters! Your sweaters are here ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles! There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize. Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA KNITTING   Barb Finished: Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway Bankhead Hat #24   Tracie finished: Bankhead Hat #6 by Susie Gourlay in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted in grey Simply Garter Stitch Hat by Caron Design Team (free) in Alexandra: The Art of Yarn Pendleton DK Cumulus Blouse by Petite Knit in Countrywide Yarns Windsor 8-ply Frog and Toad by Christina Ingrid McGowan     Barb working on: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty. Using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway   Barb has cast on: Bankhead Hat #25 by Susie Gourley, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest colorway   Cast on: Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway   Working On: Socks to match my Archer in Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock! in Cornflower   BOOKS   Barb is currently reading 4 books, but didn’t finish any since our last episode.  Instead, she recommends:   Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story (podcast) Already Gone (podcast) Betrayal: The Perfect Husband on Hulu Love has Won: Cult of the Mother God on Max   Tracie Read: Prom Mom by Laura Lipman - 4.5 stars Carrie Fisher: A Life on the Edge by Sheila Weller - 5 stars The Best Awful by Carrie Fisher - 4 stars Out of Bounds by Val McDermid - 4 stars Deadly Mistress: A True Story of Marriage, Betrayal and Murder by Michael Freeman - 4 stars My Word Against His by Lauren North - 4.5 stars

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

Recorded on Thursday, October 26, 2023 Book Talk starts at 27:53 Our annual Fall Sweater KAL has started!  Knit or crochet a sweater for yourself or another adult.   Here are the rules: Dates - 9/1/2023 - 1/15/24. That’s 4 months…plenty of time to knit or crochet an adult-size sweater…or two! We have bundles for inspiration! Beginner sweaters are here. Adventurous Beginners to Advanced sweaters are here Crocheters! Your sweaters are here ANYONE can add sweaters to the bundles! There will be prizes - just post a picture of your lovely finished sweater in our FOs thread. Do you have some sweaters in progress? WIPs count as long as the sweater is less than 50% done on September 1st. Less than 50% done is your call. We don’t have to “approve” your project. It must be an adult-sized sweater, and it must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine. You must be a member of our Ravelry group to win a prize. Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: The TKGA Retreat 2023 - November 2-5, 2023 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina New Year Fiber Retreat - January 4-7, 2024 at the St Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA    KNITTTING Barb Finished: Bears 288 & 189   Tracie finished: Pixelated Pullover by Jennifer Beaumont in madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK, madelinetosh Tosh Sport and Duren Dyeworks Love Sport Hungry Horse Hat #2   Barb continues to work on: Vanilla Socks for Will, using Paton’s Kroy Socks in the Route 66 colorway Donner by Elizabeth Doherty using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway   Barb has cast on: South Shore Cardigan by Kay Hopkins, using madelinetosh Tosh DK in the Tart colorway   Tracie cast on: Hungry Horse Hat 3 in various acrylics Cumulus Blouse by Petite Knit in Countrywide Yarns Windsor 8-ply   She continues to work on: Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guerin in Stitch Sisterz Laceweight Cashmere in Pine Tree and Shaggy Bear Farms Merino with Superwash and Tussah Silk in blue green   BOOKS Barb read: Falling by T.J. Newman - 5 stars Drowning by T.J. Newman - 4 stars You Can’t Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie - 3 stars The In-Laws by Laura Wolfe - 4 stars   Tracie read: Mirrorland by Carole Johnstone - 3.5 stars The Running Grave (Cormoran Strike #7) by Robert Galbraith - 5 stars Kill or Be Killed by Robert Scott - 3.5 stars   Barb’s recommended podcasts: Were You Raised by Wolves? Out Alive Breakdown: The Trump Indictment