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Knit/Purl Cast-On

This cast-on is stretchy and nearly invisible, and a good choice for things like cuff-down socks and hat brims – items that have ribbing and require some extra stretch.

A question came up when I was working this cast-on – can any rib combination work? I’ve tested it out, and the answer is yes. Just watch how the stitches are forming on the needle as you work them. Working multiple K or P stitches together can make a funny twist on the stitches, but they can be straightened out.

You can find more information about Knitter’s Pride needles, as well as retailers using these links:
Bryson Distributing
Accessories Unlimited
Knitter’s Pride Shop finder

The Knitter’s Pride needles I’m using can be found here.

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Loom Potholder Tutorial

The last video of 2016 is kind of a one-off, not knitting or crochet. (No worries, we’ll be back to knitting and crochet next week!) I hope you have as much fun making these workhorse potholders as I have.

I used this loom from Harrisville Designs. They also have a larger loom. And I used their 100% cotton loops.

Below are the patterns I show in the video. The images either show both the warp and weave, unless the warp and weave are identical, then I just show one photo.





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Manos del Uruguay Peperomia Scarf Kit Giveaway

Very generous giveaway from Manos del Uruguay Yarns! Two lucky winners will each win a yarn kit for the Peperomia Scarf, knit in Manos Silk Blend yarn. Each kit includes three colors of yarn, and the winners can each choose the colors they’d like.

Here is the link on Ravelry, so you can like and queue the pattern, and see it finished in a different color combo.

To enter the contest, fill out the form below to subscribe to the Manos Del Uruguay newsletter. You will be sent a confirmation email (sometimes it’s very quick, sometimes it takes a while, please be patient). When the email arrives, click the “Yes, subscribe me to the list” button in the email to confirm. You can opt out of the mailing list at any time.

The winners will be chosen by random number on January 2, 2017, and emailed to the address they use in the form below.

Manos del Uruguay Peperomia Scarf Kit Giveaway

* indicates required




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Podcast Episode 26: This is Your Brain, This is Knitting


Download Episode.

You can see Casey’s website and her social media buttons on kcknits.com.

In this week’s episode, Casey talks with psychologist Dr. Art Markman about about your brain on knitting – process vs. project knitters, multi-task knitting, and other topics.

Dr. Art Markman, Ph.D., is Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin. He got his Sc.B. in Cognitive Science from Brown and his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois. He has published over 150 scholarly works on topics in higher-level thinking including the effects of motivation on learning and performance, analogical reasoning, categorization, decision making, and creativity. Art serves as the director of the program in the Human Dimensions of Organizations at the University of Texas.

His NPR show and podcast is Two Guys on Your Head
His latest book we mention is called Brain Briefs: Answers to the Most (and Least) Pressing Questions About Your Brain

From our Sponsor:
The Woolery hosts 12 fiber toys of Christmas, sign on to newsletter at woolery.com to receive notifications including upcoming offers from Strauch, our favorite manufacturer for ball winders and swifts.
Don’t forget gift certificates make great instant stocking stuffers for that Strauch ball winder or swift you’re wanting!
Strauch Ball Winder
Strauch Swift

Things we talk about in this episode:
Blocking (photo tutorial)
Steam Blocking
Finer Points of Garment Fitting and Blocking
Provisional Cast-On
Provisional Cast-On Using a Crochet Hook
German Short Row Socks
Playlist of Portuguese Knitting videos
Knit Companion App

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Giveaway! Knitter’s Pride Platina Interchangeable Needle Set

You are welcome to comment here, but to enter the giveaway, please comment on the YouTube watch page.

Since not everyone can win, you can find these needles for sale here.

Please watch the entire video for instructions on how to enter the giveaway. This contest is open to US and international viewers (customs charges may apply outside the US). The contest is open until 12:01 am (US Central Time), December 28, 2016; and the winner will be announced in video on December 29, 2016. The winning YouTube comment will be chosen by random number generator.

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Podcast Episode 25: Do Chickens Need Sweaters?


Download Episode.

You can see Casey’s website and her social media buttons on kcknits.com.

Peter English has studied birds for over 40 years and has extensive experience both as a researcher and an ecotourism professional and has studied birds in 28 countries. During his career he has been a Watson Fellow and a Fulbright Scholar, and has led over 150 international birdwatching tours with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. In Ecuador, Dr. English was a driving force behind the creation of the Napo Wildlife Center, among the most celebrated ecotourism lodges in the past decade. Dr. English is currently a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin.

While we tried to sit outside to get birdsong in the background, the birds were quiet that day. Peter gave me some bird calls to include in the show. The funny sounding birds at the beginning are great tailed grackles which are all over Austin. Austinites have a love-hate relationship with grackles. The chirps at the end are from carolina wrens. The airplane noises are authentic.

Nestwatch tells you when birds are building nests.

Videos: Playlist of seaming videos

From Our Sponsors:
June Cashmere – Owner Sy Belohlavek from June Cashmere works one-on-one with ranchers in Kyrgyzstan to source their 16.5 micron count cashmere. Their lace and DK weight cashmere comes in 12 fabulous organically dyed colors along with a line of patterns from Tanis Gray, Romi Hill and Kristin Kapur. Enter promo code VERYPINK (no spaces) to get free shipping off your next order of $100 or more.

The June Cashmere video we mention in the episode.

Skeino Donna Vest

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Bickford Seam

The Bickford Seam is an alternative to the mattress stitch, not quite as sturdy as the mattress stitch, but it leaves no ridge on the inside of the work.

This video is sponsored by Eucalan, the wool soap I trust for all of my knits – I’ve used this fiber wash for years! Eucalan is available at many retailers, you can learn more and purchase at their website here.

In the video, I say that the yarn I’m using for demonstration is worsted weight, but it’s actually Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky.

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Podcast Episode 24: Love the Swatch


Download Episode.
You can see Casey’s website and her social media buttons on kcknits.com.

From Our Sponsors:
Louet – Louet has a new Needle of the Month Club, click through for more information. I’ve done several tutorials with Louet:
Sixes and Threes Cowl
ATX Linen Tote
Tesserino Cowl
Sharbella Shawl
Matterhorn Cabled Cowl

Eucalan – the fiber wash Staci uses for all her knits. (I’m in love with the Wrapture scent, a clean jasmine smell.)

And from Skeino, their new Turtleneck Sweater. Available in over 30 colors in Merino wool.
skeino-turtleneck

Links to things we talk about in this episode:
Casey’s linen tank with a sad story.
Ike’s Collegiate (Dog) Sweater Pattern

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