Chicken A La Pology

Listen to Episode 32 Here!

My only picture of sweet little Puck

IN OUR WINEGLASS:
Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 Georges Duboeuf

NEWS FROM AROUND THE PLANET:
Shrek the Sheep

Colander Driver's License Photo


ON MY NEEDLES:
Bianca's Jacket - Complete

Button Emporium

Dread Stocking Randall - Complete

Mushroom Ornament

Lakedale Shawl by Steven West - Complete

Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat

SAW 1 Raffle COMPLETE

TRADING POST:

Up for trade is a nearly new Ultimate Knitting Machine and Row Counter Attachment. A minimum $160.00 value. If you have something of equal or greater value that you would like to trade for it, please send your trade offer to our email address theknitwits@comcast.net or to Thriftyknitter on Ravelry.

Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall

Beaks, Buttons and Burgunders

Listen to Episode 31 Here!

If you are ever near Wilsonville, OR, you simply must check out Dar Essalam restaurant. Just Fabulous!

Handmade desserts and incredible surprises await you at Rimsky Korsakoffeehouse.  A must-visit when in Portland.

IN OUR WINEGLASS:

A. Diehl WEISSER BURBUNDER 2010  

A fabulous Pinot Blanc wine that has become a favorite in our home.  I couldn't find a website that carries this but it could be ordered by your local wine seller from the importer Mitchell Wine Group through Ewald Moseler.

I did find this descripiton of the wine which truly says it all:

              Pardon the cheeky pun on the producer’s name, but this wine is A. Diehl! Here we have Weisser Burgunder, a.k.a. Pinot Blanc, transformed into a beauteously crisp, fresh, appealing and food-friendly style. Gone are all pretenses of opulence and prestige; in are freshness, liveliness, deliciousness, value, and food-friendliness. Smoky Pfalz soil serves as a lovely undercurrent for this crisp pear and green melon-scented wine. Fresh, vivacious and simply delicious, this is a Pinot Blanc that dares to be a wine of character, value and satisfaction for the humble, hardworking, soulful person in you. Enjoy this beautiful country wine as an apéritif for your early spring gatherings, or as a foil for your vernal fare like Copper River salmon, steelhead, clams, mussels, asparagus frittatas, fried chicken - just about anything but red meat.

ON MY NEEDLES:

I'm still trying to get my head around the spacing of the name on Dread Stocking Randall but it's just a matter of sitting down with it and working it out.

I am finishing up my Bianca's Jacket which is turning out lovely in the Muench Sir Galli yarn the pattern originally called for.  Unfortunately the yarn has been discontinued.  All I have left to knit is the button band!

I am also starting work on the Lakedale Shawl which my mother had started and passed on to me to finish for her. 

OFF MY NEEDLES:

I am thrilled with my Tea Leaves Cardigan  It's so warm and cozy.

And I just adore the leaf buttons by One of a Kind made in Portland, of course.  A gift from Amy De from Atlanta.

One of the great things about Portland (as if there aren't enough) is that they tend to attract the rock starts of the fiber world.  I was fortunate enough to attend a Stephanie Pearl McPhee book signing at Powells Book Store.  And fun was had by all!

 If you're in need of the perfect button, check out The Button Emporium.  It's bound to have what you need to make your knitted garment even more special. (No Papa Button is not the owner of The Button Emporium and everything Papa said in the interview was made up for entertainment purposes only.)

TRADING POST:

Up for trade is a nearly new Ultimate Knitting Machine and Row Counter Attachment.  A minimum $160.00 value.  If you have something of equal or greater value that you would like to trade for it, please send your trade offer to our email address theknitwits@comcast.net or to Thriftyknitter on Ravelry.

SOCKS AROUND THE WORLD 1 RAFFLE:

If you wish to enter the raffle for handknit socks from our first ever Socks Around The World, you may do so by using the donate button on this page. It is $1.00 an entry and entries will be taken until midnight PST November 30, 2011. These were knit for a size 8 foot and are knit with Opposites Attract yarn from Barking Dog Yarns in the Arthur and Guinevere colorway.

Don't forget to check out the Surrogate Sock Knitters Club on Ravelry.  The group is getting a little dusty from lack of use.  If you have SSS (Second Sock Syndrome) and need an SSK (Surrogate Sock Knitter) to finish your second sock, stop on by and meet your mate. :)

REVIEW:

I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a set of gorgeous red Swarovski crystal stitch markers from Lima Pop Shoppe and I adore them.  If you are looking for a beautiful gift for a knitter in your life or just wish to indulge yourself in a little bling.  Check them out.  I plan to purchase some for my mother, and daughter.  Shh, don't tell.

Thank you to all of our listeners for making what we do worthwhile.  See you next time!!

Anchors Away!

Listen to Episode 30 Here!

Happy One Year Podiversary to us!!  Can't believe it's been a year.

I hope you have a chance to eat at The Old Spaghetti Factory someday if you haven't already.  The half mezzithra cheese and half mushroom sauce is my FAVORITE!!

A few of our brood of chickens.  Notice little white Duke in the back.  So cute!

And here's Edie 2 aka Stripe, the talking hen.

Sock Summit 2011 was ALL that everyone said it would be!!  If there is another one, you MUST try to attend.  Here are pics of two of my highlights.

Passing through Sockgate at the entrance to Sock Summit 2011

(photogragher was a stranger I grabbed, apparently she really liked the carpet)

With Peggy Stuart and family...

With Judith McKenzie (such a thrill)

And with Stephanie Pearl McPhee

Yes, Rick really did win best of show with the motorcycle he built and yes, that is Steven Tyler sitting on it.

Hey everyone!  Check out the new podcast, Craftlife with Amanda!  We love new crafting/knitting

podcasts.

SOCKS AROUND THE WORLD 1 RAFFLE:

If you wish to enter the raffle for handknit socks from our first ever Socks Around The World, you may do so by using the donate button on this page.  It is $1.00 and entry and  entries will be taken until midnight PST November 30, 2011.  These were knit for a size 8 foot and are knit with Opposites Attract yarn from Barking Dog Yarns in the Arthur and Guinevere colorway.

TRADING POST:

Up for trade is a Color Your Own Sweater kit from Philosopher's Wool Co. in the Peacock colorway. Get your trade offers in valued at $120 or over.  This is a beautiful kit you don't want to miss out on!

PRODUCT REVIEW:

Check out the beautiful and functional products at Slipped Stitch Studios.  I just love her things, especially the pattern keeper.  Check them out!!

I'll be starting a Bible study in my home using the book Biblical Bits for Knit Wits.  If you're interested in the Bible and Knitting, visit the website and look it over.  Looks interesting.

IN OUR WINEGLASS:

H.M.S. Rattlesnake Red Table Wine 2009 with a hint of hickory and if you close your eyes and click your heels together three times, you can almost taste bacon.  Not so easy to find but I was able to find it on this website.

ON MY NEEDLES:

Goodale Sweater - such a pleasure to knit and SO quick!!

Stephen West Mystery Shawl KAL "Earth & Sky"

And I have cast on for the Tea Leaves Cardigan in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in the Forrest Heather colorway.

The closing song introduced by Knit Knickers Nick was Blow Me Down by the Moneyshot Cosmonauts.

Thank you to all our listeners!  We love you!!!

Ain't It Fresh (Oregon)

Listen To Episode 29 Here!

I just love my Lo Lo Bar by Bar Maids!! There is truly nothing like it! 

When in the Portland area, don't miss Fabric Depot or The Button Emporium.  You'll probably find me there.

Sock Summit 2011 was amazing as expected and one of the highlights was getting to meet all of you at the Multi-podcasters Meet-n-greet.  Thank you for making my day.  You guys ROCK!!

Yes, there really are chicken saddles and I hope I never need to use one.

TRADING POST:

Up for trade is a Philosopher's Wool Co. Color Your Own sweater kit in the Peacock colorway.  This kit is gorgeous and is worth $120.  If you have something you would like to trade for the sweater kit which is of equal or greater value and is preferably craft related, please contact us!

ON MY NEEDLES:

Finished binding off my Camp KIP Knit-a-long, Daybreak Shawl by Stephen West thanks to Cindy (cperrine)

Finished and sent off the February Lady Sweater I was knitting for my mom for Mother's Day.  Better late than never, I say.

Finished my Black Sheep Gathering Knit-a-long, Boneyard Shawl by Stephen West done in my handspun and I just love the colors. Thanks to Daily Fibers by Jan (worldygirl) and Navajo Plying, I have a lovely striped kerchief shawl to be proud of.

Cast on for "Dread Stocking Randall" and am making good progress.  I'll post pics when it's complete.

I made this little teepee for the girls from an Ikea duvet cover.  It turned out so cute and they love it!

And my garden is in full swing even though we got a late start here due to the move.  The weather has just started to warm and set things in motion so all is well.

IN OUR WINEGLASS:

Snoqualmie Whistle Stop Red Cabernet Merlot 2008  As everything we have encountered so far in Oregon, this wine does not disappoint.  Rick is a fan of Merlot and I am a fan of Cabernet and this wine is a perfect blending.  Not too fruity, not too dry.  Goes great with Moonstruck Chocolate!

REVIEW:

My review this week was on In-Spin-Knit-Y Blocking Wires.  These are a super product.  Light, flexible, keep their shape and are easy to store.  They will get ALOT of use in the Riley house! 
Check 'em out!

We leave you with this catchy tune from Alcyon Massive Ain't It Fresh (The Oregon Song).  Can't get it out of your head can you?

Thanks listeners!  We love you!  If you wish to contact us, you can find me as Thriftyknitter on Ravelry or write us at theknitwits@comcast.net.  We love to hear from you!

They're Baaaaaack!

Listen to Episode 28 Here!

Congratulations to the winners of the Name the Chicken Contest!

Runners up:
jolafson - "Henrietta"
wittylittleknitter - "Dixie"
yarnaddict - "Penelope"
queu - Mary Cricket

And the Winner is:
Flutterbys = "Daisy"

You may have heard us raving about our wonderful neighborhood market, New Seasons Market.  We love it!!

Have you checked out the Clothed in the Lamb Podcast?  We're always happy to hear of new podcasts and this one has a Chinese flair which leads us to I Like Chinese.

If you are ever in the Portland area between July and September, don't miss the Hood River Valley Fruit Loop.  Amazing local fruits, vegetables and wine.  Even an Alpaca Farm and yarn shop!

IN OUR WINEGLASS:

Viento Sangiovese Rose 2010 This one was a hit with both of us even though we have never liked Rose.  We are both big fans of Sangiovese, though and this was a perfect blend of Sangiovese and NICE!

ON MY NEEDLES:
February Lady Sweater for my mother.  Nearly finished!

The Camp KIP knit-a-long, The Daybreak Shawl by Stephen West hit a snag when I ran out of yarn 30 stitches from finishing the bind off.  Fortunately one of our listeners has already contacted me with extra yarn for my needs!   

ON MY WHEEL:

Here is the beautiful  green Mixed BFL from Daily Fibers aka the talented Jan (Worldygirl) that I spun up.  Four more hanks to spin and I can start a sweater!

And here's what I have been spinning up on my Little Gem: River's Edge Fiber Arts Screaming Wild Monkeys in the Tigerlily colorway.

I hope you all had a wonderful time at Sock Summit and if you weren't able to join us, please try to make it next time.  It was awesome meeting everyone!!

We hope to be at Oregon Flock and Fiber in Canby, OR on Sept. 24 and 25, 2011  See you there!

Thank you to all our listeners who hung in there with us through the move across the country.  You are true friends!!

Contact us at theknitwits@comcast.net, or on Ravelry as Thriftyknitter, or leave a comment.  We love to hear from you!

Drum Roll Please...

Listen to Episode 27 Here!

Yes, that's right.  We're moving!!  As soon as we know where, we'll let you know.

Stitches South was terrific!  Thank you, AmyDe and family for your amazing and generous hospitality.  Some of the highlights was our fabulous meal at Cincos Mexican Cantina and or trip to Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

I finally recieved my Majacraft Little Gem and she's a keeper!!  I just love this wheel!

On My Needles:

The Daybreak Shawl by Stephen West in Miss Babbs Yummy 2ply Sock in the Nasturtium colorway and the rest of my Shi Bui sock in the Wasabi colorway (which was a Valentines present from "The Wit" and was used for my Citron shawl.

And, of course, the neverending February Lady Sweater I am knitting for my mother for Mother's Day.

In Our Wineglass:

Finca Flichman Reserva Malbec 2009  Two thumbs way up for this very flavorful red.  Loved it!

Trading Post:

We have a trade for the Eat, Sleep, Knit Gift Certificate....And the trade is for a
Philosopher's Wool Color Your Own Sweater Kit in the Peacock Colorway!  This is $130.00 value.

If anyone is interested in trading for something they feel is worth more than that amount, please pm me on Ravelry at thriftyknitter or by email at theknitwits@comcast.net.

Thanks for hanging in there with us as we get packed to move who knows where!  We're glad to have you along for the ride!

Kick Boodie

Listen to Episode 26 Here!

One of the highlights of our trip to Florida was taking the girls to see the gators in the Everglades.

I finished up my Citron shawl with the crochet beaded bind-off.

And cast-on/finished my Kudos Circle Wrap

Also cast on for the Fitted Tank from the Spring/Summer Issue of Knit Simple magazine.

IN OUR WINEGLASS:

Baileyana Chardonnay which we both agreed was one of those Chards to be poured at room temperature.  Goes lovely with chocolate.

CampKIP was amazing! Stay tuned to the website so you can be a part next year!

For those of you who are not familiar, THIS is Kick Boodie! The BEST carnival ride ever.

Yes, I bought a chick!  Feel free to enter the Name the Chicken Contest in our Ravelry group.

This video will give you an idea of the gender test I was referring to except mine is a simple metal washer and a feed bag string!

TRADING POST:

We are still accepting trades for the $75 Gift Certificate to Eat Sleep Knit.  We will announce the chosen trade on the next podcast so get in those trades!!

We will be at Stitches South  this weekend and hope you can come see us at the Knit Wits Chocolate Sip & Share in the Lobby of the Renaissance Atlanta Waveryly near the Atrium Bar between 4:30 and 6:30pm on Friday April 15, 2011.

See You There!!!!

Sweet City Woman

Listen To Episode 25 Here!

Gearharts Pistachio Toffee is some of the best of the chocolate treats we've tasted.  You must try it!!

And in case you are needing a little "glow", here are Uncle Joe's Mint Balls.

The Secret Language of Knitters by Mary Beth Temple is a treasure trove of knitting terms and definitions.

Sadly, we will not be attending the Smokey Mountain Fiber Arts Festival March 17-19 but will be heading down south to Florida to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary and see some old friends. But we do plan on attending Stitches South on April 14-17 so we hope to see you there!

ON MY NEEDLES:

My February Lady Sweater is making slow progress.

The mittens I started for my daughter with my handspun are completed...just in time for Spring.

But most of my time has been spent on my Citron Shawl.  I have thoroughly enjoyed knitting this.

All I have left is the crochet beaded bind-off.

SOCKS AROUND THE WORLD:

SAW 4 is still in need of some knitters to complete the roster.  If interested in taking a spot, pm me on Ravelry or send me a note to TheKnitWits@comcast.net.

WHAT'S IN OUR WINEGLASS:

This week it was Mango Martinis.  Here's the recipe:

2 oz. Absolut Mango Vodka
1 oz. Triple Sec
2 oz. Mango Nectar
1/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Put all ingredients in a blender with lots of ice and blend.  Strain into glasses.

And here is Rick's non-exact recipe for his Fondue Stuffed Mushrooms:

Cream Cheese
Bleu Cheese Dressing
Bleu Cheese Crumbles
Chives
Large button mushrooms stems removed

Mix all ingredients to taste and scoop into the mushroom caps.  Dip into Tempura batter and fondue in hot peanut oil until golden brown.  Enjoy!

TRADING POST:

We have a new item up for trade.  A $75 gift certificate for Eat Sleep Knit.  If you have a trade worth $75 or more, please contact us at TheKnitWits@comcast.net or on Ravelry, pm Thriftyknitter.

Thank you to everyone who so willingly participates in our little podcast via the Ravelry group, donations, gifts, comments and positive reviews.  You are all so very much appreciated!!!

Pork Butt And Cheese Grits

Listen To Episode 24 Here!

Upcoming Fiber Events:

Smokey Mountain Fiber Arts Festival March 17-19 in Townsend, TN

Stitches South April 14-17 in Atlanta, GA

Indiana Fiber and Music Festival April 30-May 1 in Charlestown, IN

Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival May 21-22 in Lexington, KY

Middle Tennessee Fiber Festival May 27-28 in Dickson, TN


Here is the Dehydrated Kale Chips recipe I mentioned.

Ingredients:
1 Bunch Kale stems removed and torn into bite sized pieces
2 Tbsp Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos or Tamari or Nama Shoyu (raw soy sauce)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 C Nutritional Yeast
Put all ingredients in a bowl and massage ingredients into kale and let sit 5 min.
Place on dehydrator trays and dehydrate below 107 degrees for 4-6 hours for raw chips or over 107 degrees for fewer hours and cooked chips. These can also be done in the oven on low temp.
Enjoy!

Our Socks Around the World 3 is underway as well as 1 and 2.  Just a reminder, SAW 1 is a size 8 foot, SAW 2 is a size 10 and SAW 3 is a size 6 foot.  Toe knitters, please leave the tails and do not weave them in so the winner of the SAW socks can adjust the size as necessary.

TRADING POST:
Still working on a trade for an approx. 4lb. mohair fleece (unprocessed)

or 8oz. process mohair roving

We  have a trade we are looking at that is worth $75.  If you have anything that is worth $75 or higher and would like to trade, please let us know.

IN OUR WINEGLASS:
Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay  Rick liked this one better than I did but we both agreed it was better at room temperature.  We have enjoyed their Cabernet in the past so give that a try if you like reds.

Many thanks to our listeners and donors.  You make this podcast happen!!!

"Smile Out Loud"

Listen To Episode 23 Here!

Thank you, everyone for 100,000 downloads!!  This is quite a milestone for us after less than 6 months of podcasts.  You're AWESOME!

IN OUR WINEGLASS:

Sofia Blanc de Blanc 2009 from Frances Coppola is a real treat in our house.  Two thumbs up!!

Daily Fibers Mixed BFL - Gorgeous!!

And here is my attempt at Entrelac.  I can see how this could be addicting.










This is the yarn I received from my Valentine.  Shi Bui Sock yarn












The Magnus Drudik spindle which was gifted to me by Anne from Oregon (Otterknitter).

Thank you to those of our friends who have sent special things to Rick and I over the past few months.  Every little thing brings a smile.  It's so heart-warming to know how much you care. :)

The Mason Dixon class was so much fun!  If you ever get a chance to take a class from Ann Shayne and Kay Gardner, don't miss it!

I was WRONG!  I said that Rick sounded like Grover from Sesame Street when in fact, he sounded like the Cookie Monster!

SOCKS AROUND THE WORLD:

Our first sock is underway using Barking Dog Yarns Opposites Attract in the Arthur and Guinevere colorway.  This sock will be a size 8.

Our second Sock Around The World  has been finalized using Lorna's Laces Sock Yarn in the Buck's Bar colorway. This will be a size 10.

And a third Socks Around the World is just about ready to go. It will be a size 6.

ON MY NEEDLES:
February Lady Sweater is coming along.  I still have a ways to go but I'm just enjoying taking my time on this.

Here are the gloves made out of my handspun...

which are being made from the leftovers of the socks I made for Angelina.

I recieved my Majacraft Skeiner this week.  What a wonderful Christmas present!!

Thank you Nancy of Machine Knitting To Dye For for the awesome letter you sent.  I'm so glad our listeners were able to help your small business.

As promised, here is his official pageant photo.  Everyone welcome... Mr. Florida.  Note the moutain of chocolate covered strawberries made by his own hands and laid at my feet.  Princess Knit Carin was definitely in her glory. Haha



















TRADING POST:

Thank you to all of our friends who listen faithfully every week and for those who are able to donate, another big thank you!  We love our listeners!