Episode 46: Having the Right Stuff

Having the right supplies for projects can be invaluable when it comes to saving time and getting a project right the first time. That's a lesson I've been learning the hard way, but one that won't soon be forgotten. Join me to catch up on this particular lesson and more!

Out o' the Bag

• Biased Transitions
• Pom Pom Garland
• Ear Warmer 
• Operation Gratitude Paracord Bracelets (forgot to mention this during the recording)

 

Pom Pom Garland

Paracord Bracelets for Operation Gratitude

In the Bag

• Biased Transitions Scarf 2
• Felted Red Barn Yarn Swatch
• Chalet Scarf
• Fabric selection for the craft room bunting
• Christmas Tree Skirt 

Christmas Tree Skit Embroidery

 In My Library

• Custom Fit (Amy Herzog)
• Pattern for Baby Alpaca Mish Mash Scarf (click here for pattern)

In My Stash

• Knit Picks Brava Worsted for Hello Kitty Crochet critters
• Baggu Bags Medium 3D Zip and Large 3D Zip

In My Ears

• Check out how to make multiple pom poms: from JenineProvidence on YouTube 
• Did you want party pom poms? Of course you did! Check out this: from ModernMom

In the Loop

• Thanks to iauthor and yarnaholic for their iTunes reviews and five star ratings! More iTunes reviews would be greatly appreciated, this helps other podcast lovers find the show and don't forget to leave reviews for all the shows you listen to regularly. 
• DCKnitter, sabrab, crochetster, patskein, Croshique, gayleywayley, iHeartCraft, CozyCouch, Greenwoman, Cinderga, theyarngoeson checked in on the Episode 45, Favorite Thanksgiving Food and Halloween Candy threads of chatter

Yoga Journey

• Yoga Studio app has been invaluable, gives me a gentle nudge to get moving especially during this arctic cold spell. Two listeners have reached out noting they were giving it a try, so please share feedback on what you think.

Prattle

• Gone Girl the movie (creepy good!), The Fury (awesome movie)
• Weck Jars for butter storage (among other things)

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram as @ShortysSutures or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find the show.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'!   

Episode 45: Working Through All the Things

Since the last episode these stitchy hands have been busy and my mind has been working to balance hobbies, work and family time. Join me as I walk through physical and mental progress, what's finished, what's still in the queue and what's gone by the wayside.


Out 'o the Bag

• Operation Gratitude Scarf #3
• Flora Infinity Scarf from Pagewood Farm
• Biased Transitions Scarf

In the Bag

• Bonnie Jean Infinity Scarf
• Stirrup Socks
• Pom Pom Garland to coordinate with bunting 
• Bulky scarf/cowl using Chalet Mountaintop Yarn
• Felted Red Barn Yarn swatch

Yarn for Bulky Scarf/Cowl

Original Swatch

Felted Swatch (after using hot water)

The Threaded Needle

• Craft Room Bunting
• Tips on How to Embroider a Tiny Face

In My Library

• Hello Kitty Crochet (Knit Picks Brava may be a good, inexpensive yarn for these characters)

In My Stash

•  Schoppel Wolle Zauberball 1508 (Black, White, Gray)

In My Ears

• KnitFM - Episode 10: Interview with Amy Herzog
• Yarniacs - Episode 73: Interview with Edie Eckman
• Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Podcast - Episode 9: Selling on Etsy 
• Susan B Anderson on YouTube
• Dark Matter Knits on YouTube

In the Loop

• Gayleywayley, Sabrab, KnittyBarb, iHeartCraft, PatSkein, CozyCouch, GreenWoman, PhotoKnitGal, Croshique, Crochetster, Cinderga

Fit 'n Stitchy

• Yoga Journey - Yoga Studio App $3.99
• Walks with cooler mornings and stars

Prattle

• More Instagramming using Shorty's Sutures account 
• Managing stress - article from Harvard Business Review by James R. Bailey  link to article
  "The most important question for executives under stress — whether or not you have Barra-level responsibilities — is how to counter its corrosive effects. Over the past three years I conducted interviews with 127 executives from 18 countries to explore senior executives’ sources of renewal in the face of relentless tension. To renew themselves, executives take a number of steps, which fall roughly into four categories. Health, including exercise, sleep, and diet, is the most common type of renewal. What I call “removal” is the next most common; removal is anything that whisks you away from work’s struggles. Concerts, sporting events, theater, movies, TV, and fine dining were mentioned, as were stopping by the spa or the tavern. Family time fits here too. The third category is intellectual activities, such as puzzles, games, the study of history or botany, reading, bird-watching, and hobbies like model building. The fourth is introspection: Transcendental Meditation, prayer, breathing techniques, setting aside time for reflection, therapy (including Neural Feedback Training), and participation in support groups. These executives are on the right track. Past research has shown that the harmful effects of stress can be at least partially counteracted by spending just 20 to 30 minutes per day engaging in renewal activities."

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram as @ShortysSutures or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find the show.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'!  

Episode 44: Falling Out of the Wagon

It's been an eventful month, so there is quite a bit of news to share. Despite experiencing some crafty disappointments since the last episode, there have also been great revelations that I'm excited to report.


Out 'o the Bag

• Baby Alpaca Mish-Mash Cowl
• Knit Washcloth for friend using Cotton Candy yarn and used the Nifty Knit Dishcloths (Amazon) pattern #13 from the booklet
• Super Cupcake Hat (DROPS video for Shaker Rib stitch repeat)

In the Bag

• Bonnie Jean Infinity Scarf
• Stirrup Socks

In My Library

• Biased Transitions from Cloud 7 Knits 

Biased Transitions Pattern with Bijou Basin Ranch Yarn

 In My Ears

• Plutonium Muffins

In the Loop

•  A special thanks to iHeartCraft, CozyCouch, Patskein, Cinderga, Crishique and GreenWoman for being in the Shorty's Sutures loop regularly and for your continued patronage. It is so appreciated! 

Fit 'n Stitchy

• Yoga Journey
• Walking 2 miles in the mornings
• Improvement in mobility and energy is definitely apparent; firmness in legs and derriere have brought a better feeling of how I look and feel

Giveaway Update: iHeartCraft you're the winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Prattle

• Red Barn Yarn Swatch

Red Barn Yarn Swatch

•  Glock 42 (.380 caliber)

• Sewing Box delivery and assembly very disappointing, still waiting for final resolution, can't recommend this product until they work out the existing issues
• Craft Room Updates

Craft Room Update with Sewing Box

Craft Room Update

Sewing Box Open

Sewing Box Shipping Container

Sewing Box Plexiglass Insert

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or join me on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find the show.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'! 

Episode 43: Stretching the Skills

It seems like this summer is so busy for everyone this year, so take a break and join me for project updates, yarn discoveries and a new giveaway winner announcement for the Knitter's Pride Wave Hook set.

Out 'o the Bag

• House of Cards Cowl using Polar Knit fleece yarn from Louet North America
•  Louet is in Canada, US customers may have to buy online, but you can put in your zipcode and use the dealer locator
• House of Cards Hat by Tracy Tran Using Malabrigo Rios in Sunset from my stash to try again at the House of Cards hat

House of Cards Cowl in Polar Knit Fleece, Grey

House of Cards Hat, Malabrigo Rios in Sunset

In My Knitting Bag

• Bonnie Jean Infinity Scarf using a single skein of Riveting Sport by Kollage yarns (made from recycled blue jeans, colorway Charcoal Denim

In My Stash

• Paton's Baby Sport DK yarn, grey/white tweed; making the hat that became a cowl (needed a yarn fix on my lunch break)
• Beginning to review Red Barn Yarn (Visit the site to find the closest retailer, or email info@redbarnyarn.com to purchase yarn directly)

Fit 'n Stitchy

• Yoga journey, Gaiam videos with Rodney Yee
• Increased daily walk time to 30 minutes/2 miles in the morning from 20 minutes; making sure I"m getting 30 minutes of active time

Prattle

• Craft Room Lights in Playground from Bright Lab
• Sewing Cabinet shipping first week of September 

New Giveaway Winner: GrandmaQ 

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Episode 42: Of Winning and Fleece

 Join me for a short and sweet episode about a new yarn I'm reviewing, updates on other projects and a confession that I've been reverting to my teenage ways of destroying some denim. There's also the announcement of the giveaway winner and a big thanks to everyone who participated.

In My Bags

• Stirrup Socks
• House of Cards Hat
• Patch Pants
• Ventilated Jeans

Stirrup Sock Progress

Sneak Peek of Patch Pants

In My Stash

• Polar Fleece Yarn

In My Library

• Nifty Knit Dishcloths (Amazon)
• Sprig Cloche by Alana Dakos
• Envy by Siew Clark (recommended by DebraYoungs on Ravelry thru the 2KnitLitChicks Poncho KAL thread)

Prattle

• Icon is finally back up on iTunes
• Craft Room Makeover is progressing somewhat
• Finally have started seeing Hummingbirds
• Winner of the Knitter's Pride Waves Crochet Hook Set with Eucalan samples and two extra Knitter's Pride hooks

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'!

Episode 41: Rockin' and Rollin'

What feels better than adding supplies to the stash? Finishing projects, trying them on and learning new techniques, wouldn't you agree? Join me as I share what I've been rockin' and rollin' through since the last episode.

Out 'o the Bag

• Kumihimo Bracelets (using crochet cotton vs. embroidery floss)
• Impromptu Ribbon Scarf
• Easy Folded Poncho

Kumihimo Bracelets

 In My Knitting Bag

• Stirrup Socks (Colors of Fall KAL with the Yarniacs)
• Bonnie Jean Infinity Scarf

In My Crochet Bag

• Tre Baby Skirt - changed my mind, this is no longer in my queue
  

In My Library

• Filati Handknitting Magazine (Printed in Germany)

Fit 'n Stitchy

• Still moving with the FitBit Flex

Prattle

• Short Row Study Update (In-person class and Craftsy class)
• Writing
• Self Defense - Brutus Key Chain
• Patio Enjoyment 

Giveaway - be sure to leave your entry in the Shorty's Sutures Ravelry Group thead in order to be entered to win the Eucalan sample pack, the Knitter's Pride dreamz hooks in G and J and the set of Knitter's Pride Waves Crochet hooks.

Knitters Pride Hooks & Eucalan Giveaway

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'! 

Episode 40: Bonanza of Color

Join me for lots of project progress and venturing into the world of crocheting with fine cotton threads with a super comfy hook.


Out 'o the Crochet Bag

Operation Gratitude Scarves 1 (Rocking Stitch) and 2 (Single Crochet Stitch)

• Operation Gratitude Scarf #1 (Rocking Stitch w/Willow Wash yarn, so soft and the stitch definition adds to the softness)
• Operating Gratitude Scarf #2 (Single Crochet w/Willow Wash yarn)
• Emilia Flower Garland

So Many Flowers

My version of the Emilia Crochet Garland by Emma Lamb

In My Knitting Bag

• Easy Folded Poncho
• Impromptu Ribbon Yarn Scarf

In My Library

• Up, Down, All Around Knit Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard (referred/reviewed by Yarniacs on Episode 62)
• Emilia Flower Garland Pattern by Emma Lamb

 In My Stash

• DMC Petra Cotton (Size 3)
• Pearl Cotton from JoAnn's (Size 5)
• Aunt Lydia's Fashion Crochet (Size 3)

 Fit 'n Stitchy

• FitBit Flex (recommended by Barb of the 2KnitLitChicks podcast)

Prattle

• Pinterest Board: Craft Room Makeover
• Vertical yarn storage using a shoe and boot organizer with 20 pockets 
• Knitter's Pride Wave Crochet hooks Review
• Short Row Study - Class hosted by Alissa at Knitting Fairy

Vertical Yarn Storage

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'!  

Episode 39: Project Reality Check

I've been known to have an epiphany from time to time, which is exactly what happened as I was preparing for this episode. Join me as I reflect and reconnect with projects that have been neglected, forgotten about out or fearfully pushed out of my mind, as well as chat about what I've actually finished.

Out of My Crochet Bag

• Kitchen Bowl using super bulky Cascade Magnum

In My Crochet Bag

• Glittery Shrug (Lion Brand Pattern, Prime Alpaca Yarn
• Operation Gratitude Scarf #1 for 2014
• Colorful Garland (inspired by Emma Lamb's gorgeous creations), here blog is here

Speaking of crochet and leading into the next segment, I was reminded of a great way to utilize fabric scraps and crochet a rug. Be sure to check out Crazy Mom Quilts' tutorial for crocheting a rug out of cotton scraps.

The Threaded Needle

• Laundry Room Embroidery Cheat Sheet (disappeared into the abyss!)
• Christmas Tree Skit Embroidered Appliques

In My Knitting Bag

• Easy Folded Poncho
• Super Cupcake Hat
• Impromtu Air Kiss Infinity Scarf

 
In My Stash

• Chalet MountainTop by Classic Elite Yarns - 70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Babmoo Viscose (cream/beige natural colorways) purchased from Knitting Fairy at DFW Fiber Fest

• Willow Sport by Western Sky Knits - 100% SW Merino in the Dianthe colorway (hot pink/fuschia)

• Swiss Bloom Yarn by Knitting Rose - 50% Fine Alpaca, 30% Merino Wool, 20% Silk  in the Berry Sexy colorway (purple)

• Star Wars Project Bag

In My Ears

• Dark Matter Knits by Elizabeth Greene Musselman

Prattle

• Knitting for Speed and Efficiency on Sweet Georgia Yarns using the Irish Cottage Knitting method as instructed by the Yarn Harlot
• What is Wool People? Check out the new Brooklyn Tweed issue online here. Some of my favorites to drool over are the Yane sweater, Devlan and Coda, but there are many more projects to stimulate the yarny senses.

Thanks so much for listening today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'! 

Episode 38: Gettin Stitchy With It

Maybe it's Spring Fever or maybe I'm managing my time better, but whatever the case I've managed to make more time for stitching lately than I have in a long time. Join me as I catch up on the projects and ideas that have been stitched up!

Out 'o the Bag/Off the Table

•  A continuation from my The Threaded Needle project the Baby Quilt using Riley Blake fabrics
• Created the binding tape using Dana's tutorial (How to Make a Quilt) at Old Red Barn Co; I used both the How to Free Motion Quilt and Binding Your Quilt sections; every last bit of the gray polka dot fabric was needed, sewed two sections of three quilt blocks together to add length to remaining fabric and added at the end of each longer strip to help blend in
• The back of the binding is stitched by hand which adds an extra element of handmade
• Quilted "in the ditch" which means stitching along the existing seam lines of the quilt top; I followed every other horizontal row line as well as the border line from the inner pink edge (I opted to not stitch the vertical lines because of some of my blocks not lining up perfectly, this would've created obvious imperfections in the backside of the quilt, too)

Quilting/Stitching in the Ditch

One of the 3-Block sections used to make binding material

The quilting lines after washing

Finished Baby Quilt ready to ship

  In My Crochet Bag

• Operation Gratitude Scarf (no progress)
• Tre Baby Skirt (no progress)

In My Knitting Bag

• Easy Folded Poncho is coming along
• Super Cupcake Hat (no progress)

Fit 'n Stitchy

• Ditching as much sugar as possible
• Daily stretching

In My Ears

• Yarnfm

Prattle

• Coyote Drive In in Fort Worth, Texas
• Pinterest updates: new sections, adding more of my own projects

Thanks so much for listening today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'!

Episode 37: Retreating into Yarn

The wonderful Fancy Fibers Retreat that I'd been waiting all year for has come and gone, so join me to catch up on all the stitchy news from the past month!

Group News

• Thank you to the 2KnitLitChicks (a link to their actual Website) for recommending this podcast in their recent Episode 62
• Lots of discussion on how we learned to crochet, knit, embroider, sew, tat and more!

Out 'o the Bag

• Tea Party Desserts - Amigurumi

In My Crochet Bag

• Operation Gratitude Scarf 
• Tre Baby Skirt

In My Knitting Bag

• Easy Folded Poncho
• Cupcake Hat

Cupcake Hat

 The Threaded Needle

• Baby Quilt using Riley Blake Fabrics (from the FatQuarterShop)

Baby Quilt Top (no binding)

Baby Quilt Close Up

Prattle

• News from the Fancy Fibers Retreat
• Mayhem in the Craft Storage area
• DFW Fiber Fest in Irving, Texas March 28-30, 2014

Kumihimo - Japanese Braiding

Giveaway

• Creepy Cute Crochet Winner

Thanks so much for listening today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'!  

Episode 36: Pom Pom and Poncho Madness

Another new year is upon! It's hard to believe that 2014 is in full swing when 2013 passed by so fast. Join me for Episode 36 and dive into this new year with pom poms and a bit of poncho madness!

Out 'o the Bag

•  Simple Beanie

In My Knitting Bag

• Easy Folded Poncho

 In My Stash

•  Deborah Norville Rosewood Crochet Hook set (Premier Yarns)
• Cream colored Cotton Fair Yarn (Premier Yarns) 
• Note to Amy: I caved!!!

 The Threaded Needle

• One finished felted embroidered Christmas tree for my tree skirt

•  Pom Poms for garlands
• Muslin Backdrop and High Chair Skirt
• Ribbon Garland

Prattle

• Fancy Fibers Retreat in Denton, Texas - February 13th - 16th

Giveaway

• Creepy Cute Crochet by Christen Haden (Enter to win by visiting www.shortyssutures.com and leaving a comment with your email address in the Episode 36 Show Notes comment thread

Thanks so much for listening today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, comment where this podcast is hosted at shortyssutures.libsyn.com, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. And please consider leaving a review on iTunes to help other podcast listeners find us.

Until next time, keep those hands stitchin'!