HK_Ep14_010812

• Steering Wheel Cover in LB Wool Ease in Navy

Now Playing

• Watermelon Socks (aka Honey Badger Socks) in Mystery Wool

Coming Attractions

• Corrie Fair Isle Vest by Knitpicks in Knit Picks Palette on US2/2.75mm
• Mother Bear Project - The wonderful Dr. Gemma of the CogKnitive Podcast has started her annual KAL/CAL for this worthy charity. Do good....MAKE BEARS!

The Gossip 

• Christmas Goodies - Clara Parkes Knitter's Book of Yarn & Knitter's Book of Socks as well as miscellaneous yarn and gift card to the LYS.
• New Years - Mexican and Season 1 Muppet Show!!

Trailers

• Purchased a skein of Weekend Sock in the Malachite Colorway from Unwind Yarn Company (aka Dana of Just One More Row Podcast)
• Proud owner of an awesome Retro Mushroom Project Bag and stitch markers from Sticks Stones String (aka michelestitches)

Behind the Scenes

• For January/February I will focus on my travel goals.
• Enter the contest for January/February on the Ravelry thread. All you have to do is tell me about a favorite place you have travelled too or a place you have always wanted to visit. Prize will be a skein of Blue Moon Socks that Rock Medium Weight in River Rocked and the Knetted sock pattern by Cat Bordhi. I will close the contest on February 29 and announce winner shortly thereafter.

Hollywood Story  

• At Best Buy - West Hollywood I stood behind Flea. In 2010 it was Lindsay Lohan.

Production Notes

• You can find me as allison1031 on Twitter or Ravelry and hollywoodknitter on Plurk.
• Also check out the Ravelry Group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast.

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 In the Can

• Tart Sands from Grumperina's Shifting Sand Scarf pattern in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK in Tart colorway on US7/4.5mm
• Scrappy Bean Beanie by Ulli Shibuya made with Blue Moon Socks That Rock in Gertrude and Dream in Color Smooshy in Chinatown Apple on US5/3.75mm
• Treads by Victoria Anne Baker in Madelinetosh Vintage in Opaline.
• Blue Steps Baby Booties by Regina Willer in Cascade Heritage.
• Hurricane Hat by Andrea Goutier by Valley Yarns Cold Spring in Mountain Peak

My butthead cat on my blocking Tart Sands. Damn her!

Now Playing

• Steering Wheel Cover in LB Wool Ease in Navy
• Watermelon Socks (aka Honey Badger Socks) in Mystery Wool

My and my BFF at the Bachelor Party! Don't we look dapper.

The Gossip 

• Lone Pine is windy and prone to crazy dust storms.
• Las Vegas as the Best WoMan for my BFF Bachelor Party was awesome and so much fun.  But I am boobied out.

Review 

• Life As We Know It by Susan Beth Pfeffer - A great young adult fiction novel where a change in the moons orbit brings huge change to the world as we know it.

My Christmas decorations.  And the cat that sits where it shouldn't.

HK Nominee  

• Progresso Soups  – They make my life so much better.  Especially love the lite Clam Chowder,

Production Notes

• You can find me as allison1031 on Twitter and hollywoodknitter on Plurk.
• Also check out the Ravelry Group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast.

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• Cassidy -by ChicKnits in Berroco Comfort Worsted in the Beet Root colorway.
• Candy Moon Socks from AnneLena Mattison Paper Moon Socks from Knitty in Madelinetosh Sock on US1.5/2.5mm

Now Playing

• Tart Sands from Grumperina's Shifting Sand Scarf pattern in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK in Tart colorway on US7/4.5mm

Coming Attractions

• A few more holiday gifts including some fingerless mitts. Have decided on the Treads pattern by Victoria Anne Baker. 
• Steering wheel cover for my work truck and more socks for my work boots.

The Gossip 

• Coastal Knits is doing amazing PR job.
• Thoughts on podcast and people who put negativity into the world.
• Its cold on the Eastern Sierras.
• Netflix on Demand is awesome...it lets me watch Farscape.
• Heading to Las Vegas as the Best WoMan for my BFF Bachelor Party.

Review 

• Annie Purl (www.anniepurl.etsy.com) – Got card from CogKnitive Fiber Retreat goodie bag and order some stitch markers inspired by Weeping Angels from Doctor Who.
• More Knitting in the Sun by Kristi Porter (2011 Wiley Publishing) – Great kids patterns. Hihly recommend.

HK Nominee  

• Steven Smith (http://www.smithtea.com/) – Amazing teas out of Portland!

Production Notes

• You can find me as allison1031 on Twitter and hollywoodknitter on Plurk.
• Also check out the Ravelry Group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast.

As I was looking through all these pictures of conjoined twins, including ones that share a brain, I was struck by the realization that this is the ultimate display of "we are all one" and the interconnectedness of all things.  Meaning, that the idea that we are all separate from each other somehow is just an illusion (you are you, I am me, the dog is the dog, the Earth and myself and the dog are all different and separate things).  This is a very powerful illusion created by our egos, one that we trick ourselves into believing every minute of every day of our lives.  And the idea that you can have two living beings that share the same brain (and therefore the same consciousness) is quite literally happening in some of these twins.  This is a powerful display of the fact that one consciousness does not necessarily mean one body.  You can have a body without consciousness, but (as far as we know) you cannot have consciousness without a body (specifically without a brain containing certain specialized regions).  Though that last statement may be incorrect, and is unprovable (since we don't fully understand consciousness), it is correct as far as we can tell.  It appears, through massive amounts of data, that not only is a brain required for consciousness, but certain specific regions of the brain are required to be operating functionally to sustain consciousness.  

And then to see this baby with a twin with no head.  It is undeniably real when I look at these photos, that each of our "selves", each of our egos, our personalities, and everything that we think defines us as who we are, is simply a collection of neurons and organic chemicals and electricity arranged (through time and space) in an extremely specific (and unique) way inside of our heads, and that true reality, if such a thing can be defined, encompasses all of our bodies, our egos, the earth that we walk on, and the entire universe that we exist in.  It is all one thing and no part of it can be described outside of the rest of it.  

What we think of as our "self" is simply our perspective reflecting our ego, which is never going to be completely accurate or perfect, because our perspective is never all-encompassing and is always biased based upon our individual experiences.

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• Thanks to Barb for 2 Knit Lit Chicks for the Shout Out!

 In the Can

• Caleb's Felted Xmas Clogs from Bev Galeskas Felted Clog pattern knit in Cascade 220 Christmas Green & Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in Natures Brown on US13/9mm
• Dad's XMAS Mitts from Wendy D. Johnson's Fingerless Mitts pattern in Ranch of the Oaks Zoo Blend and Patons Grace in black on US8/5mm
• Autumn Red Cowl from Madelinetosh's Honey Cowl knit in Carons Simply Soft in Autumn Red on US8/5mm
• Mom's XMAS Clogs from Bev Galeskas Felted Clog pattern knit in Cascade 220 Shrimp, Navajo Wool Burgundy & Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in Natures Brown on US13/9mm

Now Playing

• Cassidy - Still need to do the grosgrain ribbon and sew the buttons on. 
• Candy Moon Socks from AnneLena Mattison Paper Moon Socks from Knitty in Madelinetosh Sock on US1.5/2.5mm
• Tart Sands from Grumperina's Shifting Sand Scarf pattern in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK in Tart on US7/4.5mm

Coming Attractions

• A few more holiday gifts including some fingerless mitts. Then my last WIP - the darn Fair Isle Vest.

The Gossip 

• Portland - Amazing trip. Urban Fiber Arts where I got some Abstract Fiber, Pico Accuardi & Lolo Bars. Deschutes Brewery. Columbia River Gorge. Mt Hood. Bonneville Lock & Dam. Voodoo Donuts. Saturday Market. Powells City of Books. Visit to KnitPurl. Lan Su Chinese Garden.
• Oakland – Quick trip up & back for Shpongle at the Fox Theater.
• Wonderful surprise birthday dinner at Loteria Hollywood.
• Will be heading North for a work during the week. Will be hanging out in Lone Pine.

Production Notes

• You can find me as allison1031 on Twitter and hollywoodknitter on Plurk.
• Also check out the Ravelry Group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast.

At Vogue Knitting Los Angeles, I was fairly restrained and only got 4 beautiful skeins.

1. I couldn't resist this gorgeous silver lace weight yarn from Twist, Yarns of Intrigue from Manhattan Beach, CA. It's called Silk Whisper (30% Silk / 70% Superwash Merino) and has 1000 yds! I envision an elegant stole.
2. I seemed to be drawn to the greys this outing. I picked up this skein of Sock-aholic Solid (75% Superwash Wool / 25% Nylon, 480 yds) in the colorway Tip Jar from Knitters Brewing Co from San Diego area.
3. Sincere Sheep has some lovely yarns and after mulling over the many choices I purchased a skein of Agleam (50% Superwash Merino / 50% Tencel, 412 yds) in the colorway Deepest Desire, a gorgeous purple with a grey undertone, and a skein of Equity Sport (100% Ramboillet Wool from Kid Ranch Buffalo, WY - 200 yds) in a Natural Grey.

Then the next weekend it was off to the CogKnitive Fiber Retreat. It had awesome door prizes and yummy goodies. It started with lots of discount cards and fiber samples from lots of amazing indie artists. Also in the goody bags - 1 skein of Valley Yarns Cold Spring (39% Wool / 25&% Baby Alpaca / 36% Acrylic) in Mountain Peak from Webs. Feels very cushy and soft. One of my door prizes was a spindle from DragonCraft and some fiber.  I don't really have a desire to learn spindling but now I have one if I need it. Or I might pass it on to someone who would enjoy it. My second door prize was a $25 gift certificate for Skein Yarns. This is an Etsy dyer out of Australia and her yarns look amazing.  Haven't decided what I want yet. I also got a gorgeous skein of Zen Garden Sturdy Sock (75% Superwash Merino / 25% Nylon, 420 yds)in Cherry Bloom from someone who no longer wanted it in their stash.

Below is a picture of all the super-squishy yarns purchased in the market from the awesome CogKnitive vendors!

1. Alpenglow Yarns was there and Carrie's stuff is gorgeous!  I love that its all natural dyes and her support of small farms in the US. I picked up three skeins from her - Small Farm Yarn, Sporty Corrie (100% Corriedale Wool, 190 yds) in the color Ephemar & Small Farm Yarn, Springy Corrie Sport (100% Corriedale Wool, 190 yds) in the color Rust & American Yarn, Sylvan Sock (70% Fine Wool / 30% Tencel, 400 yds) in the color Tomato Bisque.
2. Ranch of the Oaks had some wonderful Alpaca from the animals on their farm. They also have their own mill! I loved how they knew which animal every skein came from.  The brown skein is 200 yds of 80% Alpaca "Misha" / 20% Merino, the grey is 200 yds of 80% Alpaca / 20% Bamboo and the marled is a 100 yds of Zoo Blend (lots of animals!).
3. I picked up sock weight skein (80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon, 433 yds) in Grape from Bee Mice Elf but she had amazing fiber too.
4. Freckle Faced Fibers had some irresistible sock yarns. I got a skein of Kimono Sock Yarn (60% Superwash Merino / 30% Bamboo / 10% Nylon, 430 yds)  and a skein of sport weight Alpaca/Merino/Silk in the colorway Schehrazade.

And finally bags!! Slipped Stitch Studios had the most awesome project bags. I picked up a sock yarn bag in a great gothic fabric and a medium bag with witches and such. So me!

All in all a very good haul.  Now I need to knit more and fast!

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In the Can

• Swirly Baby Hat 
• Quincy
• Alpaca Mitts  

Now Playing

• Cassidy - All I need to do is add grosgrain ribbon and sew the buttons on. 
• Mother Bear Project - I have two bears done and half of a third.
• Paper Moon Halloween Socks
• Caleb's Felted Xmas Clogs

Coming Attractions

• Christmas gifts of the small kind for the family.  Clogs, Cowl and Mitts so far.  Let's see how crazy it makes me.

The Gossip 

• Raves = Electronic Music Festivals which are fun places to dance your arse off. Check out Insomniac Events (who puts on most of the ones I attend) for music and pictures.
• Headed to Vogue Knitting - LA . Listened to a lecture from Shannon Oakey. Bought yarn. Took a photography class with Amy Swenson . 
• Went to CogKnitive Fiber Retreat and meet the fabulous Dr. Gemma.  Bought more yarn and met cool people.
• I got into the Super Summer Knitaway in Nashville, TN being put on by the amazing KnitGillls and Carin from Round the Twist.
• Stash enhancement time.  Check out blog post on it.
• Fall TV - Loving Terra Nova.
• New Podcasts I am Enjoying - Wolfe Farms Vidcast with Dawn and Nicole and CraftLife with Amanda

HK Award Nominee  - Slipped Stitch Bags!  Love the sock bag to death!

Production Notes

• You can find me as allison1031 on Twitter and hollywoodknitter on Plurk.
• Also check out the Ravelry Group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast.

• Scrappy Sock Yarn Scarf -  Awesome project for using scrap sock yarn.
• Spiral Cowl by Jeri McKiernan - Another great project for my gift box.
• Modern Cabled Baby Bibs - I got two bibs from less than one skein of Sugar & Cream.
• Homespun Wavy Hat by Lee Meredith - Great new Fall hat for me!

Now Playing

• Cassidy - I managed to set-in both of those sleeves and seamed the sides.  Also bought buttons.  Next up is the button band & collar.
• Mother Bear Project - I have two bears so far - one knit and one crochet.  Another great way to use up worsted weight scrap yarn.

Coming Attractions

• Had a major rip session including the my Turbulence sweater so I can reuse the yarn.  Also ripped the Quincy hat which I will reknitting using Malabrigo held double.
• Time to pick my oldest UFO up again since its been 10 months - Corrie Fair Isle Vest.
• Plan to do a Halloween/B-Day project (my day of birth is October 31st). This year socks to be started on October 1st.
• Have printed out patterns and matched yarn for the Mitt Envy pattern and Blue Steps Baby Booties.

The Gossip 

• I'm going to Vogue Knitting - LA this weekend where I will taking a class with Amy Swenson where I am going to learn mad photography skills.  Then I get to go to Cogknitive Fiber Retreat and meet the fabulous Dr. Gemma. 
• I got into the Super Summer Knitaway in Nashville, TN being put on by the amazing KnitGillls and Carin from Round the Twist.
• Stash enhancement time.  Need to come up with a plan.
• Fall TV!  Yeah.  And go see The Help!

LA Story

• Kristin Davis at a LA City Council Committee meeting.

Production Notes

• You can find me as allison1031 on Twitter and hollywoodknitteron Plurk.
• Also check out the Ravelry Group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast.

HK_Ep08_090511 

Applause

• Thanks to  everyone who entered the tagline contest! The new tagline is "That's a wrap from Hollywood, where fantasy meets fiber and dreams are knit." Winner of the contest selected via random number generator from all entries is Kelly in West Virginia. added
• Thanks to Kelly of Shorty's Sutures Podcast for the shout out.

In the Can

• Gus Blanket - Crocheted a small blanket for my kittie in Lion Brand Homespun.
• Taygete - Love this shawl! 
• Swirl Hat - Quick baby hat to use up some leftover sock yarn.
• Age of Steam and Brass Kerchief - Used the amazing handspun gifted to me.

Now Playing

• Cassidy - Now that I have more yarn its time to get me a new cardigan!
• Scrappy Sock Yarn Scarf -  Using up those sock yarn scraps.

Coming Attractions

• I have the pattern printed, yarn ready and needles pulled for the Modern Cabled Baby Bib and Spiral Cowl. 

The Gossip 

• Vacation was amazing. Except for the flat tire on the way home. If you get a chance you should visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce National Parks.
• I'm going to Vogue Knitting - LA!!  If you are, contact me if you want to have drinks or dinner.
• Then I get to go to CogknitiveFiber Retreat and meet the fabulous Dr. Gemma. 

• Two year anniversary with my awesome boyfriend Bryan.  If you need web design services, check him out at Mitchell Productions.
• Fall TV and my fall into the Jersey Shore (which I won't dignify with a link).

HK Award Nominee

• AAA - Get it and love the peace of mind for your car needs.

Production Notes

• Member giveaway when we reach 100 members in the Ravelry group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast. 
• You can find me as allison1031 on Ravelry or Twitter and hollywoodknitter on Plurk.

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Applause

• Thanks to  everyone who added me as friends on Ravelry, sent me an PM or e-mail, left an Itunes review or joined the Ravelry group - Hollywood Knitter Podcast.
• Huge thanks to Toadyjoe who sent me some of her beautiful handspun yarn.  Love her lots!!  Thanks for the Kreplits!  (Check out her podcast - Outlier - for more info on knitterly kreplits.)

Now Playing

• Cassidy - Crap. I ran out of yarn because I did not take into account that lengthen it would eat yarn.  I did manage to complete the sleeves and more yarn has arrived.  Next up is the collar and button band.
• Taygete - So close to being done!  On the lace section with only a few more rows before the edging.
• Gus Blanket - Started a blanket for my kittie in Lion Brand Homespun. Love how fast crochet is with bulky yarn!

Coming Attractions

• Something to show off my beautiful new homespun - maybe a Boneyard Shawl?
• Feeling the need for some quickie gratification projects to use up some stash - will be creating my own little project of the month.

The Gossip 

• Vacation in 10 days!!  Gearing up for the road trip with my Mom, nephew and boyfriend to Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce and Las Vegas.
• I'm signed up for Camp KIP again!!  Woo hoo!
• Will be heading to Portland with old college roomies in October and hope to sneak some fiber stuff in.
• Cleared out some of my gift box by sending some things to a high school pal in the Netherlands who just had a baby boy. Also discovered a moth! And gave some things to Goodwill.

HK Award Nominee

• Two excellent Internation News shows that I watch to keep informed on world events - Al Jazeera and BBC World News America.

LA Story

• Mary-Louise Parker at Disneyland.

Production Notes

• You have until August 30th to submit your suggestion for the tag line for the end of my show. Leave a comment here, send me a Ravelry message or leave it on the thread in the group.  Everyone will be entered for a chance to win a prize and the one I chose will win one too!
• You can find me as allison1031 on Ravelry or Twitter and hollywoodknitter on Plurk.