Monday, December 28, 2009

Episode 70 is Live!


Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!


Coming in January...! A CAL/KAL! Made for you to use up all those annoying scraps! Details forming here on the CogKNITive blogger blog or on the Ravelry group here..



What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: This was recorded on my way to San Francisco to pick up my new Lendrum. Meanwhile, I am finished the Rippled Afghan! I'm finished the 2nd crocheted Country Cotton Shawl. I'm finished the Branching Out Scarf . I'm heading up the cuff of the first of my Not More Socks in a bamboo blend. Still not moving on the Eliina Shawl.




Strategy: Accept love gratefully and gracefully when it's freely offered.

Something I Really Like: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens!



Blather: Thanks for all the love! You are THE BEST podcast listeners I could ever ask for.



PS. A pleasant surprise came with my new Lendrum: Carolina Homespun wants to be a vendor at the next CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Episode 69 is Live!


This is one honkin' BIG afghan!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!


Coming in January...! A CAL/KAL! Made for you to use up all those annoying scraps! Details forming here on the CogKNITive blogger blog or on the Ravelry group here..



What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Still saving for a Lendrum wheel. BUT! Meanwhile, I am finished the Rippled Afghan! I'm nearly done the 2nd crocheted Country Cotton Shawl. I'm back on the Branching Out Scarf , learning to handle lace. I've reverted to my sock fetish and am making a new pair in a bamboo blend yarn--VERY soft & pretty! And still finishing my third quickie Knitted Neck Scarf--a 1-2-day project. Still not moving yet on the Eliina Shawl.




Strategy: Make a New Year's Plan--even just one! Instead of vague resolutions, spell out one detailed plan for success.

Something I Really Like: The joys of fresh salmon and a DH unafraid to use to use it!



Blather: It's a short episode, a kidney stone, a head cold, and holidays in a prison...it ain't pretty, but we're hanging in there!



My Salmon:
In 2 TBS olive oil, cook 2 tbs crushed garlic, then add salmon and pan fry until cooked through. Toss in lots of parsley and cook until it wilts. Add generous amount of lemon juice. At the last second before finishing, add a HUGE pile of grated parmesan. Put it all over curly pasta of some sort.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Out-takes Episode: Goody Bag Winners, Thanks to More Donors, and Sneak Peak Announcement of a KAL



Why are all these adorable little bears hanging out on my blog page, in a picture shamelessly lifted (for a good cause) from the Mother Bear Project website? Read on, Gentle Listener...

First, many thanks to the generous folk whose names I mention within. These are the latest batch of donors to the podcast. Many Thanks for your kindness and support!

Next, a rousing HUZZAH! for the winners of the 2 goody bags:
Sherri M from Elk Grove, CA
Nanette the Nanny from Arlington, VA

And here's the info about the KAL/CAL to begin in the month of January, 2010:
Use the instructions from one of the links below to knit or crochet a bear for the Mother Bear Project.
Details and donations buttons (you can get the pattern by giving $5 and emailing them that you'd like the pattern)
Various links to the (free) patterns available:
Knitted bear
Crocheted bear
Bear knitted in the round and also here.

The wonderful book, Knitting For Peace by Betty Christiansen

The CAL/KAL starts Jan 1st, officially, and it stops when I am done at least one bear!
One entry for the yarny wonderful prize per bear knitted or crocheted!

Get out those scraps and warm up those hooks and/or needles! I'll start the threads to publish your pics in January!

Episode 68 is Live!


Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!


What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am not even looking at the last 6 rows of the Eliina Shawl. Not really spinning this week either, but I am saving as hard as I can for a Lendrum wheel in my future. Meanwhile, I am finishing the Rippled Afghan, and may even be done by the time this goes live... I've begun a new Branching Out Scarf and also a Country Cotton Shawl. And yet a third quickie Knitted Neck Scarf--a 1-2-day project.



Welcome back, Gigi! Great work, Jasmin!


Strategy: Do something different for the holidays to refresh your pleasure in them.



Something I Really Like: Memories of the Futurecast podcast by Will Wheaton (yes, THAT Will Wheaton). Watch out for the blue language, though, but, hey, my Trekkie comrades, it's for us!



Blather: Some days at the prison are just a little over-the-top, even by my standards...If you are shy of laughing at a little barf, well, this one is not for you.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Episode 67 is Live!

swag2009

Want to win a swag bag similar (but the book is NOT included!) to this one that our own Limejuicy won? (And photographed too!) Any donation to the podcast during the month of November will get you an entry! Use the DONATIONS button at the top right of this page!



Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!



Don't you just love this colorway? Flusi from Regia.


What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am finished the child-sized socks in Regia Flusi sock yarn. I am down STILL to the last 6 rows of the Eliina Shawl. Not really spinning this week, but I am saving as hard as I can for a Lendrum wheel in my future. Meanwhile, I am crocheting like the wild wind on the Rippled Throw, and I am knitting the usual Yule-tide scarf for charity. And do not forget the quickie Knitted Neck Scarf--a 1-2-day project.

We miss you, Gigi! Get well quick! Hang in there, Jasmin!


Strategy: Call a meeting for later and walk away (if you must) when a rude family member is getting in your face. Then be prepared to set clear and firm boundaries at your meeting.


Something I Really Like: Starbucks' seasonal drinks, especially decaf Lattes in creme brulee or eggnog flavors. And try them as steamers to totally eliminate the caffeine!


Blather: Giving a class to the warden, end-of-the-year craziness at my classes, and stressed-out inmates trying to get through another holiday season away from their families.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Episode 66 is live

swag2009

Want to win a swag bag similar (but the book is NOT included!) to this one that our own Limejuicy won? (And photographed too!) Any donation to the podcast during the month of November will get you an entry! Use the DONATIONS button at the top right of this page!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

scarf

Here's a GREAT last-minute knitted Holiday Gifty.



What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am nearly finished the child-sized socks in Regia Flusi sock yarn. I am down to the last 6 rows of the Eliina Shawl. Not really spinning this week, but I am back to working on the Rippled Throw.


Strategy: Teenager 101.


Something I Really Like: Knit Naturally podcast and its host, Dawn


Blather: Building a web site for the podcast and weathering the holidays at a locked, inpatient setting, and Stitch Cafe!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Re-posting--Episode 13A--Psychology of Creativity


A reposting of the original episode 13A--Psychology of the Creative Mind. Enjoy!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Out-Takes Episode: Thanks to Donors, Plans, and Anniversary Joy

An out-takes episode that tries to cover a lot of ground! Thanks to donors, plans for the podcast, plans for strategies...and the 'cast is a year old at last!

noble Paz

Episode 65 is Live!

swag2009

Want to win a swag bag similar (but the book is NOT included!) to this one that our own Limejuicy won? (And photographed too!) Any donation to the podcast during the month of November will get you an entry! Use the DONATIONS button at the top right of this page!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am working on a set of child-sized socks in Regia Flusi sock yarn, and I am onto the finishing for the newest Mommy Shawl. I am on to the lace section at last(!) of the Eliina Shawl.


Strategy: Remember that being hurt by those you love is a proof that you are healthy and able to love. Everyone lets us down sometimes.


Something I Really Like: The Irish and Celtic Music Podcast


Blather: Of having some sort of flu and trudging through anyway.

And here's the Eliina Shawl, in progress, with the lace at the far edge from the camera:

eliina.jpg

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Re-posting--Episode 13

In my continuing efforts to give you all something to listen to while I recover my voice, here is yet another repostings of an old episode from mypodcast.com.

Episode 13--back from oblivion to entertain (I hope)!

Don’t forget to make a donation to the podcast in the month of November to have a chance at winning a goody bag from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Re-posting--Episode 12

More repostings of old episodes from mypodcast.com. I figure that I owe you all a few episodes this week, to make up for last week’s dearth.

Episode 12--which I think of with some embarrassment as the "Call Me 'Doctor'" episode and sound more like Dr. Xander Crowe than I'd like to!

Don’t forget to make a donation to the podcast in the month of November to have a chance at winning a goody bag from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Some CFR2009 bamboo-blend sock yarn from FreckleFaceFibers on Etsy:

nicole.jpg

Re-Posting--Episode 10A

I figure that I owe you all a few episodes this week, to make up for last week's dearth. So here are some repostings of old episodes from mypodcast.com.

Episode 10A--In which I ramble and punish you with actual out-takes.

Don't forget to make a donation to the podcast in the month of November to have a chance at winning a goody bag from the 2009 CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Knit Picks Responds

So here is a letter from Knit Picks, who has self-identified as “The Company Who Must Not Be Named”.

I DEFINITELY made one mistake–I thought this was written on Kelly P’s account, bt it was not–the Rav account used belongs to the writer–“KPKate”. Otherwise, well, draw your own conclusions. Cheers–Gemma


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Gemma,

NancyArtCrafts brought the CogKNITive podcast #60 to my attention. I would like to apologize that I did not respond to your donation request. I sincerely hope that your fiber retreat went well. Previously, I only sent emails to customers and organizations to confirm that they should expect a package from Knit Picks, because we receive several hundred donation requests every month. After hearing your podcast, I understand that it can be frustrating not to hear a response back when you are organizing an event, so I will write up a letter to send to each donation request. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Knit Picks actually has a very small staff of people who do many different jobs. I’m new to the marketing department, and this is my first job out of college. Honestly, my lack of a response wasn’t because we are a big corporation that doesn’t care about knitters, but because I hadn’t figured out a polite way to tell people that we couldn’t fulfill their request. We donate a lot of free merchandise, but in order to be fair, I try to make sure that some of it goes to charities, some goes to knitter’s guilds or retreats, some goes to big events like Rhinebeck, some goes to small community groups, and then I try to cover a range of areas across the US and Canada.

You had some incorrect information in your podcast that I’d like to correct. Our Harmony wood needles were inspired by Kelley’s measuring spoon that had a rainbow laminate over the wood. Here is a link to the product: http://www.cooksite.com/IBS/SimpleCat/product/ASP/product... They sell these measuring spoons in Portland, Oregon grocery stores.

Our Chinook lace shawl kits created because our designers wanted to make a sampler of each type of our lace yarns knit into one project. To make the yarns look cohesive, we arranged the yarns in a gradient.

The staff at Knit Picks shops at local yarn stores and with indie dyers as well as using our own yarn. We want to give knitters quality yarn at affordable prices, but we want to support a vibrant community of knitters where Knit Picks, LYS, and Etsy yarnies can exist together.

I came to Knit Picks after managing a local yarn store through college. It is one of my goals to give Knit Picks customers the same sort of help, support, and community that I was able to provide in my store. I do this by answering questions on Ravelry and our Knitting Community, by writing tutorials and making videos for knitting techniques, blogging, and working on the Knit Picks podcast.

If you would like to contact me directly about donations for your fiber event next year, my email address is perryk@craftsamericana.com.

All the best,
Kate Perry
Marketing Assistant
Knit Picks
***********************

Monday, November 2, 2009

Episode 64 is Live!

swag2009

Want to win a swag bag similar (but the book is NOT included!) to this one that our own Limejuicy won? (And photographed too!) Any donation to the podcast during the month of November will get you an entry! Use the DONATIONS button at the top right of this page!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am finished the Red Regia socks. And I am onto the lace on my Eliina Shawl.


Strategy: Remember to take care of the physical aspects of your life--eating, sleeping, exercise--while you cope with your anxiety.


Something I Really Like: Hot Tea! Chado and Teavana.


Blather: I learn the Infirmary's procedures the hard way--by figuring it all out without supervision one hairy little weekend.

And here's my own goody bag:


goodies.jpg

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sorry--No Podcast This Week ;-<

Yes, I did record one for you. But then I got really sick... well, actually, no.

I have a cold, but the weird thing is this: I am VERY dizzy. To the point that I am having some trouble staying upright. The doc checked for a stroke--nope. Whew. So another doc tells me that this is just a sign that my virus has gotten up into my brain, hence the giddiness.

So I took off Fri & Sat, then I worked Sunday in the Infirmary. Mistake, that. Total crash by 1 PM, then in bed Mon & Tues (my typical "weekend" days). Went to work today because I teach a class to custody every Wed morning. Another mistake (sigh.) Did fine in class, but passed out in car for an hour afterwards. When I reached my unit, the front door cop looked at me and said, "Go home now." Sock Queen had the same reaction.

The 90 minute drive home took 3 hours, due to rest breaks. Will I try to drive in again tomorrow? I doubt it. But Friday, I am the only one there for the Infirmary...

I'll try to edit while at home. Cross your fingers!

Hey, at least I finally finished my new socks!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Episode 63 is live!

A toast to a great day with lots of friends!

A toast to a great day with lots of friends!

Rehash, via the usual segements, of the First CogKNITive Fiber Retreat.

The photo album is here.

StacyW's amazing slide show is here.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2009--Vendors

Please patronize our incredible vendors, who have made the first CogKNITive Fiber Retreat so special:

our core list of vendors, some of whom are tucking things into the bags:

True Love Fiber


BeeMiceElf


Jamie's Metalworks from Lancaster

Tally's Bags and Markers + Diane's bags
Tally is RKSmom here on Ravelry, while Diane is ddltursocal there.

Freckle Face Fibers
Fiber to kill (metaphorically speaking) for!
Superwash, merino, and a bamboo sock blend!! SQUUEEEEEE!!!

Unwind]-- Burbank LYS
Excellent sock yarns, non-wool options, needles

Weaver's Outpost Acton, CA
Fiber, yarns, and tools

Epicurus
lace yarns, sock yarns handspun in breathtaking colors

Soaps by Knittinwolf
Sweet and savoury scents to soothe your tired hands after a hard day's work in fiber!

Lambkamp
Purveyors of fine cashmere and other luxury fibers from their own ranch!

Episode 11--reposting

A reposting of Episode 11 from the mypodcast.com series. Enjoy!

Episode 62 is live!

reg4.jpg

I finished a pair of warm winter socks! Just in time!

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

If you are attending the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat, please remember to bring your unloved object to drop in the raffle prize grab bags.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am finished the Why Shawl. I am also finished one pair of the 2 different pairs of Regia socks. And I have begun my own Bella's Mittens.


Strategy: Use mathematical thought to distract your mind from anxious thinking. And a bit about the differance between being told to manage your anxiety and being told your anxiety is not real.


Something I Really Like: Sudoku


Blather: working on the OHU heats up and farewell to one of the psychiatrists


Look! The new colorway Poppies in Lorna's Laces Shepherds Socks, created especially for our retreat. Preorder from my favorite LYS Unwind:
ll2.jpg



The new colorway, inspired by Tehachapi in Autumn, from frecklefacefibers for the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2009:
tehachinfall

She's making it in all sorts of different fibers and in SOCK YARN! Preorder some today--whether or not you're attending.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Episode 61 is Live!

The Why Shawl

The Why Shawl in progress

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

If you are attending the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat, please remember to bring your unloved object to drop in the raffle prize grab bags.

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Dr A. now has her Bella's Mittens.
I am so close to finished on the Why Shawl. I am working on 2 different pairs of Regia socks. And I am still staggering along on the Lovely Eliina Shawl.

I am now drop-spindling some exquisite baby camel fluff from WC Mercantile on Etsy.


Strategy: Time your anxiety or panic spell, then apply some good self-talk.


Something I Really Like: Sushi


Blather:

New ventures for me at work, Noser gets a bit of a let-down, a few random inamte tales, and I'm loving the Infirmary work and sooooothing the new supervisor there.


Look! The new colorway Poppies in Lorna's Laces Shepherds Socks, created especially for our retreat. Preorder from my favorite LYS Unwind:
ll2.jpg



The new colorway, inspired by Tehachapi in Autumn, from frecklefacefibers for the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2009:
tehachinfall

She's making it in all sorts of different fibers and in SOCK YARN! Preorder some today--whether or not you're attending.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Episode 60 is Live!

sl1.jpg

I managed to do some wee booties from Isolda Teague's Whimsical Little Knits

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

If you are attending the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat, please pay your $10 entry fee here ON OR BEFORE Sept. 20th!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: Really, it's all the same stuff as last episode, alas.


Strategy: Self-talk for anxiety.


Something I Really Like: WEBS--America's Yarn Store and mine too!.


Blather:

Sometimes I win one, however briefly, at work. And sometimes I win more than one.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Episode 10--reposting


This is a re-posting of the original Episode 10, for everyone who cannot get it from Itunes or mypodcast.com

Episode 59 is Live!

mmitts.jpg

LOOK! Finished Mormon Mitts! Aren't they lovely?

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

If you are attending the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat, please pay your $10 entry fee here ON OR BEFORE Sept. 20th!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I finished the GORGEOUS Bella's Mittens.
I continue to trudge along on the Why Shawl. I am working on 2 different pairs of Regia socks.

I am now drop-spindling some exquisite baby camel fluff from WC Mercantile on Etsy. I am finished plying the Corriedale Cross from Cosmic Fibers!


Strategy: Some things you should know about anxiety and panic.


Something I Really Like: Another 2 podcasts: the Electric Sheep podcast and Stephen Fry's podcast.


Blather:

LOOK! It's the Red Queen herself!


rq.jpg

More on the retreat, the map of the town's resources, meeting Red Queen, and shopping at Unwind.


Look! The new colorway Poppies in Lorna's Laces Shepherds Socks, created especially for our retreat:
ll2.jpg



And the new colorway, inspired by Tehachapi in Autumn, from frecklefacefibers for the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2009:
tehachinfall

She's making it in all sorts of different fibers and in SOCK YARN! Preorder some today--whether or not you're attending.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Episode 09 reposting


This is a re-posting of the original Episode Nine, for everyone who cannot get it from Itunes or mypodcast.com

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Episode 58 is Live!

<ks.jpgp>

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

If you are attending the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat, please pay your $10 entry fee here ON OR BEFORE Sept. 20th!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I frogged the Bella's Mittens, based on size problems. They will be resumed when the right size of Addi's happens along.
I am also re-starting the Why Shawl. I am also creeping along on the Eliina Shawl, if only I could count properly.

I have purchased some exquisite baby camel fluff and some dark grey merino from WC Mercantile on Etsy. I am finished spinning on the bamboo fiber from Jo!


Strategy: Remember to treat your friends as your friends, not as your enemies, no matter how bad you are feeling.


Something I Really Like: 2 new podcasts: the Faer Knitters podcast and Here's to Ewe, out of Vegas and ya gotta love that "Drunk in Vegas" segment!


Blather: Well, it was mixed in with the strategy, but a bit about nasty inmate/patients.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Episode 57 is Live

mitten.jpg

The Bella's mitts in progress.


Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am eternally spinning on the bamboo fiber from Jo. Enough fiber to feed the planet, should we ever come down to that. I am, however, pretty much done with the wonderful July Phat Fiber Box. No crochet of note, but I am working away happily on the Bella's Mittens, based on the Twilight movie.


Strategy: The concept of "Good-Enough Parenting."


Something I Really Like: Chocolate. The Real Thing. It's what's for dinner..lunch...breakfast...anytime... Oh, and really--go enjoy the Faer Knitters podcast.


Blather: 5 days off, tired, stressed, and looking forward to the Fiber Retreat!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Out-Takes Episode: A Chat with Dawn, part one


Here we go again--the intrepid Dawn of Knit Naturally and I take on bad interviews, how to make a fiber retreat, our recent good times, and a zillion other slightly related topics as we natter on together over Skype. Pull up some coffee and have a hot cuppa chair as we get cozy and chatter for a good(?) 35 minutes.

The link I just cannot make during the podcast:
Hide and Sheep for stitch markers!

And, yes, that’s the old intro clip attached at the front…ARG!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Episode 08--reposting

FIber RetreatA

This is a re-posting of the original Episode eight, for everyone who cannot get it from Itunes or mypodcast.com. Whew--seems like I just recorded this for the first time last week....


I get extra points for this posting, as I am doing it from a Starbucks where the music is turned up so loud, it hurts my ears right through the earphones--and through the chatter of 2 exceptionally unpleasant girls behind me, discussing their sexual conquests and their recent high school graduation parties.


Ick. See you all at Episode 57!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Episode 56 is Live!

bandy2

Add yourself to our CogKNITive Listeners Map!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am just about finished crocheting up yarn samples from the July Phat Fiber Box. Here are the final results made from the yarn samples and fiber samples included. And I am still spinning up the fiber samples, most recently one from Greenwood Fiber Works on Etsy.

I am recently finished my long, wide scarf from a skein of Tofutsies sock yarn. I am soooo close to being done 2nd sock from the Cascade Heritage Paints, while I am on repeat 9 of 10 of the Eliina Shawl.


Strategy: Expressing Bottled-Up Anger --monitoring your body language and presentation when dealing with people with whom you are angry.


Something I Really Like: Geocaching


Blather: NO! I was NOT involved in the recent prison riot at the Chino facility. Thanks for the many messages of concern!

Another of my former supervisees Ding finishes her license exams and will be joining our merry crew at the prison. Schedule changes and the Gov's odd knife moment.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Out-Takes Episode: The Latest on the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat 2009

scalescarf1

Here's some modular knitting for you, to show off what Nathan will be teaching.

Knitty's Universal Toe-Up Sock pattern (free!)

The central site for all CogKNITive Fiber Retreat info is here.

Tunisian Crochet Hooks (also standard crochet hooks--Collette says you can use a standard hook!)

Jamie's Metalworks samples are here.

Our on-site vendors' sites:
True Love Fibers
Bee Mice Elf
Freckle Face Fibers
Lazy Perry Ranch
Unwind Yarns, Burbank
Weavers Cottage/Outpost, Acton
Lambkamp

The official event t-shirt (which can be customized to about 30 differnt styles of both women's and men's shirts) is now here. Thanks, Nathan and Mindy!

And all the best to Bee Mice Elf, who is taking a break to have her baby! Good luck! Our prayers are with you!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Episode 55 is Live!

baggie.jpg

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am now crocheting or spinning up samples chosen at random from the July Phat Fiber box, generously sent to me by PhatFiberLady herself. The bag in the photo is from one of the samples by GoodnessGraciousWV on Etsy.


 I am randomly crocheting right now on a long, wide scarf from a skein of Tofutsies sock yarn. I continue with the 2nd sock from the Cascade Heritage Paints, and the Eliina Shawl.


Strategy: Expressing Bottled-Up Anger --I-statements


Something I Really Like: The novels of Jasper Fforde!


Blather: Dr A and I get riled by slimy inmates, while Little Red comes through with the Milky Way!


Add yourself to the CogKNITive listeners map.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Episode 54 is Live!


Congratulations, Team CogSPINtive on your successful completion of the 2009 Tour de Fleece!
Team CogKNITive put in a fine showing, with many goals met, many new techniques or fibers attempted, and much spinning lore learned or learned anew. Put on those yellow shirts, Teammates! You did great work!

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am finishing my Tour de Fleece spinning with the bamboo, given to me by Bellatrix as I ply the lovely Corriedale singles from roving from Cosmic Fibers Yarns. I frogged the elegant Branching Out Scarf, but it will be back soon. I am randomly crocheting right now on a long, wide scarf from a skein of Tofutsies sock yarn. I continue with the 2nd sock from the Cascade Heritage Paints, and the Eliina Shawl.


Strategy: Expressing Bottled-Up Anger I—you and your family's styles of expressing disappointment.


Something I Really Like: sweet, white Silver Queen corn on the cob!

Blather: More on the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat, I talk to the escort cops, and rearranged working schedules

Monday, July 20, 2009

Out-takes Episode: CogKNITive Fiber Retreat--UPDATE!


Here it is--the latest on the upcoming CogKNITive Fiber Retreat! Time, date, place, vendors, classes--all the up-to-the-minute news. We still have room for 18 more as I upload this, so scrape together $10 bucks, kiss the DH and kids farewell, and make your plans!


Sign-ups and info in this thread.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Episode 53 is Live!


Join Team CogSPINtive for the 2009 Tour de Fleece!
Adopt the team's icon or fashion your own or ADAPT the team's icon...

What's On My Hook/Needles/Spindle: I am spinning away for the Tour de Fleece! Bamboo, Calistoga Calypso from Royale Hare, and a ton of plying and experimenting. No crocheting right now, but I am considering an open, lacy scarf of some type. Knitting: I continue with the 2nd sock from the Cascade Heritage Paints, a Branching Out Scarf for the Lace Throwdown project running between Jasmine and Meghan, and the Eliina Shawl.


Strategy: Another break--learning to be the adult child of your parents.


Something I Really Like: Wormwood, a podcast serial.


Blather: Let them eat soup! The Gov cuts our salaries again, the prison staff gets stressed, but, on the whole, hey, we still have each other, right?

Friday, July 10, 2009

Out-takes Episode: CogKNITive Fiber Retreat

A very unedited episode that gives details of the CogKNITive Fiber Retreat!

Vendors, contact me through this blog or through the CogKNITive group on Ravelry!

Cheers,
Dr Gemma

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Out-Takes: Chatting with Dawn of KNP


Here is a lengthy out-take episode, in which Dawn of Knit Naturally and Knit Naturally Podcast and I cover every subject under the sun.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Episode 52 is Live!



Join Team CogSPINtive for the 2009 Tour de Fleece!
Adopt the team's icon or fashion your own or ADAPT the team's icon...

What's On My Hook/Needles: I am busy starting new projects--the 2nd sock from the Cascade Heritage Paints, a Branching Out Scarf for the Lace Throwdown project running between Jasmine and Meghan, and the Eliina Shawl. 5 tiny crochet gift bags are done for the holiday gifts to colleagues. Spinning for the Tour de Fleece!


Strategy: A break to talk about coping with toxic people.


Something I Really Like: Skype and Skype Recorder.


Blather: Glamming with my crocheted poet shrug at a training, transfer interview approaches, and some bits and pieces, including a Skype conversation with Dawn of Knit Naturally.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Episode 51 is Live!

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Look! The finished Gift Bag for Sock Queen!


What's On My Hook/Needles: I am FINISHED the gorgeous socks for Sock Queen, crafted from Plymouth Happy Feet, which knit up beautifully! Now I am making the same for myself from Cascade Heritage Paints.


I have been madly spinning laceweight on my lovely new spindle from Yorkieslave


I have started the Eliina Shawl with yarn from the Lord of the Strings yarn.


Still crocheting random baby blankie squares. Must so many people get preggers? Also, I am starting on the holiday gift bags, beginning with one for Sock Queen's socks.


A Strategy: Anger 101--Developing the anger plan--Cope...by some good advance planning.


Something I Really Like: Death Valley, CA. The Most Amazing National Park in December. Runners Listen up! Envirosports.


Blather: I have completed my transfer paperwork, so things are rather scary around here...Being obnoxious at the annual training for mental health folks.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Out-Takes Episode: On Cranking Out 50 of These Episodes


I maunder on about the amazing fact that you've all hung in with me for these many miles, of sponsorship and donations, of gratitude and greed and amazement....in short....



YOU ROCK!!



(thanks for hanging in with me for all those miles...!)

Monday, June 22, 2009

Episode 50 is Live!

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Here's my newest spindle from Yorkieslave!


What's On My Hook/Needles: I am FINALLY on the toe decreases of Sock #2 for Sock Queen! No crocheting this week.
Spinning this week--Corriedale cross fiber from Cosmic Fibers Yarns and STILL on  Lisa Souza Elektra and STILL on Lambkamp's cashmere. And a NEW SPINDLE from YorkieSlave over on Etsy! It's DIVINE!
 
A Strategy: Anger 101--Developing the anger plan--Relax! Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Counting, a good shower, and more...


Something I Really Like: WWKIP Day! With more Knitmore than ever before!


Blather: Gigi and Mr. K visit and are AMMMAAAAZING fun. Gigi sweeps my knitting group off their collective feet and gets the permanent "come visit anytime" sign hung out for her down here.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Episode 49 is Live!

josoxBellatrix made socks from my first handspun sock yarn (from Dyeing for Colour's fiber)--and I stole her picture to show you!

What's On My Hook/Needles: I am on Sock #2 for Sock Queen!
No crocheting this week.
Spinning this week--Corriedale cross fiber from Cosmic Fibers Yarns
Lisa Souza Elektra

A Strategy: Anger 101--Developing the anger plan--postpone action if it's not a real emergency

Something I Really Like: College Humor.com and My Favorite Movie!

Blather: Oh no! Noser makes Little Red crazy and California is being ripped off by its own legislature and judiciary. Maybe I'll learn to prescribe meds...(?!) Heaven help you all!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Episode 48 is Live!

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The first of SockQueen's socks is almost there...

What's On My Hook/Needles: I'm actually finished the Sideways Hat from Sandi Rossner's pattern. No crocheting this week.
Spinning this week--Corriedale cross fiber from Cosmic Fibers Yarns
Lisa Souza Elektra

A Strategy: Anger 101--Developing the anger plan--even more about distraction and stopping explosive anger(from distract, relax, cope).
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook

Something I Really Like: The Bionic Woman (of the 70's)

Blather: Happy birthday, Julie!
Congrats to the Knitmore Girls on 100K!
Gigi's visit and Saturdays
Bye-bye, Socks in the City
The Customer Service Experience from Hades: Nightmare Funeral Home

PhatFibers
Moonlight and Laughter
Richard Hooker author of Shoestring Venture, on unimaginably bad customer service

Friday, June 5, 2009

Episode 06 Re-posted

The reposting of Episode 6 of the original CogKNITive from mypodcast.com.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Episode 5--repost


A reposting of the episode released originally on mypodcast.com--episode 5 of CogKNITive. Enjoy!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Episode 47 is live!

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Just after I finished recording this, I finished the Sideways Hat!

What's On My Hook/Needles: I'm actually finished the Sideways Hat from Sandi Rossner's pattern. No crocheting this week. New spinning this week--cashmere fiber from lambkamp on etsy.com.
A Strategy: Anger 101--Developing the anger plan including self-distraction (from distract, relax, cope).
Something I Really Like: Renaissance Faires
Blather: Some bad decision-making among my clients.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Episode Four has been reposted on Libsyn.

A reposting of the episode that originally appeared on mypodcast.com.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Episode 46 is Live!


I am finally through with the emerald green superwash felted stuff--it made some pretty nice sock weight.

What's On My Hook/Needles: I'm cranking out the Sideways Hat from Sandi Rossner's pattern. No crocheting this week. A brief mention of the lovely yarn from the Unique Sheep's Lord of the Strings yarn club. No new spinning this week.

A Strategy: Anger 101--Llama logic.
Something I Really Like: The Angeles Crest Forest and other LA-area wild country..
Blather: Who is still with us at work and some other details. Aloha to Magic, Earnest, and Black.