Episode 16: Talk on the Wild Side (34:00)

Do you know the story behind the fiber you're knitting, crocheting or spinning? Before it makes it to your yarn pusher, all non-plant fibers most likely belonged to a creature. Linda Cortright, editor and publisher of Wild Fibers magazine discusses the magazine and her fiber travels. Wild Fibers educates and promotes all aspects of the natural fiber industry with special emphasis on sustainable practices and responsible use of natural resources throughout the world.

While Stephen was away traveling, Michael heard Linda speak at the Spindles and Flyers guild in El Cerrito, CA about the Chantang nomads of Ladakh and their cashmere goats in northern India. Cosmically, two weeks later, the universe aligned so Stephen enjoyed seeing Linda's presentation at Rhinebeck, aka, the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival.

Other topics discussed:

• The mentioned men's pattern from the Summer 2006 issue of Wild Fibers is not available online. (Does anyone know the name of this sweater or have a photo? Let us know!)
• Wild Fibers' Breeder's Directory
• Ladakh cashmere fiber available for purchase while supplies last. Email Wild Fibers' office
• Wild Fibers writer's guidelines for submissions
• United Nations International Year of Natural Fibres 2009
• Keep the Fleece, an international competition in celebration with the United Nations International Year of Natural Fibres

Contest (and a surprise for everyone!)
Linda has given us a one-year subscription to Wild Fibers magazine to give away. Just let us know what sort of far-flung places has your fiber exploration taken you, geographically, spiritually, or emotionally? A winner will be randomly selected from all entrants.
DEADLINE FOR ENTERING THIS CONTEST IS DECEMBER 7, 2008.

For those of you who want to subscribe, Linda has offered YKNIT listeners a 10% discount rate which is applicable to subscriptions (both new and gifted), as well as back issues. Enter the promo code "Yknit" when you place your order online. This offer is valid through December 1, 2008.

Contest Winners
Congratulations to our winners from episode 14 with Brooke and Maia of Tactile Fiber Arts. The new-to-spinning winner is BeckyJean and the already-been-spinning winner is Noricum/Andrea. Thanks to everyone who entered and shared their stories. We love reading about your yarnie passions and hope you're reading them too!.

A big thank you to everyone who listens, reviews, recommends and responds to YKNIT! Without you, we're nothing.

YKnit? It's a great source of fiber!

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "Walk on the Wildside" performed by Lou Reed from Transformer (RCA, 1972)
• "Wild Thing" performed by Tone Loc from Lōc-ed After Dark (Delicious Vinyl, 1989)
• "Tree Hugger" performed by The Rugburns from Taking the World by Donkey (Manifesto, 2004)
• "Heat Wave" performed by Ethel Waters from The Incomparable Ethel Waters (Okeh/Columbia, 1933)
• "Variation on Genesis" and "Bounty Full of Crops" performed by Ravi Shankar from Genesis: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Milan, 1986)
• "Aïrauyqtyn Aschy Kuïi" performed by Maîtres de la Dombra from Dombra du Kazakhstan (Buda Musique / Believe Digital. 2006)
• "Joyce No. 2" performed by Johnson Mkhalali from The Indestructible Beat of Soweto - Volume One
• "Para Elisa" performed by Los Destellos from The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias from Peru (Barbes Records, 2007)
• "The Thing (Main Title)" by Ennio Morricone from The Thing: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Universal, 1982)
• "Kashmir" performed by Lez Zeppelin from Lez Zeppelin (Emanation, 2007)
• "Kashmir" performed by Rockabye Baby! from Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Led Zeppelin (Baby Rock Records, 2006)
• "Born to Be Wild" performed by Steppenwolf from Steppenwolf Gold (ABC/Dunhill, 1971)
• "The Wild Boys" performed by Duran Duran from The Wild Boys (Capitol, 1984)

Episode 15: "Quick, Call KnitOneOne!" (32:52)

Síle (pronounced Sheila) Convery is the hostess with the most-est, creator and Queen Bee of KnitOneOne, a nexus of crafting know-how in Berkeley, CA. More than a community organizer, Síle has catalyzed a community of learning, fun and friendship for knitters and crafters of every stripe. Sitting on the cheery studio's back patio, she shared how KnitOneOne came to be. In addition, some of the fabulous KnitOneOne instructors share their thoughts on this special place.

A few of instructors and friends of KnitOneOne:

• Jesse Loesberg, aka Yarn Boy
• Tammy George, aka PuNk rAwK pUrL
• Sonya Philip aka KnitSonya
• Kate Freeman aka Speedy Needle
• Kira, aka Kira K Designs
• Julie, aka Cocoknits Designs
• Emily Jan, timbuktu design, website designer
• Nancy Friedman", naming and tagline
• Women's Cancer Resource Center (Síle met Kate at the Yarn Divas group here)
• East Bay Poodle Rescue

CALLING ALL GUY KNITTERS!
The Men's Fall Knitting Retreat will be held during November 7-9, 2008 at the Point Bonita YMCA Center. More details can be found on Ravelry or on MenWhoKnit.com. Please tell all the crafty guys in your life to get in touch with us if they'd like to participate. And if you know any businesses who'd like to donate yarn, patterns, tools or fiber, please put them in touch with us.

Contest Winners
Episode #13, YKnitalong: GlennaC (Ravelry) won a signed tote and a signed copy of Knitalong by Larissa & Martin Brown. It has made it's way to Canadialand.

Congratulations to our winner and thanks to everyone for sharing your Knitalong spinning tales.

Always, a HUGE thank you to everyone who downloads and listens to Y KNIT.

YKnitOneOne? It's all about the shortbread, baby!

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "Turquoise" performed by Milt Buckner from Send Me Softly (Capitol, 1957)
• "John Naughton's Reel / Another Paddy Fahy Reel" performed by Martin Hayes And Dennis Cahill from The Lonesome Touch (Green Linnet, 1997)
• "Oh Sheila" performed by Ready for the World from Ready for the World (MCA, 1985)
• "She Can Knit" performed by The Clancy Brothers And Tommy Makem And Their Families from Irish Folk Songs and Airs (1994, Legacy International)
• "Do You Believe In Magic?" performed by the Lovin' Spoonful from Do You Believe In Magic? (Kama Sutra, 1965)
• "Broken Monitors" performed by B. Fleischmann from Humbucking Coil (Morr Music, 2006)
• "Ball O' Yarn" performed by Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick from Second Album (Topic, 1993)
• "Sheila" performed by Tommy Roe from Greatest Hits (Curb, 1970)
• "Hair" performed by the Cowsills from Painting the Day: The Angelic Psychedelia of the Cowsills (El Records, 2006)
• "Síle" performed by Reeltime from Song Of The Green Linnet (Green Linnet, 2000)
• "ONE ONE Pennie" performed by Oscar James (with digital drop-ins from Síle) from The Power of Courage (KOJ Productions, 2004)

Episode 14: "Wonder Wheels Power, ACTIVATE" (41:13)

Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel, never ending or beginning, I think you know just what we feel... when we're spinning... well, when WonderMike is spinning. Maia Discoe and Brooke Sinnes of Tactile Fiber Arts Studio join the Yknit guys for this episode. WonderMike chatted with these spinning divas one late night after a month-long series of spinning classes held at KnitOneOne in Berkeley, CA. They spoke of many spinning things: past, present and future.

The following people and topics were mentioned:

• Birkenstock Shoes - Required spinner attire
• Spindlewood Spindles
• Conference of Northern California Handweavers
• California Cashmere Company
• Straw Into Gold - historical information
• Richmond Art Center
• Norwegian Purl
• Barbara Walker's Stitch Guides
• Celia Quinn
• Judith MacKenzie McCuin
• Earthues Natural Dyes
• Tactile Ravelry Group
• Aija, the scouring, spinning and knitting blog-star of sockpr0n
• Beacon Bend Alpacas
• hizKNITS farm photos from Beacon Bend Alpacas

The following books are recommended by Brooke and Maia. Please support your independent bookstores and LYS by searching for them there. Books about fiber Dyeing:

• A Dyer's Garden by Rita Buchanan
• The Craft of Natural Dyeing by Jenny Dean
• Indigo, Madder, and Marigolds by Trudy Van Stralen
• Want Natural Colour? by Jeanie Reagan
• The Art & Craft of Natural Dyeing by J. N. Liles

Books about Dyeing History:

• A Perfect Red by Amy Butler Greenfield
• Color: A Natural History of the Palatte by Victoria Finlay
• The Root of Wild Madder: Chasing the History, Mystery, and Lore of the Persian Carpet by Brian Murphy
• Mauve: How One Man Invented a Color That Changed the World by Simon Garfield

Books about Spinning:

• The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning by Alden Amos
• In Sheep's Clothing by Nola Fournier & Jane Fournier
• Start Spinning by Maggie Casey
• Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning by Judith MacKenzie McCuin
• Spin It by Lee Raven
• The Yarn Book by Penny Walsh

TACTILE FIBER ARTS CONTEST
We've got two prizes for you courtesy of the kind souls at Tactile.

The first prize is for the non-spinners or just-got-bit-by-the-bug folks. Tell us what drew you in. What was the thing that hooked you? Your prize is a Learn to Spin kit which contains a 2.1 oz. Schact Hi-Lo Spindle, 2 oz. of naturally dark BFL, 2 oz. of naturally dyed BFL, an organic cotton tote and "Spin It" by Lee Raven!

The second prize is for the experienced spinners. All you have to do is tell us your FAVORITE thing about spinning. That's it. Your prize is a $50 gift certificate.

To enter either contest, please leave a comment on Yknit.com or on Ravelry under the YKNIT group discussion. One winner for each prize will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS OCTOBER 15, 2008.

CALLING ALL GUY KNITTERS!
The Men's Fall Knitting Retreat will be held during November 7-9, 2008 at the Point Bonita YMCA Center. More details can be found on Ravelry or on MenWhoKnit.com. Please tell all the crafty guys in your life to get in touch with us if they'd like to participate. And if you know any businesses who'd like to donate yarn, patterns, tools or fiber, please put them in touch with us.

Contest Winners
Episode #12, Y Would Dye 4 U: Scout donated a skein of her glorious superwash merino sock yarn in the Marigolds colorway. Our randomly selected winner from the entries is Alex, FetchBoi40639 on Ravelry. His prize is already on its way to Missouri.

Congratulations to our winner and thanks to everyone who participated! The entries for this contest were inspiring.

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• Dizzy performed by Tommy Roe from Tommy Roe's Greatest Hits (Curb, 1970)
• Fanfare for Rocky performed by Bill Conti from Rocky: Original Motion Picture Score (United Artists, 1976)
• Cinematic Snippet performed by Mark Hammil (Luke Skywalker) and James Earl Jones (Darth Vader) from Star Wars, Episode V, Empire Strikes Back (20th Century Fox, LucasFilm, 1980)
• If I Were a Carpenter performed by June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash from Ring of Fire: The Best of June Carter Cash (Dualtone, 2005)
• Comme Un Igloo performed by Etienne Daho (with digital drop-ins by Maia) from Paris ailleurs (Virgin France, 1991)
• Spinning Wheel performed by Blood, Sweat and Tears from Blood Sweat and Tears Greatest Hits (Columbia, 1971)
• Spinning Around performed by Kylie Minogue from Light Years (Emd Int'l, 2000)
• Spinning Away performed by Brian Eno and John Cale from Wrong Way Up (Opal, 1990)
• It's a Small World After All performed by The Chris Walden Big Band from No Bounds (Origin, 2006)
• Sheep performed by The Tiger Lillies from Farmyard Filth (Misery Guts, 2000)
• The Wheel performed by Rosanne Cash from The Wheel (Columbia, 1993)
• Spinning Straw into Gold performed by Barry & Holly Tashian from Straw into Gold (Rounder, 1994)
• The Windmills Of Your Mind performed by Varla Jean Merman from Enough About Me, An Unauthorized Biography (Peak Productions, 2000)

Always, a HUGE thank you to everyone who downloads and listens to Y KNIT.

YSpin? It's where it all begins!

Episode 13: Yknitalong (39:26)

You are not alone! Knitalongs (or KALs) have likely existed from the first moment two stitchers got together to kvetch and work on the same projects. Author Larissa Brown discusses her book Knitalong which provides an introductory course in online KALS, a history of knitterly communal behavior and some groovy patterns to sharpen your knitalong skills.

The following people and topics were mentioned:

• Larissa's art
• Yarnissima's Firestarter Sockalong
• Olympic Sox 2008 KAL
• Mrs. Dalloway's bookstore in Elmwood (Berkeley, CA)
• Melanie Falick (STC publishing)
• Martin Brown, Knitalong co-author, journalist and Larissa's husband
• Michael Crouser photography
• Wenlan Chia, author of Twinkle's Weekend Knits
• Heather/The A.D.D. Knitter
• Chawne/Cauchy09
• whip up - handcraft in a hectic world
• Knit a River
• Peace Knits
• Adrian Bizilia, Hello Yarn
• Sarah Gilbert
• Stumptown Coffee
• Abundant Yarn & Dyeworks
• (not mentioned on the podcast, but an oft-requested item pictured in the book) PezDiva's knitted strawberry pattern

KAL CONTEST
We've got a signed copy of Knitalong and a signed tote bag (for your KAL projects) for one lucky winner. To enter, please leave a comment about your most enjoyable KAL experience. Tell us on Yknit.com or on Ravelry under the Yknit group discussion. One winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS SEPTEMBER 15, 2008.

CALLING ALL GUY KNITTERS!
The Men's Fall Knitting Retreat will be held November 7-9, 2008 at the Point Bonita YMCA Center, just north of San Francisco, CA. More details can be found on Ravelry or on MenWhoKnit.com. Please tell all the crafty guys in your life to get in touch with us if they'd like to participate. And if you know any businesses who'd like to donate yarn, patterns, tools or fiber, put them in touch with us.

Contest Winners
Episode #11, Man Camp: Unique Sheep donated a skein of their Footprints superwash merino sock yarn in a decidedly masculine "Grey Street" colorway. Our randomly selected winner from the entries is cristinabeena on Ravelry. Her prize is already on its way to Scotland.

Congratulations to our winner and thanks to everyone who participated!

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• Peer Gynt, Suite No. 1, Op. 46 by Edvard Grieg performed by Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields from A Portrait of Sir Neville Mariner (Philliips, 2000)
• Knit One, Purl Two performed by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra Feat. Marion Hutton & The Modernaires from The Glenn Miller Story Vol. 15-16 (AVID Entertainment, 1942)
• Vogue performed by Madonna from The Immaculate Collection (Maverick, 1990)
• I Could Write a Book performed by Dinah Washington from For Those in Love (Emarcy, 1955)
• Love is all Around performed by Sonny Curtis from Sonny Curtis (Aspirion Records, 2007)
• Love is all Around performed by Hüsker Dü from Eight Miles High (SST, 1990)
• Together performed by Joe Williams and Harry "Sweets" Edison from Together (Roulette, 1961)
• The Coffee Song performed by Frank Sinatra from Ring-a-Ding-Ding (Reprise, 1961)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas performed by Boris Karloff from Dr. Seuss - How the Grinch Stole Christmas/Horton Hears a Who (Warner Home Video, 1966)
• Git Along Little Doggie performed by Old Town School Of Folk Music (with digital drop ins by Larissa Brown) from Songbook, Vol.2 & 3 (Old Town School Recordings, 2007)

Always, a HUGE thank you to everyone who downloads and listens to Y KNIT.

Yknitalong? It's better to do it in a throng!

Episode 12: Y Would Dye 4 U (featuring Scout) (26:42)

If you're a fan of hue, saturation, fiber and indie dyers, you probably know Scout of Scout's Swag. But if you don't, come join us for a rainbow romp with the Queen of Color herself, Ms. Scout (aka Jamie). She came to Berkeley to teach her yarn dyeing class at Knit One One. Minds were expanded, fibers were transformed and color ruled the weekend.

There's also a Y KNIT exclusive: Scout made a special announcement! You've got to listen to the episode to find out the details of how she will be making the world a brighter place in the near future.

The following tidbits were mentioned during the show.

• previous podcast interviews of Scout: Lime & Violet and Sticks & String
• the Knitty article on Kool-Aid dyeing that inspired it all
• Now Norma Knits and the Dulaan Project where that fragrant first yarn went
• further proof of her saturation obsession on Scout's Flickr stream
• the magic motivation that keeps her going (Baby Gaggia Espresso Maker)
• Marisol, loyal customer, friend and word-of-mouth maven from Purls Just Wanna Have Fun
• secret special announcement partner, STC Craft | Melanie Falick Books
• New Mexico neighbor and fellow yarn dyer Adam, aka Yarn Nerd
• her other husband John, aka Yarn Ball Boogie

Contest
What are your favorite color combinations? Leave us a comment below or on the Ravelry Y KNIT group.

One winner will be randomly selected to win a skein Scout's Swag superwash merino fingering weight yarn in the "Morning Glories" colorway. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING THIS CONTEST IS AUGUST 31, 2008.

As always, a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloads and listens to Y KNIT.

Y Dye? It's chromatic!

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "Pomp and Circumstance" by USAF Heritage of American Band from Ceremonial Music (Altissimo Records, 2006)
• "I Would Die 4 U" by Prince from Prince The Hits/The B-Sides (Paisley Park/Warner Brothers, 1993)
• "Java Jive" by The Ink Spots from 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of The Ink Spots (MCA, 1999)
• "Bo-bo Ski Watten Totten" by The Superkids, recorded by Supermom (Scout Records, 2008)
• “I'm Just A Little Elf” by The Peter Pan Players from Christmas Classics (Peter Pan Records, 2000)
• "Choice of Colors" by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions from The Young Mods' Forgotten Story (Curtom, 1969)
• "No Noise" by Karma Shabda from Buddha Cafe (Intentcity Records, 2003)
• “College Of Heralds March” by The Queen's Birthday Parade from Trooping Of The Colour (Legacy International, 1995)
• "Do You Dream in Colour" by Bill Nelson from Quit Dreaming and Get on the Beam (Mercury, 1981)
• "Colour My World" by Chicago from Chicago (Columbia, 1970)
• "True Colours" by Cyndi Lauper from the film For the Bible Tells Me So (First Run Features, 2006)

Episode 11: Man Camp (35:27)

This one time at Man Camp, I saw men knitting and spinning and having the time of their lives. The first-ever Men's Spring Knitting Retreat (MSKR) was the event of the year for those who attended. If you don't believe us, read some of the recaps from Ted, Joe, Paddy, Kenny, Mel, Sean and Guido. You can also see the fevered pitch discussions on Ravelry archived thread (last count 416 posts).

QueerJoe and KnitterGuyTed had a vision for a decidedly masculine gathering of fiber-heads. This historic happening was hosted at the idylic and picturesque Easton Mountain Retreat in upstate New York, not too far away from historic Woodstock (well, it's actually closer to the less-pop-culturey-historic Albany).

Stephen bit the bullet for Team YKNIT and traveled to the OTHER coast where he interviewed, taught and met online friends offine. In addition to Joe and Ted, he spoke with cotton-spinning master VTknitboy Chris.

It takes a village of fiber enablers to make super sweet schwag bag. A big thanks to the generous sponsors of the MSKR. If you like to see men knitting and spinning, please patronize these fine establishments:

• Schoolhouse Press
• Black Bunny Fibers (Carol)
• Briar Rose Fibers (Chris)
• Crystal Palace
• Woolcott & Co. (Sean)
• Wild Geese Fibers
• Louet North America
• Danny Ouellette Knitting
• Green Mountain Spinnery
• Hyphen Boy Designs
• Oceanwind Knits
• Rabbitworkds Fibre Studio
• Red Maple Sportswear
• Spinning Loft
• Shelridge Farms
• Nomad Press

A Men's Fall Knitting Retreat (MFKR) (Ravelry link), is being brainstormed right now. Momentum is swirling around one in Oregon. For more information or to volunteer to help, contact GrandfatherKnits on Ravelry.

 

Contest - ENDED ON AUGUST 16, 2008

The kind folks from The Unique Sheep sent a lovely skein of their yarn, just like the yarn for the The Ram Club for Men. It's 334 yards of sport weight superwash merino in Grey Streets colorway.

To enter, tell us your story of teaching a Y-Chromosome (man or boy) how to knit or spin OR how you're planning to do so in the near future. Post your story the comments below or on the YKNIT Ravelry forum. One winner will be randomly selected from the eligible entries. DEADLINE: August 16, 2008.

Yknit and spin? It's MAN-tastic!

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "Where the Boys Are" by Connie Francis (single) (MGM, 1960)
• "Where the Boys Are (demo)" by Neil Sedaka from Neil Sedaka: The Definitive Collection (Razor & Tie, 2007)
• "Johnny Are You Queer?" by Hotbox from Blowin' Our Cover (Roach Coach, 2007)
• "Hot for Teacher" by Richard Cheese from Tuxicity (Surfdog Records, 2003)
• "The Boys are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy from Jailbreak (Mercury, 1976)
• "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure from Boys Don't Cry (Fiction, 1979)
• "Cottontail" by Oscar Peterson from JATP '53 (Jazz at the Philharmonic) (Verve, 1953)
• "Simple Man" by Klaus Nomi from Simple Man (RCA, 1982)
• "Boy" by Book of Love from Book of Love (Sire, 1985)

SPECIAL NOTE: If you are having problems leaving a comment on the Yknit.com show notes, try to enter the anti-spam confirmation text with no spaces (i.e. run the two words together). It's very odd that this problem is occurring and we've reported it to LibSyn (the host). So sorry for any inconvenience.

Episode 10: Public Displays of Creation (37:20)

Do you do it in public? Are you a voyeur or exhibitionist? Are you out and proud?

Y Knit hits the streets and investigates PDC (public displays of creation) all over the Bay Area.

Back in May, we headed down to the 3rd annual Maker Faire. Put on by the peeps behind CRAFT and MAKE magazines, the Maker Faire is a physical manifestation and celebration of all things DIY. Drawn down by the Yarn Harlot's appearance (sounds like the knitter's version of the Virgin of Guadalupe), we were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of creativity. Natalie Zee Drieu, senior editor of CRAFT magazine, tells us all about it.

After a long, long day of knitting, steampunk outfits, Diet Coke and Mentos fountains, hanging with the Harlot, fire sculptures, rockets, motorized cupcakes, hackers, crafters and a few friends (PuNk rAwK pUrL and Knit Sonya), we can't wait to go back. The next Maker Faire is in Austin, TX, October 18-19. If you are in the area, don't miss it!

Next up, Michael ran all over the Bay Area to check out World Wide Knit in Public Day 2008 events. Sile Convery from KnitOneOne and Elaine Kim of KimChiCrafts hosted the Berkeley event and Laurie (Trumom) hosted the Albany event. Then, it was across the Bay on BART to Union Square for the San Francisco event.

In addition to interviewing the many attendees, Michael was seen spinning in public with his favorite new toy, a Golding Tsunami Ringspindle. Stephen spent the day with his synchronized swimming team, not spinning.

Contest Winners

Episode 7: Blue Moon Fiber Arts special edition Knitters Without Borders. Our winner made a donation to KWB (aka Knitters/Doctors Without Borders) and requested that they remain anonymous.

Episode 8: A signed copy of Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One was won by Yarnbird (Verena).

Episode 9: 3 signed copies of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Things I Learned from Knitting (Whether I Wanted To or Not) were won by Orange (JenniferP), Seamless (Sharon), and Soo (Soo).

Congratulations to our winners and thanks to everyone who participated!

We used snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• Power to the People by John Lennon from Working Class Hero (EMI, 2006)
• Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy by Stinky Weaselteats from Ren and Stimpy TV show created by John Kricfalusi and Billy West (Nickleodeon, 1991)
• Le "manine" di primavera by Nino Rota from Amarcord (CAM, 1999)
• Robots by Flight of the Conchords from The Distant Future (SubPop, 2007)
• Scarborough Fair/Canticle by Simon and Garfunkel from Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme (Columbia, 1967)
• Girls Guitar Club Theme by Karen Kilgariff and Mary Lynn Rajskub from the short film Girls Guitar Club directed by Ruben Fleischer (Ruben.FM, 2001)
• Chocolate (Mr. Gone's Club Sandwich) by Afro Elements from Nude Dimensions 2 (Naked Music, 2001)
• Who's That Woman by Phyllis Newman from Follies (TVT, 1998)
• The Limit by Lovebirds from Nude Dimensions 2 (Naked Music, 2001)

Lastly, a HUGE thank you to everyone who downloads and listens to Y KNIT. We're honored that you choose to spend 30 (or so) minutes of your time with us every few weeks. Here we are at 10 episodes, and we've got over 3000 new friends!

Yknit in public? It's genetic!

Episode 9: Hot for Harlot (28:11)

Does Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, The Yarn Harlot, need an introduction? Author of five books (so far). Founder of the Knitting Olympics and Tricoteuses Sans Frontières/Knitters Without Borders (who have raised over $430,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders since 2004). And, perhaps the most-read of the knitting bloggerati. If you don't already know her, stop reading this right now and run over to yarnharlot.ca to catch up. We'll wait here.

Lucky for you, dear listeners, we have, not one, but two conversations with Stephanie. In April, she and Stephen sat down on the last night of BMFA's sock camp to talk about (what else?) knitting. More recently, she gave Mike and Stephen an exclusive and very exciting announcement.

Contest
We have two signed copies of the Harlot's latest book, Things I Learned from Knitting (Whether I Wanted To or Not). Tell us what you're doing on Worldwide Knit In Public Day, June 14. (It's also Stephanie's 40th birthday!) From the submissions, we'll randomly choose two winners.

Y Knit? C'est fantastique!

We use snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "Lover" Richard Marino and his Orchestra from The Magic Beat (Liberty, 1960)
• "Nine to Five" Player Piano from Player Piano - Country Hits (Tandem Music Group, 1993)
• "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" The Ink Spots from Swing High! Swing Low! (Past Perfect / Finetunes, 1998)
• "Stephanie" The Partridge Family from Come on Get Happy! The Very Best of the Partridge Family (Arista, 2005)
• "Nitty Gritty" Jocelyne from Jocelyne (Polydor, 1965)

Episode 8: The Cat's Pyjamas (23:22)

Tune in, turn on, and don't drop stitches with Stephen and Cat Bordhi as she explains her journey from teddy bear artist to award-winning author and knitting designer/teacher/pied-piper.

Stephen and Cat sat on a dock over the water at Orcas Island and discussed curiosity, Möbius strips, and rethinking sock design.

Contest
Cat Bordhi has released a book on her new approach to sock knitting called New Pathways for Sock Knitters and we have a special signed copy for our "Cat's Pyjamas" contest. Who do you think is the bee's knees in the world of fiber and knitting design? Let us know in the show comments section below or on the Ravelry Yknit group. One lucky winner will be selected at random!

DEADLINE FOR ENTERING THIS CONTEST IS JUNE 20, 2008

The words from our parody of the Jabberwocky are as follows:

"Twas purling on the garter toes
with Cast-On Magic, Judy's Way
All L-Rinc-y where increases grow
And the sole craft displays!

Beware the Jabbersock, My Son!
The heels that strike, the cuffs that catch
Beware the gusset holes undone
And Coriolis spirals, natch!"

Y Knit? It's Cat-a-Tonic!

We use snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "White Rabbit" Jefferson Airplane from Surrealistic Pillow (Runt, 1967)
• "White Rabbit" Enon from Don't know When I'll Be Back Again (compilation benefiting American Veterans of the Vietnam War)(TuneCore, 2007)
• "My Favorite Things" Betty Carter from Inside Betty Carter (United Artists, 1964)
• "One" Harry Nilsson from Aerial Ballet (RCA, 1968)
• "I'm Free" The Rolling Stones from Out of Our Heads (London, 1965)
• "Freedom! '90" George Michael from Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael (Epic, 1998)
• "What's New Pussycat" Tom Jones from Greatest Hits Live (C/F International, 2006)

Episode 7: Sock Camp Survival (featuring Tina Newton) (33:23)
Experience the bucolic serenity of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Camp Crow's Feet sock knitting camp.

Laugh along with the gentle Socks that Rock sock club members as they embody the mature and peaceful spirit of knitting, surrounded by the majestic Pacific Northwest on Orcas Island off the coast of Washington.

Stephen and his mother spent a week under the stern tutelage of Cat Bordhi (Insouciant Socks), Cookie A (Traveling Stitches), JC Briar (Cast-on Cornucopia), Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and BMFA dye mistress Tina Newton (Rock the Sock).

In addition to classes, there were toilet paper cozies and sock puppets. And a "talent" show. And there were monkeys. Lots and lots of mini hand-knit sock monkeys. And photos to prove it!

Campers and Sockateers share their favorite camp memories (Ravelry IDs ):

• Jen (FurrPurls)
• Kristin (KristinK)
• Casey (RubyCakes)
• Sockateer Hot Flash (HotFlash)
• Lisa (ConvolutedString)
• Ariel (Stariel)
• Claire (ClaireKnits) who almost drowned
• Sockateer Cockeyed (Cockeyed), the amazing sock monkey designer
• Sheila of the amazing monkey calls
• Lou (HappyStasher) donate at KnittersForKnockers.com by May 10 to enter the raffle

Tina Newton, color genius and owner of Blue Moon Fiber Arts, describes her journey from spinner to yarn dealer and the madness that is Sock Camp.

Finally, the entire experience is summed up in the amazing camp yodel by Celia (CeliaMcC).

Contest
BMFA released a new colorway just in time for camp. Win a skein of Knitters Without Borders in Socks That Rock lightweight by donating to Doctors Without Boarders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Donate here and let us know how much you gave so we can share how generous Y KNIT listeners are. Email us at yknitguys [AT] gmail [D0T] com. One lucky winner will be selected at random!

If you'd like to buy one for yourself, they're available on BMFA's website and $3 from each skein goes to the invaluable work of MSF. Also, the Funky Sock Monkey pattern and kits are available for purchase.

Sock Camp cannot be contained by the mere 33 minutes of a single podcast. There were many, many, many more knitters who were interviewed, drunken late-night after-parties, and antics galore. We're sorry we couldn't fit everyone into this episode. If you want more, you'll just have to come join us next year!

Y Knit? It's Campy!

We use snippets of the following songs in this episode:

• "Holiday for Strings" Walter Schumann from The Voices of Walter Schumann (RCA, 1958)
• "Sabre Dance" Les Baxter and his Orchestra from Les Baxter's Wild Guitars (Capitol, 1959)
• "Satan Takes a Holiday" Jack Malmsten from Organ Spectacular (Liberty, 1963)
• "Saturday Night on Saturn" Les Baxter and his Orchestra from Space Escapade (1957, Capitol)
• "Sleep Walk" Henri Rene and his Orchestra from The Swingin' 59 (Imperial, 1959)
• "The Monkey" Yo Majesty from Yo EP (Out There Recordings, 2006)
• "Colors" Ice-T from Colors - Original Soundtrack (Warner Brothers, 1988)

EDIT: Due to my sloppy coding, Cat Bordhi's class wasn't appearing and Cookie A's link was not working. They have been fixed and I meant no disrepect. They are geniuses (geniusi?) who inspire me daily.