Sunday, December 22, 2013

Episode 35: Christmas Movies and Stitch Lines


The holiday season is quickly approaching and the festive spirit is definitely filling everyone at our house. Ok, maybe it's just causing me to dance around with jingle bells in my hand. The exterior illumination was taken care of first and the interior lights weren't too far behind. Christmas movie lines have been flowing from our mouths on a daily basis and weekends have a dash of Christmas classic movies sprinkled in.

Not only have the movie lines been a frequent occurrence in the Shorty's Sutures Household, but stitch lines are lining up quickly making projects come together better than in recent months. Join me as this episode reviews my latest projects and stitchy interactions.

Shorty's Sutures Group News
  • Update on GreenWoman
  • An Honorable Mention for In My Ears (with a big thanks to iHeartCraft)
  • More charity stitching (iHeartCraft) and some Christmas gift stitching (pbhpbh and Cinderga)
 Out 'o the Bag
In My Crochet Bag
In My Knitting Bag

The Threaded Needle
  • Christmas Tree Skirt Embroidered Appliques
 In My Library
  • Lucky No 7 Infinity Scarf by
  • Easy Folded Ponch by Churchmouse Yarns and Tea
  • The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida, Ka Yoshida & David Mitchell
  • Designing Vashti Crochet Newsletter (New Lotus Yarn from Vashti Braha and Doris Chan)
In My Ears
  • Knitting Pipeline, Episode 152: Midwest Tornado Experience
  • The Moth Podcast, Tig Notaro: R2 Where Are You?
  • This American Life, Episode 512: House Rules
  • 2KnitLitChicks (thanks for the Book recommendation... The Reason I  Jump)
Prattle
  • Caithness Craft Collective Ornament Swap with JavaPurl
  • Personal safety while holiday shopping (keep your head on a swivel and your guard up)
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'!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Episode 34: A Winning Combination

It's always fun to start things off with a bang, so Episode 34 jumps right in with finding out who won the digital copy of Heather Ordover's new book Grounded.

Out 'o the Bag
In My Crochet Bag
  •  Operation Gratitude Scarf 5, Willow Wash - Granite (using the Rocking Stitch)
In My Stash

 
Fit 'n Stitchy
  • Walking - Off the Wagon (Full Disclosure)
In My Ears
  •  DC Unraveled - Episode "Tourists"
  • Yarniacs - Episode 49
  • Nerdist - Episode "Oliver Stone"
  • Knitting Pipeline & 2KnitLitChicks
Prattle
  • Taos Wool Festival - being a fiber loving loner isn't much fun
  • Fancy Fibers Retreat coming up in February (13th-16th)
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'!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Episode 33: Getting Grounded and Made Over

Join me as I catch up on projects and the craft cabinet makeover using supplies from Container Store and discover how so many kitchen storage items will work for making your craft cabinet look gorgeous!

Shorty'sSutures Group News
  • Amy aka GreenWoman has been holding her own and keeping her chin up through chemotherapy
  • Skill development is in action: Linda and Mary Sarah are learning tatting, Sandra has been learning new crochet stitches and incorporating them into hats and scarves, Bettina is crocheting a garment, Sabrina is learning to knit socks and Pat has been encouraging a bit of crochet sock making
  • We have a digital book giveaway! The ever so gracious Heather Ordover of CraftLit and MamaOKnits is providing a digital copy of her newest book Grounded.
Craft Cabinet Makeover
Here you can see the abyss that my craft cabinet had become... the left side dedicated to fabric and sewing supplies and the right side crammed with crochet and knitting stuff.


While I was at the Container Store, I found these Small Double Cabinet Shelves that really helped me divide up my yarn. As you can see from the big open space in the middle of the cabinet unit, one large area became divided into three shelves. This really allowed me to sort out my yarn a lot better than what I previously had.


I also found these pasta containers (at the back of the picture) that helped me store my leftover yarn scraps which are all wound into little balls.
Here is the finished look of the crochet and knitting side of the cabinet. Much better, right? I'm pretty pleased with how it looks now compared to the state of chaos that it was in. I'm hoping to find even better ways to keep things organized as I move forward.

Out 'o the Bag

In My Crochet Bag
  • Operation Gratitude Scarf #3 - Rocking Stitch
In My Knitting Bag
  • The Guernsey Wrap with Classic Elite Magnolia
  • Mom's Cowl in Bijou Basin Ranch Yak and Silk (I inadvertently left out the wrap up of the Fiber Festival where this yarn was purchased, those details will be included in the next episode)
In My Ears
  • Grounded by Heather Ordover 
  • The Moth Story Tellers Series
  • A fond farewell to Jane and Jen Knit Funny
  • A fond farewell to Zontee & Michelle of Yarncraft (Lion Brand)
  • Confessions about previously recommended podcasts 
Queue-T Patootie
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'

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Episode 32: Get It Together



Today's episode focuses on getting a grip! Join me as I discover forgotten and neglected projects and try to get back on track with finishing what I say I'm going to work on.

Too many things have been in my mental queue, not even counting my Ravelry queue. I've bought supplies, kits and patterns that are patiently waiting in my craft cabinet. It's time to organize the projects and get moving on making them come together.

A couple of weekends ago I made a half-assed attempt at cleaning the craft cabinet up. I felt myself floundering with the task as soon as I tried to get started. I kept telling myself that I didn't have the right supplies; I didn't have a plan; I didn't know what I was doing. So, it was a lost battle before it even began.

I did make a little progress that day, but the cabinet is still an eyesore and a big box of chaos. Last night I decided to pull all of the in-progress projects out of the cabinet and see just what I've tossed aside and forgotten about.

But, before I go into that, I guess I should confess that what led me to this point was not being able to find my highlighter tape. (I needed a new piece since I've work out my the piece I've used as my pattern marker on The Guernsey Wrap project.) I looked through my cabinet three times, dug around in the two active project bags that I've been working from, retraced my steps from when I saw the highlighter tape last, but simply couldn't find the stuff. This was beginning to drive me batty. I couldn't stop wondering what in the world I'd done with it, plus I was mentally taunting myself that if I'd finished reorganizing my supplies I would know exactly where the tape was.

That's how I got to the point of pulling out the projects I've started then tossed aside between episodes. This is what I found:
  • Laundry Symbol Cheat Sheet (Embroidery)
  • Bonnie Jean Infinity Scarf (Knitting)
  • Stirrup Socks Kit from Purl Soho (Knitting)
  • Infinity and Beyond Cowl KAL that I wanted to Frog (Knitting)
  • Zoom Loom Coasters (Weaving)
  • Molly Summer Slippers (Crochet)
  • Sharp Crochet Hook (Crochet)
  • Glitter Shrug (Crochet)
I'm excited to report that while I was sitting in the floor taking stock of all of these projects I went ahead and frogged the KAL cowl that should've been frogged over a month ago. Instant gratification! Now I can get on to organizing how to tackle the rediscovered projects and move forward with regular show business.
Bags from Looped YarnWorks in DC

Magnolia Guernsey Wrap

Molly Summer Slippers

Yarniacs KAL Mesh Scarf
 New Segment: Shorty's Sutures Group News
  • Prayers for Amy aka GreenWoman
  • Charitable projects in action for Operation Gratitude, Project Linus (made by pbhpbh) and iHeartCraft is teaching middle school kids how to knit scarves and make paracord bracelets to donate to Operation Gratitude! Check out the Shorty'sSutures Group Shared Projects page for all the pictures and details of the Operation Gratitude Scarves I'm making.
  • A visit to Looped Yarnworks in DC
Out 'o the Bag
In My Crochet Bag
In My Knitting Bag
In My Ears
 Queue-T Patootie
Fit 'n Stitchy
  •  Amazing morning walks (1.7 miles each day = 12 miles per week)
  • Walking in DC
Prattle
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'!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Episode 31: More Than Half Full



Sometimes stitchers just have to admit when some things need to go, when some things need to join you in your crafty life and when you may need to just observe from a distance. There's a bit of each of those elements in this episode and a brand new segment. The stitchy glass is practically running over so join me as I recap what's been occupying my hands.

Out 'o the Bag


In My Crochet Bag
  • Molly Summer Slippers by Tara Murray - Why am I intimitdated by this pattern??? I've get myself get stumped, set it aside and each time I look at my project bags I get the guilties.
  • Operation Gratitude Scarf #2 (using Willow Cub)
In My Knitting Bag
Queue-T Patootie

Fit 'n Stitchy
  • Walking Coronado and San Diego
  • Getting back into my routine after traveling
  • Core to the core
  • Ballet DVD
  • Staying Young
Giveaway: A winner has been hard to find! New drawing, this time by hand, reveals that the 3rd time is a charm, right?

Prattle
  • San Diego Comic-Con
Coronado Beach Sunset
Comic-Con love at Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach Sunset
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.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Episode 30: Summer Refreshment

Whirly birdie, we made it to 30! This little milestone made me feel like it would be a good time to refresh the intro and shake things up a bit. Let me know what you think. The episode is full of all kinds of stitchy-ness, a recap of a wonderful knitting retreat, an update about the giveaway winner from Episode 29, new Ravelry interactions and some exciting finds!

With lots of new listeners joining us, and the introductory episode being from back in 2011, it seemed like a good time to share (or refresh for those who know) how Shorty's Sutures came to be. I also review a little bit of background information about each segment so that our new friends can become better acquainted with the podcast.

Out 'o the Bag
  • Kelly's Dewy Shrug (with discussion on my modifications)
  • Woven Coasters
    Zoom Loom and Woven Coasters
In My Knitting Bag
 In My Ears
In My Stash
In My Library
The Threaded Needle

T-Shirt FAIL










Fit 'n Stitchy

Giveaway Update
  • The original winner didn't contact me over the past month so we have a new winner!
 Prattle
  • Knitting Retreat at Our House in Milford
  • Knitting Rose can be found here; her yarns can be found here 
  • Pillow Covers as Project Bags?
  • X-shaped inserts for cabinet organization
  • Question of the Week Series in the ShortysSutures Ravelry Group
  • A boost to the 'ole confidence... my legwarmers have been added to Rachael Oglesby's pattern page on Ravelry
If you like the new music featured in the introduction of the podcast please check out the full songs by Mindy Gledhill on iTunes. The first section of music is from her song Crazy Love and the second section (and at the end of the episode) is from California, both from her Anchor album released in 2010. The entire album is a wonderful treat that the entire family can enjoy.

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 then, keep those hands stitchin’!  

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Episode 29: An Adventure in Altitude and Hi-Gynx

The months of April and May have blown right by! It seems like just a few days ago I was excited about Spring weather and now I find myself feeling the heat and humidity of Summer. Join me as I recap projects finished and underway, share a travel adventure, as well as share the winner of the skein of Gynx Yarns Strong Sock!

Out o' the Bag
In My Knitting Bag
In My Ears
  • Craft Lit - Jane Eyre is finished!
  • Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald audiobook
  • Caught up on all my favorite podcasts!
In My Stash
  • Sweet Georgia Yarns - Tough Love Sock in Wild Pansy










In My Library
The Threaded Needle
  • Laundry Symbol Embroidery Project: using 100% linen with a tea stained look, symbols have been transferred and thread color choices are being finalized
 
Fit 'n Stitchy
  • Walking, Eating healthy, Core strengthening
  • Blood Work/Physical
  • Carry the Load event in Dallas, Texas
Giveaway Announcement

Prattle
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. Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time.

Until then, keep those hands stitchin’! 
     

Monday, April 29, 2013

Episode 28: Feeling Gifted


So much has happened since the last episode! Join me as I talk about a new stitchy adventure, endulge in wonderful yarny treats and get excited about new fiber adventures.

Out 'o the Bag
In My Knitting Bag
 In My Ears
In My Stash




In My Library (thanks to wonderful Random Acts of Patterns or RAPs)
The Threaded Needle

  • Find a Stylus and Transfer Paper here






Fit 'n Stitchy
  • Bike riding
  • Ongoing core strengthening
 Prattle
  • Home office makeover
  • Car repairs (thanks to a new driver helping me make a body shop appointment)
  • Ongoing repainting projects at home 
Giveaway
  • Gynx Yarns, 400 yards/100 grams, Grape Colorway, Strong Sock, Sock/Fingering weight
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. Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time.

Until then, keep those hands stitchin’! 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

March is National Crochet Month

Did you know that March is National Crochet Month? I just realized it a few days ago when I saw someone post about it online. I'm so glad I saw that because it helped to rekindle the fire inside me to get hookin' again on a crochet shrug I've had stuffed in my craft cabinet.

If you're not already a crocheter this is a great time to give it a whirl! Some great starter projects are dishcloths, neck warmers, scarves or even little bags or pouches. It's easier than you might think to become a crocheter. A quick search on Ravelry will lead you to a TON of free patterns.

 Here are some tips for knitters who want to try crochet:
  • Start with Tunisian Crochet: it has a look that is very much like knitted stitches so it will get you acquainted with Crochet in a familiar way Get started with Tunisian here  Click here for Tunisian Purl Stitch  Click here for Tunisian Knit Stitch
  • Add a crochet trim to a knitted dishcloth or blanket: many knitters are already familiar with using a crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches, so begin with a slip knot and learn to make chains. After you've completed that first step you're ready to turn and begin adding rows.
If you're completely new to using a crochet hook check out this video on getting started with crochet, or if you're ready to dive right into a project check out my videos on YouTube or through the ShortysSutures Facebook page where you can get started without a chain and move right into foundation stitches to make a cowl.

Hurry over to Lion Brand Yarn where you'll find an an exciting giveaway. Don't delay... today's the last day to enter. Click on the link to complete a survey and who knows... you might win!

Enjoy National Crochet Month and keep those hands stitchin'!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Episode 27: Normalcy Approaches

Today's podcast feels long overdue, so it's full of all kinds of goodies! This episode will feature Out 'o the Bag, In my Crochet Bag, In my Knitting Bag, In my Ears, In my Stash, Fit 'n Stitchy and Prattle.

First let's begin with a hearty congratulations to Ravelry for reaching 3 million members! Jess and Casey have prepared a fun video to share with everyone on the Ravelry home page.
Kelly's Grey Shrug
 Out 'o the Bag
In My Crochet Bag
In My Knitting Bag
In My Ears
  • Craft Lit
In My Stash
  • Cascade Superwash 220 (Light Pink, Hot Pink)
Fit 'n Stitchy
  • Eating better
  • Walking (fast)
  • Lift and Squeeze/Core tightening
Prattle
  • New recipe to share - Suavis Bubulae (Latin for Sweet Beef)
  • Details of the Fancy Fiber Retreat in February (new friends, new skills, new outlook on stitchy recreation!)
  • Feeling good about de-stashing
My Core Stitchy Group at Fancy Fiber Retreat 2013!
A huge thanks to everyone who's reached out through the Shorty's Sutures Ravelry Group to chat and comment on the episodes! It's always fun to interact with you all.

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. Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time.


Until then, keep those hands stitchin’! 

Friday, February 1, 2013

Episode 26: Froggy Bottoms



Today’s episode features projects that are Out ‘o the Bag, In My Knitting Bag, The Threaded Needle, as well as Fit n’ Stitchy and Prattle.

Do you have any Valentine's Day projects in the works? If so, please share what your working on in the comments or on the ShortysSutures Ravelry Group!

I’m excited to share that Out ‘o the Bag is my lovely new Alpaca B&W Cowl which is getting quite a bit of wear! In My Knitting Bag is repurposed Cascade 220 Superwash in Gray as I’m making my version of the Speckled Shrug from LionBrand.com.

I have a bit of impromptu sewing that recently came up for The Threaded Needle to help out my son. And a couple of lovely yarns have been pulled from In My Stash for a mystery project and a kit purchased at the 2012 DFW Fiber Fest.

Fit n’ Stitchy includes a heart-to-heart about making it through the dark winter season and Prattle reminds everyone about the upcoming Fiber retreat February 14-17 in Denton, Texas hosted by Fancy Fibers Farm and Knitting Fairy. I can’t wait!

Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, where this podcast is hosted at shortyssutures.libsyn.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or in the comments section below. Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Until then, keep those hands stitchin’!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Episode 25: Things New, Old & In Between


Episode 25 is the first show of 2013. Happy New Year to everyone! Today’s episode features projects that are Out ‘o the Bag, In My Knitting Bag, In My Library, The Threaded Needle, as well as tidbits about A Stash In My Stash, Fit n’ Stitchy and Prattle.

Out ‘o the Bag reviews snowflake ornaments, a sleep sack for my niece in utero and an impromptu scarf. There is a now an Alpaca B&W Cowl In My Knitting Bag with plans to queue up another project or two. A new addition In My Library is Leslie Ann Bestor’s book, Cast On Bind Off, which was a super sweet Christmas gift from my sister.

The Threaded Needle shares one of my recent sewing projects, a keepsake bunting. Did you hear the part about having a stash In My Stash? Christmas gifting didn’t bring me new yarn, but I did receive the cutest little knitted ‘stash bag just perfect for notions.

I can’t begin a new year without mental promises of fitness and wellbeing, so Fit n’ Stitchy has been on my mind. Ballet leg exercises, time at the dip station and brisk, chilly walks have helped me start the year off. Prattle reviews the upcoming Fiber retreat February 14-17 in Denton, Texas hosted by Fancy Fibers Farm and Knitting Fairy. Join me!





Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, where this podcast is hosted at shortyssutures.libsyn.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or in the comments section below. Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time. Until then, keep those hands stitchin’![gallery columns="2" orderby="title"]