Mon, 28 February 2022
In which show notes will come later!
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Sun, 20 February 2022
In which Jan continues on her journey towards life clarity and shares news of a baby shower, a birthday, a sleepover, swatches, and aligning her actions with what is actually important to her. |
Mon, 31 January 2022
In which The Fulton Theater copes with Covid, Milo copes with veterinary care, Jan moves closer to clarity with regard to the roles she plays, and landsharks and bathsharks abound.
Direct download: Episode_109_--_Of_Land_Sharks_and_Bath_Sharks.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 6:46pm EDT |
Sat, 22 January 2022
In which Jan explains that, although this is the 108th podcast episode recorded, it will be referred to as episode 107 since 107 seems to have been missed. It's fitting because it's also the episode in which we hear about Bailey, the cat who went missing in episode 106, and some of what else you've been missing from her in the last 22 months! Links to mentioned patterns are in the episode thread in the TwinSet Designs Ravelry forum.
Direct download: Episode_107_--_The_One_That_Went_Missing.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 10:02am EDT |
Fri, 7 February 2020
In which I give you a very wave top view of the things that have happened in the last year as well as the things I've knit and the things I'm knitting, introduce a new design segment called Design Modifications (asking you to contribute your ideas and information to share with other listeners to modify the pattern of the podcast and help me produce episodes more frequently), and provide results from last year's UNKAL, and a heads up on TwinSet Summer Retreat 2020 and our plans to make it to Rhinebeck this year.
Direct download: Episode_105_--_Lets_Give_This_One_More_Try.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 2:11pm EDT |
Mon, 25 February 2019
In which Jan shares her travels away from the farm and visitors to the farm, and in which Jan and Ellen relive the fun they had at the last Madrona.
Direct download: Episode_104_--_So_Many_Visitors...And_Madrona.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 6:18pm EDT |
Mon, 11 February 2019
In which Jan shares about signs of coming lambing, hermaphroditic sheep, a complete doggy update, her grandson's name, some design principles for color selection in stranded knitting, a 5-minute interview by Ellen of Eric Allness of Reywa Fibers, some details on the UNKAL, and a lengthy Fashion Forecast. |
Mon, 4 February 2019
In which Jan provides a wrap-up of happenings from the last year...very incomplete, but sufficient to bring us up to date...and in which she makes a call to Ellen to hear about her knitting shenanigans. Note that the call audio is different, and not to my standard. We're playing with new technology and if we can't get it right in the next episode or two, we'll go back to the old way.
Direct download: Episode_102_--_Annual_Podcast_Episode.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:46pm EDT |
Sun, 31 December 2017
In which we review listener memories of the last 100 episodes, share the fun we had spending Christmas together, recollect that it was before Thanksgiving when we recorded the last episode, and forecast a cold winter in Minnesota as well as predicting the top 10 phrases you won't hear Ellen say in 2018...at least not on the podcast. |
Sun, 12 November 2017
In which it took almost as long to edit as it did to get around to recording and in which we catch each other up on the patterns of our lives, all the knitting that's been going on, new contests and old, and whine on about how we both missed Rhinebeck. |
Mon, 31 July 2017
In which we accomplish a quick catch up, hear Ellen's Kefir, think about the #metricrevolution, acknowledge our birthday, get a little creepy, and announce the winner of the Summer Shawl contest! |
Thu, 20 July 2017
In which we catch up on life's joys and sorrows, and get cheered up by Dr. Yarn and our grandsons. And in which we talk about plowing back and forth, the perfect yarn for when you're Friesian, how sweet Jan is, and how incapable we both are at correct counts during cast ons. |
Wed, 28 June 2017
In which we catch up after several months. Jan became a grandma, Ellen went to Scotland, and we both had other adventures. Thanks for your patience while we were gone and while Jan was trying to get the episode edited...just under the wire to have an episode out in June! |
Sun, 12 February 2017
Whew! Many tasks kept me from editing this very quickly, but here it is... In which we discuss Groundhog Day (are you surprised?), Ellen's commitment to acquire more skeins than she knits...err, rather knit more skeins than she acquires, Jan's experience at the Women's March on DC, Ellen's experiences at Ding Dong Darling National Wildlife Refuge (they involve birds -- and key lime pie), an epic knitting bite, and craftivism. And we have a few words from Dr. Yarn!! Listen here: Episode 90 -- Ground Hog Day
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Mon, 16 January 2017
In which we chat about our holidays -- and Jan goes on and on about her holiday trip to Japan -- and in which we highlight a few other entrepreneurs in which you might be interested, hear from the founder of June cashmere, put out a few knitting and life objectives for the new year, and reconnect after our winter hiatus. (Note, the outtakes refer to a bit of food poisoning Jan and family experienced in Japan -- not caused by the Kobe beef, but coincidental to that meal...we do not want to cause anyone to miss out on trying Kobe beef because of these comments!) |
Sun, 18 December 2016
In which we get ready for the holidays...Jan finishes up her current academic term, Ellen discovers walk-in closets, we both get ready for some fun with family over the holidays, and we include a reprise of the knitter's version of "Santa Baby!" |
Sun, 4 December 2016
In which we discuss our four Thanksgivings, knitting going to the dogs, a new give away from Infinite Twist, and lots of weiners!! |
Sun, 20 November 2016
In which we take a deep breath and move on from the election, talk about how adorable our husbands are, brag a bit on ourselves, and hear about Ellen's fun at Vogue Knitting Live - Minneapolis. |
Sun, 6 November 2016
In which Jan shares great news, and we both talk about Rhinebeck, Drop Dead Easy Knits, training chickadees and trading rams.
Direct download: Episode_85_--_Did_I_happen_to_mention.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 8:16pm EDT |
Mon, 10 October 2016
In which we continue to be challenged by technology, but are very excited to be going to Rhinebeck! No outtakes this time -- we were lucky to get the body of the episode!
Direct download: Episode_84_--_Computer_Gods--Still_Chuckling.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 9:41pm EDT |
Tue, 2 August 2016
In which we acknowledge some farm sadness, but then press on to discuss DIY light boxes and cigar box electric guitars, crazy catch up after summer camp, winning prizes in yarn crawls, how much respect you gain for designers by designing, seeing family on business trips, playing in the pool at the Downcellar Studio's Splashpad Party, technology inspired and enabled knitting, and television for the velocity impaired. Listen here: Episode 81 -- Absolutely Slowly |
Mon, 18 July 2016
In which we recall the fun we had at TwinSet Summer Camp! |
Tue, 5 July 2016
In which we hear a big confession, enjoy reports of retirement festivities, celebrate pride, think of podcaster with whom to dine, hear a negative space essay from Ellen, learn about Devon sheep and their cousins, the brick sheep...aka Devon Closewool. |
Wed, 15 June 2016
In which we talk about great fun had at Zombie Knitpocalypse and The National Needlearts Association Summer Convention, farm stuff, not much knitting, super powers and all the winners from phase one of the UNKAL!! |
Sun, 10 April 2016
In which we discuss aberrant spring weather, a trip to see Andrew, the wiggle dance, bottle supplemented lambs, naked alpaca and fowl play. |
Sun, 27 March 2016
In which we discuss White House M&Ms, Lindt Chocolate Bunnies, Big balls of string, more new lambs, pacemaker museums, and running in slippers. |
Sun, 27 March 2016
In which we discuss rams and lambs and many hats off to Minnesota, a monumental knitting bite, a book review of Free Spirit Knits and several wiener opportunities. |
Fri, 11 March 2016
For which I took almost two weeks to edit and in which we discuss retreats, Stitches West, meeting long lost family and new and old friends, sunning in company of alligators and sharks, the amazining Anna Zilboorg, new contests, and TwinSet Summer Camp -- now with more Caithness Craft! SO many things!!! |
Sun, 7 February 2016
In which we discuss dealing with Winter Storm Jonas, travel to see Jan's grand newphew, the Knit a Journey Midwinter Retreat, Legally Blonde - the Musical!, CVM, and being bold. |
Mon, 18 January 2016
In which we discuss very little in the patterns of our lives, but in which we do discuss getting our spin back on, full time working for part time people, bonus sheds, horny sheep, and, yes, exploding kittens. |
Sun, 10 January 2016
In which we reflect on 2015 and set our intentions for 2016, talk about all the hijinx from December, and reinvigorate the TwinSet Rare Sheep Challenge. |
Sun, 6 December 2015
In which we catch up from being on hiatus. Not only do we get back to work on the podcast, but we both got back to work at our paying jobs. However, twinsetellen has returned in a part time status, much to her pleasure! And in which we discuss caring for my grand nephew, my trip to Peru, Finnsheep getting ready for a busy spring, getting pneumonia vaccinations, and cleaning off the needles.!
Direct download: Episode_68_--_Back_to_Work_-_Part_Time.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 5:10pm EDT |
Tue, 3 November 2015
In which Jan and Ellen chat briefly before Ellen sends Jan to bed to get over her pneumonia so she can go to Peru. Lisa (AKA Turbogal) then joins Ellen to provide you with a complete episode chock full of listening pleasure! Note -- there was a technical glitch with Ellen and Lisa's chat, so you may note a bit of a jog in the conversation at one point. I promise you're not missing anything though! Listen here: Episode 67 -- Lisa (AKA Turbogal) Picks Up the Slack
Direct download: Episode_67_--_Lisa_Picks_Up_the_Slack.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT |
Mon, 7 September 2015
In which we discuss how short was the interval between this and the last episode (and yet in which we manage to create almost an hour of audio), jumping the broom, work interfering with knitting, and the fact that Squishy the Squid truly is a squid (and not what others have intimated). Plus, we have another visit from Dr. Yarn! |
Sun, 6 September 2015
In which we discuss Ellen's travels to Sweden for World Water Week (there was no wave pool or water slides), apple trees, quick visits with New York daughters, winning state fair entries, squid knitting, and have a short visit with Dr. Yarn and an essay on "Why We Farm." |
Tue, 16 June 2015
In which we discuss Shetland wool week, secret handshakes, housecleaning by buying magazines, new plants and new lambs!!, knitting for big feet, the 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz' and all the other wonder out there, getting cranky and lots of other stuff! |
Mon, 25 May 2015
In which we discuss gift bearing alpaca, four more little lambs and precocious ram lambs, downsizing stuff to make it possible to close drawers, but maybe not so much as to fit in tiny houses and other fun stuff.
Direct download: Episode_58_--_Things_are_Going_Swimmingly.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 7:42pm EDT |
Sun, 10 May 2015
In which we discuss a dinner for more than two in DC, visits from dear friends (military friends and podcaster friends!), a fun speaking engagement, a visit to DC by Karen, getting the Full Monty, biking around mother nature, Yarnover, Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, and baby lambs (!!!!), and in which Ellen's geeks out. |
Sat, 25 April 2015
In which we discuss stuff. Okay, I'm too rushed today to do a better job than that.
Direct download: Episode_56_--_Ellen_Takes_a_Break_While_Jan_Yammers_On.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 12:21pm EDT |
Sun, 19 April 2015
In which you hear a little bit about Summer Camp this July in Darlington, MD!! |
Sat, 4 April 2015
In which we discuss woodpeckers, our recent travels (and our crowded airline seats), the approach of spring, a new to twinsetjan yarn shop, knitting mittens and mitts, Judy Becker's book Beyond Toes -- Knitting Adventures with Judy's Magic Cast-On, taking spindles for walks and the $25 savings for those who register early for TwinSet Summer Camp! |
Sun, 22 March 2015
In which we discuss connecting with old friends and friends of our daughter/niece, the Iditarod and Iknitarod, cold, snow, trips to the theater and to the emergency room, an interview with Sherill Roi who encourages us to spin 15 in 15, and a review of the book, "Solefull Socks". |
Fri, 6 March 2015
In which we discuss the cold weather, many babies on the way to knit for and to love, the coming onslaught of mud and (happily) mud sales, knittingless needles, Madrona, water and spirits. And in which we announce a chance to receive a free Craftsy Continental Knitting class from Lorilee Beltman (see the forum thread titled, "Why do you want to learn to knit faster?"), a 50% off sale on the same class, and a special for us promotion from Signature Needle Arts. Use the code TWINST5OFF when you check out online and receive $5 off any $25 purchase!! (Good through March 16, 2015 at http://http://www.signatureneedlearts.com/) |
Tue, 17 February 2015
In which we discuss how good it is to be back, trips to Ohio to be with family, catching up at work, Sanibel Island get-aways, judgemental spinning, animal husbandry, rivers of birds and finishing a masterpiece!
Direct download: Episode_52_--_Five_Years_in_the_Making.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 3:47pm EDT |
Sun, 21 December 2014
In which we celebrate the milestone that is episode 50, discuss NYC trips, trip ups with deer, podcaster visits and prank calls, Wilson's continuing mastery of the chess world, precision dancing viewed at Radio City Music Hall with Jenny and light up swizzle sticks (!), pulling it together when your gauge is all over the place and a special outtake for your holiday merriment...oh, and turbogal. |
Sat, 8 November 2014
In which many things are now out of date. Oops. Sorry about that.
Key words: knitting spinning designing alpaca sheep |
Tue, 26 August 2014
In which we struggle with our pronunciations, sip coffee from drip free mugs, observing wild life at work and at home, avoidance of camnesia, home grown peaches, traveling for business, tech editing for nice designers, overdone bike rides, learning along, mouse melons aka cucamelons aka Mexican Sour gherkins, pickling pots of pickled peppers, projects cleaned off the needles, managing to avoid being bitten by our knittin', discuss the value of discipline and accurate measurements, enjoy a visit from Dr. Yarn, practical fractals, and some other fun stuff! |
Tue, 8 July 2014
In which we discuss the kindness of Susan B. Anderson, the TwinSet Dolls World Tour, quiet Independence Days, an abundance and a dearth of cherries, biting off more than one should chew, a new to Dale sailboat, drinking rum punch (possibly to excess), the arrival on the farm of Hedy, Ada, Grete and Grace, and Ellen's compulsion to calculate. |
Wed, 25 June 2014
In which we discuss pre-summer vacation (for some of us), 3 blind mice sightings, multiple LYS visits to include the wall of Cascade (Natural Stitches in Pittsburgh, PA and Fibre Space in Alexandria, VA), the PA Women Veterans Symposium, family gatherings, nature hikes wherein all appendages are retained, achieving apprentice grader and sorcerer status, losing one's car keys and the kindness of strangers who are now true friends and our living dolls.
Direct download: Episode_42_--_Cleaning_Off_the_Needles.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 12:46pm EDT |
Wed, 4 June 2014
In which we mention many other podcasters, and in which we discuss squirrel kings, sailboats, shorn alpaca and sheep, getting our hackles up, visits by fast knitting friends, not buying a fleece and then buying one after all, a daughter-in-law hiking the Appalachian trail, sealing up our fine fiber and TwinSet Summer Camp! |
Sun, 25 May 2014
In which we evidently discuss everything whether it relates to the planned content or not. |
Tue, 6 May 2014
In which we discuss the craziness that has been our lives in the last month, fiber classes, fiber judging, birdies at our feeders, finally seeing signs of spring in Minnesota, Yarnover and Fiber Fest, visiting family and friends, healthy animals, paying taxes, wearing jelly beans and harvesting golf balls.
Direct download: Episode_39_--_The_Wolf_Closest_to_the_Sleigh.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 7:46pm EDT |
Sun, 20 April 2014
In which we discuss ongoing winter, the first signs of spring, a broody hen, a great knitting class with Candace Eisner Strick, insane activity in Jan's life (that ended up preventing her from getting this episode edited for THREE weeks...yes, that's right, three weeks), the languishing effort to get the Fair Winds Farm etsy shop open, our knitting and some tunisian crochet, the availability of the Paving Mitts pattern from Ellen, choosing yarn colors for a multiple yarn project like those mitts, the Living Doll KAL, a trick, an embellishment and some more information about a possible summer camp this July. |
Sun, 30 March 2014
In which we discuss the ever continuing winter (in the frigid north), being inspired by new spinners at Gale Wood Farm, bringing home ribbons from the AOA show, the danger of loose dogs, chess party animals, putting the best edge on a garter stitch baby blanket, swatching for socks, colors to dye for, and getting gauge in the worst possible way. |
Mon, 17 March 2014
In which we discuss the continuing cold weather, alpaca escapades, animal visitors, renewed work on UFOs, extreme knitting repair, four and a half miles of singles, improving the likelihood that a yarn substitution will be successful, the wonderful designs of Aurélie Coras, stick on pockets, Iditaknitting, and in which we enjoy a visit from Dr. Yarn. |
Sun, 16 February 2014
In which we discuss buns of the bunny variety, birds of the painted variety, quick trips to Mexico and the Sunshine State, Spin Off judging, ice storms, back spasms, cast-ons and cast-offs, marking hanks of handspun and Russian Joins in honor of the event taking place in Sochi. |
Fri, 4 October 2013
In which we discuss trips to Ohio, visits with siblings, fiber processing workshops, the secret to drum carding, poncho-mania, knitting and saunaing in the north woods, prize winning knitting, the size of Wilson's head, the size of Ellen's head, Jan's loss of brain cells, dizzes and punis, safety to dye for, and the good fortune to be heading to Cat Bordhi's Fall Retreat. |
Wed, 3 July 2013
In which we discuss (at length! -- it's been 4 weeks after all!) knitting to the end of the skein, starting many projects, the big straw harvest of 2013, living through loss of internet and barely living through a knock out virus, animal population explosions at the farm, many visitors and visits to Rhode Island and DC, lots of contests, reinforced selvedges, motivational spinning with the tour de fleece and a featured designer. |
Mon, 10 June 2013
In which we discuss bird spotting, the mechanics of making hay, exercise options (totally!), motivation for riding, garden prospects, possible new neighbors, grand-dog sitting, the wisdom of dyeing hair while engaged in fine hand knitting, two cases of startosis, knitting on the needles, no knitting off the needles, making batts and making yarn, a listener design challenge, design principles a la Annie Modesitt, Sarah Punderson's designs, reflections on Fiber Fest by some of our favorite knitterati, bags from swag, and a contest!
Direct download: Episdoe_18_--_Making_Hay_While_the_Sun_Shines.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 4:15pm EDT |
Tue, 23 April 2013
In which Ellen sings and is repetitive and in which we discuss Yarnover and Fiber Fest, a great review from Jasmin & Gigi, Thunder Snow!, quick trips to Ohio, Spring springing...and not, farm stuff, mouse melons, love blankets, snow and the frozen north, blended colors and intarsia, when eagerness overwhelms instinct, yarn to dye for, figure irregularities, the magic bullet and Yarnover and Fiber Fest. Cover Art by Martin Austermuhle |
Mon, 18 March 2013
In which we squee over Dr. Gemma's review, welcome baby Matilda, and chat about Shirley Paden's Design-A-Long, clever cats, alpaca roundups, giant cows, top shelf vodka, knitting satisfaction, lots of knitting on and off the needles, lots of knitting nibbles too, bulging bobbins and that's not everything, but it is about the grist, err, um, gist of it. |
Sat, 2 March 2013
In which we hear many, many highlights from Madrona, consider the image of alpaca at the feeding trough, ponder whether the fact that we are knitters has caused us to make decisions differently,were thankful for finding knitting that once was lost, are illuminated by the wisdom that can come from a single gauge swatch (especially one that is garment sized), take a spin with Finn, consider what to do when massively bulky yarn is not really so bulky after all, and enjoy hearing from the greatest Dayne of all. |
Tue, 5 February 2013
In which we talk about new eggs and new alpaca, spring coming to Minnesota on owl's wings, fiber retreats for both of us, Master Knitter returns, shetland ponies in fair isle sweaters, yarn design for a bulky cowl, fulling and felting, a kindness of knitters, electric blankets for the car and emerald green.
Direct download: Episode_10_--_Fiber_Retreats_are_Real_Treats_Monaural.mp3
Category:Hobbies -- posted at: 4:40pm EDT |
Thu, 8 November 2012
In which we love the number 5, talk of knitting retreats and fiber festivals, twin spin, learn about the best yarn for cables, find out that singles are singular, hear a Cat's purr, count our blessings post-Hurricane, hear about a beloved knitting mentor and talk about loss including that of Judith MacKenzie's studio, ask our listeners to support Hurrican survivors and help Judith get back on her feet and offer not one, but two contests! |
Fri, 26 October 2012
In which we fondly recall the great fun we had at Rhinebeck including workshops with Abby Franquemont and Jane Woodhouse (spindling and dyeing respectively), shopping the vendor market, dreaming about future flocks, fleece acquisition, meeting listeners, connecting with friends and eating maple flavored cotton candy (that looked like roving!). We also chat about upcoming projects, design aspects to our SPAKAL (Spin-a-Long Knit-A-Long with the Knitmore Girls) sweaters and Ellen’s obsession with all things Shetland. |
Wed, 3 October 2012
In which we are gobsmacked by your embrace of episode 1, chat about piercings and knitting silk hankies, discover one can win fair prizes without even trying, observe how hard it is to isolate the edge of the seasons, comment on spirals of color in knitting, learn what a mawata is, and find out that neither of us ever finished our first sweater. |
Fri, 21 September 2012
In which we introduce ourselves and share our goals for the podcast, comment on our knitting, spinning and designing, talk of grizzlyhogs (AKA whistle-pigs AKA ROUSs (rodents of unusual size) AKA land beavers AKA just plain huge groundhogs) and share some gratitude for connections and those who have inspired us. Show notes can be found at our blog -- http://twinset.us -- click on "TwinSet Designs, The Podcast" in the Navigation box on the right hand side of the page. |