Teaching Your Brain to Knit
146 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsMargaret and Catherine talk about what they are learning from their knitting, something about the brain or learning, Behind the Redwood Curtain, the area where they live along the Northcoast of California, and a knitting tip
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Episodes
Ep. 145 Planning ahead for difficult times and creating a joyful amydala; Knitting shawls, trying mosaic crochet; finishing gnomes; and highlights of Redwood curtain segments
February 27, 2023 00:50 - 38 minutes - 30.6 MBBrainy: 20:20 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 31:09 What We're Learning from our Knitting: Catherine is enjoying progress on her Stephen West's Twists and Turns shawl knitalong https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twists--turns-westknits-mkal-2022 and is trying out some fun dyeing techniques for fabric. Margaret reports on mosaic crochet, gnome knitting, and some of her favorite projects from the past. Clearly Helena blog. http://www.clearlyhelena.com/how-to-mosaic-crochet/ Make...
Ep. 144 Solastalgia --seeking comfort--, knitting shawls, gnomes and a snitch; Teaching my bones to knit, removing dams on the Klamath, and an announcement
January 21, 2023 22:15 - 32 minutes - 26.3 MBBrainy: 1o:12 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 20:47 What We're Learning from our Knitting: Catherine is continuing her knitting odyssey with Stephen West's Twists and Turns Shawl, http://knittedtoybox.blogspot.com/ Brainy Thing: New words that describe the comfort we lack and long for. hygge: coziness Solastalgia: distress of environmental change Here are some links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDDjXhcWB1g https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36459133/#&gid=arti...
Ep. 143 Joy Snacks, Insects, Shawl, Blocks, Historic Benbow Inn
December 28, 2022 23:27 - 39 minutes - 31.6 MBJoy snacks, Insects, Shawls and Knit Blocks, plus Benbow Inn. Brainy Thing: 19:26 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:40 What We're learning from our knitting and crochet: Margaret is working on some amigurumi Garden insects https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garden-insectsby Marica Coridon for a present for her grandson. Catherine is taking a little break from knitting Stephen Wests' Twists and Turns https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twists--turns-westknits-mkal-2022to...
Ep. 142 Light and the Brain; Dishcloths, Shawls, Sweater, Pumpkins and Leaves; Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples
November 13, 2022 22:48 - 35 minutes - 28.3 MBBrainy: 16:30 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:11 What We're Learning from our Knitting Catherine is deep into textures and colors with her Stephen West Knit-along Twists and Turns (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twists--turns-westknits-mkal-2022). She is eyeing a sweater by Andrea Mowry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/andrea-mowry). that also is very textural. In addition, Catherine shares the dishcloth she received from the Dishcloth exchange (https://www.ravelry.com/gro...
Ep. 141. Book Review of Behave; Knitting Pumpkins, Dishcloths and Shawls; Redwoods Skywalk
October 10, 2022 20:49 - 34 minutes - 27.7 MBBrainy Thing: 15:45. Behind the Redwood Curtain. 25:45 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Margaret fulfills her multi-year goal of knitting some decorative mini-pumpkins, using Susan B. Anderson's Fall Harvest Charm Set https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-harvest-charm-set. Catherine completed her dishcloths for her Dishcloth exchange. She used the classic Ballband Dishcloth by Kay Gariner and Ann Shayne. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth And de...
Ep. 140 Nature Deficit Disorder; Crochet Baby Blanket; Knit Snail and washcloth; The Eroding Cliffs of California
September 23, 2022 03:15 - 38 minutes - 30.7 MBBrainy: 17:34 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 29:52 What We're Learning from our Knitting and Crochet: Catherine finished up her Melanie's Mandala Baby Blanket https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melanies-mandala-baby-blanket. by Melanie Grobler at M and M Crochet Designs and she has started knitting up ballband washcloths for washcloth exchange https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth Margaret Knit ...
Ep. 139 Thinking Fast and Slow; Knitting and Crochet; Cars to Bikes
August 25, 2022 22:32 - 34 minutes - 27.3 MBBrainy thing: 15:26 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:14 What We're Learning from our Knitting and Crochet: Margaret knitted a small amigurmi beet, part of Susan B. Anderson's Summer Veggie Charm set. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-veggie-charm-set. This is her fourth charm but she always learns something new from Susan. This time Susan designed a two color saw tooth pattern to create a transition between the white bottom of the beet and the top (In Margaret's case, a b...
Ep. 138 Volunteerism, Mandalas Moebius Cast On, Sneaker and Rogue Waves
July 27, 2022 23:32 - 37 minutes - 29.9 MBBrainy thing: 19:22 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:36 What We're Learning from our Knitting (and Crochet) Catherine was struck with Mandala Madness and is now crocheting Melanie's Mandala https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melanies-mandala-baby-blanket Melanie operates M and M Crochet Designs on Ravelry. Catherine is using Caron Yarnspirations in Skinny Cake in color gradient Rainbow. She also shared information on taking care of our crafting hands -- she's taking a Tai Chi fo...
Ep. 137 Highly Sensitive People; knitting blocks and socks and crocheting granny squares; Potawot Health Village
June 20, 2022 20:46 - 45 minutes - 36.5 MBBrainy thing:20:20 Behind the Redwood Curtain:32:18 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Margaret makes new discoveries about the granny square and Catherine notes that there's a resurgence in popularity of granny squares. Giant Granny Square Afghan by Crochet Me Lovely https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/giant-granny-square-afghan Catherine also talks about second-baby-sock-syndrome with her Kate Atherley Baby Socks https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks-23 and k...
Ep. 136. Impact of Shutdowns on Introverts and Extroverts; Knitting baby items and mixing and matching gnome parts; Xeriscaping for Droughts
May 21, 2022 22:58 - 35 minutes - 28.6 MBBrainy Thing: 17:34 Behind the Redwood Curtain 26:50 What we're learning from our knitting: Catherine is delighting in quickly-knitted and fun baby items -- a hat and socks from various designers: Kate Atherley https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks---worsted-dk-version; also https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks-23 Bianca Boonstra: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks. Knitty Gritty: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-peasy-newbor...
Ep. 135. Hedonic Adaptation; Trying Freeform, Finding Comfort; & Knits in the World; Craftsman television series
April 20, 2022 23:15 - 31 minutes - 25.5 MBEpisode 135 Hedonic Adaptation; freeform crochet and replacement knitting; The Craftsman TV series. Brainy Thing: 18:10 Behind the Redwood Curtain 25:42 What we've learned from our Knitting and Crochet Margaret flirted with freeform crochet in response to a prompt of "Deep Listening." She wasn't happy with the product or the process. Catherine continues her obsession with the mitre square blanket and she shares about taking her knitting out into the world. In one case, it w...
Ep. 134. Perfectionism; blankets, reports & tips; Cal Poly Humboldt
March 09, 2022 01:15 - 37 minutes - 30.3 MBBrainy Thing: 17:35 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:50 What We're Learning from our Knitting: Catherine is continuing on with her mitered square blanket. Margaret hasn't completed anything but continue with a little stockinette knitting here and a little crochet there. She does have a report about Fast Fashion ripping off Crochet Designers https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/crochet-trend-fast-fashion-copy-designs, a recommendation for new video tutorials from Nimble Needles https://nimb...
Ep. 133 Loving Kindness Meditation, Blankets, Hats and Socks, and Old Town Buggy Rides
February 22, 2022 01:03 - 35 minutes - 28.4 MBBrainy Thing: 18:28. Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:52 What we've learned from our knitting: Margaret finished a new project and resurrected an old one. As she was ripping out the yarn from She used the Keanna Chunky Messy bun Hat pattern by Jocelyn Jones for the general measurements but knit the whole hat in two by two ribbing. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/keannas-chunky-messy-bun-hat. Then, as she was ripping out the Big Marl Blanket by Beata Jezek, she began pl...
Ep. 132 Intrinsic & Extrinsic Motivation; New socks, old birds, and new stitches; La Niña & El Niño
January 23, 2022 01:33 - 42 minutes - 34.4 MBBrainy thing: 20:30 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 35:40 Harry Wells: 16:30 What We're Learning from our Knitting Catherine discusses planning knitting while keeping in mind the things she loves to do. She's looking forward to picking up sock knitting again and is eyeing Sivia Hardings Victoriana which is a toe up sock with bobbles, beads and picots. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/victoriana-socks-2. Margaret returned to some old favorites -- Arne's and Carlos' birds htt...
Ep. 131 Gnomes, Finishing Plus, Truth Bias, Planned Housing
December 27, 2021 23:22 - 32 minutes - 25.6 MBBrainy Thing: 15.55 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 22:47 What we Learned from our Knitting Welts and tiny mittens were the notable learning for Gnorwen the Gnome in Sarah Schira's All Work, Gnome Play Mystery Knit Along. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-work-gnome-play She added a red beard, eliminated the flower decorations and included a miniature set of skis for what will be her grandson's gnome. Catherine coaxed herself on with the help of Marcie Bell's beaut...
Ep. 130. Construal Level Theory of Finishing Projects; Sewing up sweaters; Crocheting Coasters; Humboldt Sea Level Rise
November 20, 2021 22:55 - 35 minutes - 28.6 MBBrainy Thing: 16:11 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:01 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Catherine is in the "piecing together" part of her Agata Sweater by Leah Chapman. Sewing up is not her favorite part of project making. She's using https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agata using Lion Brand Mandala in the Chimera Colorway. She also reports on on the resurrected Welcome Blanket project for new immigrants to this country. welcomeblanket.org. She has some knitted square...
Ep. 129 Wool and Sleep; Knitting Little Things and Sweaters; Renaming a State Park
October 28, 2021 20:45 - 37 minutes - 30.3 MBBrainy Thing: 19:25 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 27:60 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Margaret reports on her learning from Little Things including creating a coaster from her Windmill Dishcloth pattern by Patricia Jared. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/windmill-dishcloth-2 She also finished an amigurumi corn on the cob from Susan B. Anderson's Summer Veggie Charm Set https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-veggie-charm-set. and a Spring Tulip by Jen Lucas. htt...
Ep. 128 Grounding, Cardi Knit-along, Knitting Failures, The Grange
September 30, 2021 20:34 - 39 minutes - 31.6 MBBrainy Thing: 16:51 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 32:11 What We're Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine may have missed the deadline for the Imagined Landscape Cardi KAL but she's nearly finished her Agata https://www.ravelry.com/groups/imagined-landscapes?s=tab. It's a Knitty's free pattern https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agata. by Leah Chapman with an unusual construction. She is using Lion Brand Mandala yarn in the Chimera colorway --with a lot of autumnal colors plu...
Ep. 127 Zoom Tips for Your Brain; Sampler Socks; Cardi Kal; The National Christmas Tree
August 28, 2021 22:59 - 34 minutes - 28 MBBrainy Thing: 16:41 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:41 What We're Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret finished a Sampler Sock using both crochet and knitting and a number of sock making techniques she never tried before. The sock started with leg from Beaux Jestes by Tracy Pipinich a crochet pattern where one leg used small granny square and the other ripples. She then went for a garter stitch modification of Lara Neel's Arithmophobia sock,https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ari...
Ep. 126. Brains of Introverts and Extroverts; Knitting gnomes, shawls, sweaters, and dishcloths; Updates on Behind the Redwood Curtains
July 31, 2021 22:55 - 39 minutes - 31.7 MBBrainy Thing: 19:00 Behind the Redwood Curtain 28:00 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Margaret got practice in cables on Sarah Schira's Gnot Just Another Gnome https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gnot-just-another-gnome. She used leftovers plus mini skeins in Leading Men Fiber Arts Showstopper in Envy and Christmas at Green Gables. knitting reverse stockinette inside out: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+knit+reverse+stockinette+stitch+in+the+round&oq=how+to+k...
Ep. 125. Link Between Biodiversity and Human Happiness; Shawl and Sock Knitting; Keeping the Giant Jolly Art
June 18, 2021 20:09 - 34 minutes - 27.8 MBBrainy: 14:50 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 26:21 What We're Learning from our Knitting Catherine is inches away from finishing her Metalouse shawl by Stephen West https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/metalouse. She used Woolemeise and Canon Dyeworks yarns. She is looking for a pattern for a sweater as her next project. Margaret didn't experience much learning but enjoyed a lot of satisfaction knitting her basic top down, heel flap socks using Online sock yarn in a multiple of...
Ep. 124 Willpower, Two Double Stranded Hats; New Shawl project; Fernbridge
May 04, 2021 22:07 - 45 minutes - 36.2 MBBrainy Thing: 20:13 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 34:00 What We're Learning from our Knitting Margaret knitted two double stranded hats. The first was the Double-Quick Marled Beanie from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-quick-marled-beanie using Rowan Kid Classic from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas in a subtle cream and pale grey color. She modified this slightly using HandMaiden Casbah https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/search#sort=best&query=handma...
Ep. 123. Revenge Bedtime Procrastination; Blocking Party and Knitting in Black; Honor Tax
April 11, 2021 22:00 - 39 minutes - 31.5 MBBrainy thing: 24:14. Behind the Redwood Curtain: 34:50 What we are learning from our knitting: Catherine arranged her house to tackle the space requirements for blocking large shawls -- Heaven Scent by Boo Knits https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heaven-scentand Bright Sunny Day by Sivia Harding https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bright-sunny-day. She is happy to start Stephen Wests' Metalouse shawl https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/metalouse. ...
Ep. 122. Resilience, Rick Hanson style; Fingering weight hats, ponchos, scrubbies, & knitting with raffia; Last Chance Grade.
March 15, 2021 20:34 - 34 minutes - 27.8 MBBrainy Thing: 16:14 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:21 What We're Learning from our Knitting: Margaret finished her first poncho -- well, actually a shoulder cosy: Wave Shoulder Cozy by Eline Oftedal https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wave-shoulder-cosy with beads and starring Dragonfly Fibers yarns from Laura Nelkin's Ducenti Shawl kit. She also played around with raffia yarn from Churchmouse yarns and teas making their pattern for stars. Catherine finished her ...
Ep. 121 Brain Booth; Knitted Hats and Gnomes; Knitting Videos; Humboldt Bay Oysters
February 11, 2021 21:34 - 38 minutes - 30.8 MBBrainy thing: 23:21 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 28:43 What We're Learning from Our Knitting. Catherine is giving away hats at the dog park. Socky Slouchy Hat: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/socky-slouchy-hat. by Lauren Sanchez: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lauren-sanchez Margaret finished her ADVENTure Gnome: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adventure-gnome by Sarah Schira: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/sarah-schira and offers a list of points f...
Ep. 120. Resilience, Finishing and Starting, Pom Poms, Public Art Bench
January 10, 2021 00:25 - 27 minutes - 21.8 MBBrainy Thing: 13:52 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 21:23 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Margaret investigates the construction of Pom Poms she used in her knitting and the one trick that will make your pom poms neat and tidy. Stitch and Sheep: https://sheepandstitch.com/library/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/ Purl Soho: https://www.purlsoho.com/shop?q=pom%20pom. Arne and Carlos Bird: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-bird. Catherine is that pause between fini...
Ep. 119 Brain, Gut and Moods; Swaps, Knit-a-longs, Birds and Leaves; and North Coast Fall and Winter Gardening
December 02, 2020 20:08 - 34 minutes - 28 MBBrainy 16:20. Behind the Redwood Curtain. 25:00 What We're Learning from Our Knitting We're appreciating the community spirit behind swaps and knit-a-longs as Catherine participates in the annual Dishcloth Swap and Sivia Hardings Bright Sunny Day knit-a-long Annual Dishcloth Swap. https://www.ravelry.com/groups/annual-dishcloth-swap Bright Sunny Day shawl. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bright-sunny-day Julia Farwell-Clay. Bodhi Leaf. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/...
Ep. 118 The Sense of Smell and How it Connects Us to Others; Updates on Knitting; Janes Creek Controversy
October 10, 2020 21:05 - 31 minutes - 25.3 MBBrainy thing: 17:09 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:36 What We’ve Learned from our Knitting: Margaret finished Sarah Schirra’s Mystery Knit-along named Nice to Gnome you. Knitting with two strands of yarn was challenging — especially with the nose and the center double decrease but she enjoyed watching how the various doubled yarns of different colors worked together. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nice-to-gnome-you https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/double-v...
Ep. 117 Compassion and the Brain; Knit a-longs; Virtual Fiber events
September 07, 2020 20:38 - 44 minutes - 35.6 MBBrainy thing: 19:33 Behind the Redwood Curtain (and beyond): 34:15 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Catherine finished hosting 2020 Potholder exchange which she said was successful. She has been doing some dyeing with procion dyes which she says was fun but messy and recommends kool aid dyes (acid) for beginners. Her current project that she’s making for the Dishcloth Exchange is Log Cabin Dishcloth by Mary Anne Dinsmore https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/log-c...
Ep. 116 Post Traumatic Growth; Cotton and Potholders; The River Otter Project
August 20, 2020 22:00 - 47 minutes - 38.3 MBBrainy Thing: 25:48 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 36:28 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting: Margaret got caught up in casting on projects but not finishing them. She did complete three Chicken Potholders https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chicken-potholder-6 by Erangi Udeshika using Knit Picks Dishy and Dishy Twist in silver and orange and Naturatura organic yarn in pale yellow. She hopes to finish some of those projects she started. Catherine also finished pot...
Ep. 115 Brain Benefits of Travel without Traveling; Comfort Knitting; Ceanothus
July 17, 2020 23:52 - 30 minutes - 24.1 MBBrainy: 16:00 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 25:42 What we’re learning from our Knitting and crochet: Catherine’s comfort knitting is the Socky Slouchy Hat by Lauren Sanchez. She’s using a Canon Hand dye sock yarn in a deep black and periwinkle. Lauren Sanchez https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/socky-slouchy-hat. And she continues her search for the best gauge to use for a potholder with the Knit Picks Dishie Twist. Margaret is also searching for comfort and returned to...
Ep. 114 Helping Our Brains Survive Isolation; Celebrating Great Patterns; Hats and Potholders; Open Studios
June 13, 2020 21:35 - 35 minutes - 28.3 MBBrainy thing: 17:42 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 28:36 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret gains an even greater appreciation for well written directions. Two great patterns, in particular that she’s worked on lately is Wooly Sheep by Lucy of Attic 24 https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woolly-sheep-2. She used scrap yarn. She added a touch of embroidery on the sweater/blanket for the sheep. Also, she’s working on the Baker’s Twine potholder out of htt...
Ep. 113 Mind-Body in Depth: Depression and Pain; Knitting Hats, Ballband Dish Towel; Starting a Potholder Swap; Businesses Help Support Community
May 02, 2020 23:03 - 35 minutes - 28.7 MBBrainy: 21:26 Mind/Body Depression, Pain and the Brain Behind the Redwood Curtain: 28:04 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting Both Catherine and Margaret (without consultation with each other) made hats for themselves. Catherine knit the Socky Slouchy Hat by Lauren Sanchez https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/socky-slouchy-hat Margaret’s was the Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Boyfriend Watch Cap https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boyfriend-watch-capMargaret also tried o...
Ep. 112 The Brain Science Behind Cuteness; Cute Knitting and Crochet; Lady Bird Johnson Park
March 23, 2020 18:42 - 37 minutes - 30 MBBrainy Thing: 21:11 Behind the Redwood Curtain 29:33 What we’re learning from our knitting: Margaret participated in Sara Schira’s MKAL3 for a new Gnome "Gnome is Where you Hang Your Hat" https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gnome-is-where-you-hang-your-hat. This one features stranded colorwork. Margaret also got caught up in other cute projects including Henry’s Bunny https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/henrys-bunny by Sara Elizabeth Kellner and Susan B. Anderson’s...
Ep. 111 The Chocolate Episode: Good for Your brain, a Fun Visit to Dick Taylor's Chocolate Factory, plus Knitting Scarves, Gnomes and Trees
February 07, 2020 20:20 - 46 minutes - 36.9 MBBrainy Thing: 23:31 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 34:16 What We Learned from Our Knitting Catherine has found the perfect combination of yarn, needles and pattern in the Baker’s Street Scarf https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baker-street-scarf by Joan of Dark and on Knitty http://knitty.com/ISSUEff15/index.php. She used Brittany birchwood needles and Blue Moon Fiber Company’s yarn in the Evermore colorway. Margaret is proclaiming Sarah Schira the Queen of the g...
Ep. 110 The Vagus Nerve and Your Brain and Health; Knitting Small Things; Crocheting Scrubbies and getting new yarn; Utility boxes as canvases for public art
January 22, 2020 22:05 - 47 minutes - 37.9 MBBrainy thing: 23:46 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 37:07 What we’re learning from our knitting: Margaret’s knitting this time focused on small items. She was amazed at the design originality of Rebecca Langford’s Little rustic pumpkin https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-rustic-pumpkin that she started in in Kelbourne Woolens, Germantown, Gold but sadly didn’t have enough to complete. Just to be able to complete something she took up the crocheted Fall Leaves Pattern ...
Ep. 109 Dinaural Beats, Paper Quilting, Jewish Hearts revisit; Another Contexta Hotpad, Fern Canyon
December 05, 2019 20:42 - 34 minutes - 27.4 MBBrainy: 15:22 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:45 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Catherine has found the same peace with English Paper Quilting that she gets with knitting but she’s not abandoning knitting and has plans for new projects. Margaret revisited the Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh, making one for her. Ravelry https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jewish-hearts-for-pittsburgh hearts https://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patte...
Ep. 108 Brain Changes in Animal-Human Interaction; Cairos Wristlet; Yield of Washcloth Swap; and the Samoa Cookhouse
November 07, 2019 00:21 - 36 minutes - 29.1 MBBrainy Thing: 16:15 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:41 Margaret finished the Laura Nelkin Kairos wristlet https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kairos-2. She particularly liked the randomness of the bead placement. This was a kit and Laura offers 5 different colorways on her etsy store. Catherine hasn’t done much knitting but she’s working on a pair of Baby Socks https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks-23 and has reaped the rewards of her dishcloth exchan...
Ep. 107 Socks and tips; Analysis Paralysis; North Coast Tourism
September 18, 2019 18:14 - 38 minutes - 30.7 MBBrainy: 13:05 Behind the Redwood Curtain 27:30 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: It’s socks, socks, socks in our knitting this episode. Catherine shares the sad tale of her puppy getting to a washcloths she had finished for her Washcloth exchange. Now she gets to keep the slightly chewed Vortex 5 by Rebecca Hudson https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vortex-5-dishcloth but needs to make another one. She decided on the perfect traveling project: Baby socks. ...
Ep. 106 Summer socks, beaded i-cord, color app, washcloth exchange, The Placebo Effect, Arcata Fairy Festival
August 13, 2019 20:28 - 37 minutes - 30 MBBrainy thing: 18:37 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:19 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting Margaret finished a pair of summer socks: Top down, 1x1 twist rib cuff, afterthought heel with gusset, (check out Ariana Hipsagh gussets in afterthought heel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUyJM2FBH_o Reena Meijer Dress Knit better Socks blog http://knitbettersocks.blogspot.com/) The yarn is Canon Hand Dyed 80 Merino, 10 Cashmere and 10 nylon.by The Amy Lee Show and the colo...
Ep. 105 Blankets, Buffalo Log Cabin Mitts, Diet and Depression, Reintroduction of the Condor
July 14, 2019 23:43 - 36 minutes - 29.2 MBBrainy Thing: 15:16 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:41 In episode 105 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit we share our knitting stories with buffalo wool, the log cabin mitts, blankets and blanket squares. We report on research about the effect of diet on depression and the reintroduction of the condor in the Northcoast. What we’re learning from our Knitting: Catherine plays "too little/too much" with her Caron Big Cake (https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/caron-big...
Ep. 104 Anna Zilboorg Interview: Master Teacher Series
May 18, 2019 20:56 - 25 minutes - 20.4 MBToday on episode 104 of the Teaching Your Brain to Knit podcast we have a special treat: an interview with master knitting teacher Anna Zilboorg. I recorded this last October while on an Camp Stitches workshop in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. I was excited to be registered in Anna’s workshop-- Design as You Go Construction. I have all of Anna’s book and I’ve long admired her philosophy and approach to knitting that she lays out in her book Knitting for Anarchists. In this interview about bo...
Ep. 103 Knitting Little Things; Starting a New Welcome Blanket; Magnetoreception and the Human Brain; The Redwood Monastery
April 28, 2019 04:20 - 43 minutes - 34.5 MBBrainy thing: 24:18 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:40 What we’ve learned from our knitting (and crochet): Margaret completed her Quest Shawl by Linda Dean featured in the Jimmy Beans Advent Crochet event. It was great fun but she was glad to finally finish it. Quest Shawl:https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quest-shawl. Then she completed several small projects: A souvenir from Stitches West, Rebecca Danger’s Wickedly Peaceful Polar Bear: https://www.ra...
Ep. 102 Franklin Habit Interview: Master Teacher Series
March 22, 2019 02:39 - 33 minutes - 27 MBWhat makes a master teacher? After years of experience designing, teaching, writing, and illustrating, Franklin Habit shares his story of learning and teaching the fiber arts. From knowing five ways to teach a class to managing different types of learners, Franklin offers information and hints. He has years of experience and is a Fiber teacher in demand all over the world. Find him at his website http://franklinhabit.com/home at Skacel Makers/Mercantile with Fridays with Frank...
Ep. 101 Investigating science and intuition in the film Innsaei; Finishing and planning new knitting projects; Reporting on the documentary Murder Mountain; Giveaways galore
January 18, 2019 18:53 - 45 minutes - 36.4 MBBrainy: 20:17 Redwood Curtain: 26:10 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Catherine discovers new stitches from Barbara Walker’s Second Treasury for blocks for her Charity Blanket (https://www.amazon.com/Second-Treasury-Knitting-Patterns/dp/0942018176/ref=pd_cp_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0942018176&pd_rd_r=2a3d2895-acb1-11e8-8e51-357518f34f72&pd_rd_w=XOqrD&pd_rd_wg=BKXpo&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=fcaa6d12-8b2b-4ad7-b277-864b2da79f6e&pf_rd...
Ep. 100 Do Brain Games Really Work; Finishing a Pair of Fingerless Mitts; Modifying a Dog Sweater and Starting another Charity Block; Feasting on Humboldt Grassfed Beef
January 04, 2019 00:47 - 33 minutes - 26.9 MBBrainy Thing: 10:43 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 22:25 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting: Margaret, yet again, referred to Ann Budd’s The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Handy-Book-Patterns/dp/1931499047 to make mitts for her granddaughter in leftover Viking Nordlys yarn in 75 wool/25 nylon yarn. This long repeat yarn was originally suggested by Theresa Schabes for the Maya hat and mittens: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ma...
Ep. 099 Linking happiness with Housing; Tackling a Dog Sweater; Crocheting a Sweater for the Sheep; Why Salmon is Everything
December 17, 2018 22:41 - 35 minutes - 28.1 MBBrainy Thing: 11:58 Behind the Redwood Curtain 22:08 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting (and Crochet): Catherine tackles a new dog sweater for her son’s dog. Knit Dog Coat (by Bernat): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dog-coat-11. Margaret adds beads to the sweater for her crocheted sheep by Lucy of Attic24: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woolly-sheep-2 . She used scraps of fingering weight yarn although the pattern called for DK. ...
Ep. 098 The mighty cerebellum invades the thinking brain; Margaret wonders if sock yarn can hold negative energy; Catherine faces harsh reality; Albino redwoods reveal their secrets
December 02, 2018 00:52 - 30 minutes - 24.1 MBBrainy thing: 13:40 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 19:10 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret wonders if her yarn can hold negative energy on her Dragon’s Egg Socks by Anne Podlesak https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragons-egg-socks from The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits. Catherine faces harsh realities with the man’s pullover pattern, Andoa, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/andoa-pullover ( free on Ravelry, from Nora Gaughan and done for Berroco). ...
Ep. 097 Create Happy Brain Chemicals through Singing; Reaping the Rewards of Dishcloth Exchange; Finding Comfort through Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh; Discovering the Redwood Canopy
November 16, 2018 22:38 - 28 minutes - 22.6 MBBrainy: 12:49 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 21:21 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine reaps the rewards of the Dishcloth Swap https://www.ravelry.com/groups/annual-dishcloth-swap. Margaret finds comfort from yarn crafts after the Tree of Life mass shooting with the Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh group. In Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/jewish-hearts-for-pittsburgh Also on Facebook. Brainy Thing: Good Brain Chemicals from Group Singing Let’s r...
Ep. 096 Finding Fun Brain Facts; Continuing the Template; Finishing Granny Squares; Discovering Milwel Point; Slow Podcasting
November 01, 2018 18:55 - 35 minutes - 28.2 MBBrainy Thing: 13:22 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 21:37 What We’re Learning from our Knitting (and Crochet) Margaret finished the crocheted blocks (from The Big Book of Granny Squares by Tracey Lord) for a lap blanket. She finished #33, #133, #66 and #178 and two others she didn’t write down. Now she plans to piece together the blocks with a stitch of some sort but she’s not sure what yet. Finally she wants to felt it. She hopes the finished results will be a nice ...