The Crochet Side

Ep 17 - Time Flies When You're a Workaholic

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:11:00 -0500

Time flies when one is a workaholic, no?

I wrote up the show notes then the computer crashed. THANK YOU, LIFE.

In this episode, I:

- discuss dyeing yarn
- dyed "Welcome to the Hellmouth" (now sold)
- dyed "The Harvest" (now sold)
- discuss love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how I think Joss is God
- talk about current projects (bag, hat, tank top, baby blanket)
- talk about why I didn't submit to Spring issue of Interweave Crochet
- talk about not hearing back about Winter issue of IC submission (it's okay, I just want my stuff back)
- discuss being distracted during everything
- try not to offend zombies
- mention my love of sleeeeeep
- beg you to leave comments or email me what you've been up to

LINKS
01. Interweave Crochet
02. Knit Picks
03. Caron International Yarns
04. The Crochet Side
05. Brianna's Ravelry Projects
06. Jacquard Acid Dyes
07. YouTube - Subscribe to The Crochet Side tutorials

Ep 16 - It's About Time, Brianna

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:36:00 -0500

In this episode of The Crochet Side podcast, I ramble about: - the Crochet and Knit Giveaways - how it's been near-on years since the last episode - the project I was working on at the time of recording - the fact that i like being a miss know-it-all and teaching - the idea of becoming a crochet awesome-teer (certified teacher with a GOLD STAR) - "Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies" - "Handmade Bags" by Terrence Terry - Worsted Weight stash vs DK Weight stash - Using up my stash And then I hit the easy route and tack on a story and some previous recordings from a never-heard episode recording. LINKS 01. Crochet and Knit Giveaways (official website) 02. Marly, of the Yarn Thing podcast 03. Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude) 04. Ravelry 05. Trendsetter Yarns and Barry Klein 06. Handmade Bags by Terence Terry 07. Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies

How to, Ep 2 - One hook, Two hook...

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:59:00 -0500

THIS EPISODE Here's the second in what I hope will be a long series of"How to Crochet" podcast mini-episodes. This episode discusses hooks--styles, materials, et cetera. There's even a Dr Seuss rip-off for fun. COMING UP How To, Episode 3 will be: "Down and Dirty Hooker Basics" - how to form a slip knot and make a chain stitch.

Ep 15 - Word (Crochet and Knit Giveaways)

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:45:00 -0500

In this episode, Marly, from the Yarn Thing, joins me as we discuss random things, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, an unveiling of the Super Secret project called the Crochet and Knit Giveaways.

I also announce a page I created to help you calculate the yardage you will need for your projects. To quote the page itself:

"The purpose of this site is to help ease the frustration that some of us have when it comes to designing, altering, or just plain trying to figure out how much yarn a project will require. Math can addle the mind, make us feel stupid, but it's not something that should frustrate you to the point where your hair is coming out in clumps. The math is fairly ease when it's broken down in a way that's easy to understand, but this site isn't about that. This site is about turning that frown upside down!"

Another note before posting links: we need YOU to help promote the Crochet and Knit Giveaways. You have the entire weekend to help spread the word to your favorite boards/forums, pages, blogs, et cetera. Don't be a spammer, but share share share!

Links
01. Crochet and Knit Giveaways
02. Marly of the Yarn Thing
03. Project Calculator - How Much Yarn Will You Need?
04. The Loopy Ewe
05. Interweave Press
06. Scouts Swag
07. Red Rocks Fiber Works

Ep 14 - How Many Times Will It Take?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:33:00 -0500

Welcome to episode 14, "How Many Times Will It Take?"

First up, I discuss the possibility of purchasing, or finding through Freecycle, a computer to have a dedicated podcast option to start a studio in the garage. Following that, I discuss:

- What I'm crocheting, of course, and what I've just finished.
- How I've been dying to dye.
- I'll mention a yarn store for those of you in the Portland, Oregon area to check out if you haven't already.
- A couple of yarn/roving shops online that I think are worth a visit.
- I have a story to share with you, and it's both funny AND humiliating, so that's a bonus for you.
- A stitch pattern I'd like to share with you so that you can pick up the hook while you listen, if you haven't already, or just to give you a new stitch pattern to try out when you're at a loss on what to crochet next.

Next week, Marly of the Yarn Thing and I will be recording a special episode to share with all of our listeners about the new secret project we have underway. It's all set to launch, and we're excited to finally be able to share it with you. Yes, it's already overdue, but our timing hasn't been the best. It won't even be the best if we launch in the next week, so we're going to finally air it all out in the open, give you the scoop, and, with any luck, launch the big bada boom the week after. So, keep your eyes and ears out, stay tuned, and you'll be hearing from us soon!

**I apologize for the squeaky chair.

LINKS
01. The Wool Eater Blanket by Sarah London
02. CopperPot.etsy.com
03. HazelKnits.etsy.com
04. LaughingRat.etsy.com
05. Yarniapdx.com
06. Yarniapdx.blogspot.com
07. Harmony Stitch Guide, vol 6

p.s. this marks 6 months of the podcast, I believe!

Ep 13 - It's Oh So Quiet, I Submitted, and We're a Family!

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:57:00 -0500

In this episode I'm bored, sad, and I get sappy over how much I love my kid sister-in-law, and how my daily routine is ruined now that she's out of town visiting friends for a long weekend. Kids should be confined to the house! Until they annoy you, and then they can be let outside on a leash. That fixes all of my problems, actually.

Back to business--there's also talk about how I submitted, for the first time ever(!), to Interweave Crochet. Three designs, and only one of which is one I've spoken of before. The felted one I previously mentioned? Yeah, that one broke me down with it's neediness, and I threw it into a corner of my bedroom. Still, I'm super excited about the ones I DID submit, and I hope IC enjoys the heck out of them enough to want one, or all (HEY, a girl can dream).

I mention the previous mini-episode, the first of the "How To Crochet" sub-podcast, and how I've already got the second one set-up, I just need to record the thing.

Umm, there's some other stuff, including two clips of Michelle and I singing "Beat It" and "We are Family", because I miss her, and my routine and LIFE are ruined. Where am I going to get my entertainment now? She was like a dolphin that did tricks! Really pretty, and skilled at jumping through hoops, but would sometimes chatter at an unbelievably high pitched ee-ee-eee-e-ee-eeeeeee. Or not. I'm really bad at this being alone thing. Hopefully someone will wake up and amuse me soon. There are three other people in this house, surely one of them can do the job.

LINKS
01. Yarn Thing (Marly)
02.The Loopy Ewe

How To, Ep 1 - (What the...?) Yarn to Start With and Why

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:55:00 -0500

THIS EPISODE
Here's the first in a long series of "How to Crochet" podcast mini-episodes.

The first discusses yarn--which size is good for learning how to crochet, and why you shouldn't spend $20 on that first skein.

COMING UP
How To, Episode 2 will be: One hook, two hooks, oops I'm a hooker! A look into the hooks, sizes, and styles.

P.S.
I've noticed a large increase of hits for this episode, so I wanted to remind any viewers or new listeners that there are 14 other episodes surrounding this mini-episode. I talk about a great deal, so if you're interested, I invite you to subscribe to the podcast by clicking on one of the buttons in order to download the rest of the episodes and be updated when future ones are posted. Thanks! :)

Ep 12 - I love you Meeses to Pieces

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:02:00 -0500

01. Congratulations to Marly and Sharon for their submission acceptances to Interweave Press magazines.
02. Talk about my own submissions
03. Secret-secrety-secrets!
04. More Secrety Stuff!! Now with an extra exclamation point!
05. An announcement about some additional podcast features coming soon.
06. Maybe something else, but not likely.

note: I goofed! Sharon, of She-Knits, was accepted to both Interweave Knits AND a special episode of Interweave Felt.

LINKS
Yarn Thing Podcast
She-Knits Podcast
Interweave Crochet
Interweave Knits
Interweave Felt

Ep 11 - That bump is a metaphor, dang it!

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:05:00 -0500

In episode 11, "That bump is a metaphor, dang it!", I liken bumps found while designing to bumps on a road, and then I mention a journey, and while I'm rambling on the podcast, I'm really just singing along with Steve Perry in my head ("they say that the road ain't no place to staaarrrtt a family"; sing it Steve!).

My apologies.

I'm easily distracted ("right down the line, it's been you and me"; that girl on American Idol BROKE THIS SONG FOR ME, Steve).

I'm okay, I'm okay. Really. Not much damage done (HOW is she STILL on the show? Top 10?? Really? UGH).

That's it. Short episode this time, but, if you're anything like me, you have more than 100 back episodes of other 'casts that you need to catch up on.

note: remember, you don't need an ipod to download these episodes! and if you enjoy what you hear, please feel free to review the podcast via itunes or other podcatcher (or even in your own podcast)!

LINKS
Uncommon Crochet by Julie Armstrong Holetz
Crochet Away! (Pretty Simple Stuff) by Julie Armstrong Holetz

Ep 10 - Hitting Double Digits on the Road

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:05:00 -0500

Well, the podcast hits double digits while I drive to and from my first ever fiber-related group! I met a few knitters/spinners in Daytona Beach, and we chatted while they knit or spun, and while I crocheted and tried not to drown my nerves in a bottle of warm, icky Fiji water.

That's it! I was a bundle of nerves, but, surprisingly, Martha Stewart saved me from the worst of it. Truly.

Ep 9 - What's up on this side

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:48:00 -0500

In this episode of the Crochet Side podcast, I chat about everything that's on my hooks, and the idea of turning something commercial into your own.

Note that this episode is the first episode using my portable setup. After all the recording, the transferring and the editing, I still managed to miss a bunch of umm's and uhh's. I also need to fix the placement of the mic as I don't think you want to continue hearing me swallow saliva, right? Not attractive. So I apologize for all of those, but I'm not so embarassed that I'm going to let all this work get thrown out. Ha!

Hey, remind me not to crochet while I'm recording, as I have long moments of I-Am-A-Ro-Bot. Lame, Brianna. So lame.

Show Notes Breakdown:
01. How I'm flying by the seat of my pants while turning a commercial, and clearanced, headband into something to show off crochet.
02. Boo-Hoo about lack of interaction.
03. Boo-Hoo about the fact that knit-only podcasts are using crochet as a keyword and detracting potential listeners from the newer crochet-only podcasts that are emerging.
04. Possibility of a vidcast when I fix some things.
05. Crochet Project #1: Herringbone Scarf.
06. Crochet Project/Design #2: Felted Messenger Bag. I don't think I bought enough Patons Classic Wool Merino in burgundy. FOR SHAME. And it was on clearance too.
07. Crochet Project/Design #3: Tunisian colorwork, possibly a belt.
08. Join Ravelry! I demand it.
09. Send me audio files, e-mails, comments, anything that I can discuss or answer on a future podcast. Please. I may even pop out a tear or two if necessary.

Links:
The Crochet Side
Odeo
Ravelry

Music:
01. Intro music by DJOC - "Francis Thomé - Sous la Feuillée - Under the Leaves"
02. End Credit music by A.B.E. (Anthems of a Bygone Era) - "String Groove"

Ep 8 - Pt 2 Laurie Wheeler, Crochet Liberation Front, My Editing Blunder

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:51:00 -0500

note: this episode was too large for one upload, so it's in two parts. this is part two.

See the show notes at The Crochet Side or in the previous entry.

Ep 7 - Pt 1 Laurie Wheeler, Crochet Liberation Front, My Editing Blunder

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:50:00 -0500

note: this episode was too large for one upload, so it's in two parts.

In this episode of the Crochet Side podcast, I discuss the Crochet Liberation front with its founder, Laurie Wheeler. We also discuss a number of other things, all products of tangents. I would like to admit that this was supposed to be an interview, but I suck at those, and, therefore, am going to force everyone to refer to it as a discussion. We talked. We chatted. We discussed. Discussion.

Before that I wax on about my editing disaster, give congratulations again to the Bloggy Giveaway winner, Tracy, and give you a list of apologies.

As it was in the podcast, without furder ado...

Here is more or less what Laurie and I discussed:

01. We find out more about Laurie Wheeler
02. her business, Camanomade Handspun Yarn
03. Thoughts on "Not your Momma's/Grandma's Crochet"
04. Freeform and learning technique
05. Swatching and Scrumbling
06. Forget about the rules
07. CLF Book and Submissions
08. Crochet Liberation Front (this is pretty much all throughout)
09. There's mention of a 2010 Crochet Retreat (CLF Retreat) in a Washington State Park
10. Uhh, other stuff. Come on! Over an hour of good stuff, and I have to remember it all?

Links: Crochet Liberation Front blog
Laurie Wheeler's website
Ravelry
CLF Ravelry group

Music:
01. Intro Credit music by DJOC - "Francis Thomé - Sous la Feuillée - Under the Leaves"
02. End Credit music by A.B.E. (Anthems of a Bygone Era) - "String Groove"
03. No other music considering both parts of the episode are over an hour long. Geez!

Ep 6 - Bloggy Giveaway Winner!

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:50:00 -0500

This episode announces the winner of the Bloggy Giveaway that was held on The Crochet Side.

The winner was picked via Random.org, so there was no bias on my part, just good times. :)

Look to TheCrochetSide.com for future giveaways and exciting news!

Ep 5 - Title? What Title?

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:09:00 -0500

I'm not sure why, but it seems that after I export the podcast as an mp3, and listen to it outside of Audacity, my S's turn sharp, and it sounds more airy than it did previous to my exporting. Do you hear it? It's really bothersome to me, as I think it brings down the quality I'm trying to put across. I can't seem to figure out why Audacity is making everything sound like crap lately. What gives, Audacity? What freaking gives? Because you know what else, Audacity? The vocal AND music tracks are sound warbled and screwed and YOU ARE MAKING ME ANGRY. Also, I'm not certain, but I think the exporting is doing something weird. I could have sworn that I edited some parts, but when I listen again, I catch those very parts back in the podcast. So. Infuriating. Sorry, darlings, you are helpless and, you know, sort of in the crossfire of my sincere dislike of what's going on, and you deserve better. I will find a better solution than Audacity. I thought there was love between me and the program, but apparently not. Audacity is fired. Capital-F, and...hell, capital-I-R-E-and-D as well. FIRED. SO! The podcast and, of course, the show notes. A rambling episode, once again, but slightly more edited, where I discuss: 01. the Crochet Liberation Front appearing on Ravelry 02. my being nominated for a hookalookadingdong award 03. possible interview in the future 04. Crochet Liberation Front manifesto 05. how knit and crochet could probably take over the world if only they would join forces (i exaggerate, of course) 06. thank a new listener, Laura, of Grannys Hippie Threads 07. finding an affordable solution for recording outside of the house 08. a new free pattern on this here site 09. welcome a new crochet podcaster, Helga of London Crochet Cast 10. and some other tidbits

Ep 4 - Excuses to buy yarn, a CAL, and Marly!

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:15:00 -0500

This episode was entirely spontaneous, with very little editing. I’d apologize, but it’s all about my being more in-the-moment! Actually, it’s more about my ass hurting from sitting here so long, and being downright exhausted. I can’t seem to wait until tomorrow to edit, so I do actually apologize if any of the missed editing opportunities annoys you. In this episode I…discuss a new book I purchased, a baby blanket I’m working on, and how I want everyone in the whole wide world to come crochet it with me (hence CAL in the title). I also included a clip from Marly’s (of Yarn Thing podcase fame) and my chat the other night when testing the Skype add-on Pamela. There is also some other stuff, and everyone could likely lay claim that it doesn’t deserve a podcast, but to that I say, simple, “PHOOEY!” Yes, I know, I am all of 5 years old tonight/this morning. Please indulge me. I am very exhausted. Which is why I am calling the baby blanket I am working on, “Busting-Stashes-Every-Chance-I-Get Baby Blanket!” All right, dearlings–no more show notes for you! Technorati Profile

Ep 3 - Patting 2008 on the back

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:38:00 -0500

In this episode of the Crochet Side podcast, I discuss: 01. future plans for my partner and I regarding our crafts and lives 02. organic and eco-friendly yarns 03. good music (and i'm not at all biased) 04. my (and yours) "action" style with regard to crochet 05. I ask the question, "do you think there will be a boom in eco-friendly and organic purchases in yarn communities?" 06. I profess my undying love for pack mules that wear ballet slippers (I lie, I lie) Note: This may be the first episode of 2008, where in the episode I discuss how this year is all about being more organic, even in the podcast, but I'll be damned if I didn't edit more on this episode than the three before it. Music: Intro music by DJOC - "Francis Thomé - Sous la Feuillée - Under the Leaves" Musical Intermission by Michelle Cross - cover of Journey's "Faithfully" End Credit music by A.B.E. (Anthems of a Bygone Era) - "String Groove" Links: MommySquared Near Sea Naturals Vinyl Wall Art (where I got "Crochet Geek" decal) Knowing your 'action' style could lead to success Misc: Special message at the very end of the podcast provided by kid sister-in-law, Michelle. We're big fans of Mutant Enemy and miss the "Grrr Argh" at the end of the episodes. Michelle's message to you is in honor of our Buffy and Angel love. You know what? Willow wore a lot of crochet and knit stuff. So much love for that show.

Ep 2.5 - Inspired, even when sans finished objects

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:00:00 -0500

This mini-episode comes between episode two and three, bringing with it something a bit different. A little more about my life, about what/who is keeping me from completing anything crochet-related, and why that might just be okay. If you're into excellent music, some practiced ramblings, and some sappiness, take a listen. It's a lot like a day-in-the-life-of-me! Music: 01. "Honeybee" by Papa Mali (Note: if you're a fan of Louis Armstrong, or even if you're not, please listen; this song is on the long-ish side, but it's amazing) 02. "Gorgeous Mess" by The Donnis Trio (Note: if you're a fan of Nick Cave, check this band out) Links: 01. Ravelry 02. Livejournal - Crochets 03. Livejournal - CrochetCrochet 04. Crochetville 05. Crochet Me 06. Marly - Yarn Thing 07. Holiday KAL-CAL 08. Good Yarn Karma 09. Music.Podshow.Com 10. Knitty 11. Vickie Howell note: I hear a faint echo during parts of this mini-episode, which is, ummmm, odd. Anyone else hear it? Also, I need to take less notes so after repeating myself so often, I don't sound as though I'm reading off a sheet. note, part ii: I have created a Livejournal syndication for the podcast feed: tcs_podcast. Podshow PDN {podshow-aa57a474936a5b34affd3b74d47fa224}

Ep 2 - Shameless. Just Shameless.

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:49:00 -0500

NOTE You may have to turn down your volume. Oops, sorry! Also, I apologize if you hear a hum in the audio. The headset I purchased arrived broken, but I was really itching to get a new podcast done. I ended up borrowing my kid-sister-in-law’s mp3 player that has a record function. Just imagine, if you will, my sitting in my bedroom, on my bed, with my notes scattered around me and this little white mp3 player practically stuck to my lips to make sure it picked up my voice. Grr, I tell you! Grr. TOPICS and STORIES 01. Yarn Purchase 02. Tunisian Pattern from Me 03. Tunisian tip about increasing and decreasing 04. Tunisian Patterns from Josi Hannon Madera 05. Good Yarn Karma stash acquired (I'm pretty sure I called it both mohair AND merino. I'm also pretty sure I'm dumb. It's mohair.) 06. Book release to keep an eye out for by Julie Armstrong-Holetz 07. My ignorance regarding alternative fibers 08. Break for a story, but it's valid! Banana peel. 09. Charity talk: Share a Square 10. Crochet car decal (and you learn what my car's name is and why! Also, I promised "long story short" but I totally failed at keeping it.) 11. I give you the general location of where I live, and then tell you not to honk and say, "Hey hooker!!" That will probably make me laugh and run into another car. 12. Fiber orgasm. Yeah, I still find it funny. 13. Vickie Howell's podcast launches Nov 1st. Craft pedestal, what? Man, I'm lame. LINKS 01. Art of Crochet http://www.artofcrochet.com 02. Good Yarn Karma http://goodyarnkarma.blogspot.com 03. Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com 04. Share a Square (Camp Sanguinity) via This Eclectic Life http://www.thiseclecticlife.com 05. Vickie Howell http://www.vickiehowell.com MUSIC 01. Marilyn Monroe - I Want To Be Loved By You (~ 30 sec clip) 02. The Ditty Bops - Your Head Is Big (~ 30 sec clip) 03. Tegan & Sara - Back In Your Head (~ 30 sec clip)

Ep 1 - Am I Really Doing This?

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:01:00 -0500

01. Introduction.
02. First podcast ever for The Crochet Side.
03. Holiday crochet plans.
04. Holiday KAL-CAL.
05. Plans for The Crochet Side.
06. Patterns coming up.
07. How patterns help keep me from being homeless. Money, bay-beh!
08. I'm a procrastinator.
09. Ravelry eats my soul and sucks daylight into it's folds.
10. Frog voice.
11. Dusty turtles.
12. I like to say, "for two reasons."
13. I may have turned a bit personal.
14. The rundown on Brianna.
15. Wait, it's a personals ad! "I like long walks on sandy beaches, to hear myself talk, crochet hooks, and nice yarn."
16. You can hear my sexy sniffling. Darn you, dust! Sorry about that.
17. How I want to become a published designer.
18. Deadlines are scary.
19. I need backup! A chain-gang of support.
20. A quick goodbye.
My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-83780e2bbc2e850bf34c9aee13a6ddf8}