Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Ep 79- It's beginning to look a lot like Middle Earth

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors
  -Bar-Maids
  -Audible
  -Amazon
~Contest
Do something nice!
~Sweater forecast
Clear and COLD! BRR!
~ Knitting
Finished my honeymoon socks, started Aaron's!
~Free Entertainment
Amazon is giving away a free Christmas song every day in December until Christmas!
Amazon Christmas Mp3s!
~Sustainable Knowledge
Vanillin (artificial vanilla flavor) is derived from paper processing leftovers
Artificial grape flavor is produced 10x more quantity than real grape flavor
Benzaldehyde (cherry flavor) is preferred in flavor 2x over real cherry flavor
~Events
Madrona!
~Sales
  -Kaleidoscope Yarns has a great sale section!
  - Webs has an AWESOME closeout section!
~Tip of the Week
Don't lose your keys.  You'll spend hours trying to find them, and you'll end up deciding that you need one of those key beepers because the keys are lost EVERY DAY. (I haven't actually bought the key beeper but I probably should...)
~DIY
Make Lembas Bread
~Worth It!
The Knitter's Book of Socks

20 patterns, all lovely plus MORE INFO YOU COULD EVER NEED TO KNOW about making the best socks ever!
TOTALLY WORTH IT!
~Contact Info
Email me! cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Like me on Facebook: KnitCents Podcast

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Ep 71- Aaaaaaaaaand DONE!

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~ Sponsors:
Audible and Bar-Maids
~ Sweater Forecast:
Mid 70s first part of the week, low 60 and rain for later part!
~Knitting/ Spinning:
The wedding shawl is DONE!!!!!!!!
It is currently blocking!! OMG YAY!  The BFF socks are coming along, and so has my Tour de Fleece spinning! (except for today) I've spun every day! And I've still got time today!!  Finally, I will be casting on another Daybreak Shawl, this one for Amy!  She is making one, and we are going to trade!
~Free Entertainment:
The Complete Guide to Everything Podcast! Thanks for the recommendation Jackie! You are awesome!
~Garden:
OMG I caged my tomatoes!  YUM!
~ Sales:
Knitpicks is having their book sale! Books are 40% off!!!
Also, JoAnn has all their summer stuff (like lawn chairs, beach towels etc) on sale for 75% off! Summer has barely started and they are already selling it off!!
~How I Saved the Week:
Bartering for my hairstyling for the wedding and haircuts for Aaron! My stylist is a new spinner and a knitter so I am trading fiber and spinning lessons!! Yay!
~ DIY
Mustard Trout
1 1/2 T whole grain mustard
2 T olive oil
1 T lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
4 fresh basil leaves, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
mix the ingredients, then use to marinate some fish. I used 2 filets about the size of the palm of my hand each.  Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 20 mins.  Wrap in foil topped with an onion slice, cook over bbq for 10 mins (skin side down) and serve with rice and salad with honey mustard dressing! YUM! Sauce would also be tasty on chicken or mushrooms!
~Worth It!
How To Make Soap Without Burning Your Face Off by Raleigh Briggs, Microcosm Publishing
$3.00, 12 pages, all hand written and illustrated! Once again, this is amazingly beautiful and really full of useful information!  A total of 8 recipes (2 basic with 6 add ons), all the processes and safety info you need and step by step instructions! For $3, you really can't beat it!  Totally worth it!
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Leave a donation or an iTunes review!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Ep 69- Bonkers

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors: 
  - Audible: Follow the link to get a free 2 week trial and a FREE audiobook of your choice!
  - Bar Maids: Check out their full line of eco-friendly skin care products!!
 Charity Project: Please check out Nicole's t-shirts and her wish to help a great cause!
~Sweater Forecast:
Looks beautiful! Keep a sweater around for the evenings!
~Knitting:
Sweater is finished and blocking!  Wedding shawl is more than half way done, sock is almost done! WOOHOO!
~ Garden:
 OMG I planted things! SSUUPPEERRYYAAYY!
~Sales:
  - Tour de Fleece stock up at Unwind! Use the Coupon code TDF2011 for 15% off your order!
  - Still a few days to take advantage of Interweave's Hurt Book Sale! 50-80% off!
  -Buy.com is a cool site with weekly deals, free shipping and a 45 day return policy!
~Tip of the Week:
If you don't like it now, you won't like it in 10 rows, or 6 months.  We are relocating our wedding! I should have seen the warning signs that our location was not good, but it took me until now, 7 weeks away from the wedding!  Don't worry though, it's all going to work out!
~ DIY: 
Father's Day present for my dad, stolen idea from one of my genius listeners! Cookie of the Month club! I made him a batch of cookies and will make him a batch every month for a year! He's a great dad all year long and he deserves to be rewarded all year long!
~ Worth It:
Anti Bride Wedding books.  They've saved my sanity these past few days! OMG!
Worth It for all 3!!!
If you or anyone you know is getting married, these books are totally 100% worth it!



~Contact Info:
Please get in touch!!
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave a review on iTunes or a donation!!!
I love you guys! Thanks for all your support!!!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Ep 61- On the list

~Welcome!
~Sponsors:
  - Audible: Click the link for a free audiobook download of your choice!
  - Bar-Maids: Check out all their awesome scents at www.bar-maids.com
~Contest: Save the Planet and tell us about it in the KnitCents Ravelry Group!
~Sweater Forecast:
Oly: Rainy, 40s.  STL: 60's THUNDER!!
~ Knitting/ Spinning:
Working on my Fru socks, and finished all the yarn spinning!! 1496 yds of sport/dk weight!
AND I got a SWEET knitting tattoo!

~Free Entertainment:
House of Grey eps 36-39.  I dare you to not finish the whole thing.  Its that good.
~ Sales:
Don't forget Dana has given us the coupon code KNITCENTSAPRIL in her Etsy Shop!! 10% off your purchase!
-KnitPicks has the Gallatin sweater kit for 29.99! That's 40 % off!
~Kadyellebee has amazing knitted garments and patterns for your instant handknit needs!
~Tip of the week:
Make lists and use them!
~ How I Saved the Week:
I used some store credit to buy CampKIP goodies instead of spending real $$!
~Review:
Stick Blenders.  Get one.  I love mine.
~Contact:
Email me!! cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824

Monday, March 14, 2011

Ep 58- Daylight $avings

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
Sponsors:
Audible: Click the link to get a FREE audiobook download with a FREE 2 week trial!
Bar-Maids: Check them out for awesome eco-friendly skin care products!
~Knitting:
Finished another blanket square, started second baby sweater and finished raglan increases!
~Spinning: 
Finished the first 4oz of the second color!  Trying to finish all spinning by CampKIP (ONLY 3 WEEKS AWAY!!!)
~Free Entertainment:
House of Grey Eps 22-27
~ Sales:
Webs has tons of cotton yarn and blends in their closeout!
Paradise Fibers has 1 lb cones of cotton weaving yarn for $11.95! 6550 yards! WOOHOO!
 Elsewhere
Punchbowl has awesome free party planning tools, including save the dates, invitations, vendor lists and more!
~Tip of the Week:
Just because something is free doesn't mean it is tacky!
~How we saved the week:
I cried and got our car repair cut in half...  oops!
Also, instead of getting my wedding ring reset in white gold, (would cost $1400) we are getting it plated with rhodium so it looks like white gold but only cost $80! I WIN!
~Worth It!
No Sheep for You by Amy R Singer
Retail: $22.95  Published by Interweave Press, 20 patterns
First 30 pages is all about different fibers, how they work, what they're from and so on.  Then the patterns are all designed so highlight the benefits on these fibers! Drapey silk, comfy cotton and lustrous bamboo!  This book is so awesome that I bought a copy (used from Barnes and Noble) while I was writing the review!  Overall: TOTALLY WORTH IT!
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Thank you all!!!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Ep 56- The NO Fiber Diet

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~ Sponsors:
Bar-Maids makes awesome, eco friendly skin care products!!
Audible! Download a Free Audiobook, or sign up and get your Membership for half price for 3 months! Click either link below!!!


1 FREE Audiobook RISK-FREE from Audible


Audiobooks at audible.com.
~Contests:
February Contest Winner is AlyshaTree! Congrats!!
March Contest: The No Fiber Diet- I'm going on a yarn/ fiber diet until my birthday!  I know, it's totally crazy since CampKIP, Black Sheep Gathering AND Sock Summit are all before then, but since we are saving money for the wedding, It's something that needs to be done!  I would love company! Head over to the Ravelry Group and post photos of your stash and tell us how long you're going to diet to join in the contest!! If you go all the way until August with me, (ending on August 24, my birthday!!) we will have a special contest prize for you to qualify to win!!
~Sweater Forecast
Cold, wet, snow, rain, bleh.  That's what the forecast says.
~ Knitting, Spinning and Weaving!
Monkey socks are almost done!  One more repeat of pattern, then the toe!  I'm planning on warping my loom this afternoon, and starting spinning the second color for my next handspun sweater!!
~Free Entertainment:
The House of Grey by Collin Earl, chapters 10-15!
~Sales!
The South Sound Yarn Crawl
Abstract Fiber, knotty skeins and sales!
Sale.com highlights sales at major shops and retail stores!
~Tip of the Week
Quick Trip! Use limited parking time to keep your trips quick and impulse buys low!
~How Lorrina Saved the Week
One of my bridesmaids found her bridesmaid's dress for 50% off because I didn't put too many constraints on her!! Yay for both of us!
~DIY: 
Bacon, Feta, Tomato muffins
Ingredients:
2-3 slices of smoked bacon
2 c all purpose flour
2 T sugar
1 T baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
4 T unsalted butter, melted
1 c milk
2 T sour cream or plain yogurt
1 small tomato, cut into small cubes
about 1/3 c crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C)
Grease 9 standard muffin cups with butter or butter flavored cooking spray. Fill the unused cups 1/3 full of water to prevent warping.

In a frying pan, cook the bacon until crisp.  Allow to cool and drain on paper towel, then crumble.

In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, milk and sour cream until blended.  Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just evenly moistened.  Batter will be thick, like dough.  Stir in the bacon crumbles.

Spoon batter into cups, so that cup is 1/3 full.  Take 1-2 pieces of tomato and small amount of feta and press into the center of muffin.  Then add more batter until top of muffin is about level with top of pan.  Bake until golden, dry and springy, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve warm.  Refrigerate any muffins you aren't using right away.
Enjoy!
~Worth It!
Odd Ball Knitting by Barbara Albright
Retail $19.95 US, $27.95 CA. 30 patterns, 120 pages
Pros:
 Color photos
 Lots of designs
 Most projects use lots of small amounts of same yarn
 Good tutorial to figure out how much yardage you have
 Patterns are easy to sub yarn
Cons:
 A lot of big projects with small amounts of yarn in different colors
 Most projects look kind of tacky, I wouldn't knit anything from this book.
Overall: I'm glad I got it from the library, wouldn't buy it
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave an iTunes review, or feel free to donate!!







Monday, February 21, 2011

Ep 55- Best Christmas Ever

~Welcome, Intro, Thanks!
~Sponsors:
   Audible- Get a free 2 week trail and a free audiobook download of your choice!
   Bar-Maids- Get some awesome, eco-friendly skin care products!
~ Sweater Forecast:
 Snow!! Get out your wool!
~ Madrona Wrap-up
AWESOME!!!!! I loved every minute of it!!!
~Knitting and Spinning:
I finished my Wren! I LOVE IT!
I've also been working on the Monkey Socks for my sister's birthday!
Spinning: I started spinning up 8oz of Crown Mountain Farms SW Merino in the "Time Waits for No One" colorway! I LOVE IT!
~Free Entertainment:
House Of Grey: Eps 4-9 this week!!
~No Sales this week, since Madrona section took up a lot of time!
~Tip of the Week:
Pack a snack!  Bring your own snacks so you don't get caught hungry and willing to pay anything for food!
~ How I Saved the Week:
I got a Shutterfly coupon for $20 off any purchase of $20 or more!  I also got 50 free prints for signing up with shutterfly so I got my sister a birthday present and 54 prints of photos I love for the cost of shipping!! WOHOOO!
~Worth It!
If you EVER get a chance to take a class with either Judith McKenzie McCuin or Jared Flood, DO IT! They were both TOTALLY worth it!!  DO IT DO IT DO IT!
Look! It's me and Jared and Judith!! (And my awesome Wren shawl still on the needles!)
~Contact:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Ep 54- PALing Around

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors:
   -Audible- get a free 2 week trial and audiobook download of your choice by clicking the link!
   - Bar- Maids- Awesome, eco-friendly skin care products!
~ Contest:
  Cheap Date:
Post on the Ravelry group your idea for the best cheap date under $5!
~ Sweater Forecast
Mid 40s to low 50s and rainy.  Don't trust it though, last week said the same thing at it is BEAUTIFUL out!
~ Knitting:
Still working on Wren, Monkeys and Feb Baby Sweater!
~Spinning:
Finished the first 8 oz! Yay!
~ Events:
Madrona!!!! Next week! I'll be there a lot, come find me! Saturday there will be a meet and greet outside the market place from 4:45-5:45! Come say hello and get a hug and a button!
~ Free Entertainment:
HappyCrafter207 Podcast by Lori!  Super fun, check it out!
PodiobookAlong or PAL:
The House of Grey by Collin Earl
This week: Episodes 1-3!
I've also been listening to Daughter of the Sun by Lonnie Ezell which is pretty good!
~ Sales!
  -Sunset Fibers has awesome deals on their roving (which is fabulous) and they have 200 yard skeins of BEAUTIFUL yarn for only $10!! Tell Linda I sent you!
  - Juliasyarn is having a Valentine's sale! Loads of stuff up to 77%off!! WOOOO!
  -Teleflora has deals! $10 off Valentine's flowers!
~Tip of the Week
Daily Owl: Sort of like Groupon and Living Social but for large nation brands! Half off gift cards to loads of places like The Gap and Olive Garden! I head about Daily Owl from Lord_Voldemort7 on Twitter!
~ How (Dana) Saved the Week!
Borders has calendars for $1! All of them! My friend bough 6 calendars, spent $6 and change and saved $86 and change!! Go DANA!
~ Worth It!
Lion Brand Sock Ease
100gm, 438 yds, 75/25% Wool/ Nylon
STRONG!  Feels like Regia, comes in lots of colors, you'll never walk a hole in these!! LOVE IT! WORTH IT!
~Contact:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Want a shiny KnitCents button? Click that shiny Donate button!







Sunday, January 2, 2011

Ep 49- New year, New Goals!

~Welcome!
 This week's episode is sponsored by:
 Audible: Visit the link for a free 2 week trial and a free audiobook download of your choice!
and
Bar Maids! They are donating a complete sampler pack of all their products! Visit their site to see all their wonderful products!
~Contest:
Selfish Knitter! Knit something for yourself after the craziness of the holidays and holiday crafting! Show off pictures in the Ravelry Group to enter!
~Sweater Forecast:
Cold and rainy. Not much different than the usual.
~ Knitting: I finished Aaron's socks in time for new years! I spent new year's day casting on a new sweater for Leighton! Then, Hannah (my sister) asked if I would knit Leighton a hat to wear home from the hospital so I made one out of some pink handspun!  I will also be knitting some socks this month, all will be projects in the HPKCHC!
~Spinning:
Still working on the Sunset Fibers fiber that I got last year and this year fro Christmas!
~Events:
Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat February 17-20! I'll be there!
CampKIP April 6-9! I'll be there too!
~Sales!
   -Cherry Tree Hill- All yarns, fibers, and patterns are 50% off until Thursday jan 6 at 9am EST!
   - DoodleBugYarn is offering ALL their worsted weight yarns for 25% off through the month of January!
   - Elsewhere: Take advantage of the New Years Resolution sales! Gym memberships, books, and organization tools are all on sale everywhere!!
~Tip of the Week:
Set attainable goals! When you reach them, you will feel good about it!
~ How I Saved the Week:
We made an awesome blanket fort for our New Years Eve, and then I made butter! I didn't have any, needed some but have a food processor and I had some whipping cream so I made butter!
Whipping Cream + Food Processor + Time = butter and buttermilk! Yum!!!
~Worth It:
Side by Side on Fixed Circular Knitting Needles
Clover Bamboo
Knitpicks Harmony Wood

Clover does better with:
Price
tip length (16" only)
overall comfort (16")
wood flexibility

KnitPicks does better with:
Join from needle tip to cable
Cable flexibility
Tip pointiness
Style
Size range

Overall, I prefer the Clover needles if I need to knit on 16", and Knitpicks for the rest!
Overall though both are worth the money!
~Contact:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824

Song of the year:
All I Want is You by Barry Louis Polisar

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Ep 44- Trials and Timers

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~This podcast is sponsored by Audible.com! Click here to sign up for a free 2 week trial and download a free audiobook of your choice!
~Contest:
 Visit the Ravelry group, email me or leave a comment on the shownotes page telling me what you've learned from the Knitcents Podcast or another listener, and tell us a story of how you've used it!!
~ Sweater Forecast:
Mid to low 40's with rain this week!  Another week of light sweaters and cardigans!
~ Knitting:
I finished the Tappan Zee and I totally rock it with all its little quirks!
I also am almost done with the handspun baby hat for Leighton!
~Spinning!
Spun the first 2.5 oz for my next hs cardigan!! Super pretty!
~Weaving:
I also finished weaving 5 little wash cloths/ burp cloths for Leighton!  yay for finishing things!
~Free Entertainment:
Just One More Row Podcast with Brittany and Dana!  I love it! Check it out!
~ Camp KIP:
An awesome knitting retreat hosted by Jackie of KIPing it Real! Visit her Ravelry group for more details!! I'll be there if I can raise enough money to get there!!
~Sales!!!
Free Trials that are awesome!
- AudiblePodcast.com/KnitCents Sign up for a free 2 week trial, download a free audiobook and audible will donate $$ to the podcast which I can use to go to CampKIP!  Its an awesome way you can donate $$ for me to go to CampKIP without actually spending any $$ yourself!!
 - Netflix free one week trial!  You can choose to only have instant watch now, and there are so many amazing things on here!!!
 - Gym trials! Go to gyms in your area and try them out by signing up for free trials!
 - FreeCreditReport.com allows you to view your credit report for free once a year! Just don't do it too often!
 - Amazon Prime offers a free 1 month trial of Prime! Free 2 day shipping on all your holiday gifts!!
~Tip of the Week:
Set a timer! When you sign up for a free trial where you have to provide your credit card number, set a timer or reminder to remind yourself to cancel the trial before they charge your card! If you decide to keep it, then ignore the reminder, but if you don't want to be charged, make sure to use the reminder!! Its a good idea to set the reminder for one day before the trial will end so you don't get charged because you're too late!
~How I Saved the Week:
I used functional gifts as decorations for the baby shower! (of course I forgot to take a picture) but I bought a baby bathtub (inflatable ducky) and used it as a punch bowl!  I made awesome bubble bath punch in it and it was super cute!  not only did I get a super cute decoration for the shower, but it is something that my sister will be able to use to bathe her baby in!
~DIY:
Bubble bath punch! 1 carton of light colored sherbet (I use lime) and 3 2-L bottles of clear, caffeine free soda!  Scoop the sherbet into the punch bowl (or baby bathtub) and dump the soda on top!  The bubbles foam up to big fluffy bubbles and it looks like bubble bath!! Also, it is super delicious!
~ Worth It!
The Intentional Spinner by Judith MacKenzie McCuin
Retail: 26.95  150 pages, published by Interweave Press
My thoughts: This book is amazing.  JMM definitely demonstrates her vast depth, breadth and wealth of knowledge about spinning and fiber in this book! From the science of the fiber to the way it takes dye, to many techniques for spinning, plying and making art yarns! There are 4 projects to spin for, and great instructions for caring for your handspun and handmade items!!  Overall, I would say this would be an awesome "Only" book for a spinner, meaning if you only had one spinning book, this would be a great one!!  This would be a little overwhelming for a brand new spinner, but with a little help from a friend could be the perfect spinning guide!  Totally worth it!
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave a review on iTunes if you like the show!!


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Ep. 37- Discriminating Customer

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Show Sponsors: 
This week's show is sponsored by Audible! Download a free audiobook of your choice and get a free 2 week trial by clicking here!
  And, Paula of the Knitting Pipeline Podcast has donated a Longaberger basket to this month's contest winner!
~Contest:
Visit the Ravelry group page and share your favorite hot drink recipe!
~Sweater forecast:
 In the PNW this week, mostly sunny with a high chance of sweaters in the mornings and evenings!
~ Knitting:
  SO MUCH KNITTING!  Still working on Baby Cabled Raglan Cardigan for sis's baby, finished the fingerless mitts I started 2 weeks ago, cast on a baby hat and still knitting on the Bumbling Smooshy socks!  Going to cast on soon for the Flicka Hat from the Knitter's Book of Wool, using some Abstract Fiber Colorwork and the Falling Stars Cardigan from KnitPicks!
~ Spinning:
  Almost done with the BFL for the Handspun Tappan Zee! I love BFL!! Already done with Cormo, next up is SW Merino!  Yay!  Also, yesterday I worked at the Schaefer Meadows Fiber Festival in the Sunset Fibers booth, and in exchange for me working, Linda gave me a Jenkins Turkish Delight spindle!  I also got a pound of Jacob fiber which I am planning to spin and knit for Aaron! He wants fingerless mitts and a headband... :/
~ Free Entertainment:
Chrissy the Great has rejoined the podcaster community!  She took about 6 months off, and has just posted episode 63 last night of the Manic Purl Podcast!
~Sales!
   - KnitPicks Kit Sale!  The Falling Stars Kit is only $26!! That's 17 balls of yarn!
   -  JoAnn Fabrics is having their Columbus Day Sale!
   - Little Knits has some awesome deals too!!!
~ Tip of the Week!
If you have a bad experience at a shop or store, let the owner or manager know.  If you continue to have that bad experience, don't go back!
~ How I Saved:
I got some sock yarn from JoAnn for Buy one get one half off (total: $7.50) instead of buy 2 for $9 because I paid attention to the ad!
~Worth It!
Clover 9" bamboo circular needles.  Retail: $14.99
The needle tips are only about 1 1/2 inch, I had to hold my needles differently which affected my gauge, and my hand cramped up! I would never recommend these to anyone and I will probably take them back and get my money back.  Terrible, not worth it at all, even half price!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Ep. 36- Laugh until you cry

~Welcome/ Intro
~Last month's contest winner:
 TeamMom aka Tera!  Congrats!
~October Contest:
 Share a recipe for delicious hot drinks! It will help warm the chill out of your bones faster than turning on the heater!
   Contest prize: A Longaberger basket donated by Paula of the Knitting Pipeline Podcast!
~Sweater Forecast: A new segment, where I tell you if its sweater weather or not!  This week: No.
~ Knitting:
Finished the first of the cabled wristers, and started a Cabled Raglan Baby Sweater for my sister's little girl!  I also bought an awesome button for it! Yay!
 I published the TDTU pattern!  Search TDTU on Ravelry to find it!
~Spinning:
I've actually been doing some!  I'm going to spin 3 different colors together and knit the Tappan Zee!
~Free Entertainment:
Knit Knit Cafe with Abby and Ben- Super fun!
The Knit Wits with Carin and Rick- hilarious!!!
~ Garden:
We canned 7 jars of salsa using tomatoes from our garden!
~ Sales!
   - KnitPicks book sale! All books are 40% off!
   - Webs Grampa's Garage Sale! Tons of yarn for over 50% off!
   - Madrona published the Overview!  Lots of free events and demos! Come to the PNW!
~Tip of the Week:
Laugh until it hurts!  I've noticed that I am less inclined to make an impulse purchase if I'm feeling really good, so do something that makes you really happy and laugh until you cry!
~How I Saved the Week:
  I made salsa instead of buying it, made muffins and tea instead of going out to a coffee shop and used free yarn to make a cute sweater!
~ Worth It!
 The Expectant Knitter by Marie Connolly
Retail: $27.50, 30 patterns
Pros:
I like the patterns, lots of top down seamless stuff, lots of really practical baby things and the patterns are well written and the photos are lovely.
HOWEVER: The author inserts MEDICAL ADVICE into the book, which is absolutely inappropriate.  If it was just a book of patterns, it would totally be worth it, but as it is, I would not buy it.  A library book for sure.
~Contact Info:
Email!
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Episode 29- I tried to be lazy...

~Welcome, Intro, Thank yous
~Sponsors/ Contests:
 Check out last week's shownotes, there are a LOT!
~ Knitting/ Spinning:
I've got 5 repeats of chart B on Brandywine, and I still love it!  I've also finished the first top down toe up sock and I'm almost done with the foot of the second one!  I also started a new pair for Aaron, using some JoAnn Sensations Bamboo and Ewe yarn.  This ball seems a little slubby and has some weird bits of unspun sections that I am not a big fan of.  Hopefully it was just a little at the beginning of the ball...  I've worked a little on spinning that cormo, but not much on that front.
~Free Entertainment:
I'm still listening to the Quarter Share series by Nathan Lowell. (See last 2 or 3 episode notes) I've finished all but the final book, and I'm 2/3 through that one!  There is also a spin off type book from the same universe but about a different character that is queued up on my ipod for the next one!
~Garden Update:
We harvested a ton of stuff and made some AMAZING veggie lasagna from our garden and CSA this week!  I'm quite sure I've gained 15 pounds!
~ Sales!
   -Hairball Yarn is offering free shipping in the US!
   - WhitKnits is offering 15% off all their sock yarns and summer yarns during the month of August!
   -Woot is a website that highlights a deal every day!  Sometimes there are useless deals but sometimes the deals are really quite amazing!
~Tip of the Week:
Take advantage of free things!  Free isn't always a scam, sometimes its an advertisement, but you can also request free samples of products through their websites, take advantage of free trials of things like magazine and movie subscriptions (like Netflix, the best $9 a month I spend) and loads of other things!  Be creative!
~ How I Saved the Week:  Aaron really likes these sandwiches they make at our local grocery store, but one sandwich is about $7, so instead I decided we will make our own!  I made some delicious foccacia bread and we made up yummy sandwiches!  The bread recipe is from the Williams Sonoma Bread Cookbook. Its a recipe for Onion Foccacia, but instead of onion I use 3-4 cloves of pressed garlic and about a teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary!  So yummy!
~ Worth It:
Knit Ponchos, Wraps and Scarves by Jane Davis
Retails at $21.99, 128 pages, 44 patterns
Pros:
-Teaches a lot of techniques: lace, cables, beads, fringes
- Lots of yarn options: says "use x amount of yardage in sport weight yarn of x fiber content" instead of specific yarn.  Gives readers permission to choose their own yarn a little easier.
- Beautiful color photos of every project
- Full range of skill levels
-Instructions are easy to follow
- Patterns are charted and written out line by line
- Diagrams used to teach techniques are easy to see and follow
Cons:
- Some patterns use really crazy novelty yarns which makes the design hard to see
- A lot of the patterns use Super Bulky yarn, which isn't my style.  Nothing wrong with it, just not for me
Overall: Worth it!!
~Contact Info
Email Me!
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave a review on iTunes or click that lovely button designed by Kristine below!














Sunday, June 27, 2010

Black Sheep, White Sheep!

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thank Yous!
~ Sponsor:
Bar-Maids are donating an "I Deserve This!" package in the scent of your choice to the lucky winner this month!
~ Contest:
Cold Sheep!  Kick a bad habit or start a good one!  Find something that will help you save money, and do it!  Then, tell us all about it!
~ Knitting:
  -Finished the Father's Day socks just in time!
  - Still working on the sweater!  Almost done, but I keep deciding I want it to be longer because I like long tunic style tops!
  - Still working on the Regia vanilla socks!
  - Wedding Shawl: The current wedding shawl will be a practice shawl, because I've decided (with some help) to knit my wedding shawl out of cashmere and lace!
~Spinning:
  - Almost done with all the merino/tencel that I got at Madrona, I think it will grow up to be a Citron shawl!
  -Finished the first 4oz of the Polwarth I started from Sunset Fibers, now just 8oz to go!
  - Started some camel/silk at BSG too!
~Events/ BSG Recap!
  There was so much awesomeness at BSG that you'll just have to listen to find it all out!  I can't express the awesome in words typed out!
  I will be at Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival (OFFF) during September 24-25!
~Free Entertainment!
 I've been listening to SassyPantsKnitter by SillyFru, and I LOVE it!  I've also been listening to The Prince of Hazel and Oak by John Lenahan.  It is the podiobook sequel to Shadowmagic!  I accidentally said it was by Nathan Lowell in the episode, but it's actually John Lenahan!  OOPS!  It is also awesome!
~ The Garden:
  Has exploded!  It is huge! WEEEEE!
~ Sales!
Just one:
Discount Book Sale has awesome deals if you aren't a member, and even more awesome deals if you are!  If you decide to join, make sure you will really save because the membership is $20 a month!
~Tip of the Week
   Set a budget and rules and tell everyone about them!  They will either help you, or they will try to get you to spend more than your budget and if that happens, then it will be a fun game of trying to not spend money just to prove it to them that you can stick to your budget!
~How I saved the week!
We went to see the Karate Kid last night, and we used some free movie tickets we had earned from using our free Regal Crown club card!  It pays to join goofy free clubs!
~DIY:
  Fruitfly trap: We've been having a lot of trouble with fruitflies this week, so we set a trap.  They really like smelly food, so we set out a jar with about 1 inch of apple cider vinegar, and some chopped bananas.  We put it under our kitchen fan, so they would either get sucked up into the fan and out of the house, or they will fly down into the vinegar and drown! Muahahahaha!
~ Tour de Fleece:
If you want to spin for the Tour de Fleece, I'm co-capitaining Team Sasquatch!  Come join us!  There will be a kick-off chat in the group at 8:30 am on July 3, so come join Team Sasquatch!
~ Worth It!
2 at a Time Socks by Melissa Morgan Oakes
Retail Price: $16.95 17 patterns
Pros:
- If I wanted to do magic loop and 2 at a time, this book tells you exactly how to do it with step by step instructions that are very clear.
- All the patterns are fun and beautiful
- Patterns are clearly written and charted
- Lovely pictures of each sock
- There are lots of yarn options
Cons:
- Patterns don't translate well to DPNs
- Some pictures the yarn is a little too busy for the stitch pattern, making the pattern hard to see.
- The charted patterns aren't also written out line by line.
**Overall: Worth it if you want to do magic loop, not worth it if you're stubborn like me and just want to knit the patterns using DPNs.
Mini review: Lantern Moon Sheep Tape Measure.  ADORABLE!

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~Contact Info
Email me!
Ravelry: Roue
Ravelry Group: KnitCents
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave a review on iTunes or feel free to click that shiny button below...








Sunday, June 6, 2010

Episode 21- Cold Sheep!

~Welcome/ Intro
~May Contest- LAL
  Sponsor: Laura's Organics- donated a jar of her hand cream!
  Winner: AbsinthAnnie!
~June Sponsor:
  Bar-Maids!  They are donating an "I deserve this!" package to our winner!
~June Contest:
Cold Sheep.  Either break a bad habit, or start a new one!  Then tell us all about it and how it's going!  Bonus points if it is something that will make you more healthy and save you money!
~Events:
  I will be at the Black Sheep Gathering during the weekend of June 18-20!  I'll be doing a meet and greet at the Bar-Maids booth with Erin from The Anatomy of Knitting Podcast from 12-1 on Saturday!  Come see us!  I am also going to be at the Ravelry meetup on Saturday at 4, and I'll be playing Black Sheep Bingo all weekend!  Let me know if you'll be there so we can meet up!
~Knitting and Spinning
I've made a bit of progress on the sweater, and a bit on the Regia socks.  I frogged the toe up socks while recording and I'm going to knit them up top down really quick before Father's day so I can get them done in time.  I'll try toe up again another time with NOT black sock yarn!
No spinning this week. :(
~Garden Update:
The garden is doing awesome!  I'll be slug-proofing it and building ladders for the peas and beans later today!  (PS >this is what I look like if you want to find me at BSG!)

~Sales!!
  - Yarn Barn has some awesome deals and discounts on discontinued yarn, and they have a weekly special!  Check back every Monday for the deal!
  - Knitting- Warehouse also has really great deals, especially on Lion Brand and Berrocco yarns!
 Elsewhere:
  - Puritan's Pride has an amazing selection of high quality vitamins and supplements and right now they are running a special: buy 1 get 1 free or buy 2 get 3 free!
~Tip of the Week:
From Harriet- When doing the long tail cast on, wrap your yarn around the needle as many times as you need stitches, then start there!  Then you won't run out of yarn or have a super extra way too long tail at the end!
~ How I Saved the Week:
  I went to Kohl's and cashed in on their awesome Memorial Day sale!  I had a giftcard, and I bought 6 shirts, a skirt and a dress for under $90 (about $30 was on the giftcard) and saved $159!!!  I WIN!
~ DIY:
 Slug repellers: Take a small cup or can (the size of a tuna can) and dig it into the ground and fill it with beer. (So the top is ground level)  Then, to keep other critters out of the beer, cover it with another can with a hole cut in so slugs can still crawl in.  The slugs will crawl in and fall into the beer and happily drown!
~Worth It!
Knit Socks by Betsy Lee McCarthy
$14.95 for 15 patterns.
Pros:
- Best vanilla sock pattern ever in my opinion!
- Patterns use lots of different weights of yarn so you could easily sub!
- Patterns in all sizes!
- Lots of little tips and tricks hidden in the book!
- Description of kitchener stitch and how to use DPNs are the best I've ever seen!
-Good skill progression through the book
- Patterns are all cute, lots of different styles.
- Patterns are written line by line, so easy and great for beginners!
- Pictures show really well the techniques you'll need!
Overall: WORTH IT!
~Contact Info:
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
If you like the show, please leave a review on iTunes or click that happy little button below!
Use your KnitCents!







Monday, May 31, 2010

Episode 20- Summer Is Coming!

~Intro/ Welcome/ Thank you!
~ Sponsor: Laura's Organics has donated a jar of her Hand Cream!  SO WONDERFUL!
~Contest: LAL!  Last week to teach yourself something new that will help save you some money!  Share info by leaving a comment, posting on the Ravelry Thread or send me an email!
~ EVENT:  I'm going to the Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene OR!  June 18-20th, I'll be there!  I'll be doing a meetup including loads of hugs and high-fives on Saturday from 12-1 with Erin from The Anatomy of Knitting Podcast!  Info on where we will be next week!  If you'll be there, let me know so we can meet!
~ Knitting: My sweater is almost done!  I'm just doing the bottom of the body now, and the sleeves are only elbow length and they are already halfway done (because of the raglan) so I'm almost done!  Yay!
  Regia socks: FInished the first one, haven't cast on the second one yet.
  Toe Up Socks: I need to rip back and try a different heel.  I don't like the way the W&T short row heel turned out.
~Spinning: Not much, just a little on the merino/tencel on my spindle!
~Sales!
Yarnish sales
  -Fabric.com actually sells yarn!  They have good prices, but really good deals on buttons and of course fabric!  Also, free shipping on orders over $35!
  -DBNY has AMAZING prices by the bag!  Bags that would normally cost $110 only cost $40!  Check it out!
Elsewhereish
 -Check out all the post Memorial Day sales!  A lot of places will stock up, and then keep the inventory on sale to make room for other stuff!
~Garden Update:
My seeds are sprouting and they are getting really big!  Beans and peas are almost 2" already!  Yay!
~Tip of the week: Use your email!  Or set up a spare email to give out to mailing lists and websites.  They will send you coupons, advanced notice of sales and they will let you know when they are running contests!  Its free and easy, just take a few minutes to go through it and you'll find lots of great stuff!
~How I Saved the Week:  Clearance racks and secondhand stores!  I bought a $3 sweater vest from the little boy's section at Target and I totally rock it!
~DIY:
Best BBQ Burgers EVER!!!
1 lb of ground beef or turkey (if you use turkey, also add about 2 T of flour to the mix)
1/2 c. of bread crumbs (I like the Progresso Italian crumbs)
1 egg
1 T of Worchestershire sauce OR 1 tsp of liquid smoke
1/2 c. of your favorite cheese, shredded
3-4 crimini mushrooms, chopped finely
about 2 T of ketchup
garlic salt, black pepper to taste
Rolls or buns
your favorite burger toppings

Mix all ingredients but toppings and buns in a large bowl and mix with your hands!  Mix it all together really well!  Divide evenly (4-6 patties depending on size) and press into patties.  Cook until done all the way through, then serve on the roll with your favorite toppings!  Enjoy!  YUM!
~Worth It!
Start Spinning by Maggie Casey
Retail $21.95 115 pages
Maggie does an amazing job explaining each piece of spinning so you understand it before you start doing it!  She explains all the different skills and teaches really well to all learning styles.  Each technique is accompanied by a full color photo showing exactly how it should be done!
OVERALL: WORTH IT!
~Contact Info:
Email me!
Twitter: Roue0824
Ravelry: Roue
If you like the show, please leave a review on iTunes or click that shiny button below!
Thank you for listening!!

Episode 19- Productive Week

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thank yous!
~ Sponsor: Laura's Organics  Check out all her info and email her if you'd like to order!  She has donated a jar of her amazing Hand Cream to the contest this month!
~Contest: LAL!  Learn something new that will help you save money and tell us all about it!  Either leave a comment, send me an email, or post your info on the Ravelry Group page!
~Knitting: Working on the chevron lace pattern on my Simple Knitted Bodice, going much faster now that its joined in the round!
  Finished the first toe and foot of toe up sock!
  Turned heel and started gusset decreases on Regia stripes vanilla sock!
~Spinning: Still spinning polwarth!  Its awesome and its taking  a long time to spin!
~Free Entertainment: The Anatomy of Knitting Podcast by Erin!  Check it out, its awesome!
~The Garden: Everything is planted and netted and there's still a little room!
~Sales:
  Yarnish sales:
    - Webs: Yarn.com has tons of mill ends and closeouts for 40-60% off!
    - Simply Sock Yarn has an awesome clearance section!  Cascade Sassy Stripes is regularly %6.75, but now only $2.70!
  Elsewhere:
    -Zenni Optical is an awesome site where you can order glasses!  As little as 9$ (plus shipping) will get you a new pair of glasses!  Cute frames, and the extras aren't terribly expensive either!
~Tip of the week: Get Medieval!  Decide if there are things that you can do without electricity, and do it by hand!  Line dry, use a countertop clothes spinner, or let your hair air dry!  It'll save a little more energy!
~How I Saved the Week:
I finally joined our local CSA!  I can't wait for more fruits and veggies than I could ever eat!  YUM!
~Worth It!
  The Knitter's Book of Wool by Clara Parks
Retail: $30 (amazon has it for $20)
First section: Anatomy of wool
2nd section: Explanation of how wool becomes yarn (spinning) and how different wools take dye
3rd section: Explanation of breeds of sheep and categories they fit into.
4th section: Explanation of blending fibers for different purposes.
5th section: PATTERNS!  :)
I want to make everything in the book, and I feel it is very valuable to know the different breeds and how their wool is different!  Overall: WORTH IT!
~Contact Info:
Email me!
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave a review on iTunes or feel free to click that shiny button below!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Episode 15- Compost is hot

~Welcome/ Intro
~KAL- There's still time!!! Knit a pair of baby socks before the end of the month!  It has to be tagged in Ravelry as finished by April 30, and it needs to be photographed and posted in the Ravelry Group before NOON on May 1!
~ Knitting-  I've done a few rows on my wedding shawl, a lot on the Simple Knitted Bodice, a bit on the Bumbling Podcaster socks, and I started a pair of Monkey Socks for my mama!  I also finished my KAL socks!
~ Spinning:  Spun up about 1oz of Polworth from Sunset Fibers in colorway Melon. AMAZING! That's all I can say!
~Free Entertainment- I finished listening to all the back episodes of Manic Purl, and I found a new podcast!  Fiddleknits with Erica is fantastic!  Totally added to my subscribed list!
~Sales!!!:
   - Elann:  TONS of different house brand yarns for less than $3 a skein, and flat rate shipping!
   - Little Knits:  I got to go to this shop in person today and the crazy cheap prices are real!  Austerman's Step for only $10.99 instead of $20!!!
Elsewhere:
   - Reynold's has recently released a 100% recycled and recyclable aluminum foil!  Click here to get a coupon for $1.25 off!
~Tip of the Week: Buy products with less packaging!  It saves you money because the distributor isn't paying for extra packaging!
~ How I Saved the Week: I got an open composting bin for only $23.99 instead of regularly priced $39.99!  I also bought a bunch of stuff at Costco that I won't need again for a long time!  Yay Costco!
~ DIY:  How to Compost!
~ Worth It!
   Knit Fix by Lisa Kartus
Retail: $19.99
Cons: There are none that I could find.
Pros: The entire book. This book has details on anything that could go wrong in your knitting, and how to fix it!  From tinking back a few stitches to un- binding off and fixing color mistakes in intarsia!  I wish I'd had this book when I first started knitting!  Truly the best book for any knitter, new or seasoned expert!
Contact:
Ravelry: Roue
Email Me!
Twitter: Roue0824




Saturday, March 27, 2010

Episode 11- Socks Rock!

~Welcome/ Intro:  I was sick and lost my voice last week so I'm still working on not sounding like a 13 year old boy...
~Contest:  The March contest thread is now locked, so go vote for your favorite!  Winner will be announced next week!
~ April Sock KAL
  You have 4 more days to get your materials and pattern picked out and swatched for the KAL for April!  Knit any pair of socks in any yarn and any size during the month of April and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win our mystery prize!  (I'll announce it next week in episode 12!)  FYI: JoAnn Fabrics has all their sock yarn on sale, buy one get one half off, and Knitpicks has all their Stroll Kettle Dyed sock yarn, 100g balls for only $6.99!  You only need one ball of that for an awesome pair of socks!
~Knitting:
   -Finished the Cheshire Cat Legwarmers and Hat for my niece!

   - Finished my Purple Cabled Socks!

  I'm still working on the Wedding Shawl, and I started knitting a Sack Boy from Little Big Planet (I hate it).  I also cut my first successful steek, thanks to Itsjustmeghan from the Stitch It Podcast and her awesome tutorial!
~ Spinning: Still working on the merino/tencel and the corriedale for my cardi!

~Free Entertainment!
Some folks have asked what podcasts and podiobooks I listen to, so here is a list!
  - Stitch It Podcast (Meghan)
  - Kiping It Real (Jackie)
  - The Knitmore Girls (Jasmin and Gigi)
  - The High Fiber Diet Podcast (CoggieTM)
  - Fiber Beat (WonderMike)
  - BarkNKnit (Gnat)
  - KnitAJourney (Susan)
  - CogKnitive (Dr. Gemma)
  - Electric Sheep (Hoxton Handmade)
  - This American Life Podcast
Others I want to listen to:
  - Its A Purl, Man
  - Knit Misadventures
  - Savvy Girls Podcast
  - Sticks and String Podcast
Podiobooks I've listened to, enjoyed and recommend:
  - Nina Kimberly the Merciless by Christiana Ellis
  - Space Casey by Christiana Ellis
  - Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell
  - Shadowmagic by John Lenahan
  - How to Disappear Completely by Myke Bartlett  (Still listening to this one)
~Sales!
  http://www.handknitting.com has Fortissima Socka 100g balls for $9~
  http://www.simplysockyarn.com has sots of deals from 25% - 50% off socks yarns in all sizes and colors!
  - Elsewhere:
Snapfish is a free photo sharing site with unlimited photo storage, and if you sign up right now, you get 50 free photo prints with your first upload!
~Tip of the Week:
  Bring Your Own Bag: Lots of places give discounts, and some places charge if you don't!  Bring reusable bags when you are shopping to save the earth and save your money!
~How I saved the week:
  - Made 10 servings of chicken tortilla/ taco soup for about $10.
  - Signed up for Amazon Prime.  $80 yearly fee, but you get free, 2 day shipping on anything from Amazon.com  I spend over $100 a year on shipping from Amazon anyway, so I'll be saving!
~ DIY: Make your own sock blockers!  Check out an awesome tutorial here!
~Worth It!
#1:  The Little Box of Socks by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott
Retail: $19.95, 20 pattern cards
Pros:
  - Patterns are written clearly
  - Beautiful color photos of each sock
  - Patterns are on easy cards to take along!
  - Lots of different styles!  Something for everyone!
  - Patterns use all ranges of skill and yarn size!
Cons:
  - Sealed box, so you can't browse the patterns first to make sure you like them all.
  - For me, there are only about 4 patterns I want to make.
Overall: Worth it if a group of people went in together, because there really is something for everyone, for me though, not worth it because I don't want to knit most of the patterns in the box. (that might change, who knows?)

#2: Sock Innovation by Cookie A.
Retail: $22.95, 143 pages with 15 patterns
Pros:
  - Beautiful color photos of each pattern from many angles
  - First 55 pages are all comprehensive instructions and tips on designing your own socks and patterns!
  - Great instructions on making socks that fit the foot they are for.
  - In my opinion, every pattern in beautiful and intriguing.
  - Patterns are well written and clear.
Cons:
  - Not a beginner book.
  - Can be overwhelming for beginners, and even non- beginners!
Overall: for beginners, not worth it. For anyone who wants to design, or wants to get more involved with knitting socks and writing patterns,  totally worth it!  For me, yes because I want to knit every pattern in this book!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Episode 10- Tiny Boxes

~Welcome/ Intro
~ Contest:  Check out the Ravelry Group Page and share your best tip for "Going Green!"  Winner will receive 2 skeins of KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in colors Green Tea Heather and Avacado.
~Cheap Sock KAL:  Get your supplies and pattern ready!  We will be doing a Sock Knit-a-long during April!  Start and finish a pair of socks in April, and post the photos on the Ravelry boards and you will be entered in a drawing to win a mystery prize!
~ Knitting:
  - Not much done on Wedding Shawl
 - Did a little work on my Purple Cable socks, I will finish them before the April Sock KAL!
 - Knitting my 7 month old niece some awesome Cheshire Cat legwarmers!  The striping idea came from Brooklyn Tweed's Turn A Square hat!  He also has a great tutorial in that pattern on how to avoid that goofy little stripe jog when you are striping in the round!
~ Spinning:
  - Spun up some Valentine (pink shades) corriedale from Sunset Fibers to use in my Cheshire Cat legwarmers!
  - I decided I want to knit a cropped, short sleeved cardi, so I'm spinning some cream corrie/ merino for that!
~ Sales!
  Yarny/ fibery
   - Fiber2Yarn has some AMAZING deals on rovings and tops!  10-40% off yarns as well!
   - Since Easter is only a few weeks away, check out your local grocery stores for sales on Easter Egg dye and use it on your yarn!  It works great!
   Other
    - SavingsNut has great tools and tips for saving money in just about every aspect of your life!  Check it out!
~ Tip of the week:
Invest in a Neti Pot!  They are an amazing little pot you use to pour saline solution through your nose to clear out your sinuses!  It helps keep allergens out of your face and clear all the goo out too!  They usually run between $12 and $25, but I recommend getting one that you can put in the dishwasher!
~How I saved the week!
 - I used free TurboTax to do my taxes!
 - I bought some awesome Tul pens from Office Max for only $.40 each!  WOOHOO!
~DIY
  ItsJustMeghan from the Stitch It! Podcast had an amazing tutorial on how to make your own Lazy Kate out of a shoebox and 6 knitting needles in her 13th episode!  Click here to see for yourself!
I made one!  Lookie!

~Worth It!
Pros: Very soft and lofty, very warm, comes in lots of vibrant colors, feels pretty sturdy, and great for felting.
Cons: Not machine washable, the ball was very tangly on the inside (ball it up before you knit with it), single ply isn't always as strong as multi- ply yarns.
**Overall: Medium worth.  I would probably buy it again, but I know it won't be useful for some projects.

Pros: Comes in lots of colors, both solid and self patterning, nylon makes the yarn strong, bamboo makes it shiny and pretty, not knotty or splitty.
Cons: Not machine washable.
Overall: Worth it!

Contact Info:
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
If you like the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I won't be doing a show next week, so use your knitcents while I'm gone!