Ep 75- Back to School!

Listen Here!!
~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors:
   -Audible: The internet's leading provider in spoken word entertainment! Download a free audiobook of your choice by following the link!
  - Bar-Maids: The most amazing eco-friendly skin care products!!
~Contest:
Autumn tools! Check out the Ravelry group page to vote on your favorite!
~Sweater Forecast:
If you are in my neck of the woods this week, you get to experience ALL THE WEATHER! Sun, rain, clouds, temps in the low 40s up to the high 70s!  LAYERS ARE AWESOME!
~ Knitting/ Spinning:

Finished the Fake Isle hat that I started for my friend, I finished knitting the Megaman hat for my other friend's son, and ripped out the 198 yds of Heaven shawl because it was too involved for my brain at the time.  Instead, I CO the Age of Brass and Steam shawl, and knit the whole thing in a week! (that's a big deal!)  I also finished Aaron's socks! I'm a KNITTING MACHINE! 

As for spinning, if you follow me on Twitter then you already know that I got my new spinning wheel!  Her name is Louise, named for her previous owner and she and I are getting along VERY WELL!

We have already spun together 4oz of Sunset Fibers BFL in the colorway Serendipity, into sportish weight singles that I am currently knitting into the Boneyard Shawl.  We are also now spinning together some Woolgatherings 70/30 BFL/Seacell in the colorway (named by Amy Toadyjoe and I) Kreplit Rainbow. (If you are unfamiliar with the term kreplit or the kreplit theory, please refer to episode 7 of the Outlier Podcast. Amy does a good job explaining it.)

~Sustainable Knowledge! New Segment!

I'm back in school! I'm studying sustainable agriculture, so I've decided that each episode, I'll share a little tidbit about what I've learned that week!  Did you know that it takes 55x more water to grow 500 calories of edible beef than it does to grow 500 calories of edible potatoes? Interesting right?

~Events! OFFF Recap!

Thursday night I jumped on a Greyhound bus and went to Idaho!  I got to Amy's house at about 10am Friday morning, and when she got done with work, we jumped in her car and drove across Oregon!  We landed in Gresham at the KnitWits house around 7pm on Friday, where we had some snacks, drank wine on the porch with the chickens in the yard, and the kids running around, laughing and having a great time! It was all VERY idyllic! We drove down to Rimky Korsakoffeehouse for desserts and it was excellent! Saturday, we went to the festival after the delicious quiche breakfast that Carin made, had the meet at greet at the Bar Maids booth and then wandered around for a while!  We did some shopping, some eating, some laying around in the sun knitting and spinning and just having a good time together!   Then we went to Dar Essalam which is the best restaurant I've ever been to.  That's all. Go there. Eat. You'll love it.  Sunday, we packed up and went home! I don't feel like I got to spend nearly enough time with my friends, but I am glad I got to spend some!  Can't wait to see you all again soon!

~Sales!

-Knitpicks is having their book sale again! All their books are 40% off! A great time to stock up!

-Office supply stores are practically GIVING AWAY school supplies!  Since it's been a while since school started, they are ALL ON SALE!

~Tip of the Week:

Don't forget your public library!  You can now download kindle books, ebooks, audiobooks and then of course go get traditional books! Just another way that libraries are a limitless resource for you!

~Worth It!

Knitting Mochimochi by Anna Hrachovec

20 projects, retail price is $19.99! EVERYTHING is adorable!  I love this book! I don't normally knit toys but I want to knit ALL THE THINGS in this book!  The technical descriptions of knitting techniques are well done, the design your own toy workshop is great and the patterns are all awesome!!!  If you have any interest in cute things or knitted toys, this book is totally WORTH IT!
~Contact Me!
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave a review on iTunes!

Ep 73- Honeymoon!

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
Thanks to Laurie for the magazine and Isabella for the birthday Pina Colada!
Sponsors:
  Bar-Maids
  Audible
~Contests:
  -If you stayed through the ENTIRE No Fiber Diet, please PM me on Ravelry!!
  -  September: What is the #1 item you use in the autumn to save money!!  For me, its hot tea!
  Leave your answer on the Ravelry Group page!
~Sweater Forecast:
Highs in the mid 80s but lows in the mid 40s! Its perfect!! Sweaters in the mornings and evening, bare feet in the day!
~Knitting:
Not much to report, I did finish my Kindle sweater!
I took way too much knitting with me on my honeymoon! I hardly got anything done, though here is a picture of me knitting on Diamond Head!

~Events:

September 23-25 Oregon Flock and Fiber Fest OFFF! There WILL be a podcaster meetup in the Bar Maids booth!  I'm thinking lunch time on Saturday, and there will be better details to come!  Also, if you are coming in from out of town, the Guesthouse Inn or Comfort Inn has been kind enough to offer a discounted group rate if you sign up with the coupon code Podcast.  5-10$ off your room depending on the size!

~Sales!

  -Gritty Knits is having a 25% off sale on all their Handspun to make room for new inventory!

  -Green Sheep Shop is also having a huge sale with great prices on tons of different yarn ooptions!
  - Do you know about the Amazon Daily Deal and Lightning Deal?
~Tip of the Week
Plan ahead to go with the flow!  If you'll be traveling, take some time ahead of the trip to read reviews, so that when you are wandering around and see a familiar name, you know whether it will be worth the stop!  Also, if you add bookmarks in your phone or write down places you want to eat, you will never be disappointed and won't be stranded getting hungry and cranky while you decide what to do!
~ How We Saved the Honeymoon!
We stayed in a condo so we had a kitchen.  We bought groceries and ate in 2 meals a day so that the meal we ate out was really nice and we were able to afford to spend a little more than we normally would and get something really good!  We also found group discounts and we DID NOT buy the rental car insurance because our personal car insurance transferred to our rental car!
~ Worth It!

If you are on Oahu, it is worth it to check out Aloha Yarn!  I had a nice visit, and really enjoyed the shop! This is what I bought! If you are on the island, or want a nice shop online to order from, I give Aloha Yarn a thumbs up!
~Contact Info:
Email me! cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Thank you a ton for listening!!

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!

Ep 70- BSG2011 Recap

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors:
Audible and BarMaids!
~Contest Winners:
 You'll have to listen to see if you won!
~July contest: 
None this month. Sorry
~Sweater Forecast:
No need! It's finally summer here!
~ Knitting:
Only 3 repeats left on my wedding shawl! I might make it a little bigger if I have time!  Also knitted 1.5 socks while at Black Sheep!
~Spinning:
 OMG Tour de Fleece! My goal, spin 15 mins a day! So far, so good!
~ BSG 2011 Recap:
Thursday we drove down and had dinner at Poppi's Anatolia
Friday we went to breakfast at Off the Waffle, went to the festival, ate on site, did the meet and greet, and then ate dinner at The Pizza Research Institute!
Saturyday, we had more waffles, then went to the Eugene Saturday Market! We had so much fun, we didn't even get to BSG that day!  We did however, eat at an amazing gluten free deli called New Dawn Bakery!  Then dinner at Marche, which was amazing once again!
Sunday we had breakfast at Studio One Cafe which had an awesome eggs beni menu, stopped by BSG for a little while, said our goodbyes :( and headed home! Overall, a TOTAL BLAST!
~ Sales!
Jo-Ann's 4th of July Sale!
Premier Yarns is having a 4th of July Sale as well! Use the coupon code JULY4 at checkout to receive 10% off your order!
~Tip of the Week:
Trade in to trade up!  Target now has Electronic trade ins! Trade in your old stuff to get $$on giftcards to spend at Target!
~How I Saved the Week:
Upgraded my phone! My contract with AT&T is up in a few days and I wanted an iPhone4! Found a refurbished one through the AT&T website for $100 with my new contract AND I will be trading my old one in at Target for $70 on a Target gift card! New phone for about $30! PS if you want to Facetime with me, let me know!
~ Worth It!
Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs


Retail: $7 (sliding scale- isn't that awesome?!)
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!! Not only is it absolutely beautiful because it is all hand written and illustrated, but it is FULL of useful information on maintaining a healthy, eco friendly household !  I am SO happy to have this book as a resource, and I hope you will add it to your collection!!!
100% WORTH IT!
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824

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!!!

Ep 68-Pop! (filter) Makes the World Go 'Round!

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~ Sponsors:
   -Audible: Follow the link to the Summer Reading Sale!!!  Sign up for a FREE 2 week trial, get a FREE audiobook download of your choice and take advantage of the summer reading sale!
   -  Bar Maids: Check out their entire eco-friendly skin care line! I love my Lo-Lo Bar!
~ Sweater Forecast:
Keep your sweater handy, even if you don't think you'll need it!
~ Knitting:
Wedding shawl is making steady progress, I'm quite sure I'll be able to finish it by the wedding!  I'm almost done with my sweater!! OMG I cut the steeks at work on Tuesday and am halfway done with the 2nd button band! SUPERYAY!  I'll totally finish it in time for Black Sheep!
~Sales!
   - Interweave's Hurt Book Sale! Their biggest sale of the year, with over 250 titles to choose from! 50-80 % off!
   - Little Knits Summer Sale! 20-86% off and FREE SHIPPING!
   - Amazon Listerine Sale    O.o silly thing, but still a sale!
~Tip of the Week:
Set up automatic payments!  A lot of places will give you a discount if you sign up!  You'll also never have to worry about forgetting a bill, just make sure you don't forget that your money is leaving your checking account and accidentally overdraw! Oops!
~ How I Saved the Week:
I helped Lorrina make awesome wedding announcements for her wedding, and in exchange, she gave me some postcard stamps! Also, I got a pop filter for my new mic for FREE! I had some credit card reward points that were about to expire so I got an amazon gift card with it and bought a pop filter!
~Worth It!
The Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl McPhee
Retail $12.95 US
AMAZING, and very clever! I've read this book over and over and it never ceases to make me laugh! If you want to have a good light read with lots of laughs, this book is TOTALLY WORTH IT!




~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave an iTunes review or make a donation to the show!!

Ep 67- Up to my Eyeballs

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors:
   Audible: Follow the link for a FREE 2 week trial and a FREE audiobook of your choice!!
   Bar-Maids: Check out their fabulous, eco friendly line of AMAZING skin care products!
~Contests: 
May winner announced! Listen to find out!
June: Wedding Help!! I need your help! Post your ideas on the Ravelry Thread to enter! A randomly selected entrant will win a $25 gift certificate to Bar- Maids! If I pick your entry to use for my wedding, you might win a copy of A Knitting Wrapsody by Kristin Omdahl!
A Knitting Wrapsody: Innovative Designs to Wrap, Drape, and Tie

Finally, help provide a scholarship for my awesome friend Amanda so she can go to Costume College.

Donate to the podcast during June and specify you want to help with her scholarship and you'll be entered into a raffle! Possible prizes: Your choice of 6oz of babydoll southdown fiber from Kellane Farm, some KnitPicks yarn or a jar of Laura's Organics hand lotion!  Who knows, maybe I'll pick more than one winner!
~ Sweater Forecast:
SUNNY AND WARM! No sweaters here!
~Knitting:
Wedding shawl is coming along nicely, have 4 repeats of chart B done!  Frogged the whole thing last Tuesday, so spending lots of time on it!  Also, sweater is almost done!  A few more inches on 2nd sleeve, ribbing on bottom, cut steek and knit button bands!  Hopefully done in time for Black Sheep!
~ Sales:
   - Little Knits has Louisa Harding 100% Mulberry Silk for only $6.40 a skein! That's a STEAL!
   - KnitPicks is having their summer sale! Up to 35% off specific colors!
   - WeddingThings has great little favors and gifts with NO minimum purchase quantity!
~ Tip of the Week:
Friends and Family discounts!  We got a great deal on the materials needed to build our new bed because our friend works at a local hardware store!
~ How We Saved the Week:
Bed supplies, and wedding makeup!  I'm having my makeup done, then buying the makeup that looks good, and having my sister do my makeup for the wedding! I'll get a great look AND get to keep the makeup!  Terra Firma Cosmetics is doing the makeup and providing the cosmetics! Crafted locally and made with natural products in the little town my mom grew up in!
~Worth It:
How To Shop For Free by Kathy Spencer
Check out the Website, but overall, this book will be totally worth it if you do the work!


~Contact:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please leave iTunes reviews! They make me exceedingly happy!!!
Also, donations are greatly appreciated!!  If you want to support Amanda's scholarship, please specify! If you want an awesome KnitCents button, leave your address!!

Ep 66- Missed you!

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors:
Audible: Click the link for a free 2 week trial and a free audiobook download!
Bar-Maids: OMG Check out the NEW Lo-Lo Bar with Zinc Oxide and Hempseed Oil!
~Sweater Forecast:
Its iffy- sometimes rain, sometimes beautiful sunny 70 degree!
~ Knitting/ Spinning:
Nothing new, but lots of progress!
~ Free Entertainment:
The KnitKnacks Podcast!
~ Garden Update!
We planted things! Carrots, radishes, endives and cucumbers!
~ Sales!
Knitting-Loop Shipping from the UK on yarns for less than $1 per skein!!!
Abundant Yarns Stash sale! save $$ on yarns you know and love!
RetailMeNot Search for online coupon codes for 90,000 stores!
~Events:
I'll be at Black Sheep Gathering, will you? Weekend of June 24-26! Eugene OR! Be there, or be missing out!
~ Tip of the Week:
Think outside the box!
We used some Vistaprint business cards to make the drink tickets for our wedding! They were free!! We only paid for the shipping!
~How We Saved the Week:
We bought some awesome All-In-One invitations for the wedding through
www.costco.com!  They are awesome, they'll save us money on postage and they are super adorable!!!!! Plus, postcard return means less envelopes and paper waste!
~ Worth It!
New Lo-Lo Bar! OMG! AMAZING! I didn't think the LoLo bar could get any better but the Bar Maids have outdone themselves! Wowza!!!  GO GET ONE (or 5)!
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Twitter: Roue0824
Ravelry: Roue
Please leave me a review on iTunes OR send me a donation! Any donation of $5 or more will earn you an awesome KnitCents button!

Ep 64- I Love Oly!

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors:
  - Audible: Follow the link for a free 2 week trial and a free audiobook download of your choice!
  -Bar-Maids: Check out their entire line of eco-friendly skin care products!
~Contest:
Save the Planet!  Go to the Ravelry Group and enter in the contest!
~ Sweater Forecast:
Mid 40s to mid 50s and rainy this week!
~Knitting:
Nothing new, though I'm getting close to finishing my Daybreak!  If you go to Ravelry and use the code Camp KIP, you can get $2 off the Daybreak pattern by Stephen West! Thanks Stephen!
~Free Entertainment:
Down From Ten by J. Daniel Sawer! AMAZING!  Not family friendly but really really good! I loved it!
Also, on iTunes, YogAmazing has a free video called Yoga for Butt and Thighs! Work on that Yoga Booty!!
~ Sales!
One more week with our coupon code in Dana's shop! Use the code KNITCENTSAPRIL for 10% off your purchase!
Olympia Sellers!
  -Deandail sells beautiful hand dyed roving and handmade goodness! Beautiful complementary colors and small quantities of different types of fiber so you can try it all!
  -Beautiful Yarn upcycles yarn!  This is a great way to save the planet because you are recycling something that may have gone to waste!
  -NW Bridal has lovely little bouquet sparklies and hair pretties! I kind of want to order some for the wedding...
~Tip of the Week:
Go do fun things in your town!  We have ArtsWalk and The Procession of the Species here, what fun things do you have?
~How I Saved the Week:
Aaron and I had a cheap date night! We made nachos, drank champagne and watched cartoons! It was fabulous!
~ Worth It!
The Knitting Way by Linda Skolnik and Janice MacDaniels
Retail : $16.99
Kind of hippie, crunchy guide to spiritual enlightenment and self discovery.  If you think this is for you, check it out.  If you are rolling your eyes, pass it by.
~Contact Info:
Email me! cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Please donate or leave me an iTunes review! I love you guys!

Ep 63- Yoga Booty

~Welcome/ Intro / Thanks!
~Sponsors:
  -Audible: Click the link for a free 2 week trial and 1 free audiobook download of your choice!
  - Bar-Maids: Check out all the fabulous scents and get your Lo-Lo On!
~Sweater Forecast:
OMG It's going to be warm!!
~Knitting:
Daybreak by Stephen West- CampKIP KAL! If you want the coupon code for the pattern, go listen to Miss Kalendar's latest episode!
Handspun sweater- Separated off for the sleeves and getting ready to start waist shaping!
Fru Socks- Finished the first one, cast on the second!
~Events:
The next one I'll be at is the Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene OR from June 23-26!
This weekend I went to the Shepherd's Extravaganza at the Puyallup Spring Fair! What fun!
~ Free Entertainment:
I've been listening to Predestination and other Games of Chance, part of the Antithesis Progression series by J. Daniel Sawyer.  Fantastic book, but NOT a family friendly listen!
Also, I posted the first AudioYoga today!  Join me and get the Yoga booty of your dreams!
~Sales!
  -Webs is having their 37th anniversary sale! Cascade 220 for only $4.95 a skein!
  - KnitPicks has the "Learn to Knit Kit" on sale for $10! If you bought the kit, you'd have just enough yarn to make yourself an awesome yoga mat bag!
  -We can't go to yoga with dry crackly feet, so check out the Bar-Maids new product, O' For Feet Sake! Only $9.99! A great deal!
~Tip of the Week:
Use the internet! Sometimes I forget about the vast amount of info at my fingertips!  Use the internet and find tons of free information!  Want to workout with me? Michele (with 1 L) told me about BodyRock.tv for great fitness workouts and they are all free! Want to learn a new knitting technique? Check out knitting help! And of course, if you have a question, head over to Ravelry and ask your questions there!!
~ How I Saved the Week:
Giving up fiddle lessons for a while.  The lessons weren't too expensive, but I wasn't playing often enough to justify paying to rent the fiddle.
~Worth It!
Wai Lana Yoga Mat
Amazon has some colors for $18! I paid $40 for mine and would do it again in a second!  They are a fabulous mat, latex free and really grippy without feeling sticky!! I love mine, and you should try it out if you don't have a mat already!
~Contact Info:
Email Me! cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Twitter: Roue0824
Ravelry: Roue
Please leave a donation or an iTunes review if you enjoy the show!!

Thanks for listening!

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

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

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!

Ep 53- Get Your Groupon!

~Welcome/ Intro/ Thanks!
~Sponsors:
Audible- Get a free 2 week trial and a free audiobook download of your choice!
Bar-Maids- Fabulous, eco friendly beauty and skin care products!
~Sweater Forecast:
Rainy and mid 40s to 50s. Nothing super interesting.
~Knitting:
SUPER KALer!
Knitting with the KnitWits: February Baby Sweater (or Baby sweater on 2 needles by EZ from The Knitter's Almanac)
Knitting with Shilo of Spin Control: Monkey Socks by Cookie A.
Knitting with Kristine of Yarnings: Wren Shawl by Kristine Beeson
~Events!
Madrona!! Meet and Greet on Saturday from 4:45-5:45!! Location TBA!
CampKIP! SO EXCITED!!!
Amy aka ToadyJoe on Ravelry has some mini-classes for sale!! PM her if you want it!
Thurs AM- A: KnitRX
Thurs AM- B: Aching Hands and Wrists
Thurs PM- Don't Despair, Repair
Friday AM- Double Knitting
~Free Entertainment:
Check out the PAL (Or Podiobook-Along) thread in the Ravelry group! We will pick a book by next week and we will listen to something awesome together!
~Tip of the Week!
  -Groupon and Living Social
Websites that allow you to purchase AMAZING deals on local things!!
~Sales!
 KnitPicks Kit Sale!
Check out your local Groupon or Living Social site!
~Worth It!
SWTC's Tofutsies
wool, soysilk, cotton and chitin
100 g, 464 yds
I like it!! Retail from SWTC is $16.75 but I've seen it for much less in shops!
Not as stretchy as wool but still good with a stretchy pattern! Dyed so that there is no pooling and doesn't overwhelm the pattern!  Pretty colors! Chitin is natural antimicrobial and antibacterial to fend off stinky feet! One con, kind of splitty. Otherwise, worth it!
~Contact:
Email! cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Want a pretty button? Click that pretty button down there!!

Ep 52- Ooh Baby!

~Welcome! / Intro/ Thanks! The baby is here!!

Isn't she cute? Leighton Jean, born January 24 at 1:50am

Weight: 6lbs 15oz, length 18.5 inches

Mom and baby are both super healthy and wonderful!!

~Sponsors: Audible- Click the link to get a free 2 week trial and a free audiobook of your choice!

Bar- Maids has wonderful eco-friendly skin care products that are perfect for your knitting bag!

~Contest:

January Contest Winner: Puffygriffinclaw

February Contest: Cheap Date- Tell me what awesome date night you can come up with for $5 or less! Similar to last year's cheap date, but last year it was $10! This year, only $5! Show me what you've got! Participation contest, the winner will receive Lo-Lo Body scrub, Lo-Lo Lips and Cuticle Intensive all from Bar-Maids! Lucky ducky!!

~Quick update:

If you love the Crooked Row podcast with Kim, her RSS feed has changed!! You can now find her at http://thecrookedrow.libsyn.com/rss and on itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-crooked-row/id415565111 ! Thanks KIM!

~Sweater Forecast:

Not super cold here this week, and it doesn't look like rain!  Forecast is showing between high 40s and low 50s in the day time, and low 30s to high 20s in the night.  Cardi in the day, warm clothes at night seems best!

~ Knitting: 

I finished all the little bits for the baby sweater! Sister loved it and baby was born just 3 days after I finished it! I'm pretty sure she was waiting until she knew there was a snuggly warm sweater ready for her!  I also finished the snake socks! I knitted almost an entire sock the day my sister was in active labor while I was walking the halls of the hospital with her!  I also knitted  a little baby pair to match!

~Spinning: 

I spun up a couple more ounces of that same corriedale while I was waiting for the phone call to GO to the hospital with my sister!

~ Free Entertainment:

I just finished listening to the Trader Tales Series by Nathan Lowell on Podiobooks! It was AMAZING!  I listened to it with a friend, and had so much fun that I think we should have a podiobook listen-a-long! I'll open a thread on Ravelry to see what you think!!

~Sales!

  Knitting Warehouse has Bernat Softee Baby for only $3.59 a ball! (reg $4.99)

  Little Knits has Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for only $3.25 a ball (reg $9.99!!!)

  Target is having their Baby Sale!  Loads of awesome deals on baby items!!

~ Tip of the Week:

Did you know you can rent baby stuff? I knew you could rent breast pumps from the hospitals (great deal if you only want to pump for a short time, but less expensive to buy if you'll be pumping for more than 6 months or with more than 1 child) but you can also rent car seats, high chairs, pack and plays, bathtubs and toys!  Like the pumps, if you plan to use these items for more than a short period of time, it is less expensive to just buy it, but if you are travelling or something, airlines charge up to $50 each way to transport a car seat or stroller, ($100 round trip) OR you could rent a car set for a week for only $40! Awesome!

~ How I Saved the Week:

I maintained my steadfast resolve not to buy everything in sight for my little niece by knitting for her instead!

~ Worth It!

Caron Simply Soft yarn

Retails different prices depending on the color style, but a 6oz skein of regular, or brights is about $5 for 314 yds.  Soft, machine wash and dry, shiny and good drape!  It is my go to yarn if I'm knitting for a baby whose parents have wool sensitivity!  It isn't squeaky like other 100% acryllic yarns, and it lasts well through washes! Overall, Worth It!

~Contact Info:

email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com

Ravelry: Roue

Twitter: Roue0824

Want an awesome KnitCents Button? Just click that fancy button down there and donate at least $5!

Ep 51- Cashmere and Spice

~Welcome!!
This episode is sponsored by Audible. Click the link to get a free 2 week trial and a free audiobook of your choice
and
Bar-Maids. Their moisturizing lotion bars are the best in the biz!
~ Contest:
Make something for yourself!! Be selfish a bit this month!
~ Sweater Forecast:
You barely need one. 50s and rainy, but not cold!
~ Knitting:

I finished the knitting on the baby sweater! Now I need to sew on the buttons and do the Knitmore Girl's couture ribbon tutorial and couture button tutorial!
I've also made a great deal of progress on the Slytherin Socks! HPKCHC FTW!
~Free Entertainment:
Owner's Share by Nathan Lowell
This American Life on WBEZ Chicago
~Sales!
  -Joann Fabrics is having their winter warmup! Huge sales on everything! Also, they have a new app! You can now save their coupons into your phone wallet to use at the store, separately from the mailers!
  - Yubina has cashmere yarns at awesome prices!! Check them out!
  - Everywhere, stores are clearing out their winter items to make room for spring items! Snatch up those warm clothes at HUGE savings! Stock up for next year (or use now if it's still cold where you are!)
~Tip of the Week:
Cost vs Convenience.  Convenient items (especially food) are very expensive.  Bulk items are cheap!  You can buy your bulk items, and spend a little bit of time making them convenient!  For example, instead of buying the single serve, 1oz cheese bites, buy the 2lb block of cheese, spend a little time with a knife and a kitchen scale and portion out your cheese into 1oz bites.  Save them in an air tight container in your fridge, and then when you need a snack to go, grab a couple, stuff them into a smaller, reusable container and toss it into your bag!  Not only are you saving money, but you are throwing MUCH less trash into our landfills!
~ How I Saved the Week:
Instead of spending $7 an ounce on tiny little jars of spices at my local grocery store, I went to my FAVORITE little local spice shop!  There, I buy the spices, not the container, and get them for SO MUCH LESS!  Instead of spending about $14 on one ounce each of paprika and ground mustard, I spent $12.95 on one ounce each of paprika, ground mustard, crushed red peppers, spiced gourmet pepper, jasmine tea and raspberry leaf tea! I WIN!
If you don't have a local spice shop, check out mine! Buck's Fifth Avenue in Olympia WA does phone, website and email orders! They have amazing spices, and FABULOUS prices! The prices aren't listed on the website because they change frequently (down in price as often as up!) and the owner, Anne, is really nice!  Tell her I sent you!
~ Worth It!
Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere
40g, 87 yds, worsted weight.
72% SW merino, 15% nylon, 13% cashmere
$7.99/ball
I just can't decide if this yarn is worth it.  It feels very nice, and I'm really glad to see the value companies creating more luxury yarns, but I know that I can get a ball of KnitPicks Capra (I'll do a full review later) for the same price, but get a 50g ball with 127 yds! (DK weight). I know it's only a difference of 10g, but that's 10g!  I'd love to know what you all think!
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824

Guess what?! I finally ordered buttons again!! If you'd like one, all you have to do is click that shiny little button below and donate $5 or more!!!

Episode 50- Double Up!

~Welcome!!
~Sponsors:
  Audible: Click the link for a free 2 week trial and a free audiobook download of your choice!
  Bar-Maids: Lovely solid lotion bars, cuticle creams and lotions! Perfect for knitting!
~ Sweater Forecast:
SNOW! It is supposed to snow a lot this week! Get out the woolens!
~ Knitting:
Baby sweater is coming along! Dr says she would be surprised if baby isn't here in the next few days!! EEP!
Slytherin Socks are looking pretty awesome!
Cashmere hat for Leighton is coming along as well!
~Spinning: None
~Sewing:
Sewed myself a pretty green skirt to match my Gwen Slouch!  I actually finished while I was recording the episode!
~ Free Entertainment:
 Yogpod: A goofy podcast where a couple of Brits make fun of random things, talk a little about video games and are just generally goofy.  Not a family show, but worth a listen!
~Events:
Madrona Fiber Arts retreat: Mini-Class list is posted! Awesome (and very inexpensive) way to try out some new techniques with amazing teachers!!! I'll be there!
CampKIP: Only a few spots left! Listen to the latest update from Jackie to hear all the latest info!!
~Sales:
  -Kellane Farm has some lovely looking fiber! So soft and smooshable and only $3 an ounce!
  - Digital Scale on eBay only $6.95 with free economy shipping!!
  - Wolfe Farms has awesome and yummy sounding herbal soaps and lotions! The "To Hatch a Peach" scent is on sale 25% off right now, and Dawn (knittinwolf on Ravelry) is offering a free 1 ounce trial to try out her products!!!
~Tip of the Week:
Double up on coupons! If your local store has a sale or a store coupon for something, use a manufacturer coupon on top of it to get it for super cheap or even free!! It's totally legit and can save you tons of $$!
~ How I Saved the Week:
I'm going back to school! I needed to request a transcript from the massage school I went to, and instead of requesting one online for $25, I gave the owner a call! She agreed to give me a copy!!
~ Worth It:
KnitPicks Zephyr Acrylic needles
Pros:
Just like all KnitPicks needles, the joins are smooth on the cables, the tips are nice and pointy, and these specifically are MUCH less expensive than the wood or metal.
Cons: The clear needles are really distracting because you can see the backs of the stitches through the needles which makes it hard to count stitches and is just generally distracting.  Also, they are squeaky! Just like acrylic yarn has a squeaky characteristic, these needles, when I used them with wool were also squeaky!
Overall: These needles are not for me. If you don't mind the squeakiness of acrylic yarn, you won't mind these needles, and for the price, they can't be beat.  However, if you don't like squeaky yarn, you won't like these needles.
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824

Use your KnitCents!

Ep 47- Regift, Refund, Repurpose

~Welcome/ Thank you!
This episode is sponsored by Audible! Visit the link for a free 2 week trial and audiobook download of your choice!
~Sweater Forecast:
Cold and rain through Tuesday, then possible snow Wednesday through Friday!
~ Knitting: 
Aaron's socks are almost done! Eep!  Planning to cast on 4 baby sweaters New Year's Day!
(Links go to Ravelry, sign up if you aren't already a member)
For Leighton: the Easy Baby Cardigan by Diane Soucy in Lime Green
For Twin baby A: Baby Sweater on 2 needles by Elizabeth Zimmerman in bright aqua blue
For Twin baby B: Lillie Baby Cardigan by Laura Edwards
For Arya: Helena Sweater by Allison Green Will
Goal: Finish all 4 sweaters by end of April!
~Spinning:
 I got fiber for Christmas!!  I have 24 oz of fiber in all corresponding colorways for my next handspun sweater!! Got lots of spinning to do over the next 2 days!
~Sales!!!
After Christmas sales/ end of year sales!!
  -Webs is having their year end blowout!  from 12/22- 1/2 save up to 75% off certain yarns!!
  - Joann Fabrics is having a year end sale! Every skein of yarn in store and online is on sale!
~Tip of the Week:
If you got a holiday gift that doesn't suit you, feel free to practice one of the following options. I give you permission.
Regift: Just be POSITIVE that the person you gift it to and the original gifter are NOT in the same social circle.
Refund: If you know where the gift came from but you don't want to ask the original gifter for the receipt, you can often return it (as long as it is UNOPENED) for a store credit without a receipt. They will usually give you the lowest price that item was in the past 90 days, and you can usually only do this once or twice a year at major stores. Be sure to bring your ID, so they can keep track of how often you do refunds without receipts!
Repurpose: There is no need to save your Christmas cards after Christmas, but you can cut them up and make gift tags for next year out of them!  Thanks for the tip knitting group!
~ How I Saved the Week:
I made 16 batches of shortbread for all my family members in ONE DAY! I'm pretty proud of it!
Chocolate Shortbread Recipe:
1/4 c butter, softened
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c flour
1/4 c powdered sugar
1 to 2 T baking cocoa

Cream butter in a mixing bowl. Add vanilla and mix well.
Combine flour, sugar and cocoa separately; add to creamed mixture.  Beat until dough holds together, about 3 mins.
Pat into a 9x4inch rectangle. Cut into 2-in by 1-1/2-in strips. Prick with a fork. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees F for 20-25 mins or until firm. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheets, then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy alongside some delicious hot cocoa, coffee or tea. Yield: 1 dozen.

~ Worth It:
The Taste of Home Chocolate Lover's Cookbook
A compilation of hundreds of recipes using chocolate as the major ingredient!  YUM!
You can order through Amazon (most expensive) or order through mail by sending $15.99 plus $3.95 shipping for one book, or $4.50 for 2 or more books, with item number 32496 to:
Country Store Suite 5610
PO Box 990
Greendale WI 53129-0990.
Or visit their website!
I've made several recipes out of this book!  If you or someone you know loves chocolate, this book is TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
~Contact Info:
Email: cleverroue (at) gmail (dot) com
Ravelry: Roue
Twitter: Roue0824
Have an awesome week everyone!!

Episode 45- Cotton is absorbent

Hey!  Sorry I didn't get around to posting these until now!  Here are the main points:
~Free Entertainment:
Audiblepodcast.com/knitcents Free 2 week trial, and lots of freebies including free Christmas stories!!
Free Target Holiday Album!
~Sales!
KnitPicks has swifts on sale (really nice ones) for $50 through Jan. 3!!
All the other sales I talked about are over now...
~Tip of the Week:
Check your online wish lists often, prices change!!  Something you didn't think you could afford before may have dropped in price to a reasonable range!!
~How I Saved the Week:
I bought Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day from Amazon for $14 including tax!! This is a $30 hardcover retail, and I've wanted it for a long time! WOOHOO!
~Worth It:
KnitPicks Comfy
Comes in lots of colors and weights, great to weave with, great cotton/acryllic blend would be great for anyone with wool allergies, doesn't hurt my hands like most cotton!!
Yay! Worth it!

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!!