Sun, 7 February 2010 Episode 5: Buenabrigo (featuring Antonio Gonzalez-Arnao) Media Link: Buenabrigo (24:58)  There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. Malabrigo Yarns debuted in 2005 when Tobias Feder and Antonio Gonzalez-Arnao decided to start a family-owned business producing the finest wool and yarns. They hail from Montevideo, Uruguay but travel around the world to promote their luxuriously soft and dazzlingly-hued fibers. For this episode I chatted with Antonio, the current chief of Malabrigo Yarns, at Stitches West in the spring of 2009. The following book was mentioned:
The WINNER of our fourth Fiber Beat CONTEST is Carol and she receives 1 bag (enough for a full sweater) of Zitron Unisono generously donated by Skacel Knitting Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 5 I have 1 bag (13 skeins!!) of Silky Merino in the Gray Green colorway along with the latest Malabrigo pattern book number two featuring designs by Melissa Leapman. These prizes have been generously donated by Malabrigo Yarns for this episode's contest. All you need to do is tell us your favorite spanish-language artist (can be any medium, such as music, film, literature, painting, etc.). To enter, please leave your comment on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. One winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS FEBRUARY 28, 2010. A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first seven episodes (audio/video) of Fiber Beat. Let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! A very special thanks to our airport customs actors: Taylor and Madeleine. The voice of Antonio Gonzalez-Arnao was provided by Anthony. Special thanks to Max and John for their above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty linguistic talents! We used snippets of the songs below in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artists (links provided for your convenience):
My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!! Comments[35] |
Mon, 18 January 2010 Fiber Beat Video Supplement 3: Magic Loop! Media Link: Video Supplement 3: Magic Loop! (10:54) You can now watch it at Vimeo or with the inline player below. Fiber Beat Video Supplement #3, The Magic Loop from WonderMike on Vimeo. 
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. Welcome new listeners and viewers to our next Video Supplement to Fiber Beat, Number 4. This episode we feature the unvention of Sarah Hauschka, The Magic Loop. This knitting technique allows one to work circularly on any size project whose circumference measurement is smaller than that of the total needle length. The bonuses are that you only use one long circular needle and you eliminate those pesky ladders that can form when using double pointed needles (DPNs). The following items were mentioned and referenced in the Video Supplement:
Don't forget about the Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 4 I have 1 bag (enough for a full sweater) of Zitron Unisono. It has been generously donated by Skacel Knitting for this episode's contest. All you need to do is tell us your most ambitious project (can be any level/fiber medium). Be sure to include pictures or links to your Ravelry project page, Flickr, etc. To enter, please leave your comment on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS JANUARY 21, 2010. A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first seven episodes (audio & video) of Fiber Beat. Now that you've had a chance to watch the Fiber Beat Video Supplements, let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! We used snippets of the following songs in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artist (links provided for your convenience):
My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat. Comments[5] |
Thu, 7 January 2010 Episode 4: Skacel-ebrate! (featuring Karin Skacel) Media Link: Skacel-ebrate! (32:11) 
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. Skacel Knitting is a family-owned business that has been going strong for over two decades. They introduced Addi Turbo needles to the United States but they also distribute a range of fine yarns, patterns and tools for knitting, crocheting and, now, felting. This episode I talked with Karin Skacel, the current chief of Skacel Knitting at Stitches West in the spring of 2009. I also spoke with Brian Kohler on the telephone about an ambitious sock knitting project he has begun with a specially designed Addi Turbo circular needle. A bit of trivia for the active listeners. Near the end of the interview, I ask Karin a somewhat odd question about what makes Skacel "delightful". The reason for this construction was that I originally conceived of the new podcast being named "Fiber Delight" (like Rapper's Delight, my first 12" single AND where I took my online/Ravelry name). But, I decided to go with a more film noir name, "Fiber Beat" and the idea of asking the "delightful" question fell away. In this instance, I really liked Karin's answer because it speaks to her business philosophy which I personally find.... delightful. So, I kept it in the final edit. I hope you like it! The following people, places and things were mentioned:
The WINNER of our third Fiber Beat CONTEST is Kristin and she receives 1 oz. of delicious Bison fiber from Judith Mackenzie McCuin's company, Buffalo Gals. We also did another Twitter promotional contest for the podcast. Our two winners for the contest were Shannon and Jenny. Shannon receives a batt of Faerie Mountain Fibres and Jenny receives my handspun from a batt of Faerie Mountain Fibres. CONGRATULATIONS to our three winners and thank you to all who entered. Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 4 I have 1 bag (enough for a full sweater) of Zitron Unisono. It has been generously donated by Skacel Knitting for this episode's contest. All you need to do is tell us your most ambitious project (can be any level/fiber medium). Be sure to include pictures or links to your Ravelry project page, Flickr, etc. To enter, please leave your comment on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS JANUARY 21, 2010. A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first five episodes (audio/video) of Fiber Beat. Let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! A very special thanks to our bedtime story actors: Kristine, Adrienne, Debbi, Becca, Karen, Nam, and Anthony! We used snippets of the songs below in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artists (links provided for your convenience):
My name is Michel de Merveille and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!! Comments[14] |
Sun, 29 November 2009 Episode 3: Intent to Spin (featuring Judith Mackenzie McCuin) Media Link: Intent to Spin (32:21) 
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. If you are a spinner, weaver or fleece lover, you will very likely recognize (and revere) the name Judith Mackenzie McCuin. She's the author of two books on different aspects of spinning: an introductory book, Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning and the more recent and holistic The Intentional Spinner. A familiar face at Spin-Off Annual Retreat (SOAR) and and co-founder of the Golden Gate Fiber Institute, she remains one of the most sought after instructors and speakers and is one of spinning's most tireless advocates. This episode I talked with Judith after her presentation on sheep and human co-development at the Spindles & Flyers guild meeting in El Cerrito, California. The following people, places and things were mentioned:
The WINNER of our second Fiber Beat CONTEST is Katrina and she receives Little Box of Socks by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott. We also did another Twitter promotional contest for the podcast. Our winner for the that contest is Maryjo and she receives a skein of Curious Creek's Wasonga sock yarn in the exclusive "Happiness Is..." colorway. Thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations to our two winners! Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 3 I have 1 oz of delicious Bison fiber from Judith's company, Buffalo Gals. All you need to do is tell us who your favorite instructor was (can be any discipline/level/school) and what they taught you. To enter, please leave your comment on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS DECEMBER 21, 2009. A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first four episodes (audio/video) of Fiber Beat. Let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! A very special thanks to our "potential" student actors: Chris and Barbara! We used snippets of the songs below in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artists (links provided for your convenience):
My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!! Comments[22] |
Sun, 15 November 2009 Video Supplement, Episode 2: Speed Swatch Media Link: Video Supplement 2: Speed Swatch (09:32) ETA: You can now watch it at Vimeo or with the inline player below. Fiber Beat Video Supplement 2: Speed Swatch from WonderMike on Vimeo. 
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. Welcome listeners and viewers to our second Video Supplement to Fiber Beat. Once again we pushed the limits of our video editing software and hardware. It really does take an inordinate amount of time to create the simplest and shortest of pieces. It makes me respect that much more the seamless work of Lucy, Meg, Jacey and Cat & Eric. The following books were mentioned in the Video Supplement:
Don't forget about the second Fiber Beat CONTEST I have the Little Box of Socks by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott. All you need to do is tell us what advice you'd like to help face your sock challenges? To enter, please leave a comment on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS NOVEMBER 30, 2009. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say! A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first two episodes of Fiber Beat. Now that you've had a chance to watch the Fiber Beat Video Supplements, let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! We used snippets of the following songs in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artist (links provided for your convenience):
My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat. Comments[26] |
Fri, 30 October 2009 Episode 2: Sock Options! (featuring Charlene Schurch) Media Link: Sock Options! (30:01) 
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. For many sock knitters, their first book of patterns is Sensational Knitting Socks by Charlene Schurch. In some ways, it's the only sock book you'll ever need, but fortunately, you don't have to settle for just one. There's More Sensational Knitted Socks, Little Box of Socks and the forthcoming Sock Club. And when you tire of socks (heaven forfend!), there are pattern collections devoted to hats and to mittens. This episode I sat down with Charlene Schurch before her Sock Summit class on durability. We talked about Charlene's journey into knitwear design and her strategies for creating durable socks in a variety of configurations. The following people, places and things were mentioned:
The WINNER of our first Fiber Beat CONTEST is Tamara and she receives the Moccasin Sock pattern along with two skeins of Schoolhouse Press Quebecoise. We also dipped our toes into the world of Twitter and had a promotional contest for the podcast. Our winner for that contest is Tim and he receives 2 wheels of Un-spun Icelandic wool in the denim colorway. Our next Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 2 I have the Little Box of Socks by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott. All you need to do is tell us what advice you'd like to help face your sock challenges? To enter, please leave a comment on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS NOVEMBER 30, 2009. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say! A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first episode of Fiber Beat. Let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! A very special thanks to our Townspeople actors: Seana and Ron! We used snippets of the songs below in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artists (links provided for your convenience):
My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!! Comments[22] |
Tue, 13 October 2009 Media Link: Video Supplement 1: No Bar Increase & Moccasin Socks (09:32)
ETA: You can now watch it at Vimeo or with the inline player below. Fiber Beat Video Supplement #1: No Bar Increase & Moccasin Socks from WonderMike on Vimeo. 
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. Welcome new listeners and now, VIEWERS, to our first Video Supplement to Fiber Beat. We're very impressed (and quite nervous) by the amount of work that goes into a video production. Please be gentle with your critique, but, we do want to know what you think and what works and what doesn't work for you! The following people, places and things were mentioned:
Don't forget about the very first Fiber Beat CONTEST I have the pattern for the Moccasin Sock by Elizabeth Zimmermann PLUS two skeins of Québécoise in navy blue & forest green to give away. All you need to do is tell us what what you have learned from Schoolhouse Press? To enter, please leave a comment on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS OCTOBER 30, 2009. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say! A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first episode of Fiber Beat. Now that you've had a chance to watch the Fiber Beat Video Supplement, let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! We used snippets and variations of the following song in this episode:
ETA: Several people have asked me about the spindles in the beginning shot (on the desk) and I'm listing them here:
My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat. Comments[26] |
Mon, 28 September 2009 Episode 1: Schoolhouse Socks! (28:46)
There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin. Welcome new listeners and old! I'm so pleased you've joined me on the Fiber Beat. Sock Summit was THE fiber event of our generation and it was thanks to the incredible work of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and Tina Newton. I was fortunate enough to attend as a vendor with the Verb posse, but I was also a student and reporter for Fiber Beat. For my first episode, I spoke with Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen from Schoolhouse Press. The following people, places and things were mentioned:
Our very first Fiber Beat CONTEST I have the pattern for the Moccasin Sock by Elizabeth Zimmermann PLUS two skeins of Québécoise in navy blue & forest green to give away. All you need to do is tell us what what you have learned from Schoolhouse Press. To enter, please leave a comment below OR on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS OCTOBER 30, 2009. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say! A GINORMOUS thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first episode of Fiber Beat. Let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes! Special thanks to Miss Priss: Adrienne Rodriguez and Editor/Musician extraordinaire: Anthony Bonet. We used snippets of the songs below in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artists (links provided for your convenience):
My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat. Comments[31] |
Sun, 13 September 2009 Fiber Beat Promo: Homage to Double Indemnity Fiber Beat Promo: Fiber Beat Promo: Homage to Double Indemnity (1:20) There's a million crafters in Fiber City and weave all got a yarn to spin. If it's fiber, you'll find it on the Fiber Beat. Comments[3] |
Fri, 11 September 2009 Greetings and salutations, Fellow Fiber Fiends!!!
Category: general -- posted at: 5:59 PM Comments[4] |
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