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:

• Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt
• Addi Click interchangeable needle system
• Artfelt
• Sock Summit 2009
• Skacel Blog
• Melissa Leapman
• Cat Bordhi and her new sock book, Personal Footprints
• Hansigurumi, incredible knitted toy patterns by Hansi Singh

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):

• "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Another One Bites the Dust" and "We Are the Champions" performed by Rockabye Baby! from Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Renditions of QueenRockabye Baby!: Lullaby Renditions of Queen (Rockabye Baby! Music , 2009)
• "Auld Lang Syne" performed by The Kings Of Dixieland from Kings Of Dixieland Vol. 7 (Crown, 1989)
• "Fortissimo" performed by Robert Goulet from Robert Goulet's Greatest Hits (Columbia, 1969)
• "Dynamo" performed by Les Houbeaux from Great British Rock n Roll (Smith & Co Sound & Vision, 1958)
• "The Click Song" performed by Miriam Makeba & The Belafonte Folk Singers from Belafonte Returns To Carnegie Hall (RCA Victor, 1962)
• "Hans and Franz" performed by Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon from Saturday Night Live: The Best of Dana Carvey (Lions Gate, 2005)
• "Teacher I Need You" performed by Elton John from Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (DJM. 1973)
• "A-Roving" performed by Alan Mills and the Four Shipmates from Songs of the Sea (Smithsonian Folkways, 1957)
• "The Life of Brian" performed by Monty Python's Flying Circus from The Life of Brian (Handmade Films, 1979)
• "Turbo Charge" performed by Nitty Gritty from Turbo Charged/Trouble Again (Greensleeves Records, 1986)
• "14 Sox" performed by Anthony Bonet, exclusive to Fiber Beat (Fiber Beat, 2010)
• "Theme from MacGyver" performed by Randy Edelman from Macgyver - The Complete Series (Paramount, 1985)
• "Bedtime Story (Orbital Mix)" performed by Madonna from Bedtime Story (Single) (Maverick/Sire, 1995)

My name is Michel de Merveille and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!!