There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin.

CookieA is the designer of dozens of sock patterns, including the iconic and wildly popular Monkey pattern. She co-blogs with Kristi Geraci at Knitter's Anonymous and teaches all over the world. This episode I talked with Cookie at Bobbin's Nest Studio on the occasion of her launch and book signing for "Sock Innovation" (Interweave Knits, 2009).

The following places, people and things were mentioned:

• Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Yarns
• Lorna's Laces
• Koigu Sock Yarns
• Fleece Artist Sock Yarns
• Cascade Heritage Sock Yarns
• Shelridge Farms Sock Yarns
• Knit Nation - London, UK
• Dance Dance Revolution aka DDR
• Knitted Lace Designs of Herbert Niebling (Lacis Press)
• Cookie's blog post about Machine Knitting for Fashion Industry workshop
• Hussein Chalayan
• Clara Parkes' (Knitters Review) review of CookieA's book.
• Lyra Learning Group

The WINNER of our fifth Fiber Beat CONTEST is Tina and she receives 1 bag (13 skeins) of Silky Merino along with the latest pattern book number 2 featuring designs by Melissa Leapman. These prizes have been generously donated by Malabrigo Yarns. A huge GRACIAS to everyone who entered the contest. We were OVERWHELMED with the enthusiasm for both shows (English & Spanish language versions) and, in particular, for this contest!!!!

Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 6

I have a signed copy of CookieA's "Sock Innovation" for this episode's contest. All you need to do is tell us your favorite innovator (can be any discipline, 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 MARCH 21, 2010.

A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who downloaded and listened to the first eight episodes (audio/video) of Fiber Beat. Let me know what you think and leave a review on iTunes!

A very special thanks to our actor: PunkRawkPurl.

We used snippets of the songs below in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artists (links provided for your convenience):

• "Fiber Beat theme (salsa caliente mix)" performed by Anthony Bonet from exclusive to Fiber Beat (2010)
• "Theme from Rome" performed by Jeff Beal from Rome: The Complete Series (HBO Home Video, 2009)
• "Anon: Alleluya: A Nywe Werke " performed by Anonymous 4 from On Yoolis Night (Harmonia Mundi, 1993)
• "C is for Cookie" performed by Marilyn Horne from Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days (Children's Television Workshop, 2009)
• "If I Were a Bell" performed by Blossom Dearie from Once Upon a Summertime (Verve, 1958)
• "Shades of Gray" performed by Monkees from Headquarters (Colgems, 1967)
• "A Case of You" performed by Joni Mitchell from Blue (Reprise, 1971)
• "This Is My Idea" performed by Sandy Duncan, Howard McGillin and cast from The Swan Princess (Sony Wonder, 1994)
• "Dance Dance Revolution" performed by Adam and Andrew from Still Not Famous (Adam and Andrew, 2007)
• "Me Going to Munch You, Munch You, Munch You" performed by Cookie Monster from Born to Add (Children's Television Workshop, 1995)
• "Fractal Zoom" performed by Brian Eno from Nerve Net (All Saints Records, 1992)
• "Cookie Jar" performed by Gym Class Heroes from The Quilt (Fueled By Ramen, 2008)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!!

NOTA: Este episodio es una edición especial de Fiber Beat. Registramos una entrevista en español con el fundador de Malabrigo, Antonio Gozález-Arnao. Hemos querido presentar sus respuestas en su idioma original para nuestros oyentes en español. Esperamos que disfrute!

Malabrigo Hilos debutó en 2005, cuando Tobias Feder y Antonio González-Arnao, decidió iniciar un negocio familiar de producción de la más fina lana y hilados. Provienen de Montevideo, Uruguay, pero ellos viajan por todo el mundo para promover sus fibras lujosas, suaves y de tonos deslumbrantes.

Para este episodio yo hablé con Antonio, el jefe actual de Malabrigo Hilados, a Stitches West en la primavera de 2009.

El siguiente libro se menciona:

• Malabrigo Book One con los patrones de Cornelia Hamilton.

El ganador de nuestro cuarto concurso de Fiber Beat es Carol y ella recibe 1 bolsa (suficiente para un suéter completo) de Zitron Unisono generosamente donado por Skacel Knitting.

Fiber Beat CONCURSO para Episodio No. 5

Tengo 1 bolsa (13 madejas!) de Silky Merino junto con el último panfleto de patrones de Malabrigo y los diseños de Melissa Leapman. Estos premios han sido donados generosamente por Malabrigo Hilos para el concurso de este episodio. Todo lo que necesitas hacer es decirnos cual es su artista favorito en el idioma español (puede ser cualquier medio, por ejemplo música, cine, literatura, pintura, etc.).

Para entrar, por favor deje su comentario en fiberbeat.com o en el Ravelry Fiber Beat foro. Un ganador será seleccionado al azar de todas las entradas. PLAZO PARA LA ENTRADA ES 28 DE FEBRERO 2010.

Un ENORME agradecimiento a todos nuestros oyentes de los primeros siete episodios (audio / vídeo) de Fiber Beat. Déjanos saber lo que piensan y, si pueden, dejen un comentario en iTunes!

Un agradecimiento muy especial a nuestros agentes de aduanas en el aeropuerto: Taylor y Madeleine. La voz de WonderMike en español fue proporcionada por Anthony. Muchisimas gracias a Andy, Max y John por sus extraordinarios talentos lingüísticos!

Hemos utilizado fragmentos de estas canciones en este episodio. Si le gusta la música, por favor, apoyé a los artistas (los vínculos proporcionados para su conveniencia):

• "Fiber Beat theme (salsa caliente mix)" realizado por Anthony Bonet del álbum exclusive to Fiber Beat (2010)
• "Rapper's Delight" realizado por Sugarhill Gang del álbum The Best of Sugarhill Gang (Rhino Records, 1996)
• "South American Way" realizado por Carmen Miranda del álbum Radio Days Soundtrack (Novus, 1987)
• "Los Feos Pa' La Cocina" realizado por Moscovita del álbum Me Estoy Poniendo Viejo (Musart-Balboa, 2008)
• "Cunado" realizado por Banana Hammock del álbum Spanglish 101 (Kool Arrow Records, 1999)
• "Cholito Toca y Retoca" realizado por Cuadro Torres Bermejas del álbum Los Tres Magos de Oriente (Bela Records, 1970)
• "Fire Down Below" realizado por Lord Panama and the Stickers del álbum Panama! 3 (Sound Way Records, 2009)
• "Dime Cuando" realizado por Trio Universal del álbum Requerdos Del Mundo (Crownstar Records, 2006)
• "No Hay Palabras" realizado por Pop Orange del álbum Pop Party Hits (Meta/Difosa, 2008)
• "Uruguay" realizado por Mochicas del álbum Musique et Chants d'Amerique Latine (Agorlia, 1990)
• "Canción del Cantor Errante" realizado por Carlos Rodriguez del álbum Un Poco De Uruguay (RGS Music, 2006)
• "Upa Nega" realizado por Ruben Rada del álbum Antología del Candombe (Orfeo, 1991)
• "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás" realizado por Sara Montiel del álbum Mala Educación/Bad Education soundtrack (Sony, 2004)
• "Nitro" realizado por Contra Las Cuerdas del álbum Sound Trip Uruguay (Reise Know How Sound, 2009)

Mi nombre es WonderMike y TE veré en el Fiber Beat!!

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:

• Malabrigo Book One featuring patterns by Cornelia Hamilton.

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):

• "Fiber Beat theme (salsa caliente mix)" performed by Anthony Bonet from exclusive to Fiber Beat (2010)
• "Rapper's Delight" performed by Sugarhill Gang from The Best of Sugarhill Gang (Rhino Records, 1996)
• "South American Way" performed by Carmen Miranda from Radio Days Soundtrack (Novus, 1987)
• "Soulful in the Kitchen" performed by Buzzy Jones from To Helmsburg and Back (Surf Records, 1996)
• "He's My Brother-in-Law" performed by Tim Wilson from Songs for the Musically Disturbed (Southern Tracks Records, 1996)
• "Touch Up" performed by Mother, Mother from Touch Up (Last Gang Records, 2007)
• "Fire" performed by Ohio Players from Fire (Mercury, 1974)
• "Tell Me When" performed by The Radio Kings from It Ain't Easy (Icehouse Records, 1996)
• "Foreigner Suite" performed by Cat Stevens from Foreigner (A&M, 1973)
• "Uruguay" performed by Mochicas from Musique et Chants d'Amerique Latine (Agorlia, 1990)
• "Canción del Cantor Errante" performed by Carlos Rodriguez from Un Poco De Uruguay (RGS Music, 2006)
• "Upa Nega" performed by Ruben Rada from Antología del Candombe (Orfeo, 1991)
• "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás" performed by Sara Montiel from Mala Educación/Bad Education soundtrack (Sony, 2004)
• "Nitro" performed by Contra Las Cuerdas from Sound Trip Uruguay (Reise Know How Sound, 2009)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!!

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:

• The Magic Loop by Sarah Hauschka and Bev Galeskas.
• Photo Credit: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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):

• "Fiber Beat Theme variations" performed by Anthony Bonet (Exclusive to Fiber Beat, 2010)
• "The Windmills Of Your Mind" performed by Varla Jean Merman from Enough About Me, An Unauthorized Biography (Peak Productions, 2000)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat.

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!!

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:

• Royal British Columbia Museum
• Tasha Tudor & Family
• Bauhaus design movement credo of "form follows function"
• excerpt of Thomas Gray's poem: Elegy Written In Country Church-Yard
• Cecil & Ron Miskin of Buffalo Gold
• Morgaine Wilder of Carolina Homespun
• Maggie Casey's Intro to Spinning DVD
• Judith's Spinning Exotic Fibers and Novelty Yarns DVD

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):

• "Holiday for Strings" performed by Walter Schumann from The Voices of Walter Schumann (RCA, 1958)
• "Spinning World" performed by The Heartbeats from Spinning World (Green Linnet, 2006)
• "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" performed by They Might Be Giants from Istanbul (Not Constantinople) EP (Elektra, 1990)
• "I've Got Beginner's Luck" performed by Chris Connor from Chris Connor Sings the George Gershwin Almanac of Song (Atlantic, 1960)
• "Pavana (Mylius, 1622)" performed by Paul O'Dette from Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol. 1 (Harmonia Mundi, 1995)
• "Elegy Written In A Country Churchyard" written by Thomas Gray, read by John Green from Epic Poems (Blue Dot, 2007)
• "Soar" performed by Christina Aguilera from Stripped (RCA, 2002)
• "Shear the Golden Fleece" performed by Ted Egan from The Shearers (Musicadium, 2000)
• "Spinning Wheel" performed by Blood, Sweat and Tears from Blood, Sweat and Tears (Columbia, 1968)
• "Teach Me Tonight" performed by Blossom Dearie from Once Upon a Summertime (Capitol, 1958)
• "Rubab Solo" performed by Omar Mohamed Ustad from Music of Afghanistan (Folkways, 1961)
• "Buffalo Gals" performed by Pete Seeger from American Favorite Ballads, Vol. 1 (Smithsonian Folkways, 1961)
• "Buffalo Gals" performed by The Great American String Band from 200 Years of American Heritage in Song (CMH, 2000)
• "Buffalo Gals" performed by Malcolm McLaren and the World Famous Supreme Team from Duck Rock (Island, 1983)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!!

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:

• Sensational Knitting Socks by Charlene Schurch.
• More Sensational Knitted Socks also by Charlene Schurch.

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):

• "Fiber Beat Theme" performed by Anthony Bonet (Exclusive to Fiber Beat, 2009)
• "The Impending Danger Suite Part 3" performed by Trevor Duncan from Murder - Mystery & Suspense (Cavendish Music, 2009)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat.

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 ancient art of nalbinding
• BrooklynTweed's Komi Mittens
• Martingale Press
• Richard Rutt's "History of HandKnitting" (sadly out of print)
• New York Public Library Research Sites
• Komi Republic
• Nancy Bush's "Knitting Vintage Socks"
• Barbara Walker's Treasury/Stitch Dictionaries
• Anna Zilboorg's "Simply Socks" (previously "Fancy Feet")
• Priscilla Gibson-Roberts' "Ethnic Socks"

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):

• "Dem Socks Dat My Pappy Wore" performed by Coot Grant And Kid Wilson from Vol. 2 (1928-1931) (Document, 1998)
• "We're Russians" performed by Bichevskaya Zhanna from My - Russkie (Familia Entertainment, 2005)
• "Who Kept The Sheep" performed by Johnny Cash from The Christmas Spirit (Columbia, 1964)
• "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" performed by The Smiths from The Queen is Dead (Sire, 1986)
• "Mexican Hat Dance" performed by Rafael Mendez from The Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Mendez (Summit, 1995)
• "Beth" performed by KISS from Destroyer (Casablanca, 1976)
• "Make It Last Forever" performed by Keith Sweat from Sweat Hotel Live (Shout! Factory, 2008)
• "Red Travellin' Socks" performed by Malcolm Middleton from Waxing Gibbous (Full Time Hobby, 2009)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat!!

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:

• Bar None Increase demonstrated by Meg Swansen
• SHP Un-spun Icelandic Wool wheels
• SHP Books, including Knitter's Almanac & Knitting Around
• Schoolhouse Press DVDs

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 QuÃbÃcoise 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:

• "Fiber Beat Theme" performed by Anthony Bonet (Exclusive to Fiber Beat, 2009)

ETA: Several people have asked me about the spindles in the beginning shot (on the desk) and I'm listing them here:

• Spindlewood Square Whorl, Bosworth Midi, Tilt-A-Whorl "Daisy Might" flower, Golding Antique Bronze whorl, and a Forrester Dervish.

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat.

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:

• Men's Fall Knitting Retreat
• A Verb for Keeping Warm's "Verbivore" newsletter
• Knitting Around
• Twisted Stitch Knitting book @ SHP
• SHP Knitting Camp & Retreats
• Martingale Press (Twined Knitting book)
• The Sow's Ear yarn shop and coffee shop in Verona, WI
• Knitting Glossary DVD and other titles
• IBM Selectric
• Cully Swansen, editor of SHP DVDs and musician
• Linda Ligon, Interweave Press founder called EZ "The Mother of All"

Our very first Fiber Beat CONTEST

I have the pattern for the Moccasin Sock by Elizabeth Zimmermann PLUS two skeins of QuÃbÃcoise 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):

• "Fiber Beat Theme" performed by Anthony Bonet (Exclusive to Fiber Beat, 2009)
• "Saturday Night on Saturn" performed by Les Baxter from Space Escapade (Capitol, 1957)
• "Victory Fanfare" performed by Nobuo Uematsu from Final Fantasy VII - Original Soundtrack (DigiCube, 1997)
• "Fanfare - Prince Of Wales" performed by The New Zealand Army Band with the Christchurch Musical Society from Sounds Of Glory - 22 All Time Favourites (K-tel, 1995)
• "Star-Spangled Banner" performed by Jimi Hendrix from The Jimi Hendrix Experience Boxed Set (Experience Hendrix, 2000)
• "God Save the Queen" performed by Queen from A Night at the Opera (Elektra, 1975)
• "Ny Batteri" performed by Sigur RÃs from ÃgÃtis Byrjun (Play It Again Sam, 1999)
• "I Don't Want To Grow Up" performed by Descendents from Somery (SST, 1991)
• "Schoolhouse Rocky" performed by Bob Dorough and Company from School House Rock Box Set (Rhino, 1998)
• "Tradition" performed by Topol and Cast from Fiddler on the Roof (Columbia, 1971)
• "The Typewriter" performed by US Air Force Air Mobility Command Band Of The Golden West from The Melody Shop (Altissimo, 2006)
• "Your Socks Don't Match" performed by Louis Jordan and The Tympani Five from Man Alive It's the Jumpin' Jive (Avid, 1999)
• "Sheep May Safely Graze" performed by Chris Swansen, Anthony Bonet Remix (Exclusive to Fiber Beat, 2009)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see YOU on the Fiber Beat.

How Can you Contribute?
I’d love to know your thoughts on the new work. If you have a brainstorm for the new format OR if you’d like to be a cub reporter on the Fiber Beat, zap me an email. I’ve also started a forum on Ravelry. Please join up and give us your feedback.

What Else?
Well, as this is new venture for me, I’m bound to experience bumps in the road, but, cross fingers, touch wood, they will at least be entertaining, if not eye opening. Thanks for joining us on the Fiber Beat and if you see me out and about with microphone and video camera in hand, don’t be shy.

There are a million crafters in the Fiber City and we’ve all got a yarn to spin.