Shows
The Catherine Plano PodcastWhy You Keep Repeating Relationship Patterns & How Astrology Can Help You Break Them with Margaret GrayWhy do we keep attracting the same kinds of relationships, no matter how much work we have done on ourselves?
In this eye-opening episode, psychotherapist and psychological astrologer Margaret Gray reveals the soul-level truth: our relationship patterns are not coincidences—they are invitations. Through the lens of your natal Moon, Mercury, and Saturn, Margaret shows how your chart holds the keys to your emotional needs, communication style, and attachment dynamics. This is not about chasing love—it is about understanding the unconscious contracts we create in love, and how to finally break free from cycles that no long...2025-04-221h 03
Your Radical Truth podcast029: The Forgotten Half of God: How Catherine Cowell is Reframing Spirituality for WomenFor centuries, many have viewed God through a single lens—male, paternal, kingly. But what if we've only been seeing half the image? In this powerful episode of Your Radical Truth podcast, host Margaret Mary O’Connor sits down with spiritual director and author Catherine Cowell to explore the often-overlooked feminine side of God. From hidden biblical metaphors to personal awakenings, this conversation invites us all to re-examine the divine with fresh eyes. Meet Catherine Cowell: A Guide for Spiritual Exploration Catherine Cowell is no stranger to deep reflection and meaningful mentorship. As an a...2025-03-2543 min
The Catherine Plano PodcastEP 371: Unveiling the Power of Inner Bonding with Dr. Margaret PaulAre you ready to embark on a life-changing journey towards self-love and personal growth? Dive into our latest episode with Dr. Margaret Paul as she unveils the transformative power of Inner Bonding. This unique process teaches us to genuinely love ourselves by connecting with our inner child and higher guidance and empowers us to heal our deepest wounds and shift away from control-seeking behaviours. Dr. Margaret guides us through the importance of recognising and processing our emotions, revealing how they serve as crucial guides on our path to self-awareness. With personal anecdotes and expert advice, she illustrates how elevating...2024-02-0949 min
Your Radical Truth podcast009: A Journey of Spiritual Awakening: Catherine Maxey's Path to Becoming a Woman Priest During this episode of the Your Radical Truth podcast, host, Margaret Mary O’Connor, talks with Catherine Marie, woman priest. They delve into the captivating story of Catherine Marie’s remarkable journey of spirituality and self-discovery. From her Catholic upbringing to her exploration of various faith traditions, Catherine's quest ultimately led her to become an ordained priest in the Independent Catholic Church. Catherine shares the challenges she faced, the truths she discovered, and the profound significance of everyday spirituality in her life. Catherine Marie's Spiritual Odyssey: Catherine Marie's spiritual journey commenced with...2023-06-3054 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitPlanning ahead for difficult times and creating a joyful amydala; Knitting shawls, trying mosaic crochet; finishing gnomes; and highlights of Redwood curtain segmentsBrainy: 20:20 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 31:09 What We're Learning from our Knitting: Catherine is enjoying progress on her Stephen West's Twists and Turns shawl knitalong https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twists--turns-westknits-mkal-2022 and is trying out some fun dyeing techniques for fabric. Margaret reports on mosaic crochet, gnome knitting, and some of her favorite projects from the past. Clearly Helena blog. http://www.clearlyhelena.com/how-to-mosaic-crochet/ Make Gnome Mistake https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/make-gnome-mistake Sarah Schira. https://www.ravelry.com/designers/sarah-schira The pattern I used was I*heart*FATW5. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/iheartfatw5 rosina crochet. Ros...2023-02-2738 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitLight and the Brain; Dishcloths, Shawls, Sweater, Pumpkins and Leaves; Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous PeoplesBrainy: 16:30 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:11 What We're Learning from our Knitting Catherine is deep into textures and colors with her Stephen West Knit-along Twists and Turns (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twists--turns-westknits-mkal-2022). She is eyeing a sweater by Andrea Mowry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/andrea-mowry). that also is very textural. In addition, Catherine shares the dishcloth she received from the Dishcloth exchange (https://www.ravelry.com/groups/annual-dishcloth-swap). Margaret continues to delight in the variety of patterns that creates pumpkins and leaves. She knits Mimi Pumpkin https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knitted-mini-pumpkin) as well as Oakleaf from F...2022-11-1335 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitBook Review of Behave; Knitting Pumpkins, Dishcloths and Shawls; Redwoods SkywalkBrainy Thing: 15:45. Behind the Redwood Curtain. 25:45 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Margaret fulfills her multi-year goal of knitting some decorative mini-pumpkins, using Susan B. Anderson's Fall Harvest Charm Set https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-harvest-charm-set. Catherine completed her dishcloths for her Dishcloth exchange. She used the classic Ballband Dishcloth by Kay Gariner and Ann Shayne. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth And despite her efforts to resist, Catherine is starting the Westknits MKAL 2022: Twists & Turns shawl. Brainy Thing: The book Behave: The biology of Humans at our Best and Worst by Robert Sapolsky is five years old no...2022-10-1034 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitNature Deficit Disorder; Crochet Baby Blanket; Knit Snail and washcloth; The Eroding Cliffs of CaliforniaBrainy: 17:34 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 29:52 What We're Learning from our Knitting and Crochet: Catherine finished up her Melanie's Mandala Baby Blanket https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melanies-mandala-baby-blanket. by Melanie Grobler at M and M Crochet Designs and she has started knitting up ballband washcloths for washcloth exchange https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth Margaret Knit up another small amigurumi project that taught her a lot: The Splendid Snail by Tatyana Grigoryan. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/splendid-snail Brainy Thing: Although experts debate its existence, many people believe Nature Deficit Disorder is...2022-09-2338 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitThinking Fast and Slow; Knitting and Crochet; Cars to BikesBrainy thing: 15:26 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:14 What We're Learning from our Knitting and Crochet: Margaret knitted a small amigurmi beet, part of Susan B. Anderson's Summer Veggie Charm set. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-veggie-charm-set. This is her fourth charm but she always learns something new from Susan. This time Susan designed a two color saw tooth pattern to create a transition between the white bottom of the beet and the top (In Margaret's case, a beet red left over called cinnabar by Hazel Knits Yarns.). Margaret also appreciated the wavy beet leaves. Catherine continues to crochet her Mandala B...2022-08-2634 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitVolunteerism, Mandalas Moebius Cast On, Sneaker and Rogue WavesBrainy thing: 19:22 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:36 What We're Learning from our Knitting (and Crochet) Catherine was struck with Mandala Madness and is now crocheting Melanie's Mandala https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melanies-mandala-baby-blanket Melanie operates M and M Crochet Designs on Ravelry. Catherine is using Caron Yarnspirations in Skinny Cake in color gradient Rainbow. She also shared information on taking care of our crafting hands -- she's taking a Tai Chi for Arthritis class and also recommends Carson Demers https://www.ravelry.com/people/ergoiknit https://www.ergoiknit.com/. book Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting and that he was f...2022-07-2837 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitImpact of Shutdowns on Introverts and Extroverts; Knitting baby items and mixing and matching gnome parts; Xeriscaping for DroughtsBrainy Thing: 17:34 Behind the Redwood Curtain 26:50 What we're learning from our knitting: Catherine is delighting in quickly-knitted and fun baby items -- a hat and socks from various designers: Kate Atherley https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks---worsted-dk-version; also https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks-23 Bianca Boonstra: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks. Knitty Gritty: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-peasy-newborn-sock-hat Margaret mixed and match gnome parts from Sarah Schira: All Work, Gnome Play. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-work-gnome-play Leave Gnome Stone Unturned. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leave-gnome-stone-unturned Brainy Thing: Who suffered more from co...2022-05-2235 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitHedonic Adaptation; Trying Freeform, Finding Comfort & Knits in the World; The Craftsman television seriesEpisode 135 Hedonic Adaptation; freeform crochet and replacement knitting; The Craftsman TV series. Brainy Thing: 18:10 Behind the Redwood Curtain 25:42 What we've learned from our Knitting and Crochet Margaret flirted with freeform crochet in response to a prompt of "Deep Listening." She wasn't happy with the product or the process. Catherine continues her obsession with the mitre square blanket and she shares about taking her knitting out into the world. In one case, it was fun -- lots of love for the Agata (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agata) Cardigan by Leah Chapman (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/leah-chapman). ; in another, she lo...2022-04-2131 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitPerfectionism; blankets, reports & tips; Cal Poly HumboldtBrainy Thing: 17:35 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:50 What We're Learning from our Knitting: Catherine is continuing on with her mitered square blanket. Margaret hasn't completed anything but continue with a little stockinette knitting here and a little crochet there. She does have a report about Fast Fashion ripping off Crochet Designers https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/crochet-trend-fast-fashion-copy-designs, a recommendation for new video tutorials from Nimble Needles https://nimble-needles.com/category/tutorials/page/4/ , and a major tip for long tail cast ons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcvzB_9o8qc. Brainy Thing: Catherine reports on Perfectionism and its positive and negative sid...2022-03-0937 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitIntrinsic & Extrinsic motivation; New socks, old birds, new stitches; La Niña & El NiñoBrainy thing: 20:30 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 35:40 Harry Wells: 16:30 What We're Learning from our Knitting Catherine discusses planning knitting while keeping in mind the things she loves to do. She's looking forward to picking up sock knitting again and is eyeing Sivia Hardings Victoriana which is a toe up sock with bobbles, beads and picots. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/victoriana-socks-2. Margaret returned to some old favorites -- Arne's and Carlos' birds https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-bird. which she decorated with hats. She also took a class with Harry Wells learning to do the hex stitch and other kn...2022-01-2342 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitConstrual Level Theory of Finishing Projects; Sewing up Shawls; Crocheting Coasters; Humboldt Sea Level RiseBrainy Thing: 16:11 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:01 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Catherine is in the "piecing together" part of her Agata Sweater by Leah Chapman. Sewing up is not her favorite part of project making. She's using https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agata using Lion Brand Mandala in the Chimera Colorway. She also reports on on the resurrected Welcome Blanket project for new immigrants to this country. welcomeblanket.org. She has some knitted squares she's done in the past that she's going to sew together for a blanket. Blankets are exhibited in museums and then given to our new n...2021-11-2035 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitGrounding: Cardi Knit-along; Knitting mistakes; The GrangeBrainy Thing: 16:51 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 32:11 What We're Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine may have missed the deadline for the Imagined Landscape Cardi KAL but she's nearly finished her Agata https://www.ravelry.com/groups/imagined-landscapes?s=tab. It's a Knitty's free pattern https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agata. by Leah Chapman with an unusual construction. She is using Lion Brand Mandala yarn in the Chimera colorway --with a lot of autumnal colors plus a few bright ones. Margaret had a lot of failures but still learned a lot. The first one was The Big Marl by Beata Jezek https...2021-09-3039 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitZoom Tips for Your Brain, Sampler Socks, Cardigan Knit along, National Christmas TreeBrainy Thing: 16:41 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:41 What We're Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret finished a Sampler Sock using both crochet and knitting and a number of sock making techniques she never tried before. The sock started with leg from Beaux Jestes by Tracy Pipinich a crochet pattern where one leg used small granny square and the other ripples. She then went for a garter stitch modification of Lara Neel's Arithmophobia sock,https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/arithmophobia-socks-top-down moved onto a stripped foot then finished up with Lara Neel's Fork in the Road design https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/f...2021-08-2934 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitLink between biodiversity and human happiness; Shawl and Sock Knitting; Public ArtBrainy: 14:50 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 26:21 What We're Learning from our Knitting Catherine is inches away from finishing her Metalouse shawl by Stephen West https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/metalouse. She used Woolemeise and Canon Dyeworks yarns. She is looking for a pattern for a sweater as her next project. Margaret didn't experience much learning but enjoyed a lot of satisfaction knitting her basic top down, heel flap socks using Online sock yarn in a multiple of colors: blue, grey, orange, yellow and pink. Although she has her own modifications, she basically follows Ann Budd's 6 stitches per inch sock. https://www...2021-06-1834 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitBrain Booth; Knitted Hats and Gnomes; Knitting Videos; Humboldt Bay OystersBrainy thing: 23:21 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 28:43 What We're Learning from Our Knitting. Catherine is giving away hats at the dog park. Socky Slouchy Hat: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/socky-slouchy-hat. by Lauren Sanchez: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lauren-sanchez Margaret finished her ADVENTure Gnome: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adventure-gnome by Sarah Schira: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/sarah-schira and offers a list of points for finding an instructional knitting video for best learning. Brainy Thing: Catherine reports on The Brain Booth at Humboldt State University which could be a model for any school, institution or business. https://libgui...2021-02-1138 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitResilience; Finishing and Starting; Pom poms; Public ArtBrainy Thing: 13:52 Behind the Redwood Curtain. 21:23 What We're Learning from Our Knitting Margaret investigates the construction of Pom Poms she used in her knitting and the one trick that will make your pom poms neat and tidy. Stitch and Sheep: https://sheepandstitch.com/library/how-to-make-a-pom-pom/ Purl Soho: https://www.purlsoho.com/shop?q=pom%20pom. Arne and Carlos Bird: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-bird. Catherine is that pause between finishing one project and starting the next, exploring patterns and yarns. Sivia Harding Bright Shiny Day. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bright-sunny-day. https://www.ravelry.com/people/sivia Brainy Thing...2021-01-1027 min
K-PodMargaret Cho | K-Pod | Ep.18Margaret Cho needs no introduction. In 1994, the comedian was the first Asian American to have her own sitcom (All-American Girl, loosely based on her experience as a teenager growing up in San Francisco). After the show was cancelled, she returned to standup, where she built a reputation for her confessional, bawdy and subversive material, which targeted racism, homophobia, fat shaming, the entertainment industry, and most mercilessly, herself. From her Los Angeles home where she and her chihuahua, Lucia, have been sheltering during the pandemic, Margaret tells Catherine and Juliana about her minister grandfather, her dad’s deportation, becoming financially independent at...2020-09-2236 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitBrain Benefits from Travel without Traveling; Comfort Knitting; CeanothusBrainy: 16:00 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 25:42 What we’re learning from our Knitting and crochet: Catherine’s comfort knitting is the Socky Slouchy Hat by Lauren Sanchez. She’s using a Canon Hand dye sock yarn in a deep black and periwinkle. Lauren Sanchez https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/socky-slouchy-hat. And she continues her search for the best gauge to use for a potholder with the Knit Picks Dishie Twist. Margaret is also searching for comfort and returned to Arne and Carlos for their basic bird. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-bird. And she picked up the black bird project she tried...2020-07-1830 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitMind-Body in Depth: Depression and Pain; Knitting Hats, Ballband Dish Towel; Starting a Potholder Swap; Businesses Help Support CommunityBrainy: 21:26 Mind/Body Depression, Pain and the Brain Behind the Redwood Curtain: 28:04 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting Both Catherine and Margaret (without consultation with each other) made hats for themselves. Catherine knit the Socky Slouchy Hat by Lauren Sanchez https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/socky-slouchy-hat Margaret’s was the Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Boyfriend Watch Cap https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boyfriend-watch-capMargaret also tried out the famous and infamous ball band washcloth pattern but she extended the length into a towel. She used Knit Pick’s new twisted Dishie in Black and White with the contrasting yarn in matchi...2020-05-0335 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitThe Brain Science Behind Cuteness; Cute Knitting and Crochet; Lady Bird Johnson GroveBrainy Thing: 21:11 Behind the Redwood Curtain 29:33 What we’re learning from our knitting: Margaret participated in Sara Schira’s MKAL3 for a new Gnome "Gnome is Where you Hang Your Hat" https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gnome-is-where-you-hang-your-hat. This one features stranded colorwork. Margaret also got caught up in other cute projects including Henry’s Bunny https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/henrys-bunny by Sara Elizabeth Kellner and Susan B. Anderson’s Spring Charm set https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spring-charm-set. Despite the cuteness of these projects, they have been good skill builders. Catherine points us toward the March 2020 edition of Better Ho...2020-03-2337 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitBinaural beats; Paper Quilting; Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh; Another Contexta hotpad; Fern CanyonBrainy: 15:22 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:45 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Catherine has found the same peace with English Paper Quilting that she gets with knitting but she’s not abandoning knitting and has plans for new projects. Margaret revisited the Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh, making one for her. Ravelry https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jewish-hearts-for-pittsburgh hearts https://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/love-hearts/ 6 pointed stars https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beginners-flower--6-point-star https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/suzies-6-point-star-embellishment She also discovers an interesting book on an historical look at using crafts for dissent. Crafting Dissent by Hinda Mandel...2019-12-0534 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitBlankets, Buffalo Log Cabin Mitts, Diet and Depression, Reintroduction of the CondorBrainy Thing: 15:16 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:41 In episode 105 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit we share our knitting stories with buffalo wool, the log cabin mitts, blankets and blanket squares. We report on research about the effect of diet on depression and the reintroduction of the condor in the Northcoast. What we’re learning from our Knitting: Catherine plays "too little/too much" with her Caron Big Cake (https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/caron-big-cakes) a 100% acrylic yarn. But she’ll end up with a smaller baby sized blanket and blanket squares for a charity blanket. Margaret tries out Buffalo Wool Company Prai...2019-07-1536 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitKnitting Little Things; Starting a Welcome Blanket; Magnetoreception; The Redwoods MonasteryBrainy thing: 24:18 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:40 What we’ve learned from our knitting (and crochet): Margaret completed her Quest Shawl by Linda Dean featured in the Jimmy Beans Advent Crochet event. It was great fun but she was glad to finally finish it. Quest Shawl:https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quest-shawl. Then she completed several small projects: A souvenir from Stitches West, Rebecca Danger’s Wickedly Peaceful Polar Bear: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wickedly-peaceful-polar-bear-christmas-ornament. Some eggs including one by Nicky Fijalkowska in her book Knitted Birds https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitted-birds-by-nicky-fijalkowska and one that Margaret freelanced on her own. Finall...2019-04-2843 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitInvestigating Science and Intuition in film Innsaei; Finishing and planning knitting projects; Reporting on documentary Murder Mountain; GiveawaysBrainy: 20:17 Redwood Curtain: 26:10 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Catherine discovers new stitches from Barbara Walker’s Second Treasury for blocks for her Charity Blanket (https://www.amazon.com/Second-Treasury-Knitting-Patterns/dp/0942018176/ref=pd_cp_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0942018176&pd_rd_r=2a3d2895-acb1-11e8-8e51-357518f34f72&pd_rd_w=XOqrD&pd_rd_wg=BKXpo&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=fcaa6d12-8b2b-4ad7-b277-864b2da79f6e&pf_rd_r=VQJFH22H6YV78WKN6KQT&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=VQJ...2019-01-1845 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitDo Brain Games Really Work; Finishing a Pair of Fingerless Mitts; Modifying a Dog Sweater and Starting another Charity Block; Feasting on Humboldt Grassfed BeefBrainy Thing: 10:43 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 22:25 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting: Margaret, yet again, referred to Ann Budd’s The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Handy-Book-Patterns/dp/1931499047 to make mitts for her granddaughter in leftover Viking Nordlys yarn in 75 wool/25 nylon yarn. This long repeat yarn was originally suggested by Theresa Schabes for the Maya hat and mittens: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maya-hat-and-mittens-set. Catherine finishes (well, almost —except for weaving in the ends) a dog sweater and is working on another block for her charity blanket. Knit Dog Coat (by Bernat): https://www.ravelry.com...2019-01-0433 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitLinking happiness with Housing; Tackling a Dog Sweater; Crocheting a Sweater for the Sheep; Why Salmon is EverythingEp. 099 Linking happiness with Housing; Tackling a Dog Sweater; Crocheting a Sweater for the Sheep; Why Salmon is EverythingBrainy Thing: 11:58 Behind the Redwood Curtain 22:08 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting (and Crochet): Catherine tackles a new dog sweater for her son’s dog. Knit Dog Coat (by Bernat): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dog-coat-11. Margaret adds beads to the sweater for her crocheted sheep by Lucy of Attic24: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woolly-sheep-2 . She used scraps of fingering weight yarn although the pattern called for DK. Brainy Thing: Housing and Happiness Catherine finds research that shows the location of housing can change reports of happiness level even if nothing else changes. http://science.sciencemag.org/content/337/6101/1505...2018-12-1735 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 098 The "little" brain takes on the thinking brain; Can sock yarn hold negative energy; Catherine faces harsh reality; Albino redwoods reveal their secretsBrainy thing: 13:40 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 19:10 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret wonders if her yarn can hold negative energy on her Dragon’s Egg Socks by Anne Podlesak https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragons-egg-socks from The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits. Catherine faces harsh realities with the man’s pullover pattern, Andoa, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/andoa-pullover ( free on Ravelry, from Nora Gaughan and done for Berroco). Brainy Thing: For decades the cerebellum has been overlooked but now it’s getting more attention into its role with higher order thinking: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/2...2018-12-0230 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitCreate Happy Brain Chemicals by Singing; Reap the Rewards of Dishcloth Swap; Find Comfort in making Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh; Discover the Redwood CanopyBrainy: 12:49 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 21:21 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine reaps the rewards of the Dishcloth Swap https://www.ravelry.com/groups/annual-dishcloth-swap. Margaret finds comfort from yarn crafts after the Tree of Life mass shooting with the Jewish Hearts for Pittsburgh group. In Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/jewish-hearts-for-pittsburgh Also on Facebook. Brainy Thing: Good Brain Chemicals from Group Singing Let’s raise our voices for the good brain chemicals we get from singing — especially in groups. Behind the Redwood Curtain: Margaret shares a little research on the redwood trees canopy, that ecosystem high in the air. Podcast L...2018-11-1628 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 096 Finding Fun Brain Facts; Continuing Sweater Template; Finishing Granny Squares; Discovering Megwil Point;Brainy Thing: 13:22 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 21:37 What We’re Learning from our Knitting (and Crochet) Margaret finished the crocheted blocks (from The Big Book of Granny Squares by Tracey Lord) for a lap blanket. She finished #33, #133, #66 and #178 and two others she didn’t write down. Now she plans to piece together the blocks with a stitch of some sort but she’s not sure what yet. Finally she wants to felt it. She hopes the finished results will be a nice felted blanket that she’ll donate to charity. The yarns are Valley Yarns 100 % Wool Northampton Bulky Light Grey and Araucania Yarns Nature Wool...2018-11-0135 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitVery Early Touch Impacts Entire Life; Creating a Sweater Template; Falling Into Leaves; Checking out SkateparksBrainy Thing: 25:39 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 39:10 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting Catherine is doing what she calls a "template sweater”. A sweater out of acrylic yarn that she later modify according to fit for her final sweater. She didn’t feel like a formula sweater so thought this would be more fun. The yarn is Yarnspirations by Caron Big Cakes in the Summer Berry Tart Colorway (gradient) out of 100% acrylic. She also calls out for some extra yarn for her Heaven Scent pattern: She needs just a little of the end of the ball of zauberball cotton in “Ros...2018-10-2247 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 091 Finding Support Starting Your Meditation Process; Focusing on Process over Product on the Tree Afghan; Trying Out a Diagonal Square for the Charity Blanket; Bashing Out Lupines on the DunesBrainy Thing: 15:35 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 26:30 What we’ve been learning from our knitting: Margaret has been focusing on Process over Product on the Tree Afghan. To find podcasts on the Tree Afghan Patterns check out Webs Yarn Store Shows 100, 101, 102, 103, 104. (I had trouble linking to the patterns) Catherine is trying new blocks for her charity knitting blanket and reports on her Bias Square with a diagonal design. Brainy thing:15:35 For most of us, starting a meditation practice is challenging. Margaret shares a number of ways to get started including classes and support groups. And she reveals a meditation program designed for knitters: Knittin...2018-08-1838 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 090 Ep. 090 What is the Matilda Effect; Knitting in Pieces; Finding gauge for Resizing; Cruising the Humboldt Bay on the Madaket; Book Give AwayBrainy thing: 20:25 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 32:27 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret is exploring new approaches to knitted birds with Nicky Filakowska’s aptly named book Knitted Birds . These birds are knitted in pieces and then assembled and stuffed. Catherine is realizing the importance of gauge with a seemingly simple dishcloth pattern — the Quadrant dishcloth/washcloth by Jenny Konopinski https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quadrant-dishcloth Brainy Thing: The Matilda Effect Women not only were prohibited from getting advanced education and entering fields like science and medicine; but also when they did, their work was often overlooked. Catherine introduces the phenomenon...2018-08-0243 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 089 Changing our Minds;Brainy Thing: 21:10 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 32:54 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting Margaret caught the Virus fever when she needed a bright, sunny shawl before the sun came from its winter’s sleep in Humboldt. It’s a four row repeat crochet triangle shawl -- Virus Shawl No one know who the original designer is but you can find it at: Written http://giftsbyhelen.co.uk/2016/06/virus-shawl-a-written-pattern/ video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6gJPoo5t60 chart https://www.woolpedia.de/english/crochet-tutorials/shawl/ colored chart: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/theped/virus-shawl---virustuch https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/virus-shawl-f...2018-07-1644 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitPositive Addiction controversy continues; Home Stretch for Heaven Scent; Switching from birds to eggs; OLLI's Destination HumboldtBrainy Thing: 19:24 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 36:24 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine is almost finished the heavenly Heaven Scent by aand is switching to blocks for her charity blanket. Margaret switches from birds to eggs with a decorative knitted egg, again from Arne and Carlos. She offers a giveaway on the book. Brainy Thing: Catherine finishes off her three part series on the controversy— Can there be positive addictions. She focuses this time on William Glasser who literally wrote the book on Positive Addictions. https://wglasser.com/; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPDRyjS53_A Behind the Redwood Curtain: OLLI, the Osher Life L...2018-07-0242 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 087 Find Hard Evidence of Knitting Health Benefits; Pleasures of Lace and Bead Knitting; Embellishing Knitted Birds; Egret Rookery on Humboldt BayBrainy thing: 14:25 Behind the Redwood Curtain 25:16 What We’re Learning from our Knitting Margaret is playing around with Embellishing Birds from Arne’s and Carlos’ book Field Guide to Knitted Birds. arne and carlos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scnTbAFiwtc\ embellish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zcc5JhkT5Q Judy’s magic cast on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhBIS0AhhQY Catherine is continuing her adventure with knitted beads and lace with Knitting Boo’s Heaven Scene shawl. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heaven-scent Brainy Thing: Contrary to some beliefs, we have lot of evidence — hard evidence— that knitting and...2018-06-1739 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 086 One Creative Process; Continuing the Lace Knitting Adventure; Investigating Design for Easy Sock Repair; Exploring Community Theatres Behind the Redwood CurtainBrainy Thing: 23:05 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 43:15 What we’re learning from our knitting: Using Zauberball cotton Catherine continues her adventure with lace shawl Heaven Scene by Knitting Boo. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heaven-scent. Margaret makes Lara Neels Reclaiming Our Time https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reclaiming-our-time and talks about some other sock patterns that allow you to easily reknit the sole and heel where holes and wear are most likely to appear. Brainy Thing: Second in our series on creativity, Catherine examines her own creative process for theatre costumes and advises allowing ideas to “bake.” Behind the Redwood Curtain: Catherin...2018-06-0155 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 085 Addiction, Habit, and Compulsion; Finding a New Lace Project; Searching for Sock Longevity; Millinery for Humboldt WomenBrainy Thing: 24:21 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 32:25 What We’re Learning from our Knitting Catherine started a new project: a lace shawl called Heaven Scent by Boo Knits. She is using a skein of zauberball cotton https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schoppel-wolle-zauberball-cotton in “Rosey Times” colorway. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heaven-scent Margaret searches for sock longevity and discovers a trove of information in The Knitter’s Book of Socks by Clara Parkes. She finds fibers, twists, and stitches that help socks last longer. Brainy Thing: Catherine continues our exploration of the possibility of positive addiction. From an online sources, Changing Minds https...2018-05-1647 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 084 Are there positive addictions; Learning gauge with textured blocks; Knitting birds with Arne and Carlos; Celebrating Humboldt Crabs baseballBrainy Part: 22:40 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 31:20 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting Catherine continues her exploration of knitting textures in blocks she’s planning to turn into a charity blanket. This time the patterns are from: http://www.knittingstitchpatterns.com/ She will send her blanket to: Hats and More from War Torn Syria https://www.ravelry.com/groups/hats-and-more-for-war-torn-syria Margaret’s knitting turns toward the birds from Arne and Carlos’ “Field Guide to Knitted Birds” and learns all sorts of things. https://www.amazon.com/Carlos-Field-Guide-Knitted-Birds/dp/1570768234/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525027997&sr=1-2&keywords=arne+and+carlos+knitting+books; ...2018-05-0340 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 082 Universal Design in Learning; Two Brains Mend a Shawl; Hiller Park Meets Many NeedsBrainy Thing: 19:55 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:10 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting Margaret calls for emergency help from Catherine to help her figure out a supposedly invisible repair (Knit Freedom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXD3TdbpDbM; Kate Atherly in Knitty 2006 http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATrepairs101.html; Rina Crochet’s book Flawless Knit Repair 19 pages of gold, I’m guessing, used for $99 ) of her Multnomah Shawl by Shawl repair The shawl design is Multnomah by Kate Ray. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/multnomah Recommended by Chrissy the Great https://www.ravelry.com/people/chrissythegreat formerly of the Manic Purl audio Podcast...2018-04-0244 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitDoes Ambidexterity Improve Your BrainBrainy Thing: 24:21 Behind the Redwood Curtain 35:41 What We’re Learning from our Knitting Margaret’s further exploration of Fair Isle veers into Crochet Fair Isle under the instruction of Karen Whooley. (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/karen-whooley) Other Fair Isle references in the report. http://kelbournewoolens.com/blog/2017/5/stranded-colorwork-vs-fair-isle-knitting Fai https://arnecarlos.com/why-there-is-no-dominant-color-in-norwegian-knitting-by-arne-carlos/ https://course.craftsy.com/play/3984?startLectureId=7160&t=0 Catherine finds an “Interim Project” until she’s ready for a full commitment. Brainy Thing: Can training to be ambidextrous improve your brain? Maybe but one expert says maybe not. https://psychology.stackexchange.com/questions/3194/are-there-cognitive-benefits-to-two-hand-typing-versus-one-finger https://www.dovepress.com/differential-brain-respons...2018-03-1749 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitReview of "Beyond Food"; Turning to Lace; Failing Project Creates Great Learning; Walking through Eureka Old TownBrainy Thing: 12:30 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:42 What we’re learning from our knitting: Catherine likes her Coffee Shop Wrap by Alexandra Tavel https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coffee-shop-wrap (free through Lion Brand Yarns,) but has been yearning for lace knitting. Margaret tries creating a design for an elongated fair isle ornament. The project fails but she learns a lot. https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/classes/fair-isle-holiday-ornaments/497492. It’s Margaret’s design but Sunne Meyer’s ornament pattern. Brainy Thing: Catherine reviews the indie documentary “Beyond Food” http://beyondfoodthemovie.com/. Among other topics the film highlights parkour sports: https://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/19/beginners...2018-03-0236 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitReplication Crisis; Learning to Love Luxury; Crochet Scrubbie; Renaissance of the Eureka InnBrainy Thing: 12:50 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 22:40 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Margaret learns to love Luxury with Lhasa yarn: 50% yak, 50% cashmere. She used the Lhasa Snuggle Mitts pattern by Laura Lamers. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snuggle-mitts Catherine found a crochet pattern for her annual scrubbies exchange : the zinnia dishcloth pattern from Lily/Sugar’n Cream. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zinnia-dishcloth https://www.ravelry.com/groups/annual-dishcloth-swap. Brainy Thing: If you can’t reproduce the results of a scientific experiment, can you rely on it? Margaret talks about the Replication Crisis in Science. www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-3...2018-02-1636 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitPantone Leads Us to Ultraviolet; Surprise Colors; Checking Pace in Books, Dungeness CrabsBrainy Thing: 16:44 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 30:32 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine is surprised when she learns (again) that colors online don’t always match colors in yarn when she buys a Lion Brand Yarn pattern Coffee Shop Wrap kit by Alexandra Tavel https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coffee-shop-wrap only to discover that a color that she thought was a mild creaming yellow turned out to be a zangy mustard. Margaret patched two more socks, including removing and replacing an afterthought heel and it turned out beautifully, just like it was planned to be. One sock was out Austermann Step...2018-02-0137 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitSensory Stimulation for Dementia; Knitting texture and lace; Handweaver's GuildBrainy Thing: 15:40 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 26:20 What we’re learning from our knitting: Margaret learns about knitting different specialty textured yarns for her textured amigurumi The Three Little Kittens by Sara Scales https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/three-little-kittens-4. Catherine ventures into sweater knitting for a dog using The Darling Darby Sweater: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/darling-darby-sweater. Brainy Thing: Sensory Stimulation Helps People with Dementia General on Alzheimers: https://yourbrainmatters.org.au/about-dementia/what-is-dementia Snoezelen: https://www.snoezelen.info/history/ Paul Shepard quote: http://dreamingup.blogspot.com/2018/01/shepard-for-day5.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CaptainFuturesDre...2018-01-1634 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitLucid Dreaming, Gamma Waves, Ah hah moments; Knitting from Charts; Mitten Thumbs; Local PoliticsBrainy Thing: 15:52 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 25:25 What We Learned from Our Knitting Catherine finishes a lace shawl (with beads, of course) called Ocean Kelp and designed by Harry Wells whose Rav name is knitting ninja and his design studio is Good for a Boy Designs. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ocean-kelp Catherine got more practice with charts, not her favorite way to follow a pattern. Margaret knits a family of Creature Mittens from Morehouse Farms kits for her family and learns a bit about Mitten thumbs from Anna Zilboorg in Magnificent Mittens and Socks . She also corrects the mistake she made betwee...2018-01-0335 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitHighlights from Past Episodes to Celebrate our 75th -- Diamond JubileeOur Learning and Favorite Projects in Knitting over the last year Margaret shares insights she’s learned about in her knitting in general (like she loves stockinette aesthetically but doesn’t enjoy knitting a lot of it) and Catherine states that she’s enjoyed observing how her skills have increased. Favorite Brainy Segments Catherine was fascinated by learning about the Forgetting Curve (Ep. 34 3.1.16) and Margaret by Happy Brain Chemicals (Ep. 69 4.1.17) Memorable Behind the Redwood Curtain Segments Catherine enjoyed delving deeper into the life of the sand dollar even though she’s been picking them up all her life. Margaret is still smitten...2017-12-1928 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitHow the Seasons Effect Your Brain; Knitting With Linen; Finishing Projects; Starfish, the Harmonizers; Book Give AwayBrainy Thing: 13:34 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 21:34 What We Learned From Our Knitting: Margaret made a cowl and added beads to the edges of the Churchouse Yarns and Teas’ Bias Before and After Scarf. — http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bias-before--after-scarf She struggled with the stiff fiber of Claudia Hand Painted Yarns Drama Linens but loves the results in the Sage Paradise color way which to her eyes looks likes an aqua blue. Catherine finished her third pair of Charity Socks and also finished the Fatima Shawl https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fatima-3 by Bunny Muff (Mona8pi) https://www.ravelry.com/patterns...2017-10-1637 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitFive Types of Meditation; More Insights to Teaching Crochet; Charity Knitting; Minus Tide in Humboldt.Brainy Thing: 25:07 Redwood Curtain: 45:31 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting and Teaching (crochet.) Catherine focuses on her charity knitting , finishing her Socks for the Homeless and trying to find a good charity to donate some older projects: a child’s cardigan, an adult raglan sweater, and some baby socks. Catherine’s Charity Knitting: Fantasy Red Cardi by Catherine Foster generic baby socks worsted weight sweater The Incredible Custom Fit Raglan Sweater by Pamela Costello woolworks Margaret shares some more insights she’s gathered from teaching a small group how to crochet Hats for the Homeless. Simple Single Crochet Hat by K T and the Squid...2017-10-0257 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 070 Hand-eye coordinationEye-Hand Coordination Builds Brains; Teaching Crochet; Crocheting Dishcloths; Los Bagels; and Giveaway Brainy Thing: 18:02 Redwood Curtain 31:02 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret learns a lot about teaching and learning by teaching a beginner crochet to a group using the pattern of Simple Single Crochet Hat http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-single-crochet-hat by K T and the Squid ( Katy Petersen.) She and the class used Valley Yarns aran (discontinued). Catherine also was into crochet this time for her dishcloth swap group. She learned some new techniques with the Partly Sunny pattern (99 cents) by Stacey L W Lee Partly sunny toots and momo designs BrainyThing We hear the phrase Hand-eye coordination but why is that so impo...2017-09-1744 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitBoosting Happy Brain Chemical GABA; Crochet Dishcloth; Argyle Socks; Humboldt Botanical GardenBrainy Thing: 15:53 Behind the Redwood Curtain 27:23 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting Catherine is trying crochet this time with Stacey LW Lee’s $ 0.99 pattern Partly Sunny. She needs five for her dishcloth exchange. Margaret relates her journey with Argyle Sock Knitting. She took a class and there are not a lot of online classes on Argyle. Photo tutorial: yarn harlot: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2007/12/31/at_the_last.html http://scrubberbum.typepad.com/moth_heaven/2006/07/argyle_origami.html http://scrubberbum.typepad.com/moth_heaven/2006/01/resources_for_a.html http://www.socknitters.com/argyle/index.htm Brainy Thing: Catherine talks about boosting...2017-09-0137 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitKwik Learning; Creating with Knit the Sky; Celebrating the Slow with Charity socks and lace; Drive Through RedwoodsBrainy Thing: 16:06 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:40 What We’re Learning from our Knitting: Margaret explores the planning/creative phase of a project with Lea Redman's Knit the Sky Scarf http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sky-scarf. Redman also has a book called Knit the Sky that promotes creativity and playfulness in knitting. http://www.knitthesky.com/ book Margaret heard of Lea Redman through Becky Steward's Knit Om newsletter. http://knitom.com/author/becky-stewart/ Catherine declares that she is fine being a slow knitter (and later in the episode that she is also fine being a slow reader.) She is continuing her progress on char...2017-08-1736 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 066 No Politics Talk about how the Brain Hampers Political Talk;Welcome to Episode 66. Brainy Thing: 14:45 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 31:50 Catherine’s grand finale of Bunnymuff's Absolutely essential shawl. She bound off with Jenny’s stretchy bindoff. Margaret finished her Inversible Socks, yarn by Fibernymph. She used an afterthought heel with a gusset in the corners. Amygdala Why is it the political discussion is so toxic these days? Catherine discovers answers hidden in the Amygdala. The Oatmeal:; You Are Not Going to Believe What I’m About to Tell you http://theoatmeal.com/comics/believe USC Brain and Creativity Institutem article: Lead researcher Jonas Kaplan; Sarah Kimball and Sam Harris Scientific Report 6...2017-07-1944 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 065: Betsan Corkhill; Kristy Glass Knits; Garter Stitch Kitchener Stitch; Fatima Shawl; Bunny Muff; Betty Chinn Center; GiveawayBrainy thing: 19:29 Behind the Redwood Curtain 30:45 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting Nothing could be easier than Kirsten Hipsky’s #576 Knit Lace Jar Cover http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knit-lace-jar-covers so of course Margaret had to complicate it by learning a new technique: this time a garter stitch kitchener which turned out less complicated than the standard stockinette kitchener. Garter stitch Kitchener: http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/grafting-garter-kitchener-stitch Catherine is starting a new Bunny Muff project that includes beads and nupps. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fatima-3 and she continues to work on the Charity Socks project sponsored by...2017-07-0347 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 064 Silence and Noise Impact on the Brain; Foundation Crochet; Charity Socks; Alpaca Farming; History of Humboldt State; Book Give-awayBrainy Thing: 13:44 Redwood Curtain: 19:26 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting; Margaret continues her exploration of new techniques through the creation of jar covers (to use as vases, crochet hook holders, pencil holders, etc.). This time she tries out foundation crochet with the pattern Crochet Jar Cosy by Emma Escott http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jar-cover-5 Foundation Crochet : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY6Iy7gdVEM Crafsy: class mastering foundation crochet stitches craftsy blog: https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/05/foundation-single-crochet-how-to/ photo tutorial: .futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2009/3/tutorial-foundation-single-crochet.aspx lots of markers and arrows Catherine reports her progress on worsted weight charity s...2017-06-1732 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 063 Fiber Arts Help STEM Learning; Life lines; Organic Cotton; Alexander von Humboldt; Book Give away; 2017 Learn-along WinnersBrainy Thing: 26:15 Behind the Redwood Curtain 42:55 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine learned an important lesson about life lines on her Absolutely Essential Shawl by Bunny Muff http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/absolutely-essential. She also started a sock for a charity project sponsored by the Northcoast Knittery made of from Kramer Yarn. Margaret finally used some organic cotton, naturally colored yarn she had had in her stash forever. She doesn’t know if they are FireFox yarns, the organic cotton of different colors started by Sally Fox (the labels have disappeared) but she likes the idea and the yarn. h...2017-06-0255 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 062 Intellectual Development, Forzo Cuff, Absolutely Essential Scarf, Rock slides, and NotesWhat We’re Learning From Our Knitting Margaret isn’t ready for the challenges of The Forzo Cuff by Laura Nelkin http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forzo-cuff. She will give away her slightly used kit to someone who is. Just post on the Ravelry thread — first come, first served. It is knitted lace. Find the difference between that and lace knitting: http://theknittingbuzz.typepad.com/the-knitting-buzz/2011/03/knitted-lace-vs-lace-knitting.html. I Catherine continues her long trek with Absolutely Essential Scarf by Bunny Muff http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/absolutely-essential; now becoming bored with a stitch that was frustrating her awhile ago. She is also start...2017-05-2028 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 059 The Dana Foundation Supports Brain Research and EducationBrainy Thing: 20:45 Redwood Curtain: What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret is learning Intarsia, a technique she’s been wanting to learn for a long time. She presents her experiences so far and a variety of sources for learning intarsia from books, videos, You tube, Craftsy You Tube Marlene Dysert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK07PBQMTE8 Edie Eckman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzMEL2C7EHM K1p1 TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyusrCZzftY Eunny Jang: untangle yarns in Intarsia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgpA1-Xa4Pw photo tutorial https://www.thespruce.com/learn-to-knit...2017-04-0441 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 058 What Appreciation and Gratitude do for Your BrainBrainy Thing: 25:25 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 35:25 What We Learned From Our Knitting Catherine knit not one, but two Poncho Perfectos by The Knit Cafe Toronto for a production of Julius Caesar. Listen to her tale. The pattern is no longer available but Catherine used raveler raplib’s Pacific NW Poncho notes as a guide. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/raplib/poncho-perfecto She used Jenny’ super stretchy bind off Margaret has been playing with a number different projects but she finished two crochet ball ornament covers. The directions are free and are: Joy M. Prescott's Elegant ornaments: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elegan...2017-03-2346 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 057 Personality, Mood, and Color Brainy Thing: 17:29 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:00 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Catherine rages against the bulky yarn she’s using in some mystery yarn she’s using and returns to a more comfortable yarn she used for but the Funky Baby Kimono by Melilab http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/funky-baby-kimono Margaret muses about several shades of black after finishing a generic top down, Fish Lip Kiss Heeled generic sock with Soft Like Kittens yarn from independent dyer, Annette M Russell in Auckland, New Zealand (now on indefinite hiatus) http://www.softlikekittens.com/ Brainy Thing: Catherine takes a playful (but probably not...2017-03-0637 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 056 Studies on Aging and Depression from the Front of the BrainBrainy Thing: 14:14 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 22:40 What We Learned from our Knitting Finish up Party Margaret finally finished her grandson’s socks (for the second time (no pattern— the first time it was too tight) and Catherine finished up two projects. Margaret mulls over the product versus process question with the help of some famous knitters: process vs. product at Knit Purl https://www.knit-purl.com/blogs/blog/process-vs-product-knitting Yarn Harlot http://www.yarnharlot.ca/2015/01/product-vs-process/ Franklin Habit essay http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/component/content/article/35-articles/features/1405-process-this Catherine’s finishes another baby sock recipe that she usually donates to Afghans for Afgh...2017-02-1832 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 055 Increasing the "love hormone" Oxytocin to Increase HappinessBrainy thing: 17:11 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 30:42 Catherine was deep into the production of Pussy hats by Jayna Zweiman and Krista Suh https://www.pussyhatproject.com/knit/ . Bunches more patterns on: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#query=pussy%20hat&view=captioned_thumbs&page=1&sort=best Margaret steals, uh, appropriates one of them. Catherine took this opportunity to repurpose a cowl that was beautiful —Cuppa Java Cowl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cuppa-java-cowl by Sarah Wilson or The Sexy Knitter http://www.ravelry.com/designers/sarah-wilson— but didn’t quite work for her. She loved the yarn, though: A Gothling merino cashmere blend...2017-02-0339 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 054 Neurosociety: Interactive Theatre Teaches Us About Our BrainsBrainy Thing: 15:59 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 23:56 What We Learned from Our Knitting: Margaret finished Laura’s Lamers' Silken Straw Kerchief (unpublished) which was a long term but pleasant pattern. The yarn is challenging but so worth the extra attention it needs. The pattern includes beads and silk — what more could you want? Catherine finished her Age of Brass and Steam shawlette by Orange Flower http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchiefwith a self striping skein from Canon dye works. Brainy Thing: Margaret reports on “Neurosociety," the immersion/interactive theatre experience currently in Menlo Park, California that explores how our brains influence our perce...2017-01-1942 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 052 How Gratitude Impacts Your BrainBrainy Thing: 11:37 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:21 Catherine has declare “Hat Day” by knitting Marsha McCormack’s “Easy Watch Cap With A Twist” http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-watch-cap-with-a-twist. Marsha designs under the name of Lena’s Legacy Hand Knits, honoring her grandmother who taught her to knit. The pattern is free. Catherine also knit the "Countless Baby Hat” http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/countless-baby-hata free top down pattern by Cindy Davies that features a little i-chord twist at the top. Margaret practiced working with double pointed needles on a free eyeball pattern http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Eyeballs__D55679220.html feature...2016-12-1935 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 049 Study Shows How Knitting Can Help DepressionBrainy Thing: 18:46 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 24:36 What We’re Learning From Our Knitting: Catherine scores a spectacular finish to the Vanessa Ives Knit-along by Bunny Muff or Mona8pi http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanessa-ives Margaret struggles with a crocheted stuffy, Aitches by Brenda K. B. Anderson http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aitches Brainy Thing: Catherine find a study that specifically links “mood repair” or depression relief from knitting done at the Arizona State University Well Being lab study by Ann Futterton Collier http://www.jkp.com/jkpblog/2012/02/interview-ann-futterman-collier-using-textile-arts-and-handcrafts-in-therapy-with-women/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ann_Collier Behind the Redwood Curtain A pr...2016-11-0331 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitDoes Knitting Impact Your Brain like Breathing and Meditation? Welcome to Episode 47 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit Brainy thing: 11:29 Behind the Redwood Curtain 21:56 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting Margaret has been looking for modifications of the Afterthought Heel to prevent (or reduce) those strained stitches in the corner. She found Afterthought Heels Revisited (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afterthought-heels-revisited) by Laura Linneman of the Kinitgirlllls (yes, three “l”s) Podcast fame and the Knit Better Socks blog by RMD (http://knitbettersocks.blogspot.com/2011/12/improving-afterthought-or-forethought.html). She used Vesper yarn in a color way she calls “Neopolitan ice cream with blueberries”— pink, blue white and blue. Catherine finished up...2016-10-0435 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 046 Synthesis: Two Year AnniversaryBrainy Thing: 13:19 Behind the Redwood Curtain: We modify our podcast a bit this podcast as we synthesize and review two years of our podcasting episodes. What We’ve Learned from Our Knitting (and Crochet) Catherine and Margaret talk what they’ve learned from their knitting over the past two years. Margaret has learned about her ADD with knitting and how she needs variety. Catherine has learned that she needs two projects — one a simple carry-around project and another one that challenges her. Catherine mentions that she knit the Harmonia’s Ring Cowl (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harmonias-rings-cowl) by Sivia Harding but...2016-09-1733 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 044 Mourning Our Mothers with Knitting and CrochetBrainy Thing: 18:30 Behind the Redwood Curtain 30:00 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting and Crochet Margaret completed the Alpaca Angel Crochet Shawl pattern PO6134 by Kristen Omdahl http://www.amazon.com/stream/ref=strm_swm_all_nav_IF?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=nav-sitewide-msg&pf_rd_r=5S5CKKRATKXE71SVA3NT&pf_rd_t=4201&pf_rd_p=1858d2e6-f93a-4246-9790-e206ebea43d1&pf_rd_i=navbar-4201 using Knit Picks Diadem KD in silver and gold. Catherine’s potholder swap is completed now that she has received hers from others in the community. This reminds her of a program sh...2016-08-2039 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 043 Feeding Your BrainBrainy Thing: 18:45 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 33:15 What Our Knitting and Crochet is Teaching Us: Margaret crocheted the Boteh Scarf http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boteh-scarfin by Kathy Merrick out of nearly three balls of Bella Lino 58% Linen, 26% viscose, and 16% cotton http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/classic-elite-yarns-bella-lino . It looks like since Bella Lino is not part of Classic elites yarns' verde collection — like Sprout in chunky or Seedling in worsted/aran, it is not organic. Catherine is working on the Garden Arbor shawl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garden-arbor-shawl by Kira K Designs in the Be Sweet Bamboo http://www.ra...2016-08-0343 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 042 Brain Freeze Research May Pave Way for Migraine ReliefBrainy Thing: 22:56 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 32:23 What We’ve Learned from Our Knitting: Catherine recently bought a skein of Be sweet yarn, African Bead Ball, to celebrate Knitting in Public Day. http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/be-sweet-african-bead-ball. She started knittingKira Designs' Garden Arbor shawl (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garden-arbor-shawl) out of another Be Sweet yarn, Bamboo. Margaret learned a new skill through the 7 day lucet challenge. Check out Jennifer Hansen's Stitch Diva http://www.stitchdiva.com/blog/lucet-challenge/. Brainy Thing Scientists are researching the common Brain Freeze https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522095335.htm to see if it could reveal secrets that m...2016-07-1741 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 041 One Solution to Better Memory -- SleepBrainy Thing: 19:01 Behind the Redwood Curtain What We’re Learning From Our Knitting: Catherine is knitting washcloths using SmarieK’s free pattern Double Lattice free pattern. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-lattice-cloth using scraps of cotton including Knit One Crochet Two and Cotlin. Margaret had another Mending Party. Thanks to oekmama1in our Ravelry Group for referring her to Kate Atherley’s article in Knitty 2006 on Repairs. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATrepairs101.html uses sewing thread to loosely graft stitches at top and bottom. Among piles of socks, Margaret mended the As You Like It Cardigan by Judith Shangold our of Cas...2016-07-0342 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 039 Barbarbara Arrowsmith Changes her BrainBrainy Thing: 14:20 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:50 What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret crocheted Easter Egg motifs She never got the Easter Egg Garland http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easter-egg-garland by Michaela Krause http://www.ravelry.com/designers/michaela-krause correct but was able to fudge it and she liked this one best. The other pattern was the Easiest Crochet Egg Pattern Ever http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-easiest-crochet-egg-pattern-ever by Michelle @ the Painted Hinge. Also a great pattern. Each of these patterns was slightly different. She also tried crocheting with a lot of improvisation Wedding stones http://www.ravelry.com/pattern...2016-06-0134 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 037 Knitting Wednesdays for Wounded WarriorsBrainy Thing: 19.28 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 29:14
What We’re Learning from Our Knitting
Catherine finished her Among the wildflowers bandana cowl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/among-the-wildflowers which was another opportunity to use beads. She used Rizoni yarn from The loom (The loombangkok.com). Sasha Ball Rives http://www.ravelry.com/designers/sasha-ball-rives was the designer of the free design. In addition to designing, she owns the Stitch Space yarn shop in Missouri.
On her travels back home to help her mom pack up her house of 65 years, Margaret discovered several knitting pieces she has done over the year. One was an amorphic scarf out of...2016-04-1739 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 036 New Research on Muscle Memory May Help Knitters and CrochetersBrainy Thing: 22:00 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 38:45
What we learned from our knitting:
Margaret played with crocheted hearts from DIY Wedding by Jennifer E. Ryan either in Interweave Crochet Summer 2015 or as a special collection on the Interweave Website. They were cute, quick and fun. They are called Guest Lapel Pins on Ravelry. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/guest-lapel-pins
Catherine shares Towashis she received from her swap. One was made of a worsted cotton, the second from sugar and cream and the third was sugar and cream with a portion from the specialized yarn, Sugar and Cream Scrubby which is more specialized
Catherine con...2016-04-0241 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 035 Celebrate Neurons with KnitworksBrainy thing: 23:33 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 33:33
What We’re Learning from our Knitting:
Catherine’s been doing some knitting for a theatre production: She made a pair of fingerless mitts in bright pink for the monkey character in Jungalbook, just relying on measurements and her memory of doing mitts. She used Deceptive Cookie's http://www.ravelry.com/people/DeceptiveCookie Bias Stripe Shawl Recipe http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bias-stripe-shawl-recipe (free) for a black and orange scarf for the tiger character.
Margaret talks about her marathon sock-darning event using different methods on socks of hers that have developed holes.
Brainy Thing: Neural Kni...2016-03-1942 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 034 The Forgettting Curve and KnittingBrainy thing: 21:40 Redwood Curtain 31:40
What We’re Learning from our Knitting:
Margaret does realize that the Forgetting Curve threw her a curve on the Fish Lip Kiss heel. She made a sparkly pair of blue socks
out of Knit Circus Pixie Dust fingering weight merino/silk/nylon/polyamide/metallic yarn. Years ago she got a similar yarn as a kit from Knit Circus for Jaala Spiro’s half circle Coirrina Shawl (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/corrina-shawl) in the Casseopeia color way. When she ran out (she didn’t do a gauge swatch—for shame) Jaala dyed a skein that would especiall...2016-03-0141 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 033 How Knitting Can Help Fight AddictionBrainy Thing: 20:47 Behind the Redwood Curtain 33:15
What We’re Learning from Our Knitting:
Catherine updates us on her process knitting with Vanessa Ives Shawl by Bunny Muff http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanessa-ives
She is knitting baby socks by http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks--hat Bianca Boonstra for her favorite charity Afghan for Afghans http://www.afghansforafghans.org/index.html. They are out of her 2nd pair of Catnip Yarn that she died with Dharma dyes
Margaret has made more Bevy of Bangles http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bevy-of-bangles by Mags Kandis The pattern is free on the interweave p...2016-02-2145 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 032 Lily Chin: Teacher ExtraordinaireBrainy Thing: 13:45 Behind the Redwood Curtain 23:10
What we’re learning from our Knitting
Margaret is knitting a cowl out of Katia Temis or Colibri —she’s lost the ball band There’s no pattern: She just casts on 25 or more stitches and knits in garter stitch on very large needles (size 13) until she runs out of yarn. This is her exercise bike knitting. She also reports on how much she likes the Designing Vashti Yarn: Lotus Z-twisted sport weight fashion yarns: 52 cotton, 48 rayon. She knit up Kira K’s Belle Epoque shawl (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/belle-epoque-shawl) with it and has had a chance to try it o...2016-02-0835 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 031 Knitting, Life-long Learning and Your BrainBrainy Thing: 26:00 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 38:15
What we’re learning from our Knitting
Catherine gives an update on the Vanessa Ives Mystery Shawl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanessa-ives By Bunny Muff http://www.ravelry.com/designers/bunnymuff and how even Michael’s failed in providing Japanese beads that would work. While she’s waiting for her delivery of beads, she’s working on Baby Socks by Bianca Bufran for the Afghan for Afghans project. The socks are made from Treadsock Yarns that Catherine dyed with Dharma dyed goods. She’s also been working up some scrubbies for the Dishcloth group she belong...2016-01-2742 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitWhat the heck is the Distributive Practice Effect and how can it help you learn fiber arts?Brainy Thing: 15:47 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 25:35Welcome to Episode: How the Distributive Practice Effect or Spacing Effect can help you learn skills in the fiber Arts.What we’re learning from our Knitting Catherine got a lot of satisfaction by completing Laura Nelkin’s Butin Collar. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/butin-collarMargaret created felted bangles from Mags Kandis’ Bevy of Bangles pattern, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bevy-of-banglesfrom the book Gifted, Lovely little things to knit and crochet http://www.amazon.com/Gifted-Lovely-Little-Things-Crochet-ebook/dp/B00DH40MIG/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1by Mags Kandis or get...2016-01-0332 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 026 A connection between Gamma Brain Waves and Knitting?Brainy Part Starts: 18.01; Behind the Redwood Curtain Starts: 28.54
What we’re learning from Our Knitting and Crochet
Catherine took a class from Patti Subik, dyer extraordinaire and owner of Great Adirondack Yarn. http://www.greatadirondackyarnco.com/ http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/brands/great-adirondack-yarn-coShe experienced one of those great insights that opened up her world using procine dyes.
She also made a cute pair of Baby Uggs http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-uggs-2designed by Autumn Street (Baby Lee) http://www.ravelry.com/designers/autumn-street whose website is Thingsforboys.com Catherine used the lef...2015-10-1843 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 025 Impact of Mood, the Environment and Seeing Colors in KnittingWelcome to Episode 25
Brainy Thing: 18:37
Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:53
What We’re Learning from our knitting:
Catherine is finishing up her second Fantasy Red Cardi (that’s the name but this one is a green and blue variegated with trim in a robin egg’s blue) by Kathryn. She has bought the yarn Wolle’s Yarn Creations Color changing cotton tape yarn by Elizabeth Drum to do the Vanessa Ives Mystery Knit along by Mona8pi. She bought two colors but hasn’t decided which one yet.
Margaret knit about 10 inches...2015-10-0240 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 024 Muscle Memory and KnittingBrainy Thing: 17:17 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:10
Margaret took a course in Multi-Directional Knitting from JC Briar and has made wristlets to reinforce that learning. She also made the Mudra Cuff by Laura Nelkin.
Catherine is blocking her second Fantasy Red Cardi by Katherine Foster. She can't travel with her other projects.
Catherine describes the iconic (and contemporary) Humboldt Honey who still walk the streets of Arcata, California.
Margaret offers a knitting tip that by making small projects ( like a wrister, coffee cozy, or coaster) after learning a new technique, you can improve you...2015-09-1940 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 022 Kinesthetic Learning Style and Knitting
Episode 22: The Kinesthetic Learning Mode in Knitting and Crochet
Brainy Thing starts: 22:17
Behind the Redwood Curtain starts: 30:45
What we're learning from our knitting.
With her Fantasy Red Cardi by Katherine Foster (see prior posts) behind her and her Among the Wildflowers by Sasha Ball Rives on hold, Catherine turns to two bits of production knitting. She is working on Failyn Fox Cowl by Heidi May in Lion Brand Thick and Quck for a friend's child and the Chain Mail Hood and Cowl offe...2015-08-1739 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 021Knitting and Cancer Support
Welcome to Episode 21: Knitting supports Cancer Recovery and other Health IssuesBrainy part starts:24:05. Behind the Redwood Curtain (Trillium) Starts: 33:35
What We're Learning from Our Knitting (and Crochet):
Catherine is finishing up the Fantasy Red Cardi designed by Katherine Foster. She's also made two hats as part of the North Coast Knittery's Hats for the Homeless Campaign. The pattern is The Tyson Hat by Robyn Devine and the yarn is Naturally Nazareth.by Kraemer Yarns.
Catherine is well along on the Failynn Fox Cowl by Heidi May who goes by...2015-08-0442 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 020 Can Your Right Brain Help You Organize (your stash)?Brainy Thing: 25:05 Behind the Redwood Curtain 32:36
Margaret talks about how much she learned from the Multnomah Shawl by Kate Ray while Catherine talks about tension for crocheting the Misty Rose by Kim Camera. She's also working on the Among the Wild Flowers by Sasha Ball Reeves.
Margaret shares some tips from the Book "Organizing for the Right Brain" and mentions Jill Bolte Taylor's Ted Talk "Stroke of Insight."
Catherine talks about the Humboldt Marten, who people are trying to get on the Endangered Species List.
We correct an error about using a a...2015-07-1646 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 019 Growing Brain Cells with Physical ActivityBrainy Stuff starts at 15:26
Behind the Redwood Curtain stats at 24:13
Catherine is using her Fantasy Red Cardi by Katherine Foster as her carry along knitting project and has just started a crochet project: Dogwood Scarf by Suzann Thompson. Margaret has been experimenting with making samples of different ways to top off the top of a simple hat.
Catherine reports on a study done by Dr. Arne May who found that teaching people to juggle grew their brain cells. She asks, can knitting and crochet do the same thing?
Margaret talks about clam...2015-07-0232 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 018 Auditory Learning and KnittingBrainy Part starts at 24:25
Redwood Curtain starts at 32:55
Margaret talks about trying to find the perfects cotton yarn for socks and Catherine tells of her adventures with the Fantasy Red Cardi.
Margaret explains auditory learning from the VAK Learning style perspective and how we use all our senses when we are learning.
In Behind the Redwood Curtain, Catherine celebrates the California Poppy.2015-06-1843 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEpisode 017 Knitting Projects That Help You MeditateBrain Stuff starts at 23:17 and Behind the Redwood Curtain (Arcata Community Forest) begins at 32:33.
Catherine is learning from her Putney Shawl, Clapo-ktus, and the Fantasy Red Cardi. Margaret is learning from the Flapper Bucket Hat.
Catherine shares the long tradition of handmade wraps to comfort people who are sick, who have had a loss or who are moving away. One of the current projects is the Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Margaret offers information about the Arcata Community Forest, one of the few community owned forests in the West.
Catherine has a knitting tip...2015-06-0144 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 016 Knitting and the Need for NoveltyBrainy Stuff Starts at 22:00 and Behind the Redwood Curtain begins at 34:07
Margaret tells what she's been learning from Kristen Omdahl's Seamless Crochet Shawl where she tested out the Ninja Star Pattern with the AllHemp6 DK yarn. She likes the pattern and the yarn but not with each other.
Catherine talks about her progress on her projects: Meadowlark Shibori Jacket by Gina Wilde and Clapo-Ktus by Loredana Gianferri and Some Pig washcloth by Eimly Guise
In Part I of why we put down one project and start the other in the Brainy Part, Margaret talks...2015-05-1741 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 015 Knitting, Meditation and Changing Your Brain for the BetterBrainy Part starts at: 14:05; Behind the Redwood Curtain starts at 28.20.
Catherine talks about her progress on the Meadowlark Shibori Jacket by Gina Wilde out of Alchemy yarn and her new project Clapo-Ktus by Loredana Gianferri in a beloved skein of Goth Sock. Margaret kind of winged it with a long, narrow drop stitch scarf out of Recycled Sari Silk.
Then in the Brainy segment, Catherine talks about how meditation can actually increase the grey matter in your brain and reduce the size and therefore the reactivity of the amygdala. She also shares information on a prog...2015-05-0241 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 014 Knitting and the Right and Left BrainBrainy part starts at 17:50 and Behind the Redwood Curtain begins at 32:20.
Margaret talks about her adaptation of the Sweet November crocheted scarf and Catherine gives updates on her Meadowlark Shibori jacket and Sock Yarn Blanket.
Margaret talks about the once popular Right- and Left-brain theory and how current brain scientists see those terms as metaphors. She mentions that knitters sometimes identify as Right- or Left-brained.
Catherine talks about Blue Ox Millworks in Eureka, CA which uses old fashioned methods to make replicas of pieces for residents and business. It has expanded to have a...2015-04-2048 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 009 The Therapeutic Benefits of KnittingBrainy stuff starts at 22:30 Behind the Redwood Curtain begins at 39:00
Catherine talks about mystery knitalongs, both Laura Aylor's mystery shawl and Josh Ryks' Scarfie Shenanigans. Margaret describes her learning on three pairs of children's socks including two zebra socks and one generic toe up.
In the Brainy section, Catherine explains some of the work of Betsan Corkhill at Stitchlinks about how knitting is therapuetic in a number of ways for a number of conditions.
In Behind the Redwood Curtain, Catherine shares information about how our climate is ideal for artisan goat cheese.
M...2015-02-0247 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 008 Happy Brain ChemicalsBrainy stuff starts at 28.25 and Behind the Redwood Curtain begins at 44:50.
Catherine talks about finishing her PANEM Katniss Cowl Wrap by Dahlia in Bloom and the Two-toned Tawashi by Maryann Walsh. Margaret talked about knitted and crocheted jewelry: Ribband by Laura Nelkin, Crocheted Wrap Around Bracelet by Yuli Nilssen, Kaitlyn Necklace Rose by Javori Designs, and the Gatsby Necklace by Shaina Bilow.
Catherine lays the foundation for understanding brain chemicals that make us happy and how knitting influences that. She talks about Dr. Barry Jacoibs, EMDR, Betsman Corkhill and Stitchline.
In Behind the Redwo...2015-01-2052 min
Teaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 007 Skill or Concentration?Margaret talks about what she is learning from knitting and crocheting long beaded strands including Laura Nelkin's Ribband and Yuli Nilssen's Wrap Around Crochet bracelet. Catherine talks about her work on the PANEM Katniss Cowl Wrap by Dalhia in Bloom using Lion Brand Wool-ease Thick and Quick. Margaret and Catherine discuss rating patterns by levels of difficulty versus levels of concentration. Margaret talks about visiting Table Bluff in Loleta, California and then discusses the benefits of using a kitchen scale to measure yarn.2015-01-0246 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEp.004 What's Your VAK?Catherine and Margaret talk about what their knitting is teaching them. For Margaret it is the Kirklees sock and the Hermione's Everyday Sock. For Catherine it is knitting a sweater for a theatre production. (No pattern.) In Behind the Redwood Curtain, they discuss the annual Fall North Country Fair and in the Brainy Part, Margaret introduces the VAK Learning Style. Catherine offers a knitting tip about how gauge changes throughout a project. 2014-11-1736 minTeaching Your Brain to KnitEp. 002 Happiness FlowsMargaret and Catherine talk about what their knitting is teaching them, (Chameleon Scarf and Fabergé), Mihály's Csikszentmihály's theories on Flow, Redwood trees from a gardening perspective, and KnittingHelp.com's tips on making decreases.2014-10-1442 min