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The Yarniacs: A Knitting Podcast

Gayle and Sharlene search for the ever-elusive perfect yarn for the perfect project. The Yarniacs Podcast is an audio podcast coming to you from the coast of California. Join us!

The perfect yarn.

Does such a thing exist? Every knitter has a favorite yarn. But every knitter knows that their perfect yarn is not perfect for every project. So we knitters tend to hold dear several favorite yarns. We have a perfect sock yarn. Or a perfect wool blend. A perfect yarn for outerwear. Sometimes even one skein of too-precious-to-use perfectly dyed yarn. (You know you have one!)

Once you have the perfect yarn though, you need an accompanying perfect project. But the perfect project is a dynamic concept--always changing and occasionally slipping away. Varying styles, colors, and seasons come into play. So the search is always on.

But we are willing to accept the challenge. The constant search for the perfect yarn, matched with the perfect project. Who are we? Two knitting besties in search of the perfect yarn. Bring it!

Sharlene’s Instagram: @yarniac

Gayle’s Instagram: @gayleywayley

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  2. The Yarniacs Episode 62: We Talk Design with Wendy Bernard

The Yarniacs Episode 62: We Talk Design with Wendy Bernard

May 16, 2014

Similar to wool, Gayle and I have a lot to learn about garment design and how designers do the magic they do. Like our wool series, we'd like to start an occasional series with designers, the work they do, and how they do it. Our guest today is Wendy Bernard, author and designer of the popular Custom Knits series and the Knit and Tonic blog. Wendy also has a fabulous stitch dictionary Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary. This is a stitch dictionary with a twist--each stitch pattern includes instructions and charts to knit from the top or the bottom. If you have ever switched up a pattern to knit it top-down as I have, you know what a cool resource this is for a knitter! If you've ever wanted to add a little bit of bling to an edging, or change a ribbing to something other than k2 p2, then this resource should find a way onto your bookshelf. One of my favorite features of this book is the index that organizes stitch patterns by multiples, making it easy to swap out the stitch pattern on a hat or garment edge.

Gayle and I have knit several of Wendy Bernard's designs including:
Lion Neck Cardigan
Sharlene's Lion Neck Cardigan
Gayle's Lion Neck 1
Gayle's Lion Neck 2
Favorite Cardigan
Sharlene's Favorite 
Gayle's Favorite
Yogini Bolero
Sharlene's Bolero
Gayle's Bolero 1
Gayle's Bolero 2
Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman
OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams
Flamingo Mittens by Spilly Jane

What are we knitting?
Jaywalker by Grumperina
Viajante by Martina Behm
Clincher by Ash Kearns
Gayle's Yogini Bolero by Wendy Bernard

What are we stalking?
Opan sock yarn
Susan B. Anderson's Opal socks
Pakucho organic cotton
Quince and Company Sparrow yarn
Quince and Company Quince yarn

Wendy's new book is available here: