Of concern...

I'm going to talk for a moment about knitting/crochet/crafting podcasts... Since I started listening to podcasts, I've noticed that some podcasts have been very consistent (Sticks & String for example). Others are either coming out less frequently or not at all.

However, what is most troubling to me is a review I recently posted to iTunes for the Lime & Violet podcast. First of all, I mean every word of the review. I love Lime & Violet, they are very entertaining, have provided me with a great deal more knowledge of yarn, books, etc. than I would have had if I hadn't been listening. Like others have said, its a virtual SNB in a podcast. Ok, so no problem, right? Wrong. I made a mistake in not posting the review SOONER... because of this my review doesn't have as much credibility since it was after Ms. V herself mentioned the slew of recent harsh reviews (some do contain valid criticisms) to the L&V Ravelry forum.

BAAAAAAA! I feel like such a sheep right now and it is really bothering me! Ok, that is all I have to say at the moment... Stay tuned for more FOs and WIPs and as always, I humbly thank you for reading :)

ETA: It's still bothering me, days later... I don't really give much credence to iTunes reviews which may seem odd considering that I review books for TRRC. Anyway, I should have stepped back and either waited to post a review or temper my words a bit than my emotional glowing praise as shown... I wanted to be nice and give back in my way. I value the work of podcasters because they are providing a service which is essentially free to be consumed regardless of the level of expense endured by the podcaster. I can't at the moment show my regard for them monetarily. I don't anticipate posting any other reviews on iTunes. I can't help but feel a little bit tainted by the whole thing.

Balance!

Finally, I feel like I am achieving balance again since Ravelry came into my life! There are so many wonderful people, projects and information on this site that it can be overwhelming and time consuming... not to mention the time it takes away from actually making something! I've got my groups back down to 40 and I may actually delete a few more as I know I don't have time to actually participate in all 40 groups. My plan is to use Ravelry once a day... we'll see how that goes LOL.

I'm caught up on my podcasts and may be in the "market" for a few new subscriptions. The wonderful thing about podcasts is that they can travel with you and don't demand your full attention while listening. So multi-tasking (which is a necessity in my life) is no problem.

As for the more mundane, my front-loading washer is acting up. Without an agitator it is difficult to balance a load and I think between all of the towels and jeans this family of 5 can dirty, that I've worn the poor thing out!

What to do, what to do?

I'm finally all caught up with the Lime & Violet podcast and I think I am going through withdrawal! I'm also up to date with Yarn Thing and Stash and Burn. I think for now I will go through the Socks in the City episodes as the number of hours of Cast On waiting for me is a little intimidating LOL!

Sock Yarn Family Portrait & Podcasts

The picture is long overdue, I know! My newest babies, the Panda twins are up front :)

I haven't been knitting much lately as I haven't had time to myself. Despite the cold and lonely state of my needles and yarn, knitting is never far from my mind as I am completely enamored by knitting podcasts! In addition to being a great source of information about yarn, patterns, needles, gadgets and designers, it is just nice to listen to the chatty podcasters and feel just a little less lonely for my knitting friends :)

I am caught up with 'Yarn Thing' and 'Stash and Burn'. I am about 11 months behind on 'Lime and Violet' but catching up quickly :) Once that is done, I will absorb myself in the wit and wisdom that is 'Cast On'... plus there are so many other great podcasts out there, I don't know how I will ever be able to listen to all of them! When I can, I download an episode or two of other podcasts to try them out :)

Well that's it for now... I'll post a WIP update soon and hopefully by the end of the month I will have some FOs to share :)