Teaching Your Brain to Knit

Brainy Thing:  17:37         Behind the Redwood Curtain:  27:54

What We’re Learning from Our Knitting and Crochet:

Catherine needed a quick, satisfying, completed project so she whipped up the crocheted Skinny Mini Scarf by Carla Fanton in Feza Purl in gold.  Margaret was in the same need-a-quick-success mood and worked up two Javori Designs bracelet kits: Arya crochet in sapphire;   Paloma Knit beaded bracelet in Starry night

Brainy Thing

Catherine discovers the connections between multi-sensory learning, concept maps and JC Briar's Stitchmaps.  Here's a YouTube link for our authors.  Also check http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Science-Learning-Harmony/dp/1620360098

 The New Science of Learning:   How to Learn in Harmony with your brain by Terry Doyle and James Zulle:  The Art of Changing the Brain

 Behind the Redwood Curtain

We talk about (you can see photos on the Shownotes on Teachingyourbraintoknit.com)  murals, many of which were done by local artist Duane Flatmo.

 

Direct download: Ep._029_Multi-Sensory_Learning_and_Knit_and_Crochet.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:09am PDT

Episode 28   Process versus product in your knitting and crochet

 Brainy Things: 10:40   Redwood Curtain: 18:35

What we’re learning from our knitting and crochet

Margaret crocheted a super quick project:  the Crochet cobweb pattern by Jennifer Hansen.   It's free!  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-cobweb

After a rough start, Catherine is now enjoying the Vanessa Ives Mystery KAL.  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanessa-ives

Brainy Thing:

Process vs. Product in our Knitting and Crochet through the lens of the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/judging-or-perceiving.htm

Behind the Redwood Curtain

Haunted House Tour of Eureka:   http://www.oldtownhauntedhistorytours.com/Home_Page.php   Why some of these houses have mezzanines. Knitting Tip

Cat Bordhi ‘s tip of using Kid Silk Haze or an equivalent to reinforce socks.

http://www.ravelry.com/people/CatBordhi

Direct download: Ep._028_Process_vs._Product_in_our_Knitting_and_Crochet-__Myers_Briggs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:05pm PDT

Episode 27: Reading/Writing Learning Preference and Your Knitting

Brainy thing:   25:10                   Redwood Curtain:   33:50

What Our Knitting is Teaching Us

Margaret concludes (at least for now) her cotton sock yarn comparison with Feel Good Yarns sock yarn knitted in a generic sock pattern and using the new-to-her Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Sox Therapist http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fish-lips-kiss-heel

in Feel Good Yarn Company http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/feel-good-yarn-company-silverspun-sock

She compares Feel Good Yarn with Cascade Fixation and Cobasi by HiKoo, which is currently her favorite.

 Catherine talks about her painful learning from the Mona8pi or Bunny Muff’s Vanessa Ives Mystery shawl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanessa-ives-mkal out of Woole’s Yarns Creations Color Changing Cotton

Brainy Thing

In earlier episodes, we’ve talked about the VAK learning style – Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic preferences for taking in information. An updated version of that is the VARK system. The “R” stands for the Reading/Writing preference.   While many people including educators find these systems useful, other criticize the research that has been done.

http://easychangeworks.com/articles-nlp/markova-quiz.htm

http://teachertools.londongt.org/?page=VAK

learningpath.org/articles/30_of_the_Best_Educational_Tools_for_Auditory_Visual_and_Kinesthetic_Learners.html

http://easychangeworks.com/articles-nlp/markova-1-intro.htm

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s351/nl/58815065/110e2ccb-0fba-40e4-9887-e173ce46a227/

http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2012/05/fleming-vakuous-learning-styles.html

http://learningstylesevidence.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-meta-analysis-of-vak-pre-vark.html

Redwood Curtain

The facts and mythos of Highway 101 that runs from Los Angeles to the Washington State Border.

A Knitting Tip

How to cut out a row of knitting:Margaret Ratcliff The Knowledgeable Knitter

http://www.amazon.com/Knowledgeable-Knitter-Margaret-Radcliffe/dp/1612120407/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446325007&sr=1-1&keywords=the+knowledgeable+knitter

Direct download: Ep._027_Reading_Writing_Learning_Style_and_Knitting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:37pm PDT

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 leftovers from her Red Cardi project. (see Episode 26)

Margaret sings the praises for Kira K Designs who is Kira Dulaney http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/kira-k-designs Belle Epoque http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/belle-epoque-shawl crocheted Shawl.   In addition to being a great design (and good for a new-ish crocheter), the design is extremely well laid out on the page. She used Lotus Yarn http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/designingvashti-lotus designed by crocheters Designing Vashti, Vashti Braha and Doris Chan that is half cotton, half rayon and features a Z twist.

Brainy Thing:

Catherine tells us about Gamma Waves which are associated with learning, memory, linguistic process and other cognitive ability.   Maybe even consciousness itself.
http://www.transparentcorp.com/research/gamma-brain-waves.php.   She hypothesizes that Knitting and Crochet may be linked to Gamma Wave production

Behind the Redwood Curtain

Samoa  Dunes Recreational Center. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/samoa.html offer a variety of recreational options and feature the curious Dolos https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolos

 Knitting Tip

Catherine talks about life lines.

 

A little Podcast Business:

The winner of the Berroco Origami yarn is announced as is the winner of the incentive to sign up for The Teaching Your Brain to Knit Podcast group(# 3012 to 400) http://www.ravelry.com/groups/teaching-your-brain-to-knit.   Both randomly selected.

Direct download: Ep._026_Gamma_Brain_Waves_and_Knitting_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:13pm PDT

Welcome 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 of a cowl in Borroco Origami in a black/grey/brown color and decided she didn’t like the yarn for around her neck.   She has four skeins of it, 98 yards per skein. It is 58% acrylic, 16% linen, 15& nylon and 11% cotton and has a lot of high ratings in Ravelry. Borroco has discontinued the yarn.   She’s offering it to a member of the Ravelry group for free:   Just post in the thread.   If more than one person wants it by October 13, we’ll select someone by random number generator.

 Both Margaret and Catherine learned to create fabric cords with the simple cordage method at the Natural Fibre Fair in Arcata.. The demonstration was taught by the Julie Mueller-Brown from Cinnabar and Indigo, a vendor at the fair that sells handmade glass beads and other beautiful items.

 Brainy Thing: Do colors change when we’re depressed or are we depressed by dull colors in our environment?  Catherine will explore this topic and the controversy around it in this segment.  She investigates the work of Christopher Thorstenson of the University of Rochester

 Behind the Redwood Curtain:

Margaret talks about the mystery of the little town or Orick, CA and why it hasn’t prospered.   Check out Jensen Rufe’s Film, Orick, California USA.

 Knitting Tip:

Consider cutting your knitting to make repairs. Margaret makes plans to cut her Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder in half to attempt to re-heel it.

Direct download: Ep._025_Mood_and_Environment_in_seeing_Colors..mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:38pm PDT

Ep. 024  Muscle Memory and Knitting

Brainy 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 your muscle memory and anchor the learning. 

Direct download: Ep._024_Muscle_Memory_and_Knitting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:04pm PDT

Brainy Part 20:18   Behind the Redwood Curtain:  39:38

Catherine is learning from Heidi May's (Velvet Acorn) Failyn Fox Cowl and from Melissa Mall's Simple Man Slipper.

Margaret is learning from Rebecca Velasquez' Terra Cotta Shawl (or Thorns).

Catherine talks about we see and perceive color.

She also talks about the Giant Coastal Salamander.

Catherine offers a tip about the Princess Sole in your socks.

Direct download: Ep._023_Seeing_Color_in_Knitting_and_Crochet.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:16pm PDT

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 offered by the Utah Shakespeare Festival (Chain Mail Techniques).  With a re-envisioned yarn choice (Patons Metallic in Pewter), Catherine is making this  for a local production of Plays in the Park for the play The Unprincess.

 

Margaret talks about Laura Nelkin's Beaded Waves Cuff and why Margaret sometimes like buying a kit instead of gatherine various elements of a project herself.

 

Brainy Thing:   Kinesthetic Learning

 

The last element of the VAK (Visual Auditory Kinesthetic) learning style discussion (but not the end of the topic itself), Margaret shares general and personal experiences of learners who take in information kinesthetically.

 

Behind the Redwood Curtain

 

Catherine talks about the Natural Fiber Fair which is held in Arcata, CA.

 

Knitting Tip

 

Margaret shares that designers (Laura Nelkin, for example) and yarn companies often have wonderful tutorials on their sites.

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: Ep._022_Kinesthetic_Learning_and_Knitting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:29pm PDT

 

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 the Velvet acorn.  She is using Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in pumpkin for it

 

Margaret is continuing her exploration of cotton sock yarns.   This week she talks about Cascade Fixation using the Fixation Ankle Sock pattern by Dawn Friske or Knitamazoo.   Margaret also re-crocheted the Quotidian or Flapper Bucket Hat by the Stitch Diva to make it just a little larger to accommodate her Mom's bun.

 

The Brainy Part:  Knitting to Support Cancer Recovery

 

Catherine introduces the Knit for Life Program started by Tanya Pariequz.  She also talks about Team Survivor Northwest.

 

Behind the Redwood Curtain:   Trillium

 

Margaret talks about the beautiful little trillium that bloom in the spring at the base of the redwood trees.

 

Knitting Tip

 

Margaret shares Edie Eckman's tip in Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs about using the principle of the Golden Mean in choosing a pleasing proportion of colors in a multi-color project.

 

Direct download: Ep._021_Knitting_and_Cancer_Therapy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:39pm PDT

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 larger needle to creat a stretchier cast-on and Catherine shares a tip about starting a busy day with a little knitting to find peace. 

Our Learn-along will be over August 1.

Direct download: Ep._020_Right_Brain_Organizing.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:50pm PDT

Brainy 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 clams, clamming and Clam Beach, California.

Margaret suggests that people try different tools and is now experimenting with 12 inch and 9 inch knitting needles.

The incentive prize and the Learn along continue over on Ravelry.

Direct download: Ep._019_Growing_Brain_Cells_with_Physical_Activity.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:15pm PDT

Brainy 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.

Direct download: Ep.018_Audiory_Knitting_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:28pm PDT

Brain 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 to use larger needles to cast on and bind off.

We are starting our first "Learn-a-Long"   See our Ravelry Group for the rules.

And we have a new incentive prize for people who join our Ravelry Group.

Direct download: Ep.017_knitting_projects_that_help_you_meditate.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:52am PDT

Brainy 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 about Novelty and how it impacts our brain.   Then Catherine talks about the Godwit bird and the Zen Center in Arcata. 

Finally Margaret suggests trying different yarns and being aware that you might to use different tension and even different tensioning hand postures. 

Direct download: Ep._016_Knitting_and_the_Need_for_Novelty.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:18pm PDT

Brainy 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 program called Knitting Behind Bars.

Margaret describes the logging history of the redwoods and current efforts to be more sustainable.

Catherine's knitting tip is change up needle sizes when you're knitting -- have one project on larger needles and another on smaller.

The incentives to join the Ravelry group continue. 

Direct download: Ep._015_Knitting_meditation_and_changing_the_brain.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:42pm PDT

Brainy 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 school and veterans' services.

Catherine also suggests knitters have a number of cast-ons and bind-offs to choose from when they knit.

Direct download: Ep._014_Knitting_and_the_right_and_left_brain.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:58pm PDT

Brainy Stuff starts at 21:47  and Behind the Redwood Curtain begins at 38.:36.

Catherine shares what she's learned from her knitting of the cowel she completed and her adventures with the Meadowlark Shibori Jacket.  Margaret talks about a Knit-a-long she began many years ago sponsored by Webs Yarn Company that featured tree motifs from Barbara Walker

Today's question is how does Knitting qualifies as an engaged mental activity.   The answer lies in the various brain lobes and brain waves and the location and the wave activity changes depending on what you do including knitting, watching TV, reading or listening to audio books. 

In Behind the Redwood Curtain, Catherine talks about the Arts Alive events in Arcata and Eureka, CA.

The knitting tip this episode is from Josh Bennet who says that if you want long lasting garments, that seaming the pieces is your best bet and that 1x1 ribbing is more durable than other kinds

Direct download: Ep._013_Knitting_Brain_Lobes_and_Waves.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:01pm PDT

Brainy stuff starts at 15:40 and Behind the Redwood Curtain begins at 26:55.

Catherine finds a patterns for her Great Adirondack yarn from 50 Fabulous Borders by Rita Weiss.  She also finished a jelly fish from Hansi Singh's Amigurumi Knits.

Margaret has been making washcloths from Stitch Diva's (Jennifer Hansen') pattern and loving the Lucci DK cotton tape yarn.

Catherine relates some research suggesting the knitting and other acitivities reduce the chances of dementia and age-related Alzheimer's.   The evidence is anecdotal and researchs say they need more research before they can find a causal link.

Margaret talks about the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  She also offers a tip to suggest you can sketch out a graph on a challenging knit or crochet pattern that doesn't have one. 

Direct download: Ep._012_Knitting_fights_dementia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:17pm PDT

Ep. 011 Metacognition and how it helps your knitting

Brainy stuff starts at 22:40 and Behind the Redwood Curtain starts at 32:05.

Margaret shares what's she's learned from the Gallatin Scarf and the Silk Curved Scarf while Catherine talks about new (Meadowlark Shibori Jacket) and old (Sock Yarn Blanket) projects.

Margaret discusses the concept of metacognition and how it helps make knitting projects more successful.  She also talks about the First Street Gallery in Eureka and Catherine offers a knitting tip about soaking your project for 20 minutes before blocking. 

Direct download: Ep._011_Metacognition_and_your_knitting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:10pm PDT

Brainy Stuff starts at 25:40.  Redwood Curtain starts at 37:40.

Catherine is learning more about the structural construction of knitting from Josh Ryks' Scarfy Shenanigans.  She also enjoyed the construction of Laura Aylor's Outlier.  And for charity, she knitted one of her standbys -- Magic 28.

Margaret knit a black and white striped hat and added fringe.  She learned that cashmere is lovely soft but shows her botched efforts to pick up a stitch.

Catherine discusses the Arcata Waste Management Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary and Margaret offered a tip about getting spiral binding on knitting techniques books.

Direct download: episode_10_Review_your_knitting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:50pm PDT

Brainy 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.

Margaret offers a knitting tip about how getting stitch markers to closely match the size of the needle will help to prevent those yarn overs from slipping under the markers.

Direct download: Ep._009_Therapuetic_Benefits_of_Knitting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:55pm PDT

Brainy 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 Redwood Curtain, Margaret talks about the Mad River (the California one.)

And in the knitting tip, Margaret talks about flipping a blocking board upright to save space.

Direct download: Ep._008_Happy_Brain_Chemicals.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:06pm PDT

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.

Direct download: ep._007_Skill_or_concentration_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:04pm PDT

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