Teaching Your Brain to Knit
Joy snacks, Insects, Shawls and Knit Blocks, plus Benbow Inn.
 
Brainy Thing: 19:26 Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:40
 
What We're learning from our knitting and crochet:
Margaret is working on some amigurumi Garden insects https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garden-insectsby Marica Coridon for a present for her grandson. Catherine is taking a little break from knitting Stephen Wests' Twists and Turns https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twists--turns-westknits-mkal-2022to knock out some knitted blocks for Hats and More for Refugees World wide. https://www.ravelry.com/groups/hats-and-more-for-refugees-worldwide. She's using the beginning of the Melanie's Mandala Baby Blanket https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melanies-mandala-baby-blanket for the blocks.
 
Brainy Thing:
Margaret shares quick practices that increase happiness in her report on Joy Snacks.
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
Catherine reports on the historic Benbow Inn south of Garberville https://benbowinn.com/
 
Welcome to episode 143 of Teaching your Brain to Knit. Today we present Joy Snack or quick things we can do to bring us happiness; We talk about our crochet (making amigurumi insects) and Knitting, (shawl and knitted blocks) plus we report on the historic Benbow Inn

Brainy: 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 Fall Garland (https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=469668145054284). by Jen Lucas and also Leaf from Susan B. Anderson's Fall Harvest Charm
 
Brainy Thing:
Catherine reports on the impact of light on the brain, particularly early morning light:
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples is located in Arcata and focuses on supporting grassroots initiatives for Indigenous people around the world. https://7genfund.org/
 
 
Welcome to Episode 142 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit where we explore the relationship between early morning light and our brains. Catherine is deep within textures and colors with her knitting and Margaret enjoys different designs for little pumpkins and leaves. Finally we spotlight The Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous People located here in Arcata.

Brainy 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 now but is chock full of information about human behavior and told is Sapolsky's witty style. Margaret reviews it.
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
Catherine tells of her visit to the new Redwood Skywalk in Eureka's Sequoia Park, suspended 100 feet above the ground.
 
Welcome to Episode 141 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit where we review highlights from the book Behave by Robert Saplosky, discuss learning from knitting pumpkins, dishcloths and a mystery shawl, and report on the new Skywalk among the Redwoods at Eureka's Sequoia Park.
 
 

Brainy: 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
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 a read condition that needs to be addressed. Richard Louv came up with the term in his book "Last Child in the Woods" . https://richardlouv.com/blog/what-is-nature-deficit-disorder/. Other names and terms Catherine describes in this report are green exercise, eco psychologists, Wilderness therapy professionals
Frederick Law  Olmstread (American Landscape Architecture), John Muir and Louise Chala, Colorado University professor
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
Those beautiful iconic Cliffs of California are eroding away. Margaret reports on a recent study about them.
California Coastal Cliff Erosion Viewer:  https://siocpg.ucsd.edu/data-products/ca-cliff-viewer/
 
 
Today, in Episode 140 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit, Catherine presents information about Nature Deficit Disorder and the importance of being outside in nature; She also talks about her knitting AND crochet: she finished her crochet mandala Baby Blanket and started knitting washcloths for the washcloth exchange. Margaret shares her experience knitting a snail and then reports on the latest information on the eroding cliffs of California
 

Brainy 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 Baby Blanket by Melanie Grobler at M and M Crochet Designs https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melanies-mandala-baby-blanket. She's been using the yarn
in the Karon rainbow color but without warning the big box store Michael's is out of it and she's been trying to find additional skeins.
 
Brainy Thing:
Margaret reports on Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, a book and theory about how we use two systems for thinking: one fast and instinctive and one slower and more reasoned. But both systems are prone to erros.
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
Arcata like many cities is trying to get fewer people to drive and more people to use bicycles but it is encountering some growing pains in this switch.
 
Welcome to Episode 139 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit where we present the theory of Thinking Fast and Slow, talk about knitting an amigurimi beet and crocheting a mandala baby blanket and discuss trying to make Arcata and other cities less reliant or cars and opening up options for bicycles. I ask for a little more indulgence than usual for the sound quality today because not only are we dealing with the zoom problems in a community that does not have good wifi options, but also, Catherine is sitting outside in the rare but wonderful days around here that offer sunshine, a little warmth and not too much wind -- but as a result you'll hear some background noise of her neighbors.
 
 
Direct download: 139.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:32pm PDT

Brainy 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 featured on Fruity Knitting video cast Ep 102 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfWEi57a-4U.
 
Margaret talks about her reluctance to start the Harmonia's Ring Cowl https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harmonias-rings-cowl by Sivia Harding despite having been given beautiful yarn Shibui Knits Vine in the Majesty Colorway. It begins with a mobieus cast on that Cat Bordhi made famous. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVnTda7F2V4. But she's started now -- at least a few rows.
 
Brainy Thing:
Volunteerism not only helps others, it helps you as well. Catherine reports on it.
 
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
Margaret talks about Sneaker Waves and Rogue waves: both big waves but different.
 
Welcome to Episode 138 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit. Today we talk about a Mandala Baby Blanket and a Moebius Cast on for the Harmonia's Ring Cowl. Catherine shares how volunteering can be good for you as well as the recipients and Margaret offers information on Sneaker Waves and Rogue Waves.
 
 

Brainy thing:20:20  Behind the Redwood Curtain:32:18
 
What We're Learning from Our Knitting
Margaret makes new discoveries about the granny square and Catherine notes that there's a resurgence in popularity of granny squares. Giant Granny Square Afghan by Crochet Me Lovely https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/giant-granny-square-afghan Catherine also talks about second-baby-sock-syndrome with her Kate Atherley Baby Socks https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-socks-23 and knitting blocks with patterns from Barbara Walker Treasury of Knitting Patterns 4 volumes published by Schoolhouse Press https://www.schoolhousepress.com/. She also mentions the silent knitting group on zoom as the heritage and remembrance of Cat Bordhi, the late, great knitting teacher and encourager. https://new.catbordhi.com/silent-knitting/
 
Brainy Section
This episode we focus on Highly Sensitive People, a group that has been widely researched. There seems to be both a nature (genetic, brain chemistry) and nurture aspect in the background of HSPs.
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
Potawot health village is much more than a clinic for American Indians. It is an environment including land use and cultural events that promotes wellness and healing.
http://www.sonic.net/~water4/main_pages/PHVP.html
 
Welcome to Episode 137 of Teaching your Brain to Knit. Today we investigate the life and brains of Highly Sensitive People. We mention crocheting granny squares, baby socks, knitting blocks for charity and silent knitting meetups. Finally we share information on Potawot Health Village, a local health facility that creates a wellness environment including clinics, gardens, and cultural events.
 
 
 

Brainy 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:
Margaret mixed and match gnome parts from Sarah Schira:
 
Brainy Thing:
Who suffered more from covid isolation? Maybe you'll be surprised.
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
The ongoing drought and naturally dry areas like deserts require a different type of landscaping. Margaret introduces xeriscaping.
 
Welcome to Episode 136 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit where we ask the question "Who suffered more from covid Isolation -- introverts or extroverts. The answer might surprise you. Catherine talks about the pleasure of knitting quick, colorful baby items -- a hat and socks and Margaret shares her experience mixing and matching gnome parts. Then we look at xeriscaping -- a way to landscape for dry and drought-ridden areas.

Episode 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 lost a beloved Stephen West https://www.ravelry.com/designers/stephen-westShawl, Metalouse. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/metalouse
 
Brainy Thing
Margaret reports on Hedonic Adaptation also called the Hedonic Treadmill which is the human emotional set-point that is partly genetic and partly attitudinal.
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain
Catherine's been watching the new Craftsman television series on Magnolia network which features the Blue Ox Millworks in Eureka. In addition to celebrating handcrafting, the series features beautiful shots of Old Town Eureka and the Humboldt Coast. https://magnolia.com/watch/show/62a3faac-8006-5a79-b673-8c0217e75fbc/the-craftsman/,
 
Myra Wood (Designer) 0.55
Agata 10:10
Leah Chapman: 10:10
Metalouse 15:18
Stephen West 15:18
The Ribbed Faraway Baby Socks 17:20
Amber 17:20
Mittknitter. 17:20
Blue Ox Millworks
Today in Episode 135 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit, we learn about Hedonic Adaptation, our internal thermostat for emotional happiness;  Margaret experiments with freeform crochet while Catherine continues her blanket obsession;  And Catherine reports on a new TV series, the Craftsman which feature the Blue Ox Millworks in Eureka and a celebration of handwork.  As always please forgive and ignore the audio distortions introduced by zoom and unstable networks. 

Brainy 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 sides. She's wondering if she suffers from a little bit of perfectionism that is stopping her from starting the colorwork sweater Ghost Horses https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ghost-horses. by Caitlin Hunter.
Jody Deluca, Ph.D. https://www.eriecoloradocounseling.com/publications
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain:
The university where Catherine and Margaret worked is changing its orientation and name. It's now Cal Poly Humboldt and is focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs.
 
 
Welcome to Episode 134 of Teaching your Brain to Knit. Today we talk about Perfectionism, both its positive and negative effects. Catherine and Margaret have been working on blankets and other projects but not finishing things. And Margaret reports on the changes from Humboldt State University to Cal Poly Humboldt.
 
 
 
 
 
Direct download: 134_Ep._134._Perfectionism_blankets_and_tips_Cal_Poly_Humboldt..mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:15pm PDT

Brainy Thing:  18:28. Behind the Redwood Curtain: 27:52
 
What we've learned from our knitting:
Margaret finished a new project and resurrected an old one.  As she was ripping out the yarn from
She used the Keanna Chunky Messy bun Hat  pattern by Jocelyn Jones for the general measurements but knit the whole hat in two by two ribbing.  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/keannas-chunky-messy-bun-hat.   Then, as she was ripping out the Big Marl Blanket by Beata Jezek, she began playing around with the yarn making a big Granny Square.  She turned to Jeanne Steinhilber's Marled Modern Granny Afghan https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marled-modern-granny-afghan for a pattern and she finished her lap-ghan that she'll donate to charity. 
Catherine made the first step toward her new sock project -- she wound the skein of yarn into a ball and then inspired by her research on finishing projects, she went back to her mitered Square Blanket and found a tutorial for squaring off the sides to make the edges straight instead of sawtoothed.  Ladybug Laboratory offers a You Tube: 
 
Brainy Thing:
We've talked a lot about meditation on the podcast but an amazing amount of research suggests that Loving Kindness Meditation has many, many benefits.  And Oops.  Margaret talked about Sharon Saltzman as the Queen of Loving Kindness but it is Sharon Salzberg.  Sorry, Sharon. 
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain
What could be more fun than a horse drawn buggy ride through downtown Eureka?  Probably not much.  Check it out here:  https://www.oldtowncarriageco.com/
 
 
Today in episode 133 of Teaching your Brain to Knit, we report on the many benefits of one particular meditation techniques -- Loving Kindness Meditation.   We talk about work on old projects -- blankets, in this case, and we present new projects -- a messy bun hat and socks.   Then we report on the delightful carriage rides of downtown Eureka.   Welcome. 
 
 

Brainy 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 knit one below stitches plus a new stretch cast on and several new stretch bindoffs.
 
Brainy Thing:
Catherine continues to explore why it's sometimes difficult to finish things and dips into theories of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards as motivation
 
Behind the Redwood Curtain
Margaret shares basic information about El Niño and La Niña and looks for an explanation of why Southern California had floods and snow during a year that should be dry.
 
Welcome to Episode 132 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit where Catherine is deep into planning future projects and Margaret reports on knitting old patterns and learning new stitches. During the Brainy Thing Catherine continues to seek understanding about why it's sometimes hard to finish things focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic rewards as motivation. And Margaret talks about El Niño and La Niña and why Southern California got a lot of rain and snow during a year when that shouldn't happen.
 
 
 
 

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