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Yarns and Tales

Yarns and Tales

By Lea Adkisson

Lea has spent 40+ years learning the crafts...knitting, crocheting, sewing, and everything in between. Listen to learn, listen to enjoy, listen to simply...be. Namaste.
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Episode 110: Yarns and Tales: Plans and Potholes

Yarns and TalesJul 11, 2015

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29:02
Episode 110: Yarns and Tales: Plans and Potholes

Episode 110: Yarns and Tales: Plans and Potholes

Howdy y’all and welcome to YaT episode 110.  You’ve heard the phrase”The best laid plans…”? Yeah. I had them for this show then missing needles and constrained time happened. Follow that with life and “ACK!” I’m glad you could join me as we load the 5 parts onto the single needle and begin the yoking. […]

Jul 11, 201529:02
Episode 109: Yarns and Tales: Working Right and No Leftovers

Episode 109: Yarns and Tales: Working Right and No Leftovers

Well, howdy y’all and welcome to episode 109 of Yarns and Tales. In this show we continue working the right hand side of the sweater project and well as chat about leftover chili and a possible location for the “family business”. I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy this week’s adventure in my world of […]

Jun 28, 201539:27
Episode 108: Yarns and Tales: Fronts, Frustrations, and Fairy Wands

Episode 108: Yarns and Tales: Fronts, Frustrations, and Fairy Wands

Welcome to the 108th episode of Yarns and Tales. In this show, we continue to work on the Spring 2015 project, finishing up one of the fronts. Then with the wave of my harmony wood “wand”, we move over to frustrations, and it’s a doozy! Grab your fuzzies and let’s get started!

May 29, 201537:14
Episode 107: Yarns and Tales: The Venusian Vacation

Episode 107: Yarns and Tales: The Venusian Vacation

Welcome to the 107th episode of Yarns and Tales! After an unintended detour of life, I’m back and feeling so much better after getting lost in a “Venusian” fog. We continue with the front piece of our Spring 2015 project while I explain my misadventures. Between episode 106 and 107 nearly 5 weeks passed (if […]

May 04, 201535:15
Episode 106: Yarns and Tales: Sweater Front and Caterwauling

Episode 106: Yarns and Tales: Sweater Front and Caterwauling

Howdy y’all, and welcome to Yarns and Tales episode 106. In this show, we begin one of the front pieces to our Spring 2015 project as well as chatting about “kat-er-walling”. Find a comfy spot and let’s get started!

May 04, 201541:53
Episode 105: Yarns and Tales: Blind Knitting and the Vertigo Rant

Episode 105: Yarns and Tales: Blind Knitting and the Vertigo Rant

Recorded live from the restricted safe zone of the bed covers, I welcome y’all to Yarns and Tales. In this episode I rant a bit more than I knit, but the title is a bit self-explanatory. Vertigo struck, making life a non-stop mental roller coaster ride. Those who enter here do so at their own […]

Mar 20, 201528:37
Episode 104: Yarns and Tales: Back and Way Back

Episode 104: Yarns and Tales: Back and Way Back

Howdy y’all, and welcome to Yarns and Tales! Tech gremlins made themselves evident this week, but all is well now. In this 104th episode of YaT, I explain the back piece for our little sweater then go on to chat about some jeans from before and after my decision to change my eating habits way […]

Feb 23, 201536:04
Episode 103: Yarns and Tales: January Kicked My Ass

Episode 103: Yarns and Tales: January Kicked My Ass

Howdy yall! I’m back. No, I ain’t dead or eaten by zombies or trapped by a yarn avalanche, but January kicked my ass.  Between wisdom teeth, inventory, feral Walmart viruses, and life, the first month of the year has simply bullied me this time around.  But I’m back, and determined that February will be better.  […]

Feb 06, 201520:18
Episode 102: Yarns and Tales: Happy New Solar Loop!

Episode 102: Yarns and Tales: Happy New Solar Loop!

Well, howdy y’all! Welcome to Yarns and Tales and another new solar loop.  That’s my way of wishing you a happy new year for 2015.  I went silent for a couple of weeks. Between a busy work schedule and watching my oldest move away to California, I didn’t have the energy left to give proper […]

Jan 09, 201529:59
Episode 101: Yarns and Tales: Little Sweaters and Left Hooks

Episode 101: Yarns and Tales: Little Sweaters and Left Hooks

Well, howdy y’all and welcome to the 101st episode of Yarns and Tales!! In this show, I chat about our new adventure in making a modular baby sweater, learning to crochet left-handed in order to teach left-handed crochet, and tell the tale of how I brought my manager to his knees with one word.  Have […]

Dec 21, 201432:10
Episode 100: Yarns and Tales: Once Upon A Podcast

Episode 100: Yarns and Tales: Once Upon A Podcast

Howdy y’all!! Welcome to the 100th episode of Yarns and Tales! This has been a great adventure so far and I look forward to the adventures left to come.  For this show I recap the previous 99 shows but not how you might expect.  Please join me for a fun little episode before we follow […]

Dec 13, 201424:33
Episode 99: Yarns and Tales: A Star and Crescent and A Galaxy

Episode 99: Yarns and Tales: A Star and Crescent and A Galaxy

Howdy y’all!  Welcome to the 99th edition of Yarns and Tales!  This show is simply “outta this world”.  Well, not really but close.  Our project came from a newsletter in my inbox. After a couple of link hops, I made it to this lovely knitted head band that could be whipped up into one or […]

Dec 05, 201429:09
Episode 98: Yarns and Tales: How Do You Shower?

Episode 98: Yarns and Tales: How Do You Shower?

In this 98th episode of Yarns and Tales, I chat about the “go to” yarn-based gift when you’re invited to give a baby shower gift. I also make mention of “Now-n-Later” gifts for baby, “New Mommy/Daddy Coupons”, and ask y’all about teaching others your yarning skill and whether you have or would do it again.  […]

Nov 15, 201428:57
Episode 97: Yarns and Tales: Snowmen and Boas

Episode 97: Yarns and Tales: Snowmen and Boas

Howdy y’all! Welcome to the 97th episode of Yarns and Tales!!  This show is about the adventure of trying to do the project of a snowman head jar cozy found over at Red Heart Yarns then a review of trying out Red Heart’s Sashay Fabric for making a quick neck scarf or boa. There’s no […]

Nov 10, 201430:21
Episode 96: Yarns and Tales: Woodland Green, Hell, and Cheesecake

Episode 96: Yarns and Tales: Woodland Green, Hell, and Cheesecake

Well, howdy y’all! Welcome to Yarns and Tales episode number 96!  Today I chat about a new yarn, seasonal hells, gifting, and cheesecake.  Not a bad conversation, huh?  Make yourself comfy, grab your yarns, and let’s get started!

Nov 01, 201429:17
Episode 95: Yarns and Tales: New Yarn; Old Hallow Day

Episode 95: Yarns and Tales: New Yarn; Old Hallow Day

Welcome to the 95th episode of Yarns and Tales!  Today, I bark a bit about the dread feeling I get from the season of October to January where corporate merchandising sucks the fun out of most everything that would otherwise be fun.  I also flip things up and have fun talking about a new yarn […]

Oct 25, 201431:02
Episode 94: Yarns and Tales: Knitted Jute and Zombies

Episode 94: Yarns and Tales: Knitted Jute and Zombies

Howdy y’all, and welcome to YaT episode 94!!  This week is a quickie show as it’s simply been “one of those weeks”.  Today, I chat about a knitted jute cord project for the eating holidays or just for home decor if you’re into the current burlap themes, although simply calling it ‘rustic’ works well too.  […]

Oct 18, 201413:21
Episode 93: Yarns and Tales: Eighteen With Twenty-Six Years Experience

Episode 93: Yarns and Tales: Eighteen With Twenty-Six Years Experience

Howdy y’all!  Welcome to Yarns and Tales!  It’s episode 93, and it’s my birthday today, the anniversary of my successful escape from my mother’s womb!  (Yay to the both of us really.)  This show took a bit of effort to get through but I succeeded, mostly.  In this YaT, I chat about my birthday, cough […]

Oct 09, 201418:59
Episode 92: Yarns and Tales: Hookin’ with Jute

Episode 92: Yarns and Tales: Hookin’ with Jute

Well, howdy y’all and welcome to episode 92 of Yarns and Tales.  Today I chat with y’all about my adventure of crocheting with 3-ply jute cording using a size “P”/11.5mm hook.  Afterwards, I share a bit about a complaint a couple of my seasoned students have about patterns and how they are written.  Feeling curious?  […]

Oct 03, 201428:43
Episode 91: Yarns and Tales: Distractions and a Book Review

Episode 91: Yarns and Tales: Distractions and a Book Review

Welcome back to Yarns and Tales!  It’s episode 91, and I share my adventures of my past week which was most of the distraction part of the title plus review this awesome little book I bought recently for knitters called “Cast On, Bind Off” by Leslie Ann Bestor.  I also may have mentioned a bit […]

Sep 19, 201424:08
Episode 90: Yarn and Tales: A Plarn Project With A Side of Coffee

Episode 90: Yarn and Tales: A Plarn Project With A Side of Coffee

Howdy y’all and welcome to episode 90 of YaT!!  In this show, I’m all over the place, topic-wise, from my plarn project to kids and chores to being eco-friendly to the endocrine system of the human body — all with a side of two coffees.  I hope this episode makes you smile or laugh as […]

Sep 12, 201423:48
Episode 89: Yarns and Tales: Well, Plarn It!

Episode 89: Yarns and Tales: Well, Plarn It!

Howdy, y’all!  Welcome to Yarns and Tales!!  Today is all about something called “plarn.”  That’s a smushed word made up of “plastic” and “yarn”.  Yep, plastic.  As in plastic shopping bags and upcycling them into a knitable or crochetable medium.  I bet you’re just a little curious, aren’t you?  Make yourself comfortable and have a […]

Sep 05, 201428:35
Episode 88: Yarns and Tales: Mystery Revealed and RV Dreamin’

Episode 88: Yarns and Tales: Mystery Revealed and RV Dreamin’

Well, howdy y’all! It’s Yarns and Tales episode 88!  Today, I reveal the mystery project “that was” and the one “that is”.  I also ramble a bit on about those slow days when you just feel ‘flat’ as well as my desire to purchase some decent quality spy glasses for video classes for knitting, crocheting, […]

Aug 30, 201424:48
Episode 87: Yarns and Tales: Five Then Six and Other Ways We Stitch

Episode 87: Yarns and Tales: Five Then Six and Other Ways We Stitch

Howdy y’all and welcome to episode 87 of Yarns and Tales!!  Today, I explain where parts 5 and 6 go on our mystery project.  I also throw in a bit of this and that from ‘fabric exercise’ at work to prototyping and designing to a question about ‘other’ yarn uses.  As always, it’s an interesting […]

Aug 22, 201423:58
Episode 86: Yarns and Tales: Assembling, Reasons, and Yard Camo

Episode 86: Yarns and Tales: Assembling, Reasons, and Yard Camo

Well, howdy y’all! Welcome to Yarns and Tales!  In this 86th episode, I tell y’all where to stitch this to that in our mystery project.  I tip my virtual hat to a few passing entertainers that got ‘invitations’ to other-worldly venues.  I also take pause for the anniversary of my father-in-law’s death then talk about […]

Aug 15, 201427:05
Episode 85: Yarns and Tales: Whatchamadoodle Diddly Thing

Episode 85: Yarns and Tales: Whatchamadoodle Diddly Thing

Howdy y’all! Welcome to episode 85 of Yarns and Tales!  Today I finally get to my mic after the internet technician visited and left my house.  I tackle mystery pieces five, six, eight, and nine as well as chat about my podcast delay from Thursday and my rocking chair project.  Come on and get comfy!!  […]

Aug 08, 201431:41
Episode 84: Yarns and Tales: More Demystification, Voices, and Gifts

Episode 84: Yarns and Tales: More Demystification, Voices, and Gifts

Howdy y’all and welcome to episode 84 of Yarns and Tales!  This show finds us working on parts 1, 2, and 3 from our mystery project.  I also talk about voices, aging, and pitching, along with gifting, appreciation, and crafting.  That’s a whole lot packed into this little ol’ podcast.  Make yourself comfortable.  It’s time […]

Aug 01, 201430:33
83: Episode 83: Yarns and Tales: Let’s Start Demystifying

83: Episode 83: Yarns and Tales: Let’s Start Demystifying

Howdy y’all!! Welcome to Yarns and Tales episode 83!  In this show, I start our adventure of combining the mystery parts we’ve made over the last several episodes.  For this show, parts 4, 7, and 10 are used.  I also babble a bit about getting lost in the days of the week and fatigue.  Ready […]

Jul 25, 201435:50
82: Episode 82: Yarns and Tales: WFO, Recapping, and Empty Words

82: Episode 82: Yarns and Tales: WFO, Recapping, and Empty Words

Howdy y’all, and welcome to episode 82 of YaT.  This show is short and simple.  Too much going on and not enough energy to get it all done!  With that in mind, I thought it might be best to make this one a “recap” show so everyone participating in the mystery project will be ready […]

Jul 18, 201415:43
Episode 81: Yarns and Tales: The Ten, The Plastic, and The Tail

Episode 81: Yarns and Tales: The Ten, The Plastic, and The Tail

Howdy y’all! Welcome to Yarns and Tales, episode 81.  This show finds me chatting about mystery part number ten, borrowing yarn like a cup of sugar, recycling plastic shopping bags, and Magoo’s magical tail.  Slow down for half an hour and join me.  You’ll be glad you did!

Jul 11, 201430:35
Episode 80: Yarns and Tales: Rant, Nine, and Celebrations

Episode 80: Yarns and Tales: Rant, Nine, and Celebrations

Welcome to this 80th episode of Yarns and Tales!! I start out with a minor rant about being both a customer and an employee in the crafting industry and the way people just ditch items anywhere in a store.  Then I chat about mystery part nine and favorite foods at celebrations.  Make yourself comfy and […]

Jul 03, 201426:20
Episode 79: Yarns and Tales: Seven, Um, So, and Ouch!

Episode 79: Yarns and Tales: Seven, Um, So, and Ouch!

Welcome to YaT episode 79!  In this show, I talk about mystery part number seven.  Along the way, I also notice how many times I use the words “um”, “uh”, “so”, and other “thought fillers” while I talk.  How many times do you use those words?  Did I mention my face aches from trying to […]

Jun 27, 201428:03
Episode 78: Yarns and Tales: MP5, BonBons, and Cute by Default

Episode 78: Yarns and Tales: MP5, BonBons, and Cute by Default

Howdy y’all! Welcome to Yarns and Tales #78! Today, I yammer on about mystery part five, how something ends up being cute by default, and the white cat who adopted us, formally known as Felix, now known as Magoo.

Jun 19, 201423:58
Episode 77: Yarns and Tales: Thirteen, Three, and The Tribe of Kitty

Episode 77: Yarns and Tales: Thirteen, Three, and The Tribe of Kitty

Howdy and welcome to episode 77 of Yarns and Tales!  I cast on with a bit about Friday the thirteenth then follow up with an explanation of part number three of our mystery project.  I wind the show down with a couple of tales from The Kitty Tribe.  Join in and get settled for a […]

Jun 12, 201433:20
Episode 76: Yarns and Tales: Another Mystery and Strangers

Episode 76: Yarns and Tales: Another Mystery and Strangers

Well, howdy y’all! Welcome to the latest edition of YaT! With energy levels high, I chatter and ramble on about my day of teaching Knitting 101, selling a pair of fingerless gloves, passing along the instructions for mystery part 6, and how an act of being normal for me brought a woman to tears.  Get […]

Jun 05, 201434:27
Episode 75: Yarns and Tales: Burgers, Eight, Rain

Episode 75: Yarns and Tales: Burgers, Eight, Rain

Howdy y’all.  Welcome to Yarns and Tales.  It’s episode 75, and I’ll cut to the chase.  Our mystery part is number 8 this week, plus a fuzzy clearing up about mystery part number 4 from last week.  After explaining the 8th piece in both knit and crochet, I chat a bit about our lunch today […]

May 29, 201431:01
Episode 74: Yarns and Tales: Cubics, Four, and Too Much Knitting

Episode 74: Yarns and Tales: Cubics, Four, and Too Much Knitting

What do Cubics, the number four, and too much knitting have in common?  Well, today, it would be me, revLea, and what I talked about in this week’s podcast of Yarns and Tales.  I introduce mystery part #4, talk about squared knitting needles, and share a bit of humor about excessive knitting (not that I […]

May 23, 201423:23
Episode 73: Yarns and Tales: Mystery Part 2 and a Badass Gracie

Episode 73: Yarns and Tales: Mystery Part 2 and a Badass Gracie

Howdy y’all, and welcome to YaT episode 73.  As you see by the title, we’re working the mystery project part #2.  Then I’ll follow those pieces up with the epic tale of Gracie the Badass, Defender of the Kitchen Door and All Realms Within.  Make yourself comfortable or at least get settled into whatever you’re […]

May 15, 201427:48
Episode 72: Yarns and Tales: The Mystery Project and Opossum To Go

Episode 72: Yarns and Tales: The Mystery Project and Opossum To Go

Howdy y’all!  Welcome to the 72nd show! In this fun episode, we begin the mystery project which consists of 14 parts, nothing complicated though.  We work piece #1 in both knit and crochet so either hobbyist can play along if they wish.  Then I tell a little tale of the sunroom opossum and his mistaken […]

May 08, 201429:53
Episode 71: Yarns and Tales: The One Stick Method vs The Two Stick Method

Episode 71: Yarns and Tales: The One Stick Method vs The Two Stick Method

In this 71st episode of Yarns and Tales, I ramble on about “stick methods” and my utter disbelief in what my Redneck locals are defining them as.  I also share the details of my current on-air project.  Then there’s my very wonky weather report from this week which involved a “people storm”.  Get settled in, […]

May 01, 201427:45
Episode 70: Yarns and Tales: Little Hats, Cheese Gravy, and Burnt Water

Episode 70: Yarns and Tales: Little Hats, Cheese Gravy, and Burnt Water

Howdy y’all! Welcome to episode 70 of Yarns and Tales.  I jump right into the preemie hat variation that I mentioned in last week’s show.  After getting everyone caught up on the project, I go on to the ‘tale’ portion of the show — the creation of my cheese gravy for supper.  Curious about the […]

Apr 24, 201426:52
Episode 69: Yarns and Tales: More Teeny Tiny Tube Socks

Episode 69: Yarns and Tales: More Teeny Tiny Tube Socks

Well, howdy y’all! Welcome to episode 69 of Yarns and Tales!  Today, I’ll work on the first variation of the Teeny Tiny Tube Sock pattern from episode 67 and the posted pattern about it.  I’ll keep it simple and easy today with a Stockinette rendition. Remember, we want this to remain an everybody-can-do-this project as […]

Apr 17, 201434:31
Episode 68: Yarns and Tales: Tiny Heads Need Tiny Hats

Episode 68: Yarns and Tales: Tiny Heads Need Tiny Hats

Howdy y’all! Welcome to episode 68 of Yarns and Tales.  It’s all about those tiny heads this week as our project is an old preemie hat pattern I created from more than a decade ago (with a tweak here and there).  This very basic hat works as a preemie hat, doll hat, or a teaching […]

Apr 10, 201432:45
Episode 67: Yarns and Tales: Teeny Tiny Tube Socks

Episode 67: Yarns and Tales: Teeny Tiny Tube Socks

Well, howdy y’all!! Welcome to Yarns and Tales Episode 67.  This time around we cover a delicate matter — itty bitty feet.  Yes, those toes which belong to premature babies.  Tiny feet require tiny socks, but tiny socks can be quick and easy for all skill levels except for the unlearned (and pronounce that with […]

Apr 03, 201430:39
Episode 66: Yarns and Tales: What’s Up, Buttercup?

Episode 66: Yarns and Tales: What’s Up, Buttercup?

Well, howdy y’all! It’s episode 66 of YaT, and I finish up the Spring bonnet project we started a couple of shows back then share with y’all my recent “Christmas from Hell” tale (but it’s not what ya think!).  This is a fun show, so find ya a spot, get situated, and let’s get started!  […]

Mar 27, 201432:14
Episode 65: Yarns and Tales: Bonnets, Gyms, and Lasagna

Episode 65: Yarns and Tales: Bonnets, Gyms, and Lasagna

It’s episode 65 of Yarns and Tales, and I ran it a little backwards today by telling my tales before the bonnet.  Of course, this worked up an appetite because after the bonnet came the lasagna!  But the biggest curiosity was this question: How do you reignite your creativity after burnout?  Get settled.  It’s time […]

Mar 20, 201429:08
Episode 64: Yarns and Tales: Spring Bonnet and Identities

Episode 64: Yarns and Tales: Spring Bonnet and Identities

Howdy y’all! Welcome to episode 64 of Yarns and Tales.  Today, we are hookers, as in crochet.  I know what you were thinking (wink, wink).  Anyway, in this show, I chat about the project for this week and next week.  It’s a two-color Spring baby bonnet, and it’s another revLea ‘original’.  Yes, I’m making it […]

Mar 13, 201431:04
Episode 63: Yarns and Tales: From Rainstorms to Brainstorms

Episode 63: Yarns and Tales: From Rainstorms to Brainstorms

Well, howdy, y’all.  Welcome to episode 63 of YaT.  Today, I explain what Spring really is in the South, chat about not one but two projects, and close out the podcast with food thoughts and Silent Mouth Syndrome.  Curious?  Get yourself settled and have a listen!

Mar 07, 201428:20
Episode 62: Yarns and Tales: Red Yarn and Red Tape

Episode 62: Yarns and Tales: Red Yarn and Red Tape

Well, howdy y’all! It’s episode 62!  Red tape instead of red yarn is enough to make a yarnie scream and beg for yarn therapy! Oh, wait, I just didn’t scream. Join me as I finish up a WIP and justify future hours of yarn therapy as well as share with y’all some fabulous news.  Get […]

Feb 28, 201427:38
Episode 61: Yarns and Tales: Of Mice and Snobs

Episode 61: Yarns and Tales: Of Mice and Snobs

This week’s episode is a bit more energetic than last week’s, and by “a bit more” I mean a lot.  Episode 61 carries us from the almost-forgotten amigurumi mouse-like critter to a glove pattern to naming patterns to agelessness and to snobs of the fiber kind and the experience kind.  Get settled in, folks, and […]

Feb 20, 201429:31