Saturday, October 31, 2026
Monday, October 26, 2026
Episode 307: Happy Fall!
The witches came out in Claremont for the open street market.
This episode will upload Oct. 31, 2026
Comments are welcomed! Either comment here or go to our group on Ravelry.
Buy Dr Gemma a Ko-Fi, if you're enjoying the podcast and feeling up to it. Remember that I am still working, though, so feel free to give the money to a charity instead.
I will NOT add you to any of my follower groups currently, due to robo-accounts. Please follow me here. You can contact me through our group on Ravelry or on this blog.
Warm Thanks :
Purl-Moreno: "I was introduced to Jasper Ffordes Thursday Next series while listening to a CogKNITive podcast and I loved them. There has not been one for twelve years and now, there is a new one. Unfortunately it says it is the last one but I did get the audio from my library. It’s called “Dark Matter”
If you’ve never read The Thursday Next series, give it a try but some can be laugh aloud funny!Enjoy!"
Turbogal: for pointing out that there is a Berlin filmmaker who is documenting stories from the Stolen Neighbors quilt in Minnesota, and …
ElizaSki for loving on it
And Turbogal again for a very kind and supportive post.
MNLynn: “ I’ve joined neighbors in small weekly get-out-the-vote rallies in my hometown, and the sign I chose to hold out as traffic passes by is “No One Is Illegal.” The “othering” of groups of people is so demeaning, which, I guess, is the point of so much hateful rhetoric. My legislator is Ilhan Omar, and we’re incredibly grateful for her, for her hard work, and for the way she’s modelled civility. I find this group to have similarities and am grateful for the messages and supports.
I strongly urge folks who want to easily contact legislators about important issues is to load the free “5 Calls” app. It’s a way to see what issues our legislators are dealing with, and there are links to more information, as well as scripts to use when calling your own “peeps.”
My communities: on Finch, on Reddit, on the ground in the SCV, SFV, and AV, in this group.
Finch app ID is XRVW2WQW3C.
Ravelry. Yes, I have updated the thread on Ravelry.
CHANGE: Cogknitive Fiber Retreat 12 is scheduled for Nov 7, 2026.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
This is a Developing thread, so check back often.
Don't forget the Bloodroot tee fashion show
Lex is coming!
Registration for CFR 12 (2026):
Via Paypal to Dr. Gemma at gemmadw AT yahoo.com
Payment is due at time of registration and is NOT refundable.**
Sign-ups begin Sept. 1, 2026
Classes:
Gemma will show us how to make a no-sew bag from an old t-shirt (bring an old shirt; Gemma has about 12 though to share). If we are all feeling brave, we may work on making T-shirt yarn from any extras
The Burbank Squad also plans to teach a class/lead a demo.
Loretta 1031 left a message about donations for her crocheting club for school kids. This still applies!
From Loretta :
“ Current Wants:
-Project bags (larger plastic baggies work great!)
-Plastic clasp stitch markers
-size G, H, and I crochet hooks
-Worsted-weight yarn — washable and light colors, please”
What's On My Hooks and Needles:
Finished: Bloodroot Tee
It fits so well and looks so good!
In Progress:
Stash toss 2026: 36 in, 114 out
Doing the sides, all the blocks are joined. Done up the side panels. Thinking of the liner, digging out an old flannel sheet.
Lakeside cardigan : Remaining: 1 set of front on panels, each is 2x2, weaving those ends, attaching, then major remaining seams.
September Sweater: paused.
It's crocheted and has been on my Rav projects page for months. I’m done the second torso piece and I've sewn it all together. On the left arm! That will leave the bottom ribbing section and some fixes on the bottom of the other arm.
Coral Strange Brew: paused
Vestuary 2026: paused
A great video by The Shetland Trader on steeking armholes for stranded -pattern vests. A fine discussion of reinforcing and cutting a steek by Brooklynn Tweed. You do put underarm stitches on a stitch holder. You do still shape the armhole per the pattern. Currently shaping the armholes as I head for the neckline.
At neck and upper armhole shapings
Quilt squares and organizing— I have a 10 x 10 block SPECTACULAR quilt top! On to the backing!
Fusible interfacing pre-cut rectangles for t-shirt quilts. They work for other things too…
One day at a time: locating tools, assessing strip collection, locating quilting foot, stripping Halloween fabrics, roughing out the placemats, trimming the placemats
Dizzy Blondes: nope.
Using the electric eel 6.1.
Strategy: 30 mins EMDR/evening with Calm app continues.
Holiday budgeting—do it asap for Black Friday, shop local Saturday, Museum Store Sunday, etc.
AW shoot! Bike desking , 3-4 miles/day
Upcoming:
Fluffy Books:
Listening: The Kokoro Cat Clinic, From Cradle to Grave.
Finished: A Serving of Hope (Kamogowa Food Detectives 4), The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
Reading: A Christmas Guide to Family and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Something I Really Like: The Knitting Tree L.A.
Put a Lid on It: the Plum Deluxe tea Advent calendar has become available!
Saturday: Craft Fair in Claremont, Halloween fat quarters at Phebie's and more sushi at Kazama Sushi, and those 2 college ladies at S’bux.
Sunday: work on the quilt-as-you-go placemats, ironing the newest fat quarters, uploading episode 306, and Gigi takes a hand (okay, a necklace) at Michael’s. And I finished the Bloodroot Tee!
Community Resources:
Books I’ve Used: A Knit/Crochet Library on the Ravelry group for CogKnitive
My Favorite Resources to Buy: The entire list can be found right here.
Skills and techniques list : links
Social Services: link to page (ICE, LGBTQIA+, etc.) Please be aware that ICE is targeting southern California during these elections. Please alert your neighbors when you see them.
Please remember that we are all Jane Doe.
Calendar:
CFR 12 (2026): Nov.7, 2026
SC 5K, 2026: Nov 15, 2026
Oceanside 5K: Nov 26,2026
Jingle Bell 5K: Dec 6, 2026
Los Angeles County Yarn Crawl: April 23-26, 2027
And Minerva gets the last word: thug life. I will trash your stuff!
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Episode 306: Windy Bliss
Shownotes can be found on our blog at cogknitivepodcast.blogspot.com and also on our group on Ravelry.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Episode 306: Windy Bliss
The stocking up for winter feasts has begun
This episode will upload Oct. 24, 2026
Comments are welcomed! Either comment here or go to our group on Ravelry.
Buy Dr Gemma a Ko-Fi, if you're enjoying the podcast and feeling up to it. Remember that I am still working, though, so feel free to give the money to a charity instead.
I will NOT add you to any of my follower groups currently, due to robo-accounts. Please follow me here. You can contact me through our group on Ravelry or on this blog.
Warm Thanks :
For everyone still listening as I learn the newest Audacity.
Amber W. : thank you so much for the spectacular and generous contribution to Loretta’s crochet club at her school.
ChrisAah: Another thing you can do with old t-shirts is… make undies! T-shirts are just cotton jersey fabric perfect for underwear. I’ve done it in the past and I plan to again. There are lots of patterns to suit everyone’s style. I’ve made ones with underwear elastic and one with fabric bands. They don’t take long but they’re a bit fiddly.
My communities: on Finch, on Reddit, on the ground in the SCV, SFV, and AV, in this group.
Finch app ID is XRVW2WQW3C.
Ravelry. Yes, I have updated the thread on Ravelry.
CHANGE: Cogknitive Fiber Retreat 12 is scheduled for Nov 7, 2026.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
This is a Developing thread, so check back often.
Don't forget the Bloodroot tee fashion show
Registration for CFR 12 (2026):
Via Paypal to Dr. Gemma at gemmadw AT yahoo.com
Payment is due at time of registration and is NOT refundable.**
Sign-ups begin Sept. 1, 2026
Classes:
Gemma will show us how to make a no-sew bag from an old t-shirt (bring an old shirt; Gemma has about 12 though to share). If we are all feeling brave, we may work on making T-shirt yarn from any extras
The Burbank Squad also plans to teach a class/lead a demo.
Loretta 1031 left a message about donations for her crocheting club for school kids. This still applies!
From Loretta :
“ Current Wants:
-Project bags (larger plastic baggies work great!)
-Plastic clasp stitch markers
-size G, H, and I crochet hooks
-Worsted-weight yarn — washable and light colors, please”
What's On My Hooks and Needles:
Finished: Card pouch:
In Progress:
Stash toss 2026: 36 in, 109 out
Doing the sides, all the blocks are joined. Done up the side panels. Thinking of the liner, digging out an old flannel sheet.
Lakeside cardigan : Remaining: 1 set of front on panels, each is 2x2, weaving those ends, attaching, then major remaining seams.
September Sweater: paused.
It's crocheted and has been on my Rav projects page for months. I’m done the second torso piece and I've sewn it all together. On the left arm! That will leave the bottom ribbing section and some fixes on the bottom of the other arm.
Coral Strange Brew: paused
Vestuary 2026: paused
A great video by The Shetland Trader on steeking armholes for stranded -pattern vests. A fine discussion of reinforcing and cutting a steek by Brooklynn Tweed. You do put underarm stitches on a stitch holder. You do still shape the armhole per the pattern. Currently shaping the armholes as I head for the neckline.
At neck and upper armhole shapings
Bloodroot Tee: Done sleeves and just heading down the body. Hooray! 12” of body and about 2” to go! Still going!
Oceanside Top: Now on color #4 and onto the flutter sleeves section
Quilt squares and organizing— I have a 10 x 10 block SPECTACULAR quilt top! On to the backing!
But then I went to Phebie’s…
Dizzy Blondes: nope.
Using the electric eel 6.1.
Strategy: 30 mins EMDR/evening with Calm app continues.
Do your holiday calendar asap.
AW shoot! Bike desking , 3-4 miles/day
Upcoming:
Fluffy Books:
Listening:, A Serving of Hope (Kamogowa Food Detectives 4), The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
Finished: Wondrous by Heather Fawcett, Carry On, Jeeves
Reading: A Christmas Guide to Family and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Something I Really Like:
Phebie's Yarns:
Put a Lid on It: nope.
Saturday: Brief visit to Sewing Nuts in Newhall. Not impressed, but they do have some good machines, some fabric, strange yarn selection, and were not welcoming. They do get good reviews for classes and have a flatbed quilting machine. Worked on professional trainings, Egleanor, and the card bag.
Sunday: struggling with Audacity 4, knitting, starting the placemats, paperwork, puttering, cooking
Community Resources:
Books I’ve Used: A Knit/Crochet Library on the Ravelry group for CogKnitive
My Favorite Resources to Buy: The entire list can be found right here.
Skills and techniques list : links
Social Services: link to page (ICE, LGBTQIA+, etc.) Please be aware that ICE is targeting southern California during these elections. Please alert your neighbors when you see them.
Please remember that we are all Jane Doe.
Calendar:
CFR 12 (2026): Nov.7, 2026
SC 5K, 2026: Nov 15, 2026
Oceanside 5K: Nov 26,2026
Jingle Bell 5K: Dec 6, 2026
Los Angeles County Yarn Crawl: April 23-26, 2027
And Minerva gets the last word: No judging strange tastes
Monday, October 19, 2026
Episode 305: Bringing the World
This episode will upload Oct. 17, 2026
Comments are welcomed! Either comment here or go to our group on Ravelry.
Buy Dr Gemma a Ko-Fi, if you're enjoying the podcast and feeling up to it. Remember that I am still working, though, so feel free to give the money to a charity instead.
I will NOT add you to any of my follower groups currently, due to robo-accounts. Please follow me here. You can contact me through our group on Ravelry or on this blog.
Warm Thanks :
Sustainable Living: looking for a roommate for CFR12!
DCAlaneKnits: I'm happy to show off my quilt, believe me!
Susan M: "It was great to see you at the Altered Stitch. Your back was to me and I said to my son, “ I think that is Dr. Gemma” and then you turned around and it was you.. Dr. Gemma. It was so great to see you at my LYS. Hope you come back and maybe knit/crochet with us.They really have a lovely group of people that meet there.. a drop spindle class would even be better! Sue M
Karen sends her love to all."Jasmin Knitmore: for crafty joy
Mugs Coffee, La Verne: for that lifesaving chai
Blather:
My communities: on Finch, on Reddit, on the ground in the SCV, SFV, and AV, in this group.
Finch app ID is XRVW2WQW3C.
Ravelry. Yes, I have updated the thread on Ravelry.
CHANGE: Cogknitive Fiber Retreat 12 is scheduled for Nov 7, 2026.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
This is a Developing thread, so check back often.
Don't forget the Bloodroot tee fashion show
Registration for CFR 12 (2026):
Via Paypal to Dr. Gemma at gemmadw AT yahoo.com
Payment is due at time of registration and is NOT refundable.**
Sign-ups begin Sept. 1, 2026
Classes:
Gemma will show us how to make a no-sew bag from an old t-shirt (bring an old shirt; Gemma has about 12 though to share). If we are all feeling brave, we may work on making T-shirt yarn from any extras
The Burbank Squad also plans to teach a class/lead a demo.
Loretta 1031 left a message about donations for her crocheting club for school kids. This still applies!
From Loretta :
“ Current Wants:
-Project bags (larger plastic baggies work great!)
-Plastic clasp stitch markers
-size G, H, and I crochet hooks
-Worsted-weight yarn — washable and light colors, please”
What's On My Hooks and Needles:
Finished: Leo Simply Speedy Cowl
In Progress:
Stash toss 2026: 35 in, 107 out
Doing the sides, all the blocks are joined. Done up the side panels. Thinking of the liner, digging out an old flannel sheet.
Lakeside cardigan : Remaining: 1 set of front on panels, each is 2x2, weaving those ends, attaching, then major remaining seams.
September Sweater: paused.
It's crocheted and has been on my Rav projects page for months. I’m done the second torso piece and I've sewn it all together. On the left arm! That will leave the bottom ribbing section and some fixes on the bottom of the other arm.
Coral Strange Brew: paused
Vestuary 2026: paused
A great video by The Shetland Trader on steeking armholes for stranded -pattern vests. A fine discussion of reinforcing and cutting a steek by Brooklynn Tweed. You do put underarm stitches on a stitch holder. You do still shape the armhole per the pattern. Currently shaping the armholes as I head for the neckline.
At neck and upper armhole shapings
Bloodroot Tee: Done sleeves and just heading down the body. Hooray! 12” of body and about 2” to go! Still going!
Oceanside Top: Now on color #4 and onto the flutter sleeves section
Quilt squares and organizing—we are at 100 finished blocks.
Block assembly. I have a 10 x 10 block SPECTACULAR quilt top! On to the backing!
Dizzy Blondes: nope.
Using the electric eel 6.1.
Strategy: 30 mins EMDR/evening with Calm app continues.
Bringing life to yourself as you age. Craftiness for Dopamine
AW shoot! Bike desking , 3-4 miles/day
Upcoming:
Fluffy Books:
Listening: Wondrous by Heather Fawcett, Carry On, Jeeves
Finished: Across the Great Barrier, The Far West
Reading: A Christmas Guide to Family and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Something I Really Like: Duck Duck Go browser—moving away from the big guys step by step.
Buku Yarns
Put a Lid on It: hot drinks time, Crio Bru in a saucepan
Saturday: The Yarn Crawl continues: my lengthy expedition to Buku Yarns in La Verne, followed by a zip over to Phebie’s Needle Arts in Claremont.
Sunday: an adventure to the airport and to The Knitting Tree while wearing warm clothes
Community Resources:
Books I’ve Used: A Knit/Crochet Library on the Ravelry group for CogKnitive
My Favorite Resources to Buy: The entire list can be found right here.
Skills and techniques list : links
Social Services: link to page (ICE, LGBTQIA+, etc.) Please be aware that ICE is targeting southern California during these elections. Please alert your neighbors when you see them.
Please remember that we are all Jane Doe.
Calendar:
Finish the Run Oct 25, 2026
CFR 12 (2026): Nov.7, 2026
SC 5K, 2026: Nov 15, 2026
Oceanside 5K: Nov 26,2026
Jingle Bell 5K: Dec 6, 2026
Los Angeles County Yarn Crawl: April 23-26, 2027
And Minerva gets the last word: Let’s get cozy.
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