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November 15, 2016 By admin 59 Comments

Drop Dead Easy Knits with Gale Zucker, Mary Lou Egan and Kirsten Kapur

Drop Dead Easy Knits with Gale Zucker, Mary Lou Egan and Kirsten Kapur made for lots of fun on today’s Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird, like we can have at knit night, exploring great knits together.

The three ladies took turns with sharing their background. Mary Lou Egan began with her story in fiber. She said she began as a child ‘nothing exciting’ but wasn’t until her boyfriend asked her for a Dr Who Scarf (!) and ‘it was all downhill from there’. She began teaching at the Yarnery about 15 years ago, but couldn’t find

ddek-author-gale-zucker

Gale Zucker

patterns she wanted to teach with. Plus, knowing what folks wanted to learn, and what the supplies the shop had to offer, she began to do a little designing…. Kirsten Kapur says she has no recollection of learning to knit, but came from a creative family ‘We just made things,’ she says. Afterschool, she worked in the fashion industry which grew into designing fabric. Her experience grew into the the the knitwear designing she does today. Like Kirsten, Gale Zucker says her family was also creative. Her grandmother had a dry goods store and taught knitting on the sidewalk. The clicking of the needles was the soundtrack of her childhood as everyone knit. She could knit, but not until college did she knit seriously, even as she began her career as a photographer and photo journalist she never combined the two. It wasn’t until online blogs became a thing that she turned her focus in sharing her photography skills with the industry.

ddek-author-kirsten-kapur

Kirsten Kapur

The three ladies worked together at a knitting retreat and shared a cabin when the idea came to them that a book of patterns that could be worked on while knitting in a group, but were also stylish and gorgeous. Drop Dead Easy Knit is that book, and it’s divided into chapters with themes. Cold Hands, Warm Heart is one such chapter, of patterns that you’ll want to knit on chilly evenings, including the Glama Wrap. Another chapter focused on traveling, simple pieces can be done while stressing about connections, including Idlewyld Socks, were designed while on a plane.  Ideas kinda sorted themselves out in a natural division of labor, and the use of spreadsheets kept them on track as they don’t live near each other. Also they were focused on being yarn-store friendly, in that the yarns needed to be available to it’s readers, plus a section at the back gives various suggestions.

Gale’s photography of the various pieces focused on natural lifestyle. With thought to a ‘day in the life’ borrowed a friends home, wardrobe that worked naturally. We let the ladies share each other designs from the book. Mary Lou began with Gale’s Portillo Cowl,

ddek-author-mary-lou-egan

Mary Lou Egan

which she’s created two of already. She says living in the Dakota’s, it’s a comfy warm cowl so desirable. Kirsten offered Mary Lou’s Sidekick Hat which is in the Drinking Buddies chapter, is a simple stranded-knit hat that friends could share the yarn skeins and each have a hat with a different result. Gale says Kirsten loves the Short Beach Shawl that was included in the No Sheep at the Short chapter, with it’s easily memorable pattern and FRINGE. Gale says it’s also easy to change up.

drop-dead-easy-knitsOther patterns were contributed by various friends. The ladies of Mason-Dixon Knitting, contributed a variation of the Log Cabin Quilt-style afghan, Star-Eyed Julep throw. There’s a little Bear in a Bunny Suit from Susan B Anderson (you’ll say ‘Of Course’ when you see it). The Headford Hat from Theresa Gaffey is shown in several colors which means it was completely repeatable like we want.

Gale Zucker’s website is SheShootsSheep.com, Kirsten Kapur’s is ThroughTheLoops.com and Mary Lou Egan’s can be found at Yarnerinas.com.

If you missed getting to hear this LIVE it is still available where it aired originally as an archived episode https://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/11/15/drop-dead-easy-knits-with-gale-zucke

r-mary-lou-egan-kirsten-kapur or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio. Watch Marly’s Facebook page or YouTube for behind the scenes video from her Birds of a Feather studio.

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Filed Under: Show Notes Tagged With: books, show notes, shownotes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Margaret Houston says

    November 15, 2016 at 10:41 am

    cruise control. It was fun to listen

    Reply
  2. SidraG says

    November 15, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Enjoyed the pod cast today. Always great to use cruise control

    Reply
  3. Ramona says

    November 15, 2016 at 10:49 am

    I love the idea of the concentration rating. I also like the phrase “cruise control” over things like mindless knitting or brainless knitting.

    Reply
  4. Carol Walker says

    November 15, 2016 at 10:53 am

    When you tend to be distracted by shiny things (like me!), it’s good to know something is cruise control-able.

    Reply
  5. Sarah Thompson says

    November 15, 2016 at 11:10 am

    Its a always nice to be on “cruise control” rather it be knitting or Crochet. Althought I am not a knitter yet. This book seems like a good one.

    Reply
  6. Mary Carol says

    November 15, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Love the podcast and I love the idea of having knitting projects that will allow me to go on Cruise Control but will also let me know when I need to concentrate and pay attention.

    Reply
  7. Chris Lopez says

    November 15, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    What a cool sounding book. I loved hearing from this trio and especially liked the picture painted of eating lobster and drinking wine by an outdoor fire. I always have at least one project going that I can use for cruise control when I need a break from concentrating on a more involved pattern.

    Reply
  8. Edith says

    November 15, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    When I heard the words “Cruise control” my first thought was, that I would love to join a “crafty Cruise”
    I know they excists – and in my imagination, it would be the perfect way to spend my holiday
    Crafting the day away on the sunny deck, by the swimmingpool. Oh yes …. that would be the ultimate Cruise control 😀

    Reply
  9. Hazel Vaughn says

    November 15, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    Sometimes “cruise control” knitting is exactly the right thing.

    Reply
  10. Gale says

    November 15, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    I definitely need this book I’m going to order it when I’m done here. Also I just love the way Gale spells her name lol

    Reply
  11. Geraldine Scott says

    November 15, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    I manage to screw up my knitting even on cruise control!

    Reply
  12. Lauren P. says

    November 15, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    What a wonderful feeling, to be on cruise control while knitting. Fun & informative interview.

    Reply
  13. Trisha says

    November 15, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    Love the drop dead easy catchy name. Also love to knit on cruise control while watching tv

    Reply
  14. Cristy W says

    November 15, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    I have heard several reviews already, sounds like a must buy. I will need to set my cruise control so I don’t get caught speeding to the closest store to pick it up!

    Reply
  15. Nancy Wilson Page says

    November 15, 2016 at 11:29 pm

    Cruise Control

    Reply
  16. Carol T says

    November 16, 2016 at 12:15 am

    What a great podcast with Kirsten, Mary Lou and Gale. Drop Dead Easy Knits sounds and looks like a great book! I love the different sections of each pattern labeled ‘Concentration Zone’ and ‘Cruise Control’ – that kind of lets you know what to expect. Thanks for the inspiring interview.

    Reply
  17. april hamilton says

    November 16, 2016 at 7:32 am

    Cruise control
    Was fun to listen to the podcast today

    Reply
  18. Anne Crawford says

    November 16, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Loved this podcast and learning about the collaboration of these 3 women to create a wonderful book. The idea of knowing when to really concentrate on my knitting and when to relax a little in cruise control is brilliant !

    Reply
  19. Linda says

    November 16, 2016 at 8:06 am

    I love cruise control knitting. It’s so nice to be able to multi-task while knitting. I’m usually watching TV and then jumping up to do laundry while knitting on a project. This book looks great! I especially love Kirsten’s designs and I’m looking forward to trying the other two designers’ patterns.

    Reply
  20. Lynne Kelly says

    November 16, 2016 at 8:25 am

    I love the cruise control/concentration zone idea for the patterns, I wish more patterns had these identifiers on the instructions..

    Reply
  21. Robin Berry says

    November 16, 2016 at 9:59 am

    One of the most relaxing things you can do is knit. Cruise Control knitting helps relieve stress and brings peace to your soul. I would love a copy of Drop Dead Easy Knits to explore more relaxing while I knit.

    Reply
  22. Mary L. says

    November 16, 2016 at 11:58 am

    Loved this podcast! Cruise control=brilliant!!

    Reply
  23. Sally says

    November 16, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    The idea of cruise control for projects that are relaxing and beautiful is very appealing.

    Reply
  24. Audrey says

    November 16, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    How great to coast through a project on cruise control while socializing or multi tasking. Looking forward to seeing this book!

    Reply
  25. Heather says

    November 16, 2016 at 11:03 pm

    Thinking of cruise control, I realized I haven’t had a mindless knitting project in a while. Must remedy that! I think I’lol do a baby blanket or something like that.

    Reply
  26. Itashka Wunderlich says

    November 17, 2016 at 3:02 am

    Will love to cruise control with friends! First time listener, it was great!

    Reply
  27. Laura says

    November 17, 2016 at 4:18 am

    I always have a cruise control project going because it’s hard to think well around toddlers. LOL

    Reply
  28. lisa Nixon says

    November 17, 2016 at 10:13 am

    As always – LOVED the podcast! I need this book because I do like my “medicinal” glass (or two) of wine each evening….and it would be nice to realize before i totally mess up a knitting project that it should have been on cruise control!

    Reply
  29. Karen Grauman says

    November 17, 2016 at 11:46 am

    Cruise Control…potato chip knitting–all fun

    Reply
  30. Lori Biamonte says

    November 17, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    The older I get, the more I enjoy cruise control knitting–especially on a cruise!

    Reply
  31. Ashleigh Eden says

    November 17, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    I love having a cruise control project to pick up, especially when I’m working on muliptle WIPs and need a break 😉

    Reply
  32. Lynne says

    November 17, 2016 at 5:07 pm

    I really enjoyed the podcast and listening to how three women worked together and created a wonderful book. Love the sound of cruise control knitting!

    Reply
  33. Wendy S Senter says

    November 17, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Another great episode, thanks! This book is definitely destined to be in my library at some point. The patterns are fabulous and I love that they are annotated with cruise control and concentration zone so I know when I can chill and when I need to pay attention!

    Wendy (Wendeluu on Ravelry)

    Reply
  34. Kathy Itson says

    November 18, 2016 at 5:04 am

    Another great podcast. Listen to them on my way to work and back. Love getting ideas for different patterns. Really like the idea of the cruise control areas so I can knit and have a conversation at the same time.

    Reply
  35. Robin says

    November 18, 2016 at 8:11 am

    As a super novice knitter I like the idea of cruise control knitting to get familiar and build muscle memory. As an advanced crocheter I totally get the concept so this book will help me become totally comfortable as a fiber artist.

    Reply
  36. Kathy M. says

    November 18, 2016 at 8:43 am

    I love the idea of cruise control in a project where I can just sit and knit without having to concentrate.

    Reply
  37. Louise Gingery says

    November 18, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Great Podcast, I loved hearing all three authors today! Luckily I was on Cruise Control while I was listening!

    Reply
  38. Valerie Kelley says

    November 18, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    I will be adding this book to my library as I would like to find some patterns that allow for cruise control knitting.

    Reply
  39. Amberly says

    November 20, 2016 at 6:54 am

    I love cruise control knitting, it is so relaxing!

    Reply
  40. [email protected] says

    November 20, 2016 at 11:36 am

    Have a small toddler so all my knitting needs to be cruise control knitting. But truth be told, I love those projects that don’t take too much effort but look like they were the most difficult thing to do =)

    Reply
  41. Amy L. says

    November 20, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    I definitely need some cruise control knitting right now – my current projects all require a fair amount of concentration. Obviously I need Drop Dead Easy Knits to get some balance in my life! Thank you!

    Reply
  42. Michelle says

    November 20, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    Mostly I crochet. I would love to win this book because the cruise control knitting patterns seem like a GREAT place to start. Thank for a fun podcast..

    Reply
  43. marimariknit on ravelry says

    November 21, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    Take it easy!!! use your “cruise control”!!! great podcast

    Reply
  44. Gigi says

    November 21, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    Cruise control! My kind of knitting! Thank you for another great podcast.

    Reply
  45. Jody says

    November 22, 2016 at 8:34 am

    I love knitting patterns that you can knit on Cruise Control!

    Reply
  46. roseruffolo says

    November 22, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    Hi Marly and All!

    Wishing Kirsten, Mary Lou and Gale much success on their new collaboration! What a great idea for a book. It would be fun to have a knit along with friends with a pattern from the book. We can sit and knit together all while being on ” CRUISE CONTROL” and just having fun!

    Thanks for the wonderful idea!
    Rose

    Reply
  47. Nina says

    November 30, 2016 at 5:06 pm

    I could use more cruise control knitting. Another fun podcast.

    Reply
  48. Cheryl Clemons says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:52 am

    Love having cruise control projects to go to. What an interesting podcast.

    Reply
  49. Deborah Gajee says

    December 1, 2016 at 11:01 am

    Love cruise control knitting. The most relaxing.

    Reply
  50. Jill H. says

    December 1, 2016 at 11:43 am

    I like “cruise control” knitting and complex knitting both, as long as it keeps me interested 🙂

    Reply
  51. Alicia A says

    December 2, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Looking forward to finishing up my Christmas knitting so I can relax with a cruise control project. I know it is a lot of work but loved hear about friend doing what they love and making something together.

    Reply
  52. LifeOnAHomestead says

    December 3, 2016 at 11:28 am

    Sometimes one has to set their cruise control so that they can just knit as they talk with others. It keeps your knitting so much safer.

    Reply
  53. JudyAnn says

    December 4, 2016 at 6:42 am

    “Cruise Control” is a great concept— and I’m listening to the podcast while on a cruise!

    Reply
  54. Suzanne says

    December 8, 2016 at 10:49 am

    I just got my hands on a copy of this book at knitting group yesterday. What an awesome collection of knits! Cruise control is a great way to describe the level of concentration for these patterns. I’m all in! I want to make almost all of them!

    Reply
  55. Jackie Watson says

    December 8, 2016 at 11:16 am

    I like patterns that have some built in cruise control for some mindless stitching, along with some challenging stitch work as well.

    Reply
  56. marypat says

    December 9, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    hope its not too late for cruise control knitting!

    Reply
  57. Steph says

    December 10, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    My cruise control knitting is socks- plain socks. I love to knit when I’m walking to work. I have to walk a mile from the train station to Woolyn (getting my 10,000 steps in!) and I’m always knitting during that walk!

    Reply
  58. Mary Kay says

    December 11, 2016 at 11:35 am

    I always have a “cruise control” project (well, maybe more than 1!) going as well as one that makes me concentrate, depending on my surroundings. Thanks for introducing a great book to us!

    Reply
  59. Belinda says

    December 15, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Great interview! All of the patterns are beautiful. I am looking forward to knitting a baby blanket, using Cruise Control, as I watch TV with my little ones.

    Reply

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