Each kit includes a map and DVD telling about the Genographic Project and what’s been discovered to date. The story of the science and research is absolutely astounding!

By submitting samples of our DNA, using a simple swab inside our cheeks, the Project will tell us the story of our own ancestors’ migration. The Project is careful to explain that no medical research is done on the DNA, and all the samples are anonymous. Nor are the results genealogical. They simply tell us where our ancestors came from, going back thousands of years. Let’s just say it involved a whole lot of walking over the centuries! Our samples will help add data points the the project to help complete the picture of the human family tree.

How is this possible? Mutations have occurred over the centuries in certain markers in DNA. They take place in a specific order, which means the switches in markers can be tracked back over time. Even where physical archaeological evidence has been wiped out by glaciers and/or rising water levels along the oceans, the changes in DNA help to track populations’ wanderings across the globe.

The kits come with unique identification codes which we use to track our samples on the website. My DNA is now being isolated, which means its going through some chemical washing and soaking. The next step is the analysis. I can’t wait to find out where my ancient ancestors migrated from!

There are some good YouTube videos if you’d like to explore further, starting with this introduction:

The kit can be ordered here: https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/lan/en/participate.html

The interview aired on Wednesday evening on Phoenix 3TV News, on the 3 On Your Side segment. I’m at the beginning and end. You can watch it here:

Stephannie and I also have In common that we’re part of Knit Picks Independent Designer Program. Here’s me in my brand new February Lady Sweater, Stacey from Knit Picks, and Stephannie. Stephannie is wearing her gorgeous Wrought Iron Cardi from her upcoming book.

]]> http://audknits.com/2012/01/tnna-phoenix/feed/ 0 http://audknits.com/2012/01/proof-its-genetic/ http://audknits.com/2012/01/proof-its-genetic/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:38:16 +0000 AudKnits http://audknits.com/?p=2836 My cousin sent me ancestral family photos recently. I had to laugh when I came across this one of my paternal grandmother’s aunt. Some things never change!

…

I adore this yarn. It’s well behaved – easy to knit, and nicely spun. The heathered colors are so gorgeous – I can’t wait to make another project in another color!

I finished the tam just in time for the second snowfall of the season!

Jared’s written an amazing account of how he manufactures his yarns in historic Harrisville, New Hampshire. His posts are great, and illustrated with his beautiful photography.

Dubbed the Cushy Chroma Socks due to their warmth and thickness, these socks make for perfect winter knitting.  I don’t know about you, but as the hectic holidays wind down, I’m always in the mood for some easy, quick knits. The Cushy Chroma Socks fit the bill. No teeny needles or thin sock yarn here – Knit Pick’s Chroma Worsted works up quickly on US #5 and #6 needles. The end result? Soft, warm socks that are perfect for padding around the house on frigid winter days, wearing to bed  to keep tootsies toasty at night, or even to wear out in your roomier shoes or boots.

The Cushy Chroma Socks pattern is available for free from Knit Picks. Sizes are Women’s small (shoe size US 5-6), medium (7-8), and large (9-10), ranging in circumference from 6.5″ to 8″. Chroma Worsted comes in vibrant colors ranging from blended stripes to bold. I love wearing these cheerful colors when the weather is dreary!

I’ve been privileged to be part of the Knit Picks Independent Designer Program since April 2010. I thank Stacey and the rest of the Knit Picks team for the opportunity to include another pattern!

As we get ready to welcome Winter, here’s a parting shot of Fall, taken in the Ferncliff Forest near Rhinebeck, NY.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Just in time for holiday and cold weather knitting, I give you my Tonalita Socks pattern… for free! Made of Trendsetter’s lovely, soft Tonalita yarn, the socks are just right for lounging around the fire, giving as gifts, and even wearing to bed on those chilly nights when your feet just can’t get warm enough. Tonalita comes in lots of gorgeous colors. If you’re like me, you’ll end up making several pairs - they’re quick to knit, and its a pleasure to watch the colorways reveal themselves.

Here are the details:

Women’s’ sizes: S (shoe size US 5-6), M (shoe size US 7-8) and L (shoe size US 9-10)
Finished Measurements: 
Leg Length: 6 inches/15.25 cm for all sizes
Circumference:
6.5 (7.25,8) inches/16.5 (18.5, 20.3) cm
Foot Length, Approx.: 8.75 (9.5, 10.5) inches/22.25 (24.2, 26.7) cm
Yarn:
Trendsetter Tonalita (52% wool, 48% acrylic, 100 yds/50g/1.75 oz) (for substitution purposes:18 sts = 4” on US9 per ball band); 2*(2*, 3) balls
*Note: If you want a longer leg (such as 8”) you will need an additional ball of yarn
Needles: 1 set of 5 US#4/3.5mm double-pointed needles
1 set of 5 US#5/3.75mm double-pointed needles

You can download the pattern for free here: http://audknits.com/products/tonalita-sock/

Happy knitting!

Thank you to Becky, at Sunday Drive Designs, for making these adorable and useful cards available!

My all-time favorite post was the one about the goat who decided to live at our house for a while. He was a dear soul, and I loved having him around! Here is the story behind ”Portraits of a Goat.”

Based on visits, people seem to enjoy posts about Jared Flood‘s designs. His Koolhaas Hat and Girasole are the most popular among the projects I’ve made.

Some of the most gratifying posts trace my design efforts, from my first published design – the Smock Top Sweater kindly published in Knotions, to the thrill of having my Eleanor Cowl included in Knitty. I appreciate your enthusiasm and kind words as I’ve come out with new patterns!

Can you believe that there are now 500 Eleanor Cowls on Ravelry?! There are so many beautiful different colors and yarns – I love seeing all the variations.

As a thank you to my readers, and to celebrate the blog’s birthday, I’m going to give away sets of delightful care cards made by the talented Becky Morrette of Sunday Drive Designs. I love having an easy way to let people know how to care for the gifts I knit for them. These cards have common care terms that you can check off, as well as room to write the fiber content and other instruction. They’re cute and practical – what a great combination! – and I’m going to give THREE sets away to celebrate THREE years of AudKnits!

To win, enter a comment here on this post by midnight Eastern Time on November 20th. Please include your contact information in your comment so I can let you know if you’re one of the lucky winners! I’ll be conducting a random drawing for the three winners. (One comment per person, please, with only one comment and email address per person.)