To ring in the new year, Jenny and Stacey get together to chat about new collections and yarn out for our Winter 2014 catalog! The first of three collections highlights the Gloss yarn line with 6 versatile designs, while the other two collections make the most of every knitter's and crocheter's yarn stash with patterns designed to use under 100 grams of yarn. The Under 100 Knit collection brings together 30 designs and the Under 100 Crochet collection features 10 designs - all of which are ideal...
Jan 02, 2014•21 min•Ep. 231
A cable cross going in the wrong direction, a dropped stitch, knit stitches that should have been purled. As knitters, we are all familiar with this heart wrenching moment, when we know that something has to be done before moving forward. This week, Kelley talks about both the physical and emotional impact of moving backwards and the difference between ripping a project back versus unraveling, where stitches are dropped and then reworked. Next, Kelley reviews a few of her favorite audiobooks and...
Dec 17, 2013•23 min•Ep. 230
Between our busy lives, the constant need for multi-tasking and an ever-present stream of distractions at our fingertips, it's easy to get lost and lose sight of the simple joys, especially in knitting. This week, Kelley get's her knitting back on track by going back to the beginnings of her fiber life. Not only did the books of Elizabeth Zimmermann serve as a guide to new techniques and projects, but also as a companion. EZ's unique style and sensibilities make her a loved teacher and friend am...
Dec 05, 20130•Ep. 229
This week, Kelley got a chance to chat with designer and author Stephannie Tallent. First, Kelley and Stephannie talk about the newest book, Hitch, which is a pattern collection inspired by the classic films of Alfred Hitchcock. Next, Kelley and Stephannie talk about her designs in the Wool of the Andes collection (a Knit Picks exclusive) as well as her book California Revival Knits. Hear more about Stephannie's design process and her fascinating approach to interpreting architectural inspiratio...
Nov 21, 2013•25 min•Ep. 228
This week, Jenny talks with Knit Picks designer Kerin about her latest collection of patterns - Glacier Bay. Hear more about this wonderfully versatile 6-pattern collection, including Kerin's initial inspiration behind the collection. As we talk through each of the 6 designs, Kerin also shares the design details and different techniques for the designs. New for November, the Glacier Bay collection is available as a printed book, eBook and individual patterm downloads.
Nov 07, 2013•25 min•Ep. 227
This week, we get to talk about one of our all-time favorite topics: new stuff! First up, Jenny and Stacey divulge the details of Diadem, an ultra-luxe yarn that is brand new to the Knit Picks yarn line up. Next, hear all about the three new pattern collections including Glacier Bay, Bulky 2013 and Swish 2013. Finally, Stacey and Jenny gush about the goldmine of new tools, kits and accessories.
Oct 24, 2013•19 min•Ep. 226
This week, Kelley had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderfully talented Megan Goodacre! In addition to her pattern collection Study Hall Knits, Megan's long list of knitting accomplishments includes authoring the brand new Idiot's Guide: Knitting! After talking about Megan's inspiration and design process for Study Hall Knits, Kelley discusses the book writing process with Megan and highlights a few of her favorite parts of this wonderful guide to knitting.
Oct 10, 2013•36 min•Ep. 225
This week, Kelley gets a chance to catch up with her long-distance knitting friend Lynne, author of the blog Island and North Country Life. Lynne leads a very intersting and unique life - traveling the world as a lighthouse caretaker, all the while knitting and spinning no matter where she is headed to next. Hear more about Lynne's fascinating journeys as she recounts her past visits to Deal Island in Tasmania, Australia and more recently, Five Finger Island which is located off the coast of Ala...
Sep 26, 2013•25 min•Ep. 224
This week, Kelley elaborates on the idea of getting out of your knitting comfort zone. Looking through her past projects, Kelley realized that her projects have become a comforting retreat rather than a challenge to learn new techniques. Hear more about Kelley's goals to help push herself out of her own knitting comfort zone and into new techniques. Next, Kelley reviews a DVD from Anna Zilboorg and a few other books to help inspire your own knitting goals. Finally, Kelley catches you up on her c...
Sep 12, 2013•29 min•Ep. 223
For this week's episode, Kelley had the pleasure of chatting with designer Kate Haxell, author of the book The Knitter's Palette . A resource filled with absolutely functional inpiration, Kate chats about her inspiration behind the book and her fascination with color, yarn, and texture. Follow along with Kelley as she talks through each chapter with Kate to learn more about her facinating take on color and fiber. And if Kate's charming enthusiasm doesn't inspire you, her wonderful tips and insig...
Aug 29, 2013•33 min•Ep. 222
This week, Jenny and Kerin are so happy to finally introduce the new collections and yarns that are out for Fall! With four pattern collections and two new yarn lines, there is certainly a lot to be excited about. First up is Reclaimed, our new Fall pattern collection that features 15 designs along with three other 6-pattern collections - Geometric, Classic Color, and the Wool of the Andes collection. Hear all about the inspiration that sparked these collections in addition to the range of desig...
Aug 08, 2013•31 min•Ep. 221
In this week's podcast, Kelley reports from Canada to chat about one of her favorite topics: books! If you need a dose of inspiration or are looking to try a new technique, Kelley is more than happy to spark your curiosity as she shares a few of her most recent favorite titles along with in-depth reviews and project highlights.
Aug 01, 2013•22 min•Ep. 220
This week, Jenny and Kerin sit down for a chat about their easily enabled world of crafting. From knitting to beading, weaving, crochet and tatting, it's sometimes just too easy to get sucked into a whole new craft. Our recent obsession: crochet! Having attempted to learn crochet several times, both Kerin and Jenny share their prior attempts before finally mastering the basics of crochet. But our enthusiasm doesn't stop there! After getting down the basics, both Kerin and Jenny share their most ...
Jul 18, 2013•18 min•Ep. 219
This week, Jenny talks with Knit Picks designer Kerin about her latest pattern collection, Light Basics. Hear all about the inspiration for this collection which focuses on using fingering weight yarns for all of its designs. In addition to talking about the collection of as a whole, Kerin shares some insight into her design process and talks about the design details that go into creating larger sizes while maintaining a comfortable and flattering fit. Finally, Kerin and Jenny talk through each ...
Jul 03, 2013•28 min•Ep. 218
This week, Jenny and Stacey get a chance to chat about all of the wonderful new yarns and collections coming out this month! First and foremost is our brand new crochet thread, Curio. Hear all about our lovely new #10 crochet thread and get inspired with pattern ideas. Following the crochet theme, Jenny and Stacey introduce Serenity, our first ever collection of crochet designs featuring 8 independant designers. Next, Jenny and Stacey talk about the other three new pattern collections including ...
Jun 20, 2013•20 min•Ep. 217
Having an organized stash where your yarns all have planned projects assigned can be both a blessing and a curse: you feel good because there is a definite plan for all that yarn, but it can dampen those moments when inspiration strikes and you just have to cast on right away! Kelley’s solution? A spontaneity stash! Yes, this means that Kelley’s yarn stash is now divided into sub-categories but it makes for fun knitting when you come across that must-make project. Hear all about how Kelley plans...
Jun 06, 2013•25 min•Ep. 216
In a quest to find new ways of using up that stash of sock yarns, Kelley chats with Jen Lucas, author of the book Sock Yarn Shawls . Being a self-taught knitter, Jen shares how an obsession with socks eventually led to her to the world of shawls and shawlettes. Kelley and Jen chat about the different chapters of the book in addition to the different styles of shawls included. Get a behind the scene's peak into Jen's first book of shawl designs in addition to a few handy tips and tricks for shawl...
May 23, 2013•21 min•Ep. 215
On this week's episode, Jenny gets a chance to talk with Kerin about her latest pattern collection, Windswept. Inspired by the scenic mid-Atlantic beaches, this collection shows off a versatile set of patterns that are easy-to-wear and take you from warm sunny days to cool evening walks along the boardwalk. Learn more about Kerin's inspiration and design process, in addition to getting a behind-the-scenes look into this stunning 6-pattern collection.
May 09, 2013•25 min•Ep. 214
This week, Kelley dives into her stash in search of inspiration for her collection of fingering weight yarns. And with a mission to make more than another pair of socks, Kelley peruses Ravelry in search of unique and versatile patterns that are perfect for lighter fingering weight yarns. Continuing on this theme, Kelley reviews the books Sock-Yarn Shawls by Jen Lucas and The Knitter's Palette by Kate Haxell. Finally, Kelley shares her enthusiasm of searching out new projects to cast on after a p...
Apr 25, 2013•22 min•Ep. 213
This week, Jenny and Stacey get a chance to sit down and talk about all of the new and exciting things that are out for April! First and foremost is Felici, our limited-edition self-striping fingering weight yarn - hear about all of the wonderful new colors that are now available. Next, Jenny and Stacey talk about the two new pattern collections out for April - hear all about the collections as Jenny and Stacey talk through the patterns. You'll also hear more about the new kits that are availabl...
Apr 11, 2013•25 min•Ep. 212
This week, Kelley gets a chance with Canadian knitter and knitwear designer, Spilly Jane! Obsessed with color and texture, Jane habitually translates songs, food and architecture into elegantly quirky handknit socks and mittens. Learn more about how Jane first started knitting and what started her mitten obsession, in addition to getting the inside scoop on her design process for her well-loved patterns.
Mar 28, 2013•23 min•Ep. 211
As winter transitions to spring and warmer weather slowly creeps in, many of us find our fibers also transition - moving away from wools to cooler blends like cotton yarns. This week, Kelley gives an overview of cottons as well as different cotton blends to help you understand the nuances of this natural fiber. Knowing the particulars of cotton fibers will help you make the most of this natural fiber in your next project. Next, Kelley chats more about one of ther favorite companion pastimes to k...
Mar 14, 2013•20 min•Ep. 210
This week, Kelley chats with the TECHknitter about her "chart chart" technique and all things lace. Kelley first begins by giving a brief overview of lace knitting and its components, along with the different ways that lace patterns can be presented. Kelley goes over both written and charted directions, before introducing the TECHknitter's "chart chart" method. Learn more about this compelling way to knit lace as the TECHknitter chats about the history of lace and charting methods, as well as he...
Feb 28, 2013•22 min•Ep. 209
Longer days and the anticipation of spring can only mean one time - new yarn and new pattern collections! It's been a bundle of excitement here at Knit Picks, and Stacey chats with Jenny about all of the wonderful new things that are lined up for this month. First up is Billow, the newest member of the Knit Picks yarn family. Jenny and Stacey chat about this new bulky cotton yarn, and share staff projects as well as inspiration ideas for this delightfully soft yarn. Next up is First Light - the ...
Feb 14, 2013•26 min•Ep. 208
Love to crochet small motifs, but never sure what to do with all of your small crocheted creations? Get a dose of fresh, creative inspiration on this week's episode with Edie Eckman! A designer and author for both knit and crochet, Edie chats with Jenny about her new book Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs, which brings you a whole new collection of interesting crochet shapes and a myriad of ways to connect them. Learn how Edie got her start crafting and how she translated her passion for knittin...
Jan 31, 2013•19 min•Ep. 207
For this week's episode, Kelley talks with Frances Fisher - a knitter from North Carolina who is 87 years young and has over 200 pairs of socks to her name! Back in early 2011, Frances sent one of her "stashbuster socks" to Kelley as a gift. Having kept in touch over paper mail and email, Kelley and Frances have become friends with a shared obsession over all things yarn. Kelley chats with Frances about her unique take on socks and what her process is for creating her "stashbuster socks."
Jan 17, 2013•23 min•Ep. 206
Bringing together enchanting colorwork and captivating cables - Illuminated Lines captures the magic of Celtic art and culture with six exquisite designs. Hear all about how Kerin's interest in Celtic culture inspired this new and exclusive pattern collection. Kerin and Jenny talk through each of the six patterns in Illuminated Lines, starting with the inspiration for each design and how that translated into the knitted design, as well as the design process and details of each garment. Kerin als...
Jan 03, 2013•33 min•Ep. 205
This week, Kelley gets a chance to talk with Amy Clarke Moore, editor of Spin-Off and Jane Austen Knits magazines from Interweave. Amy shares her story of how Jane Austen Knits started and talks about her collaberation with members of the Jane Austen Society who provide the depth and details in the wonderful articles throughout the magazine. If you are a fan of Jane Austen, you'll love this behind the scenes look at this wonderful publication.
Dec 19, 2012•21 min•Ep. 204
This week, Kelley talks about different fibers and blends to explore their qualities. Learn about what makes wool so wonderful, why alpaca is so warm, how silk gets it's shine, and what mercerized means for cotton. This handy guide to fiber basics is sure to help you as you plan out your next project. Next, Kelley reviews some of her favorite audiobooks that she has been listening to lately. Finally, Kelley catches you up with what is on her needles.
Dec 06, 2012•30 min•Ep. 203
This week, Kelley chats with author and designer Margaret Radcliffe about her book Circular Knitting Workshop! If you've ever been interested by the circular knitting method, you'll love hearing Margaret insight and expert advice on everything from swatching to converting flat patterns to being worked in the round.
Nov 21, 2012•27 min•Ep. 202
