Take a little time to look into our new book dedicated to commemorating life's special moments. Alison and Jennifer talk about the story behind the book, what it's intended for, and some ideas for getting the most out of it. To follow up, I talk with Knit Picks intarsia prodigy Alexis to go over intarsia basics, how it compares to other forms of colorwork, and some tips and tricks to have your intarsia looking its best. Find chart excerpts and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Sta...
Aug 31, 2017•33 min•Ep. 262
A large part of our new collection Knits for Everybody Two is the basic, straight-forward sweater patterns for cardigan and v-neck pullover. To put those in context Daniel and Hannah, Knit Picks' Catalog Director and resident sweater expert, discuss sweater terminology and construction. Then Stacey and Daniel offer commiseration and comfort by sharing their first sweater stories, embarrassing details and all, showing that rocky beginnings are just a place to start. Find links to everything menti...
Aug 18, 2017•24 min•Ep. 261
Everyone loves a colorful yarn, and we've always been particularly proud of our gorgeous sock yarn, Hawthorne. Inspired by the crush we all have on the newest addition to the Knit Picks lineup, Hawthorne Tonal, the Knit Picks staff takes some time to explore hand painted yarn, from both technical and aesthetic points of view
Aug 03, 2017•20 min•Ep. 260
You might think you know our stupendous, self-striping sock yarn, Felici, with it's sensously soft 75% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon blend and ever-changing selection of brilliant colors, in classic fingering or new worsted weights. Whether you're a devoted follower or a burgeoning novitiate, you might be surprised at what you learn with this glimpse behind the scenes for one of our favorite yarns to develop. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog ....
Jul 20, 2017•19 min•Ep. 259
Shawls for All, our new mix-and-match shawl collection, has been something of a pet project for a few people around Knit Picks, and we really think that Joyce Fassbender, the brains behind the collection, has really given us something special. First, Knit Picks Outreach Director Stacey talks with Joyce about this unique book, discussing its origin and development. After that, Knit Picks Art Director Heidi and I talk about our first experiences with knitting lace, as a longtime knitter plunging h...
Jul 06, 2017•18 min•Ep. 258
In honor of our newly released advanced lace collection, Luxurious Lace , we'll be talking about all things lace. Starting at 00:40, Stacey and Emily, the pattern coordinator and graphic designer who worked on the collection, will be talking about their experience working on lace charts. After that, Knit Picks' Director Alison talks with Knit Picks Admin Assistant Daniel to review all of the lace yarns available from Knit Picks. ddn honor of our newly released advanced lace collection, Luxurious...
Jun 22, 2017•19 min•Ep. 257
Podcast 256 has something for everybody! We hear from Knit Picks' own Alison Backus about our new collection, " Knits for Everybody ", with basic patterns you'll go back to again and again. The sweater pattern from this book is designed by Katy Banks, who talks on this podcast about her design process, and left handed knitting a whole different way. We'll also talk to Vera Brosgol, author and illustrator of the new children's picture book, " Leave Me Alone " about drawing, knitting, and being le...
Sep 22, 2016•28 min•Ep. 256
If you're reveling in the newness of summer, this podcast is a celebration of that feeling. Whether you travel to new places, or try new crafts during the warmer months, summer is always a good time to try new things. In this episode of the Knit Picks podcast we talk to Clara Parkes, author of Knitladia, about her adventures in yarn based travel. We also speak with designers Joyce Fassbender and Stephanie Tallent about their history of knitting and designing, as well as their recent contribution...
Jun 27, 2016•39 min•Ep. 255
Whether you're a person who loves to stash yarn, or a crafter who buys only on a per-project basis, this episode will interest you. We speak to Hannah Fettig of Knitbot, about her app and booklet called "Stashbot", helping knitters understand yarn quantities for each project they're planning. We also speak with Elizabeth, whose stash is so big that it's taking over whole rooms of her house! Find out what she loves about a large stash, how she uses it, and how she keeps it organized.
Feb 23, 2016•31 min•Ep. 254
Have you ever crafted for charity? In this episode of the podcast, we feature charites that can use your handmade items! "Click for Babies" provides hospitals with purple hats to help protect infants. "Knitted Knockers" provides bra inserts to women who have undergone mastectomies. Podcast listeners highlight ways they contribute to non-profit organizations, and Knit Picks' own Stacy talks about "Helping Hands: Made with Love, Given with Heart", our recent book featuring charity craft patterns. ...
Jul 14, 2015•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 252
Have you ever made something so cute, you can still hear the "oohs" and "ahhhs" from everyone who saw it? This episode is devoted to cute knit and crochet - things you wear, decorations, and handmade stuffed friends to keep or give away. We hear from Anna Hrachovec, popular designer of knitted toys, about her career in knitting, pattern writing, and fine art, and her new book, "Adventures in Mochimochi Land" (pictured above). We'll also hear from podcast listeners about the cutest thing they've ...
Jun 04, 2015•45 min•Ep. 251
Have you knit a garment you thought was unflattering or just didn't fit correctly? Did you know what went wrong, or were you stumped? This episode aims to help you target key elements of fit. Alison Backus, Director of Knit Picks, explains ease and what it means in knitting. Amy Herzog talks about all elements of fit, from how to assess which shapes might flatter your body, to what pattern elements can be altered and which should remain untouched. Podcast listeners also describe their stories of...
Mar 05, 2015•29 min•Ep. 250
Remember when you were a new knitter or crocheter? What were some of the big mistakes you made? In this podcast, we explore what it means to be new to the craft. Alexis, Knit Picks Photography Assistant and new-ish knitter, takes advice from listeners. Debbie Stoller, author of the incredibly popular "Stitch 'N Bitch" series, tells us about how she discovered knitting, and how she's inspired countless other people to take it up. Three podcast listeners also tell us about their experiences. Wheth...
Feb 05, 2015•42 min•Ep. 249
Have you given or received handmade gifts in the past? Do you intend to give them this holiday season? In this episode we bring you stories of the good, the bad, and the ugly (literally, the ugly). Read by the Knit Picks staff or listeners themselves, you'll hear tales of gifts gone unappreciated, gifts transformed unintentionally, and gifts beloved for life. Grab some eggnog, a cookie, and your last-minute gift to knit or crochet, and enjoy!
Dec 18, 2014•18 min•Ep. 248
Many of you have a favorite designer, someone you've followed for years. You knit many of their designs, and marvel at how they constantly come up with ideas you can't wait to get on your needles. We asked you to name your "Designer Crush", and you responded! In this episode, we interview Knitwear Designers Jane Richmond, Carol Feller, and Laura Nelkin about their process and inspiration. We also ask them questions straight from their fans!
Nov 20, 2014•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 247
Many of us learned to knit from family and friends, but for some crafters, knitting and crochet started in school! In this episode we go to Cedarwood Waldorf School in Portland Oregon where Gia Davis and Shannon Casey, the Handwork Teaches, tell us about why handwork is part of Waldorf, and how it contributes to a child's education. We interview two students at the school, Weston French and Taea Jackson, about their love of craft. We also hear from two podcast listeners about how knitting was ta...
Oct 30, 2014•31 min•Ep. 246
Are you a fiber lover? Have you considered the animals from which you acquire your materials? In this episode, recorded at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, Oregon, we speak to farmers of three different animals raised for their fiber. Jack Lyda of Honey Lane Farms tells us about his love of raising Shetland sheep. Dave Archer of Inti's Gift Alpacas speaks of farming a herd of alpacas, and Angora lovers Heather and Shannon take us into the world of competitive rabbits. We also hear f...
Oct 09, 2014•24 min•Ep. 245
What makes a knitting pattern so good you can't help but cast on? In this episode we explore what makes a really great pattern. Hear from KnitPicks Director Alison Backus and Catalog Director Hannah Meir, as well as podcast listeners about what they require of a pattern. Designer Hilary Smith Callus tells us what she includes in her patterns to make them satisfying to knitters, and Tech Editor Maureen Hannon reveals the secrets of her job, reading and correcting patterns, for KnitPicks.
Sep 25, 2014•41 min•Ep. 244
Do doctors make good knitters or crocheters? Has knitting ever seen you through a difficult personal or medical journey? We hear from Matt Petkun, CEO of KnitPicks, about how his uncle, an aspiring surgeon, inspired Matt to knit his first scarf. Then we speak to three podcast contributors about how they got through hard medical and personal times, as well as one listener's journey to medical school, and how craft has helped all of them along.
Sep 11, 2014•30 min•Ep. 243
Knit Picks is made up of so many people you may have never considered. In this episode, you'll hear from Laura Birek, one of our designers, Andrea Lum, a test knitter, and Stephanie Starkel, Supervisor of Customer Service here at Crafts Americana. Find out what makes their crafty jobs interesting, and challenging, too!
Aug 27, 2014•45 min•Ep. 242
Is crafting in the Summer a bit different for you? Maybe you work with lighter yarns, make more portable projects, or try a craft you've never done before. On this podcast we explore weaving with Monica, a teacher at Ruthie's Weaving Studio in Portland, who gives us a different view on working with fiber. Cassie Castillo talks about her "Janelle Shawlette" pattern in "Sock Yarn Shawls", and Jenny K. here at Knitpicks introduces you to our newest yarn, Lindy Chain. We also hear from a podcast lis...
Jul 02, 2014•26 min•Ep. 241
We celebrate men who like to craft, and those brave enough to make things for the men in their lives. Hear from KnitPicks staffers Aaron, Alison and Emily and their significant others about cowls and sweaters, and gloves sadly lost. Designer Geoff Hunnicut tells us about his experience in the world of knitting and Diane calls in to tell us how knitting has brought her closer to a young man in her family.
Jun 19, 2014•42 min•Ep. 240
In this episode, we explore the practical uses of craft, and the way some artists are using craft techniques in unexpected ways. First we speak to the Merchandising Director of Knitpicks, Kim Cameron, on how she developed her Crocheted Bread Warmer pattern for the recent Classic Kitchen Crochet collection. We then chat with Robin Allard and Tamara Ell, who made dolls and a 1930s gown, just for fun. Artist Jo Hamilton takes us into her world of fine art crochet, as we discuss the evolution of her...
May 29, 2014•59 min•Ep. 239
The Knitpicks Podcast has changed a bit! With Kelley's retirement, we're taking on a new format. In this episode, we explore the question "Who taught you to knit?". Hear from the Knitpicks staff and members of the general public, as they share stories of love transferred through knitting and crochet lessons, gifts made, and time spent together.
May 08, 2014•24 min•Ep. 238
Alison and Jenny announce Kelley's retirement and discuss how some new staff members are bringing fresh energy to the company. Alison interviews Matt about the history of Knit Picks, as well as how the company is currently run, and his ideas for the future. Jenny introduces Holly, the new Multimedia Manager. So whether you've been a fan of KP for a while, or have found Knit Picks recently and are interested in where we've been and where we're going, this podcast is an interesting look behind the...
Apr 24, 2014•35 min•Ep. 237
Spring is the time for new yarns and patterns that inspire! Having kept the exciting news under wraps for months, Jenny and Stacey finally get to gush about Hawthorne, a yarn line inspired by the neighborhoods in Portland! And for a bright twist, there is also Stroll Brights, a neon-inspired special reserve yarn line. Finally, Jenny and Stacey introduce In Bloom, the new Spring collection featuring 15 patterns from independent designers.
Mar 27, 2014•22 min•Ep. 236
This week, Kelley focuses on the humble sock - a project that most knitter's are hardly ever seen without in their current work-in-progress line up. Although it may seem simple, the beauty of a knitted sock lies within it's practicality (both to make and to wear) as well as in it's ability to be a blank canvas. Kelley walks you through all of the steps of working a top-down sock, along with a plethoraof handy tips and tricks along the way. As Kelley pauses to reflect on the clever construction o...
Feb 27, 2014•34 min•Ep. 235
Jenny and Stacey get together to talk about all of the new collections coming out for the March catalog! Hear more about the designs included in two brand new collection: Worsted Basics and the Chroma collection. New collections aren't the only exciting news in the March catalog, there is also a sock sale and a DVD sale. Whether you get inspired to try a new technique or just stock up on your favorite sock yarns, Jenny and Stacey go over their favorite yarns and DVDs. Finally, learn more about o...
Feb 13, 2014•34 min•Ep. 234
This week, Kelley explores different opportunies for knitters to connect and create community via the internet. Whether through Ravelry, Knit-alongs, blogs, Instagram or Twitter, knitters nowadays have more options than ever to take part in creative communities as a way of connecting with each other, without being limited by location. Kelley explores the different facets of these online communities as she looks to strengthen her connection to other knitters. Next, Kelley shares a few of her most...
Jan 29, 2014•21 min•Ep. 233
It has been officially three years since the launch of the first Knit Picks pattern collection, a program that has grown into over 30 collections to date and has expanded to include printed books in addition addition to digital ebook downloads. This week, Kelley chats with Alison to talk about our book program, which includes collections that feature both our in-house design team as well as independant designers. Alison shares a behind-the-scenes look into our pattern collection process includin...
Jan 16, 2014•24 min•Ep. 232
