Like the twisting, braiding, wandering stitches themselves, cable techniques cross generations of knitters, weaving together layers of knitting history into a cozy fabric of fiber tradition. Our newest cable collection, Crossings adds a new thread to this tradition, a fibery homage to immemorial motifs and classic constructions. To keep your cables looking their cabliest it helps to know the wool your working with, so first Hannah and I go full yarn nerd about cabling with our favorite Knit Pick...
Jan 10, 2019•24 min•Ep. 292
At the turn of the solar calender, Knit Picks is taking a look back at a long and exciting year. From New York to Pasadena, we've been up and down the country meeting fans from all over. Our Sock Labs are churning out the wildest sock yarns that we've ever done. And you can even get your monthly fix of KP goodness every month with our Hand Picked subscriptions boxes. To start us off, Knit Picks leaders Alison and Jennifer take a retrospective on where the year has taken us. After that, each of u...
Dec 27, 2018•16 min•Ep. 291
With the Holidays in full swing, knitting deadlines near and the new year in sight, the Knit Picks crew has decided to take a brief meditative pause from the furious click of our needles for a little look ahead. While the second half of Winter offers non-knitters little more than unfestive darkness and cold, we knitters can look forward to the longest stretch of the year for personal knitting time. First up, Hillary and new Knit Picks graphic designer Erica share their prospects as enthusiasts s...
Dec 13, 2018•22 min•Ep. 290
One of the best things about being a knitter is that you rarely find yourself at loose ends. Knitting turns hair-pulling inconveniences like Airport delays, long drives, and days at the in-laws into one of our favorite things: time to knit. At least with the proper preparation. First up, Stacey and Hannah give you the benefit of their long experience to help ensure you're all set for knitting away from home. After that, Alexis and Hilary talk about the new batch of exclusive fiber flair that wil...
Nov 29, 2018•22 min•Ep. 289
It was a year ago this month that Knit Picks marked a momentous milestone: attending our first ever show. Since that first experience at Vogue Knitting Seattle, we've seen a lot of interesting places, made a lot of dumb mistakes, and met so many fabulous Knit Picks fans. First up, Alexis and Stacey look back at our year of shows to share some highlights and lessons we've learned along the way. (starts at :54) After that, Hannah talks with VP of Marketing and former Knit Picks Director Alison abo...
Nov 15, 2018•25 min•Ep. 288
The collision of the knitting and gifting seasons is a blessing or a curse, an oppression or an opportunity, all depending on your preparation. We all want cute and cozy knit decor on every surface, socks on every foot, and sweaters under every tree. The key to a successful crafting season is starting early and working intentionally. First up, Daniel talks with Lee about knitting for others. Listen in as they put their heads together to share their winning strategies for gifting knits. After tha...
Nov 01, 2018•28 min•Ep. 287
Inside every knitter is a ceaseless passion for yarn that covets every bright, soft and lovely hank and ball and cake. Our actual productivity can never hope to pace this crafty cupidity, and the distance between these two becomes the stash. To help you harvest your handy horde, first I sit down with Knit Picks' new graphic designer Lee Meredith, to get her expert insight into getting the most out of your stash. (starts at :53) After that, Stacey and Hannah discuss our newest collection C ute &a...
Oct 18, 2018•31 min•Ep. 286
Not just for beginners, bulky yarns hold a treasured place in our stashes. They're the first hanks we reach for as the seasons shift to cool nights and cozy mornings. Quick chunky cowls are the perfect fall accessory for yourself or the ideal last minute gift. The holidays are right around the corner and it's never too early to get started! First up, Stacey and I dig deep into our stashes to chat about our delightful range of bulky yarns. (Starting at :55) Next, Hillary joins Stacey to share her...
Oct 04, 2018•22 min•Ep. 285
Each year there's always a certain day when you notice it: the sunshine is softer, the breeze is fresher, the evening comes sooner, and you realize: Fall is coming. For many, this signals the end of Summer, triggering a burst of frenetic activity to squeeze as much as possible into the last sunny days. For knitters, this means activity of a different sort: getting ready for knitting season. First, Daniel talks with Hannah about our own start of the season rituals, with some suggestions for how t...
Sep 20, 2018•35 min•Ep. 284
Slip two stitches to cable needle and hold to front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle. Cabling seems to be that rare and perfect crafting technique: essentially simple, but seemingly infinite in its potential complexity. Not content to rest on the historical laurels of ganseys, arans, and traditional cables, our newest collection pushes into this inexhaustible expanse of possibility to elevate the cable to new heights of fashion. First up, to get our cable conversation started, I talk with Alexi...
Sep 06, 2018•28 min•Ep. 283
In the constant cornicupia of our modern day druthers, its easy to overlook the fascinating world effortlessly encapsulated in every option available to us. The amazing array of exclusive yarn, tools and more offered by Knit Picks is no different, requiring a churn of activity, enthusiasm, and choice. To start, Hannah and Alexis give us a sense of what goes on behind the development curtain, from tools to yarn, staples to specials and everything in between. After that, Stacey, Hillary, and Knit ...
Aug 23, 2018•22 min•Ep. 282
With its intriguing textures, speedy construction and uniquely handmade charm, fiber friends of all allegiances will admit that nothing creates a cozy home quite like crochet. On the heels of attending the Crochet Guild of America's 2018 conference, Come Home to Crochet , our newest collection invites you to hook your way to a homier haven, whether you're looking for bright and ebullient place settings or the easeful allure of an irreplaceable afghan. To start, Stacey and resident crochet connoi...
Aug 09, 2018•18 min•Ep. 281
It's been some time since Knit Picks ventured into that forbidding country in the world of knit design: men's wear. Dapper , our newest offering, goes beyond the typical bulky wool sweater, pairing luxury fibers like alpaca and silk with contemporary sillhouettes and motifs to cultivate an aesthetic as snazzy and sophisticated as it is masculine. First up, Hannah and new Knit Picks Catalog Director Hilary give us a brief glimpse behind the scenes for the Dapper photo shoot. After that, Stacey an...
Jul 31, 2018•26 min•Ep. 280
Beyond the meticulous color curations of our full yarn lines, it's a badly kept secret that Knit Picks offers a whole host of yarns in their raw state for dyeing and more: our Bare yarns. To highlight our recent expansion of these hopeful hanks I first sit down with Stacey to discuss our favorites, both new and old. After that, Hannah and I share some of our daring dyeing adventures and give some guidelines and tips on where you might get started on some of your own. Enjoy! Find helpful images a...
Jun 29, 2018•37 min•Ep. 279
That special time comes but once a year, an occasion for the celebration of our skills and some crafty camraderie, a chance to let our fiber flag fly: Knit in Public Day! In keeping with recent Knit Picks tradition, we hosted a knitting potluck at a nearby park, with everything from previews to prizes. A few members of our team are here to tell us in their own words just how their Knit in Public Day went. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The ...
Jun 15, 2018•11 min•Ep. 278
They say that your home is a reflection of your self, and if this is true than surely every knitter's home is a paradise of handicrafts. Every room in the house is another opportunity to befiber your decor, and our newest collection is a guide to do just that. Tranquility is full of all the pillows, throws, towels, and rugs you need to create an crafty oasis of cottony comfort, perfect for the bright and cheery home you want through the warmer months of the year. Join Stacey and I as we review T...
May 31, 2018•16 min•Ep. 277
Spring is well and truly underway for the Knit Picks crew, and with it comes a turning of the knitting year. We've finally admitted that any sweaters still in the works will have to wait for next Fall, or we've simply tired of large and heavy works. No longer housebound by cruel Winter, we yearn for projects fun and light that we can carry around, basking in the sun while still enjoying our favorite past time. In other words, it's sock season again! One of our new collections is a celebration of...
May 10, 2018•22 min•Ep. 276
A general favorite amongst the Knit Picks crew, we favor tweed yarns enough to carry four different varieties, including one of our newest offerings, Provincial Tweed, both sumptuous and hardy in Fine Highland Wool. Join me and Stacey as we dig a little deeper than the typical "rustic" labels, explore some of the history and process behind tweed yarns, and discuss the differences between those that we offer. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: T...
Apr 26, 2018•19 min•Ep. 274
The most recent Knit Picks travel adventure brought us to wool-hungry Hartford, Connecticut for Stitches United. Like the proverbial fish-smelling guest, Winter lingered over the New England city as the Knit Picks team flogged our fiber wares to the Yankee yarn-lovers. Show veteran Stacey , our purchaser Alexis , and Knit Picks' brand new IDP Coordinator Allison Drake join us to share their experience on the road. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at St...
Apr 12, 2018•22 min•Ep. 275
It seems like we had just gotten back from Vogue Knitting Live in New York and it was already time for Knit Picks to be off to our next destination: Santa Clara, California for Stitches West. The first of many Stitches shows for the KP crew, we came, we saw, we lost a pallet. All in all, it was a bustling and delightful time. Join me as I sit down with Stacey, who is quickly becoming Knit Picks' resident show expert, to recount the whirlwind experience. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links to ev...
Mar 01, 2018•31 min•Ep. 273
Although every catalog here at Knit Picks presents something new, occassionally the pom poms align, the sheepy gods smile, and a confluence of fiber goodness all comes in one catalog. Our newest has a bit of everything: new yarns and the return of some old favorites, Mighty Mittens and Clean & Crafty Dishcloths, snappy swifts and pretty pom poms. Join Jennifer and Alexis as they go over all of the exciting developments in our March catalog. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links to everything ...
Feb 15, 2018•16 min•Ep. 272
Earlier this month Knit Picks hit the road once again to attend the Vogue Knitting show in New York City. Our attendees survived the fiber frenzy and are ready to tell us all about it. First our resident designer whisperer Stacey was in attendance and took the opportunity to record a few visits with some of her favorite Knit Picks friends. After that she joins fellow show goer Hannah to share the highlights of their trip, both at the show and on the streets. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links ...
Feb 01, 2018•28 min•Ep. 271
The depths of winter have always seemed an appropirate time for the contemplation of cables. These fortifying embellishments not only embolden us to face the aeolian inclemencies of this darkest season, but also provide challenging engagement for the fiber-nesting that sees us through to Spring. To start, Hannah and Elaine will lead us through Windward, our most recent collection of delightfully complicated cablings. After that, I talk with Stacey to offer some tips, tricks, and insights for you...
Jan 18, 2018•27 min•Ep. 270
Hello and welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast, Episode 269, New Year's Resolutions. The old year is done and the new rises. We teeter on the cusp of this transition, the time of Janus, looking back. . .in order to look forward. Join some of the Knit Picks staff as we reflect on last year's resolutions and share our goals for next year. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog....
Jan 04, 2018•10 min•Ep. 269
With the recent additions to Knit Picks' line up of traditional, undyed yarns, Simply Wool and Simply Alpaca , we've been thinking a lot about knitting days long past. These quintessential yarns demand classic techniques, so first Hannah and Daniel talk about their experiments with them and share some ideas for how to really make them shine. After that, Stacey and Alexis bridge those yarns of yesteryear with today's traditions, contemplating knitting superstitions and sharing fiber beliefs old a...
Dec 21, 2017•24 min•Ep. 268
This week the Knit Picks team sits down to chat about our first show, Vogue Knitting Live! We had so much fun meeting other fiber folks and in this episode, we gush about all of it—including all the goodies we bought from other vendors at the show. To start, our opening crew Jennifer, Stacey, and Hannah talk about their experience at the first half of the show. After that, Daniel talks with Alison and Alexis who closed the show down with him. Enjoy! Find helpful images and links to everything me...
Nov 23, 2017•26 min•Ep. 267
Our newest collection has a variety of patterns to enliven and personalize your holiday. From ornaments and stockings, to pillows and decor, there's everything you need to celebrate that special time of year as only our fiber friends can. First up, Heidi, Elaine, and Alexis talk through the collection, highlighting their favorite patterns and sharing their own Knitmas memories. After that, Daniel talks with Jennifer to explore some alternative gifting strategies to hopefully give you some ideas ...
Nov 09, 2017•22 min•Ep. 266
A celebration of all things bright, bold and diverse, Color Shift is one of our newest collections, with brilliantly colored designs inspired by the automatic combinations of this year's star yarn Stroll Gradient . First, Stacey and I review the collection to help you navigate the ingenious array of techniques in Our love letter to color. After that, Knit Picks Buyer Alexis calls on her training as a professional photographer to nerd out about the history and theory of color, giving us insight i...
Oct 26, 2017•29 min•Ep. 265
With the coming of Autumn also comes the quickening of the knitting compulsion. Everyone around us needs cozy garments for the burgeoning cold, and with the recent kick off of our annual 12 Weeks of Gifting , where we release a new free pattern every week for your gifting enjoyment, we decided to explore knitting specifically for gifts. To start, Alison and Hannah talk about easy care fibers perfect for gifts, including a review of all that Knit Picks offers for machine washable yarn . After tha...
Oct 12, 2017•26 min•Ep. 264
Join the Knit Picks staff in exploring the multichromatic wonders of the new Knit Picks exclusive collections, Encircled and Strands of Color , which both use Fair Isle and stranded colorwork to paint beautiful works of art with needles and yarn. First, Knit Picks Outreach Director Stacey and Graphic Designer Elaine, who are indispensible to the development of every collection, give us their unique perspective on these gorgeous collections. After that, beginners and experienced knitters alike wi...
Sep 28, 2017•24 min•Ep. 263
