Making Conversation - podcast cover

Making Conversation

Making Co.makingco.com

Making Conversation is a bi-weekly (but sometimes weekly) podcast where we celebrate the act of making in all its forms. We spotlight the incredible individuals powering our creative community, dive into need-to-know stories of craft and its history, and explore issues deeply rooted in our values of diversity and inclusion.

Episodes

Episode 48: Kate Gagnon Osborn & Courtney Kelley – Floundering, destiny, The Fibre Company yarns and Kelbourne Woolens

Sponsor: Designs by Romi came about serendipitously in 2005 when designer Romi Hill began creating a collection of simple and elegant shawl pins as a solution to her problem of the shawls she’d worked so hard on, not staying put. What started as a bespoke side project, soon turned into passion, leading to knitwear designs many of us have come to love. Romi’s style transcends the common wardrobe, appealing to both novice and seasoned knitters. Her most recent book “New Lace Knitting: Designs for ...

Feb 17, 201646 min

Episode 47: Anna Maria Horner – Planless, intellectual property, Motherhood, and Craft South

Sponsor: Chicken Boots came to be from a love of all things functional and fiber. Creator and founder Saremy Duffy started her career in the fashion industry and as a designer and pattern drafter in apparel and outerwear. With a longing to bring her own designs to market, combined with her love of knitting and sewing comes Chicken Boots was born, fun and carefully crafted cases to store your most prized knitting and sewing notions. The effort and passion Saremy puts into her products is evident ...

Feb 05, 20161 hr 15 min

Episode 46: Max Bainbridge & Abigail Booth – London, Amish inspiration, traditional crafts, and Forest and Found

Sponsor: Old Homestead Alpacas is a beautiful homestead built in the 1870’s, located in Walla Walla Washington and now owned and operated by Elaine Vandiver and her husband. They’re creating a wonderful and welcoming place, with visions to live off the land and share their goods with their local community and beyond, including their gorgeous alpaca fiber and yarn. But their dreams go much deeper, and their story even deeper still. Elaine is an Iraq War vet and her husband a soldier in the Nation...

Jan 22, 201652 min

Episode 45: Angie Lenoir and Stephanie Stotts – Family farms, friendship, yarn stories and Kismet Fiber Works

Sponsor: Fancy Tiger Crafts is a special yarn, fabric and notions shop based out of Denver Colorado. This inspired place is owned and operated by self proclaimed fiber nerds, Jaime Jennings and Amber Corcoran…two women who’s hope and journey have allowed them to share their knowledge, adventures and passion in fiber, and this is reflected in their beautiful shop as well as their endeavors in creating their own farm yarn Heirloom. Fancy Tiger Crafts is one of my favorite places to shop online for...

Jan 07, 201646 min

Episode 44: Ryan Fitzgerald – Political and environmental studies, architecture, family business and Quince and Co.

Sponsor: Taproot Magazine, is a quarterly print magazine full of delightful stories and photos written by and for people living fuller and digging deeper. Each issue is created around a subtle theme, featuring amazing recipes, crafts, and tales, all with the intention of inspiring people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. The content in each issue consistently blows me away. It ...

Dec 23, 201536 min

Episode 43: Thayne Mackey – Montana, wool insulation, bulletproof wool, and Brookside Woolen Mill

Sponsor: Brooklyn General Store was created in 2002 and is owned and operated by Catherine Clark. Tucked away on a sweet block West of the Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill neighborhoods, Brooklyn General Store is the enchanting fiber and textile emporium we all dream of. Dreams full of wooly goodness, yards and yards of fabric, felt, dyes, patterns, tools, and handmade gifts. A little old and a little new…a classic general store for the maker who loves to make their own everything. With a charmin...

Dec 08, 201539 min

Episode 42: Tif Fussell – Aunties, holistic healing, following fiber, and Dottie Angel

Sponsor: In 2013, Anna Dianich opened Tolt Yarn and Wool. a local yarn shop in the beautiful Pacific Northwest town of Carnation, Washington. A couple weeks back we celebrated Tolt’s second anniversary, with the release of a very special book, Farm to Needle: Stories of Wool. When we pick up our needles and cast-on the first stitch, we become part of something much bigger than the project at hand. Farmers, shearers, spinners and dyers are working hard not only to produce the yarn we love, but to...

Nov 25, 20151 hr 20 min

Episode 41: David Ritchie, Claire Wilson, Libby Mills and Kate Salomon – Study groups, building a New England fiber mill, growth of a fiber family and Green Mountain Spinnery

Sponsor: Ewetopia is a local yarn shop in rural Viroqua, WI, carrying a beautiful selection of yarns and fibers, including their very own line of hand dyed yarns. One of my favorite things about Ewetopia is it’s generational foundation, the shop was started by Kathryn Ashley-Wright and later her mother Lisa Ashley joined her as partner in the business. Along with Kathryn’s grandmother Gloria and her daughters Stella and Mae…you’ll sometimes find all four generations busy around the shop…what a s...

Nov 17, 20151 hr

Episode 40: Pam Allen – Motherhood, Nursing School, Coastal Maine, and Quince and Co

Sponsor: Loop is London’s leading local yarn shop, created by Susan Cropper in 2005, with the intention to bring the joy of colour, texture and design to the local fibre community. The shop itself is a warm, friendly place…full of inspiration and charisma, and you can see the care Susan has taken to create an inviting environment where folks can find the yarns they love and learn from the masters of their crafts…including Juju Vail, Jane Lithgow, Stephen West, Helene Magnusson, and Melanie Berg ...

Nov 10, 20151 hr 7 min

Episode 39: Jill Draper – Fine arts, color girl, small farm yarns, and Jill Draper Makes Stuff

Sponsor: Ewetopia is a local yarn shop in rural Viroqua, WI, carrying a beautiful selection of yarns and fibers, including their very own line of hand dyed yarns. One of my favorite things about Ewetopia is it’s generational foundation, the shop was started by Kathryn Ashley-Wright and later her mother Lisa Wright joined her as partner in the business. Along with Kathryn’s grandmother Gloria and her daughters Stella and Mae…you’ll sometimes find all four generations busy around the shop…what a s...

Oct 28, 201545 min

Episode 38: Emmaline Long – Early farming, showmanship, advocacy, and Orchard View Lincoln Longwools

Sponsor: I want to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Edinburgh Yarn Festival, Scotland’s biggest urban yarn event, taking place on the 17th, 18th and 19th of March 2016 in the beautiful World Heritage Site city of Edinburgh, where last year they welcomed 3500 festival visitors. Edinburgh is home to some amazing designers including Ysolda Teague, Gudrun Johnston, Emily Wessel of Tin Can Knits and Lucy Hague of Celtic Cables. There will be a thriving marketplace with yarns, notion...

Oct 20, 201549 min

Episode 37: Amanda Malachesky – The Lost Coast, local fiber, permaculture influence, and Lost Coast Yarn

Sponsor: I want to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, NorthCoast Knittery in Eureka California. This charming shop opened it’s doors in 2008, with the hope to create a unique gathering place for fiber folk and help expand the local fiber community. It’s a wonderful spot to meet friends and work on projects as you enjoy a cup of tea. They offer a variety of classes and workshops, helping enhance your skill levels and each Thursday at 6pm they host a Sip & Knit social evening. ...

Oct 06, 201536 min

Episode 36: Daphne Marinopoulos – West Africa, a Maine fiber mill, creative fulfillment, and The Fibre Company

Sponsor: I want to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Cast Away and Folk, a modern yarn, sewing & weaving shop in Historic Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, CA. Cast Away and Folk makes their home in a turn of the century large brick loft, that inspires you as soon as you walk through the doors. The three owners, Justine, Leslee and Isla and their experienced team are so welcoming and there to gel you choose your next project or find just the right fiber or fabric you’ve been lo...

Sep 29, 20151 hr 2 min

Episode 35: Allison Volek Shelton – Glass blowing, Nashville, Woven fabric, and Shutters and Shuttles

Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Fiber in the Boro, Middle Tennessee’s largest Fall fiber festival. This one day festival is taking place on Saturday October 24th, with free admission and parking at the Rutherford County Agri-Park right off I-24. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover a wide array of special yarns, fibers, and spinning, knitting and weaving tools from fiber folks both local and all over the Eastern United States. Between the food truck...

Sep 22, 201552 min

Episode 34: Brooke Sinnes – Boarding schools, California, Natural Dyeing and Sincere Sheep

Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Fancy Tiger Crafts, a beautiful yarn shop based out of Denver Colorado. This inspired place is owned and operated by self proclaimed fiber nerds, Jaime Jennings and Amber Corcoran…two women who’s hope and journey have allowed them to share their knowledge, adventures and passion in fiber, and this is reflected in their beautiful shop as well as their endeavors in creating their own yarn Heirloom, which you can find in their ...

Sep 15, 201558 min

Episode 33: Laurie Gonyea – Fiber entrepreneurism, silver spun yarn, therapeutic fibers, and Feel Good Yarn Co

Sponsor: I wanted to thank this week’s sponsor, Feel Good Yarn Co, the creator of SilverSpun yarn. This incredible cotton and silver blend yarn is produced using only American sourced fibers and is spun by the folks at North Carolina State University. Aside from it’s beautiful texture and stitch definition, SilverSpun yarn has some pretty amazing therapeutic and thermal properties because of it’s unique silver content, which you’ll hear a lot more about in this episode. They recently introduced ...

Sep 01, 201535 min

Episode 32: Cecelia Campochiaro -Rational tech thinking, sequence knitting, self-publishing and the importance of books

Sponsor: I wanted to thank this week’s sponsor, Knitterly…a special yarn shop created by Shelli Westcott, based in Petaluma California. I am always amazed at the well curated selection of yarns, fibers and classes Shelli works so hard to provide all us fiber enthusiasts. Knitterly recently released a gorgeous collection of weaving kits featuring a selection of colors and textures chosen by Shelli and her daughter Ashleigh. Make sure to visit knitterly.net for a great list of upcoming classes at ...

Aug 25, 201549 min

Episode 31: Jaime Jennings and Amber Corcoran -Coffee shops, Fiber travel, Partnership and Handspun tiger fluff

Sponsor: I wanted to thank this week’s sponsor, Fancy Tiger Crafts, a beautiful yarn shop based out of Denver Colorado. This inspired place is owned and operated by self proclaimed fiber nerds, Jaime Jennings and Amber Corcoran…two women who’s hope and journey have allowed them to share their knowledge, adventures and passion in fiber, and this is reflected in their beautiful shop as well as their endeavors in creating their own yarn Heirloom, which you can find in their shop, both in person and...

Aug 11, 201549 min

Episode 30: Kristin Ford – Architectural influence, Northwest palette, Patagonian Merino, and Bleacher projects

Sponsor: I wanted to thank this week’s sponsor, Knit Purl in Portland, Oregon. A wonderfully motivating yarn shop founded by Darcy Cameron in 2004, with the intention to create a unique curated experience for yarn buyers. They’ve worked closely with local, regional and international makers and designers to provide a one of a kind experience, to fuel creativity for fiber and design enthusiasts. Each month they offer a great calendar of classes and events, and every other Wednesday you can join ot...

Jul 28, 201538 min

Episode 29: Jackie Ottino-Graf – Spinning in backwoods Maine, all things Swans Island yarn, Commercial Natural Dyeing, Sustainable production

Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of this week’s sponsors, NorthCoast Knittery in Eureka California. This charming shop opened it’s doors in 2008, with the hope to create a unique gathering place for fiber folk and help expand the local fiber community. It’s a wonderful spot to meet friends and work on projects as you enjoy a cup of tea. They offer a variety of classes and workshops, helping enhance your skill levels and each Thursday at 6pm they host a Sip & Knit social evening. Make sure to v...

Jul 21, 201549 min

Episode 28: Rebekka Seale – Alabama Gulf Coast, Renaissance reenactments, Handspun goodness and Fiber comfort

Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Nutmeg in Nashville, Tennessee. Nutmeg started as a cottage industry, out of creator Meg Anderson’s kitchen, with pop up shops and workshops. The store is a passion project, it’s about building a space for the vibrant community of makers to be inspired. They carry unique fabrics, perfect for building a real wardrobe with, and lovely prints for quilting, etc. Meg works hard to carry fibers that are one of kind, from small bat...

Jun 30, 201536 min

Episode 27: Brittany Cole Bush – Modern shepherding, Land stewarding, Urban grazing, and Holistic hides

I’m very excited to share the twenty-seventh episode of the Woolful podcast. Each and every week I’m so eager to introduce you to a special guest and this week I’m as excited as ever…meet modern pastoral maiden, Brittany Cole Bush. Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Kismet Fiber Works. A collaboration between Angie LeNoir and Stephanie Stotts of Buchanan Virginia, Kismet Fiber Works sources their fibers from local, family owned farms and a Women’s Cooperative...

Jun 23, 201552 min

Episode 26: Hannah Fettig – Maine fiber, simplistic design, balance and presentation

I’m very excited to share the twenty-sixth episode of the Woolful podcast. This week we get to meet a woman who many of you have heard of because of her incredible pursuits in the fiber community, Hannah Fettig of Knitbot. Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Stash, a local yarn shop based in Corvallis Oregon. The owner, Sonia was a very early supporter and encourager of the podcast and it’s been so great to get to know her a bit and watch all the positive ener...

Jun 16, 201546 min

Episode 25: Mountain Meadow Wool – A bale of wool, Community support, Ranch wools and Learning from your mistakes

I’m very excited to share the twenty-fifth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet a pair of ladies who have accomplished so much in the past several years and who are behind many incredible yarns you use…Karen Hostetler and Valerie Spanos of Mountain Meadow Wool, a fiber mill and yarn company in Buffalo Wyoming. Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Stash, a local yarn shop based in Corvallis Oregon. The owner, Sonia was a very early supporter and ...

Jun 09, 201541 min

Episode 24: Hanahlie Beise – Alpacas, Canadian fiber production, Animal-Caretaker Relationships, and Natural Dyeing

I’m very excited to share the twenty-fourth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet a special woman, Hanahlie Beise who’s passion has led her to dive into the world of fiber, raising a herd of alpacas and creating her yarn, Hinterland. Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors of this week’s episode, Tin Can Knits. Alexa and Emily have created several endearing collections of modern, clearly written patterns that feature accessories and garments each sized for babies, all the w...

Jun 02, 201533 min

Episode 23: Dianna Walla – Confidence, Cultural influence, Fiber awareness, and Norway

I’m very excited to share the twenty-third episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet a special woman who’s multi-faceted interests and background have propelled her in some exciting directions, Dianna Walla of Paper Tiger. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Tolt Yarn and Wool. In 2013, Anna Dianich opened Tolt Yarn and Wool. a local yarn shop in Carnation Washington. Most recently she launched an online shop, full of yarns each with their own story and each handpicked by Anna. You ...

May 26, 201555 min

Episode 22: Shannon Cook – Musical influence, British Columbia, Pursuing dreams and Building community

I’m very excited to share the twenty-second episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet a wonderfully enthusiastic woman who’s energy is as contagious as her passion, Shannon Cook of Very Shannon. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Fancy Tiger Crafts, a beautiful yarn shop based out of Denver, Colorado, who recently launched their online shop, fancytigercrafts.com. They have an amazing selection of fabrics and yarns, including their own Heirloom Romney Yarn, which is grown, milled an...

May 19, 201540 min

Episode 21: Flying Fibers – Heritage breeds, Amish pastures, English roots and Building family legacy

I’m very excited to share the twentieth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet two special women, a mother and daughter team who have created a fiber farm and shop in Lancaster Pennsylvania, Jeri Robinson-Lawrence and Irina Lawrence. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Knitterly, a very special yarn shop created by Shelli Westcott, based in Petaluma California and online at shop.knitterly.net. I am always so amazed at the well curated selection of yarns, fibers and classes Shelli...

May 12, 201547 min

Episode 20: Stephen West – Rhythm, Improvisation, Supermodel and Amsterdam

I’m very excited to share the twentieth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet an incredibly talented artist and creative who brings a whole lot of personality and ingenuity to the fiber world, Stephen West. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Have Company, a special shop, gallery and space in Grand Rapids, MI, with a focus on handmade and apothecary goods, textiles and helping encourage artists and building community. They host artists from all over the country who teach worksho...

May 05, 201542 min

Episode 19: Ashli Tyre – Mount Rainier, Navajo weaving, Natural dyeing and process

I’m very excited to share the eighteenth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet and hear the journey of a fascinating weaver from the Pacific Northwest, Ashli Tyre. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Portfiber, a wonderful shop in Portland, Maine, specializing in one of a kind, hand-dyed fiber and yarn. Casey has curated an incredible collection of spinning fiber including yak, Chiri, Alpaca, Polwarth and hand-dyed blends. You can visit Portfiber in person when in Portland Maine...

Apr 21, 201538 min