Knit Picks' Podcast

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 Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

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 mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

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

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.

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 headlong and a relative newbie easing in her own way.

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 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 lace charts. They discuss our intention behind using lace charts, reveal a little of the process of actually getting the charts into the book, as well as presenting their own thoughts on what *really* makes a good knitting chart. After that, Knit Picks’ Director, Alison, talks with me to review all of the lace yarns available from Knit Picks,

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 left alone to do it all.

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 contributions to our collection, Joyful Lace.

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.

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. Tune in to this episdode of the podcast, and be inspired!

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 ever knit, and the relationships these things have fostered in their own lives. Knit Picks Director Alison Backus also gives us her top 3 tips when crafting stuffies. 

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 knitting things that fit.

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. Whether you're a new knitter, or recall your new knitting days fondly, you'll find something in this episode to which you're sure to relate.

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!

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!

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 taught to them as part of their formal education.

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 from podcast listeners Lindsey and Shaina about their good/bad experiences spinning and knitting exotic animal fibers. Put yourself on a "high fiber diet", and enjoy!

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.

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.

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!