Knit Picks' Podcast

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 listener about how she spends her summer crafting months.

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.

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 portraits and cityscapes. 

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.

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 scenes of our business.

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.

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 of socks, both new and experienced knitters are sure to be inspuired to cast on a pair of socks right away. Finally, Kelley catches you up with what she has on her needles at the moment - this week the goal is all about simplicity and portability, as Kelley reports from a linguistic retreat in La Paz, Mexico!

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 our 52 Weeks of Dishcloths campaign!

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 recent audiobook discoveries and catches you up on what projects and KALs are keeping her needles busy.

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 including the long planning stages, collection design, photography, styling and the development of larger, curated collections as well as printed books as an option.

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 those odds and ends of yarn from the post-holiday crafting season. Finally, Jenny and Stacey talk about Brava's expanded range of colors and our ever-growing selection of free patterns.

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 chats about what projects are currently on her needles.

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 amongst knitters. Hear Hear more about Kelley's introduction to Elizabeth and review of her favorite EZ books, along with what new projects have found their way onto Kelley's needles.

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 inspirations into knitwear.

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.

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.

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.

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 Alaska. Leading a life where change is a constant, Lynne shares her practical approach to knitting, organization, preparation and more!

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 currents WIPs and what she has planned for her upcoming projects.

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 insights are sure to have you looking at your stash in a completely new way.