Knit Picks' Podcast

This week, Jenny and Kerin are so happy to finally introduce the new collections and yarns that are out for Fall! With four pattern collections and two new yarn lines, there is certainly a lot to be excited about. First up is Reclaimed, our new Fall pattern collection that features 15 designs along with three other 6-pattern collections - Geometric, Classic Color, and the Wool of the Andes collection. Hear all about the inspiration that sparked these collections in addition to the range of designs and techniques that are found in each book. Finally, Kerin and Jenny talk about the latest and greatest yarny additions to the Knit Picks line up - Wool of the Andes Superwash and Stroll Tweed!

In this week's podcast, Kelley reports from Canada to chat about one of her favorite topics: books! If you need a dose of inspiration or are looking to try a new technique, Kelley is more than happy to spark your curiosity as she shares a few of her most recent favorite titles along with in-depth reviews and project highlights.    

This week, Jenny and Kerin sit down for a chat about their easily enabled world of crafting. From knitting to beading, weaving, crochet and tatting, it's sometimes just too easy to get sucked into a whole new craft. Our recent obsession: crochet! Having attempted to learn crochet several times, both Kerin and Jenny share their prior attempts before finally mastering the basics of crochet. But our enthusiasm doesn't stop there! After getting down the basics, both Kerin and Jenny share their most recent obsession with crochet thread and doilies. Next, we chat about different project ideas and types of crochet like filet and irish crochet to inspire your next project.

This week, Jenny talks with Knit Picks designer Kerin about her latest pattern collection, Light Basics. Hear all about the inspiration for this collection which focuses on using fingering weight yarns for all of its designs. In addition to talking about the collection of as a whole, Kerin shares some insight into her design process and talks about the design details that go into creating larger sizes while maintaining a comfortable and flattering fit. Finally, Kerin and Jenny talk through each of the 6 designs while highlighting specific design and construction details.

This week, Jenny and Stacey get a chance to chat about all of the wonderful new yarns and collections coming out this month! First and foremost is our brand new crochet thread, Curio. Hear all about our lovely new #10 crochet thread and get inspired with pattern ideas. Following the crochet theme, Jenny and Stacey introduce Serenity, our first ever collection of crochet designs featuring 8 independant designers. Next, Jenny and Stacey talk about the other three new pattern collections including Light Basics - a collection of garments and accessories all knit in fingering weight yarn, Reversible Basics - a collection that incorporates reversible patterns and details into the designs and Ballerinas in Pink, a collection inspired by turn of the 20th century French fashion and art. Finally, Jenny and Stacey give a few highlights and suggestions from the summer yarn and book sale!

Having an organized stash where your yarns all have planned projects assigned can be both a blessing and a curse:  you feel good because there is a definite plan for all that yarn, but it can dampen those moments when inspiration strikes and you just have to cast on right away! Kelley’s solution? A spontaneity stash! Yes, this means that Kelley’s yarn stash is now divided into sub-categories but it makes for fun knitting when you come across that must-make project. Hear all about how Kelley plans out her spontaneity stash and what yarns make the cut. Next, Kelley talks about what is on her needles and her plans for summer knitting. Always craving a good sweater, Kelley finally embraces summer and gives in to lighter weight projects. And to make all of this summer planning a bit easier, Kelley shares her list of favorite audiobook recommendations.

In a quest to find new ways of using up that stash of sock yarns, Kelley chats with Jen Lucas, author of the book Sock Yarn Shawls. Being a self-taught knitter, Jen shares how an obsession with socks eventually led to her to the world of shawls and shawlettes. Kelley and Jen chat about the different chapters of the book in addition to the different styles of shawls included. Get a behind the scene's peak into Jen's first book of shawl designs in addition to a few handy tips and tricks for shawl knitting!

On this week's episode, Jenny gets a chance to talk with Kerin about her latest pattern collection, Windswept. Inspired by the scenic mid-Atlantic beaches, this collection shows off a versatile set of patterns that are easy-to-wear and take you from warm sunny days to cool evening walks along the boardwalk. Learn more about Kerin's inspiration and design process, in addition to getting a behind-the-scenes look into this stunning 6-pattern collection.

This week, Kelley dives into her stash in search of inspiration for her collection of fingering weight yarns. And with a mission to make more than another pair of socks, Kelley peruses Ravelry in search of unique and versatile patterns that are perfect for lighter fingering weight yarns. Continuing on this theme, Kelley reviews the books Sock-Yarn Shawls by Jen Lucas and The Knitter's Palette by Kate Haxell. Finally, Kelley shares her enthusiasm of searching out new projects to cast on after a productive week of finishing several works in progress.

This week, Jenny and Stacey get a chance to sit down and talk about all of the new and exciting things that are out for April! First and foremost is Felici, our limited-edition self-striping fingering weight yarn - hear about all of the wonderful new colors that are now available. Next, Jenny and Stacey talk about the two new pattern collections out for April - hear all about the collections as Jenny and Stacey talk through the patterns. You'll also hear more about the new kits that are available and which books make out must-have lists while the big book sale is going on! Finally, Stacey gets a chance to talk with designer Tabetha Hedrick, who has one of the new collections out this month - hear more about her inspiration and design process behind the collection for Urban Texture.

This week, Kelley gets a chance with Canadian knitter and knitwear designer, Spilly Jane! Obsessed with color and texture, Jane habitually translates songs, food and architecture into elegantly quirky handknit socks and mittens. Learn more about how Jane first started knitting and what started her mitten obsession, in addition to getting the inside scoop on her design process for her well-loved patterns.

As winter transitions to spring and warmer weather slowly creeps in, many of us find our fibers also transition - moving away from wools to cooler blends like cotton yarns. This week, Kelley gives an overview of cottons as well as different cotton blends to help you understand the nuances of this natural fiber. Knowing the particulars of cotton fibers will help you make the most of this natural fiber in your next project. Next, Kelley chats more about one of ther favorite companion pastimes to knitting: listening to audiobooks! Kelley gives a few reviews of her favorite audiobooks in progress that she is working through now. Finally, Kelley catches you up on what projects are on her needles.

This week, Kelley chats with the TECHknitter about her "chart chart" technique and all things lace. Kelley first begins by giving a brief overview of lace knitting and its components, along with the different ways that lace patterns can be presented. Kelley goes over both written and charted directions, before introducing the TECHknitter's "chart chart" method. Learn more about this compelling way to knit lace as the TECHknitter chats about the history of lace and charting methods, as well as helpful tips and tricks.

Longer days and the anticipation of spring can only mean one time - new yarn and new pattern collections! It's been a bundle of excitement here at Knit Picks, and Stacey chats with Jenny about all of the wonderful new things that are lined up for this month. First up is Billow, the newest member of the Knit Picks yarn family. Jenny and Stacey chat about this new bulky cotton yarn, and share staff projects as well as inspiration ideas for this delightfully soft yarn. Next up is First Light - the first ever pattern collection from Knit Picks that brings together 11 independant designers. Stacey talks about the development process of First Light and gives an overview of the included projects. Finally, there are two stunning new collections from independant designers: Vintage-Inspired Baseball Knits by Allyson Dykhuizen and Winsome Knits by Alexis Winslow. Hear all about the design, themes, and inspiration behind these stunning collections and more.

Love to crochet small motifs, but never sure what to do with all of your small crocheted creations? Get a dose of fresh, creative inspiration on this week's episode with Edie Eckman! A designer and author for both knit and crochet, Edie chats with Jenny about her new book Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs, which brings you a whole new collection of interesting crochet shapes and a myriad of ways to connect them. Learn how Edie got her start crafting and how she translated her passion for knitting and crochet into a range of patterns and books. You'll also hear all about Edie's design process for creating new motifs and her inspiration for the patterns in her new book, in addition to tips and tricks for beginning crocheters. 

For this week's episode, Kelley talks with Frances Fisher - a knitter from North Carolina who is 87 years young and has over 200 pairs of socks to her name! Back in early 2011, Frances sent one of her "stashbuster socks" to Kelley as a gift. Having kept in touch over paper mail and email, Kelley and Frances have become friends with a shared obsession over all things yarn. Kelley chats with Frances about her unique take on socks and what her process is for creating her "stashbuster socks."

Bringing together enchanting colorwork and captivating cables - Illuminated Lines captures the magic of Celtic art and culture with six exquisite designs. Hear all about how Kerin's interest in Celtic culture inspired this new and exclusive pattern collection. Kerin and Jenny talk through each of the six patterns in Illuminated Lines, starting with the inspiration for each design and how that translated into the knitted design, as well as the design process and details of each garment. Kerin also shares tips and tricks throughout to help you try a variety of new and intriguing techniques with confidence. Whether you are looking for a versatile Aran pullover or want to take your colorwork to the next level, the Illuminated Lines pattern collection lets you explore and celebrate the wonderful traditions of Celtic history all while Kerin shares her design journey with you.    

This week, Kelley gets a chance to talk with Amy Clarke Moore, editor of Spin-Off and Jane Austen Knits magazines from Interweave. Amy shares her story of how Jane Austen Knits started and talks about her collaberation with members of the Jane Austen Society who provide the depth and details in the wonderful articles throughout the magazine. If you are a fan of Jane Austen, you'll love this behind the scenes look at this wonderful publication.

This week, Kelley talks about different fibers and blends to explore their qualities. Learn about what makes wool so wonderful, why alpaca is so warm, how silk gets it's shine, and what mercerized means for cotton. This handy guide to fiber basics is sure to help you as you plan out your next project. Next, Kelley reviews some of her favorite audiobooks that she has been listening to lately. Finally, Kelley catches you up with what is on her needles.

This week, Kelley chats with author and designer Margaret Radcliffe about her book Circular Knitting Workshop! If you've ever been interested by the circular knitting method, you'll love hearing Margaret insight and expert advice on everything from swatching to converting flat patterns to being worked in the round.