Knit Picks' Podcast
Kelley Petkun, owner of Knit Picks, carries on a one-sided conversation as she ponders the joys, challenges and rewards of complete immersion in today's fiber community. Find camaraderie and understanding as Knit Picks employees confess to their own knitting triumphs and complete blunders. Does any of this sound familiar? If so, tune in weekly for the further adventures of the gang at Knit Picks and any other knitters we can round up.

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_216.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:56 PM

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!

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_215.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:30 PM

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_214.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:30 PM

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_213.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:22 AM

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_212.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:08 PM

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_211.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:00 PM

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_210.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:21 PM

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_209.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:54 PM

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.

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_208.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:45 PM

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. 

Direct download: KP_Podcast_Episode_207.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:00 PM