Knit Picks' Podcast

Episode 61: Interview with Maggie Pace

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:26:00 GMT

Kelley chats with Maggie Pace, author of "Felt It" and "Felt Forward."

Episode 60: Interview with Toni Carr

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 18:43:00 GMT

Kelley talks with Toni Carr, author of "KnockDown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track."

Episode 59: Lace Tips and Tricks

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 21:50:00 GMT

Don't be intimidated by lace knitting - pull out your pointiest needles and take things one stitch at a time.

Episode 58: Interview with the Yarn Harlot

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:35:00 GMT

Kelley, armed with questions that knitters posted to her blog, chats with Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.

Episode 57: New Fall Yarn!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:07:00 GMT

Kelley and Tina talk about the new fall yarn lines, detailing the color selection process and discussing different commercial dyeing techniques.

Episode 56: Whatâs the weight about?

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:04:00 GMT

Why is a 50 gram ball of laceweight yarn 440 yards long when a 50 gram ball of worsted is 110 yards long?

Episode 55: Interview with Gale Zucker

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 20:14:00 GMT

Kelley talks with Gale Zucker, photographer for "Shear Spirit."

Episode 54: It's summer, time to knit in public!

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Summer provides lots of opportunities for knitting in public. If you have hesitated before, take my word for it, now is the time to give it a try.

Episode 53: Interview with Margaret Hubert

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:19:00 GMT

Kelley chats with Margaret, author of "Knits for Men," about her adventures in designing patterns and writing books.

Episode 52: To block or not to block?

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:21:00 GMT

The jury is in on this one. Blocking is a necessity for any knitting project. Kelley explains why, and gives you tips.

Episode 51: We love our sock blanks!

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 15:13:00 GMT

We love our sock blanks!! And, after several months of secretive planning and knitting, Tina and I are thrilled to be able to share a few of our experiences as we worked out the details and then enjoyed our own dyeing and knitting pleasures.

Episode 50: Handing Down Knitting Traditions

Fri, 30 May 2008 19:08:00 GMT

While Bob in I were visiting his mother in Philadelphia, my sister-in-laws and I explored Murielâs recipe cards that she inherited from her mother. It got me thinking about handing down my favorite knitting patterns to future knitters in our family. Iâm sure there will be knitters in the family. Otherwise I will come back and haunt everyone until someone gives in and takes up needles and yarn.

Episode 49: Chat with Kathleen Gormley

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:46:00 GMT

Kathleen is an avid knitter whose day job is a director/script supervisor for Recorded Books Productions. I couldnât resist asking her to join me on this podcast so I could indulge my curiosity regarding the making of audio books.

Episode 48: All Thumbs!

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:13:00 GMT

Mittens are perfect projects for summer or travel knitting. Just as easy to knit as socks, mittens offer many opportunities for creative expression and historic study. Just like there are several different ways to handle the heels of socks, there are different ways to accommodate your thumb.

Episode 47: Interview with Joan McGowan-Michael

Fri, 9 May 2008 18:09:00 GMT

Joan combines her extensive training as a designer and her love of vintage garments into a delightful collection of projects based on ânethergarmentsâ?.

Episode 46: Knitting and Golf

Fri, 2 May 2008 18:56:00 GMT

Golf has begun and my mind is filled with projects I want to knit to make me more comfortable while Iâm out playing golf with Bob.

Episode 45: Charts vs. Written Instructions

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:26:00 GMT

Charts vs. written instructions â relax, one is not better than the other. The key is to understand the pros and cons of each method and then adapt instructions to your personal preference.

Episode 44: Interview with Jillian Moreno

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:58:00 GMT

Interview with Jillian Moreno, author of "Big Girl Knits" and "More Big Girl Knits."

Episode 43: Chat with Kathleen Taylor

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 20:59:00 GMT

Chat with Kathleen Taylor. Author of Yarns to Dye For, Knit One, Felt Too, and I Heart Felt.

Episode 42: Chat with Janet Szabo

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:17:00 GMT

Yippee! What could be better than being able to talk with the lady who inspired my cable selections that Iâm using on my Aran cardigan?

Episode 41: The Many Shapes of Shawls

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:46:00 GMT

Lace shawls come in several shapes. These shapes arenât just a question of fashion. Some are easier to knit while traveling and some are easier to knit because they are long strips of repeated lace patterns. Before you choose your lace project be sure to think about your knitting surroundings (traveling or staying home) and how you would like to use your finished shawl.

Episode 40: Interview with Charlene Schurch

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Charlene Schurch is the author of Sensational Knitted Socks and More Sensational Knitted Socks. Two of my favorite sock knitting books! What a treat to be able to talk with her about our shared love for sock knitting.

Note: This interview was recorded over the phone, so it was hard to control the audio quality for this week's podcast.

Episode 39: Knit up or pick up?

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 18:55:00 GMT

Part of the âcharmâ? of knitting is learning the secret language and secret handshake. Just a little joke. Well, it does feel like that sometimes. âPickâ? up and âknitâ? up are a perfect example.

Episode 38: The Joys of Hand-dyeing Yarns

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Kelley talks with Melissa, our Art Director, about her talent for dyeing yarn.

Episode 37: Needle sizing

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:59:00 GMT

What is the deal with needle sizing? Depending on where you live, there will be a particular way that the sizes of knitting needles are categorized. It all seems a bit confusing, but it is actually quite simple.

Episode 36: Warm weather yarns are on the way!

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:55:00 GMT

Our new warm weather yarns will be arriving in just a couple of weeks! Tina and I couldnât wait any longer to give you a bit of a preview.

Episode 35: Casting on for new adventure

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Casting on is the beginning of every knitting adventure. But, just like a travel adventure, how you get started depends on where you are going. Plane, train or automobile? Cabled, long tail or invisible cast on?

Episode 34: Summer Dreaming!

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:45:00 GMT

In cold weather, Iâm quite comfortable knitting warm garments. But, before I know it, spring arrives and I have absolutely nothing hand knit to wear in the warm weather. What a disappointment! There are many reasons to knit summer tops and sweaters but you need to get started during the dreary days of winter. To help you make your yarn decisions, I thought it would be a good idea to review the qualities of summer fibers like cotton and linen.

Episode 33

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:33:00 GMT

Designers are individuals. We love their unique projects but sometimes their unique way of communicating can make us crazy! The thing is, patterns are just like novels. An artist throwing their view of the world out there counting on the kindness of strangers. You, the reader, or knitter, have the responsibility to participate in process. You interpret the writing in order to enjoy the story. As you work through a pattern it may be easy to understand, confusing or frustrating. It all depends on the style of the written instructions and how well you are able to interpret them

Episode 32: What's in your toolkit?

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:54:00 GMT

Every artist has a set of favorite tools that are a magical blend of usefulness and empowerment. As long as you have your bag with you, you can fix any knitting problem. Over the years I have defined my own collection of tools that I consider to be absolutely essential. I always keep them within reach when I am knitting. Since every knitter has their own style, her own requirements will be little different from mine. But, I will share my must-have list with you in case my collection inspires you to add a few things to your own tool kit.

Episode 31: Cables

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 17:59:00 GMT

Januaryâs project from Elizabeth Zimmermannâs book the Knitterâs Almanac is an Aran sweater. So, that is how I am beginning my year! As I worked out the design for my cardigan, I realized cabling would be a nice topic for the beginning of our knitting year together. It does feel nice to shake away the lethargy of Christmas vacation with a challenge.

Episode 30: Charity Knitting

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:53:00 GMT

Knitting socks for Jonathon has reminded me of all the opportunities knitters have to knit for others. Why not extend the spirit of giving beyond the holidays? Find a cause that tugs at your heart and get knitting!

Episode 29: New Year's Resolution #1

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 19:33:00 GMT

I love the New Year! I get all wrapped up in making new plans and setting new goals. The majority of my plans fall by the wayside but enough of them actually work out to keep me going through the same routine every year. Well, almost the same routine. This year, after some inspiration from the fantastic designs in Kristin Nicholasâ book, I am going to re-work my knitting stash. Thatâs right! Every ball and skein is going to get dragged out and re-assigned to something productive! I know it sounds crazy but Iâm seriously considering making this a yearly habit.

Episode 28: Give the Gift of Knitting

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:26:00 GMT

You know that I absolutely love to teach people how to knit. I put in my order for my vacation knitting supplies which included 2 balls of Wool of the Andes and 2 pair of #7, 24â? circular needles. This is my usual routine before I leave on an extended trip because it seems I always run into at least one person who tells me they would love to learn to knit. Voila! I have the yarn and needles ready for a spontaneous lesson. Iâve gotten people started by swimming pools, in ski lodges and even during long airplane flights.

The holidays provide two excellent opportunities for sharing the joys of knitting. If you happen to joining in family celebrations, you can teach a new knitter in person. The second option is to put together a nice âlearn to knitâ? package that will be nearly as good as having a teacher right at hand.

Episode 26: I-Cord Magic

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:20:00 GMT

The funny thing about knitting is how little things can make a huge difference in the ease of knitting and in the look of a finished project. One of the most under-utilized and misunderstood techniques is the simple i-cord, or idiot cord - a tube of 3 stitches that can be used on its own or applied to a garment in a variety of ways. Iâve given you a couple of examples, but if you would like to see i-cord used to its full potential you can refer to some of the projects in Elizabeth Zimmermannâs book Knitting Around. Better yet, watch the Knitting Glossary DVD where she gives no less than 15 useful ways to use this magical tube of knitting.

Episode 27: Surviving life's challenges with the help of knitting

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:00:00 GMT

Kelley chats with Laurie Perry, author of Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair.

Episode 25: Knitting in Circles

Fri, 2 Nov 2007 20:39:00 GMT

Double-pointed needles, two-circular needles or one long circular needle? In the old days, you didnât have the luxury of matching a knitting style to your project or your individual idiosyncracies. Now you can choose classic DPN instructions from books like Sensational Knitted Socks. Try using two circular needles using Cat Bordhiâs Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles or even just one long circular, or Magic Loop, with the help of Bev Galeskas.

What are the pros and cons of each method? How do they each work? Is one method really that much easier than any other? When does your project dictate which method you should use? Hopefully, I will shed some light on the questions raised by being lucky enough to have so many options.

Episode 24: How do we develop a yarn line?

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:59:00 GMT

How do we develop a yarn line? Well, if you asked Bob, it would involve a large dartboard and about 200 darts. The truth is that Iâve never been very good at playing darts. The reality is a fine balance of economics and knitting enthusiasm. Much like what every knitter faces every time they choose yarn for a new project.

Episode 24: How do we develop a yarn line?

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:36:00 GMT

Episode 23: Interview with Vicki Square

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:42:00 GMT

Vicki Square

is quite a world traveler when it comes to appreciating our knitting heritage. Two of her books, Folk Bags and Folk Hats, make up an armchair tour of countries that many of us only dream of visiting. In her most recent book, Knit Kimono, Vicki shares her discovery of how beautifully the shape of kimonos provides a blank canvas for the talents of every knitter from rank beginner to long-time fiber addict.

Episode 22: Dropped Stitches

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:29:00 GMT

Dropped stitches cause much more anxiety than they deserve. First, they are actually very easy to fix. Second, they can help you fix other mistakes that have absolutely nothing to do with dropped stitches in their âerrorâ? persona.

Episode 21: Decreasing

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:24:00 GMT

Decreasing is an essential part of knitting a garment that fits well.

Episode 20: A short talk about Short Rows

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:01:00 GMT

Short rows add extra rows of knitting to help you shape your garment just the way you want.

Episode 19:Knitting on a Budget

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 20:39:00 GMT

You donât have to spend a lot of money to get started knitting. And, if you are on a tight budget, there are several ways you can continue knitting a variety of projects.

Episode 18: It's easy to share the joy of knitting

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:38:00 GMT

The more people we teach to knit, the more friends we have and the better the world will be for everyone! I have my own little tricks for gathering new knitters around me and teaching them the joys of making one stitch after another.

Episode 17: What is the deal with skeins, hanks and balls of yarn??

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:29:00 GMT

What is the deal with skeins, hanks and balls of yarn? Believe it or not, there is logic behind each of these different types of âput upsâ? as they are called by the spinning mills.

Episode 16: Chatting with sock knitting evangelist Ann Budd

Tue, 7 Aug 2007 17:48:00 GMT

This week we will have our second installment of author interviews. With us for Episode 16 is the delightful Ann Budd. A master knitter, author of numerous books and former editor of Interweave Knits... Ann has done it all! Ann's latest book is a comprehensive look at sock construction, gauge, design and execution.

Episode 15: To Knit or Not to Knit? That is the Question.

Fri, 3 Aug 2007 17:51:00 GMT

Several of my friends were freeing themselves of neglected and guilt-inspiring projects this week. It got me thinking about how to handle those knit garments we enthusiastically cast on and then lose interest in for some reason. So often we keep them around with the vain hope that we will fall in love with them again. But, I donât think that ever really happens. Rather than let your energy be drained by these dead-end projects, get rid of them!! It is so liberating and then you can go on to knit something you truly love.

Episode 14: Keeping Track of Stitches

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:40:00 GMT

I use several tricks to make my knitting projects as simple as possible. The key is to break down the stitch count into small manageable pieces so that I can spot a mistake quickly. And, it makes it much easier to carry even complicated knitting along with me without worrying about losing my place in the pattern.

Episode 13: Spend some time with Shannon Okey

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:23:00 GMT

Now that Iâve gotten comfortable with podcasting, I want to jazz up the format a bit by occasionally featuring interviews with fellow fiber enthusiasts. To get us started, Shannon Okey agreed to be my very first guest. Shannon has an inventive and confident attitude towards all things fiber. Her articles at Knitty.com on hand spinning, dyeing fibers in your dishwasher, and fiber festivals are entertaining and stimulating.

Episode 12: Let's talk about steeks!

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:10:00 GMT

This week I want to talk about one of my all time favorite techniques â steeking. I know there are a lot of knitters who have absolutely no idea what steeking means and others who do know but are terrified of it. Let me give you an outline of how handy steeks can be for knitting in hopes of convincing you to give them a try. Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann will give you instructions for several ways to use this handy technique.

Episode 11: Meet and greet Carissa Barrett

Fri, 6 Jul 2007 16:20:00 GMT

This week I would like to introduce you to Carissa Barrett, our Educational Content Developer. I like to think of her as our In-House Reference Librarian. Not a far leap for Carissa because she has a degree in library science. She is responsible for all of the informational material you find in The Knitting Room and in our catalogs.

Episode 10: Baa Baa Black Sheep Gathering

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:53:00 GMT

There are so many things happening in my knitting world. I have a plan to kickstart my dyeing agenda. It sure helps to break things down into small pieces and try something completely unique. Unexpected lessons I learned at the Black Sheep Gathering help me choose gift projects with a good chance of turning into something that will truly be appreciated. The KnitterÃ??s Almanac Knit-A-Long has gotten off to an energetic start. I am so pleased with my renewed enthusiasm for knitting!

Episode 9: What to do if you are in a knitting slump?

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:58:00 GMT

What to do when you are in a knitting slump? After blaming my attitude on a messy house and disorganized yarn stash, I finally came up with an idea that will keep me focused, challenged and knitting for the next year. I will be working through the projects in Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac beginning with the month of July. If you'd like to knit along with me or just observe, please join the Yahoo group that I created here: Elizabeth's_Year

Episode 8: Share the joy! Knit in public!

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:06:00 GMT

Let's get out and share the joy of knitting by taking every opportunity to Knit In Public! Every time you pull out your needles you invite people to ask questions and maybe be inspired to give knitting a try themselves. And, you're bound to finish more projects by taking advantage of all that extra time!

Episode 7: Under-appreciated Ribbing

Fri, 8 Jun 2007 15:35:00 GMT

This week I would like you to meet Kim Cameron. She is our Inventory Manager who focuses on books and DVDs. Kim loves all sorts of crafts and has been looking forward to sharing a few of her adventures with you. After that, I'll be catching you up on my knitting progress and chat a bit about ribbing.

Episode 6: Get to know our staff

Fri, 1 Jun 2007 23:49:00 GMT

This week I would like you to meet Diedre Hess. She is our Inventory Manager. Diedreâs love of fiber began on her familyâs farm right here in the Pacific Northwest. Her interest in sheep husbandry eventually led her to knitting. We are lucky to have such a well-trained person helping to design yarns and keep track of their travels as they come to us from far away vendors.

Episode 5: Embrace your own knitting style

Fri, 25 May 2007 23:17:00 GMT

Have you ever had the experience of another knitter telling you that you were knitting "wrong"? Well, a listener asked me to talk about the differences between English vs. Continental knitting and it brought back memories of my own encounters with dogmatic knitters. I decided to use the comparison of knitting styles as a way to highlight knitters' individuality and encourage you to embrace whatever method works for you.

Episode 4: Wool, from start to finish

Fri, 18 May 2007 18:23:00 GMT

First, I need to give you an apology for the brevity of this podcast. This week was filled with activities that kept me away from my taping equipment and computer. Lots of out-of-town visitors, a quick two-day get away with Bob and golf. You will hear all about it in the podcast.

My mind has been focused on wool all week. It must be because I have been thinking about buying a new spinning wheel. That led to the podcast topic - the structure of wool fibers, how that changes depending on the breed of sheep and what it means in terms of the finished yarn. Armed with a bit of knowledge, I hope you can feel much more confident choosing wool yarns for particular projects you have in mind.

All the time away from the office gave me plenty of time to knit. And, to reflect on how nicely knitting fits into whatever chaos happens. I was lucky to have a couple of easy projects at hand to accommodate my needs.

Episode 3: Meet Tina Birch, Knit Picks' Vice President

Fri, 11 May 2007 23:11:00 GMT

In this podcast I introduce you to Tina Birch, our vice-president. Over the next few months, I'm looking forward to your meeting all of the Knit Picks staff. Each one has their own history regarding how they got started knitting and what keeps them knitting. As much as I enjoy hearing different accounts of challenges met, I'm sure you will appreciate Tina's story as well.

After that, I'll review a new book that has got me thinking about summer knitting as a way to prepare for next winter. And, there is a surprising twist to What's On My Needles this week.

Episode 2: Deserted Island knitting

Fri, 4 May 2007 21:50:00 GMT

Reflecting on the idea of being stranded on a deserted island is an interesting exercise in focusing your knitting requirements. It turns out that my care package would be filled to the brim with sock knitting supplies. The easy way they fit into my ânormalâ? life has several positive applications for a âstrandedâ? lifestyle. If youâve been thinking of learning to knit socks, I hope to inspire you and give you confidence to try it. If you are already a sock knitter, I think youâll completely understand the logic behind my deserted island choices.

Episode 1: Knit Picks Podcast

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 23:49:00 GMT

To begin, I will give you a quick background on how I got started knitting. Then, a review of my book suggestions for beginning knitters. Finally, a review of What's On My Needles this week.