Category Archives: behind the scenes

Podcast Episode 226: New November Yarn & Collections

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 the newest yarn addition to the Knit Picks line - Diadem! This ultra-luxe blend of 50% baby alpaca and 50% mulberry silk is a fiber lover's dream come true.     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. You can find all three brand new collections here: Glacier Bay eBook Glacier Bay Printed Book Swish 2013 Collection eBook Swish 2013 Collection Printed Book Bulky 2013 Collection eBook Bulky 2013 Collection Printed book 3 easy ways to listen...

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Podcast Episode 221: New Pattern Collections & Yarn for September!

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.

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Crochet Week: Curio Luminarie Cozy and Hanging Planter Pattern

I'm pretty sure that I just took my crochet skills to a whole new level this past launch when I released my very first pattern (the Luminarie Cozy and Hanging Planter Pattern) as part of Knit Picks, for free! I can't tell you how excited I am to share what I've been tinkering with since we got our first samples of our new Curio crochet thread in the office.

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Podcast Episode 214: Windswept Pattern Collection Interview with Kerin

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. The Windswept pattern collection is available as an eBook and as a printed book here: Windswept eBook Windswept printed book And don't forget - you can also purchase single pattern downloads from this stunning pattern collection! 3 easy ways to listen...

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Imagining the Future: A little chunk of the creative process

When you consider the time involved in writing a pattern, knitting the item, photographing it and getting a pattern ready for publication, it’s no wonder we work months and months ahead. It tends to create a strange creative dissonance for me; right now I’m finishing up some patterns for November, yet it’s 75 degrees out today and I’m wearing a tank top. It’s really hard to get in the right frame of mind for what would be cozy in winter when all I can think about are flip flops! But, working in advance can have some really great advantages: lots of time to dream and mess up before you have to get it right. I’ve recently laid out my plan for 2014, and have started dreaming up all of the concepts  for ...

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A Photo Session With Linus

I love any opportunity I get to photograph my little buddy, Linus. Once upon a time he helped us with a video for our old Special Reserve yarn, Sugarbunny and he was the little cutie modeling a knit sweater on this very blog a few weeks ago. Yesterday, we got to take advantage of his very accommodating personality (and his ability to hold still lying on his back all by himself) to take some fun photos with Palette.

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Podcast Episode 205: Illuminated Lines Pattern Collection Interview with Kerin

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, how that translated into the concept and ultimately into the knitted pattern in addition to the design details that make each piece a unique combination of traditional and modern. Kerin also shares tips and tricks throughout to help you try a variety of new and intriguing techniques with confidence. Explore and celebrate the wonderful traditions of Celtic history with Illuminated Lines as Kerin shares her design journey with you. Illuminated Lines is available as an eBook and as a printed book here: Illuminated Lines eBook Illuminated Lines printed book And don’t forget – you can ...

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Designing a modern Bohus

Bohus sweaters are known for their subtle gradients of color and the fuzzy halo that gives them an almost ethereal glow. The tradition of Bohus sweater knitting is a recent and colorful one, inspired by many other European knitting styles and the fashions of the mid 20th century. The most recognizeable Bohus item is the yoked sweater. Though the typical elements of a Bohus-style sweater can be applied to lots of items like gloves and hats, a colorful stranded yoke really shows off the techniques used. Careful planning of increases, multiple colors in each row, knit and purl stitches and slipped stitches create a texture unique to Bohus knitting. This texture can make even the simplest motif, like stripes or dots, look exotic and unexpected. When I began thinking about Tuva, I wanted color to become the real focus, and let the stitches help to show them off. I didn't want this to be subtle - and immediately jumped for a vivid rainbow. With so many elements to balance, designing a Bohus-style yoked sweater presents some interesting challenges.

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Small Joys: Crafting Books with Peculiar Titles

As one of our resident copywriters, I get first peek at all of the varied and wonderful books available on the website. Often times, simply because of workflow and logistics, I see the book's title far before I see any related images, patterns or other content; that means that I am often unable to immediately "judge a book by its cover"—allowing hilarity to ensue! In honor of our super 40% off book sale, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite oddball, double-take, laughter-gifting titles. I apologize in advance. I cannot guarantee that you have the same sense of humor as I do.

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Meet Lisa, from Dicentra Studio

A while back, I got to spend the day with Jen, from Hanks in the Hood and learn all about how she makes those goregous spinning batts of hers! Additionally, Jen was kind enough to take some time to share a bit about herself, how she got drawn into the wonderful world of fiber, and her inspiration. And it was awesome! I find it so amazing that so many different people can connect with something as simple as fiber and yarn, in such a lovely and inspiring way. I simply love hearing these stories from everyone I meet. Which is why I was thrilled when Jen asked if I would like to also spend time with Lisa from Dicentra Designs! My answer was a resounding yes, the more - the merrier! I got a chance to sit down with Lisa, an amazing fiber artist, to chat with her about her love of all things color, fiber, spinning and of course dyeing. In addition to dyeing her own yarn line, Dicentra Designs, Lisa also helps Jen, from Hanks in the Hood, with the processing and dyeing of the stunning silk hankies! And with Lisa's love for bright and vibrant colors, it's no wonder that her color sense is a perfect match for working with Jen's fearless color combinations. Just look at all of the amazing colors you'll find in the silk hankies from Hanks in the Hood to see for yourself! To hear more about Lisa's color inspiration, the process for dyeing the silk hankies, and some of Lisa's favorite ways of working with silk hankies - be sure to check out Lisa's video!

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