Category Archives: Podcast

Podcast Episode 218: Light Basics Interview with Kerin

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 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. Next, Kerin and Jenny talk through each of the 6 designs while highlighting specific design and construction details. And if you're interested in learning about how to customize any of the designs, Kerin has a few tips and ideas on how to use the included knitter's graph paper! And be sure to check out the link below to find the eBook, printed version and individual pattern downloads for this collection: Light Basics collection 3 easy ways to listen...

Read more »

Podcast Episode 217: New Yarn and Pattern Collections for July

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. You can find all four of our new collections at the links below (available as ebooks, printed books, and individual pattern downloads): Serenity Crochet Collection Light Basics Ballerinas in Pink Reversible Basics 3 easy ways to listen...

Read more »

Podcast Episode 216: Building Up a Spontaneity Stash

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. And for those of you who are looking to add a new book or two (or three!) to your summer reading list, Kelley has compiled a list of her favorites for you to peruse. 3 easy ways to listen...

Read more »

Podcast Episode 215: Interview with Jen Lucas

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! Sock Yarn Shawls by Jen Lucas Jen is also part of the IDP program, you can find more of her designs here: Jen Lucas 3 easy ways to listen...

Read more »

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...

Read more »

Podcast 212: New Yarn and Collections for April

This week, Jenny and Stacey get a chance 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: In Tune by Luise O'Neill and Urban Texture by Tabetha Hedrick. 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 - hear more about her inspiration and design process behind her collection, Urban Texture. And due to the popularity of the kits, we have sold out of the Dish Towels and Pookies kits but fear not! You can still find the pattern downloads for these kits here: Dish Towels Pattern by Kerin Dimeler-Laurence Pookies by Barbara Prime 3 easy ways to listen...

Read more »

Podcast Episode 209: Interview with TECHknitter

This week, Kelley chats with 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 TECHknitter's "chart chart" method, which she first posted about on her blog back in 2007. Learn more about this compelling way to knit lace as TECHknitter chats about the history of lace and charting methods, as well as helpful tips and tricks. And TECHknitter was kind enough to share some handy visual aids that show the "chart chart" method in action! An example of a Tabulated Pattern (a proto-chart-chart)

Read more »

Podcast Episode 208: New Spring Pattern Collections & Yarn

The anticipation of spring can only mean one thing – 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. Billow! First up is Billow, the newest member of the Knit Picks yarn family. Jenny and Stacey chat about Billow, our 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! Inspired by beautiful and unexpected balances, this amazing collection brings together 14 patterns from 12 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 ...

Read more »

Podcast Episode 207: Interview with Edie Eckman

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.          3 easy ways to listen...

Read more »