Knit Picks' Podcast

You’ve heard our hosts mention the speed with which our Senior Graphic Designer Regan finishes sweaters, so we had to have him on to get him to reveal his secrets! In this episode, Stacey and Lee chat with Regan about how he became a sweater knitter, how he got so fast, and his experiences with dyeing yarn in sweater quantities.   As always, Lee and Stacey also share their current WIPs and the latest collection they worked on! It’s our annual big sock collection, Pop Socks: Colorful Patterns. They have a hard time picking just a few to talk about because who could resist cheerful socks using multiple yarns? In addition to chatting about new patterns, they also discuss some of the new yarns that launched along with them, including a special Stroll Mini Pack created just for a pattern from Pop Socks.  Lee's new socks  N for November Sweater pattern Rosendale Slouchy Hat pattern  High Desert yarn Deep Winter Coat pattern Ventisca Slipover pattern Unparalleled book Twill yarn Kristen Jancuk's patterns on K

We’ve got a gorgeous new collection of five patterns out today, all designed by the talented Holli Yeoh, so we had to have her on the podcast to talk about it! After Lee and Stacey share what they’ve been up to lately, Holli joins them to share about her history as a designer and the process of creating the patterns of La Belle Époque.  Lee and Stacey also discuss with Holli her approach to size inclusion and a bit about her writing style and the editing process. If you love hearing about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating thoroughly helpful knitting patterns that fit great, this is the episode for you!      Deep Winter Coat pattern Lee's marled Felici socks (ravelry link) Felici sock yarn  Lee's N for November sweater project (ravelry link)  N for November Sweater pattern  Vertex book  Comfy yarns  Hawthorne yarns  Aloft yarn  Lee's older Hawthorne+Aloft sweater Julie Robinson's website Julie Robinson's 2023 Knitwear Trend Report  Unparalleled book  Unparalleled ebook Beachco

The time is coming to start putting away heavy knits for the spring, and that’s got mending on our minds. Lee and Producer Andi discuss invisible vs. visible mending. Lee favors visible, using woven darning and contrast colors, and Andi prefers getting as close to invisible as she can using Swiss darning and color matched yarn. They also answer Stacey’s questions on mending. Plus, hear about our hosts Lee and Stacey’s personal projects, Lee’s free new pattern she designed, and our latest eBook, Lounge Act: Knits for Kicking Back.    Game Day Cardigans pattern Lee's Game Day with patch pockets Traditions Afghan pattern  Block Party book  Deep Winter Hat pattern  Stardrift hat pattern Blackwood Cardigan sewing pattern Spumoni Hat free pattern Felici yarn Static yarn Lee's any-gauge patterns Lounge Act ebook Happy Hours ebook Voliere yarn Seawaves Top pattern Trellis Tee pattern Swiss Darning tutorial  Duplicate Stitch tutorial Needle Felting Tool Darning Loom Kit Darning Mushrooms Dar

This week on the Knit Picks Podcast, we’re delighted to introduce Isabel Underwood, a new team member who handles social media for Knit Picks.Our hosts ask her the classic questions about her creative background, favorite yarns, and best and worst projects. Isabel also shares her favorite things about working in the Knit Picks office as well as giving insight into her approach to social media and her plans to expand our presence on different types of social media.  Plus, today is the day we launch two brand new yarns, dozens of new colors of old favorites, and a surprise return of a discontinued classic! Stacey and Lee also discuss the most recent pattern collection, Happy Hours: Knits for Out and About.  Static yarn Felici Worsted yarn Felici Fingering yarn Lee's Felici-held-double socks project (ravelry link) Bagel recipe Lee used Isabel! Knit Picks on Instagram Knit Picks on Facebook Knit Picks on Twitter Southern Oregon University Unraveling sweaters for yarn concept (ebook by Lee) Regan! Eldfell office

Our Winter Break started earlier than we planned, but we’re back in the recording studio with the latest episode of the Knit Picks Podcast! Our hosts Stacey and Lee talk about their personal knitting projects they worked on over the break as well as all of the gorgeous pattern collections that came out since our last episode.  Plus, Stacey and Lee talk about the new Upcycle we brought in for the Big Sale, Fall 2022 Felici, and new yarn colors. Then we give some hints on what’s coming in 2023!   Twill yarn  Vintage Sampler Beret pattern (ravelry link) Lee's Twill cardigan (pattern by Andi Satterlund) (ravelry link)  Deep Winter Coat pattern  Game Day Cardigans pattern  Retro Camp Beanie pattern (ravelry link)  Lee's finished Eldfell  Group shot of Eldfell office KAL  Eldfell Pullover pattern  Wonderfluff yarn Game Day KAL finished cardigans (minus Lee's sleeves)  Lee's Game Day (ravelry link)  Traditions Afghan pattern  Block Party book  Old Sock Labs rainbow Hawthorne yarn  Lee's top 25 movie

Christmas isn’t the only holiday for handknits! Producer Andi joins hosts Lee and Stacey to talk about her annual Halloween sweaters and horror-movie inspired projects. The trio also discuss other Halloween knits, like costume pieces and toys.   Later, Lee and Stacey share the creative process behind our latest pattern collection Scrappy Knits: Projects for Partial Skeins. They also talk about this year’s 12 Weeks of Gifting, featuring free patterns!   Eldfell Pullover pattern  Eldfell Office KAL Instagram story highlight  Reilly Pullover pattern  Lee's patchwork apron  Connecting Threads  Andi's Spooky Halloween sweater pattern collection  Andi's Arachne (spiderweb sweater) pattern  Andi's Ichabod (Pumpkin sweater) pattern  Lee's Mary Tyler Moore costume  Lee's Waldo group costume  Lee's Jonathan (goat cables) pattern   A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors  13 Fanboy movie  Lee's cinematographer brother  Pamela Voorhees's sweater from Friday the 13th  Boo bat pattern  Arachnophobia Dishcloth patter

For our 20th Anniversary, we revisited some of our 20 most popular patterns, and Abbye Meiklejohn helped rewrite and add sizes to a selection of our older garment patterns. She joins hosts Lee and Stacey to tell them about her process for rewriting existing patterns and expanding their size range while maintaining the original look and feel. Abbye also shares how she likes to approach grading patterns for a larger size and the difference between extending pattern sizes and the individual knitter customizing their sweater.    Our hosts also reveal some fears around steeking and pattern photoshoot sample disasters, and Abbye shares a few stories of her own, including singeing a pattern sample while steaming!   Game Day Cardigan pattern  Clapotis pattern Journey Tweed yarn  Colorwork knitting  Eldfell Pullover pattern  20th Anniversary Patterns  Wonderfluff yarn  Encircled ebook  Andi's Scandinavian magazine cover inspiration  Swish Bulky yarn  Abbye Meiklejohn  Wool and Pine  Chromatic Pullover  Gallatin Coa

It’s the 20th Anniversary of Knit Picks! To celebrate our anniversary, we thought it’d be fun to go around the office and get early Knit Picks yarn memories from the team. You’ll hear a range of voices telling the story of their first Knit Picks yarn, favorite Knit Picks yarn, memorable old projects, and more.   Later, Stacey and Lee discuss our two newest yarns, Array and Elixir, and share a little bit about how they were developed and what it’s like to knit with them.   20th Anniversary Pattern Rereleases  Hawthorne yarns  Odessa hat pattern (ravelry link) Interference Cowl pattern  Chroma Twist Bulky yarn  Biggo yarn  Arri Hat pattern (ravelry link)  Twill Worsted yarn  City Tweed yarns  Alena's One Ring Scarf (ravelry link)  One Ring Scarf pattern (ravelry link)  Capretta yarn  Wool of the Andes Worsted yarn  Brava Sport yarn  Happypotamus The Happy Hippo crochet pattern (ravelry link) Dye yarn with Kool Aid, Knit Picks blog tutorial  Bare yarns  Flying Vs pattern set (Lee's colorwork patterns) Wool of

Here at the Knit Picks Podcast, we’re often excited to share new patterns with you all, but this week we’re talking about revisiting old patterns that we love to knit over and over again. Stacey throws it back with her most recent Clapotis that’s fresh on her needles, and Lee and Andi discuss using Lee’s self-published eBooks over and over again to create something new each time. Our hosts also chat about how using a new yarn can refresh an older pattern to make it feel modern again.    Plus, the time has come to wrap up our Game Day Knit Along. The hosts discuss finishing (or not finishing) their projects, and everyone is still contemplating adding pockets to their cardigans. If you knit along with us, we’d love to hear from you about if you enjoyed participating and what you might like to see for future KALs!   Knitting with The Sims! blog post  Box Office Game  Wordle  Cooling Scarves  Game Day Cardigan KAL  Clapotis pattern  Winter Weekend Socks pattern  Lee's socks in doubled Hawthorne Multi (ravelry li

Changes have been happening at Knit Picks this summer, and we’re excited to reintroduce Alexis Wilson-Castaldi, who is now the Knit Picks Brand Director! You may remember her from when she previously was on the podcast while working in various positions, including in photography and purchasing. She shares a few of her favorite patterns to knit, as well as her favorite yarns. Alexis also tells us about bringing back features like our Yarn of the Month promotions and pulling some yarns marked as discontinued back into the regular selection!   Lee, Stacey, and Andi also discuss knitting their Game Day Cardigans with the KAL coming to its end. The extra warm summer in the Pacific Northwest has added an extra challenge to getting the projects done on schedule, but they’re still knitting away on them!   Game Day Cardigan KAL Generations book  Generations ebook  Interchangeable Needle Sets  Stitch Holders  Hue Shift Afghan pattern  Stitch Markers  Short Row Shaping  Magic Loop method  Meet Alexis! (in 2016!)  Super

We couldn’t end our Game Day Cardigan KAL without talking to its designer, Donna Estin! She shares with us her inspiration for the sweater and clever little details incorporated into the pattern. Donna also tells us about the Boho Lace Vest from Transitions: Lace Patterns, drawing inspiration from the runway, TKGA’s Master Hand Knitting Certification, and enabling knitters to make their projects their own!   Plus, Lee and Stacey talk about our new yarn Journey Tweed and two new pattern collections, Filled with Joy and Transitions!   Pomona Pants and Shorts sewing pattern  Calder Pants & Shorts sewing pattern  Journey Tweed yarn  City Cowl knitting pattern  Filled with Joy: Holiday Stockings eBook  WeCrochet  WeCrochet's stockings eBook  Transitions: Lacy Patterns eBook  Haven: Knit Lace Patterns eBook  Donna Estin  Donna's blog  Game Day Cardigan pattern  Swish Worsted  Donna's orange and aqua Game Day sample (ravelry link)  Boho Lace Vest pattern  Principles of Knitting book  Simply Wool Worsted yar

In this episode, Lee, Stacey, and Andi discuss getting through the long stockinette section of their Game Day Cardigans for the summer KAL. They also compare their preferred methods for marking up patterns and keeping track of progress when working through pattern repeats.   Lee and Stacey share some behind the scenes work that went into creating Haven: Knit Lace Patterns, and later on, Stacey interviews Claire Slade, the designer of the Sea Sprite Vest from Haven about her design process and favorite projects to knit. And we couldn’t chat with Claire Slade without discussing Professor Meow and her love for cats!   Game Day Cardigan KAL Locking Stitch Markers  Row Counters  Haven ebook Haven print book Sea Sprite Vest pattern Claire Slade's designs  Professor Meow Pullover pattern Mini Meow pattern Wonderfluff yarn Crystallize Shawl pattern Ottilie Shawl: Light pattern Ottilie Shawl: Heavy pattern Blossom & Bloom Shawl pattern  Acastus Sweater pattern  Chart Keeper  Aloft Super Kid Mohair yarn Alpaca Clo

Summer knitting has arrived in the Pacific Northwest! In this episode, Stacey and Lee discuss their summer crafting, contemplate cotton knits, and talk about wearing knits on the Oregon coast.    Stacey and Lee also share their Game Day KAL progress, and Lee tells the story of an unfortunate set-back involving her cat, Karl. Next, Producer Andi joins in the conversation to talk about methods of joining new balls of yarn as everyone progresses on their cardigans.   Later, Stacey and Lee answer your questions! Topics include, cable lengths for magic loop, how to undo knitting, weaving in ends, and more. You can send questions to be answered on future episodes to podcast@knitpicks.com.   Game Day Cardigan KAL  Breezy Book Breezy eBook  Equinox Book  Equinox eBook  CotLin yarn  Comfy yarns  LB Pullover sewing pattern  Lee's Rainbow Top  Lenox Shirtdress sewing pattern Concord T-Shirt sewing pattern  Connecting Threads fabric  Karl the cat  Russian Join on the Learning Center  Swifts & Ball Winder  Guide

The Knit Picks team has grown a lot during our long hiatus, and in this episode, we’re excited to introduce you to two new staff members: Alena Ruman, the IDP Program Administrator, and Jen Burt, our Content and Outreach Coordinator.   Lee interviews Alena about her experiences starting at the Knit Picks warehouse in Ohio and then moving to the Pacific Northwest to work as the IDP Program Administrator. Alena is an experienced yarn dyer and shares with Lee some of her tips for dyeing using acid dyes.   Later, Stacey interviews Jen about joining the Knit Picks team as well as her regular participation in Olive Knits Annual 4-Day KAL. Jen talks about her speedy knitting of our sample of this year’s pattern Sailaway in High Desert Worsted and the color selection process for our Sailaway curated color kits.    Game Day Cardigan Knit Along  High Desert Yarn  Tubular Cast On with Waste Yarn  Long Tail Tubular Cast On (alternative method) Square-tip Needles  Hawthorne Yarn  Natural Dyeing Podcast Episode  How to

The podcast is back! After a long break, we’re excited to have a regular recording schedule again. In this episode, you’ll hear about Lee and Stacey’s personal projects that they’ve worked on during our long recording break. They’ll also share with you collections, patterns, and new yarns that have been released over the period.   Next, we’re excited to share with you our summer knit along, featuring the Game Day Cardigans by Donna Estin from Generations: Knits for All Ages. The whole podcast team is substituting the suggested yarn for High Desert Worsted, and they share their color choices and swatching methods for yarn substitutions. Plus, hear about what amount of suggested ease they’re thinking of using when choosing a size, although Lee wavered and decided to go up a size after recording.   Lee's Movie Hue Shift (ravelry link) Hue Shift pattern  Block Party: Modular Blankets book  Joinery Blanket pattern  Barnstaple Vest pattern  High Desert yarn  Hawthorne yarn  Cheer Up Cardigan pattern  Lee's Andean T

Today on the Knit Picks Podcast we're talking all about our knitting pasts and futures. From learning to knit to taking that knowledge and teaching someone to knit, the Knit Picks Podcast team offers up their experience. First up Lee and Stacey invite friends, co-workers and fellow crafters, Heather and Kate to come on the podcast for a discussion of their knitting and crochet origins. Each starts their craft somewhere but what everyone has in common is that someone else helped them get started. Next Lee and Stacey share tips and tricks for people who want to teach knitting to their friends and family. While Lee has experience teaching knitting classes, Stacey has experience helping people in one-on-one learning sessions. Stacey also shares the old knitting rhyme: “In through the window, run around back, out through the window, off jumps Jack!”   Mentioned in This Episode: WeCrochet Podcast Episode 40 – Crochet Jobs Part 3 – Teaching Crochet To Make Money And Get Confident With Arica Presinal & Pia Tha

While the word "chunky" in relation to yarn is not an official yarn weight class, it is common to refer to thicker yarns, Aran, Bulky, Super Bulky and Jumbo as "Chunky". Today on the Knit Picks Podcast the team talks about chunky yarns and what to do with them! First up Lee and Stacey check in on their WIPs and discuss projects to knit with Bulky and Super Bulky yarns. Later Lee sits down with Michael Smith aka @piece4peacecrafting to learn more about his knitting and his spinning journey.  Lee and Stacey talk about the benefits of working with chunky yarns. Projects knit up faster with chunky yarns but also create a thicker fabric. If you’re new to bulky and super bulky yarns, try them out. See what happens.  Dance teacher by day and lover of crafts by night, Michael Smith, only recently got into spinning yarn after a friend arranged to buy him a spinning wheel for his birthday. Since then he's been hooked on its meditative movement and even spins every morning with his tea or coffee.  Mentioned in thi

UFOs have been in the news recently. How many UFOs have you encountered? In knitting, UFO stands for "UnFinished Object!" In honor World UFO Day and in celebration of summer, today we are talking about our knitting-related UFOs and summertime knitting. First, on behalf of World UFO Day (celebrated around the end of June), Lee and Stacey talk about their definitions of UFOs vs. WIPs. Lee and Stacey also confess to the projects they haven't picked up in a long time. Is it time to frog or pick it back up? Next, Stacey interviews knit designer Felecia O'Connell about her knitting origins, her designs for Knit Picks (mostly warm-weather knits), and where she draws her design inspiration from. Felecia's specialty is creating designs that are simple, beautiful and fun to knit. Mentioned in this Episode: Knit Picks Summer Sale World UFO Day KnitKnit Book  Ujein V-Neck Vest  Moab Vest Preciosa In-Progress Incenter Mittens  The Sweater Book Straight and Arrow Cardigan Windward UFO Day blog post Pret

As the days get longer, knitters often head outside with their crafting. On this episode of the Knit Picks Podcast, we are talking about natural yarn dyeing with bare yarns. First up Lee and Stacey catch up on what they did for World Wide Knit In Public Day and some recently finished projects. They talk about their love of Knit Picks Bare Yarns, undyed yarns. Knit Picks carries all the same yarns you have grown to love and some additional ones in the Bare yarn line. Stacey is a big fan of the Knit Picks Bare Woodland Tweed and the Bare Woolen Cotton.  Next Lee interviews Anna Canning who is a hobby natural yarn dyer. Anna has spent a lot of her personal time researching different natural dyeing techniques. She has experimented with items found at the grocery store as well as items she finds on walks around her neighborhood. Listen in to hear about her insider tricks to get started today dyeing your own Bare Yarns from items around the house.  Mentioned in This Episode: World Wide Knit in Public Day Vid

Wool is a favorite yarn fiber by many knitters (including Stacey and Lee). In today’s episode of the Knit Picks Podcast Knit Picks and WeCrochet’s Chief Marketing Officer Ursula Morgan interviews Jeanne Carver of the Shaniko Wool Company about the creation of Knit Picks newest yarn line, High Desert, a 100% American grown and spun Merino and Merino/Rambouillet wool. First up Lee and Stacey chat about why they both love knitting with animal fibers, and why wool is their favorite. In the United States "wool" refers to the sheep fibers while in other parts of the world wool could include other animal fibers like mohair or cashmere. Stacey and Lee ruminate about why wool is their favorite fiber which includes but are not limited to how wool retains the dye color, the moisture absorbency, and general feel. Next, Ursula and Jeanne talk about some of the history of sheep ranching in Oregon and how the unique climate of the Oregon high desert results in such a special wool. The Knit Picks High Desert yarn line w