Behind the Wool

You may have noticed that the podcast has been coming out a bit more sporadically lately. Please listen to this short announcement for an explanation.

Many people will pick up needles or a hook and some yarn at some point in their lives. So what is the key to getting them to stick with it? Guideline #1: Make sure the person learning really wants to learn. Many people will try to knit or crochet on a whim because they think… Continue reading Episode 19: Spreading the Obsession (or, Teaching Others to Knit or Crochet)

Stripes – No special yarns or techniques needed, just knit your preferred number of rows or rounds in one color, drop it, and change to the next color. This video has lots of tips for striped knitting. This website is a great way to see how your variegated yarns can work with planned pooling! Mosaic – Still… Continue reading Episode 18: Knitting with Color

Sarah is soloing on this one; this interview took place while Sarah and Lisa were at the TNNA summer show. We talked about how she got into dyeing yarn, where she finds her inspiration, and some of her plans for the future. Lisa’s Web site can be found here. Her business Instagram account is @fibernymphdyeworks… Continue reading Episode 17: An Interview with Lisa of Fibernymph Dyeworks

From KrazyKatKnitter: “I’d like to hear about blending fibers to make a specific yarn. So, how and why would you blend wool with alpaca and if you are spinning your own yarn how would you add nylon or silk to your yarn.” Blending fibers gives you the “best of both worlds” so to speak. If… Continue reading Episode 16: Listener Questions (Impossible Episode 1)

*Full disclosure: We are both designers and have patterns for sale on Ravelry. We are not doing this episode as a way to plug our patterns but rather as a way to share our knowledge. There are two main routes for publishing knit and crochet patterns: self-publishing or publishing through a third-party publisher (print/online magazine,… Continue reading Episode 15: Behind Design

We’re doing things a little differently this time, and interviewing some lovely people. Amy Manko and ScooterPie the Shepherd Guy are the owners of The Ross Farm and The Ross Farm Fibers Mercantile, which can be found at 78 N Main Street in beautiful Washington, PA. Amy and Scott raise nine different breeds of rare… Continue reading Episode 14: An Interview with The Ross Farm

Apologies in advance for a few audio glitches – we’re trying to figure out how to fix those in the future! Art: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Craft: an activity… Continue reading Episode 13: Art vs. Craft

The different fiber types, and how to care for them: Acrylics and man-made fibers Can be tossed into the washer and dryer, and frequently come out better for it. The heat from the dryer can “kill” the acrylic a little, making it softer and more pliable. Once acrylic is blocked (I usually do this with… Continue reading Episode 12: The Dirty Dozen

Don’t be afraid of making sweaters! Sarah and I are here to get you squared away to make your perfect sweater, that fits you well and will last a long time. If you can read a pattern, you should try a sweater! By the way, we try to use craft-inclusive language, but know that we… Continue reading Episode 11: Your Perfect Sweater