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 was launched earlier this year but is over a year in the making. High Desert comes in an earthy jewel-toned spectrum of 12 beautiful colors inspired by the landscape and skyline of Oregon's high desert. A smooth, rounded yarn with a soft hand, available in sport and worsted weights, High Desert is ideal for knitting texture, cables, and colorwork.

Mentioned In This EpisodeHigh Desert Yarn Twill Yarn Wool of the Andes Yarn Hawthorne Yarn Swish Yarn Introducing High Desert Yarns The High Desert Yarns - The Journey High Desert - An American Wool Story Shaniko Wool Company Responsible Wool Standard Responsible Wool Standard via the Textile Exchange Imperial Stock Ranch Shaniko Wool Company on Facebook Shaniko Wool Company on Instagram

Timestamps: 0:00 Lee and Stacey chat about their love of wool 10:48 Ursula interviews Jeanne 42:34 The credits