In this episode, Anne shares a quick review of episode one of The Game of Wool. Find this new reality show on the Channel 4 website in the UK. American listeners, you'll have to wait or use nefarious methods to see it. The contents of this episode do contain spoilers, but also contain some information about knitting. Listen accordingly. Hear Gordon share his experience in his own words here.

Hop over to the SOK: Shetland's Organisation for Knitters website, Instagram, and Facebook to follow for updates.

In this episode, Anne starts with all the details of this year's Shetland Hogmanay Box before diving into her experiences at the Connecticut and New Hampshire Sheep and Wool events and her trip to volunteer at the Woolly Good Gathering. Finally, she shares an excursion to the Western Massachusetts wool pelletizer with Erin Pirro of Morehouse Farm.

Things Mentioned in This Episode

The I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group, Instagram, and website (where you can join the mailing list). The Shetland Hogmanay Box preorders will go live on May 17 at 2 pm eastern time. This year's box contains yarn from Aister 'Oo', Jamieson's of Shetland, Laxdale Yarn, The SIlly Sheep Fibre Co., Uradale Yarns, West Lynne Wool, and Langsoond Yarn, as well as a day of inclusions and a pattern created to use the yarn in the box designed by Mandy Moore. Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival Woolly Good Gathering Western Massachusetts Fibershed Peggy Hart on Instagram Wool: Unravelying an American Story of Artisans and Innovation, by Peggy Hart Morehouse Farm's website and Instagram Check out Erin's video from our day at the pelletizer at her website! The pellets should appear on the Morehouse site. If you are in the midwestern United States, you might want to order wool pellets from closer to home from The Wool Yard. The Journal of Scottish Yarns Rhode Island's unofficial Sheep and Wool Festival takes place at Coggeshall Farm The Maine Fiber Frolic Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair

Music

The songs in this episode were "What Love Means to You," from Tom Goldstein; "Better Than Us," by Humans Win; and Nicholas Rowe with "I Wish That I Could Sing It For You."

In this episode, Anne follows up on the progress with "steek", ways to keep your yarn safe from moths--backed by experts!--and offers a bit of commentary on the loss of Joann stores. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

If you were not able to attend The Myths That Shape! you can watch it on YouTube. To read the news article about the inclusion of the Shetland Lace definition of steek being added to the Oxford English Dictionary, visit the posts on Facebook and Instagram. You can also go back and listen to episode 113 to hear about the entire process of getting the definition of steek updated to include the Shetland Lace usage! Sheila McGregor's Traditional Fair Isle Knitting The Vogue Knitting interview with Alice Starmore Find the links to scientificly backed articles about moth protection here. Find Mandy Moore on Ravelry and Instagram. You can also listen to an interview I had with Mandy back in episode 69. Keep your eye out for information about this year's Shetland Hogmanay Box by following I Thought I Knew How on Instagram or Facebook, or hop over to the website to join the mailing list! I'll be at the Woolly Good Gathering in a few days! I hope to see you there! Music The music from this episode was two songs from Ben Bostick: "The Myth of Translation" and "Sweet Thursday." Between those two was Sleeping Ghost with "Afro Summer."

In this episode, Anne provides some guidance for those who are attempting to shop for a knitter this holiday season and walks them through the whats and whys. These show notes will be the longest ever and will likely be chopped off by some podcast distribution apps. To get to all of the recommendation links, please visit the full show notes at IThoughtIKnewHow.com/episode-125-gifts-for-Knitters Links to Things Mentioned in the Show

Blankets: Wool Throw Connecticut Blanket (scroll down for list of sellers)

Tea: Art of Tea Tea & Absinthe creates loose leaf tea blends based on fandoms (Perfect if your knitter is a nerd!)

Coffee Suggestions: Charleston Coffee Roasters Variety Sample Pack (Pre-ground) City Boy Coffee (You can choose the type of coffee and what form it comes in.)

Hot Chocolate options:

PopBar Hot Chocolate Sticks Gourmet Du Village Hot Chocolate Based in Canada, come in packs of 6. Fun themed packaging and very tasty! They can be found in shops in the US as well.

Calendars: My Life with Sheep calendar by Jo Spencer on the Isle of Skye Lambies in Jammies and Goats in Coats Calendar

Digital Devices: Apple IPad Mini Apple IPad 10th Generation Sumsung Galaxy Tab Amazon Fire The best knitting app on the planet: KnitCompanion

Headphones:

Budget option or stocking-stuffer: Panasonic Wired Earphones I've been using these for years when I need a wired earphone. When something happens to them, I buy another pair of the same!

For Apple users: The AirPods Pro2 have great sound and noise canceling, and they are built to work with Apple products, so they are quick and easy to set up and start using.

Over-ear style, wireless: Bose QuietComfort. In all honesty, I haven't used these as I prefer the in-ear style, but I asked around and these were recommended over and over. They have noise canceling and are great for spoken-word situations and music!

Lamps:

A floor lamp with directional lighting A table lamp with semi-directional lighting Ott-Lites (full spectrum light lamps for crafters) LumosLumos neck lamps (Use code ANNE30 at checkout before December 2 for 30% off!)

Cushions:Samsonite Lumbar Cushion with heat A basic, 12" x 20" throw pillow cover, don't forget you will need a pillow form for it, too.

Lots of wool vendors and designers to be found at the LoveWovember.com marketplace!

Kits US: Morehouse Farm UK: Uradale Yarns Canada: Urban Yarns Australia: The Skein Sisters EU: WoolDreamers You can also sign them up for kits to be delivered periodically! Hop over to Cratejoy and search for Knitting and see what subscription boxes are currently available!

Books The Journal of Scottish YarnsMemory Lane: Embellished Knits to Cherish Every Way With Granny Crochet Patty Lyon's Knitting Bag of Tricks and the accompanying Workbook Books of knitted animals

Blocking tools: "Official" blocking mats (They will need multiple sets for an adult sweater) A less expensive mat solution (This is what I use) Blocking Pins (yes, these are a special type!) KnitBlockers are like multiple pins in one Blocking wires Jumper Board from Paparwark Furniture

Other ToolsSwift Ball Winder (The type I have is no longer available, but this is a reputable company) Yarn Bowl Needle Roll Plain hanging storage for circular needles A decorative hanging storage for circular needles (also check etsy.com!) Binder system for circular needles

Interchangeable needle kits:

Knitters Pride has many options at different price points. All are good choices. This Chiaogoo Set is ideal for lace knitters as the tips are very pointy. HiyaHiya are also a popular brand.

BE CAUTIOUS of interchangeable needle sets priced below $70. You get what you pay for, and you want quality when it comes to interchangeables.

Janette Budge (knitting belts and classes)

Small gifts: Bulk scissors Bulk glass nail files Bulk measuring tapes Standard stitch markers Metal stitch markers in a tin 1500 bulb pin stitch markers Decorative stitchmarkers (also check Etsy!) Barber Cord in a tin Rolls of Barber Cord

Knitting Jewelry

Cute yarn earrings Silver "yarn" earrings Charms suitable for a pandora-style jewelry Bracelet from an old knitting needle Honestly, there are so many options. Go to etsy and search for knitting jewelry and see what pops up around you!

Gift Certificates

If you do not have a local yarn store, support a local yarn store in my community! Knit New Haven Or, choose a yarn store closer to your home: Canada: West Coast Wools The UK: Black Sheep Wools Germany: Pascuali New Zealand: Flock of Knitters

I will see you daily through December on the Purl Together YouTube Channel and will return in audio form in 2025!

Meet Helen Robertson this week on the podcast. Helen is a jewelry designer, knitting designer, and artist in Shetland. Her work celebrates nature, heritage, and Shetland, and frequently incorporates community building in her projects.

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Shetland Wool Week Transportation Survey

Helen Robertson's website, Instagram, Facebook, and Ravelry. She can be reached at [email protected] Shetland Arts Myth and Materiality in a Woman's World, by Lynn Abrams Mark Sinclair Photography Bonhoga Gallery Shetland Wool Week Shetland Wool Week Annual, featuring Helen's Flying Flock Shetland Fine Lace Knitting, by Carol Christiansen Slew Unst Knit Shetland Lace Deckchair Challenge on YouTube Unst Heritage Centre Glansin Glass Purl Together YouTube Channel

Join Anne for a chat with knitwear designer Joanna Hunter! Grab your knitting and listen as Joanna shares her design process and experiences in the world of high fashion, film, and local commerce.

Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode

#Wovember2024 posting prompts LoveWovember Marketplace 1917 is currently streaming on Amazon Prime in the US, if you would like to see Joanna's scarves and wristlets! Ninian's website, Instagram, and Facebook Purl Together YouTube Channel

Three museum pieces piqued Anne's interest on a recent road trip. Fall down the rabbit hole with her as she shares what she learned about letterman sweaters, machine crochet, and Mr. Rogers' famous cardigans.

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Path Lit By Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe, by David Maraniss Pro Football Hall of Fame A Christmas Story House In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, by Jean Shepherd Machine crochet is real! Heinz History Center The Interview with Mr. Rogers on YouTube is available at this link. Bonus: You can find episodes of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood streaming at this link.

Please note that the links to the books above are Amazon affiliate links. Should you buy the books using those links, a small portion of your purchase will help support the costs of the show at no additional cost to you.

Music

This episode's music was Jontavious Willis' "Daddy's Dough," Humans Win's "Back to Our Beginning," and "Do You Believe in Magic?" from Precarious Perch.

Have you ever daydreamed about opening your own fiber mill? Join Anne as she sits down with Malinda and Claudia of Alchemy Fiber Mill to hear their story of opening a mill to meet the needs to their local wool community!

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Find Alchemy Fiber Mill at their website, Instagram, or Facebook Follow @IThoughtIKnewHow on Instagram to get updates about Wovember!

Come along with Anne to visit the last three newcomer shops on this year's upcoming I-91 Summer Vacation Shop Hop through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire!

Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode

Claim your tickets for Stitch N'Pitch in Hartford on August 17! Simsbury Yarns: Instagram, Facebook KnittyGrittyYarnGirl: Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube The Woolly Thistle: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry Music

This episode's music was Tom Goldstein's "Song for You," Jontavious Willis' "The World is in a Tangle," and Ben Bostick's "Take it on Faith."

The I-91 Shop Hop is coming up in August and will feature 6 additional stores. Come along with Anne to visit three of the new additions to this popular yarn crawl through southern New England! Get a peek at what you can expect at each store and some thoughts to help you plan the trip itself! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Information about the I-91 Summer Vacation Shop HopMadison Wool: Website, Instagram, Facebook Knit & Pearls: Website, Instagram, Facebook Alchemy Fiber Mill: Website, Instagram, Facebook Book your tickets for Stitch N'Pitch on August 17, 2024 here!

Music

There are three songs in this episode: "I Don't Hate You But Goodbye," by Sarah Angel; "Body and Head," by Kaii Dreams, and "Marie," by Humans Win.