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

Socks are one of those milestone knitting projects that once successfully completed, help you feel prepared to take on more difficult projects. Knitters who haven't taken the leap can be intimidated by words like "gusset" and "kitchener stitch" but on today's podcast Lee and Stacey hope to help make socks less scary for sock newbies by diving deep into everything sock-knitting.

First up, Lee and Stacey check in about what's on their needles. Lee picked up a project that she started in 2019 while Stacey shares a sad knitting story with a happy ending. (Yes frogging can be happy!) Then Lee and Stacey disagree on how to knit socks: toe-up or top-down?

Next, new Knit Picks team members, Michelle and Cathy talk to Lee and Stacey about their knitting background and even answer our lightning round knitting questions. (*Use the This or That graphic below and answer some of our knitting questions yourself in your Instagram Stories!)

Later Lee and Stacey pick up where they left off with their socks fight, only to agree that personal preference is key. Both discuss knitting two socks at at a time is a favorite. They cover everything about how to knit socks, demystify sock construction, share some favorite sock yarns, and answer YOUR questions about sock knitting.

Mentioned in This Episode: Atrium Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle Andean Treasure Barnstaple vest High Desert Gannet Hoodie pattern Felici Beyond The Wall colorway Meet Cathy Episode 332 - Your Favorite Sock Yarns Explained Learn to Knit socks Knitting in the Round with Magic Loop (Video Tutorial) Learn to Knit - The Sock Kit Rockin' Socks: Colorful Patterns Socks for Everybody: For the Beginner Sock Knitter Socktacular: Mix Match Sock for Fancy Feet Splendid Soles: Colorfully Coordinated Sock Patterns Hawthorne Stroll Static Aloft Bare Eco Superwash Alpaca Swish Two at once toe up magic loop pattern Simply Socks: A Collection of Wardrobe Basics Artful Arches: 12 Colorwork and Textured Sock Patterns Knitting in the Round on Circular Needles (Video Tutorial) Knitting in the Round with Two Circular Needles (Video Tutorial) Knitting in the Round with DPNs (Video Tutorial)

Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast 0:30 What is Lee working on right now? 3:30 Stacey's sad story 8:16 Let's talk about socks 11:42 Meet Michelle and Cathy 19:42 Lightning Round Knitting Questions 27:28 Producer Sarah has FOMO and Heather has the fix 28:25 More socks talk 58:57 Credits

In this episode of the Knit Picks Podcast Lee and Stacey check in on their latest projects and Sara interviews Tian Connaughton about her latest course, Get Published.

First Lee and Stacey discuss returning to old projects and finding new inspiration from past work. It's never too late to pick up a half-finished afghan and begin moving forward once more.

Sara Dudek interviews Tian Connaughton, an expert knit and crochet designer, technical editor, author, and course creator. Since leaving the corporate world behind, she's built a business around creativity, craft, and helping women build their own businesses that are profitable and sustainable.

By asserting a goal-oriented attitude, Tian discusses the best ways to keep motivated after rejection and how to avoid taking disappointments personally. She details tricks to get work noticed and steps necessary to take a project from the initial idea to fully published and ready to share.

Tian has developed a brand new video course, Get Published, to help aspiring knit and crochet pattern designers navigate the world of submitting, designing, editing, publishing, and so much more. While the series was developed for all who are interested in publishing pattern designs, the initiative was created specifically to empower BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) designers to pursue publishing. With a focus of "community over competition," Tian aims to open the door and empower those at any stage of their business.

And as always happy knitting.

Mentioned in This Episode: High Desert Barn Staple Vest Form and Function Hue Shift Freeport Cardigan Tian Connaughton Chevron Pop Shawl Get Published with Tian Connaughton WeCrochet Magazine Issue 5 Get Published Course on Thinkific Tian on Instagram @knitdesignsbyTian

Timestamps: 0:00 Lee and Stacey check in 9:17 Sara interviews Tian 44:52 Credits

An all too familiar knitting crossroad - does one I knit a sweater or not. While sweaters can seem intimidating if you've never done one before chances are, once you've made one, it's likely you'll make another.

On today's episode of the Knit Picks Podcast, Lee and Stacey do a deep dive into sweater construction. Whether you're new to sweaters or have been making them for years, you'll likely enjoy this "nerdy" sweater conversation.

First they catch up by discussing what's on their needles. Both Lee and Stacey are making patterns for our latest Knit Picks Collections. Lee even shares her latest yarn substitution and talks about color selection.

From pullover and cardigans, to seamed vs seamless, Stacey and Lee review the various styles and constructions of sweaters. Stacey asks the question - what does the word "sweater" mean to you? Is a cardigan a sweater? Together, the two ponder fashion philosophy and ask you to weigh in.

In the second half, the two ruminate different sweater collars, sleeves, and shapes. Cowl neck vs. turtle necks, boat vs crew, and more, they define some terms to help clarify what you might see in a pattern. Stacey loves a good scoop neck where Lee prefers to adapt necklines for varying situations.

Happy Knitting!

Pullover Sweater:

Mentioned in This Episode:Gannet Hoodie by Kristen TenDyke Chalet Collection Vertex Collection N for November Sweater by Fabienne Gassmann Comfy Hawthorne Aloft Twill Stacey's Sweater Blog Mister Postman by Kristen Jancuk Harley Pullover by Jenny Williams Lansbury Cardigan by Holli Yeoh Rustic Tweed Oshinkoshin Pullover Teasel Shrug by Sarah Shepherd Cloud Sweater by Sarah Shepherd Windfall

Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast 0:24 "What's on your needles?" 6:52 Let's talk about sweater construction 7:56 "What does the word "sweater" mean to you?" 11:36 Favorite type of construction - seamed vs seamless, top down vs bottom up? 13:21 Raglan defined 16:31 Other shaping - set in sleeves 19:47 Heather and Producer Sarah talk about what's new at Knit Picks 21:53 Lee and Stacey are back with more sweater talk 22:15 Shapes of sweaters 24:08 What's your favorite for pull over sweaters 26:57 Sweater shaping 28:59 Saddle shoulder 32:43 Drop shoulder 35:56 Dolman sleeves 44:39 Credits

Whether you're a process knitter or a project knitter, if you're like us you've experienced the challenge of finding a pattern you're really excited about but not having the exact yarn that the designer suggests. You could wing it and embraces the beautiful chaos that might occur or you can use one of our favorite resources, YarnSub dot com. If you don't already know, YarnSub is a website to help you with yarn substitutions. Everyone needs a friend in crafts and we at the Knit Picks Podcast are happy to be your yarn and knitting buddy, and as a friend, we're telling you to check out YarnSub. Today on the podcast Heather Mann interview Wendy Peterson, creator of YarnSub.com. They chat all about how to use YarnSub as well as what you need to know when shopping for yarn. Wendy thinks it's important to know about the yarn density (the length and weight), the gauge, and the fiber (both the construction and the fiber qualities) as well as considering what the pattern wants.

Come learn more about yarn with me. And as always, happy knitting.

Mentioned in This Episode:YarnSub.com Journey's End Blanket Simply Alpaca Aran Felici Simply Wool Worsted Wool of the Andes Wonderfluff Snuggle Puff Wendy on Instagram

Timestamps:0:00 Introduction 0:57 Heather and Wendy talk 22:05 Credits

Here are Knit Picks we love all things yarn. We love pattern designs, tools, the craft and really seeing what everyone makes. As a yarn company we also love seeing what other yarn companies and people in the industry are doing.

Today we're sharing an interview from the WeCrochet Podcast that aired last fall, where Heather Mann interviews Emani Outterbridge, an entrepreneur who launched her own yarn line as well as the world's first yarn vending machines. Emani has been crocheting since she was 12 years old and has navigated through different sides of the craft industry as a crochet designer and now a yarntrepreneur. Emani has even sold apparel to entertainers like Cardi B.

Emani's yarn line, Needles, offers unique colors in 8 Ply Worsted Weight 100% Acrylic yarn as well as cotton t-shirt yarn. You won't be able to find these color combinations anywhere else. If you're in Philadelphia, you can get this unique yarn at one of her bright pink yarn vending machines. Outside of Philly, you can connect with her on Instagram where she says she "always on".

So settle in and come meet Emani if you don't know her already. And as always, happy knitting.

Mentioned in this Episode: WeCrochet Podcast Episode 25 - Pom Pom Poms and Pink Machines Emani on Instagram @Emani.milan Shop Emani's Designs and Yarn at www.maniwear.com Yarn Vending Machine #1 location - Elements of Grooming - Barber Shop in Philadelphia - Elements of Grooming - Barber Shop in Philadelphia

Timestamps: 0:03 Introduction 1:04 Heather Mann Interviews Emani Outterbridge 16:19. Credits

Every knitter has their own path to take and follow. On today's episode of the Knit Picks Podcast, we're sharing a special interview. Heather Mann from the WeCrochet Podcast interviews Briana Kepner of Briana K Designs. Briana is a knit and crochet designer and one of the founders of Crochet Foundry, a quarterly publication of modern crochet designs. Briana (and the Crochet Foundry team) was recently featured on the WeCrochet Podcast but she stuck around our virtual recording studio for an extra chat to talk all about her knit designing journey. From making knits for newborn babies to having published over 300 of her designs, Briana shares some of her favorite yarns she's found along the way.

So grab your needles and yarn and come get to know Briana Kepner. And as always happy knitting.

Mentioned in This Episode:Briana K Designs WeCrochet Podcast Briana K Designs Knit Picks Pattern: Beginner Felici Knit Socks Briana K Designs Knit Picks Pattern: Pumpkin Mug Rug Coaster Aloft Aloft Hand Painted Swish Yarn Family Swish Worsted Swish DK Swish Bulky Hawthorne Yarn Family Hawthorne Hand Painted Try it Needle sets Briana K Designs on Instagram Briana K Designs on Ravelry Crochet Foundry

Timestamps:0:00 The Introduction by Producer Sarah 0:50 Heather Interviews Brianna 17:52 The Credits

One of our favorite things to talk about in the Knit Picks Office is yarn. We all have our favorite yarns and favorite projects to cast on and can easily get derailed when there's a new yarn to squish. There's a lot to consider when selecting the yarn that's right for you - like yarn weight, the material, the construction and what will it be used for. Shopping for yarn is fun but can also be daunting when overwhelmed with all the choices, like the yarn selection on knitpicks.com.

Today we're sharing some of a conversion between Hannah and Lee from a past Facebook Live where they talk about all the information to keep in mind when shopping for yarn, specifically what you need to know about fiber content and ply. They answer questions like what is micro count, which yarns have the best drape and even what is yarn?

So settle in and get cozy to unravel some mysteries of yarn. And as always happy knitting.

Mentioned in This Episode:Knit Picks - About Our Yarn Knit Picks - Guide to Choosing Yarn Palette Swish Wool of the Andes Stroll Alpaca Cloud Andean Treasure Dishie Comfy Lindy Chain CotLin Hawthorne Craft Yarn Council Yarn Weight System City Tweed Upcycle Biggo Muse Preciosa Wonderfluff Snuggle Puff Catamaran Pattern Equinox: A Modern Cotton Collection Birdie Top Yarn 101 Facebook Live on Facebook Yarn Label Facebook Live on Facebook Yarn 101 Facebook Live on Youtube Knit Picks on Facebook

Timestamps0:00 Introduction with Producer Sara 0:53 Hannah and Lee from Knit Picks Facebook Live 1:01 What is Yarn? 2:19 Yarn Fiber 2:50 Animal fibers 3:22 Micron count explained 6:37 Luxury Yarns 7:50 Plant fibers 9:12 Person-made fibers 10:22 "Is Sport Weight considered a 2?" 11:37 "Would a cotton-blend have a better drape than just plain cotton?" 13:05 "What yarn would you suggest for a table runners?" 13:40 Ply demystified 17:03 "Do you have a single-ply Merino?" 18:47 Air jet yarns 21:00 Chainette yarns 28:46. Credits!

We're back. Winter is here and our Knit Picks Team is very busy working to bring you exciting new things in 2021. If you missed it in last episode, we said goodbye to our Knit Picks Host Hannah Maier as she embarks on new adventures. Behind the scenes we're working on our new podcast voice and style so stay tuned.

Last year Knit Picks and our sister brand WeCrochet ventured into the world of live streams. Today we're sharing with you an interview that WeCrochet did in the fall of 2020 with knit and crochet designer Tian Connaughton. Tian is a joy and we are very excited to share some of this interview with you. Sara, who has been on this podcast before, asks Tian about her crafting story and her inspiration and business.

We'll have new things to share about Tian's work later this year but until then you can start to get to know her, if you don't already. So grab your knitting, settle in, and get ready to meet your new knitting friend.

Mentioned in this Episode: Last episode of the podcast Knit Picks Facebook Lives Knit Picks Facebook Lives on Youtube WeCrochet Facebook Lives WeCrochet Facebook Lives on Youtube WeCrochet Facebook Live with Tian WeCrochet Magazine: Issue 4 WeCrochet Magazine: Issue 5 Tian's Website Pattern Partnership Program Tian's Designs 32 Market Street Tee Obeah Hat Wingdale Cowl Stroll Gradient Muse Tian's Instagram Account - TianConnaughton Tian's Instagram Account - KnitDesignsbyTian Real Talk With Tian

Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast 1:18 Sara from WeCrochet interviews Tian Connaughton 10:32 "How do you start with a design" 14:29 Love women entrepreneurs helping women entrepreneurs 30:37 Credits

We're winding down our year, finishing off our holiday projects, and taking a short break to gear up for 2021. In this special episode of the Knit Picks Podcast we're taking some time to do our very favorite thing: answering your questions!

Hannah, Stacey, Lee, and later Producer Sarah, come together remotely from our craftrooms, offices, bedrooms or living rooms scattered across Portland, OR to answer your knitting queries. From tips and tricks with colorwork to deciding what to make next, the Knit Picks Podcast team is here to help. We bring our wealth of knowledge and unique perspective to help guide you through whatever is upsetting your knitting.

We had so much fun thinking of solutions or sharing our favorite ways to tackle problems that we'll definitely be doing this again. Stay tuned to hear our answers to questions about all sorts of knitting and fiber conundrums.

Mentioned in This Episode:Learn To Knit KP Learning Center Ball Winder Swift Ball Winder video Scrap Buy Nothing Project Twill Calorimtry Headband Norwegian Christmas Crackers Top Down Christmas Stockings Frost slippers Jacquard Acid Dye Starter Set

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:04 Simpleliving246 on Instagram asks I'm having a hard time learning to knit during the pandemic - what are some good resources? 5:35 Khu_sh_bu on Instagram asks I bought your ball winder. I get tangled in the every cake. What am I doing wrong. Yes I am using the arrow. 10:16 Galswingirl on Instagram asks What to do when you only get one part of the gauge? ie, you match the row gauge but not the stitch gauge. 13:58 LivingBreathingLaughing on Instagram asks Help! I bought bad yarn and I don't want to waste it or continue (with it). 17:28 Hitomebore2004 on Instagram asks I'm the worst at estimating yarn needed for a project - is there help for this? 19:37 Efdev35 on Instagram asks What is the best yarn weight for knitting a sweater? I'm new to sweaters. 23:00 Niko on Facebook asks I was wondering about how many yards or meters of yarn would one roughly use for a scarf for a male? 25:01 JaneMLockhark on Instagram asks What do I knit next?? 27:30 Voicemail from Trina from Pitsburg asking about Types of blocks that start in the middle and you work your way out - how do you scale up? 29:43 Bella_Mattson on Instagram asking How do I knit into a yarn over in the next row? 32:13 Voicemail from Claire from Texas asking Having trouble with stranded colorwork - whenever she does it her projects become puckered in some areas and too loose in others. Looking for tips and tricks for stranded colorwork. Xxalirose on Instagram asks How much slack should floats have in a pair of socks? 38:01 Voicemail from Ashley from North Carolina ***She wants to know more about hand dying yarns. First question - do washing instructions change after doing hand dye? Are there items you suggest not using hand-dyed yarns for? 44:36 Producer Sarah's rapid-fire questions 48:26 Goodbye Hannah 49:26 Credits