Tina Whitmore is the owner, lead designer and chief cook and bottle washer at Freia Fine Handpaint Yarns, the premier dyers of long gradient and ombre yarns in the US. She has been designing knitwear and accessories for over 30 years. Her designs have been published in American Vogue, Italian Glamour as well as popular print and online knitting publications. She has been a guest on Knitty Gritty and Shay Pendray’s Needle Arts Studio. More recently she completed a selection of instructional DVDs for how best to work with Gradient and Self Striping Yarns.

Tina was born in London but grew up on both sides of the Atlantic. After graduating with a BFA in photography in 1988, and a few brief stints in various film production jobs she did what every good art student does and got a job in retail. She eventually settled in Emeryville, CA across the bay from San Francisco. In 2003 she started Knitwhits, a knitting pattern and kit company. In 2010, after 7 successful years, she expanded and started a second company, Freia Fine Handpaint Yarns (named after her dog, Freia). Freia rapidly outgrew the in-home loft studio space and now is based in a large warehouse/artist space in Oakland. Her current staff of 10 employees keep everything humming and yarns cooking 6 days a week.

“I live and breathe what I do. If you start something and it takes off, really takes off, you will probably lose any sort of work-life balance. For me, my work is my life so I’m OK with it, but it can be hard and a lonely path as no one outside of this field really will understand 
what you do and what it takes to make it go.”

–Tina Whitmore

Episode highlights:

* 05:12 Tina shares when she became interested in knitting.

* 07:36 Tina describes her school path and that knitting degrees are now available.

* 09:28 Is there a career path for knitwear design?

* 12:24 Tina shares what is involved in obtaining a knitting degree.

* 15:34 Tina gives advice for those wanting to knit garments.

* 19:48 Tina explains how she perseveres when the career path gets difficult.

* 22:55 Tina describes having confidence in one’s product.

* 23:56 Do you have the wisdom to know when to quit, how to differentiate yourself from other companies, or improve your product?

* 32:43 Tina describes her yarn process.

* 36:30 Is “gradient” the same as “ombre”?

* 37:26 Is a ball of Freia yarn like a yarn cake or a pull skein?

* 41:33 Tina shares what one can expect for fall from Freia.

* 49:49 What is The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA)?

* 50:34 Tina gives a caution to consumers about purchasing ombre yarn.

* 51:40 What is the difference between ombre, self-striping, and variegated?

* 53:03 Tina gives advice for those wanting to become a designer or who want to try hand dyeing.

* 1:00:33 Tina describes business advice that was given to her.

* 1:04:10 Tina shares about problems that arise.

I’m listening to Tina Whitmore @knitwhits #fineyarns on #PowerPurlsPodcast
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Fine yarns, knitting, and crochet patterns from @knitwhits #knitting

Welcome to another edition of Power Purls Unplugged on this #FreeformFriday! Today's episode is short and sweet! I ask you what that pivotal moment was that brought you to knitting. Was it the loss of a loved one, change of career, the birth of a child? Whatever it is I want to dig deep with you. In this episode I share mine and invite you to go back in time to the moment that changed it all for me!

Join me every Friday at 12pm EST on Facebook.com/PowerPurlsPodcast for my live broadcast. To watch past videos, you can find them in the video library on the Power Purls Facebook page.

Episode and video highlights:

• I share the moment that I knew I wanted to make knitting my life and career.
• Why we need to not only rely on passion, but understanding the skills that are important to turn passion into profit.
• Learn from my upcoming guest, Tina Whitmore of Freia Handpaint Yarns, and how she keeps the fire going in her business.

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I take ONE new podcast launch client per month because this how I keep the highest quality in my work, the white glove treatment for YOU.

Invest in the podcast you want to give to the world.

So here’s what you need to do if you want to lock in your spot with me:

Visit karagottwarner.com/services and click on the Ready, Set, Launch program and I will immediately be in touch to set up your onboarding session. If you have questions about the program, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Welcome to another edition of Power Purls Unplugged on this #FreeformFriday! This episode is a mixed bag of topics. First on the list, I'll be breaking down The 8 Essential Steps to Creating a Killer Proposal which is a free guide offered to anyone wanting to start working with magazines and book publishers. In this episode, I also share details about upcoming trends for the fall knitting season, and the exciting things I found on my trip to The National NeedleArts Trade Show in Washington DC in June. I'll also be sharing a preview of my next interview with Tina Whitmore of Freia Handpaint Yarns which goes live on July 25th. Join me today at 12pm EST on Facebook.com/PowerPurlsPodcast for my live video because I'll be doing a deep dive into the best practices when it comes to creating a design proposal and all the necessary components you'll need to get started as an independent designer. You don't want to miss it, because it's your chance to ask me your biggest knitting and designing questions. To watch past broadcasts, you can find them in the video library on the Power Purls Facebook page, and if you missed me live, you can join me every Friday at 12 noon EST to watch live! For more episodes like this visit: www.PowerPurlsPodcast To subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-purls-podcast/id1043956186 To get Kara's FREE 8-Steps to Creating a Killer Design Proposal: https://karagottwarner.leadpages.co/leadbox/145c10c73f72a2%3A166d5aeedb46dc/5730450056151040/ Support the show! www.Patreon.com/PowerPurlsPodcast

========

I take ONE new podcast launch client per month because this how I keep the highest quality in my work, the white glove treatment for YOU.

Invest in the podcast you want to give to the world.

So here’s what you need to do if you want to lock in your spot with me:

Visit karagottwarner.com/services and click on the Ready, Set, Launch program and I will immediately be in touch to set up your onboarding session. If you have questions about the program, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Welcome to another edition of Power Purls Unplugged on this #FreeformFriday! This episode is a mixed bag of topics. First on the list, I’ll be breaking down The 8 Essential Steps to Creating a Killer Proposal which is a free guide offered to anyone wanting to start working with magazines and book publishers. In this episode, I also share details about upcoming trends for the fall knitting season, and the exciting things I found on my trip to The National NeedleArts Trade Show in Washington DC in June. I’ll also be sharing a preview of my next interview with Tina Whitmore of Freia Handpaint Yarns which goes live on July 25th.

Join me today at 12pm EST on Facebook.com/PowerPurlsPodcast for my live video because I’ll be doing a deep dive into the best practices when it comes to creating a design proposal and all the  necessary components you’ll need to get started as an independent designer. You don’t want to miss it, because it’s your chance to ask me your biggest knitting and  designing questions. To watch past broadcasts, you can find them in the video library on the Power Purls Facebook page, and if you missed me live, you can join me every Friday at 12 noon EST to watch live! 

Episode and video highlights:

* A step-by-step review of  The 8 Essential Steps to Creating a Killer Design Proposal, and why these 8 steps are crucial if you want to start a knitwear design career. 

* A review of my favorite design book: Designing Knitwear by Deborah Newton, and why this should be on every designer’s book shelf.

* Preview of the my finds from the National NeedleArts Show and some of the upcoming trends for fall.

* Details about my next interview with Tina Whitemore of Freia Handpaint Yarns and why she’s one of the hardest working designer in the biz!

* Why Power Purls is on Patreon and how you can get involved on the ground-floor and become a patron!

 

I’m watching #PowerPurlsUnplugged on #FacebookLive! facebook.com/powerpurlspodcast/
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Support Power Purls on Patreon! Check out the details here to learn how to become a patron of the show… there are some pretty sweet rewards for getting in on this ground-floor level!

Welcome to another #FreeformFriday! Today I’m recording from Podcast Movement Chicago! I’m thrilled to be here meeting fellow podcasters and learning how I can fine tune Power Purls Podcast so I can continue doing what I do best and that is getting behind the mic to share my most authentic stories. I’ll be talking more about this in my live video as well as sharing other powerful takeaways, so please join me today at 12pm EST on Facebook.com/PowerPurlsPodcast and every Friday. To watch past broadcasts, you can find them in the video library on the Power Purls Facebook page. For more episodes like this visit: www.PowerPurlsPodcast To subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-purls-podcast/id1043956186 To get Kara's FREE 8-Steps to Creating a Killer Design Proposal: https://karagottwarner.leadpages.co/leadbox/145c10c73f72a2%3A166d5aeedb46dc/5730450056151040/ Support the show! www.Patreon.com/PowerPurlsPodcast

========

I take ONE new podcast launch client per month because this how I keep the highest quality in my work, the white glove treatment for YOU.

Invest in the podcast you want to give to the world.

So here’s what you need to do if you want to lock in your spot with me:

Visit karagottwarner.com/services and click on the Ready, Set, Launch program and I will immediately be in touch to set up your onboarding session. If you have questions about the program, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Welcome to another #FreeformFriday where I share my random ramblings about what’s happening on the podcast, and what I’ll be talking about on today’s Facebook Live broadcast at 12pm EST. Last week I broadcasted at 4pm, but I’ll admit it was a bit late in the day and if you happened to join me, you may have noticed it was a bit noisy in my backyard! So today, I’m back on track at 12pm EST, talking about the book and giveaway I shared in episode 032 with Carol Sulcoski. Also, in this episode I ask you a question that I’d like you to answer in the comments today on my video. I hope you’ll chime in on today’s convo! To join in, visit me at: www.Facebook.com/PowerPurlsPodcast. For more episodes like this visit: www.PowerPurlsPodcast To subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-purls-podcast/id1043956186 To get Kara's FREE 8-Steps to Creating a Killer Design Proposal: https://karagottwarner.leadpages.co/leadbox/145c10c73f72a2%3A166d5aeedb46dc/5730450056151040/ Support the show! www.Patreon.com/PowerPurlsPodcast

========

I take ONE new podcast launch client per month because this how I keep the highest quality in my work, the white glove treatment for YOU.

Invest in the podcast you want to give to the world.

So here’s what you need to do if you want to lock in your spot with me:

Visit karagottwarner.com/services and click on the Ready, Set, Launch program and I will immediately be in touch to set up your onboarding session. If you have questions about the program, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Welcome to another Power Purls Unplugged #FreeformFriday where I share my random ramblings about what’s happening on the podcast, and what I’ll be talking about on Facebook Live. In this episode, and the video I’ll be talking about the book and giveaway I shared in episode 032 with Carol Sulcoski. Also, in this episode I ask you a question that I’d like you to answer in the comments today on my video. I hope you’ll chime in on today’s convo! To join in, visit me at: www.Facebook.com/PowerPurlsPodcast.

Episode and video highlights:

* Question – How can I help you on your hobby knitting and/or knit design journey? Answer it today on FB!

* Details about The Editor Wants to Know!, my  popular weekly video series on the Creative Knitting Facebook Page.

* Details about an upcoming knitting demo video series.

* Why I’m taking a short break next week.

* More details about the giveaway for Carol Sulcoski’s new book, Knitting Ephemera and mini book review.

 

I’m watching #PowerPurlsUnplugged on #FacebookLive! facebook.com/powerpurlspodcast/
Click To Tweet

Click below to watch the video!

 

Support Power Purls on Patreon! Check out the details here to learn how to become a patron of the show… there are some pretty sweet rewards for getting in on this ground-floor level!

Get the FREE Guide to Creating a KILLER Design Proposal!

[bha size=’120×120′ variation=’01’ align=’aligncenter’]

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links in this episode are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase and there is no additional cost for you to do so.  When I make a recommendation, it is because I have personal experience with these products and have used them myself. I only recommend products I believe in, and suggest them because I know they will be helpful, not because of the small commission I make if you decide to make a purchase. The commission I earn helps offset the production expenses that I incur to produce P...

Carol J. Sulcoski is an attorney by day, and spends the rest of her time as a knitting author, hand dyer and designer. Her most recent book, Knitting Ephemera, is a volume of facts, anecdotes, historical tidbits, and other fun information about knitting and the fiber world. Carol has also authored a variety of other books such as, Lace Yarn Studio (Lark Crafts 2015); Sock Yarn Studio (Lark Crafts 2012); Knitting Socks With Handpainted Yarns (Interweave 2009) and Knit So Fine (Interweave 2008). Self Striping Yarn Studio will be released by Lark Crafts in August 2016. In addition to writing about knitting and the yarn industry for magazines like Vogue Knitting. Creative Knitting and Yarn Market News, she teaches at national shows and local yarn shops; sells unique hand dyed yarns as Black Bunny Fibers; and has many published pattern designs. Carol lives outside Philadelphia with her family. For more episodes like this visit: www.PowerPurlsPodcast To subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-purls-podcast/id1043956186 To get Kara's FREE 8-Steps to Creating a Killer Design Proposal: https://karagottwarner.leadpages.co/leadbox/145c10c73f72a2%3A166d5aeedb46dc/5730450056151040/ Support the show! www.Patreon.com/PowerPurlsPodcast

========

I take ONE new podcast launch client per month because this how I keep the highest quality in my work, the white glove treatment for YOU.

Invest in the podcast you want to give to the world.

So here’s what you need to do if you want to lock in your spot with me:

Visit karagottwarner.com/services and click on the Ready, Set, Launch program and I will immediately be in touch to set up your onboarding session. If you have questions about the program, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Carol J. Sulcoski is an attorney by day, and spends the rest of her time as a knitting author, hand dyer and designer. Her most recent book, Knitting Ephemera, is a volume of facts, anecdotes, historical tidbits, and other fun information about knitting and the fiber world. Carol has also authored a variety of other books such as, Lace Yarn Studio (Lark Crafts 2015); Sock Yarn Studio (Lark Crafts 2012); Knitting Socks With Handpainted Yarns (Interweave 2009) and Knit So Fine (Interweave 2008). Self Striping Yarn Studio will be released by Lark Crafts in August 2016. In addition to writing about knitting and the yarn industry for magazines like Vogue Knitting. Creative Knitting and Yarn Market News, she teaches at national shows and local yarn shops; sells unique hand dyed yarns as Black Bunny Fibers; and has many published pattern designs. Carol lives outside Philadelphia with her family. For more episodes like this visit: www.PowerPurlsPodcast To subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-purls-podcast/id1043956186 To get Kara's FREE 8-Steps to Creating a Killer Design Proposal: https://karagottwarner.leadpages.co/leadbox/145c10c73f72a2%3A166d5aeedb46dc/5730450056151040/ Support the show! www.Patreon.com/PowerPurlsPodcast

 

Welcome to this second edition of Power Purls Unplugged and another Freeform Friday where I share my random ramblings about what’s happening on the podcast, and what I’ll be talking about on today’s Facebook Live broadcast at 4pm EST. Last week, I broadcasted at 12pm EST, but today I’m testing the waters to ensure that I hit all the timezones. Let me know which time works best for you when you chime in and leave your comments below my video. To join in, visit me at: www.Facebook.com/PowerPurlsPodcast.

What I talk about in the Facebook Live video:

* 4 ways you can become a conduit for creativity.

* These tips are perfect when you’re short on time.

* Why the morning is the best time to implement them.

* Why I’m broadcasting at 4pm this time around and my question to you about what time you like best.

* What’s coming up on the podcast that you don’t want to miss!

* Details about a giveaway for Carol Sulcoski’s new book, Knitting Ephemera.

 

I’m watching #PowerPurlsUnplugged on #FacebookLive! facebook.com/powerpurlspodcast/
Click To Tweet

Click below to go directly to the video!

 

Support Power Purls on Patreon! Check out the details here to learn how to become a patron of the show… there are some pretty sweet rewards for getting in on this ground-floor level!

Get the FREE Guide to Creating a KILLER Design Proposal!

[bha size=’120×120′ variation=’01’ align=’aligncenter’]

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links in this episode are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase and there is no additional cost for you to do so.  When I make a recommendation, it is because I have personal experience with these products and have used them myself. I only recommend products I believe in, and suggest them because I know they will be helpful, not because of the small commission I make if you decide to make a purchase. The commission I earn helps offset the production expenses that I incur to produce Power Purls, and by purchasing products through these links, also helps you to become a supporter of this podcast and for th...