Skein and Tell

Join host Gea for a warm, unfiltered conversation with the brilliant Toni from TL YarnCrafts as she walks us through the much-anticipated #FrostandBloomCAL and the heirloom-ready Aura Lapghan you'll be making over six cozy weeks. Toni spills everything, from the inspiration behind the design name, to the practical prep tips you actually need, the clever assembly hacks that save your sanity, and the one motif that stole her heart.

You’ll hear:

• ✨ Why the blanket’s official name is Aura Lapghan and how “Frost and Bloom” is the spirit of making in winter

• 🧶 What a lapghan is (hint: heirloom vibes, perfectly sized for one)

• 🔧 Toni’s top preparation tips: reading stitches, practicing a tighter gauge, and small practice projects to build confidence

• 🪡 The one assembly rule she swears by: weave in your ends as you go (and why you’ll thank her later)

• 🧩 Why the join technique is crochet-based (no eternal whip stitching!) and how the seaming order makes assembly zippy

• 🌿 Why the cotton-wool blend was chosen

• 🎨 How Part 5 lets makers personalize the Lapghan with five filler motifs of their choosing

• 💖 Toni’s absolute favorite motif

Plus: Toni’s advice for makers of every level (yes, even if motifs ramp up in complexity), small-gauge tips for long-lasting blankets, and practical week-by-week expectations so you know what to prepare for.

Ready to join the CAL, level up your motif skills, and make a blanket you’ll love for winters to come? Hit play and start stitching with us. ✨🧶

Useful links:

• Blog post: link coming soon

• CAL kit: coming December 3rd on hobbii.com

In this episode ofSkein and Tell we’re unraveling one of the most powerful secrets in colorwork: color dominance.

It’s a tiny detail, the way you hold your yarns, but it completely transforms your knitting. Get it right, and your motifs are bold, sharp, and professional. Get it wrong, and they blur into the background.

In this episode, Gea will walk you through:

• What color dominance is (and why it matters so much)
• How to hold your yarns for consistent, crisp motifs
• The connection between floats and dominance (and how not to mix them up!)
• Gea's best tips and tricks for practicing dominance with the Dorthea Collection
• A little history lesson, from Selbu mittens to Fair Isle sweaters, on how knitters have used dominance for centuries

Want to see it in action? You can find free Dorthea patterns on hobbii.com and read the full blog post here:

http://hobbii.com/blogs/news/color-dominance-in-stranded-knitting

And don’t forget to share your colorwork with us on Instagram, so tag @hobbii_yarn and @copenhagenfibers with #hobbiidorthea and #CopenhagenFibersByHobbii.

Because when it comes to colorwork, it’s not just about the colors you choose, it’s about how you make them shine.

Hey yarn bestie! Gea from Hobbii here, and today on Skein and Tell we’re pulling back the curtain on one of knitting’s greatest mysteries: floats in stranded colorwork.

Those little strands running behind your stitches can make or break your project... Too tight and your fabric puckers, too loose and it snags. But once you learn how to manage them, floats turn into pure magic: smooth fabric, bold motifs, and colorwork you’ll be proud to show off.

In this episode, we’ll unravel it all:

• What floats are and why they matter
• How to keep them neat, stretchy, and snag-free
• Pro tips for catching floats, controlling tension, and using the “inside-out” trick
• The hidden history of floats (and the surprising secrets they reveal about knitters past and present)
• How to practice with the beginner-friendly Dorthea Mittens, then build confidence with the Cowl, Sweater, and Yoke Sweater

Ready to conquer colorwork? Download the free Dorthea patterns on hobbii.com, read the full blog guide here:

http://hobbii.com/blogs/news/how-to-work-with-floats-in-stranded-knitting

And don't forget to share your projects with us on Instagram, so tag @hobbii_yarn and @copenhagenfibers with #hobbiidorthea and #CopenhagenFibersByHobbii.

Because floats aren’t just the hidden side of your knitting, they’re the secret that makes colorwork shine.

On this episode of Skein and Tell Gea is diving into the bold, beautiful world of colorwork with the Dorthea Knit Collection from Copenhagen Fibers.

Named after the street where our Hobbii HQ lives, Dorthea is all about honoring tradition while giving it a fresh, modern twist. Four free patterns: a pair of mittens, a cowl, a statement sweater, and the crown jewel yoke sweater, all show off Scandinavian style in every stitch.

In this episode, we’ll unravel it all:

• Why colorwork feels like magic (and why it’s addictive once you start)

• How the yarns (Natural Wool, Brushed Alpaca, Baby Alpaca Blend, and Silk Mohair) combine to create texture, softness, and depth
• Gea's top tips for floats, color dominance, and choosing palettes you’ll love
• A quick trip through colorwork history, from Egyptian socks to Selbu stars to modern Scandi chic
• The difference between traditional motifs and today’s bold, graphic designs

All the Dorthea patterns are free on hobbii.com, and you can see all the photos, yarn pairings, and color inspiration on the blog:

http://hobbii.com/blogs/news/dorthea-pattern-collection

When you cast on your Dorthea, don’t forget to share it with us on Instagram, tag @hobbii_yarn and @copenhagenfibers, and use the hashtags #hobbiidorthea and #CopenhagenFibersByHobbii.

Because these aren’t just knits you tuck away in a drawer, they’re knits you’ll wear, love, and show off.

Because Copenhagen Fibers is Made to Notice.

In this episode Gea takes a deep dive into the Thekla Knit Collection, four modern patterns designed for Copenhagen Fibers that celebrate stripes, structure, and Scandinavian simplicity.

From the chic Thekla Polo to the oversized Thekla Sweater, the soothing ribbed scarf to the playful striped hat, this collection reimagines timeless stripes with a fresh Nordic edge.

Gea will take you through every detail: the clever constructions, the merino yarns that make stripes pop, and my favorite tips for choosing the perfect stripe colors (plus a little history of stripes you’ll never forget!).

All the Thekla patterns are free on hobbii.com, and you can see all the photos, yarn pairings, and color inspiration on the blog:

http://hobbii.com/blogs/news/thekla-pattern-collection

When you cast on your Thekla, don’t forget to share it with us on Instagram, tag @hobbii_yarn and @copenhagenfibers, and use the hashtags #hobbiithekla and #CopenhagenFibersByHobbii.

We can’t wait to see your stripes come to life!

Because some knits are just too good not to share and Copenhagen Fibers is Made to Notice.

In this episode we’re unraveling the story of Copenhagen Fibers, a brand-new yarn collection that’s more than just skeins. It’s a mood, a city, and a love letter to makers who just can’t wait to share their projects before the last stitch is even cast off.

In this episode, I’ll take you on a yarn-voyage! From the inspiration pulled straight from the heartbeat of Copenhagen, to the six dreamy yarns crafted from natural fibers, to the exclusive patterns that make stripes feel fresh and colorwork feel fashion-forward.

So whether you’re here for the alpaca halo, the crisp merino stitch definition, or just the joy of trying on your sweater mid-row, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Copenhagen Fibers is yarn Made to Notice!

And I can’t wait to share it with you!

Check everything out in our blog post:

http://hobbi.com/blogs/news/copenhagen-fibers

Join host Gea on this colorful episode of Skein and Tell as she zooms in on one of the most overlooked but oh-so-powerful details in yarn land: the dye lot number. That sneaky little code on your label? It might look harmless, but it’s the difference between a dreamy cardigan and an accidental patchwork cosplay.

You’ll discover:
🌸 Why your “Dusty Rose” sleeve might suddenly morph into “Dusty Raspberry Smoothie”🌈 What a dye lot actually is and why skeins are more like siblings than clones🔥 The chaotic cocktail of water temp, humidity, and sheep that makes colors shift between batches💡 Smart strategies to outsmart the dye lot gremlins (buying, blending, and creative fixes)✨ How to turn mismatched skeins into ombré fades, intentional design features, or full-on fiber fashion statements

This episode will have you squinting at yarn labels, laughing at your stash, and maybe even embracing the unpredictable beauty of dye lots. Because at the end of the day, bestie, every skein tells a story, and you’re the one weaving it into magic!

Read more about it on our blog post:

https://hobbii.com/blogs/news/yarn-dye-lot-numbers

Ever picked up a skein that felt like a cloud, only to discover it crochets like sandpaper on your skin? 🙃 In this episode of Skein and Tell, Gea gets real about yarn sensitivities, from lanolin allergies to mystery rashes to why some fibers feel buttery soft while others are basically wearable cacti.

You’ll learn:
✨ The truth about lanolin and why it’s dreamy for some and dreadful for others🧶 How micron count determines whether wool is cozy or itchy🔬 Why yarn twist, ply, and even dyes can make or break your comfort🌱 The best sensitive-skin alternatives (hello cotton, bamboo, silk blends, and even milk fiber yarn!)🧼 Smart care tips to keep your handmade treasures skin-friendly✨ Yarndiana Jones unravels the 5,000-year-old drama of silk yarn, from tea cups and empresses to modern peace silk.

Whether you’re a delicate-skin darling, a lanolin lover, or just curious about what makes yarns itch or cuddle, this episode will have you looking at your stash with fresh eyes (and scratch-free arms). Because bestie… crafting should always feel good enough to hug. 🧡

Love you bestie, see you next week!

Meanwhile share our poddi on your social media using the hashtag #skeinandtell or #hobbiipodcast and leave a comment about the softest yarn you've worked with, but also the itchiest too!

Join host Gea on this radiant and real episode of Skein and Tell as she sits down with maximalist crochet queen Katie Jones to talk about color, creativity, and the unexpected adventures of motherhood.

From navigating five years of infertility and loss to finding joy in life with her baby, Katie shares how becoming a mom reshaped, not replaced, her identity as a designer. Together, Katie and Gea unravel what it means to balance art, business, and babies in a world that expects endless productivity.

You’ll discover:

✨ Why Katie’s transition to motherhood felt freeing after such a long journey to get there

🧶 How her creative process shifted from big bursts to joyful little snippets of making

🌈 Katie’s secrets for building bold color palettes (yes, including the power of a “ming color”)

🔥 Honest reflections on burnout, business struggles, and diversifying income as a designer

🤖 Her unfiltered take on AI, creativity, and why mistakes matter more than perfection

🎃 A chat about her new spooky mini-collection Baby Boo for Hobbii (think cute rompers, bonnets & blankets!)

💡 Advice for aspiring designers about starting small, staying authentic, and protecting your joy

🎨 Childhood memories, color play tips, and what Katie would tell her younger self with a crochet hook in hand

💬 The heartwarming messages from the craft community that remind her why making matters

Whether you’re a maker, a mom, or a color-loving creative, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace imperfection, protect your spark, and find joy in the stitches and the spaces in between.

Because crafting isn’t just about the finished project, it’s about slowing down, making meaning, and weaving community.

🌈 Where to Find Katie

Stay connected with Katie and her colorful, maximalist world of knit & crochet:

• Instagram: @katiejonesknit

• YouTube: Katie Jones Knit

• Website: katiejonesknit.com

Don’t miss her upcoming Baby Boo Halloween Mini Collection with Hobbii and her new book dropping later this year! ✨

Share this episode with your yarn besties on social media and tag us on your stories and tales, using #skeinandtell or #hobbiipodcast 💖

Love you bestie, bye! 🧶

Join host Gea on this beautifully candid episode of Skein and Tell as she sits down with the radiant Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts to unravel the messy, magical, and deeply personal realities of life in yarn.

From crochet conspiracies and blocking debates to business burnout and AI in fiber arts, this convo is cozy, unfiltered, and so validating. Toni shares what it really takes to run a successful crochet brand, how she keeps creativity alive, and why your WIPs and weird crochet rituals are more than okay... They’re proof you’re doing it right!

You’ll hear:

• How crochet superstition led to Toni’s “hook drop = quit for the day” rule

• What makes someone a “real” crocheter (spoiler: it’s not fancy yarn)
• Why burnout hit hard and how she came back with boundaries and joy
• The truth about pattern pricing, accessibility, and sustaining a fiber biz
• A spicy convo on AI: the good, the bad, and the pattern theft
• Color confidence, crochet stereotypes, and crafting as art, not just function
• Toni’s journey from solo hustle to building a team

Whether you're deep in your tenth project bag or just learned how to chain, this episode will meet you where you are, with warmth, wisdom, and a few mic-drop moments that’ll stay with you long after the last stitch!

Get inspired by Toni here:👉 Website: tlyarncrafts.com👉 Instagram: @tlyarncrafts👉 YouTube: TL Yarn Crafts Channel👉 Join the Yarnhive Community: tlyarncrafts.com/yarnhive

💖 Subscribe, rate & leave a cozy little review! It helps so much!💌 Share this episode with your crafty group chat or yarn BFF.🧵 Tag us on your social media with #skeinandtell or #hobbiipodcast, or share your thoughts with us about the podcast to @hobbiiyarns or @geafromhobbii