In the constant cornicupia of our modern day druthers, its easy to overlook the fascinating world effortlessly encapsulated in every option available to us. The amazing array of exclusive yarn, tools and more offered by  Knit Picks is no different, requiring a churn of activity, enthusiasm, and choice. To start, Hannah and Alexis give us a sense of what goes on behind the development curtain, from tools to yarn, staples to specials and everything in between. After that, Stacey, Hillary, and Knit Picks Art Director Elaine, talk about our new Sock Labs program, the Menlo Park of Knit Picks, where our most fun and wild yarn inspirations take the spotlight.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

With its intriguing textures, speedy construction and uniquely handmade charm, fiber friends of all allegiances will admit that nothing creates a cozy home quite like crochet. On the heels of attending the Crochet Guild of America's 2018 conference, Come Home to Crochet, our newest collection invites you to hook your way to a homier haven, whether you're looking for bright and ebullient place settings or the easeful allure of an irreplaceable afghan. To start, Stacey and resident crochet connoisseur Hillary review the collection, discussing the most interesting techniques and their favorite patterns. After that, Hannah and Jennifer regale us with tales from the CGOA's Chain Link conference, recently held in our own backyard.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

It's been some time since Knit Picks ventured into that forbidding country in the world of knit design: men's wear. Dapper, our newest offering, goes beyond the typical bulky wool sweater, pairing luxury fibers like alpaca and silk with contemporary sillhouettes and motifs to cultivate an aesthetic as snazzy and sophisticated as it is masculine. First up, Hannah and new Knit Picks Catalog Director Hilary give us a brief glimpse behind the scenes for the Dapper photo shoot. After that, Stacey and I review the collection, discussing our favorite patterns and more.

Enjoy!

Beyond the meticulous color curations of our full yarn lines, it's a badly kept secret that Knit Picks offers a whole host of yarns in their raw state for dyeing and more: our Bare yarns. To highlight our recent expansion of these hopeful hanks I first sit down with Stacey to discuss our favorites, both new and old. After that, Hannah and I share some of our daring dyeing adventures and give some guidelines and tips on where you might get started on some of your own.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

That special time comes but once a year, an occasion for the celebration of our skills and some crafty camraderie, a chance to let our fiber flag fly: Knit in Public Day! In keeping with recent Knit Picks tradition, we hosted a knitting potluck at a nearby park, with everything from previews to prizes. A few members of our team are here to tell us in their own words just how their Knit in Public Day went.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

They say that your home is a reflection of your self, and if this is true than surely every knitter's home is a paradise of handicrafts. Every room in the house is another opportunity to befiber your decor, and our newest collection is a guide to do just that. Tranquility is full of all the pillows, throws, towels, and rugs you need to create an crafty oasis of cottony comfort, perfect for the bright and cheery home you want through the warmer months of the year. Join Stacey and I as we review Tranquility, discussing cottons and projects for every room.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Spring is well and truly underway for the Knit Picks crew, and with it comes a turning of the knitting year. We've finally admitted that any sweaters still in the works will have to wait for next Fall, or we've simply tired of large and heavy works. No longer housebound by cruel Winter, we yearn for projects fun and light that we can carry around, basking in the sun while still enjoying our favorite past time. In other words, it's sock season again! One of our new collections is a celebration of this time, so join us for my review of Splendid Soles, our newest sock pattern book. After that resident sock fanatic Stacey is joined by Hannah to delve into (and argue about) just what is so appealing about sock knitting.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

A general favorite amongst the Knit Picks crew, we favor tweed yarns enough to carry four different varieties, including one of our newest offerings, Provincial Tweed, both sumptuous and hardy in Fine Highland Wool. Join me and Stacey as we dig a little deeper than the typical "rustic" labels, explore some of the history and process behind tweed yarns, and discuss the differences between those that we offer.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

The most recent Knit Picks travel adventure brought us to wool-hungry Hartford, Connecticut for Stitches United. Like the proverbial fish-smelling guest, Winter lingered over the New England city as the Knit Picks team flogged our fiber wares to the Yankee yarn-lovers. Show veteran Stacey, our purchaser Alexis, and Knit Picks' brand new IDP Coordinator Allison Drake join us to share their experience on the road.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

It seems like we had just gotten back from Vogue Knitting Live in New York and it was already time for Knit Picks to be off to our next destination: Santa Clara, California for Stitches West. The first of many Stitches shows for the KP crew, we came, we saw, we lost a pallet. All in all, it was a bustling and delightful time. Join me as I sit down with Stacey, who is quickly becoming Knit Picks' resident show expert, to recount the whirlwind experience.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Although every catalog here at Knit Picks presents something new, occassionally the pom poms align, the sheepy gods smile, and a  confluence of fiber goodness all comes in one catalog. Our newest has a bit of everything: new yarns and the return of some old favorites,  Mighty Mittens and Clean & Crafty Dishcloths, snappy swifts and pretty pom poms. Join Jennifer and Alexis as they go over all of the exciting developments in our March catalog.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Earlier this month Knit Picks hit the road once again to attend the Vogue Knitting show in New York City. Our attendees survived the fiber frenzy and are ready to tell us all about it.

First our resident designer whisperer Stacey was in attendance and took the opportunity to record a few visits with some of her favorite Knit Picks friends. After that she joins fellow show goer Hannah to share the highlights of their trip, both at the show and on the streets.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

The depths of winter have always seemed an appropirate time for the contemplation of cables. These fortifying embellishments not only embolden us to face the aeolian inclemencies of this darkest season, but also provide challenging engagement for the fiber-nesting that sees us through to Spring.

To start, Hannah and Elaine will lead us through Windward, our most recent collection of delightfully complicated cablings. After that, I talk with Stacey to offer some tips, tricks, and insights for your cable adventures.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Hello and welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast, Episode 269, New Year's Resolutions. The old year is done and the new rises. We teeter on the cusp of this transition, the time of Janus, looking back. . .in order to look forward. Join some of the Knit Picks staff as we reflect on last year's resolutions and share our goals for next year.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

With the recent additions to Knit Picks' line up of traditional, undyed yarns, Simply Wool and Simply Alpaca, we've been thinking a lot about knitting days long past. These quintessential yarns demand classic techniques, so first Hannah and Daniel talk about their experiments with them and share some ideas for how to really make them shine. After that, Stacey and Alexis bridge those yarns of yesteryear with today's traditions, contemplating knitting superstitions and sharing fiber beliefs old and new.

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

This week the Knit Picks team sits down to chat about our first show, Vogue Knitting Live! We had so much fun meeting other fiber folks and in this episode, we gush about all of it—including all the goodies we bought from other vendors at the show. To start, our opening crew Jennifer, Stacey, and Hannah talk about their experience at the first half of the show. After that, Daniel talks with Alison and Alexis who closed the show down with him.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Our newest collection has a variety of patterns to enliven and personalize your holiday. From ornaments and stockings, to pillows and decor, there's everything you need to celebrate that special time of year as only our fiber friends can.

First up, Heidi, Elaine, and Alexis talk through the collection, highlighting their favorite patterns and sharing their own Knitmas memories.

After that, Daniel talks with Jennifer to explore some alternative gifting strategies to hopefully give you some ideas for how you can bring a little Knitmas into everyone's life. . .while still enjoying it yourself.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

A celebration of all things bright, bold and diverse, Color Shift is one of our newest collections, with brilliantly colored designs inspired by the automatic combinations of this year's star yarn Stroll Gradient.

First, Stacey and I review the collection to help you navigate the ingenious array of techniques in Our love letter to color.

After that, Knit Picks Buyer Alexis calls on her training as a professional photographer to nerd out about the history and theory of color, giving us insight into some of the ways color and perception collide.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

With the coming of Autumn also comes the quickening of the knitting compulsion. Everyone around us needs cozy garments for the burgeoning cold, and with the recent kick off of our annual 12 Weeks of Gifting, where we release a new free pattern every week for your gifting enjoyment, we decided to explore knitting specifically for gifts.

To start, Alison and Hannah talk about easy care fibers perfect for gifts, including a review of all that Knit Picks offers for machine washable yarn. After that, several of Knit Picks staff share gifting stories, both giving and receiving, and we promise more heartwarming than horrifying.

Enjoy!

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Join the Knit Picks staff in exploring the multichromatic wonders of the new Knit Picks exclusive collections, Encircled and Strands of Color, which both use Fair Isle and stranded colorwork to paint beautiful works of art with needles and yarn. First, Knit Picks Outreach Director Stacey and Graphic Designer Elaine, who are indispensible to the development of every collection, give us their unique perspective on these gorgeous collections. After that, beginners and experienced knitters alike will benefit from the advice and insight into stranding technique from Knit Picks Director Alison with multi-craftual savant and our sister company Connecting Thread's Outreach Director Kris.

Find helpful images and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Take a little time to look into our new book dedicated to commemorating life's special moments. Alison and Jennifer talk about the story behind the book, what it's intended for, and some ideas for getting the most out of it. To follow up, I talk with Knit Picks intarsia prodigy Alexis to go over intarsia basics, how it compares to other forms of colorwork, and some tips and tricks to have your intarsia looking its best.

Find chart excerpts and links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

A large part of our new collection Knits for Everybody Two is the basic, straight-forward sweater patterns for cardigan and v-neck pullover. To put those in context Daniel and Hannah, Knit Picks' Catalog Director and resident sweater expert, discuss sweater terminology and  construction. Then Stacey and Daniel offer commiseration and comfort by sharing their first sweater stories, embarrassing details and all, showing that rocky beginnings are just a place to start.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Everyone loves a colorful yarn, and we've always been particularly proud of our gorgeous sock yarn, Hawthorne. Inspired by the crush we all have on the newest addition to the Knit Picks lineup, Hawthorne Tonal, the Knit Picks staff takes some time to explore hand painted yarn, from both technical and aesthetic points of view

You might think you know our stupendous, self-striping sock yarn, Felici, with it's sensously soft 75% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon blend and ever-changing selection of brilliant colors, in classic fingering or new worsted weights. Whether you're a devoted follower or a burgeoning novitiate, you might be surprised at what you learn with this glimpse behind the scenes for one of our favorite yarns to develop.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode at Stash: The Knit Picks Blog.

Shawls for All, our new mix-and-match shawl collection, has been something of a pet project for a few people around Knit Picks, and we really think that Joyce Fassbender, the brains behind the collection, has really given us something special. First, Knit Picks Outreach Director Stacey talks with Joyce about this unique book, discussing its origin and development. After that, Knit Picks Art Director Heidi and I talk about our first experiences with knitting lace, as a longtime knitter plunging headlong and a relative newbie easing in her own way.

In honor of our newly released advanced lace collection, Luxurious Lace, we'll be talking about all things lace. Starting at 00:40, Stacey and Emily, the pattern coordinator and graphic designer who worked on the collection, will be talking about their experience working on lace charts. After that, Knit Picks' Director Alison talks with Knit Picks Admin Assistant Daniel to review all of the lace yarns available from Knit Picks.

Podcast 256 has something for everybody! We hear from Knit Picks' own Alison Backus about our new collection, "Knits for Everybody", with basic patterns you'll go back to again and again. The sweater pattern from this book is designed by Katy Banks, who talks on this podcast about her design process, and left handed knitting a whole different way. We'll also talk to Vera Brosgol, author and illustrator of the new children's picture book, "Leave Me Alone" about drawing, knitting, and being left alone to do it all.

If you're reveling in the newness of summer, this podcast is a celebration of that feeling. Whether you travel to new places, or try new crafts during the warmer months, summer is always a good time to try new things. In this episode of the Knit Picks podcast we talk to Clara Parkes, author of Knitladia, about her adventures in yarn based travel. We also speak with designers Joyce Fassbender and Stephanie Tallent about their history of knitting and designing, as well as their recent contributions to our collection, Joyful Lace.

Whether you're a person who loves to stash yarn, or a crafter who buys only on a per-project basis, this episode will interest you. We speak to Hannah Fettig of Knitbot, about her app and booklet called "Stashbot", helping knitters understand yarn quantities for each project they're planning. We also speak with Elizabeth, whose stash is so big that it's taking over whole rooms of her house! Find out what she loves about a large stash, how she uses it, and how she keeps it organized.

Have you ever crafted for charity? In this episode of the podcast, we feature charites that can use your handmade items! "Click for Babies" provides hospitals with purple hats to help protect infants. "Knitted Knockers" provides bra inserts to women who have undergone mastectomies. Podcast listeners highlight ways they contribute to non-profit organizations, and Knit Picks' own Stacy talks about "Helping Hands: Made with Love, Given with Heart", our recent book featuring charity craft patterns. Tune in to this episdode of the podcast, and be inspired!

Have you ever made something so cute, you can still hear the "oohs" and "ahhhs" from everyone who saw it? This episode is devoted to cute knit and crochet - things you wear, decorations, and handmade stuffed friends to keep or give away. We hear from Anna Hrachovec, popular designer of knitted toys, about her career in knitting, pattern writing, and fine art, and her new book, "Adventures in Mochimochi Land" (pictured above). We'll also hear from podcast listeners about the cutest thing they've ever knit, and the relationships these things have fostered in their own lives. Knit Picks Director Alison Backus also gives us her top 3 tips when crafting stuffies. 

Have you knit a garment you thought was unflattering or just didn't fit correctly? Did you know what went wrong, or were you stumped? This episode aims to help you target key elements of fit. Alison Backus, Director of Knit Picks, explains ease and what it means in knitting. Amy Herzog talks about all elements of fit, from how to assess which shapes might flatter your body, to what pattern elements can be altered and which should remain untouched. Podcast listeners also describe their stories of knitting things that fit.

Remember when you were a new knitter or crocheter? What were some of the big mistakes you made? In this podcast, we explore what it means to be new to the craft. Alexis, Knit Picks Photography Assistant and new-ish knitter, takes advice from listeners. Debbie Stoller, author of the incredibly popular "Stitch 'N Bitch" series, tells us about how she discovered knitting, and how she's inspired countless other people to take it up. Three podcast listeners also tell us about their experiences. Whether you're a new knitter, or recall your new knitting days fondly, you'll find something in this episode to which you're sure to relate.

Have you given or received handmade gifts in the past? Do you intend to give them this holiday season? In this episode we bring you stories of the good, the bad, and the ugly (literally, the ugly). Read by the Knit Picks staff or listeners themselves, you'll hear tales of gifts gone unappreciated, gifts transformed unintentionally, and gifts beloved for life. Grab some eggnog, a cookie, and your last-minute gift to knit or crochet, and enjoy!

Many of you have a favorite designer, someone you've followed for years. You knit many of their designs, and marvel at how they constantly come up with ideas you can't wait to get on your needles. We asked you to name your "Designer Crush", and you responded! In this episode, we interview Knitwear Designers Jane Richmond, Carol Feller, and Laura Nelkin about their process and inspiration. We also ask them questions straight from their fans!

Many of us learned to knit from family and friends, but for some crafters, knitting and crochet started in school! In this episode we go to Cedarwood Waldorf School in Portland Oregon where Gia Davis and Shannon Casey, the Handwork Teaches, tell us about why handwork is part of Waldorf, and how it contributes to a child's education. We interview two students at the school, Weston French and Taea Jackson, about their love of craft. We also hear from two podcast listeners about how knitting was taught to them as part of their formal education.

Are you a fiber lover? Have you considered the animals from which you acquire your materials? In this episode, recorded at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, Oregon, we speak to farmers of three different animals raised for their fiber. Jack Lyda of Honey Lane Farms tells us about his love of raising Shetland sheep. Dave Archer of Inti's Gift Alpacas speaks of farming a herd of alpacas, and Angora lovers Heather and Shannon take us into the world of competitive rabbits. We also hear from podcast listeners Lindsey and Shaina about their good/bad experiences spinning and knitting exotic animal fibers. Put yourself on a "high fiber diet", and enjoy!

What makes a knitting pattern so good you can't help but cast on? In this episode we explore what makes a really great pattern. Hear from KnitPicks Director Alison Backus and Catalog Director Hannah Meir, as well as podcast listeners about what they require of a pattern. Designer Hilary Smith Callus tells us what she includes in her patterns to make them satisfying to knitters, and Tech Editor Maureen Hannon reveals the secrets of her job, reading and correcting patterns, for KnitPicks.

Do doctors make good knitters or crocheters? Has knitting ever seen you through a difficult personal or medical journey? We hear from Matt Petkun, CEO of KnitPicks, about how his uncle, an aspiring surgeon, inspired Matt to knit his first scarf. Then we speak to three podcast contributors about how they got through hard medical and personal times, as well as one listener's journey to medical school, and how craft has helped all of them along.

Knit Picks is made up of so many people you may have never considered. In this episode, you'll hear from Laura Birek, one of our designers, Andrea Lum, a test knitter, and Stephanie Starkel, Supervisor of Customer Service here at Crafts Americana. Find out what makes their crafty jobs interesting, and challenging, too!

Is crafting in the Summer a bit different for you? Maybe you work with lighter yarns, make more portable projects, or try a craft you've never done before. On this podcast we explore weaving with Monica, a teacher at Ruthie's Weaving Studio in Portland, who gives us a different view on working with fiber. Cassie Castillo talks about her "Janelle Shawlette" pattern in "Sock Yarn Shawls", and Jenny K. here at Knitpicks introduces you to our newest yarn, Lindy Chain. We also hear from a podcast listener about how she spends her summer crafting months.

We celebrate men who like to craft, and those brave enough to make things for the men in their lives. Hear from KnitPicks staffers Aaron, Alison and Emily and their significant others about cowls and sweaters, and gloves sadly lost. Designer Geoff Hunnicut tells us about his experience in the world of knitting and Diane calls in to tell us how knitting has brought her closer to a young man in her family.

In this episode, we explore the practical uses of craft, and the way some artists are using craft techniques in unexpected ways. First we speak to the Merchandising Director of Knitpicks, Kim Cameron, on how she developed her Crocheted Bread Warmer pattern for the recent Classic Kitchen Crochet collection. We then chat with Robin Allard and Tamara Ell, who made dolls and a 1930s gown, just for fun. Artist Jo Hamilton takes us into her world of fine art crochet, as we discuss the evolution of her portraits and cityscapes.