6 Bits Storybooks

This episode is a mini-podcast, sharing quickly about Sharing Lunches, an outreach in which I hope to involve a variety of friends. If you listen and are interested in more info the link is here: http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/sharinglunch/ Regular podcast episodes to begin airing in July!

This week is all about *Love of Linen*. With warmer weather on its way, it is a great time to consider linen. Listen in as Melissa shares ideas on how to slowly ease in to working with linen blends, some simple helpful steps she takes to prepare for knitting with linen as well as an offer for a downloadable booklet on Quince and Co. Kestrel linen. Text 20LINEN to 44222 for the download gift or visit www.6bitstorybooks.com and download it directly from the Episode 20 post. Remember if you leave an iTunes review you will be entered in the monthly yarn giveaway. February's winner was announced in Episode 19 so be sure to see if it was you.

This episode shares 3 observations Melissa has noticed are her norm when starting a new knitting project. Are they very different from yours? Also in this episode: •Winner of free skein announced for February. Mahalo to Space Cadet Yarn for sharing a lovely bundle for our winner! Anyone who leaves an iTunes review is automatically entered. •Connect and share your thoughts written, emailed or voice recorded! To email things be sure to send them to hellomelissa@6bitsstorybooks.com For snail mail: 6 Bits Storybooks PO Box 297 Holly Ridge, NC 28445 •Hannah's Courage is now available on Ravelry with all proceedes given to our team member Hannah, who you may have seen on our website, cover of issue 2: DWELL, as well as throughout the issue in front of and behind the camera. Hannah has just had brain surgery. In addition to the pattern, we are collecting #HatsForHannah through March.

(This podcast is entitled 18.1 not because You missed anything, but because our podcast platform was experiencing gremlins... Carry on!) ALOHA & WELCOME! The wise and thoughtful team behind Fern Fiber sat down with me to share about their enthusiasm for botanicals. Maria and Nikki really do know their plants! They spend time taking with us about natural dyeing, how to coax out the colour you want, and when to just accept what nature gives you. They have even created an educational tool for listeners to enjoy. So have a listen! Our sponsor for this week's podcast is Infinite Twist. Cate Carter-Evans has created a something special in her part of the world! Amazing fiber, incredible colour and love for the knitting community are just some of the things Infinite Twist is known for! Money saving, beautifully curated kits are another. Be sure to visit http://infinitetwist.com/shop/ today and thank them for making this program possible!

Melody joins Melissa to chat about work they created for the newest 6 Bits Storybook issue. They share tips and ideas for knitters as well as considerations for projects. This episode is made possible by 6 Bits. If you are interested in learning more about the newest issue visit www.6bitsstorybooks.com

Ever felt that you can't start being creative because there is so much clutter? Or maybe you want to finally carve out your own space to be a maker? Our special guest this week is Deborah Moebes and she shares a few easy to enact steps in order to get yourself on the path to owning your place for crafty pursuits! Deborah also shares with us a special video on how to decide what sewing machine is right for you.

This week Melissa happily spends time with you chatting about ways to get out of your comfort zone with creative projects...and maybe just how to flip our thinking in general. This podcast is made possible because of the amazing support of Infinite Twist--beautiful yarn kits that allow you to create incredible projects AND listen to the 6 Bits Podcast! Show your support by following Infinite Twist's beautiful moments on Instagram (@infinitetwist) or head over to the shop and grab yourself a kit and begin some selfish knitting! Worth mentioning: The newest issue of 6 Bits Storybooks for Knitters is releasing late January! This issue id packed with knits for Fellas and the Femmes, Newbies and Seasoned knitters, big projects and small(er) as well as our FIRST SEWING PATTERN! And lets not forget the awesome stories waiting for you! So hop over to www.6bitsstorybooks.com and have a look! Already support us? How about tell others about us? We can help you do that in a fun way! Head here to get more info: http://eepurl.com/bMMapz

Today's episode is not the norm! You won't hear the lovely intro and outtro music, there isn't a lot of editing...Melissa made this over the holiday and while it is filled with lots of aloha it also is filled with room for improvement! But moving beyond the rough edges, you will find time spent in this episode hearing and learning from Melissa's favourite Non-Knitter. Enjoy today's episode as a reminder that your craft and love of your craft resonates with people, even those that are not participating in them! (you simply need listen to Dennis go on and on about the spinning wheel!) Links worth sharing: • Interested in Collaboration: text Sponsorship to 44222 or head here: https://hellomelissa.leadpages.co/sponsorship/ • Today's helpful download are Mel's productive tools! Text 6BitsEpisode13 to 44222 or visit http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/ • Want to learn all about the spinning wheel we went on and on about? http://infinitetwist.com/shop/artisan-spinning-wheel-by-acadia-wheel-and-loom-1 OR you can watch the video (talk about a throw-back to my single handed knits days!) and the wheel is shown right at the start! https://vimeo.com/93480816 Today we chat about: What it is like from the perspective of being a non-knitter in a family of knitters Spinning wheels Stash (and that one should judge another's stash) Also announced: Winner of December's free skein of yarn!

Episode 12 shares letters from listeners and time together with Melissa and Melody. Listeners can steal away for a few minutes with their knitting and enjoy time listening to friends discussing knitting projects, yarns, reflections from the past and this week's free download: helpful ideas when gifting hand knits! ***PLEASE NOTE: The code to text for delivery was incorrectly announced. It is OHWOW12 text to 44222 Or Visit: http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/ and look for the Episode 12 show notes!

Today we spend time learning from our guest what goes in to publishing and self-publishing a book. She should know as she now has 8 books under her belt! More on her in a moment! I would like to thank our sponsor for this episode: Space Monster Club from Space Cadet Yarn: There is nothing in the whole world like a skein of lovely, smooshy, thick yarn to make you want to pick it up, squish it… dive right into it! As a member of the SpaceMonsters Mega Club, you receive: •A fantastic parcel delivered to their door every other month, containing a beautiful skein of SpaceCadet® yarn in worsted or bulky weight •The SpaceCadet’s Log exploring the inspiration for each colourway. •A fantastic SpaceMonsters gift tucked into every third parcel! Membership is open only until 20 Dec 2015 and space is limited. Head here to save yourself a place http://spacecadetyarn.com/the-spacemonster-mega-yarn-club/ Now today we spend time learning what goes in to publishing. Be it a single stand alone pattern, or an entire book our "Violently Domestic" author can share lots of stories about her experience with both---and from the perspectives of being published and self publishing. I know listening to Hunter Hammersen share some deeper stories about her newest book Fine Things for Plain Occasions is going to be a treat, but in the spirit of aloha and going the extra mile, she shares with you a free pattern! You can text FINETHINGS to 44222 and have it delivered to your inbox right now, or visit our shownotes at http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/ and click on Episode 11 And if you have the beautiful new book Fine Things for Plain Occasions have it on hand as we chat! It will make the fun of this week more interactive! As always if you like what you hear share us with your friends! Growing our story only makes it better! And if you really love what you hear be sure to leave us an iTunes review for an opportunity to win free yarn every month!

This episode is the wrap up of what we begun in an earlier podcast, Episode 10 Part A. Both are being release simultaneously, so you don't have to wait (in case you are anything like me when it comes to patience!). In Part A we look over images discussed and linked in your free guide created by our guest, Stephaine Alford. We think through each term that qualifies yarn colour behaviour in an effort to get a better idea of what to expect as we knit. Thoughtfully and with much merriment, Stephanie does an excellent job of explaining technical matters so we all have a common colour language. Then be sure to give a listen to Part B and hear more important considerations for knitters to bear in mind as they shop for yarn on-line! Our yarn giveaways are also announced! The download below is used in both Part A & Part B. Stephanie shares a link to a special web page she created just for us with lots of beautiful colour examples to see and compare in Part A as well as images to use for our "Monitor Tests" in Part B. You can get the free guide very simply: For US residents text SPACECADETYARN to 44222 OR Visit: http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast-episodes/episode10

This week's podcast is a mini-training session on colour! Because we had such great content shared with us from an enthusiastic and knowledgable colour ambassador we have our first 2 part podcast! Since I am not much of a "wait around until something happens" kinda girl I am sharing both segments this week. Take your time and listen at your leisure! In Part A we look over images discussed and linked in your free guide created by our guest, Stephaine Alford. We think through each term that qualifies yarn colour behaviour in an effort to get a better idea of what to expect as we knit. Thoughtfully and with much merriment, Stephanie does an excellent job of explaining technical matters so we all have a common colour language. Be sure to head to http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast-episodes/episode10 for the show notes as well as the helpful guide we use through out this episode. Then be sure to give a listen to Part B and hear more important considerations for knitters to bear in mind as they shop for yarn on-line! Our yarn giveaways are also announced!

The Comfortable Conversation Melody and Melissa sit together to chat about all things comfy: patterns, yarns, treasured knits are all discussed. Gift Bit: This week's free gift is a tasty share from Melody and a free toasty pattern from Melissa. Get it delivered to your inbox: listeners in the USA can text COMFORT to 44222. All listeners can receive it via the 6 Bits Storybooks website in the Episode 9 show notes here http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/ A Special Bit: Melody has launched a new shop with yarn, patterns and handmade items. Hear the lovely story about the thoughtful packaging Mandarine's shop uses. It is sure to warm your heart. As always, be sure to leave a review to be entered in the monthly yarn giveaway! Next winner will be announced in Episode 10.

Welcome to Episode 8: Not Necessarily Knitting. Today we talk about ways apart from yarn and needles that influence our creative knitting endeavors. Meet our guest Kate Booye and hear how a life lived in discovering craftiness can lead you in many directions. Show notes and free treats available on the www.6bitsstorybooks.com website. And remember, leaving an iTunes review automatically enters you in a monthly yarn and pattern giveaway!

In this week's episode Melody and Melissa discuss the starting of a project. Through similarities and differences between their approach, you may discover things that you do that are very unique! Share your thoughts! This week 6 Bits Storybooks adds a fun feature for listeners in the US. Text "Episode7" to 44222 and receive the download delivered right to your inbox! Starting Strong: Tips & Considerations When Starting Your Next Project is your free gift. For those outside the US show notes and the free PDF download are available at http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/ click on Episode 7 icon. Mentions: The Unearth KAL, Buckaloo View Yarn & Sarah Deroo of The Copper Corgi

Melissa hosts this week's podcast alongside of you! Listen in as she answers 2 great questions from inquisitive listeners. The focus becomes YOUR unique yarn discoveries. It is a short episode with a great free gift you can download by visiting http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/ and clicking on Episode #6 Infinite Twist is our lovely sponsor this week and we are proud to share their lovely yarn with a lucky winner announced in this episode! Even if you don't win, you can still win! Any of the kits available at http://infinitetwist.com/six-bits are artfully curated knitting experiences just waiting to be shared with you! Or they make GREAT GIFTS! Lastly, we give helpful details about the first 6 Bits KAL! So treat yourself to some much deserved time to slow down,absorb the beauty around you and love the moment you can create.

Melody and Melissa invite listeners for a bit of the behind the scenes peek in to what they have been working on. Worth mentioning: Our first KAL starts November 2nd! We hope to have you join us. Infinite Twist has created amazing and affordable kits available at http://infinitetwist.com/six-bits These complete kits include brilliant yarn, perfect knitting needles and a host of extras for $25. Also a bit to think about: we are interested in your story! We talk about connecting with you and what you are creating. And the winners are: Today we announce our first winners of yarn and patterns from UNEARTH. Listen to see if it is YOU! Be sure to visit the beautifully refreshed website for more details: http://6bitsstorybooks.com

Episode 4 shares a love of capturing our knitting in great photos! We chat with creative business owner and yarn dyer of Space Cadet Yarns, Stephanie Alford about how to get that perfect shot once we have a finished object off the needles. I share ways You can win free yarn! Be sure to head over to the podcast information page for this week's insightful pdf teaching tool. Yours free just for listening!

Episode 3 this week includes Melody's Bit with some sharing of something she enjoys in natural dyeing. Melissa's bit includes discovery and deconstruction of yarn. Both get together in the 6 Questions segments where the topic is about Discovery. This week's sponsor is SpaceCadet Yarn, who passionately believe that knitting and crocheting make people happier, deep down inside, and that nothing does that more than working with gorgeous, vibrant yarn. For SpaceCadet Yarn, dyeing is a cosmic adventure! Head to http://spacecadetyarn.com to learn more about the out of this world yarns they can share with you! AS ALWAYS we have a free gift for you this episode: A Yarn Discovery Activity to download, available at http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/. It is the first in a 3 part series that we hope you enjoy and use to help you explore your own yarn. Be sure to enter this month's Yarn Giveaway! Win yarn and the free pattern used in our first issue just by leaving us an iTunes or Podomatic review! Snap a screen shot of your review and send it to hellomelissa@6bitsstorybooks.com Leave a review at both places and have an extra entry! We are so thankful you chose to spend time with us this week! Remember we are still creating our story even after the podcast end, so look for us in all the social media places and at our website: http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/#our-story

Episode 2 begins with a conversation between Melissa and Cate Carter-Evans of Infinite Twist. Cate shares not only helpful advice for mixing colours and a quick bit of colour theory in our chat, but she also has provided a downloadable guide with tips and teaching activities for listens. Also included is a great stash busting pattern. 6 Questions with Melody and Melissa segment includes some great discoveries about yarn and one another. Melissa is asked a question from a listener this week and that listener is in for quite a treat! This segment will have some changes to it in the works, so be sure to listen today and tell us what you think! Our sponsor for today's 'cast is Infinite Twist: No creative person wants to waste their most precious resource - their time - on an unsuccessful project. Infinite Twist takes the guess work out of yarn and color selection by providing what-you-see-is-what-you-get knitting kits. They sample everything using the same needles, notions, and patterns that go out with their kits to ensure we get the same fantastic results they did. Kits also save you money, offering better value than yarn and notions bought piecemeal. If a project requires 75 yards of a particular color, 75 yards is in the kit - you don't have to pay for a whole skein to get the amount of yarn you need. Infinite Twist kits are also great for travelers. Since everything you need is in included, you never have to worry about getting stuck on a long flight or car trip without the right needle or notion you need to move on with your project. Kits are also great for gifts, or as a great starting point for learning new techniques. Even better, U.S. shipping is free on all orders above $30 View all their stunning kits online at http://infinitetwist.com/shop/ Be sure to visit the 6 Bits Storybooks website throughout October and see sneak peeks of what you can expect from out First Issue: UNEARTH. As always, we are so thankful you chose to spend time with us today! Don't forget to download your special free gift about colour theory and the free pattern by visiting: http://www.6bitsstorybooks.com/podcast/

Starting is the theme of this first podcast. Melissa and Melody start with introductions of themselves. In the 6 Questions segment they take turns being interviewer and interviewee. Join in on the blog, IG and new 6 Bits Ravelry Group to tell your story to us!