YarnStories Podcast

Today’s episode is about sashiko mending. I had the great pleasure to talk with Jessica Marquez, author of Make + Mend. Interview Notes: Emi Ito’s (Little Koto’s Closet) Article about Cultural Appropriation – “An Open Letter To White Makers & Designers Who Are Inspired By The Kimono And Japanese Culture” Sashi.co’s articles specifically about Sashiko … Continue reading Episode 216 | Sashiko Mending with Jessica Marquez

Shannon Welsh, cofounder of Fibrevolution. Fibrevolution’s mission is to bring flax and linen production back to the state of Oregon (and really the United States). We’ll talk a little today about what happened to the industry there and what challenges Shannon and Angela face trying to bring it back Shannon (left) and Angela, Co-founders of … Continue reading Episode 215 | Fibrevolution with Shannon Welsh

Kim Werker is a writer, editor, and instructor living in Vancouver, BC.  Kim’s work really focuses on editorial and helping people find the joy and the fulfillment of making and learning to embrace failure and the ugly as a natural part of the process. Interview Notes: Kim’s Website Friendship Bracelets! from Purl Soho Interweave Crochet … Continue reading Episode 214 | Kim Werker

Today’s guest is Hunter Hammersen, a kindred spirit in geekery, knitting, collecting, and obsessive research. Also, we giggle a lot. Hunter is a prolific publisher and designer living in Maine. Interview Notes: Hunter’s Website & Blog Hunter’s Instagram Silk Road Socks (rerelease affiliate link) Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet 1, 2, & 3 (affiliate links) Rabble Rousers on … Continue reading Episode 213 | Hunter Hammersen

Cliff Cox is the Plant Manager at Chargeurs, a multi-national company with a plant in South Carolina that produces superwash and non-superwash wool sliver (combed and carded top). In this two-part series we will use the conversation with Cliff to dive into the deep mysteries of Superwash Wool and the ways it is made. Interview … Continue reading Episode 212 | Superwash Wool Part 2 w/ Cliff Cox

Cliff Cox is the Plant Manager at Chargeurs, a multi-national company with a plant in South Carolina that produces superwash and non-superwash wool sliver (combed and carded top). In this two-part series we will use the conversation with Cliff to dive into the deep mysteries of Superwash Wool and the ways it is made. Interview … Continue reading Episode 211 | Superwash Wool Part 1 w/ Cliff Cox

Hi everyone! Just a heads up that I’m recovering from a teaching trip (Fibromyalgia is no joke!) and so the next episode on Superwash Wool Processes will actually be coming at you next week, April 10, 2019 and then the second part will be released on April 17, which will get us back on the … Continue reading Delay for Episode 211

Note:  We’ll be talking about some medical stuff and bodily functions, so if the idea of surgery or medical stuff or talk about menstruation products grosses you out, this is maybe a good episode for you to skip. Alicia Ruthrauff is a product development engineer working for the Secant Group. She’s also a knitter, and … Continue reading Episode 210 | Alicia Ruthrauff & Medical Textiles

Anastasia Williams is the owner and dyer behind Garden Wool & Dye, a business focused on sustainable wool in naturally dyed colors. She grows, forages, and liberates the majority of her dyestuffs. She’s based in Elk Point, South Dakota. Interview Notes: Garden Wool & Dye Anastasia on Instagram, & Facebook The best book I’ve ever seen … Continue reading Episode 209 | Anastasia Williams & Natural Dyeing

In this episode, we chat with Carson Demers about his work in Ergonomics. He is a physical therapist who added a second career teaching knitters and spinners about the ergonomics of their craft. Interview Notes: Carson’s Website Carson on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Carson’s Book, Knitting Comfortably Ergonomics aka Human Factors Engineering Frank Gilbreth’s Study of Brick … Continue reading Episode 208 | Carson Demers & the Ergonomics of Fiber Craft

This whole episode is dedicated to my conversation with Jeanette Sloan about Diversity in Knitting and her work to highlight BIPOC Designers and Crafters. Interview Notes: Jeanette Sloan’s Site, Instagram, Ravelry Store Jeanette’s most recent pattern release, the North Point Wrap Black People Do Knit #Diversknitty Sockmatician, founder of the Diversknitty hashtag Lorna Hamilton Brown’s … Continue reading Episode 207 | Jeanette Sloan

This episode’s guests are first, Cheryl Kolander, pioneer of Peace Silk and avid natural dyer. Cheryl chats with us about raising silk – Sericulture. Then we chat with Sara Lamb about spinning silk and its various preparations. Interview Notes: Diversity in the Knitting Community. Check out the story highlights from @su.krita, @astitchtowear (who you should … Continue reading Episode 206 | Cheryl Kolander

In this episode we talk to Anne Weil about her new book, Weaving Within Reach, her use of natural materials, and making weaving as approachable as possible. Then I chat with Angela Tong about types of looms and what you can make with them. Interview Notes: Basic Structure of Weaving Anne Weil’s Site, Flax & … Continue reading Episode 205 | Anne Weil – Weaving Within Reach

This episode’s guest is Woolly Wormhead, designer extraordinaire of hats. We talk hat architecture, Brexit, and living in the limbo that it has caused. Interview Notes: Woolly’s Website and her Ravelry Shop Traditional Sideways hat structure Lateralis, the new collection from Woolly Wormhead Fiber Trends Felted Clog pattern Korra and Toph from the Elemental Collection Judy’s … Continue reading Episode 204 | Woolly Wormhead

In this episode I talk to Gabrielle Treanor, a mindfulness coach, author, and podcaster about being present, self care, being kind to yourself, and how those topics intersect with making. Gabrielle and her puppy  Interview Notes: Gabrielle’s Website & her Instagram Pressing Pause Gabrielle’s dog Positive Psychology Kate O’Sullivan (of A Playful Day)’s Conversations From Our … Continue reading Episode 203 | Gabrielle Treanor

Today’s episode is Part 2 of a conversation with Sally Fox, owner of Vreseis Limited, and the Colorganic Fiber trademark. She is a breeder of naturally colored cotton and a dedicated scientist. We’ll also talk to Joan Ruane about spinning cotton. You can find Part 1 here. Interview Notes: Sally Fox’s Website, Shop and Instagram California’s … Continue reading Episode 202 | Sally Fox – Part 2

Today’s episode is Part 1 of a conversation with Sally Fox, owner of Vreseis Limited, and the Colorganic Fiber trademark. She is a breeder of naturally colored cotton and a dedicated scientist. Show Notes: Sally Fox’s Website, Shop and Instagram California’s Yolo County More on Soil Microbiology Nematodes Naturally colored cotton’s Wikipedia page Mendelian Genetics Ginning … Continue reading Episode 201 | Sally Fox – Part 1

Attn: I’ve launched a Patreon, if you enjoy this podcast, please take a look. I’d love if you would join the fun and get all the extra stuff! Today’s episode is a conversation with Kristin Ford, owner of Woolfolk yarn. Kristin lives on Sauvie Island in Portland where she raises goats, highland cattle, and cider … Continue reading Episode 116 | Woolfolk

Attn: I’ve launched a Patreon, if you enjoy this podcast, please take a look. I’d love if you would join the fun and get all the extra stuff! In this, the second to last episode of the season, I talk to Jeane deCoster of Elemental Affects about her start with Shetland Wool and branching out … Continue reading Episode 115 | Elemental Affects

In this episode I talk to Neil Paice co-owner with his wife Sue of WooSheeps, based in Rural Scotland. Then we talk to Deb Robson about the Bluefaced Leicester sheep breed and its history. Show Notes: WooSheeps website, Instagram, Facebook. North Ronaldsay Sheep Madder and Indigo for natural dyeing Natural Dyes vs Synthetic Dyes WooSheeps … Continue reading Episode 114 | WooSheeps

In this episode I talk to Jonathan Berner owner of MJ Yarns.  We discuss dyeing for an impressionist painting feel, developing a yarn for a specific place, and his possible future career as a dog whisperer. Then we talk to Ben Hostetler about Mountain Meadow Wool. Show Notes: MJ Yarns’ website and on Instagram Pike Place … Continue reading Episode 113 | MJ Yarns

In this episode I talk to Karida Collins, owner of Neighborhood Fiber Co. and Mama to a brand new baby boy, Kai.  We talk mostly about activism, business dilemmas and being a minority in this industry. Then we talk to Deb Robson about Leicester Longwool Sheep. Show Notes: Neighborhood Fiber Co’s website & On Ravelry … Continue reading Episode 112 | Neighborhood Fiber Co

In this episode I talk to Michele Rose Orne, Creative Director of Swan’s Island Company based in Northport, Maine. Then we talk to Deb Robson about the history of the Rambouillet sheep breed. Show Notes: Swan’s Island’s Blankets My Vinculum Cardigan (on Ravelry) Michele’s Patterns on Ravelry Camden, Maine Ugly Christmas Sweaters! Swan’s Island (the Island) … Continue reading Episode 111 | Swans Island Yarn

In this episode I’ll talk to Bristol Ivy about her new book, Knitting Outside the Box. We’ll talk about British TV, disrupting the pedantry of the knitting world, and the importance of being kind to yourself. The whole episode will be dedicated to this conversation with Bristol. Show Notes: Knitting Outside the Box, available on … Continue reading Episode 110 | Bristol Ivy – Knitting Outside the Box

In this episode I’ll talk to Lorajean Kelley, Color-Queen of Knitted Wit. We talk activism, balancing local with internet-based life, and silly colorway names. Then I’ll talk to Amy King about the Targhee Sheep Breed and the fleece that comes from it. Show Notes: My Chromaticity Cowl and the Steven Be kit. Yay! The original … Continue reading Episode 109 | Knitted Wit

This episode introduces Sabrina Famellos, owner of Anzula Luxury Fibers. We talk about knitting vs crochet, everyday sexism, and being both an introvert and a business owner at the same time. Then we talk to Amy King about metallic fibers and specifically Stellina, the shiny component of Anzula’s newest yarn, Lucero.  TRIGGER WARNING: We get into … Continue reading Episode 108 | Anzula Luxury Fibers

This episode introduces Kim McBrien Evans, Minionster, Snarkitect, and Evil Master Genius of Indigodragonfly Designs. Kim’s color sense is surpassed only by her wit and sense of humor.  We also talk to Beth Smith about how to spin a yarn that mitigates the challenges of superwash wool. Show Notes: Indigodragonfly’s website The rainbow-drenched ‘Beige‘ The ‘Sargasm‘ … Continue reading Episode 107 | Indigodragonfly

In this episode I talk with Jennifer Tepper Heverley, owner and sole dyer of Spirit Trail Fiberworks. Spirit Trail focuses on luxury fibers, like merino, cashmere, silk, and some really great breed specific yarns in an extensive range of bases. We also talk to Deb Robson about Polwarth wool from Tarndwarncoort. Show Notes: Twist & … Continue reading Episode 106 | Spirit Trail Fiberworks

In this episode I chat with Hannah Thiessen, freelance creative and social media consultant, and author of Slow Knitting: A Journey from Sheep to Skein to Stitch (affiliate link). The book focuses on enjoying the entire process, from knowing about your yarn, to swatching for it to tell you what it wants to be, to the … Continue reading Episode 105 | Slow Knitting

In this episode I talk with Amanda Jarvis, the new owner/operator and long-time employee of Lorna’s Laces and Mrs Crosby Yarns. Lorna’s Laces has been a staple in the hand-dyed yarn market for years, and Mrs Crosby loves to play. We’ll then talk to Deb Robson about the superwash process and how it affects wool. … Continue reading Episode 104 | Lorna’s Laces & Mrs Crosby

In this episode we talk with Heidi Hennessey, owner and proprietress of Lux Adorna Knits in Boise, ID. Lux Adorna makes 100% cashmere yarn in 4 different weights and a multitude of colors. Then we’ll shift to expert talk with Amy King of Spunky Ecelctic about cashmere fiber and cable plying. Show Notes: Lux Adorna’s Website: http://luxadornaknits.com/ Lux … Continue reading Episode 103 | Lux Adorna Knits

In this episode we talk with Carol Feller, knitwear designer, teacher, and co-creator of  Nua Yarn. Carol lives in Cork, Ireland. Then expert talk with Amy King of Spunky Ecelctic about the Merino, Yak, and Linen blend that comprises Nua. Show Notes: Carol’s Website: http://stolenstitches.com/ Nua’s Ravelry Page: https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/stolen-stitches-nua Fyberspates: http://fyberspates.com/ Chester Wool: http://www.chesterwool.com/ Belfast’s Linen History The first Nua … Continue reading Episode 102 | Nua Yarn