I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life

In this episode, Anne shares a bit about Shetland Wool Week 2023, introduces Wovember 2023, and reviews Mosaic Knitting Workshop, by Ashleigh Wempe.  Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Shetland Wool Week Eve Eunson Shetland Museum and Archives Hazel Tindall Alison Rendall Wovember 2023 Posting Prompts and Prizes can be found on the I Thought I Knew How Instagram feed.  WovemberWool on Instagram Mosaic Knitting Workshop in print and as a Kindle e-book  (Those are affiliate links, meaning that if you place an order for the books, Amazon will give me a small fee for sending you to the site at no cost to you. It's a simple way to help support the podcast.) Uradale Yarns Double Knitting yarn Fiber Festival of New England The Journal of Scottish Yarns Purl Together on YouTube Music The songs in this episode were "White as the snow" by Tom Goldstein, "Too Dark to Tell," by Ben Bostick, and "Get Down to Get Up Again," by Humans Win.  An Appeal I am no longer accepting direct donations toward the running of the podcast. However, if you enjoy listening to the podcast, please support it by sharing it with the knitting lovers in your life. Many thanks!

In this episode, Anne provides some guidance for those who are attempting to shop for a knitter this holiday season and walks them through the whats and whys. These show notes will be the longest ever and will likely be chopped off by some podcast distribution apps. To get to all of the recommendation links, please visit the full show notes at IThoughtIKnewHow.com/episode-125-gifts-for-Knitters Links to Things Mentioned in the Show Blankets: Wool Throw Connecticut Blanket (scroll down for list of sellers)  Tea:  Art of Tea  Tea & Absinthe creates loose leaf tea blends based on fandoms (Perfect if your knitter is a nerd!)  Coffee Suggestions: Charleston Coffee Roasters Variety Sample Pack (Pre-ground)  City Boy Coffee (You can choose the type of coffee and what form it comes in.) Hot Chocolate options:  PopBar Hot Chocolate Sticks  Gourmet Du Village Hot Chocolate Based in Canada, come in packs of 6. Fun themed packaging and very tasty! They can be found in shops in the US as well.   Calendars: My Life with Sheep calendar by Jo Spencer on the Isle of Skye Lambies in Jammies and Goats in Coats Calendar  Digital Devices: Apple IPad Mini Apple IPad 10th Generation  Sumsung Galaxy Tab  Amazon Fire  The best knitting app on the planet: KnitCompanion  Headphones:  Budget option or stocking-stuffer: Panasonic Wired Earphones  I’ve been using these for years when I need a wired earphone. When something happens to them, I buy another pair of the same! For Apple users: The AirPods Pro2  have great sound and noise canceling, and they are built to work with Apple products, so they are quick and easy to set up and start using.  Over-ear style, wireless: Bose QuietComfort. In all honesty, I haven’t used these as I prefer the in-ear style, but I asked around and these were recommended over and over. They have noise canceling and are great for spoken-word situations and music!  Lamps:  A floor lamp with directional lighting A table lamp with semi-directional lighting Ott-Lites (full spectrum light lamps for crafters) LumosLumos neck lamps (Use code ANNE30 at checkout before December 2 for 30% off!) Cushions:Samsonite Lumbar Cushion with heat A basic, 12” x 20” throw pillow cover, don’t forget you will need a pillow form for it, too.    Lots of wool vendors and designers to be found at the LoveWovember.com marketplace! Kits US: Morehouse Farm UK: Uradale Yarns Canada: Urban Yarns Australia: The Skein Sisters EU: WoolDreamers You can also sign them up for kits to be delivered periodically! Hop over to Cratejoy and search for Knitting and see what subscription boxes are currently available!   Books The Journal of Scottish YarnsMemory Lane: Embellished Knits to Cherish Every Way With Granny Crochet Patty Lyon’s Knitting Bag of Tricks and the accompanying Workbook Books of knitted animals  Blocking tools: “Official” blocking mats (They will need multiple sets for an adult sweater)  A less expensive mat solution (This is what I use) Blocking Pins (yes, these are a special type!) KnitBlockers are like multiple pins in one Blocking wires  Jumper Board from Paparwark Furniture  Other ToolsSwift Ball Winder (The type I have is no longer available, but this is a reputable company) Yarn Bowl  Needle Roll  Plain hanging storage for circular needles A decorative hanging storage for circular needles (also check etsy.com!)   Binder system for circular needles  Interchangeable needle kits:  Knitters Pride has many options at different price points. All are good choices. This Chiaogoo Set is ideal for lace knitters as the tips are very pointy. HiyaHiya are also a popular brand.  BE CAUTIOUS of interchangeable needle sets priced below $70. You get what you pay for, and you want quality when it comes to interchangeables.  Janette Budge (knitting belts and classes) Small gifts: Bulk scissors Bulk glass nail files Bulk measuring tapes Standard stitch markers Metal stitch markers in a tin 1500 bulb pin stitch markers Decorative stitchmarkers  (also check Etsy!) Barber Cord in a tin Rolls of Barber Cord  Knitting Jewelry Cute yarn earrings Silver “yarn” earrings Charms suitable for a pandora-style jewelry Bracelet from an old knitting needle Honestly, there are so many options. Go to etsy and search for knitting jewelry and see what pops up around you! Gift Certificates If you do not have a local yarn store, support a local yarn store in my community! Knit New Haven Or, choose a yarn store closer to your home: Canada: West Coast Wools The UK: Black Sheep Wools Germany: Pascuali New Zealand: Flock of Knitters  I will see you daily through December on the Purl Together YouTube Channel and will return in audio form in 2025!   

Meet Helen Robertson this week on the podcast. Helen is a jewelry designer, knitting designer, and artist in Shetland. Her work celebrates nature, heritage, and Shetland, and frequently incorporates community building in her projects.  Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Shetland Wool Week Transportation Survey Helen Robertson's website, Instagram, Facebook, and Ravelry. She can be reached at info@helenrobertson.com Shetland Arts Myth and Materiality in a Woman's World, by Lynn Abrams Mark Sinclair Photography Bonhoga Gallery Shetland Wool Week Shetland Wool Week Annual, featuring Helen's Flying Flock Shetland Fine Lace Knitting, by Carol Christiansen Slew Unst Knit Shetland Lace Deckchair Challenge on YouTube Unst Heritage Centre Glansin Glass Purl Together YouTube Channel

Join Anne for a chat with knitwear designer Joanna Hunter! Grab your knitting and listen as Joanna shares her design process and experiences in the world of high fashion, film, and local commerce.  Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode #Wovember2024 posting prompts LoveWovember Marketplace 1917 is currently streaming on Amazon Prime in the US, if you would like to see Joanna's scarves and wristlets! Ninian's website, Instagram, and Facebook Purl Together YouTube Channel

Three museum pieces piqued Anne's interest on a recent road trip. Fall down the rabbit hole with her as she shares what she learned about letterman sweaters, machine crochet, and Mr. Rogers' famous cardigans. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Path Lit By Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe, by David Maraniss  Pro Football Hall of Fame A Christmas Story House In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, by Jean Shepherd Machine crochet is real! Heinz History Center The Interview with Mr. Rogers on YouTube is available at this link.  Bonus: You can find episodes of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood streaming at this link. Please note that the links to the books above are Amazon affiliate links. Should you buy the books using those links, a small portion of your purchase will help support the costs of the show at no additional cost to you.  Music This episode's music was Jontavious Willis' "Daddy's Dough," Humans Win's "Back to Our Beginning," and "Do You Believe in Magic?" from Precarious Perch.

Have you ever daydreamed about opening your own fiber mill? Join Anne as she sits down with Malinda and Claudia of Alchemy Fiber Mill to hear their story of opening a mill to meet the needs to their local wool community! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Find Alchemy Fiber Mill at their website, Instagram, or Facebook Follow @IThoughtIKnewHow on Instagram to get updates about Wovember!

Come along with Anne to visit the last three newcomer shops on this year's upcoming I-91 Summer Vacation Shop Hop through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire! Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode Claim your tickets for Stitch N'Pitch in Hartford on August 17! Simsbury Yarns: Instagram, Facebook KnittyGrittyYarnGirl: Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube The Woolly Thistle: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry Music This episode's music was Tom Goldstein's "Song for You," Jontavious Willis' "The World is in a Tangle," and Ben Bostick's "Take it on Faith."

The I-91 Shop Hop is coming up in August and will feature 6 additional stores. Come along with Anne to visit three of the new additions to this popular yarn crawl through southern New England! Get a peek at what you can expect at each store and some thoughts to help you plan the trip itself! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Information about the I-91 Summer Vacation Shop HopMadison Wool: Website, Instagram, Facebook Knit & Pearls: Website, Instagram, Facebook Alchemy Fiber Mill: Website, Instagram, Facebook Book your tickets for Stitch N'Pitch on August 17, 2024 here! Music There are three songs in this episode: "I Don't Hate You But Goodbye," by Sarah Angel; "Body and Head," by Kaii Dreams, and "Marie," by Humans Win.  

Anne sits down with Patty Lyons to talk about her upcoming Official Workbook companion to Patty Lyon's Knitting Bag of Tricks. Along the way they talk about Patty's journey to becoming a highly regarded knitting teacher, her "feud" with Seth Meyers, and a few top tips all knitters should know. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Patty Lyons' website, Instagram, and YouTube Channel Visit her Events page to keep on top of where Patty will be next! Order Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks on Amazon, and preorder the workbook here, or watch Patty's website to order directly from her! Modern Daily Knitting Franklin Habit Lucy Neatby Mary Martin Stitch N'Pitch is coming to Hartford, August 17, 2024. Reserve your tickets here! I-91 Shop Hop Information

Join Anne as she chats with Julia Madill about her design work, including a new book coming in September for crocheters: Every Way with Granny Crochet: 50 shapes in classic granny stitch. Be sure to stick around after for information about three upcoming events!  Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast Julia Madill's website, Instagram, and Ravelry Preorder Every Way with Granny Crochet on Amazon (affiliate link) Pompom Magazine Crochet.com Stitch 'n Bitch, by Debbie Stoller (Did you know there is a version for crochet, too?) (affiliate links) Knitty The Yarn Harlot Sophie Scarf Stitch N'Pitch Hartford, August 17, 2024! I-91 Shop Hop 2024 -- There is no official website, but information can be found in this Facebook post. Makkin Our Way Through Shetland 2025 If you enjoyed this episode, please send it on to a friend! The advertisements at the beginning and end of the show are one of the ways I fund the podcast, which costs several hundred dollars a month. Amazon links are another way the bills get paid, as well as events like Stitch N'Pitch and the Shetland Hogmanay Yarn Box. Your support helps maintain the podcast as a way to spotlight heritage craft, boost the work of designers and authors, and encourage the use of natural fibers. Thank you!

In this episode, Anne shares about her visit to the Woolly Good Gathering in Edinburgh last month, some thoughts about this year's Sheltand Wool Week hat, and a whole lot more, including details about the Stitch N'Pitch event coming August 17, 2024 in Hartford, CT! Links to Things Mentioned in the Show Woolly Good Gathering Donna Smith Designs Uradale Yarns Paparwark Furniture Mella Handmade Soap Midwinter Yarns Jamieson's of Shetland Uist Wool The Journal of Scottish Yarns Summerhall 2022 Shetland Wool Week Annual Nutscene Cockleshell Scarf from Jamieson's of Shetland Sanik Shawl by Donna Smith Rachel Hunter MRI Maakers Terri Laura's store, Instagram, and Facebook Stitch N'Pitch Hartford (Link should work after May 20!) Music This week's songs were Tom Goldstein's "Today," and "Deeper Than the Heart," by Brad Howard.

In this episode, Anne covers Nylon in the newest instalment of the series about the various fibers used in yarn. Also, get all the details for the Shetland Hogmanay Box and find out where you can meet Anne in person at the end of April! Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode Episode 99: Acrylic Chimamanda Ngozi Adichia Nylon on Wikipedia Nylon on Britannica.com 7 Properties of Nylon How is Nylon made? What is Nylon and Is It Sustainable? Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook Uppspuni Purchase your Shetland Hogmanay Box on April 13, 2024 at noon eastern time! Find me in the Woolly Good Gathering marketplace, April 26 and 27, 2024! Music The song in this episode was Kaii Dreams and Wild Heart singing, "Half of Your Heart."

Anne shares a travelog of her recent trip to Farnham, England, to attend the Unravel Festival. How was it? How do you get there? Should you get there? Plus, updates about a couple upcoming events, including news about this year's Shetland Hogmanay Box! Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode Unravel Farnham Maltings Bush Hotel, Farnham Tabby and Tweed Syliva Watts-Cherry Terri Laura Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Follow Anne on Instagram, Facebook, or get on the mailing list on the website to stay updated about the upcoming sale of the 2024 Shetland Hogmanay Box and tickets for the Stitch N'Pitch event on August 17, 2024. Music The first song in this episode was "He's Got Heart," by Brad Howard. Then we heard "Welcome, Alice," by Luigi Bellanova.

In this episode, Anne falls down a rabbit hole regarding the etymology of the word steek and how the use of the term in knitting has evolved through the years.  Please note that the episode uses the words fagot and fagoting, which are crafting terms that, despite having different spelling than a perjoritive term, are pronounced the same way. If hearing the terms may cause you discomfort, please skip this episode or fast-forward from the end of the first song to the start of the second song. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary The Oxford English Dictionary website Traditional Fair Isle Knitting Hazel Tindall Elizabeth Johnston Elizabeth Williamson Hazel Laurenson Viveka Velupillai Unst Heritage Centre Knitting in the Old Way The Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting Shetland Fine Lace Knitting (The newest contribution to the field.) Traditional Knitting Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting The Art of Shetland Lace Heirloom Knitting: A Shetland Lace Knitter's Pattern and Workbook Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Music Humans Win created both of the songs featured in this episode: "Giving Up" and "Before You Go." Please note that the ads that run before and after the episode are attached by the hosting provider and are based on your location and demographics. The ads vary and are not endorsed by Anne Frost or I Thought I Knew How. Their inclusion helps defray the costs associated with running the podcast. Additionally, links above may be affiliate links, meaning that if you click through and make a purchase, a small percentage will be provided to ITIKH to defray the costs of the podcast without affecting the amount you pay for the product or service. Thank you for your kind support of the show!

Anne is back with a yarn and pattern review, some thoughts on what it takes to be successful with some common crafting resolutions, and a whole lot more! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Wovember2023 LoveWovember.com LoveWovember.com Marketplace Woolly Winter Countdown Playlist Interview with Terri Laura Terri Laura on Ravelry Specter Cowl, by Caitlin Murphy Garthenor Organic Preseli FaceTheMusicMonday YSRestash23 Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours for 2024 Support the Show by shopping the Be a Booster page, or by spreading the word to your fellow fiber crafters! Email Anne if you'd be interested in an Event in Hartford in August 2024 at anne@ithoughtiknewhow.com Music This episode featured three songs: "Better Life," by Humans Win; "Strawberry Daiquiri," by Sarah Angel; and "I'm Missing You," by Skip Tracy.    

In this episode, Anne sits down with Solveigh Lass-Evans of Iolair Yarn and designer of the Sea Pink Top. Solveigh shares her fiber craft journey, including how a major loss sparked a new career as a hand dyer and designer.  Please note that those who are newly experiencing grief may want to delay listening to this episode.  Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode There are only a very limited number of Shetland Hogmanay Boxes left! Order yours here. The Journal of Scottish Yarns The last two Instagram Live events of the #yarnmal2023 had some hints about the upcoming issue 4 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns. Watch them here and here. Iolair Yarn Sea Pink Top Find Solveigh on Instagram Find Iolair Yarn in person this year at the Scottish Yarn Festival, Yarndale, Glasgow School of Yarn, and the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrowgate. Learn more about the listener dinner at No.88 here. The show will now be on a hiatus for the next few months. Please follow or subscribe to the show through your favorite podcast app, and when the show returns, the new episode will automatically for you!

In this episode, meet Fay Dashper-Hughes, designer of both knit and crochet patterns, host of The Crochet Circle Podcast, and owner of Provenance Craft Co. Fay designed the Dunnet Bay Hap from Issue 3 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns and shares her plans for Fay DH Designs. Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast Shetland Hogmany Boxes Join Anne for the listener dinner at No.88 during Shetland Wool Week. Find the details here.  Provenance Craft Co. Wool Work (Formerly Knit British) Podcast The Journal of Scottish Yarns Dunnet Head Hap Moorit Magazine The Crochet Circle Fay DH Designs on the web and on Instagram

In this episode, meet Jess of Ginger Twist Studio, a lovely local yarn store that doubles as a popular fiber destination for visitors to Edinburgh, Scotland. Jess's handdyed yarn has appeared several times in the pages of The Journal of Scottish Yarns, and she took the time to speak about that and the joys and challenges of owning a yarn shop. Have you been dreaming of your own store? Have a listen! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Shetland Hogmanay Boxes Join Anne for dinner during Shetland Wool Week Ginger Twist Studio is Jess's home on the web. Find her online store and hours for the brick and mortar! You can also find Ginger Twist Studio on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  Ginger's Splendor and Masham Mayhem were featured in the Forvie Shawl pattern and Sweet Flax was featured in the pattern for the Carstramon Top in The Journal of Scottish Yarns.  Jess's recommended spots for fiber-travelers to Edinburgh: Dovecot Studios, Chambers Street Museum, Leith, Pascal & Co., 24 Royal Terrace, Art & Vintage.

In this episode, Anne learns more about weaving with Ange Sewell, owner of Weft Blown and designer of the Magnolia Cowl in issue three of The Journal of Scottish Yarns.  Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode West Kilbride, Craft Town Scotland Zoom Loom Hazel Rose Looms Botanical Blanket Pin Loom Weaving Kit Turtle Loom Ange Sewell's website is weftblown.com and you can find her on Instagram. The Journal of Scottish Yarns Shetland Hogmanay Boxes Join Anne and other listeners for dinner at No.88 during Shetland Wool Week. RSVP here. Grae Cove 

In this episode, Anne shares the fibery goodness of her recent road trip in Normandy, including a visit to a fiber festival, the birthplace of Rambouillet sheep, and more! Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode Le Fil de la Manche Ovis Et Cetera Pôle Laines Robach Shawl The Journal of Scottish Yarns Natissea (Maker of the linen/cotton blend yarn. Please note, the yarn's name is Linae and is actually a fingering weight yarn.) The Verona Tee-Shirt is the sweater I (rather poorly) described that I plan to knit with the Linea. Bayeux Tapestry Museum Pré Salé Sheep La Bergerie Nationale Rambouillet Sheep Shetland Hogmanay Boxes Shetland Wool Week Songs There were many songs in this episode! In order:  "Invisible Love," by Wild Heart and Kaii Dreams "Summer in Paris," by Humans Win "Casa de Frio," by Jon Presstone "Dark Space," by we20fifty