Episodes

  • Episode 125: Gifts for Knitters
    Nov 27 2024
    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!
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    48 mins
  • Episode 124: Helen Robertson
    Nov 23 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Episode 123: Joanna Hunter
    Oct 30 2024

    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

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    54 mins
  • Episode 122: Museum Knits
    Sep 28 2024

    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.

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    40 mins
  • Episode 121: Alchemy Fiber Mill
    Sep 11 2024

    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!


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    35 mins
  • Episode 120: 2024 I-91 Shop Hop, Part Two
    Jul 19 2024

    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."

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 119: 2024 I-91 Shop Hop, Part 1
    Jul 12 2024

    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 Hop
    Madison 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.

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    54 mins
  • Episode 118: Patty Lyons
    Jun 28 2024

    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

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    55 mins