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

In this episode, Anne sits down with Alison Mayne and Roni the Woolchemist to hear about their fiber crafting journeys, including their recent collaboration in the creation of the Robach Shawl for issue three of The Journal of Scottish Yarns. 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Shetland Hogmanay Boxes Order your copy of issue three of The Journal of Scottish Yarns using code ITIKH for 3 off a print version of ITIKH3DIG for 3 off a digital download! Find Anne on Instagram, Facebook, or her website. Find Alison Mayne on Instagram or her website.  Find Roni the Woolchemist on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Etsy. You can also sign up for her newsletter.  Stitching Together Network Alison's wrist warmer pattern at The Draper's Shop Natalie in Stitches Margaret Fay Shaw The Peigi Anndra Shawl

In this episode, Anne speaks with Samira Hill, designer and teacher of knitting and crochet, as well as a professional pattern writer and tech editor. Samira is also one of the organizers of Tangled Galashiels, a new fiber festival in the Scottish Borders.

Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode

Shetland Hogmanay Box Listener Dinner at Shetland Wool Week The Journal of Scottish Yarns Episode 101 I Thought I Knew How on Facebook, Instagram, and Ravelry Eildon Hills Designs Samira Hill on Instagram and Ravelry Knitting for All Bowfiddle Yarns Tangled Galashiels

In this episode, Anne sits down with crochet designer, Merrian Holland, who is a regular contributor to The Journal of Scottish Yarns. Merrian relates her experiences with fiber crafts, which began as a child in Germany and progressed along a path through graphic design and replica jewelry. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Order Issue 3 of The Journal of Scottish Yarns using code ITIKH3 or ITIKH3DIG for  £3 off the print or digital issue, respectively. The Yarn MAL 2023 continues until August 9, 2023, so there is still time to take part! Order the 2023 Shetland Hogmanay Yarn Box Find Merrian Holland at her website or on Instagram Green Elmbridge The Riverhouse Hookers Machair Tank Top Zakami Yarns Twine Bag Crochet stitch conversions UK/US Whichcraft Wools Unraveled/Farnham Maltings

In this episode, Anne fills in listeners on some upcoming changes before sharing her experience knitting with wire in a class with Helen Robertson. Also, there is a review of Latta, a new American-grown and -milled nonsuperwash wool from Queen City Yarn. 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Join in on the make along with The Journal of Scottish Yarns! Visit their storeto pick up issue three and use code ITIKH3 or ITIKH3DIG for £3 off the print or digital versions respectively, and join us on June 28 for an Instagram live kick-off event at 2 pm EST/7 pm British time! Email [email protected] to get on the waitlist for the Makkin Our Way Through Shetland tours for 2024! Helen Robertson's Slew Unst Knit Shetland Lace Deckchair Challenge Online classes with Helen Robertson Queen City Yarn's Latta yarn -- Do not panic if you go have a look right away. The yarn will go live on August 1. Mark your calendar! Learn more about the Shetland Hogmanay Box, a 31 day mystery yarn box leading up to New Year's Eve. Music

The songs in this episode were "I Built It Myself," by Nicholas Rowe; "The Drifter," by Zoze; and "Outlaw," by Brad Howard.

In this episode, Anne has a chat with Susan Anderson, the editor of the Journal of Scottish Yarns, about her fiber background and the birth of the Journal. They cover some of the topics in past issues as well as issue three, which will provide the patterns for a make along starting on June 28! Listen to the episode for details! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

The information about the Icelandic Goats is in episode 81, an interview with Johanna Thorvaldsdottir of Haafell Goat Farm Tangled Galashiels Seed.ed on Instagram Di Gilpin Scottish Yarn Festival Scottish Wool Producers Showcase The Journal of Scottish Yarn Make Along will require a copy of Issue 3. Use code ITIKH3 to save £3 on a print copy, or ITIKH3DIG to save £3 on a digital copy. Order here. Participate on Instagram using #yarnmal2023, Facebook, or Ravelry Order the Zoom Loom from designer and teacher, Ange Sewell, based in the UK Order a Zoom Loom on Amazon US

I just had a few things to share with folks and wanted to make sure the people who aren't on social media heard about them before it was too late! Find the Shetland Hogmanay Box here: 

https://store.ithoughtiknewhow.com/ To join the Make Along with The Journal of Scottish Yarns, visit their store to pick up Issue 3: 

https://yarnjournal.com/shop Use code ITIKH3 for £3 off a print copy.

Use code ITIKH3DIG for £3 off a digital copy. All the other info is in the audio! I'll be back June 19 with the next real episode!

In the 100th episode of the podcast, Anne shares the history of I Thought I Knew How, along with listener contributions and plans for the future of the show. Grab your knitting and celebratory mood and have a listen! Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast

Knit New Haven Morehouse Farm Events Morehouse Merino Flock Anne on Instagram and Facebook, as well as the website where you can scroll down to join the mailing list

Music

The first song was "Hold Up," by Nick Battle, followed by Humans Win with "Wherever This Life Goes."

In this episode, Anne adds to the fiber series by taking on acrylic and shares some strong opinions along the way. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Acrylic Fiber and Acrylonitrile on WikipediaRed Heart's wool yarn Red Heart Super Saver A side-by-side burn test comparison of a toy made from acrylic vs. a toy made from wool. The flammability of various clothing fibers Why Are We All So Terrified of Pajama Fires? Children's Sleepwear RegulationsWhat is Acrylic Fabric: Properties, How it's Made and Where What is the history and origin of acrylic? Types of Synthetic FibersKnit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Dropps Detergent Follow Anne on Instagram and join the Facebook Group. To join the mailing list, visit the websiteand scroll down to enter your email address in the mailing list field. 

Music The first song was "Feeling Mean" by Ben Bostick, followed by Humans Win, featuring Janell Belcher, with "Tiny Brilliance."

In this episode, Anne shares the start of her spinning journey, reviews Knitted Word yarn, and has a few thoughts about embracing how you get your projects done. That, plus a few songs from Tom Goldstein.

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Knitten Word Harriet Cowl Knit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Wool& WoolandPrince WoolX Dropps Sable Flow Visit the website to join the mailing list Follow Anne on Instagram Join the Facebook Group 

Music

"Dawn" and "Time and Time Again" by Tom Goldstein.

In this episode, Anne invited Elizabeth Williamson, Shetland Lace knitter and designer, back on the show to talk about preserving heritage crafts. How can it be done? Why should it be done? Elizabeth is a talented Shetland Lace knitter, so the discussion takes place in the context of Shetland Lace, but there is a lot to be considered about heritage craft preservation in general! Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast Support the Show on PatreonListen to Elizabeth's first appearance on the podcast. Elizabeth Williamson's website (Click on Classes to sign up for her lace talks and lessons) Victorian Lace Today is the book that inspired Anne to knit lace back in the day. (Affiliate link) The Shetland Lace Project ShetlandPeerieMakkers are one of the ways Shetland knitters are preserving their heritage methods. The UK Heritage Craft Association Anne is inviting listeners to call in and leave a message to celebrate the 100th episode of the show. Please call 860 281 2437 and leave a message about something you learned from the show, a rabbit hole it sent you down, or anything you enjoyed about a show or the show generally. Time is tight! Please call in by April 4!

In this episode, Anne visits the Museum of Welsh Textiles with its curator, Rosamund Black. Learn more about the Welsh National Costume, mill and hand weaving, and much, much more. Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast

Support the Show at the new Be a Booster page Watch Anne's Welsh yarn Show and Tell on the Purl Together podcast The Museum of Welsh Textiles The Welsh National Costume Rosamund Black on Instagram Lady Llanover

Sponsors

Knit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Group

In this episode, Anne sits down with Elizabeth Johnston of Shetland Handspun. Elizabeth was Shetland Wool Week patron in 2018 and is well known for her handspun yarns, as well as her designs featuring Fair Isle and Shetland lace. 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Knit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Elizabeth Johnston on Instagram and Facebook Shetland Handspun Website ShetlandPeerieMakkers Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Purl Together YouTube Channel Support the Show

Patreon allows listeners to support the show directly with benefits in return. Visit our affiliates and sponsors. Your purchases support the show at no additional cost to you.

In this episode, Anne takes a fiber-themed walk through Commercial Street in Lerwick and out to the far end of town. Have you been thinking of a visit to Shetland, or do you have a visit coming up? Get a sense of just how fiber-packed the main street of the town is with this walk from Jimmy Perez's house to Jamieson and Smith.

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Support the show by becoming a patron. Knit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Group The Shetland Times Bookshop Jamison's of Shetland Anderson Co. Ninians R.A.M. Knitwear Loose Ends J G Rae Odie's Antiques and Collectables Jamieson and Smith

Music

The first song was "Electra to the Baltic Sea," by Giuseppe Rizzo. The second song was "Where Do We Run?" by Humans Win (Featuring MMKAY).

In this episode, Anne introduces ChatGPT to knitting. How does artificial intelligence handle handicrafts? Can you rely on it for accurate information? Have a listen! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode If you'd like to have your own interaction with ChatGPT, find it here.   Support the podcast at Patreon!

Sponsors

Knit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Group Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours 

Songs

"Rainy Day Cafe," by Zoze and "Wherever This Life Goes," by Humans Win.

In this episode, Anne talks about her first finished object of 2023, the Sanderling Cardigan, has a talk about talking to herself, and offers a brief introduction to Bohus Stickning. 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode and Reference Materials Used

Sanderling cardigan Mountain Mohair yarn from Green Mountain Spinnery Ripples, by Hilly van Der Sluis Books with information about Bohus Stickning: A History of Hand Knitting, Knitting Around the World, Knitting in the Old Way, Poems of Color: Knitting in the Bohus Tradition. The last book is devoted entirely to Bohus Knitting and has the most information on the Bohus Stickning Cooperative and patterns. Sponsors Patrons sponsor the show directly! Knit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Group Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours 

Music

The first song was "Love Spell," by Zemer. The second was Zoze with "It Goes On."

In this episode, Anne takes a deep dive into alpaca, and all the other South American camelid fibers!

Links to Source Material and Things Mentioned in the Podcast

Much of the episode was based on personal experience working with alpaca fiber yarns and discussions I've had with camelid raisers and spinners I've met through the years, but the information was confirmed for me in the wonderful book, The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook. Wikipedia also has excellent articles about vicuña, guanaco, alpaca, and llama. North American Paco-Vicuna Association Music

Both of the songs in this episode were by Raighes Factory. The first song was "Smiling You" and the second was "Path." Support the Show Patrons of the show directly supporting the podcast on Patreon. If you'd like to support the show in other ways, please share the episode with a fiber-craft loving friend or consider shopping with my sponsors: Knit New Haven Morehouse Farm Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Wool& 

In this episode, Anne talks about the three projects you should be knitting right now, wraps up Wovember, and more!

Links to Things Mentioned in this Episode

Support the show at Patreon!   Sanderling Mountain Mohair Mitten Garland Advent Calendar Adventskalendar Turvie LoveWovember Find the Woolly Countdown Videos on the Purl Together YouTube channel

Sponsors

Knit New Haven Morehouse Farm There are still 2-3 spaces available on the Contemporary Crafts tour this summer! Learn more at the Island Vista website!

Anne sits down with Jana of the Purl Together YouTube podcast to chat about some of the benefits and challenges associated with having a knitting podcast. Plus, info about the 2023 Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours, Wovember, and more! Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast Support the show on Patreon. Purl Together on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and the web. Anne's Instagram (for Wovember!) Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours LoveWovember.com  Sponsors

Knit New Haven Morehouse Farm

Anne takes you along to the Fiber Festival of New England. Meet some of the vendors who where there and hear about their ingenious and interesting products. Plus, more on Wovember and an update on the state of wool in Austria from an Austrian listener! Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast

Support the show on Patreon Fiber Festival of New England JaggerSpun The Wool Room at Longmeadow Farm The Dancing Pony Sheep Farm -- email Paula Aarons at [email protected] Windridge Farm Junction Fiber Mill The Fuzzy Bunny Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association The Fiber Seed 

Sponsors

Knit New Haven Morehouse Farm 

Episode 087: Elizabeth Williamson

In this episode, Anne sits down with Shetland lace knitter, teacher, and designer, Elizabeth Williamson. PLEASE NOTE: There is some minor interference in this episode. It's mostly at the start of the interview. Apologies in advance.

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Elizabeth Williamson Knitting, for Elizabeth's information and classes Elizabeth on Instagram Elizabeth's patterns can be found on Ravelry Wovember has an additional home on the internet at LoveWovember.com Find the prompts for Wovember on October 27, 2022 on Anne's Instagram 

Sponsors

Many thanks to Knit New Haven, Morehouse Farm, and my patrons for sponsoring the podcast!

In this episode, Anne checks in after her time away in Shetland and Austria, and looks ahead to Wovember, coming on November 1! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Factor Meals -- Sign up using this link and get a discount on your first 6 boxes! Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Shetland Wool Week Annual Shetland Textile Museum Die Spindel/Ulrike Müller-Kaspar Helen Robertson Allison Rendall Red Houss Elizabeth Williamson Knitting Wovember.com Purl Together on YouTube That Knitting Show on YouTube Thank you to Knit New Haven, Morehouse Farm, and my patrons for sponsoring the podcast!

Songs

Both songs this week are from Humans Win. First was "It Don't Get Old Loving You," followed by "Keep It Simple."

In this episode, Anne speaks with Linda and Lisa of Wool Decanted, a yarn producer in England with the goal of producing a soft, locally sourced and processed British yarn for fiber crafters. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Support the podcast at Patreon! I-91 Shop Hop Knit New Haven Morehouse Merino Flock Group Hitofude cardigan Wool Decanted Registration for Makkin Our Way Through Shetland 2023

Episode 084: Donna Smith In this episode, Anne sits down with former Shetland Wool Week Patron, Donna Smith, to talk about how she got her start with wool crafts, her time as Patron, starting her own yarn company, and her current work with yarn dyeing. Enjoy! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Support the show at Patreon

Knit New Haven I-91 Shop Hop Norwegian Handknits Morehouse Merino Flock Group Hitofude Cardigan Donna Smith's Blog, Website, Instagram, and Ravelry Donna's blog entry about the art piece discussed in the episode Baa-ble Hat Linda Shearer's Bonnie Isle Hat for Shetland Wool Week 2022 Langsoond Yarn

In this episode, Anne visits with Devrie Metcalf, knitted toy designer and author, to talk about her love of knitted toys and why they are such a great project, even for new knitters! Devrie is author of Joanie's Magical Day at the Beach and Knitting for Playtime: Treasures of the Ocean, a children's picture book and pattern book that allows you to knit the characters from the book. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Support the show through Patreon Knit New Haven on Instagram Morehouse Merino Flock Group Hitofude Cardigan Morehouse Merino Lace Joanie's Magical Day at the Beach and Knitting for Playtime: Treasures of the OceanDevrie Metcalf on Etsy, Fiberocity, Ravelry, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Be sure to visit I Thought I Knew How on Instagram to find the post mentioned in the episode! It will go live Monday evening after the episode goes up for everyone else!

In this episode, Anne sits down with Hulda Brynjólfsdóttir at Uppspuni Mini Mill to talk about Icelandic wool, sheep farming in Iceland, Hulda's decision to start a mill, and the truly amazing Icelandic yarn she's been able to produce. 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode I-91 Shop Hop Knit New Haven Morehouse Farm Shawl Patterns and Kits Morehouse Shawl Kit Amy Snell's Ravelry page for her Super Summer ShawlalongUppspuni Mini MillBelfast Mini Mills Istex The Hidden People South Iceland Wool Week Uppspuni Mini Mill at Facebook and Instagram Contact Hulda at the Uppspuni Contact Page or by emailing [email protected]

Sponsors Many thanks to Knit New Haven, Morehouse Farm, and my lovely Patrons for their support of the podcast!

In this first episode of season 7, Anne sits down with Jóhanna Þorvaldsdóttir of Haafell Goat Farm to learn about her work preserving a rare species of Icelandic goat. Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode

Morehouse Farm Shawls Knit New Haven I-91 Shop Hop Frank Pepe's Pizza Haafell Goat Farm Website, Instagram, Facebook Page. If you'd like to try the cashmere from Jóhanna's goats, contact her through one of the online sources above! If you'd like to get on the waiting list for the 2023 Makkin our Way Through Shetland tours, email Jolene Garriock at [email protected]. If you plan to travel with a companion and want to share a room, be sure to include that in your email. Join Anne's mailing list at her website (scroll down a bit). Patrons will get the first chance to book a space on the Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours. Visit the I Thought I Knew How Patreon page to join. 

In this episode, Anne takes a deep dive into cotton: the history, quirks, and care! Plus, news of a NY/PA yarn crawl, a New Years themed yarn box, and more. 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

FairTrade.net maintains a list of cotton growers and processors that adhere to their fair trade standards. Katia Fair Cotton has been certified as fair trade by the ICEA. Fair Trade cottons not mentioned in the episode: Quince&Co's organic cotton comes from a collection of organic cotton farms in California and all the processing from plant to yarn happens in the United States, so while not certified, it is processed under worker protection laws. Also, Bare Naked Wool's Pakucho cotton is certified organic and fair trade. A store is coming to the I Thought I Knew How website, and the first item to go up for sale will be the Shetland Hogmanay yarn box! Watch the website for details on the presale coming in May! Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival is coming to North Haven, CT, on April 30, 2022. See you there! That Knitting Show on YouTube

Sponsors

Four local yarn shops in New York and Pennsylvania are hosting the Twin Tiers Yarn Crawl on Saturday, April 30: Blossburgh Company Store, Fibers Arts in the Glen, Rabbit Row Yarns & Haberdashery, and Wooly Minded. Get the details at the Rabbit Row Yarns & Haberdasherywebsite. Knit New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut, is a the perfect part of a day out for you and your knitting and spinning friends. Learn more at their website! 

The Morehouse Merino Flock Group continues to move on through the summer. Find all the help you need for knit along projects and your own! Join the flock at the website! Songs

The songs in this episode were "The Myth of Translation," by Ben Bostick, and "This is Not All," by Humans Win.

In this episode, Anne shares some thoughts on charity knitting, or "Pay It Forward" knitting, including some tips for success and how and where to find groups to create for. She wraps things up with a reflection on her Month of Lace and ends with a couple of special announcements. Enjoy! Links to Things Mentioned in the Show

Afghans for Afghans Hat Not Hate The innocent Big Knit Warm Up America Charity Knitting with Nicole Facebook Group Charity Knitting and Crafts Facebook Group JustServe.org Hap Cowl, by Ella Gordon Uradale Yarns Brough Shawl, by Donna Smith Langsoond Yarn Elizabeth Williamson, online Shetland Lace knitting teacher Sponsors

Knit New Haven is known as one of the retail homes of Clinton Hill Cashmere. This truly luxuriant yarn can also be found in their online store. Check it out!

Morehouse Farm is holding a contest to name the color ways of their new Glenleigh Worsted yarn line. Click through to enter your suggestions, and if your name is chose, Erin will send you a hank to the yarn you named!

While most of the support for the show comes through Patreon, some listeners opt to make a one-time gift to Anne at Ko-fi.Com. Learn more at the podcast's Kofi site. Songs

The songs in this episode were "I Have Five Things to Say," by Nicholas Rowe and "Die Living," by Ben Bostick.

Donna has very kindly offered a 25% off coupon code to her website and Ravelry patterns through March 31, 2022, for listeners of I Thought I Knew How. Use code THOUGHTIKNEWHOW in either location to take advantage of this kind offer. Many thanks, Donna! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Donna Estin’s website Join Donna Estin Designs to be the first to know of new designs and discounts Donna Estin on Ravelry, Instagram, and Facebook. Donna's Knitwear Designer Certification course and Marketing Course. The Knitting Guild Association's Master Hand Knitting Program and their Master Hand Knitting Facebook Group Donna's patterns that were mentioned in the show: Northern Girl's Fair Isle Tam, Nor'easter Pullover, the Druid's Guernsey, and Blackwater Mosaic Pullover. Next Level Knitting Conference, April 22-24, 2022 The Principles of Knitting, by June Hemmons Hiatt The Hap Cowl, by Ella Gordon The Hap Cowl KAL thread on the Purl Together Ravelry Group Find organizations in need of knitted, crocheted, and sewn donations by visiting JustServe.org and clicking the link to Volunteer Remotely. Sponsors

Knit New Haven has sping on the brain! Their Instagram feed is full of spring-leaning ideas. Hop over and follow them to stay abreast of what's going on the shop and visit their website to learn more! The Morehouse Merino Flock has a series of interesting knit alongs coming up, including one to make an entrelac sheep. Learn more at their site! Wool& has updated their 100 day dress challenge with a 30-day version. Wear the same Wool& dress for 30 days and receive $30 off your next purchase. Learn more by using this link, and if you decide to buy, your purchase will support the show at no additional cost to you!

In this episode, Anne goes on a deep dive into her favorite plant fiber: linen. Get the history of this fiber, care instructions, and some tips to make using it easier! Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode There are more Patreon levels available now for businesses who would like to sponsor the podcast. Please visit the Patreon page for more information. Lyric Hill Farm Worn: A People's History of Clothing, by Sofi Thanhauser Linen from Flax Seed to Woven Cloth, by Linda Heinrich Hap Cowl, designed by Ella Gordon Designs on Ravelry and LoveCrafts Uradale Yarns PurlTogether YouTube Channel PurlTogether discussion group on Ravelry 

Sponsors

There is still time to join Knit New Haven's Yoke Along online sweater knit along! Learn more at their website. The Morehouse Merino Flock Group will be home to workshops about making your own felted soaps during the month of March! Find the kits at Morehouse Farm, and join the Morehouse Merino Flock for the classes scheduled for March 12 and 15, 2022!

Songs from the Episode

The songs in this episode are "Better Than One," by Stephen Ferris, and "Far Away," by Tom Goldstein.

The Great Yarn Challenge Craft Yarn Council Holiday Trees, by YellowCosmo Loopy Love Blanket, by Tamara Kelly Flower Power Scrubby, by Kara Gunza Scrubby Cotton from Red Heart Cinca, by Amy Christoffers Sophie's Universe, by Dedri Uys Alma Sweater, by Tatsiana Kupryianchyk The Hap Cowl, designed by Ella Gordon PurlTogether YouTube Channel That Knitting Show YouTube Channel Sponsors

Knit New Haven is a wonderful yarn store in New Haven, Connecticut, with beautiful yarn, roving, and tools for fiber artists. They also offer online knit alongs and lessons. Find out more at their website. 

The Morehouse Merino Flock Group is your home for online knit-alongs and knitting help for any project you are working on. Knit alongs are chosen to improve your knitting skills without overwhelming you. Learn more at their website.  

WoolX creates wool and wool blend clothing for men and women from underwear to outerwear. Use this link to visit the website, enter your email address in the box that pops up, and you'll receive a coupon code for $20 off your order, while also supporting the show at no additional cost to you.

Music

This week, both songs were from Humans Win: "Pardon" and "This is Not All."  

Support the show at Patreon! Cloverworks Farm Bobolink Yarns BLU Michael Pollan's books on Amazon Spider silk fabric woven in Madagascar The Practical Spinner's Guide: Silk The Great Yarn Challenge 

Sponsors Many thanks to Knit New Haven and Morehouse Farm for sponsoring the podcast.

In this episode, census records, a visit to NYC, and a new pillowcase get Anne thinking about silk. She shares what she learned about what it is, where it comes from, and how it affects our fiber crafting, and invites you to share more!

Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode First, I misspoke in the episode: alpha-keratin is the keratin found in mammals, not vertebrates. I do know that lizards and birds are vertebrates, too. I apologize for misspeaking! The Rise of the US Silk Industry Silk, the Queen of Fibers Knitting with Silk Yarn Top Tips for Knitting with Silk How to Remove Sweat Stains from Silk Blouses Sericulture Raw Silk Know Your Fiber: Tussah Silk Muga Silk Leizu That Knitting Show on YouTube Sponsors

Knit New Haven is running a Knit a Yoke Sweater KAL that will run until March 31. Get the details about how to join in, including your 15% off yarn discount, by visiting their Instagram post about the event! Morehouse Farm has the guidance (and yarn) you need to knit a temperature blanket in 2022. Find everything you need to get started at their website! WoolX is another favorite source of mine for 100% wool and wool-blend clothing. They carry clothing for men and women--everything you need from undies to outerwear. Check them out using this link, and if you decide to buy, you'll receive $20 off your order!

Music

The songs in this episode were "Mirage Song," by Sleeping Ghost and "Go Your Own Way," by Humans Win.

In this episode, Anne looks back into 2021 and forward to 2022, setting crafting intentions for the new year, rather than goals. 

Links to Things Mentioned in The Episode

Unicorn Parallelograms, by Stephen West The Fiber Seed Hand Dyed December videos can be found on the Purl Together YouTube channel Not my hap stretcher, but a hap stretcher. Not my Tudor Peg Loom, but a Tudor peg loom. Laight Night Knits Find the Yarn Stash Destash prompts on my Instagram account. Cabled Trellis Shawl, by Stephen West

Music

The songs in this episode were "Low Down Ways," by Jontavious Willis and "Human Race," by Zac Nelson.

Sponsors

Visit Knit New Haven for your online knitting, crochet, and spinning shopping needs. Join the Morehouse Merino Flock Group for online learning. Try Adagio Teas using this link and your purchase will help support the show at no additional cost to you. 

In this episode, Anne speaks with Nic Corrigan and Ed Sutcliff of Project Lonk. You originally met Nic and Ed in episode 66 when their Kickstarter to produce yarn from Ed's flock of rare breed Lonk sheep was still in full swing. A lot has happened since then! Listen to learn how their work to create highly local wool has had more of an impact than they expected!

Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode

Knit New Haven's Instagram Morehouse Merino Flock Group Episode 66: Project Lonk -- Please listen to this episode first to get the Project Lonk origin story! Project Lonk's Kickstarter page (They are no longer accepting pledges, but the page is full of information!) Nic Corrigan's Instagram Ed and Laura Sutcliff's Farm Instagram Dr. Zoe Fletcher's Instagram Wool Circle on Instagram and the web Follow I Thought I Knew How on Instagram for the Yarn Stash Destash prompts starting December 26!

Welcome to season 6! In this episode, Anne fills you in on everything that went on during the hiatus as well as the things that are coming up, and she shares her thoughts on The Shetland Trader, Book 3: Heritage. You've seen the images of the projects, but is the book worth a buy? Have a listen!

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Hand Dyed December over on the Purl Together YouTube Channel Indie Untangled -- The National Parks New Years box is sold out, but watch their shop for full sized versions of the yarn in the box. A Girl and Her Wool The Fiber Sead Laight Night Knits Unicorn Parallellograms, designed by Stephen West Wovember Website Visit my Instagram page for the story highlights from Wovember 2021 Search for #ILoveWovember on Instagram to read through the posts from this year. 2021 Wovember Prize sponsors: Morehouse Farm Knit New Haven Uradale Yarns Letissier Designs The Woolly Thistle Twin Oaks Farm Janette Budge Laight Night Knits Jo Spencer Kieran Knits 

The Shetland Trader, Book 3: Heritage, by Gudrun Johnston

Sponsors Please join me in cheering for Knit New Haven, which recently passed it's 12th anniversary! Keep them in mind for Plystre bags, knitting publications, and luscious online yarns! The Morehouse Merino Flock group is offering some home decor knitting options in the near future. Learn how to alter a bulky caplet pattern to a delicate doily, and spruce up your table settings with some hand knit placemats. Learn more by visiting the flock group online. 

Anne wouldn't have successfully completed her goal to Wear Wool for Wovember without repeating the same article of clothing if it wasn't for Wool&. Have you been to the shop lately to see the new styles? Check them out through this link, and if you happen to buy, your purchase will help support the show at no additional charge to you! Music

The songs in episode 71 are "Almost Home," by Humans Win and "The Myth of Translation," by Ben Bostick (I found the artist after I recorded the episode). 

In this episode, Anne breaks down like an overtired 9-year old coming home from summer camp, because that’s basically what she is. But aside from that, you’ll also meet Mandy Moore, a new designer based in Shetland who is also a sample knitter for many familiar designers. Have a listen! Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode Knit+Escape Shetland Wool Week Elizabeth Williamson on Instagram Shetland Textile Museum Garths Croft Bressay Sheila Fowlie’s website for bespoke lace items, Shetland Lace Shawls Classes offered online from Uradale Yarn (Watch this space for additional collaborations between Anne and Viveka Vellupilai!) Dr. Carol Christiansen of the Shetland Museum and Archives Harriet’s Hat Mandy Moore on Instagram Mandy’s patterns are available as Olach Designs on Ravelry and LoveCrafts Jamieson’s of Shetland Stephen West’s MKAL for October 2021 Sponsors Knit New Haven is still offering 10% off 5 skeins of fingering weight yarn for the Stephen West Mystery Knit Along that is kicking off soon. Learn more at their website. Morehouse Farm’s Open Farm Day is coming up soon! Register for the October 15th event here. 

In this episode, Anne talks about the upcoming Shetland Day of Knit+Escape, tried to clarify a bit about Virtual Shetland Wool Week, and has an interview with Barbara Cheyne, a knitter and knitting teacher and trustee of the Shetland Textile Museum!

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Knit+Escape Garths Croft Bressay Janette Budge Shetland Peerie Makkers Oliver Henry Wendy Inkster Jamieson's of Shetland Cecil Tait Barbara Cheyne Wilma Malcolmson Hazel Tindall Alison Rendall Mandy Moore's patterns on Ravelry Shetland Wool Week Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Facebook Group for those coming on the 2022 tours.

Sponsors

Knit New Haven is offering 10% off 5 skeins of fingering weight yarn for the Stephen West MKAL starting on October 8! Please visit their website to order or call the store to place your order.

The Morehouse Farm Open Farm Day on October 15 requires free registration. Learn more at their link!

I'm even more in love with my Wool& clothes after wearing them for 3 weeks into a 5 week trip. Check out their latest offerings and your purchase will help support the show!

Songs The songs in this episode were "It's Over," by Stuart Moore, and "Shine," by Joe Sly, featuring Laura Vance.

In this episode, Anne explains herself before sharing the audio from the latest episode of That Knitting Show, a monthly YouTube podcast she's started with Erin of Morehouse Farm.

Knit and Escape Uradale Farm I Hear Dee Instagram That Knitting Show Morehouse Farm Knit New Haven I Thought I Knew How Patreon Other ways to support the show

In this episode, Anne sits down with Tracey Hawkins, one of the members of the Shetland Wool Week committee at the Shetland Amenity Trust to learn about the history of Shetland Wool Week and what this year's virtual experience will be like. 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Support the Show through Patreon or by visiting the Be a Booster Page. Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Makkin in Shetland Dialect Class during Virtual Shetland Wool Week I-91 Shop Hop Knit New Haven Morehouse Farm Atlantis Tunic Kit Morehouse Merino Flock Group Shetland Amenity Trust Shetland Wool Week Anne's Shetland Wool Week interviews from 2020 Jamieson and Smith's Wool Week videos from 2020 Shetland Amenity Trust's Wool Week videos from 2020 Shetland Wool Week on Instagram and Facebook. Song

This episode's song was "Beautiful," by Zac Nelson. 

Come along with Anne on the I-91 Shop Hop a little early, and then join in yourself, August 10 - 21, 2021!

Links to Things Mentioned on the Show

I-91 Shop Hop Facebook Page Knit New Haven Yarn Barn Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Morehouse Farm Songs "I Can't Stand It," by  Robert John and the Wreck and "Es Tu," by Nuno Jorge.

Episode 061: Kel Bachus of Fiberworld In this episode, Anne sits down with Kel Bachus, founder of Fiberworld and A Hundred Ravens yarn company. They talk through how each got started, what to expect from the upcoming Fiberworld, and a whole lot more. Enjoy! Links to Things Mentioned in the Show A Hundred Ravens Fiberworld Show Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours That Knitting Show Sponsors Knit New Haven is the perfect start or finish to your I91-Shop Hop in August! Morehouse Merino Flock group is waiting for you to join their supportive, focused knitting community! Find other ways to support the show at the Be a Booster page!

In this episode, Anne does as deep a dive into Shetland lace as is possible in about 35 minutes of air time. Please pick up one or more of the books below to learn more, and visit the organizations listed to support the preservation of Shetland lace knitting in Shetland.

Links to Things Mentioned in the Show

Visit Island Vista's Website to learn more about the Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Trips, including the new dates in May and August of 2022. Registration will begin July 6, so please check back. The UK's Heritage Crafts Association Margaret Stuart's patterns on Ravelry The Shetland Trader Anne Eunson on Instagram and Ravelry Kathleen Anderson on Ravelry Helen Robertson Sheila Fowlie Lauren Anderson Fiberworld I91 Shop Hop

Organizations that Study and Teach Shetland Lace

Shetland Museum and Archives, including the Lace Project Unst Heritage Centre Shetland Textile Museum Shetland Peerie Makkers Shetland Wool Week 

Books and Materials Used as Reference in this Episode A Stitch in Time: Unst's Fine Lace KnittingUnst Heritage Lace: Recreating Vintage Shetland LaceA Legacy of Shetland Lace, by the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers, and Dyers Heirloom Knitting: A Shetland Lace Pattern & Workbook, by Sharon Miller The Book of Haps, by Kate Davies and Jen Arnall-Culliford Victorian Lace Today, by Jane Sowerby A Shetland Knitter's Notebook, by Mary Smith and Chris Bunyan Personal Correspondence with Dr. Carol Christiansen of the Shetland Textile Museum and Archives The Complete Book of Traditional Knitting, by Rae Compton A History of Hand Knitting, by Richard Rutt Shetland Wool Week Annual, 2020 Shetland Wool Week Annual, 2019 Shetland Wool Adventures Journal, Volume 2 The Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting, by Elizabeth Lovick Magical Shetland Lace Shawls to Knit, by Elizabeth Lovick

Sponsors

Knit New Haven is offering 10% off three hanks of yarn for their Spring Shawl Knit Along. Find out more at their website.

Morehouse Farm will be hosting an open farm day on October 15, 2021. Learn more on their website.

Believe it or not, my Wool& dresses kept me from overheating in the 110F heat of Arizona last weekend. Head out on your own summer adventure in wool!

Music

Charlie Carter's "Every Ounce of Love," and Annie and the King's "Tall Ships"

In this episode, Anne recaps the results of the Hat Not Hate KAL, does a little regrouping with her one-big-project-a-month goal, and invites us all to engage in a little regrouping of our own.

Hat Not Hate (See the FAQ for the mailing address for your hats!) The Gravel Knits podcast has just started their own KAL for HNH. Da Crofter’s Kep — 2021 Shetland Wool Week Hat designed by Wilma Malcolmson The TJ Frog Podcast The Sweater Bag by Cindy Pilon Mauch Chunky Yarn Favorite Blue/White Blanket by Bernat Design Studio Aria Sweater Spin Me Around Blanket Wanderly Socks by Amy Snell Targhiwin Cowl by Irene Waggener Loren, by Gudrun Johnston Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours Island Vista i91 Shop Hop Makkin in Shetland Dialect with Uradale Yarns

“Do It In Style,” by Frost and “Orange Orange” by Jamie West.

Please visit Knit New Haven to learn more about their Spring Shawl Knit Along, complete with a 10% off discount on three hanks of yarn for your project.

And, be sure to hop into the Morehouse Merino Flock group for this month’s project: the Cancun Lace top! And mark your calendars for the next Morehouse Farm Open Farm Day coming on October 15!

My Wool& dresses arrived for summer, and I’ve been happily wearing them through the recent 90F weather. Check them out, and if you decide you buy, you’ll be helping to support the show!

In this episode, Anne sits down with Dana Blair of Pichinku Fibers in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Listen as Dana shares why she started the company, introduces you to her team of dyers, dreams of an impactful future for Pichinku!

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Pichinku Fibers website and Instagram Threads of Peru Makkin Our Way Through Shetland: Fair Isle and Lace, two tours to Shetland coming up in August! Loren, a shawl designed by Gudrun Johnston Hat Not Hate FAQ for the mailing address to send in your hats when you are done with the KAL. Post your hats to the I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group or on Instagram using #hatnothate and #ithoughtiknewhow Top 24 Morehouse Tops to Cover Young and Old 

Sponsors Knit New Haven has started a new shawl knit along. Find out more and get the discount code in their blog. The Morehouse Merino Flock Group gives you 30 days of support as you knit any of the beautiful projects available on the site at a fee lower than most 3-hour online classes. Be sure to check out what they are working on next!

Wool& has added t-shirts and a few more legging styles to their line, and the 100-day dress challenge continues! Wear the same wool dress for 100 days and receive $100 off your next order.

In this episode, Anne kicks off season 5 with a quick recounting of the Online International Fiber Festival and the Virtual Masters Day before announcing the debut of Makkin Our Way Through Shetland. Listen ASAP to get all the details! 

Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast

Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you download the show. The Online International Fiber Festival Would Knit Be Fun? podcast with Amy Snell, the Devious Knitter  Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco's High Atlas and Beyond by Irene Waggener, Muah Ahansali, Hussein Mardi, Muah n'Ait Tabatoot, and Noura Eddelymy Hat Not Hate Post photos of the hats you will be donating to charity using #hatnothate AND #Ithoughtiknewhow on Instagram, or post photos to the Facebook or MeWe groups. Entries for the knit along are due by May 31, 2021. Listen for more details about qualifying for a prize. Visit Knit New Haven online or in the store for free blue yarn to knit into a hat for Hat Not Hate while supplies last. Use coupon code KNEWHOW at Morehouse Farm for 10% off the 3-strand worsted Merino in solid colors. Be sure to manually change your shipping to the free shipping option. (International listeners, the code will unlock flat-rate, $12 shopping for you instead!) Virtual Masters Day with The Knitting Guild Association Makkin Our Way Through Shetland is coming up in August! Join Anne for two 7-night tours designed to be taken individually or together to focus on either Fair Isle or lace knitting (or both!). More details are in the podcast. Visit the website to access the itineraries and reserve your spot! 

Shetland Wool Week Da Crofter's Kep Please note: I made a mistake when I said there were 4 official colorways. There are actually 5: Jamieson's of Shetland (which must be ordered from a US-based store if you are in the US), Jamieson and Smith, Uradale Yarns, Shetland Handspun, AND Foula Wool. (The Foula Wool option is currently sold out until the next clip is processed.) Aister Oo and Laxdale Yarn also have colorways designed by patron Wilma Malcolmson. Makkin in Shetland Dialect -- This is the class I'll be teaching with Viveka Velupillai of Uradale Yarns. As I post this, there are no spaces left, but we are hoping to repeat it! FiberWorld Pichinku Fibers  

Music

"Deeper," by Robbie Cavanagh and "The Best Day," by Zac Nelson.

Sponsors

Thank you to Knit New Haven and Morehouse Farm for sponsoring the podcast. Knit New Haven is a lovely shop for fiber artists in New Haven, Connecticut. Visit their online store for more details on visiting in person, or to place an order. 

The Morehouse Merino Flock is always accepting new members! Join them for monthly knit alongs that include all the support you need to take your project from the cast on to the bind off.

Wool& has so many new styles in stock for summer, including tee shirts. Stay cool in wool this summer, and your purchase will help support the show at no additional cost to you!

In this episode, Anne has an interview with Shira Blumenthal of #HatNotHate and Lion Brand Yarn, as well as information on the upcoming festival, our next knit along, and a few other loose ends as we reach the end of season 4!

Helen Robertson’s website for Mindful Maakin classes and more. Shetland Arts occasionally sponsors Mindful Maakin Classes as well. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to stay up-to-date on what they are offering. Westfjords Wanderer, by Stephen West. (Ravelry link) Old Shale vs. Feather and Fan The Online International Fiber Festival is coming up again on May 1 – 8, 2021. Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond, by Irene Waggener. Join my mailing list to learn about the special live event with Irene coming up on May 8!

Visit LionBrand.com and have a look at their natural fiber yarns! Learn more about #HatNotHate, including where to send your finished hats! Find the Shi Show on Facebook! Follow Shira and Hat Not Hate on Instagram!

Our next knit along will run May 8 – May 31. Beginning with the online event on May 8 to end the Online International Fiber Festival, we will knit blue hats together to donate to #HatNotHate. Please visit their website for the requirements for the hats they accept. (International listeners, it’s up to you if you’d like to knit for #HatNotHate or a local charity.) Keep me posted about how many hats you’ve knit one of the following ways:

1. Post photos to Instagram using the #HatNotHate and #ithoughtiknewhow hashtags. 2. Post photos to the I Thought I Knew How groups on Facebook or MeWe. 3. Send me an email with a photo of your completed hats to anne @ familypodcasts.com or anne @ ithoughtiknewhow.com. Each hat you complete and show me using one of the options above by May 31 will be one entry toward one of our prizes:

1. One participant based in the US will win $50 worth of Lion Brand natural fiber yarns shipped directly to their address. 2. One participant based outside of the US will win a pdf copy of Top 24 Morehouse Tops to Cover Young and Old.  

Winners will be informed on June 1, 2021 and will have 7 days to send their mailing address for prize 1 or email address for prize 2.

For updates and reminders while the show is on hiatus, visit my website to get on the mailing list!  

“How It’s Done,” by Nicholas Rowe.

Keep Morehouse Farm in mind when you are on the look out for luxurious merino yarns, beautiful patterns, and the supplies you need to knit them. If you’re looking for an online community free of the stresses and distraction of social media, hop in to the Morehouse Merino Flock for supportive, instructive knit alongs!

Knit New Haven is happy to help you choose the yarn for your next project! Visit their online store, or hop into their Instagram feed to see what’s currently in stock, then give them a call at 203-777-5648 to order!

Adagio Teas isn’t just for the cold weather months. As we head into spring, have a look at their iced tea offerings, including herbal blends! Use the link here or visit the Be A Booster page to find the links to all our affiliates. Visiting them through our links means any purchase you make will help support the show at no additional charge to you.

In this episode, Anne talks about her self-inflicted finger injury, fangirls a bit about Stephen West patterns, and more.

Please leave a review and kind comments at Apple Podcasts to help people find the show! Support the show directly on Patreon Fantastitch by Stephen West Webs The window-mounted bird feeder I mentioned The group on WorldWalking.org (or download the app and search for “I Thought I Knew How.” Westfjords Wanderer by Stephen West Silos by The Fiber Seed Join us on our WoolWideAdventures! Lyon Brand’s Quick Knit Loom Kit Shetland Wool Week #HatNotHate Online International Fiber Festival (May 1 – 8!)

“Reasons” and “Can U Hear Me Now,” by Kyle Rhodius.

The audio for patrons is ad free, but please remember to pop over to Knit New Haven for your online yarn shopping needs! And don’t forget to check out the Morehouse Merino Flock Group! Also, if you order from Agagio Teas using this link, your purchase will help support the show. Thank you for your support!

Join us on a WoolWide Adventure! I’m cohosting the event with Erin Pirro, Amy Snell, and Irene Waggener! We are all providing prizes, as well as Brown Sheep Co, who has provided 4 hanks of their Synchrony Yarn, and Kollage Square, who has provided two kits of their square DPNs! Visit the website every Friday morning for the latest Adventure and Mini Treks, or get signed up for the mailing list while you’re there to have them mailed to your inbox, or look for the posts on @woolwideadventures on Instagram. When you’re ready, post your progress to your instagram account using the #woolwideadventures hashtag. If you post by the following Thursday at midnight Pacific Time, you’ll be entered for a weekly prize. There are two grand prizes, too! Listen to the episode for more details! The Online International Fiber Festival is coming up again May 1 – 8! Listen to the episode for our 8 destinations! Fantastitch Shawl by Stephen West Elemental Affects yarn Northeast Fiber Arts Center The Great Northern Yarn Haul Garths Croft Bressay on YouTube Vogue Knitting Live Terri Spins is offering online classes! 

Please support show sponsors Knit New Haven and Morehouse Farm when you need to shop for yarn and accessories. Adagio Teas is a loose leaf tea company that sources their ingredients directly from the growers so they can get it to your cup faster. They also offer single-serving loose leaf packets and tea bags, depending on the level of convenience you are looking for. They are currently offering free shipping on purchases of $50 or more. Give them a try, and your purchase will help support the show at no additional charge to you!

Today’s music was “Decide,” by Charlie Carter, and “Life,” by an uncredited artist.

Anne sits down with Amy Snell, the Devious Knitter, about how she became a knitting teacher, as well as what the transition to online teaching has been like. They also talk about the growth of the knitting community online and a new experience coming up in March called WoolWide Adventures.

Leave a 5-star review and kind comment on Apple Podcasts or wherever you subscribe to the podcast to help others find the show. Register for the upcoming live stream to launch the WoolWide Adventures event that will take us through March and April, just in time to start the Online International Fiber Festival coming on May 1. Find 30-second Interviews with members of the knitting community in Anne’s Instagram Reels! Learn about Amy Snell’s classes, designs, and podcast on her website! Subscribe to her YouTube channel to see her monthly podcast, Would Knit Be Fun? Also, find her tutorials there, including her new way for teaching Judy’s Magic Cast On!

The song in this episode is “I Found Home,” by MPax and Paul Joung.

Many thanks to Morehouse Farm, Knit New Haven, and my patrons for sponsoring the podcast! Find other ways to support the podcast on the Be a Booster page!

In a search for something a little different in this ever-lasting lockdown world, Anne takes you for a bit of a walk to chat about knitting things and more. 

Support the podcast by becoming a patron. The new home of the Morehouse Merino Flock.  Find the 30-Second Interviews in my Instagram Reels.

Many thanks to my patrons, Knit New Haven, and Morehouse Farm for their on-going support of the podcast. Please visit their websites to learn more and support their endeavors! 

The songs in this episode are “Absolutely Emily,” by Benjamin Bostick, and “Something New,” by Tom Goldstein. 

Anne talks about her experiences makkin mindfully and felting a Cindy Pilon pattern knit with Mauch Chunky before offering a slew of book reviews for those looking for a way to spend their holiday gift cards.

Please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you download episodes of the show. Want to help produce the show? Visit the Patreon page to learn more! Mindful Makkin Mauch Chunky from Kraemer Yarns A washboard may help you achieve more even felting. Cindy Pilon’s patterns on Ravelry Get on the Morehouse Farm mailing list to learn about the new home for the flock! Alice Starmore’s Aran Knitting Alice Starmore’s Book of Fair Isle Knitting Alice Starmore’s Charts for Color Knitting Mittens from Around Norway Knit Like a Latvian Traditional Knitting Patterns The I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group and the group on MeWe. Post your finished Tansies in one of those groups by January 31, 2021 to be entered to win a copy of Morehouse Farm Merino Knits.

Many thanks to Knit New Haven, Morehouse Farm, and the I Thought I Knew How Patrons for their support of the show. You can help the show by entering Amazon through Anne’s Storefront, or by visiting the Be a Booster page.

“Walking in Tokyo,” by Lance Conrad and “It Ain’t Cheap Being Poor,” by Benjamin Bostick.

Anne starts the year with a book review of Keepers of the Sheep, some suggested crafting goals for 2021, as well as a list of her own. Grab your knitting!

Please leave a review and kind comments at Apple Podcasts to help people find the show! Support the show directly on Patreon Master Hand Knitting Program Anne’s super-basic To-Do list template. Upload it into Canva and add your own list of daily to-dos before printing and using it yourself! Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves, by Louisa Harding Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond, by Irene Waggener et al. Contact Chris Dyer through Instagram to arrange for virtual tours of the croft or island of Bressay. The Tansie KAL is happening in the Morehouse Merino Flock Group. A giveaway is being offered for those who complete the shawl by January 31, 2021 in the I Thought I Knew How group, where you will also find the dates for listener knit alongs.

Knit New Haven is one of my local yarn stores. They have many difficult to find yarn lines, as well as beautifully designed tools and project bags. Morehouse Farm produces ultra fine merino wool yarn in upstate New York with extensive pattern support ranging from household items to clothing for the entire family. Changes are coming to the Morehouse Merino Flock group. Visit the website to get on the mailing list to learn more!

Wool& has added several new styles in the last few months. Have you had a look? Your purchase helps support the show at no additional cost to you.

Thank you to my listeners-turned-producers who support the show directly on Patreon.com!

“Life is Wonderful,” by Zac Nelson and “Dragons” by Mae Klingler.

Did you miss the video interview with Barbara Gray of the Shetland Textile Museum? Watch it on the Jamieson and Smith YouTube channel, or listen to the audio in this special bonus episode.

Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves by Louisa Harding Morehouse Farm Yarn Learn more about what you’ll need for the Tansie KAL starting January 1 by watching the Facebook Live with Anne and Erin Follow I Thought I Knew How on Instagram for the upcoming Yarn Stash Destash starting December 26. The Shetland Textile Museum is available on Facebook and Instagram. Also, check out their current competition that has been carried forward to 2021!

Take a break and listen to some holiday memories from Anne and your fellow listeners.

Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon. Leave a 5-star review and kind comment on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show Jana’s interview with Shana about Hanukkah on the Purl Together YouTube Channel Find Shana on Facebook and Ravelry Mary Maxim’s Christmas Tree Pullover Spring Harvest Farm Find Shelly on Instagram and Ravelry Kelly Vaughn’s Document Geek Blog Christmas and the Love of Documentation KnitSwag on Etsy and on Instagram Find Monika on Instagram The Light the World calendar with ideas for daily service.

Please visit the Be a Booster page for ways to support the show!

“Candle,” by Roberto Diana “Silent Night,” by Robbie Cavanaugh “It’s Christmastime Again,” by Nicholas Rowe “Lucky Day,” by Zach Nelson “Thankful,” by Bitmusic Pro

Anne reviews some yarn from Faithmead Yarns, catches you up on lots of things, has another giveaway, ushers in the return of songs to the podcasts, and wraps it all up with the audio from her interview with Terri Laura. If you’d like to send in a holiday story for the next episode, please email those to [email protected] by December 11, 2020!

Many thanks to the show Patrons! Please review the show on Apple Podcasts, or through whatever app you use to download it. It helps others find the show! Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves is the book you’ll need for our first listener KAL of 2021. We’ll be kicking the year off with Tansie! More details to come in the next episode! I am knitting mine in Morehouse Merino 2-ply sport in Blackberry with Brown Iris size 6/0 beads. Faithmead Yarns 1.0 crochet hook (easier than a .6 when trying to bead using size 6/0 beads) Shetland Wool Adventures Journal TJ Frog Podcast TJ Frog’s Notecards and Coloring Book (To enter the giveaway, listen to the podcast!) I Thought I Knew How group on MeWe Terri Laura’s Website for classes, patterns, and designs. Terri Laura’s Website for the Amazing Qualities of Wool information and merchandise. Follow Terri Laura on Instagram, Facebook, and Ravelry.

Many thanks to Knit New Haven and Morehouse Farm for supporting the show! Visit their pages for events and specials! Thank you also to my patrons for joining in as producers! If you’d like to support, please visit the Be a Booster page for all the ways you can help the show grow!

“Make it Work” by Waresdanny and “Christmas Joy” by Louis Yoelin.

Anne sits down with Chris Dyer of Garths Croft Bressay to talk about the archeology and history of Shetland, as well as his experience moving into sustainable crofting.

Chris Dyer at Garths Croft Bressay on Instagram. Visit his Instagram account to purchase gift cards and tote bags that spotlight Chris’s flock of Shetland Sheep. Thank you to Jamieson and Smith for providing recording space for the interview. If you would prefer to watch the interview with Chris Dyer, find it on their YouTube channel. A quick introduction to some of the archaeological sites on Shetland from Shetland.org. And more information about the aims of the Shetland Amenity Trust in preserving the archaeological sites of Shetland. Information about the Shetland breed. The poster of the different markings in Shetland Sheep.

Thank you to my patrons, Knit New Haven, and Morehouse Farm for sponsoring the podcast. You can also become a sponsor, or learn more about ways to support the podcast.

In this episode, Anne has another giveaway, a report on the latest Online International Fiber Festival, and an interview with knitwear designer and teacher Janette Budge.

Visit Patreon to support the show. Leave a review on iTunes. The Online International Fiber Festival is still there if you missed it! Since I recorded, Audible has started hosting podcasts. Find it in the Audible app by searching for I Thought I Knew How. You have to listen to the episode to learn how to enter for the giveaway of one more copy of the Shetland Wool Adventures Journal. (Only open to US listeners this time!) Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves by Louisa Harding. The source of the KAL patterns for Evanthe and Tansie. Janette Budge’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and Ravelry pages. (Sign up for her mailing list on her website to find out when her classes go live!) Watch this interview on YouTube My first interview with Janette Budge in 2019. Janette was hosted in Norway by Patricia Anne Fortune. Find her on Instagram at @p4chen Selbu Mittens Selbu Spinneri Jamieson and Smith/The Wool Brokers. Visit them for Shetland Wool Week Annuals, as well as their yarn and knitting belts. Forest Path Hap Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters, Volume 1 (for Janette’s Bonhouse Gift Bag pattern) Clickimin Cowl Bittersie Beanie This Farming Life Countryfile Support the Shetland Peerie Makkers, a group teaching traditional knitting methods in Shetland schools.

Thank you to my patrons, Knit New Haven, and Morehouse Farm for sponsoring the podcast! Additionally, please visit the Be a Booster Page to visit affiliates who support the show and learn about other ways you can support the show.

Anne sits down with knitwear designer and former Shetland Wool Week patron, Ella Gordon. Ella works at Jamieson and Smith and has an impressive and important collection of vintage Fair Isle knitwear. Listen for more!

Become a patron of the podcast at Patreon.com Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Join the I Thought I Knew How Facebook group Shetland Wool Adventures Journal Manos Del Uruguay Allegria Grande Drops of Spring Mitts Enter the Manos Del Uruguay Giveaway by November 4, 2020. Visit the I Thought I Knew How Instagram feed to enter the Julz Makes Stitchmarker Advent giveaway by November 7, 2020. Prepare for the Online International Fiber Festival! Follow the OIFF on Instagram, Facebook, and Ravelry. Jamieson and Smith Watch the interview on the Jamieson and Smith YouTube Channel. Ella Gordon Designs on Facebook, Instagram, and Ravelry. Also visit her website for her blog!

The show is kindly sponsored by Knit New Haven and Morehouse Farm, as well as by listener sponsors on Patreon. You can also support the show by making a purchase from one of our affiliate on the Be a Booster page.

Anne sits down with Viveka Velupillai of Uradale Yarns to talk about her study of the Shetland dialect as well as the organically grown and processed Uradale Yarns.

Support the show by becoming a sponsor at Patreon Manos del Uruguay yarns from Fairmount Fibers Alegria Grande from Manos del Uruguay Drops of Spring Mitts pattern Enter to win three mini skeins of Manos Del Uruguay at the I Thought I Knew How Instagram account. Enter by November 4, 2020! Find the Halloween/October Knit Along in the I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group Langanloumous hand-spun yarn Poppy’s Pompom Black Spider Shawl from Morehouse Farm Enter to win one of 5 copies of the Shetland Wool Adventures Journal Tell your friends about the upcoming Online International Fiber Festival, and find the shopping lists for the festival here, too! The festival is coming up, November 9 – 16, 2020! WIKITONGUES: Christine Speaking Shetlandic Dialect: Shetland Life Thelma’s Reading in Broad Shetland Dialect Shetland for Wirds on Instagram Uradale Yarns Website Uradale Yarns on Instagram

Visit Knit New Haven in person, or shop through their saved Instagram stories! Morehouse Farm is running a series of 5 knit alongs to get your holiday knitting before December! Visit their website to pick up your supplies! Also, sign up for their Open Farm Day, coming November 1!

Welcome to season 4! To kick things off, Anne sat down with Misa Hay of Shetland Wool Adventures to talk to her about her tour company and her new journal that aims to give everyone a taste of what makes Shetland such a special place. Have a listen to learn how to win one of 5 copies of the Journal, kindly supplies by Misa to listeners of the podcast!

Information about the Halloween/October Knit-Along Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show Support the show directly on Patreon The I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group Watch my interviews from Virtual Shetland Wool Week on the Jamieson and Smith YouTube Channel Subscribe to the Shetland Amenity Trust YouTube account to find the “official” videos for Virtual Shetland Wool Week MRI Maakers website for patterns and finished objects The Online International Fiber Festival is coming November 9 – 16, 2020 Craftsy.com Misa Hay of Shetland Wool Adventures Order your copy of the Shetland Wool Adventures Journal directly from Shetland Wool Adventures or from The Woolly Thistle Global Classroom Misa Hay on the Shetland with Laurie Podcast Promote Shetland Shetland Wool Week Andy Ross’s Global Yell textile tours Follow Shetland Wool Adventures and I Thought I Knew How on Instagram, and find the giveaway post on the I Thought I Knew How account to enter the giveaway for one of 5 copies of the Shetland Wool Adventures Journal! This is Me — Knitted with Merrily Hall Duke of Nikko’s patterns to raise funds for the Metamorphosis Project in Memphis, TN, on Facebook and Instagram.

Knit New Haven has yarns, project bags, and more available to buy by phone in their Instagram Saved Stories. Find them here along with their information on how to place an order! Morehouse Farm is running a series of 5 knit alongs called Done in December to help you get your Christmas knitting done before the holidays get crazy. Find the mega-kit that includes all the yarn and patterns on their website! Wool&‘s dresses are my new favorites. They are a perfect base layer through fall and winter. If you want to give them a go, please use my link and you’ll be helping to support the show!

“Wine and Roses” by Rickard D. McCue and “Shame on Me,” by Lance Conrad, featuring Ashley DuBose.

In this last episode of the season, Anne focuses on supportive things: sponsors, patrons, stitch markers, and reviews.

Support the show directly on Patreon. Patrons will receive daily videos while Anne is on her trip to Scotland! Rate the show on iTunes or wherever you listen. Dates for online knit times for the rest of the year. Join the I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group to be part of the Halloween Knit Along. Morehouse Farm’s Knit Kits Black Spider Shawl Knit Kit Julie Grimmett’s pumpkin pattern in knit and crochet. Across the Pond Designs is offering 40% off her spider and owl themed patterns with coupon code ITIKH40. The Velvet Acorn is offering 20% off all her patterns with the code Fall20. Langanlumous and Poppy’s Pompom are both offering prizes so far, and a post with all the prizes will be available in the Facebook group before October 1. Stephen West’s Painting Bricks Shawl Jamieson and Smith 2-Ply Jumper Weight Bobolinks Yarns The giveaway post on Instagram will go live shortly after the show launches. Visit the @IThoughtIKnewHow Instagram account to enter. Knit Picks Merrily’s Instagram and Facebook. Follow to learn more about This is Me — Knitted. Online International Fiber Festival is on its way, November 9-16, 2020. Craftsy is live again and taking new memberships. MRI Maakers are selling patterns and running weekly auctions to raise funds for the Shetland MRI Scanner Appeal. Follow the Jamieson and Smith YouTube account for their content for virtual Shetland Wool Week.

Knit New Haven and Morehouse Farm are the first two official sponsors of the show. Knit New Haven is a lovely yarn shop in New Haven, CT. New Haven is an easy day trip from New York City or Hartford. In normal times, there are several museums and parks to visit, and no trip would be complete without popping in to Knit New Haven to shop their gorgeous selection of yarns, tools, and supplies for spinners. Morehouse Farm raises ultra fine merino fleece and produces 5 different types of yarn in over 100 colors and variegations. They are well known for their critter kits, but also have lots of pattern support in accessories, sweaters, and more. Their Morehouse Merino Flock Group is where they run community knit alongs with support for knitters of all levels.

Jontavious Willis’ “Resting on My Mind” and “Jon’s Boogie.”

Anne interviews Jana Knits from the Purl Together podcast, offers an update on the next knit along, and shares a few more odds and ends.

Support the show on Patreon Help the show to grow by reviewing it on iTunes or where ever you listen to the show! Great Northern Yarn Haul Scratch Supply Co. The Elegant Ewe Lark’s Alvina KAL Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves, by Louisa Harding Morehouse Farm The Morehouse Merino Flock I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group Online International Fiber Festival — The last one is still available! Be sure to check it out, because it may come down soon to make way for the new one! Purl Together group on Facebook Purl Together Instagram Purl Together YouTube Channel Purl Together Ravelry Group Purl Together Patreon TerriSpins FiberTrends Felted Clogs Ambah O’Brien’s Lovella Shawl The Halloween Knit Along is in the planning stages. Listen to the next episode for more details!

Wool& has a lovely line of wool dresses suitable for casual and professional situations. They are easy care and easy wear! Give one a try using my link and you’ll be helping to support the show. Visit the Be a Booster page to learn about more ways to support the show!

“The World is in a Tangle,” by Jontavious Willis.

Anne shares her experience on the Great Northern Yarn Haul, talks a bit about what’s on her needles, shares what it’s been like to wear the same wool dress every day for a month, and comments on a few more tidbits.

Thank you to my patrons! Please consider leaving a positive review on iTunes to help others find it! Lark’s Alvina Shawl Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves, by Louisa Harding Morehouse Farm Lace in Monet’s Garden. Shetland Wool Week MRI Maakers Jamieson and Smith 2-ply jumper weight The Art of Fair Isle Knitting, by Ann Feitelson Great Northern Yarn Haul Spinning Yarns in Dover, NH The Yarn Sellar in York, ME Olive Oyl Sweater, by Fable Knitwear KnitWit in Portland, ME Cloverworks Farm in Irasburg, VT Vermont Fiber Mill and Studio in Brandon, VT Scratch Supply Co. in Lebanon, NH Yarn & Yoga in Bristol, VT The Beekeeper’s Quilt by tiny owl knits Two Sisters Mill and Mercantile in Jeffersonville, VT The Northeast Fiber Arts Center in Williston, VT The Elegant Ewe in Concord, VT The Master Hand Knitter Program Garth’s Croft Bressay Tansie Shawl by Louisa Harding The I Thought I Knew How Group on FaceBook

I have been doing a fairly extreme test run of one of the dresses from Wool&: I’ve worn my Rowena Swing Dress every day for the last month, and will continue until I’ve worn it for 100 days in a row. After 30 days, I feel pretty confident recommending it to you. Because it’s mostly wool, I can wear it for multiple days before I need to wash it as long as I hang it up over night. The dress is fresh by morning. It can be washed and dried by machine, but because I’m committed to wear it for 100 days, I want to be gentle with it, so I’m hand washing it in my bathroom sink as needed. After squeezing it in a towel, I hang it up and it’s dry by morning. The dress is comfy and has kept me cool on 94F days. I love it! If you want to give one of their dresses a try, use my link and you’ll be helping to support the show at no additional cost to you!

“I Would,” by Sarah Miria Jo and “World Goes Wild,” by Louis Youlin. A reminder that there is a playlist of all the songs that have been played on the show that are also available on Amazon Music for those who are members of Amazon Music Unlimited.

Anne sits down with Erin Pirro of Morehouse Farm to talk about sheep farming, Morehouse Farm Merino, the upcoming Lark’s Alvina knit along, and more!

Support the show on Patreon, or visit the Be a Booster page for other options. Morehouse Merino Flock Facebook Group I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves by Louisa Harding is the book with the pattern for the Lark’s Alvina knit along. You will need 2 ounces of Morehouse Merino Lace to knit the shawl as written, three ounces if you’d like to expand it. Master Hand Knitter Program Morehouse Farm Sepe Farm Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Romney and Texel breed sheep 4-H FFA (Future Farmers of America) CraftNewYork, where Erin helped sell Morehouse Yarn and did sheering demonstrations in the heart of NYC. Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association Patty Lyons’ classes The Lark’s Alvina project page on Ravelry. The Evanthe project page on Ravelry. The Tansie project page on Ravelry. The Muppet Show Opener (totally a zoom look-alike) Vogue Knitting Live VanessaKnits The Calvin Sweater The MRI Maakers are raising funds for the Shetland MRI Scanner Appeal, which is working to raise enough to bring an MRI Scanner to the hospital on Shetland. You can buy the printed patterns for the Harriet’s Collection and kits from Morehouse Farm. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Judith MacKenzie Debbie Stone Khanyisa, by Noma Ndlovu. Morehouse Merino Gator Sport Duotone Scarf Hedgehog Mitts Dinosaur Hat Elephant Backpack Dragon Scarf Frog Mitts

“Song for You,” by Tom Goldstein. A reminder that there is a playlist of all the songs that have been played on the show that are also available on Amazon Music for those who are members of Amazon Music Unlimited.

Click through to the Be a Booster page for all of our sponsors and affiliates, as well as ways you can support the show at no cost to you.

Anne interviews Karen Riehl about the upcycled fur pompoms, samoyed yarn, and possum yarn available from Poppy’s Pompom.

Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode

Find all the ways to help the show on the Be a Booster page. Follow I Thought I Knew How on Pinterest, and feel free to tell Anne how she can make the podcast Pinterest account more helpful for you. The Online International Fiber Festival account on Instagram. Follow the Morehouse Merino Flock and I Thought I Knew How Facebook Groups for the KAL starting July 31, 2020! Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves by Louisa Harding. The Lark’s Alvina Shawl. Morehouse Farm Merino Lace. (You’ll need 2 oz to knit the Lark’s Alvina as written). Also, check the Variegated Lace and Larger Lace Skeins links. Monet’s Garden colorway Willow colorway Poppy’s Pompom (Have Samoyed yarn to contribute? Contact Karen through her website!) Poppy’s Pompom on Instagram and Facebook and YouTube. The video of Poppy and Stubbs on YouTube. Subscribe to the I Thought I Knew How Podcast channel while you’re there! We never circled back to the environmental impacts of acrylic yarn, but you can find a thorough breakdown of the pros and cons of acrylic in a Createlet article here. Twist Fibre Festival in Saint-Andre-Avellin, Quebec, Canada. Basic Norwegian Star Hat pattern. Listen to episode 37 for a breakdown of the whys and wherefores of possum fiber yarn. The Love of Colour is a Canada-based dyer with kits and supplies for home dyers, in case you’d like to try dyeing your Poppy and the Professor yarn. The link to the giveaway on Facebook from KnitSwag from the last episode. Get there quickly! I’ll pick a winner on July 22! KnitSwag has a coupon code for us until July 22th. AWESOMEPOSSUM will get you 15% off many of the things in her shop.

Mae Klingler’s “I Don’t Miss You at All.” Listeners with a Music Unlimited account on Amazon can listen to the I Thought I Knew How playlist, which has all the songs from the podcast that are available on Amazon in one place.

There was no real sponsor for this episode, but you can find links to all the affiliates of the program on the Be a Booster page. Instead of highlighting a sponsor, I’d like to point you to another charity I just learned about. Stash dive for some cotton or majority cotton yarn, and knit or crochet some soap sacks for the local food pantry or homeless shelter! Soap S.A.C.K. has links to websites that will help you find a local place to donate, or you can send them in for them to donate.

In this episode, Anne hints at things to come, shares a bit of news about the upcoming knit along with Morehouse Farm and the next Online International Fiber Festival, and takes you on a deep dive into the world of possum fiber!

Support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon. Leave a 5-star review and kind comments on iTunes to help others find the show. The interview with Karen Riehl of Poppy’s PomPom is coming in the next episode. Follow the show on Pinterest and help Anne figure it out! The next Online International Fiber Festival is in the works. It will run November 9 – 16, 2020. Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram for more information. NZGK Possum Fibre New Zealand’s Department of Conservation website about possums. (Possum fiber and yarn available in their store.) About Possum Fiber. (A source for possum fiber clothing.) What is 1080, and why do people oppose it? Zealana produces several different types of possum-fiber yarn and has a list of stockistsavailable on their website. They are widely available through North America, Europe, and Oceania. Poppy’s PomPom is based in Canada and has a stock of possum blend yarn. KnitSwag sponsored a giveaway for listeners. I use her notecards and knitters graph paper, and I have a whole list of other gifts things I want to get. Check her out and listen to the episode to learn how to win your own set of notecards and knitters graph paper! I’ll be running a KAL with Morehouse Farm to knit the Lark’s Alvina from Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves by Louisa Harding. You will need 2 hanks of the Morehouse Lace to knit the shawl with us. (Be sure to check the variegated colors and their larger skeins, too! You need 4 oz.) Get the book and the yarn asap so you can start with us on July 31! Be sure to join the Morehouse Merino Flock and I Thought I Knew How Facebook groups to knit along. Note: There is an errata for the Lark’s Alvina on its Ravelry page. Be sure to print it out and stick it in your book!

This week’s music was “Radio,” by Atoosa Grey and “With the Breeze,” by Louis Yoelin.

Your fellow listeners have started to contact Anne about how much they love their AllBirds Shoes. Your order of their socks, undies, or shoes made from sustainable and recycled materials helps the earth and the show!

In this episode, Anne gets into the knitty-gritty of why wool is such a wonderful fiber. Yes, even in summer!

Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode

Visit the Be a Booster page for links to the Patreon, Ko-Fi, and sponsor links! Or, please rate the show on iTunes, or use the rating system within the podcasting app you use. Katie’s Kep, by Wilma Malcolmson. Morehouse Yarn kits for the Katie’s Kep. Crofthoose Hat, by Ella Gordon. Shwook Hat, by Hazel Tindall. Museum of Ceramics in East Liverpool, Ohio. Wool 101 lecture on YouTube, presented by Roy Kettlewell. Terri Laura, Julie Dennison, and their wonderful art collaboration on the amazing benefits of wool. Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted. (Use coupon code ITIKH2020 for free shipping!) Basic Norwegian Star Hat. The Ravelry page for my Ma’s recreated shawl, along with basic instructions. Susan Bates Finishing Needles. (I thought they were $3, but it’s about $7.) Visit YarnPond.com to find opportunities to test knit for designers. Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves, by Louisa Harding, will be the source for three knit alongs with Morehouse Farm in July, December, and January. I’ll be cohosting the July and January KALS in which we will knit Lark’s Alvina in July and Tansie in January. More information will come in episode 37! Make sure you join the I Thought I Knew How and Morehouse Merino Flock Facebook groups so you don’t miss any details about the KALs!

Today’s sponsor is Allbirds Shoes, making shoes, socks, and undies using sustainable and biodegradable materials that are gentle to the planet and your pocketbook.

The songs in this episode are “Keep Dreaming,” by Louis Yoelin and Stefan Litrownik and “Life Spins,” by Michael Bermudez. Remember, all the songs that I’ve used on the podcast that are available on Amazon Music Unlimited are available on the I Thought I Knew How playlist!

In this episode, Anne recommends some BluPrint classes for those who are trying to cram in as many as they can before the service disappears, as well as some knitting books she has found helpful for the Master Hand Knitter Program. More progress on the program, the Morehouse Virtual Farm Day, and more!

BluPrint is no longer accepting memberships, but all the classes mentioned in the show can still (at the moment this episode launches) be found by searching for the title of the class if you already have a membership. Hansel Shawl by Gudrun Johnston. Morehouse Farm. Get on their mailing list, if you haven’t already, to be part of the next Virtual Farm Tour! Master Hand Knitter program. Arenda Holladay’s THREE videos about lifted increases: first, second, and third. The Principles of Knitting, by June Hemmons Hiatt Reader’s Digest Knitter’s Handbook, by Montse Stanley Knitting in Plain English, by Maggie Righetti The Jamieson and Smith Lovers Ravelry group for their Keep Making Knit Along. Merrily by Design’s fundraising pattern, Christ and Jet Walk the UK. All proceeds from the pattern benefit the SSAFA.

Allbirds is a shoe company helping us all to tread lightly on the planet. Their shoes are durable, machine-washable, and made from sustainable materials, including merino wool. Their Wool Runners are the perfect “dog walking” shoe, but they also make actual runningshoes, casual slip-ons, socks, and more. Check them out, and if you decide to buy, Allbirds will make a contribution toward the running of the show. For more ways to support the show, please visit the Be a Booster page!

Our songs from today’s show were “Arkansas Murder Ballad,” by Angela Easterling, and “Catch Da Fire,” by Oto Coberg.

In this episode, Anne finishes her review of Manos del Uruguay Alpaca Heather, theorizes about the closing of BluPrint, and shares some actual progress made on the Master Hand Knitter Program.

Manos del Uruguay Alpaca Heather Fairmount Fibers Racha Shawlette Pattern German Short Rows Online International Fiber Festival is returning November 9-16, 2020! BluPrint was mentioned, but is no longer taking memberships or orders. XRX announcement about the trade show in 2021. Vogue Knitting’s new editor, Norah Gaughan. Master Hand Knitter Program Morehouse Open Farm Day is June 6 VanessaKnit’s Calvin Sweater pattern and kit. I Thought I Knew How Facebook group for information about the online knit togethers on the first Tuesday of the month. Patrons at the Ribbing and higher levels are invited to two additional knit togethers per month.

I’ve been using Dropps Detergent for years now, but the only time I have to think about them is because I talk about them on the show! I set up a subscription service, and their detergent arrives at my door four times a year without me having to worry about it. Give them a try and you’ll receive a discount off your first order and be helping to support the show!

Find all our sponsors and other ways to help the show at the Be a Booster page!

The music in this week’s episode was “Ska Na Ska” by Louis Yoelin and Stefan Litrownik and “Where the Dirt Runs Out of Road” by Rebecca Day.

Anne recaps the Online International Fiber Festival, shakes up the online knit togethers, reviews some patterns, and more!

Support the show directly on Patreon or Ko-fi! The I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group, where you can find the link to the online knit togethers. Or, email Anne directly for the link at anne @ family podcasts . com (remove all spaces) Terri Spin’s class information Terri Laura’s class information Cold Pale Moon pattern Jamieson’s of Shetland Soft Shetland is now their Heather Aran. Pingouin’s Shetland et Lin. US10.75 needles by Chiagoo US10.875 needles by Chiagoo Purl Together tutorials for Cold Pale Moon. The Online International Fiber Festival is still up and available for late comers! Find the classes, vendors, recipes and events mentioned in the podcast in the Daily Itineraries. The OIFF Ravelry Group Fairmount Fibers Manos Del Uruguay’s Alpaca Heather Racha Shawlette pattern Morehouse Farm

Mae E Klingler’s “Adventurers We” and Sean Tait’s “Two of Us.” Remember, all the songs from the podcast that are available on Amazon Music are on the I Thought I Knew How playlist on Amazon Music.

BluPrint (formerly Craftsy) is a fantastic site for online learning. I use them to learn new-to-me knitting tips and techniques, as well as yoga, photography, and more. Sign up through my link, and they will contribute to the upkeep of the show at no additional cost to you!

Anne gives one last push for the Wind it Up! knit along before announcing the Online International Fiber Festival, running May 1-8, 2020!

The Wind it Up! knit along is in it’s final days. Have you posted a photo of your finished or unraveled knitting layaway yet? Katie’s Kep, by Wilma Malcomson Sea Pinks Handwarmers, by Merrily by Design Cold Pale Moon Shawl, by Helen Kennedy Purl Together/Jana Knits on YouTube Ewe and You Fiber Arts for Life, my local yarn store!

The Online International Fiber Festival will run May 1-8, 2020. Join in as we visit the USA, Canada, Iceland, Ireland, Wales, Shetland, Finland, Australia and New Zealand. Each day will begin at the Daily Itinerary page where you will learn about the day’s activities. First, you will have the choice of one of three recommended classes offered by MyBluPrint.com that somehow relates to the region we are visiting. (Or, choose your own class to take that morning!) After lunch, there will be a selection of videos to choose from to learn about the area. Then, prepare yourself a delicious meal from the area using basic cooking skills and ingredients you can find in grocery stores world wide. After that, settle in with your knitting for a 1-2 hour performance from the region.

The only cost for participants is a subscription to BluPrint. As of now, a month is $8 and the yearly subscription is on sale for $40. Or, you can opt to sign up for the free trial and take one of the free fiber-related courses each morning. There are more than enough to see you through the festival without having to have a paid subscription.

Visit the Prepare for May 1 page to take a look at the recommended classes for the daysalong with a general idea of the materials needed. The shopping list for the dinners is also available there.

Each dinner feeds 4-6 people depending on the night, and the afternoon and evening entertainment is all family-friendly, so after your classes are done, the rest of your family or whoever you’re self-isolating with may want to join in!

If you think you will need a reminder on May 1, because all the days are blending together, visit the website and scroll to the bottom of the page to get on the mailing list!

There is a Ravelry group available for participants to chat about the festival called Online International Fiber Festival. Join up to talk about the classes, the food, and more!

Find the festival on Instagram as @oiFiberFestival, and please follow the hashtag #oiFiberFestand use it on any posts you make about the festival!

Tom Goldstein, “In Love with You.” Mae E. Klingler, “Wrecking Ball.” A reminder that the podcast playlist continues to grow on Amazon Music Unlimited.

Visit the Become a Booster page to learn how to support the show!

In this episode, Anne reviews a few online learning options and gives a progress report on her Master Hand Knitter program and the Wind it Up! knit along.

Master Hand Knitting Program KnitStars BluPrint Terri Spins online spinning lessons (Scroll to the post) Anne’s finished objects on Ravelry Wind it Up! knit along post in Facebook Why you can be brave about color with Katie’s Kep Katie’s Kep Shetland Handspun’s yarn kit for Katie’s Kep Morehouse Open Farm Day information Knit New Haven Ewe and You, my local yarn store! Save the Local Yarn Shop Facebook Group

Dropps is your source for environmentally friendly, inexpensive, effective detergent delivered to your door. Use my link and you’ll get a discount on your first order and help support the show at no cost to you!

Both songs in this episode are by Mae E. Klingler. First was “Minefield,” followed by “Dragons.”

Remember that all the songs from the podcast that are available on Amazon Music can be found in the I Thought I Knew How playlist!

Time to wind up some of our knitting layaway! In this episode, Anne announces a new knit along designed to help us finish off some of our languishing projects, with prizes on offer from Merrily by Design, Ashcroft Makers, Prairie Bag Works, Knitter’s Pride, and Kraemer Yarns as extra motivation!

This link will take you to the Tuesday evening knit together. It runs from 3pm to 8pm eastern time while self isolation orders continue. Come join in! The Manly Art of Knitting, by Dave Fougner The I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group — visit for the Yarn Stash Destash posts, as well as information about the Wind it Up! knit along starting April 1, 2020. Prizes for Wind it Up! are from Merrily by Design, Ashcroft Makers, Prairie Bag Works, Knitter’s Pride, and Kraemer Yarns! Fetlar Scarf Iron Maiden Shawl Burberry Inspired Cowl KnitSonik Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook Chatham Mason Dixon Knitting on Knit Stars (Available as part of season three) The Gideon Method from Wool and Honey Shetland Wool Week Katie’s Kep Wilma Malcolmson Uradale’s kit for Katie’s Kep Jamieson and Smith’s kit for Katie’s Kep (US-based listeners, it might be easier to order from Fairlight Fibers. They have the best price I’ve found in the US for J&S.) Jamieson’s of Shetland’s list of colors for Katie’s Kep. (Will not ship to the US, but has a list of stockists on their website) Shetland Handspun — You must email directly to purchase the kit. The address is elizabeths.web @ talktalk . net (remove spaces). Morehouse Farm Knit New Haven

If you would like to support the podcast, please visit the Become a Booster page. Otherwise, please keep your local yarn store in mind as you need things in the coming weeks. If you don’t have a local yarn store, mine has used the social isolation to go on line. Please consider supporting my local yarn store, Ewe and You Fiber Arts for Life, if your local yarn shop has closed while we deal with covid-19.

Also, remember that the vendors from various cancelled festivals will be feeling the pinch as well. Visit the website for a festival you’re missing, hop over to the vendor list, and see if you can find someone there selling what you need! The giant craft stores should weather this storm fine, but the little guys will especially need our support!

Both songs this week are from Kennedy E. Morrison and Stephen Rice. “You’re Very Exceptionary“ “I Can’t Help But Wonder“

Anne is back early from her season break to talk about what’s on her needles, what’s coming, and what’s up. Welcome to season three!

All the ways to support the show can be found here. Dip Dyeing Yarn in Wilton’s Violet Food Coloring. Dyeing Yarn with Food Coloring on the Stove.

Frozen Skies Shawl Pattern Manos Del Uruguay FinoManos Del Uruguay Cabrito

Akerworks Spindle Systems. Grown-Together Mittens. Morehouse Merino Flock Facebook Group. Webs. Stitch Sampler Shawl Pattern. Morehouse Open Farm Day–watch their blog! Knit New Haven. Wonderwool Wales. Day one of the Yarn Stash Destash can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Ravelry!

Many thanks to Ashcroft Makers for sponsoring the show. Their new sock knitting machine is amazing. Have a look for yourself!

Also be sure to check out her growing number of yarn colors! Patrons, be sure to hop over to the Patreon feed for your 10% off coupon code before you make any purchases from their site!

“Static,” by Anita Stemper “We Will,” by Anthony Lohan

An encounter with Tunisian crochet and the memory of a stranger in a restaurant in Barcelona put Anne in a reflective mood.

Tunisian Crochet Basics from the Purl Soho website. Ewe and You Fiber Arts for Life Harriet’s Cowl Stitches United, where Anne will be running three rounds of knitting trivial on March 28, 2020, to benefit the Shetland MRI Scanner Appeal. Swing by the Morehouse Farm booth at 10, 1, and 3 to play for a $5 or higher donation to the cause and you could win a gift certificate to morehousefarm.com! MRI Maakers Wonderwool Wales — Are you going? Let’s meet up! The nurse in search of knitted coverings for baby IVs is NO LONGER IN NEED OF THEM. I am linking to the original post so you can see her directions for making them, though. Please look for a hospital that is local to you to accept them!

“You and I Can Do Anything,” by Yoo Soo Kim. “All in Our Hands,” by Justin Busch. Remember, members of Amazon Unlimited can listen to a playlist of all the songs that have been played on the show that are available on their service!

Ashcroft Makers is a dyer and maker located in the Scottish Highlands. She’s recently expanded her line of colors and the results are absolutely gorgeous.

A purchase made from Ashcroft Makers using our special link helps to support the show. And Patrons, be sure to hop over to the Patreon feed to get your exclusive 10% off code before you order!

To see other ways to help the show, please click here.

Anne sits down with Theresa Drouin-Guerette, a.k.a Terri Spins. Terri uses her spinning skills as a living history interpreter, teaches spinning across the United States, and writes for Ply, Spin-off, and The Wheel. Listen in as they talk about Terri's journey, breed-specific fiber, and more! Please visit the show notes for links and photos related to the episode, and check out our Be a Booster page to learn how you can support the show!

Anne reviews Vogue Knitting Live and Sandnes Garn yarn before sharing her newest obsession, the Shave 'em to Save 'em initiative by the Livestock Conservancy. Then, the time has come to wrap up the Maakin for the MRI knit along. A few songs, a few announcements. Have a listen! Ways to support the show: 1. Please consider leaving a 5-star review and kind comments where you listen to the podcast.  2. Patronize one of our sponsors: Ashcroft Makers Dropps Detergent 3. Consider becoming a direct patron.

4. Tell your friends about the show! Thank you for listening!

Anne takes you along to Vogue Knitting Live, 2020! Come along to hear some of the voices of vendors and attendees and get a sense of the show. Is it in the cards for next year? Maybe this episode will help you decide!

Anne shares the results of her Yarn Stash Destash 2019 and some things on her needles along with a review of Ashcroft Makers yarn, gives an update on her podcast listening project, goes through the prizes available to people involved in the Maakin for the MRI KAL, music and more!

In this episode, Anne shares some additional details about the upcoming Maakin for the MRI knit along, upcoming appearances, a yarn review of Brown Sheep's Stratosphere, and mail angst.

Anne lays out her plan forward with her Master Hand Knitter Program. She reviews the Knitter's Pride SmartStix Interchangeable Needles, announces the winner of the Dorset Button kit from TJFrog, thanks her very first four patrons, gives details on the Maakin for the MRI knit along and a whole lot more. Listen for details, as well as a coupon code for 10% off your entire order from Needlepoint Joint when you add a kit for a Harriet's Hat to your order.

Anne finishes her trip to Loch Ness Knit Fest and shares an interview with Christel Seyfarth, Danish designer and host of Fanø International Knit Festival. She also shares information on a knit-along starting January 1, 2020, that she will be co-hosting with Jana of the Purl Together video podcast.

In this episode, Anne got to talk to Tania Ashton Jones, also known as TJ Frog, about Dorset Buttons, a beautiful way to embellish your knits and more. Anne talks about traveling the Highlands, the classes she took at Loch Ness Knit Fest, a new certificate program from the Knitting Guild Association, and more. There is also a giveaway in this episode, so be sure to listen to the entire episode to hear how to enter!

In this episode, Anne sits down to talk to Hazel Tindall ahead of Loch Ness Knit Fest. Hazel shares her experiences knitting as a teenager on Shetland when home production of knitwear was still a major industry. They also talk about the festival, Hazel offers advice to new knitters, and they hit on much more.

In this episode, Anne shares her experience with the classes at Shetland Wool Week 2019. Also, in honor of Wovember, she shares a few sheep-themed songs. And, finally, she gives a heads up for a UFO-finishing knit-along coming in January, 2020.

In this episode, Anne shares the experience of being part of Shetland Wool Week, including the sense of community and the evening events.

Next week, she will share her experience in the classes she attended, so stay tuned for that.

In this episode, Janette Budge sat down with Anne to talk about Fair Isle knitting on Shetland in the past and present, with special attention paid to the Shetland Peerie Makkers, a group dedicated to teaching knitting to school children using the old methods.

Harriet Middleton, designer of the Harriet's Hat (and headband, fingerless gloves, gloves, mittens, and cowl!), sits down to talk to Anne about her knitting life before her fundraising for the Shetland MRI Scanner Appeal began, how the MRI Maakers started, the momentum behind her patterns, and the unintended good that has resulted from them.

Anne checks in for a bit mid-hiatus to review Heat Wave, Alize EZ Wool, and the Sea Pinks hat pattern, as well as sharing what she's learned about Fair Isle knitting over the last month. Plus, she talks about her upcoming trip to Knitter's College (aka, Shetland Wool Week) and her invitation to speak at Loch Ness Knit Fest. If you see her at either, say hi!

Anne wraps up her time in New York, reviews Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, and ties up a few loose ends before heading on hiatus. Listen for details about that and a giveaway!

In this episode, Anne shares the mixed bag that is the Master Hand Knitter questions, talks about knitting in New York, reviews Knitter's Pride Karbonz circular needles, announces a giveaway for all listeners no matter where they live, and more!

Anne has made some progress with the Master Hand Knitter Program, took part in the I-91 Shop Hop, reviews Tatamy DK by Kraemer Yarns and the Spring Treasure Bag pattern from their Festival Wear collection, shares more about Harriet's Hat and Headband, and provides you some music to knit by.

In this episode, Anne still needs to catch up on her Master Hand Knitting work. She shares a few podcasts that also relate to the MHK Program and talks about the effect of a stash-gone-awry. Plus, there's more about Harriet's Hat, a giveaway of some summery yarn, and music from The Suitcase Junket!

In this episode, Anne needs to catch up on her Master Hand Knitting work and uses podcasts to help her catch up with the online knitting community.

Congratulations to Sparky136 from Ravelry for winning the Episode 8 giveaway! She won by sharing some advice for new knitters.

Alex's Blanket is a simple baby blanket pattern that incorporates several of the stitch patterns and skills you need to demonstrate mastery of for the Master Hand Knitter Program. If you have been thinking about going through the program yourself, cast on for this project and give it your all! Pay close attention to your tension, research ways to improve, and get a sense for whether you'd enjoy the program.

If being hyper-aware of your knitting makes you feel anxious, maybe it's not the time. But if you enjoy the challenge and insight that comes from this "test," you should think about joining up!

Anne doesn't want to talk about it. She does on the program, though. But, let's leave it lie for now.

While at the last few fiber festivals, Anne realized just how out of touch she got with the knitting community while she lived overseas. So, she's turned to podcasts--old podcasts--to get herself caught up.

Some of them don't hold up, or have disappeared, but others are still well worth a listen. If you haven't already, check out KnitCast, Cast On, or Knit Obsession with zKnits.

How often do you record your own thoughts and experiences? Don't let them disappear like so many of the knitting podcasts of the last 15 years. Little daily moments from everyday life is what historians and family come to treasure the most. Is it time for you to pick up a journal habit?

You've heard Anne talk about the Shetland MRI Scanner Appeal in previous episodes. Lately, Harriet Middleton has designed a hat to help raise funds for the appeal. The pattern has gone viral, and the Minnesota Knitter's Guild will be hosting a knit-along on their Ravelry group starting on June 8, 2019.

The guild is offering a cast-on prize and a completion prize. Visit the group for details. You'll need to buy the pattern to join in, and if you need yarn, The Woolly Thistle is selling kits at a discount and donating the proceeds to the cause, or you can get a kit from Northfield Yarn.

There are more details in the episode and at the Ravelry thread for the KAL.

One of the ways to enter the giveaway last time was to offer advice for beginner knitters who hoped to improve their skills. Take a look at the Ravelry thread for a lot of great advice!

The giveaway for episode 9 is full of lovely things from the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Festival.

• This selection of items from the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Festival will be yours if you win the Episode 9 giveaway!

This time, Anne tried to focus on the vendors who only sell at festivals to give you a truly unique offering. It has a set of Anne's handmade stitch markers, an anti-moth sachet, dyed wool fiber, a taster hank of yarn from Tidal Yarns, and felted acorns from Englishman Bay Trading Company.

This giveaway is only open to people with a mailing address in the USA. To enter, visit @IThoughtIKnewHow on Instagram and find the post for Episode 9. Follow @IThoughtIKnewHow and like the post. Tag as many people as you'd like in the comments, but only one name per post. Each of those things will get you one entry. To get 5 entries, share the episode post to your grid or stories, and tag @IThoughtIKnewHow.

The winner will be chosen with a random number generator on June 14, 2019 and announced in Episode 10 of the podcast on June 18, 2019.

The first song this week was "Things that I'll Keep" by Doug Hoyer. That was followed by "Waiting On" by I don't know who because the licensing company failed to include the proper attribution, but the lyrics were by Langston Hughes.

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

Order your laundry detergent from Dropps and support the show at no extra cost to you. Dropps is vegan, plastic-free, effective and less expensive than most of the brands in the grocery store, and it arrives at your door on a delivery schedule that works for you.

In this episode, Anne shares her experience signing up for Shetland Wool Week 2019, how she finally nailed her seed stitch, the winner of the episode 7 giveaway and more!

Congratulations to KnittyMoomin from Instagram for winning the Episode 7 giveaway. Please check your Instagram messages!

Anne was up at 4:30 am on May 18th, and was able to get a class in every time slot she was hoping for when the Shetland Wool Week class registration went live at 5 am. Most of her classes relate to Fair Isle techniques, but she will also be taking classes in lace and Bohus knitting, as well as whittling her own shawl pin. She will be reporting back on her experiences there, so stay tuned for the episodes coming in October!

Because it's the 10th anniversary of Shetland Wool Week, there are many, many programs going on. Plus, often times, people overbook themselves for classes and sell their tickets on. So, if you're on the fence about going this year, there will still be plenty to do and see and a good chance that you'll be able to get in to a class.

If you will be attending this year, reach out to Anne and say hi!

Anne continued to work on her seed stitch practice scarf over the last few weeks and finally had a breakthrough thanks to a video by Arenda Holladay. It wasn't Holladay's method so much as what she said. Watch the video below to see Holladay's fix and listen to the podcast episode to hear what worked for Anne. (Ok, ok... She found that tugging the yarn after working the purl stitch is what did the trick for her!)

Anne will be knitting up her official seed stitch swatch and moving along in the program! Stay tuned for further progress and tips!

What started as a baby blanket failed due to insufficient amounts of yarn. But no worries, Anne used the yarn for that failed project, along with all the remaining acrylic in her stash, to crochet 28 blocks for the Knitter's Pride Spring Charity KAL/CAL. Follow that link to get all the details on this project to support Warm Up America! The KAL/CAL launched on May 1 and runs until May 31! There's a chance to win a set of needles or hooks from Knitter's Pride, so get crackin'!

Anne will be heading to the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft event on May 25. At noon, she will be at the sheep event area in case anyone wants to come by and say hi. Or just look for her in the crowd and say hello!

The I-91 Yarn Shop Hop is scheduled for June 27-30th. Anne will be hitting the yarn stores in the New Haven area on the 28th and in Massachusetts and Vermont on the 29th. If you see her, say hi! Or get in touch to coordinate a time to meet at one of the shops in those areas!

The next place Anne will be popping up is in NYC for 11 weekdays between July 9-25. Anne will be yarn crawling her way around Manhattan on many of those days. What's your favorite NYC yarn shop that she shouldn't miss? Drop her a line in the comments and let her know!

Sally Holt, the genius behind the knitCompanion app, should be up for the Knitting Nobel Prize. That's a thing, right? knitCompanion works on iOS and Android devices and exists to make your knitting life so much easier. The free version of the app helps you organize your patterns and track where you are in your charts or written instructions. Affordable subscriptions increase the usefulness of the app dramatically, though, adding the ability to create shortcuts and add information to patterns. You can also manipulate the keys and charts within the patterns. Five minutes of prep in knitCompanion can save you hours of frustrations in some of your more complicated projects. It didn't take long for Anne to fall in love with the program. She uses it all the time. Listen to the episode below for an in-depth review of the features or subscribe through the podcast app of your choice.

The giveaway for episode 8 has a summery theme as we head into the end of May. One lucky listener will win a hank of Dragonfly Fibers Dance Rustic Silk in the Dragonberry colorway, a new copy of the Spring/Summer 2018 edition of Knitwear Magazine, a device stand from knitCompanion, and a set of stitch markers. Follow her on Instagram and join the Ravelry group for an entry each, and listen to the podcast to hear how you can get 5 more entries!

• The giveaway for episode 8 has a summer theme! It's a copy of Knitwear magazine Spring/Summer 2018, a knitCompanion device stand, stitch markers and a hank of Dragonfly Fibers Dance Rustic Silk.

Both of the songs in this episode are from Torelli and the Fuse. The first was "Legacy," followed by "Forgive and Remember."

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

Order your laundry detergent from Dropps and support the show at no extra cost to you. Dropps is vegan, plastic-free, effective and less expensive than most of the brands in the grocery store, and it arrives at your door on a delivery schedule that works for you.

In this episode, Anne realizes she knits like a teenager lives, and that's ok.

Congratulations to BohneJl on Ravelry who won the giveaway from episode 6! The prize was a bag from LittleComfortsAtoZ, a hank of hand-spun alpaca, and a set of stitch markers. Enjoy them!

To celebrate the winner coming from the Ravelry group, there was a bonus giveaway added for those who are members. Check the thread for details. This additional giveaway will likely be repeated in the future, so be sure to join the group

Anne began work on her seed stitch scarf to practice for the swatch, and found that by pushing the stitches so the next few stitches were on the tapered area of the needle, she could create a more uniform fabric. Progress!

It also helped to only work on it when she can give it her complete attention. Multi-tasking has been relegated to the land of mythology, and Anne has learned this lesson herself, finding that when she gives her knitting her full attention, she creates a more consistent fabric.

Got some acrylic yarn lying around you don't know what to do with? Between projects and want to stay productive? Be sure to take a look at the Ravelry thread for the Knitter's Pride Spring Charity KAL/CAL. All the details and the form to submit with your knitted or crocheted squares are available there. It launched on May 1 and runs until May 31! There's a chance to win a set of needles or hooks from Knitter's Pride, so get crackin'!

Anne made it to the Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival in April with her family. It was a nice blend of demonstrations, animals, and shopping. She was able to pick up some goodies from Yankee Knitter Designs, Katrinkles, 7th Floor Yarn, Once Upon a Corgi, and others. Listen to the podcast for the details on her haul.

Anne picked up a selection of items at the festival to gift to a lucky listener. To enter, follow her on Instagram and join the Ravelry group (one entry for each). Also, find the episode thread on the Ravelry group and share a family-friendly story from your own teen years that makes you laugh now. The storytellers among you will get 5 entries for sharing!

• The episode 7 giveaway is a selection of items bought at the Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival, as well as a set of stitch markers from Anne's remaining inventory.

Anne should be attending the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft event on May 25th at the Cummington Fairgrounds. If you would like to say hi, send her a message with an idea of where and when to meet up. (Anne suggests noon at the ring where the sheep sheering will be taking place, but she's never been, so that may not be the best idea!

In July, she hopes to spend a few days completing the I-91 Yarn Shop Hop. Eleven shops in 4 days? Sounds like a dream! Be sure to check out this blog entry from Webs, one of the participating shops, for all the details!

The first song featured was "Teenager," by The Crypts and is available at the Free Music Archive.

The second song was "Oh, Mother, I'm Wild," by Howard Johndon, Harry Pease, and Eddie Nelson, available from the Free Music Archive.

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow. She posts articles related to knitting and yarn on the Facebook Group and on Twitter as @ThoughtIKhewHow. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

There is now a Ravelry Group for the show. Be sure to join and introduce yourself!

In this episode, Anne announces the winner of the last giveaway, talks about her trip to London, and announces another giveaway!

Congratulations to Euphistic81 on Instagram, who won the giveaway announced in episode 5 from Dragonfly Fibers and Knitter's Pride!

Anne and her daughter visited two fashion-related sites in London, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Fashion and Textile Museum, as well as the Fashion Museum in Bath. The V&A was hosting special exhibits about Dior and Mary Quant, but also has a permanent exhibit that includes knitwear. The Fashion and Textile Museum rotates it's exhibits frequently. Even if they aren't showing knitwear at the time, this small museum is very informative! The Fashion Museum in Bath walks you through centuries of fashion through 100 representative outfits, as well as hosting an additional exhibit that changes from time to time.

The Village Haberdashery is located in the West Hampstead area of London, just a short walk from the nearest Underground station. It focuses mainly on yarn and fabric crafts, but is a great little all-around craft store.

Liberty London is well known for their Liberty fabrics, but it's also the flagship store for Rowan yarns. For many of us, this is a rare opportunity to take a gander at Rowan's entire line!

Wool is a cozy, welcoming yarn shop just a short walk from the Bath Spa train station in Bath, England. They have an extensive collection of British yarns, a welcoming staff, and a gentle shop dog names Toby. Be sure to stop by on your way to or from the Roman Baths to give Toby a pat and take the time to peruse their extensive pattern offerings!

April 27, 2019 is Local Yarn Store Day. Be sure to check the listings to see if your LYS is participating. Whether they are officially involved of now, consider swinging by to show some support for your local brick-and-mortar stores that day!

For those in New England, April 27 is also the day of the Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival. Anne will be there with her family. Will you? Say hi if you see her there!

Be sure to listen to the episode to learn how to enter our newest episode for a Japanese Knot bag from LittleComfortsAtoZ and a hank of handspun alpaca from Peru.

The first song featured was "The Can't Find Kelly" sung by Billy Merson and is available at the Free Music Archive.

The second song was "Ca Bages Ca Beans and Car Rots," sung by Florrie Ford, also available from the Free Music Archive.

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

You can help support this show by buying your laundry detergent through Dropps, like I do! It comes to my door every quarter without my having to worry about it. The pods use no plastic--not even in their packaging--and they work. And at half the price I had been paying for pods, the switch was a no-brainer for me. Give them a try and a portion of the price will support the podcast at no additional cost to you!

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow. She posts articles related to knitting and yarn on the Facebook Group and on Twitter as @ThoughtIKhewHow. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

There is now a Ravelry Group for the show. Be sure to join and introduce yourself!

In this episode, Anne talks about her tension issues with the third swatch of the Master Hand Knitter Program, plus a correction, music to knit by, projects she's been working on, a charity knitting opportunity, and the first giveaway of the podcast!

In the last episode, Anne planned to knit the ribbing for swatch 2 of the Master Hand Knitting Program in smaller needles, but a listener pointed out that the instructions spell out that you should use the same needles. So, thank you to Julie for saving Anne from having to reknit the swatch!

Swatch three is a seed-stitch swatch, but without proper, consistent tension, gaps appear at the transition from purl to knit. After many attempts resulting in slow improvement, Anne has decided to stop knitting the swatch and, instead, will be knitting a seed stitch scarf, which should give her plenty of practice without ruining the yarn she needs for her MHK swatches!

Anne has a lot on the needles right now, including her second attempt at Sencilla, by Shireen Nadir; Nejiri, by Yumiko Sakurai; and the Bonte Mitts, by Joyce Riemens. Listen to the episode to hear how they are progressing!

The only project Anne finished since the last podcast was a modified version of the Juniper Cowl, available on the Berroco Website. For information on how she altered the pattern from a standard cowl to one that warms her shoulders as well, you'll have to listen to the podcast!

While there's been little progress on "real" projects, Anne has been busy participating in The Big Knit by knitting 5 mini hats a day from March 15 to April 6. (So far, so good, as of the day this episode launches!)

American knitters: if you would like to contribute to the cause, Anne is leaving April 2, 2019 for the UK and is happy to take your hats along, but you have to act fast to get the hats to herby April 1!! Send her an email at anne @ familypodcasts . com to get the mailing address when you're ready. Any American knitters who mails her 10 hats by April 1 will be thanked with a set of stitchmarkers from the inventory that remains from her former business. (While supplies last.)

Knitters in the UK have until July to submit their mini hats through their local Age UK. Additionally, many knitting stores are acting as collection points. Anne will be taking her hats, and any she receives from listeners, to donate at Wool in Bath.

A few days ago, Anne wrote a blog post singing the praises of Knitter's Pride Ginger line of needles and hooks. Check it out.

Our first giveaway is underway! The deadline to enter is April 18, and you must listen to this episode of the podcast to find out how to enter.

The giveaway is a hank of Selkie Sport from Dragonfly Fibers and two sets of DPNs from Knitter's Pride. The Selkie Sport is 70% blue faced Leicester wool and 30% silk in the Denali colorway. It's a joy to work with and the range of blues is utterly blissful. This giaveaway is open to anyone who lives anywhere the USPS delivers, including international listeners. If I can get it to you by going to my post office, you can enter to win!

The next episode should release on April 23, and I'll pick the winner as I record, so look for episode 6 to hear if you've won!

The first song featured was "Ma Jeewanaye" by H. R. Jothipala and is available at the Free Music Archive.

The second song was West in Africa by a South African man named John Bartmann, also available from the Free Music Archive.

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

You can help support this show by buying your laundry and dishwashing detergents through Dropps, like I do! It comes to my door every quarter without my having to worry about it. The pods use no plastic--not even in their packaging--and they work. And at half the price I had been paying for pods, the switch was a no-brainer for me. Give them a try and a portion of the price will support the podcast at no additional cost to you!

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow. She posts articles related to knitting and yarn on the Facebook Group and on Twitter as @ThoughtIKhewHow. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

There is now a Ravelry Group for the show. Be sure to join and introduce yourself!

In this episode, Anne shares what she learned while knitting the first and second swatches of the Master Hand Knitting Program.

Anne asked, and listeners responded. A couple of great recommendations came in for Anne's request for a good beginner's sock pattern. Michelle recommended Anne try the Hermione's Everyday Socks pattern, available for free on Ravelry. Nancye from Dragonfly Fibers suggested she pick up a copy of Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. It hadn't arrived by the time this episode was recorded, but Anne has it now. It has both a "recipe" for socks and an actual pattern, so Anne will be drawing from that as well! Thank you!

The first two swatches involve knitting K2, P2 and K1, P1 ribbing. In the podcast, Anne discusses three techniques that helped her neaten up ribbing. Listen to the episode to learn more about why ribbing can be tricky and how these techniques might help you.

Anne was a little too hasty in knitting the first few swatches for the program and learned her lesson about taking the time to exhibit some humility and accept she does not, in fact, know everything.

This week's affiliate is Honey, an app for your desktop that tracks price changes on Amazon, applies coupon codes for the best deals when you shop online, and earns points to apply toward gift cards when you shop at major retailers. Anne has used it for over a year now and Honey has found many ways to save. Join through this link, and Anne will receive a modest finder's fee to apply toward the cost of running the show.

Knitter's Pride was very kind to send Anne a selection of products to test in exchange for her honest review. The first product she got to play with was a nostepinne. As promised in the episode, here's the YouTube video that she found the most helpful when she was learning:

Anne found the nostepinne to be a helpful addition to her knitting tool kit. It saves the hassle of setting up a ball winder and swift for smaller winding jobs. It's also lightweight and wooden, which makes it a handy tool for those who knit while traveling. For people who are new to knitting, it's an economical option compared to buying a ball winder and swift combo. If you end up sticking with the hobby, those can come later, and the nostepinne can become something you use for the joy of it.

The Knitter's Pride nostepinnes are available at many local yarn stores, or you can find them on Amazon, available in two varieties.

Anne and her aspiring-fashion-designer daughter will be traveling to London at the beginning of April. Anne, the knitter, and Abby, the seamstress, are trying to pack their itinerary with appropriately-themed destinations. Aside from the typical tourist destinations, they will be visiting the Victoria and Albert, Fashion and Textile Museum, Camden Market, and the Village Haberdashery while they are in London, and Wool, Country Threads, and the Fashion Museum while they are in Bath. If you have any other recommendations for them within a 2-hour train ride of Paddington Station, please get in touch!

The first song featured was "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw and available at the Free Music Archive.

The second song was "Ready to Go" by Arthur Nicholson, a folk singer from Shetland. Arthur's work is insightful and mellow. You'll find yourself singing his choruses to yourself through the day. Find his work on Soundcloud or YouTube, or visit his website to buy a CD for yourself.

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow. She posts articles related to knitting and yarn on the Facebook Group and on Twitter as @ThoughtIKhewHow. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

You should visit Shetland.

I just want to make that point clear, right off the bat. I love to travel and I've been blessed to be able to travel far more than my original life circumstances led me to believe I'd be able to. On my travels, I have learned that it is a gift to be able to slip on some different cultural lenses for a time. (The greatest blessing might be that I continue to find that the bedrock we share is the same.) While I've enjoyed the all of my trips, there have been only three places where I felt like I'd like to linger in those lenses for a few years and see if I could incorporate aspects of the culture into my own character. One place I ended up lingering long enough to mostly raise my children. The other I'll maybe talk about another time. The third is Shetland.

If it's not already on your bucket list of places to go, add it. And place it higher on the list than you think you should. And I'm not just speaking to knitters here. Nonknitters--spend at least a couple of weeks. Knitters, you'll want a month. Or longer. That's pretty pie-in-the-sky planning for most of us, I know. Aim for at least a week!

No, I'm not kidding. Yes, I know the islands that comprise Shetland are much smaller than, say, Japan, which your cousin visited and felt he saw everything there was to see in 10 days. First of all, I'd call anyone who said that about Japan a liar or ignorant. Second, get out of that tourist, check-the-boxes mindset. There are things you will want to do and see on Shetland. Plenty. But it is also an ideal place to just go and be.

There are three ways people tend to get to Shetland. One is by cruise ship. I assume those folks are there as part of a cruise around ports in the North Sea. If that's how you're getting to Shetland, you'll only really have time to get into Lerwick. You're going to want to stay longer. I promise.

The next option is by plane. LoganAir is the only airline that services Shetland. You can fly from multiple cities in Scotland year-round, and seasonally from Manchester, England, and Bergen, Norway. This is, in theory, the quickest way to get to Shetland; however, weather often causes delays, so pack some snacks and something to keep your mind occupied.

Both of my flights were delayed by several hours, but the LoganAir staff kept us all well apprised of what was going on. All of it was beyond their control, and passengers just rolled with it. While chatting with an attendant on the way up, I was told if the flight becomes truly impossible due to weather concerns, they put passengers on the ferry. A fellow passenger shared that when they travel to and from the mainland, they always leave a day before they need to be somewhere, to allow time for potential delays.

The third way to get to Shetland is by ferry through NorthLink Ferries. They depart in the afternoon from Aberdeen and arrive in the morning in Lerwick. They offer different levels of accommodation at different price points. You can rent private rooms with beds, a bed in a shared room (you'll be grouped by gender), sleeping pods (akin to some business class seats on planes) and basic reclining seats. There are showers on board, so you can arrive fresh and ready to go in the morning. Be aware, though, that the passage can be rough. However, delays are much less likely with the ferry than with air travel.

I strongly recommend that you rent a car. Yes, there is public transport. Yes, you may have to drive on the left instead of the right. But, the truth is that unless you are planning on staying in town all day, you will want the flexibility that having a car provides, especially if you are there for a limited amount of time.

Star Rent-a-Car, Ltd. is the company I rented from because they have an office at the airport and in Lerwick, so I knew I could get the care right away and if anything happened, they had an outlet close to my flat. They are a popular choice. You'll see their sherbert-colored Fiat 500s all over the islands. They rent subcompacts through 7-seaters, including prestige vehicles. The one thing they didn't seem to have was automatic transmission vehicles. So, before you head to the islands, find yourself a standard and practice. Also, have the person at the rental desk come out and show you any quirks of the vehicle. For instance, there was a trick to removing the gas cap on my car that I didn't discover until it was time to remove the gas cap three days later.

If you don't drive or really don't want to drive on Shetland, there are buses. Plan your activities around the bus schedule, take a book with you, and you should be fine.

Many of the roads on Shetland are single-lane roads. All along these roads there are wider areas where you can pull to the side and allow on-coming traffic to pass. Sometimes both sides of the road widen, sometimes it's one of the other. If both sides widen, whoever gets to the pull-off first should pull to the side. If the road widens to the left, you should pull over, if it widens to your right, on-coming traffic should pull over. Regardless of who moves out of the way, you should give a little wave as you pass. It's only polite.

I'm going to be frank here. When I was looking into booking my trip, very few of the available hotels in the Lerwick area looked appealing to me. The ones that did were already booked up. I did not actually see the rooms in these less-than-appealing hotels, but the photos on their websites made them look very dated and run down. If this is not the actual situation, I would suggest to these hoteliers that they invest in some new photos.

I ended up turning to Airbnb and found an apartment a short walk away from the Commerce Street area of Lerwick that had everything I needed and was a perfect jumping-off point for all my adventures in Shetland. There are many people offering apartments or homes on Airbnb, and even more offering single rooms in their house.

Be aware that during festivals and events on Shetland, all forms of accommodation are in high demand. As of writing this, there are only a handful of hotel rooms and Airbnb "entire place" listings available for Wool Week 2019--a event taking place seven months from now. So if you plan to visit during one of their peak events, book as soon as you can.

There is far more to do and see on Shetland than the small landmass suggests. Shetlanders create their own fun and are very proud of their history and heritage. There are festivals galore and museums a-plenty. There are artists with open studios, opportunities to observe birds and animals in their native habitats, and no lack of space for rambling.

Promote Shetland is the best place to start planning your trip. From there, hop over to TripAdvisor to learn the specifics of various attractions. Below is a list of all the places I visited on my 4-day trip. This should give you a sense of just how much you can fit in if you do need to keep your trip short. If I'd stayed longer, I would have added visits to Unst and Yell, a nature cruise, a dance in a community center, and a knitting circle. Plus, I would have wandered about more in nature. And, had I been able to be more flexible with my dates, I would have timed my visit to line up with one of the many festivals. Bottom line: I really do regret only having had four days to visit.

The smaller sites can be visited in 30-60 minutes. Larger museums and sites take 1-2 hours. Rather than listing the sites in the order I saw them (because I don't completely remember!), I am listing from the south toward the north: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement Old Scatness Croft House Museum St. Ninian's Isle Broch of Mousa Hoswick Visitor's Center Scalloway Castle Scalloway Museum Clickimin Broch Lerwick Shetland Museum and Archives Bressay Shetland Textile Museum Bonhoga Gallery Tangwick Haa Museum

Every museum and visitor's center I got to visit had a gift shop. You will have plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs!

Generally speaking, the best concentration and variety of shops that I encountered was along Commercial Street in Lerwick, which got a mention in The Guardian's list of 10 cool shopping districts around the world. There was a nice blend of tourist-oriented and "real life needs" shops to be found there. Another spot in Lerwick for gifts and daily-need items is the Toll Clock Shopping Center on the north side of town. Near the Toll Clock is the Co-op grocery store, in case you are staying in a flat and need some ingredients for meals, and a Tesco is available on the south side of town. There are also specialty food shops scattered through town and drug stores can be found on Commercial Street and on the corner of Commercial Road and Burgh Rd.

Jamieson's of Shetland and Jamieson and Smith were the two yarn stores I was able to visit, but there are other places for yarn and finished sweaters as well, such as Anderson and Co. and Loose Ends. Some other shops that tickled my fancy in the Commercial Street area were Love from Shetland, The Peerie Shop, Peerie Isles, and Ninian. Remember to be sure about hours and opening days before you head into town to lighten your wallet.

Additionally, there is a Craft Trail you can follow to visit artisans at work and buy directly from them!.

This list is incredibly incomplete. I ate in Shetland with a special diet, so I was actually pretty excited to find so many options to meet my needs. But, that said, there were tons of restaurants on Shetland at various price points and convenience levels, so this list of places where I took my meals is far from exhaustive.

Scalloway Hotel Da Steak Hoos Sumburgh Hotel Saffron Restaurant and Bar

There are a few things I'd recommend to prepare yourself before your trip.

First, watch Shetland or read the book series the show is based on by Anne Cleves. Yes, it will have you convinced that this island network of 23,000 people has a serious murder problem. Just remind yourself that it is a work of fiction. The stories are gripping to watch/read, and the show will acquaint you with the scenery, culture, and look of Lerwick. (At times, the first series feels like a travel advert, but that's ok! It was all helpful information!)

Second, there are some common themes that arise in the various museums around the island. The first is the island's knitting history. Even if you aren't a knitter, a working knowledge of the history of Shetland knitting will help you appreciate what you see when you're there. The first parts of Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting and Magical Shetland Lace Shawls to Knit provide a good overview. The latter parts of the books cater more to the interests of knitters, but will also help non-knitters train their eyes for what they will see when they are there.

The second common theme of the museums is Shetland's involvement in World War II, specifically the Shetland Bus, which was a group of people running secret missions between Shetland and Norway using fishing boats. A little background knowledge will help you better appreciate what the remaining artifacts represent.

I went to Shetland with my checklist of activities and a sense of adventure and left feeling like I was leaving home. The checklist was helpful, but after a day or two, I found myself mentally calculating the price of moving to this gem on the edge of the North Sea. The people are kind and welcoming. The food was delicious. The landscape was full of surprises. Shetland climbed into a corner of my heart and it has stayed there. I look forward to visiting again in 2019. Maybe I'll see you there!

For additional information about knitting-related sites and shopping on Shetland, listen to Episode 003: Shetland.

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow. She posts articles related to knitting and yarn on the Facebook Group and Twitter as @ThoughtIKhewHow. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

In this episode, Anne shares her trip to Shetland in July 2018.

The early days of knitting on Shetland have hazy beginnings. "Gunnister Man" died around 1700. He and his clothing were preserved by the peat he was buried in, including the earliest examples of knitted clothing found on the islands. A recreation of his knitted clothing and purse can be seen at the Tangwick Haa Museum.

Shetlanders were trading stockings to Dutch fisherman hundreds of years ago. Over time, the industrial revolution decreased demand for stockings and the knitting industry shifted to fine, open-work shawls in the mid-1800s. A photo of Edward, Prince of Wales, in a Fair-Isle sweater in 1921 popularized the style beyond the shores of Shetland, and it has continued to be a part of popular fashion to one degree or other since then. Excellent examples of both styles of knitting are available for view at the Shetland Museum and Archives and the Shetland Textile Museum.

The Crofthouse Museum is a great place to get a sense of the conditions that many of the island knitters. For many years, these women were subject to the truck system in which they were paid for their goods with merchandise, typically tea.

Shetland Knitters came up with many creative ways to do their work. To simplify blocking, they came up with a system of stretching frames for shawls and jumper boards for sweaters. Both allowed the women to move the knitting out of the way while it was drying in the proper shape.

A second ingenious invention was the knitting belt. This simple leather needle holder allowed knitters to keep control of their knitting while having to multitask. It also took the pressure off the right hand while they knit. Keep your eyes peeled at fiber festivals for a chance to give one a test drive.

Rather than having a sponsor on this episode, Anne would like to call your attention to the Shetland MRI Scanner Appeal. From their website:

"Over 600 patients from Shetland must travel south to have an MRI scan each year. MRI diagnostics are used to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of conditions and the number of patients who need them is steadily increasing. 

There can be delays in getting an MRI scan due to bad weather, transport delays and logistical problems in getting short notice appointments or one-stop clinics. There is also the challenge of making the journey itself, which can involve time off work, and impact on family life and child care at an already difficult time. "

https://shetlandmriscannerappeal.com/

There are many ways that you can contribute to the cause. Please visit their website and click on the yellow donate button at the top of the page to see their Fundraising Pack. It shows the many ways donations can be made, some at no direct cost to you. Planning to buy something from Amazon or eBay this week? Use their EasyFundraising link and the retailer will make a donation at no additional cost to you! There is information on ways to donate directly, host a fundraiser in person or online, and more! You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay aware of fundraising events as they arise. Get in touch--they would love to hear from you!

Anne shares the lesson she learned while on Shetland about the consoling power of history and place.

Yarn is not hard to find on Shetland. Most gift shops carry either knitted items or yarn or both. But there are two yarn producers on Shetland who have stores in Lerwick that you won't want to miss.

Jamieson and Smith is a bit of a walk from the High Street area, but it's an easy walk and they have large amounts of everything in stock. Plus, they take in fleeces from crofters right next door and you can take a peak to get a sense of just how much work goes from getting the "before" to the "after."

Jamieson's of Shetland has a storefront on the High Street, with all their yarns, plus woven cloth. Those who sew as well as doing yarn crafts shouldn't miss it!

Both shops carry patterns, notions, hand-knit sweaters and more. If time permits, visit both. They each have their own special look and feel. Listen to the podcast for a more thorough description of each shop.

If this episode piqued your interest in the history of Shetland knitting, some good follow-up books were mentioned in the episode. They are listed here, along with a few others:

Alice Starmore's Fair Isle Knitting - This book has a general, but thorough, overview of Shetland's knitting history. The rest of the book is patterns for several different sweaters, as well as designs for motifs and instructions to design your own fair-isle sweater. Magical Shetland Lace Shawls to Knit - This book opens with a brief history of Shetland openwork knitting, and is then followed by a series of shawls inspired by or mimicking traditional Shetland shawls. There are projects at various knitting levels. It's a good choice if you want a collection of patterns you can "grow into" as your experience level increases. The Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting - This book by Elizabeth Lovick, the same author of Magical Shetland Lace Shawls to Knit, is a collection of the motifs common to Shetland openwork. It's a must-have for designers! At the end of the book, Lovick applies the motifs to a series of modern projects. They would make great gifts for someone deserving of the effort! Knitting by the Fireside and on the Hillside - If you wish to delve more deeply into the history of knitting on Shetland, this is the book. Linda G. Fryer takes readers into the society of the knitters and merchants involved with the hand knitting industry. You'll get to know some of the knitters and merchants by name. A more scholarly work, but still an enjoyable read.

The first song featured was by Fjanna, a group of teen musicians on Shetland who are keeping traditional music alive. They have great energy and sound! Put them on when you're tidying up or out on a run, and they'll keep you moving! Follow them on Facebook and YouTube to hear more of their music.

The second song was "Between the Eyes" by Arthur Nicholson, a folk singer from Shetland. Arthur's work is insightful and mellow. You'll find yourself singing his choruses to yourself through the day. Find his work on Soundcloud or YouTube, or visit his website to buy a CD for yourself.

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow. She posts articles related to knitting and yarn on the Facebook Group and on Twitter as @ThoughtIKhewHow. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

In this episode, Anne talks in greater detail about the preliminary swatch she talked about in the last episode. Specifically, she talks about how the imperfections nearly halted her progress for good, until some wise words silenced the negative voice in her head.

It may seem like a minor thing, but we often get caught up on the imperfections in the "minor things" and keep ourselves from doing bigger things as a result. We are not machines, and shouldn't hold ourselves to a standard of constant perfection. It's ok to make mistakes, as long as we learn along the way and we fix the things we can.

Anne moves on to discuss a series of items she finished in the last two weeks. Visit her Ravelry account for photos and information about the Loving Embrace shawl, cacti, Grosgrain Hat, and Girlfriends cowls.

Anne has been knitting for over 20 years and has never knit socks. She needs to start learning the ins and outs of the process before she moves on to level 2 of the Master Hand Knitter Program. If you have a favorite sock pattern you can recommend, send her an email at anne @ familypodcasts . com.

Anne gives a brief review of The Knitter's Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber, by Clara Parkes. It is a fascinating read about the structure of wool fibers and yarns, the benefits of blending certain fibers with wool, and general information on the cleaning and care of wool. Where this book really shines, though, is the breed-by-breed comparison of the types of wool available to knitters and spinners. The information is presented in a non-technical format that is approachable to anyone. Anne loved it so much that after borrowing a copy, she bought a copy for herself to keep on hand.

The first song featured was "Yippee!" by Loyalty Freak Music is available on the Free Music Archive. The second song was "Fireworks" by Jahzarr is available on the Free Music Archive.

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

You can support the show this week by trying ButcherBox. ButcherBox is a service that delivers grass-fed beef, heritage breed pork and organic chicken right to your door. They are a favorite in the I Thought I Knew How household. When you order using the link above, you'll receive a discount and a few bonus cuts of meat, and, at no additional cost to you, ButcherBox will provide a benefit to the podcast that will offset the costs of operation.

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow.

In this episode, Anne takes some time to introduce herself. She learned to crochet as a child and to knit several years later. On January 1, she took the plunge and signed up for the Master Hand Knitter Program offered by the Knitting Guild Association.

The first song in the show is "Dead From the Beginning, Alive Till the End," by Doctor Turtle and available at the Free Music Archive.

After the music break, Anne shares her first memories of yarn shopping with her mother, as well as some thoughts on her current local yarn store, Marji's Yarncrafts in Granby, Connecticut. Marji's is a delightful yarn shop full of the tried and true as well as items to add extra style to your projects, all in a cozy setting that will have you wishing you had the time to sit and knit for a while. The last time Anne was in Marji's, she picked up a Mybaggee mini zippered mesh pouch set that has done a perfect job at keeping her notions contained and orderly.

The second song in the show is "MainSquare," by Jahzzar and available at the Free Music Archive.

Next, Anne talks about blocking the preliminary swatch for the Master Knitter program. It was a little tricky and required two different blocking methods to get it to lie straight. A traditional wet block stopped the sides from curling in, but the tops required the "mega-steam" method as described by Deborah Newton in her book, Finishing School: A Master Class for Knitters. It's a great way to get stubborn, natural-fiber knitting to lie flat without mashing your stitches. Listen to the episode for details!

A great way to support the show and save money is to order your household detergent from Dropps. They will ship laundry or dishwasher detergent straight to your door, as well as fabric softener, scent boosters, oxi boosters, and more. Their eco-friendly packaging is recyclable cardboard and their formula is free from dyes and excess water. One Dropps laundry pod does the job of two pods from a certain national leading brand, and the price per pod is roughly half the price of most of the popular brands sold in the supermarket. They have plans for singles, couples, and families that ship to your door every four months. With Dropps, you no longer have to worry about running out of detergent and you'll likely end up paying much less than you were. Use our link and save $10 off your first order while helping to support to show!

Anne rounds out the show by talking about what's on her needles at the moment: the Drops Loving Embrace pattern worked in Madeline Tosh Merino Light. Then, she finishes with two podcast recommendations: Cast On and Mastering the Knits. If I Thought I Knew How didn't satisfy your knitting podcast needs, give them a listen!

If you are a musician who would like a song featured on the program, or if you have comments or feedback, please contact the show at [email protected].

You can follow Anne on Instagram or Ravelry as @ithoughtiknewhow.