Episode 125: Gifts for Knitters
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
Release Date: 11/27/2024
Episode 127: Shetland Hogmanay Box, Wool Events and Pellets
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
In this episode, Anne starts with all the details of this year's Shetland Hogmanay Box before diving into her experiences at the Connecticut and New Hampshire Sheep and Wool events and her trip to volunteer at the Woolly Good Gathering. Finally, she shares an excursion to the Western Massachusetts wool pelletizer with Erin Pirro of Morehouse Farm. Things Mentioned in This Episode The I Thought I Knew How , , and (where you can join the mailing list). This year's box contains yarn from , , , , , and , as well as a day of inclusions and a pattern created to use the yarn in the box...
info_outline
Episode 126: Steek Redux, Moth Protection, and a Farewell to Joann
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
In this episode, Anne follows up on the progress with "steek", ways to keep your yarn safe from moths--backed by experts!--and offers a bit of commentary on the loss of Joann stores. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode If you were not able to attend The Myths That Shape! . To read the news article about the inclusion of the Shetland Lace definition of steek being added to the Oxford English Dictionary, visit the posts on and . You can also go back and to hear about the entire process of getting the definition of steek updated to include the Shetland Lace usage! Sheila McGregor's ...
info_outline
Episode 125: Gifts for Knitters
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
In this episode, Anne provides some guidance for those who are attempting to shop for a knitter this holiday season and walks them through the whats and whys. These show notes will be the longest ever and will likely be chopped off by some podcast distribution apps. To get to all of the recommendation links, please visit the full show notes at Links to Things Mentioned in the Show Blankets: (scroll down for list of sellers) Tea: creates loose leaf tea blends based on fandoms (Perfect if your knitter is a nerd!) Coffee Suggestions: (Pre-ground) (You can...
info_outline
Episode 124: Helen Robertson
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
Meet Helen Robertson this week on the podcast. Helen is a jewelry designer, knitting designer, and artist in Shetland. Her work celebrates nature, heritage, and Shetland, and frequently incorporates community building in her projects. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Helen Robertson's , , , and . She can be reached at , by Lynn Abrams , featuring Helen's Flying Flock , by Carol Christiansen on YouTube YouTube Channel
info_outline
Episode 123: Joanna Hunter
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
Join Anne for a chat with knitwear designer Joanna Hunter! Grab your knitting and listen as Joanna shares her design process and experiences in the world of high fashion, film, and local commerce. Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode is currently streaming on Amazon Prime in the US, if you would like to see Joanna's scarves and wristlets! Ninian's , , and
info_outline
Episode 122: Museum Knits
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
Three museum pieces piqued Anne's interest on a recent road trip. Fall down the rabbit hole with her as she shares what she learned about letterman sweaters, machine crochet, and Mr. Rogers' famous cardigans. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode , by David Maraniss , by Jean Shepherd Please note that the links to the books above are Amazon affiliate links. Should you buy the books using those links, a small portion of your purchase will help support the costs of the show at no additional cost to you. Music This episode's music was Jontavious Willis' Humans Win's "Back to...
info_outline
Episode 121: Alchemy Fiber Mill
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
Have you ever daydreamed about opening your own fiber mill? Join Anne as she sits down with Malinda and Claudia of Alchemy Fiber Mill to hear their story of opening a mill to meet the needs to their local wool community! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Find Alchemy Fiber Mill at their , , or Follow on Instagram to get updates about Wovember!
info_outline
Episode 120: 2024 I-91 Shop Hop, Part Two
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
Come along with Anne to visit the last three newcomer shops on this year's upcoming I-91 Summer Vacation Shop Hop through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire! Links to Things Mentioned in This Episode Simsbury Yarns: , KnittyGrittyYarnGirl: , , , The Woolly Thistle: , , , Music This episode's music was Tom Goldstein's Jontavious Willis' and Ben Bostick's
info_outline
Episode 119: 2024 I-91 Shop Hop, Part 1
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
The I-91 Shop Hop is coming up in August and will feature 6 additional stores. Come along with Anne to visit three of the new additions to this popular yarn crawl through southern New England! Get a peek at what you can expect at each store and some thoughts to help you plan the trip itself! Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Madison Wool: , , Knit & Pearls: , , Alchemy Fiber Mill: , , Music There are three songs in this episode: "I Don't Hate You But Goodbye," by Sarah Angel; "Body and Head," by Kaii Dreams, and "Marie," by Humans Win.
info_outline
Episode 118: Patty Lyons
I Thought I Knew How: A Podcast about Knitting and Life
Anne sits down with Patty Lyons to talk about her upcoming Official Workbook companion to Patty Lyon's Knitting Bag of Tricks. Along the way they talk about Patty's journey to becoming a highly regarded knitting teacher, her "feud" with Seth Meyers, and a few top tips all knitters should know. Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode Patty Lyons' and to keep on top of where Patty will be next! Order on Amazon, and , or watch Patty's website to ! Stitch N'Pitch is coming to Hartford, August 17, 2024.
info_outlineIn this episode, Anne provides some guidance for those who are attempting to shop for a knitter this holiday season and walks them through the whats and whys. These show notes will be the longest ever and will likely be chopped off by some podcast distribution apps. To get to all of the recommendation links, please visit the full show notes at IThoughtIKnewHow.com/episode-125-gifts-for-Knitters
Links to Things Mentioned in the Show
Blankets:
Wool Throw
Connecticut Blanket (scroll down for list of sellers)
Tea:
Art of Tea
Tea & Absinthe creates loose leaf tea blends based on fandoms (Perfect if your knitter is a nerd!)
Coffee Suggestions:
Charleston Coffee Roasters Variety Sample Pack (Pre-ground)
City Boy Coffee (You can choose the type of coffee and what form it comes in.)
Hot Chocolate options:
PopBar Hot Chocolate Sticks
Gourmet Du Village Hot Chocolate Based in Canada, come in packs of 6. Fun themed packaging and very tasty! They can be found in shops in the US as well.
Calendars:
My Life with Sheep calendar by Jo Spencer on the Isle of Skye
Lambies in Jammies and Goats in Coats Calendar
Digital Devices:
Apple IPad Mini
Apple IPad 10th Generation
Sumsung Galaxy Tab
Amazon Fire
The best knitting app on the planet: KnitCompanion
Headphones:
Budget option or stocking-stuffer: Panasonic Wired Earphones I’ve been using these for years when I need a wired earphone. When something happens to them, I buy another pair of the same!
For Apple users: The AirPods Pro2 have great sound and noise canceling, and they are built to work with Apple products, so they are quick and easy to set up and start using.
Over-ear style, wireless: Bose QuietComfort. In all honesty, I haven’t used these as I prefer the in-ear style, but I asked around and these were recommended over and over. They have noise canceling and are great for spoken-word situations and music!
Lamps:
A floor lamp with directional lighting
A table lamp with semi-directional lighting
Ott-Lites (full spectrum light lamps for crafters)
LumosLumos neck lamps (Use code ANNE30 at checkout before December 2 for 30% off!)
Cushions:
Samsonite Lumbar Cushion with heat
A basic, 12” x 20” throw pillow cover, don’t forget you will need a pillow form for it, too.
Lots of wool vendors and designers to be found at the LoveWovember.com marketplace!
Kits
US: Morehouse Farm
UK: Uradale Yarns
Canada: Urban Yarns
Australia: The Skein Sisters
EU: WoolDreamers
You can also sign them up for kits to be delivered periodically! Hop over to Cratejoy and search for Knitting and see what subscription boxes are currently available!
Books
The Journal of Scottish Yarns
Memory Lane: Embellished Knits to Cherish
Every Way With Granny Crochet
Patty Lyon’s Knitting Bag of Tricks and the accompanying Workbook
Books of knitted animals
Blocking tools:
“Official” blocking mats (They will need multiple sets for an adult sweater)
A less expensive mat solution (This is what I use)
Blocking Pins (yes, these are a special type!)
KnitBlockers are like multiple pins in one
Blocking wires
Jumper Board from Paparwark Furniture
Other Tools
Swift
Ball Winder (The type I have is no longer available, but this is a reputable company)
Yarn Bowl
Needle Roll
Plain hanging storage for circular needles
A decorative hanging storage for circular needles (also check etsy.com!)
Binder system for circular needles
Interchangeable needle kits:
Knitters Pride has many options at different price points. All are good choices.
This Chiaogoo Set is ideal for lace knitters as the tips are very pointy.
HiyaHiya are also a popular brand.
BE CAUTIOUS of interchangeable needle sets priced below $70. You get what you pay for, and you want quality when it comes to interchangeables.
Janette Budge (knitting belts and classes)
Small gifts:
Bulk scissors
Bulk glass nail files
Bulk measuring tapes
Standard stitch markers
Metal stitch markers in a tin
1500 bulb pin stitch markers
Decorative stitchmarkers (also check Etsy!)
Barber Cord in a tin
Rolls of Barber Cord
Knitting Jewelry
Cute yarn earrings
Silver “yarn” earrings
Charms suitable for a pandora-style jewelry
Bracelet from an old knitting needle
Honestly, there are so many options. Go to etsy and search for knitting jewelry and see what pops up around you!
Gift Certificates
If you do not have a local yarn store, support a local yarn store in my community!
Knit New Haven
Or, choose a yarn store closer to your home:
Canada: West Coast Wools
The UK: Black Sheep Wools
Germany: Pascuali
New Zealand: Flock of Knitters
I will see you daily through December on the Purl Together YouTube Channel and will return in audio form in 2025!