Knitting A Good Yarn Podcast - Ep 3: Shawls are our Cozy Home

Welcome to the Knitting A Good Yarn Podcast!
Join two #canadianknitters + fibre enthusiasts as we share our knitting and reflections on craft, community, #localyarn, shawls + finding a cozy home.
=== 🧶 Patterns In this Episode ===
- Peacock Sweater by Lene Holme Samsoe / Le Knit (@lenaholmesamsoe): www.ravelry.co... in #nutidenyarn Infinitiv 215g held double, bust size 38” on US10
- Sunweaver’s Shawl by (@isangknits) Inese Sang in Nutiden Intervall, Villgott, Stardust + (IRF) Innan Regnet Faller held single on US2s / 285g: www.ravelry.co...
- Bergtagen by Annelie / Miss Evil Knits(@evil.knits) in Nutiden Mening, Yynest, Harden + Barighet: missevilknits....
- Carmen's Inspired By Ellen KAL Project: Self-drafted Hat via Kate Atherley Workshop hosted by yarnsuntangled.com in Longway Homestead’s Rideau from Breed Specific Yarn Monthly Subscription
- Bolton Pass Hat by Espace Tricot in Crux Fibres Low Mileage DK with Peony Lane Pom (45g in with 1.75 needle, in Largest size to adapt gauge) : www.ravelry.co...
- Carmen’s Find your Fade by Andrea Mowry (@dreareneeknits) in Single Flock Fade Kit from Crux Fibres: www.ravelry.co...
- Jackie’s Inspired By Ellen KAL Project: Jeol Sweater with KAL Motif in Nutiden held double Kvarts (beige/taupe) + Lola (purple) / 303g total for bust size 47” - aegyoknit.com/...
== Patterns Mentioned by Not Shown ==
- Slipstravaganza by Stephen West: www.ravelry.co...
- Drawing Sweater by Tomomi Yoshimoto (@shimashima428) www.ravelry.co...
=== 💞 Friends mentioned in the Podcast ===
- Caroline @honerocheir: www.honerocheir...
- Brittany @CruxFibres: www.cruxfibres.com
- Sierra @crocuscountryshepherdess In Alberta
- Anna Hunter @longwayhomestead In Manitoba: www.longwayhom...
- Our amazing KAL Co-hosts: Loretta + Natalja
Knit my way Home podcast: / mamawearingababy
- Kate Atherley (@kateatherleyknits) Hat Workshop hosted by @yarnsuntangled (Toronto’s Kensington Market)
- Donna of Peony Lane Poms: peonylanepoms.ca/
- Catherine Knutsson @smallbirdworkshop In Nanaimo, BC
=== 👯‍♀️ INSPIRED BY ELLEN KAL ===
🧶 SHARE YOUR PROGRESS using the hashtag #InspiredByEllenKAL DATES: September 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023
🧶 TO PARTICIPATE: Knit something, anything, everything incorporating/using the KAL motif.
🧶 KAL MOTIF: Available via 2 Sources
- Free Sweater + Chart: Alvi by Hanna Pjensted: filcolana.dk/en...
- Print Book Knitting in the Norwegian Tradition by Vibeke Lind
=== 👯‍♀️ You can find us on:
Instagram: carmen_acanadiangirl
Making App: jackie.keala
Ravelry: yogamomcan + jackie617
Show notes with links also available on Ravelry here: www.ravelry.co...

[@noelleparris9451]

Like a number who have commented, I am a process knitter as well (though still a beginner... maybe advanced beginner though). I have made numerous shawls of all kinds (and I do wear them), but none that rival this one in terms of complexity. It's daunting, but beautiful, yes. Jackie, I loved the story behind the Sunweaver's shawl, and it truly does seem as if it could be a magnus opus. But given your talent, there will undoubtedly be contenders for the title coming soon. (You wrapped it and put it on a couple of times in ways that were very flattering. Just do it so you're comfortable, the beauty of the piece will shine no matter what.) And it's always a pleasure to tune in to you. The rapport between you two is lovely. Your discussion is just a joy (and inspirational). Thank you.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oh Noelle! What a beautiful comment and I agree 100% about Jackie's talent in both knitting and in wrapping shawls around herself!! I wish I had that skill! So glad to have you with us. You are always so encouraging and positive!!

[@RosemondeKnits]

Hi Jackie and Carmen! Thankyou for another really wonderful episode! I enjoyed so many many things you chatted about - as always! I live in Bristol, a city about 2 hours drive from London in the UK. I used to live in the outskirts of Montreal during my childhood - ski'd to school in winter, so I remember so fondly the 'proper'' weather you get there. Here in the southwest of England it tends to be mild and wet and we rarely get snow. I met a botanical yarn dyer called Marina Skua who sources her yarn from a local to both of us farm in the Mendips, Somerset, who have single-breed sheep. Like Jackie said (and I studied Chinese Medicine at degree level) I think often about how all that we need is right around us, so knitting with Marina's yarn definitely feels that bit more special and comforting to knit with and wear. Having been (and still am) quite a super wash merino - bright - neon - speckles mega fan, I am gradually falling in love with non super wash yarn. Knitting with my friends' handspun yarn is an extra level of special for me. I am sure I can feel an even more special energy while I knit with those yarns. I really enjoyed the whole story of the Sunseeker shawl and Jackie's feelings about it. I have been a whale fan since the age of seven - following a trip to see blue whales and a whole school of them came close to our very small boat! All my life, I have longed to swim with them, and ended up scuba diving nearly 100 times around the world. I find many of the bright colours I choose in my knitting now remind me of some of the beautiful bright colours I used to see in coral reefs and all those glorious fish. Thank you for sharing your story, Jackie - like Carmen, I felt i needed a big pause just to take in the hugeness of all that you felt. Always here for the pondering on how we choose or not choose what we love - certainly food for thought! I am averse to doing what everyone else is doing, so really don't want to knit a wool plus mohair sweater by big named designers, so maybe I need to challenge myself there? we shall see. Thankyou both so much - love Ros (@rosem0nde on IG)

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Ros!! What an amazing comment and I (Carmen) immediately went and found you on IG! What a journey you seem to have had in your life! It's so wonderful to have you as part of our little community! haha and I would love to hear if you ever do knit one of those standard big-name wool+mohair sweaters! I have to say, they definitely are popular for a reason!! Also, SOOOO jealous of your blue whale adventure! What a gift the universe gave you that day!!

[@megturner5370]

Hi Jackie and Carmen. You landed in my feed a couple of weeks ago and I had to go back and start from the beginning. You and your knits are infectious. Jackie, the intention in the making and meaning of your humpback shawl is so special. What a labor of love. And Carmen that poncho is soooooo good. I think the pointy bit at the top of the hood is quite cute. I just found my next cast on. Thank you! Also, I am married to an Englishman and he uses the term more-ish to describe something tasty. As in, I want more of that. I gotta say, your podcast is more-ish. So glad I found you two. 🙂

[@unrulyknitter]

Love all of the knitting but Jackie ❤that sweater!!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Haha I (Carmen) COMPLETELY agree!!!

[@julieknitsinthewoods2987]

Hi ladies - thanks for another fun chat. I’m catching up with your podcasts. Love breed specific and small farm/mill knitting. My knitting holds a deeper connection when it’s aligned with my ontology. In addition to Caroline and Knut, I’ve supported Beaverslide Dry Goods - family flock in Montana, US with wool milled in Canada through antique mule spinning. I just bound off a sweater and love love it. Closer to home for me in Pennsylvania, I support Flying Fibers in Wrightsville, PA - Jeri and Irina are raising conservation breeds - Shetland, Leister Longwool, and Wensleydale. I visit their flock just about once a month. They are a part of a global effort - Shave em to save em - and also work with supporting a smaller local mill. Shepherds like them are making a difference, sustaining rare breeds and endangered breeds as well as making it possible for us to experience so many glorious fibers ❤

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg, I want to check out Beaverslide and Flying Fibres right now!! And I agree that these shepherds and shepherdesses are doing such amazing work. Haha the least I can do is buy their wool (haha I feel like I'm getting off easy)! Love that we share this interest!

[@julieknitsinthewoods2987]

@@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765 hi Carmen and Jackie - I don’t know if you’ll be back to look at comments… just wanted to share that three east coast shepherdesses are hosting a zoom event on Friday 10 Feb. “Love Stories from the Farm” - its Flying Fibers (Jeri and Irina - my local shepherds :), Amanda from Prado De Lana (she’s amazing too we’ve met), and Tammy from Wing and a Prayer Farm. There is a small fee to zoom in but it’s going to a support their efforts. Anyway they are wonderful and definitely a part of low mileage conservation efforts.

[@mariagarnyarnnilsson8144]

Thanks for nice episode again., so inspiring.👍🧶🐑

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you so much Maria! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@NaturesCozy]

Jackie, I absolutely love the story behind your shawl! I have a few knits that are like that and they hold that extra special spot in my heart. It's amazing how a knit can hold so many memories and feelings. Carmen, I love the process behind your hat and how you took the kal motif and made it into a textured pattern instead! Also, your Find Your Fade shawl is such a stunner. For me, I lean towards product knitting. I absolutely love the process of knitting and working with different wools and all the colors- I love that feeling of totally get lost in a knit. But at the end of the day I want the finished object. I've heard process knitters say they have no issues ripping out a whole project and reknitting the yarn into something else. Or may have a lot of wips (no shame in that!) but barely finish anything because, again, it's the act of knitting in itself. While I have frogged projects, it does pain me a little because of all the time I've spent on it 😅 And finally (sorry for the novel of a comment) I love hearing you ladies talk about fiber and working with yarn close to home. I'm from Illinois and Melissa from Knitting The Stash sells small batched yarn every couple of years from sheep she helped take care of here in Illinois! I also love the Wyoming and Montana rambouillet from The Farmer's Daughter Fibers. I would love to try High Country Wool someday, which is based in Colorado. I'm not a spinner but over the past year I've really become interested in learning more about sheep breeds. I have the Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook and it's amazing!!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Alison, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! Haha omg, yes, I cannot be a full process knitter either since the idea of ripping a project out with no concerns would be completely impossible to me! And that yarn from Melissa sounds especially delightful!! There's just something so different about knitting with these wools. So much to explore!

[@knittingpossect]

I'm the same way... every time I finish a project it's my favorite thing. Love the Jeol sweater. Kim

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

yes!!!! Love that!!!

[@jillybeandean]

Enjoying your podcasts! During a podcast, I feel peace, longing, anticipation, excitement lol😂 all the feels! I had some Nutiden yarn but hadn’t knit with it yet because I wasn’t sure what to knit. I have lots of options now along with more yarn! 😂 I love nearly everything that both of you knit. I love how you make a connection with the wool and what you’re making to have a fuller meaning. I do that as well. To add my two cents to the- is it a decision or a desire of liking something- discussion you had, I think that it’s also got some “get used to it”feelings in there. To use your example of fashion such as skinny jeans or flared jeans, they can look weird or different until you’ve seen them a few times and then you go… hey, yeah, maybe I want some of those. I love a WIP parade but maybe not all of them every time? I have lots of WIPs because I like to knit what I feel like, sometimes a sweater or a sock, a hat or a toy, maybe a shawl. I need to have all of them at the ready to suit my feelings. 😊 Now and then, I have some sort of deadline which can make me knit one thing to completion quickly but I almost always feel like it was not very joyful. I think I love to start things the most because I just want to see how this wool/ colour/ texture/colourwork is knitting up 😊 it’s such fun! I definitely like to share my WIPs and FOs with people who love to knit. Such community! ❤ Thanks for adding to it. I love the joy you show for the projects you’ve made and for future inspirations! ❤ Oooo a king sized blanket!!!! 🤪

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oh my goodness, t'm so sorry for the long delay responding! The holiday season was so busy and I'm only just getting to everything now! But what a comment to respond to! I don't even know where to start! I'm so glad you're enjoying the podcast and that it brings on such lovely emotions! And I totally agree with you re the liking something discussion. Isn't it so amazing how tastes can change so much, and how it can be partly in our control but partly also just experience and context and all the rest? What an interesting adventure being a human being is! And I also totally agree about the WIP situation. I (Carmen) actually usually don't have a lot of wips but I've been changing that up a bit over the past few weeks and it's been really fun. I also feel the same about needing projects at hand that suit my needs, so having a bunch of wips at various stages of completion is helpful for that. But showing them all every episode might be too much. I think we'll just do our normal thing and see where the episode takes us and trust in that process! We're so so glad to have you and your beautiful and supportive energy along for the ride with us!

[@salisburymason8125]

Hey there - love your podcasts, and your comfy cosy vibe and absolutely gorgeous knitting. I just got my first 300g of Nutiden from someone's stash, but haven't cast anything on yet and have never knit unspun yarn before. Your project details using Nutiden are really helpful - thanks so much and keep it coming! In response to your project/process knitter question - I think I'm like Carmen - a bit of both. An entire sweater of plain stockinette or garter would really bore me, but I'll power through if I really want the finished garment. Doing colorwork, cables or lacework seems to go faster even if it is actually slower in real time. Time flies when you are having fun.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oh so exciting that you’ve got some nutiden! It actually took me a couple months of having nutiden in my stash before I finally cast it on! It will be right when it feels right! Can’t wait to hear what you think though!

[@lynnlanglois8867]

I am definitely a process knitter. When people ask me, well, how many sweaters, or shawls can you possibly wear? My answer is this. When you make a puzzle, you're not going to hodge podge each and every one of them to put on the wall, are you. It's the fun of making the puzzle that is so exciting, regardless of whether it ends up on your wall or not. That's what knitting is to me. I care not whether I'll be wearing it or not. I am also all for Canadian wool also. 90% of the wool Canada produces is exported.....so we are essentially buying our wool back from other countries. Sad but true.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg this is such a good point! I completely agree. I don't even feel bad about not wearing all the things I make because it was the making that was the fun part. And every once in a while I make something that becomes something completely integral to my life. But I really can't predict what that will be from the cast on so I have to do lots of experimenting! And that is so sad about the Canadian wool being exported and then imported! Hopefully with concerted efforts to buy Canadian, we can start to change that!!

[@sidneyevans7439]

Lovely content! I love your enthusiasm and aesthetic. I am just beginning to use Nutuden yarn, so your projects with it are so inspiring.

[@sidneyevans7439]

Nutiden...

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you Sidney and yay we're so glad you're giving Nutiden a go! We would love to hear what you think!

[@gazellesamuelsson847]

I tried my best to pay attention but Carmen's pup pretty much stole the show, you guys! He is everything.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Hahahaha!! Totally understandable! He is an absolute dreamboat!!!

[@cathyringer]

You two are the best! So energetic and genuine! And with great knitting taste!!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw Cathy, thank you soooo much!! That just warmed my heart!

[@casuarinagirl8067]

Oh that was such fun once again. We moved to the beach five years ago and we have humpback whales that swim by from May to October. It’s lovely to see them each morning as they play. And I’ve also seen dolphins but only a couple of times. I love these animals too. There’s a place in New Zealand where you can swim with these little dolphins called Héctor dolphins, such a cool experience you should add that one to your list too. Love that shawl and how special it has so much meaning behind it. I love a massive shawl 🥰 hooded poncho 😮 thought your orange section was one color until you pointed it out, now I can’t see anything except the pattern now 🤣 oh Jackie don’t give it back looks fab with your sweater. Skinny jeans 🤭🤦‍♀️🤣 I was the same. Thanks for the fun, Karen 🥰

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw Karen thank you!! I (carmen, but I'm sure Jackie would say the same) am so jealous that you get to see humpback whales every morning for half the year! Just such glorious and powerful creatures!! Haha and if I ever make it out to New Zealand I would absolutely want to check out those Héctor dolphins! They sound adorable!! Haha and I agree, I think I may need to give Jackie my poncho. It just looked waaaay too good on her not to!! Haha and so glad to have another skinny jeans aficionado!!

[@mendezcher]

YES on the WIP’s!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Haha noted!! Thank you!!

[@lois-marietodd1502]

Here in New Zealand, My mother says more-ish is must have more. As in it's tasty I'd like some more, can I have 2nds? Please like your podcast it's very more-ish I'm returning for more next time. Have a great week spot you next time.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw thank you for the info Lois-Marie!! Haha and so glad you're finding our podcast more-ish!! I love this saying and am going to try to work it into my vocabulary!! Haha all the things we can learn from knitting that aren't even knitting related!!

[@juliabodle581]

Thank you for another amazing podcast. I am so inspired to knit the Sunweavers shawl. I live in the U.K. and try to use yarn local to me. But also I try to buy from companies who take environmental, animal welfare and social responsibility seriously. My favourites are John Arbon in Devon, River knits in Northamptonshire, Garthenor in Wales and New forest Mohair (in the New forest). I also use the only cruelty free silk mohair that I know of: Knitting for Olive.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

You are clearly a kindred spirit Julia!! And I knit with John Arbon for the first time in September and I'm am completely enamoured with it!

[@wurzelliebe]

Hej Jackie and Carmen! I love the way you describe you knitting and your personal intention to make your projects. Your whole process is so inspiring :) So as you i love to know the maker behinde the yarn producer and connect with them. I live in the north oft germany and here is Jule from woollentwine fiberstudio who is producing lokal yarn. She also makes a lokal unspun yarn. And in the town where i come from, there is Frieda from rhool yarn, who makes yarn from the sheep, which lifes on the grassland directly by the river oft the town. And there ist Ruth from raincloud and sage, who is originaly from canada. She also makes sustainable and lokal yarn. So have a nice week and two big hugs for you

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oh my goodness, Wurzel, I want to try all these wools!! Haha that totally goes against the whole "buy local" thing but these all sound so intriguing!! And thank you for the kind words about our podcast and we're so so glad you're enjoying it!!

[@wurzelliebe]

@@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765 Haha, thats right! Luckily we could experience mostly all over the world knitting with lokaly produced yarn, Lina

[@vickishaw374]

Yes, yes, yes to WIP parade! Love seeing projects in the works and the yarns being used.😊

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Haha thank you! I think we will be bringing them back in!!!

[@theknittystew]

Squealed like 5 times watching your amazing projects. I’m a product knitter more than process. Enjoying the process is a major bonus for me. My motivation it seems is that I’m building my repertoire of “go-to” pieces. I venture out into weird knitting places (toys and accessories) but really want to have the perfect [insert knitted item] at the ready when it’s requested. Also… mail me all your ribbed hats and I will happily finish them. Ribbing is my jam. Thanks for this wonderful Channel.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg Leanne!! Why don't you live closer? Haha I would bring you ALL my ribbing! I hate it!! Also, I don't think I can see a knitted animal without thinking of you! Yours are sooo adorable! I really need to get on that train!

[@cruxfibres]

Aw ladies! You did such a wonderful job at explaining Longway and traceable yarns. That's exactly it. All these yarns are traceable down to the farm, flock and sheep. I'm so thrilled to see you back on the Tube again. You were missed. All your beautiful yarns, FO's and wips are inspiring.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw thank you so much Brittany! We are just so enamoured with all of it (obviously)! Haha and thank God for Jackie who always is able to come in and translate my wild ramblings into something that people can actually understand!!

[@edinacole6382]

I started the scarf and love it. Will start the Drawing Sweater in January. Not making them out of the same colors. I’m both product and process knitter. I cannot imagine being only one

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Agh!!! Both the sweater AND the scarf!! Amazing!!

[@margreffle]

I just love watching your podcast! Jackie, you have reignited my love of the Jeol sweater. I was worried about how it would sit on my body, but yours is perfection! Just one question. I know you held the Kvartz(sp?) single on the sleeves because you were concerned you'd run out of yarn. Did you also hold it single on the lower half of the body? If so, that might be why it has such nice drape. Thanks!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you Marg!!! I'll let Jackie confirm, but I'm pretty sure she held the Kvartz single throughout the whole garment! And I agree that it is just outstandingly beautiful!!!

[@KnitMyWayHome]

I think, Carmen, that you could knit the Mare Shawl! That is a beautiful pattern with a zillion stitches. But still less commitment than a blanket. For me, it’s the half&half wrap. It feels like it’s been going on forever and I don’t want to keep knitting on it. But I want the finished product, so I’m pushing myself to eventually get it done. Lots of people love that shawl. (🤫 It’s not my favourite. 🙈 But I do really like the fabric and I know it’s going to be so cosy!) Meanwhile, Jackie!!! 😍 Wow! That sweater!!! 🎉 It’s gorgeous. Such a good choice. 💞 Thank you for another beautiful episode.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you Loretta, and you're absolutely right that the Mare shawl would be a gorgeous option! haha but I'm now actually really feeling the idea of the king sized half and half wrap! It's wild but I'm literally looking forward to this now! haha we'll see how I feel once I get into it though. I know with my half and half I loved the process for the first half but then felt it really dragged for the second because I just wanted it done! But it really was worth it in the end! That's a shawl I often drape over my coat for extra warmth!!

[@kelly4676]

What an episode, such a treat! So much fun to spend time with you on the other side of the world. You have really inspired me to look further into low mileage wool in Australia, so I will browse the comments too. I love the Polwarth yarn from Tarndie” (Tarndwarncoort) and this is maybe how I first felt the big difference between another wool compared to the plentiful merino here. I absolutely adore both of your stunning shawls ladies! The thought, stories and magic behind both of them are so special. Thanks for a thought-provoking moreish ep! (We uses the word moreish for particularly food-related things, as in “wanting secondsies/ second helpings of something delicious, but also for the feeling of wanting more of something! Like this ep haha!)x

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw Kelly, thank you sooo much!! And so fun to discover some other wool varieties around you! Although yes, I'm sure it's hard to get away from the incredible merino!! Also thank you for the moreish definition! haha as I suspected, this is a word that will easily fit into Jackie's life and mine!

[@mindykannon4650]

I am totally a process knitter. Most things I make I like, but do not care if I wear them. Loved making it. I also do a ton of test knits and yes it does make you focus on completion but I love the challenge of popping out a sweater or shawl. But as for the actual item..don't care all that much... But there are some.....I love.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Wow Mindy, that is absolutely fascinating!! Haha and so foreign to me. Your loved ones (at least the knit worthy ones) are soooo lucky!!

[@carolflegg7880]

I also love WIPs. Here in Calgary a local wooden mill is Custom Woolen Mills near Carstairs. Love it, they also give farm and mill tours. 😊

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

So fun Carol! Next time I'm out there I will try to get a tour!

[@knittingsharky]

I had such a wonderful breakfast with you 😻😻

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw we love that Anja! Maybe one day we'll be in person having breakfast!!

[@deborahmilne3397]

Wonderful projects ladies 😊 your podcast is so interesting and fun. I’m curious as to why you reference needle size in American sizes when you are Canadian?

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Hi Deborah!! Thank you so much for the kind words and so glad that you're enjoying the podcast! Haha and great question about the needle sizes. I think for me (Carmen), since my Chiaogoo interchangeable needles list the US sizes first, that just seems to be where my brain goes? Although I ultimately think the mm is much more practical!!

[@jampotts5730]

lovely to see you back again. I was finishing a self designed summer top made with linen/ silk and merino that I handspun then dyed, such an enjoyable process as it makes every part very intentional. If you start spinning, you really will appreciate the different qualities of wool varieties. Gotland and Romney are both very easy to start with as they are long fibres. As for the wip parade, there will be no judging as to how long they are taking, it is always interesting to see what people are working on and hearing their thoughts on the patterns.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you so much for your comment and that sounds like an amazing process to first spin your fibre, then dye it, and then design a top to make with it! Bravo and these are serious goals for me (Carmen)! And I totally agree on the spinning bringing even more awareness to the fibre! I've already started to notice differences in the tiny bit I've done. Still sooo much more to learn though! And thank you for the yes vote on the wips! I think we will be bringing them back!!

[@tinalywood4507]

I use to be a product knitter, so short projects. Now I am more a process knitter. I really struggle with knits that have time lines, or gift knitting per request. Cause if I'm not in the mood for it. But must knit it, then I don't even get to enjoy the product. But if I knit something I want, but a friend or my sister loves it, no prblm giving it to them, cause I enjoyed the process

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Yes Tina!! I (carmen) feel the same way! When I’m pressured to knit, I don’t enjoy it, but if I make something I love and then decide to give it away, it’s a joyous process the whole way through!

[@catherinebuttrick5678]

You ladies have such great rapport. You are such fun to listen to and watch! I am thrilled that you are turning your attention to Canadian grown and processed yarn. I live in the US and try to support my local fiber producers. Several of our US sheep breeds were created in Idaho, where I live. Merino has its place, and it's wonderful to see so much clothing being produced commercially that is made with this wool. But it's not my favorite fiber. I love Gotland, BFL, Romney. I have asked some of my Canadian friends what breeds of sheep you have, and they don't know. So I will enjoy your introducing them to us. The previous post talks about Custom Woolen Mills, on Carstairs, Alberta. What a great place! The mill tour is so good, and I still have some socks I bought there, knitted on their sock machine of their wool.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Catherine! First, thank you for the kind words and we're so glad you're enjoying the pod! Second, you and I (carmen, although I know Jackie would say the same) are kindred spirits in the breeds we love! I'm so excited to discover more Canadian breeds though and I will definitely give more info on them as I go. haha next time I'll even prepare (somewhat) so I can actually give the info accurately! And I absolutely need to get out to Custom Woolen Mills soon! Sounds like a great place!!

[@OliverRainKnits]

Oh my gosh, you guys! Every time I think I've figured out my next project, you screw up my plans with your inspiring FOs. 😂 I'm such a fan of Canadian wool. I got to meet both Anna and Brittany at the Fibre Frolic in Edmonton and came away with some pieces of heaven from both of them. Thanks for keeping me company during my work breaks this week! 😘

[@theknittystew]

Brittany has started something within us hasn’t she… she’s started a Canadian Wool frenzy!!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Haha so sorry/not sorry for messing up your plans! If it helps, we constantly do that to each other too and also we're always influenced by our wonderful community! haha there's just never enough time for all the knitting, is there? And sooo excited that you got to meet those lovely ladies and got some fun treats! Would love to see what you make!!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

She has indeed Leanne!!!

[@Caseyfuriouslyknits]

As always I love spending a few hours (spread across a few days😂) with you two! For my local producers, I feel so lucky to live near Get Bentz farm and the Norn Sisters who just got funded to open their own wool mill in Minnesota (where I live)! They’re still getting the equipment up and running, but I love supporting them and going to their fiber Fridays get togethers

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oh thank you so much Casey! And these two producers sound amazing! haha I'm realizing that one problem with finding out about these awesome farms and makers is reminding myself that they aren't local to ME so I need to restrain from wanting to look them all up and order from them!

[@Dani-lb5gm]

So wonderful! And I love that you had questions for us. I am a process knitter, but one who LOVES the finished product because whenever I see it in my home or on my family, I really remember in tangible ways the process of knitting that item. It's all very cyclical for me. I"m always trying to finish the process so I have the product so that I can have the opportunity to remember the entire process (including the joy of finishing the item), lol. This video really made me feel how much it's meant to be that I knit the Bertaten! I really enjoy how Carman styled the colors and I also will be making mine a bit roomier. This is always a treat to see on my feed and I really think you all inspire the best in all of us as knitters with our craft and as members in the community. Happy holidays to you both!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw Dani, what a beautiful comment and thank you for such lovely words about our podcast! I also think you captured perfectly how I (Carmen) feel too about process vs product. haha thank you for that! Also I would loooove to see your bergtagen!

[@maikengundsoe]

I've used a few sick days to binge your podcast. My Ravelry queue has just gotten way too long, with all the inspiration. Bergtagen made me laugh, I'm Danish and had a hell of a time, figuring out what expression it was. Bjergtaget as we would say in Danish - taken to the mountains translated directly. 😂We use the word when being charmed for instance.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Haha Maiken I love it!! And sorry about extending your ravelry queue 😝😝😝 Also thank you for the help with "bergtagen"! I'll have to get Miss Evil to explain it to me again!! There was something to do with trolls!

[@gittebettinalauridsen9588]

I love all your projects, they are all so wery beautiful! I would probably talk about my Wip's because I'm most enusiastic half way in a project. Now I got really inspired to knit yet another Peacock sweater, a red one for Christmas 🙂😍

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Haha that's such a great point, Gitte!! I'm also most enthusiastic while I'm knitting! Haha it looks like WIPs will be back in the lineup! And of course you've already knit a peacock sweater! I think you are the speediest, most prolific knitter I know!!

[@sarahjaneparent1375]

Really good to see you in another podcast!! I am definitely touched when I have the chance to spin or knit with wool that I know where it came from (I don't know if that phrase is grammatically ok hahaha (my first language is French :) I am a big fan of Brittany too !! I got some fiber from her with the name of each sheep, and that was soooooo special, I just couldn't believe it, when I received it with the name tags. I would love to meet her, but didn't have the chance, yet. I am also a big fan of Long Way homestead, and am a subscriber for both yarn + fiber clubs. I live on the East Coast, in the Gaspe peninsula and really don't know about any local wool producers... however I have discovered Alexina, from Laime Laine who makes amazing spinning tools and prepare Canadian fibers too for all the spinners out there.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you Sarah and I feel exactly the same about Brittany's wool (haha clearly) and Long Way Homestead! And I just discovered Alexina's account recently and she is amazing!

[@monikb3085]

Both your shawls are absolutely to die for... So funny enough I have been looking at whether there are sheep farms in my neck of the woods and I have found a couple I need to visit! An icelandic sheep farm in Quyon Quebec! and an Alpaca (ok not sheep...) in Wakefield Quebec! When I get around to visiting them I will report back! And that Inspired by Ellen KAL sweater, there are no words...

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg Monik!!! Those sound amazing! And yes please report back! Haha maybe we need a road trip out there!

[@Nettis6612]

Love you girls, you are so inspiring☺️

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Aw Nettis! Thank you so much!!

[@vickishaw374]

I got a chance to meet Brittney (Crux Fibres) and Anna (Long Way Homestead), as well as some other Canadian local wool providers at the Edmonton Fibre Frolic a couple weeks ago. It was so amazing to learn more about their businesses and get a chance to explore Canadian breed yarns. It was the first time I’ve gone to something like this where I didn’t buy all of the colourful superwash merino yarns, and I filled my bag with Canadian breed yarns. I haven’t knit with them yet but I’m so looking forward to it and really see myself moving more in the direction of supporting local Canadian wool providers. ❤

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg Vicki!!! I love all of this soooo much!! Yay!!!

[@Katisnaturalknits]

The story with having sheep and not really making good use of the wool is quite similar here in Germany. But nowadays there is a few people who are trying to change all this. Closest to me is Westfalenwolle, then there is a natural dyer who sources local wool every now and then. Her company is woollentwine and then there is raincloud & sage yarns. Those are the ones I am aware of. So Problemisolierung Germany who this is also important to, go check them out, they are thoughtful about their sourcing and producing of fiber. Thank you Jackie and Carmen for having us exchange this! ❤

[@Katisnaturalknits]

Jule @woollentwine is having a shop update today! Go check it out 😊

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg, this is all such great info! I will totally check them all out!! Thank you!

[@shanidy]

The Drawing sweater was a TOTAL product knit for me. I could not find any rhythm in the colorwork, BUT it’s lovely finished.

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oh Shanidy! Yes, that is what I'm anticipating! It would be sooo amazing finished though!!!

[@lauraalicewatt]

hello, and thanks for your podcasts! re: the question about sense of connection to wool producers: i first learned to knit two years ago after arriving in Iceland for a year's work on a research grant, and of course started with icelandic wool -- long story short, i ended up staying in Iceland (in the Westfjords region, not in Reykjavík), became a much more obsessive knitter than i'd anticipated, and after falling in love with working with plötulopi, the icelandic unspun yarn, ended up trying out nutiden as well, and of course have fallen in love not just with its unspun-ness but Caroline's amazing colors. but i still feel committed to using Icelandic wool -- it's not the hand-crafted sort of thing that nutiden is, or what your friend's low-mileage wool sounds like, but it's still that sense of connection to place through product, and even though most icelandic wool is "industrial," produced by Istex, it's still fairly small-scale compared to the rest of the world (since the total population for the entire country is only 360,000, less than many small cities in other countries) -- and during the summer, the sheep are ubiquitous, and some of my neighbors make their livelihoods from these domesticated-yet-wild animals, who are always trying to break through the fence & into my garden -- and i've helped with some of their annual round-ups each fall -- so the connection feels quite direct. and i need to try some projects combining plötulopi with nutiden, just because. (maybe finally i'll make something for the Inspired By Ellen KAL? need to finish another test knit first!)

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oh my goodness, Laura Alice, I (Carmen) loved reading every word of this post! And I completely agree that using Plotulopi for you is absolutely the same kind of magic and medicine as the low mileage wool would be for us. It really gave me a sense of warmth in my heart reading about how close you are to the sheep (literally!), and I do believe that these creatures have wool that is completely suited to their environment and that since you share that environment, it would be so wonderful for you too. But I also think a combo of nutiden with plotulopi would never be a wrong move!!

[@danishmusings]

Good to see you two again and to know there are kindred spirits on the other side of the Atlantic! 🥰 Beautiful finished objects and interesting reflections. Also fun to see the jeol sweater (with a twist), the designer of which lives in my town here in Denmark ☺️ Looking forward to more inspiration ❤

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg that's so fun that the designer lives so close to you Helle! What a small world it is! And thank you for your kind words as always!!

[@annmorris6732]

Your shawl is gorgeous! Reminds me of an early Jodi Picoult book…..Songs of the Humpback Whale!

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you Ann!!!

[@cruxfibres]

Awww. I love that you're wanting to find more small producers. A few of my favorites Fibre & Forge yarns with sheep names Ferme Fiola (Anna Hunters Fibre wife) also yarns with sheep names Kalea Luddite - rescuing valuable wool Co founder of the Alberta Wool project

[@sarahjaneparent1375]

Thank you for these lovely suggestions ! I am a big fan of the wool and fiber you offer, as well as Long Way Homestead, so really happy to have more small producers to discover !

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Oooh I love these suggestions Brittany! Thank you!!

[@barbaraamping5659]

Great podcast . Now I have to go back and see your other podcasts😊

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Thank you Barbara! It's so nice to have you along with us!!

[@michellejensen4090]

Would love to see you visit a local mill, or hear about what Ontario fibres are like to work with 🙂

[@knittingagoodyarnpodcast5765]

Omg Michelle! What a fantastic idea!! I will. absolutely talk to Jackie about it!!