Woolful

Cal Patch is a celebration of color, of crochet, of sewing and the confidence it takes to explore such crafts. If you’re a Making magazine reader you may be familiar with her work, from posies and hats, to wraps and her newest amazing project in COLOR, the Boxet Bag. Cal’s excitement around making is infectious and her encouraging story is one we hope you’ll enjoy. You can find Cal at cal patch.com and on Instagram @hodgepodgefarm. / listen / You can also and listen and subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. / notes & resources / Cal Patch / Guest site / maker on the street / Many of you listeners might be familiar with a segment I used to have on the Woolful podcast called Man on the Street, well we’re reintroducing this fun segment to the Making podcast and for this week’s “Maker on the Street” I asked the question, “As Spring approaches, what colors are you most excited to welcome back into your landscape?”  / updates / And a few updates from our Making magazine headquarters…all subscriptions and wholesale

Anna Graham has her hands in a lot of sewing goodness these days and if you’re a Making magazine reader you may be familiar with her work, from petal pouches and totes, to wallets and her newest amazing project in COLOR, the Making Backpack. Anna’s ambition and passion is evident as she tells her makers journey, one I’m sure many of you will be able to relate to. We’re so inspired by her approach to making and hope you will be to. You can find Anna at noodle-head.com and on Instagram @noodlehead531. / listen / You can also and listen and subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. / notes & resources / Noodlehead / Guest site / giveaway / This weeks giveaway is sponsored by The Woolly Thistle and they’re giving away a $50 gift card to their shop full of British and European yarns. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on the makingzine.com post.  / sponsors / This episode is brought to you by our lovely sponsors. The Woolly Thistle thewoollythistle.com @thewoollythistle Wool & Honey in Cedar, Michigan. woolan

Sometimes we forget that those behind some of the biggest names and companies in the industry are just that; people with a vision, makers with a mission and entrepreneurs with a passion and will so strong. Jared Flood is the force behind one of our favorite companies, Brooklyn Tweed. What started out as an idea, quickly grew into something much greater than even he anticipated. Backed by an incredible team and american wool, he’s paved much of the way for modern domestic yarn production and quality knitwear design. It was a pleasure to get to sit down and hear his story, and I hope you enjoy listening in. You can find Jared at brooklyntweed.com and on Instagram @brooklyntweed and @jared_flood / listen / You can also and listen and subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. / notes & resources / Brooklyn Tweed / Guest site / giveaway / This weeks giveaway is sponsored by Brooklyn Tweed and they’re giving away a knitting kit of your choice! To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on the blog post makingzine.com.  /

Collectivo began as an idea in 2016 and was founded by Vail Fletcher, a professor of gender and environmental studies with a fascination for the handmade, Jessica Helgerson, an interior designer with a deep affection for Mexico, and Cristina Niculescu, a travel-loving Spanish professor. Collectivo collects beautiful handmade goods straight from the source, with these three women traveling to remote indigenous villages to meet the makers and learn about the age-old traditions behind each craft and document the hours, weeks or even months that go into making a single piece. Each region has its natural materials, each village its speciality, and each family its own take on tradition. Their mission is to share with you their love for Mexico through the artistry and stories they collect along the way and Collectivo brings you these treasures and the stories behind them. You can find Collectivo at ourcollectivo.com and on Instagram @ourcollectivo.  / listen / You can also and listen and subscribe on iTunes and Stit

For the past few months we’ve been busy getting the new Making podcast off the ground. As many of you know, Carrie and I joined forces last October and the Woolful podcast is now known as the Making podcast. Same format and approach to each maker’s creative journey, but now expanded to all types of makers. This first episode of Season No. 1 / COLOR is extra special being that Carrie Hoge and I are the guests. Neither of us have ever been interviewed for a podcast so we thought it would be fun to kick off this new adventure together, sharing our own maker journey’s. We hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into our lives, craft and love of color.  / listen / You can also and listen and subscribe at makingzine.com on iTunes and Stitcher. / notes & resources / Woolful / Ashley’s blog Madder / Carrie’s blog Quince and Co / Mentioned by Carrie Fibershed / Mentioned by Ashley / giveaway / This episode’s giveaway is sponsored by Vogue Knitting and Purl Soho and they’re giving away a copy of the new landmark edition o

For the past few months we’ve been busy getting the new Making podcast off the ground. As many of you know, Carrie and I joined forces last October and the Woolful podcast is now known as the Making podcast, same format and approach to each makers creative journey’s, but now expanded to all types of makers. …Welcome to Making, a podcast for makers. I’m excited to share with you some incredible people I’ve had the opportunity to talk to in this community we love so much. From knitters and quilters to builders and painters, here’s where you get to listen to a little part of their making journey… The first episode of Season No. 1 / COLOR launches next Friday, February 2nd…and it’s extra special being that Carrie and I are the guests. Neither of us have ever been interviewed for a podcast so we thought it would be fun to kick off this new adventure together, sharing our own maker journey’s. Here’s a little preview of the Making podcast, Season No. 1 / COLOR…Music by Despatches. If you'd like to give a shout-

  Sponsor: The Yarn Collective is a new fibre and design company focused on working with the best independent designers to bring you luxurious hand-dyed yarns in a range of inspiring colorways. The Yarn Collective has kicked off the launch with a trio of designers representing the best of modern knitwear design; Melanie Berg, Carol Feller and Bristol Ivy. Carol Feller’s line Bloomsbury DK, a 100% merino, comes in a range of 10 shades, selected by herself based on colors that work well together and enhance each other. “Each story also has neutral shades included which create links between all the colors.” She’s launched the line with 3 patterns; The Dango hat, Lignite Sweater and Russler Shawl, which were all designed to show how the colors were created to mesh together. Visit theyarncollective.com and follow along on Instagram @theyarncollective and make sure to visit loveknitting.com, where you can purchase all The Yarn Collective yarns.  Fiber folk: There are so many uses for wool outside of clothing and ha

Sponsor: Texture, fit, technique, style. Just a handful of elements that inspire today’s knitter to pick up needles and cast on. When it comes to men who knit or those who wish to knit for them, though, sources of inspiration are often difficult to come by. The solution is Rib Magazine. Devon and Jennie, the founders of Rib Magazine hope to establish an ever-evolving, inspirational library of men’s knitwear patterns and highlight the renaissance of men returning to the craft and art of knitting. As you flip through the pages, you will not only find engaging designs, but stories of men who participate in and contribute to our fiber community, whether they be knitters, designers, weavers, spinners, or dyers. Through their stories, Rib aims to motivate and attract more men to knitting.  Now introducing the second issue of Rib Magazine: No. 2 | NAVIGATE. In the pages of this issue, you will find designs and articles that explore the craft of knitting along with selected garments and accessories with interesting c

Sponsor: My Sister Knits is a locally owned and loved yarn shop located in For Collins, CO, minutes away from Historic Old Town and located in a carriage house. What started out as a small venture for founder Julie Luckasen, grew into a passionate community of creative minds. My Sister Knits provides a welcoming atmosphere for knitters of all types and skill levels, a place for people to gather and cultivate their passion for knitting, share and support one another. Join them each Tuesday night from 5-8pm for their Open Knitting Night. And make sure to visit mysisterknits.com to view their list of upcoming classes including a special workshop taught by Elizabeth Doherty. And if you find yourself in or around Fort Collins, make sure to visit this shop in person to find wonderful yarns and more. Follow on Instagram @mysisterknits Fiber folk: Several years ago while living in San Francisco, I was introduced to an amazing organization called Fibershed, founded by an even more amazing woman named Rebecca Burgess.

Sponsor: Shibui Knits was born in 2007, in the basement of Darcy Cameron’s yarn store Knit Purl in Portland, Oregon. Faced with the limitations of yarn from big-brand companies, she started her own label, bringing yarn of the highest quality to small, independent stores like her own. Shibui Knits has since grown to represent timeless sophistication in local yarn stores worldwide. All of the Shibui yarns are designed to become unique, luxury fabrics in a coordinated palette made for mixing, at any gauge. Each pattern is tailored with thoughtful techniques, resulting in an intuitive knitting process and garments with optimal fit. Today, they continue to be grounded in the concept of simplicity well executed, with loving attention to detail. In March of this year Shibui launched the SS17 collection along with their newest yarn Lunar, a lace weight merino and silk blend. You can view the SS17 lookbook along with the full line of Shibui yarns at shibuiknits.com and make sure to follow along on Ravelry and Instagra

Sponsor: Taproot Magazine, is a quarterly print magazine full of delightful stories and photos written by and for people living fuller and digging deeper. Each issue is created around a subtle theme, featuring amazing recipes, crafts, and tales, all with the intention of inspiring people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. The content in each issue consistently blows me away. It is fulfilling and inspiring. The most recent issue GROW features a collection of wonderful finds as we close out Spring and step in Summer. With lessons in dyeing, making dolls, kefir, brunch and herbal recipes, essays on Marion Stoddart and the wonder of cacao, and a collection of knitting, crochet and sewing projects. There is so much goodness in each issue. You can visit Taproot Magazine online at Taprootmag.com and on Instagram @taprootmag. Fiber folk: Beatrice Perron Dahlen is a woman of many talents and I’m conti

Sponsor: The Sated Sheep opened in February of 2015 in Dripping Springs Texas by Allison Wilcox. After practicing as a clinical psychologist for 30 years, Allison began looking to do something different..to focus on being a part of and building community, which led her to open The Sated Sheep. Allison shares, “I really believe that you change the world one moment and one soul at a time, and that a big part of that is education. I spend a lot of time just talking with folks who come in about where the yarns come from, how they are made, what the story is behind the person/company who made them etc. That’s super important to me personally and I try, as much as I can, to have that reflected in the choices I make in the shop.” The Sated Sheep is passionate about making craft accessible to everyone and they’ve partnered with the local library to offer free classes twice a month. So if you’re in the Austin or Dripping Springs Texas area or just passing through, make sure to seek out The Sated Sheep. Stop in for cof

Sponsor: Sunday Knits has quickly become one of my new favorite yarns to knit with. Started in 2008 by Carol Sunday, Sunday Knits is a collection of 4 merino and merino blend yarns and beautiful patterns designed by Carol. From the 100% extra-fine Australian merino to the French Angora, all their fibers are humanely sourced and then milled in Italy to Carol’s meticulous and caring specifications. Aside from this yarns obvious qualities, they’re a dream to knit with…so soft yet sturdy and the breadth of colors are beautiful and perfect for color work…I have yet to move beyond swatching, as there are so many great uses for this wholesome yarn. And if you enjoy knitting shawls, make sure to take a look at Carol’s latest patterns, Windfeather and Water Hyacinth, featuring lacework and texture…a little warmth and a lot of style makes these beautiful shawls a wardrobe staple, and an enjoyable knit in any of Sunday Knits’ yarns. You can also find kits for these designs on their website. Visit Sunday Knits at sundayk

Sponsor: Making is a bi-annual handcrafts publication created by Carrie Bostick Hoge of Madder, that brings crafts people from different areas of focus to one publication. The act of making helps to connect us to the past, knowing that many craft skills were practiced daily out of necessity. We also connect to our present, as we stop to slow down and enjoy the work at hand, leaving behind the stress of our busy days. And, possibly at the heart of our creations, is the future. As the sweater we knit or the blanket we quilt becomes an heirloom for our family to use, enjoy, and pass down to the next generation. Circling back and tying us to the past. All these connections are equally important and help to bring meaning and value to the beauty and utility we make. Subscriptions just opened for 2017, with the Spring issue DOTS shipping in May, which includes a Q & A piece with today’s guest Maura Ambrose and myself, and the Fall issue LINES shipping in October. This year you’ll enjoy projects, essays and more

Sponsor: Taproot Magazine, is a quarterly print magazine full of delightful stories and photos written by and for people living fuller and digging deeper. Each issue is created around a subtle theme, featuring amazing recipes, crafts, and tales, all with the intention of inspiring people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. The content in each issue consistently blows me away. It is fulfilling and inspiring. The most recent issue WEAVE features a collection of wonderful finds as we close out Winter and step in Spring. With lessons in growing Cosmos, Paleo and homemade bitters recipes, Wendell Berry and Tasha Tudor essays, and a collection of knitting and crochet how-to’s. There is so much goodness in each issue. You can visit Taproot Magazine online at Taprootmag.com and on Instagram @taprootmag. Fiber folk: Over the past few years I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Matt and Christina of

Sponsor: Scratch is an innovative new yarn and craft supply shop located in Lebanon, New Hampshire. They’re committed to providing a beautifully curated selection of yarns and supplies for knitters, as well as roving, tools, and kits for needle felters. Their shop also features embroidery, sewing, and select fine art supplies. Scratch operates with the guiding notion that makers are curious and creative, and  should be able to find exciting, high quality materials to work with all in one place. Scratch is also home to the areas only handcraft focused makerspace–home to a sewing bar, multiple looms, common workspace, a tool library, and more! Explore their full schedule of classes, and weekly Craft Night focused on building the creative community in the Upper Valley. You can find Scratch online at www.scratchmakerspace.com, and on Facebook & Instagram: @scratchmakerspace Fiber folk: Sylvia McFadden has a gift…evoking grace, calm and desire by combining wool, imagination and a keen eye for color and composi

Sponsor: Designs by Romi came about serendipitously in 2005 when designer Romi Hill began creating a collection of simple and elegant shawl pins as a solution to her problem of the shawls she’d worked so hard on, not staying put. What started as a bespoke side project, soon turned into passion, leading to knitwear designs many of us have come to love. Romi’s style transcends the common wardrobe, appealing to both novice and seasoned knitters. Her most recent eBook from the 7 Small Shawls Series, Asymmetry is a celebration of lace, a brilliant collection incorporating lace patterns with some of our favorite yarns. Make sure to check find this eBook on Ravelry. And on February 1st Romi will be releasing a new eBook subscription. And Feb 24-26, if you find yourself at Stitches West, make sure to stop by and say hi to Romi in person who will be at the Verb for Keeping Warm booth #917,919 and 921. You can find Design by Romi at designsbyromi.com and follow her on Instagram @romidesigns Fiber folk: I first became c

Sponsor: Located in Historic Downtown Laramie, Wyoming, Cowgirl Yarn is a fiber-lover’s paradise. Their unique collection of scrumptious yarns, luxurious needles, fashion-forward patterns, one-of-a-kind accessories, and oodles of inspiration provides the ideal home for any and all knitters, crocheters, weavers, and spinners. They are proud to offer a large and exclusive selection of yarns and fibers that are produced in Wyoming. They also represent over 25 brands that are made in the USA as well as stock goods from 6 out of the 7 continents. Enjoy a taste of the world, of the United States, of Wyoming at Cowgirl Yarn. Make sure to visit cowgirlyarn.com for a list of their gatherings and classes, including their community gathering everyone Monday evening. And follow along with their fiber exploration on Facebook, Instagram, the Cowgirl Yarn blog or join our Email list. Fiber folk: Erika Barratt has created a whimsical world from natural fibers and dyes, trimmings, buttons and do-dads. What began as a fiber fa

Sponsor: By Hand is a series of lookbooks that focus on different fiber and fabric “making communities” around the country. Each serial features photo journals and interviews with both up-and-coming and well-known yarn designers and dyers, local yarn stores, knitwear designers, fabric artists, and other makers who share the same philosophy and aesthetic of hand crafting functional forms to share and connect with others in the community. Projects, patterns, classes, and opportunities to purchase the artists’ work are also included, as well as opportunities to share what is beautiful and unique about each locale. Issue #1 features Portland, Oregon – meet local yarn dyers, designers, companies, and an amazing local yarn store. Find recipes, exclusive knitting patterns made from our featured yarns, and other hand craft projects.  Learn about some of the artists who make up Portland’s creative community, including a pastry chef, an indigo dyer, a letterpress designer, and a team of ceramics artists.  Find hand mak

Sponsor: Taproot Magazine, is a quarterly print magazine full of delightful stories and photos written by and for people living fuller and digging deeper. Each issue is created around a subtle theme, featuring amazing recipes, crafts, and tales, all with the intention of inspiring people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. The content in each issue consistently blows me away. It is fulfilling and inspiring. This coming weekend, Nov 26th is Small Business Saturday and Taproot will be launching their pop up shop, featuring all kinds of handcrafted goodies from tea to jewelry to ceramics and even a lip balm making kit. Make sure to visit taprootmag.com on Saturday to shop and support this very special curated selection of goods from makers we know and love.  And later this month the next issue of Taproot magazine SHARE will be arriving in your mailbox. And if you’re not already a subscriber, they