Making

A few weeks ago, I spent a morning sitting in our living room and chatting with Cecelia Campochiaro, the author and creator behind Sequence Knitting. It was fun to discover commonalities other than the obvious love of fiber…from our careers in tech and our time in Taiwan, to having the same tech editor and analytical approach. Sitting across from Cecelia, you can see the passion and dedication to which she applies to her craft, but more than that, you can hear it in her voice. She’s spent an immense amount of time and thought, bringing to the world her first book, Sequence Knitting, a labor of love and necessary addition to any knitters library. You can find Cecelia at sequenceknitting.com and on Instagram @ceceliacampochiaro.

I first got to know Jaime and Amber via Instagram and later on in person when they were visiting the Bay Area. These two incredibly creative and inspiring women are just as sweet and hilarious in person as you can imagine, but what’s even greater is how their journeys crossed paths and later joined to create the amazing store we know as Fancy Tiger Crafts. Their passion for handmade wardrobes, teaching and creating community is evident in every facet of what they do. You can find Jaime and Amber at fancytigercrafts.com and on Instagram @fancytigercrafts, @fancyjaime and @fancyamber.

Kristin is an architect, mother, maker, farmer, entrepreneur and inspiration. Design has been a thread deeply woven in the fabric of her life…from her career as an architect to her recent entrepreneurial endeavors with Woolfolk Yarn, an incredibly thoughtful and beautifully created and curated yarn brand with focuses heavy in sustainability and softness. Her mile a minute life has been fun to keep up and hearing her passion and witnessing her gumption for life is pretty awesome. You can find Kristin at woolfolkyarn.com and on Instagram @woolfolk_yarn.

From midwife to wool maven, Jackie Ottino-Graf is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to natural dyeing, fiber and all things Swans Island Company. Her fiber journey began in the backwoods of Maine and led her to become an integral part of the Swans Island team whether it be curating yarns, developing new product lines, spreading the Swans Island love or naturally dyeing. Talking with her impressed upon me even more the importance of knowing the materials you’re working with, domestic production and handcrafting. You can find Jackie at swansislandcompany.com and on Instagram @swansislandcompany and @swansislandyarn.

This week we get to follow the journey of southern sweetheart, Rebekka Seale of Camellia Fiber Company. Many of you may be familiar with her beautiful handspun and naturally hand dyed yarns, but it’s the woman behind this operation and endeavor that you really must get to know. As we talked and I listened to her stories, there was a sense of familiarity in the ways of career, dreams, family and pursuits. Many of those stories you get to hear here today, and I hope you’ll be as charmed and inspired by her as I was. You can find Rebekka at camelliafibercompany.com and on Instagram @camelliafibercompany.

It’s been wonderful to follow Brittany’s journey on a local level, being that she and her operation are located here in the Bay Area. When she reached out earlier this year and shared what she was up to, I knew you all would enjoy hearing about it just as much as I. Brittany is a self proclaimed Shepherdess, pastoring flocks and purveying fleeces. Her enthusiasm for everything from landscape to animals to people is infectious and I hope you’ll be just as inspired by her story as I was. You can find Brittany at brittanycolebush.com and on Instagram @brittanycolebush and @shepherdesshides.

I first got to know Hannah last year when we sponsored each other's podcasts, her's being the infamous knit.fm with Pam Allen. I quickly learned how much she cares about sharing this passion of her's with others, so that they too can experience all the wonderful facets of this community. Her effort to create simple, timeless designs and tools has been an inspiration and encouragement to so many makers and their handmade wardrobes, including my own. What I love most though is Hannah's desire to pursue her ideas while putting her family first. You can find Hannah at knitbot.com and on Instagram @knitbot.

I first came across Mountain Meadow Wool a couple years back when I was researching eco friendly mills and sustainable wool processing. As you’ll hear, they’ve been involved in inventing and developing some pretty amazing processes and equipment that help them process fiber and make yarn in a responsible and sustainable way. They’re both mothers who have tackled this dream of their’s wholeheartedly and worked very hard to create a service and product they can and should be very proud of. You can find Karen and Valerie at mountainmeadowwool.com and on Instagram @mountainmeadowwool.

I’m very excited to share the twenty-fourth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet a special woman, Hanahlie Beise who’s passion has led her to dive into the world of fiber, raising a herd of alpacas and creating her yarn, Hinterland. Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors of this week’s episode, Tin Can Knits. Alexa and Emily have created several endearing collections of modern, clearly written patterns that feature accessories and garments each sized for babies, all the way up to 4XL. I really love their Road Trip and Max and Bodhi’s Wardrobe collections, and hope to make the Fly Away blanket this Fall. They’ll be releasing the final pattern of the Max and Bodhi’s Wardrobe collection on June 11th, so make sure to find this and their other collections on Ravelry and to keep up with all the going ons visit tincanknits.com. Fiber folk: I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Hanahlie since before the podcast launched, when she reached out to share what she’s been up to, raising Alpacas in British Columbia and creating yarn from her fiber and fiber she sources from other North American farms. As I learned more about what she was up to, I was moved and asked Hanahlie if she’d be interested in selling me her yarn so that I could offer it in the Woolful Mercantile. What a special thing it is to create something from a yarn that was dreamed up and created by a now friend, a woman who’s heart is so kind and her determination to help the Canadian fiber industry, so inspiring. You can find Hanahlie at hinterlandfarm.ca and on Instagram @hinterland_textiles. Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked the question, “If you could create your own yarn, what would it be? We had some great answers from Nikki @woolenviolets, Jessica @northernheritagefarm and Abby @abbygoodknits Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Karen Latuchie! You’ve won the Moon Sprites hat pattern designed by Dianna Walla and three skeins of Lettlopi from Tolt Yarn and Wool. Congratulations! The giveaway this week is sponsored by yours trulyand my little shop, the Woolful Mercantile,

I’m very excited to share the twenty-third episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet a special woman who’s multi-faceted interests and background have propelled her in some exciting directions, Dianna Walla of Paper Tiger.   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Tolt Yarn and Wool. In 2013, Anna Dianich opened Tolt Yarn and Wool. a local yarn shop in Carnation Washington. Most recently she launched an online shop, full of yarns each with their own story and each handpicked by Anna. You couldn’t ask for more soul when it comes to a yarn shop. Visit toltyarnandwool.com Fiber folk: I wish I had gotten to know Dianna before we moved from Seattle a couple years ago, because her passion and enthusiasm for cultural fiber knowledge, in particular the Norwegian fiber world is enthralling and at the very least, quite dreamy. Dianna has designed some of the most beautiful color work patterns and her dedication to the craft is inspiring. You can find Dianna at paper-tiger.net and on Instagram @cakeandvikings. Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked the question, “What are some of your greatest resources as a fiber artist?” We had some great answers from Jennifer @jaykay_knits and Maria @ninja.chickens Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Teri! You’ve won a collection of 5 patterns of your choice, designed by Shannon Cook. Congratulations! The giveaway this week is sponsored by Paper Tiger and Tolt Yarn and Wool, and we’re giving away Dianna’s Moon Sprites hat pattern, along with 3 skeins of Lettlopi from Tolt Yarn and Wool to knit the pattern with. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below. I wanted to make sure and thank today’s sponsor again, Tolt Yarn and Wool. I know many folks have visited Anna’s shop and it truly is amazing. She puts her heart and soul into creating an experience both in person and online that anyone who’s visited, can surely attest to. What a special place to have in this fiber community of ours. Make sure to visit Toltyarnandwool.com for a very special collection of fibers and notions. This past week marked the start of the Tales from the Isle of Purbeck Mystery Pattern Knitalong, hosted by Annie Rowden. This pattern is a gentle piece of soothing knitting, resulting in a pretty and versatile piece which will slip right into your wardrobe.

I’m very excited to share the twenty-second episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet a wonderfully enthusiastic woman who’s energy is as contagious as her passion, Shannon Cook of Very Shannon.     Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Fancy Tiger Crafts, a beautiful yarn shop based out of Denver, Colorado, who recently launched their online shop, fancytigercrafts.com. They have an amazing selection of fabrics and yarns, including their own Heirloom Romney Yarn, which is grown, milled and dyed here in the US. Make sure to visit Fancy Tiger Crafts in person when in Denver and online at fancytigercrafts.com. Fiber folk: Shannon is a knitter, sewer, designer and mother. Her desire to encourage others is evident through her blog and the various other places you’ll find her, but her ambition and hunger to make and inspire is what initially attracted me to her work. You can hear the smile in her voice and the happiness she finds in creating. You can find Shannon at veryshannon.com and on Instagram @soveryshannon. Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked the question, “How has music influenced your fiber arts?” We had some great answers from Brienne @brienne_moody, Jennifer @jaykay_knits and Brittany @woodandwoolco Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Erin Joelle! You’ve won two skeins of Wensleydale wool from Flying Fibers. Congratulations! The giveaway this week is sponsored by Very Shannon, and we’re giving away a collection of 5 patterns of your choice, designed by Shannon Cook. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below. Music by Jónsi.   Transcription coming soon!

I’m very excited to share the twentieth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet two special women, a mother and daughter team who have created a fiber farm and shop in Lancaster Pennsylvania, Jeri Robinson-Lawrence and Irina Lawrence. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Knitterly, a very special yarn shop created by Shelli Westcott, based in Petaluma California and online at shop.knitterly.net. I am always so amazed at the well curated selection of yarns, fibers and classes Shelli works so hard to provide all us fiber enthusiasts. Make sure to visit when in Petaluma and online at shop.knitterly.net Fiber folk: I first met Jeri when she emailed me last Fall before the podcast even began. I was intrigued by the heritage breed sheep she and her daughter were raising and their efforts in creating awareness about these wonderful breeds and their wool. Their passion around education and breed preservation is a great thing, but even more great than that is their dedication to doing what they do, in whatever capacity they can. You can find Jeri and Irina at flyingfibers.com and on Instagram @flyingfibers. Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked the question, “How has your family been involved or interested in your fiber interests? For example, have they joined you at fiber festivals or knit your designs or dyed or began knitting/weaving/crocheting, etc.” We had some great answers from Melissa @hey_lday_hey, Nikki @woolenviolets, Kirsten @littlepennycress and Amber @dapperewe! Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Colleen Davis! You’ve won a Westknits e-book of your choice and a Wiksten Tank pattern from Have Company. Congratulations! The giveaway this week is sponsored by Flying Fibers, and we’re giving away two skeins of some very special, Wensleydale yarn. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below. This week we had a few exciting updates in the Woolful Mercantile, with the addition of some new yarns, in particular a fingering weight Cormo and Organic cotton blend. We’ve also released the Summer quarter Natural Dye Club which features this same fingering weight Cormo and Organic cotton yarn. We have updated project kits, including cabinfour’s Pu...

I’m very excited to share the twentieth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet an incredibly talented artist and creative who brings a whole lot of personality and ingenuity to the fiber world, Stephen West. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Have Company, a special shop, gallery and space in Grand Rapids, MI, with a focus on handmade and apothecary goods, textiles and helping encourage artists and building community. They host artists from all over the country who teach workshops in the shop as a part of their artist residency program. You can visit Have Company in person when in Grand Rapids or find more information and shop online at have-company.com. Fiber folk: It’s not hard to notice today’s guest, whether it’s by his inventive designs and exciting use of color or his enthusiastic personality and Southern charm. Stephen brings to the world of fiber, a fresh voice and inventive style, that makes me excited about knitting in a whole new way. When we were talking before the interview, Stephen coined himself a fashion farmer, and I couldn’t agree more. You can find Stephen at westknits.com and on Instagram @westknits. And stay tuned this week to Stephen’s Instagram, Facebook and Ravelry group for his newest Knitalong, which he’s releasing as a collection of 10 scarves throughout the knitalong. The KAL starts next Friday, May 15th. Based on this photo alone, I think I might have to join. Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked a question, shared by Mary in our Raverly group. “How has knitting or another fiber art changed your perspective of your wardrobe?” We had a great reply from Alex @withtwohandsknits. Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Gabrielle! You’ve won a weavers fiber pack from Serene Fiber Arts! Congratulations! The giveaway this week is sponsored by Westknits and Have Company, and we’re giving away a Westknits e-book pattern collection of your choice and a Wiksten tank sewing pattern. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below. Today we’re launching the Summer quarter Woolful Natural Dye Club. Each person who joins will receive two skeins of naturally dyed Cormo and Organic fingering weight yarn. To grab a spot (or two) in this quarter’s club, visit

I’m very excited to share the eighteenth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet and hear the journey of a fascinating weaver from the Pacific Northwest, Ashli Tyre. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Portfiber, a wonderful shop in Portland, Maine, specializing in one of a kind, hand-dyed fiber and yarn. Casey has curated an incredible collection of spinning fiber including yak, Chiri, Alpaca, Polwarth and hand-dyed blends. You can visit Portfiber in person when in Portland Maine or shop online at portfiber.com Fiber folk: I first came across Ashli’s work via Instagram awhile back when I was mesmerized by her weaving and one day my friend Kathy sent an email sharing a bit of Ashli’s special story, process and a photo she’d taken, thinking she’d be a beautiful addition to the podcast. I couldn’t agree more. Much of Ashli’s inspiration comes from a very special place, the Pacific Northwest and in particular, Mount Rainier. Her approach and dedication to process, from wool selection, to natural dyeing to spinning and weaving, is just incredible. You can find Ashli at ashlityre.wordpress.com and on Instagram @ashlidtyre. Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked a question, shared by Mary in our Raverly group. “Why do you knit?” We had a great reply from Cady @cadysinks. Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway, is Michelle Kirkland! You’ve won two skeins of White Gum Wool in Flax Lily! Congratulations! The giveaway this week is sponsored by Serene Fiber Arts, and we’re giving away a weavers fiber pack, which includes a variety of handspun, bulky and aran mini skeins and a couple bumps of merino roving.   Music by Jónsi.   Transcription coming soon!

I’m very excited to share the eighteenth episode of the Woolful podcast. Today we get to meet an incredibly inspiring sheep farmer and shepherdess from Tasmania, Nan Bray of White Gum Wool. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Yarn, a charming online and local yarn shop based in Eureka, California. Yarn was created by Sunni Schrivner who has a dedication for natural fibers and supporting local yarns. Make sure to visit Yarn in person when on the coast in hum bolt county and online at yarn-fun.com. Fiber folk: Nan Bray first came on my fiber radar when a listener sent me an email sharing a bit about what Nan was up to and encouraging me to reach out and learn more. I’m so glad I did. Nan’s journey as a scientist to fiber farmer and shepherdess touches on a lot of interesting challenges and her approach to farming wool has evolved into something quite special, both personally and as a business. You can find Nan at Whitegumwool.com.au Man on the street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked a handful of fiber enthusiasts to answer the following question, shared by Susan in the Woolful Ravelry group. “Desert island scenario: What knitting book or project or yarn would you bring along and why?” We had a great reply from Nikki (@woolenviolets). Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway is…Samantha Symon! Congratulations, you’ve won a set of 5 bento bags from Ambatalia. This giveaway this week is sponsored by White Gum Wool, and we’re giving away two skeins of Nan’s 8-ply Superfine Merino Wool in Flax Lily. To enter, leave a comment on this blog post.     Music by Jónsi.   Transcription coming soon!