Tune In for Off The Cuff

A new episode of Fiber Nation has been posted. Sponsored by Interweave and hosted by my personal friend Allison Korleski, this professionally produced podcast uses a storytelling format rather than a straight-up interview to detail subjects of interest to fiber enthusiasts.
The new episode, called The Donner Party and the Doll chronicles the travels of 8-year-old Patty Reed in a wagon train along the Oregon Trail in 1846. Among her few possessions, Patty had a diminutive (about 4″ tall) doll, named Dolly. Other than the crude handmade dress Dolly wears, there’s nothing particular remarkable about this wooden doll, except for one thing: The wagon train that Patty Reed and Dolly were traveling in became known as the ill-fated Donner Party.
Click here to hear the fascinating story of Patty, Dolly, and the Donner Party.
Click here to subscribe to Fiber Nation on iTunes (click on “Listen on Apple Podcasts”, then click on “Subscribe” at the left of the page, under the Fiber Nation logo.
Last year I had the terrific opportunity to be part of Knit Stars 3.0: North Stars Rising, the brain child of Shelley Brander of Loops yarn shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I taught how to cut and finish steeks with a zipper or buttons. I had a blast filming the segment and am honored to have been included in the impressive group of stars.
This year’s Knit Stars 4.0: I’ll Alpaca My Bag will take you to new heights in Peru, weaving together the stories of the Pacomarca Sustainable Alpaca Network and the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, whose mission is to aid in the survival of Cusqueñan textile traditions and to provide support to the indigenous people who create them.
You’ll then east to discover how non-profit Manos del Uruguay is working with rural women to provide jobs that are more than an income, but also an opportunity to develop personally, gain independence, preserve their roots and traditions, and remain close to their families and community.
And you’ll criss-cross North America, from Nova Scotia to Oregon and everywhere in between…learning the stories of knitters and crocheters, designers and dyers…all united in their passion for the craft and their desire to spread the joy of creativity.
In all, there will be 11 informative episodes, many of which include an exclusive pattern:
It’s good to know that Knit Stars is deeply committed to diversity of all kinds – race, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, gender identity, age, geodiversity, and the inclusion of people with all ranges of ability, many of whom are unable to travel to access inspirational teachers. Year after year, Knit Stars will continue to strive toward shining a loving spotlight on teachers, dyers, and thought leaders across the broad and beautiful global spectrum that is the fiber universe.
Open enrollment begins this Thursday, October 24. Don’t procrastinate — enrollment closes in just 7 days: at midnight Pacific Standard Time on Thursday, October 31.
Click on the following link https://knitstars.com/a/4441/qzGWw9gQ to register.
Let’s knit this world together!
Just before the holidays I spoke with Andrea Doig of Fruity Knitting for her 22nd podcast. I’m delighted to be associated with this interesting and informative platform!
You can watch the podcast on YouTube or at the Fruity Knitting website (which also includes program notes). In this episode, you’ll also learn about waist shaping and meet Dayana of Dayana Knits, yarnbuster and tinkerer extraordinaire.
Check it out!