Yarns at Yin Hoo (Sara L Bauer)

It’s an episode about socks and sneakers. I’m back to sock knitting as a portable project after a hiatus of several months AND I made my own pair of sneakers — and lived to tell about it! Have a listen!

12.5.22 "Writing Kept Hidden" by Carolyn Forché

12.6.22 "Lost Glove" by Charles Simic

12.7.22 "Why My Mother's Teeth Remained in Cuba" by EJ Vega in Paper Dance: 55 Latino Poets

12.8.22 "Provincetown" by Afaa Michael Weaver

12.9.22 "Quartet" by Robert Hass

12.10.22 "sallie ledbetter: a mother's hymn" by Tyehimba Jess

12.11.22 "Saturday at the Border" by Hayden Carruth

12.12.22 from Kyrie by Ellen Bryant Voigt

12.13.22 "The Gate" by Marie Howe

12.14.22 XXXI from The Desert of Lop by Raoul Schrott

My recently-finished knit is a REALLY good sweater.  So good, I plan to knit another one very soon. This, and all my other project details, plus some boba inspiration for the holiday season are included in this episode.

This is your chance to exchange a puzzle and other gifts totalling $20-25 to make December 2024 extra special. This episode contains the details of the exchange and hopefully the answers to your questions. Looking forward to another great exchange!

It was an adventurous weekend, with crafting ups and downs, and a new pattern release.  Thank you so much for joining me. Pictured here is my first piece of shisha embroidery, thanks to the teaching of Shanaz Khan and her online course at Tatter!

In this episode, I talk about overcoming obstacles like working colorwork flat by purling back backwards.  Plus, more hearty recipes from Six Seasons.

In this episode, I talk about knitting Brise cardigan no.3 and sewing a blouse based on a commercially made top. There's also exciting news about Slow Fashion Summer Camp, a series of class sessions focused on handwork and the creation of wearable art. Finally, I share some literary passages about the wood thrush, which, as Thoreau noted, is "a Shakespeare among birds."

We went apple picking near Kerhonkson, NY.  Determined to remember what we picked, I asked Samuel to photograph apples with their markers.  The Cox Orange Pippin was new to me and a tremendous find, with sweet and tart in each bite and a very nice texture for eating out of hand.

April is National Poetry Month.  US Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo claims, “Without poetry, we lose our way.” William Carlos Williams wrote, “It is difficult / to get the news from poems / yet men die miserably every day / for lack / of what is found there.” In this episode, I share some poems for challenging times.  Thank you to listeners Sue, Nancy and Robin for submissions of poems to read on this episode.  I invite you to find a poem for solace and comfort, or to share poems with others.

It’s a review of my weekend in Rhinebeck for the New York Sheep and Wool Festival and A Woolen Affair. I talk about what I wore, where I shopped, and all the goodness of a fiber festival at peak leaf peeping in New York State. Plus, a life-changing loaf of bread, my clog obsession, and a poem to celebrate the season.

In this episode, I have completed a project with handspun yarn and I’m making progress toward my #taprootmake9. Plus, a poem perfect for the spring season from poet Ted Kooser by way of JoAnna Spring.

It’s knitting season!  Feeling invigorated by the chill in the air and the changing colors of leaves, I have been finishing projects and have lots of ideas about what to cast on next. In anticipation of the upcoming New York Sheep & Wool Festival, I have talked to some of my favorite vendors and prepared a segment filled with special things to look for this year.

In this episode I provide the details of the #yogisockskal taking place during the month of June.  Want to join in and knit a pair of yoga socks for yourself or a friend?  The directions will unfold on my Ravelry project page over the course of the month.  Post on IG using the hashtag and help me raise funds for Soul Fire Farm’s mission to end racism and injustice in the food system.

Thanks to my Ko-fi supporters, I’m returning with poems selected from Days 31-40 of my #100daysproject. Check out my Ko-fi page to find out how to contribute, and to see special posts, prizes, and items up for grabs!

Summer’s not quite over, and I still have some projects planned for an “indigo summer.” I share the details of my completed Holderness top, as well as the start of my Rhinebeck sweater and a blue poem by Laura Villareal.

I've been finishing up knitting projects -- mostly small, as well as planning for the year ahead.  This week, I share some excerpts about the importance of realism and specificity in poetry.  I also share the results of sewing my first-ever zero waste garment -- and what I will pay more attention to next time. Finally, I urge my fellow textile enthusiasts to consider a donation to fund a scouring facility in the Northeast US.

Beth’s shawl in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women took my breath away. The whole film is a whirl of beautiful textiles, but this piece in particular caught my interest. The colors are rich; the garter stitch is sumptuous and squishy. So I was thrilled to find that the Beths Shawl pattern is already available on Ravelry–posted by the designer herself–AND the money raised through pattern sales will support the efforts of Barefoot College. 

This week, I added the Scalloway Tam to my collection of knits from Marie Wallin’s SHETLAND.  I’ve also been busy with a new sewing project for Spring.  This month we’re discussing sheet pan cooking. I give a number of resources in the episode, but I forgot to mention that this topic features in Issue 37: Spark of Taproot magazine. Look for more on that in the next episode, along with your comments and suggestions.

http://www.yarnsatyinhoo.com/episode-277/

In this episode, I relive the fun, friendship and shopping of the Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour.

My finished Eun is the coziest sweater in my closet, and knit just in time for a few days' wear before the temperatures rise! In this episode, I also share the details of a completed spinning project, spindle spinning for 100 days, and returning to the knitting of my colorwork sweater in Tidal Yarns.  Plus, a poem by Wendell Berry.

This month, I’m thinking about fruit in savory dishes.  This is a favorite combination in winter, because I can use pantry ingredients like dried fruits and preserves.  Fruits can balance spicy flavors and prevent dishes from drying out.  They can also lend a wonderful richness to slow-cooked dishes like tagines.

A finished sweater,  progress on a sock spin, and a new source for fabric to make a wearable muslin!

Thank you for your part in the Yarns at Yin Hoo community. It has been nearly five years and I’m so grateful for the friendships, knowledge, skill, and inspiration I’ve acquired as a result of deciding to start a little audio podcast about the fiber arts and other post-apocalyptic skills.  This week, I talk about returning to crochet with Cal Patch’s Boxet Bag.  My entry into the fiber arts was the occasion of learning to crochet in a staff development workshop. I feel so fortunate to have discovered fiber arts through the lens of crochet because it has brought out the best in my technique and understanding.  

It's all about sweater weather and pumpkin in this episode. Have you ever thought about knitting a cropped sweater?  In this episode, I share some of the perks and some things to consider as you're knitting.  The cropped sweaters in my wardrobe have become some of my favorites! There are also links to pumpkin recipes and a poem by Mary Oliver.

I've been mending my Cambria duster using a variety of techniques -- inspired by the fact that Cal Patch is coming to teach mending at Orange on May 19! Meanwhile, I've knit my first sweater using beautiful Tidal Yarn, artfully dyed by Patricia.  It took some knitting and un-knitting, but I finally achieved the botanical sweater I have been dreaming of.  All this, plus sock knitting (eye of partridge heel and double gusset have returned) and a poem for the season by Beth Ann Fennelly.

Me made May is in full swing; I'm baking coconut custard macaroons, and a new sock pattern is in the test-knit phase.

It was so hot that I didn’t do much knitting.  I was busy with a number of other projects, however, and managed to find some air conditioned crafting situations over the course of the past two weeks.  As I’m typing up these show notes, it’s a dark and stormy morning here in Delaware Water Gap.  The region is finally getting some much-needed rainfall.

In this episode, I share a summer knitting project that's new on my needles, plus more #outsidethesocksCAL making batts, and a delicious summer pie.

Updates on my Rhinebeck sweater and coordinating skirt. Plus, en plein air "painting" with felt, my version of fig financiers and a poem by Jane Hirshfield.

In this episode, Marybeth and I reflect on our 100 days of wearing a wool.and dress and pairing it with hand sewn and hand knit garments from our wardrobes. 

It’s all about the small pleasures this episode.  A knitting project went bust, but I’m so enjoying my Moonrise pendant and some new spinning fiber.  Also in this episode: crackers, potted herbs and vegetables, what’s on my nightstand and looking forward to rhubarb!

This episode features updates of my stitching on several projects, a new design ready for test knitters, adventures in fermentation with paneer and water kefir, as well as a book recommendation.  At the end of the episode, I announce a giveaway sponsored by The Woolly Thistle.

I’m so pleased with my completed Arlequin Cowl, a design by Sidney Rakotoriello.  I used a variety of handspun yarns in natural and botanically-dyed colors.  This cowl was lots of fun to knit and will be a cozy accessory as well as a helpful teaching tool.  I found Sidney’s cowl in a bundle of patterns by BIPOC designers, which is featured on the Solidarity Swap group page.

This episode includes the following segments: On the Porch, Yarn Lover at Large, Ever-expanding Skill Set, Off the Shelf, And Sew Forth. This week has been a busy one, with two new projects under way, a lot of sewing, canning with Mom, and getting out my rusty arithmetic for a Math for Hats class with Kate Oates at Mountain Knits and Pearls.  Meanwhile, I’m carefully tending five indigo plants in anticipation of my September Sheep to Shawl class. I’ll talk a bit about the adventurous Blue and Indigo chapters of Color by Victoria Finlay.

It's a (late) review of my visit to Vogue Knitting Live in NYC and the details of a newly-finished knitting project.  Plus, a poem by Ellen Bass, sewing another Amy Jumpsuit and giving woolens a refresh in the snow!

In this episode, I there is sock talk, progress on my Bressay, lots of ideas for fall cooking, and some stories from our getaway to Beacon, NY.  I close the episode with a new-to-me poem by a very accomplished American poet and editor.

What’s November 31st? It’s a holiday for knitters. How do you celebrate? Stay up late to complete the project you had all month to knit.  Around 11:45 pm, pour yourself a Scotch to celebrate while you bind off!

In preparation for cutting the steek in my Yell cardigan, I created side steeks in the poncho I've been wanting to re-design. 

I’ve been infatuated with hand embroidery and dimensional appliqué on knitted fabric over the past week.  Now it’s time to get back to my knitting if I want to complete the Doocot during the month of November. Plus, the details of my Haremere jacket.

Knit from cuff to toe, the Humblebee socks feature a beautiful textured pattern on the front, a column of bees down the back, and several design elements to give you a great fitting sock. Check out my IG feed for a chance to win the pattern, yarn dyed by Julie of Sweet Sparrow Yarns, and a set of stitch markers from A Lovely Homemade Life.  Each pattern purchase will benefit efforts of Heifer International to supply agrarian communities with honeybees.

Quarter 2 Ko-fi prize winners, an update on current projects, a trip to Maine, summer reading, and a poem by Teri Ellen Cross Davis.

I share the progress on my Hyldemoer Vest and the #homedecmal.

Fall festival season continues with a trip to the Southern Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival to meet the men behind two new yarn companies.  

In this episode, I talk about some stitching projects completed over the winter holidays, plus quilting, mending, visiting a textile exhibit, and a poem by Billy Collins.

I pre-recorded this episode for you to enjoy while I’m vacationing in Provincetown, Massachusetts.  I’ve packed waaay too many projects, but it’s good to have options, right?  I also share a poem by a beloved Ptown poet, Mary Oliver.

I’m reading a poem every day until March 5th. In this episode, I share a reading of the first ten poems.  This episode comes to you with thanks to the generosity of Ko-fi subscribers and contributors.

In this episode I share the details of two finished projects and my recent visit to Vogue Knitting Live in NYC.

http://www.yarnsatyinhoo.com/episode-275/

This episode contains the details of the Yarns at Yin Hoo Advent Puzzle Exchange.  Listen on if you are interested or curious.  I hope you will decide to take part in this very special gift exchange.  Details, links and tips are contained in the episode an in the show notes. Regular segments will resume in Episode 316.

A catch-up on finished projects and upcoming makes — including my Rhinebeck sweater. Plus, pollinators, recipes to savor summer, and a poem by Fatimah Asghar.

I’m knitting Brise cardigan no. 3 in beautiful lace weight yak yarn, thinking carefully about small modifications and sharing tips for picking up and knitting stitches on the collar — in ONE take! Also in this episode, finished socks, new socks, pattern drafting, wool dresses, clogs, farro salad, and a poem for Pride Month.

The gift of a pattern and inspiration from a new book are just what I needed to revitalize my making this week. For the second time, I’ve completed the Lotta dress.  I’m much happier with the result after making a repair to correct color and extend the length of the dress. After collecting the materials for visible mending this summer, I did nothing on the project until paging through Katrina Rodabough’s Mending Matters. Since then, I’ve been making repairs and refining my technique. Though I had been familiar with the work via Rodabough’s IG feed and her interview on the Love to Sew podcast, I was missing the “how to” steps I needed to get going.  For those who are confident stitchers, this is a pretty book of quotes and pictures, but for the true beginner, it can be a useful guide.

https://www.yarnsatyinhoo.com/episode-273/

I’m back from a weekend in Rhinebeck, NY and eager to share all of the fiber-y goodness of the weekend. Listen in for festival news, the details of my finished RB sweater, plus — how to win some NY Sheep & Wool loot! What have I been doing ALL wrong? Listen to find out. This episode closes with a poem titled “How to Listen” by James Crews.

Don’t obsess over your weight; eat like a heroine; exercise intuitively and renew through nature — sound advice and ‘elegant strategies’ that can be extracted from Jane Austen’s novels and applied to contemporary life.  In this episode I read an excerpt from Byran Kozlowski’s recent article, talk about completed projects and new cast ons, and discuss three updates I made when sewing Grainline Studio’s Farrow dress for the second time.

An update on new sewn and knit garments, teaching and planning for classes, a quilting retreat, and Rhinebeck-bound.

Scrappy sewing projects have multiplied and now I’m thinking my way slowly to my first quilting project. I’m starting and re-starting Xmas knitting and immersing myself in 100 days of poetry.

In this episode, I've started two new projects with sock yarn, and I've begun the final step on the Moonshadow Table Runner. It's been awhile since my quick trip to MDSW, but I share some of the highlights, like the 1/4 fleece of Lenore that I'm working to scour, prep and spin. There's some #memademay chatter, and a passage from Wendell Berry.

https://www.yarnsatyinhoo.com/episode-265/

Thank you for your generous donations to Elysa’s Knit Happens to Help project.  They have been coming in all summer until I took a trunk full to school.  Elysa  will accept donations until Halloween.  If you want to learn more about the project, give Episode 198 a listen.

https://www.yarnsatyinhoo.com/episode-264/

There were so many lovely posts about listener interest in Little Women in the thread for Ep 238.  Thank you for sharing.  I learned that the style of shawl worn by all five characters at one point or another is called a “sontag.”  And I found several articles related to fashion and textiles in Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation. Congratulations to StudioNoodling and Selkhet for winning the pattern prizes for Beth’s Shawl!

No resolutions: just renewing my commitment to what is already working. Is that your story this year? I don’t have the bandwidth for planning, so I’m looking forward to a year of working on the projects that have the most appeal at the moment. In this episode, I talk about two recently finished projects and an new cast on. Plus, beginning bojagi and a poem about Goya’s magnificent candle hat.

In this episode, I’m joined by a co-host — my mom, Kathleen.  She has been baking pies since her early teens and regularly contributes 14-20 pies for church dinners.  Thank you to listeners who shared questions for this podcast: twinsetjan, polkadotknits, bluechinadoll, kconnors, heather01851, permagrin12, stacks, parajati, thejasperpatch, and katepricey.  We tried our best to address all questions.  In the hour or so we set aside to record this episode, we were plagued with interruptions.  Two visitors, three phone calls, and a package delivery!  These resulted in a little more editing than I anticipated, and so I wasn’t able to attribute all of the questions the way I planned.  For more information about pies, you can also listen to Episode 59: Known for Pie. In addition to the photos I’ve posted below, I created a photo tutorial for making a single-crust pie shell on Instagram.  You can find it by searching #powerpantry.

I cut the steek on my Yell sweater, sewed a custom shower curtain for our bathroom update, and the Forest Floor sock pattern is about to be released.

This episode is chock full of finished projects and pining for the spring festivals.  I'm scouring some fleece and trying to find just the right pattern for my handspun Lenore yarn.

Items not to scale is a certain path to charm.  That is what I'm finding as I enjoy my holiday decorations this season. This episode contains an update on my test crochet of KORE, designed by Maysa Tomikawa.  I've been doing some daily spinning and very much enjoying my advent puzzle. All this, plus a fresh poem by Naomi Shihab Nye.

It's going to be an indigo summer!  I have summer reading plans, new skills in paper crafts and printing, entries into the Knit Spin Farm #outsidethesockCAL, projects from Taproot magazine, and an excerpt from Camille T. Dungy's new memoir, SOIL: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden. 

You don't necessarily need a sweater's quantity of yarn to knit a sweater.  My new Orbital Jumper used up most of my scraps and leftovers.  It's cozy, warm and uniquely mine.  Plus, what's on my needles now and I finally have a craft room instead of an office with an ironing board in the corner!

This episode is a primer for getaway participants, and includes an overview of the retreat, information about lodging, dining and activities, plus tips for packing.  

https://www.yarnsatyinhoo.com/episode-274/ 

An overview of the Washington County Farm & Fiber Tour, plus starting the Iris shrug and a poem by Ted Kooser.

After a break during some blazing hot weather, I’ve returned to knitting on my Yell cardigan. Thank goodness. I’ve also started a new project with some handspun from stash, and I talk about my TdF spin and sewing projects. Plus, an August poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay. It’s all in this week’s episode. Enjoy.

Happy New Year!  In this episode, I share an update on recent projects, and respond to prairiepoet’s question about the tubular cast on and bind off that I have referenced so frequently over the past few years.  It has really become a favorite set of techniques.  If you haven’t yet tried them, I hope that this episode provides some inspiration and encouragement.  

Mom gave me some tips on pattern matching for the plaid skirt on my re-drafted, maxi-length Farrow dress. I’m also planning to sew a shower curtain with fabric that will hopefully arrive this week!

The Clean Fleece project is sooo close to reaching its campaign goal of $25,000.  Find out how you can assist this worthy endeavor.  In this episode, I announce the first quarter Ko-fi winner, talk about knitting a new project with handspun, plans for baking one of my Taproot Make 9 selections, and read a poem by Karenne Wood of the Monacan Indian Nation.

DISTELFINK, my new design for a colorwork beanie in fingering weight yarn, will be available on Ravelry April 15th.

In this episode, I talk about past, present and future makes, including the Seabright Swimmer from Friday Pattern Co.  I also share the cake recipe I’ve been baking nonstop, and a poem from Cornelius Eady.

Success mending one garment gives me the courage to snip into another on this week’s episode.  I talk about new patterns in my queue, yarns I’m itching to knit with, and my adventures at NYS&W with Samuel. Mending is a theme, but I forgot to mention that I purchased Katrina Rodabaugh’s new book.

This episode is anchored by my intentions set over the first two weeks of February: honor creative impulses and open your heart. I share a number of new works, talk about my continued spinning progress, and read a poem by Andrea Gibson, poet laureate of Colorado.