We Love Podcasts!

Hi there! It's Kristy from The Artful Yarn and I’m taking over the blog this week at Cathy’s request to talk a little about one of my favorite things: Podcasts!

A podcast is essentially an Internet radio program that you can listen to through your phone or computer at a time that is convenient for you. There are many podcasts available ranging from daily news to comedy to special interests and they are generally a great way to learn new information about things in which you are interested. I first discovered podcasts with “Serial” from This American Life and NPR. It was engrossing to listen to someone craft a story and I immediately became hooked. Within a day, I had finished the season and decided I wanted to explore something new. There are some really great options available, but I decided to look into Podcasts that relate to my personal interests.

Using my cell phone, I researched through the podcasts icon on my iPhone.  This app has changed some since I first used it, but you can still navigate it pretty easily. If you have an Android device you will need a different app such as Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, or another similar app. 

Now you can search for podcasts using the app. I simply searched using ‘knit’ and found a wide range of great programming. Some of what I found are video podcasts and others are audio; I personally prefer the audio podcasts because I can listen to them in the car on the way to work. Once you find a podcast you think you are interested in, hit subscribe so that all of the new episodes will be sent directly into your app. If you decide that you aren’t a fan, you can always unsubscribe later. I also make sure to download the program while at home so that my phone is linked to a network and not eating up my cell phone data plan. Once I’ve downloaded it, I can listen anywhere without using up all my data. 

Kristy's Knitting/Crafting/Making Podcast Faves:

Knitmore Girls Podcast – This is a multi-generational podcast led by Gigi and her daughter, Jasmin, with cameos from Jasmin’s daughter, Genevieve. These women were my gateway drug into knitting podcasts. Each episode includes what they are knitting, tips for creating and knitting, and a review, among other things. They are very honest about their strengths and challenges, which reminds us all that we can make mistakes and learn from them.

Making – Originally called Woolful, this podcast is in collaboration with Making Magazine. Ashley conducts interviews with creative people across the fiber and craft industry including artists, designers, shop owners, and farmers. Each time you listen to a Making Podcast, you will come away ready to create something beautiful.

PomCast – A once-a-month podcast that coordinates with Pom-Pom Magazine, Sophie and Lydia chat about the new designs, talk to designers, and share their excitement about knitting. It is easy to fall into the rhythm of their voices and get lost in the laughter.

Prairie Girls Knit and Spin – From the Nebraska prairie come working moms Susie and Danie, who share the laughter with their listeners. These two are great friends who support each other without judgment for their knitting mistakes. They will remind you why knitting friends are so important and make you laugh far too hard about the challenges in life.
These shows often reference other shows, which allow you to explore new podcasts that you might enjoy on your own. If you are interested in listening, but unsure how to start, stop by the shop on a Saturday and I’ll get you started.

Happy Knitting!
Kristy

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