With the goal of fleshing out my me-made wardrobe with cosy garments, I’ve taken up knitting. However, even at this beginner stage, I really want to make more sustainable and ethical choices. In this episode, knitting expert and previous-guest Saskia de Feijter metaphorically holds my hand and talks me through what to look for when selecting yarn for my next project. Saskia tells me about how fibre type and location can be an indicator of animal welfare, how the weight and yarn structure affect the suitability for a particular pattern, and how ply affects longevity of a knitted garment. She was also kind enough to answer questions posed by my colleague Phoebe about deadstock yarn, best practices for caring for your handknits, reusable products you can knit for the home and yarn scrap busting ideas in a segment we’re calling ‘Phoebe Asks’!
Support the podcast over on Patreon!
Find out more about Saskia, her business ‘Ja, Wol’, her knitting community, business mentoring AND podcast!
Listen to my first conversation with Saskia for the podcast in Episode 48: How to Knit More Sustainably with Saskia de Feijter.
The knitting community database where I hunted for patterns is Ravelry.
‘Let’s Boogie’ Cardigan by A Honey Knits is the pattern I’ve chosen to make next.
image source: A Honey Knits
Saskia recommends the Craft Council Standard Yarn Weight System for guidance.
Check out Bart & Francis for deadstock yarns.
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#112: Gardening More Sustainably with Pippa Chapman
#111: Joyful, Mindful Sewing with Lena King
#110: Knitting & Stitching Show 2023
#109: More Sustainable Thread Options with Richard from James Tailoring
#108: A More Sustainable Halloween
#107: Sewing is Political
#106: Reframing A Relationship with Clothing with Heidi Parkes
#105: A Habit of Curiosity with Heidi Parkes
#104: How to Successfully Shop for Second-Hand Sewing Machines
#103: Swimming in A Sea of Scraps with Meg Grandstaff
#102: Sustainability in Food Production with Helen Metcalfe
#101: How to Prioritise Sewing with Jenny Drew
#100: 100 Lessons from CYT
#99: Sewing Confessions with Julia and Naomi
#98: Zero Waste Patterns Book with Birgitta Helmersson
#97: Introduction to Garment Fabrics
#96: Pattern Fitting Q&A with Kate Roberts
#95: Refining Fit with Kate Roberts
#94: Garmology Podcast – Design for Repairability with Rosanna Watson
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