A Yarn Story Podcast

S5, E2: Big Changes at A Yarn Story: Yarn Rebrand, Fall Knit-Along & Wedding

S5, E1: How Wool Is Really Made: Ethical Sheep Farming & Yarn with Amanda Barcenas

Ever wondered how wool actually goes from sheep to skein? In this episode, host Carmen sits down with shepherd and fiber artist Amanda Barcenas of Prado de Lana Sheep Farm to explore how ethical, small-batch yarn is made - straight from the source.

Listen Now >>>

S4, E9: 18 Years of Knitting Inspiration: Lisa’s Journey with This Is Knit

Join us as we chat with Lisa, co-owner of Dublin’s much-loved This Is Knit. In this episode, Lisa shares her inspiring 18-year journey of building a thriving knitting community and turning her passion for yarn into a successful family business.

Listen now >>>

S4, E8: Ask a Yarn Shop Owner: Knitting Q&A with Lisa from This Is Knit

This week, Carmen chats with Lisa, co-founder of This Is Knit. Lisa shares her journey from learning to knit to founding a thriving yarn business and together they explore the joy of knitting, their favourite projects and tips for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Listen now >>>

S4, E7: Knitting Tips for Beginners, Yarn Weights Explained and Our Favourite Festive Projects

This week, Carmen is joined by Kayleigh to share knitting tips, explain the difference between yarn weights and share their favourite festive knits.

Listen now >>>

S4, E6: The Best Knitting Bags for Crafters: Washable, Durable and Beautiful

In Part 2 of her interview with Nu, founder of Hide and Hammer, Carmen delves into the nuts and bolts of her knitting bag business to uncover the secrets behind the brand.

Listen now >>>

S4, E5: Knitting, Crafting and Crochet with Handmade Leather Bag Designer Nu from Hide & Hammer

In this episode, Carmen is joined by her good friend Nu, the creative mind behind Hide and Hammer, for a cozy chat in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Listen now >>>

S4, E4: Rhinebeck Recap and Autumn Knitting

In this episode, Carmen and Susan share stories from their amazing journey from New York City to the legendary Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival.

Listen now >>>

S4, E3: How to launch a profitable craft buinsess

In Part 2 of this interview, Carmen explores how Athena turned her passion project into a profitable craft business. Click here for 14 years of insider entrepreneurial advice.

Listen now >>>

S4, E2: The Joy of Knitting, Crafting and Crochet ft. Interview with Meticulous Ink

In this episode of A Yarn Story Podcast, Carmen interviews her friend Athena, the owner of Meticulous Ink, a fine stationery and letterpress print shop.

Listen now >>>

S4, E1: New Knitting Podcast Format, Fresh Co-Hosts, Yarn Adventures & Upcoming Knit Along

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 4! In this episode, hosts Carmen and Susan kick off the new season with a fresh format, announcing exciting new co-hosts and take a deep dive into their latest knitting adventures.

Listen now >>>

S3, E9: Bonus Episode: Knitting With My Mom - A Crafting Journey Across Generations

This special episode comes to you from Redmond, Oregon where I - Carmen, owner of A Yarn Story - host my mother, Gisela, for a special in-person conversation.

Listen now >>>

S3, E8: Season 3 Finale: WIPS, FOs and we answer YOUR knitting questions

Welcome to the final episode of Season 3. In this season finale, Carmen and Kayleigh share their FOs, what they're both currently knitting and we finish by answering your questions in the Q&A segment.

Listen now >>>

S3, E7: Colorwork Tips, New Project Bags, How To Get Your Tension Right and Knitting Q&A

This week, we begin with a big ol' catch up on life events (including Kayleigh's wedding plans), before diving into our current knit projects, lessons in knitting and wrap things up by answering your question. 

Listen now >>>

S3, E6: Annual Sale, Secrets to Running a Successful Yarn Shop & Hot Weather Knitting

Susan joins Carmen on this episode. Hear top tips for knitting in hot weather, the secrets behind running a successful yarn shop and their latest summer knitting projects. 

Listen now >>>

S3, E5: Bath’s Ultimate Knitting Retreat plus New Opus, Spincycle Yarns & What We're Wearing

This week, Carmen is joined by Walcot Yarns sales and operations manager Beverley as they chat all things yarn (including new Walcot Yarns Opus colours!) and share more details about the luxury Bath knitting retreat coming in 2025. 

Listen now >>>

S3, E4: Summer Yarn Guide: Cotton, Silk, Wool & Blends. Plus, how to master advanced knitting techniques

This week, Carmen and Kayleigh reunite over a pinot noir before diving into the yarn chat. They introduce new yarn and share lessons in knitting - all about knitting in a group setting - and answer your questions including why they chose to settle in Bath. Enjoy!

Listen now >>>

S3, E3: New Knitting Patterns, Fonty Wool Q&A, Chiaogoo Needles Review and Petiteknit Cumulus V-Neck

Kayleigh takes charge of this week's podcast as Carmen is away in Toronto at Knit City and is joined by Susan. They explore different yarns and patterns and reviews the Chiaogoo Forte knitting needle set as well as personal anecdotes about their favorite wines and cocktails.

Listen now >>>

S3, E2: Easy Knitting Patterns For Beginners (plus NEW wool)

In this episode we unveil two new yarns to the shop, share over 11 pattern suggestions and we answer your questions including "What are easy knitting patterns for beginners". Tune in to find out.

Listen now >>>

S3, E1: We're Back!! New Yarn, Lessons in Knitting & Taylor Swift

In the first episode of Season 1, Carmen and Kayleigh share what they're working on and have recently completed. They share two new exciting deliveries in the shop and, in Lessons in Knitting, discuss the differences between skeins, balls and donuts.

Listen now >>>

S2, E10: Season 2 finale: WIPS, colour suggestions and LOTS of laughs!

In the final episode of Season 2, Kayleigh is back with Carmen to talk all things yarn. They share what they're wearing and what they're currently working on and share A LOT of laughs! We think you're going to love this finale...

Listen now >>>

S2, E9: [Behind The Scenes] Life As A Knitwear Designer

This week Carmen is joined by Amanda as Kayleigh is working on her PhD this month. We dig into Amanda’s career as a knitwear designer and what it’s really like working full time as a designer (including what it was like working for Mohamed Al-Fayed and why she turned down Harrods!)

Listen now >>>

S2, E8: The BEST yarn pairings and discover our KAL selections

After our wine segment we take a diversion into the house-buying process in the UK (!) before we dive into Carmen's new coaching venture. We share what we've decided to knit for the upcoming KAL and announce that we're heading to Unravel festival of yarn.

Listen now >>>

S2, E7: 2024 Knit Goals. Plus, join our LIVE Knit-A-Long

We're coming to you LIVE from our team getaway to Susan's house in Devon. We share our 2023 completed projects (and regrets!) and share our 2024 goals. Plus, we announce more details about our first knit-a-long of the year. We cannot wait!

Listen now >>>

S2, E6: Favouite sock sets, current projects & a special 'Cocktails with Kayleigh'

We kick today's episode off with a special 'Cocktails with Kayleigh' segement (because, why not!). We then move on to share details about our next Country House Retreat (more on our retreats here) as well as what we're wearing and what we're currenly knitting. 

Listen now >>> 

S2, E5: A Yarn Expert's Shopping List: What We Buy

In this episode, we dive into what we bought at Rhinebeck. So, if you've ever wondered what yarn a knit-shop owner buys, listen on! You can also watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Listen now >>>

S2, E4: Christmas Special: Exclusive GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to this Christmas special of A Yarn Story podcast. This week, Carmen and Kayleigh are joined by two special guests and we announce a super exciting GIVEAWAY!

Listen now >>> 

S2, E3: The #1 BEST piece of advice for new knitters to learn FAST

This week, discover the most important thing beginner knitters need to do to improve fast and why some yarns bobble more than others (and why). We also share what we're wearing and bring you an update on Kayleigh's progress with her tessellated vest by Andrea Mowry

Listen now >>>

S2, E2: Introducing NEW yarn Fluff

We're so excited to introduce Fluff - our new yarn we've created in collaboration with Walcot Yarns x Les Garcons. We talk though Fluff colours and also highlight some gorgeous new custom-made yarn from Spincycle.

Listen now >>>

S2, E1: We're back! Spincycle Yarns, running an ethical yarn business and knitwear for dogs!

WE'RE BACK! Season 2 of A Yarn Story Podcast is here and we're delighed to welcome you to Episode 1. In this episode, we chat .... and we have a LOT of laughs! Enjoy and please do share the episode with your knitting friends if you enjoyed it :)

Listen now >>>